AbCellera Reports Q2 2024 Business Results

Rhea-AI Summary

AbCellera (Nasdaq: ABCL) announced its financial results for Q2 2024.

Revenue decreased to $7.3 million from $10.1 million in Q2 2023, with research fees contributing $5.5 million and milestone payments $1.5 million.

Expenses rose overall, with R&D expenses at $40.9 million (up from $36.5 million), G&A expenses at $20.2 million (up from $15.5 million), and S&M expenses at $3.1 million (down from $3.8 million).

Net Loss increased to $36.9 million, or $(0.13) per share, compared to $30.5 million, or $(0.11) per share, in Q2 2023.

Liquidity remains strong at $697.6 million, with $220 million in available non-dilutive funding, bringing total liquidity to over $900 million.

Key developments include clinical trial applications for ABCL635 and ABCL575 expected in Q2 2025, the initiation of three T-cell engager programs, and an expanded partnership with Lilly.

Positive

• Strong liquidity with $697.6 million in cash and equivalents, plus $220 million in non-dilutive funding.
• Expanded collaboration with Lilly, focusing on therapeutic antibodies in various fields.
• Cumulative molecules in the clinic increased by 56% to 14.

Negative

• Total revenue declined by 28% to $7.3 million from $10.1 million in Q2 2023.
• Research fees decreased by 44% compared to Q2 2023.
• Net loss increased to $36.9 million from $30.5 million in Q2 2023.
• R&D expenses rose to $40.9 million, reflecting higher program execution and development costs.

Insights

Financial Analyst

AbCellera's Q2 2024 results reveal a challenging financial quarter with revenue declining to $7.3 million from $10.1 million in Q2 2023. The 27.7% decrease in revenue, coupled with increased R&D and G&A expenses, led to a wider net loss of $36.9 million. However, the company's strong liquidity position of over $900 million provides a substantial runway for ongoing operations and pipeline development.

The increase in partner-initiated programs (16% YoY) and molecules in the clinic (56% YoY) demonstrates positive momentum in AbCellera's business model. The expanded collaboration with Lilly and the upcoming acquisition of Invetx by Dechra Pharmaceuticals could potentially provide future revenue streams, offsetting current financial pressures.

Biotechnology Research Analyst

AbCellera's pipeline progress is noteworthy, with ABCL635 and ABCL575 on track for Clinical Trial Applications in Q2 2025. The disclosure of three T-cell engager programs targeting PSMA, B7-H4 and CD-19 showcases the company's expanding oncology and autoimmunity focus. The FDA clearance and Fast Track designation for partner Abdera's ABD-147 is a positive signal for AbCellera's platform capabilities.

The increase in molecules advancing to the clinic (from 9 to 14 YoY) indicates growing traction in translating discoveries to clinical development. However, investors should note that the path to commercialization remains long and the company's financial performance may remain pressured in the near term as these programs progress through costly clinical stages.

Market Research Analyst

AbCellera's strategic partnerships and investments are showing promise. The expanded collaboration with Lilly in immunology, cardiovascular disease and neuroscience areas broadens AbCellera's potential market reach. The upcoming acquisition of Invetx by Dechra Pharmaceuticals for up to $520 million could provide a significant return on AbCellera's investment, given its founding partner status and equity position.

However, the decline in research fees from $9.8 million to $5.5 million YoY is concerning and may indicate challenges in attracting or retaining partners. The company needs to demonstrate consistent ability to convert its technological advantages into sustainable revenue streams to maintain investor confidence in its long-term growth prospects.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AbCellera (Nasdaq: ABCL) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2024. All financial information in this press release is reported in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

“This quarter, we made important progress on our internal pipeline and aim to submit applications for clinical trials for ABCL635 and ABCL575 in the second quarter of 2025. In parallel, we have focused preclinical work on our T-cell engager platform to four molecules for indications in oncology and autoimmunity,” said Carl Hansen, Ph.D., founder and CEO of AbCellera. "Since our last earnings release, two of our partners have achieved notable milestones, including Abdera's IND clearance and Fast Track designation for ABD-147 and Invetx's upcoming acquisition by a global leader in animal health. AbCellera is a founding partner of both Abdera and Invetx. In addition, we have recently announced an expansion of our partnership with Lilly.”

Q2 2024 Business Summary

• ABCL635 and ABCL575 remain on track for anticipated Clinical Trial Applications (CTAs) in the second quarter of 2025.
• Disclosed three T-cell engager programs under evaluation targeting PSMA, B7-H4, and CD-19.
• The U.S. FDA cleared Abdera's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ABD-147, and also granted it a Fast Track designation. AbCellera is a founding partner in Abdera, has a low-single-digit royalty stake in Abdera’s programs, and has a mid-single-digit equity ownership position.
• Reported the start of three additional partner-initiated programs with downstreams to reach a cumulative total of 93 partner-initiated program starts with downstreams.
• Reported the addition of one molecule in the clinic, bringing the cumulative total to 14 molecules advanced to the clinic.

Recent Developments

• On July 31, 2024, announced an expanded collaboration with Lilly to discover therapeutic antibodies for programs in immunology, cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience.
• On July 18, 2024, Invetx announced its upcoming acquisition by Dechra Pharmaceuticals for up to $520 million in total consideration. AbCellera is a founding partner in Invetx, has a low-single-digit royalty stake in Invetx’s programs, and has a mid-single-digit equity ownership position.

Key Business Metrics

Cumulative Metrics		June 30, 2023		June 30, 2024		Change %
Partner-initiated program starts with downstreams		80		93		16 %
Molecules in the clinic		9		14		56 %

AbCellera started discovery on an additional three partner-initiated programs with downstreams to reach a cumulative total of 93 partner-initiated program starts with downstreams in Q2 2024 (up from 80 on June 30, 2023). AbCellera’s partners have advanced a cumulative total of 14 molecules into the clinic (up from nine on June 30, 2023).

Discussion of Q2 2024 Financial Results

• Revenue – Total revenue was $7.3 million, compared to $10.1 million in Q2 2023. Partnerships generated research fees of $5.5 million, compared to $9.8 million in Q2 2023. Milestone payments contributed $1.5 million in the quarter.
• Research & Development (R&D) Expenses – R&D expenses were $40.9 million, compared to $36.5 million in Q2 2023, reflecting underlying continued growth in program execution, platform development, and investments in internal programs.
• Sales & Marketing (S&M) Expenses – S&M expenses were $3.1 million, compared to $3.8 million in Q2 2023.
• General & Administrative (G&A) Expenses – G&A expenses were $20.2 million, compared to $15.5 million in Q2 2023.
• Net Loss – Net loss of $36.9 million, or $(0.13) per share on a basic and diluted basis, compared to net loss of $30.5 million, or $(0.11) per share on a basic and diluted basis in Q2 2023.
• Liquidity – $697.6 million of total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities and with approximately $220 million in available non-dilutive government funding to execute on AbCellera's strategy, bringing total available liquidity to over $900 million.

Conference Call and Webcast

AbCellera will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss these results today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

The live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed on the Events and Presentations section of AbCellera’s Investor Relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available through the same link following the conference call.

About AbCellera Biologics Inc.

AbCellera (Nasdaq: ABCL) discovers and develops antibody medicines for indications across therapeutic areas including cancer, metabolic and endocrine conditions, and autoimmune disorders. AbCellera’s engine integrates technology, data science, infrastructure, and interdisciplinary teams to solve the most challenging antibody discovery problems. AbCellera is focused on advancing an internal pipeline of first-in-class and best-in-class programs and collaborating on innovative drug development programs with partners. For more information, please visit www.abcellera.com.

Definition of Key Business Metrics

We regularly review the following key business metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections, and make strategic decisions. We believe that the following metrics are important to understand our current business. These metrics may change or may be substituted for additional or different metrics as our business develops. Information on changes is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Partner-initiated program starts with downstreams represent the number of unique partner-initiated programs where we stand to participate financially in downstream success for which we have commenced the discovery effort. The discovery effort commences on the later of (i) the day on which we receive sufficient reagents to start discovery of antibodies against a target and (ii) the day on which the kick-off meeting for the program is held. We view this metric as an indication of the selection and initiation of projects by our partners and the resulting potential for near-term payments. Cumulatively, partner-initiated program starts with downstream participation indicate our total opportunities to earn downstream revenue from milestone fees and royalties (or royalty equivalents) in the mid- to long-term.

Molecules in the clinic represent the count of unique molecules for which an Investigational New Drug, or IND, New Animal Drug, or equivalent under other regulatory regimes, application has reached "open" status or has otherwise been approved based on an antibody that was discovered either by us or by a partner using licensed AbCellera technology. Where the date of such application approval is not known to us, the date of the first public announcement of a clinical trial will be used for the purpose of this metric. We view this metric as an indication of our near- and mid-term potential revenue from milestone fees and potential royalty payments in the long term.

AbCellera Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. All statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our ability to develop, commercialize and achieve market acceptance of our current and planned products and services, our research and development efforts, and other matters regarding our business strategies, use of capital, results of operations and financial position, and plans and objectives for future operations.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are described under “Risk Factors,” “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We caution you that forward-looking statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. As a result, the forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

AbCellera Biologics Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (All figures in U.S. dollars. Amounts are expressed in thousands except share and per share data.) (Unaudited)
		Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
			2023				2024				2023				2024
Revenue:
Research fees		$	9,830			$	5,453			$	20,400			$	15,227
Licensing revenue			226				370				598				550
Milestone payments			–				1,500				1,250				1,500
Total revenue			10,056				7,323				22,248				17,277
Operating expenses:
Research and development(1)			36,473				40,927				89,120				80,214
Sales and marketing(1)			3,841				3,136				7,612				6,501
General and administrative(1)			15,521				20,192				30,655				37,544
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment			5,610				36,522				11,124				41,366
Total operating expenses			61,445				100,777				138,511				165,625
Loss from operations			(51,389	)			(93,454	)			(116,263	)			(148,348	)
Other (income) expense
Interest income			(10,779	)			(9,801	)			(20,537	)			(20,202	)
Grants and incentives			(4,576	)			(3,310	)			(7,951	)			(6,585	)
Other (income) expense			1,970				(32,156	)			(1,624	)			(30,627	)
Total other (income)			(13,385	)			(45,267	)			(30,112	)			(57,414	)
Net loss before income tax			(38,004	)			(48,187	)			(86,151	)			(90,934	)
Income tax recovery			(7,476	)			(11,257	)			(15,513	)			(13,394	)
Net loss		$	(30,528	)		$	(36,930	)		$	(70,638	)		$	(77,540	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment			122				(257	)			(508	)			(353	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(30,406	)		$	(37,187	)		$	(71,146	)		$	(77,893	)
Net loss per share
Basic		$	(0.11	)		$	(0.13	)		$	(0.24	)		$	(0.26	)
Diluted		$	(0.11	)		$	(0.13	)		$	(0.24	)		$	(0.26	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic			288,905,587				294,217,013				288,357,081				293,467,753
Diluted			288,905,587				294,217,013				288,357,081				293,467,753
(1) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization, and impairment

AbCellera Biologics Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (All figures in U.S. dollars. Amounts are expressed in thousands except share data.) (Unaudited)
	December 31, 2023				June 30, 2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	133,320			$	148,312
Marketable securities		627,265				522,044
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities		760,585				670,356
Accounts and accrued receivable		30,590				36,143
Restricted cash		25,000				25,000
Other current assets		55,810				40,055
Total current assets		871,985				771,554
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net		287,696				318,882
Intangible assets, net		120,425				85,661
Goodwill		47,806				47,806
Investments in equity accounted investees		65,938				76,064
Other long-term assets		94,244				112,514
Total long-term assets		616,109				640,927
Total assets	$	1,488,094			$	1,412,481
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	49,580			$	43,952
Contingent consideration payable		50,475				20,027
Deferred revenue		18,958				6,401
Total current liabilities		119,013				70,380
Long-term liabilities:
Operating lease liability		71,222				66,451
Deferred revenue		8,195				7,970
Deferred government contributions		95,915				124,186
Contingent consideration payable		4,913				4,441
Deferred tax liability		30,612				21,737
Other long-term liabilities		5,906				6,348
Total long-term liabilities		216,763				231,133
Total liabilities		335,776				301,513
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares: no par value, unlimited authorized shares at December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024: 290,824,970 and 294,665,532 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, respectively		753,199				769,966
Additional paid-in capital		121,052				140,828
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,720	)			(2,073	)
Accumulated earnings		279,787				202,247
Total shareholders' equity		1,152,318				1,110,968
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,488,094			$	1,412,481

AbCellera Biologics Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars.) (Unaudited)
	Six months ended June 30,
		2023				2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(70,638	)		$	(77,540	)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment		5,810				6,603
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets		5,314				34,763
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets		3,252				3,437
Stock-based compensation		31,873				35,191
Fair value gain on contingent consideration		—				(30,920	)
Other		(4,429	)			(8,193	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Research fees and grants receivable		(24,269	)			(34,434	)
Accrued royalties receivable		9,260				—
Income taxes payable (receivable)		22,884				(5,953	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(2,827	)			(130	)
Deferred revenue		(4,870	)			(12,782	)
Accrued royalties payable		(16,253	)			—
Deferred grant income		25,566				19,757
Other assets		(4,833	)			(1,473	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(24,160	)			(71,674	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(42,185	)			(44,250	)
Purchase of marketable securities		(528,891	)			(426,007	)
Proceeds from marketable securities		422,814				539,385
Receipt of grant funding		7,693				19,750
Long-term investments and other assets		(36,757	)			3,950
Investment in equity accounted investees		(6,673	)			(10,820	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(183,999	)			82,008
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of liability for in-licensing agreement and other		(863	)			(368	)
Proceeds from long-term liabilities		—				4,497
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		824				1,353
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(39	)			5,482
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		584				(824	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(207,614	)			14,992
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		414,651				160,610
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	207,037			$	175,602
Restricted cash included in other assets		2,290				2,290
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown on the balance sheet	$	204,747			$	173,312
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Property and equipment in accounts payable		11,718				15,944
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligation		2,945				452

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240806789183/en/

Inquiries

Media: Kathleen Reid: media@abcellera.com, +1(236)521-6774

Business Development: Murray McCutcheon, Ph.D., bd@abcellera.com, +1(604)559-9005

Investor Relations: Melanie Solomon, ir@abcellera.com, +1(778)729-9116

Source: AbCellera Biologics Inc.

FAQ

What were AbCellera's Q2 2024 revenues?

AbCellera reported Q2 2024 revenues of $7.3 million, down from $10.1 million in Q2 2023.

What is AbCellera's net loss for Q2 2024?

AbCellera's net loss for Q2 2024 was $36.9 million, or $(0.13) per share.

How much liquidity does AbCellera have as of Q2 2024?

As of Q2 2024, AbCellera has $697.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, with over $900 million in total available liquidity.

What are the anticipated clinical trial applications for AbCellera?

AbCellera plans to submit clinical trial applications for ABCL635 and ABCL575 in Q2 2025.

What milestones did AbCellera partners achieve recently?

Abdera received IND clearance and Fast Track designation for ABD-147, and Invetx announced its acquisition by Dechra Pharmaceuticals.