STOCK TITAN

Vericel (NASDAQ: VCEL) lifts 2026 outlook after 30% Q1 revenue gain

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Vericel Corporation reported strong growth for the first quarter of 2026, with total revenue up 30% to $68.4 million compared to $52.6 million a year earlier. MACI net revenue rose 22% to $56.4 million and Burn Care revenue grew 91% to $12.0 million, including Epicel revenue growth of 119%.

Gross margin improved to 72%, helping narrow the net loss to $6.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, from $11.2 million, or $0.23 per share. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA increased 195% to $9.6 million, and free cash flow reached $15.1 million.

The company ended the quarter with approximately $211 million in cash and investments and no debt. Vericel raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance by $10 million to a range of $326 to $336 million, with higher targets for both MACI and Burn Care.

Positive

  • Revenue acceleration and mix strength: Total Q1 2026 revenue grew 30% to $68.4 million, with MACI up 22% to $56.4 million and Burn Care up 91% to $12.0 million, indicating broad product momentum.
  • Profitability metrics improving: Gross margin rose to 72%, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA increased 195% to $9.6 million (14% of revenue), and free cash flow improved to $15.1 million, while net loss narrowed to $6.3 million.
  • Raised full-year outlook: 2026 total revenue guidance increased by $10 million to $326–$336 million, with higher targets for both MACI and Burn Care, and reaffirmed goals for ~75% gross margin and ~27% adjusted EBITDA margin.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Vericel posts strong Q1 growth, boosts 2026 revenue outlook.

Vericel delivered first quarter 2026 revenue of $68.4 million, up 30% year over year, driven by MACI growth of 22% to $56.4 million and Burn Care growth of 91% to $12.0 million. Gross margin expanded to 72%, lifting profitability metrics.

Net loss narrowed to $6.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, from $11.2 million in Q1 2025. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA rose to $9.6 million, or 14% of revenue, while free cash flow improved to $15.1 million. Cash and investments totaled roughly $211 million with no debt.

Management raised 2026 total revenue guidance to $326–$336 million, with MACI expected at $282–$288 million and Burn Care at $44–$48 million. The company reaffirmed full-year targets for gross margin of approximately 75% and adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 27%, framing expectations for the rest of 2026.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Total revenue $68.4 million Q1 2026, up 30% from $52.6 million in Q1 2025
MACI revenue $56.4 million Q1 2026, 22% year-over-year growth
Burn Care revenue $12.0 million Q1 2026, 91% year-over-year growth
Gross margin 72% Q1 2026, up from 69% in Q1 2025
Net loss $6.3 million ($0.12/share) Q1 2026, improved from $11.2 million ($0.23/share) in Q1 2025
Adjusted EBITDA $9.6 million Q1 2026, 14% of revenue, up from $3.2 million
Free cash flow $15.1 million Q1 2026, versus negative $7.6 million in Q1 2025
2026 revenue guidance $326–$336 million Full-year 2026 total revenue guidance, raised by $10 million
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA financial
"Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $9.6 million"
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a measure of a company's profitability that shows earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, with certain adjustments made to exclude irregular or non-recurring expenses and income. It provides a clearer picture of ongoing operational performance by filtering out items that might distort the core business results. Investors use it to better compare how well different companies are performing without the noise of one-time events.
Free cash flow financial
"Free cash flow of $15.1 Million"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
Gross margin financial
"Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $49.3 million, or 72% of net revenue"
Gross margin is the difference between how much money a company makes from selling its products and how much it costs to produce them, expressed as a percentage of sales. It shows how efficiently a company is turning sales into profit before other expenses like marketing or salaries. Higher gross margin means the company keeps more money from each sale, which is a good sign of financial health.
BARDA award financial
"Announced BARDA award valued at up to $197 million for procurement and advanced development of NexoBrid"
MACI financial
"Total net product revenue for the quarter included $56.4 million of MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) net revenue"
Epicel financial
"Total net product revenue for the quarter included $10.9 million of Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts) net revenue"
Revenue $68.4 million +30% year over year
Net loss $6.3 million improved from $11.2 million year over year
Adjusted EBITDA $9.6 million up from $3.2 million year over year
Free cash flow $15.1 million up from negative $7.6 million year over year
Guidance

Full-year 2026 total revenue guidance raised to $326–$336 million, with MACI at $282–$288 million and Burn Care at $44–$48 million; gross margin ~75% and adjusted EBITDA margin ~27% reaffirmed.

0000887359false00008873592026-05-072026-05-07

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): May 7, 2026

Vericel Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan
001-35280
94-3096597
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation)
64 Sidney Street
Cambridge,
MA
02139
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 588-5555

Not Applicable
Former name or former address, if changed since last report

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):


    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueVCELNASDAQ

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging Growth Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o



Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On May 7, 2026, Vericel Corporation issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information in this Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibit No.Description
99.1
Press Release of Vericel Corporation, "Vericel Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Raises Full-Year Financial Guidance"
104
Cover page interactive data file (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)




EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No. Description
   
99.1
Press Release of Vericel Corporation, "Vericel Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Raises Full-Year Financial Guidance"
104
Cover page interactive data file (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Vericel Corporation
Date: May 7, 2026
By:/s/ Joseph A. Mara
Name: Joseph A. Mara
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)




Exhibit 99.1
vericellogoa26.jpg
Vericel Corporation
64 Sidney Street Cambridge, MA 02139
T (617) 588-5555 F (617) 588-5554
www.vcel.com


Vericel Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Raises Full-Year Financial Guidance
Total Revenue Increased 30% to $68.4 Million, with MACI Revenue Growth of 22% and Burn Care Revenue Growth of 91%
Gross Margin of 72% and Adjusted EBITDA Growth of 195%
Free Cash Flow of $15.1 Million
Full-Year 2026 Revenue Guidance Raised by $10 Million to $326 to $336 Million
Conference Call Today at 8:30am Eastern Time

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 7, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vericel Corporation (NASDAQ:VCEL), a leader in advanced therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets, today reported financial results and business highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
Total net revenue growth of 30% to $68.4 million
MACI® net revenue growth of 22% to $56.4 million
Burn Care net revenue growth of 91% to $12.0 million
Gross margin of 72%
Net loss of $6.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA increased 195% to $9.6 million, or 14% of revenue
Operating cash flow of $16.4 million
Free cash flow of $15.1 million
Approximately $211 million in cash and investments, and no debt

Business Highlights and Updates
Record first quarter total revenue, MACI revenue and Burn Care revenue
MACI revenue growth of 20% or more for the fourth consecutive quarter, with a four-quarter trailing revenue growth rate of 23%
Epicel® first quarter revenue growth of 119%
Double-digit MACI biopsy and implant growth, with record first quarter MACI biopsies, implants and biopsy and implanting surgeons, and the second highest number of MACI biopsies and biopsy surgeons in any quarter since launch
1

Exhibit 99.1
Announced BARDA award valued at up to $197 million for procurement and advanced development of NexoBrid®
Received FDA approval for MACI commercial manufacturing at the Company’s new state-of-the-art advanced therapy manufacturing facility
Remain on track to submit MACI marketing authorization application to U.K. MHRA in 2026

“The Company delivered outstanding financial and business results in the first quarter, as we generated strong revenue and profit growth and achieved several key business objectives,” said Nick Colangelo, President and CEO of Vericel. “With a record first quarter performance across both of our commercial franchises, we believe that the Company is well-positioned for another year of high revenue and profit growth, an inflection in cash generation, and continued progress on our long-term growth initiatives.”

2026 Financial Guidance
Total revenue of $326 to $336 million, compared to previous guidance of $316 to $326 million
MACI revenue of $282 to $288 million, compared to previous guidance of $280 to $286 million
Burn Care revenue of $44 to $48 million, compared to previous guidance of $36 to $40 million
Reaffirmed full-year profitability guidance of gross margin of approximately 75% and adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 27%

First Quarter 2026 Results
Total net revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 30% to $68.4 million, compared to $52.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Total net product revenue for the quarter included $56.4 million of MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) net revenue, $10.9 million of Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts) net revenue, and $1.1 million of NexoBrid (anacaulase-bcdb) net revenue, compared to $46.3 million of MACI net revenue, $5.0 million of Epicel net revenue, and $1.3 million of NexoBrid net revenue, respectively, in the first quarter of 2025.

Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $49.3 million, or 72% of net revenue, compared to $36.3 million, or 69% of net revenue, for the first quarter of 2025.

Total operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 were $57.3 million, compared to $49.1 million for the same period in 2025. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased headcount and related employee expenses, including the MACI sales force expansion, and additional costs related to the Company’s new Burlington facility.

Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $6.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $11.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025.
2

Exhibit 99.1
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $9.6 million, or 14% of net revenue, compared to $3.2 million, or 6% of net revenue, for the first quarter of 2025. A table reconciling non-GAAP measures is included in this press release for reference.

Conference Call Information
Today’s conference call will be available live at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The live webcast can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the Vericel website at http://investors.vcel.com/events-presentations. Presentation slides for the conference call will be available on the webcast and on the Vericel website. A replay of the webcast will be available until May 6, 2027.

To participate by telephone, dial 800-330-6730 or +1-312-471-1351 if connecting from outside the U.S. When connected, please use passcode: 244506.

About Vericel Corporation
Vericel is a leading provider of advanced therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets. The Company combines innovations in biology with medical technologies, resulting in a highly differentiated portfolio of innovative cell therapies and specialty biologics that repair injuries and restore lives. Vericel markets three products in the United States. MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) is an autologous cellularized scaffold product indicated for the repair of symptomatic, single or multiple full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee with or without bone involvement in adults. Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts) is a permanent skin replacement for the treatment of patients with deep dermal or full thickness burns greater than or equal to 30% of total body surface area. Vericel also holds an exclusive license for North American rights to NexoBrid (anacaulase-bcdb), a biological orphan product containing proteolytic enzymes, which is indicated for eschar removal in adults and pediatric patients with deep partial-thickness and/or full-thickness thermal burns. For more information, please visit www.vcel.com.

Epicel®, MACI® and MACI Arthro® are registered trademarks of Vericel Corporation. NexoBrid® is a registered trademark of MediWound Ltd. and is used under license to Vericel Corporation. © 2026 Vericel Corporation. All rights reserved.

GAAP v. Non-GAAP Measures
Vericel’s reported earnings are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, and represent earnings as reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Vericel has provided in this release certain financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Vericel’s management believes that the non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, which includes adjustments for specific items that are generally not indicative of our core operations, and free cash flow described in this release, provide additional information that is useful to investors in understanding Vericel’s underlying performance, business and performance trends, and helps facilitate period-to-period comparisons and comparisons of its financial measures with other companies in Vericel’s industry. However, the non-GAAP financial measures that Vericel uses may differ from measures that other companies may use. Non-GAAP financial measures are not required to be uniformly applied, are
3

Exhibit 99.1
not audited and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Forward-Looking Statements
Vericel cautions you that all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, they are based on current expectations about future events affecting us and are subject to risks, assumptions, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These statements are often, but are not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “continues,” “believe,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “target,” “future,” “potential,” “goals” and similar words or phrases, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, uncertainties associated with our expectations regarding future revenue, growth in revenue, market penetration for MACI, MACI Arthro, Epicel, and NexoBrid, growth in profit, gross margins and operating margins, the ability to continue to scale our manufacturing operations to meet the demand for our cell therapy products, the ability to sustain profitability, contributions to adjusted EBITDA, the expected target surgeon audience, potential fluctuations in sales and volumes and our results of operations over the course of the year, timing and conduct of clinical trial and product development activities, timing and likelihood of the FDA’s potential approval of the use of MACI to treat cartilage defects in the ankle, the timing and likelihood of obtaining market approval for MACI in the United Kingdom, the estimate of the commercial growth potential of our products and product candidates, competitive developments, changes in third-party coverage and reimbursement, including recent and future healthcare reform measures and private payor initiatives, surgeon adoption of MACI Arthro, physician and burn center adoption of NexoBrid, labor strikes, supply chain disruptions or other events or factors that might affect our ability to manufacture MACI or Epicel or affect MediWound’s ability to manufacture and supply sufficient quantities of NexoBrid to meet customer demand, including but not limited to conflicts in the Middle East region involving Israel or those related to disruptions of land or sea transportation routes or distribution or shipping channels, uncertainties associated with the potential benefits of the Company’s agreement with BARDA for the procurement and development of NexoBrid and the availability of funding from BARDA under that agreement, negative impacts on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran and a potential regime change in Iran, as well as other hostilities in the Middle East, changes in trade policies and regulations, including the potential for increases or changes in duties, and current and potentially new tariffs or quotas, lingering effects of adverse developments affecting financial institutions, companies in the financial services industry or the financial services
4

Exhibit 99.1
industry generally, changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including, but not limited to, Federal Reserve policies in connection with continued inflationary pressures, the impact from future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes affecting our industry or the broader market, including those included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and a U.S. government shutdown.

These and other significant factors are discussed in greater detail in Vericel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2026, Vericel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2026, and in other filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements reflect our views as of the date hereof and Vericel does not assume and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release except as required by law.

Investor Contact:
Eric Burns
ir@vcel.com
+1 (734) 418-4411


5

Exhibit 99.1

VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
Product sales, net$68,425 $52,598 
Total revenue68,425 52,598 
Cost of product sales19,159 16,325 
Gross profit49,266 36,273 
Research and development8,104 7,261 
Selling, general and administrative49,226 41,804 
Total operating expenses57,330 49,065 
Loss from operations(8,064)(12,792)
Other income (expense):
Interest income1,851 1,657 
Interest expense(160)(153)
Other income71 42 
Total other income1,762 1,546 
Net loss$(6,302)$(11,246)
Net loss per common share:
Basic$(0.12)$(0.23)
Diluted$(0.12)$(0.23)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic50,773 49,905 
Diluted50,773 49,905 

6

Exhibit 99.1
VERICEL CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED NET LOSS (GAAP)
TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON-GAAP MEASURE)
(in thousands - unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
Net loss$(6,302)$(11,246)
Stock-based compensation expense11,294 11,505 
Depreciation and amortization3,267 2,686 
Net interest income(1,692)(1,504)
Pre-occupancy lease expense and tech transfer2,989 1,801 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$9,556 $3,242 


7

Exhibit 99.1
VERICEL CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW (NON-GAAP MEASURE)
(in thousands - unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
Net cash provided by operating activities$16,383 $6,600 
Capital expenditures(1,257)(14,212)
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$15,126 $(7,612)
Net cash used in investing activities$(4,201)$(15,142)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities$(2,979)$3,198 
8

Exhibit 99.1
VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands - unaudited)

 March 31,December 31,
 20262025
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$109,295 $100,092 
Short-term investments36,045 37,407 
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13 and $13, respectively)72,383 84,634 
Inventory18,351 17,560 
Other current assets7,990 7,744 
Total current assets244,064 247,437 
Property and equipment, net107,113 108,397 
Intangible assets, net5,469 5,625 
Right-of-use assets63,409 64,774 
Long-term investments65,284 61,395 
Other long-term assets288 341 
Total assets$485,627 $487,969 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$19,009 $15,828 
Accrued expenses13,967 19,236 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities14,063 13,969 
Other current liabilities116 116 
Total current liabilities47,155 49,149 
Operating lease liabilities80,362 82,284 
Other long-term liabilities1,879 1,896 
Total liabilities129,396 133,329 
Total shareholders’ equity356,231 354,640 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$485,627 $487,969 

9

FAQ

How did Vericel (VCEL) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Vericel reported strong Q1 2026 growth, with total revenue rising 30% to $68.4 million. MACI revenue reached $56.4 million and Burn Care revenue $12.0 million. Net loss narrowed to $6.3 million, helped by a higher gross margin of 72%.

What were Vericel (VCEL) MACI and Burn Care revenues in Q1 2026?

In Q1 2026, Vericel’s MACI net revenue increased 22% to $56.4 million, while Burn Care net revenue grew 91% to $12.0 million. Within Burn Care, Epicel revenue rose from $5.0 million to $10.9 million, and NexoBrid contributed $1.1 million.

Did Vericel (VCEL) improve profitability metrics in Q1 2026?

Yes. Vericel’s Q1 2026 gross margin improved to 72%, up from 69%. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA rose to $9.6 million, or 14% of revenue, compared with $3.2 million a year earlier. Net loss narrowed to $6.3 million from $11.2 million.

What is Vericel’s (VCEL) 2026 revenue guidance after Q1 results?

Vericel raised full-year 2026 total revenue guidance to $326–$336 million, up from $316–$326 million. MACI is now expected to generate $282–$288 million, and Burn Care $44–$48 million. Profitability margin targets were reaffirmed.

What is Vericel’s cash position and debt level after Q1 2026?

At March 31, 2026, Vericel held approximately $211 million in cash and investments and reported no debt. The company generated $16.4 million in operating cash flow and $15.1 million in free cash flow during the quarter.

How did Vericel’s adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow change year over year?

Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 increased to $9.6 million from $3.2 million in Q1 2025. Free cash flow improved to $15.1 million versus a negative $7.6 million a year earlier, reflecting stronger operations and lower capital expenditures.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents