Simulations Plus, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLP) is a prominent player in the pharmaceutical software and consulting services market, offering innovative solutions that support drug discovery, development, research, and regulatory submissions. With a strong focus on modeling and simulation, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, and regulatory agencies worldwide.
Business Overview
Founded in 1996, Simulations Plus has a rich history of delivering cutting-edge software and insightful consulting services to its clients. The company's flagship products, such as GastroPlus, Monolix, and ADMET Predictor, are widely recognized for their ability to guide early drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development programs, and the development of generic medicines.
Simulations Plus operates through two primary business segments: Software and Services. The Software segment encompasses the company's suite of simulation software, while the Services segment provides consulting and contract research services to the pharmaceutical industry.
Financials
In the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, Simulations Plus reported annual revenue of $59,577,000 and net income of $9,961,000. The company's annual operating cash flow was $21,856,000, and its annual free cash flow was $17,583,000, demonstrating its strong financial position and ability to generate substantial cash flow.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, Simulations Plus reported revenue of $18,544,000, up 14% from the same period in the prior year. The Software segment contributed $11,908,000, or 64% of total revenue, while the Services segment generated $6,636,000, or 36% of total revenue. The company's gross profit for the quarter was $13,257,000, with a gross margin of 71%.
Segment Performance
The Software segment's performance was driven by strong growth across the company's business units. The Cheminformatics business unit, which includes the ADMET Predictor software, saw a 15% increase in revenue during the quarter. The Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetics (PBPK) business unit, which includes the GastroPlus software, reported a 7% revenue increase. The Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics (CPP) business unit grew 13%, and the Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) business unit experienced an impressive 80% revenue increase.
In the Services segment, revenue increased 18% during the third quarter, with strong performance across the CPP, QSP, and PBPK business units. The company's total backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $19.6 million, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
Geographic Distribution
Geographically, Simulations Plus continues to see strong demand across its key markets. During the third quarter, the Americas region accounted for 67% of total revenue, EMEA contributed 24%, and Asia Pacific made up the remaining 9%. The company's diverse customer base includes major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as academic institutions and regulatory agencies.
Outlook
Looking ahead, Simulations Plus provided updated guidance for the full fiscal year 2024. The company expects total revenue to be between $69 million and $72 million, representing year-over-year growth of 15% to 20%. The Software segment is expected to contribute between 55% and 60% of total revenue, while the Services segment is anticipated to account for 40% to 45%. Diluted earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $0.46 to $0.48, with adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition-related costs, expected to be $0.54 to $0.56.
Recent Developments
The company's recent acquisition of Pro-ficiency, a leader in simulation-enabled performance and intelligence solutions for clinical and commercial drug development, is expected to be accretive to fiscal year 2025 earnings per share, offsetting the impact of lost interest income.
Conclusion
Simulations Plus' strong financial performance, diverse product portfolio, and strategic acquisitions position the company well for continued growth in the biosimulation market. The company's focus on innovation, deep scientific expertise, and strong customer relationships have established it as a trusted partner in the pharmaceutical industry.
As the demand for advanced modeling and simulation tools continues to rise, Simulations Plus is poised to capitalize on the industry's growth and deliver long-term value for its shareholders.