“Governor Dewhurst brings a lifetime of experience that perfectly suits him to lead the revolution in energy that should be made possible through our Methane Bioconversion Platform. From his experience as an intelligence officer, in public service (including serving as Lieutenant Governor of Texas for twelve years) and in building successful energy companies, he has throughout demonstrated leadership, intelligence, courage and personal integrity that inspire and that achieve significant results. We look forward to his leadership at MBP and to working with him to fully realize its great potential.”
“As I have followed Intrexon, I have learned to admire and respect RJ’s acumen and visionary creation to improve the quality of life for all people. As an innovator, who has repeatedly implemented technologies successfully, I feel driven to seize this opportunity to work alongside RJ and the incredibly talented team as CEO of the Methanotroph Bioconversion Platform, to build a safer, healthier planet, and a more promising future. I’m excited by this opportunity and dedicated to bringing together great minds in synthetic biology with industry to solve big challenges facing today’s society,” Governor Dewhurst stated.
Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results Compared to Prior Year Period
Total revenues decreased $9.3 million from the quarter ended June 30, 2018. Collaboration and licensing revenues decreased $8.4 million, or 48%, from the quarter ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to the reacquisition of rights previously licensed to some of our most significant collaborators in the second half of 2018 and the result of which eliminated or substantially reduced revenues previously generated from those collaborations.
Research and development expenses decreased $7.5 million, or 18%. The 2018 amounts include $5.3 million ofone-time costs associated with closing one of Oxitec’s research and development facilities as the Company decentralized operations previously conducted in this facility. Additionally, depreciation and amortization decreased $2.2 million primarily due to intangible assets that were impaired or abandoned in 2018. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $12.9 million, or 38% and of this amount, $10.6 million was primarily attributable to decreased share-based compensation expense which arose primarily from the departure of former employees.
First Half 2019 Financial Results Compared to Prior Year Period
Total revenues decreased $25.6 million from the six months ended June 30, 2018. Collaboration and licensing revenues decreased $22.2 million, or 60%, from the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to the reacquisition of rights previously licensed to some of our most significant collaborators in the second half of 2018 and the result of which eliminated or substantially reduced revenues previously generated from those collaborations. Product revenues decreased $4.0 million, or 24%, primarily due to lower customer demand for pregnant cows, live and weaned calves, and cloned products. Gross margin on products declined in the current period as a result of fewer products sold, decreased sales prices, and increased costs associated with new product offerings.
Research and development expenses decreased $11.6 million, or 15%. The 2018 amounts include $5.3 million ofone-time costs associated with closing one of Oxitec’s research and development facilities as the Company decentralized operations previously conducted in this facility. Additionally, depreciation and amortization decreased $4.3 million primarily due to intangible assets that were impaired or abandoned in 2018. Research and development salaries, benefits and other personnel costs decreased $2.0 million primarily due to the closing of one of Oxitec’s research and development facilities. SG&A expenses decreased $19.1 million, or 26% and of this amount, $15.5 million was primarily attributable to decreased share-based compensation expense which arose primarily from the departure of former employees.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will host a conference call today Thursday, August 8th, at 5:30 PM ET to discuss the second quarter and first half 2019 financial results and provide a general business update. The