You might also like
DexCom, Inc. is a medical device company specializing in the design, development, and commercialization of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for diabetes management. The company sells integrated CGM systems, including the Dexcom G6 and G7, as well as the Stelo sensor, which is the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the U.S. . DexCom generates revenue from disposable sensors and reusable hardware, such as transmitters and receivers, with sales influenced by factors like seasonality and insurance deductible resets . In 2023, the company reported a significant increase in revenue, reflecting strong demand for its products .
- Dexcom G6 and G7 Integrated CGM Systems - Provides continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes management, used by patients, caregivers, and clinicians worldwide.
- Stelo Sensor - Offers a 15-day glucose monitoring solution for people with Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin, available over-the-counter in the U.S.
- Disposable Sensors - Supplies sensors that are used with CGM systems, contributing to recurring revenue through regular replacements.
- Reusable Hardware - Includes transmitters and receivers that work with CGM systems, providing essential components for continuous glucose monitoring.
What went well
- Dexcom achieved record new patient additions in the third quarter, excluding Stelo, indicating strong underlying demand for its core insulin products. With 35,000 new prescribers added during the quarter, expanding the prescriber base significantly, the company expects this to drive deeper market penetration.
- The company is confident in reiterating its long-range plan of $4.6 billion revenue in 2025, with margin targets, driven by new product launches like Stelo and the upcoming 15-day G7 sensor, which is expected to be a significant revenue enhancer. Dexcom believes these products will contribute to revenue growth and improve gross margins due to longer sensor wear periods.
- Significant international growth opportunities are emerging due to expanded access and reimbursement in key markets, such as France, where reimbursement now provides access to more than 600,000 people , and Japan, with access to over 1 million potential customers. These developments are expected to drive international revenue growth in 2025.
What went wrong
- Declining U.S. Revenue and Growth Rates: The company reported a 2% decline in U.S. revenue for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, driven by slower new customer starts and a decline in revenue per customer due to shifting channel dynamics and higher rebate eligibility. This eligibility factor alone negatively impacted U.S. growth by approximately 6 percentage points.
- Concerns Over Market Slowdown: Analysts noted that the U.S. CGM market growth appears to have slowed to about 10%, down from over 20% in previous periods, raising concerns about a market slowdown. While the company remains optimistic about future growth, attributing current figures to execution issues, the potential for sustained slower growth may impact future performance.
- Increasing Competition in Core Segments: Questions were raised about how the company plans to defend its position in the type 1 pump-integrated segment amid anticipated increased competition in the coming year. The entry of new sensor options may challenge the company's market share and growth in this critical segment.
Q&A Summary
-
2025 Guidance and Long-Range Plan
Q: Do you still expect to hit your 2025 guidance of $4.6 billion revenues and margin targets?
A: Yes, we are on track to hit our long-term guidance of $4.6 billion in revenues with the same margin targets we gave. Based on what we're seeing today—record new patients this quarter, stability in the DME channel, increased productivity in the sales force, and international acceleration—we feel good about where we're going. We haven't even really talked about Stelo, which is going to be a real interesting opportunity for us going forward. -
U.S. Sales and New Patient Growth
Q: Did the record new patient starts include Stelo, and how does patient growth compare to revenue growth?
A: The record new patient adds exclude Stelo; this is for our G-Series insulin products. Our U.S. patient base is growing in the mid-20% range, but revenue growth is affected by factors like rebates and channel shifts. We expect the gap between patient growth and revenue growth to close over time as these factors stabilize. -
CGM Market Growth
Q: Is the CGM market growth slowing, given it appeared to slow to about 10% in Q3?
A: We believe the market can grow faster than that going forward. Our numbers were lower based on execution issues we needed to improve, but we're still very bullish on the category. Basal coverage is still early on, and there are many people on intensive insulin who still don't use CGM. -
15-Day G7 Sensor Approval and Impact
Q: What's the status of the 15-day G7 sensor approval and expected financial impact in 2025?
A: We've submitted it and, while we won't speculate on approval timing, we would love a fast approval. The financial impact will depend on launch timing and how long it takes to roll through the customer base. There's an interesting lever here, and we're really excited about it. -
DME Channel Stabilization
Q: How are you stabilizing your position in the DME channel, and can you regain previous standing?
A: We've met with leadership, listened to them, and heard what they had to say. We've encouraged our team to be more channel agnostic and send patients to DME when appropriate. While this will take time to build back up, we believe we've taken very good steps to shift in the other direction. -
Competition in Type 1 Pump Segment
Q: How will you defend your position in the type 1 pump-integrated segment with more competition next year?
A: Every study in these AID systems has been done with the Dexcom sensor, and the results with our partners have been incredibly good. We work closely with them to enhance the experiences of their customers, and the accuracy of Dexcom is tried and true and proven to these patients. -
Stelo Launch and Impact
Q: What are your plans for accelerating the Stelo launch in 2025, and how has it performed so far?
A: We have scheduled enhancements to the Stelo app and will expand distribution channels. We've had positive feedback, and with over 70,000 users, it's a huge success for us. We'll continue to enhance the experience and create a more delightful experience for users. -
2025 U.S. Recovery and Rebate Impact
Q: How do you see U.S. recovery in 2025, and will rebate eligibility impact your results?
A: It assumes a stable market moving into 2025, with stable trends in the DME channel. Stelo has been considered in our modeling, and we feel good about the $4.6 billion number. We have 100% rebates assumed, so you won't necessarily have that headwind. -
International Growth Drivers
Q: What do you see as the biggest drivers internationally in 2025?
A: We've opened up a tremendous amount of access across the world over the past several months. For example, we just launched Dexcom in France in October, accessing 600,000 more individuals, and in Japan, there's access to 1 million individuals. Access will be a big driver in the markets that we serve. -
Rebate Impact on Growth
Q: What is the rebate impact on growth in Q3, and what's being assumed in the Q4 guide?
A: The rebate impact was about 6 points of headwind in Q3. It's less than that in Q4; it won't be 6 points. We have ASPs pretty consistent moving from Q3 to Q4 because we do have them at 100% rebate rate. -
Stelo as a Gateway Product
Q: Have you seen any Stelo users transfer to the G7 product, and what are your expectations?
A: We haven't necessarily seen a lot, but we've heard some anecdotal stories. What we have seen is our reps going into primary care offices with the Stelo message, which leads to positive conversations and G7 prescriptions. -
U.S. Commercial Strategy and Leadership Transition
Q: Given the leadership transition in the U.S., can you talk about your confidence in the commercial strategy getting into 2025?
A: We'll miss Teri, but we have a lot of good leaders in this organization. I'm not concerned about the leadership of my U.S. team; they are very good and very strong. We will work hard not to disappoint. -
New Patient Start Dynamics
Q: Can you give any qualitative commentary between type 1 and type 2 in your record new starts?
A: The record new patient starts exclude Stelo. We're continuing to see robust adoption in all categories, with intensive insulin continuing to lead the way across type 1 and type 2. Basal continues to be relatively strong, and we're seeing more uptake as we dive deeper with these physicians. -
15-Day Sensor Survival and Cost
Q: Will the 15-day sensor have incremental COGS, and will survival to full wear time be similar?
A: The standard cost doesn't change at all. We expect the durability of the 15-day to be solid, and survivability is going to be very well received by the community. -
Competitor CGM Shortages Impact
Q: Did you benefit from competitor CGM shortages towards the end of the quarter in the U.S.?
A: We heard about some disruptions, but we didn't see anything necessarily change. What we saw was our sales force getting out there and getting more interest in Dexcom. -
Risk of Channel Mix Shift Due to Competition
Q: Is there risk of persistent channel mix shift from DME to pharmacy with competitors accessing the pharmacy channel?
A: We've seen a major shift of our volumes to the pharmacy channel, particularly on the commercial side. As others seek reimbursement and distribution in the pharmacy channel, we're well-positioned to serve that. Medicare fee-for-service is reimbursed via Part B, so it won't necessarily shift to pharmacy anytime soon. -
Early Insights on Stelo Retention and Reliability
Q: Any early insights around Stelo reordering retention rate and product reliability?
A: At least 50% of individuals signed up on the subscription model, and reordering has just begun. We're happy with the ordering rates right now. We've learned that a consumer market has different expectations, and we're working to create a proper experience. -
DME Channel Strategies
Q: What specific strategies are you employing to improve relationships with DMEs?
A: We've met with leadership, heard their concerns, and are focusing on volume rather than price. We've encouraged our team to be channel agnostic and consider DME when appropriate. We're offering DMEs Stelo as an opportunity to market and sell to their large patient bases. -
Attrition Rates
Q: Have you seen any notable change in attrition?
A: We haven't seen many changes in attrition by category. Intensive insulin users have traditionally stayed in a band, basal users are close, and non-insulin users tend to be in a band of its own; these continue to remain very similar categorically. -
Financial Impact of Stelo in 2025
Q: How are you considering Stelo's financial impact for 2025?
A: We've considered multiple ranges and opportunities. We felt good about the $4.6 billion number, which includes all of that. We'll give more clarity as we start to roll out commercial plans.
-
Despite your efforts to stabilize relationships with DME partners and become more channel agnostic, you're still losing some share; what concrete steps are you taking to regain lost DME share, and is it realistic to expect a return to your prior standing with DMEs in the near future?
-
With the U.S. CGM market growth appearing to slow to around 10% in Q3, how confident are you in achieving your 2025 revenue target of $4.6 billion, and what specific strategies do you have in place to drive growth in a potentially slowing market?
-
You mentioned a six-point impact from rebate dynamics on growth in Q3 and are expecting less impact in Q4; how will ongoing rebate pressures affect your pricing strategy and margins moving into 2025, and what actions are you taking to mitigate their impact on profitability?
-
Given the uncertainty around the FDA approval timing for the 15-day G7 product, how are you incorporating potential delays into your 2025 financial projections, and what contingency plans do you have if the approval or rollout takes longer than anticipated?
-
While you've reported record new patient starts this quarter, you've acknowledged that sales force productivity is still about three months behind; how will this lag affect your ability to meet your projected sequential growth in Q4 and adhere to your long-term guidance, and what specific measures are in place to accelerate productivity gains?
Q3 2024 Earnings Call
- Issued Period: Q3 2024
- Guided Period: FY 2024 and FY 2025
- Guidance:
- Revenue Guidance for 2024: $4.00 billion to $4.05 billion, representing organic growth of 11% to 13% .
- Margins Guidance for 2024:
- Non-GAAP gross profit margin: approximately 63% .
- Non-GAAP operating margin: approximately 20% .
- Adjusted EBITDA margin: approximately 29% .
- Long-Range Plan for 2025: On track to achieve $4.6 billion revenue and corresponding margin targets .
Q2 2024 Earnings Call
- Issued Period: Q2 2024
- Guided Period: FY 2024
- Guidance:
- Full Year 2024 Revenue Guidance: $4.00 billion to $4.05 billion, representing organic growth of 11% to 13% .
- Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin Guidance: Approximately 63% .
- Non-GAAP Operating Margin Guidance: Approximately 20% .
- Adjusted EBITDA Margin Guidance: Approximately 29% .
- Third Quarter 2024 Revenue Guidance: $975 million to $1 billion .
Q1 2024 Earnings Call
- Issued Period: Q1 2024
- Guided Period: FY 2024
- Guidance:
- Revenue Guidance: $4.20 billion to $4.35 billion, representing organic growth of 17% to 21% .
- Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin: 63% to 64% .
- Non-GAAP Operating Margin: Approximately 20% .
- Adjusted EBITDA Margin: Approximately 29% .
Q4 2023 Earnings Call
- Issued Period: Q4 2023
- Guided Period: FY 2024
- Guidance:
- Total Revenue: $4.15 billion to $4.35 billion, representing organic growth of 16% to 21% .
- Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin: 63% to 64% .
- Operating Profit Margin: Approximately 20% .
- Adjusted EBITDA: Approximately 29% .
- Stelo Product Launch: Expected to add approximately 1% to revenue growth, translating to about $40 million in the second half of the year .
- Basal Population Penetration: Assumes an 8% penetration rate for the basal population .
Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.
- Abbott Laboratories; Medtronic plc’s Diabetes Group; Roche Diabetes Care, a division of Roche Diagnostics; LifeScan, Inc.; and Ascensia Diabetes Care - These companies manufacture and market products for the single-point finger stick device market and account for the majority of worldwide sales of self-monitored glucose testing systems .
- Abbott - Competes with Dexcom's CGM systems with their Libre family of CGM products .
- Medtronic - Markets and sells standalone glucose monitoring products called Guardian Connect and Simplera, and develops insulin pumps integrated with CGM systems .
- Companies outside the traditional medical device sector - Attempting to develop competitive products and services, including for general health and wellness or population health .
- Companies developing adjunctive CGMs - Compete with Dexcom's CGM products in the Medicare market following expanded Medicare coverage .
Recent developments and announcements about DXCM.
Financial Reporting
Earnings Report
DexCom, Inc. has released its preliminary, unaudited results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, along with its initial outlook for 2025. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Dexcom reported total revenue of at least $1.113 billion, marking an 8% increase over the same period in 2023. U.S. revenue is expected to be approximately $803 million, a 4% growth, while international revenue is projected at $310 million, a 17% increase over the fourth quarter of 2023.
For the entire fiscal year 2024, the company anticipates total revenue of approximately $4.032 billion, which is an 11% increase from 2023. The company has updated its non-GAAP gross profit margin and operating margin guidance to 62% and 19% respectively for 2024. The fourth quarter gross margin was adversely affected by a non-cash charge related to inventory damage and production yield issues.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dexcom expects total revenue to reach $4.60 billion, representing an anticipated growth of approximately 14% over 2024. This growth is expected to be driven by increased sensor volume, greater CGM access and awareness, the rollout of Stelo, and further international expansion. The company also projects a non-GAAP gross profit margin of approximately 64-65% and a non-GAAP operating margin of about 21% for 2025.
Dexcom plans to report its audited full fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 financial results on February 13, 2025, after the market closes, with a conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Legal & Compliance
-
Key Parties Involved: The legal matter involves DexCom, Inc. (the 'Company') and Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. ('Abbott') along with their respective affiliates.
-
Nature of the Proceedings: The proceedings were centered around global patent litigation where both parties accused each other of patent infringement. Each party also filed counterclaims and actions to invalidate the other party's patents.
-
Resolution: On December 20, 2024, DexCom and Abbott entered into a settlement and patent cross-license agreement to resolve all outstanding patent litigation between them. This agreement includes a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, fully paid-up license to certain patents and patent applications related to analyte sensing. Importantly, neither party is required to pay royalties or any other form of financial compensation.
-
Covenant Not to Sue: As part of the agreement, both parties have entered into a covenant not to sue each other until December 20, 2034, and have agreed not to challenge the licensed patents and patent applications for varying periods.
-
Potential Financial or Operational Consequences: The agreement eliminates the need for ongoing litigation expenses and potential financial liabilities related to patent infringement claims, allowing both companies to focus on their operations without the overhang of legal disputes .
Legal Proceedings
Summary of the Legal Matter Involving DexCom, Inc. and Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc.: