As the Trump administration's evolving tariff policies continue to impact global trade, medical technology companies are addressing the potential effects on their operations during first-quarter earnings calls
Major players like GE Healthcare and Medtronic are actively developing mitigation strategies to manage supply chain disruptions and maintain product delivery standards.
GE Healthcare has acknowledged that its 2025 earnings outlook accounts for a 10 basis point impact from China tariffs. The company is prioritizing uninterrupted patient and customer deliveries while adapting to the dynamic trade environment. Similarly, Medtronic is closely monitoring global tariff developments and is prepared to implement necessary adjustments to minimize potential impacts.
Investor concerns have been reflected in the stock performance of leading medtech firms, with companies like Intuitive Surgical experiencing pressure due to uncertainties surrounding trade policies. Analysts anticipate that discussions on tariff implications will be prominent in upcoming earnings calls, as companies explore options to realign manufacturing processes and reduce tariff exposure.
15 companies to watch this earnings season
Dates and times for the medical device industry’s upcoming earnings calls.
| Company | Date | Time(ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Johnson | April 15 | 8:30 AM |
| Abbott | April 16 | 9:00 AM |
| Intuitive Surgical | April 22 | 4:30 PM |
| Boston Scientific | April 23 | 8:00 AM |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | April 23 | 8:30 AM |
| Edwards Lifesciences | April 23 | 5:00 PM |
| BD | May 1 | 8:00 AM |
| Stryker | May 1 | 4:30 PM |
| Dexcom | May 1 | 4:30 PM |
| Medtronic | May 21 | 8:00 AM |
| Zimmer Biomet | May 5 | 8:30 AM |
| Philips | May 6 | 4:00 AM |
| Insulet | May 8 | 4:30 PM |
| GE Healthcare | TBD | TBD |
In a recent development, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most reciprocal tariffs, temporarily easing tensions. However, the administration has increased total duties on imports from China to 145%, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on imports from other countries. Analysts caution that the pause is temporary and that further tariff implementations could occur, though the impact on large medical device manufacturers may be limited.
During previous earnings calls, companies such as Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, and Zimmer Biomet indicated that potential tariff impacts were already considered in their full-year guidance, suggesting a modest to immaterial effect. Nonetheless, smaller firms like Masimo and Enovis have expressed concerns about the significant effects of new tariffs on their operations.
As the situation evolves, medtech companies remain vigilant, striving to adapt to the changing trade landscape while ensuring consistent delivery of medical products and services.
Reference: REUTERS
