RF Industries, Ltd. (NASDAQ:RFIL) Q1 2025 Results Conference Call March 17, 2025 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Donni Case - Investor Relations Rob Dawson - CEO Ray Bibisi - President & COO Peter Yin - CFO Conference Call Participants Steven Kohl - Mangrove Operator Greetings, and welcome to RF Industries First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. [Operator Instruct ...

Belite Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTE) Q4 2024 Results Conference Call March 17, 2025 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Julie Fallon - Investor Relations Tom Lin - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nathan Mata - Chief Scientific Officer Hendrik Scholl - Chief Medical Officer Hao-Yuan Chuang - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Jennifer Kim - Cantor Basma Radwan - Leerink Partners Yi Chen - H.C. Wainwright Bruce Jackson - Benchmark Michael Okunewitch - Maxim Group Operator Ladies and gentlemen, th ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sangamo Therapeutics reduced non-GAAP operating expenses by nearly half year-over-year since 2023 [9] - The company raised over $100 million in funding through non-dilutive license fees, milestone payments, and equity financing in 2024 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company advanced its neurology therapies, securing its first-ever neurology IND for idiopathic small fiber neuropathy [7] - The Fabry gene therapy study continues to generate best-in-class data, with pivotal data readout expected in mid-2025 [9][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest in the Fabry program has been strong, with ongoing business development negotiations for a commercial partner [11] - The company is actively engaged in advanced contract negotiations for a third STAC-BBB license agreement [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Sangamo's number one priority is addressing financing needs to ensure the company is well-capitalized for future success [11] - The company aims to secure a partnership for the Fabry program by the second quarter of 2025 [12] - The regulatory pathway for accelerated approval in Fabry disease could reduce the time to potential approval by approximately three years [8][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the progress made in transitioning to a clinical-stage neurology company [28] - The company is focused on raising additional capital to support its programs and is in late-stage negotiations for a third STAC-BBB license agreement [30] Other Important Information - The company plans to begin patient enrollment and dosing for ST-503 in mid-2025, with preliminary proof of efficacy data expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 [19] - The FDA has provided a clear regulatory pathway to accelerate approval for ST-920, with full 52-week data expected in the first half of 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the company still waiting on any data for the Fabry program? - Management confirmed they are in late-phase discussions with several partners and are looking forward to positive data from the ongoing studies [34] Question: Have potential partners seen any data beyond the WORLDSymposium data? - Management indicated that while partners have seen broader data, they have not seen later efficacy data beyond what was presented [45] Question: What is the status of the STAC-BBB deal? - Management hopes to finalize the deal by the end of the quarter and indicated that the partner is a logical blue-chip choice [55] Question: How is the company managing operating expenses going forward? - The company has reduced operating expenses significantly and plans to maintain the same level of expenses as last year while advancing its neurology pipeline [58] Question: What are the patient enrollment criteria for the Nav1.7% study? - Management stated that the criteria will be published on clinical trial registries, emphasizing the importance of a clear result for the one-time treatment [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, consolidated revenue was $94.8 million, down from $104.8 million in Q3 and $119.2 million in the prior year period [28] - The net loss for Q4 was $215.8 million, compared to net income of $1.6 million in Q3 and a net loss of $10.2 million in the prior year period, primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge of $215 million related to the Sunrise Coal subsidiary [28][29] - Operating cash flow increased to $38.9 million in Q4, compared to cash used of $12.9 million in Q3 and $20.1 million in the prior year period [29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $6.2 million, down from $9.6 million in Q3 but up from $2.1 million in the prior year period [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric sales in Q4 were $69.7 million, down from $71.7 million in Q3 and up from $37.1 million in the prior year period, while coal sales were $23.4 million, down from $31.7 million in Q3 and $91.7 million in the prior year period [27] - Hallador Power generated 1.16 million megawatt hours in Q4, up 5% from 1.1 million megawatt hours in Q3 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The forward energy and capacity sales position increased to $685.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $616.9 million at the end of Q3 [31] - Total liquidity at December 31, 2024, was $37.8 million, up from $34.9 million at September 30, 2024 [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a coal producer to a vertically-integrated power producer, aligning with market trends favoring the IPP model [7][8] - A significant milestone was reached with a non-binding term sheet signed with a global data center developer, indicating a strategic partnership that could drive long-term value [8][9] - The company is actively evaluating additional strategic transactions to expand electric operations and enhance scale [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the transition from dispatchable to non-dispatchable generation increases the value of Hallador Power due to its reliability [10] - There are expectations for favorable pricing trends in 2025 and beyond, particularly related to data center development in Indiana [12][15] - The company anticipates that energy price volatility could increase over the next decade, sustaining a premium in forward power prices [16][17] Other Important Information - The company invested $13.8 million in capital expenditures during Q4, with total CapEx for 2024 at $53.4 million [31] - The company reduced total bank debt to $44 million in Q4, down from $70 million at the end of Q3 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regulatory and review process with the grid operator - Management highlighted multiple access requests from developers, indicating a favorable environment for potential sales [36][37] Question: Remaining items before reaching a definitive agreement - Management indicated that they are encouraged by the progress made and the financial commitments from counterparties [41][42] Question: Capital intensity of upgrades at Merom - Management confirmed that studies are underway to assess the feasibility of coal firing with natural gas by 2032 [44][45] Question: Acquisition of other power assets - Management stated that they are exploring opportunities across various states and evaluating them on a case-by-case basis [49][50] Question: Pricing expectations for deals - Management expects a premium to the forward curves due to increasing demand from data centers and hyperscalers [68] Question: Control over fuel supply for future assets - Management noted that while control over fuel supply is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement for future acquisitions [63][64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved 19% year-over-year growth in same-store adjusted community NOI and 27% growth in adjusted EBITDA for 2024 [8] - Pro forma NOI grew 9.6% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, with a pro forma NOI margin increase of 90 basis points [23][25] - Annual revenues increased by 7.5% due to a 180 basis points occupancy gain and nearly 6% RevPOR increase [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company integrated 20 owned and 3 managed communities, resulting in a nearly 30% increase in total units [9] - The weighted average occupancy for newly acquired communities was 76% with an NOI margin of 21.7% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lead volume in Q4 2024 increased by 15% year-over-year, with tour volume up 11% in the same-store owned portfolio [18] - The company experienced a decline in weighted average occupancy to 86.6%, down 40 basis points from Q3 2024 [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for same-store NOI growth in the high end of its peer group for 2025, leveraging stabilized operations from recent acquisitions [11] - The focus is on capitalizing on demographic trends and supply-demand imbalances in senior living, with a strategy to pursue underperforming or mispriced assets [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, anticipating strong pricing and occupancy recovery, particularly in newly acquired communities [50][52] - The company is focused on controlling labor expenses and has not seen significant shifts in the labor market due to immigration changes [54] Other Important Information - The company executed six transactions totaling over $250 million in 2024, enhancing its acquisition capabilities and operational integrations [10] - Employee turnover decreased nearly 10% in 2024, indicating improved employee experience and retention [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current pricing trend compared to last year? - Management indicated that pricing is expected to remain strong in 2025, similar to gains seen in 2024, with continued occupancy levels supporting this [50] Question: What are the expectations regarding labor costs? - Management noted that labor expenses are being diligently managed, with no major shifts anticipated due to immigration changes, allowing for margin growth [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.84 billion, an increase of 6% year-over-year, driven mainly by new program wins and on-contract growth [18] - Full-year fiscal year 2025 revenue reached $7.48 billion, representing 3.1% organic growth, which is at the high end of the guidance provided at the start of the year [19] - Fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA was $177 million, resulting in a margin of 9.6%, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $710 million with a margin of 9.5% [19][20] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $2.57 and $9.13 for the full year, benefiting from strong operating performance and a lower effective tax rate [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the commercial operating sector increased from less than $1 million in fiscal year 2022 to approximately $45 million in fiscal year 2025, with a goal of reaching approximately $100 million by fiscal year 2028 [12] - The company delivered net bookings of $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter and $6.6 billion for fiscal year 2025, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.9% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company submitted bids totaling $28 billion in fiscal year 2025, exceeding the initial plan of $22 billion, with a backlog of submitted bids increasing to just over $20 billion at year-end [16] - The company expects to drive its book-to-bill ratio to the target of 1.2% by the first half of FY 2026, contingent on ongoing uncertainties facing customers [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on transitioning from cost-plus contracts to fixed-price contracts, which is expected to improve margins while maintaining revenue levels [46][50] - The strategy emphasizes mission-critical programs and the infusion of cutting-edge technology, aligning with government efficiency initiatives [9][56] - The company is assessing its cost-plus portfolio to determine how much work could transition to fixed-type contracting over time [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the financial impact from recent executive orders and program cancellations has been nominal, but they remain prepared for potential changes in the operating environment [8] - The company anticipates a headwind of approximately $200 million related to low-margin Air Force CloudOne compute and store revenue, which they chose to no-bid [24] - Management expressed confidence in achieving free cash flow targets of $11 per share in fiscal year 2026 and $12 in fiscal year 2027 [20][26] Other Important Information - The company plans to repurchase between $350 million to $400 million in FY 2026 and 2027 while maintaining capacity for capability-focused M&A or additional share repurchases [26] - Several members of the executive leadership team have indicated an intent to make discretionary purchases of company shares to align interests with shareholders [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the $1.8 billion recompete on future book-to-bill - Management indicated that the win would bring them close to a trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.0% [32] Question: Details on the incremental $6 billion in submitted bids - The increase is attributed to a combination of standardized business development functions and a balanced pipeline of new business and recompete opportunities [35] Question: Nature of budget dollars in the bid pipeline - Management believes the current pipeline is competitive and can be funded, with a focus on mission-critical areas [41] Question: Transition from cost-plus to firm fixed price contracts - Management sees potential for higher margins with fixed-price contracts but does not expect a significant revenue decline [48] Question: Risks and opportunities related to DOD budget cuts - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on mission-critical programs to mitigate risks associated with budget reallocations [56] Question: Impact of federal workforce layoffs on business - Management has not seen significant impacts but is prepared to support customers as personnel changes occur [66] Question: Backlog and organic growth expectations - A high percentage of the expected organic growth is already in backlog, with a focus on contract growth rather than relying heavily on new business [75] Question: Confidence in guidance despite uncertainty - Management expressed confidence based on past performance and ongoing efforts to drive organic growth [90] Question: Strategy regarding civil versus defense work - The company has not shifted its strategy and continues to focus on mission-critical areas in both civil and defense sectors [104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue increased by 16.8% to $5.2 million from $4.5 million in Q1 2024 [34][35] - Operating income rose by 19.2% to $0.7 million compared to $0.6 million in Q1 2024 [40] - Net income after taxes was $0.91 million or $0.08 per diluted share, up from $0.6 million or $0.06 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marine Technology business revenue decreased by 35.8% to $2.3 million from $3.5 million in Q1 2024 [35] - Engineering business revenue increased by 77% to $1.6 million from $0.9 million in Q1 2024 [12] - Acoustic Sensors & Materials business, added in October 2024, generated $1.3 million in revenue, contributing 25.2% to consolidated revenue [13][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Marine Technology business faced significant headwinds due to U.S. policy changes affecting offshore renewables, leading to weak demand [9][10] - Increased defense spending in Europe, particularly Germany's expected $428 billion over the coming years, is seen as a favorable factor for the company [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to pivot its revenue model in the Marine Technology business to a multi-year, multi-sales model, particularly with the DAVD product line [47] - The acquisition of Precision Acoustics is expected to enhance the company's competitiveness for larger defense contracts [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a quieter Q2 due to customer hesitance amid uncertain policy environments, but expects a robust Q3 and Q4 [52][53] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities due to increased defense spending in Europe and the U.S. [46] Other Important Information - The company has $22.54 million in cash and cash equivalents with no debt as of January 31, 2025 [42] - The gross margin for the Acoustic Sensors & Materials business is expected to be between 57% and 61% on an annualized basis [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: What needs to happen for marine products to recover? - Management noted that customers are currently on standstill due to uncertainty, expecting a quiet Q2 but a robust Q3 and Q4 [52][53] Question: Timeline for tethered and untethered markets? - The company targets $4 million to $4.5 million in revenues for the DAVD system this year, with significant demand for both tethered and untethered systems [57][59] Question: Impact of market conditions on acoustic solutions? - The Precision Acoustics segment appears stable and less exposed to market fluctuations compared to other sectors [72] Question: Status of potential acquisition? - The company is conducting due diligence on one target but is waiting for the global policy environment to stabilize before proceeding [80][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $11 million for Q4 2024, down from $14.5 million in Q4 2023, with gross profit decreasing to $4.9 million from $7.5 million year-over-year [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was approximately $0.5 million, compared to $2.8 million in the same quarter last year [8] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) is at a run rate of $16.8 million, with expectations for revenue acceleration in fiscal 2025 [9][10] - The company achieved over $50 million in revenue for the full year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on its new AdLogic CPM+ platform, which is expected to enhance revenue through targeted advertising solutions [10][11] - The deployment of on-premise screens and sophisticated ad serving tools is part of the full-service approach to address modern retail media network challenges [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen increased demand for its solutions, particularly in the quick-service restaurant and retail sectors, indicating a growing market for its services [16] - The company has completed significant installations, including 56 site installations in Q4 2024, with an average sale price of $30,000 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its AdLogic CPM+ platform to position itself as a one-stop shop for AdTech solutions, enhancing its competitive advantage [11][12] - The management is optimistic about the active pipeline of opportunities and anticipates record performance in fiscal 2025 [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by deployment timing but expects strong revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [9][10] - The company is not providing specific guidance but anticipates a year of accomplishments and new records [17] Other Important Information - The company resolved a contingent liability related to the purchase of Reflect Systems, which is expected to provide financial flexibility [14][15] - The company has minimal cash on hand, approximately $1 million, down from $2.9 million at the end of 2023, with gross and net debt at approximately $13 million and $12 million, respectively [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide commentary on customer conversations regarding the frozen pipeline? - Management expects some projects to finalize soon, but customers are concerned about potential tariffs affecting their projects [28][30] Question: How are existing customers embracing the new AdLogic platform? - Customers are transitioning to retail media networks, which incorporate the AdLogic platform, solving significant operational challenges [44][46] Question: What is the impact of the new ERP system on infrastructure control? - The new ERP system is expected to provide significant cost management benefits and improve expense controls [49][51] Question: Can you quantify the number of warrants issued to Reflect? - The company issued 777,790 warrants with a strike price of $3.25, valid for six years [61] Question: What is the expected revenue growth in the second half of the year? - Management expects adjusted EBITDA profitability in Q1 and anticipates year-over-year growth exceeding 2024 levels [64][66] Question: What is the average contract value for MLB or NHL stadium projects? - Projects can range from $150,000 for menu boards to $2 million to $3 million for full stadium refreshes [66][68] Question: What led to the 90-day pause on BCTV? - The pause was due to funding discussions between BCTV and its investors, with expectations to resume in June [76] Question: What is the current status of the credit facility? - The company has a maximum capacity of $22.1 million on its revolver, with approximately $6 million to $7 million available [80][82] Question: How does cash flow work for major projects? - Cash flow can vary, with significant deposits required for private projects, while public partnerships may experience negative cash flow initially [92][96] Question: What are the expectations for adjusted EBITDA margins? - The company aims to achieve a 15% adjusted EBITDA margin by the end of the year, with expectations for revenue growth [98][100]

Qifu Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:QFIN) Q4 2024 Results Conference Call March 17, 2025 7:30 AM ET Company Participants Karen Ji - Senior Director, Capital Markets Haisheng Wu - CEO Alex Xu - CFO Yan Zheng - Chief Risk Officer Conference Call Participants Richard Xu - Morgan Stanley Alex Ye - UBS Cindy Wang - China Renaissance Emma Xu - Bank of America Yada Li - CICC Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Qifu Technology Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company achieved total sales volume of 226,600 units, a significant 65% year-over-year growth, with total revenue reaching RMB819 million, reflecting a 71% increase compared to the same period last year [7][51] - For the full year 2024, total sales volume was 924,000 units, representing a 30% year-over-year increase, and total revenue reached RMB3.29 billion, up 24% from 2023 [8][53] - The gross margin for Q4 was 12.4%, a decrease of 6.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year, while the full year gross margin was 15.2%, down from 21.5% in the previous year [56][58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, sales volume in China reached 182,000 units, marking an 80% share of total sales, while overseas sales volume was 44,000 units, accounting for 20% [50] - The ASP for China e-scooters reached RMB3,544, a 15% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 10% increase year-over-year [52] - The N series accounted for 39% of total sales volume in China, a substantial increase from just 5% in 2023, demonstrating strong market demand [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas market saw a substantial 54% growth in sales volume in Q4 and a 52% growth for the full year 2024 [33] - The overseas branded scooter ASP decreased to nearly RMB2,000, down around 10% year-over-year, primarily due to a higher sales contribution from kick-scooters [52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on expanding its product offerings, strengthening sales channels, and broadening market reach, with a commitment to refine its strategy to achieve ambitious targets [9][23] - In 2024, the company opened approximately 900 new stores, with plans to open another 1,000 to 1,500 stores in 2025 to strengthen market presence [26][27] - The company plans to enhance its core product series while ensuring broader market coverage to meet diverse rider needs [23][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the China market and overseas market, expecting to reach sales volume of 1.3 million to 1.6 million units in 2025 [39][47] - The company anticipates a recovery in profitability in 2025, with expectations for quarterly profits starting in Q2 2025 [81][85] Other Important Information - The company received a five-star safety certification from China Merchant Vehicle Research Institute, reinforcing its commitment to product safety [12] - The company has made significant strides in expanding its sales channels, ensuring broader consumer base access [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is your sales target for kick-scooters in 2025? - The company targets a sales growth of 30% to 50% for kick-scooters in 2025, expecting profitability to return due to adjustments in pricing related to tariffs [67][69] Question: What is your outlook for average selling price and gross profit margin in the domestic market in 2025? - The company expects a slight increase in ASP in the domestic market and improved gross margins due to economies of scale and increased sales volume [72][74] Question: Can you provide guidance on expected net profit margin by 2025? - The company is not sharing specific net profit margin guidance yet but anticipates overall profitability in 2025 [81] Question: Which quarter in 2025 is expected to see the company's net profit turn from loss to profit? - The company expects to achieve quarterly profits starting in Q2 2025, which is typically a peak quarter for revenue [85]