TIDMAKR
RNS Number : 9768N
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
15 August 2017
August 15, 2017
This announcement contains inside information
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Total Revenues Up By 10% - Gross Profit Up By 10% - Overhead
Lowered By 10%
Akers Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKER) (AIM: AKR.L), ("Akers
Bio" or the "Company"), a developer of rapid health information
technologies, reports its financial results for the six months
ended June 30, 2017. The Form 10-Q containing the full financial
statements for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2017
is available for viewing on the Company's website at
www.akersbio.com or at www.sec.gov.
H1 Financial Highlights:
-- Total revenues up 10% for H1 2017 to $1,865,112 (H1 2016: $1,694,510)
-- Sales of flagship PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products and
associated components account for 80% of total revenues and include
sales to all key geographic regions: the U.S., China and Rest of
World
-- Strong gross margin of 72% maintained
-- Gross profit up 10% to $1,342,160 (H1 2016: $1,217,634)
-- Loss before income tax reduced by 20% to $(2,051,918) (H1 2016: $(2,517,861))
-- Cash and marketable securities at June 30, 2017 of $1,208,800
-- Further reductions of 10% in aggregate across in all key areas of expense
o General and Administrative expenses reduced by 7% to
$1,620,457 (H1 2016: $1,739,806)
o Sales and Marketing expenses reduced by 19% to $1,005,326 (H1
2016: $1,238,754)
o Research and Development expenses reduced by 3% to $662,277
(H1 2016: $685,280)
H1 Operational & Corporate Highlights
-- Significantly advanced commercialization of a key product of
the future: BreathScan OxiCheck(TM) - a rapid breath test for
oxidative stress
o Ongoing discussions with large organizations operating within
the nutraceutical sector with regards to significant potential
commercial partnerships
o United States Patent and Trademark Office allowed a patent
covering the proprietary cartridge for the optical scanning device
utilized in BreathScan Lync(TM) - the new bluetooth-enabled reading
device from Akers Wellness(TM) which enables users to track the
results of OxiChek(TM) via their mobile device, now including iOS
devices
o Broadened distribution from anti-aging, functional and
integrative health and wellness treatment practitioners in the US
to now include the US chiropractic sector
o Established contractual relationship with a respected
authority and key opinion leader within the US chiropractic sector
to represent and promote OxiChek(TM)
o Major television marketing campaign initiated through the
popular Balancing Act national television show on the Lifetime
network - America's premier morning show that introduces positive
solutions to busy, on-the-go modern women
-- Ongoing manufacturing of initial order for rapid cholesterol
self-test from First Check Diagnostics, LLC, the exclusive
distributor for this product in the U.S., for sale under their
popular "First Check" brand, which is sold in major retailers
including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Kmart, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Stop
& Shop, Giant and ShopKo - initial shipment now due September
2017
-- Extensive sales and marketing efforts undertaken to increase
awareness of PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products amongst
prospective large integrated delivery network customers in the
U.S.
-- Began marketing rapid test for heparin-induced
thrombocytopenia to the large number of hospital facilities in
Puerto Rico as an extension of strategy to accelerate U.S. sales of
this flagship product
o Puerto Rico represents a large new market opportunity which is
closely aligned to the U.S. and has more than 60 potential hospital
targets
-- Following successful clinical trials, the Company submitted
its PIFA Chlamydia Rapid Assay - the first rapid blood test for
this highly prevalent sexually transmitted disease - to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration for review
-- New directors elected with diverse and relevant skills to
steer Akers Bio through next phase of growth and product
commercialization
o Bill J. White elected as Non-executive Director - 30+ years of
experience in financial management, operations and business
development
o Richard C. Tarbox III elected as Non-executive Director - 40+
years of management experience in the medical device and
diagnostics sector of the healthcare industry
o Christopher C. Schreiber elected as Non-executive Director -
30+ years of experience in the securities industry
o John J. Gormally, the Company's CEO, elected to the Board of
Directors - 30+ years of experience in the healthcare industry
Commentary from John J. Gormally, Chief Executive Officer and
Raymond F. Akers Jr, PhD., Executive Chairman:
We are pleased to report growth of 10% in total revenues for the
first half of 2017 to approximately $1.9 million; and 25% for the
second quarter to approximately $1.2 million. The significant
majority of these revenues continued to be generated from sales of
our current flagship test - or associated components thereof - for
an allergy to the widely-used blood thinner, heparin. It is
encouraging to note that sales of these products or components in
the first half were made in each of our core geographic regions of
the U.S., China and Rest of World.
A great deal of sales and marketing emphasis in the first half
and second quarter of 2017 has been placed on BreathScan
OxiCheck(TM) - an Akers Wellness(TM) breath test which we believe
will become a major contributor of profitable growth in the years
ahead. This rapid breath test for oxidative stress - a good
indicator of general health and wellbeing - works in conjunction
with our BreathScan Lync(TM) bluetooth-enabled reading device which
allows users to track the results of OxiChek(TM) via their mobile
device, now including iOS devices.
We have already begun recording small sales of OxiChek(TM) to
the anti-aging, functional and integrative health and wellness
treatment practitioner market in the U.S. as part of our strategy
to gain initial acceptance of the product from professionals.
We are also particularly excited by the discussions ongoing with
large organizations operating within the nutraceutical product
sector with regards to significant potential commercial
partnerships with OxiChek(TM).
Furthermore, we have recently broadened the distribution of
OxiChek(TM) to target the extensive U.S. chiropractic market where
we have established a contractual relationship with a respected
authority and key opinion leader to represent and promote the
product.
A major television marketing campaign for OxiChek(TM) was
initiated in April through the popular Balancing Act national
television show on the Lifetime network - America's premier morning
show that introduces positive solutions to busy, on-the-go modern
women. The interest generated from this campaign has been highly
encouraging.
We commenced production during the second quarter to fulfil the
initial order for rapid cholesterol self-tests from First Check
Diagnostics, LLC, the exclusive distributor for this product in the
U.S., for sale under their popular "First Check" brand, which is
sold in major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Kmart,
Meijer, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Giant and ShopKo. Initial
shipments are due September 2017 and we remain very excited about
this over-the-counter opportunity.
We would finally like to note the elections, following the
Company's annual shareholder meeting in Philadelphia, PA last week,
of three very experienced non-executive directors. We are delighted
to welcome Bill J. White, Richard C. Tarbox III and Christopher C.
Schreiber who joined the Board of Directors - along with myself -
last week. Each of them bears very relevant experience to help
steer Akers Bio through its next phase of commercial growth,
including profitability, as we seek to draw on their respective
areas of expertise in financial management, medical devices and
capital markets.
Outlook
While we are pleased with the broad financial improvements in
H1, we are especially encouraged by the 25% increase in revenue in
Q2 year-over-year; and the 1.8-fold increase over Q1 2017.
We are continuing to advance our sales strategy for PIFA
Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products in the U.S. of focusing on
integrated delivery networks and group purchasing organizations.
Extensive work was undertaken in the first half and second quarter
to educate prospective large customers on the value proposition of
our PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products and we believe this
groundwork will translate into material commercial growth in
domestic sales in 2018 and beyond.
In addition, we are encouraged by the increase in non-US PIFA
Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay product sales. We continue to believe that,
once additional regulatory hurdles in China are complete, China
will become a very significant non-U.S. revenue stream for PIFA
Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products; and our confidence is reflected
in the distributor's placement of orders for components of the
tests in the second quarter in anticipation of such regulatory
hurdles completing.
Finally, we look forward to further commercial progress with the
Company's OxiChek(TM) oxidative stress test which we believe can be
a major driver of Akers Bio's profitable growth in the future.
Conference call information:
Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 2.00 p.m.
BST (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time)
International: 1-719-457-2602
US: 1-800-210-9006
Conference ID: 7353698
Webcast: http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=125855
About Akers Biosciences, Inc.
Akers Bio develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid screening
and testing products designed to deliver quicker and more
cost-effective healthcare information to healthcare providers and
consumers. The Company has advanced the science of diagnostics
while responding to major shifts in healthcare through the
development of several proprietary platform technologies. The
Company's state-of-the-art rapid diagnostic assays can be performed
virtually anywhere in minutes when time is of the essence. The
Company has aligned with major healthcare companies and high volume
medical product distributors to maximize product offerings, and to
be a major worldwide competitor in diagnostics.
Additional information on the Company and its products can be
found at www.akersbio.com. Follow us on Twitter @AkersBio.
For more information:
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
John J. Gormally, Chief Executive Officer
Raymond F. Akers, Jr. PhD, Chief Scientific Director
Tel. +1 856 848 8698
Taglich Brothers, Inc. (Investor Relations)
Chris Schreiber
Tel. +1 917 445 6207
Email: cs@taglichbrothers.com
finnCap (UK Nominated Adviser and Broker)
Adrian Hargrave / Scott Mathieson (Corporate Finance)
Steve Norcross (Broking)
Tel. +44 (0)20 7220 0500
Vigo Communications (Global Public Relations)
Ben Simons / Fiona Henson
Tel. +44 (0)20 7830 9704
Email: akers@vigocomms.com
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017 and 2016
Revenue
Akers' revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2017 totaled
$1,197,862, a 25% increase from the same period in 2016. The tables
below summarize our revenue by product line and geographic region
for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
3 Months 3 Months
Ended Ended
Product Lines June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay ("PIFA") $ 426,747 $ 879,081 (51)%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor ("MPC") 191,816 44,918 327%
Other 579,299 32,487 1,683%
------------ ------------
Total Revenue $ 1,197,862 $ 956,486 25%
============ ============
3 Months 3 Months
Ended Ended
Geographic Region June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
--------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
United States $ 512,395 $ 452,756 13%
People's Republic of China 603,068 473,853 27%
Rest of World 82,399 29,877 176%
------------ ------------
Total Revenue $ 1,197,862 $ 956,486 25%
============ ============
Revenue from the Company's PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products
decreased 51% during the three months ended June 30, 2017 over the
same period of 2016. During the three months ended June 30, 2016
the Company recognized approximately $474,000 (2017: $-) in PIFA
revenue from the Company's distribution partner in the People's
Republic of China ("PRC"). The distributor continues to work with
the various provincial governments in the PRC to finalize
reimbursement rates for the providers. Once these rates are
established, the distributor expects strong demand for the PIFA
products. Revenue from PIFA related components, totaling $500,000,
during the three months ended June 30, 2017 is included in other
revenue.
Total unit sales volumes for PIFA Classic and PIFA PLUSS in the
United States remained steady, however; the ratio of each product
sold changed slightly year-over-year. The Company experienced
renewed interest in Western Europe and the Far East for the
products after reviving the Conformité Européene Mark ("CE Mark").
The PIFA Classic product is being actively marketed in Great
Britain and a clinical trial is scheduled in Italy.
MPC revenue increased 327% during the three months ended June
30, 2017 over the same period of 2016. Domestic and International
sales of the BreathScan Breath Alcohol tests which accounted for
the majority of the improvement.
The Company signed an amendment to the exclusive distribution
agreement for the PIFA Heparin/PF4 products with NovoTek
Pharmaceuticals Limited ("NovoTek") to expand their geographic
region to include Poland, include other PIFA Heparin/PF4 products
and allow NovoTek to assemble the products at its facilities in the
PRC or Poland from components acquired from the Company.
Other revenue increased 1,683% during the three months ended
June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The
significant increase resulted from an initial order for
manufacturing components from NovoTek totaling $500,000. NovoTek
will utilize these components along with additional materials to be
purchased in a future period to assemble PIFA Heparin/PF4 products
in either the PRC or Poland.
The Company's gross margin improved to 78% (2016: 71%) for the
three months ended June 30, 2017. Generally, costs associated with
production declined across the board; however, the Company was able
to sell a large quantity of raw materials associated with a
previously discontinued product that had been removed from
inventory and, as such, had no book value. The Company expects the
gross margin to return to the 65% to 68% range in the
near-term.
Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2017 totaled
$264,231 (2016: $276,848). Direct cost of sales decreased to 10% of
revenue while other cost of sales decreased to 12% for the three
months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to 14% and 15% respectively
for the same period in 2016.
Direct cost of sales for the three-month period ended June 30,
2017 were $117,184 (2016: $135,298). Other cost of sales for the
three months ended June 30, 2017 were $147,047 (2016:
$141,550).
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended
June 30, 2017, totaled $829,929, which was a 2% increase as
compared to $816,244 for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our general and administrative
expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well
as the percentage of change year-over-year:
3 Months
3 Months Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
----------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 223,944 $ 165,021 36%
Professional Service Costs 354.570 227,246 56%
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs 117,253 116,962 -%
Other General and Administrative Costs 134,162 307,015 (56)%
------------ ------------
Total General and Administrative Expense $ 829,929 $ 816,244 2%
------------ ------------
Personnel expenses increased by 36% for the three months ended
June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The increase
is related to the creation of the Controller's position in the
Finance department and salary adjustments for executive
management.
Professional service costs increased by 56% for the three months
ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. A
significant increase in accounting and audit fees ($104,000 (2016:
$20,600)), personnel recruitment ($22,355 (2016: $5,580)),
engineering ($26,704 (2016: $7,847)) and general consulting
services ($30,000 (2016: $847)) accounted for the change.
The Company established a reserve for an uncollectable account
during the three months ended June 30, 2016 for $146,196 (2017:
$5,380) which accounted for the decline of 56% in other general and
administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Travel restrictions, put in place earlier in the year, also
contributed to the decline, totaling $16,638 (2016: $34,276).
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30,
2017 totaled $416,391 which was a 19% decrease as compared to
$513,430 for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for
the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
3 Months 3 Months
Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
--------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 181,653 $ 295,108 (38)%
Professional Service Costs 72,079 113,916 (37)%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs 103,702 30,302 242%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs 58,957 74,104 (20)%
------------ ------------
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $ 416,391 $ 513,430 (19)%
------------ ------------
Personnel costs decreased in the three months ended June 30,
2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The Company has
reduced its sales and marketing staff from 10 members on January 1,
2016 to 4 as of June 30, 2017 as a result of a new sales and
marketing strategy that targets large integrated delivery networks
instead of individual facilities. This strategy requires fewer, but
more experienced and technically knowledgeable sales personnel to
interact with executive management, laboratory and medical
directors. The Company incurred severance expenses related to staff
reductions during the three months ended June 30, 2016 which did
not recur during the same period of 2017.
The Company renegotiated or eliminated several consulting
arrangements targeted at improving market penetration or
identifying marketing or distribution partners during the first
half of 2016. The result is a reduction of 37% in professional
service costs with general consulting services ($68,092 (2016:
$104,958)) accounting for the majority of the savings for the three
months ended June 30, 2017.
The legal settlement with ChubeWorkx Guernsey, Ltd
("ChubeWorkx"), signed on August 11, 2016, requires the Company to
pay a 5% royalty on adjusted gross sales to ChubeWorkx on a
quarterly basis. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, this
royalty totaled $61,502 (2016: $-).
A significant decline in travel expenses ($21,065 (2016:
$50,435)) and small decreases in other expenses were partially
offset by an increase in technology expenses ($21,099 (2016: $147))
which resulted in an overall decline of 20% in other sales and
marketing costs.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses for the three months ended
June 30, 2017 totaled $313,835, which was a 3% decrease as compared
to $321,989 for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our research and development expenses
for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
3 Months 3 Months
Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
---------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 227,887 $ 219,530 4%
Clinical Trial Costs 150 44,265 (100)%
Professional Service Costs 18,588 18,579 -%
Other Research and Development Costs 67,210 39,615 70%
------------ ------------
Total Research and Development Expenses $ 313,835 $ 321,989 (3)%
------------ ------------
Employee benefit expenses ($22,683 (2016: $14,050)) accounted
for the majority of the 4% increase in personnel expenses during
the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Clinical trial costs decreased 100% during the three months
ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The
Company continued to perform two clinical trials during the three
months ended June 30, 2016, one to test the effectiveness of the
PIFA Chlamydia assay and one for the KetoChek(TM) health and
wellness product. Both studies were completed during 2016 and no
significant expense was incurred during the three months ended June
30, 2017.
Significant increases in internal resource utilization ($11,852
(2016: $853)) and supplies expense ($34,124 (2016 $10,637)) were
offset by small declines in several expense categories to account
for the 70% increase in other research and development
expenses.
The following table illustrates research and development costs
by project for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016,
respectively:
Project 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- --------
Breath Alcohol $ 502 $ -
Chlamydia Trachomatis 98,325 5,345
Heparin/PF4 26,425 16,228
Ketone 1,757 708
KetoChek(TM) / OxiChek(TM) 124,499 181,281
Metron 1,098 -
Other Projects - 33,358
Pulmo Health 11,361 3,220
SeraSTAT - -
Tri-Cholesterol 49,868 76,633
VIVO - 5,216
------- -------
Total R&D Expenses: $313,835 $321,989
------- -------
Other Income and Expense
Other income, net of expense for the three months ended June 30,
2017 totaled $2,653, which was a 55% decrease as compared to $5,870
for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the
three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the percentage
of change year-over-year:
3 Months 3 Months
Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Currency Translation Loss $ (978) $ (2,562) 62%
Realized Gains on Investments 605 6,587 (91)%
Interest and Dividends 3,026 1,845 64%
Other Income - - -%
--- ----------- ------------
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses $ 2,653 $ 5,870 (55)%
--- ----------- ------------
Gains and losses associated with foreign currency transactions
improved by 62% during the three months ended June 30, 2017 as
compared to the same period of 2016, primarily a result of the
increased strength of the US Dollar compared to the British
Pound.
Realized gains, interest and dividend income declined to $3,631
(2016: $8,432). The Company's available capital for investment
activities was limited during the three months ended June 30, 2017
resulting in the decline in investment income.
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017 and 2016
Revenue
Akers' revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2017 totaled
$1,865,112, a 10% increase from the same period in 2016. The tables
below summarize our revenue by product line and by geographic
region for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as
the percentage of change year-over-year:
6 Months 6 Months
Ended Ended
Product Lines June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay ("PIFA") $ 987,668 $ 1,514,255 (35)%
MicroParticle Catalyzed Biosensor ("MPC") 277,475 109,703 153%
Other 599,969 70,552 750%
------------ ------------
Total Revenue $ 1,865,112 $ 1,694,510 10%
============ ============
6 Months 6 Months
Ended Ended
Geographic Region June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
--------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
United States $ 1,129,619 $ 1,118,961 1%
People's Republic of China 627,132 506,398 24%
Rest of World 108,361 69,151 57%
------------ ------------
Total Revenue $ 1,865,112 $ 1,694,510 10%
============ ============
Revenue from the Company's PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay products
decreased 35% during the six months ended June 30, 2017 over the
same period of 2016. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 the
Company recognized approximately $474,000 (2017: $-) in PIFA
revenue from the Company's distribution partner in the People's
Republic of China ("PRC"). The distributor continues to work with
the various provincial governments in the PRC to finalize
reimbursement rates for the providers. Once these rates are
established, the distributor expects strong demand for the PIFA
products. Revenue from PIFA related components, totaling $500,000,
during the six months ended June 30, 2017 is included in other
revenue.
Total unit sales volumes for PIFA Classic and PIFA PLUSS in the
United States remained steady, however; the sales mix changed
slightly year-over-year. The Company experienced renewed interest
in Western Europe and the Far East for the products after reviving
the Conformité Européene Mark ("CE Mark"). The PIFA Classic
products have shipped to Great Britain and India and is being
actively marketed in the European Union and a clinical trial is
scheduled in Italy.
MPC revenue increased 153% during the six months ended June 30,
2017 over the same period of 2016. Domestic and International sales
of the BreathScan Breath Alcohol tests and domestic sales of the
BreathScan Lync(TM) and OxiChek(TM) products accounted for the
majority of the improvement.
The Company signed an amendment to the exclusive distribution
agreement for the PIFA Heparin/PF4 products with NovoTek
Pharmaceuticals Limited ("NovoTek") to expand their geographic
region to include Poland, include other PIFA Heparin/PF4 products
and allow NovoTek to assemble the products at its facilities in the
PRC or Poland from components acquired from the Company.
Other revenue increased 750% during the six months ended June
30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The significant
increase resulted from an initial order for manufacturing
components from NovoTek totaling $500,000. NovoTek will utilize
these components along with additional materials to be purchased in
a future period to assemble PIFA Heparin/PF4 products in either the
PRC or Poland.
The Company's gross margin was 72% (2016: 72%) for the six
months ended June 30, 2017. The Company's use of sub-contractors
for assembly and packaging services increased to $119,072 (2016:
$10,506) and increases in warehousing costs ($39,770 (2016:
$7,662)) were offset by smaller declines in several expense
categories. Additionally, the Company was able to sell its stock of
raw materials associated with a previously discontinued product
that had been removed from inventory and, as such, had no book
value. The Company expects the gross margin to return to the 65% to
68% range in the near-term.
Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2017 totaled
$522,952 (2016: $476,876). Direct cost of sales decreased to 12% of
revenue while other cost of sales increased to 16% for the six
months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to 13% and 15% respectively
for the same period in 2016.
Direct cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were
$223,313 (2016: $216,087). Other cost of sales for the six months
ended June 30, 2017 were $299,639 (2016: $260,789).
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the six months ended
June 30, 2017, totaled $1,620,457, which was a 7% decrease as
compared to $1,739,806 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our general and administrative
expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well
as the percentage of change year-over-year:
6 Months
6 Months Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
----------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 558,471 $ 543,770 3%
Professional Service Costs 546,322 477,094 15%
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs 199,639 234,003 (15)%
Other General and Administrative Costs 316,025 484,939 (35)%
------------ ------------
Total General and Administrative Expense $ 1,620,457 $ 1,739,806 (7)%
------------ ------------
Personnel expenses increased by 3% for the six months ended June
30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The increase is
related to the creation of the Controller's position in the Finance
department and salary adjustments for executive management.
Professional service costs increased by 15% for the six months
ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. A
significant increase in accounting and audit ($104,000 (2016:
$60,896)), personnel recruitment ($22,355 (2016: $409)),
engineering ($56,794 (2016: $24,605)) and general consulting
services ($52,975 (2016: $3,388)) were offset by a decrease in
legal fees ($310,198 (2016: $386,146)) which accounted for the
change.
Decreases in consulting ($47,185 (2016: $61,127)) and investor
relation services ($106,687 (2016: $130,436)) accounted for the 15%
decrease in stock market & investor relations expenses.
The Company established a reserve for an uncollectable account
during the six months ended June 30, 2016 for $146,196 (2017:
$47,741) which accounted for the decline of 35% in other general
and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Travel restrictions, put in place earlier in the year, also
contributed to the decline, totaling $26,205 (2016: $96,219).
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30,
2017 totaled $1,005,326 which was a 19% decrease as compared to
$1,238,754 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our sales and marketing expenses for
the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
6 Months 6 Months
Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
--------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 517,485 $ 714,796 (28)%
Professional Service Costs 137,126 307,020 (55)%
Royalties and Outside Commission Costs 148,836 50,045 197%
Other Sales and Marketing Costs 201,879 166,893 21%
------------ ------------
Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $ 1,005,326 $ 1,238,754 (19)%
------------ ------------
Personnel costs decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2017
as compared to the same period of 2016. The Company has reduced its
sales and marketing staff from 10 members on January 1, 2016 to 4
as of June 30, 2017 as a result of a new sales and marketing
strategy that targets large integrated delivery networks instead of
individual facilities. This strategy requires fewer, but more
experienced and technically knowledgeable sales personnel to
interact with executive management, laboratory and medical
directors. The Company incurred severance expenses related to staff
reductions during the six months ended June 30, 2016 which did not
recur during the same period of 2017.
The Company renegotiated or eliminated several consulting
arrangements targeted at improving market penetration or
identifying marketing or distribution partners during the first
half of 2016. The result is a reduction of 55% in professional
service fees for general consulting services ($136,714 (2016:
$220,289)) and marketing services ($- (2016: $51,246)) for the six
months ended June 30, 2017.
The legal settlement with ChubeWorkx Guernsey, Ltd
("ChubeWorkx"), signed on August 11, 2016, requires the Company to
pay a 5% royalty on adjusted gross sales to ChubeWorkx on a
quarterly basis. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, this
royalty totaled $93,781 (2016: $-).
The Company has launched an awareness campaign directed at
surgeons, pathologists and laboratory and medical directors
regarding the risks associated with heparin induced
thrombocytopenia ("HIT") and a campaign directed at health and
wellness professionals to introduce the BreathScan Lync(TM) and
OxiChek(TM) products. In support of the health and wellness
project, the Company produced an infomercial in coordination with
Balancing Act that aired on May 8, 2017. Expenses related to the
production, which occurred in February, 2017, totaled $54,700.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses for the six months ended June
30, 2017 totaled $662,277, which was a 3% decrease as compared to
$685,280 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our research and development expenses
for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the
percentage of change year-over-year:
6 Months
Ended 6 Months
Description June 30, 2017 Ended June 30, 2016 Percent Change
---------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------- --------------
Personnel Costs $ 512,837 $ 378,553 35%
Clinical Trial Costs 300 141,342 (100)%
Professional Service Costs 47,711 57,147 (17)%
Other Research and Development Costs 101,429 108,238 (6)%
------------ --- -----------------
Total Research and Development Expenses $ 662,277 $ 685,280 (3)%
------------ --- -----------------
Personnel costs increased 35% during the six months ended June
30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. This increase was
a result of the transfer of Dr. Akers' salary and benefits from the
General and Administrative department to Research and Development
as he assumed his new responsibilities as Chief Scientific Director
for the Company. In addition, employee benefit expenses ($41,636
(2016: $31,221)) also contributed to the increase.
Clinical trial costs decreased 100% during the six months ended
June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The Company
performed two clinical trials during the six months ended June 30,
2016, one to test the effectiveness of the PIFA Chlamydia assay and
one for the KetoChek(TM) health and wellness product. Both studies
were completed during 2016 and no significant expense was incurred
during the six months ended June 30, 2017.
A reduction in general consulting services ($21,503 (2016:
$31,619)) for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was responsible
for the 17% decline in professional service fees.
Moderate decreases in several expense categories were offset by
increases in internal resource utilization ($13,739 (2016: $2,937))
and travel expenses ($19,593 (2016 $11,047)) to account for the 6%
decrease in other research and development expenses.
The following table illustrates research and development costs
by project for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016,
respectively:
Project 2017 2016
--------------------------- -------- --------
Breath Alcohol $ 5,171 $ 1,381
Chlamydia Trachomatis 150,033 10,685
Heparin/PF4 37,923 72,575
Ketone 3,465 2,125
KetoChek(TM) / OxiChek(TM) 214,224 365,178
Metron 1,098 2,507
Other Projects 59,688 101,584
Pulmo Health 11,361 6,126
SeraSTAT 5,610 -
Tri-Cholesterol 173,112 117,903
VIVO 592 5,216
------- -------
Total R&D Expenses: $662,277 $685,280
------- -------
Other Income and Expense
Other income, net of expense for the six months ended June 30,
2017 totaled $15,536, which was a 12% increase as compared to
$13,899 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the
six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 as well as the percentage
of change year-over-year:
6 Months 6 Months
Ended Ended
Description June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Percent Change
------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Currency Translation Gain/(Loss) $ 9,367 $ (4,817) 294%
Realized Gains on Investments 1,656 2,152 (23)%
Interest and Dividends 4,513 16,564 (73)%
Other Income - - -%
------------ ------------
Total Other Income, Net of Expenses $ 15,536 $ 13,899 12%
------------ ------------
Gains and losses associated with foreign currency transactions
improved by 294% during the six months ended June 30, 2017 as
compared to the same period of 2016, primarily a result of the
increased strength of the US Dollar compared to the British Pound
and Euro.
Realized gains, interest and dividend income declined to $6,169
(2016: $18,716). The Company's available capital for investment
activities was limited during the six months ended June 30, 2017
resulting in the decline in investment income.
Income Taxes
As of June 30, 2017, the Company does not believe any uncertain
tax positions exist that would result in the Company having a
liability to the taxing authorities. The Company's policy is to
classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax
benefits, if and when required, as part of interest expense and
general and administrative expense, respectively in the
consolidated statement of operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company
generated a net loss of $2,015,918 and $2,517,861, respectively. As
of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has an
accumulated deficit of $99,495,455 and $97,479,537 and had cash and
marketable securities totaling $1,208,800 and $122,701,
respectively.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company raised
$1,652,994 in net proceeds from a public offering of 1,789,500
shares of common stock, $1,760,317 in net proceeds from a private
placement of 1,448,400 shares of common stock and $301,200 from the
exercise of warrants for 200,800 shares of common stock.
Financial statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
2017 2016
------------ ------------
(unaudited) (audited)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash $ 197,175 $ 72,700
Marketable Securities 1,011,625 50,001
Trade Receivables, net 927,534 601,271
Trade Receivables - Related Party, net 125,001 31,892
Deposits and other receivables 13,090 23,782
Inventories, net 2,166,699 2,036,521
Prepaid expenses 147,526 168,277
Prepaid expenses - Related Party 317,439 202,500
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 4,906,089 3,186,944
----------- -----------
Non-Current Assets
Prepaid expenses - Related Party 108,353 270,183
Property, Plant and Equipment, net 260,756 259,392
Intangible Assets, net 1,216,221 1,301,775
Other Assets 71,143 66,813
----------- -----------
Total Non-Current Assets 1,656,473 1,898,163
----------- -----------
Total Assets $ 6,562,562 $ 5,085,107
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade and Other Payables $ 1,413,141 $ 1,463,363
Trade and Other Payables - Related Party 33,911 234,067
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 1,447,052 1,697,430
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities 1,447,052 1,697,430
----------- -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Convertible Preferred Stock, No par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued
and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 - -
Common Stock, No par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 8,901,245 and
5,452,545 issued
and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 104,624,119 100,891,786
Deferred Compensation (14,163) (24,572)
Accumulated Deficit (99,495,455) (97,479,537)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 1,009 -
----------- -----------
Total Stockholders' Equity 5,115,510 3,387,677
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 6,562,562 $ 5,085,107
=========== ===========
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
For six months ended June 30, 2016
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------------ -------------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues:
Product Revenue $1,097,295 $ 956,486 $ 1,740,481 $ 1,694,510
Product Revenue - Related party 100,567 - 124,631 -
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Revenues 1,197,862 956,486 1,865,112 1,694,510
Cost of Sales:
Product Cost of Sales (264,231) (276,848) (522,952) (476,876)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross Income 933,631 679,638 1,342,160 1,217,634
Administrative Expenses 829,929 816,244 1,620,457 1,739,806
Sales and Marketing Expenses 354,889 513,430 911,545 1,238,754
Sales and Marketing Expenses - Related
Party 61,502 - 93,781 -
Research and Development Expenses 290,841 321,989 639,283 685,280
Research and Development Expenses -
Related Party 22,994 - 22,994 -
Amortization of Non-Current Assets 42,777 42,777 85,554 85,554
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from Operations (669,301) (1,014,802) (2,031,454) (2,531,760)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Other (Income)/Expenses
Foreign Currency Transaction
(Gain)/Loss 978 2,562 (9,367) 4,817
Interest and Dividend Income (3,632) (8,432) (6,169) (18,716)
Other Income - - - -
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Other Income (2,654) (5,870) (15,536) (13,899)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss Before Income Taxes (666,647) (1,008,932) (2,015,918) (2,517,861)
Income Tax Benefit - - - -
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Loss (666,647) (1,008,932) (2,015,918) (2,517,861)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
Marketable Securities 852 (2,006) 1,009 6,528
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) 852 (2,006) 1,009 6,528
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Comprehensive Loss $ (665,795) $(1,010,938) $(2,014,909) $(2,511,333)
========= ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted loss per common
share $ (0.08) $ (0.19) $ (0.25) $ (0.46)
========= ========== ========== ==========
Weighted average basic and diluted
common shares outstanding 8,882,326 5,427,261 7,943,168 5,426,153
========= ========== ========== ==========
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's
Equity
For six months ended June 30, 2017
Common Accumulated
Shares Other
Issued and Common Deferred Accumulated Comprehensive Total
Outstanding Stock Compensation Deficit Income/(Loss) Equity
------------ ----------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance at December
31, 2016 (audited) 5,452,545 $ 100,891,786 $ (24,572) $ (97,479,537) $ - $ 3,387,677
Net loss - - - (2,015,918) - (2,015,918)
Public offering
of common
stock, net of
offering costs
of $494,406 1,789,500 1,652,994 - - - 1,652,994
Private offering
of common
stock, net of
offering costs
of $267,443 1,448,400 1,760,317 - - - 1,760,317
Exercise of
warrants for
common stock 200,800 301,200 - - - 301,200
Amortization of
deferred
compensation - - 10,409 - - 10,409
Issuance of
non-qualified
stock options
to key
employees - 10,184 - - - 10,184
Issuance of
non-qualified
stock options
for services to
non-employees - 2,183 - - - 2,183
Issuance of
restricted
stock for
services to
non-employees 10,000 5,455 - - - 5,455
Net unrealized
gain on
marketable
securities - - - - 1,009 1,009
----------- ---- ----------- --- --------- --- ----------- ---- --------- --- ----------
Balance at June 30
2017 (unaudited) 8,901,245 $ 104,624,119 $ (14,163) $ (99,495,455) $ 1,009 $ 5,115,510
=========== ==== =========== === ========= === =========== ==== ========= === ==========
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)
2017 2016
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss for the year $(2,015,918) $(2,517,861)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Accrued income on marketable securities (1,001) 8,927
Depreciation and amortization 121,381 113,906
Reserve and write-off for obsolete inventory 21,542 -
Allowance for doubtful accounts 46,239 146,196
Fair value of restricted common stock issued for services 15,864 18,243
Share based compensation to employees - options 10,184 -
Share based compensation to non-employees - options 2,183 8,241
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in trade receivables (372,502) (79,906)
Increase in trade receivables - related party (93,109) -
Decrease in deposits and other receivables 10,692 31,196
Increase in inventories (151,720) (85,588)
Decrease in prepaid expenses 20,752 43,933
Decrease in prepaid expenses - related party 46,890 -
Increase in other assets (4,330) -
Decrease in trade and other payables (50,222) (103,029)
Decrease in trade and other payables - related party (200,156) -
---------- ----------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,593,231) (2,415,742)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (37,191) (81,462)
Purchases of marketable securities (2,705,168) (27,643)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 1,745,554 2,502,319
---------- ----------
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (996,805) 2,393,214
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 3,413,311 -
Net proceeds from exercise of warrants for common stock 301,200 -
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,714,511 -
---------- ----------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash 124,475 (22,528)
Cash at beginning of period 72,700 402,059
---------- ----------
Cash at end of period $ 197,175 $ 379,531
========== ==========
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Issuance of a restricted common stock grant for services $ 5,455 $ -
========== ==========
Issuance of a restricted common stock grant to an officer $ - $ 54,725
========== ==========
Net unrealized gains on marketable securities $ 1,009 $ 6,528
========== ==========
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or
historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's
expectations about its future operating results, performance and
opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties.
These statements include but are not limited to statements
regarding the intended terms of the offering, closing of the
offering and use of any proceeds from the offering. When used
herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming,"
"plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as
they relate to Akers Biosciences, Inc., its subsidiaries, or its
management, are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are based on
information currently available to the Company and are subject to a
number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause
the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and
opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied by, these forward-looking statements.
The information communicated in this announcement is inside
information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation
596/2014.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR SFIEFLFWSEFA
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 15, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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