Key Takeaways Hologic agreed to a $79-per-share buyout, offering just 0.9% upside from the recent levels.GEHC posted strong Q4 growth, with a $21.8B backlog and expanding AI-enabled imaging deals.GEHC's D3 strategy and new MR innovations are boosting precision care and service revenue momentum.The medical imaging industry is characterized by increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising geriatric population, early and accurate diagnosis, and growing R&D investment in advanced technologies. Fortune Busin ...

Core Insights - Hologic's $18.3 billion acquisition by Blackstone and TPG is nearing completion, marking the largest medical devices deal in two decades, with 99.8% of shareholders approving the proposal [1][2] - The acquisition price of $76 per share, plus a contingent value right (CVR) of up to $3, represents a 46% premium over the stock price before the deal was announced [2] - Hologic's recent quarterly results showed a 2.5% year-over-year revenue increase but missed analyst expectations, particularly in Breast Health sales [5][6] Acquisition Details - Blackstone and TPG will acquire all outstanding Hologic shares for $76 per share in cash, with a potential additional $3 per share based on future revenue goals [2] - The total purchase price could reach $79 per share, indicating a 46% premium compared to the last trading day before acquisition rumors [2] - The stock is currently trading close to the buyout price, suggesting limited upside potential for existing shareholders [3][7] Financial Performance - Hologic reported first-quarter revenues of $1,047.8 million, a 2.5% increase year-over-year, but fell short of analyst forecasts [5][6] - Breast Health product revenues decreased by 2.2%, attributed to lower sales of digital mammography systems and related products [7] - GYN Surgical revenues increased by 8.7%, driven by higher sales from the acquired Gynesonics business [9] Market Position and Valuation - Hologic's shares have gained 1.2% over the past three months, outperforming the industry, which declined by 7.7% [14] - The company is trading at a forward Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio of 3.86, higher than its historical median of 3.49 and the sector average of 2.24 [16] - Compared to competitors, Hologic's valuation appears elevated, with GE HealthCare and Medtronic trading at lower P/S ratios [16] Regulatory Developments - Hologic's Aptima HPV Assay received FDA approval for primary screening, expanding its cervical cancer screening offerings [12] - The approval follows extensive real-world studies involving over 650,000 women, enhancing the company's market position in cervical cancer diagnostics [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Hologic has received FDA approval for its Aptima® HPV Assay as a primary screening option, which enhances its cervical health portfolio [1] Company Summary - The FDA approval allows Hologic to expand its offerings in cervical health, indicating a strategic move to strengthen its market position in women's health diagnostics [1] - The Aptima® HPV Assay is designed to improve cervical cancer screening processes, potentially leading to better patient outcomes [1] Industry Summary - The approval reflects ongoing advancements in the healthcare industry, particularly in the area of women's health and cervical cancer screening [1] - This development may influence market dynamics by increasing competition among companies offering similar diagnostic solutions [1]

Core Insights - Hologic's international revenue performance is crucial for assessing its financial resilience and growth prospects in a globally interconnected economy [2][3] Group 1: International Revenue Performance - Hologic's total revenue for the quarter was $1.05 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.5% [4] - The Rest of World segment generated $56 million, accounting for 5.3% of total revenue, which was a surprise decrease of -1.79% compared to the projected $57.02 million [5] - Europe contributed $161.6 million, making up 15.4% of total revenue, exceeding the consensus estimate of $154.36 million by +4.69% [6] - Asia-Pacific generated $56.7 million, representing 5.4% of total revenue, which was a surprise decrease of -10.77% from the expected $63.54 million [7] Group 2: Future Revenue Projections - Analysts project Hologic's total revenue for the current fiscal quarter to be $1.05 billion, indicating a 4.5% increase from the prior year [8] - Expected revenue contributions from Rest of World, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are projected to be 5.3% ($55.61 million), 14.3% ($150.68 million), and 5.9% ($62.41 million), respectively [8] - For the full year, total annual revenue is expected to reach $4.28 billion, marking a 4.3% increase compared to last year, with projected contributions from Rest of World ($226.05 million), Europe ($612.64 million), and Asia-Pacific ($254.19 million) [9] Group 3: Market Context and Analysis - The reliance on global markets for revenue presents both opportunities and challenges for Hologic, making the analysis of international revenue trends essential for forecasting future performance [10] - Financial analysts closely monitor these developments to adjust earnings estimations for companies operating internationally [10]

Core Insights - Hologic, Inc. reported adjusted EPS of $1.04 for Q1 fiscal 2026, a 1% increase year over year, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.46% [1] - The company's GAAP EPS was 79 cents, reflecting a 9.2% decrease year over year [1] Revenue Performance - Total revenues for the quarter reached $1.05 billion, up 2.5% year over year, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.14% [2] - U.S. revenues increased by 2% to $773.5 million, while international revenues rose 4% year over year to $274.3 million, although they decreased by 1% at constant exchange rates [2] Segment Analysis - Diagnostics revenues decreased by 1.3% year over year to $464.4 million, with Molecular Diagnostics revenues down 3.5% due to lower sales of COVID-19 tests [3] - Breast Health revenues increased by 1.8% to $375.9 million, driven by strong sales of Endomagnetics products [4] - GYN Surgical revenues surged 87% year over year to $180.8 million, primarily due to higher sales from the acquired Gynesonics business [4] - Skeletal Health revenues increased by 69% to $26.7 million, attributed to higher sales volume of Horizon DXA systems [4] Margin Performance - Adjusted gross margin decreased by 150 basis points to 60.1%, mainly due to increased tariff expenses [5] - Adjusted operating margin was reported at 29%, down 40 basis points [5] Financial Position - Hologic ended Q1 fiscal 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $2.17 billion, an increase from $1.96 billion at the end of fiscal 2025 [6] - Total long-term debt remained stable at $2.51 billion [6] Operating Cash Flow - Net cash provided by operating activities was $229.9 million, compared to $189.3 million a year ago [8] Overall Assessment - Hologic's revenues and earnings missed estimates, with both gross and operating margins contracting, although there was year-over-year improvement in both metrics [9] - Weakness in Molecular Diagnostics was offset by stronger sales in other segments, particularly GYN Surgical [9]

Core Viewpoint - Hologic reported quarterly earnings of $1.04 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -4.46% [1]. Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $1.05 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.14%, compared to $1.02 billion in the same quarter last year [2]. - Over the last four quarters, Hologic has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2]. Stock Performance - Hologic shares have increased by approximately 0.8% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 1.9% [3]. - The current Zacks Rank for Hologic is 3 (Hold), indicating that the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6]. Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.09 on revenues of $1.05 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.51 on revenues of $4.28 billion [7]. - The trend of earnings estimate revisions for Hologic was mixed ahead of the earnings release, which could change following the recent report [6]. Industry Context - The Medical - Instruments industry, to which Hologic belongs, is currently in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8].

Acquisition and Mergers - The company entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Blackstone Inc. and TPG Capital for $76.00 per share in cash, with a potential total consideration of $79.00 per share including a contingent value right[116] - The acquisition of Gynesonics was completed for a purchase price of $340.7 million, with $146.1 million allocated to intangible assets and $192.2 million to goodwill[120] - The company faces risks related to regulatory approvals, market conditions, and potential disruptions from the merger process[116] Business Segments - The company operates in four segments: Diagnostics, Breast Health, GYN Surgical, and Skeletal Health, focusing on women's health and well-being[108] - The Diagnostics segment includes molecular diagnostic assays and systems, with a focus on detecting STDs and other infectious diseases[109] - The Breast Health segment offers advanced breast imaging solutions, including 3D digital mammography systems and AI-based image analysis software[112] - The GYN Surgical segment features products like the MyoSure and NovaSure systems for treating uterine conditions, enhancing surgical options[113] - The Skeletal Health segment includes the Horizon DXA system for bone density evaluation, although the sale of Fluoroscan Insight FD systems will be discontinued[114] Financial Performance - Product revenues increased by $13.5 million, or 1.7%, to $831.4 million in the current quarter compared to $817.9 million in the prior year, driven by increases in GYN Surgical and Skeletal Health revenues[122] - Diagnostics product revenues decreased by $3.7 million, or 0.8%, primarily due to lower sales of SARS-CoV-2 assays and a decrease in Aptima CT/NG and HPV assays[123] - Breast Health product revenues decreased by $4.7 million, or 2.2%, mainly due to lower sales of digital mammography systems and Brevera 9 Gauge Needles, which were subject to a stop-ship[124] - GYN Surgical product revenues increased by $13.2 million, or 8.0%, primarily due to the Gynesonics acquisition, contributing $9.1 million[125] - Skeletal Health product revenues surged by $8.7 million, or 124.3%, due to increased sales volume of Horizon DXA systems[126] - Service and other revenues increased by $12.5 million, or 6.1%, to $216.4 million, driven by higher Breast Health service contract revenue[128] Expenses and Costs - Cost of product revenues increased by $20.8 million, or 6.9%, to $362.9 million, with the cost as a percentage of product revenues rising to 43.6% from 42.4%[130] - Operating expenses totaled $349.4 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, with selling and marketing expenses down by 6.7%[137] - General and administrative expenses rose by 10.5% to $127.8 million, primarily due to increased acquisition transaction expenses and compensation[139] - Research and development expenses increased slightly by 0.4% to $60.5 million, influenced by consulting spend related to quality organization and Gynesonics acquisition expenses[137] Interest and Income - Interest income decreased by $4.5 million (18.6%) to $19.7 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, compared to $24.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower interest rates[142] - Interest expense increased by $2.9 million (9.5%) to $30.5 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, compared to $27.6 million in the prior year, mainly due to a lower principal balance under the 2025 Credit Agreement[143] - Other income decreased significantly by $23.4 million to $0.6 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, compared to $24.0 million in the prior year, primarily due to a loss from a strategic investment[144] - Provision for income taxes increased by $4.1 million (8.8%) to $50.6 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, with an effective tax rate of 22.0% compared to 18.8% in the prior year[145] Segment Revenues and Operating Income - Total revenues in the Diagnostics segment decreased by $6.2 million (1.3%) to $464.4 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, while operating income increased by $2.0 million (1.3%) to $157.5 million[148] - Total revenues in the Breast Health segment increased by $6.8 million (1.8%) to $375.9 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, with operating income rising by $13.1 million (14.6%) to $102.8 million[150] - Total revenues in the GYN Surgical segment increased by $14.5 million (8.7%) to $180.8 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, but operating income decreased by $18.1 million (30.9%) to $40.5 million[152] - Total revenues in the Skeletal Health segment increased significantly by $10.9 million (69.0%) to $26.7 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025, while operating income improved by $5.9 million[154] Debt and Liquidity - As of December 27, 2025, the company had total recorded debt outstanding of $2.51 billion, including $1.167 billion under the 2025 Credit Agreement[161] - Cash and cash equivalents increased by $208.5 million to $2,168.0 million during the first three months of fiscal 2026, primarily due to cash generated from operating activities[156] - The total principal balance of the 2028 Senior Notes is $400.0 million, maturing on February 1, 2028, with an interest rate of 4.625% per year[166] - The total principal balance of the 2029 Senior Notes is $950.0 million, maturing on February 15, 2029, with an interest rate of 3.250% per year[168] - A new stock repurchase program was authorized for up to $1.5 billion, with $937.5 million remaining unused as of December 27, 2025[169] - As of December 27, 2025, the fair value of the 2028 Senior Notes is approximately $400.0 million and the 2029 Senior Notes is approximately $938.7 million[176] - The aggregate principal outstanding under the 2025 Credit Agreement is $1.169 billion, which is subject to variable interest rates[178] - A hypothetical 10% increase in the SOFR rate would increase annual interest expense by approximately $2.5 million[178] - A hypothetical 100 basis point change in market rates would change annual interest income by approximately $19.4 million based on current cash and investment balances[179] - Future liquidity is contingent upon operating performance and may require additional capital for acquisitions or strategic transactions[172] Risk Factors - Future performance may be impacted by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates, affecting customer and supplier relationships[116] - The company is focused on maintaining compliance with evolving regulations and quality standards in its product offerings[116] - The company has executed forward foreign currency contracts to hedge a portion of operating results against currency exchange rate fluctuations[180] - The company believes that a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in foreign currencies would not have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations[181]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $1,047.8 million, representing a 2.5% increase compared to $1,021.8 million in the same quarter last year[1] - GAAP diluted EPS decreased by 9.2% to $0.79, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased by 1.0% to $1.04[1] - Net income for the three months ended December 27, 2025, was $179.1 million, down from $201.0 million in the prior year, representing a decrease of 10.9%[18] - Basic net income per share decreased to $0.80 from $0.87, while diluted net income per share also fell to $0.79 from $0.87[18] - Consolidated GAAP revenue increased to $1,047.8 million, up 2.7% from $1,021.8 million year-over-year[24] - Organic revenue, excluding COVID-19 related revenue, was $1,002.2 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase from $973.8 million in the prior year[24] - Non-GAAP net income was $235.5 million, compared to $238.6 million in the same quarter of 2024, resulting in a non-GAAP net income percentage of 22.5%[26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $330.4 million, an increase from $326.0 million year-over-year[26] Revenue Breakdown - Diagnostics revenue was $464.4 million, a decrease of 1.3%, with organic diagnostics sales growing 1.2% excluding COVID-19 related revenue[5] - Breast Health revenue increased by 1.8% to $375.9 million, driven by strong sales of Endomagnetics products[5] - Surgical revenue grew by 8.7% to $180.8 million, primarily due to increased sales from the acquired Gynesonics business[5] - U.S. revenue increased by 2.0% to $773.5 million, while international revenue increased by 4.0% to $274.3 million[7] - Geographic revenues for the three months ended December 2025 show the United States at 73.8%, Europe at 15.4%, Asia-Pacific at 5.4%, and the rest of the world at 5.4%[37] - The United States revenue increased from 74.2% to 73.8% year-over-year, while Europe decreased from 14.6% to 15.4%[37] - Asia-Pacific revenue slightly increased from 5.9% to 5.4% year-over-year, indicating stable performance in the region[37] - The rest of the world revenue showed a minor decrease from 5.3% to 5.4% year-over-year, reflecting consistent market presence[37] - Overall, the company maintained a steady revenue distribution across geographic regions, with no significant fluctuations[37] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash flow from operations was $229.9 million, an increase of 21.4% compared to the prior year[5] - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $2.17 billion and an adjusted net leverage ratio of 0.3 times[7] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $2,168.0 million as of December 27, 2025, compared to $1,959.5 million at the end of September 2025, reflecting a growth of 10.6%[20] - Total assets rose to $9,180.7 million as of December 27, 2025, up from $9,014.9 million at the end of September 2025, indicating an increase of 1.8%[20] - Total stockholders' equity increased to $5,245.1 million from $5,047.9 million, marking a growth of 3.9%[20] - The net leverage ratio as of December 27, 2025, was 0.3, indicating a strong balance sheet position[36] Expenses - Research and development expenses for the quarter were $60.5 million, slightly up from $60.3 million in the same quarter last year[18] - Selling and marketing expenses decreased to $154.9 million from $166.1 million, a reduction of 6.7%[18] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $14.7 million, a decrease from $16.8 million in the same period last year[22] - The company plans to continue strategic investments, with $24.0 million allocated in the current quarter, compared to $6.0 million in the previous year[22] Merger and Acquisition - The company has scheduled a special meeting for stockholders to vote on a merger agreement with Blackstone and TPG[5] - Due to the merger agreement, the company is not providing annual or quarterly financial guidance for fiscal 2026[7] - Hologic is currently in the process of a proposed acquisition by affiliates of Blackstone Inc. and TPG Capital, with a Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC[15] - The company faces various risks related to the proposed transaction, including regulatory approvals and potential impacts on stockholder relationships[14] Future Outlook - The performance metrics suggest a stable market environment for the company in the reported period[37] - The company continues to focus on geographic diversification to sustain revenue growth[37] - Future outlook may involve strategies to enhance revenue in underperforming regions like Asia-Pacific[37] - The company is likely to explore new product developments and market expansions to drive future growth[37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income for the quarter of $2 billion, with distributable earnings of $2.2 billion or $1.75 per common share, and declared a dividend of $1.49 per share [5][29] - Distributable earnings increased 20% year-over-year to $5.57 per share, or $7.1 billion for the full year, driven by strong growth in fee-related earnings and net realizations [7][32] - Management fees rose 11% year-over-year to a record $2.1 billion, with base management fees growing 10% and transaction and advisory fees increasing by 27% [29][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Infrastructure platform grew 40% year-over-year to $77 billion, with over $4 billion raised in the fourth quarter [18] - BXMA reported a gross return of 13% for 2025, with positive composite returns for the last 23 quarters [34] - The private equity flagship in the wealth channel, BXPE, achieved an annualized net return of 17% since inception, growing to $18 billion in two years [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved inflows of $71 billion in the fourth quarter, the highest level in three and a half years, contributing to approximately $240 billion for the full year [7][8] - Assets under management increased 13% year-over-year to nearly $1.3 trillion, setting a new industry record [8][32] - The insurance channel's AUM grew 18% year-over-year to $271 billion, reflecting strong demand for private market solutions [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on thematic areas such as digital infrastructure, private credit, and life sciences, with significant investments in AI and power generation [10][12] - The firm is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI investment boom and the modernization of the U.S. electric grid [11][12] - The company anticipates a resurgence in capital markets activity, with an acceleration in IPO and M&A activity [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the firm's prospects, citing strong operating and capital market fundamentals despite geopolitical uncertainties [9][15] - The company expects management fees to continue on a strong positive trajectory in 2026, driven by growth in private equity, credit, and insurance segments [36] - The firm is optimistic about the multi-year outlook, supported by structural tailwinds and multiple engines of growth [37] Other Important Information - The company invested $138 billion across the firm in 2025, the highest level in four years, focusing on areas with significant growth potential [11] - The firm has nearly $200 billion of dry powder available to capitalize on future opportunities [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the record IPO pipeline - Management indicated that the focus will be on the corporate space, particularly in energy and electricity, with a broad-based approach expected [41] - The company noted that as limited partners receive capital back, it will facilitate further capital allocation to the firm, creating a positive cycle for fundraising [43] Question: About AI deployment across portfolio companies - Management highlighted early impacts of AI on productivity, particularly in software engineering and customer engagement across portfolio companies [45][46] - The firm is optimistic about the potential for earnings growth driven by AI advancements [47] Question: On retail opportunities and market evolution - Management discussed the breadth of offerings available, emphasizing the appeal of private credit and the potential for continued strong performance despite lower absolute rates [50][51] - The firm is confident in its ability to capture benefits across a wide range of equity products as rates decline [52] Question: On direct lending dynamics - Management noted strong fundraising dynamics on the institutional side, while acknowledging some redemptions in the wealth channel [54][58] - The firm remains confident in the health of its portfolio and the potential for durable premiums in private credit [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Blackstone reported GAAP net income for Q4 of $2 billion, with distributable earnings of $2.2 billion or $1.75 per common share, and declared a dividend of $1.49 per share [3][4] - For the full year, distributable earnings increased 20% to $7.1 billion, while fee-related earnings rose 9% to $5.7 billion, and management fees grew 12% to $8 billion [31][27] - Assets under management (AUM) increased 13% year-over-year to approximately $1.3 trillion, marking a new industry record [5][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The infrastructure platform grew 40% year-over-year to $77 billion, with over $4 billion raised in Q4 [16] - BXMA reported a gross return of 13% for 2025, with net inflows of $6.3 billion, the highest in nearly 15 years [17] - In credit, total assets managed reached $520 billion, up 15% year-over-year, with inflows exceeding $140 billion in 2025 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private wealth fundraising increased 53% year-over-year to $43 billion, contributing to a total AUM growth of 16% in this segment [4][22] - The insurance channel's AUM grew 18% year-over-year to $271 billion, with significant demand for private credit solutions [20][21] - The individual investor channel's AUM tripled over the past five years, exceeding $300 billion [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Blackstone is focusing on thematic areas such as digital infrastructure, private credit, and life sciences, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven investment opportunities [8][10] - The firm is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI and power investment mega cycle, with nearly $200 billion of dry powder available for future investments [12][10] - The company anticipates a resurgence in capital markets activity, with IPO and M&A activities accelerating [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the firm's ability to navigate geopolitical uncertainties and a complex operating environment, citing strong operating fundamentals [7][12] - The outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with expectations for continued growth in management fees and net realizations, driven by a favorable investment environment [35][36] - Management highlighted the importance of investment performance, with strong returns across various funds, particularly in infrastructure and corporate private equity [31][33] Other Important Information - Blackstone's fundraising success has led to a significant increase in AUM, with a record level of inflows in Q4 [4][5] - The firm has executed multiple privatizations and investments, including a notable $18 billion acquisition in the medical technology sector [8][9] - The company is actively innovating in the private wealth market, expecting 2026 to be a busy year for product launches [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What sectors and industries will you be leaning into for the record IPO pipeline? - The focus will be primarily on the corporate space, particularly energy and electricity sectors, with expectations for increased activity in India and some real estate opportunities [38] Question: How is AI being deployed across portfolio companies? - AI is enhancing productivity in software engineering and customer engagement, with early positive impacts observed in various operational areas [41] Question: What is the outlook for direct lending in both wealth and institutional markets? - Institutional confidence remains strong, while the wealth side has seen some redemptions; however, performance metrics are healthy, and inflows have been positive recently [46][48] Question: How does the firm plan to maintain growth and preserve culture as it scales? - The firm emphasizes a strong commitment to delivering for customers and maintaining a performance-driven culture, which is crucial as it continues to grow [62]