Baxter(US:BAX)2025-10-30 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter 2025 global sales from continuing operations totaled $2.8 billion, increasing 5% on a reported basis and 2% on an operational basis [22] - Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $0.69 per share, reflecting a 41% increase versus the prior year [35] - Adjusted operating margin on a continuing operations basis was 14.9%, improving 40 basis points compared to the prior year [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical Products & Therapies segment sales were $1.3 billion, declining 1% due to softness in Infusion Therapies and Technologies [23] - Infusion Therapies and Technologies division sales totaled $1 billion, declining 4% primarily due to lower infusion pump sales [23] - Advanced Surgery sales grew 11% globally, totaling $306 million, driven by strong demand for hemostats and sealants [26] - Pharmaceuticals segment sales increased 7% to $632 million, with Injectables and Anesthesia division growing 3% [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. demand for IV Solutions remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for moderate recovery [25] - Total U.S. capital orders for Care and Connectivity Solutions increased 30% compared to the prior year [28] - The company anticipates continued fluid conservation in 2026, impacting IV Solutions demand [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on stabilizing business areas, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement [14][19] - A reduction in the quarterly dividend to $0.01 per share is planned to free up cash for deleveraging [16][36] - The company aims to improve operational execution and enhance innovation through the newly launched Baxter GPS system [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges current performance challenges and emphasizes the need for immediate actions and long-term solutions [12] - The company expects operational sales growth of 1 to 2% for 2025, reflecting updated expectations due to evolving business dynamics [39] - Management remains confident in the strength of the IV Solutions business despite current demand challenges [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has undergone significant transformation in recent years, becoming more streamlined and focused [14] - The anticipated impact of the kidney care sale is expected to help eliminate related costs [4] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic uncertainties, including tariffs [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Vision for Baxter and future changes - Management emphasizes a focus on stabilizing business areas, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving continuous improvement [46][47] Question: Potential for growth in 2026 - Management anticipates growth but does not provide specific guidance for 2026 [50] Question: Impact of Novum on guidance - The hold on Novum IQ Large Volume Pump is affecting sales and customer responses, leading to a cautious outlook [66] Question: Free cash flow generation - Management expects continued positive free cash flow, particularly in the fourth quarter, and is focused on improving working capital [71][72] Question: IV fluid conservation post-Hurricane Helene - Demand remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for gradual recovery [82][85] Question: Hospital CapEx trends - No signs of hesitancy in hospital capital spending have been observed, with robust order growth reported [86]