Predictive Oncology Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Predictive Oncology (Nasdaq: POAI) reported Q2 2024 financial results, with a net loss of $3.2 million on total revenue of $0.3 million. Key highlights include:

1. Entry into the biomarker discovery market, estimated at $51.5 billion in 2024, following successful development of multi-omic machine learning models for ovarian cancer.

2. Implementation of a cost savings initiative expected to reduce cash used in operating activities by 20% annually.

3. Cash and cash equivalents of $5.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

4. Revenue decrease to $278,722 in Q2 2024 from $490,110 in Q2 2023.

5. Gross profit margin declined to 45% from 67% year-over-year.

6. Reduced expenses across general and administrative, operations, and sales and marketing categories.

Positive

• Entered biomarker discovery market with $51.5 billion potential in 2024
• Implemented cost savings initiative to reduce cash burn by 20% annually
• Raised $3.1 million through 'at-the-market' facility in Q2
• Additional $1.3 million raised through warrant exercises after Q2
• Decreased general and administrative expenses by 21% year-over-year
• Reduced operations expenses by 10% compared to Q2 2023
• Decreased sales and marketing expenses by 34% year-over-year

Negative

• Net loss of $3.2 million in Q2 2024
• Revenue decreased by 43% to $278,722 in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023
• Gross profit margin declined to 45% from 67% year-over-year
• Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $5.3 million from $8.7 million at year-end 2023
• Stockholders' equity decreased to $4.1 million from $8.3 million at year-end 2023

Insights

Financial Analyst

Predictive Oncology's Q2 2024 results reveal some concerning trends. Revenue dropped to $278,722, down 43% from Q2 2023. The net loss of $3.2 million and declining gross profit margin (45% vs 67% in Q2 2023) indicate operational challenges. However, the company's strategic pivot towards biomarker discovery could be a game-changer, tapping into a $51.5 billion market. The cost-saving initiative, aiming to reduce cash burn by 20%, is prudent given the $5.3 million cash position. While the $3.1 million raised through ATM and $1.3 million from warrant exercises provide some runway, the company's ability to capitalize on its new direction will be important for long-term viability.

Biotech Industry Analyst

Predictive Oncology's shift into biomarker discovery marks a significant strategic pivot. Their success in developing multi-omic machine learning models for ovarian cancer prognosis demonstrates promising AI capabilities. This move aligns with the growing importance of precision medicine in oncology. However, the company faces stiff competition in a crowded field. The collaboration with the University of Michigan and the launch of 3D cell culture models are positive steps, but the company needs to rapidly translate these initiatives into revenue-generating partnerships or products. The consolidation of laboratory operations might impact research capabilities in the short term. Overall, while the strategy shows potential, execution risks remain high in this capital-intensive sector.

AI and Machine Learning Expert

Predictive Oncology's application of AI and machine learning in biomarker discovery is noteworthy. Their success in predicting ovarian cancer outcomes more accurately than clinical data alone showcases the potential of their technology. The company's Accelerating Compound Exploration (ACE) program and collaboration with the University of Michigan further validate their AI capabilities. However, the true test will be in translating these technological achievements into commercial success. The biomarker discovery market is highly competitive, with many well-funded players. Predictive Oncology will need to demonstrate clear differentiation and rapid progress to establish a strong market position. The company's ability to leverage its AI/ML capabilities across multiple cancer types will be important for long-term success in this dynamic field.

Company to host investor call and webcast today, August 14th, at 8:30am EDT

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Predictive Oncology (Nasdaq: POAI), a science driven company leveraging its proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, extensive biorepository of tumor samples, and CLIA laboratory, to accelerate oncologic drug discovery and enable drug development, today reported financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update. The Company reported a net loss of approximately $3.2 million on total revenue of approximately $0.3 million for the quarter.

Q2 2024 and Recent Highlights:

• Entered biomarker discovery market following compelling results from retrospective ovarian cancer study with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital:
  • Predictive Oncology successfully developed multi-omic machine learning models that identified key features that could more accurately predict both short-term (two-year) and long-term (five-year) survival outcomes among ovarian cancer patients as compared to clinical data alone.
  • Through this process, Predictive Oncology obtained and analyzed data that supports novel ovarian cancer biomarker discovery and development that will be further explored both independently and in partnership with biopharma companies.
  • The biomarker discovery market is estimated by third party research to be $51.5 billion in 2024.
  • Predictive Oncology published a new white paper on the biomarker discovery opportunity, which can be found here.
• Implemented a cost savings initiative designed to further streamline Predictive Oncology’s operations, extend its cash runway, and support its new focus on novel biomarker discovery. The initiative is expected to reduce the Company’s run rate for cash used in operating activities by approximately 20% annually when fully implemented in Q4 2024.
• Announced the availability of unique, organ-specific 3D cell culture models designed to better mimic the physiological environment of human tissue.
• Announced a new collaboration with the University of Michigan (UM) utilizing Predictive Oncology’s Accelerating Compound Exploration (ACE) program to evaluate UM’s extensive library of pharmaceutically viable extracts

“The clear highlight since our last quarterly update is our announcement just a few weeks ago that we have expanded our AI/ML offering to pursue the discovery of novel biomarkers capable of predicting patient outcomes and drug responses, beginning with ovarian cancer,” said Raymond F. Vennare, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Predictive Oncology. “The ability to identify biomarkers, in addition to validating existing biomarkers, means that we are now one step closer to discovering our own biomarkers that we can further develop, either independently or with a partner. This will allow us to be a more active participant in drug discovery and enable us to play a key role in the development of the next generation of cancer therapeutics, all with our existing resources. External sources have valued the biomarker discovery market at $51.5 billion this year, so this is a very significant opportunity for us to bring new hope to cancer patients worldwide while creating shareholder value.”

“To ensure that we are well positioned to capitalize on this and other opportunities as they emerge, we also recently announced a strategic cost savings initiative designed to streamline our operations and extend our cash runway. Given the importance of biomarkers in drug discovery and development, we are working tirelessly to be a leader in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning toward this goal,” Mr. Vennare concluded.

Much of the cost savings will be achieved through the consolidation of the operations of the Company’s Birmingham laboratory into that of Pittsburgh. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Birmingham segment posted a loss of $0.9 million, compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The Company is still in the process of assessing the viability of potentially migrating any revenue-generating activities from Birmingham to Pittsburgh.

Q2 2024 Financial Summary:

• Concluded the second quarter of 2024 with $5.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $8.7 million as of December 31, 2023, and $4.1 million in stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2024, compared to $8.3 million as of December 31, 2023. During the quarter, the Company raised $3.1 million on a net basis through its ‘at-the-market’ facility through the issuance of 1,607,100 shares. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, the Company raised an additional $1.3 million in gross proceeds through the exercise of 958,117 warrants.
• Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, was $(0.68), compared to $(0.98) for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Q2 2024 Financial Results:

• The Company recorded revenue of $278,722 for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $490,110 for the comparable period in 2023. Revenues in both periods were primarily derived from the Company’s Eagan operating segment. The decrease in revenue from the comparative period was primarily due to a change in sales mix with decreased sales of STREAMWAY systems in the three months ended June 30, 2024.
• Cost of sales was $152,968 and $159,761 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Gross profit margin was approximately 45% and 67% for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The decline in gross profit margin for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was primarily due to increased labor costs and a change in sales mix with decreased sales of STREAMWAY systems.
• General and administrative expenses decreased to $2,137,189 in the second quarter of 2024 from $2,704,527 in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to decreased employee compensation and decreased investor relations costs, offset by increased consultant fees.
• Operations expenses decreased to $893,391 in the second quarter of 2024 compared to $993,042 in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to decreased cloud computing expenses related to our Pittsburgh operating segment.
• Sales and marketing expenses decreased to $284,421 in the second quarter of 2024 from $429,103 in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower employee compensation including sales commissions.
• Net cash used in operating activities was $6,634,072 and $7,002,033 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash used in operating activities decreased in the 2024 period primarily because of changes in working capital.

Conference Call and Webcast Details:

Predictive Oncology management will host an investor conference call and webcast today, August 14^th, 8:30 am EDT.

To participate in the call, investors and analysts should dial 1-877-407-3982 (domestic) or 1-201-493-6780 (international) and reference conference ID 13748154.

To access the Call Me™ feature, which eliminates the need to wait for a call operator, please click here.

The live webcast of the call can be accessed here.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our operations and the investments we make. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue and financial performance, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “would,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Our actual future performance may materially differ from that contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, among other things, the risks related to the success of our collaboration arrangements, commercialization activities and product sales levels by our collaboration partners, and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the SEC. Except as expressly required by law, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact:
Tim McCarthy, CFA
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
tim@lifesciadvisors.com

PREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,331,770			$	8,728,660
Accounts receivable			387,040				333,697
Inventories			568,215				494,374
Prepaid expense and other assets			597,724				521,700
Total current assets			6,884,749				10,078,431
Property and equipment, net			910,211				1,233,910
Intangibles, net			238,731				252,457
Lease right-of-use assets			2,432,339				2,728,355
Other long-term assets			121,096				124,096
Total assets		$	10,587,126			$	14,417,249
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,563,023			$	1,342,027
Note payable			276,932				150,408
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			1,946,893				1,631,702
Derivative liability			8				1,376
Contract liabilities			269,943				308,091
Lease liability			561,712				517,427
Total current liabilities			4,618,511				3,951,031
Other long-term liabilities			13,661				5,459
Lease liability – net of current portion			1,860,983				2,188,979
Total liabilities			6,493,155				6,145,469
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized inclusive of designated below
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 2,300,000 shares authorized, 79,246 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023			792				792
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 5,708,876 and 4,062,853 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively			57,089				40,629
Additional paid-in capital			179,198,077				175,992,242
Accumulated deficit			(175,161,987	)			(167,761,883	)
Total stockholders’ equity			4,093,971				8,271,780
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	10,587,126			$	14,417,249

PREDICTIVE ONCOLOGY INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET LOSS (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenue		$	278,722			$	490,110			$	698,368			$	730,005
Cost of sales			152,968				159,761				340,383				279,900
Gross profit			125,754				330,349				357,985				450,105
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expense			2,137,189				2,704,527				4,764,265				5,040,511
Operations expense			893,391				993,042				1,995,584				1,871,560
Sales and marketing expense			284,421				429,103				1,024,155				799,340
Loss on impairment of property and equipment			-				162,905				-				162,905
Total operating expenses			3,315,001				4,289,577				7,784,004				7,874,316
Total operating (loss)			(3,189,247	)			(3,959,228	)			(7,426,019	)			(7,424,211	)
Other income			9,461				28,552				28,118				70,780
Other expense			(1,834	)			-				(3,571	)			-
Gain on derivative instruments			359				7,308				1,368				8,261
Net (loss)		$	(3,181,261	)		$	(3,923,368	)		$	(7,400,104	)		$	(7,345,170	)
Net (loss) per common share – basic and diluted		$	(0.68	)		$	(0.98	)		$	(1.70	)		$	(1.84	)
Weighted average shares used in computation – basic and diluted			4,664,771				3,996,512				4,363,812				3,982,384

FAQ

What were Predictive Oncology's (POAI) Q2 2024 financial results?

Predictive Oncology reported a net loss of $3.2 million on total revenue of $0.3 million for Q2 2024. Revenue decreased to $278,722 from $490,110 in Q2 2023, while gross profit margin declined to 45% from 67% year-over-year.

How much cash does Predictive Oncology (POAI) have as of June 30, 2024?

Predictive Oncology reported $5.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024, compared to $8.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

What new market did Predictive Oncology (POAI) enter in Q2 2024?

Predictive Oncology entered the biomarker discovery market following successful development of multi-omic machine learning models for ovarian cancer. This market is estimated to be worth $51.5 billion in 2024.

What cost-saving measures did Predictive Oncology (POAI) implement in Q2 2024?

Predictive Oncology implemented a cost savings initiative expected to reduce the company's run rate for cash used in operating activities by approximately 20% annually when fully implemented in Q4 2024.