Summary of Bio-Techne (TECH) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Bio-Techne (TECH) - **Date**: May 13, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Kim Kelderman (CEO), Jim Hipple (CFO) Key Highlights Financial Performance - **Fiscal 3Q Results**: Reported a solid 6% growth despite macroeconomic headwinds [3][4] - **Protein Sciences Segment**: Achieved 7% growth, driven by core reagents and instrumentation for protein detection [4] - **Diagnostics and Special Segment**: Growth was muted at 2%, influenced by timing of orders rather than market conditions [5][6] - **EBITDA Margins**: Maintained strong margins at 34.9%, reflecting operational efficiencies [6] Market Exposure and Headwinds - **U.S. Academic Exposure**: 21% of revenues from academic business, with 12% from U.S. academic institutions [7] - **NIH Funding Impact**: Approximately 50% of academic revenue is exposed to NIH funding, which has created uncertainty [8] - **Consumables vs. Equipment**: Consumables (80% of business) remained steady, while equipment sales were more volatile due to budget uncertainties [10] Regulatory and Policy Environment - **Tariff Exposure**: Estimated exposure of $20 million from tariffs, but proactive measures have mitigated this risk [24][25] - **Biopharma Sector**: Comprises 50% of revenues, with large pharma showing double-digit growth while biotech remained flat due to funding challenges [35][38] Strategic Focus - **Cell and Gene Therapy**: Significant focus on GMP reagents, with a strong pipeline of customers in clinical studies [46][48] - **Spatial Business**: Competitive instruments showing double-digit growth, leveraging a large reagent portfolio [52][53] - **M&A Strategy**: Continued focus on acquisitions that align with high-margin reagent sales, with a disciplined approach to valuation [56][57] Future Outlook - **Q4 Expectations**: Anticipated continued uncertainty, with large pharma expected to drive growth while biotech remains challenged [60][61] - **Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance**: Uncertainty prevails, with hopes for stabilization in the coming months to provide clearer guidance [62][63] Additional Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The consolidation in the research reagents market has changed competitive dynamics, but the company remains well-positioned due to its strong portfolio and technical sales force [42][44] - **Regulatory Discussions**: Positive sentiment around cell and gene therapies, with a focus on maintaining high regulatory standards to avoid negative industry impacts [49][50] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Bio-Techne conference call, highlighting the company's performance, market challenges, strategic initiatives, and future outlook.