Results for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 - Ergoresearch reports solid 2014 annual results

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Oct 31, 2014, 07:34 ET

TSX-V: ERG

KEY FINANCIAL ITEMS – FISCAL 2014

Compared to Fiscal 2013:

Revenues increased by 32.6%, from $13,469,348 to $17,862,341.
The EBITDA reached $3,087,816 this year compared to the adjusted EBITDA¹ of $2,195,290 for last year.
Cash flow generated from operating activities rose to $1,774,141, up from $989,377 last year.
Net income amounted to $1,230,153, compared to $11,926,893 last year. Last year's result included extraordinary gains from business acquisition (Victhom Human Bionics), non-recurring expenses from business acquisition and stock-based compensation (2013).
Cash on hand and temporary investments as of June 30, 2014 were $10,506,706, up from $6,678,585 on June 30, 2013.
The Company continued reimbursing its long-term debt, with $2,223,536 paid down during the fiscal year. As of June 30, 2014, the long-term debt was $1,871,868.
Total assets amounted to $34,564,855 compared to $30,767,118 for the period ended on June 30, 2013.

¹ Adjusted 2013 EBITDA: The 2013 EBITDA was adjusted by ($11,158,941) for a gain from business acquisition and by $108,000 for stock-based compensation.

KEY OPERATING ITEMS – FISCAL 2014

The Company completed the development and manufacturing of scanner technology for the orthopedic industry. The 3D technology, more precise than traditional methods using casting tape, means that orthotists will no longer resort to plaster when casting. This new, competitive edge will enable Ergoresearch to conquer new market shares for its custom medical products like the OdrA, the new worldwide-patented distraction-rotation orthotic device.
The Company continued to implement and develop its new ERP software: the Company is currently using both the old and new systems in one of its subsidiaries to ensure the integrity of clinical, financial and production data.
Monetization of the sleep apnea technology. The Company received a net royalty payment of $590,000, representing its share of the net proceeds generated by the sleep apnea technology's monetization transaction as completed by its German partner, Otto Bock Healthcare. According to the terms of the royalty agreement between Victhom and Otto Bock Healthcare, the sleep apnea technology could also generate additional royalties on future sales should this technology be commercialized.
Last February, the Company issued 5,000,000 shares through private offering, in the gross amount of $5,000,000.

LAVAL, QC, Oct. 31, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Ergoresearch Ltd ("Ergoresearch" or "the Company") is poised, with its strategic plan, for accelerated growth in terms of sales and profitability. Annual growth in 2014 was 32.6% and revenues reached $17,862,341. Net income amounted to $1,230,153. The EBITDA reached $3,087,816, crossing the $3 million threshold for the first time in the Company's history.

With the goal of continuing this growth, the Company joined the forces of its subsidiaries, merging in September 2014 Clinique du Pied Équilibre, Orthoconcept and Laboratoire Langelier under a single banner: "Equilibre".

Equilibre is the largest network of orthotics professionals in Quebec. The network is motivated by a shared objective of reducing pain, getting people moving and helping them regain their mobility. Its positioning is also well-defined: a network of health professionals supported by leading edge research and development. Ergoresearch innovates by integrating and developing new technologies that change people's lives.

Sylvain Boucher, President and CEO, noted, "Last year was especially fertile with respect to innovation. The Company completed a major project that helped launch new 3D-scanner technology. This technology, available for a fraction of the cost of traditional high-precision scanners, eliminates the need to take an imprint with casting tape when making custom orthotics." The scanner technology was integrated into the OdrA measurement-taking process for all operations in Quebec. Commercialization of the OdrA outside Quebec has now been now made possible by this new procedure. During the fourth quarter, the Company also welcomed its first OdrA licensees outside Quebec.

Mr. Boucher added, "OdrA's clinical results were also very encouraging. Doctors recognize the effectiveness (pain relief) and the ease of use (significant wear time) of the OdrA patented distraction orthotic." Beyond the clinical research results and scientific publications supporting the OdrA's advantages, effectiveness in the field is still the best gauge of future success.

The Company also participated in a monetization transaction for the sleep apnea technology, which was completed in collaboration with its German partner, Otto Bock Healthcare. The technology is an implantable medical device that records and stimulates peripheral nerves to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Based on the neurostimulation platform developed by Victhom, the technology helps detect sleep apnea and deliver therapy only when necessary. The sleep apnea technology could eventually generate additional royalties on future sales should this technology be commercialized.

Finally, last February, Ergoresearch issued shares through private offering, in the gross amount of $5,000,000. Ergoresearch's current cash on hand is over $10,000,000 and the Company is advantageously positioned to carry out the next steps of its growth plan. Management is actively exploring various business acquisition opportunities. Carrying out the business plan and valuing shareholders is central to our actions and we will continue to strive to reach new heights in the years to come.

Ergoresearch aims for excellence and constantly tries to refresh its ways of doing things, offering what is best to its clients "Our advancement is the result of countless years of research and technological innovation, of a long collaboration and sustained exchanges with the medical world, but also and particularly of a clinical commitment to our patients. This Management report is a unique opportunity to thank our employees, clinical staff and management team who, by their daily work and dedication, contribute to the success of our Company," said Mr. Boucher.

AWARDS and RECOGNITION

In October 2013, the President and CEO of Ergoresearch was chosen for the second consecutive year as one of Quebec's finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In June 2014, Ergoresearch appeared for a fourth consecutive year on the prestigious roster of PROFIT 500 Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies as one of the country's most successful five-year performers. The Company also ranked 17th on the list of Quebec businesses posting the strongest five-year growth, as published in L'actualité. Finally, in October 2014, the Company won the Desjardins Entrepreneur Awards – Innovation and Productivity Award.

About Ergoresearch

Ergoresearch is a Canadian company that designs and manufactures cutting edge technologies for the orthopedic industry. The Company holds a portfolio of patents in the bionics field, including the intellectual property used in the Power Knee, the world's only motor-powered AI prosthesis for above-knee amputees. Ergoresearch designed and commercialized WebFit™, the first robotized custom-fit orthotics manufacturing software program and launched OdrA, a new category of orthotic that, with the action of its world-patented distraction-rotation action, revolutionizes the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Ergoresearch owns the largest orthotics network in Quebec, now known as Equilibre. The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ERG symbol.

This document is not intended to encourage the purchase of securities listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. TMX Group and its affiliates do not endorse or recommend any of the securities referenced here. Please seek professional advice to evaluate specific securities.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this Press Release contain forward-looking statements and information that may entail certain risks related to uncertainties. Such statements are based on management's expectations and no assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward looking statements will be achieved or will occur, as these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risk factors. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, those related to the Company's ability to finance its activities, competition, ability to negotiate and maintain partnerships, the market acceptance of the Company's product, the strength of intellectual property, the success of research and development programs, the trust invested in sub-contractors or their core personnel as well as other risks and uncertainties that are put forth every now and then by the Company in the documents filed with various Canadian securities and exchange commissions and made available at www.sedar.com.

The reader should not give great importance to forward-looking statements as (i) the results may differ from conclusions, predictions or projections contained in such forward-looking statements; and (ii) certain important factors or hypotheses taken into account in reaching conclusions or the preparation of a projection or prediction may prove to be incorrect in fact.

These statements are correct only on the date on which they were written, and Management disclaims any obligation to revise these statements after any event, circumstance or other situation, except as required by law. All figures are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Ergoresearch Ltd