Allurion Technologies(ALUR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue was $5.6 million, down from $8.2 million in the same period in 2023, primarily due to the temporary suspension of sales in France and macroeconomic headwinds [28] - Full year revenue for 2024 was $32.1 million, in line with pre-announcement expectations [17] - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was $2.5 million, or 45% of revenue, compared to $6.4 million, or 78% of revenue in Q4 2023 [29] - Operating expenses in Q4 decreased by 39% year-over-year, driven by restructuring and reorganization efforts [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Procedure volumes grew by 4% in 2024, higher than previously issued guidance, attributed to patients entering the funnel after trying and stopping GLP-1 medications [18] - Sales and marketing expenses for Q4 2024 were $7.9 million, down from $10.7 million in Q4 2023, including $3.1 million of restructuring costs [30] - Research and development expenses for Q4 2024 were $4.1 million, down from $6.1 million in Q4 2023, also including restructuring costs [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market represents a significant opportunity due to high obesity rates and widespread use of GLP-1s, with over 40% of adults in the U.S. classified as obese [24] - The company expects to see the highest procedural volume increases in regions where GLP-1s are most mature, indicating a trend of patients returning for alternative treatments after discontinuing GLP-1s [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategy for 2025 is built around five pillars, including a new commercial plan focused on key geographies, gaining FDA approval for the Allurion Balloon, achieving profitability for the ex-U.S. business, scaling the AI product platform, and resuming commercialization in France [19] - The company plans to launch additional prospective studies to confirm initial findings on the combination of the Allurion Balloon with low-dose GLP-1s, aiming to define a new paradigm in obesity care [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum building in Q1 2025, with procedure volumes on track to increase by over 30% compared to Q4 2024 [22] - The company anticipates operating expenses to decline by approximately 50% in 2025 compared to 2024, while still investing in key growth areas [24] - Management highlighted the importance of the clinical data generated on the combination therapy, which could redefine obesity management standards [35] Other Important Information - The company raised additional capital through financings, providing a cash runway into 2026 and through expected FDA approval [26] - The company resumed sales in France after regulatory review, which is expected to contribute to future revenue growth [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on results using balloons with low-dose GLP-1 - Management explained that the positive results were driven by using lower doses of GLP-1, which protects lean body mass while still achieving weight loss through synergistic mechanisms [41][42] Question: Key assumptions for 2025 guidance of $30 million - Management indicated confidence in preserving procedure volumes and highlighted the importance of regions where GLP-1s are mature for future growth [44][46] Question: Progress on U.S. approval timeline - The next milestone is completing the PMA submission in the first half of the year, with updates to follow [49] Question: Trends in procedure volume growth - Management confirmed that momentum is continuing in markets where GLP-1s are mature, with significant growth observed in pilot accounts [55] Question: Cadence of revenue to reach $30 million - Management expects a steady build of revenue quarter-over-quarter, driven by the new commercial plan and an increase in the sales team [80][82] Question: Timing for meaningful contribution from France - Management does not expect a material contribution from France until late 2025 or early 2026 due to the time required to reengage with accounts [85] Question: Gross margin recovery expectations - Management anticipates a quicker recovery in gross margin than revenue build, starting in Q1 2025 [87] Question: Impact of launching the smaller balloon on margin - Management does not expect significant impact on gross margin from the next-gen balloon in 2025, but potential for expansion in 2026 [90]