Azenta(US:AZTA)2025-11-21 14:32Financial 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% organic growth [14][15] - Non-GAAP EPS for Q4 was $0.21, and $0.51 for the full year, 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 [14][15] - Free cash flow for the full year was $38 million, a notable improvement of $26 million year-over-year, with $546 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at year-end [15][20] 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 [17][18] - Multi-Omix segment delivered 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 [18][19] 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 [9][10] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth of 3%-5% for fiscal 2026, with expectations of a decline of approximately 1%-2% in Q1 due to capital expenditure slowdowns and government shutdown impacts [21][60] 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 [8][10] - Strategic priorities include embedding ABS deeper across the organization, optimizing capital deployment, and continuing to deliver core growth and margin expansion [11][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and highlighted opportunities arising from customers consolidating partners and investing in automation [9][10] - The company is well-positioned for fiscal 2026, with a focus on operational excellence and a strong balance sheet to support growth initiatives [11][22] 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 [13] - The company plans to host an Investor Day to outline its multi-year growth strategy and capital deployment priorities [11][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on growth expectations and market conditions - Management noted that the market is expected to grow at 1-2%, with capital expenditure slowdowns impacting growth, particularly in the U.S. [25][26] Question: Update on SMS growth and backlog - Confidence in mid-single-digit growth for SMS is supported by a strong backlog and recent investments in commercial initiatives [29][30] Question: Insights on macroeconomic trends affecting customer bases - Management highlighted strength in pharma spending, with some projects being put on hold but showing signs of recovery [38][40] Question: Expectations for M&A activity - The company is focused on tuck-in acquisitions to expand its core business, particularly in SRS and automated solutions [69][70]