Core Insights - Boston Scientific's second-quarter 2025 performance was significantly influenced by its international expansion, particularly in emerging markets, despite facing challenges from currency fluctuations and a tough macroeconomic environment [1][9]. Financial Performance - Year-to-date, Boston Scientific's shares have increased by 18.1%, outperforming the industry and S&P 500, which grew by 7.5% and 8.6% respectively [2]. - The company has a market capitalization of $155.90 billion and has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 8.11% [2]. Growth Drivers - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in emerging markets, which showed a robust revenue growth of 12.1% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025 [3]. - In the EMEA region, sales grew by 1.8% operationally, while the Asia Pacific region saw a significant sales increase of 15.4%, driven by strong performance in China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand [4]. - The MedSurg segment is a key growth area, with Urology sales increasing by 28% and Endoscopy business growing by 8% globally, supported by strong product performance [5][8]. Challenges - Boston Scientific is exposed to currency fluctuations, with 40% of its sales coming from international markets, leading to a 1.2% revenue headwind in Q2 2025 due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates [7][8]. - The company is also facing macroeconomic challenges, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, which are expected to impact profitability and result in a tariff cost of approximately $100 million for the full year 2025 [9]. Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share has increased by 2.1% to $2.91, with revenue estimates set at $19.49 billion, reflecting a 16.4% increase from the previous year [10].

Core Insights - Rising demand for precision and personalized medicine is driving the need for AI-enabled medical devices to provide individualized diagnostics and treatments [1] Group 1: AI Applications in Medical Devices - Generative AI and agentic AI are increasingly integrated into medical devices, enhancing clinical workflows and patient care by analyzing patient-specific data [3] - Generative AI is utilized for content creation and design optimization, while agentic AI enables autonomous decision-making in medical devices [4] Group 2: Company-Specific Insights Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX) - Boston Scientific is experiencing strong demand in its MedSurg and Cardiovascular lines, with significant traction for its WATCHMAN FLX and FLX Pro devices [6] - The company leverages AI in heart diagnostics, arrhythmia mapping, and coronary imaging, with an expected revenue growth rate of 18.3% and earnings growth rate of 18.7% for the current year [8][9] Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Johnson & Johnson's MedTech division focuses on AI technologies for surgical robotics and digital surgery analytics, with an expected revenue growth rate of 5.2% and earnings growth rate of 8.8% for the current year [12][10] - The company has developed an AI-enabled ecosystem called Ottava for robotic surgery and the Caresurgical/VELYS systems for procedure planning [11] GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) - GE HealthCare is witnessing strong market demand driven by rising procedure volumes and capital investments, with AI central to its digital strategy [14] - The company has launched AI-driven solutions like CleaRecon DL and Invenia Automated Breast Ultrasound Premium, with an expected revenue growth rate of 3.5% and earnings growth rate of 0.9% for the current year [16][15] Tempus AI Inc. (TEM) - Tempus AI focuses on advancing precision medicine through AI applications, providing solutions for personalized patient care, particularly in oncology and cardiology [18] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 81.1% and earnings growth rate of 55.7% for the current year [20]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI) provides broad exposure to the Healthcare - Medical Devices segment and is a passively managed fund launched on May 1, 2006 [1] - The ETF is designed for long-term investors and is favored for its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by Blackrock, the ETF has over $4.34 billion in assets, making it one of the largest in its category [3] - IHI aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Medical Equipment Index [3] Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.4%, positioning it as a cost-effective option [4] - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.44% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Healthcare sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio [5] - Abbott Laboratories (ABT) constitutes about 18.79% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 76.07% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - The ETF has gained about 6.22% year-to-date and 7.89% over the past year as of August 20, 2025 [7] - It has traded between $54.27 and $65.09 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.88 and a standard deviation of 18.11% over the trailing three-year period [7] Alternatives - The iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a reasonable option for investors [8] - Other alternatives include the First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) and the SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (XHE), with respective assets of $2.04 million and $155.14 million [9]

Core Insights - The article highlights the nomination of 25 medical devices for the Prix Galien USA, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Medicine," with a notable entry from China's Deyi Group for its integrated X/γ-ray radiotherapy platform [2][5][58] - It emphasizes the significance of innovation in medical technology, showcasing trends in the industry and the emergence of Chinese products on the global stage [58][59] Summary by Sections Nomination Overview - The Prix Galien USA announced 25 nominated medical devices, including the TaiChiPro from Deyi Group, which is the first Chinese medical device to be nominated [2][5] - Other notable entries include Abbott's Esprit BTK and AVEIR DR, which focus on innovative cardiovascular solutions [7][9] Trends in Medical Technology - The article identifies several key trends among the nominated products: 1. Cardiovascular innovations remain a primary focus, with products emphasizing minimally invasive techniques and enhanced safety [53] 2. Radiotherapy is entering an "intelligent control" era, with products like TaiChiPro and RefleXion SCINTIX showcasing advancements in treatment precision [54] 3. "Closed-loop control" systems are becoming standard in smart devices, enhancing treatment efficacy through real-time physiological feedback [55] 4. Rapid diagnostics and multi-modal imaging are trending towards distributed accessibility, with products like BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE leading the way [56] 5. Established companies and emerging startups are both making significant contributions, with a balance of systemic innovation and focused breakthroughs [57] Significance of Chinese Innovation - The nomination of TaiChiPro marks a pivotal moment for Chinese medical devices, representing a shift from following to leading in technological innovation [58] - This product exemplifies a structural innovation that integrates multiple treatment modalities, indicating a move towards system-level design in Chinese healthcare technology [58] Conclusion - The Prix Galien serves as a benchmark for evaluating transformative medical technologies, emphasizing that innovation should focus on improving treatment pathways rather than merely increasing costs [59] - The article concludes that for Chinese medical device companies, being nominated is just the beginning of a journey towards global recognition and participation in shaping international standards [59]

Medical Technology Industry Overview Industry Overview - Medtech valuations are currently at unprecedented lows, with the entire group trading at a discount to the S&P 500, even including high multiple stocks like ISRG. The medtech sector is nearing COVID-19 lows, indicating a significant decline in healthcare favorability, currently at 25-year lows as a percentage of the S&P 500 [1][2][3]. Core Valuation Insights - Core value medtech companies (ZBH, TFX, BAX, MDT, BDX) are trading at a 49% discount to the S&P 500 and a 36% discount to the S&P 500 Equal Weighted Index (SPW). This marks a record low for value medtech stocks over the past two years, with the valuation floor continuing to decline, complicating the identification of "cheap" stocks [2][3]. - The current price-to-earnings (PE) ratio for many large-cap medtech stocks has dropped to 8x, a significant decline from previous valuations [2]. Growth Stock Performance - Core growth stocks, perceived as "double-digit" growers (BSX, SYK, ISRG, EW), are trading at a 64% premium to the S&P 500. This premium has fluctuated between 55-100% since 2019, indicating a potential return to recent lows [3][4]. - BSX is currently trading at 31x 2026 EPS, correlating with a revenue growth rate of approximately 10.5%. If BSX can sustain faster growth, there is potential for PE multiple expansion [4]. Company-Specific Insights - MDT's PE multiple has expanded to 15.5x for 2026, implying a revenue growth of about 5.5%. If growth expectations rise to 6%, the multiple could increase to 17x [5]. - Large-cap medtech is currently at an -11.3% discount to tool companies, with a 10-year average discount of -12.5% [6]. Relative Valuations - ABT is trading at a 35.5% premium to medtech, while BAX is at a -49.6% discount, indicating significant valuation discrepancies within the sector [51][53]. - BDX is trading at a -27.8% discount to medtech, while BSX is at an 87.7% premium, showcasing the varying market perceptions of these companies [56][58]. Price Objectives and Risks - The price objective for BSX is set at $120, based on a 35x multiple of the 2026 EPS estimate, justified by its durable revenue growth outlook. Risks include competitive pressures and potential setbacks in clinical trials [123][124]. - MDT's price objective is $100, based on a 17x multiple of the 2026 EPS, reflecting a mid-single-digit revenue growth outlook. Risks include disappointing data and increased competition [125]. Analyst Ratings - The current ratings for key companies in the medtech sector include: - **Boston Scientific (BSX)**: Buy - **Medtronic (MDT)**: Buy - **Baxter (BAX)**: Neutral - **Becton Dickinson (BDX)**: Neutral [121][122]. Conclusion - The medtech industry is experiencing significant valuation challenges, with core value stocks trading at historic lows. Growth stocks maintain a premium but are also showing signs of volatility. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about select companies like BSX and MDT, highlighting potential growth opportunities amidst a challenging market environment.

Core Viewpoint - Investors are seeking growth stocks that can deliver above-average growth and exceptional returns, but identifying such stocks is challenging due to inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Growth Stock Identification - The Zacks Growth Style Score system aids in identifying promising growth stocks by analyzing real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - Boston Scientific (BSX) is highlighted as a recommended stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Earnings growth is a critical factor for growth investors, with double-digit growth being highly desirable as it indicates strong future prospects [3] - Boston Scientific has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.3%, with projected EPS growth of 18.6% this year, significantly surpassing the industry average of 10.2% [4] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - Higher-than-average cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to expand without relying on external funding [5] - Boston Scientific's year-over-year cash flow growth is 26.5%, well above the industry average of 1.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 9.9%, compared to the industry average of 8% [6] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions correlate strongly with near-term stock price movements [7] - Boston Scientific has seen upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 2.1% over the past month [8] Group 5: Overall Assessment - Boston Scientific holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of B, indicating its potential as an outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10]

Core Insights - The concept of a "forever company" suggests that certain stocks are considered long-term investments that investors should hold indefinitely [1] Group 1 - The author emphasizes the importance of investment opportunities for retail value investors who are cautious about losing money but may still take calculated risks [1] - The author has a diverse background, including teaching business and politics, consulting for startups, and managing an investment firm, which adds credibility to the insights shared [1] - The author has founded a successful business with significant real estate holdings, indicating practical experience in managing investments [1]

Core Viewpoint - Boston Scientific (BSX) has been a focus of investor interest, with its stock performance being influenced by various fundamental factors and earnings estimates revisions [1][2]. Earnings Estimates Revisions - For the current quarter, Boston Scientific is expected to report earnings of $0.71 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +12.7% [5]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current fiscal year is $2.98, indicating a year-over-year change of +18.7% [5]. - For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate is $3.37, representing a +13.3% change from the previous year [6]. - The recent changes in earnings estimates have led to a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) for Boston Scientific, suggesting potential for price appreciation [7]. Revenue Growth Projections - The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter is $4.95 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of +17.7% [11]. - For the current fiscal year, the revenue estimate is $19.8 billion, reflecting an +18.3% change, while the next fiscal year is projected at $21.99 billion, indicating an +11% change [11]. Recent Performance and Surprise History - Boston Scientific reported revenues of $5.06 billion in the last quarter, a year-over-year increase of +22.8%, and an EPS of $0.75, up from $0.62 a year ago [12]. - The company has consistently beaten consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the past four quarters [13]. Valuation Metrics - Boston Scientific has a Zacks Value Style Score of D, indicating it is trading at a premium compared to its peers [17]. - Valuation multiples such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF) are essential for assessing whether the stock is overvalued or undervalued [15][16]. Conclusion - The combination of strong earnings growth, positive revenue projections, and a favorable Zacks Rank suggests that Boston Scientific may outperform the broader market in the near term [18].

Core Insights - The article compares GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) and Boston Scientific (BSX) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Both GEHC and BSX currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook due to favorable analyst estimate revisions [3] - The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and revisions, which is crucial for identifying potential value opportunities [2] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - GEHC has a forward P/E ratio of 16.89, while BSX has a significantly higher forward P/E of 35.26, suggesting that GEHC may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for GEHC is 2.27, compared to BSX's PEG ratio of 2.53, indicating that GEHC's valuation is more favorable when considering expected earnings growth [5] - GEHC's P/B ratio is 3.35, while BSX's P/B ratio is 6.92, further supporting the notion that GEHC is a better value option [6] Group 3: Value Grades - Based on the valuation metrics, GEHC has earned a Value grade of A, whereas BSX has received a Value grade of D, highlighting GEHC's superior value proposition [6]

[PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION](index=3&type=section&id=PART%20I%20FINANCIAL%20INFORMATION) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=3&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents Boston Scientific Corporation's unaudited consolidated financial statements for Q2 2025 and 2024, including operations, balance sheets, cash flows, and detailed notes on accounting policies and key financial activities [Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=3&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) Net sales for Q2 2025 increased to **$5.061 billion** from **$4.120 billion** in Q2 2024, driving net income to **$797 million** from **$324 million** Consolidated Statements of Operations Highlights (Unaudited) | Metric (in millions, except per share data) | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net sales** | $5,061 | $4,120 | $9,724 | $7,977 | | **Gross profit** | $3,424 | $2,850 | $6,633 | $5,498 | | **Operating income** | $819 | $520 | $1,740 | $1,195 | | **Net income attributable to Boston Scientific** | $797 | $324 | $1,471 | $819 | | **Diluted net income per share** | $0.53 | $0.22 | $0.98 | $0.55 | [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) Total assets increased to **$41.56 billion** as of June 30, 2025, from **$39.40 billion** at year-end 2024, driven by acquisitions and increased debt Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (Unaudited) | Metric (in millions) | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total current assets** | $7,121 | $6,920 | | **Goodwill** | $18,076 | $17,089 | | **Other intangible assets, net** | $7,260 | $6,684 | | **TOTAL ASSETS** | **$41,559** | **$39,395** | | **Total current liabilities** | $5,190 | $6,399 | | **Long-term debt** | $11,107 | $8,968 | | **TOTAL LIABILITIES** | **$18,906** | **$17,392** | | **Total equity** | $22,653 | $22,003 | | **TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY** | **$41,559** | **$39,395** | [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=8&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) Cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to **$1.83 billion** for the first half of 2025, while investing activities used **$1.63 billion** and financing activities used **$107 million** Consolidated Cash Flow Highlights (Unaudited) | Metric (in millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Cash provided by operating activities** | $1,827 | $977 | | **Cash used for investing activities** | ($1,626) | ($556) | | **Cash provided by (used for) financing activities** | ($107) | $1,593 | | **Net increase (decrease) in cash** | $135 | $2,006 | [Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments](index=11&type=section&id=NOTE%20B%20%E2%80%93%20ACQUISITIONS%20AND%20STRATEGIC%20INVESTMENTS) The company completed several acquisitions in 2025, including SoniVie and Bolt Medical, significantly increasing goodwill and intangible assets, with contingent consideration rising to **$367 million** - Completed the acquisition of SoniVie (TIVUS™ Intravascular Ultrasound System) on May 7, 2025, for an upfront cash payment of **$362 million** and up to **$200 million** in future milestone payments[26](index=26&type=chunk) - Completed the acquisition of Bolt Medical (intravascular lithotripsy laser platform) on April 1, 2025, for an upfront cash payment of **$475 million** and up to **$200 million** in future milestone payments[29](index=29&type=chunk) - The fair value of contingent consideration liability increased from **$171 million** at year-end 2024 to **$367 million** as of June 30, 2025, primarily due to new acquisitions[35](index=35&type=chunk) [Note C – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets](index=15&type=section&id=NOTE%20C%20%E2%80%93%20GOODWILL%20AND%20OTHER%20INTANGIBLE%20ASSETS) Goodwill increased to **$18.08 billion** by June 30, 2025, primarily from acquisitions, with no impairment charges recorded in Q2 2025, contrasting with **$276 million** in charges in 2024 - Goodwill increased by approximately **$987 million** in the first six months of 2025, primarily from the acquisitions of Cortex, Bolt Medical, Intera, and SoniVie[39](index=39&type=chunk)[40](index=40&type=chunk) - The annual goodwill impairment test performed in Q2 2025 using a qualitative approach resulted in no impairment charges for any reporting units[41](index=41&type=chunk)[43](index=43&type=chunk) - In 2024, the company recorded **$276 million** in intangible asset impairment charges related to the Cryterion and Devoro acquisitions, driven by lower revenue projections and program cancellation[45](index=45&type=chunk) [Note E – Contractual Obligations and Commitments](index=22&type=section&id=NOTE%20E%20%E2%80%93%20CONTRACTUAL%20OBLIGATIONS%20AND%20COMMITMENTS) Total debt increased to **$11.59 billion** by June 30, 2025, following a **€1.5 billion** senior note issuance, while the company maintained compliance with its leverage ratio covenant - Total debt outstanding was **$11.587 billion** as of June 30, 2025, an increase from **$10.746 billion** as of December 31, 2024[71](index=71&type=chunk) - In February 2025, the company's subsidiary completed a public offering of **€1.5 billion** in senior notes (2025 Eurobonds), with net proceeds of **$1.558 billion**[81](index=81&type=chunk) - The company was in compliance with its maximum permitted leverage ratio covenant as of June 30, 2025, with an actual ratio of **2.16 times** compared to the requirement of **4.75 times**[74](index=74&type=chunk)[75](index=75&type=chunk) [Note H – Commitments and Contingencies](index=28&type=section&id=NOTE%20H%20%E2%80%93%20COMMITMENTS%20AND%20CONTINGENCIES) The company faces various legal proceedings, including patent litigation and governmental investigations, with a legal accrual of **$300 million** as of June 30, 2025 - The accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable was **$300 million** as of June 30, 2025, down from **$326 million** at year-end 2024[106](index=106&type=chunk) - The company is appealing a patent infringement verdict that awarded the University of Texas **$42 million** in damages plus interest related to the Synergy™ Stent System[109](index=109&type=chunk) - The company is cooperating with DOJ and SEC subpoenas related to alleged Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations in Vietnam and is also investigating other potential concerns in other countries[113](index=113&type=chunk) [Note J – Segment Reporting](index=31&type=section&id=NOTE%20J%20%E2%80%93%20SEGMENT%20REPORTING) The company's two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular, reported sales of **$3.31 billion** and **$6.47 billion** respectively for the first half of 2025, with strong operating incomes Segment Performance - Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 (Constant Currency) | Segment (in millions) | Net Sales | Segment Operating Income | Operating Margin | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | MedSurg | $3,312 | $1,127 | 34.0% | | Cardiovascular | $6,474 | $2,119 | 32.7% | | **Total Segments** | **$9,786** | **$3,246** | **33.2%** | - The company measures segment performance based on net sales and operating income at internally-derived standard currency exchange rates, excluding items like amortization, impairment charges, and restructuring costs[119](index=119&type=chunk) [Note K – Revenue](index=37&type=section&id=NOTE%20K%20%E2%80%93%20REVENUE) Total net sales for Q2 2025 reached **$5.061 billion**, driven by the Cardiovascular segment's **$3.345 billion** sales and strong U.S. market growth Net Sales by Business - Three Months Ended June 30 | Business (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **MedSurg** | **$1,716** | **$1,483** | **15.7%** | | Endoscopy | $737 | $676 | 9.1% | | Urology | $676 | $525 | 28.9% | | Neuromodulation | $303 | $282 | 7.2% | | **Cardiovascular** | **$3,345** | **$2,637** | **26.8%** | | Cardiology | $2,647 | $2,047 | 29.3% | | Peripheral Interventions | $698 | $590 | 18.3% | | **Total Net Sales** | **$5,061** | **$4,120** | **22.8%** | Net Sales by Geographic Region - Three Months Ended June 30 | Region (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | U.S. | $3,224 | $2,466 | | Europe, Middle East and Africa | $878 | $822 | | Asia-Pacific | $790 | $670 | | Latin America and Canada | $169 | $162 | | **Total Net Sales** | **$5,061** | **$4,120** | [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=41&type=section&id=ITEM%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management discusses Q2 2025 financial performance, highlighting a **22.8%** net sales increase to **$5.061 billion** driven by commercial execution and acquisitions, alongside liquidity, capital resources, and covenant compliance - Q2 2025 net sales grew **22.8%** to **$5.061 billion**, including **21.6%** operational growth and **17.4%** organic growth, primarily driven by strong commercial execution, especially in the Electrophysiology business[138](index=138&type=chunk) - Adjusted EPS for Q2 2025 was **$0.75**, compared to **$0.62** in Q2 2024, while reported EPS was **$0.53**, up from **$0.22** in the prior year[138](index=138&type=chunk)[140](index=140&type=chunk)[142](index=142&type=chunk) [Quarterly Results and Business Overview](index=46&type=section&id=Quarterly%20Results%20and%20Business%20Overview) Q2 2025 saw Cardiovascular net sales grow **26.8%** to **$3.345 billion**, driven by Cardiology, while MedSurg sales increased **15.7%** to **$1.716 billion**, with strong growth in Urology and Emerging Markets - Cardiology net sales increased **29.3%** in Q2 2025, driven by the Farapulse™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System, WATCHMAN FLX™ devices, and the AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon[155](index=155&type=chunk)[156](index=156&type=chunk) - Urology net sales grew **28.9%** in Q2 2025, which included **21.7 percentage points** of growth from the acquisition of Axonics[151](index=151&type=chunk)[152](index=152&type=chunk) - Emerging Markets net sales grew **11.6%** in Q2 2025 (**12.1%** operationally), primarily driven by growth in China[160](index=160&type=chunk) [Gross Profit](index=49&type=section&id=Gross%20Profit) Gross profit margin decreased to **67.7%** in Q2 2025 from **69.2%** in Q2 2024, primarily due to **$85 million** in inventory charges from the ACURATE platform discontinuation - Gross profit margin for Q2 2025 was **67.7%**, a decrease from **69.2%** in Q2 2024[162](index=162&type=chunk) - The margin decline was primarily caused by inventory charges of approximately **$85 million** related to the discontinuation of the ACURATE platform[162](index=162&type=chunk) [Operating Expenses](index=49&type=section&id=Operating%20Expenses) Operating expenses increased in Q2 2025, with SG&A up **19%** to **$1.716 billion** and R&D up **37%** to **$526 million**, alongside an expanded restructuring plan with **$110 million** in Q2 charges - SG&A expenses increased **19%** in Q2 2025, driven by higher selling costs for product launches like Farapulse™ and increased acquisition-related and restructuring expenses[164](index=164&type=chunk) - R&D expenses increased **37%** in Q2 2025 as the company invested in its product pipeline[165](index=165&type=chunk) - The Board approved expanding the 2023 Restructuring Plan by up to **$250 million**, with total estimated pre-tax charges now ranging from **$700 million** to **$800 million**, and recorded approximately **$110 million** in restructuring charges in Q2 2025 from the discontinuation of the ACURATE platform[172](index=172&type=chunk)[173](index=173&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=53&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) The company maintains strong liquidity with **$534 million** cash and **$2.553 billion** credit facility availability, **$1.827 billion** in operating cash flow for H1 2025, and compliance with debt covenants - As of June 30, 2025, the company had **$534 million** in cash and cash equivalents and **$2.553 billion** available under its **$2.750 billion** revolving credit facility[187](index=187&type=chunk)[188](index=188&type=chunk) - Cash provided by operating activities for the first six months of 2025 was **$1.827 billion**, a significant increase from **$977 million** in the prior year period[190](index=190&type=chunk)[191](index=191&type=chunk) - The company had the full **$1.000 billion** remaining available under its stock repurchase program as of June 30, 2025[199](index=199&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=62&type=section&id=ITEM%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company manages market risk from foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations using derivatives, with **$10.828 billion** in currency derivatives and **98%** of debt at fixed rates as of June 30, 2025 - The company manages currency and interest rate risk through a documented risk management program and does not use derivatives for speculative purposes[220](index=220&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, the company had outstanding currency derivative instruments with a contract amount of **$10.828 billion**[221](index=221&type=chunk) - Approximately **98.0%** of the company's total debt of **$11.319 billion** was at fixed interest rates as of June 30, 2025[222](index=222&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=63&type=section&id=ITEM%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded disclosure controls were effective as of June 30, 2025, while a new global ERP system implementation is expected to materially impact internal controls in future phases - The CEO and CFO concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the quarter[224](index=224&type=chunk) - The company is undergoing a multi-year implementation of a new global ERP system, which is expected to have a material impact on internal controls over financial reporting in future phases[225](index=225&type=chunk) [PART II OTHER INFORMATION](index=64&type=section&id=PART%20II%20OTHER%20INFORMATION) [Legal Proceedings](index=64&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) This section incorporates by reference legal proceedings information from Note H – Commitments and Contingencies in the consolidated financial statements - For details on legal proceedings, the report refers to Note H in Part I, Item 1 of the financial statements[227](index=227&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=64&type=section&id=ITEM%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) This section refers readers to the Risk Factors in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for a comprehensive understanding of potential business risks - The report refers to the Risk Factors section of the most recent Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of risks affecting the company[228](index=228&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=64&type=section&id=ITEM%205.%20Other%20Information) No director or officer adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during Q2 2025 - No director or officer adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during Q2 2025[229](index=229&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=64&type=section&id=ITEM%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including compensatory plan agreements, CEO/CFO certifications, and Inline XBRL data files - A list of exhibits filed with the report is provided, including certifications and XBRL data[230](index=230&type=chunk)