Summary of Conference Call for Zimmer Biomet Industry and Company Overview - The conference call involved Zimmer Biomet, a company in the orthopedic medical device industry, focusing on product launches and financial guidance for 2025 [1][2]. Key Points and Arguments Tariff Impact - Estimated overall tariff impact for 2025 is between $60 million to $80 million, primarily affecting the second half of the year [5][6]. - Key assumptions include a 10% baseline tariff globally, with specific higher tariffs on products from China and the U.S. [5][9]. - The company is taking a conservative approach regarding the Nairobi protocol, not speculating on its applicability [8][12]. - The situation regarding tariffs remains fluid, and updates will be provided in the second quarter call [6][7]. Financial Guidance and Growth Projections - The company is confident in achieving organic, constant currency revenue growth of 3% to 5% for 2025, despite a slower first quarter growth of approximately 2.3% to 2.4% [18][19]. - The second half of 2025 is expected to show stronger growth due to favorable comparisons and new product launches [19][20]. - New product introductions, referred to as the "Magnificent Seven," are anticipated to significantly impact growth in the latter half of the year [19][20]. New Product Launches - Strong momentum is noted in the hip product category, particularly with the triple taper hip stem and AI navigation products [31][32]. - The company expects robust growth in knee products in the second half of the year, particularly with Persona Osteo Tie and robotics [32][33]. - The market for cementless knees is underpenetrated, with expectations for increased adoption due to better fixation rates and surgical efficiency [35][36]. Competitive Landscape - Zimmer Biomet remains the number one company in the knee and hip markets, despite competitive pressures from companies like Smith & Nephew and J&J [42][43]. - The company is focused on maintaining its leadership position through new product innovations and strategic investments [43]. Leadership and Organizational Changes - A new head of U.S. commercial operations has been appointed, emphasizing an evolutionary approach rather than radical changes [44][46]. - The leadership team is confident in executing the 2025 plan and long-range plan (LRP) [47][48]. Acquisition Strategy - The integration of Paragon 28 is progressing well, with no talent loss and positive opportunities in the ASC environment [50][51]. - The company aims for responsible M&A to achieve a 5% WEMGARD growth rate by 2027, with a focus on organic growth as well [54][55]. Financial Performance and Margins - The company has consistently grown earnings at a rate of 5% to 9% over the past four years, with expectations to replicate this growth in 2025 [69][70]. - Gross margins are expected to remain stable despite potential headwinds from tariffs and currency fluctuations [72][73]. Stock Buybacks and Capital Deployment - The company is open to opportunistic stock buybacks, balancing this strategy with M&A opportunities [82][83]. Other Important Content - The company is focused on reallocating resources effectively to enhance growth, with a significant investment in innovation [60][66]. - The management emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support ongoing and future growth initiatives [84][85].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.909 billion, an increase of 1.1% on a reported basis and 2.3% excluding foreign currency impact [27] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.81, down from $1.94 in the prior year [33] - Free cash flow generated was $279 million, representing robust growth compared to the prior year [34] - Adjusted gross margin was 71.5% and adjusted operating margin was 26.2%, both lower than the prior year but in line with expectations [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. hips sales grew nearly 4%, while U.S. knees grew only 0.2% [7][30] - The U.S. SET (Surgical Equipment and Technology) business grew by 4.9%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of at least mid-single-digit growth [31] - International sales grew 3.7%, driven by mid-single-digit growth in knees and high-single-digit growth in SET [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed a notable performance with a 1.3% growth overall, driven by nearly 4% growth in hips and SET [27] - Global hips grew 2.4%, with U.S. growing 3.7% and international growing 1% [29] - Global knees grew 1.9%, with U.S. growing 0.2% and international growing 4.2% [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three strategic priorities: people and culture, operational excellence, and innovation and diversification [12] - The integration of the Paragon 28 acquisition is a top priority, with the expectation of contributing approximately 270 basis points to sales growth in 2025 [10][23] - The company aims to achieve a 5% Vanguard weighted average market growth rate environment by the end of 2027 [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year organic constant currency revenue growth expectations of 3% to 5% [10] - The impact of tariffs is expected to be a headwind of $60 million to $80 million in 2025, with mitigation efforts already in place [38][47] - The second half of 2025 is anticipated to show higher organic constant currency growth due to easier comparisons and new product launches [37][56] Other Important Information - The company has made significant changes in leadership and sales strategies to bolster U.S. performance [12][27] - The introduction of new products, particularly in the hips and knees segments, is expected to drive growth [10][58] - The company is committed to reducing inventory days on hand, moving from over 400 days to approximately 370 days [15][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on EPS and mitigation efforts - Management explained that the majority of production is in the U.S., which lowers exposure to tariffs, and outlined steps taken to mitigate impacts, including optimizing sourcing and moderating discretionary spending [46][47] Question: Clarification on growth expectations and new product impacts - Management indicated that Q1 growth of 2.3% constant currency, when adjusted for one less selling day, is close to mid-single-digit growth expectations, with confidence in new product introductions driving growth in the second half of 2025 [55][58] Question: Performance in ASC versus hospital channels - Management noted that over 20% of U.S. sales now come from the ASC environment, a significant increase from pre-COVID levels, and expressed confidence in continued growth in this area [96][97] Question: Pricing environment and future expectations - Management stated that pricing is expected to be flat for the year, with recent performance slightly better than initial guidance, and emphasized the stability of pricing in the near term [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Zimmer Biomet reported net sales of $1.909 billion, reflecting a 1.1% increase on a reported basis and a 2.3% increase excluding foreign currency impact [27] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.81, down from $1.94 in the prior year, attributed to higher costs and investments [32] - The company generated $279 million in free cash flow, demonstrating robust growth compared to the previous year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. hips sales grew nearly 4%, while U.S. knees saw a modest growth of 0.2% [29] - The S.E.T. segment grew by 4.9%, with notable growth in CMFT and Sports categories [30] - International sales grew by 3.7%, driven by mid-single digit growth in knees and high-single digit growth in S.E.T. [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed a 1.3% growth overall, with hips and S.E.T. driving performance [27] - Internationally, hips grew by 2.4%, with U.S. hips growing at 3.7% and international hips at 1% [29] - The company anticipates a full-year organic constant currency revenue growth of 3% to 5% for 2025 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Zimmer Biomet is focusing on three strategic priorities: people and culture, operational excellence, and innovation and diversification [12] - The company aims to enhance its U.S. market performance through leadership changes and optimizing sales channels [14] - The recent acquisition of Paragon 28 is expected to contribute approximately 270 basis points to sales growth in 2025 [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the full-year guidance despite challenges such as tariffs and foreign exchange impacts [34] - The company is optimistic about new product launches and expects second-half growth to be higher than the first half due to favorable comparisons and new product uptake [35] - Management acknowledged the need for improved performance in the U.S. knee segment and is implementing strategies to enhance competitiveness [81] Other Important Information - The company reported a reduction in days on hand inventory from over 400 days in early 2024 to approximately 370 days [15] - The Paragon 28 acquisition was successfully integrated with minimal disruption, retaining key leadership and sales teams [110] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on EPS and mitigation efforts - Management detailed steps taken to mitigate tariff impacts, including optimizing country of origin and sourcing adjustments, expecting a $60 million to $80 million headwind for 2025 [45][46] Question: Growth expectations and new product impacts - Management indicated confidence in achieving mid-single digit growth in the second half of 2025, driven by new product launches and improved execution [56][57] Question: Performance in ASC versus hospital channels - The company noted that over 20% of U.S. sales now come from the ASC environment, with expectations for continued growth in this area [94] Question: Pricing trends and future expectations - Management expects pricing to remain flat for 2025, with a stable environment compared to historical norms, despite previous fluctuations [68][69] Question: Clarification on the Paragon acquisition integration - The integration of Paragon 28 is progressing well, with all key personnel retained and ongoing product innovations maintained [110]