Stereotaxis Reports 2023 Full Year Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Stereotaxis (STXS) reports financial results for Q4 and full year 2023, emphasizing progress in strategic transformation. The company anticipates breakout growth in 2024 with regulatory submissions made for proprietary ablation catheter, testing of smaller robot, and upcoming commercial launches. However, revenue growth faced challenges due to product dependencies, impacting system revenue. Despite this, Stereotaxis maintains a strong balance sheet to support its product ecosystem and aims for profitability in the future.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Revenue growth remained challenging in 2023 due to the loss of royalties and recurring shortages of catheters from partners.
• System revenue was weaker than expected in Q4 2023 due to delays in hospital construction schedules.
• Full year gross margins were 56% of revenue, with system gross margins at 8% reflecting significant overhead allocations.
• Operating loss and net loss increased in Q4 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Negative free cash flow for the full year 2023 was ($9.1) million.

Financial Analyst

The reported financial results from Stereotaxis indicate a mixed performance. A key indicator of concern is the year-over-year decrease in total revenue from $28.1 million in 2022 to $26.8 million in 2023. This decline is primarily attributed to the loss of catheter royalties and production shortages from their partner, which has negatively impacted recurring revenue streams. Despite this, the company has seen an increase in system revenue, suggesting an uptick in product adoption. However, with system revenue being described as 'lumpy', investors should be cautious about the predictability of this income stream.

From a profitability perspective, the company's gross margin remains relatively high, particularly in recurring revenue, which is typically a positive sign for potential long-term profitability. However, the reported operating and net losses for both the quarter and full year, alongside negative free cash flow, raise concerns about the company's current expense management and the timeline to profitability. The strong balance sheet with $20.6 million in cash and no debt provides some cushion and strategic flexibility, yet the increased losses year-over-year highlight the need for a critical assessment of future cash burn rates and funding requirements.

Market Research Analyst

Examining Stereotaxis' strategic initiatives, there is potential for significant market impact. The company's regulatory submissions in Europe and the United States for their proprietary robotically-navigated ablation catheter, if approved, could open up new market opportunities and catalyze growth. The anticipation of European regulatory clearance and FDA clearance for their smaller, highly-accessible robot could enhance the company's competitive edge in the surgical robotics market. Additionally, the planned commercial launches of a new guidewire, a product ecosystem in China and a digital surgery solution indicate Stereotaxis' commitment to innovation and expansion.

However, the market response to these launches will be critical to monitor, as the company's revenue growth has been challenged despite these strategic efforts. The acknowledgment of key product dependencies and the importance of securing a stable supply chain for robotic catheters are crucial factors that could influence future market performance and customer confidence.

Medical Technology Analyst

From a technological standpoint, Stereotaxis' focus on innovation within the medical robotics field is noteworthy. The development of a robotically-navigated ablation catheter and a more accessible robotic system could represent significant advancements in minimally invasive endovascular intervention. These technologies have the potential to improve clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies within healthcare settings.

However, the success of these innovations hinges on regulatory approvals and subsequent market adoption. The company's ability to navigate the regulatory landscape and effectively commercialize its product ecosystem will be determining factors in its long-term success. Additionally, the mention of a digital surgery solution suggests a move towards integrating robotics with digital health platforms, which could be transformative for the industry but also requires careful execution to ensure market readiness and compatibility with existing healthcare infrastructures.

ST. LOUIS, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stereotaxis (NYSE: STXS), a pioneer and global leader in surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

“We enter 2024 having made significant progress in realizing our strategic transformation. This is the year in which we expect all the key puzzle pieces to come together, setting us up for breakout growth to follow,” said David Fischel, Chairman and CEO.

“Our innovation strategy has a strong foundation, and we are pleased with where we stand. Regulatory submissions for our proprietary robotically-navigated ablation catheter have been made in both Europe and the United States, following stellar results from initial clinical use. We have begun formal testing of our smaller highly-accessible robot, and anticipate achieving European regulatory clearance mid-year followed by FDA clearance in the second half of the year. We also expect commercial launches later this year of a guidewire that expands our technology into several new indications, a comprehensive product ecosystem in China, and a digital surgery solution enabling broad operating room connectivity. These innovations collectively serve as a foundational product ecosystem for a high-growth medical robotics company poised to transform endovascular surgery. They are transformational as they structurally improve our clinical, commercial, financial, and strategic foundation.”

“Revenue growth amidst this transition has remained challenging. Revenue in 2023 was pressured by the loss of royalties and recurring shortages of catheters from our partner, highlighting the importance of overcoming key product dependencies. These headwinds counteracted growth in robotic system revenue for the year. System revenue remains lumpy, but we continue to benefit from a significant backlog and pipeline of orders. We were pleased in the fourth quarter to receive our first greenfield robotic system order from Germany in over a decade, and we anticipate continued growth in orders and system revenue as it becomes clear to physicians and hospitals that the supply of robotic catheters is secure.”

“We retain a strong balance sheet which allows us to bring our transformative product ecosystem to market, fund its commercialization, and reach profitability. We have multiple shots on goal for breakout growth in 2025.”

2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 totaled $4.6 million, compared to $7.3 million in the prior year fourth quarter. System revenue of $0.1 million and recurring revenue of $4.5 million, compared to $2.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively, in the prior year fourth quarter. System revenue was weaker than expected due to delays in hospital construction schedules but does not reflect our normalized expectation. Recurring revenue was in line with recent quarters. Revenue for the full year 2023 totaled $26.8 million compared to $28.1 million in 2022. Full year system revenue was $8.7 million compared to $6.8 million in the prior year, reflecting increased system deliveries. We started 2024 with system backlog of $14.7 million. Full year recurring revenue was $18.0 million compared to $21.3 million, reflecting the absence of catheter royalties received in the prior year and recurring catheter production shortages by our partner.

Gross margin for the fourth quarter and full year 2023 were approximately 60% and 56% of revenue, respectively. Full year gross margins were 79% for recurring revenue and 8% for system revenue. System gross margins reflect significant allocations of overhead and other direct expenses. Operating expenses in the fourth quarter were $8.0 million. Excluding $2.6 million in non-cash stock compensation expense, adjusted operating expenses in the current quarter were $5.4 million, down from the prior year adjusted operating expenses of $6.2 million. Adjusted operating expenses for the full year 2023 were $26.2 million, compared to $26.8 million in the prior year.

Operating loss and net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 were ($5.3) million and ($5.0) million, respectively, compared to ($4.5) million and ($4.2) million in the previous year. Adjusted operating loss and adjusted net loss for the quarter, excluding non-cash stock compensation expense, were ($2.7) million, and ($2.4) million, respectively, compared to ($1.9) million and ($1.6) million in the previous year. For the full year 2023, adjusted operating loss of ($11.3) million and adjusted net loss of ($10.2) million compared to an adjusted operating loss of ($8.3) million and an adjusted net loss of ($7.8) million in the prior year. Negative free cash flow for the full year 2023 was ($9.1) million compared to ($10.8) million for the full year 2022.

Cash Balance and Liquidity
At December 31, 2023, Stereotaxis had cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, of $20.6 million and no debt.

Forward Looking Expectations
Stereotaxis anticipates double digit revenue growth for the full year 2024 driven by revenue recognition of system backlog and new system orders. Cognizant of the volatility in quarterly revenue and challenge in reliably anticipating revenue in any specific quarter, Stereotaxis is providing specific revenue guidance only for the first quarter of 2024 of approximately $7.0 million.

Stereotaxis’ balance sheet allows it to advance its transformative product ecosystem to market, fund its commercialization, and reach profitability without the need for additional financing.

Conference Call and Webcast
Stereotaxis will host a conference call and webcast today, March 4, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the conference call, dial 1-800-715-9871 (US and Canada) or 1-646-307-1963 (International) and give the participant pass code 7954885. Participants are asked to call 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. To access the live and replay webcast, please visit the investor relations section of the Stereotaxis website at www.Stereotaxis.com.

About Stereotaxis
Stereotaxis (NYSE: STXS) is a pioneer and global leader in innovative surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention. Its mission is the discovery, development and delivery of robotic systems, instruments, and information solutions for the interventional laboratory. These innovations help physicians provide unsurpassed patient care with robotic precision and safety, expand access to minimally invasive therapy, and enhance the productivity, connectivity, and intelligence in the operating room. Stereotaxis technology has been used to treat over 100,000 patients across the United States, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. For more information, please visit www.Stereotaxis.com.

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe”, "estimate”, "project”, "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to manage expenses at sustainable levels, acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, the effect of global economic conditions on the ability and willingness of customers to purchase its technology, competitive factors, changes resulting from healthcare policy, dependence upon third-party vendors, timing of regulatory approvals, the impact of pandemics or other disasters, and other risks discussed in the Company's periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. There can be no assurance that the Company will recognize revenue related to its purchase orders and other commitments because some of these purchase orders and other commitments are subject to contingencies that are outside of the Company's control and may be revised, modified, delayed, or canceled.

Company Contacts:
David L. Fischel
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Kimberly R. Peery
Chief Financial Officer

314-678-6100
Investors@Stereotaxis.com

STEREOTAXIS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenue:
Systems	$	66			$	2,196			$	8,739			$	6,845
Disposables, service and accessories		4,499				5,105				18,032				21,302
Total revenue		4,565				7,301				26,771				28,147
Cost of revenue:
Systems		749				1,985				8,058				5,802
Disposables, service and accessories		1,078				1,007				3,853				3,875
Total cost of revenue		1,827				2,992				11,911				9,677
Gross margin		2,738				4,309				14,860				18,470
Operating expenses:
Research and development		2,212				2,400				10,273				10,558
Sales and marketing		2,791				2,988				12,376				12,325
General and administrative		3,039				3,377				14,050				14,363
Total operating expenses		8,042				8,765				36,699				37,246
Operating loss		(5,304	)			(4,456	)			(21,839	)			(18,776	)
Other income		3				-				30				-
Interest income, net		261				302				1,096				484
Net loss	$	(5,040	)		$	(4,154	)		$	(20,713	)		$	(18,292	)
Cumulative dividend on convertible preferred stock		(339	)			(338	)			(1,343	)			(1,343	)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(5,379	)		$	(4,492	)		$	(22,056	)		$	(19,635	)
Net loss per share attributed to common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.06	)		$	(0.27	)		$	(0.26	)
Diluted	$	(0.07	)		$	(0.06	)		$	(0.27	)		$	(0.26	)
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic		82,702,722				76,308,259				80,702,358				76,061,183
Diluted		82,702,722				76,308,259				80,702,358				76,061,183

STEREOTAXIS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,818			$	8,586
Restricted cash - current		525				525
Short-term investments		-				19,844
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $672 and $235 at 2023 and 2022, respectively		3,822				5,090
Inventories, net		8,426				7,876
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		676				1,325
Total current assets		33,267				43,246
Property and equipment, net		3,304				3,831
Restricted cash		219				744
Operating lease right-of-use assets		4,982				5,384
Prepaid and other non-current assets		137				208
Total assets	$	41,909			$	53,413
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,190			$	3,270
Accrued liabilities		2,972				3,306
Deferred revenue		6,657				7,342
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		428				373
Total current liabilities		13,247				14,291
Long-term deferred revenue		1,637				1,654
Operating lease liabilities		5,062				5,488
Other liabilities		43				51
Total liabilities		19,989				21,484
Series A - Convertible preferred stock:
Convertible preferred stock, Series A, par value $0.001; 22,358 and 22,383 shares outstanding at 2023 and 2022		5,577				5,583
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, Series B, par value $0.001; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 5,610,121 shares outstanding at 2022		-				6
Common stock, par value $0.001; 300,000,000 shares authorized, 80,949,697 and 74,874,459 shares issued at 2023 and 2022, respectively		81				75
Additional paid-in capital		554,148				543,438
Treasury stock, 4,015 shares at 2023 and 2022		(206	)			(206	)
Accumulated deficit		(537,680	)			(516,967	)
Total stockholders' equity		16,343				26,346
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	41,909			$	53,413

FAQ

What were Stereotaxis' (STXS) revenue figures for Q4 2023?

Revenue for Q4 2023 was $4.6 million, with system revenue at $0.1 million and recurring revenue at $4.5 million.

What challenges impacted revenue growth for Stereotaxis (STXS) in 2023?

Revenue growth was pressured by the loss of royalties and recurring shortages of catheters from partners.

What were the full year revenue figures for Stereotaxis (STXS) in 2023?

Full year revenue for Stereotaxis in 2023 totaled $26.8 million.

What was Stereotaxis' (STXS) cash balance at the end of December 31, 2023?

Stereotaxis had cash and cash equivalents of $20.6 million and no debt at the end of December 31, 2023.

What were Stereotaxis' (STXS) operating expenses in Q4 2023?

Operating expenses in Q4 2023 were $8.0 million, with adjusted operating expenses at $5.4 million.