Precision Optics (NasdaqCM:POCI) Q2 2026 Earnings call February 17, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsJoe Forkey - CEORobert Blum - Managing Partner and Managing Investor RelationsWayne Coll - CFOOperatorGood day, and welcome to the Precision Optics Reports second quarter fiscal year 2026 financial results conference call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the potential long-term boost in medical equipment procurement driven by the implementation of equipment renewal policies, recommending companies that are likely to benefit from this trend [1][3]. Group 1: Investment Recommendations - The investment rating is maintained at "Overweight," focusing on medical equipment companies that are expected to benefit from the rollout of equipment renewal policies [2]. - Monthly procurement data for January 2026 shows a decline in new equipment bidding, with MRI down 22.6%, CT down 25.6%, DR down 18.2%, and ultrasound down 10.1%, while endoscopes grew by 1.1% and surgical robots decreased by 20.1% [2]. Group 2: Policy Impact - The joint issuance of the "Implementation Plan for Promoting Equipment Renewal in the Medical and Health Sector" by four ministries aims for a 25% increase in medical equipment investment by 2027 compared to 2023, enhancing high-end equipment availability to levels seen in middle-income countries [3]. - Significant procurement plans for medical equipment have been announced across various provinces and cities in 2024, indicating a strong push for equipment renewal [3]. Group 3: Surgical Robot Market - The National Medical Insurance Administration released guidelines for pricing surgical robot services, which will standardize pricing and promote the widespread adoption of robotic surgery technologies [4]. - The guidelines focus on the clinical value and participation of robots in surgeries, encouraging companies to develop high-value technologies that enhance clinical outcomes [4]. - A new pricing project for "remote surgical assistance" has been established, providing a regulatory foundation for improving remote surgical capabilities and resource allocation [4].

Group 1: Monetary Policy and Interest Rates - The recent decline in the minimum bid rate for 3-month reverse repos to 1.4% is led by major banks, which may influence the OMO interest rate in the future [2] - The adjustment in bidding methods for liquidity tools since mid-2024 has diminished the policy rate's influence, with the central bank retaining control over pricing [3] - The likelihood of an OMO rate cut in the first quarter remains low, as the current conditions do not provide sufficient motivation for the central bank to lower rates ahead of schedule [4] Group 2: Bond Market Dynamics - The narrowing spread between 1-year government bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs) since early 2026 indicates a unique pricing situation in the short end of the bond market [5] - The decline in 1-year government bonds has been more pronounced than that of government development bonds, influenced by the central bank's actions [6] Group 3: Medical Equipment Market - The medical equipment procurement scale has seen a significant decline, with MRI and CT equipment down by 22.6% and 25.6% respectively in January 2026 [9] - The implementation of a national pricing guideline for surgical robots is expected to enhance their adoption and application in clinical settings, marking a critical step in the commercialization of innovative medical equipment [10]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the medical device industry [2][6]. Core Insights - The medical device procurement scale is experiencing a partial decline due to high base effects, but there are opportunities in the surgical robot market [2]. - The report emphasizes that the ongoing implementation of equipment upgrade policies is expected to drive long-term procurement levels in the medical device sector, recommending companies that are likely to benefit from these policies [4]. - The report highlights that the four ministries jointly issued a notice in 2024 aiming for a more than 25% increase in medical equipment investment by 2027 compared to 2023, which is expected to enhance the configuration of high-end equipment to levels comparable to middle-income countries [6]. Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations - The report suggests maintaining an "Overweight" rating and recommends companies likely to benefit from the equipment upgrade policies, including Mindray Medical, United Imaging, Kaili Medical, Aohua Endoscopy, and Jingfeng Medical-B. It also suggests paying attention to MicroPort Scientific-B [6]. Monthly Procurement Data - In January 2026, the procurement scale for new devices showed a year-on-year decline: MR down 22.6%, CT down 25.6%, DR down 18.2%, ultrasound down 10.1%, while endoscopy grew by 1.1%, and surgical robots declined by 20.1%. Company-specific performance showed United Imaging MR down 36.5%, United Imaging CT up 8.5%, Mindray ultrasound up 10.9%, Kaili ultrasound down 14.8%, Kaili endoscopy up 55.4%, and Aohua endoscopy down 11.7% [6]. Policy Impact - The report discusses the release of a guideline by the National Healthcare Security Administration on January 20, 2026, which establishes a unified pricing project for surgical robots, expected to accelerate the penetration and application of robotic surgery technology [6].

Core Viewpoint - The company is actively expanding its international market presence by increasing investment in international registration and promotion, with products now covering 46 countries and regions globally [2]. Group 1: International Market Expansion - The company plans to obtain CE-MDR certification for its surgical power device by the second half of 2025, which will significantly enhance future international product access and sales [2]. - The company aims to leverage the experience gained from obtaining CE certification to accelerate the registration of multiple products, including endoscopes and plasma devices, as well as related products in global markets [2]. - The company is establishing partnerships with distributors in target countries that have regional resources and channels aligned with its existing strengths, allowing these distributors to handle local market promotion and sales expansion [2]. Group 2: Strategic Development - The company will provide necessary product training and business guidance to distributors to ensure steady growth in international business [2]. - The company is focused on solidifying its technical foundation, obtaining key international certifications, building a global distribution network, and establishing a clear strategic path for long-term development in international markets [2]. - The company is committed to finding professional, high-quality, and suitable international partners to enhance the breadth and efficiency of market expansion, indicating a promising outlook for overseas market development [2].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a slowdown in revenue growth but is improving in quality and profitability, with a notable increase in innovation and financing activities [2][3]. Group 1: Healthcare Fund and Expenditure - The cumulative income growth of the healthcare insurance fund for 2025 was +3.6%, with urban employee and rural resident contributions growing by +5.5% and +0.8% respectively [5]. - The cumulative expenditure growth of the healthcare insurance fund was +1.7%, with urban employee and rural resident expenditures increasing by +2.8% and +0.4% respectively [6]. - The total expenditure in the healthcare sector for December 2025 was 275.9 billion yuan, reflecting a +12.1% year-on-year increase, with total annual expenditure reaching 2,144.6 billion yuan (+5.7%) [7]. Group 2: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - The industrial added value of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector showed a cumulative growth of +2.4% for 2025, with December's growth at +7.0%, surpassing the national industrial growth rate [9]. - The total revenue and profit for the pharmaceutical industry in 2025 were 24,870 billion yuan (-1.7%) and 349 billion yuan (+2.0%) respectively, with a profit margin of 14.0% (+0.5 percentage points) [9]. Group 3: Hospital and Retail Market - The total number of hospital diagnoses in major cities showed improvement in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half, with a slight decrease in discharge numbers [14][19]. - The retail sales of traditional Chinese and Western medicines grew by +1.8% in 2025, indicating a mild recovery trend, although some categories like health products faced significant declines [21]. Group 4: Export and Import Trends - The export of high-value medical devices such as endoscopes and CT machines saw significant growth, with increases of +31.9% and +7.6% respectively in 2025 [27]. - The import of medical devices showed a downward trend, with certain categories like MRI and ultrasound equipment experiencing declines, while CT imports increased by +22.5% [45]. Group 5: Innovation and Financing - A total of 70 new chemical and biological drugs were approved in 2025, a significant increase from 48 in 2024, indicating a robust innovation environment [60]. - The financing amount in the domestic healthcare sector reached 122.8 billion yuan (+46.41%) in 2025, with a notable recovery in IPO activities, which saw a +273% increase in financing amount [65].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a unique institutional space in Haikou, as the Hainan Free Trade Port enters its operational phase, is fostering a more open and vibrant "New Haikou" [1] Group 1: Policy Mechanism - The core policy mechanism of Hainan's Free Trade Port is "one line open, one line controlled," allowing for high levels of liberalization with international trade while maintaining precise regulation with the mainland [2] - Haikou has begun to enjoy dual advantages as a core city in this high-level open area, facilitating the free flow of international goods and resources [2] Group 2: Trade and Economic Data - In the first month of operation, Haikou imported zero-tariff goods worth 29.94 million yuan, primarily medical devices and production equipment [2] - The international passenger traffic at Meilan Airport saw a 28.5% increase, with 1,226 flights and 189,000 international passengers, reflecting a 50% year-on-year growth [2] - Approximately 80,399 domestic trucks passed through inspection to leave the island, averaging about 2,590 vehicles per day, with inspection times reduced from 2 minutes to 70 seconds [3] - Haikou's four "second-line ports" processed 219 tickets for value-added goods exempt from tariffs, totaling 41.42 million yuan, accounting for 48.2% of the province's total [4] Group 3: Business and Talent Attraction - The first month of operation saw 15,785 new business entities established in Haikou, a 12.62% increase, representing 57.92% of the province's total [5] - Notable companies such as China-Singapore United Network Import and Export Co., China Resources Beverage, and Guoyin Financial Leasing have signed agreements to operate in Haikou [5] - Haikou processed 828 high-level talent recognitions, including 19 expedited visa applications for A-class talents [5] Group 4: Consumer Activity - Haikou's duty-free shops reported sales of 2.24 billion yuan, a 44.4% increase year-on-year, indicating strong consumer activity [6] - The implementation of new duty-free policies has led to a 5% increase in international visitors, primarily from Southeast Asia, Russia, North America, and Europe [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - "New Haikou" represents not just a geographical concept but a new development model underpinned by institutional innovation, balancing global attraction of high-end resources with domestic economic connections [6]

Core Insights - The first month of operation under the Hainan Free Trade Port has shown strong performance in key metrics, indicating effective market activation and accelerated development momentum [2] Group 1: Trade and Economic Data - In the first month, Haikou imported "zero tariff" goods worth 29.94 million yuan, accounting for 3.97% of the province's total, primarily consisting of medical devices and production equipment [2] - The value of domestic sales of processed goods exempt from tariffs reached 41.42 million yuan, representing 48.2% of the province's total, with a tariff exemption of 1.32 million yuan, mainly in chemical products and food [2] - The total value of goods subject to relaxed trade management measures was 34.7 thousand yuan, accounting for 100% of the province's total, primarily including endoscopic equipment [2] - The first month saw the addition of 15,800 new business entities in Haikou, a year-on-year increase of 12.62%, representing 57.92% of the province's total [2] Group 2: Tourism and Passenger Traffic - Duty-free sales in the offshore market reached 2.24 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 44.4%, setting a new record for the same period [3] - Meilan Airport operated 39 international routes, with a total of 1,226 flights in the first month, a year-on-year increase of 28.5%, transporting 189,000 international and regional passengers, a 50% increase [3] - The international cargo transport on 5 operational routes amounted to 955 tons, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9% [3] - The number of foreign visitors entering without a visa reached 7,681, a year-on-year increase of 31.3% [3] Group 3: Customs and Port Efficiency - Haikou was the first city in the province to complete the passage of "zero tariff," processed goods exempt from tariffs, and goods under relaxed trade management measures through regulatory channels [3] - In the first month, Haikou's four "second-line ports" processed 219 shipments of processed goods exempt from tariffs, covering 20 beneficiary enterprises in key sectors such as medical devices and food processing [3] - The average time for container trucks to pass through Haikou port has been reduced to 18 seconds, achieving "second-level customs clearance," significantly saving time and costs for businesses and logistics [4] - Approximately 80,399 domestic freight vehicles passed through the centralized inspection area in the first month, averaging about 2,590 vehicles per day, validating the port's capacity [4]

Group 1 - The Hainan Free Trade Port has been operational for one month, allowing 38 product codes for "two ends outside" bonded maintenance services, achieving the highest level of openness in this sector nationwide [1] - The "two ends outside" bonded maintenance model allows for efficient customs clearance of imported medical equipment, which can be repaired in Hainan and then exported without incurring tariffs or taxes [1] - The logistics and maintenance costs have been reduced by 20% to 30% due to the new policies, with plans to establish a stable maintenance base in Hainan for global services [3] Group 2 - The maintenance of heavy equipment, such as engines, is progressing well, with plans to build a semi-automated production line to meet diverse repair needs [5] - Customs services are being upgraded to ensure efficient and smooth customs processes for the entire bonded maintenance chain, enhancing the high-end equipment maintenance and remanufacturing base in the free trade port [7] - Personalized services will be provided to enterprises to ensure smooth customs processes from entry to exit [9] Group 3 - The international passenger flow and consumption have significantly increased, with a 46% year-on-year rise in foreign travelers entering Hainan since the port's full operation [17] - The new duty-free shopping policy has expanded the range of available products, catering to diverse consumer needs, including items like pet supplies and small appliances [18] - Duty-free shopping amounts reached 4.86 billion yuan, a 46.8% increase year-on-year, with 745,000 shoppers recorded, marking a 30.2% increase [23]

Core Viewpoint - The Haiping Haikou Park is enhancing its services to attract more medical enterprises, aiming to transform single projects into multiple ventures and establish a robust medical industry in Hainan Free Trade Port [5]. Group 1: Services and Support - Haiping Haikou Park provides comprehensive support for medical enterprises, including business registration, equity structure setup, renovation, and equipment debugging, ensuring a seamless experience for companies [4]. - The park has established a "last mile" service bridge for government-enterprise connections, facilitating efficient communication and support for businesses [2][3]. Group 2: Policy and Market Environment - The release of preferential policies in the Hainan Free Trade Port has significantly increased the willingness of medical enterprises to settle in the region, reflecting the growing attractiveness of the medical industry [2]. - The park's proactive approach in addressing challenges, such as the inclusion of endoscopes in the duty-free repair directory, demonstrates its commitment to supporting businesses in navigating regulatory hurdles [3]. Group 3: Success Stories and Future Plans - The successful completion of the first duty-free repair order in just 14 days showcases the park's efficiency and capability in supporting medical enterprises [3]. - Companies like Bao'ao Feile are leveraging the park's advantages to expand their operations, enhance talent development, and optimize supply chain management, contributing to the growth of the medical aesthetics and biomedicine sectors in Hainan [4][5].