GenMark Diagnostics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNMK), a leading provider of automated, multiplex molecular diagnostic testing systems, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019.
Full Year 2019 Financial HighlightsTotal revenue of $88.0 million, an increase of 24% over 2018 
— ePlex revenue of $60.3 million, an increase of more than 59% over 2018Gross margin of 32.5%, a 500-bps improvement over 2018Ended the year with $53.5 million in cash and investmentsFourth Quarter 2019 Financial HighlightsTotal revenue of $27.2 million, an increase of 40% over the fourth quarter of 2018 
— ePlex revenue of $19.2 million, an increase of approximately 58% over the fourth quarter of 2018Gross margin of 33.5%, a 630-bps improvement over the fourth quarter of 2018Recent Operational HighlightsPlaced 38 net new ePlex analyzers in the fourth quarter of 2019, expanding the global installed base to 527 at year endApproximate average annuity per ePlex analyzer of $148,000, compared to $139,000 in the comparable period of 2018Over 70% of placements in the fourth quarter were within labs that previously had a competitive analyzerShipped initial Research Use Only (RUO) test kits designed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus to several key sites in the U.S. with access to clinical samples and to the company’s Hong Kong distributor“2019 was a turning point for our company.  From the FDA clearance and launch of our suite of blood culture identification panels to our significant improvement in gross margin, our team delivered meaningful results through teamwork and clearly defined goals,” said Scott Mendel, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am confident that we will build on these achievements and drive strong revenue growth and improving margins in 2020.”“As revenue crosses over the $100 million mark in 2020, we are increasingly focused on driving towards cash flow positivity.  We expect continued strong U.S. ePlex revenue growth, which is the vast majority of our business. Internationally, we plan to take a more measured approach that balances additional placements with stronger leverage of 2019’s geographic expansion,” concluded Mendel.Fourth Quarter Financial Results
Revenue was $27.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 40% versus $19.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. Gross profit was $9.1 million, or approximately 33.5% of revenue, compared with $5.3 million, or 27.2% of revenue in the same period of 2018.Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $17.8 million compared to $15.9 million in the same period of 2018.  The increase was largely due to higher BCID launch and ePlex development expenses.Loss per share was $0.17 for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to a $0.21 loss per share in the fourth quarter of 2018.Full Year 2019 Financial Results
Revenue was $88.0 million in 2019, an increase of 24% versus $70.8 million in 2018.  Gross profit was $28.6 million, or 32.5% of revenue, compared with $19.5 million, or 27.5% of revenue in the prior year.Operating expenses for 2019 were $70.4 million compared to $67.3 million in 2018.  The increase was largely due to higher BCID launch and ePlex development expenses.Loss per share was $0.82 for 2019, compared to a $0.91 loss per share in 2018.Cash and investments were $53.5 million as of December 31, 2019.Guidance for Full Year 2020
The company expects revenue for the full year 2020 in the range of $100 million to $110 million, which represents growth of 14% to 25%, updated from 20-25% previously communicated. ePlex revenues are expected to increase by more than 30% in 2020 and represent approximately 70% to 80% of total 2020 revenue.Global ePlex placements are expected to range from 130 to 160 net new analyzers with an annuity per analyzer between $130,000 and $135,000. Gross margin is expected to be in the 36% to 39% range and operating expenses are expected to be approximately $65 million to $70 million.Cash used in operations is projected to decline year over year to between $16 million and $20 million.Webcast and Conference Call Information
GenMark will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter results in further detail on Monday, March 2, 2020 starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call will be concurrently webcast. The link to the webcast will be available on the GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. website at www.genmarkdx.com under the investor relations section and will be archived for future reference. To listen to the conference call, please dial (877) 312-5847 (US/Canada) or (253) 237-1154 (International) and use the conference ID number 8163576 approximately five minutes prior to the start time.About GenMark Diagnostics
GenMark Diagnostics (NASDAQ: GNMK) is a leading provider of multiplex molecular diagnostic solutions designed to enhance patient care, improve key quality metrics, and reduce the total cost-of-care. Utilizing GenMark’s proprietary eSensor® detection technology, GenMark’s eSensor XT-8® and ePlex® systems are designed to support a broad range of molecular diagnostic tests with compact, easy-to-use workstations and self-contained, disposable test cartridges. GenMark’s ePlex: The True Sample-to-Answer Solution™ is designed to optimize laboratory efficiency and address a broad range of infectious disease testing needs, including respiratory, bloodstream, and gastrointestinal infections.  For more information, visit www.genmarkdx.com.Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding events, trends and business prospects, which may affect our future operating results and financial position. Such statements, including, but not limited to, those regarding our future financial performance, regulatory submissions and approvals, plans and objectives of management, and the timely and effective commercialization and clinical impact of our ePlex system, are all subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial position to differ materially. Some of these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully commercialize our ePlex system and its related test menu in a timely manner, constraints or inefficiencies caused by unanticipated acceleration and deceleration of customer demand, our ability to successfully expand sales of our product offerings outside the United States, and third-party payor reimbursement to our customers, as well as other risks and uncertainties described under the “Risk Factors” in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events, trends or circumstances after the date they are made.Investor Relations Contact                                                             
Leigh Salvo                                         
(415) 937-5404   GENMARK DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
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