Summary of Weigao Orthopedics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Weigao Orthopedics - **Industry**: Orthopedic Medical Devices Key Financial Performance - **Revenue**: 741 million CNY in H1 2025, a decrease of 1.28% YoY due to adjustments in the marketing model for joint products [2][3] - **Net Profit**: 142 million CNY, an increase of 52.43% YoY [2][3] - **Sales Expense Ratio**: 26.49%, down by 10.63 percentage points YoY [2][3] Segment Performance - **Spine Products**: Revenue of 250 million CNY, up 13% YoY; Q2 saw a 21% increase from Q1 [4][5] - **Trauma Products**: Revenue of 130 million CNY [4] - **Joint Products**: Revenue of 180 million CNY, down 21% YoY due to marketing model changes [5] - **Sports Medicine and Tissue Repair**: Revenue of 143 million CNY, up 13.26% YoY [2][5] International Expansion - **Overseas Revenue**: 43.21 million CNY, up 19% YoY [6] - **Market Strategy**: Differentiated strategies for various markets, focusing on logistics in price-sensitive markets and acquisitions in high-end markets [6][10] - **Team Expansion**: Plans to expand the overseas marketing team to 30-40 members by year-end, with expected overseas revenue nearing 100 million CNY [9][10] Research and Development - **Innovations**: Focus on minimally invasive spine surgery, sports medicine, and orthopedic regenerative repair [7] - **Regulatory Approvals**: 16 Class I medical device registrations, 15 Class II, and 12 Class III in H1 2025 [7] - **Total Registrations**: 314 Class I, 45 Class II, and 160 Class III devices as of the reporting period [7] Future Development Plans - **Market Focus**: Continued emphasis on increasing domestic market share, cost reduction, and global expansion [8] - **Product Development**: Plans to enhance product lines in minimally invasive surgery and pain management [8][11] - **Automation**: Increase in automated production capabilities to modernize operations [8] Market Trends and Challenges - **Surgical Volume Growth**: Anticipated growth in surgical volumes across spine (13-15%), joint (12-15%), and trauma (single-digit) surgeries [19] - **Micro-Invasive Surgery**: Increasing trend driven by navigation and AI technologies, with a current penetration rate of about 10% in China [20][22] - **3D Printing**: Significant potential for application in orthopedics, focusing on personalized and regenerative solutions [21] Regulatory Environment - **Collective Procurement**: Ongoing adjustments in procurement policies, with a focus on rational pricing and support for innovation [28] - **Market Access**: Efforts to ensure new innovative products are included in medical insurance directories and exempt from DRG fees [29] Conclusion Weigao Orthopedics is navigating a challenging market environment with strategic adjustments in product marketing, a focus on international expansion, and a commitment to innovation in orthopedic solutions. The company is well-positioned to leverage its R&D capabilities and market strategies to enhance its competitive edge in the orthopedic medical device industry.

Core Viewpoint - The thoracoscope market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising incidence of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and COPD, alongside increasing health awareness and advancements in thoracoscopic technology. The global thoracoscope market is projected to reach approximately $2.22 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 4.2%, and is expected to grow to $3.1 billion by 2031 [1][6][19]. Industry Overview - The thoracoscope is a modern medical device that utilizes high-definition imaging technology for direct observation and operation within the thoracic cavity through small incisions. It is primarily used for diagnosing and treating thoracic diseases, including lung, mediastinal, and pleural diseases [1][2]. - The demand for thoracoscopic procedures is increasing due to the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases and the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, which include reduced surgical trauma and shorter recovery times [6][19]. Market Dynamics - In 2024, the thoracoscope market in China is expected to see 404 public bidding events with a total bid amount of 509 million yuan, involving the sale of 685 units at an average procurement price of 743,100 yuan per unit [10][12]. - The top ten brands in the Chinese thoracoscope market by bidding quantity include Olympus, Mindray, Karl Storz, and others, indicating a competitive landscape with increasing domestic participation [14][17]. Competitive Landscape - Historically, the thoracoscope market in China has been dominated by foreign companies such as Karl Storz and Olympus. However, domestic companies like Mindray and OPMED have been gaining market share due to improved R&D and manufacturing capabilities [14][17]. - The market concentration is high, with the top three companies—Olympus, Mindray, and Karl Storz—holding significant market shares of 21.53%, 21.02%, and 20.68%, respectively [17]. Future Trends - The trend towards minimally invasive surgery is expected to continue, with the thoracoscope market projected to grow as more advanced technologies such as CMOS, 4K, 3D, and AI are integrated into thoracoscopic procedures [19]. - The performance of domestic thoracoscopes is anticipated to improve further, enhancing the level of domestic substitution in the industry [19].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the quarter was $2,440 million, representing a 21% growth year over year [27] - Pro forma operating margin was 39%, and pro forma earnings per share increased by 23% to $2.19 [20][36] - Pro forma net income for the second quarter was $798 million compared to $641 million last year [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - da Vinci procedure growth was 17%, with a notable increase in benign general surgery in the US [9][21] - SP procedures grew 88%, driven by strong growth in Korea and Europe [29] - ION procedures increased by 52%, with approximately 35,000 procedures performed in the quarter [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the US, da Vinci procedures grew 14%, while outside the US, they grew 23%, with strong contributions from India and Korea [22][23] - Capital placements in the US increased by 45%, while placements in Japan decreased by 26 systems year over year [63] - Total systems placed in the quarter were 395, a 16% increase from the previous year [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the full launch of da Vinci V and increasing adoption of focused procedures through training and market access efforts [18] - There is a commitment to innovation and expanding the digital ecosystem to enhance clinician training and patient care [12][17] - The company aims to improve operational efficiency and product quality while navigating macroeconomic challenges [8][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macro challenges in international markets but expressed confidence in the company's operational and financial positioning [19] - The updated financial guidance for 2025 includes a forecast for da Vinci procedure growth of 15-17% [44] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in Medicaid coverage and its potential impact on hospital capital budgets [22][62] Other Important Information - The company opened a new manufacturing facility in Bulgaria to support its growth strategy [34] - The average selling price for systems increased to $1,500,000, reflecting a higher mix of da Vinci V systems [28] - The company repurchased 350,000 shares at an average price of $518 per share during the quarter [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin sustainability and drivers - Management noted strong revenue growth and a favorable purchase mix contributed to the margin upside, but cautioned against characterizing it as the new normal [50][51] Question: Reprocessing and extending useful life of instruments - Management emphasized the importance of high-quality instruments and ongoing innovation to maintain competitive advantage [54][55] Question: Capital spending and Medicaid coverage impacts - Management acknowledged potential challenges from Medicaid coverage loss but highlighted opportunities to demonstrate the value of da Vinci systems [62] Question: System placements outside the US - Management indicated a measured rollout for da Vinci V in Europe and Japan, with expectations for increased trade-ins as customers upgrade [88][90] Question: Future opportunities in outpatient environments - Management expressed optimism about expanding robotic surgery into outpatient settings and ASCs, leveraging existing technology [94] Question: Future features and capabilities of da Vinci V - Management confirmed ongoing enhancements to the da Vinci V platform, with expectations for improved outcomes and efficiency [96][99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue was $2.25 billion, a 19% increase year-over-year, with constant currency growth at 20% [45][46] - Pro forma gross margin for Q1 was 66.4%, down from 67.6% in the previous year, primarily due to higher facility costs and a greater mix of lower-margin products [54] - Pro forma net income for Q1 was $662 million, or $1.81 per share, compared to $541 million, or $1.50 per share, in the same quarter last year [58][59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Da Vinci procedure growth was 17%, with a notable 36% growth in after-hours procedures in the U.S. [14][15] - Capital placements included 367 Da Vinci systems, a 17% increase from the previous year, with 147 Da Vinci 5 systems placed [42][45] - ION procedures grew 58% to approximately 31,000, while SP procedures saw a 94% increase [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. procedures grew 13%, driven by benign general surgery, while OUS procedures grew 24%, with strong performance in India, Korea, and the UK [40][41] - Capital placements in the U.S. increased to 204 systems, up from 148 last year, while OUS placements decreased slightly from 165 to 163 [43][44] - The environment in China showed improvement, with procedure growth driven primarily by urologic procedures [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the full launch of Da Vinci 5 and increase adoption of focused procedures through training and market access efforts [29][30] - The strategy includes optimizing production costs and adjusting supply chain strategies in response to trade policy changes [10][11] - The company is committed to investing in R&D and innovation to drive long-term growth [57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term opportunity for high-quality, minimally invasive care despite current trade policy uncertainties [11] - The company updated its full-year 2025 procedure growth forecast to a range of 15% to 17% [61] - Management acknowledged potential impacts from tariffs and government budget constraints on capital spending in key markets [62] Other Important Information - The company opened new manufacturing facilities in California, which will enhance its U.S. manufacturing and R&D capabilities [55] - The impact of tariffs is expected to increase each quarter, with an estimated additional cost of sales of approximately 1.7% of revenue for 2025 [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on annualized basis - Management indicated that roughly half of the tariff impact is from U.S.-China trade, with the impact expected to increase each quarter [69] Question: Capital environment comparison to previous years - Management noted strong customer response to Da Vinci 5, with leasing arrangements providing flexibility for customers [72][73] Question: Inclusion of European reciprocal tariffs in estimates - Management confirmed that the 1.7% estimate includes the anticipated European tariffs [80] Question: Confidence in raising procedure volume forecast - Management cited strong Q1 performance and customer adoption as reasons for the early forecast increase [87][89] Question: Drivers of robust OUS growth - Management highlighted strong performance in early-stage markets like India and Taiwan, along with solid growth in the UK [108][110]