Nephros Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Nephros, Inc.

Full-Year Net Revenue of $14.2 Million and Fourth-Quarter Net Revenue of $3.3 Million

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire – Nephros, Inc. (Nasdaq: NEPH), a leading water technology company providing filtration solutions to the medical and commercial markets, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Financial Highlights
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2023

• Net revenue from continuing operations was $3.3 million, compared to $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, up 27%

• Net loss from continuing operations was ($0.7 million), approximately equal to the same period in 2022

• Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was ($0.1 million), compared to ($0.5 million) in the
  fourth quarter of 2022, an improvement of 89%
  

Year-End 2023

• Net revenue from continuing operations was $14.2 million, compared with $10.0 million in 2022,
  up 43%

• Net loss from continuing operations was ($1.6 million), compared with ($4.3 million) in 2022

• Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was ($0.1 million), compared with ($2.4 million) in 2022, an improvement of 97%
  
  

“2023 was an exciting year for Nephros. With freshly streamlined operations and a refocus on filtration, we grew sales 43% for the full year,” said Robert Banks, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, new water management guidance, such as ASHRAE 514, has enabled our expanded salesforce to propel Nephros solutions to the front of the line within healthcare facilities. We believe our infection control water filters are well-positioned to fulfill the latest directive recommendations and serve broadened customer needs.

“In my view, our ability to leverage the current regulatory landscape has been a significant driver of growth, as well as our active engagement of new partners and strengthening of existing relationships,” remarked Mr. Banks. “Further, we have enacted a series of deliberate and transformative operational improvements to our supply chain management and consolidated expansion of our corporate footprint. Among these improvements was the opening of our new warehouse space in the fourth quarter, which has enabled us to increase delivery efficiency while supporting growing sales and solving the challenge of significant inventory expansion. Another enhancement was the extension of our supplier production agreement, which helps ensure an uninterrupted source of product.”

Mr. Banks continued, “I am very excited about the momentum we have built and am buoyed by the tailwinds created as a result of more stringent water safety standards along with heightened awareness of microbiological proliferation. I look forward to sharing future products, tools and key partnerships as they develop.”

Financial Performance for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net revenue from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $14 million, compared with $10 million in 2022, an increase of 43%. Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $3.3 million, compared with $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 27%.

Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $5.8 million, compared with $5.2 million in 2022, an increase of 11%. Cost of goods sold for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $1.2 million, compared with $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 18%.

Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 59%, compared with 47% in 2022. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 62%, compared with 59% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $8.9 million, compared with $7.6 million in 2022, an increase of 17%. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were approximately $2.4 million, compared with $1.8 million in 2022, an increase of 35%.

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $0.9 million, compared with $1.3 million in 2022 a decrease of 30%. Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $0.2 million, compared with $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, a decrease of 42%.

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were approximately $214,000, compared with approximately $218,000 in 2022, a decrease of 2%. Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were approximately $51,000, compared with approximately $56,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022, a decrease of 9%.

Net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was ($1.6 million), compared with a net loss of ($4.3 million) in 2022, a 63% decrease in loss. Net loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 was approximately ($0.7 million) respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was ($0.1 million), compared with ($2.4 million) in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2023 was approximately ($0.1 million), compared with approximately ($0.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022.

As of December 31, 2023, Nephros had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $4.3 million, compared to $3.6 million as of December 31, 2022, and remains debt free.

Adjusted EBITDA Definition and Reconciliation to GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations is calculated by taking net loss from continuing operations calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and excluding all interest-related expenses and income, tax-related expenses and income, non-recurring expenses and income, and non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, non-cash inventory impairments, and write-offs, and non-cash compensation. The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations to net loss from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for the fourth quarter of the 2023 and 2022 fiscal years:

(unaudited)
2023	Three Month Period Ended								Annual
	3/31/2023		6/30/2023		9/30/2023		12/31/2023		Totals
Net loss from continuing operations	(306	)	(433	)	(182	)	(654	)	(1,575	)
Adjustments:
Depreciation of property and equipment	10		10		9		10		39
Amortization of other assets	44		44		46		41		175
Interest expense	1		-		-		1		2
Interest income	(12	)	(13	)	(11	)	(28	)	(64	)
Non-cash stock-based compensation	319		194		149		390		1,052
Non-cash inventory impairments	91		15		-		189		295
Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations	147		(183	)	11		(51	)	(76	)
(unaudited)
2022	Three Month Period Ended								Annual
	3/31/2022		6/30/2022		9/30/2022		12/31/2022		Totals
Net loss from continuing operations	(1,561	)	(747	)	(1,250	)	(719	)	(4,277	)
Adjustments:
Depreciation of property and equipment	8		20		12		12		52
Amortization of other assets	47		41		44		44		176
Interest expense	7		6		4		3		20
Interest income	(2	)	(1	)	(4	)	(7	)	(14	)
Non-cash stock-based compensation	254		258		225		207		944
Non-cash inventory impairments	49		59		665				773
Other non-cash items	-		(38	)	-		-		(38	)
Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations	(1,198	)	(402	)	(304	)	(460	)	(2,364	)

Nephros believes that Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to Nephros’ financial condition and results of operations. Management does not consider Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations is that it excludes significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recognized in Nephros’ financial statements. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations is subject to inherent limitations as it reflects the exercise of judgments by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations. To compensate for these limitations, management presents Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations in connection with net loss from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Nephros urges investors to review the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations to net loss from continuing operations and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the business.

Conference Call Today at 4:30pm Eastern Time
Nephros will host a conference call today at 4:30pm ET, during which management will discuss Nephros’ financial results and provide a general business overview.

Participants may dial into the call as follows:
Domestic access: 1 (844) 808-7106
International access: 1 (412) 317-5285

Upon joining, please ask to be joined into the Nephros conference call.

An audio archive of the call will be available shortly after the call on the Nephros Investor Relations page.

Alternatively, a replay of the call may be accessed until March 14th, 2024 at 1 (877) 344-7529 or
1 (412) 317-0088 for international callers and entering replay access code: 3916556.

About Nephros
Nephros is committed to improving the human relationship with water through leading, accessible technology. We provide innovative water filtration products and services, along with water-quality education, as part of an integrated approach to water safety. Nephros goods serve the needs of customers within healthcare and commercial markets, offering both proactive and emergency solutions for water management.

For more information about Nephros, please visit nephros.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding Nephros’ expected revenue and cash flows for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023, expected future revenue growth and the timing of such growth, the effect of new regulations on future revenue growth, Nephros’ ability to appropriately manage product inventory , and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements that may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including Nephros’ ability to further develop its sales organization and realize increased revenues, inflationary factors and other economic and competitive conditions, the availability of capital when needed, dependence on third-party manufacturers and researchers, and regulatory reforms. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Nephros’ reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is expected to be filed on or before March 31, 2024. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this release, and Nephros does not undertake any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements that it makes, except as may be required by law.

Investor Relations Contacts:
Kirin Smith, President
PCG Advisory, Inc.
(646) 823-8656
ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

Robert Banks, CEO
Nephros, Inc.
(201) 343-5202 x110
robert.banks@nephros.com

NEPHROS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,307			$	3,634
Accounts receivable, net			1,496				1,286
Inventory			2,470				3,153
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			132				188
Total current assets			8,405				8,261
Property and equipment, net			152				116
Lease right-use-of assets			1,807				984
Intangible assets, net			381				423
Goodwill			759				759
License and supply agreement, net			271				402
Other assets			86				54
TOTAL ASSETS		$	11,861			$	10,999
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of secured note payable		$	-			$	71
Accounts payable			873				740
Accrued expenses			794				285
Current portion of lease liabilities			446				316
Total current liabilities			2,113				1,412
Equipment financing, net of current portion			-				1
Lease liabilities, net of current portion			1,390				705
TOTAL LIABILITIES			3,503				2,118
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and 2022; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022			-				-
Common stock, $.001 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and 2022; 10,543,675 and 10,297,429 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively			10				10
Additional paid-in capital			152,754				148,413
Accumulated deficit			(144,406	)			(142,831	)
Subtotal			8,358				5,592
Noncontrolling interest			-				3,289
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY			8,358				8,881
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	11,861			$	10,999

NEPHROS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2023				2022
Net revenue:
Product revenues		$	14,110			$	9,929
Royalty and other revenues			128				46
Total net revenues			14,238				9,975
Cost of goods sold			5,833				5,244
Gross margin			8,405				4,731
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative			8,911				7,593
Research and development			873				1,255
Depreciation and amortization			214				218
Total operating expenses			9,998				9,066
Operating loss from continuing operations			(1,593	)			(4,335	)
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense			(2	)			(20	)
Interest income			64				14
Other (expense) net			(44	)			64
Total other expense:			18				58
Loss from continuing operations			(1,575	)			(4,277	)
Net loss from discontinued operations			-				(2,829	)
Net loss			(1,575	)			(7,106	)
Less: Undeclared deemed dividend attributable to noncontrolling interest			-				(276	)
Net loss attributable to Nephros Inc. shareholders		$	(1,575	)		$	(7,382	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted from continuing operations		$	(0.15	)		$	(0.42	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted from discontinued operations			-				(0.28	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted		$	(0.15	)		$	(0.70	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest			-				(0.03	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, attributable to Nephros, Inc, shareholders		$	(0.15	)		$	(0.73	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted			10,386,018				10,297,134
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss		$	(1,575	)		$	(7,106	)
Other comprehensive loss, foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax			-				(14	)
Comprehensive loss			(1,575	)			(7,120	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to continuing noncontrolling interest			-				(276	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Nephros, Inc. shareholders		$	(1,575	)		$	(7,396	)