iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICAD) is a global leader in AI-powered cancer detection solutions, on a mission to create a world where cancer can't hide. The company's flagship product, the ProFound Breast Health Suite, leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mammography readings, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Business Overview
iCAD operates in the Cancer Detection segment, providing advanced image analysis and workflow products for the detection of cancer. The company's ProFound Breast Health Suite offers comprehensive solutions for breast cancer detection, density assessment, risk evaluation, and cardiovascular risk assessment. Powered by cutting-edge AI algorithms, the ProFound Suite helps medical professionals accurately and reliably identify where cancer may be hiding, enabling earlier detection and more personalized care.
The ProFound Detection solution scores cases and suspicious lesions, guiding radiologists to focus on areas of highest concern. The ProFound Density Assessment standardizes breast density reporting, while the ProFound Risk solution provides a near-term probability of developing breast cancer, making it more actionable than traditional lifetime risk scores. The ProFound Heart Health solution identifies the presence and quantity of breast arterial calcification, which correlates with calcifications elsewhere in the body, raising concerns for cardiovascular health.
Leveraging one of the largest and most diverse US-based and global data sets, the ProFound Suite is FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and Health Canada licensed, and is used by thousands of providers serving millions of patients in over 50 countries. In the last five years alone, iCAD estimates reading more than 40 million mammograms worldwide, with nearly 30% being tomosynthesis.
Financials
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, iCAD reported annual revenue of $17,318,000, a decrease from the prior year's revenue of $18,452,000. The company's annual net income was -$7,439,000, compared to -$8,102,000 in the previous year. Annual operating cash flow was -$4,964,000, and annual free cash flow was -$6,228,000.
In the first quarter of 2024, iCAD generated revenue of $4,954,000, an increase of 14.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Product revenue increased by 26.1% to $3,102,000, while service revenue remained relatively flat at $1,852,000. Gross profit for the quarter was $4,113,000, or 83% of revenue, up from 82% in the prior-year period.
The company's operating expenses decreased by 18.1% year-over-year to $5,554,000, primarily due to cost-saving initiatives implemented in early 2023. GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $1,222,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3,091,000, or $0.12 per diluted share, in the same period of 2023.
Liquidity
As of March 31, 2024, iCAD had cash and cash equivalents of $20,284,000, compared to $21,670,000 as of December 31, 2023. Net cash used for operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 was $1,180,000, an improvement of 23% compared to the same period in 2023. The company believes it has sufficient cash resources to fund its planned current operations without the need for additional funding.
Recurring Revenue Transition
iCAD has been steadily transitioning its business model towards a recurring revenue structure, which includes subscription licenses, maintenance contracts, and cloud services. As of March 31, 2024, the company's Total Annual Recurring Revenue (TARR) was $9,000,000, up from $8,700,000 at the end of the prior fiscal quarter. Maintenance Services ARR (MARR) was $7,000,000, while Subscription ARR (SARR) was $1,900,000, up from $1,700,000 in the previous quarter.
The shift to a recurring revenue model provides iCAD with better business visibility, more efficient expense management, and an improved ability to predict future cash flow. However, it also carries risks, including short-term lower GAAP revenue and negative cash flow impact for the next few years.
Growth Initiatives
To drive growth, iCAD has implemented several key initiatives, including:
1. Expanding the sales team: After a significant reduction in the sales force in 2022, the company has added four new sales representatives in the first quarter of 2024, led by the newly appointed Head of North American Sales, Peter Graham.
2. Revamping the commercial model: iCAD has restructured its sales team, with a focus on new business, retention, and expansion of existing accounts. The company has also revamped its pricing models, including the introduction of cloud-based pricing, and is working to better market its solutions within existing customer accounts.
3. Targeted lead generation: The company has implemented more structured and trackable lead generation programs, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and organizing targeted outreach at industry events and conferences.
4. International expansion: iCAD has continued to expand its global reach, securing new deals and partnerships in Turkey, Serbia, Poland, Israel, and France, among other regions.
Clinical and Regulatory Milestones
iCAD has achieved several important clinical and regulatory milestones in recent quarters:
- In the first quarter of 2024, the company released new advanced workstation features for its ProFound Detection solutions, including the ability to limit visible lesion marks, color-coded lesion scoring, and customizable score ranges.
- The company also announced the commercial availability of ProFound Cloud, its innovative Software-as-a-Service platform built on the Google Cloud Platform, enabling interoperability and enterprise-scale access to its AI-powered breast health solutions.
- A study published in The Lancet in February 2024 demonstrated that the performance of iCAD's ProFound Risk solution with 2D mammography generalizes across five European screening populations, providing external validation of its predictive capabilities.
- iCAD partnered with RAD-AID International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving radiology healthcare in underserved regions, to introduce its ProFound Detection solution in Guyana, aiming to improve breast cancer detection and access to early diagnostics.
Board Additions
In the first quarter of 2024, iCAD announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors:
- Dr. Hedvig Hricak, a renowned radiologist and researcher with over 40 years of experience, including more than 20 years as Chair of the Department of Radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
- Mike Doyle, a seasoned technology and healthcare executive with over 35 years of experience, currently serving as the CEO of Spire Health, a leading healthcare technology company.
These appointments bring extensive expertise in radiology, research, and healthcare technology to iCAD's Board, further strengthening the company's ability to develop and deploy innovative AI-powered solutions that improve patient outcomes globally.
Outlook
iCAD's focus on expanding its sales team, revamping its commercial model, and driving targeted lead generation has resulted in a strong start to 2024, with a 14.3% increase in revenue compared to the first quarter of 2023. The company's transition to a recurring revenue model, while carrying short-term risks, is expected to provide better business visibility and improved cash flow management in the long run.
The company's clinical and regulatory milestones, including the release of advanced workstation features and the commercial launch of ProFound Cloud, demonstrate iCAD's commitment to continuously enhancing its AI-powered cancer detection solutions. The addition of highly experienced board members further strengthens the company's ability to execute on its strategic initiatives and drive long-term shareholder value.
Conclusion
As iCAD continues to expand its global reach, leverage its extensive data sets, and collaborate with leading healthcare institutions, the company is well-positioned to revolutionize the field of cancer detection and improve patient outcomes worldwide. With a strong focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships, iCAD is poised to create a world where cancer can't hide.