Q1 2024 Earnings Summary
- Strong Growth in VA Channel and Strategy to Deepen Penetration: ElectroCore has increased the number of VA facilities prescribing their gammaCore therapy from 124 to 151 facilities, demonstrating strong adoption within the Veterans Affairs system. The company is focusing on deepening penetration within existing facilities by leveraging established relationships and expanding their sales force, which could drive sustainable revenue growth without significantly increasing the number of facilities. ,
- Successful Launch of Truvaga Plus and Plans for Expanded Distribution: The launch of Truvaga Plus has been received favorably, with early sales exceeding expectations and a media efficiency ratio (MER) of 3.21, indicating effective marketing and strong consumer adoption. ElectroCore plans to expand distribution channels beyond direct-to-consumer internet sales to include brick-and-mortar retailers, potentially broadening market reach and driving further sales growth in the consumer wellness market. , ,
- Potential Expansion into New Indications like PTSD and Parkinson's Disease: ElectroCore is exploring expansion into new indications such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Parkinson's disease. There is awareness of off-label usage of gammaCore for these conditions within the VA hospital system and cash pay business. Successful label extensions for these indications could open up significant new market opportunities for the company.
- Uncertainty in TAC-STIM revenue due to Department of Defense budget processes: The company acknowledged that while they have a funnel of contingent purchase orders for TAC-STIM, they have no visibility on the timing due to the DoD budget process. This unpredictability may impact near-term financial performance as revenue from this segment is difficult to forecast.
- Delayed expansion of Truvaga Plus into broader sales channels: The company indicated that expanding Truvaga Plus into additional distribution channels is planned for 2025, stating these are "very important 2025 initiatives." This suggests that significant growth from this product line may not materialize in the near term, potentially limiting revenue opportunities until then.
- Significant reduction in R&D spending could hinder future growth: The company plans to reduce R&D expenditure to approximately $2.5 million in 2024, less than half of last year's spending. Despite having "lots and lots of great product ideas and label extensions," this substantial cut may slow product development and innovation, potentially impacting long-term growth prospects.
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OpEx and Profitability
Q: What are your expectations for R&D and SG&A expenses?
A: We plan to keep R&D spending low this year, modeling it at roughly $2.5 million, less than half of last year [1]. G&A expenses are expected to be somewhat down from last year, as we're continuing to look for opportunities to reduce expenses [1]. Marketing spend will scale with our business, with variable sales and marketing expense at about 30% on a blended basis [1]. G&A was seasonally high in Q1 due to audit-related costs but should be down in the remaining quarters [1]. -
VA Channel Growth
Q: How sustainable is your growth in the VA channel?
A: We believe growth is sustainable by going deeper into existing facilities [6]. It's more efficient to expand within facilities where we're already known, allowing our sales team to engage with more prescribers across departments [6]. We're also scaling our business using independent agents who are incentivized to sell our products alongside others [6]. -
DoD and TAC-STIM Business
Q: What is the outlook for TAC-STIM sales to the DoD?
A: We're receiving contingent purchase orders, pending the DoD budget process [8]. While we have a funnel of orders, we lack visibility on timing due to past delays from continuing resolutions in Congress [8]. We're not providing revenue guidance until we know delivery and revenue recognition dates [8]. -
Truvaga Plus Expansion
Q: Are there plans to market Truvaga Plus through other channels?
A: Yes, we consider expanding into additional distribution channels a key initiative for 2025 [11]. After ensuring the product launch proceeds smoothly over the next 30-60 days, we'll look to aggressively expand into both brick-and-mortar and online direct-to-consumer channels [11]. -
New Indications
Q: When can we expect approval for PTSD indication?
A: While we're aware of off-label use for PTSD in VA hospitals and cash pay businesses, we won't speculate on FDA timing for label extension [7]. We don't track diagnoses in VA prescriptions, so we can't quantify current use for PTSD or Parkinson's [7]. -
Inventory Management
Q: How do you expect inventories to play out this year?
A: We're still running heavy on inventory relative to daily sales due to uncertainty in product mix [2]. As we better understand sales between products like the Truvaga 350 and Plus, we aim to steadily reduce inventory levels and generate cash from it [2]. -
Newcastle Study Update
Q: Is there an update on the Newcastle Parkinson's study?
A: The study is investigator-initiated and out of our control [5]. Last patient visit was in late December 2023, and we're waiting for the investigators to share the data when they're ready [5]. -
[Indiscernible] Healthcare Agreement
Q: Do you have an update on your agreement with [Indiscernible] Healthcare?
A: The back office is fully set up, and prescriptions can be accepted and adjudicated [12]. Our field sales team is now focused on generating demand by developing prescriber champions, and we're receiving excellent reception [12]. We expect to see revenue impact before the end of the year [12]. -
Recurring Revenue from Truvaga Plus
Q: Will there be recurring revenue from Truvaga Plus apps?
A: Yes, that's part of our product development pipeline for 2025 and 2026 [13]. We plan to leverage mobile app connectivity, integrating with health apps like Apple Health, which could create new value propositions [13]. -
Interest from Sports Leagues
Q: Any further interest from the NFL or other sports leagues?
A: There's a lot of interest, but nothing we can publicly discuss [14]. The NFL research program won't disclose which teams are using our products, which is frustrating as a football fan [14].
Research analysts covering electroCore.