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 reported Q1 revenue of €8.6 billion, growing 8.4% reported and 4.8% organic, in line with guidance [38] - Adjusted EPS was €1.26, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by €0.03 [42] - Adjusted gross margin was 65.1%, down 80 basis points year over year, but stable compared to Q4 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cardiovascular grew 7% this quarter, driven by nearly 50% growth in Cardiac Ablation Solutions [21][22] - Neuroscience grew 3%, with high single-digit growth in neurosurgery and neuromodulation [11][28] - MedSurg grew 2%, with high single-digit growth in Advanced Energy [31] - Diabetes grew 8%, with 11% growth in international markets [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed slower growth in certain segments, particularly in diabetes and pelvic health, while international markets performed better [60] - The company expects to ramp up procedures for the SIMPLICITY system following CMS's proposed national coverage decision [25][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating growth through innovation and strategic investments in high-growth areas like CAS and Ardian [19][20] - A planned separation of the diabetes business is expected to enhance focus on core businesses and improve revenue and earnings growth [19][37] - New board committees have been established to enhance focus on growth and operational efficiency [48][49] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in accelerating growth in the second half of fiscal 2026, driven by strong demand and new product launches [7][19] - The company anticipates significant revenue growth from its PFA portfolio and other upcoming product launches [13][14] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining pricing discipline and improving operational efficiencies to support growth [38][45] Other Important Information - The company is increasing investments in R&D, with a 7.7% increase in adjusted R&D spending [40] - The anticipated impact of tariffs has been adjusted, with expectations now at approximately €185 million for fiscal 2026 [44] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Update on CAS growth and its impact on U.S. growth - Management confirmed that CAS growth is accelerating and will positively impact U.S. growth, despite some segments showing slower growth [56][58] Question: Impact of new board committees on governance and operations - The new committees will provide focused oversight on growth and operational performance, with increased interaction with management expected to drive improvements [68][70] Question: Commitment to CAS annual sales target - Management reaffirmed the commitment to achieving $2 billion in annual CAS sales, indicating strong confidence in the growth trajectory [76][78] Question: Discussion on capital allocation and potential changes - Management indicated that the new board members and committees will facilitate discussions on capital allocation and value creation strategies [81][89] Question: Overall portfolio growth expectations - Management stated that while significant growth opportunities exist, they will not neglect the rest of the business and expect to see incremental growth from various segments [99][100]