Haemonetics’ Plasma Growth Guidance, Vascular Outlook Clash in 2027 Q1 Earnings Call
Date of Call: Aug 6, 2026
Financials Results
- Revenue: $339 million, increasing 6% reported and organic year-over-year
- EPS: $1.14 per diluted share, increased 4% year-over-year
- Gross Margin: 60.4%, down 40 basis points year-over-year (prior year benefited by ~200 bps from software license revenue)
- Operating Margin: 23.4%, down 70 basis points year-over-year and down 100 basis points sequentially
Guidance:
- Full-year reported revenue growth guidance raised to 5% to 8% from prior range.
- Full-year organic growth guidance raised to 4% to 7% from prior range.
- Apheresis revenue growth guidance raised to low to mid single-digit growth.
- Adjusted operating margin expansion of 50 to 100 basis points expected for fiscal 2027.
- Adjusted diluted EPS expected to grow broadly in line with increased reported revenue growth guidance.
- Free cash flow conversion guidance reaffirmed at approximately 80% of adjusted net income.
Business Commentary:
Revenue and Earnings Growth:
- Humanetics reported first quarter fiscal 2027
revenueof$339 million, with6%reported and organic growth year-on-year. Adjusted earnings per diluted share increased4%to$1.14. - Growth was driven by investments to enhance their portfolio, improve operating models, and strengthen commercial execution.
MedSurge Revenue and Performance:
- MedSurge revenue increased
6%year-over-year to$148 million, with growth across both franchises. Hemostasis management showed mid-teens disposable growth, and vascular closure grew in the low double digits. - This was attributed to higher utilization across the installed base, share gains, and improved market fundamentals.
Apheresis and Plasma Revenue Growth:
- Apheresis revenue grew
5%reported and6%organic to$191 million. PlasmaXPL-- revenue grew8%organically, with double-digit growth in disposables globally. - Growth was supported by share gains, strong plasma collection trends, and the rollout of Persona Plus, which provided economic benefits to customers.
Operating Margin and Cost Management:
- First quarter gross margin was
60.4%, down40 basis pointsfrom the prior year, but adjusted gross margin expanded excluding a prior-year software benefit. - Sequential margin decline was primarily due to lower med-surg revenue and external cost pressures, but they expect margin expansion through revenue growth and favorable mix.
Cash Flow and Financial Flexibility:
- Operating cash flow was
$52 million, three times the prior year period, and free cash flow conversion reached75%of adjusted net income. - Strong cash generation allowed for debt paydown and provides financial flexibility for strategic investments and opportunistic share buybacks.
Sentiment Analysis:
Overall Tone: Positive
- "We start at FY27 strong, with broad-based execution driving another quarter of profitable growth." "Strong earnings once again translated into strong cash generation... free cash flow conversion reached 106%..." "We are raising our fiscal 2027 guidance..." "Our outlook incorporates sustained external cost pressure, which we expect to more than offset through revenue growth..." "We remain confident in delivering..."
Q&A:
- Question from Anthony Petrone (Mizuho Financial Group): To what extent have you recaptured previously lost accounts in IVT? What is the underlying attach rate to pulse field ablation for VASC-8? Also, to what extent was the strong plasma quarter driven by Persona Plus versus share gains and market dynamics?
Response: IVT growth driven by vascular closure low double-digit growth, due to market stabilization, stronger commercial execution, and XL label expansion. Plasma outperformance (8% organic) driven by share gains, strong collections, and early Persona Plus yield improvements (>5%), though guidance remains conservative.
- Question from Alan Gong (JP Morgan): How should we think about the progression of gross margins for the rest of the year?
Response: Q1 margin impacted by lapping prior year software benefit; sequential decline due to lower MedSurg revenue. Expect margin expansion through revenue growth, favorable mix, and Persona Plus pricing, with tariff refunds partially offset by other cost pressures.
- Question from Marie Thibault (U.S. Bancorp, BTIG): What is the timing of the Persona Plus rollout? Update on underlying plasma volume growth assumption in guidance.
Response: Persona Plus rollout is ahead of schedule; adoption is rapid but forecast only includes contracted commitments. Underlying plasma volume growth assumption unchanged at 0% to 2% for guidance; upside exists from share gains and faster adoption.
- Question from David Rescott (Barrett): Can you unpack the plasma results, especially the impact of restatements and Persona Plus? What are the longer-term views on U.S. plasma collection and international expansion?
Response: Plasma guidance raised to low-to-mid single digits; strong performance driven by North American disposables (mid-20% growth) from share gains, demand, and Persona Plus. Long-term outlook remains attractive due to global IG demand; expansion in Europe and Middle East is a key opportunity.
- Question from Andrew Cooper (Raymond James): What would it take to guide to more durable mid-single-digit collection growth? Update on regulatory launches (Excel in Japan, PerQCL).
Response: Prefers prudent guidance focused on controllable factors (share gains, Persona Plus); would consider higher collections if volumes remain robust. Excel heparinase neutralization paperwork submitted to Japan, expected later this fiscal year; PerQCL in FDA dialogue, benefit not yet included.
- Question from Michael Petoskey (Barrington Research): What drove operating margin expansion in Med-Surg? How much has pricing flexibility helped in IVT recovery?
Response: Med-Surg margin expansion predominantly from BMT; IVT recovery driven by market stabilization, sales execution, pricing flexibility, and clinical evidence. Expect momentum to build.
- Question from Joe Inwich (Citi): Where are we in the rollout of heparinase neutralized cartridge and pipeline for BMT? Any updated views on M&A?
Response: BMT growth durable; heparinase neutralization driving higher utilization and revenue per device. Focus on organic growth (upcoming launches) and capital allocation (debt paydown, share buybacks); M&A not currently a priority.
- Question from Travis Deed (B of A): How does the new board member Martin Medeiros contribute to strategic value creation?
Response: Adds strategic and operating experience to strengthen board capabilities, focusing on execution, stabilization, and long-term value creation.
- Question from Mike Matchin (Needham & Company): Any commentary on hospital capital equipment budgets or hesitancy? Impact of strong cash flow on share buybacks?
Response: No capital budget pressures seen in IVT; TAG capital placements still below $50k threshold. Strong cash flow allows balanced capital allocation (debt paydown, buybacks); $200M revolver remaining.
Contradiction Point 1
Plasma Market Growth Assumption and Underlying Collection Volume
Guidance for FY2027 plasma volume growth shifts from a strict 0-2% assumption to incorporating upside from Q1 outperformance, reflecting a change in forecasting discipline.
Anthony Petrone (Mizuho Financial Group) - Anthony Petrone (Mizuho Financial Group)
2027Q1: The guidance increase to low-to-mid single-digit growth reflects this outperformance while remaining disciplined... The underlying plasma market assumption for FY27 remains 0-2% volume growth. - James Durecka(CFO)
To what extent was the Q1 plasma outperformance driven by Persona Plus upgrades versus incremental share gains, and is the $153M from CSL completely out now? - Andrew Cooper (Raymond James)
2026Q4: The FY 2027 guide is based on... with 0%-2% collection volume growth assumed. - Christopher Simon(CEO)
Contradiction Point 2
Regulatory Approval Timeline for VASCADE XL
Contradiction in the expected timeline for obtaining key regulatory approvals, impacting product launch readiness and market entry strategy.
Andrew Cooper (Raymond James) - Andrew Cooper (Raymond James)
2027Q1: The U.S. label [for VASCADE XL] is expected later this fiscal year. - Chris Simon(CEO)
2027Q1: VASCADE XL label expansion in Japan is anticipated later in FY2027. - Chris Simon(CEO)
Contradiction Point 3
Free Cash Flow Conversion Guidance
Full-year free cash flow conversion guidance decreases from 89% to 80% despite strong Q1 performance, indicating a shift in financial flexibility outlook.
Joe Inwich (Citi) - Question posed by Anthony for Joanne - Joe Inwich (Citi) - Question posed by Anthony for Joanne
2027Q1: Strong Q1 operating cash flow ($52M) and trailing 12-month conversion (106%)... The 80% full-year free cash flow conversion guidance provides flexibility for growth, debt paydown, and shareholder returns. - Chris Simon(CEO)
What is the status of the heparin-neutralized cartridge rollout and the TEG 6000 upgrade, the pipeline plans for future assays, and the factors driving the strong free cash flow along with updated views on M&A? - Marie Thibault (BTIG)
2026Q4: The lower conversion ratio is primarily due to increased inventory levels (working capital) and a healthy dose of built-in conservatism. - James D’Arecca(CFO)
Contradiction Point 4
Vascular Closure Market Growth Outlook
Contradiction on the expected market growth rate for vascular closure, shifting from mid-teens back to 6-7% as PFA adoption stabilizes.
Anthony Petrone (Mizuho Financial Group) - Anthony Petrone (Mizuho Financial Group)
2027Q1: A 'rising tide' as PFA in AFib stabilizes, resuming access site growth (estimated market growth now 6-7%). - Chris Simon(CEO)
2026Q3: As adoption levels out, the addressable market (TAM) for vascular closure should regress to the category's mid-teens growth rate. - Chris Simon(CEO)
Contradiction Point 5
Vascade MVP-XL Label Expansion Timing and Impact
Contradiction on the status and expected impact of the MVP-XL label expansion, moving from constructive dialogue to an active driver of contracting.
Marie Thibault (U.S. Bancorp/BTIG) - Marie Thibault (U.S. Bancorp/BTIG)
2027Q1: The FDA label expansion for MVP-XL has opened doors for contracting with new IDN/ASC customers. - Chris Simon(CEO)
Has the slowdown in the LAAC (Left Atrial Appendage Closure) market impacted the adoption of Vascade MVP-XL? - Marie Thibault (BTIG)
2026Q3: The MVP XL label expansion is in constructive dialogue with the FDA. - Chris Simon(CEO)
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