Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 increased 18% year over year to $35.3 million, driven primarily by volume gains [19][20] - Gross profit rose 23.1% to $9.2 million, with gross margin improving to 26.1% from 25% in the same quarter last year [20] - Net income surged 123% to $1.2 million, translating to $0.03 per diluted share, compared to $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $12 million from $7.2 million, driven by $6 million in cash flow from operations [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved significant operational efficiency improvements, particularly in chicken operations, with capacity more than doubling year over year [11] - Trade promotion investments increased to a record 6% of gross revenue, up from 2% in the previous quarter, reflecting a strategic focus on brand building [9][15] - The company reported a 71% year-over-year increase in marketing spend, aimed at driving repeatable and profitable brand growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is benefiting from a shift towards deli prepared foods, with more than two-thirds of shoppers purchasing deli prepared meals recently, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers [10] - CPI data indicates a nearly two-fold disparity between at-home and away-from-home inflation rates, with grocery store inflation notably lower, positioning the company to capture incremental consumer spending [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its foundational four Cs strategy: cost, controls, culture, and catapult, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and market presence [11] - Strategic investments in production capabilities and automation are expected to deliver meaningful returns, positioning the company for sustainable growth [24] - The company is actively evaluating potential M&A opportunities to enhance category leadership and expand capabilities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining double-digit growth rates despite macroeconomic challenges, citing strong demand from retailers [27][28] - The company is optimistic about gross margin improvements, supported by hedging strategies and operational efficiencies [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of profitable growth and the need to balance trade promotion investments with margin targets [22][36] Other Important Information - The company has refined its acquisition criteria, focusing on targets that enhance category leadership and operational scale [52] - New distribution wins were secured during the quarter, expanding customer accounts and product placements at major national retailers [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth rate expectations for the rest of the year - Management remains confident in achieving double-digit growth, supported by retailer demand and consumer trends [27][28] Question: Gross margin outlook amidst chicken price volatility - Management believes gross margins can improve due to hedging and operational efficiencies, despite ongoing commodity headwinds [30][31][36] Question: In-house chicken trimming capabilities - The company aims to achieve 100% in-house chicken trimming this year, with operational capabilities already in place [42][44] Question: Future CapEx projects - No major CapEx projects are anticipated this year, with a focus on potential acquisitions instead [46][48] Question: M&A criteria refinement - The company has become more focused in its M&A criteria, seeking deli companies with manufacturing capabilities [52] Question: Costco promotions and opportunities - Management confirmed ongoing discussions for additional promotions with Costco and expressed optimism about the club channel [60][61] Question: Pricing strategy and quantification - Management refrained from providing specific quantification on pricing changes, indicating it varies by item and customer [64] Question: Update on Walmart, Kroger, and Target rollouts - Progress is being made with Walmart, Kroger, and Target, with new items being introduced and expanded [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2023 totaled $7 million, a 27% increase compared to $5.5 million for the same period in 2022, slightly exceeding previous guidance of 20% to 24% growth [11] - Fiscal year 2023 revenue reached $20.4 million, up 22% from $16.7 million in 2022 [11] - Gross margin for Q4 2023 was 69.1%, down from 78.1% in Q4 2022, primarily due to non-recurring inventory write-offs [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $700,000, an improvement of $2 million from negative $1.3 million in Q4 2022 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ultramist systems sold increased by 44% from Q3 2023, with total placements for the quarter reaching 98, compared to 55 in Q3 [6] - Applicators revenue grew by 16% sequentially, accounting for 51% of overall revenues in the quarter [7] - The number of active systems in the field rose by 14% sequentially, indicating strong growth in the core business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its user base, with 47% of systems sold in Q4 2023 going to new customers [7] - The company is targeting high usage environments and physician practices to increase applicator usage per active system [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve operational profitability and manage expenses while expanding its commercial operations and clinical training teams [10] - A merger with SEPA is ongoing, which is expected to simplify the capital structure and eliminate complexities in financial reporting [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2024 as a breakout year, expecting revenue growth of 50% compared to 2023, with revenues projected to exceed $30 million [18] - Gross margins are anticipated to recover to the mid-seventies range in 2024 [17] Other Important Information - Total current assets as of December 31, 2023, were $9.8 million, up from $6.6 million a year earlier [13] - Cash totaled $1.8 million as of December 31, 2023 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of patents and talks with Shockwave - Management confirmed an intellectual property deal was announced earlier in the month, emphasizing the value of its intellectual property portfolio [22] Question: Timeline for the merger and listing - Management indicated that finalizing the exchange listing depends on factors outside their control, but they hope it will not take long [26] Question: Legal matters regarding the merger - Management clarified that there are no legal matters holding up the merger, only the completion of pro forma SEC filings [31] Question: Contact for doctors interested in trials - Interested parties can contact Tim Hendrix, the head of sales, through the company's website for product trials [32]