ABMD Loss Narrower than Expected

Abiomed, Inc. (ABMD) reported fiscal second-quarter loss of 14 cents per share, considerably better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 21 cents. However, loss per share in the year-ago quarter was 8 cents.
 
Total revenues in the reported quarter were roughly flat year over year at $20 million. In terms of products: Worldwide Impella revenues increased 26% year over year to $13.2 million. Non-Impella revenues declined 28% year over year to $6.8 million.
 
Abiomed witnessed a strong demand for its Impella products in the domestic market. Total Impella revenues in the U.S. increased 95% year over year to $12.1 million. This was backed by strong commercial reorders in the U.S. market which increased 230% year over year to $6.6 million.
 
In terms of operational metrics: the number of patients in the U.S. treated with Impella 2.5, 5.0 or LD increased 238% year over year to 338. However, the number of hospitals added to the company’s client-base in the reported quarter declined 54% year over year to 50.
 
Gross margin in the reported quarter declined 300 basis points (bps) year over year to 73.0%. Research and development expenses as a percentage of sales declined 40 bps year over year to 33.9%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased 450 bps year over year to 74.0%. Operating loss margin increased 710 bps year over year to a negative 36.9%.
 
Abiomed ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (short + long term) of $52.3 million, a decline of $2.2 million sequentially. The company has no outstanding debt at the end of the quarter.
 
The company reaffirmed its previous full fiscal 2010 revenue guidance of $86 to $91 million.
 
Abiomed is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing of medical products designed to assist or replace the pumping function of the failing heart. The company’s strategy focuses on heart recovery as the goal for all acute cardiac attacks. Abiomed’s products are designed to enable the heart to rest, heal and recover.

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