Chembio Diagnostics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Mar 11, 2021

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., March 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEMI), a leading point-of-care diagnostics company focused on infectious diseases, today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

Recent Accomplishments & Highlights

Achieved fourth quarter 2020 total revenue of $10.2 million and product revenue of $6.9 million, representing growth of 62% and 39%, respectively, compared to the prior year period
Received FDA Premarket Application (PMA) approval for the DPP HIV-Syphilis test
Expanded manufacturing capabilities by validating and implementing automated lines

COVID-19 Testing Portfolio Update

Received notice in January 2021 that the FDA was declining to review the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test system based on its updated prioritization guidance, under which review of the system was not a priority. The FDA supplementally advised on the type and nature of information it would need to receive in a subsequent EUA application in order for the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test system to be prioritized for review.
Signed an in-licensing agreement to distribute a, point-of-care, EUA approved, respiratory panel for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens, Flu A and Flu B in the U.S., which is scheduled to launch in March.
Obtained CE mark for the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test system and the DPP SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibody test system.
Received ANVISA approval for the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test system through our subsidiary in Brazil.
Awarded $12.7 million by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development and issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application for the DPP Respiratory Antigen Panel and the preparation and receipt of 510(k) clearance for the rapid DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen System.

“We appreciate the FDA’s updated guidance regarding our COVID-19 antigen system. As part of our commitment to the COVID-19 testing market and ongoing work with BARDA, we are engaged in testing and development to submit a new EUA application and 510(k) application for the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen System,” said Richard Eberly, Chembio’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “To immediately enhance our product portfolio, we signed an in-licensing agreement that will provide an additional COVID-19 testing solution for our expanded US commercial team to offer along with our DPP HIV-Syphilis system and broader HIV portfolio.”

“In 2020 we implemented a strategic business model shift at Chembio, Mr. Eberly stated. “We have realigned our organization to address higher value U.S. opportunities and capitalize on the launch of products like the DPP HIV-Syphilis System and the portfolio of COVID-19 tests being developed. We built a more comprehensive commercial team including management, sales and customer service professionals who have established deeper relationships and distribution channels. These changes have established a foundation for the business to achieve more profitable growth.”

Mr. Eberly continued, “While we have faced challenges on the regulatory front regarding our portfolio of COVID-19 tests, we remain committed to obtaining FDA approval for these tests. We plan to build upon our the regulatory approvals received in other regions by driving international commercialization of our tests in their approved geographies. Looking ahead to 2021, our top priorities include improving product margins through expanded manufacturing automation, focusing on controlling costs through operational excellence and building long-term customer relationships. We are confident we now have the team and strategy in place to work towards driving sustained, profitable growth.”

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $10.2 million, an increase of 62% compared to the prior year period. Net product sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $6.9 million, an increase of 39% compared to the prior year period. Government grant, license and royalty, and R&D revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020 totaled $3.4 million, an increase of 143% compared to the prior year period.

Gross product margin for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $492,000, compared to $1.2 million for the prior year period. Gross product margin percentage for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 7.2%, compared to 24% for the prior year period. Gross product margin in the fourth quarter of 2020 was impacted by unfavorable geographic product mix and operational inefficiencies.

Research and development expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 64%, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year period. The increase in research and development expense was primarily due to clinical trial expenses related to development of the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen and DPP Respiratory Panel test systems. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.5 million, or 100%, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year period. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the expansion of Chembio’s U.S. commercial organization, together with legal expenses and facility costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $7.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the prior year period.

Full Year 2020 Financial Results
Total revenue for 2020 was $32.5 million, a decrease of 6% compared to the prior year period. Net product sales for the full year 2020 were $24.8 million, a decrease of 14% compared to the prior year period. Government grant, license and royalty, and R&D revenue for 2020 totaled $7.7 million, an increase of 37% compared to the prior year period.

Gross product margin for 2020 was $0.9 million, compared to $6.5 million for the prior year period. Gross product margin percentage for 2020 was 4%, compared to 22% for the prior year period. Gross product margin in 2020 was impacted by product returns in the U.S., unfavorable geographic mix, and other operational inefficiencies, offset in part by savings from the retrenchment of Chembio’s Malaysian facility.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.9 million, or 11%, in 2020 compared to the prior year period primarily due to costs related to the development of and clinical trials related to the DPP SARS-CoV-2 systems. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.9 million, or 30%, in 2020 compared to the prior year period. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to Chembio’s expanded U.S. commercial organization, legal expenses, and a full year of operations for Chembio’s facility in Brazil following its acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2019, offset somewhat by the retrenchment of its Malaysia facility in May 2020.

Net loss for 2020 was $25.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $13.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, for the prior year period.

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 totaled $23.1 million.

Conference Call
Chembio will host a conference call today beginning at 4:30 pm ET to discuss its financial results and recent business highlights. Investors interested in listening to the call may do so by dialing 888-506-0062 from the United States or 973-528-0011 from outside the United States and providing entry code 663365. To listen to a live webcast of the call, please visit the Investor Relations section of Chembio's website at www.chembio.com. Following the call, a replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of Chembio’s website. A telephone replay will be available until 4:30 pm ET on March 25, 2021 by dialing 877-481-4010 from the United States or 919-882-2331 from outside the United States and using passcode 40186.

About the DPP Rapid Test Platform
Chembio’s proprietary DPP technology platform provides high-quality, rapid diagnostic results in 15 to 20 minutes using a small drop of blood from the fingertip or alternative samples. Through advanced multiplexing, the DPP platform can detect up to eight, distinct test results from a single patient sample, delivering greater clinical value than other rapid tests. For certain applications, Chembio’s easy-to-use, highly portable, battery-operated DPP Micro Reader optical analyzer then reports accurate results in approximately 15 seconds, making it well-suited for decentralized testing where real-time results enable patients to be clinically assessed while they are still on-site. Objective results produced by the DPP Micro Reader reduce the possibility of the types of human error that can be experienced in the visual interpretations required by many rapid tests.

Chembio’s portfolio of DPP-based point-of-care tests with FDA regulatory approvals include the DPP HIV-Syphilis System (PMA approved), DPP HIV 1/2 Assay (PMA approved and CLIA waived), DPP Zika IgM System (510(k)), and DPP Ebola Antigen System (EUA). Additionally, DPP-based tests have received regulatory approvals from the World Health Organization, CE-Mark, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), and other global organizations, where they aid in the detection and diagnosis of several other critical diseases and conditions.

All DPP tests are developed and manufactured in the United States and are the subject of a range of domestic and global patents and patents pending.

About Chembio Diagnostics
Chembio is a leading point-of-care diagnostics company focused on detecting and diagnosing infectious diseases, including COVID-19, sexually transmitted disease, and fever and tropical disease. Coupled with Chembio’s extensive scientific expertise, its novel DPP technology offers broad market applications beyond infectious disease. Chembio’s products are sold globally, directly and through distributors, to hospitals and clinics, physician offices, clinical laboratories, public health organizations, government agencies, and consumers. Learn more at www.chembio.com.

About the Projects
Chembio will use the federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. 75A50121P00012 and Contract No. 75A50120C00138.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in the three paragraphs following the bulleted items under “COVID-19 Testing Portfolio Update” above are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to the availability, timing, functionality and regulatory approval of Chembio’s COVID-19 diagnostic tests as well as Chembio’s ability to achieve profitability or growth. Such statements, which are expectations only, reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions, and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially from forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following, any of which could be exacerbated even further by the continuing COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and globally: the ability of Chembio to maintain existing, and timely obtain additional, regulatory approvals, particularly for its proposed COVID-19 diagnostic tests, which approvals are subject to processes that can change recurringly without notice; Chembio’s dependence upon, and limited experience with, COVID-19 diagnostic tests; the highly competitive and rapidly developing market for testing solutions for COVID-19, which includes a number of competing companies with strong relationships with current and potential customers, including governmental authorities, and with significantly greater financial and other resources that are available to Chembio; and the risks of doing business with foreign governmental entities, including geopolitical, international and other challenges as well as potential material adverse effects of tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy. Chembio undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements in this release to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in Chembio's expectations with regard to the forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that may impact Chembio's success are more fully disclosed in Chembio's periodic public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.”

DPP is Chembio’s registered trademark, and the Chembio logo is Chembio’s trademark. For convenience, these trademarks appear in this release without ® or ™ symbols, but that practice does not mean that Chembio will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to the trademarks.

Investor Relations Contact
Philip Taylor
Gilmartin Group
(415) 937-5406
investor@chembio.com

CHEMBIO DIAGNOSTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	For the three months ended (Unaudited)						For the year ended
	Dec. 31, 2020			Dec. 31, 2019			Dec. 31, 2020			Dec. 31, 2019
REVENUES:
Net product sales	$	6,852,526		$	4,925,043		$	24,767,149		$	28,844,997
R&D		1,095,402			1,152,249			4,851,562			4,025,538
Government Grants		2,018,924			-			2,018,924			654,744
License and royalty revenue		260,112			235,401			832,562			938,753
TOTAL REVENUES		10,226,964			6,312,693			32,470,197			34,464,032

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of product sales		6,361,480			3,743,592			23,874,487			22,394,317
Research and development expenses		3,275,455			1,995,826			9,508,494			8,538,416
Selling, general and administrative expenses		7,134,593			3,572,823			21,037,701			16,138,424
Severance, restructuring and other related costs		-			-			1,122,310			-
Acquisition Costs		-			325,852			63,497			721,465
		16,771,528			9,638,093			55,606,489			47,792,622
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS		(6,544,564	)		(3,325,400	)		(23,136,292	)		(13,328,590	)

OTHER INCOME:
Interest Expense, net		(731,818	)		(663,463	)		(2,841,830	)		(846,831	)

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES		(7,276,382	)		(3,988,863	)		(25,978,122	)		(14,175,421	)

Income tax benefit		137,198			99,953			456,794			500,292

NET LOSS	$	(7,139,184	)	$	(3,888,910	)	$	(25,521,328	)	$	(13,675,129	)

Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.23	)	$	(1.34	)	$	(0.81	)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted		20,150,168			17,079,151			19,085,691			16,954,142

CHEMBIO DIAGNOSTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF


	December 31, 2020			December 31, 2019

- ASSETS -
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,066,301		$	18,271,352
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $254,232 and $62,000 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively		3,377,387			3,661,325
Inventories, net		12,516,402			9,598,030
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		778,683			693,013
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		39,738,773			32,223,720

FIXED ASSETS:
Property, Plant and Equipment, net		8,688,403			5,933,569
Finance lease right-of-use asset, net		233,134			210,350
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS, net		8,921,537			6,143,919

OTHER ASSETS:
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		6,112,632			7,030,744
Intangible assets, net		3,645,986			3,914,352
Goodwill		5,963,744			5,872,690
Deposits and other assets		509,342			543,539

TOTAL ASSETS	$	64,892,014		$	55,728,964

- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY -
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,042,790		$	5,526,243
Deferred revenue		1,606,997			125,000
Operating lease liabilities		642,460			41,894
Finance lease liabilities		58,877			568,294
Note payable		-			180,249
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		12,351,124			6,441,680

OTHER LIABILITIES:
Long-term operating lease liabilities		6,327,143			6,969,603
Long-term finance lease liabilities		185,239			171,953
Long-term debt, less current portion, net		18,182,158			17,644,149
Deferred tax liability		69,941			466,326
TOTAL LIABILITIES		37,115,605			25,252,031

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding		-			-
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 20,223,498 shares and 17,733,617 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively		202,235			177,335
Additional paid-in capital		124,961,514			95,433,077
Accumulated deficit		(97,106,331	)		(71,585,003	)
Treasury stock 41,141 and 0 shares at cost as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively		(190,093	)		-
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(90,916	)		9,844
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		27,776,409			24,035,253

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	64,892,014		$	55,728,964

CHEMBIO DIAGNOSTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED

	December 31,			December 31,
	2020			2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Cash received from customers and grants	$	34,736,133		$	37,930,172
Cash paid to suppliers and employees		(50,238,409	)		(45,655,562	)
Cash paid for operating leases		(1,139,944	)		(632,952	)
Cash paid for finance leases		(19,987	)		(7,892	)
Interest and taxes, net		(2,225,031	)		(689,272	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(18,887,238			(9,055,506	)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		-			(100,000	)
Acquisition of and deposits on fixed assets		(3,961,369	)		(3,502,540	)
Patent Application Costs		(205,493	)		(297,006	)
Working capital adjustment related to business combination		-			145,760
Net cash used in investing activities		(4,166,862	)		(3,753,786	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net		28,436,740			-
Proceeds from option exercises		-			32,486
Principal payments for finance leases		(51,166	)		(19,875	)
Payments on debt issuance costs		-			(186,313	)
Payments on note payable		(180,249	)		(181,822	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net		-			18,850,000
Stimulus package loan		2,978,315			-
Payment of stimulus package loan		(2,978,315	)		-
Payments of tax withholdings on stock award		(441,723	)		-
Net cash provided by financing activities		27,763,602			18,494,476

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		85,447			61,617
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		4,794,949			5,746,801
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period		18,271,352			12,524,551

Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period	$	23,066,301		$	18,271,352

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Loss	$	(25,521,328	)	$	(13,675,129	)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization		2,697,126			1,916,194
Share based compensation		1,223,171			1,655,900
Benefit from deferred tax liability		(396,385	)		(513,715	)
Provision for doubtful accounts		270,193			20,000
Non-cash inventory changes		3,543,515			-
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		283,939			3,764,045
Inventories		(6,461,887	)		(1,457,612	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(85,670	)		64,355
Deposits and other assets		34,195			(90,624	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		4,043,896			(441,015	)
Deferred revenue		1,481,997			(297,905	)
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(18,887,238	)	$	(9,055,506	)

Supplemental disclosures for non-cash investing and financing activities:
Deposits on manufacturing equipment transferred to fixed assets	$	472,651		$	430,000
Issuance of common stock for net assets of business acquired		–			443,291
Contingent liability earnout		1,011,261			1,225,000

Source: Chembio Diagnostics, Inc.