One question is whether you want the genomics-plays like GNSL in the mix.
GNSL definitely belongs (IMHO)- trickle already hitting bottom line based on 3qtr just reported. (emphasis added)
corporate-ir.net
"... We are confident that we remain on track to achieve profitability late next year."
First, the Company's customer base is expanding rapidly due to the continued success of the GeneTAC(TM) Biochip System and the Investigator(TM) Proteomic System. The number of large systems and instruments sold, defined as a value of $50,000 or more, now stands at 266, including 51 added during the third quarter, 51 added during the second quarter and 39 added during the first quarter of 2000. Previously, the Company had anticipated reaching 400 large system sales by the end of 2001. That estimate is now being raised to exceed 500 by the end of 2001 due to the significant increase in large orders experienced during the first nine months of this year.
Second, the Company has seen increased demand for its reagents and consumables, which carry higher gross margins. This trend is expected to accelerate for several reasons, including:
Sales of Investigator Proteomic Systems and GeneTAC Biochip Systems increases the demand for the consumables and reagents that are used to operate these systems.
A collaboration was recently formed with Invitrogen's Research Genetics subsidiary whereby Genomic Solutions is provided access to Invitrogen's proprietary libraries of human, rat and mouse cDNA clones. Using PCR products from these libraries will allow the Company to rapidly create new preprinted GeneMAP(TM) Arrays. In addition, Genomic Solutions plans to launch its first oligonucleotide-based microarray later this year. Several additional oligo-based preprinted arrays will follow in 2001.
The Company invested early this year in the infrastructure required to grow and support its consumables business, including additional staff and a purpose-built, GLP manufacturing and development facility located at the Company's Ann Arbor headquarters. Genomic Solutions anticipates recurring revenues from all sources (consumables, reagents, research services and field service) to reach at least 20% of total revenues by the end of 2001, and to reach 50% of revenues by 2004.
Third, the Company brought its new Proteomic Center on line during the third quarter. This world-class facility was designed and built to conduct high throughput proteomic research by isolating and identifying thousands of proteins per week. Demand for the company's proteomic research services has been strong and contracts are now in place with many pharmaceutical and biotech companies as well as academic and government institutions. Additional contracts are in various phases of negotiations. Demand for the Company's gene expression services also continues to grow rapidly, with business up more than 20% compared with the second quarter of 2000. A backlog of orders exists for both research services businesses.
Fourth, Genomic Solutions launched its GeneTAC(TM) G3 multi-function genomic robot and its Investigator ProPic(TM) during the third quarter. Currently, there is a backlog for both of these products. In addition, several new systems and instrumentation products are in development for launch in the first half of next year, including product line extensions to meet the needs of the rapidly developing segments in the DNA microarray and proteomics markets. These product line extensions include a bench top version of the GeneTAC Biochip System, higher throughput instrumentation for the Investigator Proteomic System and a protein chip system.
And fifth, the Company experienced an increase in sales to PerkinElmer during the third quarter, and demand from PerkinElmer is expected to continue to increase in the future. Genomic Solutions and PerkinElmer formed a strategic alliance earlier this year whereby PerkinElmer is responsible for the sales and distribution of all Genomic Solutions products outside of the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan.
SMH |
