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 due to strong 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 U.S. 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 - U.S. revenue 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] - Stability and gradual recovery observed in China following the anniversary of the joint repair VBP [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] - 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 Q4 revenue guidance, supported by new customer integrations and product placements [21][31] - Acknowledgment of ongoing portfolio rationalization impacting U.S. knees, with expectations for improvement as new products are launched [27][30] - Anticipated headwinds for 2026 include tariffs and skin substitutes pricing, but management remains optimistic about margin expansion [39][41] Other Important Information - The company launched several new products, including the Alevi Complete Care dressing and Legion medial stabilized knee [14][15] - Management 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: U.S. knees performance and portfolio rationalization impact - Management acknowledged the gap between U.S. knees and market performance, attributing it to ongoing rationalization efforts [27][30] Question: Margin guidance and headwinds for 2026 - Management expects margin expansion despite headwinds, with specific guidance to be provided at the capital markets day [39][41]