Azenta(US:AZTA)2025-11-21 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue was $159 million, up 6% year-over-year and up 4% organically, with full-year revenue at $594 million, reflecting a 4% increase on a reported basis and 3% organically [12][14] - Non-GAAP EPS for Q4 was $0.21, and for the full year, it was $0.51, with adjusted EBITDA margin at 13% for Q4 and 11.2% for the full year, representing an expansion of approximately 230 basis points in Q4 and 310 basis points for the full year [13][14] - Free cash flow for the full year improved by $26 million year-over-year, totaling $38 million, with $546 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at year-end [14][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sample Management Solutions (SMS) revenue was $86 million for Q4, up 2% reported and flat organically, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 49.3%, up 180 basis points year-over-year [16] - Multi-Omix segment achieved record revenue of $73 million in Q4, representing 11% growth on a reported basis and 10% organic growth, driven by a 50% year-over-year increase in sequencing volume [17] - Overall, Multi-Omix gross margin for Q4 was 43.7%, down 260 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to product mix and lower volume in certain areas [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment remains volatile, with softer academic and NIH funding impacting growth, particularly in the U.S. market [8][9] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth of 3%-5% for fiscal 2026, with Multi-Omix expected to deliver low single-digit growth and SMS contributing mid-single-digit growth [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has implemented the Azenta Business System (ABS) to enhance operational efficiency and accountability, focusing on driving productivity, organic growth, and targeted M&A [6][7] - The strategic focus includes reinvesting savings into innovation, sales, marketing, and product management, with a commitment to operational excellence and value creation [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and highlighted opportunities arising from customer consolidation and outsourcing trends [9][10] - The company is entering fiscal 2026 from a position of strength, with a clear focus on core growth and margin expansion, despite anticipated challenges in the first half of the year [10][21] Other Important Information - The results exclude B Medical Systems, which is treated as discontinued operations, with an additional non-cash loss of $4 million recorded in Q4 [11] - The company plans to host an Investor Day to outline its multi-year growth strategy and capital deployment priorities [10][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on growth expectations and market conditions - Management noted that the macroeconomic slowdown and capital expenditure constraints are impacting growth, particularly in the U.S., with expectations of a 1-2% market growth [24][25] Question: Update on SMS growth and backlog - Confidence in mid-single-digit growth for SMS is supported by a strong backlog and recent commercial investments [29][30] Question: Insights on customer spending trends - Management highlighted strength in pharma spending, with some projects being reactivated post-restructuring [36] Question: Clarification on multi-omics growth expectations - Multi-Omix is expected to normalize to mid-single-digit growth due to price and volume adjustments [38] Question: M&A strategy and focus areas - The company is looking at tuck-in acquisitions to expand its core business, particularly in SRS and automated solutions [63][64]