WOBURN, Mass., Aug. 09, 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 six months ended June 30, 2018.
“A key highlight of the second quarter is the completion of planting for our 2018 field tests of C3003,” said Oliver P. Peoples,
Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Yield10 Bioscience. “The results of these field tests will allow us to set the
direction and priorities for the next steps in the evaluation and development of C3003 as a potentially valuable new trait to
increase seed yield in oilseed crops.”
“In the second quarter, we also made significant progress advancing and expanding our portfolio of novel yield traits in
development for boosting oil content in Camelina, canola and specialty soybean crops. We recently began our first field test
of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-edited Camelina containing our C3008a trait at a site in the U.S. In addition, we obtained a global
research license to CRISPR-Cas9 technology and we executed a worldwide license with University of Missouri for exclusive rights to
traits C3007 and C3010, both accessible through CRISPR editing. Our approach is to test new traits alone and in combinations to
enable the development of novel CRISPR edited oilseed crops with yields significantly increased over the seed available to
commercial growers today.”
“In recent publications and industry conferences, the Yield10 team described our extensive capabilities in the development of
new yield traits. Our capabilities are distinguished by our Camelina platform as well as our metabolic engineering models for crops
which we are using together in our “GRAIN” technology platform to identify, rapidly screen, and test novel yield traits with
application to a broad range of crops.”
“Our focus in the second half of 2018 is to generate key proof points on our yield traits in development, continue to expand our
intellectual property portfolio, and to execute on opportunities for licensing and collaboration,” said Dr. Peoples.
Recent Accomplishments
2018 Field Test Program in Progress. In second quarter, Yield10 announced the completion of planting at
field test sites in Canada for the evaluation of the novel yield trait gene C3003. Yield10 is testing versions of C3003 in Camelina
and canola, and will grow C3003 soybean lines primarily to bulk up seed for field tests planned for 2019. Yield10 is also
conducting a study in the U.S. of Camelina lines that have been genome-edited to inactivate 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 harvest seed in
third quarter, and to report results of the field tests beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Signed Non-exclusive Research License to CRISPR-Cas9 Technology. Yield10 signed a non-exclusive research
license agreement jointly with the Broad Institute and Pioneer, part of Corteva AgriscienceTM Agriculture Division
of DowDuPont, for the use of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology for crops. The license covers intellectual property consisting
of approximately 48 patents and patent applications on CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Signed Exclusive Global License to C3007 and C3010. In second quarter, Yield10 exercised its option with
University of Missouri (MU) to obtain an exclusive worldwide license to C3007 and C3010, two novel gene technologies to boost oil
content in commercial oilseed crops. The technologies were developed by Professor of Biochemistry Jay Thelen, Ph.D. and his team at
MU. In July, Yield10 appointed Dr. Thelen to its Scientific Advisory Board.
Submitted “Am I regulated?” Letter to USDA-APHIS Covering Genome-edited Camelina. Yield10 recently submitted an
“Am I Regulated?” letter to USDA-APHIS describing a triple combination trait stack consisting of the traits C3008a, C3008b and
C3009 in Camelina. This multi-trait approach to improve carbon flow in oil biosynthesis pathways is intended to result in increased
seed oil content and potentially improved oil stability. If the trait stack is deemed non-regulated by the agency, field testing of
the trait stack could begin in the U.S. in 2019.
Published and Presented Research Highlighting Technology Platform and Yield Traits. Yield10 published
research describing the development of the Company’s Camelina Platform as a model crop for novel yield trait discovery and
presented research at the Plant Biology 2018 conference highlighting two case studies describing the use of modeling carbon
metabolism in crops to project crop yield gene targets and outcomes.
SECOND 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 second quarter of 2018 with $9.7 million in unrestricted cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments. The Company’s net cash used in operating activities during both the second quarter of 2018
and the second quarter of 2017 was $1.9 million.
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
during 2016.
For the second quarter ending June 30, 2018, the Company reported a net loss of $2.4 million, or $0.24 per share. The
Company reported a net loss of $2.7 million or $0.96 per share, for the second quarter of 2017.
Total government grant revenue for both the second quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2017 was $0.3 million. Grant
revenue for the second quarter of 2018 was derived primarily from the Company's subcontract with Michigan State University.
Approximately $0.1 million of the grant revenue was earned from the Company's grant with the U.S. Department of Energy that is in
the process of winding down. Research and development expenses for the three months ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017
were $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The variance is primarily the result of increased employee compensation and
benefits expense, including the hiring of additional research personnel during 2018. General and administrative expenses for
the three months ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 were $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively. The $0.4 million
decrease is primarily the result of a one-time charge to recognize deferred equity offering costs of $0.6 million during the second
quarter of 2017.
For the six months ending June 30, 2018, the Company reported a net loss of $4.7 million, or $0.48 per share, as compared to a
net loss of $4.8 million, or $1.69 per share, for the six months ending June 30, 2017.
Total research grant revenue for the six months ending June 30, 2018 was $0.3 million, compared to $0.6 million for the six
months ending June 30, 2017. Research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses were $2.3 million and
$2.7 million, respectively, for the six months ending June 30, 2018 compared to $2.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for
the six months ending June 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 second quarter
of 2018. The Company also will 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 13680926. 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
June 30, |
|
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| |
2018 |
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2017 |
| Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Grant revenue |
$ |
285 |
|
|
$ |
293 |
|
|
$ |
345 |
|
|
$ |
617 |
|
| Total revenue |
285 |
|
|
293 |
|
|
345 |
|
|
617 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Research and development |
1,253 |
|
|
1,138 |
|
|
2,347 |
|
|
2,247 |
|
| General and administrative |
1,452 |
|
|
1,866 |
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
3,142 |
|
| Total expenses |
2,705 |
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
5,072 |
|
|
5,389 |
|
| Loss from operations |
(2,420 |
) |
|
(2,711 |
) |
|
(4,727 |
) |
|
(4,772 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other income (net): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Interest income, net |
45 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
80 |
|
|
3 |
|
| Other expense, net |
(15 |
) |
|
(18 |
) |
|
(33 |
) |
|
(50 |
) |
| Total other income (expense), net |
30 |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
47 |
|
|
(47 |
) |
| Net loss |
$ |
(2,390 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,727 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,680 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,819 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ |
(0.24 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.96 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.48 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.69 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number of shares used in per share calculations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic & Diluted |
9,991,460 |
|
|
2,849,069 |
|
|
9,845,902 |
|
|
2,844,492 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| |
|
June 30,
2018 |
|
December 31,
2017 |
| Assets |
|
|
|
|
| Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
3,168 |
|
|
$ |
14,487 |
|
| Short-term investments |
|
6,486 |
|
|
— |
|
| Accounts receivable |
|
29 |
|
|
54 |
|
| Unbilled receivables |
|
43 |
|
|
65 |
|
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
378 |
|
|
311 |
|
| Total current assets |
|
10,104 |
|
|
14,917 |
|
| Restricted cash |
|
332 |
|
|
317 |
|
| Property and equipment, net |
|
1,477 |
|
|
1,539 |
|
| Other assets |
|
98 |
|
|
109 |
|
| Total assets |
|
$ |
12,011 |
|
|
$ |
16,882 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
|
|
|
|
| Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| Accounts payable |
|
$ |
34 |
|
|
$ |
76 |
|
| Accrued expenses |
|
1,455 |
|
|
2,299 |
|
| Total current liabilities |
|
1,489 |
|
|
2,375 |
|
| Lease incentive obligation, net of current portion |
|
941 |
|
|
1,005 |
|
| Total liabilities |
|
2,430 |
|
|
3,380 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Stockholders’ Equity: |
|
|
|
|
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ($0.01 par value per share);
5,000,000 shares
authorized at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; 0 and 1,826 shares issued and
outstanding at June 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; 9,991,977 and
9,089,159 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,
respectively |
|
100 |
|
|
91 |
|
| Additional paid-in capital |
|
357,013 |
|
|
355,431 |
|
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
(99 |
) |
|
(85 |
) |
| Accumulated deficit |
|
(347,433 |
) |
|
(342,753 |
) |
| Total stockholders’ equity |
|
9,581 |
|
|
13,502 |
|
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
$ |
12,011 |
|
|
$ |
16,882 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
(In thousands)
| |
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| |
2018 |
|
2017 |
| Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
| Net loss |
$ |
(4,680 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,819 |
) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
| Depreciation |
96 |
|
|
106 |
|
| Charge for 401(k) company common stock match |
70 |
|
|
46 |
|
| Stock-based compensation |
596 |
|
|
663 |
|
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
| Accounts receivables |
54 |
|
|
(147 |
) |
| Due from related party |
— |
|
|
1 |
|
| Unbilled receivables |
22 |
|
|
26 |
|
| Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(56 |
) |
|
542 |
|
| Accounts payable |
(42 |
) |
|
14 |
|
| Accrued expenses |
(884 |
) |
|
(165 |
) |
| Contract termination obligation and other long-term liabilities |
(64 |
) |
|
(553 |
) |
| Net cash used for operating activities |
(4,888 |
) |
|
(4,286 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
| Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
| Purchase of property and equipment |
(34 |
) |
|
— |
|
| Purchase of short-term investments |
(7,986 |
) |
|
— |
|
| Proceeds from the sale and maturity of short-term investments |
1,500 |
|
|
— |
|
| Net cash used for investing activities |
(6,520 |
) |
|
— |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
| Proceeds from warrants exercised |
124 |
|
|
— |
|
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement upon vesting of stock awards |
(6 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
| Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities |
118 |
|
|
(12 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
(14 |
) |
|
— |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
(11,304 |
) |
|
(4,298 |
) |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
14,804 |
|
|
7,741 |
|
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ |
3,500 |
|
|
$ |
3,443 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: |
|
|
|
| Offering costs remaining in accrued expenses |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
146 |
|
| Reversal of deferred financing costs related to Aspire stock purchase
agreement |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
450 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
