NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Reports 2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NBY) reports a 10% increase in Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment, driven by higher Avenova® sales through physician dispensed and OTC channels. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 27%, with a divestiture of the skincare segment expected to boost cash position. The company continues its eyecare growth strategy with a co-marketing partnership and achieved a 64% increase in online subscription-based unit sales.

Positive

• 10% growth in Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment
• 27% decline in sales and marketing expenses for the quarter
• Divestiture of skincare segment to enhance cash position
• Co-marketing partnership in the eyecare market for strategic growth
• 64% year-over-year increase in online subscription-based unit sales

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported 10% increase in Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals indicates a solid performance in these areas, likely reflecting a successful adaptation to market demands and effective channel strategy. The growth in Avenova sales, both through physician dispensed and OTC channels, suggests an effective utilization of digital marketing, which is also supported by the reported reduction in sales and marketing expenses. This reduction, by 27% for the quarter, signifies a strategic shift towards more cost-efficient digital marketing tactics, which could be a positive signal for operating leverage improvement.

The divestiture of the skincare segment, DERMAdoctor, appears to be a strategic move to focus on core competencies and could result in a more streamlined operation with reduced complexity and cost structure. This refocus on the eyecare segment, including the co-marketing partnership with Eyenovia, may enhance NovaBay's market position in its specialty areas. However, investors should be mindful of the impairment charges related to the skincare segment, which may indicate challenges faced in this area and potential risks associated with divestitures.

Furthermore, the full-year financials show a modest 2% increase in total sales, with a stable gross margin. The reduction in G&A and R&D expenses could be indicative of disciplined cost management. However, the net loss attributable to common stockholders and the increase in other expenses, primarily due to interest and amortization of convertible notes, highlight the need to examine the company's capital structure and financing strategy. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents year-over-year should also be monitored closely as it may impact the company's ability to fund ongoing operations and growth initiatives.

Market Research Analyst

The growth in NovaBay's eyecare and wound care segment sales reflects broader industry trends where companies that leverage online sales channels and subscriptions, such as through Amazon.com and Avenova.com, can outperform. The 64% year-over-year increase in online subscription-based unit sales underscores the importance of a strong e-commerce strategy in the healthcare products market. The company's ability to capitalize on digital marketing to drive sales while simultaneously reducing marketing expenses is a testament to the efficacy of digital optimization strategies in reaching and retaining customers.

From a market perspective, the partnership with Eyenovia could potentially open new distribution avenues and enhance product offerings, which may be a strategic move to capture additional market share. Investors should consider the potential for synergies from this partnership and how it might contribute to future revenue growth. It is also essential to consider the competitive landscape of the eyecare market and how NovaBay's growth strategy aligns with emerging trends in consumer preferences and technology adoption within the sector.

Medical Industry Analyst

The eyecare and wound care markets are highly competitive with a significant focus on innovation and customer retention. NovaBay's reported increase in sales within these segments suggests that their product offerings, such as Avenova, are resonating with both physicians and consumers. The emphasis on physician-dispensed and over-the-counter sales channels indicates a strategic approach to market penetration, catering to different customer segments.

The reduction in R&D expenses might raise questions about the company's long-term innovation pipeline and commitment to product development. While cost reductions can benefit the bottom line in the short term, sustained R&D investment is critical for long-term competitiveness in the medical industry. Stakeholders should assess the balance between cost-saving measures and the potential impact on future product development and market competitiveness.

Moreover, the divestiture of the skincare segment may allow NovaBay to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on areas with higher growth potential. However, the impairment charges suggest that there were significant challenges within the skincare business and stakeholders should consider whether the issues leading to impairment were unique to the skincare segment or indicative of broader operational challenges.

• Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment grew 10% over the prior year with higher sales from the Avenova^® physician dispensed and OTC channels, and from branded wound care products
• Sales and marketing expenses for the quarter declined 27% reflecting digital marketing optimization
• Divestiture of skincare segment expected to bolster cash position and reduce operating expenses
• Continued execution on eyecare growth strategy including recent co-marketing partnership

Conference call begins at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time today

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NovaBay^® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: NBY) reports financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2023 and provides a business update.

“Quarterly revenue from our eyecare and wound care segment increased 10% versus the prior year, driven by higher Avenova sales through our physician dispensed and OTC channels, and by higher sales of our branded wound care products,” said Justin Hall, CEO of NovaBay. “Last year we expanded our loyal customer base for Avenova with a 64% year-over-year increase in online subscription-based unit sales on Amazon.com and Avenova.com, our two most important OTC sales channels. We achieved this while reducing our sales and marketing spend by 17% for the year, including a 27% reduction for the quarter, by further leveraging our digital marketing expertise."

“Further, the declining sales from skincare products prompted the recent divestiture of DERMAdoctor^®, which reduces our operating expenses and better positions us to pursue strategic initiatives that have a greater potential for growth,” he added.

“We recently announced a co-promotion agreement with Eyenovia that capitalizes on our established relationships with eyecare professionals and are seeking additional strategic growth opportunities in the eyecare market,” said Mr. Hall.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Total sales, net for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $3.7 million, an increase of 2% from $3.6 million for the prior-year period, with the increase due to higher Avenova and wound care product sales. Net product revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 included $2.8 million from the eyecare and wound care segment, and $0.9 million from the skincare segment.

Gross margin on net product revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 49%, compared with 48% for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Sales and marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $1.4 million, a 27% decrease from $1.9 million for the prior-year period, reflecting lower digital advertising costs and lower expenses for outside professional services. General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $1.2 million, a 51% decrease from $2.4 million for the prior-year period, with the decrease due primarily to a decrease in both headcount and the use of outside professional services. Research & development (R&D) expenses also decreased for the fourth quarter of 2023 to $4 thousand, versus $66 thousand for the prior-year period.

The Company recorded goodwill, intangible and other asset impairment charges for the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022 of $2.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the DERMAdoctor business.

Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of warrant liability for the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022 were $56 thousand and $976 thousand, respectively. Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of contingent liability for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $342 thousand and was related to the operations of DERMAdoctor, which was recently sold.

Other expense, net for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $766 thousand, consisting primarily of interest expense and the amortization of discounts on convertible notes issued in May 2023. This compared with other expense, net for the fourth quarter of 2022 of $98 thousand.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $9.2 million, or $1.33 per share, which included a non-cash adjustment of $5.1 million due to the reset of preferred stock conversion prices. This compared with a net loss attributable to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2022 of $8.2 million, or $4.33 per share.

Full Year Financial Results

Total sales, net for 2023 were $14.7 million, an increase of 2% from $14.4 million for 2022, and included $11.2 million from the eyecare and wound care segment, and $3.6 million from the skincare segment.

Gross margin on net product revenue remained relatively unchanged for 2023 and 2022 at 54%.

For 2023, sales and marketing expenses decreased by 17% and G&A expenses decreased by 15%, both compared with 2022. R&D expenses for 2023 were $68 thousand, versus $174 thousand for the prior year.

The Company recorded goodwill, intangible and other asset impairment charges for 2023 and 2022 of $2.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the DERMAdoctor business. Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-live assets related to the DERMAdoctor business were fully impaired through December 31, 2023.

Non-cash loss on modification of common stock warrants for 2023 and 2022 was $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and related to private placement and warrant reprice transactions. Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of warrant liability for 2023 and 2022 were $0.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of contingent liability for 2022 was $0.6 million with no comparable item in 2023.

Other expense, net for 2023 was $2.1 million, versus other expense, net of $0.3 million for 2022, with the increase primarily due to the amortization of discount and issuance costs related to the convertible notes issued in May 2023.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for 2023 was $16.7 million, or $3.96 per share, which included a non-cash increase to accumulated deficit due to adjustment to preferred stock conversion prices of $7.1 million. This compared with a net loss attributable to common stockholders for 2022 of $16.3 million, or $10.10 per share, which included a non-cash increase to accumulated deficit due to adjustment to preferred stock conversion prices of $5.7 million.

NovaBay had cash and cash equivalents of $3.1 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $5.4 million as of December 31, 2022.

Conference Call

NovaBay management will host an investment community conference call today beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss the Company’s financial and operational results and answer questions. Participants can pre-register for the conference call here. Callers who pre-register will be given a conference passcode and unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Stockholders and other interested parties may also participate in the conference call by dialing 833-816-1121 from within the U.S. or 412-317-1862 from outside the U.S., and requesting the NovaBay Pharmaceuticals call.

A live webcast of the call will be available here and will be archived for 90 days. A replay of the call will be available beginning two hours after the call ends through April 15, 2024 by dialing 877-344-7529 from within the U.S., 855-669-9658 from Canada or 412-317-0088 from outside the U.S. and Canada, and entering the conference identification number 1489846.

About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:

NovaBay’s leading product Avenova^® Antimicrobial Lid & Lash Solution is often prescribed by eyecare professionals for blepharitis and dry-eye disease and is available directly to consumers through online distribution channels such as Amazon.com. It is clinically proven to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria to help relieve the symptoms of bacterial dry eye, yet is non-irritating and completely safe for regular use. NovaBay offers a full portfolio of scientifically developed products for each step of the standard dry eye treatment regimen, including the Avenova Eye Health Support antioxidant-rich oral supplement, Avenova Lubricating Eye Drops for instant relief, Avenova Warm Eye Compress to soothe the eyes and the i-Chek by Avenova to monitor physical eyelid health. The Avenova Allograft, an amniotic tissue prescription-only product, is available through eyecare professionals in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains information about management's view of the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates, projections and beliefs. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business strategies, commercial progress, current and potential future product offerings, expanded access to our products through new and existing sales channels, and any future revenue, and the timing of such revenue, that may result from selling these products, as well as generally the Company’s expected future financial results. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different and adverse from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the size of the potential market for our products, the Company’s products not being able to penetrate one or more targeted markets and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and revenues (or the execution on capital raise opportunities) not being sufficient to meet the Company’s cash needs. Other risks relating to NovaBay’s business, including risks that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements in this press release, are detailed in NovaBay’s latest Form 10-K/Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially under the heading “Risk Factors.” The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date, and NovaBay disclaims any intent or obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement except as required by law.

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Avenova Purchasing Information
For NovaBay Avenova purchasing information:
Please call 800-890-0329 or email sales@avenova.com
Avenova.com

Financial tables follow

NOVABAY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value amounts)
		December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,130			$	5,362
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses ($3 and $19 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)			759				1,973
Inventory, net of allowance for excess and obsolete inventory and lower of cost or estimated net realizable value adjustments ($627 and $499 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)			2,877				3,437
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			388				560
Total current assets			7,154				11,332
Operating lease right-of-use assets			1,296				1,831
Property and equipment, net			87				119
Goodwill			—				348
Other intangible assets, net			—				2,280
Other assets			497				489
TOTAL ASSETS		$	9,034			$	16,399
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,130			$	1,080
Accrued liabilities			1,516				2,724
Convertible Notes, net of discounts			1,137				—
Operating lease liabilities			495				453
Total current liabilities			4,278				4,257
Warrant liability			334				—
Operating lease liabilities-non-current			1,108				1,588
Total liabilities			5,720				5,845
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized;
Series B Preferred Stock; 6 and 12 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively			275				570
Series C Preferred Stock; 1 and 2 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively			1,675				2,403
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000 shares authorized, 11,230 and 2,035 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively*			112				20
Additional paid-in capital*			176,101				165,713
Accumulated deficit			(174,849	)			(158,152	)
Total stockholders’ equity			3,314				10,554
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	9,034			$	16,399

*

After giving retroactive effect to a 1-for-35 reverse stock split that became effective November 15, 2022.

NOVABAY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2023				2022				2023				2022
Sales:
Product revenue, net		$	3,716			$	3,631			$	14,687			$	14,374
Other revenue, net			11				12				39				30
Total sales, net			3,727				3,643				14,726				14,404
Product cost of goods sold			1,912				1,888				6,831				6,623
Gross profit			1,815				1,755				7,895				7,781
Operating expenses:
Research and development			4				66				68				174
Sales and marketing			1,414				1,938				6,500				7,798
General and administrative			1,195				2,440				6,330				7,489
Goodwill, intangible and other asset impairment			2,593				6,737				2,593				6,737
Total operating expenses			5,206				11,181				15,491				22,198
Operating loss			(3,391	)			(9,426	)			(7,596	)			(14,417	)
Non-cash loss on modification of common stock warrants			(7	)			-				(292	)			(1,922	)
Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of warrant liability			56				976				272				5,446
Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of contingent liability			-				342				-				561
Non-cash gain on changes in fair value of combined derivative liability			-				-				40				-
Other expense, net			(766	)			(98	)			(2,064	)			(276	)
Net loss		$	(4,108	)		$	(8,206	)		$	(9,640	)		$	(10,608	)
Less: Increase to accumulated deficit due to adjustment
to Preferred Stock conversion prices			5,061				-				7,057				5,657
Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,169	)		$	(8,206	)		$	(16,697	)		$	(16,265	)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (basic and diluted) *			(1.33	)		$	(4.33	)		$	(3.96	)		$	(10.10	)
Weighted-average shares of common stock used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (basic and diluted) *			6,897				1,893				4,215				1,610
* After giving retroactive effect to a 1-for-35 reverse stock split that became effective November 15, 2022.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240326316206/en/

NovaBay

Justin Hall

Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel

510-899-8800

jhall@novabay.com

Investor

LHA Investor Relations

Jody Cain

310-691-7100

jcain@lhai.com

Source: NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What was the percentage increase in Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY)?

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) reported a 10% increase in Q4 net sales from the eyecare and wound care segment.

How much did sales and marketing expenses decline by in the quarter mentioned in the press release for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY)?

Sales and marketing expenses for the quarter declined by 27% for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY).

What strategic move did NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) make to enhance its cash position according to the press release?

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) divested its skincare segment to bolster its cash position.

What growth strategy is NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) focusing on in the eyecare market?

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) is concentrating on a co-marketing partnership in the eyecare market for strategic growth.

How much was the year-over-year increase in online subscription-based unit sales for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) according to the press release?

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) achieved a 64% year-over-year increase in online subscription-based unit sales.