Nuwellis, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Nuwellis, Inc. reported financial results for Q1 2024 with revenue of $1.9 million, a 2% increase over the prior year. Consumables sales grew by 11%, pediatric revenue increased by 40%, and gross margin improved to 64.1%. The company received FDA clearance for a new catheter and launched Aquadex ultrafiltration therapy. Expense reductions of nearly 50% are expected for the rest of the year.

Positive

• Revenue increased by 2% to $1.9 million in Q1 2024.

• Consumables sales grew by 11% year-over-year.

• Pediatric revenue saw a significant 40% increase.

• Gross margin improved to 64.1% from 58.4% in the prior year.

• Received FDA clearance for a new catheter.

• Launched Aquadex ultrafiltration therapy for heart failure patients.

• Anticipates significant expense reductions of nearly 50% through efficiency initiatives.

Negative

• Operating loss decreased to $4.7 million in Q1 2024.

• Net loss attributable to common shareholders was $3.8 million.

• Cash and cash equivalents stood at approximately $1.4 million.

• Closed an underwritten public offering with gross proceeds of $2.7 million.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Nuwellis, Inc.'s report of a slight 2% revenue increase to $1.9 million in Q1 2024 over the prior year indicates a modest performance in top-line growth. However, the highlight is the 11% year-over-year growth in consumables sales, which constitute the bulk of their revenue at 82%. This points to an underlying strength in their product demand, particularly in their pediatric division, which saw a 40% revenue surge. The increase in gross margin to 64.1% from 58.4% reflects improved efficiencies and scaling in manufacturing. On the expense side, the company has effectively managed to reduce its SG&A expenses by 16.4% and slightly lower its R&D expenditures, which shows a strategic cut in costs without significantly hampering innovation. This has contributed to a smaller operating loss of $4.7 million, improving from a $5.8 million loss in the previous year. The net loss figure also improved to $3.8 million from $6.5 million, which is a substantial enhancement. Despite these positives, the net loss per share of $0.60 and the relatively low cash position of $1.4 million as of March 31, 2024, raise questions about their financial runway and the need for further capital infusion, which they seem to have partially addressed with their recent $2.7 million public offering. These financials are a mixed bag, with some positive operational improvements but ongoing concerns about the company's long-term sustainability.

Market Research Analyst

The FDA clearance for an additional dual lumen extended length catheter and the launch of Aquadex® ultrafiltration therapy for heart failure patients as part of the REVERSE-HF clinical study demonstrate Nuwellis' commitment to innovation and market expansion. The specific mention of significant expense reductions, potentially up to 50%, suggests an aggressive approach to reaching profitability. However, it is important to observe if these cuts will impact the company's capacity to innovate and grow. The pediatric growth figures and the recent FDA clearance could signify an expanding market niche and regulatory momentum, which may translate into increased investor confidence. Furthermore, the partnership with DaVita and the commercialization of Quelimmune™ SCD under an exclusive license with SeaStar Medical indicate strategic moves to diversify revenue streams. These forward-looking statements may resonate well with investors looking for growth opportunities in the medical technology sector.

MINNEAPOLIS, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuwellis, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUWE), a medical technology company focused on transforming the lives of people with fluid overload, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Highlights:

• Revenue of $1.9 million, a 2% increase over the prior-year period.
• Consumables sales, representing 82% of total revenue, grew 11% year-over-year.
• Pediatric revenue growth of 40% year over year led by a 54% increase in consumable sales.
• Gross margin of 64.1%, compared to 58.4% in the prior year period.
• Received FDA clearance for an additional dual lumen extended length catheter.
• Launched Aquadex^® ultrafiltration therapy for heart failure patients as a part of Nuwellis’ pivotal REVERSE-HF clinical study at Henry Ford Health.
• Company anticipates significant expense reductions – approaching 50% – through efficiency initiatives for the rest of the calendar year.
  

“We are pleased to see firm utilization, led by Pediatrics and in Critical Care, driving first-quarter revenue,” said Nestor Jaramillo, President and CEO of Nuwellis. “Increased awareness of the clinical and economic benefits of the Aquadex system continues to result in healthy utilization gains demonstrating increased therapy adoption as we navigate capital sales cycles. We look forward to continued positive momentum and growth in 2024 as we provide increased access optionality and a new source of revenue with our new 12 cm catheter, advance our pilot phase with DaVita, and begin to commercialize Quelimmune™ SCD under our exclusive license and distribution agreement with SeaStar Medical (Nasdaq “ICU”).”

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2024 was $1.9 million, a 2% increase compared to the prior-year period. The year-over-year increase is attributable to an 11% increase in consumable sales.

Gross margin was 64.1% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 58.4% in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to higher manufacturing volumes of consumables.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 decreased to $4.6 million, compared to $5.5 million in the prior-year period. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily due to reduced headcount and compensation-related expense and lower corporate administrative expenses.

First quarter research and development expenses were $1.3 million, compared to $1.4 million in the prior-year period.

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $5.9 million, a 14% decrease compared to $6.9 million in the prior-year period. The $1 million decrease was due to cost saving measures implemented early in the second half of 2023 and carried forward to the current period as we continue to drive operating efficiencies.

Operating loss for the first quarter of 2024 decreased to $4.7 million compared to an operating loss of $5.8 million in the prior-year period.

Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2024 was $3.8 million, or a loss of $0.60 per basic and diluted common share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $6.5 million, or a loss of $5.76 per basic and diluted common share in the prior-year period.

At March 31, 2024, the Company had no debt, cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.4 million, and approximately 6.8 million common shares outstanding. On April 30, Nuwellis closed an underwritten public offering with gross proceeds of $2.7 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions related to the offering.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 AM ET today to discuss its financial results and provide an update on the Company’s performance.

To access the live webcast, please visit the Investors page of the Nuwellis website at https://ir.nuwellis.com. Alternatively, you may access the live conference call by dialing 1-833-816-1404 (U.S) or 1-412-317-0497 (international) and using the conference ID: 10188299. An audio archive of the webcast will be available following the call on the Investors page at https://ir.nuwellis.com.

About Nuwellis

Nuwellis, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUWE) is a medical technology company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients suffering from fluid overload through science, collaboration, and innovation. The company is focused on commercializing the Aquadex SmartFlow^® system for ultrafiltration therapy. Nuwellis is headquartered in Minneapolis, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Ireland. For more information visit ir.nuwellis.com or visit us on LinkedIn or X.

About the Aquadex SmartFlow^® System 
The Aquadex SmartFlow system delivers clinically proven therapy using a simple, flexible and smart method of removing excess fluid from patients suffering from hypervolemia (fluid overload). The Aquadex SmartFlow system is indicated for temporary (up to 8 hours) or extended (longer than 8 hours in patients who require hospitalization) use in adult and pediatric patients weighing 20 kg or more whose fluid overload is unresponsive to medical management, including diuretics. All treatments must be administered by a health care provider, within an outpatient or inpatient clinical setting, under physician prescription, both having received training in extracorporeal therapies.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation, statements regarding the new market opportunities and anticipated growth in 2024 and beyond. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, those risks associated with our ability to execute on our commercialization strategy, the possibility that we may be unable to raise sufficient funds necessary for our anticipated operations, our post-market clinical data collection activities, benefits of our products to patients, our expectations with respect to product development and commercialization efforts, our ability to increase market and physician acceptance of our products, potentially competitive product offerings, intellectual property protection, our ability to integrate acquired businesses, our expectations regarding anticipated synergies with and benefits from acquired businesses, and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. Nuwellis does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS

INVESTORS:
Vivian Cervantes
Gilmartin Group
ir@nuwellis.com

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
		March 31, 2024										December 31, 2023
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,400							$			3,800
Accounts receivable		1,226										1,951
Inventories, net		2,131										1,997
Other current assets		440										461
Total current assets		5,197										8.209
Property, plant and equipment, net		681										728
Operating lease right-of-use asset		664										713
Other assets		120										120
TOTAL ASSETS	$	6,662									$	9,770
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	3,332							$			2,380
Accrued compensation		725										525
Current portion of operating lease liability		221										216
Other current liabilities		45										51
Total current liabilities		4,323										3,172
Common stock warrant liability		964										2,843
Operating lease liability		488										544
Total liabilities		5,775										6,559
Commitments and contingencies
Mezzanine Equity Series J Convertible Preferred Stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 600,000 shares, issued and outstanding 82 and 11,950, respectively		2										221
Stockholders’ equity Series A junior participating preferred stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 30,000 shares, none outstanding		—										—
Series F convertible preferred stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 18,000 shares, issued and outstanding 127 shares		—								—
Preferred stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 39,352,000 shares, none outstanding		—										—
Common stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 6,801,443 and 5,682,461, respectively		1									1
Additional paid-in capital		292,880								290,646
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(40			)							(31			)
Accumulated deficit		(291,956			)							(287,626			)
Total stockholders’ equity		885										2,990
TOTAL LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	6,662							$			9,770

NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts and weighted average shares outstanding)
		Three months ended March 31
		2024			2023
Net sales	$	1,857		$	1,826
Cost of goods sold		666			759
Gross profit		1,191			1,067
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		4,606			5,490
Research and development		1,334			1,428
Total operating expenses		5,940			6,918
Loss from operations		(4,749	)		(5,851	)
Other income (expense), net		(101	)		123
Change in fair value of warrant liability		522			(755	)
Loss before income taxes		(4,328	)		(6,483	)
Income tax expense		(2	)		(2	)
Net loss		(4,330	)		(6,485	)
Deemed dividend attributable to Series J Convertible Preferred Stock		541			—
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	(3,789	)	$	(6,485	)
Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.60	)	$	(5.76	)
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		6,286,298			1,125,993
Other comprehensive loss:
Net loss	$	(4,330	)	$	(6,485	)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities		—			6
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(9	)		(7	)
Total comprehensive loss	$	(4,339	)	$	(6,486	)

NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (in thousands)
		Three months ended March 31
		2024				2023
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(4,330	)		$	(6,485		)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		76				86
Stock-based compensation expense		158				181
Change in fair value of warrant liability		(522	)			755
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		725				105
Inventory, net		(134	)			(81		)
Other current assets		21				(81
Other assets and liabilities		(6	)			(16		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,150				(570		)
Net cash used in operating activities		(2,862	)			(6,106		)
Investing Activities:
Additions to intangible assets		—				(85	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(29	)			(13	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(29	)			(98	)
Financing Activities:
Issuance costs related to 2022 common stock offering		—				(11	)
Proceeds from the exercise of Series J Convertible Preferred Warrants		500				—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		500				(11	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(9	)			(7	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(2,400	)			(6,222	)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period		3,800				17,737
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	1,400			$	11,515
Supplemental cash flow information
Issuance of Series J Preferred Stock for exercise of Warrants	$	1,857			$	—
Issuance of Common Stock for conversion of Series J Preferred Stock	$	1,535			$	—
Deemed dividend on Series J Preferred Stock	$	541			$	—

FAQ

What was Nuwellis, Inc.'s revenue in Q1 2024?

Nuwellis, Inc. reported a revenue of $1.9 million in Q1 2024, a 2% increase over the prior year.

What percentage of total revenue do consumables sales represent?

Consumables sales represent 82% of Nuwellis, Inc.'s total revenue.

What was the gross margin in Q1 2024?

The gross margin in Q1 2024 was 64.1% for Nuwellis, Inc.

What expense reductions are expected for the rest of the year?

Nuwellis, Inc. anticipates significant expense reductions approaching 50% through efficiency initiatives for the rest of the calendar year.

What was the net loss attributable to common shareholders in Q1 2024?

The net loss attributable to common shareholders in Q1 2024 was $3.8 million.