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    Michael KratkyLeerink Partners

    Michael Kratky's questions to Neuropace Inc (NPCE) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Neuropace Inc (NPCE) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners questioned the drivers behind the strong 77% gross margin in Q1, asking if it implied low DIXI revenue and about the durability of RNS margin strength.

    Answer

    Executive Joel Becker and CFO Rebecca Kuhn attributed the strong gross margin primarily to the RNS business, driven by higher production volumes, manufacturing efficiencies, and successful price increases, rather than product mix. They noted that while margins can fluctuate quarterly, the underlying operational drivers like volume and pricing are durable levers.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Neuropace Inc (NPCE) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky from Leerink Partners asked for an update on Project CARE, specifically whether NeuroPace is seeing multiple implants from new accounts outside of Level 4 CECs. He also inquired about the viability of the economic model for RNS therapy in these non-Level 4 centers.

    Answer

    Executive Joel Becker confirmed that they are seeing accounts with multiple implants and referrals through Project CARE, which is an encouraging sign of adoption. He and CFO Rebecca Kuhn affirmed the economic viability of RNS procedures outside Level 4 centers, noting that while reimbursement rates and payer mix vary, the value proposition for centers and payers is attractive given the high costs associated with uncontrolled seizures.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Neuropace Inc (NPCE) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky requested more detail on the Project CARE pilot program's growth contribution, specifically the mix between new center adoption and patient referrals. He also questioned the Q4 guidance, noting it appeared conservative following a strong Q3 revenue beat.

    Answer

    Executive Joel Becker clarified that Project CARE's Q3 contribution came from both direct implants in new centers and patient referrals back to Level 4 centers for implantation or advanced testing. Regarding guidance, Becker emphasized that the updated forecast implies over 20% growth for the full year, despite tougher comps from the NAUTILUS trial in the second half, reflecting strong business fundamentals and a focus on balancing growth with disciplined spending.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Procept Biorobotics Corp (PRCT) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Procept Biorobotics Corp (PRCT) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Michael Kratky asked if there has been a shift in the typical prostate size treated with Aquablation as physicians gain experience, and inquired about customer feedback on the therapy's value proposition across different prostate sizes.

    Answer

    Executive Reza Zadno confirmed that the prostate size distribution has remained consistent, with most cases being under 100ml. Executive Sham Shiblaq added that a key value proposition is the technology's ability to treat all prostate sizes with consistent and efficient outcomes, which is a major benefit for surgeons, especially for larger prostates they may have previously referred out.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Procept Biorobotics Corp (PRCT) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked if the forecasted 2025 gross margin exit rate of ~66% provides confidence in achieving profitability in 2026. He also requested a quantification of the ASP premium for a HYDROS handpiece compared to an AquaBeam handpiece.

    Answer

    CFO Kevin Waters did not comment on 2026 but affirmed that sequential EBITDA improvements in 2025 will demonstrate a clear path to sustained profitability. Regarding the handpiece ASP, he stated it was too early to quantify the specific price difference as customer negotiations for the new HYDROS system are ongoing.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Dexcom Inc (DXCM) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Dexcom Inc (DXCM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked if, alongside the acceleration in Type 2 non-insulin patients, the company was seeing any different or unexpected trends in the Type 1 diabetes market.

    Answer

    CEO Kevin Sayer stated that the Type 1 business is performing exactly as anticipated. He affirmed that the company continues to do 'incredibly well' in the Type 1 market, saw nice growth in the quarter in line with expectations, and maintains outstanding retention and utilization in that population.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Dexcom Inc (DXCM) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky asked if there have been any noteworthy shifts in market share capture across different patient segments and what the expectations are for 2025.

    Answer

    CFO Jereme Sylvain noted a strong Q4 with record new patients and good share performance across the board. He highlighted the non-insulin space as a key opportunity for 2025, as this is an area where DexCom historically had less share due to lack of coverage. He expects the expanded sales force and product innovation to drive strong performance in this newly accessible market.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Dexcom Inc (DXCM) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky asked to what extent Dexcom benefited from competitor CGM shortages in the U.S. during Q3 and if the Q4 guidance assumes any contribution from this dynamic.

    Answer

    CFO Jereme Sylvain downplayed any significant impact from competitor issues. He attributed the company's positive momentum to its own sales force's effectiveness in bringing in new physicians and communicating the value of G7 and Stelo, rather than capturing share from competitor supply disruptions.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Tandem Diabetes Care Inc (TNDM) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Tandem Diabetes Care Inc (TNDM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Michael Kratky sought confirmation on the guidance assumption for mid-single-digit growth in U.S. new starts and the underlying mix of MDI versus competitive conversions.

    Answer

    CFO Leigh Vosseller confirmed the mid-single-digit growth assumption for new starts remains in the guidance. She highlighted that MDI conversions grew at a double-digit rate for the fourth consecutive quarter and now represent approximately two-thirds of all new patient starts.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Tandem Diabetes Care Inc (TNDM) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked for more detail on the Q4 dynamics, questioning the fundamental reason for the December weakness and seeking confidence that the sales force realignment had no impact on Q4 results.

    Answer

    Mark Novara, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, reiterated that while seasonality was muted, December was still the largest shipment month of the year with sizable year-over-year growth. He cited macro factors like out-of-pocket costs as a continuing challenge and confirmed the sales force realignment did not impact Q4 as teams remained focused on selling.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Tandem Diabetes Care Inc (TNDM) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky asked about the expected scale of the initial pharmacy contract and the anticipated pace of scaling business in that channel.

    Answer

    EVP and CFO Leigh Vosseller noted it's too early to quantify volume from the single contract but highlighted that numerous other conversations are underway. CEO John Sheridan added they are "aggressively" working on many more opportunities. They reiterated it's a multiyear strategy for Tandem Mobi that requires building out payer pull-through.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Vericel Corp (VCEL) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Vericel Corp (VCEL) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky asked about the factors driving the recent uptick in the MACI biopsy conversion rate and whether this increase is factored into the 2025 guidance. He also requested color on the utilization trends among newly trained MACI Arthro surgeons.

    Answer

    CEO Dominick Colangelo attributed the higher conversion rate to a maturing surgeon base but clarified that a significant increase is not built into 2025 guidance, representing potential upside. He added that while it's early, leading indicators for MACI Arthro are positive, with biopsy growth from trained surgeons outpacing others and cases being scheduled across all surgeon segments.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Vericel Corp (VCEL) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky questioned how the early MACI Arthro procedures are influencing the Q4 and 2025 outlook, particularly the potential uplift in procedure volume. He also asked if the NexoBrid launch has created a durable increase in Epicel engagement.

    Answer

    CEO Nick Colangelo stated that the main impact of MACI Arthro is expected in 2025 due to the typical biopsy-to-procedure timeline. CFO Joe Mara clarified the Q4 MACI guidance of ~$68M is based on core business momentum, not a significant Arthro contribution. Mr. Colangelo confirmed that NexoBrid's launch has driven meaningful and durable Epicel pull-through from new and dormant accounts, a trend expected to continue.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to AxoGen Inc (AXGN) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to AxoGen Inc (AXGN) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked for specifics on the planned increase in sales and marketing spend, including the size of the sales force expansion for the breast business, and requested details on the characteristics of 'high potential accounts.'

    Answer

    CEO Michael Dale detailed plans to double the breast commercial team from 12 to 24 people, supplemented by about 10 market development and education staff. CMO Jens Schroeder Kemp explained that the 600 'high potential accounts' are typically Level 1 trauma centers or academic hospitals with a high volume of nerve repair procedures and existing microsurgeons.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to AxoGen Inc (AXGN) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked for CEO Michael Dale's perspective on the potential commercial impact of a BLA approval for Avance. He also inquired about the company's approach to business development as its EBITDA and cash flow improve.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Dale explained that BLA approval is strategically crucial as it formally affirms Avance's safety and efficacy, removing any 'experimental' perception for payers and enabling the pursuit of standard-of-care status. Regarding business development, Dale stated that anything necessary to achieve that status is 'within scope,' without signaling specific targets.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Insulet Corp (PODD) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Insulet Corp (PODD) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked about the potential evolution of the competitive landscape in the Type 2 diabetes market in 2025 and whether Insulet expects to maintain a dominant advantage even as competitors gain approvals.

    Answer

    President and CEO Jim Hollingshead expressed high confidence in Insulet's position. He argued that Omnipod 5's inherent advantages in simplicity and ease of use, which allowed it to overtake incumbents in the Type 1 market, are even more critical for the Type 2 population. He emphasized that being first-to-market with a product proven to be a "winning offer" gives them a clear right to win, even if competitors eventually follow with their own indications.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Penumbra Inc (PEN) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Penumbra Inc (PEN) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky of Leerink Partners asked for a breakdown of expected growth across the different U.S. thrombectomy verticals (VTE, arterial, stroke) relative to the overall 19-20% guidance. He also inquired about early adoption trends for new products in Europe.

    Answer

    CEO Adam Elsesser responded that it was premature to provide that level of detail on the U.S. business, as multiple verticals have significant growth drivers. Regarding Europe, he noted that while full reimbursement is not yet available in all countries, adoption trends where products are launched mirror the U.S. experience, driven by the technology's ability to remove clots faster and safer.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Penumbra Inc (PEN) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky requested specifics on the U.S. arterial thrombectomy growth rate in Q3 and whether its strong momentum continued. He also asked if the below-the-knee (BTK) opportunity with new products represents market expansion or increased utilization.

    Answer

    CEO Adam Elsesser reported that the U.S. arterial business grew in the "high teens" in Q3, a strong result against challenging prior-year comparisons. He described the BTK opportunity as bringing the benefits of CAVT technology to smaller vessels where the company already competes with non-CAVT products, framing it as a technology upgrade and part of a broader innovation strategy.

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    Michael Kratky's questions to Inspire Medical Systems Inc (INSP) leadership

    Michael Kratky's questions to Inspire Medical Systems Inc (INSP) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Kratky from Leerink Partners asked to what extent Inspire expects to move away from requiring a DISE procedure for certain patients in 2025, following the PREDICTOR data, and whether this would be a noticeable tailwind for procedure volumes.

    Answer

    CEO Tim Herbert confirmed that he expects it to have an impact. He noted that some payers already have policies that don't explicitly require a DISE, and the algorithm presented from the PREDICTOR study provides a clear method for physicians to identify suitable candidates without it. He added that they are already working with physicians to submit patients to payers using this new algorithm, which should streamline the patient journey.

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