Revenue generated from development services increased by 60.9% to RMB16.9 million (US$2.7million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB10.5 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by the growth in revenue generated from biopharmaceutical services.
Gross profit was RMB83.7 million (US$13.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to RMB84.1 million in the same period of 2020. Gross margin decreased to 57.0% in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to 62.8% in the same period of 2020, based on temporary impact resulting from new promotional activities.
Operating expenses increased by 54.7% to RMB267.5 million (US$42.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB173.0 million in the same period of 2020.
Selling expenses increased by 39.5% to RMB100.3 million (US$15.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB72.0 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by higher headcount to expand Genetron Health’s sales teams. Selling expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 68.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021 from 53.7% in the same period of 2020.
Administrative expenses increased by 46.2% to RMB64.8 million (US$10.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB44.3 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly driven by higher headcount and professional fees. Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 44.1% in the fourth quarter of 2021 from 33.1% in the same period of 2020.
Research and development expenses increased by 61.3% to RMB85.5 million (US$13.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB53.0 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by higher research and development headcount and related expenses, as well as the Company’s continued efforts in the development of MRD tests, and clinical activities related to early screening and key product such as Onco Panscan. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 58.2% in the fourth quarter of 2021 from 39.5% in the same period of 2020.
As a result of the above, operating loss increased to RMB183.8 million (US$28.8 million) in the fourth quarter of December 31, 2021 from RMB88.9 million in the same period of 2020.
Finance income-net increased to RMB18.6 million (US$2.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB15.6 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to foreign currency exchange gains.
Loss for the period was RMB165.3 million (US$25.9 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to RMB73.2 million for the same period of 2020.
Non-IFRS loss for the period, defined as loss for the period excluding share-based compensation expenses and fair value loss of financial instruments with preferred rights was RMB153.1 million (US$24.0 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to RMB62.5 million for the same period of 2020. Please refer to the section titled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in this press release for details.
Basic loss per share attributable to owners of the Company was RMB0.35 (US$0.06) for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with a basic loss per share attributable to owners of the Company of RMB0.16 for the same period of 2020. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and fair value loss of financial instruments with preferred rights, non-IFRS basic loss per share attributable to owners of the Company was RMB0.33 (US$0.05) for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with non-IFRS basic loss per share attributable to owners of the Company of RMB0.14 for the same period of 2020. Diluted loss per share attributable to owners of the Company was equivalent to basic loss per share attributable to owners of the Company in respective periods. Each ADS represents five ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share. Please refer to the section titled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in this press release for details.
Full Year 2021 Financial Results
Total revenue increased by 25.3% to RMB532.0 million (US$83.5 million) in 2021 from RMB424.5 million in 2020.
Diagnosis and monitoring revenue increased by 27.7% to RMB492.4 million (US$77.3 million) in 2021 from RMB385.7 million in 2020. The increase was driven by the growth in the revenue generated from both the provision of LDT services and the sale of IVD products.
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