SP
SUPERNUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (SUPN)·Q4 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q4 2024 revenue was $174.2M (+6% YoY) with diluted EPS of $0.27, driven by strong Qelbree (+60% YoY to $74.4M) and GOCOVRI (+15% YoY to $36.9M); operating earnings improved to $21.4M versus a $(1.0)M loss in Q4 2023 .
- Management issued FY2025 guidance for total revenues of $600–$630M, GAAP operating earnings of $(15)M to $10M, and adjusted operating earnings of $105–$130M; guidance assumes $65–$75M combined net sales from Trokendi XR and Oxtellar XR amid ongoing generic erosion .
- Strategic catalysts: FDA approval of ONAPGO (apomorphine infusion) with U.S. launch in Q2 2025, and a Qelbree label update adding pharmacodynamic and lactation data, supporting differentiation in adult ADHD .
- Sentiment headwind: SPN-820 (TRD) Phase 2b failed to meet its primary endpoint, triggering a >13% share decline on Feb 19, indicating heightened scrutiny of pipeline value despite commercial strength .
- Sequentially, revenue eased to $174.2M from $175.7M in Q3 2024 as Oxtellar XR faced generics from September; Qelbree scripts reached an all-time quarterly high of ~214.6K, sustaining momentum into year-end .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Qelbree sustained robust growth with Q4 net sales of $74.4M (+60% YoY) and quarterly prescriptions of 214,613 (+25% YoY); CEO: “Our 2024 results reflect solid commercial execution… continued growth of our core products” .
- GOCOVRI net sales rose 15% YoY to $36.9M in Q4 and 9% for FY2024, reinforcing Parkinson’s franchise synergy ahead of ONAPGO launch; management emphasized leveraging existing PD sales infrastructure .
- Balance sheet strength: cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities reached ~$453.6M at 12/31/2024, with no debt; CFO highlighted ~$300M cash from operations over the last two years, providing M&A flexibility .
What Went Wrong
- Legacy erosion accelerated: Oxtellar XR Q4 net sales fell 57% YoY to $13.2M following generic entry in September; guidance embeds only $65–$75M combined Trokendi+Oxtellar sales in 2025 .
- Pipeline setback: SPN-820 (TRD) Phase 2b showed no statistical benefit on MADRS vs placebo; investor reaction was swift with shares down >13% on Feb 19 .
- Profitability guide-down for FY2025: management expects GAAP operating earnings between $(15)M and $10M given legacy erosion and launch investments; ONAPGO contribution planned at mid-single-digit millions in 2025 .
Financial Results
Headline Financials vs Prior Quarters
Q4 Year-over-Year (Product Net Sales)
KPIs
Non-GAAP disclosure: Adjusted operating earnings exclude amortization of intangibles, share-based compensation, contingent consideration changes, impairment charges, and depreciation; reconciliation provided in the filing .
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “Our 2024 results reflect solid commercial execution across the company, including continued growth of our core products, and strong growth in operating earnings” — Jack Khattar, President & CEO .
- “We are targeting the launch of ONAPGO in the second quarter of 2025 with a support team of experts, including a nurse education program and access support” — Jack Khattar .
- “As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately $454 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities… strong balance sheet with no debt” — Timothy Dec, CFO .
- “For the full year 2025, we expect total revenues to range from $600 million to $630 million… GAAP operating earnings in the range of $10 million to an operating loss of $15 million… non-GAAP operating earnings $105 million to $130 million” — Timothy Dec .
Q&A Highlights
- Qelbree revenue drivers and outlook: Management affirmed back-of-the-envelope Qelbree FY2025 range inference and emphasized TRx growth and high adult satisfaction (~80%) as key levers .
- Gross-to-net expectations: Qelbree GTN to be ~50–55% for FY2025; Q1 seasonality will pressure GTN as copay assistance rises through deductibles .
- Adult segment penetration: Adult share of Qelbree prescriptions ~30–32%, materially below market adult mix (~67%), implying runway .
- ONAPGO launch trajectory: Expect slow build with possible early bolus from KOLs; FY2025 guidance includes mid- to high-single-digit $M contribution .
- BD capacity: Depending on target cash generation, company open to $500M–$1.5B transactions; no debt and strong cash provide flexibility .
- Competitive landscape: Nonstimulant entrants’ impact TBD pending data/labels; company maintains disciplined payer strategy; ONAPGO pricing said to be competitive .
Estimates Context
- Wall Street consensus (S&P Global) for Q4 2024 revenue and EPS was unavailable for this request due to S&P Global daily limit constraints; therefore, estimate comparison is not provided. If necessary, we can refresh and align to S&P Global consensus at a later time.
- Given FY2025 guidance below FY2024 revenues and legacy-product erosion assumptions, sell-side models are likely to adjust lower on GAAP profitability while incorporating ONAPGO ramp and continued Qelbree share gains .
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Core growth intact: Qelbree and GOCOVRI continue to offset legacy erosion, with Qelbree’s expanding adult presence and label differentiation supporting sustained TRx growth .
- Transition year ahead: FY2025 guide implies near-breakeven GAAP operating earnings as ONAPGO launch investment and generic headwinds weigh; focus shifts to execution and ramp pacing .
- Pipeline recalibration: SPN-820’s Phase 2b miss dampens near-term R&D optionality; management exploring dosing hypotheses and remains active on BD to augment growth .
- Cash optionality: ~$454M cash/securities and no debt provide capacity for accretive transactions, potentially smoothing earnings through legacy erosion .
- Parkinson’s franchise expansion: ONAPGO’s approval adds a differentiated continuous apomorphine option; watch for early adopter bolus and payer dynamics .
- Watch GTN and adult mix: GTN normalization to ~50–55% and continued adult penetration are pivotal to Qelbree revenue trajectory in 2025 .
- Stock narrative: Near-term sentiment mixed—strong commercial performance vs. pipeline miss; catalysts include ONAPGO launch and sustained Qelbree momentum; shares fell >13% on 2/19 after SPN-820 news .