Crispr Technology & Applications - Crispr 基因编辑技术能够对患者的 DNA 进行精确编辑，从而识别新的治疗靶点并纠正某些疾病，扩大可治疗疾病的范围 [2] - Crispr 技术与 AI 结合，加速识别靶点和疗法，从而加快新疗法上市的速度 [3] - 癌症，尤其是无法以其他方式治疗的儿童疾病和罕见癌症，可能是 Crispr 技术首先产生影响的领域 [5] Regulatory Landscape - FDA 对新的治疗方法和技术平台持支持态度，并倾向于快速批准 [5] - 美国卫生与公众服务部 (HHS) 部长承诺支持细胞和基因治疗领域，这对行业来说是一个巨大的推动力 [7] - 众议院拨款委员会也表达了对细胞和基因治疗领域的支持，释放了积极信号 [7] Manufacturing & Supply Chain - 该公司主要在美国本土进行生产，对进口尤其是来自中国的依赖程度不高 [9] - 公司在马萨诸塞州进行生产，并在匹兹堡进行扩张 [9] - 匹兹堡的团队致力于支持当地学校的 STEM (科学、技术、工程和数学) 项目 [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter revenues of $57 million, aligning with expectations, and full year revenues of $259 million, near the midpoint of the previously stated range of $255 million to $265 million [10] - GAAP net loss before non-controlling interests was $46 million for Q4 2024, compared to a loss of $110 million in Q4 2023, while the annual net loss was $260 million, up from $138 million in 2023 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was a negative $1 million, down from $21 million in Q4 2023, with a full year adjusted EBITDA of $36 million, reflecting a margin of 14% [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Biologic Safety Testing segment generated $15 million in Q4 and $63 million for the full year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 70% [10][17] - The Nucleic Acid Production segment reported revenues of $42 million in Q4, including $14 million from high volume clean cap sales, and $196 million for the full year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26% [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue breakdown by customer type for 2024 showed 48% from biopharma, 25% from life sciences and diagnostics, 5% from CROs, CMOs, and CDMOs, 4% from academia, and 18% through distributors [11] - The company’s exposure to China was $13.6 million for the full year, with expectations for flat growth in 2025 [69] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning its base business to growth, anticipating revenues of $185 million to $205 million for 2025, excluding high volume clean cap [19][20] - Strategic investments include expanding commercial footprint, enhancing intellectual property protection, and integrating recent acquisitions to drive growth in the discovery area [30][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in forecasting due to market dynamics but expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities and growth opportunities [19][24] - The company is enhancing visibility into customer clinical programs to better predict sales and manage operations [27][35] Other Important Information - The company ended 2024 with $322 million in cash and $300 million in long-term debt, resulting in a net cash position of $22 million [14] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $30 million, with expectations for a decline to $15 million to $20 million in 2025 [23][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide guidance on gross margins for 2025? - Management indicated that the cost structure for 2025 will remain consistent with 2024, with fixed costs around $200 million and variable costs expected to range between 10% to 12% [46][47] Question: How is the company improving visibility with key customers? - Management noted that new agreements include mandatory disclosure requirements for clinical trial milestones, which should enhance visibility into customer programs [52][53] Question: What are the expectations for segment growth and revenue cadence? - Management expects Q1 2025 revenues to be between $43 million to $45 million, with growth anticipated in the back half of the year driven by acquisitions and new product introductions [56][58] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities for 2025? - The company plans to focus on reducing cash interest expenses and is open to evaluating M&A opportunities that align with their strategic goals [62][63] Question: How much of the revenue forecast is related to COVID vaccine contributions? - Management stated that the forecast excludes any contributions from COVID-related revenues, reflecting a shift in focus to base business growth [80][82] Question: What percentage of revenue did the top 10 customers comprise for 2024? - The top 10 customers accounted for 46% of revenue in 2024, showing a gradual diversification from 48% in 2023 [84]