Virgin Galactic (SPCE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 15, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Eric Cerny - VP - Investor RelationsMichael Colglazier - President and Chief Executive OfficerDoug Ahrens - CFOOliver Chen - Managing Director - Retail, Luxury, New Platforms Sector HeadGreg Konrad - SVP-Equity ResearchGregory Dahlberg - Senior Associate, Equity Research Operator Good afternoon. My name is Luella, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Virgin Ga ...

Virgin Galactic (SPCE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 15, 2025 05:00 PM ET Speaker0 Good afternoon. My name is Luella, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Virgin Galactic's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Thank you. I will now turn the call over to Eric Cerny, Vice President of Investor ...

Core Insights - FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ: FTAI) has been a favored stock on Wall Street, but recent invalid concerns have prevented its price from recovering [1] - The analysis is provided by an expert in aerospace engineering, focusing on investment opportunities in the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors [1] - The investing group emphasizes data-driven analysis to inform investment ideas and offers access to data analytics monitors [1] Company Analysis - FTAI Aviation's stock performance has been impacted by concerns that were deemed invalid, indicating potential market volatility [1] - The company operates within a complex industry characterized by significant growth prospects, which may present future investment opportunities [1] Industry Context - The aerospace, defense, and airline industries are highlighted as sectors with substantial growth potential, attracting investment interest [1] - The analysis aims to provide context to industry developments and their implications for investment strategies [1]

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Group 1 - Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) reported positive free cash flow in Q1 2025, surprising Wall Street [1] - Following the announcement, LUNR's stock experienced a 22.4% gain, although it remains below its January highs [1] - The Aerospace Forum, led by an analyst with a background in aerospace engineering, focuses on identifying investment opportunities in the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors [1] Group 2 - The investing group provides access to data analytics monitors to support investment analysis [1] - The analyst has a beneficial long position in LUNR shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [1]

Avidity Biosciences Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Avidity Biosciences - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically RNA therapeutics Key Points and Arguments FDA Interactions - Avidity has not experienced any changes in interactions with the FDA despite recent staffing changes within the agency, maintaining consistent communication over several years on three different programs [5][6][7] - The company emphasizes the importance of advocacy for the biotech ecosystem to ensure the FDA remains a premier review agency [6][7] Intellectual Property and Manufacturing - Avidity's intellectual property (IP) is primarily based in the US, covering all three of its drugs and aspects of its technology [8] - The company aims to manufacture drugs in the US for the US market, Europe for Europe, and has established a supply chain to eliminate redundancies [9] Product Pipeline and Development - Avidity is focused on revolutionizing the RNA space, with late-stage development in three programs targeting myotonic dystrophy, FSHD, and exon skipping [11] - The company plans to file its first Biologics License Application (BLA) for Del Zotia by the end of the year [11] - Enrollment for the HARVEST study in myotonic dystrophy is on track to complete by mid-year [12] FSHD Program - Avidity is the only company with a drug in development for FSHD, with ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding accelerated approval pathways [13][14] - The company has seen significant interest in FSHD due to its large patient population, comparable in size to cystic fibrosis [15] Clinical Data and Efficacy - Preliminary data from the FORTITUDE study shows over 50% reductions in DUX4 regulated genes and over 25% changes in circulating biomarkers, indicating significant muscle health improvements [17][18] - The company has chosen a lower dose of 2 mg/kg for its accelerated approval pathway based on safety and efficacy data [24][25] Unmet Medical Need - FSHD is described as a devastating disease with a high unmet medical need, justifying the use of the Accelerated Approval Pathway [33] - Patient testimonials highlight the severe impact of FSHD on daily life, emphasizing the need for effective treatments [35][38] Myotonic Dystrophy Program - Avidity's myotonic dystrophy program is in phase three, with an update expected in Q4 of this year [44] - The company has aligned with global regulators on study design, which supports both efficacy and safety for potential approval [51] Competitive Landscape - Avidity is aware of competitors in the DM1 space but emphasizes its rigorous approach to drug development and the importance of demonstrating functional changes to payers [56][58] Additional Important Content - The company is focused on ensuring that its drugs can be reimbursed effectively, which is a critical aspect of its phase three study designs [52] - Avidity's commitment to patient engagement is evident through its patient advisory council, which informs clinical trial design [35] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Avidity Biosciences conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, product pipeline, and the critical unmet needs in the diseases it targets.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenue was $62.5 million, up 14% from Q4 2024, driven primarily by CLIPS, LTVs, and NSMS execution [27] - Gross profit for the quarter was $6.7 million, compared to $0.7 million in Q4 2024, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive gross margins [28] - Operating loss for the quarter was $10.1 million, improved from a loss of $13.4 million in Q4 2024 [29] - Positive free cash flow of $13.3 million was achieved for the first time in the company's history [30] - Cash balance increased to $373.3 million, driven by the redemption of warrants and positive free cash flow [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Under NASA's NSNS contract, $3 million in revenue was recognized during Q1, with an additional task order valued at $18 million issued for upcoming milestones [14] - The company secured a key contract for an Earth reentry vehicle, broadening its footprint across the space domain [11] - Significant progress was made in stealth satellite and orbital transfer vehicle programs during Q1 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates continued opportunities in civil and national security space due to evolving federal priorities and budgetary direction [6][7] - The backlog at the end of Q1 was $272.3 million, down from $328.3 million in Q4 2024, with expectations to recognize 45% to 50% in 2025 [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying into national security space and leveraging its lunar lander architecture for new government and commercial customers [11][13] - Intuitive Machines aims to build a comprehensive offering in lunar and Mars exploration, aligning with national priorities and long-term strategies [9][25] - The focus remains on execution and leveraging proven performance to expand into adjacent markets [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of core exploration programs despite potential budget reductions in NASA's science budget [9] - The company expects to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA by Q4 2025 and positive adjusted EBITDA for 2026 [35] - Management highlighted the importance of learning from past missions to improve future performance [22] Other Important Information - The company is actively discussing with National Security Space stakeholders to host multi-agency payloads on its Lunar Data Relay satellites [15] - A $40 million credit facility was opened to smooth out working capital fluctuations [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Do reductions to the planetary science budget impact revenue opportunities from NASA payload deployment awards? - Management indicated no direct impact on the CLPS budget based on the president's budget [40] Question: Is there any risk of LTV delivery being changed or delayed due to the need for an alternative launch vehicle? - Management confirmed that the LTV procurement is moving forward and is not dependent on SLS [43] Question: Can you elaborate on the IM2 milestones expected to be recognized in Q2? - Management expects about half of the $14 million in success payments for IM2 to close in Q2 [55] Question: How does the company view the potential for M&A in the current market? - Management looks opportunistically at M&A to add capabilities that provide competitive advantages [69] Question: How does the company see the global competitive environment for NSN evolving? - Management noted that international collaboration is currently more prevalent than competition in the near space network [77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 revenue was $62.5 million, up 14% from Q4 2024, driven primarily by CLIPS, LTVs, and NSMS execution [26] - Gross profit for the quarter was $6.7 million, compared to $0.7 million in Q4 2024, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive gross margins [27] - Operating loss decreased to $10.1 million from $13.4 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher gross profits [28] - Positive free cash flow of $13.3 million was achieved for the first time in the company's history [29] - Cash balance increased to $373.3 million, driven by the redemption of warrants and positive free cash flow [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Under NASA's NSNS contract, $3 million in revenue was recognized during Q1, with an additional task order valued at $18 million issued for upcoming milestones [13] - The company secured a $10 million contract from the Texas Space Commission for developing a precision Earth reentry vehicle [12] - Significant progress was made in stealth satellite and orbital transfer vehicle programs, with a key contract award for an Earth reentry vehicle [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is leveraging federal budget signals and NASA's funding priorities to expand into adjacent markets like national security space [6] - The evolving federal landscape presents opportunities for Intuitive Machines, particularly in civil and national security space [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to diversify into national security space while continuing to execute on its core exploration programs [10] - Intuitive Machines is focused on delivering end-to-end space services from lunar surface operations to precision Earth reentry [12] - The company is advancing its Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract and integrating its data transmission architecture to enhance competitiveness [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of core exploration programs despite potential budget reductions in NASA's science budget [7] - The company anticipates continued opportunities for key contract awards throughout the year, with a focus on execution [25] - Management highlighted the importance of learning from past missions to improve future performance and maintain a competitive edge [21] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with a contracted backlog of $272.3 million, down from $328.3 million in Q4 2024 [32] - Guidance for 2025 revenue is expected to range between $250 million and $300 million, with a positive adjusted EBITDA run rate by Q4 2025 [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Do reductions to the planetary science budget impact revenue opportunities from NASA payload deployment awards? - Management indicated that they do not see a direct impact on the CLPS budget based on the president's budget [39] Question: Is there any risk of LTV delivery being changed or delayed due to the need for an alternative launch vehicle? - Management stated that the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract procurement is moving forward and is not dependent on SLS [42] Question: How does the company differentiate its reentry vehicle in the market? - The company highlighted its unique precision landing capabilities and soft touchdown technology as differentiators [46] Question: What is the company's view on nuclear propulsion and its applications in space? - Management discussed ongoing work on low power nuclear propulsion systems and their potential for sustained presence in space [48] Question: Can you elaborate on the IM2 milestones expected to be recognized in Q2? - Management expects to close out about $14 million in success payments for the IM2 mission, with half expected in Q2 [54] Question: How does the company view the potential for M&A in the current market? - Management is looking opportunistically at M&A to add capabilities that provide competitive advantages [66] Question: How does the company view the competitive environment for NSN? - Management noted that the near space network market is emerging and currently collaborative rather than competitive [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported non-GAAP adjusted cash operating expenses of $44.9 million for Q1 2025, an increase from $40.8 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher R&D and administrative costs [27][28]. - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were approximately $124 million, up from $86 million in Q4 2024, primarily for materials and launch contracts [28][29]. - The company ended Q1 2025 with $874.5 million in cash, a significant increase from $567.5 million at the end of Q4 2024, due to successful financing initiatives [34][35]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to deploy over 60 satellites during 2025 and 2026, with five orbital launches scheduled over the next six to nine months [7][17]. - Gateway equipment bookings reached $13.6 million in Q1 2025, with expectations of approximately $10 million in bookings per quarter throughout 2025 [20]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan for initial service activation, leveraging partnerships with major mobile network operators [13][19]. - The company received special temporary authority from the FCC for FirstNet direct-to-device satellite connectivity, enhancing its service offerings for public safety [14][20]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is at an inflection point, accelerating the launch and scaling of its network while beginning to recognize revenue from commercial and government contracts [6][17]. - The strategy includes a dual approach of utilizing low-band spectrum in partnership with MNOs and acquiring mid-band spectrum to enhance service capabilities [61][62]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to execute at scale, citing strong demand for space-based cellular broadband connectivity [10][31]. - The company anticipates a revenue opportunity in 2025 ranging from $50 million to $75 million, contingent on successful satellite launches and gateway equipment sales [33]. Other Important Information - The company is working on non-dilutive financing options from quasi-governmental sources, with potential funding exceeding half a billion dollars [36]. - The company is also exploring an equipment loan facility of $50 million to $100 million to support manufacturing expansion [35]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Any further details to share on the Legato transaction? - The transaction involves acquiring usage rights for 45 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the U.S., which is seen as crucial for enhancing service capabilities [39][40]. Question: What is the outlook for the defense use case? - Government demand for space-based solutions is surging, with several contract awards validating the technology and opening paths for revenue [42][43]. Question: Do you plan to submit any proposals for the $25 billion Golden Dome project? - The company believes its technology is well-positioned to contribute to national security goals outlined in the Golden Dome project [45][46]. Question: Are shareholders expected to be invited to future launches? - Shareholders will be invited to future launches, although the upcoming launch in India will not accommodate attendees [47]. Question: What are the short-term plans for Europe following recent communication outages? - The service aims to provide cellular broadband connectivity directly to devices, enhancing safety during emergencies [49][50]. Question: Can you give an update on the commercial launch in the U.S.? - A commercial service is expected to be available by early 2026, with ongoing discussions with carriers like AT&T and Verizon [96].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, non-GAAP adjusted cash operating expenses were $44.9 million, up from $40.8 million in Q4 2024, reflecting an increase of $4.1 million due to higher R&D and administrative costs [28][29] - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were approximately $124 million, compared to $86 million in Q4 2024, driven by costs related to satellite manufacturing and launch contracts [30] - The company ended Q1 2025 with $874.5 million in cash, a significant increase from $567.5 million at the end of Q4 2024, primarily due to funds raised from convertible notes and an ATM facility [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to deploy over 60 satellites during 2025 and 2026, with five orbital launches scheduled over the next six to nine months [6][16] - Gateway equipment bookings in Q1 2025 amounted to $13.6 million, with expectations of approximately $10 million in bookings per quarter throughout 2025 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan for initial service activation, leveraging partnerships with major mobile network operators [13][19] - The company received special temporary authority from the FCC for FirstNet Direct to device satellite connectivity, enhancing its service offerings for public safety [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is at an inflection point, accelerating the launch and scaling of its network while beginning to recognize revenue from satellite services [5][16] - The strategy includes a focus on vertical integration and rapid satellite manufacturing to meet the growing demand for space-based cellular broadband connectivity [8][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to execute at scale, with expectations for revenue to ramp up towards the end of 2025 and into 2026, estimating a revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million for 2025 [34][38] - The management highlighted the importance of connectivity as a human right and the company's mission to provide reliable broadband services, especially in emergency situations [16][52] Other Important Information - The company is working on a strategic acquisition of spectrum rights, which is expected to enhance its service capabilities in the U.S. market [41][42] - The company is also exploring non-dilutive financing options to support its operational plans, including potential funding from quasi-governmental sources [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any further details to share on the Legato transaction? - The company is acquiring usage rights for 45 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the U.S., which is seen as crucial for enhancing service capabilities [41][42] Question: What is the outlook for the defense use case? - Government demand for space-based solutions is increasing, and the company has secured several contracts that validate its technology and open paths for revenue [44][45] Question: Do you plan to submit any proposals for the announced $25 billion Golden Dome project? - The company believes its technology can significantly contribute to the goals outlined in the Golden Dome project [46][47] Question: Are shareholders expected to be invited to future launches this fall? - The company plans to invite shareholders to future launches, although the upcoming launch in July will not include invitations due to logistical reasons [48][49] Question: What are the short-term plans for Europe following recent communication outages? - The company aims to provide cellular broadband connectivity directly to devices, enhancing safety during emergencies, and is working with Vodafone for service distribution in Europe [50][52] Question: Can you discuss the nature of the higher launch costs? - Higher launch costs are attributed to increased demand for rapid service deployment and tariff impacts on materials, but the company remains focused on expediting satellite launches [55][56] Question: How does the spectrum strategy impact MNO agreements? - The company maintains a focus on user experience while enhancing service capabilities through a combination of low-band and mid-band spectrum [66][67] Question: What is the status of beta tests with carrier partners? - Initial activations have begun in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, with successful video capabilities demonstrated, indicating readiness for broader service offerings [72][73] Question: When might we see a commercial launch in the U.S.? - A commercial service is expected to be available by early 2026, with ongoing discussions for agreements with major carriers [92][93]