📊 CERS Key Takeaways
Is Cerus Corp. (CERS) a Good Investment?
CERUS demonstrates solid 16.1% YoY revenue growth in the medical devices sector, but this is fundamentally undermined by negative operating profitability (-0.7% margin), significant operating cash burn (-$3.0M), and elevated leverage (1.26x D/E) with inability to cover interest expenses. The combination of revenue growth without operational cash generation or profitability suggests the business model is not viable at current scale.
Cerus is showing credible top-line momentum, with revenue up 16.1% year over year, and it has at least reached slightly positive free cash flow. However, the business still appears fundamentally weak on profitability, with very thin gross margin, negative operating and net margins, and leverage that looks elevated relative to its equity base. Until margin structure and earnings quality improve materially, the growth does not appear strong enough to offset the financial risk.
Cerus Corp. Key Strengths (CERS)
- Strong YoY revenue growth of 16.1% indicates market demand for products
- Gross margin of 26% demonstrates viable product economics and pricing power
- Adequate short-term liquidity with 1.63x current ratio provides near-term runway
- Revenue growth remains solid at 16.1% year over year
- Operating cash flow and free cash flow are positive
- Liquidity is acceptable with a 1.73x current ratio and 1.17x quick ratio
CERS Stock Risks: Cerus Corp. Investment Risks
- Negative operating cash flow of -$3.0M annually signals cash burn despite top-line growth
- High debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26x combined with negative interest coverage (-0.1x) creates unsustainable capital structure
- Unprofitable operations with -3.1% net margin and negative returns on capital (ROE: -2.4%, ROA: -0.7%)
- Gross margin of 6.0% leaves little room to absorb operating costs or shocks
- Profitability remains negative, including -3.7% operating margin and -6.7% net margin
- Balance sheet leverage is meaningful with 1.31x debt-to-equity and negative interest coverage
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating cash flow trend - must achieve positive OCF for sustainability
- Operating margin trajectory - path to break-even criticality
- Debt service capability and debt reduction progress
- Gross margin trend and operating margin improvement
- Free cash flow durability relative to debt service obligations
Cerus Corp. (CERS) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Cerus Corp. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
CERS Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
CERS vs Healthcare Sector: How Cerus Corp. Compares
How Cerus Corp. compares to Healthcare sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Cerus Corp. Stock Overvalued? CERS Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Cerus Corp. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Healthcare sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Cerus Corp. Balance Sheet: CERS Debt, Cash & Liquidity
CERS Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Cerus Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 47% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $-0.21 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
CERS Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
CERS Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $43.2M | -$1.6M | $-0.01 |
| Q3 2018 | $10.8M | -$13.4M | $-0.11 |
| Q2 2018 | $9.5M | -$13.3M | $-0.10 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Cerus Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
CERS SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Cerus Corp. (CIK: 0001020214)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about CERS
What is the AI rating for CERS?
Cerus Corp. (CERS) has a Combined AI Grade of C from Claude (C) and ChatGPT (C) with 78% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are CERS's key strengths?
Claude: Strong YoY revenue growth of 16.1% indicates market demand for products. Gross margin of 26% demonstrates viable product economics and pricing power. ChatGPT: Revenue growth remains solid at 16.1% year over year. Operating cash flow and free cash flow are positive.
What are the risks of investing in CERS?
Claude: Negative operating cash flow of -$3.0M annually signals cash burn despite top-line growth. High debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26x combined with negative interest coverage (-0.1x) creates unsustainable capital structure. ChatGPT: Gross margin of 6.0% leaves little room to absorb operating costs or shocks. Profitability remains negative, including -3.7% operating margin and -6.7% net margin.
What is CERS's revenue and growth?
Cerus Corp. reported revenue of $53.7M.
Does CERS pay dividends?
Cerus Corp. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find CERS SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Cerus Corp. (CIK: 0001020214) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is CERS's EPS?
Cerus Corp. has a diluted EPS of $-0.01.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is CERS's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Cerus Corp. has a C grade with 78% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is CERS stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for CERS: ROE of -2.4% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of -3.1% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is CERS's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Cerus Corp. a combined C grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is CERS's free cash flow?
Cerus Corp.'s operating cash flow is $-3.0M, with capital expenditures of $233.0K. FCF margin is -6.1%.
How does CERS compare to other Healthcare stocks?
Vs Healthcare sector averages: Net margin -3.1% (avg: 12%), ROE -2.4% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.63 (avg: 2).