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    Sight Sciences Inc (SGHT)

    SGHT Q1 2025: Tariff Hit Tops $4M, US Plant to Ease 2026 Margins

    Reported on May 9, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$3.03Last close (May 8, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$3.38Open (May 9, 2025)
    Price Change
    $0.35(+11.55%)
    • New Manufacturing Facility: Management expects a new manufacturing line to be operational within 9 to 12 months, which is anticipated to substantially mitigate the current tariff impact, thereby supporting more favorable margins in 2026.
    • Phased Mitigation Strategy: The plan to phase in additional manufacturing capacity for other products indicates that the tariff-related cost increases will be spread out and reduced over time, strengthening cost control and profitability.
    • Modest Long-Term Impact on Gross Margin: With these mitigation strategies in place, management expects only a minor impact to gross margins in 2026, underscoring a proactive approach to maintain financial performance despite current tariff pressures.
    • Declining revenue in key segments: Surgical Glaucoma revenue fell 6% and Dry Eye revenue dropped from $1 million to $0.4 million, indicating challenges in core segments.
    • Material tariff exposure: The current 145% China tariff rate could increase the Surgical Glaucoma cost of goods sold by $3.5–$4.5 million for full-year 2025, pressuring margins.
    • Market headwinds from Medicare LCD changes: The impact of the new Medicare LCD has already reduced account utilization and is expected to continue weighing on the MIGS market, leading to lower revenue guidance for future periods.
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    -9% YoY (from $19,265K in Q1 2024 to $17,508K in Q1 2025)

    Revenue declined sharply despite previous periods showing only a mild overall decline. This continued drop may be linked to persistent market headwinds and a weakening product mix—trends hinted at in FY2024 where Dry Eye revenue fell substantially (from $6.7M to $4.0M) while Surgical Glaucoma revenues increased slightly. Although the Q1 2025 documents don’t detail the breakdown, these shifts likely contributed to the sharper 9% decrease.

    Net Loss

    Improved by ~13% (narrowed from $(16,266)K to $(14,154)K)

    Net loss improvement is driven by disciplined cost management. The 7% reduction in total operating expenses, maintained gross margin at 86%, and overall lower cash usage continued the trend seen in previous periods, resulting in a 13% better net loss quarter-over-quarter.

    Gross Profit

    -8% YoY (decline from $16,472K to $15,094K)

    Gross profit fell in line with lower revenue, even though the gross margin held steady at 86%. The decline likely reflects lower production volumes and sales, mirroring previous period trends where revenue reductions were a key factor in profit decreases.

    Total Operating Expenses

    -7% YoY (decline from $31,195K to $28,953K)

    Operating expenses were reduced effectively, with R&D decreasing from $4,636K to $4,430K and SG&A falling from $26,559K to $24,523K. This cost-cutting effort, continuing the approach seen in earlier periods, has favorably impacted overall expenses in Q1 2025.

    Stockholders’ Equity

    ~-11% sequential decline (from $87,523K to $77,628K)

    Equity declined notably, primarily driven by the net loss of $14,154K and additional reductions from withholding tax-related adjustments. Although contributions from stock-based compensation and common stock issuance partially offset the negative impact, the overall fall in equity remains consistent with trends observed in previous periods.

    Cash Position

    ~-9.6% sequential decrease (from $120,357K to $108,768K)

    Cash reserves dropped significantly, which likely reflects higher operating cash usage and challenges in working capital management amid lower revenue generation. While the documents do not offer explicit details for this period, the decline is in line with the impact of lower revenue and increased outflows observed in past quarters.

    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Revenue Guidance

    FY 2025

    "$70 million to $75 million "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    Revenue Guidance

    Q1 2025

    "Expected to be down low to mid-double digits versus Q1 2024 "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    Adjusted Operating Expenses

    FY 2025

    "$105 million to $107 million, representing a 4% to 6% increase vs. 2024 "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    Gross Margin Impact

    FY 2025

    "Negative impact expected due to the 20% tariff "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    Surgical Glaucoma Revenue

    FY 2025

    "Expected to decline compared to 2024 with 50,000 procedures removed (15% reduction) "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    Dry Eye Segment

    FY 2025

    "Guidance excludes revenue growth assumptions for TearCare; expects positive reimbursement/payment decisions in 2025 "

    no guidance provided

    no current guidance

    MetricPeriodGuidanceActualPerformance
    Revenue YoY
    Q1 2025
    Expected to be "down low to mid double digits" compared to Q1 2024
    17,508, representing a ~9.1% decline from 19,265(Q1 2024)
    Beat
    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Surgical Glaucoma Performance & Innovation

    Q2 2024 emphasized sequential revenue growth, strong pipeline development with clinical data and reimbursement optimism. Q3 2024 focused on surgical revenue dynamics, LCD–related challenges, reengagement of accounts, and pipeline innovation including new products and training. Q4 2024 highlighted robust clinical outcomes, growth in ordering accounts, and the planned launch of OMNIEdge to sustain leadership despite LCD headwinds.

    In Q1 2025, the focus remains on leveraging the comprehensive OMNI procedure, launching OMNI Edge for enhanced viscodilation, and adapting to a 6% revenue decline due to a 10% decrease in account utilization from new LCD restrictions.

    Consistent focus on innovation and market leadership remains, though the tone shifts as LCD restrictions lead to lower revenue and prompt emphasis on strategic adaptations and advanced product launches.

    TearCare and Dry Eye Reimbursement Strategy

    Q2 2024 stressed robust clinical evidence from the SAHARA trial, a budget impact analysis, and a price increase designed to reflect clinical value. Q3 2024 continued with detailed discussions on payer engagement, provider training, and positive early claims with both commercial and Medicare payers. Q4 2024 underscored proactive reimbursement strategies with data from the SAHARA study, increased claims volume, and the vision to tap a $3 billion market.

    Q1 2025 continues emphasizing ongoing payer conversations with strong clinical data from SAHARA, anticipates coverage decisions in 2025, and notes a decline in Dry Eye revenue linked to price increases.

    Ongoing commitment to securing reimbursement is evident across periods. While early periods were centered on building clinical and economic credibility, Q1 2025 reflects cautious optimism despite recent revenue impact from pricing.

    Medicare LCD and Reimbursement Policy Impact

    Q2 2024 discussed favorable proposed draft LCDs and the potential for device-intensive status to boost reimbursement. Q3 2024 highlighted that finalized LCDs restrict combination MIGS and noted disappointment over lack of device-intensive status for OMNI procedures. Q4 2024 detailed significant revenue impact from LCD restrictions, adjustments in reimbursement focus, and the need to adapt commercially.

    Q1 2025 described the new LCD restricting multiple MIGS procedures and a resultant 6% revenue decline, while reemphasizing OMNI’s competitive position amid the new single-procedure landscape; discussions also included ongoing dialogues with payers on potential device-intensive categorization for 2026.

    Sentiment has grown more challenging over time. Initially optimistic proposals in Q2 shifted to disappointment and revenue pressures in Q3/Q4, with Q1 2025 reaffirming adaptation and strategic engagement despite headwinds.

    Manufacturing Expansion & Tariff Mitigation

    Q4 2024 mentioned the 20% tariff on Chinese-manufactured goods and reliance on both a China-based facility and a U.S.-based alternative (albeit at higher costs). Q3 2024 and Q2 2024 did not discuss these topics.

    Q1 2025 detailed significant tariff pressures (145% tariff rate) causing an estimated $3.5–$4.5 million cost impact for 2025 and described active steps to mitigate tariffs through expense reductions and establishing third-party manufacturing lines outside China, with phased capacity additions over the next 9–12 months.

    New strategic emphasis emerges in Q1 2025. Whereas earlier periods briefly acknowledged tariff challenges, Q1 2025 provides a more comprehensive mitigation strategy and plans for manufacturing expansion to reduce future cost pressures.

    Financial Discipline & Cash Flow Management

    Q2 2024 demonstrated strong improvements with a 29% reduction in cash used and operational efficiency, supported by effective expense management and a solid funding position. Q3 2024 reported a marked turnaround by generating positive cash flow and reducing cash usage compared to the prior year, attributing gains to decreased receivables and inventory levels. Q4 2024 continued with a notable reduction in cash used and achieving cash generation in the quarter.

    Q1 2025 did not mention financial discipline or cash flow management explicitly.

    Consistent record of discipline is evident in previous periods, but no updates in Q1 2025 suggest that the focus may have temporarily shifted to other operational challenges.

    Competitive Dynamics in MIGS & Eye Care Markets

    Q2 2024 emphasized OMNI's differentiated clinical profile bolstered by favorable proposed reimbursement rules. Q3 2024 provided detailed commentary on LCD impacts, positioning of OMNI in both combination and stand-alone MIGS settings, and the progress in developing the reimbursed dry eye segment through TearCare. Q4 2024 discussed surgeon adaptation to LCD changes, competitive pricing, and efforts to educate surgeons as well as the market potential for TearCare.

    Q1 2025 reinforced OMNI's competitive advantages through its comprehensive procedure and highlighted the launch of OMNI Edge to address varying physician preferences, also noting new entrants in the market; the dry eye segment remains a key differentiator with ongoing reimbursement efforts.

    A consistently competitive narrative persists across all periods. While early calls focused on positioning and reimbursement optimism, Q1 2025 adds nuance by addressing new competition and advanced product innovation to stay ahead of market shifts.

    CPT Code 66174 Reimbursement Opportunities

    Q2 2024 provided an optimistic outlook by discussing proposed Medicare rules that would grant device-intensive status to CPT Code 66174, potentially increasing reimbursement by around 29%. Q3 2024 reflected disappointment as device-intensive status was not assigned, despite expecting improved reimbursement, prompting a focus on surgical execution and market recovery. Q4 2024 did not address this topic [–].

    Q1 2025 did not include any discussion of CPT Code 66174 reimbursement opportunities.

    The discussion has fluctuated: Initially promising in Q2 2024, Q3 2024 brought disappointment, and by Q1 2025 the topic is not revisited—suggesting it may have been deprioritized or deferred to future discussions.

    1. Revenue Cadence
      Q: What is the revenue cadence outlook?
      A: Management expects sequential Q2 growth, a modest dip in Q3 and a seasonal Q4 uplift, with full‑year guidance of approximately $70–$75M revenue and about $1M from Dry Eye, reflecting steady operational performance.

    2. TearCare Reimbursement
      Q: Any update on TearCare reimbursement wins?
      A: Management noted that despite positive, quality discussions with payers and individual claims being paid, there are still no formal coverage wins yet, though they expect favorable decisions later this year.

    3. MIGS Trends
      Q: How are MIGS trends progressing?
      A: Although there is a decline in utilization due to the new single MIG procedure restriction, account engagement remains strong and products like OMNI continue to hold their market position.

    4. Tariff Impact
      Q: What is the outlook on tariff impact?
      A: Management expects an unmitigated tariff addition of about $3.5–$4.5M in cost for 2025, with anticipation of lower effects in 2026 as production shifts to facilities outside China.

    5. Competitive Launch
      Q: How will the competitor channel launch affect sales?
      A: Recent competitive product launches have resulted only in trialing, with feedback reinforcing OMNI’s market leadership and its comprehensive efficacy compared to entrants like New World’s via 360.

    6. Reimbursement Dynamics
      Q: How is OMNI’s reimbursement structured?
      A: Reimbursement for OMNI remains largely consistent with market practices, as most procedures are performed on a standalone basis, supporting its steady economic model.

    7. Stacking & Competition
      Q: Are there efforts to reverse stacking, and what about competition?
      A: Management mentioned that while third-party efforts are gathering supporting clinical data on multiple MIGS procedures, OMNI’s robust efficacy and integrated functionality continue to secure its competitive positioning.

    8. Device Intensive
      Q: Will OMNI qualify for device intensive status?
      A: While management avoided speculating on final outcomes, they expressed strong conviction that OMNI will meet the criteria for device intensive in 2026 once final rules are established.

    9. Dry Eye Volume
      Q: Can you confirm Dry Eye shipping figures?
      A: The team sold around 1,000 SmartLids, with volume split between legacy and new pricing arrangements, reflecting expected adjustments in the Dry Eye channel.

    10. SION Revenue
      Q: What is SION’s contribution to revenue?
      A: SION remains a modest, complementary product within Surgical Glaucoma, accounting for only a small portion of total revenue.