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Cibus(CBUS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-14 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, were $36.5 million, with an expectation that existing cash will fund operations into Q2 2026 [22] - Revenue for Q2 was $933,000, up from $838,000 in the same period last year, indicating increased activity in partner-funded programs [22] - Research and development expenses decreased to $12.2 million from $13 million year-over-year, reflecting cost reduction initiatives [23] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $6.6 million, down from $9.3 million in the prior year [24] - Net loss for the quarter was $26.6 million, compared to $28.5 million in the same period last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RIOS herbicide tolerance traits HT1 and HT3 are projected to generate over $200 million in potential annual royalty revenue, with launches targeted for Latin America in 2027 and the U.S. in 2028 [5][9] - The biofragrance program is on track for nominal revenues beginning later this year, with commercial expansion expected to ramp up in 2026 [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is witnessing a favorable global regulatory environment that is enhancing market penetration opportunities [6][14] - The EU's regulatory discussions are progressing, with expectations for resolution within six months, which could significantly benefit the company [14][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its rice herbicide tolerance traits and sustainable ingredients programs, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation [6][28] - The strategic operational focus aims to reduce annual cash usage to approximately $30 million by 2026, extending the cash runway while capturing significant revenue opportunities [7][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing the strategy that will deliver long-term value, emphasizing the importance of gene editing in agricultural innovation [27][28] - The company anticipates initial revenues from rice traits and biofragrance products starting in 2026, with meaningful expansion thereafter [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has signed agreements with multiple customers in Latin America, enhancing its market presence and customer engagement [10][11] - The successful completion of the FDA review for altered lignin alfalfa paves the way for U.S. commercialization, although it is not expected to be a significant revenue driver compared to priority programs [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the germplasm transfer and field trials - Management confirmed that the germplasm transfer involves a new customer who will use the HT3 trait in their field trials [34] Question: Initial revenue expectations for biofragrance - Management clarified that nominal revenues are expected this year, with full commercial runs starting in 2026 [36] Question: EU regulatory discussions and next steps - Management indicated that the EU is working on important amendments and expects resolution within six months, paving the way for commercialization [45][70] Question: Cash burn and expense reduction timeline - Management confirmed that they are on track to reduce operating expenses to $30 million by 2026, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation [56] Question: Scale-up of sustainable ingredients - Management noted that while biofragrance revenues will ramp up quickly, sustainable ingredients may take a couple of years to see significant commercial interaction [58] Question: Differentiation in gene editing technology - Management highlighted the unique single-cell editing system that allows for complex traits without needing a null segregate, setting them apart from competitors [72][73]