Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 15, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Abbott's Third Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be able to listen only until the question and answer portion of this call. During the question and answer session, you will be able to ask your question by pressing the star one one keys on your touch tone phone. This call is being recorded by Abbott.With the exception of any ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on improving R&D as a percentage of sales, aiming to increase it from 8% to 9-10% without sacrificing EPS [11][12] - The management anticipates high single-digit EPS improvement starting in 2027, driven by margin expansion and operational improvements [38][56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong growth in the CAS segment, with growth accelerating from about 30% to almost 50% from Q4 to Q1, driven by the Avera capital systems [59][60] - The diabetes business is expected to improve with the launch of two new sensors, which are anticipated to enhance market competitiveness [49][50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. TAVR business showed slight growth above 6% in Q1, while international markets performed stronger [83] - The company is optimistic about the Ardian product, expecting significant market development following a favorable CMS announcement [77][78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management emphasizes the need to capitalize on current growth drivers and accelerate M&A activities to enhance the portfolio [6][19] - The company is committed to maintaining a diverse portfolio while focusing on high-growth areas such as cardiac ablation and hypertension [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges past operational challenges but believes they are now in a better position to pursue M&A and drive growth [19][25] - The company is confident in its growth trajectory, particularly in the second half of the year, with several product launches expected to contribute positively [48][88] Other Important Information - The company is addressing gross margin compression through better pricing strategies and operational improvements, with expectations for consistent gross margin improvement over time [28][36] - The management is focused on the upcoming tibial launch, which is anticipated to be a significant growth driver [86][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: What areas does Elliott want to see improvement in? - Management indicated alignment with Elliott's focus on capitalizing on growth drivers and accelerating M&A activities [5][6] Question: Why has the company done less M&A compared to peers? - The management cited operational issues and a focus on strengthening the company's foundation as reasons for the slower pace of M&A [19][25] Question: What is the outlook for the diabetes business? - The management expressed optimism about the diabetes segment, highlighting the upcoming launch of two new sensors as a key growth factor [49][50] Question: How does the company plan to improve gross margins? - The management outlined strategies including better pricing management, cost control, and innovation to drive gross margin improvement [28][36] Question: What is the expected ramp for the Ardian product? - Management is confident in the Ardian product's market potential and is focused on market development following a favorable CMS decision [77][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a significant moment with transformational innovation, as noted by management, indicating a potential inflection point in growth [5] - Management aims to improve R&D as a percentage of sales from 8% to 9-10% without sacrificing EPS [10] - The company expects to deliver high single-digit EPS improvement starting in 2027, driven by margin improvements and operational efficiencies [40][60] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on high-growth areas such as cardiac ablation and AFib, with recent acquisitions like Afera contributing to growth [20][22] - The diabetes segment is expected to improve with the launch of two new sensors, which are anticipated to drive growth in the U.S. market [52][54] - CAS growth accelerated from about 30% to almost 50% from Q4 to Q1, with expectations to add an incremental $1 billion in revenue by early 2027 [63] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. TAVR business showed slight growth of above 6% in Q1, while international markets performed stronger [88] - The company is optimistic about the Ardian product line, anticipating significant market development following a favorable CMS announcement [80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management is committed to capitalizing on current growth drivers and accelerating margin improvement through M&A and portfolio optimization [6][20] - The company is not considering a wholesale breakup but is open to trimming down the portfolio if it enhances shareholder value [13][17] - The focus remains on innovation and operational improvements to drive differentiated top-line and bottom-line growth [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational foundation of the company, stating that past supply chain and quality issues are now behind them [20] - The company is optimistic about the back half of the year, expecting growth drivers to contribute positively to performance [50] - Management is closely monitoring the competitive landscape and is committed to evaluating the performance of key investments like the Hugo system [45] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing gross margin pressures due to tariffs and product mix but expects improvements as operational efficiencies are realized [31][34] - The management highlighted the importance of pricing strategies and cost management as key drivers for margin improvement [36][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What areas does Elliott want to see improvement in? - Management indicated alignment with Elliott's focus on capitalizing on growth drivers and accelerating margin improvement through M&A and portfolio management [5][6] Question: Why has the company done less M&A compared to peers? - Management attributed the lower M&A activity to operational issues during COVID but expressed confidence in pursuing more deals moving forward [20][28] Question: How does the company plan to improve gross margins? - Management outlined strategies including better pricing management, cost controls, and innovation to drive gross margin improvements over time [36][39] Question: What is the outlook for the diabetes business? - The diabetes segment is expected to improve significantly with the launch of new sensors and a new durable pump, enhancing competitive positioning [52][54] Question: How does the company view the TAVR business? - Management remains confident in the TAVR franchise, citing recent product improvements and strong data supporting their market position [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 consolidated revenues increased by 5.7% year over year, reaching $1,060 million, with organic growth of 2% [7][26] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) grew by 15% to $1.1, with free cash flow reported at $165 million [7][28] - Gross margin improved by 70 basis points to 67.3%, driven by efficiency gains and favorable foreign exchange [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CooperVision reported revenues of $718 million, reflecting a 6.3% increase and 2.4% organic growth, although results were below expectations due to declines in Clarity and e-commerce weakness in Asia Pacific [8][10] - CooperSurgical posted revenues of $342 million, up 4.5% or 2% organically, with fertility revenues growing 6% [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - EMEA region grew by 14% or 6% organically, becoming CooperVision's largest revenue region globally [10] - The Americas grew by 2% or 3% organically, while Asia Pacific saw a 1% increase but a 5% organic decline [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage the strong momentum of MyDay and upcoming product launches to outpace the contact lens market and gain market share [24] - Focus on operational excellence and disciplined cost management to support sustainable revenue growth [7][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from Clarity and e-commerce challenges in Asia Pacific but expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for both CooperVision and CooperSurgical [20][24] - The company expects to generate approximately $2 billion in free cash flow over the next three fiscal years, with a focus on debt reduction and share repurchases [30][31] Other Important Information - The company is implementing mitigation strategies for tariffs, expecting a $24 million lower impact than previously anticipated [30] - Significant progress has been made in IT upgrades and organizational efficiency initiatives [30][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the core CVI portfolio compare to the market for fiscal 2026? - Management indicated that the core portfolio is expected to be at least in line with the market, with additional growth from MiSight [37][38] Question: Why is MyDay's success impacting Clarity? - Management noted that in some markets, Clarity and MyDay were viewed similarly, leading to a shift in customer preference towards MyDay [41][42] Question: What is the outlook for the contact lens market? - Management acknowledged a slowdown in market growth but remains optimistic about future performance driven by silicone hydrogel lenses and multifocal products [19][50] Question: What are the expectations for the fertility market? - Management expects a rebound in the fertility market as clinics begin investing again, despite near-term pressures [20][110] Question: What is the situation with PARAGARD? - Management reported declining volumes for PARAGARD but offsetting revenue through pricing strategies [114][116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 consolidated revenues increased by 5.7% year over year, reaching $1,060 million, with organic growth of 2% [5][25] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) grew by 15% year over year to $1.1, with free cash flow reported at $165 million [5][28] - Gross margin improved by 70 basis points to 67.3%, driven by efficiency gains and favorable foreign exchange [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CooperVision reported revenues of $718 million, reflecting a 6.3% increase and 2.4% organic growth, although results were below expectations due to declines in Clarity orders [6][9] - CooperSurgical posted revenues of $342 million, up 4.5% year over year, with fertility revenues growing 6% [20][21] - MyDay lenses showed double-digit growth, with MyDay Multifocal growing 20% [11][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - EMEA region grew 14% or 6% organically, becoming CooperVision's largest revenue region globally [9] - The Americas grew 2% or 3% organically, while Asia Pac grew 1% but declined 5% organically due to Clarity pressure [9][10] - The overall contact lens market is expected to continue mid-single-digit growth, driven by a shift towards silicone hydrogel lenses [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage strong MyDay momentum and upcoming product launches to gain market share [23][30] - Focus on operational excellence and disciplined cost management to support sustainable revenue growth [5][28] - Ongoing restructuring efforts to enhance efficiency and leverage IT upgrades [73][74] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the contact lens market, particularly in Asia Pac, but remains optimistic about long-term growth in fertility and contact lenses [20][50] - Guidance for Q4 indicates expected organic growth of 2% to 4% for both CooperVision and CooperSurgical, factoring in potential headwinds [22][23] - Confidence in achieving $2 billion in free cash flow over the next three fiscal years, supported by improved operating margins [30][102] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $52 million worth of stock during the quarter, with approximately $164 million remaining under the repurchase plan [28] - Tariff impacts are expected to be lower than previously anticipated, with mitigation strategies in place [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the core CVI portfolio compare to market growth for fiscal 2026? - Management indicated that the core portfolio has lagged the market but expects to be at least in line with market growth, with additional contributions from MySight [36][40] Question: Why is MyDay's success impacting Clarity? - Management noted that in some markets, Clarity and MyDay were viewed similarly, leading to a shift in orders towards MyDay [41][45] Question: What is the outlook for the contact lens market's growth? - Management acknowledged a slowdown in market growth but remains confident in the long-term fundamentals, including pricing and consumer trends [50][52] Question: What are the drivers for expected Q4 rebound in fertility? - Management highlighted improvements in genomics and consumables, along with anticipated investments from fertility clinics [110][114] Question: What is the situation with PARAGARD and market dynamics? - Management confirmed no new competitive launches but acknowledged declining volumes, offset by pricing strategies [117][119]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved high single-digit sales growth, with adjusted earnings per share of $1.26, reflecting an 11% increase year-over-year and exceeding consensus estimates [6][18] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 100 basis points to 57% of sales, while adjusted operating margin also rose by 100 basis points to 22.9% of sales [19][20] - Sales growth excluding COVID testing was 7.5% in Q2 and 8% in the first half of the year [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nutrition sales increased by 3.5%, driven by a 6.5% growth in adult nutrition [7] - Diagnostics sales declined by 1.5%, primarily due to a decrease in COVID testing sales and volume-based procurement in China, with a projected headwind of approximately $700 million for the full year [8][9] - Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD) saw nearly 8% sales growth, particularly in key markets like India and China [10] - Medical devices sales grew by 12%, with notable growth in diabetes care and heart failure segments [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core Lab Diagnostics grew by 8% excluding China, indicating strong underlying demand globally [9] - The U.S. dollar's weakening had a favorable impact on sales, contributing to a 0.5% year-over-year increase in Q2 sales [18] - The company noted high teens growth in Latin America and strong performance in the European region [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for high single-digit growth, healthy margin expansion, and double-digit EPS growth as part of its long-term sustainable growth objectives [16] - There is a focus on expanding the biosimilars portfolio and launching new products, with significant regulatory submissions planned for emerging markets [10] - The company is committed to maintaining leadership in the structural heart market through innovation and strategic investments [97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges from COVID testing sales decline and changes in foreign aid funding for HIV testing, but remains optimistic about achieving high single-digit growth despite these headwinds [28][30] - The company expects to see headwinds dissipate by 2026, with a strong pipeline of product launches anticipated to drive growth [30][34] - Management expressed confidence in the performance of the Core Lab business and the overall healthcare system's importance [33] Other Important Information - The company is exploring M&A opportunities in diagnostics and medical devices, focusing on strategic fit and profitability [79][80] - The dual analyte sensor is expected to significantly impact the continuous glucose monitoring market, with ongoing clinical trials supporting its development [113][114] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context for 2025 performance - Management discussed headwinds from COVID testing and challenges in the China Core Lab market, emphasizing the goal of reliable and sustainable growth despite these factors [22][24] Question: Potential for growth acceleration into 2026 - Management indicated that there is a scenario for growth acceleration as headwinds fade and new product launches gain traction [34][36] Question: Trends in diabetes and electrophysiology (EP) products - Management highlighted strong growth in diabetes care, particularly with the Libre product, and positive trends in EP with the Volt catheter [40][48] Question: Competitive bidding for CGM and its implications - Management noted that competitive bidding would primarily affect DMEs rather than CGM manufacturers, and they are prepared to adapt [57] Question: Update on CRM business and growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in the CRM business's growth trajectory, supported by innovation and increased physician training [64][66] Question: M&A strategy and potential targets - Management confirmed a focus on diagnostics and devices for M&A opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strategic fit and profitability [79][80]