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Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA)
NASDAQ:VRCA

Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) AI Stock Analysis

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Verrica Pharmaceuticals

(NASDAQ:VRCA)

38Underperform
Verrica Pharmaceuticals is struggling with financial instability, characterized by losses, high leverage, and negative cash flows. Technical indicators also suggest a bearish trend. While there are positive developments in product sales and clinical advancements, they are overshadowed by significant financial challenges and valuation concerns.
Positive Factors
Commercial Strategy
Management is implementing a new commercial strategy focusing on key territories with high molluscum prevalence and strong insurance coverage.
Sales Growth
The volume of Ycanth dispensed applicator units grew approximately 12% quarter over quarter to 8,654, representing $5.9MM in sales.
Negative Factors
Financial Uncertainty
There remains a significant overhang for financing operations and debt pay-down.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionVerrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a clinical-stage medical dermatology company, which engages in identifying, developing, and commercializing pharmaceutical products for the treatment of skin diseases. Its lead product VP-102, is a proprietary topical therapy used in common skin indications including Molluscum contagiosum and Verruca Vulgaris. The company was founded by Matthew Davidson on July 3, 2013 and is headquartered in West Chester, PA.
How the Company Makes MoneyVerrica Pharmaceuticals generates revenue primarily through the development and commercialization of dermatology therapeutics. The company's revenue model is centered on obtaining regulatory approval and commercializing its lead product candidate, VP-102. Revenue streams may include sales of VP-102 upon approval, potential partnerships with other pharmaceutical companies, and licensing agreements. Additionally, Verrica may seek to expand its revenue base through the development of other pipeline products and entering into strategic collaborations that can provide upfront payments, milestone payments, and royalties from partners.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
The company faces significant financial challenges, with persistent losses, declining revenues, and negative equity. High leverage and negative cash flows pose substantial risks to financial health.
Income Statement
28
Negative
Verrica Pharmaceuticals shows a declining revenue trend over recent years, with total revenue dropping from $12 million in 2021 to $7.57 million in 2024. The company has been consistently operating at a loss, with a negative EBIT and net profit margin, which are concerning for long-term profitability. Despite a slight increase in revenue from 2023 to 2024, the overall trend reveals financial instability and high operational expenses relative to revenue.
Balance Sheet
22
Negative
The balance sheet reveals significant financial instability, with a negative stockholders' equity in 2024, indicating that liabilities exceed assets. The debt-to-equity ratio is undefined due to negative equity, signaling high leverage and potential solvency issues. The equity ratio is also negative, further highlighting financial distress and the risk of insolvency.
Cash Flow
34
Negative
Verrica Pharmaceuticals faces persistent negative operating and free cash flows, with operating cash flow deteriorating significantly from 2023 to 2024. The free cash flow to net income ratio is unfavorable, indicating insufficient cash generation to cover losses. Although financing cash flows have been positive, they are primarily used to cover operational deficits rather than growth investments.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
7.57M5.12M9.03M12.00M0.00
Gross Profit
5.71M4.38M8.31M11.53M-229.00K
EBIT
-65.92M-65.76M-21.30M-30.91M-40.18M
EBITDA
-65.90M-62.20M-21.60M-30.31M-39.43M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-76.58M-67.00M-27.68M-38.90M-45.50M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
46.33M69.55M34.27M70.35M65.47M
Total Assets
54.13M81.60M44.72M80.13M74.15M
Total Debt
45.94M45.51M1.53M43.41M35.31M
Net Debt
-390.00K-24.04M-32.75M27.66M24.63M
Total Liabilities
63.99M61.83M4.69M47.52M41.17M
Stockholders Equity
-9.86M19.76M40.03M32.60M32.99M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-60.95M-38.94M-18.95M-28.46M-31.68M
Operating Cash Flow
-60.93M-38.58M-18.65M-27.58M-30.21M
Investing Cash Flow
-19.00K-362.00K54.04M-998.00K-3.58M
Financing Cash Flow
37.73M74.21M-16.87M33.65M35.23M

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.54
Price Trends
50DMA
0.67
Negative
100DMA
0.86
Negative
200DMA
2.89
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.03
Positive
RSI
33.86
Neutral
STOCH
23.74
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VRCA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 0.54 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.66, below the 50-day MA of 0.67, and below the 200-day MA of 2.89, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.86 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 23.74 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for VRCA.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Risk Analysis

Verrica Pharmaceuticals disclosed 65 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Verrica Pharmaceuticals reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (49)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
53
Neutral
$839.35M-913.07%31.76%24.85%
49
Neutral
$6.87B0.03-54.93%2.50%24.65%-2.90%
44
Neutral
$28.14M-56.54%18.16%86.65%
42
Neutral
$5.59M-57.34%
39
Underperform
$110.93M-129.58%-27.69%-27.91%
38
Underperform
$49.31M-2059.89%187.45%-69.90%
36
Underperform
$1.96M52.08%-32.57%-15.03%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VRCA
Verrica Pharmaceuticals
0.54
-4.26
-88.75%
CUTR
Cutera
0.02
-1.97
-98.99%
FRTX
Fresh Tracks Therapeutics
0.94
0.02
2.17%
VYNE
VYNE Therapeutics
1.85
-0.16
-7.96%
EOLS
Evolus
13.20
-0.70
-5.04%
DERM
Journey Medical Corp
5.25
1.85
54.41%

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 11, 2025 | % Change Since: -16.92% | Next Earnings Date: May 7, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant progress in Verrica Pharmaceuticals' financial position, YCANTH sales growth, and clinical pipeline advancements. However, challenges such as obsolete inventory costs, suboptimal revenue figures, and financial covenant concerns were also noted. Overall, the positive developments in fundraising, sales growth, and clinical progress were prominent.
Highlights
Successful Fundraising and Improved Financial Position
Verrica Pharmaceuticals raised approximately $42 million in an equity follow-on offering in November 2024, strengthening their balance sheet and securing a waiver of going concern covenant from OrbiMed for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
Positive Growth in YCANTH Sales
YCANTH dispense applicator units increased by 12.3% in Q4 2024 compared to the prior quarter and by 44.8% compared to Q2 2024. The new commercialization strategy has led to increased productivity of sales representatives and a reduction in operating expenses by approximately 50%.
Progress in Clinical Pipeline
Advancement of YCANTH for common warts and the novel oncolytic peptide BP-315 for basal cell carcinoma, with minimal additional cash outlay. Positive preliminary results for BP-315 were presented, showing a calculated objective response rate of 97%.
Market Expansion and Product Accessibility
Introduction of a new single applicator configuration for YCANTH, which became commercially available to reduce acquisition costs for physicians and expand patient access. Enhanced distribution through specialty pharmacies.
Lowlights
Obsolete Inventory Costs
Cost of product revenue included $0.9 million in obsolete inventory costs, impacting the financial performance.
Suboptimal Revenue Figures
For the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, total revenues were $0.3 million and $7.6 million respectively, reflecting challenges in achieving higher revenue growth.
Debt and Financial Covenant Concerns
Verrica did not meet thresholds specified in the OrbiMed debt agreement as of December 31, 2024, which triggered the initiation of principal payments beginning in 2025.
Company Guidance
During the call, Verrica Pharmaceuticals provided guidance for their fiscal year 2024 and beyond, highlighting several key metrics and strategic developments. The company reported a sequential quarterly growth of 12.3% in YCANTH dispense applicator units, with 8,654 units in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 7,706 units in the previous quarter. This growth represents a 44.8% increase from the second quarter of 2024, which saw 5,975 units. Verrica also raised approximately $42 million in an equity follow-on offering in November and negotiated a waiver of a going concern covenant with OrbiMed. The company achieved a reduction in operating expenses by approximately 50% while maintaining prior sales levels and achieving positive growth. Looking forward, Verrica aims to advance its clinical pipeline, including a global Phase 3 trial for YCANTH in common warts, and continues to support partners in regulatory efforts in Japan. The company's financial position includes cash and cash equivalents of $46.3 million as of December 31, 2024, and they anticipate further growth and positive cash flow by the end of 2025.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Verrica Pharmaceuticals Appoints New Chief Operating Officer
Neutral
Dec 9, 2024

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed David Zawitz as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective December 9, 2024. Zawitz, who has an extensive legal and financial background, including roles at PBM Capital Group and CarMax, will receive an annual salary of $250,000 and is eligible for stock options and bonuses. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader plan to expand its stock option pool, aiming to attract top talent and strengthen its position in the financial market.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Verrica Pharmaceuticals Undergoes Leadership and Financial Restructuring
Negative
Nov 4, 2024

Verrica Pharmaceuticals is undergoing significant leadership changes and financial restructuring as it navigates challenges and opportunities in the dermatology sector. Ted White has stepped down as CEO, with Dr. Jayson Rieger taking his place and John Kirby appointed as Interim CFO. The company reported negative net product revenue in Q3 2024 due to product returns and is focusing on reducing operating expenses and enhancing market access for its molluscum treatment, YCANTH. Verrica has engaged Jefferies as a financial advisor to explore ways to strengthen its balance sheet.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.