Operator

Good evening, and welcome to the Boston Scientific American College of Cardiology Conference Call.

[Operator Instructions]

Please note, this event is being recorded.

I would now like to turn the conference over to Lauren Tengler, Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Lauren Tengler
Director of Investor Relations

Thanks, Drew. Thanks to everyone for joining us. With me to discuss our CHAMPION-AF and HI-PEITHO trials are Dr. Ken Stein, our Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Michael Jaff, Chief Medical Officer, Vascular Therapies; and Dr. Brad Sutton, Chief Medical Officer, AF Solutions.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Stein, Dr. Jaff and Dr. Sutton will be joined by Dr. Marty Leon, Study Co-Chair, Mallah Professor of Cardiology, Chief Innovation Officer and Director, Cardiovascular Data Science Center, Columbia University Medical Center.

We issued 2 press releases earlier today of the data presentation of each HI-PEITHO and CHAMPION-AF clinical trials. The releases can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website.

This call contains forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, our financial performance, business plans, clinical trials and product performance and development. These statements are based on our current beliefs using information available to us as

ATLANTA — Belgium delivered a sobering 5-2 thrashing to the U.S. men’s national team on Saturday night, exposing defensive vulnerabilities in a high-stakes international friendly that served as a critical tune-up for both sides ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Red Devils overcame an early deficit to score four unanswered goals in a dominant second-half display at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where a sellout crowd of more than 70,000 witnessed the hosts’ promising start unravel into a nightmare. Weston McKennie gave the U.S. a deserved lead in the 39th minute, but Belgium responded with goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere (penalty), and two from Dodi Lukébakio before Patrick Agyemang pulled one back late for the Americans.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino called the result a “reality check” that highlighted areas needing urgent improvement as the co-hosts of the 2026 tournament prepare for their biggest test on home soil.

First-Half Promise Gives Way to Second-Half Collapse

The Americans started brightly against a strong Belgian side featuring stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. They controlled much of the opening period, creating several clear chances. Goalkeeper Arne Lammens was forced into sharp saves from Antonee Robinson, McKennie and others before the Juventus midfielder volleyed home a corner kick to put the U.S. ahead.

Belgium, however, grew into the game and leveled just before halftime with a thunderous long-range strike from center back Debast. The momentum shift proved decisive.

In the second half, Belgium’s superior quality and clinical finishing overwhelmed the U.S. defense. Onana added a second goal shortly after the restart, capitalizing on a quick transition. De Ketelaere converted a penalty in the 59th minute to make it 3-1, and Lukébakio struck twice — in the 68th and 82nd minutes — to extend the lead to 5-1. Agyemang’s acrobatic effort in the 87th minute provided a small consolation for the hosts but could not mask the defensive lapses.

Pochettino’s side struggled particularly with transitions and set-piece organization, areas analysts noted as longstanding concerns. Belgium exploited space behind the U.S. fullbacks effectively, with Doku’s pace and creativity causing constant problems.

Key Performances and Tactical Insights

McKennie earned praise for his energetic display and opening goal, emerging as one of the few bright spots for the U.S. alongside Robinson’s overlapping runs. Christian Pulisic, often the team’s talisman, had a relatively quiet evening and was unable to impose himself as much as hoped.

For Belgium, the performance reaffirmed their status as a dangerous European outfit despite a transitional period following their golden generation. Lukébakio’s brace and Debast’s strike highlighted depth and individual brilliance. Coach Domenico Tedesco will take confidence from the clinical second-half showing.

Post-match, Pochettino emphasized the value of such tough tests. “We need these kinds of games to understand where we are,” he said. “It’s better to have this now than later. We will learn and improve.”

The match marked one of the final opportunities for players to impress before roster decisions for the World Cup intensify. With the U.S. set to face Portugal in another friendly soon, the coaching staff faces pressing questions about defensive structure and squad balance.

Broader Context for 2026 World Cup Preparations

As co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the United States enters the 2026 tournament with high expectations and automatic qualification. Saturday’s result underscored the gap that still exists against top-tier opposition, even in a friendly setting.

Belgium, who reached the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup, used the game to sharpen their attacking cohesion. The Red Devils have historically posed problems for CONCACAF sides, and this victory extended their edge in head-to-head encounters.

Attendance at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium was strong, reflecting growing excitement for soccer in the U.S. as the World Cup approaches. Fans showed initial enthusiasm during the U.S. lead but began heading for exits after Belgium’s fourth goal, a visible sign of frustration.

Analysts and former players, including ESPN commentator Herculez Gomez, described the defeat as a necessary but painful lesson. “This will do the USMNT some good,” Gomez said. “It’s a reminder that you can’t switch off against quality teams.”

Defensive Issues in Focus

The U.S. conceded five goals for the first time in recent memory in a competitive or friendly context against a European side, raising alarms about the back line. Questions persisted about personnel choices and tactical adjustments, particularly in how the team handles high-pressing opponents.

Pochettino, appointed with the goal of building a competitive squad for 2026, has stressed evolution over revolution. Saturday’s display suggested more work is required in organization and mental resilience under pressure.

Injuries and squad depth also played roles. Several key U.S. players were unavailable or managed minutes, while Belgium fielded a near-full-strength lineup.

What’s Next for Both Teams

The U.S. will quickly turn attention to its next friendly, seeking to bounce back and address the issues exposed against Belgium. With the World Cup less than three months away in some scheduling scenarios, every match carries added weight.

Belgium continues its preparations with further European tests, aiming to peak at the right moment.

For American soccer fans, the result serves as both disappointment and motivation. The 2026 World Cup represents a historic opportunity, and nights like this in Atlanta highlight the journey still ahead.

Despite the loss, the U.S. showed flashes of quality in the first half that suggest potential when everything clicks. Converting promise into consistent performance against elite competition remains the central challenge.

As the sun set on another chapter in U.S. soccer’s development, the focus shifted from the scoreboard to the lessons learned. Pochettino and his players will dissect the film, make adjustments and aim to ensure such heavy defeats become rare as the home World Cup draws near.

The friendly, broadcast widely on TNT, truTV and streaming platforms, drew significant viewership, underscoring soccer’s growing footprint in the United States.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remained missing Sunday as the search entered its eighth week with no arrests and no confirmed sightings since she was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the night of Jan. 31, 2026.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has described the case as an apparent abduction from inside or near her residence, with authorities believing she did not leave voluntarily. Drops of blood were reportedly found on her doorstep, and doorbell camera footage captured images of a masked, gloved individual authorities suspect was involved. The suspect removed the camera, but recovered images have been released publicly.

As of March 29, 2026 — Day 57 since she was reported missing — her condition and whereabouts remain unknown. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department continue to investigate actively, describing it as ongoing until Guthrie is located or all leads are exhausted. No motive has been publicly identified, and no suspects have been named.

Timeline of the Disappearance

Guthrie was last seen the evening of Jan. 31 when a family member dropped her off at her home after she had taken an Uber earlier that day. She failed to appear at church the next morning, Feb. 1, prompting her family to report her missing.

Investigators quickly determined there was no sign of forced entry, leading them to suspect she may have known or interacted with her abductor. Security camera images showed a person wearing dark clothing and gloves approaching the home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The individual appeared to tamper with or remove the doorbell camera.

A pair of black gloves was later discovered about two miles from the home, containing DNA from an unknown male. The FBI has entered the profile into databases in hopes of generating a match. Cadaver dogs were initially deployed but have since been placed on hold, though they remain available.

The FBI also obtained video from Guthrie’s Uber ride the day before her disappearance as part of the investigation. An internet outage in the area around the time of the incident has also been examined.

Family’s Anguish and Public Appeals

Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts the popular morning show, has spoken publicly about the “agony” and “chaos” her family has endured. In her first television interview since the disappearance, aired in late March with Hoda Kotb, she recounted the moment her sister called with the news and expressed deep sorrow, saying, “I’m so sorry, mommy.”

The family has cleared all immediate relatives, including Savannah, her sister Annie and spouses, of any involvement, a statement confirmed by Sheriff Nanos. They have offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery. The FBI is offering up to $100,000 (some reports cite $50,000) for tips leading to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

In recent pleas, family members have urged the public that “no detail is too small” and that “someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home.” Savannah has said returning to the “Today” show on April 6 is her purpose amid the ongoing search.

Nancy Guthrie, née Long, was married to Charles Guthrie, who died in 1988. She has three children, including Savannah. Described as a vulnerable adult, she has difficulty walking, uses a pacemaker and requires daily medication for a heart condition.

Investigation Details and Challenges

The case has drawn intense national and international attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s high profile. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI have received tens of thousands of tips. Searches have included foot patrols, aerial support and door-to-door inquiries in the affluent neighborhood.

The home was initially treated as a crime scene but has since been returned to the family. The investigation has partially shifted operations toward Phoenix while maintaining a dedicated team. Sheriff Nanos has indicated he believes Guthrie may have been targeted, though no specific reason has been disclosed.

Some speculation has linked the case to other local incidents, including a reported home invasion tied to cryptocurrency theft, but authorities have not confirmed any connection. Retired FBI agents and criminologists have publicly discussed the challenges, noting the lack of forced entry and the removal of the camera as key puzzling elements.

No ransom demand has been publicly confirmed, though early unverified reports circulated. The family and authorities have emphasized that anyone with information should come forward, even if it seems insignificant.

Broader Impact on Missing Persons Awareness

The high-visibility case has spotlighted the thousands of missing persons cases across the U.S., with some advocates referring to a “Nancy Guthrie Effect” that has renewed attention for other families. It has also reopened wounds for those with long-unsolved disappearances.

Guthrie’s vulnerability as an elderly woman with medical needs has heightened concerns. Authorities stress the urgency of medication and her limited mobility.

How to Help

Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office. Tips can also be submitted to 1-800-CALL-FBI. The public is asked not to approach any potential suspects but to provide details immediately.

Photos of Nancy Guthrie show a woman with short gray hair, often smiling in family images. She was last known to be wearing clothing consistent with a casual evening at home.

As the search stretches into its second month with few breakthroughs, the family continues to hold hope. “It is never too late to do the right thing,” Savannah Guthrie has said in appeals.

The investigation remains active, with law enforcement reviewing new surveillance footage and pursuing all leads as of Sunday. Updates are expected to continue as tips are followed.

Wordle players around the globe tackled Puzzle No. 1744 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with the New York Times’ popular daily word game delivering the solution CHUMP.

The five-letter word, which can mean a gullible or foolish person or literally a heavy block of wood, proved moderately challenging for many, with the NYT’s official review noting that testers averaged about four guesses out of six.

Today’s Wordle Answer: CHUMP

For those who have already played and want confirmation, or for anyone catching up on the archive, Sunday’s Wordle answer is CHUMP.

• Starts with: C
• Contains: One vowel (U)
• Double letters: None
• Part of speech: Primarily a noun
• Common meanings: A foolish or easily tricked person (synonyms: sucker, dupe, pushover); or a thick piece of wood.

Players who solved it efficiently often started with strong opening guesses containing common vowels and consonants, such as “RAISE,” “TOUCH” or “CHUNK,” which quickly narrowed down the possibilities before landing on the correct word.

Spoiler-Free Hints for Wordle #1744

If you’re still working on today’s puzzle or prefer to solve it yourself before reading the full solution, here are some gentle, non-spoiler hints:

• The word starts with the consonant C and ends with the consonant P.
• It features exactly one vowel, located in the middle position.
• There are no repeated letters.
• It describes someone who might be easily fooled or taken advantage of in casual conversation.
• A subtle clue: Think “sucker” in informal slang.

These hints align with strategies recommended by Wordle enthusiasts: Focus on common letter patterns, eliminate unlikely vowels early, and consider informal or slang usages that sometimes appear in the game.

How to Play Wordle

For newcomers or those refreshing their memory, Wordle is a simple yet addictive word puzzle created by Josh Wardle and now owned by The New York Times. Each day presents a new five-letter word to guess in up to six attempts.

After each guess:

• Green tiles indicate the letter is correct and in the right position.
• Yellow tiles mean the letter is in the word but in the wrong spot.
• Gray tiles show the letter is not in the word at all.

The game resets daily at 7 p.m. ET (which is 8 a.m. KST the following day in South Korea, fitting for players in Hwaseong-si and across Asia). Sharing results on social media with the iconic colored square grid has become a beloved daily ritual for millions.

Why CHUMP Fits Wordle’s Style

Wordle curators at the New York Times select words that are fair yet occasionally tricky, drawing from a curated list that avoids overly obscure terms while allowing for colorful vocabulary. “Chump” fits perfectly as an everyday English word with dual meanings — one literal and one figurative — that can stump players who fixate only on common nouns or verbs.

Its single vowel and lack of repeats made it slightly harder than average for some solvers, especially those who burn early guesses on words heavy with A, E, or multiple common letters. WordleBot data often shows such puzzles taking around 4.0–4.5 guesses on average in easy mode.

Tips to Improve Your Wordle Game

Veteran players recommend starting with words like “SLATE,” “CRANE,” “AUDIO” or “RAISE” to maximize information from the first guess. These cover a mix of vowels and frequent consonants.

On harder days like March 29, 2026:

• Prioritize testing the middle vowel position early.
• Watch for words ending in P, B, or other consonants that might not come to mind immediately.
• Consider slang or less formal words if common guesses fail after two or three tries.
• Avoid repeating gray letters and use yellow letters in new positions strategically.

Many solvers in online communities, including Reddit’s r/wordlegame, shared their grids for Puzzle #1744 throughout the day, with some celebrating three-guess solves while others needed all six attempts.

Wordle’s Enduring Popularity

Since its explosive rise in popularity in late 2021 and early 2022, Wordle has remained a daily staple for casual gamers, vocabulary enthusiasts, and families competing over breakfast or coffee. The New York Times has maintained the game’s simple interface while adding features like WordleBot for performance analysis and an official archive for subscribers.

On any given day, millions log in to test their linguistic skills. Sunday’s puzzle continued that tradition, offering a mix of satisfaction for quick solvers and a gentle learning moment for others.

If you missed March 29’s Wordle or want to revisit it, note that past puzzles can sometimes be accessed through the NYT Games subscription or fan-maintained archives (though official access may require login). Tomorrow brings Puzzle #1745 with a fresh challenge at the usual reset time.

Whether you nailed “CHUMP” in three tries or needed the full six, the beauty of Wordle lies in its daily reset and the small victory of cracking the code. Better luck — or sharper guesses — tomorrow.

Over the past few months, Indian equities have undergone a meaningful correction, with the Nifty 50 declining nearly 14.5% from its peak. Much of this weakness has unfolded amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, adding to global risk aversion. Such drawdowns naturally create discomfort, they test sentiment and shake conviction. But they also serve another purpose: they reset valuations and quietly build the foundation for future opportunities.

From where I stand, this phase is less about panic and more about perspective.

ETMarkets.com

One of the most insightful indicators we track is the Sensex-to-Gold ratio, which compares equities to a traditional store of value. As of March 2026, this ratio has moved back to its historical support levels that, in previous cycles, have often preceded phases of equity outperformance.
I would refrain from making bold calls, but when a time-tested relative valuation metric signals that equities are becoming inexpensive versus gold, it deserves attention.

Live Events

Majority of NSE Stocks Trade Below 52-Week Lows

ETMarkets.com

Note: The 52-week low count is presented on a net basis (i.e., after deducting stocks hitting 52-week highs) across all NSE-listed stocks

The second signal comes from market stress indicators. In March 2025, over 927 stocks across the NSE universe hit their 52-week lows, reflecting widespread pessimism. What followed was telling: the Nifty delivered 5% returns in one month and 12% over three months.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge that extremes do not always mark immediate bottoms. In March 2020, when over 1,000 stocks hit 52-week lows, the market continued to correct in the near term before eventually recovering.Today, in March 2026, we are witnessing a similar—if not deeper—setup, with nearly 948 stocks at 52-week lows. This suggests that while the market may still remain volatile in the near term, such extreme readings have historically created favourable forward return probabilities over a slightly longer horizon.

Majority of NSE Stocks Trade Below Key Moving Averages

ETMarkets.com

Note: Percentages represent the proportion of stocks trading below their respective DMAs across NSE-listed stocks.

Market breadth further reinforces this view. Currently, over 81–89% of stocks are trading below their key moving averages (4, 20, and 50 Week MA). These are not ordinary levels they reflect broad-based capitulation and deep pessimism.

From a mean-reversion perspective, such extreme compression in breadth has typically been followed by phases of normalization and recovery rather than extended declines.

When we step back and connect these dots

• Relative valuations turning favourable (Sensex vs Gold)
• Majority stocks trading near 52-week lows
• Majority stocks trading below their key moving averages

The data collectively suggests that the risk-reward balance is gradually tilting toward the upside.

That said, it is important to remain grounded.

Geopolitical uncertainties and global macro risks remain key overhangs. Whether it is rising bond yields, policy shifts, or international conflicts, these factors can influence markets in the near term and potentially delay recovery. At the same time, risks to corporate earnings, amid margin pressures, global slowdown concerns, and inflation, remain an important variable to monitor.

So, to be clear, we are not calling it a market bottom. But what we are observing is equally important: The correction has meaningfully improved valuations, and the weight of evidence is turning constructively in favour of equities.

A Message to Investors

Corrections are uncomfortable by design; they create doubt and test patience. But historically, some of the most rewarding investment decisions are made during such phases, when sentiment is weak but underlying data begins to stabilize.

The signals today are not opinions, they are reflections of market behavior. Stay disciplined. Stay diversified. Avoid the urge to time the exact bottom.

If your investment horizon extends beyond the near term, the current environment calls for measured, systematic participation, not reactionary decisions. Because in markets, opportunity rarely announces itself loudly. It usually emerges quietly hidden within the noise.

In a video interview with PTI, Bihar Energy Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said, “We are planning to list our transmission company on the stock exchange and have issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to onboard merchant bankers.”

Bihar State Power Transmission Company Ltd (BSPTCL) is set to become the first state-owned transmission utility to go public, with the listing proposed on the NSE.

Singh noted that the size of the issue will be determined after the merchant bankers are appointed. “Once they are onboard, they will guide us through the IPO process and assess how much capital can be raised from the market,” he said.

Explaining the rationale, Singh described listing as a natural step for a profitable business. “Our transmission company has been consistently profitable for over a decade. We want the public to also share in this growth journey,” he added.

Live Events

The funds raised from the IPO will be used to strengthen Bihar’s transmission infrastructure to meet future power demand. BSPTCL has outlined an ambitious expansion plan worth Rs 16,194 crore to enhance network capacity, improve intra-state transmission corridors, and handle increasing power loads.
The plan also includes upgrading substations and high-voltage transmission lines to reduce losses, improve grid reliability, and support the integration of new generation capacity, including from renewable energy sources.According to Singh, Bihar recorded a peak power demand of around 8,800 MW last year, which is expected to rise to about 9,500 MW this year.

By 2030, peak demand is projected to cross the 13,000 MW mark, driven by growth in commercial and industrial establishments.

While Singh did not specify a timeline for BSPTCL’s listing, he indicated that the government may also consider listing its power distribution companies — North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) — in the future.

“We will begin with the transmission company. Once its revenue stream stabilises, we may consider listing the discoms in the next two years,” he said.

Providing an overview of the sector’s performance, Singh highlighted that both the transmission and distribution companies are financially strong, with significantly lower AT&C losses (Aggregate Technical & Commercial losses) compared to many other states.

An improvement in AT&C losses indicates improved operational efficiency, higher financial viability, and a narrower gap between the cost of supplying power and revenue earned (ACS-ARR gap).

For FY25, BSPTCL reported a total income of Rs 1,968 crore and a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 286 crore. NBPDCL posted a total income of Rs 17,448 crore with a PAT of Rs 1,339 crore, while SBPDCL recorded a total income of Rs 19,108 crore and a PAT of Rs 665 crore.