Bio-Techne(TECH) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q1 with a negative growth of 1%, but when excluding two large cell therapy customers, the growth for the rest of the business was approximately 1% [6][8] - The company anticipates a similar overall growth rate for Q2, projecting a negative growth of 1% again, but with an adjusted growth of 3% when excluding the impact of the two customers [25][96] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diagnostics business grew mid-single digits in Q1, building on a mid-teen growth from the previous year, indicating strong performance despite market challenges [30] - The ProteinSimple franchise has consistently outperformed, with no down quarters and double-digit growth in many recent quarters, indicating its resilience in a tough market [26][68] - The Spatial Biology segment saw flat revenue in Q1, but bookings increased double-digit, suggesting a positive trend moving forward [27][74] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pharmaceutical market, which constitutes 30% of the company's revenue, has shown recovery with double-digit growth in recent quarters, alleviating previous concerns about regulatory impacts [11][12] - Academic market performance has improved, with expectations of a flat NIH budget, leading to reduced anxiety among academic customers [13][66] - Biotech funding has improved from a decline of 30% to a decline of 13%, indicating a potential stabilization in the biotech market [16][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its ProteinSimple and Spatial Biology franchises to drive growth, especially as the market stabilizes [26][29] - The company is optimistic about the long-term potential of its cell therapy business, despite short-term challenges due to the two large customers [90][94] - The company is leveraging its strong customer relationships and grant programs to maintain interest in cell therapy, indicating a strategic focus on early-stage development support [92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the near-term outlook, noting that while challenges remain, there are signs of stabilization in key markets [11][13] - The company expects to see improvements in the biotech market, but anticipates that significant revenue contributions from this sector may not materialize until fiscal year 2027 [22][57] - Management highlighted the importance of upcoming FDA approvals and commercialization timelines for the two large customers, which could significantly impact future revenue [49][50] Other Important Information - The company has a diverse customer base, with 700 customers, and is actively seeking to expand its market presence despite current challenges [91] - The company is experiencing a high level of interest in its instruments, indicating potential for future growth as capital expenditures begin to recover [71] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the impact of the two large customers on the business? - The two large customers accounted for 35%-40% of GMP revenue at their peak, and their absence is expected to impact revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year [41][52] Question: How does the company view the future of the cell therapy market? - Management believes the quality of new clinical trials is improving, and despite current funding challenges, interest in cell therapy remains high [90][92] Question: What are the expectations for the diagnostics business moving forward? - The diagnostics business is expected to continue performing well, with a more even revenue distribution anticipated throughout the year [30][31]