Merck (OTCPK:MKGA.F) FY Conference January 12, 2026 02:15 PM ET Speaker0to the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. I'm Richard Vosser, European Pharma Analyst with J.P. Morgan. It's my great pleasure to host and introduce the CEO, Belén Garijo, from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and their presentation today at the conference. Just before I hand over to Belén, just a few housekeeping remarks. If you want to ask a question, put your hand up and we can take it in the room, or you can put your questions o ...

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN), a life sciences company focused on bioprocessing technology leadership, today announced that it will participate in the J.P. Morgan 2026 Healthcare Conference, being held January 12 – 15 in San Francisco. Olivier Loeillot, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present an overview of the company on Tuesday, January 13 at 2:15 p.m. PT. A live webcast of the conference presentations will be accessible through Repligen’s ...

Core Insights - Repligen Corporation will participate in the 8th Annual Evercore Healthcare Conference from December 2-4, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida, with CFO Jason Garland leading an analyst discussion on December 3 at 1:20 p.m. ET [1] - A live webcast of the conference will be available on Repligen's Investor Relations website, with a replay option for a limited time post-event [2] Company Overview - Repligen Corporation is a global life sciences company specializing in innovative bioprocessing technologies and systems aimed at enhancing the manufacturing efficiency of biological drugs [3] - The company serves biopharmaceutical drug developers and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) worldwide, focusing on areas such as Filtration and Fluid Management, Chromatography, Process Analytics, and Proteins [3] - The corporate headquarters is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, with manufacturing sites primarily in the U.S. and additional key locations in Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden [3]

Core Insights - Avantor, Inc. has launched pre-engineered PUPSIT assemblies and a comprehensive sterile sampling suite aimed at enhancing bioprocessing flexibility and reducing contamination risks while accelerating in-process decisions [1][4] Product Features - The sterile sampling suite features modular, multi-sample configurations that minimize line breaks and operator intervention, with standardized bills of materials to streamline setup and qualification [2][3] - PUPSIT assemblies integrate supplier-agnostic components that connect seamlessly with common filtration trains, simplifying implementation and maintaining closed flow paths to reduce setup variability [3][4] Market Needs - Biopharmaceutical manufacturers require configurable and easy-to-implement solutions that perform consistently across different scales, which the new products from Avantor aim to address [5] - The combination of the newly launched NFSS and EVSS with existing products positions Avantor's sampling platform as one of the most comprehensive solutions for bioprocessing sampling applications [5] Company Overview - Avantor is a leading life science tools company providing mission-critical products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology industries, supporting research, development, and production activities globally [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for the third quarter were $6.1 billion, with a 3% core revenue growth year-over-year [8][10] - Gross profit margin was 58.2%, and adjusted operating profit margin increased by 40 basis points to 27.9% year-over-year [9][10] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share were $1.89, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue in the biotechnology segment increased by 6.5% [13] - Core revenue in bioprocessing grew high single digits, with double-digit growth in consumables [14] - Core revenue in diagnostics increased by 3.5%, with significant growth in clinical diagnostics and Cepheid's non-respiratory test menu [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues in developed markets were up mid-single digits, while high growth markets saw low single-digit growth, impacted by a mid-single-digit decline in China [8][9] - The demand for monoclonal antibodies remains robust, supporting long-term growth in the biologics market [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging the Danaher Business System to drive productivity gains and invest in innovation, particularly in digital and AI initiatives [7][8] - A new share repurchase program was approved, allowing for the purchase of up to 35 million additional shares [10][23] - The long-term outlook for the biologics market is positive, with expectations of continued strong demand growth [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a modest recovery in pharma R&D spending, although it remains below historical levels [7][8] - For 2026, the company expects core revenue growth in the range of 3%-6%, assuming modest recovery across end markets [20][21] - The company anticipates respiratory revenue at Cepheid to be approximately $1.7 billion in 2026, consistent with expectations for 2025 [22] Other Important Information - The company generated $1.4 billion in free cash flow during the quarter, with a year-to-date free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of 146% [10] - Significant investments in innovation led to the launch of several new products aimed at enhancing competitive positioning [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fiscal year 2026 guidance - Management provided a range of 3%-6% for top-line growth, emphasizing the need for modest recovery in end markets [26][28] Question: Concerns regarding China diagnostics and VBP - Management indicated a manageable headwind of $75 million-$100 million for next year, reflecting confidence in navigating policy changes [35][37] Question: Equipment recovery in biotechnology - Management noted increased confidence among pharma customers regarding equipment investments, although orders have not yet materialized [45][46] Question: Expectations for Beckman and Cepheid in diagnostics - Management expects mid-single-digit growth for Beckman and consistent performance for Cepheid outside of respiratory [47][48] Question: Impact of reshoring on capital demand - Management anticipates continued investment in capital equipment driven by regionalization and reshoring trends [100][101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $6.1 billion in Q3 2025, achieving a 3% core revenue growth year-over-year [8][10] - Gross profit margin for Q3 was 58.2%, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 27.9%, up 40 basis points year-over-year [9][10] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share were $1.89, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue in the biotechnology segment increased by 6.5%, while core revenue in discovery and medical grew low single digits [14][18] - Bioprocessing core revenue grew high single digits, driven by double-digit growth in consumables, although equipment revenue declined in the high teens year-over-year [15][16] - Core revenue in diagnostics increased by 3.5%, with clinical diagnostics up low single digits and Cepheid's core revenue up mid single digits [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues in developed markets were up mid single digits, while high growth markets saw low single-digit growth, impacted by a mid single-digit decline in China [8][9] - The company noted a modest recovery in pharma R&D spending, although it remains below historical levels [7][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging the Danaher Business System to drive productivity gains and mitigate geopolitical pressures [8][24] - Continued investment in innovation, particularly in digital and artificial intelligence initiatives, is a priority to strengthen long-term competitive positioning [8][10] - The long-term outlook for the biologics market remains healthy, driven by increasing global production of biological medicines, particularly monoclonal antibodies [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong Q3 results and the ability to exceed revenue, earnings, and cash flow expectations [7][10] - The company expects core revenue growth in the low single-digit percentage range for Q4 2025 and maintains its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $7.70 to $7.80 [21][22] - For 2026, the company anticipates core revenue growth in the 3% to 6% range, assuming modest recovery across end markets [22][23] Other Important Information - The company generated $1.4 billion in free cash flow in Q3 and $3.5 billion year-to-date, resulting in a free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of 146% [10][24] - A new share repurchase program was approved, authorizing the purchase of up to 35 million additional shares of common stock [10][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for fiscal year 2026? - Management indicated a range of 3% to 6% top-line growth for 2026, with a focus on modest recovery in end markets [27][30] Question: What factors could influence the 3% versus 6% growth? - The company noted that improvements in the market and policy environment would be key to achieving higher growth [28][30] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the diagnostics segment, particularly in China? - Management acknowledged a conservative view on diagnostics in China, expecting a manageable headwind of $75 million to $100 million [36][37] Question: What is the outlook for the biotechnology equipment market? - There is cautious optimism for equipment investments, with management noting increased confidence among pharma customers regarding capital investments [45][46] Question: How does the company view capital deployment between M&A and share repurchases? - The company maintains a strong bias towards M&A but is also open to share repurchases when valuations are attractive [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for the third quarter were $6.1 billion, with a 3% core revenue growth year-over-year [7] - Gross profit margin was 58.2%, and adjusted operating profit margin increased by 40 basis points to 27.9% year-over-year [8] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share were $1.89, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year [8] - Free cash flow generated in the quarter was $1.4 billion, with a year-to-date free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of 146% [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue in the biotechnology segment increased by 6.5% [12] - Core revenue in bioprocessing grew high single digits, driven by strong demand for consumables, while equipment revenue declined in the high teens year-over-year [13] - Core revenue in life sciences decreased by 1%, with consumables facing declines due to lower demand from major customers [16] - Core revenue in diagnostics increased by 3.5%, with significant growth in clinical diagnostics outside of China [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues in developed markets were up mid-single digits, while high growth markets saw low single-digit growth, primarily affected by a decline in China [7][8] - The biotechnology and life sciences businesses in China experienced declines due to volume-based procurement and reimbursement policy changes [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging the Danaher Business System to drive productivity gains and mitigate geopolitical pressures [6] - Continued investment in innovation, particularly in digital and artificial intelligence initiatives, is a priority to strengthen long-term competitive positioning [6] - The long-term outlook for the biologics market remains healthy, with expectations of strong demand growth for monoclonal antibodies [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a modest recovery in pharma R&D spending, although it remains below historical levels [5] - The company expects cautious equipment spending through the remainder of the year due to uncertainties in the policy environment [14] - For 2026, the company anticipates core revenue growth in the range of 3% to 6%, assuming modest recovery across end markets [20][21] Other Important Information - The company deployed approximately $2 billion for share repurchases and announced a new program to buy up to 35 million additional shares [9] - Several new product launches were highlighted, including advancements in bioprocessing and diagnostics [10][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for fiscal year 2026? - Management indicated a range of 3% to 6% core revenue growth, with a focus on modest recovery in end markets [28][34] Question: What factors could influence the 3% versus 6% growth? - The company highlighted the need for improved market conditions and clarity in investment decisions from customers [34][35] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the diagnostics segment, particularly in China? - Management acknowledged a conservative view on the diagnostics business in China, expecting manageable headwinds [43][44] Question: What is the outlook for the biotechnology segment? - The company expects high single-digit growth in bioprocessing, driven by strong demand for monoclonal antibodies [48][49] Question: How does the company view capital deployment between M&A and share repurchases? - There is a strong bias towards M&A, but the company remains open to share buybacks at current levels [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for the third quarter were $6.1 billion, with a core revenue growth of 3% year over year [9] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share were $1.89, reflecting a 10% increase year over year [10] - Free cash flow generated in the quarter was $1.4 billion, with a year-to-date free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of 146% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue in the biotechnology segment increased by 6.5%, while core revenue in life sciences decreased by 1% [14][18] - Core revenue in diagnostics increased by 3.5%, with clinical diagnostics showing low single-digit growth outside of China [20] - Bioprocessing core revenue grew in high single digits, driven by strong demand for consumables [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues in developed markets were up mid-single digits, while high growth markets saw low single-digit growth, with a mid-single-digit decline in China [9] - Demand from academic and government customers remained soft but stable, impacting life sciences consumables [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging the Danaher Business System to drive productivity gains and invest in innovation, particularly in digital and AI initiatives [7][25] - The long-term outlook for the biologics market remains strong, driven by increasing global production of biological medicines [17] - The company is maintaining a strong bias towards M&A while also considering share repurchases as a capital allocation strategy [93] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a modest recovery in pharma R&D spending, although it remains below historical levels [6] - For 2026, the company expects core revenue growth in the range of 3% to 6%, assuming modest recovery across end markets [23] - The company anticipates respiratory revenue at Cepheid to be approximately $1.7 billion in 2026, consistent with expectations for 2025 [24] Other Important Information - The company deployed approximately $2 billion towards share repurchases in the quarter and has authorized an additional buyback program for up to 35 million shares [10] - New product launches in biotechnology and diagnostics are expected to enhance competitive positioning and support customer needs [11][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on fiscal year 2026 guidance - Management provided context on the 3% to 6% growth range, indicating that a modest recovery in end markets is expected, with bioprocessing growth trends remaining strong [31][35] Question: Concerns regarding China diagnostics and VBP - Management indicated that they are managing headwinds from VBP and expect a modest impact of $75 to $100 million for the next year [44] Question: Equipment recovery in biotechnology - Management noted that while there is increased activity and discussions with pharma customers, actual orders have not yet materialized, leading to a cautious outlook for equipment spending [55] Question: Clarification on diagnostics growth expectations - Management expects mid-single-digit growth for Beckman outside of China and anticipates continued growth in Cepheid's non-respiratory business [57][58] Question: Impact of recent policy changes on capital investment - Management observed increased confidence among pharma executives regarding capital investments due to stabilizing tariffs and workable solutions for policy discussions [76]

Core Insights - Danaher Corporation's Biotechnology segment is crucial for its growth, with core revenues increasing by 6% year-over-year in Q2 2025, driven by strong bioprocessing demand [1][4]. Bioprocessing Business - Demand for consumables from large pharmaceutical customers in Western Europe is boosting the bioprocessing business, with orders increasing for the eighth consecutive quarter [2][8]. - The company expects core revenues from the bioprocessing business to rise in high single digits year-over-year for 2025 [2]. Discovery and Medical Business - There is a decline in the discovery and medical business, with core sales decreasing in the low single digits due to reduced demand for life science research equipment [3][4]. Overall Performance - Despite the short-term challenges in the discovery and medical business, the ongoing demand in bioprocessing provides a solid foundation for future growth, with an anticipated 7% year-over-year core revenue increase in 2025 [4]. Peer Comparison - CVS Health Corporation's Health Services segment reported net sales of $46.5 billion in Q2 2025, up 10.2% year-over-year, contributing 47% to total sales [5]. - Labcorp Holdings Inc.'s Biopharma Laboratory Services segment generated net sales of $784.8 million in Q2 2025, an 11% increase year-over-year, accounting for 22.1% of total revenues [6]. Valuation and Estimates - Danaher shares have declined by 29.3% over the past year, contrasting with the industry's growth of 9.7% [7]. - The company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.13X, above the industry average of 16.37X [10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Danaher's 2025 earnings has been increasing over the past 60 days [12].

Core Insights - Danaher Corporation (DHR) is experiencing strong growth in its bioprocessing business, with orders increasing for the eighth consecutive quarter, driven by rising demand for consumables from large pharmaceutical customers in Europe. The company expects core revenues from this segment to grow in high single digits year-over-year for 2025 [1][10] - The Biotechnology segment is also performing well, with core revenues increasing by 6% year-over-year, supported by solid demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) [2][10] - The Diagnostics segment is recovering, with core revenues increasing by 2% year-over-year, driven by demand for non-respiratory disease tests and growth in the Beckman Colter Diagnostics unit [3][10] - Danaher is focused on acquisitions to expand its customer base and product offerings, with the acquisition of Abcam in December 2023 enhancing its Life Sciences segment. This acquisition contributed to a 1.5% revenue increase in the Life Sciences segment for the second quarter of 2025 [4][10] - The company is committed to returning value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, having paid out $423 million in dividends in the first half of 2025, and increasing its dividend by 18.5% to 32 cents per share in February 2025 [5] - Despite positive trends, the Life Sciences segment faced a 2.5% decline in core revenues year-over-year due to lower demand in academic and government markets, as well as a sales decline in the filtration business related to energy markets [9][10] - Danaher has high debt levels, exiting the second quarter of 2025 with long-term debt of $16.9 billion, a 5.6% increase sequentially, and current liabilities of $6.8 billion, which exceed cash equivalents of approximately $3 billion [11]