HeartCore Reports Full Year 2023 Results and Provides Strategic Priorities for 2024

NEW YORK and TOKYO, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HeartCore Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTCR) (“HeartCore” or “the Company”), a leading enterprise software and consulting services company based in Tokyo, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 and outlined its strategic priorities for a robust 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2023 and Recent Operational Highlights

• Full year 2023 revenue of $21.8 million, up 148% compared to full year 2022
• Strong growth from enterprise software business
• Formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software Development Division
• Authorized a dividend payment
• Signed 13^th Go IPO contract and signed 12^th Go IPO contract
• Announced the sale of Go IPO client warrant for $9 million
• Established HeartCore Luvina Vietnam Co., Ltd. as part of its global sales expansion initiative
• Signed Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation to implement its CMS platform
• Extended partnership with TOPPAN Inc. to jointly promote Dashiwake platform
• Implemented new function to enhance its flagship HeartCore CMS platform
• Announced its subsidiary Sigmaways signed binding MOU with Actiquest
• Announced its subsidiary Sigmaways launched Psyche60s VR experience
• Announced its subsidiary Sigmaways signed Heart-Tech Health and Coherent Health
• Launched Dashiwake platform into the U.S. and Japanese markets
• Awarded 8^th consecutive top market share for its CMS platform
  

Full Year 2023 Financial Results
Revenues increased 147.7% to $21.8 million compared to $8.8 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Go IPO consulting service revenues and received warrants from customers, and an increase from customized software development and services as a result of Sigmaways and its subsidiaries.

Gross profit increased 140.7% to $8.1 million from $3.4 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Go IPO consulting service revenues and received warrants from customers, and an increase from customized software development and services as a result of Sigmaways and its subsidiaries.

Operating expenses increased to $12.2 million from $10.0 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to increases in general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses, offset by a decrease in selling expenses.

Net loss was about $4.9 million or $(0.21) per diluted share compared to a net loss of $6.7 million or $(0.37) per diluted share, in the same period last year.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million compared to $7.2 million in December 31, 2022.

Management Commentary
“Over the past year, our operational footprint has extended beyond Japan into the dynamic U.S. markets, marked by the strategic acquisition of Sigmaways and the partnership with Sabatini Global’s sales and marketing team,” said CEO Sumitaka Kanno Yamamoto. “These pivotal moves have significantly bolstered and diversified our enterprise software business’ revenue streams and reduced our reliance solely on sales from Japan, a trend we have carried into 2024. Nonetheless, we have sustained our dominance and have achieved top market share status for the CMS platform segment in Japan for the 8^th consecutive year. Despite challenges such as the ongoing depreciation of the yen against the dollar, we have consistently experienced year-over-year top-line growth since becoming a publicly traded company.

“On the Go IPO front, we have signed and engaged with 10 new clients, with additional companies in the pipeline, showcasing the robust demand among Japanese companies seeking listings on major U.S. exchanges. While macro-economic factors presented some uncontrollable hurdles for our clients, which resulted in a limited revenue influx for us this year, the recent sale of a $9 million warrant underscores the revenue-generating potential of our consulting business. As we navigate through these challenging market conditions, we remain committed to supporting our valued clients through the listing process with our white glove approach.”

Full Year 2024 Strategic Priorities

• Maintain improved cost structure from synergies with the recently established HeartCore Luvina Vietnam, a high-quality and low-cost IT outsourcing provider
• Capitalize on strong organic growth opportunities within the enterprise software business through newly established Artificial Intelligence Software Division
• Expand upon the Go IPO business with the U.S. IPO markets expected to improve in 2024
• Sustain market share as the number one CMS provider in Japan while fueling global expansion

Full Year 2024 Outlook
In anticipation of a robust 2024, HeartCore is poised to capitalize on its strong momentum within the enterprise software sector. The recently established HeartCore Luvina Vietnam joint venture and its low-cost, high-quality IT outsourcing capabilities is primed to contribute to the financial resiliency of the Company. With access to 850 talented software engineers, this joint venture is expected to significantly elevate the Company’s global sales expansion efforts. Additionally, the AI software division is positioned to unlock a fresh revenue stream within the U.S. and Japanese markets, with opportunities to upsell other HeartCore software. As part of its growth strategy, HeartCore remains vigilant for synergistic M&A opportunities that seamlessly complement the expanding software business.

Successful client listings through the Go IPO business have proven to be a lucrative venture, with the first quarter of 2023 witnessing two successful listings yielding over $5 million in revenue alone. More recently, the Company sold a Go IPO client warrant totaling $9 million in revenue, scheduled to materialize in the first quarter of 2024. Despite a sluggish IPO market in 2023, market sentiment is now shifting toward a more favorable outlook for 2024. With 10 companies currently in the Go IPO pipeline, HeartCore continues to actively expand its reach in the Japanese markets to bolster its pipeline. Though projections and timing of listings remains uncertain due to lingering market uncertainties, HeartCore remains optimistic about the continued financial potential and benefits of its Go IPO business throughout 2024.

“We find ourselves amidst a transformative phase,” added Yamamoto. “The outset of 2024 demonstrates significant promise, bolstered by a resilient balance sheet derived from our two-pronged business model and ongoing global expansion of the HeartCore brand. Our adept cash management strategies have led us to authorize our inaugural dividend payment, with plans for additional quarterly payments, contingent upon macro-economic factors and the financial standing of the Company. Building upon the growth momentum seen this past year, we eagerly anticipate sharing strong first-quarter results ahead.”

About HeartCore Enterprises, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, HeartCore Enterprises is a leading enterprise software and consulting services company. HeartCore offers Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to enterprise customers in Japan and worldwide. The Company also provides data analytics services that allow enterprise businesses to create tailored web experiences for their clients through best-in-class design. HeartCore’s customer experience management platform (CXM Platform) includes marketing, sales, service and content management systems, as well as other tools and integrations, which enable companies to enhance the customer experience and drive engagement. HeartCore also operates a digital transformation business that provides customers with robotics process automation, process mining and task mining to accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises. HeartCore’s GO IPO^SM consulting services helps Japanese-based companies go public in the U.S. Additional information about the Company's products and services is available at and https://heartcore-enterprises.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believed,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks, and uncertainties are discussed in HeartCore’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond HeartCore’s control which could, and likely will materially affect actual results, and levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects HeartCore’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy, and liquidity. HeartCore assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The contents of any website referenced in this press release are not incorporated by reference herein.

HeartCore Investor Relations Contact:
Gateway Group, Inc.
Matt Glover and John Yi
HTCR@gateway-grp.com
(949) 574-3860

HEARTCORE ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,012,479			$	7,177,326
Accounts receivable			2,623,682				551,064
Investments in marketable securities			642,348				-
Investment in equity securities			300,000				-
Prepaid expenses			536,865				538,230
Current portion of long-term note receivable			100,000				-
Due from related party			44,758				48,447
Other current assets			234,761				220,070
Total current assets			5,494,893				8,535,137
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net			763,730				203,627
Operating lease right-of-use assets			2,467,889				2,644,957
Intangible asset, net			4,515,625				-
Goodwill			3,276,441				-
Long-term investment in warrants			2,004,308				-
Long-term note receivable			200,000				-
Deferred tax assets			369,436				263,339
Security deposits			348,428				244,395
Long-term loan receivable from related party			182,946				246,472
Other non-current assets			71				661
Total non-current assets			14,128,874				3,603,451
Total assets		$	19,623,767			$	12,138,588
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	1,757,038			$	497,742
Accrued payroll and other employee costs			723,305				360,222
Due to related party			1,476				402
Short-term debt			135,937				-
Current portion of long-term debts			371,783				697,877
Factoring liability			562,767				-
Operating lease liabilities, current			396,535				291,863
Finance lease liabilities, current			17,445				19,294
Income tax payables			162,689				2,747
Deferred revenue			2,166,175				1,724,519
Other current liabilities			216,405				53,027
Total current liabilities			6,511,555				3,647,693
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debts			1,770,352				1,123,735
Operating lease liabilities, non-current			2,135,160				2,421,054
Finance lease liabilities, non-current			66,779				459
Deferred tax liabilities			1,264,375				-
Other non-current liabilities			208,732				138,018
Total non-current liabilities			5,445,398				3,683,266
Total liabilities			11,956,953				7,330,959
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred shares ($0.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)			-				-
Common shares ($0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 20,842,690 and 17,649,886 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)			2,083				1,764
Additional paid-in capital			19,594,801				15,014,607
Accumulated deficit			(14,763,469	)			(10,573,579	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			331,881				364,837
Total HeartCore Enterprises, Inc. shareholders’ equity			5,165,296				4,807,629
Non-controlling interest			2,501,518				-
Total shareholders’ equity			7,666,814				4,807,629
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	19,623,767			$	12,138,588

HEARTCORE ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2023				2022
Revenues		$	21,845,830			$	8,818,312
Cost of revenues			13,778,416				5,467,017
Gross profit			8,067,414				3,351,295
Operating expenses:
Selling expenses			1,516,247				2,826,615
General and administrative expenses			9,651,381				6,579,734
Research and development expenses			1,019,141				641,025
Total operating expenses			12,186,769				10,047,374
Loss from operations			(4,119,355	)			(6,696,079	)
Other income (expenses):
Changes in fair value of investments in marketable securities			(615,520	)			-
Changes in fair value of investments in warrants			(501,445	)			-
Interest income			70,624				66,963
Interest expenses			(162,968	)			(41,800	)
Government grants			76,612				-
Other income			366,283				57,268
Other expenses			(124,595	)			(69,736	)
Total other income (expenses)			(891,009	)			12,695
Loss before income tax provision			(5,010,364	)			(6,683,384	)
Income tax benefit			(133,664	)			(5,918	)
Net loss			(4,876,700	)			(6,677,466	)
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest			(686,810	)			-
Net loss attributable to HeartCore Enterprises, Inc.		$	(4,189,890	)		$	(6,677,466	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(34,628	)			380,009
Total comprehensive loss			(4,911,328	)			(6,297,457	)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest			(688,482	)			-
Comprehensive loss attributable to HeartCore Enterprises, Inc.		$	(4,222,846	)		$	(6,297,457	)
Net loss per common share attributable to HeartCore Enterprises, Inc.
Basic		$	(0.21	)		$	(0.37	)
Diluted		$	(0.21	)		$	(0.37	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic			20,404,642				17,922,585
Diluted			20,404,642				17,922,585

  

HEARTCORE ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2023				2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss		$	(4,876,700	)		$	(6,677,466	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expenses			683,019				83,333
Gain on disposal of property and equipment			(4,514	)			-
Amortization of debt issuance costs			3,733				4,546
Non-cash lease expense			346,070				273,836
Loss on termination of lease			76				-
Deferred income taxes			(291,596	)			(1,610	)
Stock-based compensation			1,430,513				1,519,743
Warrants received as noncash consideration			(3,763,621	)			-
Changes in fair value of investments in marketable securities			615,520				-
Changes in fair value of investments in warrants			501,445				-
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(338,312	)			296,835
Prepaid expenses			359,310				62,195
Other assets			(133,550	)			(201,226	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			532,790				(70,525	)
Accrued payroll and other employee costs			152,101				149,617
Due to related party			1,123				(575	)
Operating lease liabilities			(327,877	)			(283,921	)
Finance lease liabilities			-				(440	)
Income tax payables			162,045				(6,915	)
Deferred revenue			553,130				239,129
Other liabilities			64,086				(195,103	)
Net cash flows used in operating activities			(4,331,209	)			(4,808,547	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment			(526,260	)			(57,071	)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment			24,814				-
Advances on notes receivable			(600,000	)			-
Repayment of loan provided to related party			45,404				44,871
Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired			(724,910	)			-
Net cash flows used in investing activities			(1,780,952	)			(12,200	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance cost			-				13,602,554
Proceeds from issuance of common shares prior to initial public offering			-				220,572
Repurchase of common shares			-				(3,500,000	)
Payments for finance leases			(22,422	)			(34,465	)
Proceeds from short-term and long-term debts			710,107				258,087
Repayment of long-term debts			(711,395	)			(810,750	)
Repayment of insurance premium financing			(389,035	)			(388,538	)
Net proceeds from factoring arrangement			562,767				-
Payments for debt issuance costs			(13,828	)			(1,630	)
Payment for mandatorily redeemable financial interest			-				(430,489	)
Net cash flows provided by financing activities			136,194				8,915,341
Effect of exchange rate changes			(188,880	)			(54,107	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(6,164,847	)			4,040,487
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the year			7,177,326				3,136,839
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the year		$	1,012,479			$	7,177,326
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Interest paid		$	85,634			$	41,848
Income taxes paid		$	91,707			$	3,013
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Payroll withheld as repayment of loan receivable from employees		$	-			$	12,034
Share repurchase liability settled by issuance of common shares		$	-			$	16
Deferred offering costs recognized against the proceeds from the offering		$	-			$	178,847
Insurance premium financing		$	389,035			$	388,538
Common shares issued for acquisition of subsidiary		$	3,150,000			$	-
Investments in warrants converted to marketable securities		$	1,257,868			$	-
Finance lease right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for finance lease liability		$	93,217			$	-
Operating lease right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability		$	317,040			$	-
Remeasurement of operating lease liability and right-of-use asset due to lease modification		$	30,186			$	-
Note receivable converted to investment in equity securities		$	300,000			$	-