Asensus Surgical, Inc. Reports Operating and Financial Results for the Second Quarter 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC) reported its Q2 2024 financial results and announced a definitive merger agreement with KARL STORZ. Key points include:

1. KARL STORZ will acquire Asensus for $0.35 per share in cash.
2. Q2 2024 revenue: $2.2 million, up from $1.1 million in Q2 2023.
3. Cash and equivalents: $7.8 million as of June 30, 2024.
4. Net loss: $25.7 million ($0.09 per share) vs $20.7 million in Q2 2023.
5. Adjusted net loss: $18.1 million ($0.07 per share).

The company urges stockholders to vote on the merger by August 20, 2024. If not approved, Asensus may seek bankruptcy protection.

Positive

• Definitive merger agreement with KARL STORZ, offering $0.35 per share in cash
• Q2 2024 revenue doubled to $2.2 million from $1.1 million in Q2 2023
• Adjusted net loss decreased to $18.1 million from $20.3 million in Q2 2023
• Leading proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis recommend stockholders vote FOR the merger

Negative

• Net loss increased to $25.7 million from $20.7 million in Q2 2023
• Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $7.8 million
• Company may seek bankruptcy protection if merger is not approved
• Merger offer of $0.35 per share is lower than historical valuations
• Over $300 million would need to be raised to support operations through 2027 if merger fails

Insights

Financial Analyst

Asensus Surgical's Q2 2024 results reveal a challenging financial situation. Revenue increased to $2.2 million from $1.1 million year-over-year, but operating expenses rose to $23.1 million from $18.9 million. The net loss widened to $25.7 million ($0.09 per share), compared to $20.7 million in Q2 2023. With only $7.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, the company's financial position is precarious.

The proposed merger with KARL STORZ at $0.35 per share represents a lifeline for the company. Without approval, Asensus faces potential bankruptcy, as it lacks funds to repay a $20 million securitized note to KARL STORZ and cover ongoing operations. The board's recommendation and support from proxy advisory firms suggest this may be the best available option for shareholders in a difficult market.

Medical Device Industry Expert

The proposed merger between Asensus Surgical and KARL STORZ is a significant development in the medical device industry. KARL STORZ, a well-established family-owned company, sees value in Asensus's digital solutions for operating rooms. This acquisition could potentially accelerate the integration of advanced technologies in surgical settings.

However, the $0.35 per share offer price suggests that Asensus's innovative technology hasn't translated into strong market position or financial performance. The company's struggle to achieve profitability, despite increasing revenue, indicates challenges in scaling and market adoption of its products. This merger, if approved, could provide the resources and market access needed to fully realize the potential of Asensus's technology, albeit under new ownership.

Corporate Restructuring Specialist

The situation at Asensus Surgical exemplifies the tough choices facing struggling tech companies in the current market. With a cash burn rate far exceeding revenue and capital raising options, the proposed merger appears to be a strategic exit rather than a growth opportunity. The board's exploration of alternatives and the recommendation from independent advisors suggest this is likely the best achievable outcome for shareholders.

The urgency in seeking votes and the warning of potential bankruptcy if the merger fails underline the company's dire financial straits. This case highlights the importance of timely strategic decisions in tech sectors with high burn rates. For investors, it serves as a reminder of the risks in early-stage medical technology companies and the potential for significant value erosion when funding dries up.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC), a global leader of innovative digital solutions for the operating room, announced its operating and financial results for the second quarter 2024.

Recent Highlights

• Announced a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) with KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. ("KARL STORZ"), a wholly owned direct subsidiary of KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, an independent, family-owned global medical technology company. Under the Merger Agreement, KARL STORZ will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Asensus Surgical for $0.35 per share in cash (the “Merger”)
• Leading independent proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, recommend that stockholders vote FOR the merger proposal
• Second quarter revenue of $2.2 million
• The Company had cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, of approximately $7.8 million at June 30, 2024

"We're at a critical juncture for our company. After thoroughly exploring all reasonably available options, we believe the Merger proposal offers the best opportunity to maximize value for our stockholders in our current circumstances,” said Anthony Fernando, Asensus Surgical President and CEO. “While we understand the offer price may not meet everyone's expectations, it does provide a definite return in a challenging financial environment. If the Merger is not approved, we expect to seek bankruptcy protection. We encourage all stockholders to carefully review the information we've provided and to participate in this crucial vote. Every vote matters as we determine the best path forward for Asensus Surgical and all of our stakeholders."

Company Urges Stockholder Participation in Critical Merger Vote as Extended Deadline Approaches

The Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders regarding the merger proposal with KARL STORZ was recently adjourned to Tuesday August 20, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). While we have received proxies for approximately 55% of our outstanding shares with over 80% voted in favor of the merger proposal, we still need more votes to approve the transaction. Approval from a majority of all shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote as of our record date of June 28, 2024 is required for approval.

If not approved, the Company will incur significant near-term financial obligations, including a repayment to KARL STORZ of their $20 million securitized note, plus interest and prepayment premium, as well as associated transaction expenses. These obligations exceed the Company’s assets as reflected on its current balance sheet. As outlined in the Proxy Statement we filed with the SEC on July 5, 2024, over $300 million would need to be raised to support operations through 2027.

The Board of Directors, after careful consideration, concluded that this merger proposal represents the best choice to maximize stockholder value. Leading independent proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, have also recommended that the merger proposal is in stockholders' best interests. If the Merger is not approved, we expect to seek bankruptcy protection in order to maximize the value of our assets as we seek an orderly liquidation of the company.

KARL STORZ's merger offer stands at $0.35 per share. While lower than historical valuations, we believe this represents the best available price given current circumstances. Prior to accepting this deal, various alternatives were explored, including partnerships and potential acquisitions, but no other potential counterparty indicated interest in a transaction at a higher price.

Stockholder participation in this vote is crucial. Abstaining or failing to vote is effectively the same as voting against the merger proposal, as approval is needed from a majority of outstanding shares, not just a majority of votes cast.

Any stockholder with questions about the Special Meeting or in need of assistance in voting their shares should contact the Company’s proxy solicitor:

Alliance Advisors
200 Broadacres Drive, 3rd Floor
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Stockholders, banks and brokers may call toll free: (844) 858-7383
Outside the U.S. and Canada: 1-520-524-4960

Second Quarter Financial Results

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company reported revenue of $2.2 million as compared to revenue of $1.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2023. Revenue in the second quarter of 2024 included $0.8 million in system revenue, $0.6 million in lease revenue, $0.6 million in instruments and accessories, and $0.2 million in services.

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, total operating expenses were $23.1 million, as compared to $18.9 million, in the three months ended June 30, 2023.

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, net loss was $25.7 million, or $0.09 per share, as compared to a net loss of $20.7 million, or $0.09 per share, in the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures below. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the adjusted net loss was $18.1 million, or $0.07 per share, as compared to an adjusted net loss of $20.3 million, or $0.09 per share in the three months ended June 30, 2023, after adjusting for the following charges: amortization of intangible assets, change in fair value of contingent consideration, and change in fair value of warrant liabilities, all of which are non-cash charges.

Balance Sheet Updates

The Company had cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, of approximately $7.8 million as of June 30, 2024.

Conference Call

To listen to the conference call on your telephone, please dial 1-800-717-1738 for domestic callers and 1-646-307-1865 for international callers, approximately ten minutes prior to the start time. To access the live audio webcast or archived recording, use the following link https://ir.asensus.com/events-and-presentations. The replay will be available on the Company’s website.

About Asensus Surgical, Inc.

Asensus Surgical is revolutionizing surgery with the first intra-operative Augmented Intelligence technology approved for use in operating rooms around the world. Recognized as an award-winning leader in digital technology, Asensus is committed to making surgery more accessible and predictable while delivering consistently superior outcomes. The Company’s novel approach to digitizing laparoscopy has led to system placements globally. Led by engineers, medical professionals, and industry luminaries, Asensus is powered by human ingenuity and driven by collaboration. To learn more about the Senhance® Surgical System and the new LUNA™ System in development, visit www.asensus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements relating to Asensus Surgical, and our 2024 second quarter results, and of the proposed merger with KARL STORZ (the “Merger”). These statements and other statements regarding our future plans and goals constitute "forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statement include all statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectation of Asensus and can typically be identified by words such as “may,” “will” and similar expressions, as well as variations or negatives of these words, including statements about the Company’s pursuit of stockholder approval for the Merger Agreement and Merger, and whether the Company will be successful in securing the requisite vote of its stockholders or meet all of the other required closing conditions and the actual consummation of the Merger. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations and include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that would give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement and the fact that certain terminations of the Merger Agreement require the Company to pay a termination fee of $3,600,000, whether the Company will meet all conditions required to close the Merger transaction, whether the necessary approvals will be obtained before the outside termination date in the Merger Agreement, the effect of the announcement of the Merger on the Company’s relationships with its customers, as well as its operating results and business generally, the outcome of any legal proceedings related to the Merger that may arise, retention of employees of the Company following the announcement of the Merger, the fact that the Company’s stock price may decline significantly if the Merger is not completed, and the fact that the Company may be obligated to repay amounts advanced under the promissory note issued to KARL STORZ (the “Note”), which provided bridge funding to the Company, if the Merger is not consummated and whether our stockholders will approve the Merger. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the origination date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, events or otherwise, except as required by law. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the Merger, the Company has filed with the SEC a definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents. This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that the Company may file with the SEC or send to its stockholders in connection with the Merger. Before making any voting decision, the Company’s stockholders are urged to read all relevant documents filed with the SEC, including the proxy statement, when they become available because they will contain important information about the Merger. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or from the Company at the investor relations page of its website, www.asensus.com.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenue:
Product	$	1,396			$	298			$	1,709			$	591
Service		236				289				521				484
Lease		575				494				1,100				982
Total revenue		2,207				1,081				3,330				2,057
Cost of revenue:
Product		1,155				1,612				2,836				2,837
Service		695				519				1,147				1,268
Lease		809				943				1,732				1,916
Total cost of revenue		2,659				3,074				5,715				6,021
Gross loss		(452	)			(1,993	)			(2,385	)			(3,964	)
Operating expenses:
Research and development		7,631				8,980				15,722				19,119
Sales and marketing		3,655				4,449				7,297				9,002
General and administrative		5,994				5,124				10,368				10,592
Amortization of intangible assets		110				114				224				226
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		5,700				203				12,180				308
Total operating expenses		23,090				18,870				45,791				39,247
Operating loss		(23,542	)			(20,863	)			(48,176	)			(43,211	)
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		(1,825	)			—				291				—
Interest income		66				431				192				870
Interest expense		(321	)			—				(321	)			—
Other expense, net		(52	)			(242	)			(111	)			(460	)
Total other (expense) income, net		(2,132	)			189				51				410
Loss before income taxes		(25,674	)			(20,674	)			(48,125	)			(42,801	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(75	)			12				(121	)			(79	)
Net loss		(25,749	)			(20,662	)			(48,246	)			(42,880	)
Net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted	$	(0.09	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.18	)		$	(0.18	)
Weighted average number of shares used in computing net loss per common share – basic and diluted		272,316				239,570				270,791				238,929
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss		(25,749	)			(20,662	)			(48,246	)			(42,880	)
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain		(174	)			175				(668	)			725
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments		1				99				9				406
Comprehensive loss	$	(25,922	)		$	(20,388	)		$	(48,905	)		$	(41,749	)

Asensus Surgical, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except for share data) (unaudited)
	June 30,				December 31,
	2024				2023
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,782			$	17,096
Short-term investments, available-for-sale		—				3,971
Accounts receivable, net		406				3,508
Inventories		7,160				7,172
Prepaid expenses		2,729				3,143
Other current assets		1,364				1,496
Total Current Assets		19,441				36,386
Restricted cash		1,517				1,642
Inventories, net of current portion		2,516				4,043
Property and equipment, net		8,034				8,959
Intellectual property, net		1,012				1,237
Net deferred tax assets		34				44
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		4,688				5,165
Other long-term assets		1,260				1,610
Total Assets	$	38,502			$	59,086
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	2,057			$	4,145
Accrued employee compensation and benefits		3,977				5,390
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		2,611				1,636
Contingent consideration, current		14,400				—
Operating lease liabilities, current		1,070				1,036
Deferred revenue		496				421
Notes payable		15,309				—
Total Current Liabilities		39,920				12,628
Long Term Liabilities:
Deferred revenue – less current portion		258				290
Contingent consideration		—				2,220
Warrant liabilities		5,597				5,888
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities		4,054				4,646
Total Liabilities		49,829				25,672
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock $0.001 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 272,616,330 and 264,921,526 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		273				265
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		—				—
Additional paid-in capital		977,285				973,129
Accumulated deficit		(987,614	)			(939,368	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,271	)			(612	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		(11,327	)			33,414
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	38,502			$	59,086

Asensus Surgical, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
	2024				2023
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(48,246	)		$	(42,880	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities:
Depreciation		1,682				1,652
Amortization of intangible assets		224				226
Amortization (accretion) of discounts and premiums on investments, net		979				(298	)
Stock-based compensation		3,273				3,894
Deferred tax expense		—				79
Bad debt expense		5				—
Change in inventory reserves		1,011				459
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		(291	)			—
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		12,180				308
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		3,008				1,614
Inventories		(646	)			(1,240	)
Operating lease right-of-use assets		387				40
Prepaid expenses		391				409
Other current and long-term assets		350				340
Accounts payable		(2,040	)			961
Accrued employee compensation and benefits		(1,319	)			(577	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		912				(55	)
Deferred revenue		62				(94	)
Interest payable		309				—
Operating lease liabilities		(459	)			(42	)
Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities		(28,228	)			(35,204	)
Investing Activities:
Purchase of available-for-sale investments		—				(12,268	)
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments		3,000				48,735
Purchase of property and equipment		(111	)			(166	)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by investing activities		2,889				36,301
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from notes payable		15,000				—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		982				196
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of vesting of restricted stock units		(176	)			(490	)
Proceeds from refund of non-redeemed shares of non-accredited investors		85				—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		—				5
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities		15,891				(289	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		9				751
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(9,439	)			1,559
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		18,738				7,470
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	9,299			$	9,029
Supplemental Disclosure for Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for leases	$	804			$	655
Cash paid for taxes	$	142			$	262
Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Transfer of inventories to property and equipment	$	857			$	802
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets	$	112			$	417

Asensus Surgical, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net loss attributable to common stockholders (GAAP)	$	(25,749	)		$	(20,662	)		$	(48,246	)		$	(42,880	)
Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets (a)		110				114				224				226
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (b)		5,700				203				12,180				308
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (c)		1,825				—				(291	)			—
Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (Non-GAAP)	$	(18,114	)		$	(20,345	)		$	(36,133	)		$	(42,346	)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted (GAAP)	$	(0.09	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.18	)		$	(0.18	)
Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets (a)		—				—				—				—
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (b)		0.02				—				0.04				—
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (c)		—				—				—				—
Adjusted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted (Non-GAAP)	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.14	)		$	(0.18	)

The non-GAAP financial measures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, which provide management with additional insight into the Company’s results of operations from period to period without certain non-cash charges, are calculated using the following adjustments:

a) Intangible assets that are amortized consist of developed technology and purchased patent rights recorded at cost and amortized over 7 to 10 years.

b) Contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of the Senhance System in 2015 is recorded as a liability and is the estimate of the fair value of potential milestone payments related to business acquisitions. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value using a probability of occurrence related to the Merger Agreement with KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. and Karl Storz California Inc. for a proposed Merger and a Monte-Carlo simulation utilizing significant unobservable inputs including the probability of achieving each of the potential milestones, revenue volatility, EURO to USD exchange rate, and an estimated discount rate associated with the risks of the expected cash flows attributable to the various milestones. Significant increases or decreases in any of the probabilities of success or changes in expected timelines for achievement of any of these milestones would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value of these milestones, respectively, and commensurate changes to the associated liability. The contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

c) The Company recorded warrant liabilities related to common stock warrants issued in the registered direct offering in July 2023.

Warrant liabilities were recorded at their initial estimated fair value. Adjustments associated with changes in fair value of the warrant liabilities are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Mark Klausner or Mike Vallie
ICR Westwicke
invest@asensus.com
443-213-0499

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Ventresca
Matter Communications
AsensusPR@matternow.com
617-874-5488

FAQ

What is the proposed merger deal for Asensus Surgical (ASXC)?

KARL STORZ has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Asensus Surgical (ASXC) for $0.35 per share in cash.

What was Asensus Surgical's (ASXC) revenue for Q2 2024?

Asensus Surgical (ASXC) reported revenue of $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024.

What is the deadline for Asensus Surgical (ASXC) stockholders to vote on the merger?

The extended deadline for Asensus Surgical (ASXC) stockholders to vote on the merger is Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

What might happen if the merger for Asensus Surgical (ASXC) is not approved?

If the merger is not approved, Asensus Surgical (ASXC) expects to seek bankruptcy protection and pursue an orderly liquidation of the company.