Respiri — Commercialisation at the forefront

Respiri (ASX: RSH)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

0.03

0.00 (0.00%)

Market capitalisation

AUD25m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Respiri — Commercialisation at the forefront

Respiri released its Q323 activity report, updating investors on key highlights during the quarter. The period was marked by continued expansion of the company’s commercial footprint in the US, which included the signing of three additional contracts (taking the total client count to nine) and the appointment of a US-domiciled chief commercial officer to spearhead its growth strategy for the country. In addition, Respiri disclosed that it is in ongoing negotiations with two large insurers and four to six healthcare organisations, indicating a strong sales funnel. With the company recognising its first Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement claims during the quarter and an increasing number of patients onboarded (including at Michigan Children’s Hospital and an undisclosed North Carolina-based healthcare organisation in Q123), we see initial validation for the company’s wheezo remote patient monitoring (RPM) model with subsequent traction likely with early patient responses. The period-end cash balance stood at A$0.9m, highlighting the need to raise capital in the near term, pending any material sales-related inflows.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Happy children launch a kite in the field at sunset. Little boy and girl on summer vacation

Healthcare

Respiri

Commercialisation milestones at the forefront

Quarterly update

Healthcare equipment

28 April 2023

Price

A$0.047

Market cap

A$42m

US$0.66/A$

Net cash (A$m) at end-March 2023

0.9

Shares in issue

843.2m

Free float

79.6%

Codes

RSF, RSUF

Primary exchange

ASX

Secondary exchange

OTCQB

Share price performance

Business description

Respiri is an Australia-based medical device and SaaS company focused on respiratory health management through its integrated wheezo platform. The device is a breath sensor that works with the Respiri mobile applications to record data such as wheeze rates, breath recordings and other environmental factors and medication usage, which can be accessed by physicians in real time. wheezo received FDA clearance in March 2021 and was launched in the US in December 2021.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Respiri is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Respiri released its Q323 activity report, updating investors on key highlights during the quarter. The period was marked by continued expansion of the company’s commercial footprint in the US, which included the signing of three additional contracts (taking the total client count to nine) and the appointment of a US-domiciled chief commercial officer to spearhead its growth strategy for the country. In addition, Respiri disclosed that it is in ongoing negotiations with two large insurers and four to six healthcare organisations, indicating a strong sales funnel. With the company recognising its first Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement claims during the quarter and an increasing number of patients onboarded (including at Michigan Children’s Hospital and an undisclosed North Carolina-based healthcare organisation in Q123), we see initial validation for the company’s wheezo remote patient monitoring (RPM) model with subsequent traction likely with early patient responses. The period-end cash balance stood at A$0.9m, highlighting the need to raise capital in the near term, pending any material sales-related inflows.

Year
end

Revenue
(A$m)

EBITDA*
(A$m)

PBT*
(A$m)

EPS*
(c)

P/revenue
(x)

P/E
(x)

06/21

1.4

(8.4)

(8.5)

(1.22)

22.9

N/A

06/22

0.8

(6.2)

(6.3)

(0.87)

44.3

N/A

06/23e

1.7

(4.2)

(4.2)

(0.51)

22.6

N/A

06/24e

5.9

(1.1)

(1.1)

(0.13)

6.7

N/A

Note: *EBITDA, PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortization of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments. FY23 and FY24 EPS are adjusted for new shares.

A key highlight of the quarter was Respiri’s discussions with two large US health insurers about a potential risk-sharing revenue model. The agreement, if it materialises, could open the door for a high volume of patient enrolments, generating a significant opportunity for recurring revenues each month (reimbursement would be based on quality of care rather than the number of healthcare services as is the case with the Current Procedural Terminology-CPT codes). For insurers, the collaboration might help in reducing costs related to unplanned hospital emergency room visits. In addition, Respiri disclosed that the sales funnel remains strong, with advanced discussions ongoing with at least two potential clients (including a large national healthcare provider) and another four to six opportunities being explored. We see these as encouraging signs for top-line growth in the near to medium term.

In addition to three existing sites (Minnesota Lung Center, Arkansas Heart Hospital and Medical Centre of Conyers), patient onboarding commenced at a further two sites during the quarter – Michigan Children’s Hospital and an undisclosed North Carolina-based healthcare organisation – expanding the wheezo user base. As per the latest available information, c 100 patients have been onboarded to the wheezo RPM programme. Management is targeting 30,000–40,000 patients by 2024.

End-March net cash was A$0.9m, which at the current quarterly operating cash burn rate of A$1.2m would require the company to raise capital imminently, pending material cash inflows from CMS reimbursement and/or device sales.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Respiri and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Respiri. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Respiri and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Respiri. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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