ESPR's Q4 Loss Narrower Than Expected, Revenues Increase Y/Y

Core Insights - Esperion Therapeutics reported a narrower loss of 10 cents per share for Q4 2024, compared to a loss of 50 cents per share in the same quarter last year, and better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 14 cents [1][10] - The company generated revenues of $69.1 million in Q4 2024, a 114% increase year over year, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $70 million [2][4] - Esperion's stock has declined by 28.1% over the past year, while the industry has seen an 11% decline [2] Financial Performance - Product revenues from the U.S. reached $31.6 million in Q4 2024, up nearly 52% year over year, driven by retail prescription growth [4] - Collaboration revenues surged 227% year over year to $37.6 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $37.3 million [5][8] - For the full year 2024, Esperion reported revenues of $332.3 million, compared to $116.3 million in the previous year, with a loss of 28 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of $2.03 in the prior year [10] Product Portfolio and Development - Esperion has two FDA-approved drugs, Nexletol and Nexlizet, for treating elevated LDL-C and cardiovascular risk, marketed as Nilemdo and Nustendi in ex-U.S. markets [3] - The company is developing two triple combination products with Nexletol/Nexlizet, which may offer LDL-C lowering of more than 60% [12][13] - Esperion filed new drug submissions in Canada for Nexletol and Nexlizet, with potential approval expected in Q4 2025 [14] Strategic Partnerships - Esperion has partnered with CSL Seqirus to commercialize Nexletol and Nexlizet in Australia and New Zealand, receiving an upfront payment and eligibility for near-term milestones [15] Expense Management - Research and development expenses decreased by 38% year over year to $11 million, primarily due to the close-out of the CLEAR Outcomes study [8] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses were down 19% year over year to $36.9 million [8] Future Guidance - For 2025, Esperion expects operating expenses to be in the range of $215-$235 million, including $15 million in non-cash expenses related to stock compensation [11]