Core Insights - Cibus, Inc. will report its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 13, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss these results and other updates [1][2]. Company Overview - Cibus is a leader in gene-edited productivity traits aimed at addressing significant productivity and sustainability challenges for farmers, particularly concerning diseases and pests, which the UN estimates cost the global economy around $300 billion annually [4]. - The company focuses on developing productivity traits for major global row crops and operates as a technology company rather than a seed company, utilizing proprietary high-throughput gene editing technology to create traits more efficiently and cost-effectively than conventional breeding methods [4]. Conference Call Details - The conference call will require participants to use the conference ID "CIBUS" or 24287 for entry, with dial-in numbers provided for both U.S. and international participants [2]. - A live audio webcast of the call, along with accompanying slides, will be available on the company's investor website, and an archived version will be accessible for 90 days post-event [3].

Cibus Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company Name**: Cibus (NasdaqCM: CBUS) - **Industry**: Gene editing in agriculture - **Location**: San Diego, California - **Management Team**: Co-founders Peter Beetham and Greg Gocal, along with key personnel including Noel Sauer (Tech Development) and Carlo Broos (CFO) [2][3] Core Business Focus - **Mission**: To unlock the power of nature through gene editing, enhancing agricultural productivity traits [2][4] - **Core Platforms**: Focus on canola, rice, and soybean for gene editing [5] - **Business Model**: Licensing traits for royalties, collecting fees per acre annually as seeds are sold [6][19] Product Development and Market Strategy - **Productivity Traits**: Development of herbicide-tolerant and disease-resistant crops to improve yield and reduce costs for farmers [6][10] - **Commercialization Timeline**: Traits expected to launch in Latin America by 2027, with a focus on rapid development cycles of 12 to 15 months [8][23] - **Market Potential**: Estimated annual royalties from rice traits could exceed $200 million, with a target of accessing 10% of the global rice market [13][14] Regulatory Environment - **Gene Editing vs. GMO**: Emphasis on the distinction between gene editing (faster, scalable, and favorable regulatory framework) and traditional GMO methods [15][20] - **Global Regulatory Changes**: Positive developments in Europe regarding gene editing regulations, potentially opening significant markets [22] Financial Projections - **Royalty Estimates**: Potential for over $300 million in annual royalties from canola traits, with comparisons to historical data from major players like Monsanto [19][20] - **Market Size**: Rice is the second-largest crop globally, with significant acreage available for gene-edited traits [13] Additional Insights - **Sustainable Ingredients**: Development of bio-based fermentation products and gene-edited oils as part of the broader business strategy [11][24] - **Stakeholder Education**: Ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders about the benefits of gene editing and its similarities to traditional plant breeding [26][27] - **Labeling Concerns**: Discussion on the implications of labeling gene-edited products versus traditional GMO products [28] Conclusion - Cibus is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions through innovative gene editing technologies, with a clear strategy for commercialization and regulatory navigation [24][23]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Cibus, Inc. and AgVayā aims to enhance the adoption of advanced gene editing technologies in India's rice production, addressing agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable practices [1][3][4] Company Overview - Cibus, Inc. is a leading agricultural technology company focused on developing and licensing gene-edited plant traits to improve yields, reduce costs, and promote sustainable farming practices [5] - AgVayā is a strategic growth advisory firm that partners with innovators to drive transformation in agriculture and food businesses [6][7] Industry Context - India is the world's second-largest rice producer and the largest exporter, with around 50 million hectares (125 million acres) cultivated, making rice crucial for the national economy and food security in Asia [2] - The integration of modern gene editing technologies in rice production can lead to lower costs, faster breeding cycles, and reduced pesticide dependence, addressing both opportunities and challenges in the sector [2] Collaboration Details - The partnership will focus on developing strategies to introduce Cibus' gene editing technologies into India's rice seed industry, aiming to create resilient and productive rice varieties [1][3] - Cibus plans to accelerate breeding timelines by over a decade and enhance accessibility to modern seed technologies, supporting the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties [3][4] Strategic Goals - The collaboration seeks to foster partnerships with industry and government stakeholders in India to tackle significant agricultural challenges in rice production [1][3] - By leveraging Cibus' innovations and AgVayā's market expertise, the partnership aims to drive scalable improvements in productivity and sustainability within India's rice industry [4]

Core Insights - Soybean-related stocks surged significantly following President Trump's comments regarding trade tensions with China, particularly affecting small-cap oilseed and agricultural biotech stocks [1][2]. Trade Tensions - Trump accused China of an "Economically Hostile Act" for not purchasing U.S. soybeans, which he claimed was harming American soybean farmers [2]. - He suggested the U.S. might terminate business with China related to cooking oil and other trade elements, asserting that the U.S. could produce cooking oil independently [2]. Soybean Short Squeeze - Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:COOT) experienced a dramatic increase of nearly 350% in stock price due to the short squeeze triggered by Trump's remarks [3]. - The stock had previously faced pressure from trade tensions and compliance issues, but the combination of high short interest and Trump's comments created ideal conditions for a short squeeze [3]. Stock Performance - Origin Agritech Limited (NASDAQ:SEED) saw a 63% increase, while Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:RKDA) rose by 46% in early trading on the same day [4]. - The rally in soybean-related stocks exemplified a textbook short squeeze, where low-priced stocks with significant short interest surged due to news, forcing short sellers to buy back shares at higher prices [4].

Core Insights - Cibus, Inc. has completed successful field testing of its second-generation herbicide tolerance (HT2) edited Canola, confirming its efficacy under real-world conditions [1][2] - The HT2 trait will be offered to potential seed licensing partners for commercial introduction, enhancing weed management options for Canola growers [1][2] Company Overview - Cibus is a leading agricultural technology company focused on developing and licensing advanced gene-edited plant traits aimed at improving productivity, yield, and sustainability in farming [1][4] - The company utilizes proprietary high-throughput gene editing technology to develop traits more quickly and cost-effectively than conventional breeding methods, licensing these traits to seed companies for royalties [4] Product Development - The HT2 trait has shown positive results in both greenhouse and field trials, indicating its potential to provide a more effective tool for weed management in the Canola industry [2][3] - Cibus aims to deliver crop seeds with tolerance to both existing and novel herbicides, allowing farmers greater flexibility in managing weed resistance [3] Technological Advancements - Cibus' Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS) significantly reduces the time required for trait development compared to traditional methods, supporting the company's strategy to build a diverse portfolio of herbicide tolerance traits across multiple crops [3]

Core Insights - Cibus, Inc. has elected Kimberly A. Box to its Board of Directors, enhancing its governance and commercialization strategy as it prepares for the launch of advanced trait technologies aimed at improving crop productivity and sustainability [1][2] Company Overview - Cibus is a leading agricultural technology company focused on developing and licensing advanced plant traits that enable higher yields, lower input costs, and more sustainable farming practices [4] - The company utilizes proprietary precision gene editing and breeding systems to develop traits more quickly and accurately than conventional methods, transforming agricultural practices globally [4] Leadership Appointment - Kimberly A. Box brings extensive leadership experience in technology and commercialization, which is expected to strengthen Cibus' strategic governance and long-term value creation efforts [2][3] - Box's previous roles include President and CEO of Gatekeeper Innovation, Inc., and nearly three decades at Hewlett-Packard, where she held various executive positions [2][3] - Her expertise in guiding innovation into scalable businesses is seen as critical for Cibus as it prepares for initial product launches [2][3] Strategic Focus - Cibus aims to improve productivity and sustainability for farmers worldwide through its gene editing platform, which is viewed as a breakthrough in agricultural trait development [3] - The company is focused on enhancing customer adoption and delivering innovative solutions to meet market demands [2][3]

Core Insights - Cibus, Inc. is participating in UN Climate Week 2025, highlighting its role in agricultural technology and gene editing [1][2] - The event focuses on innovation and investment in energy, food, water, and climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of biotechnology and AI [2][3] Company Overview - Cibus specializes in gene-edited plant traits, addressing productivity and sustainability challenges in agriculture, with an estimated global economic impact of $300 billion annually due to diseases and pests [6] - The company utilizes proprietary high-throughput gene editing technology to develop traits more efficiently than conventional breeding, licensing these traits to seed companies for royalties [6] Event Participation - Peter Beetham, Co-Founder and Interim CEO of Cibus, will participate in a panel discussion on innovation and policy pathways for resilient futures, alongside leaders from UNDP and the World Bank [3][4] - The session aims to explore how emerging technologies can enhance resilience in food, water, and energy systems while aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - Cibus has entered into a material transfer agreement with Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) to introduce its proprietary herbicide tolerance trait into elite rice germplasm for Latin America, aiming to enhance weed management solutions for rice growers in the region [1][2][3] Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement allows Cibus to provide its HT3 clethodim herbicide tolerance trait to HIAAL's elite rice germplasm, which has shown strong performance in field trials in the United States [2][4] - This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop high-performance rice hybrids that can tackle challenges posed by herbicide-resistant weeds, including weedy rice [2][4] Group 2: Strategic Importance - Cibus views rice as a strategic focus with potential for near-term revenue generation, as the herbicide tolerance trait is critical for improving yield potential and addressing agronomic challenges [4] - The partnership with CIAT and FLAR leverages regional expertise and an extensive germplasm bank, supporting the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties [4][6] Group 3: Organizational Goals - The mission of FLAR is to enhance rice productivity and sustainability in Latin America by providing growers access to superior genetics and technology [3] - Cibus aims to expand its market access in Latin America through this agreement, aligning with its strategy to deliver gene-edited traits that enhance productivity and sustainability for rice farmers [3][5]

Summary of Cibus (CBUS) Financial Performance Core Viewpoint - Cibus reported a quarterly loss of $0.61 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.69, indicating an earnings surprise of +11.59% [1] - The company’s revenue for the quarter was $0.93 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.22% [2] Financial Performance - The loss per share improved from $1.14 a year ago to $0.61 this quarter, showing a significant reduction in losses [1] - Over the last four quarters, Cibus has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Cibus shares have declined approximately 48.9% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 10% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Cibus is 3 (Hold), suggesting that the stock is expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.69 on revenues of $1.27 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$3.34 on revenues of $5.12 million [7] - The trend of earnings estimate revisions is mixed, which could influence future stock performance [6] Industry Context - Cibus operates within the Agriculture - Operations industry, which is currently ranked in the bottom 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - The performance of Cibus may be affected by the overall outlook of the industry, as top-ranked industries tend to outperform lower-ranked ones significantly [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, were $36.5 million, with an expectation that existing cash will fund operations into Q2 2026 [22] - Revenue for Q2 was $933,000, up from $838,000 in the same period last year, indicating increased activity in partner-funded programs [22] - Research and development expenses decreased to $12.2 million from $13 million year-over-year, reflecting cost reduction initiatives [23] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $6.6 million, down from $9.3 million in the prior year [24] - Net loss for the quarter was $26.6 million, compared to $28.5 million in the same period last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RIOS herbicide tolerance traits HT1 and HT3 are projected to generate over $200 million in potential annual royalty revenue, with launches targeted for Latin America in 2027 and the U.S. in 2028 [5][9] - The biofragrance program is on track for nominal revenues beginning later this year, with commercial expansion expected to ramp up in 2026 [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is witnessing a favorable global regulatory environment that is enhancing market penetration opportunities [6][14] - The EU's regulatory discussions are progressing, with expectations for resolution within six months, which could significantly benefit the company [14][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its rice herbicide tolerance traits and sustainable ingredients programs, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation [6][28] - The strategic operational focus aims to reduce annual cash usage to approximately $30 million by 2026, extending the cash runway while capturing significant revenue opportunities [7][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing the strategy that will deliver long-term value, emphasizing the importance of gene editing in agricultural innovation [27][28] - The company anticipates initial revenues from rice traits and biofragrance products starting in 2026, with meaningful expansion thereafter [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has signed agreements with multiple customers in Latin America, enhancing its market presence and customer engagement [10][11] - The successful completion of the FDA review for altered lignin alfalfa paves the way for U.S. commercialization, although it is not expected to be a significant revenue driver compared to priority programs [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the germplasm transfer and field trials - Management confirmed that the germplasm transfer involves a new customer who will use the HT3 trait in their field trials [34] Question: Initial revenue expectations for biofragrance - Management clarified that nominal revenues are expected this year, with full commercial runs starting in 2026 [36] Question: EU regulatory discussions and next steps - Management indicated that the EU is working on important amendments and expects resolution within six months, paving the way for commercialization [45][70] Question: Cash burn and expense reduction timeline - Management confirmed that they are on track to reduce operating expenses to $30 million by 2026, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation [56] Question: Scale-up of sustainable ingredients - Management noted that while biofragrance revenues will ramp up quickly, sustainable ingredients may take a couple of years to see significant commercial interaction [58] Question: Differentiation in gene editing technology - Management highlighted the unique single-cell editing system that allows for complex traits without needing a null segregate, setting them apart from competitors [72][73]