Castle Biosciences(CSTL) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $86.2 million for Q2 2025, a decrease of $800,000 or 1% compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to a $12.5 million decrease in revenue from dermatological tests, offset by an $11.7 million increase from non-dermatological tests [17][18] - Adjusted revenue for Q2 2025 was $86.2 million, also a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year [18] - The gross margin for Q2 2025 was 77.3%, down from 80.7% in Q2 2024, while adjusted gross margin was 79.5% compared to 83.2% in the same period last year [19] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $4.5 million, compared to $8.9 million in Q2 2024, with diluted earnings per share at $0.15 versus $0.31 in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - For DecisionDx Melanoma, the company delivered 9,981 test reports in Q2 2025, a sequential increase of approximately 16% compared to Q1 2025 and a year-over-year increase of about 4% compared to Q2 2024 [7][8] - DecisionDx SCC test reports totaled 4,762 in Q2 2025, with revenue from this test estimated at just above $15 million [10][17] - Tissue Cypher test reports reached 9,170 in Q2 2025, representing a 92% year-over-year growth compared to Q2 2024 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects continued solid growth in the second half of 2025, reiterating expectations for high single-digit volume growth for DecisionDx Melanoma for the full year [8] - The collaboration with the National Cancer Institute's SEER program is ongoing, enhancing the clinical management of melanoma patients [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in near-term growth initiatives, including expanding clinical evidence and optimizing the commercial team [6] - The M&A strategy aims to complement the existing portfolio to drive mid- to long-term value creation, with a focus on tests that have established reimbursement and high clinical value [24] - The company is pursuing a multi-omics approach for improved test value in Barrett's esophagus and other GI diseases [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the clinical value of their tests and the ability to create value for shareholders in the near and long term [26] - The company is optimistic about the potential for their atopic dermatitis test and expects to launch it by the end of 2025 [14][44] - Management acknowledged challenges in the reimbursement environment but remains committed to providing innovative tests that significantly impact patient care [47] Other Important Information - The company ended Q2 2025 with $275.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, positioning it well for future investments [6][23] - The company has submitted reconsideration requests for DecisionDx SCC to Novitas and MolDx, with expectations of a response from MolDx by Labor Day [58][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for FDA approval after breakthrough designation for DecisionDx Melanoma - Management is moving forward with efforts to seek FDA submission but did not disclose specific timing [30] Question: Payment status for DecisionDx SCC volume - The company receives episodic payments on commercial claims, but these are not significant percentages [31][33] Question: Insights on GI sales rep productivity - The sales team is expected to reach full productivity in the third and fourth quarters of 2025 [36] Question: Reimbursement outlook for atopic dermatitis test - The company is pursuing multiple reimbursement avenues and expects limited revenue impact in 2026 [44] Question: Continuation of DecisionDx SCC offering - The company plans to keep the test available in the marketplace while moderating volume due to educational sales efforts [46] Question: Drivers for revenue guidance increase - The company raised its revenue guidance due to strong business drivers and historical seasonal trends [48] Question: Growth expectations for Tissue Cypher - The company anticipates continued growth in Tissue Cypher volumes without significant seasonality expected [56] Question: Progress with private payers for DecisionDx Melanoma - The company continues to generate data to support payer engagement, despite resistance from the payer community [102]