Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 was $423 million, representing a growth of 16% year-over-year and 15% on a constant currency basis [21] - Sales-led subscription revenue was $349 million, growing 18% as reported and 17% in constant currency [21] - Current remaining performance obligation (CRPO) was approximately $971 million, growing 17% as reported and 15% in constant currency [22] - Subscription gross margins were 82%, total gross margins were 78%, and operating margin was 16.5% [24] - Adjusted free cash flow was approximately $26 million in Q2, representing a margin of 6% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong execution in sales-led subscription revenue growth of 18%, with significant contributions from both Elastic Cloud and self-managed offerings [5][21] - Over 30 commitments greater than $1 million in annual contract value were secured, with five exceeding $10 million [23] - The number of customers spending over $100,000 annually increased to more than 1,600 [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a 13% increase in the number of customers with annual contract values over $100,000, indicating strong market demand [23] - 23% of customers in the greater than $100,000 cohort are utilizing Elastic for GenAI use cases, up from 17% a year ago [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI and platform consolidation as top priorities for enterprises, driving demand for its solutions [20] - The introduction of new products like Agent Builder aims to enhance user interaction with data and simplify the operational lifecycle of AI agents [13] - The acquisition of Jina AI is part of the strategy to enhance capabilities in multilingual and multimodal embedding and re-ranking models [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the market opportunity, driven by robust growth and a unique platform built for the AI era [19] - The company raised its full fiscal year 2026 revenue guidance, expecting total revenue in the range of $1.715 billion to $1.721 billion, representing approximately 16% growth [28] - Management noted that the business is seeing strong commitments and consumption, with a healthy sales pipeline [20][29] Other Important Information - The company initiated a $500 million share repurchase program, returning approximately $114 million in cash to shareholders during Q2 [25] - The company will begin providing guidance for sales-led subscription revenue, a key metric for measuring success with larger strategic accounts [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance of non-AI-native customers - Management noted strong consumption trends across all customer segments, including traditional businesses, driven by increased commitments and consolidation onto the platform [30][31] Question: Billings lagging behind other metrics - Management acknowledged variability in billings due to seasonality and a government shutdown impacting renewals, but emphasized strong commitments and consumption [32][33][34] Question: Composition of sales-led subscription revenue guidance - Management clarified that the guidance focuses on commitments from both cloud and self-managed environments, with expectations for flat growth in self-serve monthly cloud [36][37] Question: Growth contributions from GenAI revenue - Management emphasized that consumption growth is driven by new workloads and increased data, rather than pricing changes alone [38][39][40] Question: Go-to-market changes and productivity - Management confirmed that changes made to the sales strategy are yielding positive results, with strong execution and commitments [41][42] Question: Competitive landscape in security - Management highlighted that the company is displacing incumbents in the security space, leveraging its data platform and AI capabilities [53][54][55] Question: Observability and security as two sides of the same coin - Management reiterated the importance of data in both observability and security, emphasizing the company's advanced capabilities in these areas [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q4 2025 grew 7.2% year-over-year to $257 million, supported by a 5.7% increase in average total degree enrollment to 79,300 students [13][15] - For the full year, net revenue increased 6% to $1.01 billion, compared to $950 million in fiscal 2024, driven by a 3.7% growth in average total degree enrollment [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 36% to $56.6 million in Q4 2025, reflecting improved retention and increased net revenue [14] - Net income for fiscal 2025 was $135.4 million, up from $115.1 million in the prior year, indicating strong operating performance and margin expansion [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average total degree enrollment grew to nearly 82,000 in fiscal 2025, up from approximately 79,000 in fiscal 2024, with strong retention throughout the year [7][11] - Enrollment through employer relationships increased to 32% of average total degree enrollment, up from 30% in fiscal 2024, indicating sustained demand from working adults [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The university's student body primarily consists of working adults, with 75% currently employed while pursuing a degree, and the average age of students is 38 years [5] - Over 50% of students are first-generation college attendees, and nearly two-thirds are caring for a family while pursuing their degree [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand access to higher education through flexible, career-relevant programs tailored to the needs of working adults [4][12] - Continued focus on improving student outcomes and increasing operational efficiencies through AI and automation is a key strategy [8][11] - The company plans to maintain capital allocation priorities that support sustainable enrollment growth and invest in initiatives that enhance student outcomes [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong retention trends and steady demand across programs as they look ahead to fiscal year 2026 [11][19] - The company noted that the recent federal government shutdown had no material impact on business or fiscal 2026 outlook [10] - Management highlighted the importance of controls in place to manage unusual enrollment activity, which had previously affected productivity [49][51] Other Important Information - The College of Nursing received a 10-year accreditation for its Master of Science in Nursing program, reflecting the commitment to academic excellence [9] - The company completed its IPO in October 2025, selling 4.9 million shares at $32 per share, with no proceeds going to the company [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for FY26 revenue growth - Management explained that while they exited FY25 with strong growth, the guidance for FY26 reflects a conservative outlook due to various factors including timing differences and previous scholarship offerings [21][22] Question: Total degree enrollment by verticals, specifically healthcare - Management confirmed healthy growth in nursing programs and noted that healthcare remains a significant opportunity for growth [32][33] Question: Enrollment growth and revenue per student assumptions for FY26 - Management indicated that they expect some normalization in revenue per student and highlighted the importance of attracting higher quality students [38][39] Question: Impact of suspicious activity controls on enrollments - Management discussed the effectiveness of their controls in managing unusual enrollment activity and expressed confidence in their ability to maintain these controls moving forward [47][51] Question: Technology investment and capacity for future growth - Management affirmed that their technology platform has the capacity to support significant enrollment growth without substantial additional investment [56][58] Question: Policy changes and their implications - Management stated that there have been no significant changes in policy that would adversely affect the university, and they remain confident in their relationship with the Department of Education [61][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter net sales of $336.1 million, a 4.2% increase from the prior year period [11] - Diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2025 reached a record $2.00, up 36.1% from $1.47 in fiscal year 2024 [13] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.7% to $24.4 million in the fourth quarter and 17.5% to $97.9 million for the full year [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Daily average comparable store sales increased 4.2% in the fourth quarter and 7.3% for the full year [11][13] - The penetration of Natural Grocers branded products rose to 8.8% of total sales, up from 8.4% a year ago [8] - The company opened two new stores, relocated two stores, and remodeled one store during fiscal 2025, with plans to open six to eight new stores in fiscal 2026 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a modest decline in SNAP EBT transactions, which represent approximately 2% of net sales, but this was deemed immaterial to overall sales [12] - Consumer behavior showed a shift towards more cautious retail spending, impacting sales growth [5][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 4%-5% annual new store unit growth and is committed to enhancing shareholder value through a balanced capital allocation approach [9] - The focus remains on operational execution, targeted promotions, and enhancing the NPower Rewards program, which had a net sales penetration of 82% [7][8] - The company plans to invest $50-$55 million in capital expenditures to support growth initiatives in fiscal 2026 [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged economic uncertainty and a cautious consumer environment, with expectations for daily average comparable store sales growth between 1.5% and 4% for fiscal 2026 [14][15] - The company remains confident in its value proposition and the resilience of its core customer base, despite macro pressures affecting the broader retail landscape [6][30] - Management expects year-over-year gross margin to be relatively flat, depending on promotional activity [15] Other Important Information - The company ended the fourth quarter with $17.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no outstanding borrowings [13] - A quarterly cash dividend was increased by 25% to $0.15 per common share, reflecting strong fiscal performance [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is this a good time to increase the penetration of Natural Grocers brands? - Management confirmed they are actively marketing their own brand and aim to increase penetration by one percentage point per year, targeting 10.8% to 11% in two years [20][22] Question: What challenges does the company face in the current economy? - Management noted that less loyal customers have pulled back on spending, leading to a cautious growth outlook, but they expect new marketing initiatives to drive growth in the upcoming quarters [27][28] Question: How does the company differentiate itself from traditional supermarkets? - Management emphasized their authentic brand story and high product standards, which foster customer loyalty and differentiate them from competitors [25][26] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow in fiscal 2026? - Management expects positive free cash flow in fiscal 2026, supported by increased capital expenditures for new store openings and relocations [33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has used approximately $5.9 million for the first three quarters of the year and expects significant revenue in the fourth quarter to offset operating expenses [30][31] - The company aims to cover operating expenses through financings and anticipates a good fourth quarter [31][32] - The market value of the company's stock is currently undervalued compared to its significant equity holdings in companies like Exazyme and Heartbeat [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on launching three to five companies per year to build a public venture portfolio, which is a shift from the historical rate of one company every 18 months [9][24] - The company has a deep pipeline of opportunities and believes that future launches will have a better probability of success than past ones [24][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The microcap market has been challenging, but the company believes it is on the verge of a resurgence due to increased demand for public companies with revenue and earnings [28][50] - There is a growing trend of companies seeking to go public as private equity and venture capital funding becomes less attractive [55][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a sustainable business model that can survive beyond its founders by scaling operations and launching more companies [9][24] - The focus is on curating high-potential companies and transforming them into investable public entities with significant growth potential [12][13] - The company is also exploring the potential of a spinout in the patent law sector, which could provide substantial value [34][64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current challenges in the microcap market but remains optimistic about future opportunities and the potential for public venture to thrive again [28][30] - The company is committed to improving communication with shareholders and enhancing investor relations to better convey its value proposition [68][70] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the IPO of Buddha Juice and expects to close multiple deals in the near future, indicating a busy pipeline [27][40] - Management emphasizes the unique value proposition of their public venture platform, which differentiates them from traditional private equity and venture capital firms [16][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: When can shareholders expect to see a dividend? - The company prefers to wait until there is a developed market for the stock and broader ownership before considering dividends [42] Question: Will shareholders retain the same percentage of ownership as Exazyme raises funds? - Shareholders will experience dilution as companies raise more capital, but efforts will be made to minimize this [43] Question: What is the outlook for Heartbeat regarding FDA approval? - The company is optimistic about FDA approval and believes it will facilitate future fundraising efforts [46] Question: Why is the stock trading at a low price compared to the IPO? - The poor performance of the microcap market and concerns about the company's ability to select successful investments are contributing factors [48][49] Question: What makes the cost of being public more favorable for listings? - Companies that are profitable and growing in the microcap sector are trading at attractive valuations, making public listings more appealing [50][51] Question: Can you clarify the PatentVest spinout and its potential market value? - The spinout is expected to have substantial market value due to the disruption AI will bring to the legal sector, particularly in patent law [63][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $3.9 billion, an increase of 18% year-over-year [18] - GAAP operating income was $534 million compared to $271 million last year, while non-GAAP operating income rose to $1.3 billion from $953 million [18] - GAAP diluted earnings per share increased to $1.59 from $0.70 a year ago, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose to $3.34 from $2.50 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Business Solutions Group revenue grew 18% in Q1, or 20% excluding Mailchimp, with online ecosystem revenue increasing by 21% [18][19] - QuickBooks Online accounting revenue grew 25%, driven by higher effective prices and customer growth [19] - Online payment volume, including bill pay, grew 29%, reflecting strong momentum in payments [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw approximately 40% growth in online ecosystem revenue for QBO Advanced and Intuit Enterprise Suite, serving mid-market customers [19] - Credit Karma revenue grew 27%, contributing significantly to the consumer platform's overall revenue growth of 21% [21] - TurboTax revenue increased by 6%, while ProTax revenue grew by 15% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on an AI-driven expert platform strategy to enhance customer experiences and drive growth [5][6] - The strategy includes delivering done-for-you experiences and putting money at the center of operations [6][10] - The company is expanding its partnerships with accounting firms to drive customer acquisition and enhance service offerings [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of consumer and business performance, citing stable profits and cash flows [51][55] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential, particularly in the mid-market segment and through its AI innovations [38][62] - Management reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting total company revenue growth of 12%-13% [23] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share, representing a 15% increase from the previous year [22] - Kim Watkins, VP of Investor Relations, announced her departure from the company, with Geoff Koegler stepping in as acting head of IR [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about OpenAI partnership and data privacy - Management described the partnership with OpenAI as game-changing, emphasizing that customer data privacy remains intact and there is no revenue share involved [28][30][31] Question: Mid-market growth and sales productivity - Management highlighted increased awareness and platform innovation as key drivers for mid-market growth, with expectations for productivity improvements and additional headcount in the future [36][38] Question: Tax season learnings and local search investments - Management expressed optimism for the upcoming tax season, citing significant innovations and an expanded local presence to enhance customer engagement [41][45] Question: Consumer health and market share gains - Management noted that Credit Karma's performance is driven by innovation and integration with TurboTax, with stable credit scores and balances among consumers [84][86] Question: Mailchimp's growth strategy - Management indicated that achieving double-digit growth for Mailchimp will require a mix of improvements in both mid-market and smaller customer segments [67] Question: Margin leverage and AI efficiencies - Management confirmed ongoing margin improvements driven by AI efficiencies and disciplined capital allocation strategies [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has used approximately $5.9 million for the first three quarters of the year and expects significant revenue in the fourth quarter to offset operating expenses [30][31] - The company aims to cover operating expenses through financings and anticipates a good fourth quarter [31][32] - The market value of the company's equity holdings in Pollex Bio and Buda Juice is expected to provide substantial upside for shareholders [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on launching three to five companies per year to build a public venture portfolio, which is a shift from the historical rate of one company every 18 months [9][24] - The company has a deep pipeline of opportunities and believes that future launches will have a better probability of success than past ones [24][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The microcap market has been challenging, but the company believes that transparency and liquidity in public markets will become attractive again [28][30] - There is a growing demand for small public companies with revenue and earnings, as many are moving towards private equity routes [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a sustainable operational framework to support the launch of public venture companies and believes it has a unique position in the market [16][39] - The strategy includes curating and positioning companies for success in the public markets, focusing on those with significant growth potential [10][15] - The company is also exploring the potential of a spinout in the patent law sector, which could provide substantial value [34][64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current challenges in the microcap market but remains optimistic about future opportunities and the potential for public venture to thrive [28][30] - The company is committed to improving communication with shareholders and addressing concerns about stock performance [68][70] Other Important Information - The company has a unique model that combines operational support with equity positions in the companies it helps launch, which differentiates it from traditional underwriters and VCs [21][39] - The company is actively working on building its community to support its ventures and enhance its operational capabilities [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: When can shareholders expect to see a dividend? - The company prefers to wait until there is a developed market for the stock and broader ownership before considering dividends [42] Question: How will MDB handle ownership percentages during fundraising for Exazyme? - Shareholders can expect dilution as companies raise more capital, but efforts will be made to minimize this [43] Question: What is the outlook for Heartbeat regarding FDA approval? - The company is optimistic about FDA approval and believes it will facilitate future fundraising efforts [46] Question: Why is the stock trading at a low price compared to the IPO? - The poor performance of the microcap market and concerns about the company's ability to select successful ventures are contributing factors [48] Question: What makes the cost of being public more favorable for listings? - Companies that are profitable and growing in the microcap sector are trading at attractive valuations, making public listings more appealing [50][51] Question: Can you clarify the PatentVest spinout and its potential? - The spinout is expected to have substantial market value due to the disruption AI will bring to the legal sector, particularly in patent law [63][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, net sales increased by 4.2% year-over-year to $336.1 million, with diluted earnings per share reaching $0.51, a 31% increase [11][12] - For fiscal year 2025, total revenue rose by 7.2% to $1.33 billion, with diluted earnings per share increasing by 36.1% to $2.00 [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased by 7.7% to $24.4 million, while for the full year, it rose by 17.5% to $97.9 million [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Daily average comparable store sales increased by 4.2% in Q4 and 7.3% for the full year, with a two-year growth of 11.3% and 14.3% respectively [11][13] - The penetration of Natural Grocers branded products in total sales rose to 8.8% from 8.4% a year ago, reflecting strong growth in house-branded offerings [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a shift in consumer behavior towards more cautious retail spending, influenced by macroeconomic pressures [5][11] - A modest decline in SNAP EBT transactions was observed, representing approximately 2% of net sales, but it was deemed immaterial to overall sales [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open six to eight new stores in fiscal 2026, maintaining a commitment to 4%-5% annual new store unit growth [9][14] - The focus remains on enhancing the NPower Rewards program and expanding the Natural Grocers branded products to drive long-term success [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of consumer prioritization of health and wellness, despite macroeconomic challenges [6][30] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes expectations for daily average comparable store sales growth between 1.5% and 4%, with diluted earnings per share projected between $2 and $2.15 [14][15] Other Important Information - The company announced a 25% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.15 per common share, reflecting strong operating performance [9] - The company ended Q4 with $17.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no outstanding borrowings, indicating a strong liquidity position [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is it a good time to increase the penetration of Natural Grocers brands? - Management confirmed that they are actively marketing their own brand and aim to increase penetration by one percentage point per year, targeting 10.8% to 11% in two years [20][22] Question: What challenges does the company face in the current economic environment? - Management acknowledged a pullback from less loyal customers and noted that economic uncertainty is affecting consumer sentiment, but they remain confident in their core customer base [27][30] Question: What is the expectation for free cash flow in 2026? - Management expects positive free cash flow in 2026, with significant investments in capital expenditures to support growth initiatives [33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $3.9 billion, an increase of 18% year-over-year [18] - GAAP operating income was $534 million compared to $271 million last year, while non-GAAP operating income rose to $1.3 billion from $953 million [18] - GAAP diluted earnings per share increased to $1.59 from $0.70 a year ago, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose to $3.34 from $2.50 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Business Solutions Group revenue grew 18% in Q1, or 20% excluding Mailchimp, with online ecosystem revenue increasing by 21% [18][19] - QuickBooks Online accounting revenue grew 25%, driven by higher effective prices and customer growth [19] - Online payment volume, including bill pay, grew 29%, reflecting continued momentum in payments [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw approximately 40% growth for online ecosystem revenue for QBO Advanced and Intuit Enterprise Suite, serving mid-market customers [19] - TurboTax Live revenue grew 51% in Q1, indicating strong performance post-tax season [14] - Credit Karma revenue increased by 27%, contributing significantly to the consumer platform's growth [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on an AI-driven expert platform strategy to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations [5][6] - There is a strong emphasis on partnerships with accounting firms to drive customer acquisition and expand market reach [13][14] - The company aims to penetrate the $142 billion consumer total addressable market (TAM) with its all-in-one platform [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of consumer and business performance, citing stable profits and cash flows [51][54] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming tax season, driven by innovations and improved customer experiences [41][44] - Management highlighted the importance of AI and human intelligence in driving customer engagement and satisfaction [10][25] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $851 million of stock during the first quarter and announced a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share, a 15% increase from last year [22] - Kim Watkins, VP of Investor Relations, announced her departure from the company, with Jeff Cogler stepping in as acting head of IR [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about OpenAI partnership and data security - Management described the partnership with OpenAI as game-changing, emphasizing that customer data privacy remains intact and there is no revenue share involved [28][30][31] Question: Mid-market growth and sales productivity - Management discussed the importance of raising awareness about Intuit Enterprise Suite and the expected acceleration in revenue from partnerships in the latter half of the year [36][38] Question: Tax season learnings and local search investments - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming tax season, highlighting innovations that enhance customer experience and local presence [41][45] Question: Consumer health and Credit Karma performance - Management noted that Credit Karma's performance is driven by innovation and integration with TurboTax, with stable credit scores and balances among consumers [84][86] Question: Mailchimp growth strategy - Management indicated that achieving double-digit growth for Mailchimp will require a mix of mid-market and smaller customer improvements [67] Question: Margin leverage and AI efficiencies - Management confirmed ongoing margin improvements driven by AI efficiencies and disciplined capital allocation [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter net sales of $336.1 million, a 4.2% increase from the prior year period [11] - Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2025 reached a record $2.00, up 36.1% from $1.47 in fiscal 2024 [13] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.7% to $24.4 million in the fourth quarter and 17.5% to $97.9 million for the full year [12][13] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 29.5% in the fourth quarter, while for fiscal 2025, it improved by 50 basis points compared to the prior year [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Daily average comparable store sales increased by 4.2% in the fourth quarter and 7.3% for the full year [11][13] - The penetration of Natural Grocers branded products rose to 8.8% of total sales, up from 8.4% a year ago [8] - The company opened two new stores, relocated two, and remodeled one during fiscal 2025, with plans to open six to eight new stores in fiscal 2026 [8][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a shift in consumer behavior towards more cautious retail spending in the fourth quarter, influenced by macroeconomic pressures [5][30] - SNAP transactions represented approximately 2% of net sales, with a modest decline noted in the fourth quarter [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 4%-5% annual new store unit growth and plans to increase the penetration of its own brands by one percentage point per year [9][23] - The focus remains on enhancing the NPower Rewards program and maintaining affordable pricing to strengthen competitive positioning [6][31] - The company is committed to a balanced approach to capital allocation, increasing the quarterly cash dividend by 25% to $0.15 per share [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of consumer prioritization of health and wellness despite macro pressures [6][30] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes expectations for daily average comparable store sales growth between 1.5% and 4% and diluted earnings per share between $2 and $2.15 [14][16] - Management acknowledged economic uncertainty and its impact on consumer sentiment, particularly among lower and middle-income consumers [30][32] Other Important Information - The company ended the fourth quarter with $17.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no outstanding borrowings [13] - Free cash flow is expected to remain positive in fiscal 2026, with planned capital expenditures of $50-$55 million [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is this a good time to increase the penetration of Natural Grocers brands? - Management confirmed that they are actively marketing their own brand and aim to increase penetration by one percentage point per year [21][23] Question: What challenges does the company face in the current economic environment? - Management noted that less loyal customers have pulled back on spending, leading to a cautious growth outlook [29] Question: How does the company differentiate itself from traditional supermarkets? - Management emphasized their authentic brand story and high product standards, which foster customer loyalty [26][28] Question: What is the expectation for free cash flow in 2026? - Management confirmed that free cash flow is expected to be positive, with significant investments in capital expenditures planned [34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has used approximately $5.9 million for operating expenses in the first three quarters of 2025, with expectations of significant revenue in the fourth quarter to offset these expenses [30][31] - The company anticipates a good fourth quarter, which will help cover operating expenses through the number of financings being conducted [31][32] - The market value of the company's equity holdings in Pollex Bio and Buddha Juice is expected to provide substantial upside for shareholders [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to scale its operations to launch three to five companies per year, moving from a historical average of one launch every 18 months [9][23] - The company has a deep pipeline of opportunities and believes that future launches will have a better probability of success than historical ones [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The microcap market has been challenging, but there is optimism that transparency and liquidity in public markets will become attractive again [28][29] - The company is seeing a resurgence in demand for small public companies, as many are moving away from private equity and venture capital routes [29][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a unique public venture platform that supports the launch of public companies, emphasizing the importance of operational bandwidth and community involvement [9][15] - The strategy includes curating high-potential companies and transforming them into investable public entities, with a focus on both deep tech and consumer products like Buddha Juice [12][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current market challenges but remains optimistic about the future of public venture, believing that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on upcoming opportunities [28][39] - The management is committed to improving communication with shareholders and addressing concerns about the company's stock performance [68][70] Other Important Information - The company is exploring the potential of a spinout involving PatentVest, which is expected to disrupt the patent law sector significantly [34][63] - The company is also working on enhancing its investor relations efforts to better communicate its value proposition and portfolio performance [68][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: When can shareholders expect to see a dividend? - The management's philosophy is to distribute dividends when the company has a developed market and broader ownership, avoiding any hindrance to company development [41] Question: How will MDB handle dilution during fundraising for Exazyme? - Shareholders can expect dilution as companies raise more capital, but efforts will be made to minimize this dilution [42] Question: What is MDB's role regarding Heartbeat and its FDA approval? - The management emphasizes the importance of FDA approval for Heartbeat, which will facilitate future fundraising efforts [45] Question: Why is the stock trading at a low price compared to its IPO? - The management attributes the low stock price to a poor microcap market, concerns about the company's ability to select successful ventures, and year-end tax selling [46][47] Question: What makes the cost of being public more favorable for listings? - The management believes that profitable microcap companies are trading at attractive valuations, making it sensible for them to go public [49][51] Question: How does MDB differentiate between deep tech and consumer products like Buddha Juice? - The management clarifies that both categories are viable, with a focus on launching category leaders that have a competitive edge [57][58]