Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, net sales increased by 4% year-over-year, with volume growth of 9% primarily due to recovering from the previous year's ERP transition and new customer contracts [26][12] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 6% to $364 million, driven by higher sales volumes and lower manufacturing costs [31][32] - Price mix declined by 5% compared to the prior year due to competitive pricing strategies [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America net sales grew by 4%, with volume improving by 8%, although offset by soft restaurant traffic trends [27][28] - International segment sales increased by 5%, with volume up by 12%, despite weak restaurant traffic in key markets [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for North America increased by $15 million to $301 million, while the international segment saw a decline of $8.5 million to $93 million [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - QSR traffic in North America declined by 2%, with hamburger chains experiencing a 6% drop in February [28][29] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit percent decline in potato prices for the 2025 crop in North America, with flat prices expected in Europe [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a value creation plan with the help of Alex Partners to optimize operations and drive growth [9][10] - A restructuring plan is in place to achieve at least $55 million in pre-tax savings for fiscal 2025 [12][51] - The company aims to enhance customer relationships and innovate product offerings to meet evolving market demands [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging macroeconomic environment and consumer uncertainty, which is impacting restaurant traffic [13][18] - The company expects continued pressure on pricing and margins due to competitive dynamics and inflationary costs [44][45] - Despite these challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities through customer engagement and operational efficiencies [53][54] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with approximately $1.1 billion in liquidity and a net debt of $4.2 billion, maintaining a leverage ratio of 3.4 times [35][36] - Capital expenditures for the year are projected to be $750 million, down from the previous year [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of crop prices on QSR contract negotiations - Management indicated that customer contract negotiations will begin in the summer, and while potato prices are expected to decline, other inflationary costs will also impact negotiations [57][58] Question: Opportunities with Alex Partners - The focus is on cost savings, productivity, and a data-driven approach to identify growth opportunities across the P&L [61][63] Question: Gross margin expectations for Q4 - Management explained that higher fixed cost absorption and other input costs will pressure gross margins, with a forecasted decline of around 700 basis points [69][71] Question: Connell plant future plans - The company has decided not to sell the Connell plant and is conducting a strategic review of other options [100][101] Question: Weakness in QSR traffic - Management attributed the decline in QSR traffic to macroeconomic uncertainty and is monitoring demand signals closely [108][109] Question: Changes in QSR operations and competitive threats - The company is adjusting contract schedules and is open to new ideas as customers seek to drive traffic to their restaurants [138][139]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 23% year over year to $22.4 million, with a 5% organic growth excluding contributions from adaptive learning and insights and medical communication business units [7][18] - Diluted EPS was 15 cents, adjusted diluted EPS was 31 cents, and adjusted EBITDA was $6.6 million, or 29% of revenue [7][27] - Total gross margin for the quarter was 59%, down from 72% in the prior year, primarily due to increased costs of revenues [24][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software revenue grew by 16% in the second quarter, representing 60% of total revenue, while services revenue increased by 34%, accounting for 40% of total revenue [18][24] - The quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) business unit saw revenue surge by 89%, driven by a model license for atopic dermatitis [12][19] - Clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics (CPP) business unit revenues grew by 9%, while physiologically-based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) software revenue grew by 1% [13][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with a backlog of $20.4 million, up 18% compared to the first quarter and up 13% year over year [17][24] - Renewal rates for software customers remained strong at 90% based on fees and 84% based on accounts [20][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on ramping up its Alley and MC business units, expanding cross-selling opportunities, and targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 35% to 40% [33][30] - The management emphasized a disciplined approach to executing effectively in challenging environments while being prepared to capitalize on any increase in customer spending [10][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment remains cautious, with customers taking a cost-conscious approach to spending [7][29] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2025 guidance, expecting total revenue between $90 million to $93 million, with year-over-year growth of 28% to 33% [31][33] Other Important Information - The increase in total operating expenses was 46% of revenue compared to 48% last year, with R&D expenses at 10% of revenue [25][26] - The company ended the quarter with $21.4 million in cash and short-term investments, remaining well-capitalized with no debt [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the software organic revenue growth and the fee renewal rate decline? - Management indicated that software organic growth was 8% excluding proficiency software contribution, and the renewal rate declined due to one large account renewal that occurred after the quarter [38][39] Question: How do you reconcile good software growth with clients being slow to start new projects? - Management explained that while clients are cautious with service budgets, they continue to invest in software infrastructure, leading to strong software performance [42][43] Question: What are your thoughts on tariffs affecting the biopharma sector? - Management acknowledged that while tariffs could impact global pharma businesses, the drug development approval process is primarily funded through fees, which mitigates some risks [47][48] Question: Can you provide more color on the services side and cross-selling opportunities? - Management noted that proficiency and medical communications had good contributions, with a focus on expanding existing client relationships through cross-selling [55][57] Question: How should we think about the timing of deliverables for the PBPK partnership? - Management indicated that the project extends over 12 months, with a six-month engagement process prior to the agreement [90] Question: How do you see the impact of FDA disruptions on biosimulation adoption? - Management stated that while FDA disruptions are distracting, they do not believe it will significantly slow down the adoption of biosimulation [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, revenues increased by 5% to $932 million, with an adjusted growth of 14% when accounting for currency and last year's extra week [12][53] - For the full year, revenues grew by 8% in U.S. dollars to $3 billion, and by 10% in constant currency [21] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 was $1.48, down from $2.01 in the previous year [66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Rag & Bone acquisition contributed 9 points to the 14% growth, while the core guest business contributed 5 points [12] - The licensing business grew by 18% in Q4, driven by strong performance in footwear, fragrances, handbags, and eyewear [15][61] - The Americas retail business saw a 14% constant currency comp decline, while the European retail business had a 5% constant currency comp increase [15][56] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, revenues grew by 2% to $494 million, with a constant currency growth of 13% [53] - Asia revenues decreased by 15% to $70 million, with a constant currency decline of 4% [60] - The U.S. and Canadian stores experienced a 14% comp decline, while e-commerce in the region delivered an 8% increase in constant currency [55][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen brand awareness and customer engagement, improve retail store and e-commerce productivity, and optimize its business model for better profitability [22][51] - Plans include opening new stores for Rag & Bone and Guess Jeans, with a focus on expanding in Europe and Asia [92][128] - The company is exploring the integration of its infrastructures across different regions to improve cost structure and profitability [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges such as inflationary pressures, the Red Sea crisis, and traffic declines in retail stores [10][70] - Despite these challenges, the company expects revenue growth in fiscal 2026 between 3.9% and 6.2%, with adjusted operating margins between 4.5% and 5.4% [47][79] - The company plans to address consumer price sensitivity by expanding entry price point offerings [32][105] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $563 million in inventory, a 21% increase, primarily due to the Rag & Bone acquisition [66] - A new Chief Financial Officer, Alberto Toni, will join the company in June, bringing extensive experience [24] - The board approved a quarterly cash dividend of 30 cents per share [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers for Rag & Bone's growth? - Management expressed excitement about the Rag & Bone acquisition, highlighting strong e-commerce performance and plans for new store openings in Europe and North America [90][92] Question: What is the strategy for the Americas business? - Management discussed plans to improve retail productivity through exclusive product collections and a speed-to-market model to capitalize on current trends [100][102] Question: What is the opportunity for Guess Jeans? - Management noted strong initial performance in Europe and plans for expansion in the U.S. and Japan, with a focus on sustainability and appealing to younger customers [120][128]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $35.2 million, a decrease of 2% compared to $35.7 million for the same period last year [9] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $9.8 million, down from $11.9 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in CDMO gross profit [10] - The company recorded a net loss of $14.8 million or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to net income of $15.6 million or $0.42 per diluted share for the same period last year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $5.7 million, a decrease of $0.7 million compared to $6.4 million in the prior year [12] - For the first nine months of fiscal 2025, revenues were $92.4 million, an increase of 2% compared to $90.4 million for the same period last year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CDMO revenues decreased by $1.5 million due to the completion of discrete development revenue project life cycles [10] - Hyaluronic acid (HA) manufacturing revenues increased by $1 million due to increased demand from a customer [10] - For the nine months ended February 23, 2025, gross profit improved to $26.3 million from $24.6 million, driven by increased volumes in HA manufacturing [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed multiple new agreements with both new and existing customers during the quarter, indicating strong market engagement [6] - LifeCorps added six new customers in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, including a significant agreement with Nersim Laboratories [25][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive a 12% revenue growth and increase EBITDA margins to over 25% in the coming years [19] - Key growth strategies include maximizing existing customer business, advancing late-stage development programs towards commercialization, and winning new impactful business [20] - The company is focused on reducing operational expenses and enhancing productivity through various initiatives [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that discussions around domestic drug manufacturing have increased among prospective customers, indicating a potential shift in the industry [44] - The company expects to be cash flow positive from operations in the second half of the fiscal year, with a focus on improving free cash flow [63] - Management reiterated financial guidance for the fiscal year, expecting revenue to be approximately $126.5 million to $130 million [17] Other Important Information - The company has made significant improvements in operational efficiencies and productivity without compromising quality [32][38] - LifeCorps is implementing live production monitoring to enhance operational performance [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the desire to bring back drug manufacturing in the US - Management noted increased discussions about domestic manufacturing among large pharmaceutical companies, driven by administrative uncertainty [44] Question: Details on the Humanetics contract signed post-quarter - The contract involves a tech transfer for a promising project, indicating a phase two development stage [46] Question: Progress on identified opportunities with multinational companies - Management reported positive progress and increased engagement with large multinationals, indicating a successful strategy [54] Question: Cash flow from operations and capital expenditures in the quarter - Positive cash flow from operations was approximately $2 million, with capital expenditures around $2 million as well [56][58] Question: Expectations for cash flow generation in the remainder of the fiscal year - Management expects to be cash flow positive in the second half of the year, with potential improvements in free cash flow [63] Question: Outlook on SG&A expenses - SG&A expenses are expected to decrease further in the second half of the year, with ongoing improvements in operational efficiency [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 2024 global total revenue reached $58.6 million, a 29% increase compared to Q4 2023, marking the best fourth quarter since Q4 2019 [9] - Q4 2024 global operating income was $1.5 million, up $8.5 million or 122% from a loss of $7 million in Q4 2023, representing the first positive operating income since Q4 2019 [9] - Q4 2024 adjusted EBITDA increased over 400% to $6.8 million from a negative $2.2 million in Q4 2023, the highest fourth quarter EBITDA since Q4 2019 [9] - For the full year 2024, total revenue was $210.5 million, a 5% decrease from 2023, with a global operating loss of $14 million, up 17% from the previous year [14][56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cinema revenue in Q4 2024 was $54.6 million, a 30% increase from Q4 2023, representing just under 84% of pre-pandemic Q4 2019 levels [9] - Global real estate revenues in Q4 2024 were $5.2 million, a 14% increase over Q4 2023, with operating income rising 148% to $1.4 million [12][46] - The U.S. cinema revenue increased by 24% to $29.3 million in Q4 2024, the highest since Q4 2019, while the full-year U.S. cinema revenue decreased by 12% to $99.9 million [35][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Australian cinema revenue increased 37% to $21.4 million in Q4 2024, with operating income rising 254% to $1.7 million [41] - New Zealand cinema revenue increased 53% to $3.8 million in Q4 2024, with operating income increasing 228% to $504,000 [41] - The occupancy rate of the third-party tenant portfolio in Australia/New Zealand was 96% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce debt as a top priority for 2025 while planning upgrades for at least four theaters [74] - Management is assessing the global real estate portfolio to identify assets for sale to generate liquidity for debt repayment [16] - The focus remains on curating original series and programming compelling content to engage audiences and boost ticket sales [26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2023 Hollywood strikes and the impact on the first part of 2024, but expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025 with an exciting film lineup [23] - The company expects the first quarter of 2025 to be disappointing compared to last year due to a softer film slate, but anticipates improvements later in the year [23] - Management highlighted the importance of recalibrating occupancy costs with landlords to reflect current attendance levels [34] Other Important Information - The company sold its Culver City office building for $10 million, which will reduce interest expenses [16] - The real estate division's operating income in Q4 2024 was the best since Q3 2019, driven by improved live theater operations and rent revenue [46][49] - The company is working on monetizing additional real estate assets, including properties in Wellington and Cannon Park [50][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are your capital allocation priorities for 2025? - The highest priority is to reduce debt while planning upgrades for theaters, subject to box office performance [74] Question: What are the recent underperforming theater closures and expected savings? - One U.S. cinema will close in April 2025, expected to save $500,000 to $1 million annually; another small theater in New Zealand closed with expected savings of $100,000 to $200,000 [76][77] Question: Is the Australian cinema development project in Noosa still on track? - The project is still in planning phases, with an expected opening pushed to 2027 [80] Question: Why did the company fail to engage with investors in 2024? - Discussions are underway to fulfill commitments for non-deal roadshows in 2025 and participation in a microcap virtual conference [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preliminary first quarter 2025 revenue was $37.9 million, up 28% year-over-year but down 6% sequentially from Q4 2024 [18] - Sold 73 LDDs, up 11% year-over-year but down 12% from Q4 2024 [18] - Sold 27,579 LALs, up 36% year-over-year but down 5% sequentially from Q4 2024 [19] - Revised revenue guidance for 2025 from $185 million to $197 million down to $160 million to $175 million, reducing implied growth from 32%-41% to 14%-25% [19] - Gross margin guidance remains unchanged at 71%-73% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - LDD installed base reached 1,044 units, up 43% year-over-year and 8% sequentially [18] - LALs per LDD per month saw a year-over-year drop, indicating a decline in same-store sales [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The premium IOL market has weakened, impacting LAL sales and leading to a decline in procedure volumes [10][14] - The overall premium IOL market has been less sensitive to macroeconomic trends compared to other procedures like LASIK [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on refining clinical education and practice adoption programs to address procedural declines [15] - Plans to support new customer business models that offer centralized third-party light treatment options [16] - European regulatory approval for LDD and LAL has been achieved, with a focus on building clinical expertise in Europe [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need to reset 2025 guidance due to macroeconomic headwinds and competitive product launches [17] - Confidence remains in the long-term opportunity to reshape the premium IOL market despite current challenges [17][22] Other Important Information - Customer satisfaction is at an all-time high of 97%, indicating strong support for the company's technology [22] - Noncash stock-based compensation expense is projected to increase due to higher-than-anticipated option grants [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and underlying assumptions - Management indicated that the lack of significant increase in LAL procedures in March impacted guidance, reflecting a change in expected sales [26] Question: Components of the miss in Q1 - Management noted a confluence of factors including macroeconomic conditions and competitive product launches as contributors to the Q1 miss [32] Question: Utilization rates by cohort - Management confirmed that utilization rates have been consistent across cohorts, with no major disparities noted [38] Question: Product pipeline and competition - Management expressed confidence in their product pipeline, stating that no direct competition to LAL is anticipated [41] Question: Impact of competitor recall - Management acknowledged the potential for opportunity but noted uncertainty regarding the duration of the impact [70] Question: LDD demand and market conditions - Management expects LDD sales to increase in 2025 but acknowledges that overall demand may be affected by the premium IOL market's softness [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved double-digit ARR growth, supported by six major logo renewals in Q4, indicating strong customer satisfaction and product value [51] - Subscription revenue accounted for 87% of total revenue, up from 78% in 2023, driving a gross margin of 82% compared to 78% last year [52] - The net retention rate reached 100%, significantly up from 73% in 2023, showing reduced churn and expansion within the existing customer base [52] - Q4 revenue was $1.66 million, down slightly compared to Q4 of 2023, while gross profit increased to $1.43 million [53] - Full-year revenue slightly declined year over year, but subscription revenue grew 10% year-over-year, totaling over $6.2 million [58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the transformation to a single code base with Sky 1.0%, enabling feature upgrades and stability across all applications [44] - A significant expansion customer achieved over 100% increase in their ARR, indicating strong growth potential [45] - The Sky Kiosk product has been deployed with a large technology company in Silicon Valley, enhancing the return-to-office experience [47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There was a 34 basis points increase in return-to-office across industries from 2023 to 2024, reflecting a growing trend in in-office usage [21] - Employee satisfaction and productivity rates are relatively lower across working models, highlighting the need for improved employee experiences [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in Agentech AI to reshape the market for employee experiences, positioning itself as a pioneer in this new software category [11] - The strategy includes enhancing AI capabilities for deeper product stickiness and maintaining tight cost discipline while investing in long-term growth [63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, anticipating significant expansion demand from existing customers and new enterprise clients in 2025 [72] - The company aims to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to enhance productivity, engagement, and efficiency in the enterprise [71] Other Important Information - The company has filed an extension for its 10K and plans to file before the extension deadline [4] - The company is preparing for an annual investor day in May 2025 to provide further details on new product offerings and customer case studies [73] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on strategic initiatives and partnerships - Management indicated a focus on building AI capabilities and investing in tools, with a positive outlook for the company [75] Question: Why wait until earnings to post updates - Management acknowledged the need for improved communication and plans to provide more updates leading up to the investor meeting in May [77] Question: Future challenges and opportunities - Management highlighted competition from large companies but emphasized their unique differentiation in user experience and partnership approach with clients [79][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q2 FY2025 increased by 23% to $187.1 million compared to $151.5 million in the prior year [14] - Net earnings for the quarter increased by 47% to $26.6 million or $2.44 per diluted share, compared to $18.1 million or $1.64 per diluted share in the prior year, marking the highest quarterly net earnings in the company's history [15] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Irrigation segment revenues increased by 11% to $148.1 million compared to $133 million in the prior year, with North America Irrigation revenues decreasing by 7% to $77.1 million [16] - International Irrigation revenues increased by 42% to $71 million, driven by large projects in the MENA region [17] - Infrastructure segment revenues more than doubled to $38.9 million from $18.5 million in the prior year, primarily due to the completion of a large Road Zipper project valued at over $20 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, no meaningful improvement in market conditions is expected in the near term, with USDA forecasting a 29% increase in net farm income primarily due to higher government support payments [9] - Internationally, particularly in developing regions, continued growth is expected driven by project activity focused on food security and water resource conservation [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing its Road Zipper system leasing business for a higher and more stable margin profile [7] - A comprehensive action plan has been implemented to address potential cost impacts from tariffs, including supplier negotiation and strategic inventory placement [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the Road Zipper project sales pipeline despite challenges in predicting the timing of large projects [6] - The company anticipates stable demand for irrigation equipment in the second half of FY2025, pending significant storm damage activity [9] Other Important Information - Total available liquidity at the end of Q2 was $236.7 million, including $186.7 million in cash and equivalents [20] - The company is evaluating the potential impact of additional or retaliatory tariffs and has a structure in place to react quickly [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on international revenue recognition timing - The company shipped more of the large project than originally anticipated, but this does not affect expectations for future quarters [26] Question: Details on tariff exposure and actions - The biggest impact is expected on the Irrigation business, with a marginal increase in cost of goods projected [30][32] Question: Margin performance in the Irrigation segment - Margins in North America remained comparable to last year, with volume leverage from international projects helping to offset gross margin dilution [38][40] Question: Impact of tariffs on agricultural economy - Potential disruptions in US agricultural exports could impact pricing and customer sentiment, but government support is expected if needed [45][46] Question: Pricing expectations in the domestic irrigation market - The company has already taken pricing actions based on increased steel costs and believes it can pass these costs along to customers [53][54] Question: Potential benefits of retaliatory tariffs for investment in Brazil - The company is positioned to react quickly to any increase in demand in Brazil, leveraging its global footprint [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal second quarter sales were $892 million, a decline of 4.7% year-over-year [32] - Average daily sales decreased by 5.5% sequentially, despite January and February outperforming historical trends [32] - Gross margin was 41%, down 50 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted operating margin was 7.1%, a decline of 340 basis points year-over-year [36][38] - GAAP earnings per share were $0.70 compared to $1.10 in the prior year quarter, and adjusted earnings per share were $0.72 compared to $1.18 in the prior year [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-plant program count increased by 24% year-over-year to 387 programs, and total installed vending machines grew by 9% to over 28,000 machines [10] - Average daily sales in vending were up 1% year-over-year, representing 18% of total company net sales [35] - Sales through in-plant programs also grew 1% year-over-year, accounting for approximately 18% of total company net sales [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industrial production (IP) readings across most top manufacturing end markets continued to contract, impacting performance [18] - Customer sentiment and future outlook have shown improvement, with recent MBI readings hovering around 50 [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving execution and returning to growth despite a soft demand environment [8] - Key initiatives include enhancing the website for better customer experience, expanding the OEM product line, and maintaining momentum in high-touch solutions [11][17] - The company is navigating the tariff landscape with a playbook covering purchasing, pricing, and assortment management [21][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about future prospects, citing a solid long-term manufacturing outlook and improving execution [19] - The near-term environment remains choppy, but the company feels well-positioned to navigate uncertainties [19] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 158,000 shares during the quarter, returning about $60 million to shareholders [41] - Capital expenditures increased to $30 million, with free cash flow conversion at approximately 63% for the fiscal second quarter [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on top-line guidance for the back-half - Management indicated that the guidance assumes some potential softening in end markets but remains focused on share gain initiatives [52][54] Question: Details on recent price increases - The price increase in late March was small, primarily covering items where the company is the importer of record, with an estimated 0.5% impact on the top line [66] Question: Update on digital KPIs and sales expectations - Management noted improvements in conversion rates and average order value, indicating positive momentum in digital performance [116] Question: Insights on individual end markets, particularly automotive and aerospace - Management acknowledged continued softness in heavy manufacturing but noted progressive improvement, especially in aerospace [91][92] Question: Impact of in-plant and vending growth on margins - Management indicated that while in-plant and vending programs may pressure gross margins initially, they are expected to benefit operating margins in the long run [145][150]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is unable to provide detailed financial results due to the deconsolidation of Invizyne's financial statements, which has delayed the filing of the 10-K report [6][14][25] - As of December 31, the combination of cash and securities was $28 million, with Big Idea investments represented by eXoZymes valued at $64 million, totaling approximately $93 million in cash and securities [58] - The stock price as of December 31 was $6.30, with approximately 9.9 million shares outstanding, resulting in a market value of $62 million, indicating a negative market value of $30 million [58][59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully launched eXoZymes, marking a significant achievement despite challenging market conditions for small IPOs [14][15] - The shareholder count has increased by 12%, reaching approximately 1,800 shareholders [15] - The onboarding of investors through MDB Direct has begun, with over 500 accounts established by year-end [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There is a growing demand for microcap financing, with investors seeking liquid alternatives, positioning the company as a top curator of public venture opportunities [32] - The traditional venture capital and private equity markets are facing challenges, leading to increased interest from companies looking to go public [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The primary strategic priority for the company is to expand its investor community, focusing on partnerships with RIAs and angel groups [35][41] - The company aims to present one to two new Big Idea investment opportunities in the next quarter, indicating a robust pipeline of potential investments [52][53] - The company is evolving from a model of episodic deal-making to creating a consistent public venture asset class portfolio [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the increasing number of opportunities being presented, both from community members and through proactive curation [26][27] - The regulatory environment is perceived as improving, which may facilitate new offerings, although there are concerns regarding the FDA's approval timelines [87][88] - The company is focused on maintaining operational efficiencies while managing cash expenditures, with hopes of reducing operational costs over the next 12 months [62] Other Important Information - The company has licensed new assets from Mayo Clinic and is developing this opportunity, although no specific updates were provided [49][50] - The company continues to work with HeartBeam, which is developing groundbreaking technology for self-administered ECGs, with significant market potential [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Does Lou Basenese still work for the organization? - Lou Basenese has left the company but remains a friend and supporter, focusing on his media presence [65][66] Question: What does the deconsolidation mean for MDB stockholders and eXoZymes' investors? - The deconsolidation will clarify the financials of MDB, separating its performance from eXoZymes, making it easier for investors to understand [70][71] Question: How many Big Idea companies are expected to be established in 2025? - The company anticipates presenting three to four new Big Ideas in 2025, with some companies already in advanced discussions for potential IPOs [80][81] Question: How do you see the regulatory winds changing? - The regulatory environment is expected to improve, facilitating new offerings, although there are uncertainties regarding FDA timelines [87][88] Question: When do you expect to make any type of dividend? - The company aims to wait for a solid footing under eXoZymes before considering any distributions to avoid disrupting the market [92][93] Question: How should shareholders think about the investment in cash and resources relative to value creation? - The company intends to maintain a modest amount of cash for new opportunities while leveraging existing investments to create value [99][100]