Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenue of $40.8 million, a decrease of 10% year-over-year, attributed to a challenging market environment and elevated backlog from the previous year [10][29] - Non-GAAP gross margins were 53.2%, down from 56.2% in Q1 2024, impacted by lower volume and price realization [33] - The net loss for the quarter was $26 million, an improvement from a net loss of $32.2 million in Q1 2024, representing a 19% improvement [35] - Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $16.9 million from $23.7 million year-over-year, a 29% improvement [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumables revenue was $14.5 million, down 16% year-over-year, primarily due to lower volumes in the Americas Academia segment [29] - Instruments revenue increased by 24% year-over-year to $7.8 million, driven by strong sales in spatial proteomics, particularly the Hyperion XTI [30] - Services revenue, including lab and field services, was $17.6 million, down 16% year-over-year, with lab services declining by 19% due to backlog gaps [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas market is expected to see a mid-teens percentage decline in academic revenue, reflecting ongoing funding uncertainties [11][37] - International markets and biopharma engagement remain resilient, with continued traction noted in these segments [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high precision proteomics and expanding its distributed offerings through partnerships, particularly with Illumina, to enhance market leadership [25][66] - A disciplined M&A strategy is in place, with a focus on consolidating technologies and optimizing operations to drive growth [26][49] - The company aims to reach adjusted EBITDA positive by 2026 while maintaining a healthy cash position of $261 million with no material debt [14][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a dynamic operating environment but emphasizes a strong internal position with a diversified portfolio and disciplined operating model [8][12] - The company remains committed to long-term profitable revenue growth and increasing shareholder value despite macroeconomic challenges [38] Other Important Information - The company has operationalized $90 million in annualized cost reductions since the merger with SomaLogic, which is crucial for navigating current uncertainties [34] - New product launches at the AACR conference included three new offerings aimed at enhancing the company's service portfolio [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on revenue weighting for the year - Management indicated that the revenue is expected to be back half weighted, driven by larger projects in the internal funnel [42][44] Question: Instrument demand and sales funnel outlook - The company is encouraged by growth in the sales funnel, particularly for the Hyperion XTI, but remains cautious about declaring victory [45][46] Question: Update on M&A pipeline and timing - The company remains committed to a disciplined M&A strategy, with a healthy cash position allowing for strategic acquisitions [49] Question: Trends in U.S. Academic and government demand - Management confirmed ongoing challenges in U.S. Academia, maintaining guidance for a mid-teens decline in revenue [52][56] Question: Feedback on new product launches - Initial feedback on new single soma reagents is positive, with expectations for long-term growth potential in this area [58][62] Question: Revenue expectations from the Illumina partnership - While cautious for 2025, management sees long-term potential for significant revenue growth from the Illumina partnership [65][67]