Hamburg, Germany - 24 March 2015: Evotec AG (Prime Standard Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2014.
Base revenue growth of 7% and positive adjusted EBITDA reflect strong performance; continued strong cash position; strategic alliance with Sanofi provides significant upside potential
- Group revenues amounted to EUR 89.5 m, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year; base revenues increased by 7%; revenues from EVT Execute amounted to EUR 93.3 m (Third-party revenues: EUR 74.8 m)
- Adjusted Group EBITDA positive at EUR 7.7 m and EUR 22.1 m for EVT Execute
- Operating loss of EUR 6.4 m and net loss of EUR 7.0 m mainly due to impairment of DiaPep277®
- Strong liquidity position of EUR 88.8 m; liquidity adjusted for M&A of EUR 93.1 m
EVT Execute
Successful year for EVT Execute
- New alliances and extended collaborations in 2014 strengthen customer and revenue base and give foundation for strong future growth
- Important milestone achievements within existing alliances
- Expansion of protein production capabilities in US
EVT Innovate
Broad long-term pipeline of over 70 partnered potential drug targets
- Good progress within clinical development projects (EVT302, EVT100 series, EVT201, EVT401)
- Cure X and Target X strategy significantly expanded
- Evotec regains rights in the EVT070 programme after termination by Boehringer Ingelheim
- Strategic discovery and development collaboration with Second Genome (US) (after period-end)
- DiaPep277® programme terminated by Hyperion Therapeutics; Evotec enters settlement agreement with Andromeda/Hyperion Therapeutics (after period-end)
Upgrading Evotec's drug discovery platform
- Acquisition of Bionamics GmbH to accelerate EVT Innovate
- Acquisition of Euprotec adds expertise in infectious diseases
Strategic collaboration with Sanofi
- Signing of definitive agreement of major multi-component strategic alliance with Sanofi (after period-end)
Guidance 2015
- Group revenues excluding milestones, upfronts and licences expected to increase by more than 20%
- Adjusted EBITDA positive
- R&D expenditure is expected to grow to EUR 15 m - EUR 20 m
- Liquidity is expected to be well in excess of EUR 100 m
- Capacity and capability building continued with up to EUR 10 m
 
1. Operational performance
Base revenue growth of 7% and positive adjusted EBITDA reflect strong performance; continued strong cash position
Evotec Group revenues amounted to EUR 89.5 m, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year (2013: EUR 85.9 m). This increase is primarily due to continued growth in the EVT Execute base business.
Total milestone, upfront and licence revenues achieved in Evotec's partnerships were EUR 16.1 m, a slight decrease in comparison with prior year (EUR 17.1 m). The Group's base business (revenues excluding milestones, upfronts and licences) for the year 2014 increased by 7% to EUR 73.4 m (2013: EUR 68.8 m).
The gross margin of the Group was 32.8% (2013: 36.3%). The margin difference compared to 2013 is mainly attributable to the decrease in milestones, the write-off of the Andromeda receivable and adverse currency movements.
Adjusted Group EBITDA for 2014 was positive at EUR 7.7 m (2013: EUR 10.4 m). It was mainly impacted by the write-off of the Andromeda receivable.
R&D expenses increased as planned to EUR 12.4 m (2013: EUR 9.7 m). This results from higher investments in Cure X and Target X initiatives.
In 2014, selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses of the Group increased by 8% to EUR 18.0 m (2013: EUR 16.6 m). This was due to an increase in business development and administrative activities to support the Company's future growth, transaction costs relating to the strategic collaboration with Sanofi as well as the acquisition of Bionamics and Euprotec during 2014.
Revenues from the EVT Execute segment amounted to EUR 93.3 m in 2014 and included EUR 18.5 m of intersegment revenues. The EVT Innovate segment generated revenues totalling EUR 14.7 m, consisting entirely of third-party revenues. The gross margin in EVT Execute amounted to 30.7% while EVT Innovate generated a gross margin of 23.4%. R&D expenses in 2014 stood at EUR 0.9 m for the EVT Execute segment. The EVT Innovate segment reported R&D expenses in the amount of EUR 14.1 m. In 2014, the adjusted EBITDA of the EVT Execute segment was positive at EUR 22.1 m and the EVT Innovate segment reported an adjusted EBITDA of EUR (14.4) m.
Evotec ended 2014 with a strong liquidity position of EUR 88.8 m (2013: EUR 96.1 m), composed of cash and cash equivalents (EUR 48.7 m) and investments (EUR 40.1 m). Liquidity in 2014 decreased in comparison with 2013, mainly due to the fact that milestones of approx. EUR 8 m achieved in Q4 2014 were only received in Q1 2015. Liquidity adjusted for M&A was at EUR 91.3 m.
 
2. EVT Execute and EVT Innovate
EVT Execute - Successful year
New alliances and extended collaborations in 2014 strengthen customer and revenue base and give foundation for strong future growth
Evotec's repeat business, as defined by the percentage of 2014 revenues coming from customers that the Company already had in 2013, remained high at 85%. New alliances and extended collaborations were announced in 2014 with Active Biotech, CHDI, Eternygen, Panion, a subsidiary of Convergence, Shire, Vifor, Medicines for Malaria Venture, the Jain Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Important milestone achievements within existing alliances
In April 2014, Evotec reported the achievement of a milestone in its biomarker alliance with Roche. The milestone was achieved on the decision by Roche to use a response prediction marker in an extended Phase I oncology trial.
In June 2014, Evotec disclosed that its research alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim had reached a milestone triggering revenues of EUR 1.0 m for Evotec. The milestone was for the transition of a back-up compound from a respiratory programme into pre-clinical development. In 2014, Evotec also reached multiple important milestones in its multi-target collaboration with Bayer for the treatment of endometriosis. The goal of this collaboration is to develop three clinical candidates during the five-year alliance.
Expansion of protein production capabilities in US
In November 2014, Evotec announced it would establish a protein production and cell services facility on the US East Coast. The new laboratory became operational in the first quarter of 2015. This addition complements the expansion of such services at the Abingdon facility and meets an increasing need to deliver services to major US partners.
EVT Innovate - Broad long-term pipeline of over 70 partnered potential drug targets
Good progress within clinical development projects (EVT302, EVT100 series, EVT201, EVT401)
The patient recruitment for the Phase IIb multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RO4602522 (RG1577/EVT302) in patients with moderate severity Alzheimer's disease was completed in the first quarter of 2014 (544 patients). Roche and its subsidiary Chugai (Japan) have also initiated and completed several Phase I safety trials during 2014. This clinical trial is one of very few late-stage trials in this AD patient population. Results from the Phase IIb study are expected in the first half of 2015.
In March 2014, Janssen informed Evotec that despite no longer developing EVT103 it would resume development of the programme in CNS, focusing on another compound from the series and Evotec received a milestone at the end of the year 2014.
In 2014, JingXin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China) initiated a Phase II study in parallel with the Phase I multiple dose study with EVT201. Patient recruitment is ongoing.
In the first half of 2014, CONBA (China) completed in vivo efficacy studies for EVT401 which demonstrated that EVT401 is effective against experimental arthritis in non-human primates. Development of a clinical formulation is ongoing for use in clinical trials.
Cure X and Target X strategy significantly expanded
In the course of 2014, Evotec broadened its Cure X and Target X strategy with certain internal discovery projects and by entering the TargetCanMet collaboration with Debiopharm to identify and develop novel compounds having the potential to treat multiple forms of solid tumours and leukaemias. In addition, Evotec entered into three novel research projects for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis supported in part by research funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. In July, September and December 2014, Evotec achieved milestones in its TargetAD collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., entered into in 2013, for the identification and selection of targets from the TargetAD database.
In April 2014, Janssen Pharmaceuticals decided to end the partnership on beta cell regeneration. CureBeta, the alliance between Harvard and Evotec, remains active.
Evotec regains rights in the EVT070 programme after termination by Boehringer Ingelheim
In October 2014, Evotec received notice that Boehringer Ingelheim decided not to further pursue development of EVT070 for strategic reasons. This resulted in an impairment of the respective intangible asset; rights to the EVT070 project will revert back to Evotec.
Strategic discovery and development collaboration with Second Genome (US) (after period end)
In March 2015, Evotec and Second Genome, Inc. announced a collaboration in small molecule-based discovery and development activities for the treatment of microbiome-mediated diseases. The collaboration comprises the identification and optimisation of novel compounds as well as licence agreements for already existing assets developed by Evotec. Evotec and Second Genome triggers an undisclosed upfront payment. Evotec is also eligible for pre-clinical, clinical and regulatory milestones as well as royalty payments related to commercialisation of any product.
DiaPep277® programme terminated by Hyperion Therapeutics; Evotec enters settlement agreement with Andromeda/Hyperion Therapeutics (after period-end)
On 08 September 2014, US-based Hyperion announced it was discontinuing the product development of DiaPep277® for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Hyperion had acquired Andromeda Biotech, Ltd. ("Andromeda") in June 2014. In February 2015, Evotec and Andromeda/Hyperion entered into a release agreement to compensate Evotec especially against reputational damage in respect of DiaPep277®.
 
3. Upgrading Evotec's drug discovery platform
Acquisition of Bionamics GmbH to accelerate EVT Innovate
Effective April 2014, Evotec acquired the German-based company Bionamics GmbH, an asset management company that focuses on the translation of academic innovations into attractive assets for the biotech and Pharma industry.
Acquisition of Euprotec adds expertise in infectious diseases
In the first half of 2014, Evotec acquired Euprotec, based in Manchester, UK. Euprotec is a leader in anti-infective drug discovery services and has unique capabilities, which augment and complement Evotec's high-end drug discovery platform.
 
4. Strategic collaboration with Sanofi
On 20 March 2015, Evotec announced that a definitive agreement for a major multi-component strategic alliance over the next five years has been signed with Sanofi. The transaction is expected to close on 31 March 2015. The signing successfully concludes the exclusive negotiations for a major multi-component strategic collaboration between the two companies entered and announced on 02 December 2014.
Evotec and Sanofi will jointly progress a portfolio of primarily oncology related projects, including five advanced, pre-clinical projects and further discovery-stage assets, to IND ("Investigational New Drug"). Evotec and Sanofi will also enter into an outsourcing alliance and Evotec will acquire Sanofi's scientific operations in Toulouse, France. Evotec will integrate these scientific operations including 208 highly experienced employees into its global drug discovery platform. From this new facility, Evotec will perform collaborative research with its Pharma, biotech and academic partners as well as internal research. Evotec will also assume management of Sanofi's global screening library and will combine its own and Sanofi's compound libraries and make them available for screening projects to Evotec's partners.
The collaboration will result in a minimum guaranteed commitment from Sanofi to Evotec of EUR 250 m over the next five years, including more than EUR 40 m upfront cash payment.
 
5. Guidance 2015
Evotec pursues a business model in which revenues and operating profitability are highly dependent on the achievement and timing of milestones.
In 2015, total Group revenues excluding milestones, upfronts and licences are expected to increase more than 20%. This assumption is based on the current order book, expected new contracts and contract extensions.
Evotec's Group EBITDA before changes in contingent considerations is expected to be positive. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of intangibles. EBITDA excludes impairments on intangible, tangible assets and goodwill as well as the total non-operating result.
Evotec expects research and development (R&D) expenses to grow to EUR 15 m - EUR 20 m in 2015.
In 2015, Evotec will continue to invest in its technology platforms and capacities in order to drive its long-term growth strategy. It is therefore planned that up to EUR 10 m will be invested in further capacity increases and the upgrade of Evotec's technological capabilities.
Liquidity is expected to be well in excess of EUR 100 m at 31 December 2015. This forecast excludes any potential cash outflow from M&A or similar transactions.
The Company's mid-term financial plan does not envisage the need for any additional external financing for Evotec's operating business. However, all strategically desirable moves such as potential company or product acquisitions will need to be considered on a case by case basis.
 
Webcast/Conference Call
Evotec will hold a conference call to discuss the 2014 FY results as well as to provide an update on its performance. Furthermore, the Management Board will present an outlook for fiscal year 2015. The conference will be held in English.
Conference call details
Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Time: 02.00 pm CET (01.00 pm GMT/09.00 am EDT)
From Germany: +49 69 22 22 29 043
From UK: +44 20 300 92452
From USA: +1 855 402 7766
Access Code: 37969784#
A simultaneous slide presentation for participants dialling in via phone is available at http://www.audio-webcast.com/, password: evotec0315.
Webcast details
To join the audio webcast and to access the presentation slides you will find a link on our home page www.evotec.com shortly before the event.
A replay of the conference call will be available for 24 hours and can be accessed in Europe by dialling +49 69 22 22 33 985 (Germany) or +44 20 3426 2807 (UK) and in the US by dialling +1 866 535 8030. The access code is 654573#. The on-demand version of the webcast will be available on our website:
http://www.evotec.com/article/en/Investoren/Finanzen/Finanzberichte-2013-2015/238/6/26
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS - Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this report. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 
Fiscal year 2014 results
Key figures of consolidated income statement
Evotec AG and subsidiaries
In TEUR except share data and per share data





January to 2014


December 2013


Change in %











Revenues
89,496
85,938
4


Gross margin in %
32.8
36.3
(10)








Research and development expenses
(12,404)
(9,664)
28


Selling, general and administrative expenses
(17,990)
(16,597)
8


Amortisation of intangible assets
(2,462)
(3,222)
(24)


Impairment of goodwill
-
(1,948)



Impairment of intangible assets (net)
(8,523)
(22,023)
(32)


Impairment of property, plant & equipment
-
(1,076)



Restructuring expenses
-
(474)



Other operating income (expenses), net
5,620
2,430
131








Operating result
(6,381)
(21,351)
70


EBITDA adjusted*
7,711
10,394
(26)








Net loss
(6,978)
(25,433)









Weighted average shares outstanding
131,291,257
121,215,288



Net loss per share (basic/diluted)
(0.05)
(0.21)




* EBITDA was adjusted for changes in contingent considerations as well as for extraordinary effects with regards to the bargain purchase resulting from the acquisition of Bionamics GmbH.

Segment information 2014
In TEUR



 
EVT
Execute
EVT Innovate
Intersegment eliminations
Evotec
Group











Revenues
93,287
14,672
(18,463)
89,496


Gross margin in %
30.7
23.4

32.8









R&D expenses
(921)
(14,147)
2,664
(12,404)


SG&A expenses
(13,550)
(4,440)
-
(17,990)


Amortisation of intangible assets

(2,148)


(314)


-


(2,462)



Impairment of intangible assets (net)

-


(8,523)


-


(8,523)



Other operating income (expenses), net

2,206


3,414


-


5,620



Operating result
14,197
(20,578)
-
(6,381)









EBITDA adjusted*
22,065
(14,354)
-
7,711



* EBITDA was adjusted for changes in contingent considerations as well as for extraordinary effects with regards to the bargain purchase resulting from the acquisition of Bionamics GmbH.

Key figures of consolidated statement of financial position
Evotec AG and subsidiaries
In TEUR





31 Dec 2014


31 Dec 2013


Change in %











Cash, cash equivalents and investments
88,822
96,143
(8)


Working capital
16,773
4,657
360


Current and non-current loans and finance lease obligations
21,549
17,241
25


Stockholders' equity
158,383
158,967
-








Total assets
224,600
227,380
(1)



 
 
Contact Evotec AG:
Gabriele Hansen, VP Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, Phone: +49.(0)40.56081-255, gabriele.hansen@evotec.com