Baxter(BAX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales from continuing operations grew 4% on a reported basis and 1% on an operational basis, with adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations at $0.59, increasing 28% over the prior year [5][10][24] - Adjusted gross margins from continuing operations were 14.7%, a decrease of 170 basis points compared to the prior year [19] - Adjusted operating margin was 15.1%, improving 180 basis points compared to the prior year [21] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical Products and Therapies (MPT) segment sales were $1.3 billion, increasing 1% in the quarter, with ITT division sales declining 1% to $1 billion [10][11] - Advanced Surgery sales totaled $296 million, growing 5% globally [14] - Healthcare Systems and Technologies (HST) sales were $767 million, increasing 2%, with Care and Connectivity Solutions (CCS) division sales rising 4% to $474 million [15] - Pharmaceutical segment sales totaled $612 million, increasing 1%, with injectables and anesthesia sales declining 4% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. patient admissions were slightly lower than anticipated, impacting demand for certain products [11] - International sales in CCS increased 7%, while frontline care sales declined 1% compared to the prior year [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance operational effectiveness and improve performance, focusing on innovation and growth opportunities [6][30] - A strategic partnership with Visient was announced to ensure reliable access to IV fluids during supply disruptions [12] - The company is committed to maintaining a comprehensive IV Solutions portfolio and is optimistic about the recovery of hospital practices over time [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged softness in demand for certain products and the impact of fluid conservation efforts on sales [5][11] - The company expects total sales growth of 6% to 7% on a reported basis for 2025, with operational sales growth revised to 3% to 4% [26][34] - Management remains confident in the fundamentals of the business and anticipates a return to normal practices in the healthcare sector [30][66] Other Important Information - The company has incurred negative free cash flows of $144 million year-to-date but generated $77 million of positive free cash flows in the second quarter [25] - The anticipated impact from tariffs is estimated at approximately $40 million in 2025, a reduction from previous estimates [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of NOVUM on sales and operating margin - Management confirmed no impact from NOVUM in the second quarter and expressed confidence in the platform despite a voluntary pause in shipments [42][44] Question: Guidance implications if NOVUM issues persist - The low end of guidance assumes no further shipments of NOVUM for the rest of the year, capturing potential downside risks [48][52] Question: Evolution of business trends throughout the quarter - Management noted that business trends worsened, particularly in U.S. injectables, and emphasized a more reserved approach for the second half of the year [62][66] Question: TSA income and stranded costs management - Management is on track to mitigate stranded costs and ensure that TSA roll-off does not outpace stranded cost reductions [71][73] Question: Revenue guide reduction specifics - Management did not provide specific numbers but indicated that the low end of guidance assumes no improvement in fluid conservation [78] Question: Long-term growth model and new CEO's impact - Management highlighted ongoing innovation and new product launches as key to returning to 4% to 5% revenue growth, with optimism for 2026 [83][88]