Main menu
Edison Group
  • Home
  • Equities

    Equities

    View All Equities

    Equities by Sector

    AGBA

    MCap

    USD77m

    Last close

    USD1.03

    ▲ 0.63 (157.50%)

    Pharnext

    MCap

    1m

    Last close

    EUR0.10

    ▲ 0.03 (42.86%)

    Sareum Holdings

    MCap

    GBP28m

    Last close

    GBP0.27

    ▲ 6.25 (30.49%)

  • Sectors

    Sectors

  • Investment Strategy

    Investment Strategy

    View All

    Latest

  • Thematics

    Thematics

    View All Thematics

    Latest

  • Audiovisual

    Audiovisual

    View All Audiovisual

    Latest

International Stem Cell — Biomedical sales more than double

International Stem Cell — Biomedical sales more than double

International Stem Cell (ISCO) reported Q218 revenues of $3.0m, up 72.4% compared to Q217 mainly due to the biomedical business, which had quarterly revenues of $2.7m, up 103.1% compared to the same quarter last year. The operating profit of the biomedical business also increased substantially, up 139.6% to $1.1m. With regard to the Phase I trial of ISC-hpNSC in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the company has successfully dosed the first patient of the third cohort and expects to release interim six-month results from the second cohort in Q318.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

International Stem Cell

Biomedical sales more than double

Financial update

Pharma & biotech

20 August 2018

Price

US$1.57

Market cap

US$10m

Net debt ($m) at 30 June 2018

0.6

Shares in issue

6.3m

Free float

40%

Code

ISCO

Primary exchange

OTC

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(0.6)

5.4

16.3

Rel (local)

(2.0)

0.6

(0.8)

52-week high/low

US$1.9

US$1.2

Business description

International Stem Cell is an early-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutic, biomedical and cosmeceutical applications for its proprietary stem form of pluripotent stem cells – human parthenogenetic stem cells. Its lead candidate is a cell therapy treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Next events

Six-month interim data, second cohort

Q318

Analysts

Maxim Jacobs

+1 646 653 7027

Nathaniel Calloway

+1 646 653 7036

International Stem Cell is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

International Stem Cell (ISCO) reported Q218 revenues of $3.0m, up 72.4% compared to Q217 mainly due to the biomedical business, which had quarterly revenues of $2.7m, up 103.1% compared to the same quarter last year. The operating profit of the biomedical business also increased substantially, up 139.6% to $1.1m. With regard to the Phase I trial of ISC-hpNSC in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the company has successfully dosed the first patient of the third cohort and expects to release interim six-month results from the second cohort in Q318.

Year
end

Revenue ($m)

PBT*
($m)

EPS*
($)

DPS
($)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16

7.2

(4.9)

(1.52)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17

7.5

(4.9)

(1.19)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/18e

11.2

(3.9)

(0.61)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/19e

12.2

(8.2)

(1.22)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

First patient in third and final cohort dosed

The first patient in the third cohort of four patients has been successfully dosed. As a reminder, patients in the study are being treated in three cohorts with 30m, 50m and 70m stem cells, delivered via intracranial injection. The single-arm, open-label study is being conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia. Clinical assessments are scheduled at six and 12 months following surgery.

Commercial business growth accelerating

ISCO’s commercial operations leverage its hpSC technology and generate revenues to partially offset R&D spending for therapeutic development. Lifeline Skin Care develops and sells skincare products and Lifeline Cell Technology (LCT) produces human cell culture products for testing. Together they generated $3.0m in sales in Q218, up 72.4% compared to the same quarter last year.

Three-dimensional (3D) liver structures developed

Through the use of human pluripotent stem cell derived-liver progenitor cells (hpLPC), the company was able to form liver-like tissue, which consists of hepatocytes, choangiocytes, and hepatic stellate cells. The company expects to license the technology for use in drug development and potentially as therapeutic tissue.

Valuation: $36m or $5.72 per basic share

We have increased our valuation to $36m or $5.72 per basic share from $34m or $5.46 per basic share. The increase is mainly due to higher revenue estimates for the base business (FY18/FY19 total revenue estimates up 27%/28% driven by the biomedical segment) and rolling forward our NPV. It was mitigated by an increase in long-term SG&A expense expectations and lower net cash. We project that the company will need at least $60m in additional financing before profitability in 2024, of which a total additional $5m will be required by the end of 2018.

Q218 results review

The company reported Q218 revenues of $3.0m, up 72.4% compared to Q217 (and up 15.4% sequentially compared to the previous quarter) mainly due to the biomedical business, which had quarterly revenues of $2.7m, up 103.1% compared to the same quarter last year (and up 24.1% sequentially). The cosmetics business, however, was down 15.1% in the quarter and now represents just 12.8% of total revenues compared to 25.9% in the same quarter last year. The operating profit of the biomedical business also increased substantially, up 139.6% to $1.1m, although the cosmetic business showed a loss for the quarter. The commercial businesses combined had a profit of $865,000, up 114.6% compared to Q217. For the company as a whole, the operating loss was only $366,000 for Q218, a decline of 63.5% compared to last year. We have made some adjustments to our model, increasing our 2018 revenue estimate for the commercial business to $11.2m from $8.8m and our 2019 estimate to $12.2m from $9.5m due to significant strength in the biomedical segment. We have reduced our 2018 R&D estimate by $2.0m as the spending rate is lower than we had anticipated, but left future years unchanged. We also increased our SG&A expense estimate by $0.6m in 2018 and by $1.2m in 2019 due to a higher than anticipated run rate.

Exhibit 1: Changes to estimates

$000s

Revenue

Operating profit

Profit after tax

Old

New

% change

Old

New

% change

Old

New

% change

2018e

8,790

11,165

27.0%

(6,073)

(3,508)

42.2%

(6,673)

(3,908)

41.4%

2019e

9,527

12,155

27.6%

(7,079)

(6,990)

1.3%

(8,479)

(8,190)

3.4%

Source: Edison Investment Research. Note: Operating profit and profit after tax exclude amortization of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

The company had $477,000 in cash on the balance sheet at the end of Q218. There was $1.1m in a related-party payable stemming from a promissory note that provided cash to the company from its co-chairman and CEO, with the note due and payable on 1 November this year. Subsequent to the quarter end, the principal amount of the note was increased to $2m as the co-chairman and CEO agreed to provide an additional $900,000 in increments based on the company’s needs. We continue to project that the company will need at least $60m (previously $62.5m) in additional financing before profitability (which we include as illustrative long-term debt) in 2024, of which a total additional $5m (previously $7.5m) will be required by the end of 2018 and a further $10m by the end of 2019.

Valuation

We have increased our valuation to $36m or $5.72 per basic share from $34m or $5.46 per basic share. The increase is mainly due to higher revenue and earnings estimates for the base business and rolling forward our NPV. It was mitigated by an increase in long-term SG&A expense expectations and lower net cash.

Exhibit 2: International Stem Cell valuation

Product

Status

Launch

Peak sales ($m)

NPV ($m)

Probability

rNPV ($m)

NPV/share ($/share)

Cosmetic and biomedical business

Commercial

Current

18

32

90%

29

4.58

Parkinson’s disease (royalties at 12% of sales)

Phase I/IIa

2024

2,800

543

7.5%

41

6.46

G&A expense - after tax

100%

(33)

(5.22)

Net cash (Q218)

(0.6)

100%

(0.6)

(0.10)

Valuation

 

 

 

574

 

36

5.72

Source: Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 3: Financial summary

US$000

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Year end 31 December

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

7,165

7,456

11,165

12,155

Cost of Sales

(1,944)

(2,122)

(3,908)

(4,254)

Gross Profit

5,221

5,334

7,257

7,901

Research and development

(2,856)

(2,658)

(2,500)

(6,500)

EBITDA

 

 

(4,520)

(4,616)

(3,236)

(6,718)

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

(4,851)

(4,942)

(3,508)

(6,990)

Intangible Amortisation

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

0

0

0

0

Other

3,772

(1,127)

(27)

0

Operating Profit

(1,079)

(6,069)

(3,535)

(6,990)

Net Interest

0

0

(400)

(1,200)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

(4,851)

(4,942)

(3,908)

(8,190)

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

(1,079)

(6,069)

(3,935)

(8,190)

Tax

0

0

0

0

Profit After Tax (norm)

(4,851)

(4,942)

(3,908)

(8,190)

Profit After Tax (reported)

(1,079)

(6,069)

(3,935)

(8,190)

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

3.2

4.2

6.4

6.7

EPS - normalised ($)

 

 

(1.52)

(1.19)

(0.61)

(1.22)

EPS - normalised fully diluted ($)

 

 

(0.34)

(1.46)

(0.61)

(1.22)

EPS - (reported) ($)

 

 

(0.34)

(1.46)

(0.61)

(1.22)

Dividend per share (c)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Margin (%)

72.9

71.5

65.0

65.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

4,553

4,009

4,830

5,650

Intangible Assets

3,484

2,922

3,538

4,154

Tangible Assets

1,011

1,013

1,217

1,421

Investments

58

74

75

75

Current Assets

 

 

2,492

2,855

5,287

7,601

Stocks

1,390

1,307

1,682

2,170

Debtors

574

465

1,614

868

Cash

110

304

1,424

3,996

Other

418

779

567

567

Current Liabilities

 

 

(3,601)

(4,800)

(5,665)

(5,606)

Creditors

(3,601)

(4,800)

(5,665)

(5,606)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

0

0

(5,000)

(15,000)

Long term borrowings

0

0

(5,000)

(15,000)

Other long term liabilities

0

0

0

0

Net Assets

 

 

3,444

2,064

(549)

(7,355)

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(4,197)

(2,142)

(2,416)

(5,135)

Net Interest

0

0

(400)

(1,200)

Tax

0

0

0

0

Capex

(944)

(864)

(1,065)

(1,092)

Acquisitions/disposals

0

0

0

0

Financing

4,018

3,200

0

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

Net Cash Flow

(1,123)

194

(3,880)

(7,427)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(532)

(110)

(304)

3,576

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

Other

701

0

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(110)

(304)

3,576

11,004

Source: Edison Investment Research, company reports

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Pty Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by International Stem Cell and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Pty Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by International Stem Cell and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Healthcare

Hutchison China MediTech — Establishing a global operational presence

Highlights from Hutchison China MediTech’s (HCM) H118 results relate to the substantial pipeline-related newsflow expected in 2018/19, the recent expansion of its US and international operations (which will enable HCM to execute its international R&D and commercialization strategies) plus strong operational and financial performance by the China commercial platform division. Fruquintinib (third-line CRC) remains on track to launch in China by year end (approval decision expected by the CNDA in the next few months). Encouraging Phase II data so far on savolitinib (first-line NSCLC exon14m/deletion) could lead to accelerated approval in China, contingent on final data (expected in 2020) being consistent with data to date. We value HCM at $6.4bn.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free