Novocure Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Company Update
Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, highlighting commercial strength and strategic investment across clinical, product development and commercial initiatives intended to fuel future growth. Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer by developing and commercializing its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division.
Third quarter 2021 highlights include:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021
2020
%
Change
2021
2020
%
Change
Financial, in millions
Net revenues
$
133.6
$
132.7
1
%
$
401.8
$
350.4
15
%
Gross Profit
$
103.4
$
104.3
(1)
%
$
316.6
$
272.0
16
%
Net income (loss)
$
(13.1)
$
9.3
(241)
%
$
(31.9)
$
14.9
(314)
%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$
19.9
$
37.3
(47)
%
$
59.2
$
80.4
(26)
%
Non-financial
Active patients at period end(2)
3,502
3,361
4
%
3,502
3,361
4
%
Prescriptions received in period(3)
1,380
1,371
1
%
4,232
4,202
1
%
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation.
(2) An “active patient” is a patient who is receiving treatment under a commercial prescription order as of the measurement date, including patients who may be on a temporary break from treatment and who plan to resume treatment in less than 60 days.
(3) A “prescription received” is a commercial order for Optune or Optune Lua that is received from a physician certified to treat patients for a patient not previously on Optune or Optune Lua. Orders to renew or extend treatment are not included in this total.
“The third quarter was another period of solid execution at Novocure,” said William Doyle, Novocure’s Executive Chairman. “We generated $134 million in net revenues and invested $48 million across our research, clinical and product development initiatives. We recently completed enrollment in our phase 3 INNOVATE-3 trial and our phase 2 EF-31 trial, and announced a new collaboration with global oncology leader, Roche. The fundamentals of our business are strong, and we are energized by the opportunities before us to help many more cancer patients and to drive the growth of our company.”
“As we look ahead, we are nearing a key inflection point for patients and our organization as several of our late-stage clinical trials approach full enrollment,” added Asaf Danziger, Novocure’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have completed enrollment in our INNOVATE-3 trial studying recurrent ovarian cancer, and our LUNAR trial studying non-small cell lung cancer is expected to enroll the final patient by year-end. As this cycle of late-stage trials nears conclusion, we are eager to further explore the efficacy of TTFields in new indications, together with other treatment modalities, and in partnerships with global oncology leaders.”
Third quarter 2021 financial update
For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, net revenues were $133.6 million, representing 1% growth compared to the third quarter 2020.
In the United States, net revenues totaled $88.0 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing a 5% decrease compared to the same period in 2020. In EMEA markets, net revenues totaled $30.3 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 7% growth compared to the same period in 2020. In Japan, net revenues totaled $8.8 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 17% growth compared to the same period in 2020. In Greater China, net revenues totaled $6.5 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 52% growth compared to the same period in 2020.For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in net revenues from the third quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from an increase of 141 active patients in our currently active markets and the launch of Optune® in China.
We recorded $10.6 million in revenues from Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in the third quarter 2021, an increase of 9% from the $9.7 million recognized in the same period in 2020. We believe we have completed the administrative ramp-up associated with processing Medicare claims and efficiently pursuing appeals. In the third quarter of 2021, we did not record a material amount of incremental net revenue resulting from the successful appeal of previously denied claims for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries billed prior to established coverage.
Cost of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $30.2 million compared to $28.4 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 6%. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the cost of shipping transducer arrays to a higher volume of commercial patients and increasing shipments of equipment to Zai Lab. Gross margin was 77% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 79% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Research, development and clinical trials expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $48.1 million compared to $32.8 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 47%. This was primarily due to an increase in clinical trial and personnel expenses for our phase 3 pivotal and label expansion trials, an increase in development and personnel expenses to support our product development programs, and increased investments in preclinical research and the expansion of our medical affairs activities.
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $32.6 million compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 11%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel and professional services costs as we continue to enhance our commercial capabilities in anticipation of potential future approvals in new indications.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $31.2 million compared to $27.1 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 15%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and professional services.
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $13.1 million compared to net income of $9.3 million for the same period in 2020.
At September 30, 2021, we had $933.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, an increase of $91.2 million compared to $842.6 million at December 31, 2020. The increase in our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily due to the cash flow from operations and the exercise of options.
Third quarter 2021 operating statistics
There were 3,502 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 4% growth compared to September 30, 2020.
In North America, there were 2,223 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing no change compared to September 30, 2020. In EMEA markets, there were 987 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 9% growth compared to September 30, 2020. In Japan, there were 292 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 21% growth compared to September 30, 2020.Additionally, 1,380 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 1% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
In North America, 931 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2020. In EMEA markets, 339 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 3% growth compared to the same period in 2020. In Japan, 110 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 28% growth compared to the same period in 2020.Third quarter 2021 non-U.S. GAAP measures
We also measure our performance based upon a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and shared-based compensation ("Adjusted EBITDA"). We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because it helps investors compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of earnings attributable to our capital structure, tax rate and material non-cash items, specifically share-based compensation.
Adjusted EBITDA was $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $17.4 million, or 47%, from $37.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease was driven by increased investments in research and development activities intended to further our exploration of TTFields therapy, and in sales and marketing readiness initiatives in anticipation of future potential launches in new indications. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues reached 15% in the quarter, despite research and development investment reaching 36% of third quarter net revenues. We believe these focused investments are critical to our efforts to realize the long-term potential of the TTFields platform.
Recent achievements
In September, the FDA granted breakthrough device designation to the NovoTTF-200T™ system for the treatment of advanced liver cancer, in part based on clinical data from Novocure’s phase 2 HEPANOVA trial. Our team, along with trial investigators, are actively designing a phase 3 pivotal trial studying the efficacy of TTFields together with atezolizumab and bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liver cancer. In September, we announced a clinical trial collaboration with Roche to evaluate the use of TTFields together with atezolizumab for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. In October, we announced the last patient had been enrolled in our phase 2 pilot EF-31 trial for the treatment of gastric cancer. Today, we announced that the last patient was enrolled in our phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.Anticipated clinical milestones
Data from phase 2 pilot EF-31 trial in gastric cancer (2022) Data from phase 2 pilot EF-33 trial with high-intensity arrays in recurrent glioblastoma (2022) Final data from phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial in NSCLC (2022) Last patient enrollment in phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2023) Data from phase 3 pivotal METIS trial in brain metastases (2023) Final data from phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial in recurrent ovarian cancer (2023) Final data from phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2024)Conference call details
Novocure will host a conference call and webcast to discuss second quarter 2021 financial results at 8 a.m. EDT today, Thursday, October 28, 2021. Analysts and investors can participate in the conference call by dialing 855-442-6895 for domestic callers and 509-960-9037 for international callers, using the conference ID 6394785.
The webcast, earnings slides presented during the webcast and the corporate presentation can be accessed live from the Investor Relations page of Novocure’s website, www.novocure.com/investor-relations, and will be available for at least 14 days following the call. Novocure has used, and intends to continue to use, its investor relations website, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
About Novocure
Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer through the development and commercialization of its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division. Novocure’s commercialized products are approved for the treatment of adult patients with glioblastoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Novocure has ongoing or completed clinical trials investigating Tumor Treating Fields in brain metastases, gastric cancer, glioblastoma, liver cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer.
Headquartered in Jersey, Novocure has U.S. operations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Malvern, Pennsylvania and New York City. Additionally, the company has offices in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Israel. For additional information about us, visit Novocure.com and follow @Novocure on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide Novocure’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. These may include statements regarding anticipated scientific progress on its research programs, clinical trial progress, development of potential products, interpretation of clinical results, prospects for regulatory approval, manufacturing development and capabilities, market prospects for its products, coverage, collections from third-party payers and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. You may identify some of these forward-looking statements by the use of words in the statements such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” or other words and terms of similar meaning. Novocure’s performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to general financial, economic, environmental, regulatory and political conditions as well as issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and other more specific risks and uncertainties facing Novocure such as those set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Therefore, you should not rely on any such factors or forward-looking statements. Furthermore, Novocure does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Any forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date hereof. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits this discussion.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
USD in thousands (except share and per share data)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
2020
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
Net revenues
$
133,606
$
132,660
$
401,818
$
350,413
$
494,366
Cost of revenues
30,206
28,395
85,190
78,365
106,501
Gross profit
103,400
104,265
316,628
272,048
387,865
Operating costs and expenses:
Research, development and clinical trials
48,141
32,818
144,372
88,008
132,010
Sales and marketing
32,580
29,364
98,075
86,658
118,017
General and administrative
31,231
27,061
95,116
79,073
107,437
Total operating costs and expenses
111,952
89,243
337,563
253,739
357,464
Operating income (loss)
(8,552)
15,022
(20,935)
18,309
30,401
Financial expenses (income), net
1,981
3,983
5,567
9,032
12,299
Income (loss) before income taxes
(10,533)
11,039
(26,502)
9,277
18,102
Income taxes
2,591
1,755
5,391
(5,614)
(1,706)
Net income (loss)
$
(13,124)
$
9,284
$
(31,893)
$
14,891
$
19,808
Basic net income (loss) per ordinary share
$
(0.13)
$
0.09
$
(0.31)
$
0.15
$
0.20
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share
103,731,147
101,234,306
103,281,380
100,601,427
100,930,866
Diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share
$
(0.13)
$
0.09
$
(0.31)
$
0.14
$
0.18
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share
103,731,147
108,643,814
103,281,380
108,113,416
108,877,648
Consolidated Balance Sheets
USD in thousands (except share data)
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Unaudited
Audited
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
689,837
$
234,674
Short-term investments
243,948
607,902
Restricted cash
855
11,499
Trade receivables, net
94,129
96,699
Receivables and prepaid expenses
17,595
21,245
Inventories
22,642
27,422
Total current assets
1,069,006
999,441
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Property and equipment, net
11,699
11,395
Field equipment, net
12,553
11,230
Right-of-use assets
16,460
19,009
Other long-term assets
10,735
10,908
Total long-term assets
51,447
52,542
TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,120,453
$
1,051,983
Consolidated Balance Sheets
USD in thousands (except share data)
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Unaudited
Audited
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade payables
$
60,005
$
53,647
Other payables, lease liabilities and accrued expenses
64,544
59,965
Total current liabilities
124,549
113,612
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net
561,388
429,905
Deferred revenue
7,464
12,139
Long-term leases
11,478
14,293
Employee benefits
2,031
5,171
Other long-term liabilities
379
337
Total long-term liabilities
582,740
461,845
TOTAL LIABILITIES
707,289
575,457
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Share capital -
Ordinary shares no par value, unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
103,817,566 shares and 102,334,276 shares at September 30, 2021 (unaudited)
and December 31, 2020, respectively
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
1,073,532
1,111,435
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(900)
(3,832)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
(659,468)
(631,077)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
413,164
476,526
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
1,120,453
$
1,051,983
Non-U.S. GAAP financial measures reconciliation
USD in thousands
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2021
2020
% Change
2021
2020
% Change
Net income (loss)
$
(13,124)
$
9,284
(241)
%
$
(31,893)
$
14,891
(314)
%
Add: Income tax
2,591
1,755
48
%
5,391
(5,614)
(196)
%
Add: Financial income (expenses), net
1,981
3,983
(50)
%
5,567
9,032
(38)
%
Add: Depreciation and amortization
2,734
2,188
25
%
7,584
6,677
14
%
EBITDA
$
(5,818)
$
17,210
(134)
%
$
(13,351)
$
24,986
(153)
%
Add: Share-based compensation
25,758
20,121
28
%
72,502
55,448
31
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
19,940
$
37,331
(47)
%
$
59,151
$
80,434
(26)
%
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