Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales for Q4 2025 were $57.8 million, compared to $49 million in the same quarter last year, driven by a lower than expected rebound in sales in China, partially offset by growth in the Americas and non-China APAC regions [21] - Gross profit margin for Q4 2025 was 75.7%, up from 64.7% in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the timing of cost recognition and cost reductions implemented earlier [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was a loss of $200,000, an improvement from a loss of $20.8 million in the year-ago quarter, attributed to higher gross profit and lower operating expenses [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - China net sales in Q4 2025 were $17.5 million, up from $7.8 million in the year-ago quarter, although certain sub-distributors returned inventory, impacting sales [21] - Excluding China, net sales declined by 2% year-over-year, with the Americas up 18%, EMEA down 20%, and APAC ex-China up 2% in Q4 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, demand for EVO ICL recovered at mid-single digit rates, but did not translate into net sales growth due to inventory reductions by distributors [10] - The U.S. business showed momentum despite a decline in laser vision correction procedures, with an expanded age range indication for EVO increasing the potential candidate pool by approximately 8 million [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for growth, improving profitability, and progress in its innovation pipeline for 2026, following a challenging 2025 [8] - Focus on enterprise-wide impacts and disciplined investing to drive profitability, including manufacturing improvements and optimizing average selling prices (ASPs) [13] - The company is advancing its ERP implementation and launching new products like EVO+ in China, which is expected to enhance margins and ASPs [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in China and the potential for growth in 2026, despite previous challenges [10] - The leadership team emphasized the importance of maintaining cost discipline while targeting profitability in FY 2026 [25] - Management acknowledged the need for continued innovation and the introduction of new products to capture market share [85] Other Important Information - The company has no debt and ended Q4 2025 with approximately $187.5 million in cash equivalents and investments [25] - The leadership structure has transitioned to a shared role of Interim Co-CEOs, aiming for continuity and alignment in strategy execution [6][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Have the reductions in distributor inventory continued into Q1 or stabilized now that Alcon is behind? - Management reported stable inventory levels at distributors, slightly below the six-month contractual level, indicating readiness for market recovery [32] Question: How does the health of the organization today compare to pre-Alcon? - Management noted improved cost control and alignment within the organization post-Alcon, focusing on growth and profitability [36] Question: What is the expected growth for 2026 collectively? - Management refrained from providing specific guidance but expressed optimism about growth in both China and ex-China markets [44] Question: What structural changes have been implemented to prevent inventory buildups in China? - Enhanced processes for inventory management have been established, allowing for better visibility and control over distributor inventory levels [48] Question: How should we think about prioritization between U.S. growth and China growth? - Management emphasized that while the U.S. business is growing, China remains the largest opportunity, and investments will continue in both markets [53] Question: What is the growth algorithm moving forward? - Management indicated that while they do not expect to return to hyper-growth levels, they are working towards significant growth opportunities in 2026 [57]