RITA Medical Systems Reports Second Quarter Results

August 8, 2006 at 12:00 AM EDT
RITA Medical Systems Reports Second Quarter Results

Company Achieves Record $12.8 Million Revenue; Expects Key Product Introductions in Second Half of Year

FREMONT, Calif., Aug 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RITA Medical Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: RITA), a publicly-traded medical device company focused solely on cancer therapies, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2006.
    Highlights

    -- Achieved record revenue for the third consecutive quarter of
       $12.8 million.
    -- Delivered 23% sales growth year to date in Localized Therapy products,
       which includes radiofrequency ablation, Habib 4X(TM), and LC Beads(TM).
    -- Second consecutive quarter of specialty access catheter revenue growth.
    -- Maintained cash position for the first half of 2006 while continuing to
       make significant investments in new product development programs.
    -- Acquired exclusive distribution rights to LC Beads in the U.S. and
       Canada and began shipping product in the second quarter.
    -- Moved Laparoscopic Habib 4X(TM) resection device introduction from
       first quarter 2007 to fourth quarter 2006.
    -- Introduction of Uniblate(TM) RF electrode expected in fourth quarter
       2006.

Revenue was $12.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, compared to revenue of $12.5 million in the first quarter of 2006, and compared to revenue of $12.0 million in the second quarter of 2005.

The GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2006 was $1.6 million, or a GAAP net loss per fully diluted share of $0.04, compared with a GAAP net loss in the first quarter of 2006 of $2.0 million or a GAAP net loss per fully diluted share of $0.05. The GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2005 was $1.4 million or a GAAP net loss per fully diluted share of $0.03.

The pro-forma net loss for the second quarter of 2006 was $406,000, or a pro-forma net loss per fully diluted share of $0.01, compared with a pro-forma net loss in the first quarter of 2006 of $891,000 or a pro-forma net loss per fully diluted share of $0.02. The pro-forma net loss excludes FASB 123R stock compensation expense and amortization expense of acquisition intangibles. A reconciliation of the differences between the GAAP net losses and the pro-forma net losses is included in an accompanying table.



For the first six months of 2006 revenue was $25.3 million compared with revenue of $23.2 million for the first six months of 2005 for 9.3% year over year growth. The GAAP net loss for the first six months of 2006 was $3.5 million, or a GAAP net loss per fully diluted share of $0.08, compared with a GAAP net loss in the first six months of 2005 of $3.1 million or a GAAP net loss per fully diluted share of $0.07.

Cash and cash equivalents were $5.9 million at June 30, 2006, compared with $5.5 million at December 31, 2005. The increase was primarily due to stock option exercises by former employees and positive cash flow from operations for the six month period ended June 30, 2006.

"I am very pleased at our results for the quarter and for the first half of the year. Strong sales in our Localized Therapy product platform, which includes RFA, Habib and now LC Beads, is a positive affirmation of our strategy to offer our customers continuum of cancer care solutions for their patients," said Mr. Joseph DeVivo, President and CEO of RITA.

"The second half of the year promises to be very exciting as we have several product and clinical milestones we plan to deliver. We are currently planning to introduce a laparoscopic version of our popular Habib 4x resection device ahead of schedule. Early laboratory experiences with several thought leaders have been very positive and we believe that the product will have wide appeal to surgeons."

"In the fourth quarter this year we also plan to introduce a single needle RF electrode that offers an adjustable ablation size. The Uniblate™ product introduction is planned for the fourth quarter this year and we expect it to add value to our industry-leading RFA product line."

"And finally, we plan to have investigational Assure™ RF electrodes, which are designed exclusively for radiofrequency-assisted lumpectomy for breast cancer, available for use at two key clinical sites where Investigative Review Board approval for the device has been granted."



"We believe that our strategic direction and our continued tactical execution will deliver a successful second half of 2006."

Outlook

The current outlook ranges for the third quarter ending September 30, 2006 are as follows:

    -- Revenue -- $12.2 million to $12.7 million
    -- GAAP net loss -- ($2.1) million to ($2.7) million
    -- Stock compensation expense included in the GAAP net loss range --
       $800,000 to $850,000
    -- Pro-forma net loss (excluding stock compensation expense and
       amortization expense of acquisition intangibles) -- ($950,000) to
       ($1,500,000)

The expected sequential decline in third quarter revenue reflects anticipated normal summer seasonality.

The current outlook ranges for the year ending December 31, 2006 are as follows:



    -- Revenue -- $51.5 million to $53.5 million
    -- GAAP net loss -- ($5.3) million to ($7.3) million
    -- Stock compensation expense included in the GAAP net loss range --
       $2,800,000 to $3,300,000
    -- Pro-forma net loss (excluding stock compensation expense and
       amortization expense of acquisition intangibles) -- ($1) million to
       ($2.5) million

Additional details pertaining to outlook for the second quarter of 2006 and full year 2006 are included in an accompanying table. Additionally, a reconciliation of the differences between the outlook for the GAAP net losses and the pro-forma net losses are included in an accompanying table.

Conference Call today

RITA management will host a conference call and webcast today, Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at 2 PM Pacific Time to discuss the Company's second quarter results and its outlook for the remainder of 2006. The dial-in number for the conference call is 800-257-1836 for domestic callers and 303-205-0066 for international callers. A live audio webcast is available at the Company's website www.ritamedical.com by clicking the "audio webcast" link; no password is required to access the webcast, although webcast participants are encouraged to go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

An audio replay of the conference call will also be available beginning approximately one hour after the call's conclusion and will remain available for 7 days. The audio replay can be accessed by dialing 800-405-2236 for domestic callers and 303-590-3000 for international callers; the passcode for both is 11066571#. An online replay of the audio webcast will be available for one year immediately following the broadcast by accessing the same link.

Information regarding the Company's sales by product line and region for the periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is presented in an accompanying table. Any additional financial and other statistical information discussed during the call can be accessed by listening to the audio replay as described above or from the accompanying tables.



Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses, and this press release contains and the related conference call will include, the non-GAAP metrics of pro-forma net loss and EBITDA for the periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and pro-forma net loss outlook for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and year ended December 31, 2006. The calculation of pro-forma net loss and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and also excluding FASB 123R stock compensation expense, collectively "EBITDA") have no basis in GAAP. The Company believes that all of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors, permitting a better evaluation of the Company's ongoing and underlying business performance, including the evaluation of its performance against its competitors in the healthcare industry. A complete reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures for historical periods to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is presented in the accompanying tables. Additionally, a reconciliation between the GAAP net loss and the pro- forma net loss for the Company's outlook for the quarter ending September 30, 2006 and the year ending December 31, 2006 is included in an accompanying table.

About RITA Medical Systems, Inc.

RITA Medical Systems develops, manufactures and markets innovative products for cancer patients including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) systems and embolization products for treating cancerous tumors as well as percutaneous vascular and spinal access systems. The Company's oncology product lines include implantable ports, some of which feature its proprietary Vortex® technology; tunneled central venous catheters; and safety infusion sets and peripherally inserted central catheters used primarily in cancer treatment protocols. The radiofrequency product line also includes the HABIB 4X resection device which coagulates a "surgical resection plane" and is designed to facilitate a fast dissection in order to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion during surgery. The proprietary RITA RFA system uses radiofrequency energy to heat tissue to a high enough temperature to ablate it or cause cell death. In March 2000, RITA became the first RFA company to receive specific FDA clearance for unresectable liver lesions in addition to its previous general FDA clearance for the ablation of soft tissue. In October 2002, RITA again became the first company to receive specific FDA clearance, this time for the palliation of pain associated with metastatic lesions involving bone. The Company also distributes LC Bead embolic microspheres in the United States. The LC Bead microspheres are injected into selected vessels to block the blood flow feeding a tumor, causing it to shrink over time, and are often used in combination with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The RITA Medical Systems website is at www.ritamedical.com .

The statements in this news release related to the use of the Company's technology and the Company's future financial and operating performance, including without limitation the Company's outlook for its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2006 and the year ending December 31, 2006; the Company's ability to timely develop, obtain regulatory approval, and introduce new radiofrequency and vascular access products, including the Laparoscopic Habib 4X, Uniblate, and Assure products; physician adoption of the Company's products for treatment of types of cancer other than liver and bone cancers, including breast cancer; the Company's ability to achieve its revenue goals, including its ability to improve revenue growth by selling directly in certain European markets; the Company's ability to market and sell the LC Bead product; the Company's ability to achieve profitability; and the Company's ability to achieve future improvements in operating performance, are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the Company's 2004 material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting which were reported in its Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2004; the timing of product introductions or modifications, including delays caused by technical or regulatory issues; the Company's limited experience selling directly in certain European markets; the Company's limited experience in manufacturing its products in substantial quantities and its reliance on one or two suppliers for several of its products, including Habib 4X; the Company's lack of experience distributing the LC Bead product and its ability to meet its minimum LC Bead purchase requirements; the Company's historical and future operating results and its lack of profitability; market acceptance of the Company's products for existing or new indications; the Company's dependence on international sales; competitive pressures; the ability of users of the Company's products to receive reimbursement from third-party payors, governmental programs or private insurance plans; and general economic and political conditions. Information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                          RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)

                                         Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                               June 30,          June 30,
                                            2006     2005     2006     2005
    Sales                                 $12,800  $11,955  $25,319  $23,160
    Cost of goods sold*                     4,854    4,623    9,715    9,428
           Gross profit                     7,946    7,332   15,604   13,732

    Operating expenses:
        Research and development*           1,406      999    2,686    2,038
        Selling, general and
         administrative*                    7,808    7,415   16,021   14,183
        Restructuring charges                  --       --       --       60
           Total operating expenses         9,214    8,414   18,707   16,281

    Loss from operations                   (1,268)  (1,082)  (3,103)  (2,549)

    Interest expense                         (175)    (211)    (347)    (498)
    Interest income and (other expense),
     net                                     (112)     (94)     (60)     (28)

    Net loss                              $(1,555) $(1,387) $(3,510) $(3,075)

    Net loss per common share, basic and
     diluted                               $(0.04)  $(0.03)  $(0.08)  $(0.07)

    Shares used in computing net loss per
     common share, basic and diluted       43,153   41,548   43,100   41,503


    * Figures presented include the
      following amounts of stock
      compensation expense:

          Cost of goods sold                  $42      $--      $73      $--
          Research and development expense    127       --      212       --
          Selling, general and
           administrative expense             613       34    1,194       34
          Total stock compensation expense   $782      $34   $1,479      $34


                          RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          (In thousands, unaudited)

                                               June 30,       December 31,
                                                 2006             2005
    Assets
    Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                $5,881           $5,522
       Accounts and note receivable, net         7,658            7,264
       Inventories                               5,445            5,380
       Prepaid assets and other current assets   1,329              941
           Total current assets                 20,313           19,107
    Long term note receivable, net                  --               58
    Property and equipment, net                  1,775            1,959
    Goodwill                                    91,339           91,339
    Intangible assets                           22,419           23,502
    Other assets                                   432              502
    Total assets                              $136,278         $136,467

    Liabilities and stockholders' equity
    Current liabilities:
       Accounts payable and accrued
        liabilities                             $6,265           $5,397
       Current portion of long term debt            --              113
           Total current liabilities             6,265            5,510
    Long term liabilities                        9,775            9,762
    Stockholders' equity                       120,238          121,195
    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                   $136,278         $136,467


                          RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
                       SALES BY REGION AND PRODUCT LINE
                          (In thousands, unaudited)

                                         Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                               June 30,          June 30,
                                            2006     2005     2006     2005
    Domestic Sales
           Localized therapy products*     $4,779   $3,892   $9,488   $7,493
           Specialty Access Catheter
            Products                        5,658    5,846   11,093   11,894
           Total                           10,437    9,738   20,581   19,387

    International Sales
           Localized therapy products*      1,757    1,270    3,524    2,197
           Specialty Access Catheter
            Products                          606      947    1,214    1,576
           Total                            2,363    2,217    4,738    3,773

    Total Sales
           Localized therapy products*      6,536    5,162   13,012    9,690
           Specialty Access Catheter
            Products                        6,264    6,793   12,307   13,470
           Total                          $12,800  $11,955  $25,319  $23,160

    * Includes radiofrequency products and embolization products


                          RITA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
          PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)

                                         Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                               June 30,          June 30,
                                            2006     2005     2006     2005
    Sales                                 $12,800  $11,955  $25,319  $23,160
    Cost of goods sold                      4,753    4,479    9,524    9,140
           Gross profit                     8,047    7,476   15,795   14,020

    Operating expenses:
        Research and development            1,279      999    2,474    2,038
        Selling, general and
         administrative                     6,887    6,986   14,211   13,358
        Restructuring charges                  --       --       --       60
           Total operating expenses         8,166    7,985   16,685   15,456

    Loss from operations                     (119)    (509)    (890)  (1,436)

    Interest expense                         (175)    (211)    (347)    (498)
    Interest income and (other expense),
     net                                     (112)     (94)     (60)     (28)

    Pro-forma Net loss                      $(406)   $(814) $(1,297) $(1,962)

    Pro-forma Net loss per common share,   $(0.01)  $(0.02)  $(0.03)  $(0.05)
      basic and diluted

    Shares used in computing net loss per
     common share, basic and diluted       43,153   41,548   43,100   41,503


    Reconciliation of Actual GAAP Net Loss to Non-GAAP Pro Forma Net Loss
    (in $000)

                                         Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                               June 30,          June 30,
                                            2006     2005     2006     2005
    GAAP Net Loss                         $(1,555) $(1,387) $(3,510) $(3,075)

    Add:  Stock Compensation
                Cost of Goods                  42       --       73       --
                Research and Development      127       --      212       --
                Selling, General and
                 Administrative               613       34    1,194       34
                Total Stock Compensation      782       34    1,479       34

                Sub-total                   $(773) $(1,353) $(2,031) $(3,041)

    Add:  Amortization of Acquisition
     Intangibles
                Cost of Goods                  59      144      118      288
                Research and Development       --       --       --       --
                Selling, General and
                 Administrative               308      395      616      791
                Total Amort. Of
                 Acquisition Intangibles      367      539      734    1,079

    Non-GAAP Pro Forma Net Loss             $(406)   $(814) $(1,297) $(1,962)


    Reconciliation of GAAP Loss to Earnings before Interest, Taxes,
    Depreciation, Amortization
    and Stock Compensation Expense
    (in $000)

    ("EBITDA")

                                          Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                                June 30,          June 30,
                                             2006     2005     2006     2005

    GAAP Net Loss                         $(1,555) $(1,387) $(3,510) $(3,075)

    Add:  Depreciation                        330      242      677      498

    Add:
     Amortization
                Acquisition Intangibles       367      539      734    1,079
                Other Intangibles             175      158      349      332

    Add:  Interest Expense                    175      211      347      498

    Deduct:  Interest Income                  (58)     (29)    (115)     (87)

          Sub-total                         $(566)   $(266) $(1,518)   $(755)

    Add:  Stock Compensation Expense          782       34    1,479       34

    EBITDA (without Stock compensation
     expense)                                $216    $(232)    $(39)   $(721)


    Outlook Ranges - Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Non-GAAP Proforma
    Net Loss
    (in $000)

                                    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
                                    September 30, 2006    December 31, 2006

    GAAP Net Loss                  $(2,100) to $(2,700) $(5,300) to $(7,300)

    Add:  Stock Compensation
     Expense                           800  to     850    2,800  to   3,300

          Sub-total                $(1,300) to $(1,850) $(2,500) to $(4,000)

    Add:  Amortization of
     Acquisition
            Intangibles                350  to     350    1,500  to   1,500

    Pro-forma Net Loss               $(950) to $(1,500) $(1,000) to $(2,500)


    Outlook Ranges - Additional Details
    (Dollars in $000)


    Revenue                        $12,200  to $12,700  $51,500  to $53,500

    Gross Profit Percentage          59.0%  to   60.0%    60.0%  to   62.0%

    R&D; SG&A Expenses              $8,800  to  $8,900  $34,500  to $35,000
    (excluding FASB 123R stock
     compensation expense)

    Other Expense, primarily
     interest                         $200  to    $200     $800  to    $800

    FASB 123R Stock Compensation
     Expense                          $800  to    $850   $2,800  to  $3,300

    GAAP Net Loss (including FASB
     123R)                         $(2,100) to $(2,700) $(5,300) to $(7,300)

    Pro-forma Net Loss               $(950) to $(1,500) $(1,000) to $(2,500)
    (excluding FASB 123R and
     amortization of acquisition
     related intangibles)


SOURCE  RITA Medical Systems, Inc.
    -0-                             08/08/2006
    /CONTACT:  Joseph DeVivo, President and CEO of RITA Medical Systems, Inc.,
+1-510-771-0400; or investors, Doug Sherk, dsherk@evcgroup.com, or Jenifer
Kirtland, jkirtland@evcgroup.com, both at +1-415-896-6820, or media, Steve
DiMattia, +1-646-277-8706, or sdimattia@evcgroup.com, all of EVC Group, for
RITA Medical Systems, Inc./
    /Web site:  http://www.ritamedical.com /
    (RITA)

CO:  RITA Medical Systems, Inc.
ST:  California
IN:  MTC HEA BIO
SU:  ERN CCA ERP

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