WOBURN, Mass., Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN), a Company developing new technologies to achieve step-change improvements in crop yield to enhance global food security, today reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
"During the third quarter we continued to execute on our key objectives for 2018 as we signed a new research license with Forage Genetics for testing our yield traits in sorghum, clarified the regulatory path for genome-edited plants containing multiple edits, and advanced our yield traits in development," said Oliver Peoples, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Yield10 Bioscience. "As the end of the year approaches, we plan to report out results from our 2018 field tests; select the traits and constructs in Camelina, canola and soybean for field testing in 2019; and continue to identify opportunities for collaboration with leading players in the agricultural industry."
"Our recent agreement with Forage Genetics, a market leader in forage crops, will expand the evaluation of our traits in another commercially important crop. Further, it provides another path to generating data for our traits as well as a potential path to commercialization in sorghum if the traits add a performance benefit to the crop."
"Our results with C3004 in growth chamber studies showing seed yield improvements of up to 65% in Camelina are early, but very exciting, and highlight our leadership as an agricultural biotech innovator. This outstanding result is another demonstration that we can significantly increase seed yield based on insights developed using our technology platform. We are accelerating development of our C3004 trait alone and in combination with C3003, and we plan on using our Camelina platform for field testing in 2019. In addition, we believe there may be paths to develop C3004 as a genome-edited, nonregulated trait, and work is underway to deploy C3004 in canola and soybean," concluded Dr. Peoples.
Recent Accomplishments
Signed Research License with Forage Genetics for Development of Novel Traits for Sorghum. Yield10 signed a non-exclusive research license with Forage Genetics International, LLC, a subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc., to evaluate five novel yield traits in forage sorghum. Under the license, Forage Genetics plans to conduct research with the novel traits within its sorghum development program as a strategy to improve biomass yields. The novel yield traits included in the research license agreement include C3003, a trait derived from algae, as well as four traits from Yield10's “GRAIN” platform, C4001, C4002, C4003 and C4029. The C4000 series traits included in the research license have been shown to significantly increase photosynthesis and biomass in research conducted by Yield10.
Nonregulated Status Confirmed for Camelina Containing Novel Oil Biosynthesis Pathway. Yield10 received confirmation of nonregulated status from USDA-APHIS for its genome-edited Camelina sativa plant lines developed using CRISPR-Cas9 for increased oil content. This clarification of the regulatory status of the triple genome-edited Camelina plant lines accelerates the path to conducting field trials in the United States in 2019.
Reported Promising Results for C3004 Trait in Camelina Platform. Yield10 reported promising results for its novel yield trait C3004 in growth chamber studies conducted using its Camelina platform. Camelina plant lines containing C3004 grew more vigorously, and the best lines produced increases in average seed yield (grams per plant) in a range of 26% to 65% as compared to control plants. Yield10 plans to conduct field tests of the C3004 trait in Camelina as part of its 2019 Field Test program in Canada. In addition, Yield10 is fast tracking deployment of the C3004 trait into canola and soybean to determine if the trait produces similar effects on plant vigor and seed yield in major oilseed crops.
Harvest Complete for 2018 Field Test Program. Yield10 recently completed the harvest of plants and seeds at field test sites in the U.S. and Canada. In the field test program, Yield10 tested versions of C3003 in Camelina and canola, and grew C3003 containing soybean lines primarily to bulk up seed for field tests planned for 2019. Yield10 is also conducted a study in the U.S. of Camelina lines that have been genome-edited to deactivate the C3008 gene as part of a new multi-gene trait approach to increase seed oil content and to potentially improve oil stability. Yield10 expects to report results of the field tests beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018.
THIRD QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Yield10 Bioscience is managed with an emphasis on cash flow and deploys its financial resources in a disciplined manner to achieve its key strategic objectives. The Company ended the third quarter of 2018 with $7.8 million in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company’s net cash used in operating activities during the third quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017 was $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
The Company anticipates net cash usage of approximately $9.0 million to $9.5 million during its fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, including final payments of $0.5 million made during the first half of 2018 related to its restructuring that was undertaken in 2016.
For the third quarter ending September 30, 2018, the Company reported a net loss of $2.6 million, or $0.26 per share. The Company reported a net loss of $2.0 million or $0.59 per share, for the third quarter of 2017.
Total government grant revenue for the third quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Grant revenue for the third quarter of 2018 was earned from the Company's subcontract with Michigan State University. Research and development expenses for the three months ending September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The variance is primarily the result of increased employee compensation and benefits expense, resulting from the hiring of additional research personnel during 2018. General and administrative expenses for the three months ending September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The increase in general and administrative expense of $0.3 million is primarily the result of a lease impairment charge of $0.2 million recorded during the quarter for the Company's discontinued use of its Lowell, Massachusetts facility pursuant to a lease that will terminate in May 2020.
For the nine months ending September 30, 2018, the Company reported a net loss of $7.3 million, or $0.74 per share, as compared to a net loss of $6.8 million, or $2.25 per share, for the nine months ending September 30, 2017.
Total research grant revenue for the nine months ending September 30, 2018 was $0.4 million, compared to $0.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2017. Research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses were $3.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ending September 30, 2018 compared to $3.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, for the nine months ending September 30, 2017.
Conference Call Information
Yield10 Bioscience management will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. (ET) to discuss the results for the third quarter of 2018. The Company will also provide an update on the business and answer questions from the investor community. A live webcast of the call with slides can be accessed through the Company's website at www.yield10bio.com in the investor relations section. To participate in the call, dial toll-free 877-709-8150 or 201-689-8354 (international).
To listen to a telephonic replay of the conference call, dial toll-free 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 (international) and enter pass code 13684058. The replay will be available for 14 days. In addition, the webcast will be archived on the Company's website in the investor relations section.
About Yield10 Bioscience
Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. is focused on developing new technologies to achieve step-change improvements in crop yield to enhance global food security. Yield10 has an extensive track record of innovation based around optimizing the flow of carbon in living systems. Yield10 is leveraging its technology platforms and unique knowledge base to design precise alterations to gene activity and the flow of carbon in plants to produce higher yields with lower inputs of land, water or fertilizer. Yield10 is advancing several yield traits it has developed in crops such as Camelina, canola, soybean and rice. Yield10 is headquartered in Woburn, MA and has an Oilseeds Center of Excellence in Saskatoon, Canada.
For more information visit www.yield10bio.com
(YTEN-E)
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, expectations regarding Yield10’s research and development, collaborations, intellectual property, the reproducibility of data from field tests, the translation of yield improvements from Camelina to other crops, the potential to produce improvements in seed yield and oil content, the timing of completion of additional greenhouse and field test studies, the signing of research licenses and collaborations, and value creation as well as the Company’s cash position, cash forecasts, and progress of Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including the risks and uncertainties detailed in Yield10 Bioscience’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Yield10 Bioscience assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.
Yield10 Inquiries:
Lynne H. Brum, (617) 682-4693, LBrum@yield10bio.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Amato and Partners, LLC
admin@amatoandpartners.com
Media Inquiries:
Eric Fischgrund, FischTank Marketing and PR
eric@fischtankpr.com
(FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW)
YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Grant revenue | $ | 76 | $ | 223 | $ | 421 | $ | 840 | |||||||
| Total revenue | 76 | 223 | 421 | 840 | |||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 1,330 | 1,132 | 3,677 | 3,379 | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 1,407 | 1,073 | 4,132 | 4,215 | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | 2,737 | 2,205 | 7,809 | 7,594 | |||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (2,661 | ) | (1,982 | ) | (7,388 | ) | (6,754 | ) | |||||||
| Other income (net): | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income, net | 43 | 2 | 123 | 5 | |||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (12 | ) | (45 | ) | (45 | ) | (95 | ) | |||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | 31 | (43 | ) | 78 | $ | (90 | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (2,630 | ) | $ | (2,025 | ) | $ | (7,310 | ) | $ | (6,844 | ) | |||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share | $ | (0.26 | ) | $ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (0.74 | ) | $ | (2.25 | ) | |||
| Number of shares used in per share calculations: | |||||||||||||||
| Basic & Diluted | 10,010,762 | 3,410,847 | 9,901,459 | 3,035,352 | |||||||||||
YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| September 30, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,306 | $ | 14,487 | ||||
| Short-term investments | 4,491 | — | ||||||
| Accounts receivable | 54 | 54 | ||||||
| Unbilled receivables | 29 | 65 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 384 | 311 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 8,264 | 14,917 | ||||||
| Restricted cash | 332 | 317 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 1,435 | 1,539 | ||||||
| Other assets | 106 | 109 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 10,137 | $ | 16,882 | ||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 39 | $ | 76 | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 1,770 | 2,299 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,809 | 2,375 | ||||||
| Other liabilities, net of current portion | 1,000 | 1,005 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,809 | 3,380 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity: | ||||||||
| Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ($0.01 par value per share); 5,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; 0 and 1,826 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively | — | 818 | ||||||
| Common stock ($0.01 par value per share); 60,000,000 shares and 40,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; 10,011,395 and 9,089,159 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively | 100 | 91 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 357,396 | 355,431 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (105 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | (350,063 | ) | (342,753 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 7,328 | 13,502 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 10,137 | $ | 16,882 | ||||
YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (7,310 | ) | $ | (6,844 | ) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation | 146 | 158 | |||||
| Charge for 401(k) company common stock match | 91 | 68 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation | 952 | 1,063 | |||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | 29 | (69 | ) | ||||
| Due from related party | — | 1 | |||||
| Unbilled receivables | 36 | 19 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (70 | ) | 715 | ||||
| Accounts payable | (37 | ) | (8 | ) | |||
| Accrued expenses | (563 | ) | (828 | ) | |||
| Other long-term liabilities | (5 | ) | (584 | ) | |||
| Net cash used for operating activities | (6,731 | ) | (6,309 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (42 | ) | (6 | ) | |||
| Purchase of short-term investments | (9,742 | ) | — | ||||
| Proceeds from the sale and maturity of short-term investments | 5,250 | — | |||||
| Net cash used for investing activities | (4,534 | ) | (6 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
| Proceeds from warrants exercised | 124 | — | |||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement upon vesting of stock awards | (6 | ) | (12 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from registered direct offering | — | 1,966 | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 118 | 1,954 | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (19 | ) | 3 | ||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (11,166 | ) | (4,358 | ) | |||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 14,804 | 7,741 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 3,638 | $ | 3,383 | |||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: | |||||||
| Reversal of deferred financing costs related to Aspire stock purchase agreement | $ | — | $ | 450 | |||