Champions Oncology(CSBR) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $14 million, rebounding from $12.4 million in Q4 of fiscal 2025, indicating a return to growth after a challenging previous quarter [3][7] - Year-over-year revenue comparison appears flat, but the company views this quarter as a stabilization point and the start of renewed momentum [8] - The operating loss for Q1 was $0.5 million compared to an income of $1.3 million in the same quarter last year, with adjusted EBITDA slightly positive at $60,000 [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The research services business contributed $13.7 million to the total revenue, while the data business provided the remaining amount [7] - Gross margin decreased to 43% from 50% in Q1 of the previous year, primarily due to increased outsourced lab service costs [8][9] - Operating expenses rose to $6 million, with intentional increases in R&D and sales and marketing to support the data business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer cancellations have decreased, and bookings to revenue conversion has improved, indicating stronger customer relationships [4] - The macro environment remains challenging, with biotech funding and R&D budgets under pressure, but there are signs of improvement [3][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving value opportunities in Corellia and its data business while expanding its core TOS platform [3][4] - The radiopharmaceutical services platform is being enhanced with new infrastructure and capabilities, aiming to reduce costs and improve gross margins [4] - The company sees significant long-term opportunities in AI and machine learning for drug discovery [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving market conditions, although they do not expect a rapid recovery [20] - The company anticipates sequential revenue growth and margin expansion as they bring more work in-house [11] - There is confidence in the ability to execute and deliver shareholder value, supported by a strong balance sheet and no debt [11] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $10.3 million in cash, up $0.5 million from year-end, and expects to remain cash neutral in Q2 [10][11] - Management is committed to investing in organic growth and capital expenditures tied to expansion [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any changes in the strategy on the data licensing business? - Management confirmed there are no changes in strategy, but they see potential and customer engagement in the data licensing business [14] Question: How would you characterize the size of the opportunity in the data business? - Management stated it is still early to predict the exact size and success of the opportunity, but there is potential and interest [15] Question: What frameworks are being considered for structuring deals with Corellia? - Management is looking for external partners and funding to support Corellia's advancement and is encouraged by the compelling data emerging from the platform [16] Question: Can you provide insights on the broader investment landscape? - Management noted it remains a tough environment but sees signs of improvement and feels well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities [20] Question: Will Q2 revenue increase compared to last year? - Management anticipates revenue will increase on a quarterly basis but did not provide specific guidance on numbers [27]