Bausch Health(BHC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bausch Health reported a revenue increase of 9% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, reaching $2,796 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 13% to $1,052 million [10][11] - For the full year 2025, revenue grew by 7% and adjusted EBITDA by 10%, indicating strong operational performance [18][19] - Adjusted gross margin was 71.6%, down 80 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted operating expenses increased by $75 million to $1,033 million [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Salix revenue in Q4 was $693 million, a 9% increase year-over-year, driven by strong demand and promotional efforts [12] - Solta Medical segment revenues decreased by 1% to $137 million, impacted by distributor transition in China, but would have shown mid-single-digit growth without this effect [15][16] - The diversified segment saw a 12% revenue increase to $255 million, primarily due to improved net pricing [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenues were $306 million, up 10% on a reported basis, with EMEA and LatAm showing double-digit growth, while Canada contracted by 6% [13][14] - The Latin American market returned to growth with a 22% revenue increase, while Canada faced challenges due to increased generic competition [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance operational assets through innovation and optimize brand growth globally, with a focus on business development opportunities [21][22] - The acquisition of Shibo's aesthetics distribution platform in China is expected to strengthen the company's market presence and enhance direct engagement with providers [7][26] - Strategic priorities for 2026 include maximizing shareholder value and optimizing the capital structure following significant refinancing [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future growth, citing strong cash generation and improved capital structure, allowing for proactive business development [5][7] - The company anticipates a stronger growth rate in the first half of 2026, with a revenue guidance range of $5.25 billion to $5.4 billion [20][21] - Management acknowledged the disappointment regarding the RED-C trial results but remains focused on advancing other development opportunities [9] Other Important Information - The company achieved over $1 billion in adjusted operating cash flow for the year and reduced net debt by approximately $320 million in Q4 [7][12] - The debt maturity profile was improved by approximately $1.7 billion through a debt exchange, providing additional flexibility for future opportunities [7][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Post RED-C readout, what is the updated decision framework for separation and debt repayments? - Management stated there is no change in focus, continuing to prioritize debt repayment and reinvestment in the business [33] Question: Can you provide more details about business development plans? - Management is screening various assets for potential acquisitions, leveraging their strong commercial team [36][37] Question: What is the impact of the Shibo integration on revenue and EBITDA growth? - The integration is progressing well, with a minor EBITDA impact of $10-$15 million due to accounting adjustments [45][47] Question: What are the expectations for Xifaxan generics? - Management confirmed that a generic is expected by January 1, 2028, and is focused on maximizing current value [84] Question: What is the EBITDA trajectory for 2027? - Management indicated that 2027 EBITDA would likely be around $2.7 billion, reflecting a dip compared to 2025 [86]