Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Organovo Holdings (ONVO 2.72%), a clinical-stage biologics company focused on engineering human tissues that can be used in the drug discovery process or as therapeutic implants, dipped as much as 14% after reporting its full-year results before the opening bell.
So what: According to Organovo's press release, revenue (as much as it has any, given that it's wholly clinical) dipped 67% to $0.4 million from $1.2 million in the prior-year period as operating expenses doubled to $21 million from $10.5 million. Specifically, research and development expenses soared 135% to $8 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses spiked 83% to $13 million. The company announced that it ended the year with $47.3 million in working capital, though the company raised $43.4 million in net proceeds from offering 10.35 million shares during the course of the year.
Now what: While investors are clearly excited about the coming debut of Organovo's first product, a 3-D liver assay test, today's earnings report is a stark reminder that clinical-stage companies burn through cash at an exceptional rate, and if Organovo isn't able to successfully translate its ideas on paper into tangible revenue quickly then it could be forced to seek additional financing. Chances are if you've already come this far with Organovo you're not going to be deterred by its full-year report and are invested for the long haul based on its unique technology. As for me, with an accumulated deficit now topping $92 million I'd much rather stick to the sidelines and let its initial product do all the talking.
