Vicor Reports Reduced Q1 Results – Anticipates a Brighter Future
Vicor Corporation reported revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013, decreased to $41,946,000, compared to $59,668,000 for the corresponding period a year ago, and decreased from $50,424,000 for the fourth quarter of 2012. Gross margin decreased to $16,607,000 for the first quarter of 2013, compared to $24,467,000 for the corresponding period a year ago, and decreased from $20,125,000 for the fourth quarter of 2012. Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 39.6% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to 41.0% for the first quarter of 2012, and decreased on a sequential basis from 39.9% for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Net loss for the first quarter was $4,990,000, or $0.12 per share, compared to net income of $326,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the corresponding period a year ago and net loss of $4,814,000, or $0.12 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2012. Contributing to the net loss in the first quarter was a pre-tax charge of $1,361,000 for the cost of severance and other employee-related costs associated with a reduction in force implemented in February 2013. Total backlog at the end of the first quarter was $37,934,000, compared to $31,405,000 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012.
Commenting on the first quarter of 2013, Patrizio Vinciarelli, Chief Executive Officer, remarked: "First quarter bookings rose 24% from the depressed level of the fourth quarter, but we still see weakness across many of our targeted markets. New products are being well-received, but are early in their sales cycle. I continue to believe Vicor has a bright future, despite current disappointments."
For the first quarter of 2013, a net income tax benefit was recorded, driven in part by a potential net operating loss carryback for federal income tax purposes and the recognition of the full federal research and development tax credit for 2012. On January 2, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, extending the research and development tax credit for both 2012 and 2013.
Depreciation and amortization for the first quarter of 2013 was approximately $2,494,000, and capital additions totaled $1,171,000. For the same period of 2012, depreciation and amortization was $2,632,000 and capital additions totaled $1,261,000. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $13,151,000 to approximately $71,403,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2013 from $84,554,000 at the end of 2012. During the quarter, the Company purchased, via a tender offer that expired on March 1, 2013, 1,931,513 shares of its common stock for a cost, inclusive of related fees and expenses, of approximately $10,500,000.
On March 21, 2013, the Company initiated a second tender offer to purchase shares of its common stock valued, in aggregate, up to $10,000,000. This tender offer expired on April 22, 2013, and, based on preliminary data as of that date, the Company believes it will purchase up to 1,344,585 shares of its common stock for a total cost of approximately $6,700,000, excluding related fees and expenses. Final data will be announced as soon as the depositary for the tender offer, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., completes the process of confirming shares properly tendered and not withdrawn, including those shares tendered through notice of guaranteed delivery presented for valid tender to the depositary.
