Smith & Nephew(SNN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]