LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:MLAB) will issue a press release with financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 following market close on Thursday, November 6, 2025. About Mesa Laboratories, Inc. Mesa is a global leader in the design and manufacture of life science tools and critical quality control solutions for regulated applications in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical device industries. Mesa offers products and services to he ...

Summary of Thermo Fisher Scientific Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Thermo Fisher Scientific - **Industry**: Life Science Tools and Diagnostics Key Points Market Environment and Performance - The overall market environment for the life science tools industry is dynamic, with a strong performance in Q2 leading to an improved outlook for Thermo Fisher Scientific [2][3] - The company is focused on driving market share gains and effective cost management, resulting in strong performance [3] - The growth rates in the industry are gradually improving, indicating a predictable long-term outlook [4] Revenue Breakdown and End Markets - Academic and government sectors account for approximately 7% to 8% of Thermo Fisher's revenues, with a mid-single-digit decline in the first half of the year [5][6] - The pharmaceutical and biotech segment, which constitutes about 60% of revenues, showed mid-single-digit growth in Q2, driven by strong performance in bioproduction and pharma services [8][9] - The company is optimistic about the future, citing strong customer pipelines and a positive tone from clients regarding their ability to navigate challenges [10] Pharma Services and CDMO Business - Pharma services experienced high single-digit growth in Q2, with strong demand for sterile fill-finish capabilities and clinical trial logistics [12][13] - The acquisition of Sanofi's drug product site is expected to enhance capacity and efficiency in serving the market [14] Clinical Research Organization (CRO) Performance - The CRO business maintained a positive growth outlook, with strong authorization activity and a favorable pipeline for 2026 [15][17] - The Accelerator Drug Development solution is helping to streamline the clinical development process, leading to increased business wins [18][19] Analytical Instruments and China Market - The analytical instruments segment faced headwinds, particularly in China, where organic growth declined in the mid-single digits due to cautious spending [23][26] - Despite challenges, the company maintains strong relationships in China and anticipates gradual market recovery [28][29] Capital Deployment and M&A Strategy - Thermo Fisher is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, having recently closed the Solventum and Sanofi deals, which are expected to enhance their market position [30][31] - The company emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital deployment, focusing on transactions that strengthen strategic capabilities and deliver strong returns [30][32] Financial Outlook - The company projects organic growth of 3% to 6% for 2026 and 2027, with expectations of 7%+ growth in 2028 and beyond, driven by market recovery and share gains [34][36] - Margin expansion is anticipated, with a target of 50 to 70 basis points in the short term and 40 to 50 basis points in the long term [37] Underappreciated Aspects - The CEO highlighted the compelling investment opportunity presented by Thermo Fisher's strong market position, consistent share gains, and effective growth strategy [38][39] Conclusion - Thermo Fisher Scientific is well-positioned within the life science tools industry, with a strong performance in key segments, a proactive approach to capital deployment, and a positive long-term growth outlook. The company is focused on navigating current challenges while seizing new opportunities to enhance shareholder value [40]

Core Insights - Mesa Laboratories, Inc. has successfully executed its financial strategy by repaying $97.5 million of its 1.375% Convertible Senior Notes due August 2025, utilizing funds drawn from its Credit Agreement [1][2] - The company aims to optimize its capital structure and reduce shareholder dilution while supporting long-term growth [2][5] Financial Performance - The company drew $97.0 million under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, increasing the total outstanding balance to $108 million [1] - Interest rate on the Credit Facility is currently 7.18% and is expected to decrease with future Federal Funds Rate reductions, with anticipated interest payments of approximately $2.7 million for Q2 FY 2026 [2][3] Debt Management - Mesa's total net leverage ratio was 3.16 as of June 30, 2025, defined as total debt minus unrestricted cash in excess of $10 million compared to trailing 12 months EBITDA [3] - The company made over $7 million in principal payments in Q1 FY 2026 and expects to make approximately $20 million in principal payments for the remaining quarters of FY 2026 [4] Company Overview - Mesa Laboratories, Inc. is a global leader in designing and manufacturing life science tools and quality control solutions for regulated applications in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical device industries [6]

Leadership Transition - Harvard Bioscience announced a CEO succession plan with John Duke set to become President & CEO on July 28, 2025, following Jim Green's retirement after over 8 years as Chairman and 6 years as President & CEO [1][3] - John Duke has a strong background, previously serving as CEO of Plastic Molding Technology with approximately 20% annual revenue growth, and has over 20 years of experience at Corning Incorporated [2][3] Board Appointments - The company appointed Rob Gagnon and Seth Benson to the Board of Directors effective July 16, 2025 [3][6] - Rob Gagnon has over 20 years of experience in global finance operations in the life sciences industry and previously served as CFO of Harvard Bioscience from 2013-2018 [4] - Seth Benson has significant leadership experience in finance and technology, currently serving as CFO of Nuclera Ltd [5] Financial Performance - Harvard Bioscience expects second quarter 2025 revenue to be $20.4 million and has reiterated its gross margin guidance of 55% to 57% for the same period [7][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record consumables revenue exceeding $18 million, reflecting strong product development efforts and an expanded assay portfolio [5][6] - The Accelerator services business grew by 36% year-on-year, although some pharma projects were pushed to later quarters due to market conditions [7][8] - Overall, the company expects to stabilize and return to a pace of clinical trials and preclinical work as the biopharma market stabilizes [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumables revenue showed significant growth, driven by the introduction of over 20 new assays last year and a similar cadence expected this year [5][6] - The instruments segment remained stable year-over-year, indicating consistent demand [6] - The Accelerator Lab has become a significant revenue source, contributing approximately 30% of the business and showing strong growth in clinical and market adoption [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has about 20-22% exposure to the government end market, with some paralysis in customer decisions due to uncertainties in grant funding [12][13] - The academic research market is experiencing pressure, but the company is finding ways to mitigate this through services and consumables [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its addressable market from $1 billion in neurology to $5 billion by including immunology and immuno-oncology [42][43] - The introduction of the SYM-one platform is expected to enhance sensitivity and complexity in immunology and oncology, broadening the company's market reach [30][34] - The company is focused on maintaining R&D investments while implementing cost-saving measures, ensuring continued innovation in key areas [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are delays in project decisions, there have been no cancellations, indicating a cautious but positive outlook for future projects [9][10] - The company is optimistic about the growth potential in the liquid biopsy market, emphasizing the importance of protein biomarkers alongside DNA [44][46] - Management believes that the adoption of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's will increase as therapy adoption improves, creating a synergistic effect [54][56] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the launch of the SYM-one platform, which will be compatible with over 20,000 flow cytometers, significantly increasing its market reach [32][36] - The company has initiated a cost savings program targeting $55 million in savings by the end of 2026, focusing on G&A and volume-related costs [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the recent Q1 results and the impact of academic funding concerns? - The company reported strong consumables growth but noted that academic funding concerns have affected the outlook for the Accelerator Lab [4][5] Question: What is the exposure to the government end market and the impact of NIH spending cuts? - Approximately 20-22% of customers have NIH exposure, and while there is some paralysis in decision-making, the company is finding ways to support these customers [12][13] Question: How does the Accelerator Lab contribute to the business? - The Accelerator Lab has evolved into a significant revenue source, providing stability and repeat business, especially in a CapEx constrained environment [18][20] Question: What are the expectations for the SYM-one platform launch? - The SYM-one platform is expected to enhance sensitivity and complexity in immunology and oncology, with a launch planned before the end of the year [30][34] Question: How does the company plan to balance cost savings with R&D investments? - The company is implementing cost savings primarily in G&A and volume-related areas while maintaining strong investments in R&D and innovation [39][40] Question: What is the rationale behind the Akoya acquisition? - The acquisition aims to increase the addressable market and achieve synergies through a unified operating line and commercial team, targeting profitability by 2026 [42][43]

Core Insights - Harvard Bioscience, Inc. has appointed John Duke to its board of directors, effective June 2, 2025, and he will also serve on the audit and nominating and governance committees [1][2] - Katherine Eade has been named Lead Independent Director of the Company's board of directors [1] - Thomas Loewald has retired from the board after serving since October 2017 [3] Company Overview - Harvard Bioscience, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer, and seller of technologies, products, and services that enable advances in life science applications, including research, drug and therapy discovery, bio-production, and preclinical testing for pharmaceutical development [4] - The Company serves a diverse customer base, including academic institutions, government laboratories, and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations, with operations in the United States, Europe, and China [4]

Core Insights - Mesa Laboratories, Inc. reported solid momentum in FY25 with core organic revenue growth across all four divisions and bookings growth in 4Q25 [2][3] - The company generated total revenues of $240,978, marking an 11.5% increase compared to FY24, with core organic revenue growth of 5.0% [10][34] - Profitability, as measured by adjusted operating income (AOI), increased 12.3% year-over-year to 23.5% as a percentage of revenues, despite challenges from performance-based compensation expenses [3][10] Financial Performance - In 4Q25, total revenues were $62,135, a 5.5% increase from 4Q24, with operating income rising 100.5% to $1,469 [9][10] - For the full fiscal year, operating income increased 106.0% to $16,336, while net loss improved to $(1,974) from $(254,246) in FY24 [10][27] - Cash flows from operations for the year were $46,808, with free cash flow of $42,559 primarily used to pay down debt [2][21] Division Performance - The Sterilization and Disinfection Control (SDC) division generated revenues of $24,749 in 4Q25, with core organic revenue growth of 10.3% [13] - Calibration Solutions (CS) revenues were $13,257 in 4Q25, achieving core organic revenue growth of 3.4% [15] - Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) revenues reached $12,618 in 4Q25, with a significant annual growth of 20.3% driven by increased spending on capital equipment [16] - Clinical Genomics (CG) revenues were $11,511 in 4Q25, with a quarterly growth of 4.4% but an annual decline of 10.1% due to regulatory challenges in the China market [17] Strategic Milestones - The company successfully integrated GKE into its corporate structure within nine months and exceeded acquisition commitments for revenues and profitability [4] - Implementation of Salesforce CRM across all divisions and progress in Commercial Excellence initiatives contributed to accelerated bookings growth [4] - The Mesa Way initiative led to 45 discrete process improvement events, setting a new record for the company [5] Market Dynamics - Approximately 75% of revenues are derived from a recurring service and consumables mix, which has helped mitigate short-term impacts from increased tariffs [8] - The company is focused on driving profitable market share growth despite uncertainties in global trade and economic conditions [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $9.8 million, a 5% increase from $9.3 million in Q1 2024 [15] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $3 million, compared to $2.2 million in Q1 2024, with a gross margin of 30.7%, up from 23.8% [18] - Net loss for Q1 2025 was $4.6 million, or negative $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $8.1 million, or negative $0.20 per diluted share, in Q1 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Lab Essentials products was $8.1 million in Q1 2025, a 12% increase from $7.3 million in Q1 2024 [16] - Clinical Solutions revenue was $1.2 million in Q1 2025, a 32% decrease from $1.7 million in Q1 2024, attributed to lower average revenue per customer [17] - Revenue from custom products sold to biopharma customers grew mid single digits compared to Q1 2024, with expectations of at least 15% growth in 2025 [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over 500 academic and government institutions, which represented less than 4% of total revenue in February 2024 [7] - Less than 5% of total revenue comes from sales to customers outside the United States, with no material revenue from sales to customers in China [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy focuses on engaging early-stage therapeutic developers and supporting them through clinical trials to commercialization, aiming for sustainable growth rates of 20% to 25% annually [8] - The company signed a collaboration agreement with Pluristics to manufacture and distribute a novel cryopreservation product, enhancing its product portfolio and market presence [12][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving guidance for 2025, despite challenges in the biotech funding landscape affecting small and mid-sized biotech customers [9][24] - The company anticipates a gross margin in the high 20s for fiscal year 2025, with operating expenses expected to be at least $8 million per quarter [23] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $200,000, compared to $100,000 in Q1 2024, with free cash flow of negative $4.3 million for Q1 2025, an improvement from negative $6.7 million in Q1 2024 [20] - The company does not expect to raise additional capital to execute its organic growth strategy based on current liquidity and growth assumptions [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on cell and gene therapy customer count and demand after FDA leadership change - Management noted no immediate changes in demand post-leadership change, with customers in execution mode and expecting 15% growth in the segment [31] Question: Commentary on revenue per customer and mix shift with new customers - Management indicated that as new customers onboard, revenue per customer may soften, but mature customers are expected to increase their spending significantly as they progress through clinical trials [34] Question: Competitive position of the collaboration with Pluristics - Management expressed excitement about the collaboration, which targets existing customers and aims to expand into the cell therapy market, though material impact is not expected until 2026 [40] Question: Exposure to vaccines and recent CBER appointment - Management clarified that exposure to vaccines is minimal, with only 4% of revenue from academic and government institutions, and no immediate impact from NIH funding concerns [49][52] Question: Customer order patterns and potential risks to outlook - Management did not detect any pull-forward of orders and remains optimistic about mid-single-digit growth for the catalog business for the full year [59]