Accolade Announces Results for Fiscal Third Quarter 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Accolade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCD) announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended November 30, 2023. The company reported a 9% increase in revenue, reaching $99.4 million, and a 47% decrease in net loss compared to the same period in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA improved by 55%, and adjusted gross profit increased by 10%. Accolade also provided forward-looking guidance for the fiscal year 2024, expecting a revenue range of $411 million to $415 million and Adjusted EBITDA between $(6) million and $(10) million. The company aims for a revenue growth of approximately 20% and an Adjusted EBITDA between 2% and 4% of revenue for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported revenue increase of 9% and the notable 47% reduction in net loss for Accolade, Inc. indicate a positive trend in the company's financial performance. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA, which is a significant measure of profitability that excludes non-operational expenses, suggests that the company's operational efficiency is improving. This is further corroborated by a 10% increase in Adjusted Gross Profit and a slight improvement in Adjusted Gross Margin.

Investors might find the company's forward-looking guidance particularly encouraging, as it signals confidence in sustained growth and profitability. The anticipated 20% revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 2% to 4% for fiscal year 2025 are ambitious targets that reflect the company's strategic initiatives in leveraging AI and other innovations. The ability to deliver positive Adjusted EBITDA in the upcoming quarters could be a strong signal for long-term financial stability.

However, the lack of reconciliation for Adjusted EBITDA to net loss and the absence of forward-looking guidance for net loss deserve attention from investors, as these could indicate potential volatility in net earnings due to factors like stock-based compensation. This uncertainty might affect the stock's risk profile.

Market Research Analyst

Accolade's emphasis on improving health outcomes through a combination of people and technology positions the company at the forefront of innovation in the healthcare sector. The company's growing customer base is a testament to its competitive advantage in closing the physician gap and improving access to care. This market positioning is likely to resonate with employer customers seeking cost-effective healthcare solutions for their employees.

The company's strategic direction, focusing on AI and other technological advancements, is aligned with broader industry trends towards digital transformation in healthcare. The proactive approach to leveraging technology for enhancing the healthcare experience could drive market share growth and create a defensible moat against competitors.

Healthcare Industry Analyst

Accolade's business model, which integrates AI to improve healthcare experiences, is indicative of the broader shift in the healthcare industry towards personalized and efficient care delivery. By addressing the physician gap and access to care, the company is tackling two of the most pressing issues in healthcare today. This strategic focus not only has the potential to improve patient outcomes but also to reduce overall healthcare costs, which can be a significant selling point to existing and prospective clients.

It is critical to monitor how Accolade's investments in innovation translate into long-term value creation. The healthcare industry is known for its regulatory complexities and reimbursement challenges, which means that Accolade's ability to navigate these while scaling its solutions will be crucial for its continued success and impact on the stock market.

SEATTLE, Jan. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accolade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCD) today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended November 30, 2023.

“As we head into the new year, Accolade continues to define the future of how healthcare should be experienced in this country. Our unique combination of people and technology is creating a new model for improving health outcomes and helping our more than 10 million members live healthier lives. We are closing the physician gap, improving access to care, and leveraging AI and other innovations to make the system work better for our employer customers, their employees and their families. The results can be seen in our growing customer base and increasing revenues as we plan to deliver positive Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and next fiscal year,” said Rajeev Singh, Accolade Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.

Financial Highlights for Fiscal Third Quarter ended November 30, 2023

	Three months ended November 30,
		2023				2022			% Change(2)
	(in millions, except percentages)
GAAP Financial Data:
Revenue	$	99.4			$	90.9			9	%
Net loss	$	(21.1	)		$	(39.9	)		47	%
Non-GAAP Financial Data(1):
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(4.6	)		$	(10.2	)		55	%
Adjusted Gross Profit	$	46.0			$	41.8			10	%
Adjusted Gross Margin		46.3	%			45.9	%

⁽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 exceeded both top and bottom line guidance this quarter as we continue to execute consistently across the business. On the strength of our new bookings and the utilization trends we are experiencing, we are raising our guidance for fiscal year 2024 and affirming our expectation for approximately 20% revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA between 2% - 4% in fiscal year 2025.”

Financial Outlook

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

For the fiscal fourth quarter ending February 29, 2024, we expect:

• Revenue between $121.5 million and $125.5 million
• Adjusted EBITDA between $16 million and $20 million

For the fiscal year ending February 29, 2024, we expect:

• Revenue between $411 million and $415 million
• Adjusted EBITDA between $(6) million and $(10) million

For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025, we are affirming preliminary revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance as follows:

• Revenue growth of approximately 20%
• Adjusted EBITDA between 2% and 4% of revenue

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, January 8, 2024 at 4:30 p.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/BI0aea659c422c4c259198c9c7e6313d1b). 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)
	November 30, 2023				February 28, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	230,017			$	321,083
Accounts receivable, net		23,195				23,435
Unbilled revenue		2,362				3,260
Current portion of deferred contract acquisition costs		4,462				4,022
Prepaid and other current assets		12,054				14,149
Total current assets		272,090				365,949
Property and equipment, net		19,223				14,763
Operating lease right-of-use assets		28,847				29,525
Goodwill		278,191				278,191
Intangible assets, net		174,548				203,202
Deferred contract acquisition costs		9,588				9,815
Other assets		2,984				1,624
Total assets	$	785,471			$	903,069
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	12,667			$	10,155
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		8,334				11,744
Accrued compensation		25,911				39,346
Due to customers		9,085				15,694
Current portion of deferred revenue		52,772				35,191
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		6,900				7,284
Total current liabilities		115,669				119,414
Loans payable, net of unamortized issuance costs		208,178				282,323
Operating lease liabilities		26,620				27,189
Other noncurrent liabilities		165				203
Deferred revenue		120				154
Total liabilities		350,752				429,283
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock par value $0.0001; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 76,966,368 and 73,089,075 shares issued and outstanding at November 30, 2023 and February 28, 2023, respectively		8				7
Additional paid-in capital		1,481,303				1,428,073
Accumulated deficit		(1,046,592	)			(954,294	)
Total stockholders’ equity		434,719				473,786
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	785,471			$	903,069

Accolade, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three months ended November 30,								Nine months ended November 30,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenue	$	99,371			$	90,946			$	289,461			$	264,117
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization		54,518				50,412				164,038				147,857
Operating expenses:
Product and technology		23,468				24,254				74,969				77,265
Sales and marketing		26,230				25,023				75,339				75,573
General and administrative		15,474				20,037				47,813				61,295
Depreciation and amortization		11,400				11,602				33,858				34,749
Goodwill impairment		—				—				—				299,705
Total operating expenses		76,572				80,916				231,979				548,587
Loss from operations		(31,719	)			(40,382	)			(106,556	)			(432,327	)
Interest income (expense), net		1,705				386				4,340				(484	)
Other income (expense)		9,281				201				10,424				21
Loss before income taxes		(20,733	)			(39,795	)			(91,792	)			(432,790	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(331	)			(77	)			(506	)			3,573
Net loss	$	(21,064	)		$	(39,872	)		$	(92,298	)		$	(429,217	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.28	)		$	(0.56	)		$	(1.24	)		$	(6.07	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		76,139,256				71,228,351				74,572,094				70,755,157

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

	Three months ended November 30,								Nine months ended November 30,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization	$	1,163			$	1,247			$	3,276			$	3,645
Product and technology		7,807				5,930				22,416				19,045
Sales and marketing		3,321				4,513				11,023				12,772
General and administrative		3,353				6,216				8,933				19,347
Total stock-based compensation	$	15,644			$	17,906			$	45,648			$	54,809

Accolade, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (In thousands)
	Nine months ended November 30,
		2023				2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(92,298	)		$	(429,217	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
Operating activities:
Goodwill impairment		—				299,705
Depreciation and amortization expense		33,858				34,749
Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs		4,012				2,592
Deferred income taxes		—				(3,859	)
Noncash interest expense		1,236				1,251
Gain on repurchase of convertible notes		(9,268	)			—
Stock-based compensation expense		45,648				54,809
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue		1,138				6,616
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(133	)			244
Deferred contract acquisition costs		(4,224	)			(6,428	)
Deferred revenue and due to customers		10,937				5,596
Accrued compensation		(13,433	)			(3,722	)
Other liabilities		(314	)			2,030
Other assets		721				(2,512	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(22,120	)			(38,146	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capitalized software development costs		(6,475	)			(2,914	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(3,900	)			(1,901	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(10,375	)			(4,815	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments for repurchase of convertible notes		(65,808	)			—
Payments for debt extinguishment costs		(355	)			—
Proceeds from stock option exercises		4,013				1,646
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		3,579				2,927
Payment of contingent consideration for acquisition		—				(1,828	)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(58,571	)			2,745
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(91,066	)			(40,216	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		321,083				365,853
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	230,017			$	325,637
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	1,590			$	1,539
Fixed assets and capitalized software included in accounts payable	$	40			$	736
Other receivable related to stock option exercises	$	1			$	—
Income taxes paid	$	325			$	103

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 November 30,								Nine months ended November 30,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
	(in thousands,except percentages)								(in thousands,except percentages)
Revenue	$	99,371			$	90,946			$	289,461			$	264,117
Less:
Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization		(54,518	)			(50,412	)			(164,038	)			(147,857	)
Gross profit, excluding depreciation and amortization		44,853				40,534				125,423				116,260
Add:
Stock‑based compensation, cost of revenue		1,163				1,247				3,276				3,645
Severance costs, cost of revenue		(38	)			(1	)			688				113
Adjusted Gross Profit	$	45,978			$	41,781			$	129,387			$	120,019
Gross margin, excluding depreciation and amortization		45.1	%			44.6	%			43.3	%			44.0	%
Adjusted Gross Margin		46.3	%			45.9	%			44.7	%			45.4	%

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

	Three months ended November 30,								Nine months ended November 30,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
	(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Net loss	$	(21,064	)		$	(39,872	)		$	(92,298	)		$	(429,217	)
Adjusted for:
Interest expense (income), net		(1,705	)			(386	)			(4,340	)			484
Income tax (benefit) expense		331				77				506				(3,573	)
Depreciation and amortization		11,400				11,602				33,858				34,749
Stock‑based compensation		15,644				17,906				45,648				54,809
Acquisition and integration‑related costs(1)		208				439				187				439
Goodwill impairment		—				—				—				299,705
Severance costs(2)		(159	)			213				891				3,288
Other expense (income)(3)		(9,281	)			(201	)			(10,424	)			(21	)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(4,626	)		$	(10,222	)		$	(25,972	)		$	(39,337	)

⁽¹⁾   For the three and nine months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, acquisition and integration-related costs represent expenses associated with litigation inherited through the PlushCare acquisition. Refer to Note 10 in our condensed consolidated financial statements for further details.
⁽²⁾   Severance costs represent expenses associated with workforce realignment actions taken by management.
⁽³⁾   For the three and nine months ended November 30, 2023, other expense (income) includes a gain on extinguishment of debt.

FAQ

What are the financial results for Accolade, Inc. for the fiscal third quarter ended November 30, 2023?

The company reported a 9% increase in revenue, reaching $99.4 million, and a 47% decrease in net loss compared to the same period in 2022.

What is the Adjusted EBITDA for Accolade, Inc. for the fiscal third quarter ended November 30, 2023?

Adjusted EBITDA improved by 55%, and adjusted gross profit increased by 10%.

What is the financial outlook provided by Accolade, Inc. for the fiscal year 2024?

The company expects a revenue range of $411 million to $415 million and Adjusted EBITDA between $(6) million and $(10) million for the fiscal year 2024.

What are the company's expectations for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025?

Accolade aims for a revenue growth of approximately 20% and an Adjusted EBITDA between 2% and 4% of revenue for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025.

When will Accolade, Inc. host its quarterly conference call to discuss its financial results?

The company will host a conference call on January 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. E.T.