Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 increased to $103.7 million, representing a growth of 17% year-over-year and approximately 5% sequentially [21] - Gross margin improved to 52.0%, an increase of approximately four margin points compared to Q1 of Fiscal 2025 [21][25] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $13.4 million, an improvement of about $2.8 million versus Q1 of Fiscal 2025 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DNA synthesis and protein solutions revenue rose to $51.1 million, a growth of 27% year-over-year, driven by demand from customers pursuing AI-enabled discovery [21] - NGS applications revenue grew to approximately $52.6 million, with an 18% year-over-year growth when excluding one large customer [21] - Revenue from therapeutics increased to approximately $37.2 million, reflecting a 39% increase year-over-year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue increased to approximately $58.4 million, a growth of 9% year-over-year [22] - AMEA revenue rose to approximately $38.4 million, a growth of 36% year-over-year [22] - Global supply partner revenue increased by 50% to $12.8 million, driven by new partnerships and growth in diagnostics OEM partners [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform to enhance speed, scale, quality, and affordability for customers [6] - The estimated serviceable market has expanded from approximately $2 billion in 2020 to roughly $7 billion today, with expectations to exceed $12 billion by 2030 [8] - The company is focused on disciplined product innovation and expanding its addressable markets while maintaining margin discipline and capital efficiency [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in reaching Adjusted EBITDA break-even by Q4 of Fiscal 2026, supported by consistent revenue growth and disciplined investment in operating expenses [29][30] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-enabled drug discovery and precision diagnostics [30] - Management noted that the growth is driven by a repeatable model and operational execution that scales efficiently [28] Other Important Information - The company plans to host an investor day in May to provide deeper insights into its strategy, product roadmap, and market expansion opportunities [30] - The company has made targeted investments in commercial teams and digital infrastructure to support growth [11][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand for AI-driven discovery and its duration - Management noted that demand is expected to be durable, with customers returning for larger orders and the potential for AI to become the first pass in drug discovery [34] Question: Increased guidance confidence for DNA synthesis and NGS - Management indicated that confidence comes from overall strong performance across the board, with a specific customer dynamic in NGS applications having improved [39] Question: Gross margin expectations for Q2 and beyond - Management expects continued improvements in gross margin throughout the year, but at a moderated pace due to ongoing investments in capacity and automation [48] Question: Strategic investments made in the quarter - Investments were made in hiring sales and commercial personnel, as well as transient investments in digital infrastructure to enhance e-commerce capabilities [52] Question: New partnerships in the diagnostic space - Management is actively working on securing new partnerships for sustained growth in 2027 and beyond, while current growth in 2026 will primarily come from existing partners [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 increased to $103.7 million, representing a growth of 17% year-over-year and approximately 5% sequentially [21] - Gross margin improved to 52.0%, an increase of approximately four margin points compared to Q1 of fiscal 2025 [21][25] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $13.4 million, an improvement of approximately $2.8 million versus Q1 of fiscal 2025 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DNA synthesis and protein solutions revenue increased to $51.1 million, a growth of 27% year-over-year, driven by demand from customers pursuing AI-enabled discovery [21] - NGS applications revenue grew to approximately $52.6 million, with an 18% year-over-year growth when excluding one large customer [21] - Revenue from therapeutics rose to approximately $37.2 million, reflecting a 39% increase year-over-year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue increased to approximately $58.4 million, a growth of 9% year-over-year [22] - EMEA revenue rose to approximately $38.4 million, a growth of 36% year-over-year [22] - Global supply partner revenue increased by 50% to $12.8 million, driven by new partnerships and growth in diagnostics OEM partners [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform to enhance speed, scale, quality, and affordability for customers [6] - The estimated serviceable market has expanded from approximately $2 billion in 2020 to roughly $7 billion today, with expectations to exceed $12 billion by 2030 [8] - The company is focused on disciplined product innovation and operational execution to support growth while maintaining margin discipline [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in reaching adjusted EBITDA break-even by Q4 of fiscal 2026, supported by consistent revenue growth and disciplined investment in operating expenses [29][30] - The company is positioned as an enabling infrastructure provider across the biological continuum, from early discovery through diagnostics to therapeutics development [29] Other Important Information - The company plans to host an Investor Day in May to provide deeper insights into its strategy, product roadmap, and market expansion opportunities [30] - The company has made targeted investments in commercial teams and digital infrastructure to support growth [11][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand for AI-driven discovery and its duration - Management noted that demand is expected to be durable, with customers returning for larger orders, indicating strong growth potential [34] Question: Increased guidance confidence for DNA synthesis and NGS - The increase in guidance is attributed to overall confidence across the board, with a specific customer dynamic in NGS applications having improved [39] Question: Gross margin expectations for Q2 and beyond - Management indicated that while gross margin improvements are expected, they will be moderated due to ongoing investments in capacity and infrastructure [48] Question: Strategic investments made in the quarter - Investments were made in hiring sales and commercial personnel, as well as transient investments in digital infrastructure to enhance e-commerce capabilities [52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 increased to $103.7 million, representing a 17% year-over-year growth and approximately 5% sequentially [20] - Gross margin improved to 52.0%, an increase of approximately four margin points compared to Q1 of Fiscal 2025 [20][24] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $13.4 million, an improvement of about $2.8 million versus Q1 of Fiscal 2025 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DNA synthesis and protein solutions revenue rose to $51.1 million, a 27% year-over-year increase driven by AI-enabled discovery [20] - NGS applications revenue grew to approximately $52.6 million, with an 18% year-over-year growth when excluding one large customer [20] - Revenue from therapeutics increased to approximately $37.2 million, reflecting a 39% year-over-year growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue increased to approximately $58.4 million, a 9% year-over-year growth [21] - AMEA revenue rose to approximately $38.4 million, a 36% year-over-year increase [21] - APAC revenue increased to approximately $7 million, compared to $6.7 million in the same period of Fiscal 2025 [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform to enhance speed, scale, quality, and affordability for customers [5] - The estimated serviceable market has expanded from approximately $2 billion in 2020 to roughly $7 billion today, with a target of over $12 billion by 2030 [7][8] - The company is focused on disciplined product innovation and expanding its addressable markets while maintaining margin discipline [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in reaching Adjusted EBITDA break-even by Q4 of Fiscal 2026, supported by consistent revenue growth and disciplined investment in operating expenses [11][27] - The company sees a durable opportunity in AI-enabled discovery, with increasing orders from large pharma and biotech customers [31][49] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a scalable cost structure while investing in growth [12][27] Other Important Information - The company plans to host an investor day in May to provide deeper insights into its strategy, product roadmap, and market expansion opportunities [28] - The company ended the quarter with $197.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand for AI-driven discovery and its duration - Management noted that demand is expected to be durable, with customers returning for larger orders, indicating strong growth potential [31] Question: Increased guidance confidence for DNA synthesis and NGS - Management attributed increased confidence to overall strong performance across the board and the return of a previously mentioned customer [37] Question: Gross margin expectations for Q2 and beyond - Management indicated that while gross margin improvements are expected, investments in growth may moderate the pace of margin expansion [44][46] Question: Strategic investments made in the quarter - Management detailed structural investments in hiring sales personnel and transient investments in digital infrastructure to support growth [50][52] Question: New partnerships in the diagnostic space - Management confirmed that growth in NGS for FY 2026 will primarily come from existing partners, with new partnerships being crucial for sustained growth in 2027 and beyond [56]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market showed positive performance with the Hang Seng Technology Index rising by 0.66% and the Hang Seng Index increasing by 0.56% [1] Market Performance - The Hong Kong Technology ETF (159751) increased by 1.28%, while the Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect ETF (159318) rose by 0.85% [1] - The life sciences tools and healthcare technology sectors experienced the highest gains, while the automotive, forestry, and paper products sectors faced the largest declines [1] Individual Stock Movements - Lion Group Holding surged over 50%, and Alibaba Health rose by 18.96% [1] - Nongfu Spring increased by 6.02%, Alibaba Group (W) rose by 5.69%, Bilibili (W) gained 5.13%, Kuaishou (W) increased by 4.46%, and Huahong Semiconductor rose by 4.29% [1] - On the downside, Jiujiuwang (B) fell by 11.57%, and Dali Group Holdings dropped by 15.58% [1] - Zhongqingbao Holdings saw a significant increase of 20.77% [1]

Market Performance - The Hang Seng Technology Index increased by 0.38% and the Hang Seng Index rose by 1.01% [1] - The Hong Kong Technology ETF (159751) gained 1.38%, while the Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect ETF (159318) increased by 1.0% [1] Sector Performance - The life sciences tools and healthcare technology sectors showed the highest gains [1] - Conversely, the passenger airline and communication equipment sectors experienced the largest declines [1] Individual Stock Performance - BBSB International surged over 66% [1] - Zhaoyi Innovation rose by 39.75%, WuXi AppTec increased by 7.94%, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group gained 5.5%, Zijin Mining International rose by 5.49%, Ganfeng Lithium increased by 4.73%, WuXi Biologics rose by 4.52%, and Hansoh Pharmaceutical gained 4.13% [1] - Nanjing Panda Electronics fell by 5.47%, and Goldwind Technology dropped by 6.64% [1] - Ark Health gained 37.55%, and Haotian International Construction Investment rose by 17.86% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market showed positive performance with the Hang Seng Index rising by 0.44% and the Hang Seng Tech Index increasing by 1.04% [1] Market Performance - The Hong Kong stock market closed with the Hang Seng Index up by 0.44% and the Hang Seng Tech Index up by 1.04% [1] - The Hong Kong Tech ETF (159751) decreased by 0.29%, while the Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect ETF (159318) increased by 0.29% [1] Sector Performance - The media sector experienced significant gains, while the water and life sciences tools sectors faced notable declines [1] Individual Stock Movements - Baidu Group-SW saw a rise of 6.88% - China Aluminum increased by 6.56% - Sanhua Intelligent Control rose by 6.21% - CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation) gained 4.17% - Goldwind Technology fell by 8.16% - Lion Group Holdings dropped by 8.42% - Maifusi surged by 10.53% - InnoCare Pharma increased by 9.22% [1]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the healthcare sector, particularly the biopharmaceutical industry, which is expected to continue its recovery into 2026 [4][5]. Core Insights - The biopharmaceutical sector has shown significant recovery, with a 12% increase this year, narrowing the gap with the S&P 500 index, which has risen by 14% [2][3]. - Key drivers for this recovery include improved policy clarity regarding drug pricing and a resurgence in investor confidence in innovation across various therapeutic areas, particularly in obesity and cardiovascular diseases [3][4]. - The report highlights that major biopharmaceutical companies are experiencing upward revisions in sales expectations for the first time in years, indicating a positive shift in market sentiment [3][5]. Summary by Sections Biopharmaceutical Sector - The biopharmaceutical industry is expected to see sustained recovery, driven by clearer drug pricing policies and the initiation of new product cycles [4][5]. - Major companies like Amgen and Regeneron are anticipated to have upward performance potential, while BioGen is expected to improve due to stable earnings and catalysts [8]. - The report emphasizes the importance of mergers and acquisitions as a significant theme, with the industry likely entering a consolidation phase [8][12]. Medical Technology - The medical technology sector is projected to experience organic growth slowdown, but there are numerous product catalysts that could drive performance [25][26]. - Companies like Edwards and Abbott are highlighted as having significant growth potential, with expectations of increased merger activity [25][26]. Healthcare Services - The report discusses the managed care sector, indicating that it is currently in a typical underwriting cycle, with a potential recovery in Medicare Advantage plans expected in 2026 [32][33]. - The report suggests a cautious outlook for managed Medicaid plans and exchanges, with specific companies receiving varied ratings based on their performance and market conditions [33]. Investment Opportunities - The report identifies several stocks as potential investment opportunities for 2026, including UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Cytokinetics, and Abbott, among others [44].

Market Performance - The Hang Seng Index increased by 0.65% and the Hang Seng Tech Index rose by 1.14% [1] - The Hong Kong Tech ETF (159751) gained 1.76%, while the Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect ETF (159318) increased by 1.02% [1] Sector Performance - The life sciences tools and automotive parts sectors showed the highest gains [1] - The media, forestry, and paper products sectors experienced the largest declines [1] Individual Stock Movements - Zhihui Mining surged over 111% [1] - China Duty Free Group rose by 7.56%, Horizon Robotics (W) increased by 7.16%, WuXi Biologics gained 6.48%, and Xpeng Motors (W) was up by 5.69% [1] - Shenzhou International fell by 3.89% and China National Heavy Duty Truck Group dropped by 5.71% [1] - Youjia Innovation increased by 12.13% and CIMC (China International Marine Containers) rose by 11.96% [1]

Market Performance - The Hang Seng Index closed down by 2.07% [1] - The Hang Seng Tech Index fell by 3.11% [1] - The Hong Kong Tech ETF (159751) decreased by 2.32% [1] - The Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect ETF (159318) dropped by 1.86% [1] Sector Performance - The hotel and resort REITs and water sectors showed the highest gains [1] - The life sciences tools and biotechnology sectors experienced the largest declines [1] Individual Stock Performance - Huiju Technology saw a decline of 10.16% [1] - Ganfeng Lithium dropped by 10.23% [1] - Youbao Online increased by 9.4% [1] - Quzhi Group rose by 4.03% [1]

Summary of Bio-Techne Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Bio-Techne (NasdaqGS: TECH) - **Date**: November 20, 2025 - **Focus**: Life Science tools and reagents, particularly in cell therapy and proteomics Key Points Financial Performance - **Overall Growth**: Reported a negative growth of 1% for the quarter, primarily due to larger companies not ordering products after receiving fast-track designations, impacting revenue by 200 basis points [2][21] - **Core Growth**: Excluding the impact of cell therapy, core growth was positive at 1% [2] - **Large Pharma Revenue**: Contributed 30% of total revenues, with double-digit growth observed [2][5] - **GMP Protein Business**: Valued at $60 million within an $80 million cell therapy business, with significant growth in previous quarters (60% and 90% in Q1 and Q2 last year) [20] Market Dynamics - **Pharma Market**: Strong performance in both the US and Europe, with a healthy growth outlook despite potential shifts due to deglobalization [6][10] - **Biotech Funding**: Noted a resurgence in funding, particularly in October, with a shift towards accelerating programs rather than building infrastructure [7][8] - **Academic Market**: Experienced a messy environment in the US but showed stabilization and improvement in Europe, with a shift in grant focus towards oncology and neurological diseases [33] Innovation and Product Development - **R&D Investment**: 8% of revenues reinvested into R&D, leading to significant innovations across various verticals [12] - **New Products**: - ProPax for protein packaging, reducing human error and contamination risk [13] - ELA cartridge for ultra-sensitivity in protein analysis, enhancing capabilities in neurodiseases and inflammation [14] - LEO instrument with four times higher capacity and precision for larger pharma [15] - Exosome-based ESR1 breast cancer marker for therapy management [16] - Oxford Nanopore-based genetic testing kit for difficult-to-sequence genes [16] M&A Strategy - **M&A as Priority**: High priority for capital deployment, with improved availability of high-quality targets in the market [17] - **Wilson Wolf Acquisition**: Ongoing interest in acquiring Wilson Wolf, with a focus on strengthening the cell therapy portfolio [17][19] Competitive Landscape - **Cell Therapy Market**: Maintained a strong position against European competitors, leveraging 49 years of experience in complex protein design and manufacturing [22] - **AI in Protein Design**: Utilization of AI to enhance protein specificity and heat stability, leading to patentable innovations [24][25] Pricing and Promotions - **Promotional Activities**: Implemented grants to support new programs in constrained funding environments, increasing customer base from 550 to 700 for GMP proteins [26][27] Future Outlook - **Market Trends**: Anticipated improvements in grant funding and a shift towards more multi-year grants, providing better visibility for labs [35] - **Budget Flush Impact**: Minimal impact expected from year-end budget flush, as 90% of revenue is from consumables and services, not instrumentation [37] Additional Insights - **Reshoring and Deglobalization**: Expected to influence manufacturing dynamics positively, with local production reducing shipping inefficiencies [10][11] - **Academic Grant Trends**: Shift towards proteomics-based spending, indicating a favorable alignment with Bio-Techne's offerings [33]