Press Release: Cipher Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results

Dow Jones
Nov 07

(All figures are presented in U.S. Dollars)

   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 in Q3 2025 was $7.3 million, an increase of 79% over Q3 
      2024 
 
   -- NatrobaTM sales were $8.1 million during the quarter, a sequential 
      increase of 4% over Q2 2025 
 
   -- Strong cash generation with $10.8 million cash from operations in Q3 2025 
 
   -- $12.0 million debt repayments and share repurchases of $1.6 million 
      during Q3 2025 
 
   -- Further de-levering with $5.0 million debt repayments post quarter end 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX: CPH) (OTCQX: CPHRF) ("Cipher" or the "Company") today announced its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.

Third Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

(All figures in U.S. dollars, compared to Q3 2024, unless otherwise noted)

   -- Total revenue was $12.8 million in Q3 2025, an increase of 24% 
 
   -- Growth from the Canadian product portfolio of 5% in Q3 2025 and 18% 
      year-to-date in Q3 2025, with revenue of $4.0 million and $12.7 million, 
      respectively, compared to $3.8 million and $10.8 million in Q3 2024 and 
      year-to-date in Q3 2024, respectively 
 
   -- NatrobaTM product revenue increased by $2.6 million or 47% in Q3 2025 
 
   -- Licensing revenue was $0.8 million in Q3 2025, compared to $1.1 million 
      in Q3 2024 
 
   -- Total gross profit from operations increased by 25% to $10.5 million in 
      Q3 2025 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 of $7.3 million in Q3 2025, compared to $4.1 million in 
      Q3 2024, a 79% increase 
 
   -- Cash balance of $8.4 million at the end of Q3 2025 

Management Commentary

Craig Mull, Interim CEO, commented: "The U.S. business, led by Natroba$(TM)$, continues to provide a meaningful growth pillar to an already sound foundation of Cipher's base business, with a sequential quarterly increase in both revenue and earnings for the third quarter.

We continued to spend considerable time identifying, evaluating and pursuing various business development opportunities during the quarter, including opportunities to acquire or in-license products that are complementary to our existing portfolio, as well as opportunities to out-license the Company's existing products, including Natroba(TM) . We are active in discussions with a number of parties, however these discussions do take time and may or may not come to realization. We will also be selective in our approach, ensuring we execute on the right opportunities for the Company. We look forward to providing further updates on our business development activities as they progress."

Ryan Mailling, CFO, commented: "With the acquisition of the Natroba(TM) business closing only 15 months ago, we have made substantial progress towards de-levering the business and are very close to achieving a net-debt free position, with a total of $32 million in repayments on our revolving credit facility within the past six months, and a remaining outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility of only $8 million as of today.

This puts us on excellent footing to execute on our business strategy of pursuing growth opportunities, as we continue to achieve strong cash generation from operations and maintain access to capital with $82 million of total potential debt financing available to us, comprising of $57 million of financing remaining available through the revolving credit facility, plus a $25 million accordion option."

Corporate Highlights

   -- On August 6, 2025 and September 9, 2025, the Company made repayments of 
      the outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility, in the amounts 
      of $7.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively. 
 
   -- On August 26, 2025, the Company announced with great sadness the passing 
      of Harold M. Wolkin, a valued member of the Company's Board of Directors 
      (the "Board") and Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Wolkin was a very 
      active member of the Board and his deep understanding of the capital 
      markets and unwavering commitment to the Company's growth and governance 
      were tremendously valuable to the Company. During his tenure, he played a 
      vital role in guiding strategic initiatives, supporting management, and 
      representing the Company and its shareholders with integrity. 
 
   -- On October 31, 2025, the Company repaid an additional $5.0 million of the 
      remaining outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility. As a 
      result of the repayment, the outstanding balance on the Company's 
      revolving credit facility has been reduced to $8.0 million as of October 
      31, 2025, with $5.1 million of cash remaining on hand. Due to the 
      revolving nature of the credit facility, an additional $57.0 million 
      remains available to the Company to draw upon, should financing be 
      required. 

Q3 2025 Financial Review

(All figures in U.S. dollars, compared to Q3 2024, unless otherwise noted)

   -- Total revenue was $12.8 million in Q3 2025, compared to $10.4 million in 
      Q3 2024, an increase of 24% 
 
   -- Total gross profit was $10.5 million in Q3 2025, compared to $8.4 million 
      in Q3 2024, an increase of 25% 
 
   -- Gross margin percentage increased by 1% to 82% in Q3 2025 from 81% in Q3 
      2024 due to strong gross margin generated by Natroba(TM), partially 
      offset by lower licensing royalties 
 
   -- Net income and earnings per common share were $5.5 million and $0.22, 
      respectively, in Q3 2025, compared to $0.3 million and $0.01, 
      respectively, in Q3 2024, with the increase primarily attributable to the 
      additional operating income generated from the Company's U.S. based 
      operations, led by Natroba(TM), in Q3 2025 
 
   -- EBITDA1 in Q3 2025 was $6.3 million, compared to $2.5 million in Q3 2024, 
      an increase of 148% 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 in Q3 2025 was $7.3 million, compared to $4.1 million in 
      Q3 2024, an increase of $3.2 million or 79% 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 per share in Q3 2025 was $0.29 compared to $0.16 in Q3 
      2024, an increase of $0.13 per share or 81% 
 
   -- Under the Company's normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"), 141,700 common 
      shares were repurchased and cancelled during Q3 2025 at an average share 
      price of CDN$15.41 

Q3 2025 Year-to-Date Financial Review

(All figures in U.S. dollars, compared to the year-to-date Q3 2024, unless otherwise noted)

   -- Total revenue was $38.2 million year-to-date in Q3 2025, compared to 
      $21.5 million year-to-date in Q3 2024, an increase of 77% 
 
   -- Growth in product revenue from the Canadian product portfolio was $12.7 
      million year-to-date in Q3 2025, an increase of 18% from $10.8 million 
      year-to-date in Q3 2024 
 
   -- Product revenue from NatrobaTM in the U.S. was $22.5 million year-to-date 
      in Q3 2025 
 
   -- Licensing revenue decreased 44% to $3.0 million year-to-date in Q3 2025 
      compared to $5.3 million year-to-date in Q3 2024, as a result of lower 
      product shipments to Cipher's partners on which the Company earns revenue 
      from supplying product, combined with lower net sales realized by these 
      partners whereby the Company earns a royalty 
 
   -- Gross margin as a percentage of product revenue increased by 3% to 78% 
      year-to-date in Q3 2025 from 75% year-to-date in Q3 2024, due to strong 
      margins from Natroba(TM) 
 
   -- Net income and earnings per common share were $14.0 million and $0.55, 
      respectively, year-to-date in Q3 2025, compared to $8.2 million and 
      $0.34, respectively, year-to-date in Q3 2024, with the increase primarily 
      attributable to the additional operating income generated from the 
      Company's U.S. based operations, led by Natroba(TM) 
 
   -- EBITDA1 year-to-date in Q3 2025 was $19.0 million, compared to $7.4 
      million year-to-date in Q3 2024, an increase of 156% 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 was $21.1 million year-to-date in Q3 2025, compared to 
      $10.7 million year-to-date in Q3 2024, an increase of $10.4 million or 
      97% 
 
   -- Adjusted EBITDA1 per share year-to-date in Q3 2025 was $0.83 compared to 
      $0.44 year-to-date in Q3 2024, an increase of $0.39 per share or 89% 

Business Strategy & Outlook

Cipher expects to continue to execute on its business strategy, remains focused on profitability and delivering shareholder value. Key areas of focus include:

   -- Driving market share growth of Natroba(TM) in the anti-parasitic market 
      in the U.S. where market leader "Permethrin" is no longer an effective 
      treatment but still holds 75%2 market share. 
 
   -- Obtaining Health Canada regulatory approval for Natroba(TM) and 
      commercializing the product directly in the Canadian market by leveraging 
      Cipher's existing infrastructure in Canada. 
 
   -- Out-licensing Natroba(TM) globally where there is high unmet need, such 
      as warm climate regions. 
 
   -- Acquiring complementary products to add to our North American platform to 
      enhance the profitability, size and scale of the business. 

Financial Statements and MD&A

Cipher's financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and Management's Discussion and Analysis (the "MD&A") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, are available on the Company's website at www.cipherpharma.com in the "Investors" section under "Financial Reports" and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Notice of Conference Call

Cipher will hold a conference call on November 7, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. $(ET)$ to discuss its financial results and other corporate developments.

   -- To access the conference call by telephone, dial (416) 945-7677 or (888) 
      699-1199 
 
   -- A live audio webcast will be available at 
      https://app.webinar.net/gWN6RVqwnle 
 
   -- An archived replay of the webcast will be available until November 14, 
      2025 and can be accessed by dialing (289) 819-1450 or (888) 660-6345 and 
      entering conference replay code 24367# 

About Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Cipher Pharmaceuticals (TSX: CPH) (OTCQX: CPHRF) is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a robust and diversified portfolio of commercial and early to late-stage products, mainly in dermatology. Cipher acquires products that fulfill unmet medical needs, manages the required clinical development and regulatory approval process, and currently markets those products in Canada, the U.S., and South America. For more information, visit www.cipherpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Measures

This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among others, expectations for future growth, objectives and goals and strategies to achieve those objectives and goals, statements regarding the Company's plans for Natroba(TM), statements regarding potential business development opportunities, the Company's plans to defend the petition to vacate part of the Arbitration decision, as well as statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. The words "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "forecast", "objective", "hope" and "continue" (or the negative thereof), and words and expressions of similar import, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors, many of which are beyond our control, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to enter into development, manufacturing and marketing and distribution agreements with other pharmaceutical companies and keep such agreements in effect; our dependency on a limited number of products; our dependency on protection from patents that will expire; the extent and impact of health pandemic outbreaks on our business; integration difficulties and other risks if we acquire or in-license technologies or product candidates; reliance on third parties for the marketing of certain products; the product approval process by regulators which can be highly unpredictable; the timing of completion of clinical trials, regulatory submissions and regulatory approvals; reliance on third parties to manufacture our products and events outside of our control that could adversely impact the ability of our manufacturing partners to supply products to meet our demands; we may be subject to future product liability claims; unexpected product safety or efficacy concerns may arise; we generate license revenue from a limited number of distribution and supply agreements; the Company's performance depends, in part, on the performance of its distributors and suppliers; the pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive with new competing product entrants; requirements for additional capital to fund future operations; products may be subject to pricing regulation; dependence on key managerial personnel and external collaborators; the ability to receive regulatory approvals for products in development or future products; certain of our products are subject to regulation as controlled substances; limitations on reimbursement in the healthcare industry; the ability to convince public payors and hospitals to include our products on the approved formulary lists; ability to receive timely payment from certain customers; application of various laws pertaining to health care fraud and abuse; the Company's reliance on the success of strategic investments and partnerships; the publication of negative results of clinical trials; unpredictable development goals and projected time frames; rising insurance costs; ability to enforce covenants not to compete; risks associated with the healthcare industry generally; we may be unsuccessful in evaluating material risks involved in completed and future acquisitions; we may be unable to identify, acquire or integrate acquisition targets successfully; success in applying tax loss carry forwards; inability to meet covenants under our long-term debt arrangement; compliance with privacy and security regulation; our policies regarding product returns, allowances and chargebacks may reduce revenues; additional regulatory burden and controls over financial reporting; application of regulations that could restrict our activities and abilities to generate revenues as planned; reliance on third parties to perform distribution, logistics, invoicing, regulatory and sales services; general commercial litigation, class actions, other litigation claims and regulatory actions; the difficulty for shareholders to realize in the United States upon judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon civil liability of the Company and its directors and officers who are not residents of the United States; increases in tariffs, trade restrictions or taxes on our products; the potential violation of intellectual property rights of third parties; our efforts to obtain, protect or enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights related to our products; changes in U.S., Canadian or foreign patent laws; inability to protect our trademarks from infringement; shareholders may be further diluted if we issue securities to raise capital; volatility of our share price; the fact that we have a significant shareholder; our operating results may fluctuate significantly; and our debt obligations will have priority over the common shares of the Company in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When reviewing our forward-looking statements, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Additional information about factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements, may be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the Company's Annual Information Form, and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian securities regulators. Except as required by Canadian securities law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf; such statements speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

 
1)  EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial 
     measures. These non-IFRS measures are not recognized 
     measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized 
     meaning prescribed by IFRS and are unlikely to be 
     comparable to similar measures presented by other 
     companies. Management uses non-IFRS measures such 
     as Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and 
     Amortization ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA to provide 
     investors with supplemental measures of the Company's 
     operating performance and thus highlight trends in 
     the Company's core business that may not otherwise 
     be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial 
     measures. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings 
     before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation 
     of property and equipment, amortization of intangible 
     assets, non-cash share-based compensation, changes 
     in fair value of derivative financial instruments, 
     costs and provisions for arbitration, gain or loss 
     on disposal of assets and gain or loss on extinguishment 
     of leases, impairment of intangible assets, acquisition 
     costs, restructuring costs, fair value adjustments 
     to acquired inventory and unrealized foreign exchange 
     gains and losses. 
 
2)  IQVIA market data as at September 30, 2025. 
 

The following is a summary of how EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated:

 
(IN THOUSANDS   Three months    Three months    Nine months     Nine months 
OF U.S.         ended           ended           ended           ended 
DOLLARS,        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
                2025            2024            2025            2024 
except for per  $               $               $               $ 
share amounts) 
 
Net income and 
 comprehensive 
 income                  5,501             283          14,018           8,201 
Add back: 
Depreciation 
 and 
 amortization            1,797           1,925           5,426           2,506 
Interest 
 expense 
 (income)                  241             292           1,056           (874) 
Income tax 
 (recovery) 
 expense               (1,243)              43         (1,468)         (2,392) 
EBITDA                   6,296           2,543          19,032           7,441 
 
Unrealized 
 foreign 
 exchange loss 
 (gain)                    605           (325)         (1,165)             718 
Acquisition, 
 restructuring 
 and other 
 costs                      --           1,577             128           1,861 
Fair value                  --              --             777              -- 
adjustments to 
acquired 
inventory 
Costs and 
 provisions 
 for 
 arbitration                13              --           1,234              -- 
Gain on 
 disposal of 
 assets                  (130)              --           (130)              -- 
Share-based 
 compensation              533             291           1,213             698 
Adjusted 
 EBITDA                  7,317           4,086          21,089          10,718 
Adjusted 
 EBITDA per 
 share -- 
 basic                    0.29            0.16            0.83            0.44 
Adjusted 
 EBITDA per 
 share -- 
 dilutive                 0.28            0.16            0.81            0.43 
 

Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income

 
                 Three months ended September   Nine months ended September 
                 30,                            30, 
(IN THOUSANDS 
 OF U.S. 
 DOLLARS,                 2025            2024            2025            2024 
except for per               $               $               $               $ 
share amounts) 
 
Revenue 
Licensing 
 revenue                   760           1,055           2,973           5,273 
Product revenue         12,073           9,315          35,260          16,268 
Net revenue             12,833          10,370          38,233          21,541 
 
Operating 
expenses 
Cost of 
 products sold           2,348           1,970           7,725           4,131 
Research and                --              --              21              -- 
development 
Depreciation 
 and 
 amortization            1,797           1,925           5,426           2,506 
Selling, 
 general and 
 administrative          3,714           6,182          12,750           9,251 
Total operating 
 expenses                7,859          10,077          25,922          15,888 
 
Other expenses 
(income) 
Gain on 
 disposal of 
 assets                  (130)              --           (130)              -- 
Interest 
 expense 
 (income)                  241             292           1,056           (874) 
Unrealized 
 foreign 
 exchange loss 
 (gain)                    605           (325)         (1,165)             718 
Total other 
 expenses 
 (income)                  716            (33)           (239)           (156) 
 
Income before 
 income taxes            4,258             326          12,550           5,809 
 
Current income              --              --              --              -- 
tax expense 
Deferred income 
 tax (recovery) 
 expense               (1,243)              43         (1,468)         (2,392) 
Total income 
 tax (recovery) 
 expense               (1,243)              43         (1,468)         (2,392) 
 
Net income and 
 comprehensive 
 income for the 
 period                  5,501             283          14,018           8,201 
 
 
Income per 
share 
Basic                     0.22            0.01            0.55            0.34 
Diluted                   0.21            0.01            0.54            0.33 
 

Consolidated statements of financial position

 
                                       As at September 30,  As at December 31, 
                                                      2025                2024 
(IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)                           $                   $ 
Assets 
 
Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents                            8,424              17,837 
Accounts receivable                                 10,125              13,860 
Inventory                                            6,710               5,792 
Prepaid expenses and other assets                    1,402                 995 
Total current assets                                26,661              38,484 
Property and equipment                                 453                 680 
Intangible assets                                   73,646              78,754 
Deferred financing costs                               274                 386 
Goodwill                                            17,447              17,447 
Deferred tax assets                                 29,024              26,761 
Total assets                                       147,505             162,512 
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity 
 
Current liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued 
 liabilities                                         4,128               5,873 
Income taxes payable                                     9                  54 
Interest payable                                         2                 358 
Contract liabilities                                16,036              13,306 
Current portion of lease obligation                    255                 283 
Total current liabilities                           20,430              19,874 
Lease obligation                                       138                 295 
Long-term debt                                      13,000              40,000 
Total liabilities                                   33,568              60,169 
 
Shareholders' equity 
Share capital                                       27,808              27,680 
Contributed surplus                                  7,339               6,525 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss               (9,514)             (9,514) 
Retained earnings                                   88,304              77,652 
Total shareholders' equity                         113,937             102,343 
Total liabilities and shareholders' 
 equity                                            147,505             162,512 
 

SOURCE Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

/CONTACT:

Copyright CNW Group 2025 
 

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