Thomas...

Thomas asked if Ardelyx might re-engage with payers to explore frontline IBSRELA use, given its projected revenue, and how frontline utilization, if any, factors into the 2029 peak revenue target.

Answer

CEO Mike Raab stated that frontline use is not a current objective or factored into the revenue targets, as there is ample market opportunity in later lines of therapy. Chief Commercial Officer Eric Foster added that their strategy is to be the first-branded product after generic utilization, and they are investing in their payer and market access team to navigate existing hurdles.

Thomas, on behalf of Laura Chico from Wedbush Securities Inc., asked whether IBSRELA's growing revenue might create leverage to re-engage with payers for frontline use, and if frontline utilization is factored into the 2029 peak revenue target.

Answer

CEO Mike Raab clarified that frontline use is not an objective and is not factored into the $1 billion 2029 revenue target, emphasizing the significant market opportunity within the current indication. CCO Eric Foster added that Ardelyx's goal is to be the first-branded product after generic utilization (typically second or third line), and while they continuously work with payers for access, they do not aspire for first-line therapy at this time.

Thomas asked about the increased BMS volume reduction forecast for 2026 (from 20% to 50%), Visteon's longer-term planning for BMS, and its potential as a percentage of revenue. He also inquired about Visteon's strong growth over market in Europe in 2025 and opportunities to capture additional business from Chinese OEMs exporting to Europe.

Answer

President and CEO Sachin Lawande explained that the 50% BMS decline for 2026 reflects a conservative 3% EV penetration assumption for Visteon's customers in the U.S., compared to over 7% in 2025, with potential upside. He anticipates a modest recovery and steady growth for BMS from 2027 onwards. Regarding Europe, Sachin Lawande noted that the growth of Chinese OEMs' sales in Europe helps Visteon by driving more content in cockpits, leading to direct wins and European OEMs uplifting capabilities. He expects Europe to contribute more new business opportunities in 2026.

Thomas, on behalf of Steve Moss, asked about the strength of the loan pipeline, broad client sentiment, and their appetite for investment. He also inquired about the core deposit growth outlook for 2026 and the strategy to achieve it, given Q4 challenges and the use of broker deposits.

Answer

COO and CFO Michael Mettee reported a strong loan pipeline, with some deals pushing from 2025 into 2026. He noted positive client confidence, operating in a 'new norm,' with existing clients initiating new projects and taking older projects to the permanent market, indicating increased activity. For core deposit growth, Michael Mettee reiterated it's a key focus. He explained that higher-cost deposits from new relationships are evaluated, and if they don't become core, they may be shed. Broker deposits, a small percentage (4%), are used for funding as needed. The 2026 strategy emphasizes customer experience, enhancing the treasury management platform for middle-market commercial clients, and reigniting focus on the retail network to add and activate relationships across all business segments.

Thomas, on behalf of Steve Moss, asked about the current loan pipeline and client sentiment, specifically regarding client confidence and their appetite for investment. He also inquired about the core deposit growth outlook for 2026 and the strategy to achieve it, noting the use of brokered deposits in Q4.

Answer

COO and CFO Michael Mettee reported a strong loan pipeline, with client confidence improving as past market noise subsides, leading to new projects and increased investment appetite. Regarding core deposit growth, Michael Mettee emphasized a continuous focus on customer experience, leveraging the treasury management platform, and reigniting focus on the retail network to activate relationships. He noted that brokered deposits represent a small percentage of balances and are used for short-term funding needs, with the strategy centered on converting new customers into long-term core relationships.

Thomas asked what specific data or outcomes would be needed from the fourth cohort of UX701 in Wilson disease to confidently advance the 4 x 10^13 vg/kg dose into future studies.

Answer

Emil Kakkis, CEO and President, stated the goal is to see a substantial and compelling effect in the majority of patients, aiming to enhance this fraction by increasing the dose. Eric Crombez, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the need for the majority of patients to come off standard of care (chelators and zinc). He noted that changes in the immunomodulation program are expected to be additive or synergistic with the increased dose, and multiple copper measurements will aid in decision-making.

Thomas inquired about the expected stronger performance in NeoGenomics' non-clinical data business in Q4, including the underlying reasons and funnel visibility, and the reception and "chatter" surrounding the RaDaR ST MRD assay among community clinicians following the favorable summary judgment.

Answer

CFO Jeff Sherman confirmed Q4 is historically the strongest for the data business, which saw double-digit growth in Q3 and is expected to show sequential growth. COO Warren Stone stated that while RaDaR ST hasn't clinically launched, the favorable summary judgment has created a positive "vibe" in community oncology due to the assay's sensitivity and NeoGenomics' portfolio effect for single-vendor consolidation. CEO Tony Zook reinforced the "preferred partner of choice" strategy, emphasizing the breadth of their MRD portfolio, including flow MRD, Adaptive partnership, RaDaR ST, and future next-gen MRD.

Thomas asked if NeoGenomics still expects stronger performance in the data business on the non-clinical side in Q4, seeking color on the reasons for this anticipated strength. He also inquired about the reception of the Radar ST MRD assay among clinicians in the community setting following the favorable summary judgment.

Answer

CFO Jeff Sherman confirmed that Q4 is historically the strongest quarter for the data business, which saw double-digit growth in Q3, and sequential growth over Q3 is expected in Q4. COO Warren Stone stated that while Radar ST MRD assay has not yet clinically launched, the news of the summary judgment has circulated positively within the community oncology setting. He highlighted the assay's sensitivity and the portfolio effect of consolidating testing needs with a single vendor as key factors in the positive reception. CEO Tony Zook reinforced the strategy of offering a comprehensive suite of MRD products.

Thomas..., on behalf of Subbu Nambi, asked about the company's focus for Prolaris amid NCCN guideline confusion and the strategy for GeneSight following recent payer decisions, specifically regarding where management is focusing its efforts.

Answer

Chief Commercial Officer Mark Verratti explained that for Prolaris, the focus is on KOL engagement to clear up guideline confusion and increased investment, bolstered by the new PATHOMIQ AI partnership. For GeneSight, he clarified that the sales force remains focused on providers, while the executive team separately handles payer engagement, evidence generation, and advocacy. CEO Paul Diaz added that state biomarker legislation is a key initiative to mitigate the UnitedHealthcare policy change.