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 - The company reported revenue of $3 billion in the first half, reflecting a 5% underlying growth compared to the same period in 2024, with reported revenue up 4.7% [22][24] - Gross profit was £2.1 billion, resulting in a gross margin of 70.5%, a 40 basis point increase from the prior year [24] - Profit grew 11.2% to £523 million, with a margin of 17.7%, up 100 basis points [25][32] - Free cash flow increased over 500% to £244 million, with expectations to exceed £600 million for the full year [36][38] Business Unit Performance Changes - Orthopedics grew 4.1%, while Sports Medicine and ENT also grew 4.1%, with underlying growth excluding China at 9% [23] - Advanced Wound Management grew 7.1%, with notable contributions from bioactives and single-use negative pressure platforms [19][20] - The robotics segment in orthopedics saw a growth of 39.8%, reflecting strong placements in the U.S. [13] Market Performance Changes - The U.S. market grew 8.7%, while other established markets grew 7.4%. Emerging markets saw a slight decline of 0.2%, but excluding China, they grew by 12.2% [7][8] - The company expects the headwinds from China to ease in the second half of the year as distributor destocking reduces [10][39] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on maintaining a higher growth trajectory, with 75% of growth in H1 coming from products launched in the last five years [44][46] - The 12 plan aims to enhance operational efficiencies and drive accountability, with a target of £325 to £375 million in savings from 2023 to 2027 [30][31] - The company plans to launch new products and expand its offerings in robotics and sports medicine, enhancing its competitive position [45][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year growth targets despite uncertainties, including tariff impacts and market conditions [4][53] - The company anticipates a step-up in margin in the second half, driven by operational savings and easing headwinds from China [27][38] - Management highlighted the importance of innovation and product launches in sustaining revenue growth [43][44] Other Important Information - The company announced a $500 million share buyback program for 2025, funded by operational efficiencies and cash flow [5][37] - Inventory management has improved, with a reduction in days of inventory to 506 days, aligning with the company's focus on operational efficiency [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there upside to the 5% revenue target for the full year? - Management feels good about guidance for the full year, acknowledging both positives and negatives affecting revenue [51][52] Question: Can you provide details on margin guidance and the potential for achieving the upper end of the margin range? - Management expects a step-up in margin in the second half, with operational savings and tariff impacts balancing out [53][59] Question: What is being done to address the softness in U.S. knees? - Management noted a focus on higher volume accounts and portfolio rationalization, which may impact top-line growth but improve margins [54][56]