Biodesix (BDSX) FY Conference August 12, 2025 04:30 PM ET Speaker0Hi, welcome to the Canaccord Genuity Global Growth Conference of Kyle Mixon. I cover life science tools and diagnostics for Canaccord. Please welcome me to a fireside chat with BioDesix. BioDesix offers a unique platform to test for many areas of lung cancer and we'll talk about that today. With the company we have Scott Hunton, CEO.Thanks Scott for joining us today.Speaker1Appreciate Yeah.Speaker0Thank you, Kyle. Maybe for those who aren't t ...

Natera (NTRA) FY Conference August 12, 2025 02:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsMike Brophy - CFOConference Call ParticipantsKyle Mikson - Managing Director & Senior Research AnalystKyle MiksonI'm Kyle Mixon. I cover life science tools and diagnostics for Canaccord. Please welcome me to a fireside chat with Natera here with us today. Natera is a leader in cell free DNA based testing for women's health oncology and organ health. With us from the company we have Mike Brophy, CFO.Thanks Thanks Mike for joining us. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue growth of 22%, reaching $24.3 million compared to $19.8 million in Q1 2024, marking the sixteenth consecutive quarter of 20% or greater revenue growth [5][14][15] - Gross profit increased by 29% to $15.5 million, with gross margins rising to 63.8% from 60.8% in Q1 2024 [15][16] - The operating loss decreased by 31% to $4.6 million, while the net loss increased by 8% to $9.2 million, primarily due to non-cash fair value adjustments [16][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tissue-based test volume grew by 41%, with approximately 12,600 tests conducted in Q1, representing a 41% increase year-over-year [6][10] - Liquid-based tests saw nearly 12,000 tests, an increase of 9% compared to the prior year [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tissue-based segment accounted for 85% of Q1 revenue, driven by the growing diagnostic value of the Confirm test among urology customers [7][10] - The market opportunity for the Confirm test is estimated at $500 million, with a rising prostate cancer rate of 5% to 10% annually [10][80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 20% or greater revenue growth in 2025 and beyond, with a focus on operational discipline and commercial execution [5][13] - The strategy includes leveraging existing sales channels without expanding the sales organization, which has allowed for sustained revenue growth [19][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2025, supported by flat operating expenses and continued revenue growth [16][67] - The company is focused on maintaining its leadership position in the high-growth urology diagnostics market, emphasizing the importance of its sales team and operational excellence [20][20] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, were $65.7 million, with a pro forma cash balance of $37.7 million after an earnout payment [16] - The company has not seen a material impact from recent tariff developments on its financial operations [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What factors are driving the growth in pathology adoption? - Management noted that the understanding of biopsy limitations has improved, leading to greater acceptance of the Confirm test among pathologists [24][26] Question: What are customers saying about the reasons for market share gains? - Customers appreciate the consultative approach of the sales team and the unique value proposition of the Confirm and GPS tests [28][30] Question: How did weather impact Q1 performance? - Management indicated that weather did not materially affect Q1 performance and expects continued execution in Q2 [36] Question: Can you comment on the growth of the GPS and Confirm tests? - Management reported balanced growth between GPS and Confirm, with both tests seeing increased adoption among urology customers [38][39] Question: What is the company's approach to M&A? - The company is open to growth opportunities but remains disciplined in its approach, focusing on derisking potential acquisitions [44][75] Question: How is the company performing in large urology practices? - Management indicated broad penetration within large urology practices, emphasizing the importance of service levels and differentiation [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue growth of 22%, increasing to $24.3 million from $19.8 million in the prior year [13][14] - Gross profit for the quarter was $15.5 million, a 29% increase compared to $12.1 million in Q1 2024, with gross margins rising to 63.8% from 60.8% [14] - The operating loss decreased by 31% to $4.6 million, while the net loss increased by 8% to $9.2 million, primarily due to non-cash fair value adjustments [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by 71% to negative $1.3 million compared to negative $4.5 million in Q1 2024, with expectations for positive adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2025 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tissue-based test volume grew by 41%, with approximately 12,600 tests conducted in Q1, representing a 41% increase year-over-year [5][6] - Liquid-based tests saw volumes of almost 12,000, an increase of 9% over the prior year [5] - Tissue-based tests accounted for 85% of Q1 revenue, highlighting their significance in the company's portfolio [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market opportunity for the Confirm test is estimated at $500 million, with a growing rate of prostate cancer expected to rise by 5% to 10% annually [8][9] - The company is positioned as a leader in precision diagnostics for prostate cancer, with a focus on expanding its market share in the urology sector [11][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 20% or greater revenue growth in 2025 and beyond, having achieved 16 consecutive quarters of such growth [4][12] - The strategy includes leveraging existing sales channels without significant expansion, focusing on operational discipline and commercial execution [17][18] - The company is exploring growth opportunities, including potential M&A, while maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management [42][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue guidance of $108 million to $110 million for 2025, with a focus on sustaining growth and operational efficiency [12][66] - The company has not seen significant impacts from recent tariff developments and expects continued strong performance in Q2 [15][66] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a high-quality sales force and strong relationships with urologists and pathologists to drive growth [19][90] Other Important Information - The company made a $28 million earnout payment to Exact Sciences, impacting its cash balance but still maintaining a strong liquidity position with $65.7 million in cash and equivalents [15] - The company is committed to providing value to all stakeholders, including patients, customers, payers, and shareholders [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What factors are driving the recent growth in tissue tests? - Management noted that pathology's understanding of the limitations of biopsies has improved, leading to greater adoption of the Confirm test [22][23] Question: What are customers saying about the reasons for market share gains? - Customers appreciate the consultative approach of the sales team and the unique value proposition of the tests, particularly the benefits of avoiding repeat biopsies [26][28] Question: How did weather impact Q1 performance? - Management indicated that weather did not materially affect Q1 performance and expects continued execution in Q2 [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for M&A opportunities? - The company is open to both M&A and partnerships but remains disciplined in evaluating opportunities, particularly in the urology space [42][73] Question: How is the company addressing pricing and gross margin? - Management is focused on maintaining or improving average selling prices while also reducing costs through operational efficiencies [56][58] Question: What is the penetration rate among urologists? - Management indicated broad penetration among urologists, with a focus on building strong relationships and demonstrating the value of their tests [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - QIAGEN reported net sales of $483 million, a 7% increase at constant exchange rates (CER) compared to Q1 2024 [8] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.50 at CER, exceeding the outlook of at least $0.50 [9][11] - Adjusted operating income margin rose to 29.8% of sales, up more than four percentage points from the first quarter of 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diagnostic Solutions sales increased by 11% at CER, driven by QIAstat Dx sales rising 37% and QuantiFERON sales up 16% [18] - PCR technologies delivered 14% CER growth, led by the adoption of the ChiAcuity digital PCR system [18] - Sample Technologies sales decreased by 1% at CER, reflecting lower instrument sales amid cautious customer spending [18] - Genomics and next-generation sequencing sales were down 2% at CER, but QIAGEN Digital Insights saw high single-digit CER growth [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas grew by 9% at CER, with strong performance in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America [20] - EMEA region delivered 8% growth at CER, with top-performing countries including Germany and Italy [20] - Asia Pacific experienced a modest decline, primarily due to weak trends in China, which represents about 3% to 4% of total sales [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - QIAGEN is reaffirming its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting around 4% sales growth at CER and about 5% growth in its core portfolio [11][32] - The company plans to introduce an annual cash dividend and seek shareholder approval for a synthetic share repurchase of up to $500 million [12] - QIAGEN is focused on maintaining strategic flexibility in a volatile environment, adapting to challenges while sizing growth opportunities [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience and strength of the business despite a complex macro environment marked by cautious customer spending [7] - The company remains conservative about revenue growth for the second half of the year due to ongoing volatility in the economic and geopolitical environment [50] - Management expressed confidence in the strategy and execution, indicating that they will update guidance as visibility improves [50] Other Important Information - QIAGEN is preparing for new automation instrument launches, including QIA Symphony Connect, QIA Mini, and QIA Sprint Connect [24] - The company is also focused on expanding its leadership in automated sample preparation and bioinformatics solutions [30] - A leadership transition is planned in the Supervisory Board, with two members stepping down after the upcoming Annual General Meeting [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the acceleration in QuantiFERON in the quarter? - Management indicated that there was no specific event driving the acceleration, but rather a confirmation of their strategy based on constant innovations and proven reliability [43] Question: Can you elaborate on guidance and the assumption of deceleration in top-line growth? - Management described the guidance as realistic ambitions, citing ongoing volatility in the economic environment as a reason for caution [50] Question: What is the impact of tariffs and how are you mitigating it? - Management stated that they have ramped up inventory levels and reviewed their supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts, with no material exposure from China [54] Question: What are the growth expectations for U.S. academic and government markets? - Management expressed cautious optimism, noting that 90% of revenues come from consumables, which are less exposed to cuts in academia and research [62] Question: What is the outlook for QIAstat after a strong quarter? - Management confirmed guidance for QIAstat, expecting double-digit growth by the end of the year, driven by strong demand across multiple testing areas [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company recorded $1.2 million in revenue, a growth of 59% over 2023 [28] - Revenue from the NUQ VET cancer test was $0.8 million, growing by 75% compared to the prior year [28] - Operating expenses were reduced by 23% year-on-year, with second half operating expenses down 31% [30] - Net cash used in operating activities was $25.9 million in 2024, compared to $18.1 million in 2023 [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 120,000 NUQ VET cancer tests were sold in 2024, more than double the sales in 2023 [28] - Revenue from the NUQ Discover pillar was approximately $400,000, with a year-on-year growth of 40% [29] - The company recorded its first revenue from the NUQ NETS, marking a significant milestone [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NUQ VET cancer test is now available in over 20 countries, expanding access significantly [18] - The point-of-care market is noted to be less than 20% of the total market, indicating growth potential [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sign multiple licensing deals in 2025, focusing on human applications of its technology [11] - There is a strong interest in potential out-licensing and supply agreements for both NUQ NETS and the oncology portfolio [12] - The strategy includes raising non-dilutive funds, ramping revenues, reducing expenses, and signing commercial deals with large industry players [74] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving cash neutrality on a full-year basis by 2025 [27] - The company is at a pivotal juncture, ready to revolutionize diagnostics for both animals and humans [12] - Management highlighted the importance of automation in centralized labs to accelerate growth [22] Other Important Information - The company received approximately $1.8 million in non-dilutive funding from Belgian institutions during 2024 [33] - The NUQ platform has shown broad applicability across various established platforms, enhancing its market potential [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the feline cancer testing program - Management confirmed that the feline cancer testing program is on track for completion later this year, with a milestone payment of $5 million expected upon completion [80] Question: Discussion on the Leon study and its implementation - Management indicated that there are plans for prospective studies following the results of the Leon study, with potential rapid adoption in cancer programs [86][90] Question: Insights on quarterly sales trends and outlook for 2025 - Management noted that sales were lumpy due to large customers ordering in batches, but solid growth was achieved with 120,000 tests sold [100] - Automation in central labs is expected to open up larger opportunities in 2025 [101] Question: Approach to managing financing risks - Management emphasized a tight grip on expenses and cash flows while focusing on securing licensing agreements [112] Question: Activity and interest in data rooms for licensing agreements - Management reported that the data generated exceeded expectations and has been crucial in energizing discussions with major companies [118]