VERO BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (OTCQB: BMNM), ("Bimini Capital," "Bimini," or the "Company"), today announced results of operations for the three- month period ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Highlights Management Commentary Commenting on the second quarter results, Robert E. Cauley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "When we announced our first quarter results, the second quarter of 2025 was off to a very rough start. Markets were in t ...

Trade Policy & Strategy - The Trump administration's trade policy is characterized by inconsistency, including tariff delays, unreleased deals, and contradictions between the President and his staff [1][2] - The administration initially imposed reciprocal tariffs, then paused them, and subsequently extended the deadline, creating uncertainty [2] - The administration's messaging on trade deals is inconsistent, with negotiators finalizing deals that the President later seeks to improve [3][4] - The administration aims to expedite trade negotiations, potentially leading to both gains and risks for the overall trade agenda [6] Tariffs & Deadlines - Reciprocal tariffs were initially imposed around April 2nd, then paused for 90 days, with a deadline set for July 9th, which was later extended [2] - The new deadline for tariffs was set for August 1st [2][5] Negotiation Tactics - The administration uses letters posted on Truth Social to announce tariff rates, while also suggesting potential adjustments based on how the US is treated [5] - The administration's approach aims to accelerate negotiations and potentially extract more concessions from other nations [6]

Trade Negotiations & Tariff Landscape - The US administration initially promised numerous trade deals within a short timeframe, but has achieved limited results, indicating challenges in finalizing agreements [3] - The US is pursuing reciprocal tariffs, aiming to lower them upon reaching deals, but this approach doesn't cover potential sectoral tariffs on critical minerals, aerospace, semiconductors, or pharmaceuticals, complicating negotiations [6][7] - Many US trading partners express confusion regarding US demands, perceiving a lack of clear objectives and prioritization in negotiations [8][10][11] - Countries are diversifying trade relationships to reduce dependence on the US market, leading to increased free trade agreement activity among other nations [13][14] - The administration may become more flexible in trade negotiations if the US experiences economic fallout from tariff hikes [15] Potential Outcomes & Risks - If trade deals are not finalized by August 1st, tariff levels may increase, potentially forcing compliance or leading countries to seek alternative trading partners [4][12] - Sectoral tariffs, such as those on autos, copper, and potentially semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, are proving difficult to resolve and may hinder broader trade negotiations [5][7] - The US risks being excluded from the benefits of increased trade and economic integration among its partners as they pursue alternative arrangements [14]

Trade Policy & Deadlines - The White House indicates the July 9th deadline for reciprocal tariffs may not be critical [1][3] - The President can offer countries a deal if they refuse to make one by the deadline [2] - The President can pick a reciprocal tariff rate advantageous for the United States and American workers [2] - The President believes he can issue a new tariff rate to any non-negotiating country, calling it a new trade deal [3] - Country-specific tariff rates, currently paused, are set to resume on July 9th according to existing executive orders [3][4] - The President needs to take proactive steps to prevent the tariffs from automatically reinstating [4] Market Reaction - There was no significant market response to the news regarding the potential delay or alteration of the July 9th tariff deadline [4]

Group 1 - Britain is set to sign a trade deal with the U.S., becoming the first country to do so after the U.S. announced reciprocal tariffs [1][2] - The U.S. President indicated a briefing about the trade deal would occur, but details remain undisclosed [2] - Britain has a trade deficit with the U.S. and was initially spared higher tariffs, facing a baseline 10% levy instead [3] Group 2 - U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the likelihood of a favorable trade deal for both countries [3] - President Trump contradicted White House officials by stating that the U.S. does not need to sign deals, emphasizing that other countries need access to the U.S. market [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of $18.8 million for Q1 2025, representing a 92.2% increase year-over-year and a 9.1% increase sequentially [5][8] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $7.2 million, or 38.1% of revenue, compared to $2.8 million, or 28.2% of revenue in the prior year [10] - Operating loss decreased by 56.2% to $4 million compared to $9.1 million in the prior year [10] - GAAP net loss for Q1 was $7 million, down from $11.5 million in the prior year [10] - Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased 67.4% to $2 million compared to $6.3 million in the prior year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MLPE revenue represented $16 million, or 84.8% of total revenues, while OESF contributed $2 million, or 10.7% [9] - The company introduced the new 22 amp TS4A series, which serves panels up to 725 watts, enhancing its product portfolio [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - EMEA revenue was $11.5 million, accounting for 61.3% of total revenues, with strong growth from Italy and The Netherlands [8][9] - The Americas region generated $4.7 million, while APAC revenue was $2.6 million, or 13.6% of total revenues [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its growth trajectory, expecting to maintain top-line growth for the remainder of 2025 [14] - The management is focused on mitigating the impact of tariffs and expanding market share, particularly in international markets [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of demand for their solutions despite economic uncertainties [14] - The company is actively working with supply chain partners to address the challenges posed by tariffs [7] Other Important Information - Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $20.3 million as of March 31, 2025, with a slight sequential increase [12] - The company expects Q2 2025 revenues to range between $21 million and $23 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected to be between negative $1.5 million and positive $0.5 million [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you break down the growth between improving conditions with current distributors and market share gains? - Management noted that most growth is attributed to increased market share, with existing distributors expanding their footprint [19][20] Question: What factors are contributing to market share gains? - The company highlighted a broad product offering, backward compatibility, and ease of installation as key factors driving market share [22][24] Question: Can you provide insight into the impact of tariffs on revenue? - Management indicated that approximately 5% of Q1 revenue was affected by the China tariff, with efforts underway to mitigate this impact [7][36] Question: What is the outlook for the second half of 2025? - Management expressed confidence in their guidance, supported by a growing backlog and positive market expectations [42][43] Question: How is the company managing the $50 million convertible due in January 2026? - The counterparty is being flexible, and the company is actively working on refinancing options [46][47] Question: What is the demand for off-grid products? - Management noted growing demand for off-grid solutions, particularly in the Midwest and South regions [40] Question: How is the company addressing inventory and sourcing challenges? - The company has sufficient inventory to mitigate tariff impacts in the short term and is exploring alternative sourcing options in Korea and Japan [60][61]

Group 1 - Sony has increased the price of its flagship PlayStation 5 console in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand due to a challenging economic environment [1][2] - The PS5 Digital Edition price in Europe is now 499.99 euros ($569.9), up from 449.99 euros, while the U.K. price has risen to £429.99 from £389.99 [1] - There is no price increase for the PS5 with HD Blu-ray disk drive in Europe and the U.K., and the PS5 Pro model also remains unaffected by price hikes [2] Group 2 - Sony's decision to raise prices is attributed to high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, amidst volatile global financial and currency markets [2] - Industry experts, such as Serkan Toto, predict that Sony may also raise PS5 prices in the U.S. in the future, as the current market conditions may limit user backlash [3] - This is not the first price increase for the PS5, as Sony previously raised prices in 2022 and again in Japan last year [3]

Group 1 - The U.S. administration announced that smartphones, computers, and other electronics will be exempt from new reciprocal tariffs, benefiting consumers and companies like Apple [1][3][11] - Nearly twenty electronic items, including routers and semiconductor chips, are included in the exemption list, which appears to cover products manufactured in China [5][6] - The exemptions are effective for merchandise entered for consumption on or after April 5, 2025, as per the guidance issued by Customs and Border Protection [6] Group 2 - The administration's decision follows a presidential memorandum and is part of a broader strategy to manage trade relations, particularly with China [2][8] - A new 10% baseline tariff and harsher reciprocal levies will affect numerous countries, including key allies, while online Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein are no longer exempt from tariffs [9] - The Dow experienced a significant drop of over 1,000 points following the announcement of these tariffs, indicating market concerns about a potential trade war [9]

Core Viewpoint - The stock market experienced volatility due to the ongoing global trade war, particularly influenced by new tariffs announced by the U.S. government, which initially caused skepticism among investors but later led to optimism following a temporary pause on tariffs for non-retaliating countries [1][2][4]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Pharma Stocks - Major pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca saw fluctuations in their share prices, initially declining but later recovering due to market optimism after President Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs [2][4]. - The U.S. government announced new tariffs, including a 34% tax on imports from China and a 20% tax on the European Union, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, which raised concerns about increased costs for pharmaceutical companies [3][5]. - The imposition of tariffs on pharmaceutical imports is expected to increase operational costs for companies with significant production units outside the U.S., potentially leading to higher prices for generic drugs [7]. Group 2: Manufacturing and Market Dynamics - The U.S. imports a substantial amount of finished drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from other countries, particularly China, which has retaliated with increased tariffs [6]. - Companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have already expanded their manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to meet demand for obesity drugs, but relocating production processes due to tariffs poses significant challenges [8]. - The current market sentiment reflects skepticism among investors regarding the long-term implications of tariffs on pharmaceutical companies, as indicated by the decline in stock prices earlier in the week [7].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Life Science Tools & Diagnostics** industry, particularly in the context of recent tariff announcements by the U.S. government [1][2]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Tariff Impact**: The introduction of reciprocal tariffs by President Trump is expected to create a **100-200 basis points (bps)** drag on operating profit margins (OPM) and a **mid-single-digit (MSD)** impact on earnings per share (EPS) for tools companies, before any pricing adjustments [1][2]. - **Tariff Structure**: A minimum baseline tariff of **10%** will be imposed on goods from non-compliant countries, with specific rates for major trading partners: **34%** on China, **20%** on the EU, **10%** on the UK, and **26%** on India [2]. - **Analytical Instruments**: Approximately **65%** of U.S. analytical instrument revenues come from imports, with a **17%** weighted average tariff expected on these imports, leading to an estimated **150 bps** OPM hit and a potential **6%** headwind to EPS [2][7]. - **Relocation Challenges**: The widespread nature of the tariffs complicates the relocation strategy for companies, as there are no safe havens. For example, Bruker Corporation (BRKR) and Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) face challenges in using Switzerland and Singapore, respectively, to circumvent tariffs [2][3]. Diagnostics Sector Insights - **Resilience of Diagnostics**: Companies in the diagnostics sector are expected to be less affected by tariff exposure, with only marginal cost increases anticipated due to inflation. For instance, Qiagen (QGEN) does not foresee any changes to its 2025 EPS due to tariffs [3]. Additional Important Information - **Market Composition**: The U.S. analytical instrument market is heavily reliant on imports, with **40%** of the product mix being U.S. produced and **64%** of imports subject to the new tariffs [2][5]. - **Pricing Power**: The ability of companies to pass on tariff costs through pricing will be a critical factor moving forward, similar to the situation during the 2018 tariffs [2]. - **Company-Specific Data**: The report includes detailed estimates for specific companies, indicating varying levels of exposure to tariff impacts, with some companies better positioned due to existing production capacities in Mexico and Canada [7][28]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and implications of the recent tariff announcements on the Life Science Tools & Diagnostics industry, highlighting both challenges and areas of resilience within the sector.