
The company has responded to this crisis by developing and deploying a multi-faceted set of operational and financial initiatives designed to minimize disruptions to its normal business activities and preserve its ability to execute its long-term growth objectives.
To protect the safety, health and well-being of employees, customers, suppliers and communities, the company is following federal, state, and local guidelines to ensure safety in all facilities, including: increased frequency of cleaning and disinfection, social distancing practices, requiringmost non-production related team members to work remotely where possible, restricting business travel, cancelling certain events, and limiting visitor access to facilities.
The company continues to assemble and ship product on schedule and is managing its inventory and supply chain to minimize disruptions.
Mr. Goldberger concluded, “We are confident that electroCore will successfully navigate the challenges ofCOVID-19 and remain focused on achieving our long-term growth objectives. We have strengthened our balance sheet and are prudently managing working capital and cash flow.”
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results
For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, electroCore reported net sales of $734,000 compared to $410,000 in the same period of 2019, and within the guidance range of $700,000 to $750,000 provided by management on April 17, 2020. The company continues to focus on the VA and DOD channels in the United States and on sales in the United Kingdom.
Paid months of therapy shipped to the VA and DOD increased 31% sequentially to 1,084 in the first quarter of 2020 from 829 in the fourth quarter of 2019. Revenue from the VA and DOD increased 20% sequentially to $454,000 in the first quarter of 2020 from $378,000 in the fourth quarter of 2019. The discrepancy in growth rate between paid months of therapy and revenue was largely due to the launch of a93-day product offering at a lower average sales price per paid month of therapy.
Paid months of therapy shipped outside the U.S. increased 5% sequentially to 1,008 in the first quarter of 2020 from 961 in the fourth quarter of 2019. Revenue from outside the U.S. decreased to $277,000 in the first quarter of 2020 from $294,000 in the fourth quarter of 2019. The discrepancy in growth rate between paid months of therapy and revenue is driven by the recognition of previously deferred revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019 and currency exchange fluctuations.
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were approximately $8.4 million, compared to $14.5 million for the comparable period in 2019. The decrease was due to a reduction in SG&A expense and R&D expenses.
SG&A expense declined to approximately $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 from approximately $11.0 million for the comparable period in 2019, primarily driven by a decrease in sales and marketing expenses consistent with the cost reduction plan first implemented in June 2019.
Research and development expense decreased by $1.9 million, or 56%, to $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2020 from $3.5 million for the comparable period in 2019. This reduction is consistent with the company’s strategy of reducing its near-term investment in research and development. In April 2020, the company terminated its Premium II clinical trial.
During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded a restructuring and severance related charge of $365,000 in connection with the transition to a new Chief Medical Officer.
GAAP net loss from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was $8.0 million as compared to a loss of $13.9 million for the same period in 2019.
Adjusted EBITDA from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was a loss of $6.4 million as compared to an adjusted EBITDA net loss from operations of $13.4 million for the same period in 2019.