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 [8][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 [8][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nutrition sales increased by 3.5%, driven by a 6.5% growth in adult nutrition [9] - 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 [10] - Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD) saw nearly 8% sales growth, particularly in key markets like India and China [11] - Medical devices sales grew by 12%, with notable growth in diabetes care and heart failure segments [12][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core Lab Diagnostics grew by 8% excluding China, indicating strong underlying demand globally [10][32] - The U.S. market for diabetes care saw a 19.5% increase in continuous glucose monitors [12] - The company reported strong performance in international markets, particularly in Latin America and Asia, which are expected to drive future growth [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable growth with targets of high single-digit growth, healthy margin expansion, and double-digit EPS growth [15][20] - There is a commitment to expanding the biosimilars portfolio and launching new products across various segments, including diabetes and electrophysiology [11][28] - The company is exploring M&A opportunities selectively, aiming for strategic fits that generate attractive returns [79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from COVID testing declines and challenges in the China market but remains optimistic about achieving high single-digit growth despite these challenges [26][28] - The company expects to see recovery in certain markets and product lines, with a positive outlook for 2026 as headwinds dissipate [29][32] - Management emphasized the importance of innovation and product launches in driving future growth [11][90] Other Important Information - The company is making significant investments in R&D and expanding its product portfolio, particularly in structural heart and electrophysiology [90][101] - The dual analyte sensor is expected to be a significant innovation in the continuous glucose monitoring market, with ongoing clinical trials [112] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context for 2025 performance and headwinds - Management discussed the impact of COVID testing declines and challenges in the China market, estimating over $1 billion in headwinds but still forecasting high single-digit growth [24][26] 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 [35][36] Question: Trends in diabetes and electrophysiology products - Management reported strong growth in diabetes care, particularly with the Libre product, and positive trends in electrophysiology with the Volt catheter [42][48] Question: Competitive bidding for CGM and potential impacts - Management noted that competitive bidding for CGM is expected to take time to implement and will primarily affect DMEs rather than manufacturers [57] Question: Update on CRM product conversion and growth expectations - Management highlighted a significant increase in the uptake of the Avera leadless pacemaker and expects continued growth in the CRM market [64][66] Question: M&A opportunities and strategic focus - Management expressed a strong interest in M&A opportunities that align with strategic goals and profitability, while also focusing on organic growth [79][80]

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]