On July 27, 2017 Champions Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSBR), engaged in the development of advanced technology solutions and services to personalize the development and use of oncology drugs, reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended April 30, 2017 (Filing, Annual, Champions Oncology, 2016, JUL 27, 2017, View Source [SID1234519916]).

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Fourth Quarter and Recent Business Highlights:

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Record annual revenue of $15.4M, a 38% year over year increase
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Record TOS segment revenue of $13.7M, a 49% year-over-year increase
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Record annual TOS bookings, a 51% year over year increase
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Opened new lab facility in Rockville, Maryland, doubling capacity, expanding revenue generating opportunities and reducing costs
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Forecast for fiscal 2018 of at least 20% revenue growth and positive cash flow

Ronnie Morris, CEO of Champions, commented, "We delivered significant gains in revenue and bookings and narrowed our net loss, positioning the company for consistent profitability as we continue to grow in our next fiscal year. Demand for our products and services continues to expand as evidenced by fourth quarter revenue growth of 31%, annual revenue growth of 38%, and annual TOS revenue growth of 49%. At 38%, our revenue growth has far outpaced the minimal 3.2% growth in our largely fixed base of costs as we continue to manage our costs aggressively, reducing our full year operating loss by 50%. Additionally, we recently moved into our new lab facility which we expect will further reduce lab costs. As we look ahead, we are confident revenue will grow by at least 20% in fiscal 2018, setting the stage for continued rapid growth and cash flow positive results".

Financial Results

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, revenue was $3.7 million, as compared to $2.8 million for the fourth quarter 2016, an increase of 31.1%. Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter fiscal 2017 and 2016 was $6.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively, an increase of $700,000 or 12.9%. Revenue was $15.4 million and $11.2 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $4.2 million or 37.8%.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and 2016, Champions reported a loss from operations of $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, a decrease of $200,000 or (7.3%). Excluding stock-based compensation of $761,000 and $509,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016,

Exhibit 99.1

respectively, Champions recognized a loss from operations of $1.6 million and $2.1 million for fourth quarter 2017 and 2016, respectively.

For the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, Champions reported a loss from operations of $6.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively, a decrease of $3.5 million or (34.2%). Excluding stock-based compensation of $2.7 million and $2.6 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, Champions recognized loss from operations of $4.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively.

Net cash used in operations was $2.8 million and $6.4 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $3.6 million or (55.7%). The reduction in cash burn is the result of revenue growth and aggressive expense management.

The company ended the quarter with $3.3 million of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet.

Translational Oncology Services (TOS) revenue was $3.4 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $1.1 million or 48.9%. TOS revenue was $13.7 million and $9.2 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $4.5 million or 48.7%. The increase is due to bookings growth in prior quarters, both in the number and size of the studies.

TOS cost of sales was $2.3 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $400,000, or 21.3%. TOS cost of sales was $8.3 million and $6.6 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $1.7 million or 25.6%. For the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, gross margin for TOS was 31.3% and 15.6%, respectively. For the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, gross margin was 39.6% and 28.5%, respectively. The increase in TOS cost of sales was due to an increase in TOS studies. The improvement in gross margin was due to higher TOS revenue leveraged off the fixed cost component of the lab and effective management of the variable lab costs. Gross margin varies based on timing differences between expense and revenue recognition. While the gross margin improved, there are expenses incurred in advance of future revenue.

Personalized Oncology Services (POS) revenue was $366,000 and $585,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $219,000 or (37.4%). POS revenue was $1.7 million and $2.0 million for the twelve months ended April 30 , 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $300,000 or (12.%). The decrease is primarily the result of the decline in implant and drug panel revenue of offset by an increase in sequencing revenue.

POS cost of sales was $266,000 and $441,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $175,000, or (39.7%). POS cost of sales was $1.4 million and $2.1 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $700,000 or (31.8%). For the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, gross margin for POS was 27.3% and 24.6%, respectively. For the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, gross margin for POS was 16.7%.and negative (6.6%). The improvement is attributed to the increase in higher margin sequencing revenue and aggressively managing our lab costs.

Research and development expense was $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, a decrease of $200,000, or (8.5%). Research and development expense was $4.3 million and $4.2 million for the years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively an increase of $100,000, or 2.4%. Sales and marketing expense for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 was $892,000 and $757,000 respectively, an increase of $135,000, or 17.8%.

Exhibit 99.1

The increase is due to commissions earned in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. Sales and marketing expense was $3.3 million and $3.4 million for the years ended April 30 2017 and 2016, respectively a decrease of $100,000, or (5.3%). General and administrative expense was $1.6 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $500,000 or 41.3%). The increase is due to a one time charge, resulting from an option grant modification, to stock based compensation. General and administrative expense was $5.0 million and $5.2 million for the years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016 respectively, a decrease of $200,000 or (4.1%). The decrease is primarily due to aggressive cost management.