Management also emphasized the importance of CORI deployment. “Other recon” grew 40.8%, and Rogers said 45% of CORI units deployed in the quarter went to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). He added that knee growth is 850 basis points higher in accounts where CORI is established, which the company views as evidence of potential upside as utilization expands.Orthopedics delivered 7.9% underlying growth in the quarter, which Rogers said was the strongest quarterly growth for the unit in more than two years. I ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong finish to 2025, achieving underlying revenue growth of 5.3% and free cash flow of $840 million, a 52.5% increase year-on-year [1][3] - Trading profit for the full year was $1.2 billion, reflecting a 160 basis points margin expansion to 19.7% [17][20] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 21% to $1.02, driven by a $500 million share buyback [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orthopedics grew by 5.1%, Sports Medicine and ENT by 5.2%, and Advanced Wound Management by 5.6%, all on an underlying basis [15][16] - The joint repair business surpassed $1 billion in revenue for the first time, driven by products like REGENETEN and Q-FIX [11][12] - Advanced Wound Management grew 2.8% in Q4, with Advanced Wound Care growing 4.4% [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. growth was 5.6%, other established markets 7.2%, and emerging markets 6.4%, with underlying growth excluding China at 7.2% [7][16] - The company expects continued growth in orthopedics, sports medicine, and Advanced Wound Management, particularly in AWC and AWD [27][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a new RISE strategy aimed at accelerating growth and improving returns, building on the previous 12-Point Plan [4][31] - The acquisition of Integrity Orthopaedics is expected to enhance the sports medicine portfolio and drive growth in biomechanical repair [33][34] - The company plans to increase R&D investment and maintain a robust product launch pipeline, with expectations of launching 16 new products in 2026 [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving around 6% organic revenue growth in 2026, with trading profit growth expected to be around 8% [20][29] - The impact of China VBP on joint repair is expected to be less significant moving forward, with management anticipating a bounce in sports business in China [72][75] - The company aims to maintain a focus on organic growth and capital allocation towards high-value clinical segments [68][69] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 15-fold increase in free cash flow and a 170 basis points increase in ROIC from 6.6% to 8.3% [6][25] - The company expects to face extraordinary headwinds in 2026, including inventory revaluation and changes to reimbursement in the U.S. AWM business [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down revenue guidance for 2026 and expectations for market growth? - Management indicated that 2026 revenue growth is expected to be around 6%, with contributions from all business units and innovation driving growth [48][49] Question: What is the expected phasing of revenue growth through the quarters? - Management expects Q1 to be softer due to one fewer trading day, with growth in the first half around 4.5%-5% and stronger growth in Q3 and Q4 [53][54] Question: What is the outlook for joint repair in China? - Management confirmed that joint repair growth in China has annualized, and they expect a bounce in sports business while AET and ENT will have a limited negative impact [64][75]

Financial Performance - The company reported a strong finish to 2025, achieving underlying revenue growth of 5.3% and free cash flow of $840 million, a 52.5% increase year-on-year [1][3][15] - Trading profit for the full year was $1.2 billion, reflecting a 160 basis points margin expansion to 19.7% [17][20] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 21% to $1.02, driven by a $500 million share buyback [18][19] Business Unit Performance - Orthopedics grew 7.9% on an underlying basis, with strong performance in hips and trauma, while U.S. knee growth improved following the launch of LEGION MS [7][8][10] - Sports medicine and ENT grew 7.3%, with joint repair surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the first time, driven by REGENETEN and Q-FIX [11][12] - Advanced Wound Management grew 2.8%, with Advanced Wound Care growing 4.4% [13][15] Market Performance - U.S. growth was 5.6%, with other established markets at 7.2% and emerging markets at 6.4% [7] - Excluding China, underlying growth was 7.2%, indicating strong performance across various regions [16] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is transitioning to a new RISE strategy aimed at accelerating growth and improving returns, building on the previous 12-Point Plan [4][31] - The acquisition of Integrity Orthopaedics is expected to enhance the sports medicine portfolio and drive growth in biomechanical repair [33][35] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving around 6% organic revenue growth for 2026, with trading profit growth expected to be around 8% [20][29] - The impact of China VBP on joint repair is expected to be less significant moving forward, with management anticipating a bounce in sports business in China [72][75] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 15-fold increase in free cash flow and a 170 basis points increase in ROIC to 8.3% [6][25] - The company plans to maintain a dividend ratio of 35%-40% and consider buybacks subject to leverage targets [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down revenue guidance for 2026 and expectations for market growth? - Management indicated that 2026 revenue growth is expected to be around 6%, with innovation contributing significantly to this growth [48][49] Question: What is the outlook for joint repair in China? - Management confirmed that joint repair growth in China has annualized, and the impact of VBP will be less significant moving forward [64][75] Question: How does M&A impact bottom line growth? - Management emphasized that M&A, such as the acquisition of Integrity, is aimed at scaling in areas of strength and is expected to be accretive in the long term [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported underlying revenue growth of 5.3%, with all three business units growing by over 5% [1][15] - Free cash flow increased to $840 million, a 52.5% year-on-year growth, enabling a $500 million share buyback program [3][26] - Trading profit for the full year was $1.2 billion, reflecting a 160 basis points margin expansion to 19.7% [17][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orthopedics grew 7.9% on an underlying basis, with strong performance in hips and trauma, while U.S. knee growth improved following the launch of LEGION MS [8][9] - Sports medicine and ENT grew 7.3%, driven by double-digit growth in joint repair, surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the first time [12][13] - Advanced Wound Management grew 2.8%, with Advanced Wound Care growing 4.4% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. growth was 5.6%, other established markets grew 7.2%, and emerging markets grew 6.4% [7] - Excluding China, underlying growth was 7.2%, indicating strong performance in other markets despite challenges in China [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a new RISE strategy aimed at accelerating growth and improving returns, building on the previous 12-Point Plan [4][31] - The acquisition of Integrity Orthopaedics is expected to enhance the sports medicine portfolio and drive growth in biomechanical repair [33][35] - The company aims for more than 20% margin in orthopedics by 2030, supported by initiatives like the Ortho360 operating model [3][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving around 6% organic revenue growth for 2026, with trading profit growth expected to be around 8% [4][28] - The impact of China VBP is expected to be less significant in 2026, with management anticipating a flat performance in greater China sales compared to 2025 [70][73] - The company is focused on innovation, with over 60% of growth in 2025 coming from products launched in the last five years [2][16] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 240 basis points trading margin expansion from 17.3% in 2022 to 19.7% in 2025, despite facing headwinds from VBP in China and inflation [5][19] - The company plans to maintain a dividend ratio of 35%-40% and consider buybacks subject to leverage targets [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down revenue guidance for 2026 and the impact of new product launches? - Management indicated that growth will be driven by multiple sources, with innovation contributing significantly, and expects around 6% growth for 2026 [48][49] Question: What is the outlook for joint repair in China? - Management confirmed that joint repair growth in China has annualized, and they expect a balanced portfolio to drive growth without the previous VBP drag [63][74] Question: How does M&A impact bottom line growth? - Management emphasized that M&A, like the acquisition of Integrity, is aimed at scaling in areas of strength and will complement existing products, enhancing overall growth potential [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying revenue growth for Q3 was 5%, consistent with H1 run rate, driven by sports medicine and advanced wound management [2][3] - Revenue for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a reported growth of 6.3% due to a 130 basis point tailwind from foreign exchange [5] - Free cash flow guidance raised from over $600 million to around $750 million due to strong working capital discipline and operational efficiencies [3][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orthopedics grew 4.1% on an underlying basis, with strong performance in hips in the U.S. offsetting softer knee sales [5][7] - Trauma and extremities grew 7.5%, with strong contributions from Evos plating system and Atos shoulder [8] - Advanced wound management grew 6%, with advanced wound care growing 1.1% and Bioactives up 12.2% [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue grew 5.5%, while other established markets grew 3.9% and emerging markets grew 5.4% [5] - Excluding China, underlying revenue growth was 6.4%, with joint repair growth at 13% [3][9] - Stability and gradual recovery observed in China following the anniversary of the joint repair VBP [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Innovation remains central to growth, with over half of growth coming from products launched in the last five years [13] - The company is focused on cash and capital efficiency, expecting further margin expansion beyond 2025 [12][42] - Upcoming capital markets day will outline the next phase of growth and midterm priorities [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Q4 revenue guidance, supported by new customer integrations and product placements [21][31] - Acknowledgment of ongoing portfolio rationalization impacting U.S. knees, with expectations for improvement as new products are launched [27][30] - Anticipated headwinds for 2026 include tariffs and skin substitutes pricing, but management remains optimistic about margin expansion [39][41] Other Important Information - The company launched several new products, including the Alevi Complete Care dressing and Legion medial stabilized knee [14][15] - Management is committed to building a sustainable business in China, evaluating product lines for investment [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about revenue guidance and Q4 performance - Management remains confident in Q4 revenue guidance, citing strong sales funnel and new customer integrations [21][31] Question: U.S. knees performance and portfolio rationalization impact - Management acknowledged the gap between U.S. knees and market performance, attributing it to ongoing rationalization efforts [27][30] Question: Margin guidance and headwinds for 2026 - Management expects margin expansion despite headwinds, with specific guidance to be provided at the capital markets day [39][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying revenue growth for Q3 was 5%, consistent with H1 run rate, driven by sports medicine and advanced wound management [2][3] - Revenue for the quarter was $1.5 billion, with a reported growth of 6.3% due to a 130 basis point tailwind from foreign exchange [5] - Free cash flow guidance raised from over $600 million to around $750 million, reflecting improved working capital discipline and operational efficiencies [3][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orthopedics grew 4.1% on an underlying basis, with strong performance in hips in the US offsetting softer knee sales [5][7] - Trauma and extremities grew 7.5%, with strong contributions from Evos plating system and Atos shoulder [8] - Advanced wound management grew 6%, with advanced wound care growing 1.1% and Bioactives up 12.2% [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - US market grew 5.5%, while other established markets grew 3.9% and emerging markets grew 5.4% [5] - Excluding China, underlying revenue growth was 6.4%, with joint repair growth at 13% [3][9] - China headwinds are beginning to abate, with expectations of a gradual recovery [3][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Innovation remains central to growth, with over half of growth coming from products launched in the last five years [13][15] - The company is focused on cash and capital efficiency, expecting further margin expansion beyond 2025 [12][42] - Upcoming capital markets day will outline the next phase of growth and midterm priorities [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting revenue guidance for Q4, supported by new customer integrations and product placements [21][31] - The impact of Medicare reimbursement changes is anticipated to be a headwind for Advanced Wound Management sales in 2026 [10][41] - Management acknowledged the ongoing portfolio rationalization in US knees, which has led to some volume loss but remains a strategic focus [27][39] Other Important Information - The company launched several new products, including the Alevi Complete Care dressing and the Legion medial stabilized knee [14][15] - The company is committed to building a sustainable business in China, evaluating product lines for investment [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about revenue guidance and Q4 performance - Management remains confident in Q4 revenue guidance, citing strong sales funnel and new customer integrations [21][31] Question: US knees performance and portfolio rationalization impact - Management acknowledged the gap between US knees and market performance, attributing it to ongoing portfolio rationalization [27][39] Question: Margin guidance and headwinds for 2026 - Management expects margin expansion despite headwinds from knees and hips, with specific guidance to be provided at the capital markets day [40][42] Question: Pricing trends and competitive landscape - Management noted a return to more normalized pricing levels in orthopedics, with expectations of continued competitive positioning [64][65] Question: Other recon performance and expectations for Q4 - Management expressed optimism about Q4 performance in other recon, citing strong placements and utilization [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying revenue growth for Q3 2025 was 5%, consistent with H1 run rate, with reported revenue at $1.5 billion, reflecting a 6.3% increase due to a 130 basis point tailwind from foreign exchange [2][5] - Free cash flow guidance raised from over $600 million to around $750 million, driven by improved working capital discipline and operational efficiencies [3][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orthopedics grew 4.1% on an underlying basis, with strong performance in hips in the US offsetting softer knee sales [5][6] - Trauma and extremities grew 7.5%, with notable contributions from the Evos plating system and Atos shoulder [7] - Advanced Wound Management grew 6%, with advanced wound care growing 1.1% and Bioactives up 12.2% [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - US market grew 5.5%, while other established markets grew 3.9% and emerging markets grew 5.4% [5] - Excluding China, underlying revenue growth was 6.4%, with joint repair growth at 13% [3][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Innovation remains central to growth, with over half of growth coming from products launched in the last five years [12] - The company is focused on operational improvements and cash efficiency, with plans to present a new strategy at upcoming capital markets events [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting revenue guidance for Q4, citing a strong sales funnel and new customer integrations [20][30] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion beyond 2025, despite headwinds from tariffs and reimbursement changes [11][41] Other Important Information - The company launched several new products, including the Alevi Complete Care dressing and the Legion medial stabilized knee, which are expected to drive future growth [12][14] - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in the US knee market but remains optimistic about future performance improvements [15][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about revenue guidance and margin expectations - Management remains confident in Q4 revenue guidance, supported by new product launches and customer integrations, and expects to maintain margin guidance in the 19-20% range [20][30] Question: Impact of portfolio rationalization on US knees - Management acknowledged the gap between their performance and market growth in US knees, attributing it to ongoing portfolio rationalization, but expressed optimism for future improvements [27][28] Question: Key factors affecting margins in 2026 - Management outlined several headwinds for 2026, including tariffs and pricing pressures, but remains confident in achieving margin expansion through operational efficiencies [41][42] Question: Future of the China business - The company is committed to building a sustainable business in China and will evaluate product lines for investment based on profitability [42] Question: Expectations for Q4 performance in other recon - Management expects a rebound in other recon performance in Q4, driven by strong placements and utilization rates [75]