News Release
Details

Nuwellis, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

March 5, 2024
Strengthens Its Foundation for Growth, Strong Pediatric Sales, Expanding Margins and Increases Number of New Hospital Accounts

MINNEAPOLIS, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuwellis, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUWE), a medical technology company focused on transforming the lives of people with fluid overload, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Highlights:

  • Record quarter revenue of $2.6 million, a 9% increase over prior-year period. Full year revenue of $8.9 million, a 4% increase over 2022.
  • Fourth quarter pediatric revenue grew 35% year over year; 28% increase in utilization and a 49% increase in console sales. Four new pediatric accounts.
  • Fourth quarter gross margin of 54.4%. Full year 2023 gross margin of 56.2%, a 56-basis point increase over full year 2022.
  • Added two products: The new 12 cm dELC catheter and the Quelimmune™ SCD pediatric device.
  • New clinical case series expands the use of Aquadex® into end-stage liver disease.
  • New real-world clinical data continues to show Aquadex clinical evidence benefits pediatric patients.
  • Nuwellis hosted a symposium on March 4 at the Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) conference, where two late breaking clinical trials and one lecture session will be presented on the Aquadex system.

“Nuwellis continues to execute on its strategic growth initiatives, with the highest total quarter of organic revenue in company history,” said Nestor Jaramillo, President and CEO of Nuwellis. “Led by Pediatrics, which saw steady increases in existing console utilization and new account openings expanded Aquadex market penetration. We expect our accelerating momentum to continue in 2024, with further support from our growing body of clinical evidence, paving the way for new Aquadex applications such as in end-stage liver disease, as well as new product introductions.”

Nuwellis announced the FDA HDE approval for Quelimmune, received by its exclusive U.S. license and distribution partner, SeaStar, further bolstering its pediatric portfolio for Nuwellis’ fast-growing customer category and foundation for growth. Additionally, the introduction of Nuwellis’ recently FDA cleared specialty dual lumen 12 cm catheter will provide clinicians with an additional venous access option to use the company’s Aquadex ultrafiltration system. The company also announced a new clinical case series featured in Clinical Transplantation demonstrating the use of Aquadex to safely and effectively remove fluid volume for end-stage liver disease patients, representing an additional clinical application for Aquadex already within its current FDA labeling. In this case series, Aquadex was shown to reduce cirrhosis-related frailty and enhanced patients’ ability to receive a life-saving liver transplant. Finally, the company announced new real-world data featured in Pediatric Nephrology that showed the proprietary hematocrit sensor within the Aquadex system facilitated guided therapy of fluid overloaded pediatric patients without hemodynamic instability or other complications.

“We overcame challenges like hospital budgetary constraints and nursing shortages in the first half of 2023, achieving 27% revenue growth in the second half of 2023 versus the first half of 2023,” added Mr. Jaramillo. “We've confidently transitioned beyond prior headwinds and anticipate a strong revenue year in 2024, marked by achieving key milestones including the three podium presentations at the THT conference, one of which establishes the clinical superiority of Aquadex over diuretics, new products for our existing pediatric customers, completion of the DaVita Pilot phase, and the IDE submission for our pediatric dedicated renal disease device branded Vivian. We are balancing the multiple growth catalysts mentioned above with the need to raise capital this year. We have recently undertaken steps to reduce our monthly cash burn rate by approximately 40%, balanced against our strategic growth initiatives, which will provide more flexibility in anticipation of tougher capital market conditions for microcap companies like Nuwellis.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.6 million, a 9% increase compared to $2.3 million in the prior-year period. The year over year increase is attributable to an increase in disposable utilization and record international sales.

Gross margin was 54.4% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 56.9% in the prior-year period, a decrease of 250 basis points. The decline was due to product and geographical sales mix and lower fixed overhead manufacturing absorption, leading to more efficient inventory levels.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $3.6 million, compared to $4.7 million in the prior-year period. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily due to reduced headcount and related compensation expense.

Fourth quarter research and development expenses were $1.4 million, compared to $1.2 million in the prior-year period, reflecting a modest increase in R&D spend related to the development of our new pediatric dedicated CRRT device as we approach IDE submission.

In the current year period, the company recorded a non-recurring expense reduction of approximately $800 thousand, reducing incentive compensation, impacting both SG&A and R&D. Additionally, the company recorded a $550 thousand SG&A expense, in the current year period, for contractual spend related to the SeaStar license and distribution agreement.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $5.0 million, a 15% decrease compared to $5.9 million in the prior-year period. The $884 thousand decrease was due to cost saving measures implemented early in the second half of the year and carried through year-end 2023 as we continue to drive operating efficiencies.

Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $3.6 million compared to an operating loss of $4.5 million in the prior year period, resulting in a $941 thousand period over period reduction.

Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $7.9 million, or a loss of $2.24 per basic and diluted common share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $1.9 million, or a loss of $5.00 per basic and diluted common share in the prior-year period. The current period net loss attributable to common shareholders includes $2.0 million of ‘Other Expense’ and $2.4 million of a deemed dividend and PIK dividend related to the Company’s October 2023 financing. The prior year period net loss attributable to common shareholders includes $2.6 million of ‘Other Income’ related to the Company’s October 2022 financing.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had no debt, cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.8 million, and approximately 5.7 million common shares outstanding.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 AM ET today to discuss its financial results and provide an update on the Company’s performance.

To access the live webcast, please visit the Investors page of the Nuwellis website at https://ir.nuwellis.com. Alternatively, you may access the live conference call by dialing 1-833-816-1404 (U.S) or 1-412-317-0497 (international) and using the conference ID: 10185035. An audio archive of the webcast will be available following the call on the Investors page at https://ir.nuwellis.com.

About Nuwellis

Nuwellis, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUWE) is a medical technology company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients suffering from fluid overload through science, collaboration, and innovation. The company is focused on commercializing the Aquadex SmartFlow® system for ultrafiltration therapy. Nuwellis is headquartered in Minneapolis, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Ireland. For more information visit ir.nuwellis.com or visit us on LinkedIn or X.

About the Aquadex SmartFlow® System 
The Aquadex SmartFlow system delivers clinically proven therapy using a simple, flexible and smart method of removing excess fluid from patients suffering from hypervolemia (fluid overload). The Aquadex SmartFlow system is indicated for temporary (up to 8 hours) or extended (longer than 8 hours in patients who require hospitalization) use in adult and pediatric patients weighing 20 kg or more whose fluid overload is unresponsive to medical management, including diuretics. All treatments must be administered by a health care provider, within an outpatient or inpatient clinical setting, under physician prescription, both having received training in extracorporeal therapies.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation, statements regarding the new market opportunities and anticipated growth in 2024 and beyond. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, those risks associated with our ability to execute on our commercialization strategy, the possibility that we may be unable to raise sufficient funds necessary for our anticipated operations, our post-market clinical data collection activities, benefits of our products to patients, our expectations with respect to product development and commercialization efforts, our ability to increase market and physician acceptance of our products, potentially competitive product offerings, intellectual property protection, our ability to integrate acquired businesses, our expectations regarding anticipated synergies with and benefits from acquired businesses, and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. Nuwellis does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS

INVESTORS:
Vivian Cervantes
Gilmartin Group
ir@nuwellis.com


NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



    December 31,
2023
      December 31, 2022  
ASSETS   (unaudited)          
Current assets              
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,800     $ 17,737  
Marketable securities         569  
Accounts receivable   1,951       1,406  
Inventories, net   1,997       2,661  
Other current assets   461       396  
Total current assets   8,209       22,769  
Property, plant and equipment, net   728       980  
Operating lease right-of-use asset   713       903  
Other assets   120       21  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 9,770     $ 24,673  
               
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Current liabilities              
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,380     $ 2,245  
Accrued compensation   525       2,161  
Current portion of operating lease liability   216       196  
Current portion of finance lease liability         28  
Other current liabilities   51       58  
Total current liabilities   3,172       4,688  
Common stock warrant liability   2,843       6,868  
Operating lease liability   544       760  
Total liabilities   6,559       12,316  
Commitments and contingencies              
               
Mezzanine Equity
Series J Convertible Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 600,000 and none, issued and outstanding 11,950 and none, respectively
 

221
     

 
               
Stockholders’ equity              
Series A junior participating preferred stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 30,000 shares, none outstanding          
Series F convertible preferred stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 18,000 shares, issued and outstanding 127 shares          
Series I convertible preferred stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 1,049,280, issued and outstanding none and 1,049,280, respectively          
Preferred stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value
$0.0001 per share; authorized 39,802,000 shares, none outstanding
         
Common stock as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, par value
$0.0001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
5,682,461 and 536,394, respectively
  1        
Additional paid-in capital   290,646       279,736  
Accumulated other comprehensive income:              
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (31 )      (18 )
Unrealized gain on marketable securities         56  
Accumulated deficit   (287,626 )      (267,417 )
Total stockholders’ equity   2,990       12,357  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 9,770     $ 24,673  

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.



NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except weighted average shares outstanding and per share amounts)



    Three months ended
December 31,   
  Twelve months ended
December 31,    
 
    2023     2022        2023        2022  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)       (unaudited)          
                             
Net sales $ 2,551   $ 2,339     $ 8,864     $ 8,543  
Cost of goods sold   1,163     1,008       3,881       3,788  
Gross profit   1,388     1,331       4,983       4,755  
Operating expenses:                            
Selling, general and administrative   3,609     4,664       17,191       17,584  
Research and development   1,372     1,201       5,422       4,342  
Total operating expenses   4,981     5,865       22,613       21,926  
Loss from operations   (3,593 )    (4,534     (17,630     (17,171)  
Other income (expense), net                            
Other income   56     61       154       75  
Financing expense   (3,483)     (9,247)       (3,483     (9,247)  
Change in fair value of warrant liability   1,513     11,827       758       11,827  
Loss before income taxes   (5,507 )   (1,893     (20,201     (14,516)  
Income tax expense   (2 )   (3     (8     (9)  
Net loss   (5,509 )   (1,896     (20,209     (14,525)  
Deemed dividend attributable to Series J Convertible Preferred Stock   (2,297)           (2,297)        
Dividend on Series J Convertible Preferred Stock   (121)           (121)        
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (7,927)   $ (1,896)     $ (22,627)     $ (14,525)  
                             
Basic and diluted loss per share $ (2.24)   $ (5.00)     $ (11.52)     $ (83.55)  
                             
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   3,539,185     379,254       1,964,406       173,846  
                             
Other comprehensive loss:                            
Net loss $ (5,509)   $ (1,896)     $ (20,209   $ (14.525 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities       6             80  
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (6)     (7)       (13)       (7
Total comprehensive loss $ (5,515 )  $ (1,897
)    $ (22,222   $ (14,452

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.


NUWELLIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)



     For the years ended December 31,     
        2023       2022  
Operating Activities     (unaudited)          
Net loss              $ (20,209   $ (14,525
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from operating activities:                  
Depreciation and amortization               362       372  
Stock-based compensation expense               670       862  
Change in fair value of warrant liability ……………………………………………………       (758     (11,827
Financing expense …………………………………………………………………………       3,483       9,247   
Net realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities ………………………………..       (65     124  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                  
Accounts receivable                (545      (656 )
Inventory                697       140  
Other current assets                (65     (68
Other assets and liabilities       (7     (96
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                (1,500      1,278  
Net cash used in operations                (17,937      (15,149 )
                   
Investing activities:                  
Additions to intangible assets ……………………………………………………………...       (99      
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities ……………………………………………...       578       14,850  
Purchase of property and equipment ………………………………………………………       (149     (122
Net cash provided by investing activities                330       14,728  
                   
Financing activities:                  
Proceeds from public stock offerings, net               2,109       9,449  
Proceeds from Series J Preferred Stock and Warrants….…………………………………..       1,482        
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants…………………………….. ..……………………       120        
Payments on finance lease liability               (28     (26
Net cash provided by financing activities                3,683       9,423  
                   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                (13     (7
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                (13,937      8,995  
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year                17,737       8,742  
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year              $3,800      17,737  
                   
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities                  
Inventory transferred to property, plant and equipment     $ 41     $ 42  
Issuance of Common Stock for exercise of Series I Warrants     7,623     $  
Issuance of Series J Preferred Stock for exercise of Warrants     2,927      
Deemed dividend on Series J Preferred Stock     2,297      
Series J Preferred Stock issued for payment in kind dividend     121      
                   
Supplemental cash flow information                  
Cash paid for income taxes     12     9  

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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