Question-and-Answer SessionJames SaccaroVP & CFO So Larry, reflecting on that yesterday, and this is the third year that we've been at the conference since we became an independent company. And I have to say we are incredibly proud of the progress that we've made. Price standpoint, most notably, we substantially increased investment in R&D over the last several years and we have advanced products through the pipeline to the point where we're sitting on a series of launches that will take place in 2026 that ...

GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) FY 2025 Conference September 04, 2025 08:45 AM ET Company ParticipantsJames Saccaro - VP & CFOCarolynne Borders - Chief Investor Relations OfficerConference Call ParticipantsLawrence Biegelsen - Senior Medical Device Equity Research AnalystLawrence BiegelsenGood morning. I'm Larry Eglinton, the Medical Body Panelist as well as Margaux. It's my pleasure to host this fireside chat management healthcare. With us, we have Jay Sagaro, the CFO and Carolyn Borders, Head of Investo ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised the midpoint of its guidance by 50 basis points, approximately $100 million, despite a slight adjustment in expectations for China [12][13] - Year-to-date order growth is reported at 7%, setting the company up well for midterm aspirations [15] - Gross margin decreased by about 180 basis points year-over-year due to tariff impacts and R&D costs being reclassified [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The capital equipment market in the U.S. is described as buoyant, with strong momentum in hospital capital investments, particularly in imaging and ultrasound [8][9] - The company has a record backlog of $21.3 billion, with a healthy book-to-bill ratio of 1.07 times [18] - The company is experiencing a positive shift in Europe, with increasing momentum in hospital capital [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chinese market showed a slight decline in the second quarter, down by low single digits, but better than expected due to backlog conversion [11] - The company is taking a cautious approach to forecasting for China, adjusting guidance slightly for the second half of the year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a world where healthcare has no limits, emphasizing the importance of team and culture [6] - Significant investments in R&D have been made, with a series of product launches expected in 2026 that will transform the company [4] - The company aims for mid-single-digit sales growth over the mid-term, supported by new product launches and strategic deals [47][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the hospital capital equipment environment, noting no significant impact from recent Medicaid cuts [59][60] - The company is optimistic about its midterm growth prospects, driven by new product cycles and successful execution on the commercial side [48][56] - Management remains cautious about the Chinese market but is pleased with overall sales growth for the year [51][52] Other Important Information - The company is committed to holding tariff impacts flat year-over-year, which is seen as a significant achievement [26] - The company is focusing on transitioning from standalone hardware to connected platforms and AI-driven solutions in its product portfolio [76] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the hospital capital equipment environment evolved through 2025? - Management believes the U.S. capital equipment market is buoyant, with strong momentum in hospital capital investments [8] Question: What are the expectations for order growth going forward? - Management advises against overanalyzing one quarter in isolation, emphasizing robust growth over a trailing multi-quarter basis [15] Question: How should investors think about gross margin moving forward? - Management is pleased with margin progress, despite a decrease in Q2 due to tariffs and R&D cost reclassifications [22][24] Question: What are the growth drivers for digital revenue? - The company is making significant investments in AI technologies, which are expected to drive growth in digital revenue [39][41] Question: What is the strategy for the PCS business? - The new leader is focused on accelerating revenue growth and margin improvement, with potential tuck-in acquisitions being evaluated [75]

Core Insights - GE HealthCare (GEHC) launched the Vivid Pioneer, an advanced AI-powered cardiovascular ultrasound system, which has received CE Mark and FDA 510(k) clearance, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for complex cardiac conditions [1][8][9] Company Developments - The Vivid Pioneer utilizes next-generation cSound Pioneer architecture, offering improved 2D, 4D, and color flow imaging, along with AI-driven automation tools to enhance diagnostic speed and consistency [2][10] - The system aims to address critical challenges in cardiovascular diagnostics, potentially increasing adoption in hospitals and clinics, and expanding recurring revenue from probes and service contracts [4][11] - GEHC's market capitalization stands at $33.66 billion, and the company reported an earnings surprise of 16.5% in the last quarter [5] Stock Performance - Following the announcement of the Vivid Pioneer, GEHC shares closed flat at $73.73, with a year-to-date decline of 5.7%, compared to the industry’s growth of 7.6% and a 10% increase in the S&P 500 [3] Industry Outlook - The global AI in healthcare market is projected to grow from $26.57 billion in 2024 to $187.69 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 38.62% from 2025 to 2030, driven by the demand for enhanced efficiency and better patient outcomes [12]

Core Viewpoint - The appointment of Ivan Martinez as Chief Strategy Officer at GE HealthCare signals a strategic shift towards enhancing the company's execution capabilities in mergers, collaborations, and digital transformation [2][12]. Group 1: Background of Ivan Martinez - Ivan Martinez has a diverse background, starting his career in consulting at PwC and Accenture, which provided him with strategic and business architecture skills [4]. - His nine years at McKinsey involved leading revenue growth and digital transformation projects in the healthcare sector, giving him a deep understanding of the industry's complexities [4]. - At Abbott, he held various strategic roles, gaining practical experience in mergers, acquisitions, and innovation, marking his transition from consultant to operator [5]. Group 2: Current Context of GE HealthCare - GE HealthCare has been independent for two years, focusing on establishing its strategic direction in AI and imaging while building an ecosystem through acquisitions [6]. - The acquisition of MIM Software in 2024 exemplifies GE's strategy to enhance its imaging capabilities by integrating algorithms and workflows, moving from hardware sales to comprehensive solutions [6][7]. - The company has ranked first in FDA AI authorizations for four consecutive years, indicating its strong technological foundation in digital healthcare and smart diagnostics [6]. Group 3: Expectations from Martinez's Appointment - The company may pursue more precise acquisitions, focusing on specific clinical pathways rather than broad targets, leveraging Martinez's experience in licensing and collaboration [8]. - Strategic communication is expected to become more scenario-based, emphasizing practical applications in clinical settings rather than broad platform statements [9]. - Cross-departmental collaboration is likely to improve, with Martinez potentially establishing a metrics system to track the commercialization of AI functions and workflow activation rates [10]. Group 4: Industry Context - GE HealthCare's strategic adjustments reflect a broader trend among major medical device companies like Siemens and Philips, which are also hiring executives with backgrounds in business development and digitalization to adapt to slowing hardware growth [11]. - The evolving landscape necessitates leaders who understand transactions, clinical scenarios, and digitalization, indicating a shift in the profile of executives in the medical device industry [11].

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 - GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) reported a 7% year-over-year revenue increase to $5.25 billion in Q2 2025, driven by strong performance in Imaging, Patient Care Solutions, and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics, with adjusted EPS at 97 cents [1][2] - Management reaffirmed its full-year outlook, citing confidence in operational momentum, productivity initiatives, and expanding margins, positioning GEHC for near and long-term growth [2] Short-Term Growth Drivers - Imaging and Equipment Demand: The Imaging segment experienced mid-single-digit revenue growth, supported by robust demand for CT, MR, and ultrasound systems, with hospitals refreshing equipment fleets to meet rising patient volumes [3] - Productivity and Margin Gains: GEHC achieved nearly 150 basis points of adjusted operating margin expansion year-over-year, driven by sourcing efficiencies and lean manufacturing initiatives, improving supply-chain reliability and reducing logistics costs [4] - Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Momentum: The Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment grew at a double-digit pace, benefiting from strong demand for contrast media and geographic expansion, with production capacity upgrades alleviating prior constraints [5][8] Long-Term Growth Drivers - AI and Digital Health Integration: GEHC's long-term strategy includes embedding AI into imaging and monitoring workflows, with the Edison AI platform supporting over 100 applications, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and clinician productivity [9] - Global Expansion and Emerging Markets: International markets, particularly Asia-Pacific and Latin America, showed double-digit growth, supported by government-led healthcare investments, with localized R&D and manufacturing enhancing competitiveness [10] - Theranostics and Precision Medicine: GEHC is investing in theranostics and precision medicine, collaborating with pharmaceutical partners to capture growth at the intersection of diagnostics and therapy, positioning itself for future demand in personalized treatment [11] Challenges - Foreign Exchange and Macro Pressures: A strong U.S. dollar negatively impacted quarterly revenues by nearly 200 basis points, with persistent FX headwinds and inflationary pressures posing ongoing challenges [14] - Competitive Landscape: GEHC faces strong competition in the medtech sector, particularly from Philips and Siemens Healthineers in AI-enabled imaging, necessitating sustained innovation and commercial execution [15] - Execution Risk in Transformation: The integration of AI into clinical workflows carries execution risks, requiring robust regulatory approvals and clinician adoption, with potential delays impacting margin expansion [16] Conclusion - GE HealthCare's Q2 2025 results highlight its ability to balance growth, innovation, and operational discipline, with immediate momentum from Imaging demand and long-term opportunities in AI and global expansion, making it a standout in the medtech sector [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Medical - Products sector should consider GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) and Agilent Technologies (A) for potential value investment opportunities [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - GE HealthCare Technologies has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Agilent Technologies has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, suggesting that GEHC has an improving earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - GEHC has a forward P/E ratio of 16.21, compared to Agilent's forward P/E of 21.33, indicating that GEHC may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for GEHC is 2.80, while Agilent's PEG ratio is 3.62, further suggesting that GEHC offers better value based on expected earnings growth [5] - GEHC's P/B ratio is 3.44, significantly lower than Agilent's P/B of 5.52, reinforcing the notion of GEHC being more attractively valued [6] Group 3: Overall Value Assessment - GEHC has stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics than Agilent, making it the superior option for value investors at this time [7]

Summary of Key Takeaways from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the global healthcare sector, specifically the medical technology industry, with insights from GE Healthcare, Philips NV, and Siemens Healthineers [1][4]. Company-Specific Insights GE Healthcare (GEHC) - **U.S. Market Dynamics**: Strong procedure volumes and ongoing strength in hospital capital expenditure (CapEx) spending, with increased allocation towards imaging equipment. The aged installed base supports a continued replacement cycle [4][5]. - **China Market**: Year-over-year revenue growth of -3% in Q2 2025, indicating a deceleration from -1% in Q1 2025. Market recovery is slower than expected, with extended tender cycles at the provincial level [4][5]. - **Europe**: Secured a 5-year collaboration worth $250 million, with good growth noted in Europe, particularly in response to government changes in the UK and France [4][5]. - **Overall Performance**: Reported a 3% order growth in Q2 2025 and an organic revenue growth of 2%, with an increased outlook for FY25 to approximately 3% [5]. Philips NV (PHG.AS) - **U.S. Market Dynamics**: Experienced double-digit order growth in the U.S. for the second consecutive quarter, with solid trends in patient monitoring [4][5]. - **China Market**: Noted increasing tender activity, although from a low base, with reported order intake growth in Q2. However, there are no indications of a sustained market recovery [4][5]. - **Europe**: Flat growth year-over-year in Q2, but increasing hospital capital expenditure demand is observed [4][5]. - **Overall Performance**: Achieved a 6% order growth in Q2 and expects 1-3% organic revenue growth for the year, with improved margin guidance [5]. Siemens Healthineers (SHLG.DE) - **U.S. Market Dynamics**: Reported a 14% revenue growth in Q3 in the U.S., driven by strong demand for PETNET and photon-counting portfolio [4][5]. - **China Market**: Revenue growth of 6% year-over-year in Q3, but this is attributed to soft comparisons from the previous year. The book-to-bill ratio is around 1, indicating steady but cautious momentum [4][5]. - **Europe**: Noted stable market conditions with a 1% revenue growth in the EMEA region for Q3 [4][5]. - **Overall Performance**: Group revenue grew by 7.6% in Q3, with significant growth in imaging and Varian segments. The FY25 outlook was narrowed to a top-end range of 5.5-6% organic revenue growth [5]. Key Product Launches - **GE Healthcare**: Major product launches in MR, Ultrasound, and PET are expected to accelerate in future quarters [5]. - **Philips NV**: New product introductions generated over 50% of sales, including the Azurion Neuro Biplane R3 and BlueSeal MR system [5]. - **Siemens Healthineers**: Rollout of Photon Counting CT systems and new pricing tiers for the Atellica core lab platform [5]. Additional Insights - **Emerging Markets**: Positive activity noted in emerging markets such as Indonesia and Latin America, with significant partnerships established [4][5]. - **Market Outlook**: Overall, the companies maintain a cautious but optimistic outlook for the healthcare technology sector, with varying performance across different regions [4][5]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the performance and outlook of the major players in the medical technology industry.

Core Viewpoint - GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on an upward trend in earnings estimates [1][2][4]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [3][5]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, influencing their buying and selling decisions, which in turn affects stock prices [3]. Company Performance Indicators - GE HealthCare is projected to earn $4.46 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change expected [7]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GE HealthCare has increased by 12.8%, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimates [7]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [8][9].