Harvard Bioscience(US:HBIO)2025-11-06 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $20.6 million, at the high end of guidance and slightly up from Q2 2025, but down from $22 million in Q3 2024 [4][11] - Gross margin improved to 58.4%, up from 58.1% in Q3 2024 and exceeded guidance of 56-58% [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $2 million from $1.3 million in Q3 2024, driven by reduced operating expenses [11][15] - Operating cash flow was positive at $1.1 million for Q3 2025, contributing to a year-to-date cash flow of $6.8 million compared to negative $0.3 million in the same period last year [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preclinical sales increased sequentially and year-over-year due to growth in telemetry and respiratory product lines [12][13] - The Soho telemetry rollout expanded into additional key accounts, with increased recurring consumable demand [5] - The Biochrome amino acid analyzer for bioproduction performed well, with expectations to exceed last year's consumable revenue [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas increased sequentially by 3.6% but was down 4.4% year-over-year [12] - European revenue increased 0.3% sequentially, reflecting stronger preclinical academic shipments, but was flat year-over-year [13] - In China, revenue was down 6.3% sequentially and 19.6% year-over-year, although there is optimism regarding tariff disruptions [9][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company outlined three priorities for 2025: maintain financial discipline, accelerate product adoption, and strengthen capital structure through debt refinancing [4] - The launch of the Incubate MultiWell system aims to enhance the electrophysiology portfolio and expand into high-throughput applications [6][7] - The company is actively discussing options for refinancing its credit agreement, with expectations to complete this in Q4 2025 [8][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about increased demand and backlog heading into Q4 2025, with expectations for continued momentum [9][18] - The ongoing government shutdown may impact NIH funding distribution, which is being monitored closely [8][9] - The company is fundamentally stronger than at the beginning of the year, with a leaner structure and better alignment with long-term growth opportunities [9] Other Important Information - The company expanded its distribution agreement with Fisher Scientific, enhancing access to its products across North America [7] - The adoption of the MeshMEA organoid platform is gaining momentum, supported by regulatory initiatives [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the uptick in preclinical systems during the quarter? - The uptick was driven by broad demand for telemetry products across various regions and customer groups [20] Question: Is the backlog similar to the existing product mix? - The backlog showed a uniform increase across geographies and products, not driven by any specific product [21][22] Question: What improvements are seen in the academic and government market? - Improvement is reflected in Q3 results and strong backlog, but the potential impact of NIH funding and government shutdown is considered in guidance [23] Question: How does the guidance account for NIH funding and government shutdown? - The lower range of guidance considers the potential for a prolonged government shutdown affecting funding [27] Question: Will NIH funds flow through sales in the first quarter of next year if not released in Q4? - Funds are not lost but will be delayed, potentially impacting orders in Q1 or Q2 of 2026 [28] Question: What is the status of the ERP project? - The ERP project was completed in Q4, contributing to reduced expenses and operational efficiencies [30]