Dilok Klaisataporn/iStock via Getty Images By Elisa Mazen, Michael Testorf, CFA, & Pawel Wroblewski, CFA Holding Steady in a Value-Led MarketMarket Overview International equities delivered mixed results in the third quarter as the unbridled optimism that lifted European markets earlier in the year began to fade. The benchmark MSCI (MSCI) EAFE Index rose a respectable 4.8%, led by Asian markets and Canada, while Europe Ex U.K. underperformed. The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index increased 6.2%, while the MSCI ...

Performance Overview - Baron Fifth Avenue Growth Fund gained 24.9% in Q2, outperforming the Russell 1000 Growth Index (17.8%) and the S&P 500 Index (10.9%) [2][4] - Year-to-date performance shows the Fund up 8.2%, compared to 6.1% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index and 6.2% for the S&P 500 Index [2][4] Annualized Performance - The Fund's annualized performance for various periods shows strong returns, with 1-year performance at 25.15% for Institutional Shares, compared to 17.22% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index [3] - Over the last 3 years, the Fund achieved 28.45% annualized returns, significantly higher than the 25.76% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index [3] Stock Selection and Sector Performance - The Fund's outperformance in Q2 was driven by stock selection, contributing 743 basis points, while sector allocation had a modest negative impact [5] - Notable performance in Information Technology (34.0% gain) and Consumer Discretionary (23.6% gain), outperforming the Index in these sectors [5] Key Contributors and Detractors - Top contributors included NVIDIA (4.07%), Cloudflare (2.86%), and Meta Platforms (2.23%) [14] - NVIDIA's stock rose 45.8% in Q2, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure [14] - Key detractors included argenx SE (-0.23%) and Eli Lilly (-0.12%), with argenx facing lower-than-expected sales and Eli Lilly impacted by competitive concerns [17][18] Recent Activity and Portfolio Adjustments - The Fund added to positions in Eli Lilly, Samsara, Illumina, TSMC, ASML, Datadog, KKR, and Trade Desk during Q2 [24] - The largest addition was Eli Lilly, focusing on its GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity, which are expected to drive significant revenue growth [26] Market Outlook and Investment Philosophy - The company emphasizes a long-term investment approach, focusing on fundamentals rather than short-term market volatility [38] - The outlook suggests a wide range of potential outcomes, indicating that extreme market volatility is likely [38] Portfolio Structure - As of June 30, 2025, the top 10 holdings represented 58.0% of the Fund's net assets, with a total of 32 investments in the portfolio [22] - The portfolio is heavily weighted in Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, Health Care, and Financials, comprising 98.0% of net assets [22]

Company Overview - argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is enhancing its position in autoimmune therapies with the rapid growth of its flagship treatment, Vyvgart, which is available in both intravenous and subcutaneous forms [2] Product Development - The launch of the Vyvgart subcutaneous prefilled syringe in 2025 has been a significant highlight, gaining popularity as a convenient alternative to infusions, particularly in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) [3] - Over 2,500 patients have already started treatment with Vyvgart in CIDP this year, indicating strong adoption in the U.S. market [3] - Additional approvals for Vyvgart in Japan and Canada are anticipated by the end of the year, which will further expand its global presence [3] Market Potential - Vyvgart is positioned as one of the fastest-growing biologics in generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and other autoimmune diseases, with analysts forecasting multibillion-dollar peak sales [4] - Upcoming Phase 3 trial results in late 2025 and early 2026 for seronegative gMG, ocular and pediatric MG, and primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) could lead to broader label expansions and reinforce its status as a standard of care [4] Pipeline Expansion - Beyond Vyvgart, argenx SE is developing a diverse pipeline that includes early-stage candidates such as empasiprubart, ARGX-109, and ARGX-119 targeting autoimmune and rare neuromuscular diseases [5] - The company is also exploring new modalities through partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Unnatural Products to create oral peptide therapies [5]

Summary of Key Takeaways from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Biotech and Healthcare - **Date**: September 10, 2025 - **Source**: Morgan Stanley Research Core Insights 1. **Emerging Business Development Options**: The robust out-licensing activity in the Chinese biopharma sector presents unique opportunities for overseas investors, particularly in transactions involving royalties from out-licensed innovations, exemplified by the BeOne/Imdelltra deal [3] 2. **Immunology Targets Enthusiasm**: A major biopharma company expressed confidence in its assets targeting OX40L, IL-13/TSLP, and IL-33, with a particular focus on OX40L's differentiated therapeutic positioning. This includes assets from Innovent, Keymed, and Akeso [4][7] 3. **Investor Focus on Specific Products**: Investor inquiries were concentrated on the commercial outlooks for Vyvgart and KarXT, as well as the R&D progress for ZL-1310 [4][8] Product-Specific Developments 1. **Vyvgart**: Key near-term drivers include guideline inclusion, lengthening of the duration of treatment (DoT), and inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) for subcutaneous formulations [8] 2. **KarXT**: Anticipated post-NRDL pricing is projected to be 10-15% of the US price, with a favorable inpatient landscape in China aiding commercial adoption [8] 3. **ZL-1310**: An update on second-line small cell lung cancer (SCLC) data is expected in October 2025, with a target of over 60% overall response rate (ORR) and a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of approximately 6 months [8] Additional Considerations - **Market Sentiment**: The overall sentiment towards the China biotech sector remains attractive, with positive commentary on immunology assets indicating potential growth and resilience against funding uncertainties [7] - **Investment Risks**: Investors are advised to consider potential conflicts of interest when interpreting research from Morgan Stanley, as the firm may have business relationships with the companies discussed [5][10] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the current landscape and future outlook for the China biotech and healthcare industry.

Investment Ratings - Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY): Neutral [6] - Eli Lilly (LLY): Buy [10] - Novartis (NOVN): Neutral [16] - Sanofi (SNY): Neutral [17] - Biogen (BIIB): Buy [20] - Insmed Therapeutics (INSM): Buy [25] - Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ): Buy [29] - MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (MLTX): Buy [36] Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of idiosyncratic catalysts in the biopharma sector, particularly in the context of macroeconomic volatility and healthcare policy uncertainty [1] - Key catalysts to watch in 3Q25 include pivotal studies from various companies, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease, obesity, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma [1][5] - The report highlights the potential for significant market opportunities based on upcoming trial results and regulatory approvals, particularly for drugs like Cobenfy, orforglipron, ianalumab, tolebrutinib, and zanidatamab [1][5][10][18][30] Summary by Company Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) - Monitoring Phase 3 data from the Cobenfy ADEPT-2 trial in Alzheimer's disease psychosis, with a primary completion date in July [8] - The trial's success could have implications for a large patient population, with approximately 6 million Alzheimer's patients in the U.S. [8][9] Eli Lilly (LLY) - Focus on the ATTAIN-1 trial for orforglipron in obesity without diabetes, with results expected in July [10] - Anticipated weight loss efficacy in the 12-15% range, with safety and tolerability being key metrics [13] Novartis (NOVN) - Key focus on ianalumab's readouts in Sjogren's syndrome and immune thrombocytopenia, with a potential peak sales opportunity of approximately $2 billion [18] Sanofi (SNY) - Expected data from the Phase 3 PERSEUS trial of tolebrutinib in primary progressive multiple sclerosis, with a primary completion date in July [19] Biogen (BIIB) - Monitoring Leqembi's commercial trajectory in early-onset Alzheimer's disease, with a potential peak sales of approximately $800 million [21] Insmed Therapeutics (INSM) - Regulatory review of brensocatib for bronchiectasis, with a PDUFA date of August 12 [25] - Potential for significant upside if approved with a broad label [27] Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) - Anticipating topline data from the HERIZON-GEA-01 trial for zanidatamab in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with a potential peak sales opportunity exceeding $2 billion [30] MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (MLTX) - Reporting topline results from the Ph. 3 VELA trials for sonelokimab in hidradenitis suppurativa, with expectations for best-in-class efficacy [36]

Core Viewpoint - Argenx SE's stock is experiencing a decline due to serious safety concerns raised by the FDA regarding its drug Vyvgart Hytrulo, particularly related to chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) [1][2] Group 1: FDA Concerns - The FDA has identified severe risks associated with Vyvgart Hytrulo, specifically the worsening of CIDP, which is characterized by inflammation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves [1] - The FDA is currently evaluating the need for potential regulatory action regarding Vyvgart [2] Group 2: Drug Approval and Usage - The European Commission has recently approved Vyvgart 1000mg for subcutaneous injection as a monotherapy for adult patients with progressive or relapsing active CIDP after prior treatments [2] - In April, the FDA approved a self-injection option for Vyvgart Hytrulo for adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and CIDP [3] Group 3: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Argenx's stock has an average 1-year price target of $753.23, indicating an expected upside of 43.52% [4][6] - There are no bearish recommendations for Argenx, with 13 analysts providing bullish ratings; the highest price target is $1065.0 from Guggenheim, while the lowest is $680.0 from Baird [5][7] - As of the latest check, Argenx's stock is down 6.56% at $523.37 [7]

Group 1 - Argenx's shares declined after missing revenue estimates for the first time since the launch of Vyvgart 13 quarters ago [2] - There are inconsistencies in revenue reporting, with Seeking Alpha reporting a figure of $23.8 million [2] Group 2 - The Growth Stock Forum focuses on attractive risk/reward situations and tracks portfolio and watchlist stocks closely [1]