Proto Labs beats expectations during challenging fourth quarter

Proto Labs predicted growth in 2017 and fourth-quarter profits handily beat analysts' expectations, boosting the stock 12 percent on Thursday.

Aided by a rise in 3-D printing orders and the end of unprofitable contracts that were part of the larger Alphaform acquisition, the Maple Plain-based maker of prototypes and quick-turn components reported adjusted earnings of $10.8 million or 41 cents a share.

Analysts had seen 39 cents per share.

Proto Labs sales for the quarter dropped 2 percent to $72.4 million.

Company officials noted that the quarter was challenged by the high U.S. dollar, unrealized foreign currency gains and one-time costs associated with exiting North Carolina facility leases in favor of company-owned facilities.

"Our fourth quarter financial results continued to reflect the challenges that we faced throughout 2016 with general economic conditions affecting the research-and-development spending in certain industries, a trend that was felt with greater impact as we closed out the year," said CEO Vicki Holt.

Revenue growth from its computer machining business and its relatively new entrance into 3-D printing helped brace other areas of the company.

Last year's downturn in global markets stung Proto Labs just as it has other multinational manufacturers.

Proto Labs Chief Financial Officer John Way noted that oil and gas, ag equipment, mining and other industrial sectors were hurt last year — "and those are all our customers."

The 3-D printing and CNC machine orders were the quarter's two bright spots. They helped offset declines in the largest division: injection molding. 3-D printing sales grew 8 percent in the quarter that ended Dec. 31. That growth "remained healthy and we look for continued strong growth in this segment," Holt said.

For full-year 2016, revenue grew across all business divisions. Other milestones included strengthening the company's competitive position, management and the integration of its 3-D printing acquisition in Germany. Holt said the company is poised to enhance its 3-D printing reach and operations across Europe.

Separately, the company expanded into new factories in North Carolina and Japan, launched a new "overmolding" line and expanded liquid silicone rubber and lathe offerings.

All those factors pushed up full-year revenue 13 percent to $298.1 million, which was in line with analysts' expectations. Excluding one-time items, adjusted 2016 profits were $47.6 million or $1.79 per share, which was in line with analysts' expectations. Including one-time items, 2016 profits fell 8 percent to $42.7 million or $1.61 per share.

For the first quarter of 2017, Proto Labs is forecasting growth, Way said.

"We came off of a quarter where revenue [was] down sequentially. And so there was concern that we might not be growing off that fourth-quarter base," he said. "But we are. We did forecast growth for the first quarter."

The stock rose $6.40 to close at $58 on Thursday.