BioLife Solutions Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
- 11% sequential increase in Cell Processing revenue to $14.8 million in Q4 2023
- Positive adjusted EBITDA of $700,000 in Q4 2023
- 2024 revenue guidance of $95.5 - $100.0 million excluding freezer business
- Strategic shift towards high-margin consumable offerings and divestiture of low-margin freezer franchise
- Expectation of positive adjusted EBITDA and growth in 2024
- - Total revenue for Q4 2023 decreased by 26% to $32.7 million compared to Q4 2022
- - Operating loss for 2023 was $70.8 million, including a non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge
- - Net loss for 2023 was $66.4 million, including a non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge
- - Adjusted EBITDA for 2023 was negative $4.7 million compared to positive $3.6 million in 2022
Insights
The reported increase in Cell Processing revenue by 11% sequentially to $14.8 million, paired with a positive adjusted EBITDA of $700,000, indicates a robust operational quarter for BioLife Solutions. The company's revenue guidance for 2024, projecting $95.5 to $100.0 million, suggests a strategic optimism. The focus on high-margin consumables over the lower-margin freezer business reflects a strategic shift towards more sustainable, recurring revenue streams. This realignment could enhance the company's financial profile by improving gross margins and creating a more predictable revenue model.
However, the total revenue decline of 26% year-over-year and the reported GAAP net loss of $13.4 million for Q4 2023, alongside a substantial operating loss, underscore the challenges faced during the transition period. The divestiture of the freezer business, while potentially beneficial in the long run, may have contributed to these losses. Investors should weigh the company’s strategic initiatives against the short-term financial performance to assess the potential for future profitability and growth.
BioLife Solutions' strategic decision to divest its freezer business to concentrate on its high-margin Cell Processing and Biostorage services is a response to the evolving cell and gene therapy (CGT) market. The company's position in approximately 70% of commercially sponsored CGT trials in the US, along with the FDA approval of the first tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, positions BioLife as a key player in the industry. The anticipated 10 additional unique approvals, geographic expansions, or new indications for their biopreservation media products could significantly bolster their market share.
The CGT field is rapidly growing and BioLife's proprietary technology and its embedding in approved therapies could provide a competitive edge. However, the market should consider the potential risks associated with the CGT sector, such as regulatory hurdles and the high costs of therapy development, which could impact BioLife's growth trajectory and financial outcomes.
The mention of 22 new U.S. FDA Master File cross references for BioLife's biopreservation media highlights the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and its ability to navigate the complex FDA approval process. The legal and regulatory landscape for CGT is stringent and the company’s ability to secure these references is indicative of its expertise and the potential to secure more approvals in the future.
Moreover, the FDA’s recent approval of a TIL therapy incorporating BioLife's media products signifies a legal milestone that could pave the way for further therapeutic applications. This development may have positive implications for the company's legal standing and intellectual property portfolio, potentially safeguarding its market position and offering long-term value to shareholders.
Fourth quarter Cell Processing revenue up
Expects 2024 revenue of
Conference call begins at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time today
"In 2023, as the pharmaceutical industry was rationalizing spend and capex, our low margin slow-growth freezer franchise was obfuscating the value of BioLife's high-margin, class-defining consumable bioproduction media, tools, and services. Recognizing this reality and committed to increasing shareholder value, the BioLife Team commenced a business reprioritization. The effort led to a hyper focus on the high margin consumable offering and an effort to divest the freezer franchise.
In the fourth quarter we saw a double-digit sequential increase in our core cell processing revenues and the commencement of the divestiture, with the goal of finalizing a sale by the end of the first quarter" said Roderick de Greef, Chairman and CEO.
"The divestiture matched with a doubling down on our higher margin recurring revenue streams will have an immediate and positive impact on our financial profile. Add to this, early signs from our business leaders and customers of industry clouds clearing, we expect similar momentum into 2024 and the potential for accelerating growth in the back of the year" added de Greef.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Business Highlights
- Processed 22 new
U.S. FDA Master File cross references for our biopreservation media, bringing the total processed in 2023 to 82, and the cumulative total to 694. - Based on two additional approvals in the fourth quarter, the Company's biopreservation media was embedded in 13 unique approved cell and gene therapies as of December 31, 2023, with an expectation that 10 additional unique approvals, geographic expansions or new indications will occur in the next 12 months.
- Executive management changes including the appointment of Roderick de Greef as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Garrie Richardson as Chief Revenue Officer.
de Greef continued, "Cell and gene therapies are gaining traction in the clinic and as approvals continue to gain momentum, our business will grow proportionally. With the FDA approval of the first tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy two weeks ago, our biopreservation media products are now embedded in 14 unique approved commercial cell and gene therapies. Over the next 12 months, we believe our media could be embedded in 10 additional unique approvals, geographic expansions, or new indications. Add to this a position in roughly
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
BioLife Solutions is presenting various financial metrics under
REVENUE
- Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
, a decrease of$32.7 million , or$11.5 million 26% , from for the fourth quarter of 2022. There was no COVID-related revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023. Excluding prior-year COVID-related revenue, total revenue decreased by$44.3 million 23% .- Cell Processing platform revenue was
, a decrease of$14.8 million , or$5.4 million 27% , compared with the same period in 2022 and up11% sequentially from the third quarter of 2023. - Biostorage and Services platform revenue was
, a decrease of$6.6 million , or$0.1 million 1% , compared with the same period in 2022, or an increase of , or$1.4 million 26% , excluding prior-year COVID-related revenue. - Freezers and Thaw Systems platform revenue was
, a decrease of$11.4 million , or$6.1 million 35% , compared with the same period in 2022, or a decrease of , or$5.5 million 32% , excluding COVID-related revenue.
- Cell Processing platform revenue was
- Total revenue for 2023 was
, a decrease of$143.3 million , or$18.5 million 11% , from for 2022. There was no COVID-related revenue in 2023. Excluding prior-year COVID-related revenue, total revenue decreased by$161.8 million 4% .- Cell Processing platform revenue was
, a decrease of$65.8 million , or$2.7 million 4% , compared with 2022. - Biostorage and Services platform revenue was
, a decrease of$25.9 million , or$0.6 million 2% , compared with 2022, or an increase of , or$9.7 million 61% , excluding prior-year COVID-related revenue. - Freezers and Thaw Systems platform revenue was
, down$51.6 million , or$15.1 million 23% , or down , or$12.6 million 20% , excluding prior-year COVID-related revenue.
- Cell Processing platform revenue was
GROSS MARGIN
- Gross margin (GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
26% compared with30% for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted gross margin (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was35% compared with32% for the fourth quarter of 2022. - Gross margin (GAAP) for 2023 was
31% compared with30% for 2022. Adjusted gross margin (non-GAAP) for 2023 was34% compared with33% for 2022.
OPERATING LOSS
- Operating loss (GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
, compared with$13.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was$49.3 million compared with$9.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.$8.2 million - Operating loss (GAAP) for 2023 was
, including a$70.8 million non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge related to our freezer assets, compared with$15.5 million for 2022. Adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) for 2023 was$145.5 million compared with$44.7 million for 2022.$29.3 million
NET LOSS
- Net loss (GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
, compared with$13.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was$49.2 million compared with$9.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.$8.2 million - Net loss (GAAP) for 2023 was
, including a$66.4 million non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge related to our freezer assets, compared with$15.5 million for 2022. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) for 2023 was$139.8 million compared with$45.3 million for 2022.$29.3 million
LOSS PER SHARE
- Loss per share (GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
compared with loss per share of$0.30 for the fourth quarter of 2022.$1.15 - Loss per share (GAAP) for 2023 was
compared with loss per share of$1.52 for 2022.$3.29
ADJUSTED EBITDA
- Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
compared with$0.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.$1.7 million - Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, for 2023 was negative
compared with positive$4.7 million for 2022.$3.6 million
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
- Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31, 2023, were
. On October 19, 2023, the Company reported the sale of$52.3 million of common shares to an existing shareholder.$10.4 million
2024 Revenue Guidance
BioLife Solutions is introducing 2024 revenue guidance of
- Cell Processing platform:
to$66.0 million , a growth rate of$68.5 million 0% to4% compared with 2023. Compared with annualizing the second half of 2023 revenue run rate, the 2024 revenue guidance for this platform represents growth of17% to22% . - Biostorage and Services platform:
to$29.5 million , an increase of$31.5 million 5% to12% compared with 2023. This platform now includes the ThawStar automated thawing product line, so on a like for like basis, the growth would be10% to16% .
Management expects full year positive adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA growth in 2024.
Conference Call & Webcast
Management will discuss the Company's financial results, provide a general business update and answer questions during a conference call and live webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT).
To access the webcast, log onto the Investor Relations page of the BioLife Solutions website at https://www.biolifesolutions.com/earnings. In addition, the conference call will be accessible by dialing toll-free 1-833-630-0431 or 1-412-317-1808 for international callers. The conference ID number is 29175. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the call ends and will be archived on https://investors.biolifesolutions.com for 90 days.
About BioLife Solutions
BioLife Solutions is a leading supplier of cell processing tools and services for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) and broader biopharma markets. Our expertise facilitates the commercialization of new therapies by supplying solutions that maintain the health and function of biologic materials during the collection, development, storage and distribution. For more information, please visit www.biolifesolutions.com, and follow BioLife on LinkedIn and X.
Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "designed," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings we make with the
Non-GAAP Measures of Financial Performance:
To supplement our financial statements, which are presented on the basis of
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in assessing our operating performance. We use these financial measures internally to evaluate our operating performance and for planning and forecasting of future periods. We also believe it is in the best interests of investors to provide this non-GAAP information.
While we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors, there are limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be reported by competitors, and they may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to differences in calculation methodologies. The non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative to GAAP information and are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures. They should be used only as a supplement to GAAP information and should be considered only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Media & Investor Relations |
Troy Wichterman |
Chief Financial Officer |
(425) 402-1400 |
twichterman@biolifesolutions.com |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands, except per share and share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
Product revenue | $ 26,175 | $ 37,796 | $ 117,695 | $ 136,000 | |||
Service revenue | 4,507 | 4,168 | 17,551 | 15,308 | |||
Rental revenue | 2,050 | 2,295 | 8,025 | 10,451 | |||
Total product, rental, and service revenue | 32,732 | 44,259 | 143,271 | 161,759 | |||
Costs and operating expenses: | |||||||
Cost of product, rental, and service revenue | $ 23,481 | $ 30,287 | $ 96,519 | $ 107,937 | |||
General and administrative | 12,969 | 12,575 | 55,725 | 47,670 | |||
Sales and marketing | 4,538 | 5,987 | 24,583 | 21,570 | |||
Research and development | 4,399 | 4,164 | 18,796 | 14,798 | |||
Asset impairment charges | — | 40,464 | 15,485 | 110,364 | |||
Intangible asset amortization | 915 | 1,457 | 5,181 | 9,697 | |||
Acquisition costs | — | — | — | 18 | |||
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | (415) | (1,405) | (2,193) | (4,754) | |||
Total operating expenses | 45,887 | 93,529 | 214,096 | 307,300 | |||
Operating loss | (13,155) | (49,270) | (70,825) | (145,541) | |||
Other income: | |||||||
Change in fair value of investments | — | — | — | 697 | |||
Interest expense, net | (507) | (438) | (1,812) | (687) | |||
Other income | 236 | 432 | 1,264 | 704 | |||
Gain on settlement of Global Cooling escrow | — | — | 5,115 | — | |||
Total other (expense) income, net | (271) | (6) | 4,567 | 714 | |||
Loss before income tax benefit (expense) | (13,426) | (49,276) | (66,258) | (144,827) | |||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 43 | 86 | (169) | 5,022 | |||
Net loss | $ (13,383) | $ (49,190) | $ (66,427) | $ (139,805) | |||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders: | |||||||
Basic and Diluted | $ (13,383) | $ (49,190) | $ (66,427) | $ (139,805) | |||
Net loss per share attributable to common | |||||||
Basic and Diluted | $ (0.30) | $ (1.15) | $ (1.52) | $ (3.29) | |||
Weighted average shares used to compute loss per | |||||||
Basic and Diluted | 44,822,592 | 42,791,040 | 43,719,185 | 42,481,027 |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
Net loss | $ (13,383) | $ (49,190) | $ (66,427) | $ (139,805) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 315 | 579 | 334 | (397) | |||
Comprehensive loss | $ (13,068) | $ (48,611) | $ (66,093) | $ (140,202) |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||
December | December | ||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities | $ 52,274 | $ 64,065 | |
Working capital | 78,426 | 93,870 | |
Current assets | 120,604 | 138,452 | |
Current liabilities | 42,178 | 44,582 | |
Total assets | 412,714 | 450,229 | |
Long-term obligations | 32,873 | 41,459 | |
Accumulated deficit | (313,342) | (246,915) | |
Total shareholders' equity | 337,663 | 364,188 |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||
Year Ended | |||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | $ (12,498) | $ (8,488) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 17,837 | (58,117) | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 10,591 | 16,316 | |
Effects of currency translation | 35 | (108) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ 15,965 | $ (50,397) |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
GAAP total revenues | $ 32,732 | $ 44,259 | $ 143,271 | $ 161,759 | |||
GAAP cost of revenues | (23,481) | (30,287) | (96,519) | (107,937) | |||
COGS intangible asset amortization | (582) | (733) | (2,781) | (5,007) | |||
GAAP GROSS PROFIT | $ 8,669 | $ 13,239 | $ 43,971 | $ 48,815 | |||
GAAP GROSS MARGIN | 26 % | 30 % | 31 % | 30 % | |||
ADJUSTMENTS TO GROSS PROFIT: | |||||||
Inventory step-up | — | — | — | 251 | |||
Inventory reserve costs | 1,772 | — | 2,334 | — | |||
Loss on disposal of assets | 286 | — | 286 | — | |||
Intangible asset amortization | 582 | 733 | 2,781 | 5,007 | |||
ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT | $ 11,309 | $ 13,972 | $ 49,372 | $ 54,073 | |||
ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN | 35 % | 32 % | 34 % | 33 % |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES | $ 45,887 | $ 93,529 | $ 214,096 | $ 307,299 | |||
ADJUSTMENTS TO OPERATING | |||||||
Cost of product, rental, and service | (23,481) | (30,287) | (96,519) | (107,937) | |||
Acquisition and divestiture costs | — | — | (3,226) | (18) | |||
Severance costs | (1,098) | — | (1,591) | — | |||
Intangible asset amortization | (915) | (1,457) | (5,181) | (9,696) | |||
Gain on disposal of assets | (439) | (595) | (477) | (683) | |||
Change in fair value of contingent | 415 | 1,405 | 2,193 | 4,754 | |||
Asset impairment charges | — | (40,464) | (15,485) | (110,364) | |||
ADJUSTED OPERATING EXPENSES | $ 20,369 | $ 22,131 | $ 93,810 | $ 83,355 |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
GAAP OPERATING LOSS | $ (13,155) | $ (49,270) | $ (70,825) | $ (145,540) | |||
ADJUSTMENTS TO GAAP OPERATING | |||||||
Inventory step-up | — | — | — | 251 | |||
Acquisition and divestiture costs | — | — | 3,226 | 18 | |||
Severance costs | 1,098 | — | 1,591 | — | |||
Intangible asset amortization | 915 | 1,457 | 5,181 | 9,696 | |||
Loss on disposal of assets | 439 | 595 | 477 | 683 | |||
Change in fair value of contingent | (415) | (1,405) | (2,193) | (4,754) | |||
Asset impairment charges | — | 40,464 | 15,485 | 110,364 | |||
Inventory reserve costs | 1,772 | — | 2,334 | — | |||
ADJUSTED OPERATING LOSS | $ (9,346) | $ (8,159) | $ (44,724) | $ (29,282) |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
GAAP NET LOSS | $ (13,383) | $ (49,190) | $ (66,427) | $ (139,805) | |||
ADJUSTMENTS TO GAAP NET LOSS | |||||||
Inventory step-up | — | — | — | 251 | |||
Acquisition and divestiture costs | — | — | 3,226 | 18 | |||
Severance costs | 1,098 | — | 1,591 | — | |||
Intangible asset amortization | 915 | 1,457 | 5,181 | 9,696 | |||
Loss on disposal of assets | 439 | 595 | 477 | 683 | |||
Change in fair value of investments | — | — | — | (697) | |||
Change in fair value of contingent | (415) | (1,405) | (2,193) | (4,754) | |||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (43) | (86) | 169 | (5,022) | |||
Gain on settlement of Global Cooling | — | — | (5,115) | — | |||
Asset impairment charges | — | 40,464 | 15,485 | 110,364 | |||
Inventory reserve costs | 1,772 | — | 2,334 | — | |||
ADJUSTED NET LOSS | $ (9,617) | $ (8,165) | $ (45,272) | $ (29,266) |
BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
GAAP NET LOSS | $ (13,383) | $ (49,190) | $ (66,427) | $ (139,805) | |||
ADJUSTMENTS: | |||||||
Interest expense, net | 507 | 438 | 1,812 | 687 | |||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (43) | (86) | 169 | (5,022) | |||
Depreciation | 1,468 | 1,790 | 7,126 | 6,834 | |||
Intangible asset amortization | 915 | 1,457 | 5,181 | 9,696 | |||
EBITDA | $ (10,536) | $ (45,591) | $ (52,139) | $ (127,610) | |||
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: | |||||||
Share-based compensation (non-cash) | 8,333 | 7,663 | 31,670 | 25,334 | |||
Inventory step-up | — | — | — | 251 | |||
Acquisition and divestiture costs | — | — | 3,226 | 18 | |||
Severance costs | 1,098 | — | 1,591 | — | |||
Loss on disposal of assets | 439 | 595 | 477 | 683 | |||
Change in fair value of investments | — | — | — | (697) | |||
Change in fair value of contingent | (415) | (1,405) | (2,193) | (4,754) | |||
Gain on settlement of Global Cooling | — | — | (5,115) | — | |||
Asset impairment charges | — | 40,464 | 15,485 | 110,364 | |||
Inventory reserve costs | 1,772 | — | 2,334 | — | |||
ADJUSTED EBITDA | $ 691 | $ 1,726 | $ (4,664) | $ 3,589 |
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SOURCE BioLife Solutions, Inc.
FAQ
What was the sequential increase in Cell Processing revenue in Q4 2023 for BioLife Solutions (BLFS)?
What is the 2024 revenue guidance for BioLife Solutions (BLFS)?
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