Bay Street News

Knight Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

MONTREAL, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Knight Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:GUD) (“Knight”), a Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Q3 2018 Highlights

Financials

Corporate Developments

Products

Strategic Lending and Investments

Key Subsequent Events

“I am pleased with our progress at building a specialty pharmaceutical company with products that make a difference in the lives of patients.  We have launched PROBUPHINE™ a novel option to assist in the national health crisis, opioid dependence.  We continue to leverage our strong balance sheet to strengthen our pipeline of innovative products as evidenced with the licensing of products from TherapeuticsMD and Jaguar,” said Jonathan Ross Goodman, Chief Executive Officer of Knight Therapeutics Inc.

Select Financial Results

  Q3-18 Q3-17 Change     Change
  $ 1   %2 YTD-18 YTD-17 $ 1   %2
                 
Revenues 3,220 1,860   1,360   73 % 8,612 6,090    2,522   41 %
Gross margin 2,611 1,523   1,088   71 % 6,831 4,993    1,838   37 %
Operating expenses 3,271 3,567   296   8 % 10,045 11,060   1,015   9 %
Interest income 4,956 6,959   (2,003 ) 29 % 14,990 18,517   (3,527 ) 19 %
Share of net income of associate 89 98   (9 ) 9 % 441 513   (72 ) 14 %
Net income 12,930 3,593   9,337   260 % 23,858 10,099    13,759   136 %
Basic earnings per share 0.091 0.025   0.066   264 % 0.167 0.071    0.096   135 %

1      A positive variance represents a positive impact to net income and a negative variance represents a negative impact to net income
2      Percentage change is presented in absolute values

Revenue: Variance for the quarter and the nine-month period was mainly attributable to the timing of sales for Impavido® and growth in Movantik® sales.

Gross margin: Change in gross margin was attributable to revenues increase and product mix.

Operating expenses: The decrease for the quarter was driven by a reduction in general and administrative expenses mainly related to lower stock-based compensation expense. For the nine-month period, the decrease was driven by a reduction in general and administrative expenses mainly related to lower stock-based compensation expense, and lower product-submission related expenses, offset by an increase of commercial activities including the promotion of Movantik®.

Interest income: Interest income includes interest income and interest accretion. Interest income (excluding accretion) for Q3-18 was $4,956, a decrease of 14% or $806 compared to prior period while interest income (excluding accretion) for YTD-18 was $14,990, a decrease of 1% or $146 compared to prior year. The variances are explained by an increase in the average cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances and an increase in interest rates, offset by a lower average loan balance.

Net gain on financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss: A net gain of $10,924 was recorded in Q3-18 on the disposals and revaluations of financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss. The gain was driven by a mark-to-market adjustment of $6,795 [EUR 4,524] related to the investment in Forbion due to the IPO of Replimune, an investment held by Forbion, and the revaluation of TXMD shares. For the nine-month period, a net gain of $14,349 was recorded on financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, due to the disposals and revaluations of strategic funds, loans, and equity investments.

Net income: Net income for the quarter was driven by the above-mentioned items as well as a foreign exchange loss of $1,117 from the relative losses on certain U.S. dollar denominated financial assets as Canadian dollar strengthened. Similarly, net income for the nine-month period was impacted by (i) other income of $1,773 due to the early repayment of fees on the Medimetriks and Profound loans, and (ii) a foreign exchange gain of $1,431 from the relative gains on certain U.S. dollar denominated financial assets as the Canadian dollar weakened.


Product Updates

On July 31, 2018, Knight entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the commercial rights of TX-004HR and TX-001HR in Canada and Israel. Both products are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in the United States. TX-004HR is marketed as Imvexxy™ (estradiol vaginal inserts) in the U.S., for the treatment of moderate-to-severe dyspareunia (vaginal pain associated with sexual activity), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (“VVA”), due to menopause. TX-001HR is a bio-identical hormone therapy combination of estradiol and progesterone in a single, oral softgel for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. Knight expects to submit both products to Health Canada for regulatory approval in 2019.

On September 24, 2018, Knight entered into a distribution, license and supply agreement with JAGX for the exclusive right to commercialize Mytesi® (crofelemer 125 mg delayed-release tablets) and related products in Canada and Israel and a right of first negotiation to commercialize Mytesi® and related products in specified Latin American countries. Mytesi® is an FDA-approved product in the U.S. indicated for the symptomatic relief of non-infectious diarrhea in adult patients with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy.

On October 29, 2018, Knight announced the commercial launch of PROBUPHINE™ in Canada, for the management of opioid dependence in patients clinically stabilized on no more than 8 mg of sublingual buprenorphine in combination with counselling and psychosocial support.

Corporate Update

In July 2018, Knight received a notice of reassessment from CRA for the fiscal year 2014 which relates to the disposition of a PRV held by Knight’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Knight Therapeutics (Barbados) Inc. A PRV is a transferrable asset that entitles the holder to a priority review for a drug of its choice. A priority review means that the review time of the FDA for a new drug application is reduced by approximately six months. The PRV program was designed to incentivize the development of treatments for diseases that might otherwise not attract development interest due to the cost and the lack of market opportunities.

The Company’s PRV was granted on March 19, 2014 upon the FDA approval of Impavido® and was disposed of to a third party in November 2014 for gross proceeds of US$125,000. The notice of reassessment provides that Knight is liable to pay to the CRA an aggregate of $23,340 in additional taxes and interest. Knight has made a deposit for the full amount to CRA in July 2018.

Knight believes that the reassessment is unfounded and has filed a notice of objection in September 2018 to start the appeals process. Based on the Company’s view of the likely outcome of the appeals process, Knight expects to recover the $23,340 remitted to CRA and has not recorded any tax provision related to the disposal of the PRV in its financial statements. However, there can be no assurance regarding the outcome or when a resolution may be reached.

Furthermore, it is likely that the Quebec Revenue Agency will propose a similar adjustment which will result in an estimated additional tax liability of $19,000. Although Knight believes its tax provisions are adequate, the final determination of tax audits and any related disputes could be materially different from historical income tax provisions and accruals.


Conference Call Notice 

Knight will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its third quarter results today at 8:30 am ET. Knight cordially invites all interested parties to participate in this call.

Date: Thursday, November 8, 2018
Time: 8:30 a.m. EST
Telephone: Toll Free 1-877-855-7766 or International 248-847-2346                                  
Webcast: www.gudknight.com or https://tinyurl.com/ya4jtujc
This is a listen-only audio webcast. Media Player is required to listen to the broadcast.
Replay: An archived replay will be available for 30 days at www.gudknight.com 


Currency

All dollar amounts are in thousands except for share and per share amounts. All currencies are Canadian unless otherwise specified.

About Knight Therapeutics Inc. 

Knight Therapeutics Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring or in-licensing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products for the Canadian and select international markets. Knight Therapeutics Inc.’s shares trade on TSX under the symbol GUD. For more information about Knight Therapeutics Inc., please visit the company’s web site at www.gudknight.com or www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements for Knight Therapeutics Inc. and its subsidiaries. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Knight Therapeutics Inc. considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared but cautions the reader that these assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Knight Therapeutics Inc. and its subsidiaries, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. Factors and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations are discussed in Knight Therapeutics Inc.’s Annual Report and in Knight Therapeutics Inc.’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017. Knight Therapeutics Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events, except as required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Knight Therapeutics Inc.
Samira Sakhia
President and Chief Financial Officer
T: 514-678-8930
F: 514-481-4116
info@gudknight.com
www.gudknight.com 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
[In thousands of Canadian dollars][Unaudited]

As at September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
ASSETS    
Current    
Cash and cash equivalents 303,222 496,460
Marketable securities 416,762 232,573
Trade and other receivables 8,824 9,176
Inventories 1,233 1,224
Other current financial assets 29,093 58,848
Income taxes receivable 790 792
Total current assets 759,924 799,073
     
Marketable securities 55,062 36,000
Property and equipment 680 633
Intangible assets 17,161 12,576
Other financial assets 102,481 76,988
Investment in associate 79,031 75,983
Deferred income tax assets 3,727 4,730
Income tax receivable 23,340
Total assets 1,041,406 1,005,983
     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Current    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 5,401 5,025
Income taxes payable 10,702 7,599
Other balances payable 1,393 1,354
Deferred other income 247 282
Total current liabilities 17,743 14,260
     
Deferred other income 167
Other balances payable 3,261 348
Total liabilities 21,004 14,775
     
Shareholders’ equity    
Share capital 761,788 761,490
Warrants 785 785
Contributed surplus 13,863 12,196
Accumulated other comprehensive income 12,065 20,907
Retained earnings 231,901 195,830
Total shareholders’ equity 1,020,402 991,208
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 1,041,406 1,005,983

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
[In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share and per share amounts][Unaudited]

  Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
  2018    2017    2018    2017   
         
Revenues 3,220    1,860    8,612    6,090   
Cost of goods sold 609    337    1,781    1,097   
Gross margin 2,611    1,523    6,831    4,993   
         
Expenses        
Selling and marketing 1,000    834    2,681    2,247   
General and administrative 1,833    2,147    5,865    6,944   
Research and development 438    586    1,499    1,869   
  (660 ) (2,044 ) (3,214 ) (6,067 )
         
Depreciation of property and equipment 28    —    63    —   
Amortization of intangible assets 481    539    1,367    1,185   
Interest income (4,956 ) (6,959 ) (14,990 ) (18,517 )
Other income (385 ) (871 ) (1,773 ) (1,513 )
Net gain on financial assets —    (1,317 ) —    (3,636 )
Net gain on financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss (10,924
 
) —    (14,349 ) —   
Share of net income of associate (89 ) (98 ) (441 ) (513 )
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1,117    2,695    (1,431 ) 4,244   
Income before income taxes 14,068    3,967    28,340    12,683   
         
Income tax expense (recovery)        
Current 1,891    490    3,443    1,598   
Deferred (753 ) (116 ) 1,039    986   
Net income for the period 12,930    3,593    23,858    10,099   
         
   
Basic earnings per share 0.091    0.025    0.167    0.071   
Diluted earnings per share 0.090    0.025    0.167    0.070   
         
Basic 142,831,656    142,766,634    142,821,725   142,749,348   
Diluted 143,339,800    143,350,059    143,263,836   143,469,168   

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
[In thousands of Canadian dollars]

[Unaudited]  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
  2018    2017    2018    2017   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net income for the period 12,930    3,593    23,858    10,099   
Adjustments reconciling net income to operating cash flows:        
Deferred tax (753  ) (116 ) 1,039    986   
Share-based compensation expense 520    762    1,707    2,626   
Depreciation and amortization 509    539    1,430    1,185   
Accretion of interest —    (1,197 ) —    (3,381 )
Net gain on financial assets (10,924 ) (1,317 ) (14,349 ) (3,636 )
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1,117    2,695    (1,431 ) 4,244   
Share of net income of associate (89 ) (98 ) (441 ) (513 )
Other income 38    (871 ) 38    (872 )
Deferred other income (42 ) (63 ) (181 ) (293 )
  3,306    3,927    11,670    10,445   
Other operating items (23,222 ) 4,350    (20,662 ) 2,914   
Dividends from associate —    2,459    —    4,984   
Cash (outflow) inflow from operating activities (19,916 ) 10,736    (8,992  ) 18,343   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Purchase of marketable securities (115,274 ) (103,273 ) (398,791 ) (245,746 )
Purchase of intangible —        (3,000 )    
Purchase of property and equipment (9 )     (95 )    
Issuance of loans receivables (510 ) (15,164 ) (1,341 ) (16,971 )
Purchase of equities (26,054 )     (26,764 ) (2,939 )
Investment in funds (6,358 ) (4,987 ) (20,560 ) (15,318 )
Proceeds on maturity of marketable securities 30,755    77,170    196,164    203,729   
Proceeds from repayments of loans receivable 3,833    5,985    38,867    36,309   
Proceeds from disposal of equities 19,869    9,357    20,884    12,872   
Proceeds from distribution of funds 328    510    6,427    3,886   
Cash outflow from investing activities (93,420 ) (30,402 ) (188,209 ) (24,178 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 90        90    345   
Proceeds from contributions to share purchase plan 58    61    149    154   
Cash inflow from financing activities 148    61    239    499   
         
Decrease in cash during the period (113,188 ) (19,605 ) (196,962 ) (5,336 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 418,358    527,879    496,460    514,942   
Net foreign exchange difference (1,948 ) (1,435 ) 3,724    (2,767 )
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 303,222    506,839    303,222    506,839   
Cash and cash equivalents     303,222    506,839   
Short-term marketable securities     416,762    218,248   
Long-term marketable securities     55,062    36,000   
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities     775,046    761,087