Accolade Announces Results for Fiscal Second Quarter 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Accolade (NASDAQ: ACCD) announced financial results for fiscal Q2 2025 ended August 31, 2024. Revenue increased 10% to $106.4 million, while net loss improved 27% to $23.9 million. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed 68% to $2.8 million, and Adjusted Gross Margin expanded to 47.3%.

CEO Rajeev Singh stated that Accolade is positioned to deliver its first full year of Adjusted EBITDA profitability and positive cash flow. The company focuses on solving the Physician Gap through a physician-led advocacy approach. CFO Steve Barnes highlighted Accolade's execution in delivering profitable growth, with the net cash position improving by over $20 million compared to convertible debt in the past year.

Positive

• Revenue increased 10% year-over-year to $106.4 million
• Net loss improved 27% to $23.9 million
• Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed 68% to $2.8 million
• Adjusted Gross Margin expanded to 47.3% from 44.2%
• Net cash position improved by over $20 million compared to convertible debt

Negative

• Company still reported a net loss of $23.9 million
• Adjusted EBITDA remains negative at $2.8 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

Accolade's Q2 FY2025 results show progress towards profitability, with revenue growth of 10% year-over-year to $106.4 million. The narrowing net loss of $23.9 million, down from $32.8 million last year, indicates improved cost management. Notably, Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased significantly by 68% to $2.8 million.

Key positives include:

• Adjusted Gross Margin expansion to 47.3% from 44.2%
• Improved cash position relative to convertible debt by over $20 million in the past year
• Management's confidence in achieving full-year Adjusted EBITDA profitability and positive cash flow

However, investors should note that the company is still operating at a loss. The path to GAAP profitability remains a key focus area. The company's ability to continue revenue growth while managing costs will be important for long-term success.

Healthcare Industry Analyst

Accolade's focus on addressing the "Physician Gap" through physician-led advocacy is a strategic approach to differentiate in the competitive healthcare technology market. This aligns with industry trends towards more personalized, integrated care models.

The company's ability to grow revenue in a challenging healthcare environment suggests strong market demand for their services. However, the healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, with increasing competition from both established players and new entrants.

Key considerations for investors:

• Scalability of Accolade's business model in a complex healthcare ecosystem
• Potential impact of healthcare policy changes on the company's growth trajectory
• Long-term sustainability of the physician-led advocacy approach

While Accolade shows promising financial improvements, its success will depend on continued execution and adaptation to the changing healthcare landscape.

SEATTLE, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accolade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCD) today announced financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended August 31, 2024.

“As we enter the second half of fiscal year 2025, we are well positioned to deliver our first full year of Adjusted EBITDA profitability and positive cash flow. Accolade is proving the scalability and profitability of a business model and strategy that is fundamentally designed to improve the lives of millions of people and their families. Our focus remains on solving the Physician Gap through a physician-led advocacy approach that engages the entire healthcare ecosystem and enables a better healthcare experience for our members,” said Rajeev Singh, Accolade Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.

Financial Highlights for Fiscal Second Quarter ended August 31, 2024

	Three months ended August 31,								% Change(2)
	2024				2023
	(in millions, except percentages)
GAAP Financial Data:
Revenue	$	106.4			$	96.9			10	%
Net loss	$	(23.9	)		$	(32.8	)		27	%
Non-GAAP Financial Data(1):
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(2.8	)		$	(8.8	)		68	%
Adjusted Gross Profit	$	50.3			$	42.8			17	%
Adjusted Gross Margin		47.3	%			44.2	%

 

(1)	A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results has been provided in this press release in the accompanying Financial Tables. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
(2)	Percentages are calculated from accompanying Financial Tables and may differ from percentage change of numbers in Financial Highlights table due to rounding.

Steve Barnes, Accolade Chief Financial Officer, commented, “Accolade continues to execute against our primary objective of delivering profitable growth and positive Adjusted EBITDA this year. Our first half results demonstrate our proven ability to grow top line revenue and manage our cost structure to achieve our profit goals. In the past year, our net cash position, compared to our convertible debt, has improved by more than $20 million, providing the operating leverage and flexibility to execute our strategy.”

Financial Outlook

Accolade provides forward-looking guidance on revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure.

For the fiscal third quarter ending November 30, 2024, we expect:

• Revenue between $104 million and $107 million
• Adjusted EBITDA loss between $3 million and $5 million

For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025, we expect:

• Revenue between $460 million and $475 million
• Adjusted EBITDA between $15 million and $20 million

Accolade has not reconciled guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and has not provided forward-looking guidance for net loss, because there are items that may impact net loss, including stock-based compensation, that are not within the company’s control or cannot be reasonably predicted.

Quarterly Conference Call Details

The company will host a conference call today, October 8, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. E.T. to discuss its financial results.
To Listen via Telephone: Pre-registration is required by the conference call operator. Please pre-register by clicking here (https://register.vevent.com/register/BI0b6b999c6e7b47fdb26d7e8a774df09f). Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

To Listen via Internet: The conference call can be accessed via a live audio webcast that will be available online at http://ir.accolade.com.

Replay: A replay of the call will be available via webcast for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call, at http://ir.accolade.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our future growth and our financial outlook. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “maintain,” “might,” “likely,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Accolade’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings, which should be read in conjunction with any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Accolade as of the date hereof, and it does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

About Accolade, Inc.

Accolade (Nasdaq: ACCD) is a Personalized Healthcare company that provides millions of people and their families with exceptional healthcare experiences so they can live their healthiest lives. Accolade’s employer, health plan, and consumer solutions combine virtual primary care and mental health, expert medical opinion, and best-in-class care navigation. These offerings are built on a platform that is engineered to care through predictive engagement of population health needs, proactive care that improves outcomes and cost savings, and by addressing barriers to access and continuity of care. Accolade consistently receives consumer satisfaction ratings of over 90%. For more information, visit accolade.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Investor Contact:

Todd Friedman, Investor Relations, IR@accolade.com

Media Contact:

Public Relations, Media@accolade.com

Source: Accolade

Financial Tables

Accolade, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	August 31,  2024				February 29,  2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	173,315			$	185,718
Marketable securities		61,035				51,315
Accounts receivable, net		21,224				21,800
Unbilled revenue		3,994				5,902
Current portion of deferred contract acquisition costs		4,299				4,369
Prepaid and other current assets		10,869				15,808
Total current assets		274,736				284,912
Property and equipment, net		18,927				19,140
Operating lease right-of-use assets		25,647				28,340
Goodwill		278,191				278,191
Intangible assets, net		147,642				165,407
Deferred contract acquisition costs		8,733				9,608
Other assets		2,196				2,553
Total assets	$	756,072			$	788,151
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	9,027			$	13,749
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		11,434				10,736
Accrued compensation		26,924				23,392
Due to customers		5,857				18,552
Current portion of deferred revenue		40,710				34,770
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		7,068				6,651
Total current liabilities		101,020				107,850
Loans payable, net of unamortized issuance costs		209,098				208,482
Operating lease liabilities		22,642				26,077
Other noncurrent liabilities		153				156
Deferred revenue		85				121
Total liabilities		332,998				342,686
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock par value $0.0001; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 80,373,402 and 78,070,781 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively		8				8
Additional paid-in capital		1,528,665				1,499,603
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		26				(47	)
Accumulated deficit		(1,105,625	)			(1,054,099	)
Total stockholders’ equity		423,074				445,465
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	756,072			$	788,151

Accolade, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three months ended August 31,								Six months ended August 31,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenue	$	106,360			$	96,864			$	216,826			$	190,090
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization		56,922				55,317				115,533				109,520
Operating expenses:
Product and technology		22,477				25,602				48,786				51,501
Sales and marketing		24,932				24,076				53,126				49,109
General and administrative		16,536				16,259				32,544				32,339
Depreciation and amortization		10,637				10,818				21,029				22,458
Total operating expenses		74,582				76,755				155,485				155,407
Loss from operations		(25,144	)			(35,208	)			(54,192	)			(74,837	)
Interest income, net		1,687				1,714				3,384				2,635
Other income (expense)		(103	)			753				(9	)			1,143
Loss before income taxes		(23,560	)			(32,741	)			(50,817	)			(71,059	)
Income tax expense		(374	)			(84	)			(709	)			(175	)
Net loss	$	(23,934	)		$	(32,825	)		$	(51,526	)		$	(71,234	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.30	)		$	(0.43	)		$	(0.65	)		$	(0.96	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		80,072,045				75,487,717				79,102,868				74,334,111
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized income on marketable securities, net	$	60			$	—			$	73			$	—
Comprehensive loss	$	(23,874	)		$	(32,825	)		$	(51,453	)		$	(71,234	)

The following table summarizes the amount of stock-based compensation included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

	Three months ended August 31,						Six months ended August 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization	$	866		$	1,202		$	1,764		$	2,113
Product and technology		4,000			7,643			11,572			14,609
Sales and marketing		3,282			3,876			6,522			7,702
General and administrative		3,527			3,005			7,127			5,580
Total stock-based compensation	$	11,675		$	15,726		$	26,985		$	30,004

Accolade, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Six months ended August 31,
	2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(51,526	)		$	(71,234	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
Operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		21,029				22,458
Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs		2,682				2,368
Noncash interest expense		616				839
Accretion of discounts/premiums on marketable securities, net		(1,148	)			—
Stock-based compensation expense		26,985				30,004
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue		2,483				1,381
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4,075	)			(1,565	)
Deferred contract acquisition costs		(1,737	)			(2,082	)
Deferred revenue and due to customers		(6,791	)			6,707
Accrued compensation		3,532				(14,020	)
Other liabilities		(328	)			(1,000	)
Other assets		5,302				(1,181	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(2,976	)			(27,325	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities		(36,000	)			—
Maturities of marketable securities		27,500				—
Capitalized software development costs		(1,933	)			(4,698	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(1,071	)			(1,965	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(11,504	)			(6,663	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises		133				3,100
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		1,944				1,992
Net cash provided by financing activities		2,077				5,092
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(12,403	)			(28,896	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		185,718				321,083
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	173,315			$	292,187
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	645			$	820
Fixed assets and capitalized software included in accounts payable	$	73			$	99
Other receivable related to stock option exercises	$	—			$	4
Income taxes paid	$	1,454			$	303

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we use the following non-GAAP financial measures to help us evaluate trends, establish budgets, measure the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations, and determine employee incentives. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly-titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance. A reconciliation is provided below for each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we expect to incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any unusual or nonrecurring items.

Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin

Adjusted Gross Profit is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as revenue less cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization, and excluding stock-based compensation and severance costs. We define Adjusted Gross Margin as our Adjusted Gross Profit divided by our revenue. We believe Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin are useful to investors, as they eliminate the impact of certain noncash expenses and allow a direct comparison of these measures between periods without the impact of noncash expenses and certain other nonrecurring operating expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude interest expense (income), net, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill impairment, change in fair value of contingent consideration, severance costs, and other expense (income). Severance costs include severance payments related to the realignment of our resources. Other expense (income) includes debt extinguishment gain or loss and foreign exchange gain or loss. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with useful information on period-to-period performance as evaluated by management and comparison with our past financial performance. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as this measure generally eliminates the effects of certain items that may vary from company to company for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.

Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA have certain limitations, including that they exclude the impact of certain non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, whereas underlying assets may need to be replaced and result in cash capital expenditures, and stock-based compensation expense, which is a recurring charge.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, a reconciliation of our revenue to Adjusted Gross Profit:

	Three months ended August 31,								Six months ended August 31,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
	(in thousands,except percentages)								(in thousands,except percentages)
Revenue	$	106,360			$	96,864			$	216,826			$	190,090
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization		(56,922	)			(55,317	)			(115,533	)			(109,520	)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets, cost of revenue		(7,014	)			(7,000	)			(14,027	)			(14,015	)
Depreciation of property and equipment, cost of revenue		(1,178	)			(1,160	)			(2,252	)			(2,106	)
GAAP gross profit	$	41,246			$	33,387			$	85,014			$	64,449
GAAP gross margin		38.8	%			34.5	%			39.2	%			33.9	%
GAAP gross profit	$	41,246			$	33,387			$	85,014			$	64,449
Amortization of acquired intangible assets, cost of revenue		7,014				7,000				14,027				14,015
Depreciation of property and equipment, cost of revenue		1,178				1,160				2,252				2,106
Stock‑based compensation, cost of revenue		866				1,202				1,764				2,113
Severance costs, cost of revenue		—				92				—				726
Adjusted Gross Profit	$	50,304			$	42,841			$	103,057			$	83,409
Adjusted Gross Margin		47.3	%			44.2	%			47.5	%			43.9	%

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, a reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA to our net loss:

	Three months ended August 31,								Six months ended August 31,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
	(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Net loss	$	(23,934	)		$	(32,825	)		$	(51,526	)		$	(71,234	)
Adjusted for:
Interest income, net		(1,687	)			(1,714	)			(3,384	)			(2,635	)
Income tax expense		374				84				709				175
Depreciation and amortization		10,637				10,818				21,029				22,458
Stock‑based compensation		11,675				15,726				26,985				30,004
Acquisition and integration‑related costs(1)		—				(48	)			—				(21	)
Severance costs(2)		—				(52	)			—				1,050
Other expense (income)		103				(753	)			9				(1,143	)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(2,832	)		$	(8,764	)		$	(6,178	)		$	(21,346	)

(1)	For the three and six months ended August31, 2023, acquisition and integration-related costs represent expenses associated with litigation inherited through the PlushCare acquisition.
(2)	Severance costs represent expenses associated with workforce realignment actions taken by management.

FAQ

What was Accolade's (ACCD) revenue for Q2 fiscal 2025?

Accolade reported revenue of $106.4 million for the fiscal second quarter ended August 31, 2024, representing a 10% increase year-over-year.

Did Accolade (ACCD) improve its net loss in Q2 fiscal 2025?

Yes, Accolade improved its net loss by 27% to $23.9 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 compared to the same period last year.

What was Accolade's (ACCD) Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 fiscal 2025?

Accolade reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.8 million for Q2 fiscal 2025, which represents a 68% improvement from the previous year.

How did Accolade's (ACCD) Adjusted Gross Margin change in Q2 fiscal 2025?

Accolade's Adjusted Gross Margin expanded to 47.3% in Q2 fiscal 2025, up from 44.2% in the same quarter of the previous year.