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    MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS (MMSI)

    MMSI Q2 2025: Rhapsody CIE reimbursement delayed to Jan ’26

    Reported on Aug 4, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$82.96Last close (Jul 30, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$84.75Open (Jul 31, 2025)
    Price Change
    $1.79(+2.16%)
    • Reimbursement Confidence: Management demonstrated high confidence in the reimbursement path for the Rhapsody CIE—even after a brief delay—with clear plans to file for TPT add‐on payment, supporting the premium pricing strategy and long‑term revenue growth.
    • Strong Cash Flow & Financial Flexibility: The company generated robust free cash flow (e.g., $70M in Q2 and guidance of at least $150M for FY 2025), which, along with disciplined margin management and healthy leverage, provides the financial flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and further organic growth.
    • Enthusiastic Sales Force & Integrated Product Portfolio: The Q&A highlighted an energized sales force and a well‑integrated product portfolio—including the BioLife acquisition—that drives robust sales execution and diversified revenue channels, reinforcing the company’s competitive positioning in key end markets.
    • Reimbursement Uncertainty: The management’s miscommunication regarding the filing for TPT versus APC for the Rhapsody CIE has led to a six‐month delay in expected reimbursement in the outpatient setting, which introduces uncertainty around near-term revenue contributions for this key product.
    • Tariff Headwinds: The company's guidance still includes a significant tariff impact—up to $26,300,000 on the low end—with ongoing volatility and potential for further adverse changes amid geopolitical tensions, which could pressure margins further.
    • Weakness in China Market: Comments in the Q&A highlighted a 6% decline in China sales due to a challenging macro environment, suggesting that persistent softness in this key international market could dampen overall growth.
    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    GAAP Net Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    8% to 10%

    10% to 11%

    raised

    Cardiovascular Segment Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    7% to 9%

    9% to 10%

    raised

    Endoscopy Segment Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    34% to 37%

    32% to 34%

    lowered

    Foreign Currency Impact

    FY 2025

    $4.9M headwind or 36 bps

    $6.2M tailwind or 46 bps

    raised

    Constant Currency Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    8.7% to 10.2%

    9.7% to 10.6%

    raised

    Organic Constant Currency Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    5% to 7%

    5.6% to 6.4%

    no change

    Inorganic Revenue Contributions

    FY 2025

    $45M to $46M

    $56M to $58M

    raised

    Rhapsody CIE Revenue

    FY 2025

    $7M to $9M

    $2M to $4M

    lowered

    Non-GAAP Diluted EPS

    FY 2025

    $3.29 to $3.42

    $3.52 to $3.72

    raised

    Non-GAAP Operating Margins

    FY 2025

    17.6% to 18%

    19% to 20%

    raised

    Non-GAAP Interest and Other Expense Net

    FY 2025

    $4.8M

    $8M

    raised

    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Tariff Impact

    Q1 2025 highlighted an anticipated incremental tariff cost of approximately $26.3 million with significant impact on non‐GAAP EPS and operational margin guidance. Q4 2024 noted that 2025 guidance assumed an unchanged tariff structure despite inherent uncertainties.

    Q2 2025 discussed a reduced high‐end impact (approximately $7 million) based on updated information and emphasized nimble mitigation strategies (e.g. redirecting shipments and accelerating product transfers).

    Improved outlook and more proactive measures – The company has shifted from assuming a high-impact fixed cost to actively reducing and managing the tariff impact through mitigation efforts.

    OEM Sales Performance

    Q1 2025 reported robust OEM growth of 21% driven mainly by strong U.S. demand and highlighted product launch opportunities with vertical integration. Q4 2024 emphasized strong domestic growth (22%) and positive feedback on Wrapsody CIE, despite raw material and supply chain challenges outside the U.S..

    Q2 2025 noted a modest 4% increase in OEM sales internationally contrasted with high-teens growth domestically. There was also a strategic acquisition (BioLife) to complement product offerings, though specific new launches were not discussed.

    Steady domestic performance with evolving product strategy – The OEM segment remains strong in the U.S., while international markets face modest growth; the acquisition strategy now plays a larger role in product portfolio expansion.

    Integration & Product Portfolio

    Q1 2025 focused on integrating acquisitions from Cook Medical and EndoGastric Solutions, contributing to revenue and expanding the cardiovascular and endoscopy segments. Q4 2024 described completed integration of EndoGastric and ongoing efforts with Cook Medical alongside Wrapsody guidance.

    Q2 2025 emphasized the successful integration of the BioLife acquisition and smoother distribution channel consolidation (e.g. converting distributors to direct sales) while complementing the Cook integration, reinforcing the expansion of their product portfolio.

    Continued robust integration – The integration efforts are deepening the product portfolio with added strategic acquisitions, moving from initial integration in prior quarters to more refined consolidation and expanded market reach in Q2 2025.

    Free Cash Flow & Financial Flexibility

    Q1 2025 reported a decrease in free cash flow to $19.5 million, although the full-year guidance remained at least $150 million; Q4 2024 showcased strong free cash flow generation (Q4: $65 million; FY: more than $185 million) and solid liquidity with a favorable debt profile.

    Q2 2025 reported a significant improvement with $70 million in free cash flow for the quarter and positive year-to-date momentum (YTD: $90 million) along with strong cash and liquidity metrics, forecasting at least $150 million for 2025.

    Improving cash generation – Despite a weaker start in Q1 2025, the current and consistent free cash flow generation demonstrates enhanced financial flexibility and increased investor confidence.

    China Market Demand Weakness

    Q1 2025 mentioned softer-than-expected revenue but attributed it to a broader macro environment with no major shifts in outlook. Q4 2024 actually reported modest positive growth in China (4% increase) with favorable unit sales overcoming pricing headwinds.

    Q2 2025 highlighted a clear weakness in the China market with a 6% decline in sales versus expectations, attributing the softness to a challenging macro environment impacting volume-based purchasing.

    Worsening sentiment in China – There is a shift from previously modest growth to noticeable weakness, indicating increased headwinds in the China market in the current period.

    Operational Margin

    Q1 2025 mentioned a revision in non‐GAAP operating margin guidance (lowered due to tariff costs) and evident pressure from tariff-related cost increases. Q4 2024 reported strong performance with a 19.6% operating margin, driven by robust revenue and effective cost management.

    Q2 2025 delivered its highest-ever non‐GAAP operating margin at 21.2% for the quarter, though full-year guidance was adjusted downward due to anticipated ongoing tariff pressures and margin headwinds.

    Mixed sentiment – While quarterly margins reached record levels through operational efficiencies, there is caution about full-year margins due to persistent external pressures.

    Reimbursement Strategy

    Q1 2025 focused on WRAPSODY CIE with progress on NTAP submissions and steady reimbursement strategy, forecasting $7–9 million in U.S. revenue; Q4 2024 concentrated on reimbursement training and initiatives for Wrapsody with NTAP and PPT exercises.

    Q2 2025 shifted focus to the Rhapsody CIE where efforts are underway for both inpatient (with proposed NTAP of $3,770) and outpatient reimbursement, though a delay in outpatient reimbursement and uncertainty in timing have been noted.

    Transition and increased uncertainty – The reimbursement focus has shifted from the established WRAPSODY CIE to the newer Rhapsody CIE, with added uncertainty and delays in reimbursement impacting near-term revenue forecasts.

    Sales Force Enthusiasm

    Q1 2025 reported enthusiasm especially linked to the successful integration of sales teams and the steady adoption of products; Q4 2024 described a high level of motivation and confidence among both U.S. and European teams.

    Q2 2025 continued to highlight high sales force enthusiasm, with executives describing the team as “fired up” and instrumental in driving revenue despite market reimbursement delays.

    Consistently positive – The enthusiasm of the sales force remains a consistent strength, providing a stable positive outlook across all periods.

    EPS Growth Pressure (Convertible Note Dilution)

    Q1 2025 detailed an EPS impact of approximately $0.05, noting a reduced dilution effect compared to earlier estimates; Q4 2024 indicated a larger EPS headwind ($0.11 impact) from dilution and additional interest expenses.

    Q2 2025 reported a significantly lower immediate impact on EPS (approximately $0.01 in Q2 with an estimated $0.05 full-year impact), indicating that dilution pressure has eased relative to previous periods.

    Easing pressure – The dilution impact on EPS has reduced from a higher previous effect, reflecting improved capital management and potentially lower dilution costs moving forward.

    Supply Chain Uncertainty

    Q4 2024 addressed supply chain challenges, particularly in the OEM business outside the U.S., noting resolution of raw material and production ramp-up issues. Q1 2025 did not mention supply chain uncertainty specifically [N/A].

    Q2 2025 did not mention any supply chain uncertainties, indicating that previous issues have been resolved or are no longer material [N/A].

    Resolved – Supply chain uncertainties that were a concern in Q4 2024 appear to have been managed effectively, with no current mention in Q2 2025.

    1. Reimbursement Timing
      Q: Update on Rhapsody TPT timeline?
      A: Management explained that they mistakenly filed for an APC assignment and will now submit a TPT application by 09/01/2025—with expected effectiveness on 01/01/2026—and they remain confident in securing favorable reimbursement.

    2. Reimbursement Mechanism
      Q: How does TPT differ from APC?
      A: They clarified that while APC is procedure‐based, TPT is cost‐based, a better fit for a premium product like Rhapsody CIE, reinforcing their long‑term market strategy.

    3. Margin Outlook
      Q: What drove margin improvements?
      A: Strong sales execution, a beneficial product mix, and a muted tariff impact helped boost operating margins to 21.2%, illustrating solid cost control despite broader headwinds.

    4. Guidance Adjustments
      Q: Why is the revenue beat lower than expected?
      A: Management noted that a portion of the Q2 beat flowed through into the updated guidance, with the delay in Rhapsody’s reimbursement contributing to a modest revenue adjustment without changing the full‑year outlook.

    5. China Sales
      Q: What affected China revenue performance?
      A: China sales declined by 6% due to a soft macroeconomic environment and volume-driven headwinds, which management views as part of the challenging regional backdrop.

    6. BioLife Integration
      Q: How is BioLife’s distribution performing?
      A: BioLife’s integration is on track—U.S. sales are now handled directly and the international opportunity is being unlocked, reinforcing its strategic fit within Merit’s broader portfolio.

    7. Acquisition and Asset Strategy
      Q: Are there plans for further add-on acquisitions?
      A: Management is open to attractive opportunities but will only add assets that align well with Merit’s strategy, emphasizing patience and disciplined capital allocation.

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