SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED: March 31,September 30, 2019
 
OR
 
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-35280
VERICEL CORPORATIONCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan 94-3096597
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification no.)
 
64 Sidney Street
CambridgeMA02139
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (800) (800) 556-0311


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueVCELNASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes - x  No - o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes - x No - o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer - o
Accelerated filer - x
Non-accelerated filer - o
Smaller reporting company - x
  
Emerging growth company - o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes - o  No - x

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common StockVCELNASDAQ


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date. 

COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE 43,911,31644,694,512
(Class) Outstanding at May 3,October 31, 2019
   
   






VERICEL CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.
   
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
   
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
   
Item 6.
   
   
   
 
i








PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Financial Statements
 
VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
 March 31, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
ASSETS  
  
  
  
Current assets:  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $35,084
 $18,286
 $36,905
 $18,286
Short term investments 49,001
 64,638
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $669 and $514, respectively) 18,774
 23,454
Short-term investments 37,760
 64,638
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $643 and $514, respectively) 19,958
 23,454
Inventory 4,063
 3,558
 6,823
 3,558
Other current assets 2,679
 2,847
 3,272
 2,847
Total current assets 109,601
 112,783
 104,718
 112,783
Property and equipment, net 6,445
 5,906
 7,190
 5,906
Right-of-use assets 25,183
 
 25,619
 
Total assets $141,229
 $118,689
 $137,527
 $118,689
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
  
  
  
Current liabilities:  
  
  
  
Accounts payable $6,201
 $7,108
 $5,281
 $7,108
Accrued expenses 4,179
 6,930
 6,960
 6,930
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 2,385
 
 2,836
 
Other liabilities 176
 754
 35
 754
Total current liabilities 12,941
 14,792
 15,112
 14,792
Operating lease liabilities 25,100
 
 25,311
 
Other long-term liabilities 133
 1,666
 114
 1,666
Total liabilities 38,174
 16,458
 40,537
 16,458
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12) 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 


 


Shareholders’ equity:  
  
  
  
Common stock, no par value; shares authorized — 75,000; shares issued and outstanding — 43,825 and 43,578, respectively 474,806
 471,180
Common stock, no par value; shares authorized — 75,000; shares issued and outstanding — 44,520 and 43,578, respectively 485,141
 471,180
Other comprehensive gain (loss) 3
 (39) 29
 (39)
Warrants 104
 104
 
 104
Accumulated deficit (371,858) (369,014) (388,180) (369,014)
Total shareholders’ equity 103,055
 102,231
 96,990
 102,231
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $141,229
 $118,689
 $137,527
 $118,689
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.








VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Product sales, net$21,810
 $18,027
 $30,499
 $22,484
 $78,460
 $59,522
Cost of product sales8,640
 7,666
 9,324
 8,138
 26,986
 23,531
Gross profit13,170
 10,361
 21,175
 14,346
 51,474
 35,991
Research and development3,008
 3,729
 3,096
 3,113
 27,174
 10,581
Selling, general and administrative13,520
 10,954
 14,982
 12,569
 44,761
 35,314
Total operating expenses16,528
 14,683
 18,078
 15,682
 71,935
 45,895
Loss from operations(3,358) (4,322)
Income (loss) from operations 3,097
 (1,336) (20,461) (9,904)
Other income (expense):   
  
  
    
Increase in fair value of warrants
 (2,907)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of warrants 
 420
 
 (2,524)
Interest income480
 
 385
 307
 1,293
 390
Interest expense(2) (432) (2) (460) (6) (1,340)
Other income36
 2
Other income (expense) (10) 
 8
 (1)
Total other income (expense)514
 (3,337) 373
 267
 1,295
 (3,475)
Net loss$(2,844) $(7,659)
Net income (loss) $3,470
 $(1,069) $(19,166) $(13,379)
           
Net loss per share (Basic and Diluted)$(0.07) $(0.21)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Basic and Diluted)43,725
 36,140
Net income (loss) per share (Basic) $0.08
 $(0.02) $(0.44) $(0.34)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Basic) 44,251
 42,925
 43,979
 39,163
Net income (loss) per share (Diluted) $0.07
 $(0.02) $(0.44) $(0.34)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Diluted) 46,667
 42,925
 43,979
 39,163
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.








VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)


 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Net loss$(2,844) $(7,659)
Other comprehensive loss:   
Unrealized gain on investments42
 
Comprehensive loss$(2,802) $(7,659)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income (loss) $3,470
 $(1,069) $(19,166) $(13,379)
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments (9) (18) 29
 (18)
Comprehensive income (loss) $3,461
 $(1,087) $(19,137) $(13,397)


The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.






VERICEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)


 Common Stock Warrants Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Deficit Total
Shareholders’ Equity
Common Stock Warrants Amounts Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Deficit Total
Shareholders’ Equity
 Shares Amount Amount Shares Amount   
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2018 43,578
 $471,180
 $104
 $(39) $(369,014) $102,231
43,578
 $471,180
 $104
 $(39) $(369,014) $102,231
Net loss         (2,844) (2,844)        (2,844) (2,844)
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units granted, net of forfeitures   2,628
 
   
 2,628
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units, net of forfeitures  2,628
       2,628
Stock option exercises 228
 780
       780
228
 780
       780
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 19
 218
       218
19
 218
       218
Unrealized gain on investments       42
 
 42
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments      42
   42
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2019 43,825
 $474,806
 $104
 $3
 $(371,858) $103,055
43,825
 $474,806
 $104
 $3
 $(371,858) $103,055
Net loss        (19,792) (19,792)
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units, net of forfeitures  4,183
 

   

 4,183
Stock option exercises227
 850
       850
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan14
 211
       211
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments      35
 

 35
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 201944,066
 $480,050
 $104
 $38
 $(391,650) $88,542
Net income        3,470
 3,470
Compensation expense related to stock options granted, net of forfeitures  3,285
       3,285
Stock option exercises416
 1,427
       1,427
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan18
 275
       275
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments      (9)   (9)
Exercise of warrants resulting in issuance of common stock20
 104
 (104)
 
  
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 201944,520
 $485,141
 $
 $29
 $(388,180) $96,990





VERICEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)


 Common Stock Warrants Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Deficit Total
Shareholders’ Equity
 Common Stock Warrants Amounts Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Deficit Total
Shareholders’ Equity
 Shares Amount Amount  Shares Amount 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2017 35,861
 $383,020
 $397
 $
 $(360,877) $22,540
 35,861
 $383,020
 $397
 $
 $(360,877) $22,540
Net loss         (7,659) (7,659)         (7,659) (7,659)
Compensation expense related to stock options granted, net of forfeitures   1,348
       1,348
   1,348
       1,348
Stock option exercises 253
 851
       851
 253
 851
       851
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 28
 127
       127
 28
 127
       127
Exercise of warrants resulting in the issuance of common stock 360
 3,728
       3,728
 360
 1,727
       1,727
BALANCE MARCH 31, 2018 36,502
 $389,074
 $397
 $
 $(368,536) $20,935
Net change in warrant valuation of exercised warrants   2,001
       2,001
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2018 36,502
 $389,074
 $397
 $
 $(368,536) $20,935
Net loss         (4,651) (4,651)
Compensation expense related to stock options granted, net of forfeitures   2,465
       2,465
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs 5,750
 70,090
       70,090
Stock option exercises 306
 964
       964
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 31
 148
       148
Exercise of warrants resulting in the issuance of common stock 95
 333
 (95)     238
Net change in warrant valuation of exercised warrants   409
       409
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2018 42,684
 $463,483
 $302
 $
 $(373,187) $90,598
Net loss         (1,069) (1,069)
Compensation expense related to stock options granted, net of forfeitures   1,932
       1,932
Stock option exercises 305
 952
       952
Shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 25
 200
       200
Exercise of warrants resulting in the issuance of common stock 156
 751
       751
Net change in warrant valuation of exercised warrants   1,129
       1,129
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (18)   (18)
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 43,170
 $468,447
 $302
 $(18) $(374,256) $94,475










VERICEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Operating activities:  
  
  
  
Net loss $(2,844) $(7,659) $(19,166) $(13,379)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:  
  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization expense 324
 427
 1,174
 1,133
Stock compensation expense 2,628
 1,342
 10,095
 5,739
Change in fair value of warrants 
 2,907
 
 2,524
Loss on sale of fixed assets 
 22
 
 23
Foreign currency translation loss 6
 44
 21
 49
Amortization of premiums and discounts on marketable securities (215) 
 (529) 
Amortization of right-of-use assets 387
 
Non-cash lease cost 2,011
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
Inventory (505) (112) (3,265) 155
Accounts receivable 4,680
 5,108
 3,496
 2,742
Prepaid and other current assets 168
 223
 (425) (758)
Accounts payable (1,368) (229) (1,895) (1,212)
Accrued expenses (2,751) (1,566) 30
 19
Operating lease liabilities (310) 
 (1,804) 
Other assets and liabilities, net (46) (102) (76) (58)
Net cash provided by operating activities 154
 405
Net cash used in operating activities (10,333) (3,023)
Investing activities:  
  
  
  
Purchases of short term investments (10,686) 
Maturities of short term investments 26,580
 
Purchases of short-term investments (46,303) (44,480)
Maturities of short-term investments 73,777
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (232) (184) (2,255) (2,101)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 15,662
 (184) 25,219
 (46,581)
Financing activities:  
  
  
  
Net proceeds from equity offering 
 70,028
Net proceeds from common stock issuance due to stock option exercises 998
 985
 3,762
 3,310
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 
 1,727
 
 2,716
Other (16) (18) (29) (23)
Net cash provided by financing activities 982
 2,694
 3,733
 76,031
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 16,798
 2,915
 18,619
 26,427
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 18,286
 26,862
 18,286
 26,862
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $35,084
 $29,777
 $36,905
 $53,289
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.






NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED)
 
1.Organization
 
Vericel Corporation, a Michigan corporation (together with its consolidated subsidiaries referred to herein as the Company, Vericel, we, us or our), was incorporated in March 1989 and began employee-based operations in 1991. On May 30, 2014, Vericel completed the acquisition of certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Sanofi, a French société anonyme (Sanofi), including all of the outstanding equity interests of Genzyme Biosurgery ApS (Genzyme Denmark or the Danish subsidiary) (now known as Vericel Denmark ApS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi, and a portfolio of patents and patent applications of Sanofi and certain of its subsidiaries for purposes of acquiring the portion of the cell therapy and regenerative medicine business related to the MACI®, Epicel® and Carticel® products. The Company is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and currently markets MACI and Epicel in the U.S. and holds exclusive rights to commercialize NexoBrid® in all countries of North America. The Company is a leader in advanced cell therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets.


MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) is an autologous cellularized scaffold product indicated for the repair of symptomatic, single or multiple full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee with or without bone involvement in adults. At the end of the second quarter of 2017, the Company removed Carticel (autologous cultured chondrocytes), an earlier generation autologous chrondocyte implant (ACI) product, from the market. The Company also markets Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts), a permanent skin replacement Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with deep-dermal or full-thickness burns comprising greater than or equal to 30 percent of total body surface area (TBSA). In May 2019, the Company also entered into exclusive license and supply agreements with MediWound Ltd. (MediWound) to commercialize NexoBrid® in all countries in North America. NexoBrid is a topically-administered biological product that enzymatically removes nonviable burn tissue, or eschar, in patients with deep partial and full-thickness thermal burns. NexoBrid is currently in clinical development in North America, and a U.S. Biologics License Application (BLA) currently is targeted for submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second quarter of 2020. The Company operates its business primarily in the U.S. in one1 reportable segment — the research, product development, manufacture and distribution of advanced cellular therapies for use in the treatment of specific diseases.
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis, which assumes that the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.  As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $371.9$388.2 million and had net income of $3.5 million and a net loss of $2.8$19.2 million during the quarterthree and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019.  The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $35.1$36.9 million, and short termshort-term investments of $49.0$37.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2019.  The Company expects that existing cash, cash equivalents and short termshort-term investments will be sufficient to support the Company's current operations through at least May 2020.12 months from the issuance of these financial statements. The Company may seek additional funding through debt or equity financings.  However, the Company may not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all. The terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company's shareholders.




2.Basis of Presentation
 
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was derived from audited financial statements included hereinbut does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2019 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP)U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods indicated. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any other period. The March 31, 2019 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
 
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019 (Annual Report).



Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows


The following table presents certain supplementary cash flows information for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018:

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Supplementary Cash Flows information:    
Warrants exercised for common stock $104
 $3,538
Interest paid (net of interest capitalized) 6
 1,161
Additions to equipment in process included in accounts payable 46
 191
Right-of-use asset and lease liability recognized 2,338
 


  Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Supplementary Cash Flows information:    
Warrants exercised for common stock $
 $2,000
Interest paid (net of interest capitalized) 2
 357
Additions to equipment in process included in accounts payable 455
 401
Right-of-use asset recognized 185
 


3.Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting for Leases


The FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. In accordance with the updated guidance, lessees are required to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from operating leases on the balance sheet. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The leasing Accounting Standard Update 2016-02 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 and was adopted using the modified retrospective method. See note 7 for further discussion.


Measuring Credit Losses on Financial Instruments


The FASB issued updated guidance on measuring credit losses on financial instruments. The guidance removes the probable loss thresholds that companies apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, receivables, and held-to-maturity debt securities.securities and available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses. Prior to the updated guidance, credit losses are recognized when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. The revised guidance removes all recognition thresholds and requires companiesCompanies are required to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that a company expected to collect over the instrument’s contractual life. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact to its consolidated financial statements.


4. Revenue
Revenue Recognition and Net Product Sales
The Company recognizes product revenue from sales of MACI kits, MACI implants and Epicel grafts following the five step model in Accounting Standards Codification 606 Revenue Recognition (ASC 606).
MACI Kits
MACI kits are sold directly to hospitals based on contracted rates in the approved contract or sales order. The Company recognizes MACI kit revenue upon delivery of the biopsy kit at which time the customer (the doctor)facility) is in control of the kit. The kit provides the doctor the ability to biopsy a sampling of cells to provide to the Company that can be used later to manufacture the implant. The ordering of the kit does not obligate the Company to manufacture an implant nor does the receipt of the cell tissue. The customer’s order of an implant is separate from the process of ordering the kit. Therefore, the sale of the kit and any subsequent sale of an implant are distinct contracts and are accounted for separately.
MACI Implants
From July 1, 2017 until June 15, 2018 the Company sold MACI primarily to distributors and directly to hospitals or patients at contracted rates. Beginning on June 16, 2018, the Company contracted with a specialty pharmacy, Orsini Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (Orsini) to distribute its MACI product in arrangements whereby the Company retains the credit and collection risk from the end customer. Since July 26, 2018, the Company has also contracted with AllCare Plus Pharmacy, Inc. (AllCare), a specialty pharmacy, in arrangements whereby the Company retains the credit and collection risk from the end customer. The


Company pays both specialty pharmacies a fee for each patient to whom MACI is dispensed. Both Orsini and AllCare perform collection activities to receive payment from customers. The Company recognizes product revenues fromhas engaged a third-party services provider to provide the patient support program to manage patient cases and to ensure complete and correct billing information is provided to the insurers and hospitals.

In addition, the Company also sells MACI directly to DMS Pharmaceutical (DMS) for all military implants. The sales of MACI implants upon deliverydirectly to DMS are sold at which time the customer is in control of the implant and the claim is billable. a contracted rate.

Prior authorization orand confirmation of coverage level by the patient’s private insurance plan, hospital or government payer is a prerequisite to the shipment of product to a patient. Depending upon the type of contract and payer for the MACI implant, the Company's netThe Company recognizes product revenues from sales of all MACI implants upon delivery at which time the customer obtains control of the implant and the claim is billable. The total consideration which the Company expects to collect in exchange for MACI implants (the transaction price) may be fixed or variable. Direct sales to hospitals or distributors are based onrecorded at a contracted ratesprice, and other than customary prompt pay discounts, there are typically no forms of variable consideration.

When the Company sells MACI, the patient is responsible for payment, however, the Company is typically reimbursed by a third-party insurer or estimated based on expected paymentsgovernment payer, subject to a patient co-pay amount. Reimbursements from the insurance provider, hospital or patient. The estimates of such payment amountsthird-party insurers and government payers vary by customerpatient and payer and are based on either contracted rates, publicly available rates, government fee schedules or past payer precedents. Net product revenues recognized consist of amounts billed net of contractual allowances for differences between amounts billed and the estimated consideration the Company expects to receive from the transaction. The Company estimates the amount of consideration it expects to receive for these transactions using the portfolio approach. These estimates include the impact of contractual allowances, which considers historical collection experience from both the payer and patient, denial rates and the terms of the Company’s contractual arrangements. The Company records a reduction to revenue at the time of sale for its estimate of the amount of consideration that will not be collected. The allowance for uncollectible consideration was $4.2 million as of September 30, 2019 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2018.

Changes in estimates are recorded through revenue inof the period such change occurs. Net product revenues from sales to distributors may include a prompt pay discount.
On July 25, 2018 and August 10, 2018, the Company entered into amendments to its distribution agreement with Orsini Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (Orsini). The amendments modified certain payment terms for surgeries after June 15, 2018. In addition, under the revised agreement, the parties agreed to limit Orsini's right to serve as the Company's exclusive distributor for MACI to a specified set of payers as the Company moved to a limited expanded network of distributors. The agreement with


Orsini includes a provision whereby the Company retains the credit and collection risk from the end customer on implants after June 15, 2018. Orsini performs the collection activities. The net product revenues for these cases are based on expected payments from the insurance provider, hospital or patient. The estimates of such payment amounts vary by customer and payer and are based on either contracted rates, publicly available rates or past payer precedents. Changes in estimatestransaction price are recorded through revenue in the period in which such change occurs.
On April 18, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment with Orsini that extended the term of the agreement until May 2022, modified the per case dispensing fee, and eliminated Orsini’s exclusivity for all payers.
On July 26, 2018, the Company entered into a Dispensing Agreement (Dispensing Agreement) with AllCare Plus Pharmacy, Inc. (AllCare). Pursuant to the Dispensing Agreement, the Company appoints AllCare as a non-exclusive specialty pharmacy provider of MACI. The Company pays AllCare a fee for each patient to whom MACI is dispensed. Under the Dispensing Agreement, the Company retains the credit and collection risk from the end customer on all implants. Depending upon the type of contract and payer for the MACI implant, the Company's net product revenues are based on contracted rates or estimated based on expected payments from the insurance provider, hospital or patient. The estimates of such payment amounts vary by customer and payer and are based on either contracted rates, publicly available rates or past payer precedents. Changes in estimates are recorded throughrelated to prior period sales resulted in a $0.7 million and $0.4 million increase to revenue infor the period such change occurs. On May 1,three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively and an increase to revenue of $0.1 million and a decrease to revenue of $0.3 million for the Company entered into an amendment with AllCare that extended the term of the Dispensing Agreement until May 2022three and modified the per case dispensing fee.nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.
Epicel
The Company sells Epicel directly to hospitals based on contracted rates stated in the approved contract or purchase order. Similar to MACI, there is no obligation to manufacture skin grafts upon receipt of a skin biopsy, and Vericel has no contractual right to receive payment until the product is delivered to the hospital. The Company recognizes product revenues from sales of Epicel upon delivery to the hospital at which time the customer is in control of the skin grafts and the claim is billable to the hospital.


Revenue by Product and Customer
The following table and description below reflect the products from which the Company generated its revenue:
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Revenue by product (in thousands) 2019 2018
Net revenue by product (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
MACI implants and kits            
Implants based on contracted rate sold through a specialty pharmacy (a)
 9,787
 7,792
Implants subject to third party reimbursement sold through a specialty pharmacy (b)
 2,743
 1,008
Implants based on contracted rates sold to or through a specialty pharmacy (a)
 $11,779
 $11,102
 $34,555
 $26,257
Implants subject to third-party reimbursement sold through a specialty pharmacy (b)
 4,030
 1,612
 10,584
 5,468
Implants sold direct based on contracted rates (c)
 3,226
 2,674
 3,039
 2,632
 9,715
 8,715
Implants sold direct subject to third party reimbursement (d)
 322
 283
Implants sold direct subject to third-party reimbursement (d)
 573
 490
 1,176
 1,070
Biopsy kits - direct bill 542
 436
 533
 488
 1,632
 1,392
Change in estimates related to prior periods (37) (138) 656
 125
 353
 (273)
Epicel            
Direct bill (hospital) 5,227
 5,972
 9,889
 6,035
 20,445
 16,893
Total revenue 21,810
 18,027
 $30,499
 $22,484
 $78,460
 $59,522
            
(a) Represents implants sold through Orsini or AllCare in which such specialty pharmacy has entered into a direct contract with the underlying insurance provider. The amount of reimbursement is known at the time of sale supported by the pharmacy's direct contract.
(a) Represents implants sold through Orsini or AllCare in which such specialty pharmacy has entered into a direct contract with the underlying insurance provider. The amount of reimbursement is based on contracted rates at the time of sale supported by the pharmacy's direct contract. Also represents sales directly to DMS based on a contracted rate. Prior to June 15, 2018, the sales to Orsini represented here were based on a fixed transfer price under the distribution model.(a) Represents implants sold through Orsini or AllCare in which such specialty pharmacy has entered into a direct contract with the underlying insurance provider. The amount of reimbursement is based on contracted rates at the time of sale supported by the pharmacy's direct contract. Also represents sales directly to DMS based on a contracted rate. Prior to June 15, 2018, the sales to Orsini represented here were based on a fixed transfer price under the distribution model.
            
(b) Represents implants sold through Orsini or AllCare in which such specialty pharmacy does not have a direct contract with the underlying payer. The amount of reimbursement is established based on a payer or state fee schedule and/or payer history.
            
(c) Represents implants sold directly from the Company to the facility based on a contract and known price agreed upon prior to the surgery date.
            
(d) Represents implants sold directly from the Company to the facility based on a contract and known price agreed upon prior to the surgery date. The payment terms are subject to third party reimbursement from an underlying insurance provider.
(d) Represents implants sold directly from the Company to the facility based on a contract and known price agreed upon prior to the surgery date. The payment terms are subject to third-party reimbursement from an underlying insurance provider.(d) Represents implants sold directly from the Company to the facility based on a contract and known price agreed upon prior to the surgery date. The payment terms are subject to third-party reimbursement from an underlying insurance provider.
Concentration of Credit Risk


On May 15, 2017,Prior to June 16, 2018 the Company entered intocompany sold MACI primarily to its distributor Orsini at a distribution agreement with Orsini Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. as a specialty pharmacy distributor of MACI and has engaged a third party services provider to provide the patient support program to manage patient cases for MACI. The Company’s receivables risk and credit risk became more concentrated from June 30, 2017 through June 15, 2018 due to the shift to Orsini.fixed transfer price. Beginning June 16, 2018, the concentration of risk decreased because the Company retainsstarted retaining the credit and collection risk from the end customer on implants after June 15, 2018.resulting in a decrease in risk concentration. The Company sells Epicel directly to hospitals and not through a distributor.


The Company includes concentration percentages for bothCompany's total revenue and accounts receivable for any customers which represent 10% or more of total revenue. The Company's concentration percentagesbalances were comprised of the following forconcentrations from its largest customer of MACI and Epicel:Epicel based on customers whose revenue or accounts receivable concentration is greater than 10% in any of the periods disclosed below and are as follows:

Revenue Concentration
Accounts Receivable Concentration

Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
September 30,
December 31,

2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
MACI% % % 24% %
2%
Epicel10% 5% 9% 9% 6%
4%


Revenue Concentration
Accounts Receivable Concentration

Three Months Ended March 31,
March 31,
December 31,

2019
2018
2019
2018
MACI11% 43% 9%
2%
Epicel38% 14% 2%
4%






5.Selected Balance Sheet Components
 
Inventory as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Raw materials$5,730
 $2,872
Work-in-process976
 638
Finished goods117
 48
Inventory$6,823
 $3,558
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Raw materials$3,324
 $2,872
Work-in-process687
 638
Finished goods52
 48
Inventory$4,063
 $3,558

 
Property and equipment, net as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018: 
(In thousands) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Machinery and equipment$2,577
 $1,536
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment775
 775
Computer equipment and software6,007
 3,712
Leasehold improvements4,631
 4,587
Construction in process1,716
 2,801
Financing right-of-use lease157
 
Total property and equipment, gross15,863
 13,411
Less: Accumulated depreciation(8,673) (7,505)
 $7,190
 $5,906
(In thousands) March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Machinery and equipment$2,200
 $1,536
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment775
 775
Computer equipment and software3,829
 3,712
Leasehold improvements4,631
 4,587
Construction in process2,664
 2,801
Financing right-of-use lease175
 
Total property and equipment, gross14,274
 13,411
Less: Accumulated depreciation(7,829) (7,505)
 $6,445
 $5,906

 
Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $0.4 million and $1.2 million and $0.3 million and $0.4$1.1 million for the same period in 2018.


Accrued expenses as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Bonus related compensation$3,426
 $5,161
Employee related accruals2,546
 1,559
Other accrued expenses988
 210
 $6,960
 $6,930

(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Bonus related compensation$798
 $5,161
Employee related accruals2,782
 1,559
Other accrued expenses599
 210
 $4,179
 $6,930



6.Stock Purchase Warrants
 
The Company has historically issued warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with certain of its common stock offerings and in December 2017 the Company issued warrants in connection with a previous loan agreement. The following table describes the outstanding warrants classified in equity as of March 31, 2019:
December 2017 Warrants
Exercise price$4.27
Expiration dateDecember 6, 2023
Total shares issuable on exercise26,951

offerings. The fair value of the warrants described in the table aboveas of December 31, 2018 were initially measured using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  Inherent in the Black-Scholes valuation model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock basedstock-based on historical volatility that matches the expected remaining life of the warrants. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar to the expected remaining life of the warrants. The expected life of the warrants is assumed to be equivalent to their remaining contractual term. The dividend rate is based on the historical rate, which the Company anticipates to remainremaining at zero.0.  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company issued 19,808 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants with an exercise price of $4.27 per share. There are no outstanding warrants as of September 30, 2019.

7.Leases


The Company leases facilities in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Cambridge facility includes clean rooms, laboratories for MACI and Epicel manufacturing and office space. The Company also leases offsite warehouse space, vehicles and computer equipment.



The Company adopted the new leasing standards using the modified retrospective transition approach, as of January 1, 2019, with no restatement of prior periods orperiods. As a result of adoption, no cumulative adjustment to retained earnings.earnings occurred. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward prior conclusions related to whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and initial direct costs for existing leases. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements include lease payments that are adjusted periodically for an index or rate. The leases are initially measured using the projected payments adjusted for the index or rate in effect at the commencement date. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Upon adoption all operating lease commitments with a lease term greater than 12 months that were previously assessed under previous lease guidance, were recognized as right to use assets and liabilities, on a discounted basis on the balance sheet. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, lease expense of less than $0.1 million was recorded related to short-term leases.leases for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.


Adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recording of additional net leaseright-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $25.6 million and $27.8 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. There was an immaterial impact on the Company's consolidated net earnings and cash flows upon adoption. The contribution toward the cost of tenant improvements is recorded as a reduction of the operating lease assets and reclassed from deferred rent to lease operating assets. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $1.4 million and $4.0 million of operating lease expense and less than $0.1 million of financing lease expense, respectively. For the three and nine months ending September 30, 2018 (as reported under the prior leasing guidance) the Company recognized $1.3 million and $3.9 million of operating lease expense and less than $0.1 million of operating and financing lease expense, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $1.4 million in lease expense under the prior leasing guidance. The Company's leases contain non-lease components and activities that do not transfer a good or service to the Company. The Company which wereelected not considered to becombine lease and non-lease components of the contract and therefore non-lease costs were not included in the net lease assets or lease liabilities.


Total leased assets and liabilities as reassessed under the updated guidance and classified on the balance sheet, as of March 31,September 30, 2019 are as follows:
(In thousands) Classification September 30, 2019
Assets    
Operating Right-of-use assets $25,619
Finance Property and equipment, net 157
    $25,776
Liabilities    
Current    
Operating Current portion of operating lease liabilities $2,836
Finance Other liabilities 35
    $2,871
Non-current    
Operating Operating lease liabilities $25,311
Finance Other long-term liabilities 114
    $25,425

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the Company's operating lease liabilities was $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Maturity of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:



(In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Total
2019
 $1,324
 $
 $1,324
2020
 5,336
 41
 5,377
2021
 5,255
 41
 5,296
2022
 5,309
 41
 5,350
2023
 5,292
 41
 5,333
2024
 5,302
 
 5,302
Thereafter
 11,269
 
 11,269
Total lease payments
 39,087
 164
 39,251
Less: Interest
 (10,940) (15) (10,955)
Present value of lease liabilities
 $28,147
 $149
 $28,296

(In thousands) Classification March 31, 2019
Assets    
Operating Right-of-use assets $25,183
Finance Property and equipment, net 175
    $25,358
Liabilities    
Current    
Operating Current portion of operating lease liabilities 2,385
Finance Other liabilities 33
    $2,418
Non-current    
Operating Operating lease liabilities 25,100
Finance Other long-term liabilities 133
    $25,233


An explicit rate is not provided for some of the Company's leases, therefore the Company uses a mix of incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, as well as implicit and explicit rates in determining the present value of lease payments.

Maturity of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are as follows:
(In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Total
2019
 $3,661
 $21
 $3,682
2020
 4,799
 41
 4,840
2021
 4,805
 41
 4,846
2022
 4,929
 41
 4,970
2023
 4,901
 41
 4,942
2024
 4,968
 
 4,968
Thereafter
 11,269
 
 11,269
Total lease payments
 39,332
 185
 39,517
Less: Interest
 (11,847) (19) (11,866)
Present value of lease liabilities
 $27,485
 $166
 $27,651

The Company has options to renew lease terms for facilities and other assets. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at the Company's sole discretion. The Company evaluates renewal and termination options at the lease commencement date to determine if it is reasonably certain to exercise the option on the basis of economic factors. For certain leases, the Company's exercise of the renewal option was determined to be probable and itthe renewal period was accordingly included in the lease term and related calculations. Lease terms and discount rates as of March 31,September 30, 2019 are as follows:
  March 31,September 30, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)  
Operating leases 7.547.07

Finance leases 4.253.75

Weighted average discount rate  
Operating leases 9.569.46%
Finance leases 5.00%



Future minimum payments related to operating and capital leases, as reflected under the prior guidance, disclosed in note 16 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, are as follows with no changes from prior disclosure:
(In thousands) Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 More than 5 years
Operating leases $15,386
 $4,879
 $4,719
 $4,754
 $966
 $68
 $
Capital leases 205
 41
 41
 41
 41
 41
 
Total $15,591
 $4,920
 $4,760
 $4,795
 $1,007
 $109
 $

(In thousands) Total 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 More than 5 years
Operating leases $15,386
 $4,879
 $4,719
 $4,754
 $966
 $68
 $
Capital leases 205
 41
 41
 41
 41
 41
 
Total $15,591
 $4,920
 $4,760
 $4,795
 $1,007
 $109
 $




8.Stock-based Compensation
 
Stock Option, Restricted Stock Units and Equity Incentive Plans


The Company has historically had various stock incentive plans and agreements that provide for the issuance of nonqualified and incentive stock options as well as other equity awards.  Such awards may be granted by the Company’s Board of Directors to certain of the Company’s employees, directors and consultants. 


Options and restricted stock units granted to employees and non-employees under these plans expire no later than ten years from the date of grant and generally become exercisable over a four year period, under a graded-vesting methodology for stock options and annually on the anniversary grant date for restricted stock units, following the date of grant. The Company generally issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units. For certain non-employee consultants, stock option awards continue to vest post-termination. The guidance for non-employee stock compensation accounting for equity-classified awards was updated, and these awards are now subject to fixed grant date fair value principles which eliminates the variable mark-to-market accounting. The options were valued as of the adoption date of July 1, 2018.


The 20172019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2017(2019 Plan) was approved on May 1, 2019 and provides incentives through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units.  The exercise price of stock options


granted under the 20172019 Plan shall not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The 20172019 Plan replaced the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the 2001 Stock Option Plan, the Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, and the 2009 Second Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Prior Plans), and no0 new awards have been granted under the Prior Plans.Plans after approval.  However, the expiration or forfeiture of options previously granted under the Prior Plans will increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 20172019 Plan.


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, there were 1,304,3573,605,081 shares available for future grant under the 20172019 Plan.


Employee Stock Purchase Plan


Employees are able to purchase stock under the Vericel Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP allows for the issuance of an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock of which 540,248576,723 have been grantedissued since the inception of the plan in 2015. Participation in this plan is available to substantially all employees. The ESPP is a compensatory plan accounted for under the expense recognition provisions of the share-based payment accounting standards. Compensation expense is recorded based on the fair market value of the purchase options at the grant date, which corresponds to the first day of each purchase period and is amortized over the purchase period. On AprilOctober 1, 2019, employees purchased 14,22817,746 shares resulting in proceeds from the sale of common stock of $0.2 million under the ESPP.


Service-Based Stock Options


During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company granted 1,486,010111,600 and 1,750,110 service-based options to purchase common stock.  The options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of common stock on the grant date, generally vest over four years (other than non-employee director options which vest over one year) and have a term of ten years. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options. The weighted average grant-date fair value of service-based options granted under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 2019 Plan for the three and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $13.28 and 2018 was $12.82$12.77, respectively and $6.63, respectively.$10.90 and $9.62, respectively, for the same periods in 2018.


Restricted Stock Units


During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company granted 176,422186,922 service-based restricted stock units. The restricted stock units vest annually over four years in equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date and have a term of ten years.(other than non-employee director options which vest over one year from the grant date). The Company issues new shares upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are recorded at fair value at the date of grant, which is based on the closing share price on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded for restricted stock units that are expected to vest based on their fair value at grant date and is amortized over the expected vesting period. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units awarded for the three month periodsnine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $17.77.$17.71. The aggregatetotal grant-date fair value of restricted stock units as of March 31,granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $3.1$3.3 million. NoNaN restricted stock units were granted in 2018.


Stock Compensation Expense




Non-cash stock-based compensation expense (employee stock purchase plan, service-based stock options and restricted stock units) included in cost of goods sold, research and development expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses is summarized in the following table: 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Cost of goods sold $543
 $284
 $1,519
 $820
Research and development 583
 365
 1,993
 1,282
Selling, general and administrative 2,159
 1,283
 6,583
 3,637
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense $3,285
 $1,932
 $10,095
 $5,739

  Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Cost of goods sold $260
 $142
Research and development 525
 475
Selling, general and administrative 1,843
 725
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense $2,628
 $1,342


The fair value of each service-based stock option grant for the reported periods is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table.
 

  Three Months Ended March 31,
Service-Based Stock Options 2019 2018
Expected dividend rate % %
Expected stock price volatility 84.5-85.5%
 82.3-84.4%
Risk-free interest rate 2.4 – 2.7%
 2.4-2.8%
Expected life (years) 6.1-6.3
 6.1-6.3

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
Service-Based Stock Options 2019 2018
Expected dividend rate % %
Expected stock price volatility 79.5-85.5%
 82.3-88.3%
Risk-free interest rate 1.4-2.7%
 2.4-2.9%
Expected life (years) 5.3-6.3
 5.3-6.3
         

9.Cash Equivalents and Investments


Marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets on a tradesettlement date basis. The following tables summarize the gross unrealized gains and losses of the Company’s marketable securities as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 March 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
   Gross Unrealized     Gross Unrealized  
(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
Money market funds $21,947
 $
 $(2) $21,945
 $19,431
 $
 $
 $19,431
Repurchase agreements 5,000
 
 
 5,000
Commercial paper 19,505
 
 
 19,505
 13,018
 
 
 13,018
Corporate notes 15,332
 2
 
 15,334
 13,549
 19
 
 13,568
U.S. government securities 3,498
 
 
 3,498
 6,986
 6
 
 6,992
U.S. asset-backed securities 10,661
 3
 
 10,664
 4,178
 4
 
 4,182
 $75,943
 $5
 $(2) $75,946
 $57,162
 $29
 $
 $57,191
Classified as:                
Cash equivalents       $26,945
       $19,431
Short-term investments       49,001
       37,760
     $75,946
     $57,191
  December 31, 2018
    Gross Unrealized  
(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
Money market funds $5,838
 $
 $
 $5,838
Repurchase agreements 5,000
 
 
 5,000
Commercial paper 30,710
 
 
 30,710
Corporate notes 13,168
 
 (24) 13,144
U.S. government securities 10,167
 
 (1) 10,166
U.S. asset-backed securities 10,632
 
 (14) 10,618
  $75,515
 $
 $(39) $75,476
Classified as:        
Cash equivalents       $10,838
Short-term investments       64,638
      $75,476
  December 31, 2018
    Gross Unrealized  
(In thousands) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
Money market funds $5,838
 $
 $
 $5,838
Repurchase agreements 5,000
 
 
 5,000
Commercial paper 30,710
 
 
 30,710
Corporate notes 13,168
 
 (24) 13,144
U.S. government securities 10,167
 
 (1) 10,166
U.S. asset-backed securities 10,632
 
 (14) 10,618
  $75,515
 $
 $(39) $75,476
Classified as:        
Cash equivalents       $10,838
Short-term investments       64,638
      $75,476

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company invested $5.0 million in overnight repurchase agreement securities classified as cash equivalents on the balance sheet. As of September 30, 2019, no amounts were invested in overnight repurchase agreements.
There were no marketable securities that the Company considers to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31,September 30, 2019. The Company's investment strategy is to buy short-duration marketable securities with a high credit rating. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, all marketable securities held by the Company had remaining contractual maturities of one year or less.
If any adjustment to fair value reflects a decline in the value of the investment, the Company considers all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is “other than temporary,” including the Company's intention to sell and, if so, mark the investment to market through a charge to our consolidated statements of operations. There have been no impairments of the Company’s assets measured and carried at fair value during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019.


10.Fair Value Measurements


 
The Company’s fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:


Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).


There was no movement between levelLevel 1 and levelLevel 2 or between levelLevel 2 and level 3.Level 3 from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The commercial paper, corporate notes, government securities and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 as they were valued based upon quoted market prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
    Fair value measurement category   Fair value measurement category
(In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:                
Money market funds $19,431
 $19,431
 $
 $
 $5,838
 $5,838
 $
 $
Repurchase agreements 
 
 
 
 5,000
 
 5,000
 
Commercial paper 13,018
 
 13,018
 
 30,710
 
 30,710
 
Corporate notes 13,568
 
 13,568
 
 13,144
 
 13,144
 
U.S. government securities 6,992
 
 6,992
 
 10,166
 
 10,166
 
U.S. asset-backed securities 4,182
 
 4,182
 
 10,618
 
 10,618
 
  $57,191
 $19,431
 $37,760
 $
 $75,476
 $5,838
 $69,638
 $

  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
    Fair value measurement category   Fair value measurement category
(In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:                
Money market funds $21,945
 $21,945
 $
 $
 $5,838
 $5,838
 $
 $
Repurchase agreements 5,000
 
 5,000
 
 5,000
 
 5,000
 
Commercial paper 19,505
 
 19,505
 
 30,710
 
 30,710
 
Corporate notes 15,334
 
 15,334
 
 13,144
 
 13,144
 
U.S. government securities 3,498
 
 3,498
 
 10,166
 
 10,166
 
U.S. asset-backed securities 10,664
 
 10,664
 
 10,618
 
 10,618
 
  $75,946
 $21,945
 $54,001
 $
 $75,476
 $5,838
 $69,638
 $




11.Net LossEarnings (Loss) Per Common Share
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adding the dilutive potential common shares to the weighted average number of common shares that were outstanding during the period. For purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation, outstanding stock options and restricted stock units are considered common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method.

The following reflects the net lossincome (loss) attributable to common shareholders and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations using the twotreasury class method: 

  Three Months Ended March 31,
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts) 2019 2018
Numerator:  
  
Net loss $(2,844) $(7,659)
Denominator for basic and diluted EPS:  
  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 43,725
 36,140
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders (basic and diluted) $(0.07) $(0.21)

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Numerator:  
  
  
  
Net income (loss) $3,470
 $(1,069) $(19,166) $(13,379)
Denominator:  
  
    
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic) 44,251
 42,925
 43,979
 39,163
Weighted-average shares outstanding (diluted) 46,667
 42,925
 43,979
 39,163
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (basic) $0.08
 $(0.02) $(0.44) $(0.34)
         
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (diluted) $0.07
 $(0.02) $(0.44) $(0.34)
         
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share(a):
        
Stock options 1,619 5,196 5,116 5,196
Restricted stock unit awards 
 
 159 
Warrants 
 112 
 112
         
(a) Common equivalent shares are not included in the diluted per share calculation where the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. 
Common equivalent shares are not included in the diluted per share calculation where the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  The number of common equivalent shares (options of 6.0 million, restricted stock unit awards of 0.2 million and less than 0.1 million of warrants) that have been excluded from the computations of diluted net loss per common share at March 31, 2019 and 2018 were 6.2 million in the aggregate for both periods.
 
12. NexoBrid License and Supply Agreements

On May 6, 2019, the Company entered into exclusive license and supply agreements with MediWound Ltd. (MediWound) to commercialize NexoBrid® and any improvements to Nexobrid in all countries of North America. NexoBrid is a topically-administered biological product that enzymatically removes nonviable burn tissue, or eschar, in patients with deep partial and full-thickness thermal burns.

NexoBrid is currently in clinical development in North America, and pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, MediWound will continue to conduct all clinical activities described in the development plan to support the BLA filing with the United States Food and Drug Administration under the supervision of a Central Steering Committee comprised of members of each party.

In May 2019, the Company paid MediWound $17.5 million in consideration of the license. The $17.5 million upfront payment was recorded to research and development expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as the license is for registration-stage product rights and is considered in process research and development.  The Company is also obligated to pay MediWound $7.5 million upon U.S. regulatory approval of the BLA for NexoBrid and up to $125 million contingent upon meeting certain sales milestones.  The first sales milestone of $7.5 million would be triggered when annual net sales of NexoBrid or improvements to it in North America exceed $75 million.  The Company also will pay MediWound tiered royalties on net sales ranging from high single-digit to low double-digit percentages, subject to customary reductions.  The U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has committed to procure NexoBrid, and the Company will pay a percentage of gross profits to MediWound on initial committed amounts and a royalty on any additional BARDA purchases of NexoBrid beyond the initial committed amount.  The Company also entered into a supply agreement with MediWound under which MediWound will manufacture NexoBrid for the Company on a unit price basis which may be increased based on a published index. MediWound is obligated to supply the Company with NexoBrid for sale in North America on an exclusive basis for the first five years of the term of the supply agreement. After the exclusivity period or upon supply failure, the Company will be permitted to establish an alternate source of supply.

13. Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company leases facilities in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Cambridge facility includes clean rooms, laboratories for MACI and Epicel manufacturing and office space. The Company also pays for use of an offsite warehouse space and leases various vehicles and computer equipment.


In March 2016, the Company amended its current lease in Cambridge to, among other provisions, extend the term until February 2022. Under the amendment, the landlord will contribute approximately $2.0 million toward the cost of tenant improvements. The contribution toward the cost of tenant improvements is recorded as part of the operating lease assets under the new leasing guidance


described below, on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company has recorded $1.9$2.0 million of leasehold improvements funded by the tenant improvement allowance.


The Company adopted the updated leasing guidance as described in note 7, as of January 1, 2019. Upon adoption all operating lease commitments with a lease term greater than 12 months that were previously assessed under previous lease guidance, were recognized as right to use assets and liabilities, on a discounted basis on the balance sheet. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term.


The Company's purchase commitments consist of minimum purchase amounts of materials used in the Company's cell manufacturing process to manufacture its marketed cell therapy products.
               
13. Subsequent Events

On May 6, 2019, the Company entered into exclusive license and supply agreements with MediWound Ltd. (MediWound) to commercialize NexoBrid® and any improvements to Nexobrid in all countries of North America (the Territory). NexoBrid is a topically-administered biological product that enzymatically removes nonviable burn tissue, or eschar, in patients with deep partial and full-thickness thermal burns.

NexoBrid is currently in clinical development in the Territory, and pursuant to the terms of the License Agreement, MediWound will continue to conduct all clinical activities described in the development plan to support the filing of a biologics license application (BLA) with the United States Food and Drug Administration under the supervision of a Central Steering Committee comprised of members of each party.

Within ten days from May 7, 2019, the Company is obligated to pay MediWound $17.5 million.  The Company is also obligated to pay MediWound $7.5 million upon U.S. regulatory approval of the BLA for NexoBrid and up to $125 million contingent upon meeting certain sales milestones.  The first sales milestone of $7.5 million would be triggered when NexoBrid annual net sales in North America exceed $75 million.  The Company also will pay MediWound tiered royalties on net sales ranging from single-digit to low double-digit percentages, subject to customary reductions.  The U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has committed to procure NexoBrid, and the Company will pay a percentage of gross profits to Mediwound on initial committed amounts and a royalty on any additional BARDA purchases of NexoBrid beyond the initial committed amount.  The Company also entered into a supply agreement with MediWound under which MediWound will manufacture NexoBrid for the Company on a unit price basis which may be increased based on a published index.




Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
Vericel Corporation is a leader in advanced cell therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets, and a developer of cell therapies for use in the treatment of patients with severe diseases and conditions. We currently market two FDA approved autologous cell therapy products in the United States. MACI® (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) is an autologous cellularized scaffold product indicated for the repair of symptomatic, single or multiple full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee with or without bone involvement in adults. We also market Epicel® (cultured epidermal autografts), a permanent skin replacement Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with deep-dermal or full-thickness burns comprising greater than or equal to 30 percent of total body surface area (TBSA).
 
Manufacturing
 
We have a cell-manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts which is used for U.S. manufacturing and distribution of MACI and Epicel.
 
Product Portfolio
 
Our approved and marketed products include two approvedFDA-approved autologous cell therapy products:therapies: MACI, a third generationthird-generation autologous implant for the repair of symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee in adult patients and Epicel, a permanent skin replacement for adult and pediatric patients with deep dermal or full thickness burns in adults and pediatrics with greater than or equal to 30% of TBSA, both of whichTBSA. Both products are currently marketed in the U.S. We also own Carticel which is no longer marketed in the U.S. In addition, we have entered into exclusive license and supply agreements with MediWound to commercialize NexoBrid in all countries of North America. NexoBrid is currently in clinical development in North America. Until 2017, our active product candidate portfolio included ixmyelocel-T, a patient-specific multicellular therapy for the treatment of advanced heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. We have no current plans to continue the development of ixmyelocel-T.


MACI
 
MACI is a third generationthird-generation product for autologous implantchondrocyte implantation (ACI), a class of methods for the repair of symptomatic, single or multiple full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee with or without bone involvement in adults. MACI replaced Carticel, an earlier generation ACI product for the treatment and repair of cartilage defects in the knee and was the first FDA-approved autologous cartilage repair product.


In the U.S., the physician target audience which repairs cartilage defects is very concentrated and is comprised of a group of physiciansorthopedic surgeons who self-identify as and/or have thea formal specialty ofas sports medicine physicians. We believe this target audience is approximately 2,500 to 3,000 physicians. In addition to these physicians there is a population of 4,000 toapproximately 8,000 general orthopedic surgeons who treat cartilage injuries, although typically at a much lower average volume relative to the sports medicine physicians.segment. As we look to more effectively engage this customer base, we expanded our field force from 40 to 48 representatives whom we anticipate to be in the field in the second quarter of 2019.2019 to target the majority of the approximately 3,000 sports medicine physicians. In 2020 we plan on a further expansion to 76 representatives to enable the field force to also call on 2,000 of the general orthopedic surgeons.Most private payers have a medical policy that covers treatment with MACI with all of the top 30 largest commercial payers having a formal medical policy for MACI or ACI in general. For thoseEven for private payers which have not yet approved a medical policy for MACI, for medically appropriate cases, we can often obtain approval on a case by case basis. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, and 2018, net revenues for MACI were $16.6$20.6 million and $12.1$58.0 million, respectively.respectively and $16.4 million and $42.6 million, for the same periods in 2018.
 


Epicel
 
Epicel is a permanent skin replacement for deep dermal or full thickness burns greater than or equal to 30% of TBSA.total body surface area (TBSA).  Epicel is regulated by the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA under medical device authorities, and is the only FDA-approved autologouscultured epidermal autograft product available for large total surface area burns. Epicel was designated as a HUDHumanitarian Use Device (HUD) in 1998 and a Humanitarian Device Exception (HDE) application for the product was submitted in 1999.  HUDs are devices that are intended for diseases or conditions that affect fewer than 8,000 individuals annually in the U.S. Under an HDE approval, a HUD cannot be sold for an amount that exceeds the cost of research and development, fabrication and distribution unless certain conditions are met.
 
A HUD is eligible to be sold for profit after receiving HDE approval if the device meets certain eligibility criteria, including where the device is intended for the treatment of a disease or condition that occurs in pediatric patients and such device is labeled for use in pediatric patients. If the FDA determines that a HUD meets the eligibility criteria, the HUD is permitted to be sold for profit as long as the number of devices distributed in any calendar year does not exceed the Annual Distribution Number (ADN). The ADN is defined as the number of devices reasonably needed to treat a population of 8,000 individuals per year in the U.S.




On February 18, 2016, the FDA approved our HDE supplement to revise the labeled indications of use to specifically include pediatric patients and to add pediatric labeling. The revised product label also now specifies that the probable benefit of Epicel, mainly related to survival, was demonstrated in two Epicel clinical experience databases and a physician-sponsored study comparing outcomes in patients with massive burns treated with Epicel relative to standard care. Due to the change in the label to specifically include use in pediatric patients, Epicel is no longer subject to the HDE profit restrictions. In conjunction with adding the pediatric labeling and meeting the pediatric eligibility criteria, the FDA has determined the ADN number for Epicel is 360,400 which is approximately 45 times larger than the volume of grafts sold in 2018. We currently have a 5-person9-person field force. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, and 2018, net revenues for Epicel were $5.2$9.9 million and $20.4 million, respectively, and $6.0 million respectively.and $16.9 million for the same periods in 2018.


NexoBrid

Our preapproval stage portfolio includes NexoBrid, a topically-administered biological product that enzymatically removes nonviable burn tissue, or eschar, in patients with deep partial and full-thickness thermal burns. NexoBrid is currently in clinical development in North America, and a BLA currently is targeted for submission to the FDA in the second quarter of 2020. Pursuant to the terms of our license agreement with MediWound, MediWound will continue to conduct all clinical activities described in the development plan to support the filing of a BLA with the United States Food and Drug Administration under the supervision of a Central Steering Committee comprised of members of each party.

Ixmyelocel-T


Our preapproval stage portfolio also includes ixmyelocel-T, a unique multicellular therapy derived from an adult patient’s own bone marrow which utilizes our proprietary, highly automated and scalable manufacturing system. This multicellular therapy was developed for the treatment of advanced heart failure due to DCM.


Ixmyelocel-T has been granted a U.S. Orphan Drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of DCM. We completed enrolling and treating patients in our completed Phase 2b ixCELL-DCM study in February 2015. Patients were followed for 12 months for the primary efficacy endpoint of major cardiac adverse events, or MACE. On March 10, 2016, we announced the trial had met its primary endpoint of reduction in clinical cardiac events and that the incidence of adverse events, including serious adverse events, in patients treated with ixmyelocel-T was comparable to patients in the placebo group.  Patients were then followed for an additional 12 months for safety. Because the trial met the primary endpoint, patients who received placebo or were randomized to ixmyelocel-T in the double-blind portion of the trial but did not receive ixmyelocel-T were offered the option to receive ixmyelocel-T. We successfully treated the last patients in February 2017, and the last follow-up visit occurred approximately one year later. In addition, we have conducted clinical studies for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, and an ixmyelocel-T investigator-initiated clinical study was conducted for the treatment of craniofacial reconstruction.

On September 29, 2017, the FDA indicated we would be required to conduct at least one additional Phase 3 clinical study to support a BLA for ixmyelocel-T.  Given the expense required to conduct further development and our focus on growing our existing commercial products, at this time we have no current plans to initiate or fund a Phase 3 trial on our own.






Results of Operations
 
Net LossIncome (Loss)
 
Our net earnings and loss for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 totaled $2.8$3.5 million and $7.7$19.2 million, respectively.respectively and a loss of $1.1 million and $13.4 million for the same periods in 2018.
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Total revenues $21,810
 $18,027
 $30,499
 $22,484
 $78,460
 $59,522
Cost of product sales 8,640
 7,666
 9,324
 8,138
 26,986
 23,531
Gross profit 13,170
 10,361
 21,175
 14,346
 51,474
 35,991
Total operating expenses 16,528
 14,683
 18,078
 15,682
 71,935
 45,895
Loss from operations (3,358) (4,322)
Income (loss) from operations 3,097
 (1,336) (20,461) (9,904)
Other income (expense) 514
 (3,337) 373
 267
 1,295
 (3,475)
Net loss $(2,844) $(7,659)
Net income (loss) $3,470
 $(1,069) $(19,166) $(13,379)
 
Net Revenues


Net revenues increased for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to the same period the previous year as an increaseperiods in cartilage implants more than offset a reduction in Epicel grafts in the quarter compared2018 due to the prior year.significant volume growth for both MACI and Epicel.
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Revenue by product (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
MACI $16,583
 $12,055
 $20,610
 $16,449
 $58,015
 $42,629
Epicel 5,227
 5,972
 9,889
 6,035
 20,445
 16,893
Total Revenue $21,810
 $18,027
 $30,499
 $22,484
 $78,460
 $59,522
 


Seasonality. Over the last four years ACI (MACI and Carticel prior to its replacement) sales volumes from the first through the fourth quarter have on average represented 20%, 24%, 22% and 35% respectively, of total annual volumes. In some years individual quarters have deviated from these means by up to 4%. MACI orders are stronger in the fourth quarter due to a number ofseveral factors including insurance copay limits and the time of year patients prefer to start rehabilitation. Epicel revenue is also subject to seasonal fluctuations mostly associated with the use of heating elements during the colder months, with stronger sales occurring in the winter months of the first and fourth quarters, and weaker sales occurring in the hot summer months of the third quarter. However, in any single year, this trend can be absent due to the extreme variability inherent with Epicel’s patient volume. Over the last four years the percentage of annual product orders for Epicel has on average been 28%, 25%, 21% and 27% from the first to the fourth quarters.
 
Gross Profit and Gross Profit Ratio
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Gross profit $13,170
 $10,361
 $21,175
 $14,346
 $51,474
 $35,991
Gross profit % 60% 57% 69% 64% 66% 60%


Gross profit increased for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 due primarily to an increase in MACI and Epicel sales combined with our highly fixed manufacturing cost structure which consists mainly of labor and facility costs that do not materially fluctuate with volume increases.



Research and Development Costs
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Research and development costs $3,008
 $3,729
 $3,096
 $3,113
 $27,174
 $10,581


The following table summarizes the approximate allocation of cost for our research and development projects:


 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Dilated Cardiomyopathy $32
 $556
 $2
 $153
 $32
 $1,119
MACI 2,130
 2,456
 1,804
 2,095
 6,165
 7,169
Epicel 846
 717
 875
 865
 2,813
 2,293
NexoBrid 415
 
 18,164
 
Total research and development costs $3,008
 $3,729
 $3,096
 $3,113
 $27,174
 $10,581


Research and development costs for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $3.0 million versus $3.7 million for the same period a year ago. These$3.1 million. Research and development expenses include research costs associated withare due primarily to manufacturing process improvement activities, the ongoing MACI pediatric trial, pharmacovigilance and other reporting and compliance requirements, as well asand medical affairs and external grants.grants which are similar to the same period in the previous year.

Research and development costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $27.2 million compared to $10.6 million for the same period a year ago. The reduction was drivenincrease in research and development costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is due to the $17.5 million upfront payment to MediWound for the North American rights to NexoBrid, partially offset by clinical study start-up costs related to the ongoing MACI pediatric trial incurred in 2018 and a reduction to other outside expenditureswhich decreased compared to prior year.the same period a year ago.


Selling, General and Administrative Costs
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Selling, general and administrative costs $13,520
 $10,954
 $14,982
 $12,569
 $44,761
 $35,314
 
Selling, general and administrative costs for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 were $13.5$15.0 million compared to $11.0$12.6 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 is due primarily to a $1.1$0.9 million increase in stock basedstock-based compensation expenses, an incremental $0.6a $0.8 million increase in marketing expenses, and a $0.7 million increase in MACI sales force expenses driven by the expansion in the second quarter of 20182019.

Selling, general and a $0.6administrative costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $44.8 million increase in selling expenses and patient reimbursement support services. The increase in selling expenses and patient reimbursement support services is primarily driven by higher MACI sales volume and the revisioncompared to our distributor model as of June 15, 2018, compared to$35.3 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is due primarily to a $3.0 million increase in stock-based compensation expenses, a $2.1 million increase in marketing expenses, an incremental $1.9 million increase in MACI sales force expenses driven by the expansions in the second quarter of 2019 and a $1.1 million increase in patient reimbursement support services.




Other Income (Expense)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Decrease (increase) in fair value of warrants $
 $(2,907)
Other income 36
 2
Net interest income (expense) 478
 (432)
Total other expense $514
 $(3,337)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Increase in fair value of warrants $
 $420
 $
 $(2,524)
Other income (expense) (10) 
 8
 (1)
Net interest income (expense) 383
 (153) 1,287
 (950)
Total other income (expense) $373
 $267
 $1,295
 $(3,475)


The change in other income and expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 is due primarily to interest income as a result of our investments in various marketable debt securities. The other income and expense for the same periods in 2018 relate to the increase in our stock price in 2018 resulting in an increase in the fair value of warrants comparedand interest expense related to nothe then outstanding term loan. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 we did not incur interest expense or income due to a changeas the term


loan was repaid in the fair value of warrants in 2019. WeDecember 2018 and we did not experience a change in warrant value for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to the expiration of the liability classified 2013 warrants in 2018 which contributed to the valuation change. In addition, all outstanding debt was repaid in December 2018. The interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is a result of our investments in various marketable debt securities.


Stock Compensation
 
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense included in cost of goods sold, research and development expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses is summarized in the following table: 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Cost of goods sold $260
 $142
 $543
 $284
 $1,519
 $820
Research and development 525
 475
 583
 365
 1,993
 1,282
Selling, general and administrative 1,843
 725
 2,159
 1,283
 6,583
 3,637
Total non-cash stock-based compensation expense $2,628
 $1,342
 $3,285
 $1,932
 $10,095
 $5,739


The changes in stock-based compensation expense are due primarily to fluctuations in the fair value of the options granted in 2019 compared to 2018 as a result in the increase in stock price. In addition, we granted restricted stock units in 2019 and none in 2018.




Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Since the acquisition in 2014 of MACI, Epicel and Carticel from Sanofi, our primary focus has been to invest in our existing commercial business with the goal of growing revenue. We have raised significant funds in order to complete our product development programs, and complete clinical trials needed to market and commercialize our products.  To date, we have financed our operations primarily through public and private sales of our equity securities. At present revenue levels, we do not currently anticipate the need to finance our operations through the sales of equity securities.


Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $35.1$36.9 million, and short termshort-term investments totaled $49.0$37.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2019. TheDuring the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the cash provided byused in operations of $0.2$10.3 million was largely a result of aour net loss of $2.8$19.2 million which included a cash outflow of $17.5 million for the upfront payment for the NexoBrid license. The net loss was offset largely by collections on prior quarter sales and by noncash charges including $2.6$10.1 million of stock compensation expense $0.2 million due to the amortization of premiums and discounts on marketable securities and $0.3$1.2 million of depreciation expense.


Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $29.8$53.3 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the cash provided byused for operations was $0.4of $3.0 million was largely a result of aour net loss of $7.7 million. The cash provided by operations was$13.4 million, offset by collections on prior quarter sales and noncash charges including $1.3$5.7 million of stock compensation expense, $2.9$2.5 million due to the change in fair value of warrants and $0.4$1.1 million of depreciation expense.


The change in cash provided by investing activities as of September 30, 2019 is the result of $46.3 million in short-term investments purchases offset by $73.8 million of short-term investment maturities and property plant and equipment purchases of $2.3 million primarily for manufacturing upgrades and leasehold improvements through September 30, 2019. The change in cash used for investing activities as of March 31, 2019September 30, 2018 is the result of $10.7$44.5 million in short term investments purchases offset by $26.6 million of short term investment maturities and property plant and equipment purchases of $0.2 million primarily for manufacturing upgrades and leasehold improvements through March 31, 2019. The change in cash used for investing activities is the result of the purchases of $0.2$2.1 million of property plant and equipment for manufacturing upgrades through March 31,September 30, 2018.
 
The change in cash provided from financing activities is the result of net proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $1.0$3.8 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. The change in cash provided from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is the result of net proceeds from our public equity offering of common stock of $70.0 million, proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $1.0$3.3 million and exercise of warrants of $1.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018.$2.7 million.


We believe that, based on current revenue levels, cash on hand, cash equivalents and short termshort-term investments we are in a positionable to operate our business without the need to finance our operations through the sales of equity securities. If revenues decline for a sustained period, of time, we may need to access additional capital; however, we may not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all. The terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of our shareholders. Actual cash requirements may differ from projections and will depend on many factors, including the level of future research and development, the scope and results of ongoing and potential clinical trials, the costs involved in filing, prosecuting and enforcing patents, the need for additional manufacturing capacity, competing technological and market developments, costs of possible acquisition or development of complementary business activities, and the cost to market our products.




Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, we were not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.


Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future events. These estimates and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact the condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions. The accounting policies discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are considered by management to be the most important to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements because of their significance to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. There have been no material changes to that information disclosed in our Annual Report during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019.


Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report, including the documents that we incorporate by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).  Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking.  These statements are often, but are not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “projects,” “trends,” “opportunity,” “current,” “intention,” “position,” “assume,” “potential,” “outlook,” “remain,” “continue,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “target,” “achieve,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “management believes,” “we believe,” “we intend” and similar words or phrases, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions.  Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them.  The factors described in our Annual Report, among others, could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations and financial conditions.
 
Because the factors referred to in the preceding paragraph could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.  Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factors will arise.  In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include statements regarding:
 
manufacturing and facility capabilities;
potential strategic collaborations with others;
future capital needs and financing sources;
adequacy of existing capital to support operations for a specified time;
reimbursement for our products;
submission of a BLA for NexoBrid to the FDA;
product development and marketing plans;
features and successes of our cellular therapies;
clinical trial plans, including publication thereof;
anticipation of future losses;
replacement of manufacturing sources;
commercialization plans; or
revenue expectations and operating results.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
As of March 31,September 30, 2019, we would not expect our operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by the effect of a sudden change in market interest rates or credit conditions on our securities portfolio. We invest our excess cash balances in marketable securities including municipal bond securities, U.S. government agency securities and high-grade corporate


bonds that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our investment policy seeks to manage these assets to achieve our goals of preserving principal and maintaining adequate liquidity. Because of the short-term nature of these investments, we do not believe we have material exposure due to market risk. For additional information regarding our market risk, refer to Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (its “Certifying Officers”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


Management of the Company, with the participation of its Certifying Officers, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules l3a-15(e) and l5d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on the evaluation as of March 31,September 30, 2019, our Certifying Officers concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We implemented internal controls to ensure management properly assessed the impact of the new lease accounting standards on our condensed consolidated financial statements to facilitate adoption of the new leasing standards effective January 1, 2019. There were no significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption of the new standards.






PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time we receive threats or may be subject to litigation matters incidental to our business.  However, we are not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings.


Item 1A.  Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The Company did not have any repurchases or unregistered issuances of its equity securities during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2019.
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Not applicable.


Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.


Item 5.  Other Information
 
Not applicable.


Item 6.  Exhibits
 
The Exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index are filed as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.






EXHIBIT INDEX


** Filed herewith.








SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: May 7,November 5, 2019
 
 VERICEL CORPORATION
  
  
 /s/ DOMINICK C. COLANGELO
 Dominick C. Colangelo
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
  
  
 /s/ GERARD MICHEL
 Gerard Michel
 Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Corporate Development
 (Principal Financial Officer)


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