Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter revenues were $225 million, with core revenue down 2.9% for the quarter, impacted by foreign currency and discontinued products [19] - Gross margin in Q4 was 41.2%, affected by lower volume, elevated inventory write-offs, and production inefficiencies [23][24] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $11 million, down from $22 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower adjusted EBITDA [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food Safety segment revenues were $162 million in Q4, down 3% year-over-year, with a core revenue decline of 1.3% [19] - Animal Safety segment revenues were $64 million, including a core revenue decline of 6.7% compared to the prior year quarter [20] - Genomics core revenue declined low single digits in Q4, reflecting a sequential improvement [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue growth in Europe was up mid single digits, while Asia Pacific was down mid single digits [21] - Latin America region saw a mid single digit decline on a core basis, with growth in some product lines offset by declines in others [22] - U.S. and Canada region experienced low single digit growth in food safety core revenue [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving internal processes and managing through current market conditions to capitalize on future opportunities [17] - A targeted improvement plan has been released to manage the transition period effectively [17] - The company is prioritizing pathogen detection and has launched new products to enhance its offerings in the food safety market [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that end market conditions have worsened, particularly in food safety, due to inflation pressures on food producers [4][5] - The expectation is for revenue in fiscal 2026 to be between $820 million and $840 million, reflecting ongoing market challenges [29] - Management anticipates that gross margin will face headwinds from sample collection and tariffs, but expects improvements in the second half of the fiscal year [30] Other Important Information - The company completed the divestiture of its cleaners and disinfectants business, resulting in approximately $115 million in net proceeds [27] - Free cash flow in Q4 was roughly breakeven, with total capital expenditures declining to $16 million [28] - The company has successfully remediated two Sarbanes-Oxley material weaknesses [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is this the right time to put out guidance with a new CEO? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects a business-as-usual approach and is intended to provide clarity on the upcoming year [37][38] Question: How much of a headwind is built for next year regarding tariffs? - Management confirmed that the $10 million tariff impact is the expected headwind for fiscal 2026 [41] Question: How does the company plan to grow above market despite consumer pressures? - Management highlighted regulatory opportunities and increased testing focus as key growth drivers [44][45] Question: What are the expectations for food safety industry growth? - Management expects food safety testing to grow at a lower rate than historical mid-single digits due to current market conditions [53][54] Question: What is the expected impact of divestitures on operating expenses? - Management noted that most costs associated with divested businesses will go directly with those businesses, with minimal stranded costs remaining [59][60]