Mackenzie Strehle

Mackenzie Strehle followed up by asking about the trends in Azenta's pharma and biotech end markets, specifically if pharma continues to accelerate and if Azenta is observing similar positive sentiment from biotech customers as reported by peers, and what to expect in the latter half of the year.

Answer

President and CEO John Marotta characterized the pharma and biotech end market as having more clarity compared to the previous year, following restructuring and decisions on program investments. He indicated that customers are providing clear direction, and Azenta is observing forward momentum in most segments of its business.

Mackenzie Strehle inquired about Azenta's broader outlook on the U.S. academic market, considering flat NIH budgets for 2026, and expectations for performance in this segment. She also asked about current trends in the pharma and biotech end markets, specifically if pharma is accelerating and if Azenta is observing similar positive sentiment from biotech customers as its peers, and what to expect in the latter half of the year.

Answer

President and CEO John Marotta noted a shift in NIH funding towards larger projects and the resolution of government shutdown impacts on programs. He stated that while Azenta remains highly focused on pharma and biotech, it continues to support academic customers, particularly with its Multiomics business, which is well-positioned to help core labs facing productivity pressures. Regarding pharma and biotech, Mr. Marotta characterized the end market as having 'more clarity' than the previous year, with restructuring largely complete and clear direction on programs, leading to positive sentiment across most business segments.