GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has raised the midpoint of its guidance by 50 basis points, approximately $100 million, despite a slight adjustment in expectations for China [14] - Year-to-date order growth is reported at 7%, indicating robust growth over multiple quarters [16][17] - Gross margin decreased by about 180 basis points year-over-year in Q2, primarily due to tariff impacts and R&D costs being reclassified [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The capital equipment market in the U.S. is described as buoyant, with strong momentum in hospital capital orders [9][10] - The backlog reached a record $21.3 billion at the end of the last quarter, with a healthy book-to-bill ratio of 1.07 times [18] - The imaging and ultrasound business areas are highlighted as profitable and crucial for disease diagnosis, showing strong demand [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The European market is showing increasing momentum in hospital capital, contrasting with stagnation in previous years [11] - In China, the market is recovering slowly, with a low single-digit decline in Q2, better than expected [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a lean business system to identify and execute margin improvement opportunities [6][23] - Significant investments in R&D are being made, with multiple product launches planned for 2026 that are expected to transform the company [4][35] - The company aims for mid-single-digit CAGR from 2026 to 2028, with confidence in achieving this despite potential volatility in China [45][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses cautious optimism regarding the hospital capital equipment environment, noting no significant impact from recent Medicaid cuts [56][57] - The company is committed to maintaining a flat tariff impact year-over-year, which is expected to support margin expansion [27][28] - There is a strong focus on new product cycles and large deals to drive future growth [55][66] Other Important Information - The company is excited about the potential of its new cardiac imaging product, Flurcano, and anticipates significant revenue growth from it by 2028 [29][33] - The Photon Counting CT product is on track for filing in the second half of the year, with a launch expected in 2026 [36][37] - The company is shifting its R&D focus from standalone hardware to connected platforms and AI technologies [73] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the view on the hospital capital equipment environment? - Management believes the U.S. capital equipment market is strong, with continued investment in critical technology [9][10] Question: What are the expectations for order growth going forward? - Management advises against overanalyzing one quarter in isolation, emphasizing robust growth over multiple quarters [15][16] Question: How should gross margin be viewed in light of tariff impacts? - Management acknowledges the tariff impact but remains optimistic about overall margin progress and expansion [22][24] Question: What are the growth drivers for the digital revenue segment? - The company is making significant investments in AI technologies that enhance imaging capabilities, contributing to revenue growth [40][41] Question: How is the company addressing the underperformance in the PCS business? - A new leader has been appointed, and there is a focus on innovation and potential tuck-in acquisitions to improve performance [70][72]