Asensus Surgical, Inc. Reports Operating and Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter 2023 and Full Year 2023
Asensus Surgical, Inc. (ASXC) reported its operating and financial results for Q4 and full year 2023, showcasing growth in surgical procedures and revenue. The company completed evaluations of its LUNA Surgical System and saw an increase in Senhance Surgical System usage globally. With a revenue of $8.6 million for 2023 and cash reserves of $21.1 million, Asensus Surgical aims for significant milestones in 2024.
Positive
Completed in vivo evaluation of the LUNA Surgical System by nine independent surgeons through thirteen procedures
Over 3,550 surgical procedures performed globally using the Senhance Surgical System, a growth of over 13% compared to 2022
8 Senhance Surgical Programs initiated in 2023, aligning with guidance
Full year 2023 revenue of $8.6 million
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of approximately $21.1 million at December 31, 2023
Over 835 surgical procedures performed globally using the Senhance Surgical System in Q4
Five Senhance Surgical Programs initiated in Q4
Fourth quarter unaudited revenue of $5.4 million
The performance of Asensus Surgical in 2023, particularly the growth in procedures using the Senhance Surgical System, indicates a positive trajectory in the adoption of their technology. A 13% increase in surgical procedures year-over-year suggests that the system is gaining traction within the medical community. The initiation of eight new Senhance Surgical Programs aligns with the company's guidance, reflecting a strategic consistency in their expansion efforts.
Furthermore, the financial results, with a full-year revenue of $8.6 million and a cash reserve of approximately $21.1 million, provide a snapshot of the company's fiscal health. These figures are essential for stakeholders in assessing the company's ability to fund ongoing operations and invest in future growth opportunities. The financial stability, inferred from the cash reserves, may also offer the company some buffer against market fluctuations and investment in R&D.
Asensus Surgical's focus on digitizing the interface between surgeon and patient through the Senhance Surgical System is indicative of broader industry trends towards digitalization and automation in healthcare. The in vivo evaluation of the LUNA Surgical System by independent surgeons is a critical step towards regulatory approval and commercialization. This indicates the company's commitment to innovation and could be a significant driver for future growth, pending regulatory outcomes.
Moreover, the international expansion with new programs across Germany, Romania, the CIS region and Japan suggests that Asensus Surgical is strategically positioning itself in diverse markets. This geographic diversification can potentially mitigate risks associated with market-specific regulatory hurdles or economic downturns. The fourth quarter revenue spike is also noteworthy, as it may signal an accelerating adoption rate or successful entry into new markets.
From a financial perspective, the unaudited fourth quarter revenue of $5.4 million deserves attention. It represents a significant portion of the annual revenue and could imply a strong finish to the year, possibly due to strategic sales initiatives or an increase in market demand for their products. Investors should monitor subsequent quarters to see if this uptrend is sustainable and indicative of a solid growth pattern.
It's also important to consider the company's cash position in relation to its burn rate and future investment needs. The $21.1 million in cash and equivalents provides a cushion, but for a med-tech company heavily investing in R&D and regulatory approvals, this runway might be shorter than it appears. A detailed analysis of the company's cash flow projections and anticipated capital requirements would be prudent for a comprehensive understanding of its financial stability.
03/21/2024 - 04:05 PM
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asensus Surgical
Full Year Highlights
Completed in vivo evaluation of the LUNA™ Surgical System by nine independent surgeons through thirteen procedures across gynecology, urology, and general surgery Over 3,550 surgical procedures were performed globally using the Senhance Surgical System, representing growth of over 13% compared to 2022 In 2023, 8 Senhance Surgical Programs were initiated, which is in line with guidance of 8-10 systems Full year 2023 revenue of $8.6 million The Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, excluding restricted cash, of approximately $21.1 million at December 31, 2023 Fourth Quarter Highlights
Over 835 surgical procedures were performed globally using the Senhance® Surgical System Five Senhance Surgical Programs were initiated, including one in Germany, one in Romania, two in the CIS region and one in Japan Fourth quarter unaudited revenue of $5.4 million "Reflecting on our progress in 2023, I'm pleased with the solid groundwork we continue to lay for the future,” said Anthony Fernando, Asensus Surgical President and CEO. “As we look at 2024, there's a sense of optimism as we aim to hit significant milestones in the coming quarters. Our main focus right now is on the thorough testing and evaluation phase of the LUNA Surgical System, as we prepare for regulatory submissions. Additionally, I'm particularly excited about the progress we're making in pediatric applications, highlighting our commitment to advancing surgical technology for all patients through the unique features of the Senhance System.”
2024 Milestones
For the full year 2024, the Company expects:
To initiate 8 - 10 new Senhance programs. Procedure volume growth of 15% to 20% over 2023. Freezing the system's design for the LUNA Surgical System Verification and validation testing, and pilot manufacturing for the LUNA Surgical System Market Development
2023 Senhance Program Initiations
In 2023, the Company initiated eight new Senhance Surgical System placements: one in the United States, one in Germany, three in Japan, one in Romania, and two in the CIS region.
Procedure Volumes 13% increase over the previous year. These procedures included general surgery, gynecology, urology, colorectal, pediatric, and bariatric surgical cases.
Pediatric Update
Clinical Registry (TRUST) 45% increase from 2022.
Clinical Validation https://www.asensus.com/resources/clinical-publications
LUNA™ Surgical Robotic System
LUNA Development
Future milestones include freezing the system's design in the second half of 2024, followed by verification and validation testing, and pilot manufacturing. The Company is confident in the regulatory pathway for the LUNA System. Ongoing communication with the FDA, along with strong in-house regulatory expertise and past successful submissions for the Senhance System, lead the Company to anticipate using a traditional 510(k) submission pathway in the U.S., rather than the more complex de novo pathway. This streamlined approach is expected to apply globally, offering a quicker market entry compared to new entrants. LUNA is currently under development and has not been submitted to, or cleared by, the U.S. FDA or other global regulators, and is not available for sale in any market.
Agreement with Flex for LUNA Surgical System Design and Advanced Manufacturing Services
Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited)
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported revenue of $5.4 million , as compared to revenue of $2.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2022. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 included $3.6 million in system revenue, $1.0 million in instruments and accessories, $0.5 million in lease revenue, and $0.3 million in services.
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, total operating expenses were $17.2 million , as compared to $18.3 million , in the three months ended December 31, 2022.
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, net loss was $17.2 million , or $0.07 per share, as compared to a net loss of $17.9 million , or $0.08 per share, in the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures below. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the adjusted net loss was $17.5 million , or $0.07 per share, as compared to the adjusted net loss of $16.7 million , or $0.07 per share in the three months ended December 31, 2022, after adjusting for the following non-cash charges: amortization of intangible assets, change in fair value of contingent consideration, property and equipment impairment, and change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Balance Sheet Updates
The Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, excluding restricted cash, of approximately $21.1 million as of December 31, 2023.
Based on the recent financing and our current operating plan, the Company anticipates that available cash will now sustain operations until early June 2024.
The Company intends to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 on or about March 21, 2024, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expects that the audited financial statements that will be included in the filing will contain statements regarding management’s assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and a going concern qualification in the audit opinion from its independent registered public accounting firm. This announcement is made pursuant to NYSE American Company Guide Sections 401(h) and 610(b), which require public announcement of the receipt of an audit opinion containing a going concern paragraph.
Conference Call
To listen to the conference call on your telephone, please dial 1-888-886-7786 for domestic callers and 1-416-764-8658 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
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 .
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements relating to Asensus Surgical, our 2024 fourth quarter results, and our plans for the remainder of 2024. 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. 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 whether, based on our current cash and current operating plan, we will have sufficient available cash to sustain operations until early June 2024 and whether we will be able to successfully complete financing sufficient to sustain our operations after that time, whether we will be able to achieve wider adoption of the Senhance System and optimizing its utilization, whether we will initiate 8-10 new Senhance programs during 2024, whether our LUNA System development efforts, including the design freeze, verification and validation testing, and pilot manufacturing, will continue on the anticipated timeline, whether our regulatory submissions for the LUNA System will be successful on the timeline, and in the regulatory pathway, we expect, and whether Senhance System procedure growth will increase 15% -20% over 2023 procedures. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (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 events or otherwise.
Asensus Surgical, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenue: Product $ 4,627 $ 1,762 $ 5,519 $ 4,327 Service 273 306 1,052 1,373 Lease 531 396 2,006 1,387 Total revenue 5,431 2,464 8,577 7,087 Cost of revenue: Product 2,858 987 6,866 5,303 Service 444 668 2,293 2,174 Lease 963 643 3,996 3,395 Total cost of revenue 4,265 2,298 13,155 10,872 Gross profit (loss) 1,166 166 (4,578 ) (3,785 ) Operating expenses: Research and development 8,614 8,520 37,023 28,942 Sales and marketing 3,781 3,820 16,921 14,756 General and administrative 3,992 4,794 19,155 20,172 Amortization of intangible assets 113 107 453 7,708 Change in fair value of contingent consideration 290 53 964 (1,115 ) Property and equipment impairment 374 999 374 1,431 Total operating expenses 17,164 18,293 74,890 71,894 Operating loss (15,998 ) (18,127 ) (79,468 ) (75,679 ) Other (expense) income, net: Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (1,046 ) — 1,232 — Interest income 276 365 1,553 1,141 Interest expense — — — (410 ) Other expense, net (289 ) (34 ) (1,436 ) (295 ) Total other (expense) income, net (1,059 ) 331 1,349 436 Loss before income taxes (17,057 ) (17,796 ) (78,119 ) (75,243 ) Income tax expense (178 ) (94 ) (314 ) (318 ) Net loss (17,235 ) (17,890 ) (78,433 ) (75,561 ) Net loss per common share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted $ (0.07 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (0.32 ) Weighted average number of shares used in computing net loss per common share – basic and diluted 264,348 236,843 249,685 236,492 Comprehensive loss: Net loss (17,235 ) (17,890 ) (78,433 ) (75,561 ) Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 1,196 2,151 1,280 (1,867 ) Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments 23 353 496 (257 ) Comprehensive loss $ (16,016 ) $ (15,386 ) $ (76,657 ) $ (77,685 )
Asensus Surgical, Inc.Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited) December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,096 $ 6,329 Short-term investments, available-for-sale 3,971 64,195 Accounts receivable, net 3,508 2,256 Inventory, net 7,172 8,284 Prepaid expenses 3,143 3,584 Employee retention tax credit receivable — 554 Other current assets 1,496 1,671 Total Current Assets 36,386 86,873 Restricted cash 1,642 1,141 Long-term investments, available-for-sale — 3,865 Inventory, net of current portion 4,043 5,469 Property and equipment, net 8,959 9,542 Intellectual property, net 1,237 1,576 Deferred tax assets, net 44 174 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 5,165 4,950 Other long-term assets 1,610 2,463 Total Assets $ 59,086 $ 116,053 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,145 $ 3,348 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 5,390 4,508 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,636 1,293 Operating lease liabilities, current 1,036 800 Deferred revenue 421 465 Total Current Liabilities 12,628 10,414 Long-Term Liabilities: Deferred revenue – less current portion 290 — Contingent consideration 2,220 1,256 Warrant liabilities 5,888 — Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 4,646 4,738 Total Liabilities 25,672 16,408 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ Equity Common stock $0.00 1 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 264,921,526 and 236,895,440 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectivel 265 237 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 — — Additional paid-in capital 973,129 962,731 Accumulated deficit (939,368 ) (860,935 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (612 ) (2,388 ) Total Stockholders’ Equity 33,414 99,645 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 59,086 $ 116,053
Asensus Surgical, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(Unaudited) Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Operating Activities: Net loss $ (78,433 ) $ (75,561 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities: Depreciation 3,276 3,368 Amortization of intangible assets 453 7,708 (Accretion) amortization of discounts and premiums on investments, net (482 ) 565 Stock-based compensation 7,918 8,416 Deferred tax expense 132 318 Change in inventory reserves 324 620 Bad debt expense — 9 Property and equipment impairment 374 1,431 Loss on disposal of property and equipment — 122 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (1,232 ) — Change in fair value of contingent consideration 964 (1,115 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (1,178 ) (1,528 ) Inventory 129 (2,302 ) Operating lease right-of-use assets (206 ) 232 Prepaid expenses 424 (450 ) Employee retention tax credit receivable 554 757 Other current and long-term assets 1,173 (2,101 ) Accounts payable 574 35 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 881 4,523 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 365 (3,955 ) Deferred revenue 233 (55 ) Operating lease liabilities 130 26 Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities (63,627 ) (58,937 ) Investing Activities: Purchase of available-for-sale investments (12,268 ) (33,886 ) Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments 77,335 82,702 Purchase of property and equipment (561 ) (1,279 ) Net cash and cash equivalents provided by investing activities 64,506 47,537 Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs 10,118 — Taxes paid related to net share settlement of vesting of restricted stock units (497 ) (350 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5 18 Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities 9,626 (332 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 763 (81 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 11,268 (11,813 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 7,470 19,283 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 18,738 $ 7,470 Supplemental Disclosure for Cash Flow Information: Cash paid for leases $ 1,475 $ 984 Cash paid for taxes $ 352 $ 165 Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities: Transfer of inventories to property and equipment $ 2,941 $ 2,693 Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets $ 1,143 $ 577
Asensus Surgical, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss per Share (in thousands except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net loss attributable to common stockholders (GAAP) $ (17,235 ) $ (17,890 ) $ (78,433 ) $ (75,561 ) Adjustments Amortization of intangible assets (a) 113 107 453 7,708 Change in fair value of contingent consideration (b) 290 53 964 (1,115 ) Impairment of property and equipment (c) 374 999 374 1,431 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (d) (1,046 ) — 1,232 — Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (Non-GAAP) $ (17,504 ) $ (16,731 ) $ (75,410 ) $ (67,537 ) Three Months Ended Years Ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (GAAP) $ (0.07 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (0.32 ) Adjustments Amortization of intangible assets (a) — — — 0.03 Change in fair value of contingent consideration (b) — — — (0.01 ) Impairment of property and equipment (c) — 0.01 — 0.01 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (d) — — 0.01 — Adjusted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (Non-GAAP) $ (0.07 ) $ (0.07 ) $ (0.30 ) $ (0.29 )
The non-GAAP financial measures for the three months and years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, provide management with additional insight into the Company’s results of operations from period to period without non-cash charges and 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 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) Property and equipment impairment associated with Senhance Systems under operating leases that are not expected to generate future cash flows sufficient to recover their net book value.
d) During 2023, 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.
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Over 3,550 surgical procedures were performed globally using the Senhance Surgical System in 2023, representing a growth of over 13% compared to 2022.
Asensus Surgical reported a full year 2023 revenue of $8.6 million.
Asensus Surgical had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of approximately $21.1 million at December 31, 2023.
Anthony Fernando is the President and CEO of Asensus Surgical.
In 2023, 8 Senhance Surgical Programs were initiated, which is in line with guidance.
