Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported record revenue of $92.8 million, an increase of 23% year over year and 4.6% sequentially [13][24] - Gross margin for the quarter was 49.6%, up from 41% in the same quarter of fiscal 2024, reflecting improved operational efficiency [13][29] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $14.8 million, an improvement of about $11.9 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Synbio increased to $36 million, a growth of 21% year over year [13][24] - NGS revenue grew to approximately $51.1 million, an increase of 25% year over year [16][25] - Biopharma services revenue was $5.7 million, reflecting a growth of 21% year over year [16][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Healthcare revenue rose to $52.8 million, up 29% year over year [26] - Industrial chemical revenue increased to $22.8 million, a 12% rise from the previous year [26] - Academic revenue was $16.5 million, up 20% year over year [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has spun out DNA Data Storage as an independent entity, Atlas Data Storage, to focus on commercialization and drive success [9][11] - The strategy emphasizes operational agility and customer engagement to maintain competitive positioning [18][19] - The company aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of fiscal 2026, with a focus on innovation and market share growth [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong order bookings exceeding $100 million in the last two quarters [38] - The company is prepared to navigate market volatility and leverage it as an opportunity for growth [36][38] - Management acknowledged challenges in the academic sector but remains confident in the value proposition of their products [72][74] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of approximately $257.1 million [31] - The company expects gross margin improvements to exceed 50% in the latter half of the fiscal year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on guidance and demand from competitors - Management indicated that they have accounted for potential tariff impacts in their guidance and noted strong share gains despite macro challenges [40][42] Question: Effect of promotions on academic market growth - Management confirmed that the 20% growth in the academic market was partly due to promotional activities, which they plan to continue until the end of the fiscal year [47][50] Question: Guidance for NGS revenue from top customers - Management expects growth from both existing and new customers, with top customers growing at a rate similar to the overall NGS business [53][54] Question: Reinvestment of savings from the spin-off into R&D - Management confirmed that savings from the spin-off will be partially reinvested into higher priority R&D initiatives [56][61] Question: Academic market's importance and growth assumptions - Management highlighted a significant opportunity in the academic market, with expectations for continued growth despite budget constraints [83][84]