ImmuCell(US:ICCC)2026-01-09 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported product sales for Q4 2025 at $7.6 million, a decrease of 1.6% compared to Q4 2024, with domestic sales growing 8.7% to $7 million [11][12] - Full-year product sales for 2025 totaled $27.6 million, reflecting a 4.3% increase compared to 2024 [12] - The company experienced a significant decline in international sales, particularly in Canada, which dropped 52.6% year-over-year in Q4 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The First Defense product line saw a notable shift towards Tri-Shield, indicating a migration from Dual-Force products and attracting new dairy and beef customers [12] - Manufacturing output for the key bottleneck process, lyophilization, increased by more than 15% in 2025, with expectations for similar growth in 2026 [8][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The newborn calf market has evolved, with calf values increasing significantly, now worth approximately $1,300 on day one of life compared to roughly $200 in 2003, raising the economic stakes for early-life calf health [7] - The total addressable market for scour protection is estimated to be around $900 million worldwide [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting its strategic focus to First Defense, pausing investment in Re-Tain due to an Incomplete Letter from the FDA regarding its new animal drug application [4][6] - The strategy includes expanding the sales team by 50% and creating two new U.S. sales territories to drive growth [16] - The company aims to repurpose manufacturing assets from Re-Tain to support First Defense, enhancing operational efficiency [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed high confidence in the future sales and profit growth potential of the First Defense business, justifying the strategic shift [5][6] - The company is focused on operational excellence to ensure consistent supply and quality of products, with plans to optimize manufacturing processes [16][17] Other Important Information - A non-cash impairment write-down of approximately $2.9 million is expected due to the shift in strategy regarding Re-Tain [14] - An estimated write-down of $600,000 was taken for inventory deemed unsuitable for requirements [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of regional pathogens on foreign sales development - Management acknowledged the complexity of international sales and the need for expertise in launching products in different markets, highlighting the importance of hiring experienced personnel [20] Question: Explanation for contract manufacturer's failure to comply with FDA requirements - Management declined to provide details but confirmed that the Incomplete Letter was solely due to issues with the contract manufacturer [22][23] Question: Realism of securing a strategic partner for Re-Tain - Management expressed confidence in the product's capabilities and the need to find the best go-to-market strategy post-investigational studies [27] Question: Timeline for hiring new sales team members - Management confirmed that hiring processes for new sales team members are underway, with expectations to complete them within the current quarter [31] Question: Future cash needs and potential share dilution - Management indicated that various funding options are available, including operating cash flow, loans, and capital raises, but declined to comment on specific plans [33] Question: Clarity on self-imposed milk discard period for Re-Tain - Management explained that the discard period is necessary to avoid impacting cheese manufacturing processes, but it remains less than competitors' requirements [44][45] Question: Explanation for exceeding sales expectations - Management attributed the sales exceeding expectations to effective management practices and a strong commercial team, despite complexities from previous backorder situations [49][50]