• Continued execution of Five-Point Strategy delivers third quarter revenue of
  
  $32.7 million, up 6% year-over-year while relatively unchanged from trailing second quarter
• Gross profit margin in third quarter was 46.9%, a 170 basis point expansion over prior-year period and 70 basis point improvement over trailing second quarter
• Quarterly net income of $3.0 million grew 18% year-over-year
• Strong cash generation from operations in the quarter of $6.2 million drove overall cash to $41.7 million enhancing financial flexibility
• Moderating full year expectations on fluctuations in demand

inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor (“semi”), today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Nick Grant, President and CEO, commented, “We believe the effectiveness of our Five-Point Strategy to drive growth and profitability through geographic and market diversification, deeper market penetration and broader reach was demonstrated by our strong financial results in the quarter. Compared with the prior year, sales to the defense/aerospace, semi, industrial and security markets contributed to our growth. We continue to invest in geographic expansion, product development and sales channels to drive growth in our key target markets. For example, we have launched several new products across our businesses and are successfully working with customers to benefit from our broader product portfolio.”

He continued, “Nonetheless, late in the quarter we experienced shifts in customer demand causing some headwinds and slowing in markets that just recently had solid momentum. We believe this was a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions, sustained higher interest rates and greater uncertainty regarding capital investments. As a result, we saw a shift in demand as our customers slowed purchase decisions and delayed projects. Compared with the trailing second quarter, the slowdown was especially apparent in the semi and industrial markets. However, helping to partially offset these headwinds are promising developments in new markets and products. While we believe that the diversity in our offerings, end markets and geographic reach continue to support our long-term growth goals, we are moderating our expectations for the balance of 2023.”

Third Quarter 2023 Review (see revenue by market and by segments in accompanying tables)

Compared with the prior-year period, revenue increased $1.9 million, or 6%. Defense/aerospace revenue increased 77% to $3.4 million while semi revenue was up 3% to $19.8 million. The increase in semi was driven by front-end applications of induction heating solutions for silicon carbide crystal growth and wafer epitaxy. Revenue related to the security, industrial and auto/EV industries increased 27%, 15% and 10%, respectively.

Compared with the trailing second quarter of 2023, life sciences revenue increased 36%, security industry revenue was up 18%, and automotive/EV revenue was up 16%. Semi market revenue grew 5% driven by increases in both front-end and back-end related sales. Sales to defense/aerospace and industrial markets saw sequential declines primarily reflecting the variability in timing of customer needs from quarter to quarter.

Gross margin expanded 170 basis points compared with the prior-year period. Strong gross margin in the quarter reflected higher volume, favorable product mix, improved pricing and continued focus on productivity improvements. Sequentially, the 70-basis point expansion was primarily the result of a more favorable product mix.

Operating income grew 4% year-over-year to $3.3 million. While division operating income increased $0.8 million, or 14%, the improvement was offset by an increase in corporate development expenses. Operating margins remained steady at approximately 10% year-over-year and sequentially.

In addition to the impacts noted above, net income benefitted from higher interest income on a larger cash balance and increased 18% year-over-year.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Review

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of 2023 were $41.7 million, an increase of $4.3 million from June 30, 2023. During the quarter, the Company generated $6.2 million in cash from operations. Capital expenditures in the third quarter were $0.3 million, similar to the 2022 third quarter. After paying down $1.0 million in debt, total debt was $13.1 million at quarter end.

Third Quarter 2023 Orders and Backlog (see orders by market in accompanying tables)

Orders received in the third quarter were 18% lower than the prior-year period. Increased demand from the security and automotive/EV markets partially offset lower demand from the semi, industrial, defense/aerospace and other markets. Orders more than doubled for the security market and grew 6% in automotive/EV. Sequentially, orders were down 15% as growth in security and life sciences were more than offset by reductions in the remainder of markets served.

Backlog at September 30, 2023, was $38.8 million, down 19% and 13% from September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023, respectively. Approximately 40% of backlog is expected to ship beyond the fourth quarter of 2023.

Order and backlogs are key performance metrics the management uses to analyze and measure the Company’s financial performance and results of operations. Please see “Key Performance Indicators” for a further explanation of the use and how these metrics are calculated.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Outlook

The Company is moderating its expectations for the remainder of 2023 to reflect the recent shift in customer demand.

Duncan Gilmour, Chief Financial Officer, commented, “Given the change in customer behavior regarding project timing, order push outs and decisions on future projects, we believe it is prudent to moderate our expectations for the fourth quarter. We currently expect that next year will have a slower start than we originally anticipated and will gradually improve as we execute on our growth plans.”

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 is expected to be approximately $28 million to $30 million with gross margin of approximately 45%. Fourth quarter 2023 operating expenses, including amortization, are expected to be approximately $11.7 million. Intangible asset amortization is expected to be approximately $515,000 pre-tax, which is approximately $430,000 after tax, or $0.04 per share. Net interest income for the fourth quarter is expected to be similar to the third quarter. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 16% for the fourth quarter. Weighted average shares are expected to be about 12.2 million in the fourth quarter.

Fourth quarter 2023 estimated EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.08 to $0.13, while fourth quarter estimated adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP)⁽²⁾ is expected to be in the range of $0.12 to $0.17.

For the full year of 2023, the Company is updating its guidance as follows:

The foregoing guidance is based on management’s current views with respect to operating and market conditions and customers’ forecasts. It also assumes macroeconomic conditions remain unchanged through the end of the year and does not take into account any extraordinary non-operating expenses that may occur from time to time. Actual results may differ materially from what is provided here today as a result of, among other things, the factors described under “Forward-Looking Statements” below. Further information about non-GAAP measures can be found under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliations of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures that accompany this press release.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET. During the conference call, management will review the financial and operating results and discuss inTEST’s corporate strategy and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow. To listen to the live call, dial (201) 689-8263. In addition, the webcast and slide presentation may be found at https://www.intest.com/investor-relations.

A telephonic replay will be available from 11:30 a.m. ET on the day of the call through Friday, November 10, 2023. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter replay pin number 13741799. The webcast replay can be accessed via the investor relations section at www.intest.com, where a transcript will also be posted once available.

About inTEST Corporation

inTEST Corporation is a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets including automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and security, as well as both the front-end and back-end of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Backed by decades of engineering expertise and a culture of operational excellence, inTEST solves difficult thermal, mechanical, and electronic challenges for customers worldwide while generating strong cash flow and profits. inTEST’s strategy leverages these strengths to grow organically and with acquisitions through the addition of innovative technologies, deeper and broader geographic reach, and market expansion. For more information, visit www.intest.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Forward-Looking Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices in the United States (“GAAP”), we also disclose non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures consist of adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Definition of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company defines these non-GAAP measures as follows:

Adjusted net earnings is derived by adding acquired intangible amortization, adjusted for the related income tax expense (benefit), to net earnings.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS) is derived by dividing adjusted net earnings by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Adjusted EBITDA is derived by adding acquired intangible amortization, net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, and stock-based compensation expense to net earnings.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is derived by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue.

These results are provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS) are non-GAAP financial measures presented to provide investors with meaningful, supplemental information regarding our baseline performance before acquired intangible amortization charges as management believes this expense may not be indicative of our underlying operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures presented primarily as a measure of liquidity as they exclude non-cash charges for acquired intangible amortization, depreciation and stock-based compensation. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin also exclude the impact of interest income or expense and income tax expense or benefit, as management believes these expenses may not be indicative of our underlying operating performance.

Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release are used by management to make operational decisions, to forecast future operational results, and for comparison with our business plan, historical operating results and the operating results of our peers. Reconciliations from net earnings and earnings per diluted share (EPS) to adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS) and from net earnings and net margin to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, are contained in the tables below.

Limitations of adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin

Each of our non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures of earnings or cash flows. Limitations may include the cash portion of interest expense, income tax (benefit) provision, charges related to intangible asset amortization and stock-based compensation expense. These items could significantly affect our financial results.

Management believes these Non-GAAP financial measures are important in evaluating our performance, results of operations, and financial position. We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

Adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin are not alternatives to net earnings, earnings per diluted share or margin as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. As such, they should not be considered or relied upon as substitutes or alternatives for any such GAAP financial measure. We strongly urge you to review the reconciliations of adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin along with our financial statements included elsewhere in this press release. We also strongly urge you not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, the adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share (adjusted EPS), adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin measures as presented in this press release may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Forward-Looking Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release includes certain forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, including estimated adjusted earnings per diluted share (estimated adjusted EPS). We have provided these non-GAAP measures for future guidance for the same reasons that were outlined above for historical non-GAAP measures.

We have reconciled non-GAAP forward-looking estimated adjusted EPS to its most directly comparable GAAP measure. The reconciliation from estimated net earnings per diluted share (EPS) to estimated adjusted EPS is contained in the table below.

Key Performance Indicators

In addition to the foregoing non-GAAP measures, management uses orders and backlog as key performance metrics to analyze and measure the Company’s financial performance and results of operations. Management uses orders and backlog as measures of current and future business and financial performance, and these may not be comparable with measures provided by other companies. Orders represent written communications received from customers requesting the Company to provide products and/or services. Backlog is calculated on the basis of firm purchase orders we receive for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Management believes tracking orders and backlog are useful as it often times is a leading indicator of future performance. In accordance with industry practice, contracts may include provisions for cancellation, termination, or suspension at the discretion of the customer.

Given that each of orders and backlog are operational measures and that the Company's methodology for calculating orders and backlog does not meet the definition of a non-GAAP measure, as that term is defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a quantitative reconciliation for each is not required or provided.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements do not convey historical information but relate to predicted or potential future events and financial results, such as statements of the Company’s plans, strategies and intentions, or our future performance or goals, that are based upon management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “could,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “potential,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “estimates,” or similar terminology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, any mentioned in this press release as well as the Company’s ability to execute on its 5-Point Strategy, achieve high single-digit growth in 2023, realize the potential benefits of acquisitions and successfully integrate any acquired operations, grow the Company’s presence in its key target and international markets, manage supply chain challenges, convert backlog to sales and to ship product in a timely manner; the success of the Company’s strategy to diversify its markets; the impact of inflation on the Company’s business and financial condition; indications of a change in the market cycles in the semi market or other markets served; changes in business conditions and general economic conditions both domestically and globally including rising interest rates and fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the demand for semiconductors; access to capital and the ability to borrow funds or raise capital to finance potential acquisitions or for working capital; changes in the rates and timing of capital expenditures by the Company’s customers; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this press release is based only on information currently available to management and speaks to circumstances only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law.

inTEST CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(In thousands, except per share and percentage data)

(Unaudited)

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