Yahoo Finance We're A Little Worried About Botanix Pharmaceuticals' (ASX:BOT) Cash Burn Rate
Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt.
So, the natural question for Botanix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BOT) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway.
View our latest analysis for Botanix Pharmaceuticals
Does Botanix Pharmaceuticals Have A Long Cash Runway?
A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. In June 2022, Botanix Pharmaceuticals had AU$7.3m in cash, and was debt-free. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through AU$14m. Therefore, from June 2022 it had roughly 6 months of cash runway. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.
How Well Is Botanix Pharmaceuticals Growing?
It was quite stunning to see that Botanix Pharmaceuticals increased its cash burn by 374% over the last year. That's pretty alarming given that operating revenue dropped 60% over the last year, though the business is likely attempting a strategic pivot. Considering these two factors together makes us nervous about the direction the company seems to be heading. Of course, we've only taken a quick look at the stock's growth metrics, here. You can take a look at how Botanix Pharmaceuticals has developed its business over time by checking this visualization of its revenue and earnings history.
How Hard Would It Be For Botanix Pharmaceuticals To Raise More Cash For Growth?
Given its revenue and free cash flow are both moving in the wrong direction, shareholders may well be wondering how easily Botanix Pharmaceuticals could raise cash. Companies can raise capital through either debt or equity. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.
Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$76m, Botanix Pharmaceuticals' AU$14m in cash burn equates to about 19% of its market value. Given that situation, it's fair to say the company wouldn't have much trouble raising more cash for growth, but shareholders would be somewhat diluted.
So, Should We Worry About Botanix Pharmaceuticals' Cash Burn?
On this analysis of Botanix Pharmaceuticals' cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. Once we consider the metrics mentioned in this article together, we're left with very little confidence in the company's ability to manage its cash burn, and we think it will probably need more money. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 5 warning signs for Botanix Pharmaceuticals you should be aware of, and 2 of them don't sit too well with us.
Of course Botanix Pharmaceuticals may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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