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British multinational medical equipment manufacturing company, Smith & Nephew plc, has sculpted a remarkable reputation since its inception in 1856. Known for its trademark innovation and perseverance, the company has grown beyond geographical boundaries to serve more than 100 countries.

From wound management to orthopaedic reconstruction, the company provides a diversified range of healthcare solutions worldwide.

Corporation Overview

Smith & Nephew was originally established as a small pharmacy in Hull, United Kingdom, by Thomas James Smith. Following his death in 1896, his nephew Horatio Nelson Smith took over the reins of the business, and thus was born 'Smith & Nephew'.

The company steadily diversified its portfolio, manufacturing specialised wound dressings by World War I and subsequently moving into other healthcare sectors such as orthopaedics and endoscopy.

With a market capitalization of GBP 14.24 billion, as of 2021, Smith & Nephew operates with over 16,000 employees, a testament to its remarkable growth.

The company's unwavering commitment to corporate responsibility and adherence to industry regulations have cemented its place as a trusted supplier to health systems and patients worldwide.

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Key Products and Services

Smith & Nephew operates under three primary segments: Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT, and Advanced Wound Management.

  1. Orthopaedics: This product line includes joint replacement systems for knees, hips, and shoulders, alongside various ancillary products such as bone cement and mixing systems. Innovations such as the recent 'POLAR3 Total Hip Solution' demonstrate a commitment to reducing pain and enhancing mobility for patients.
  2. Sports Medicine & ENT: Smith & Nephew offers arthroscopy-enabling technologies and a wide variety of repair products for tissue and bone. The company's pioneering work in visualisation platforms, as showcased by their advanced LENS 4k Surgical Imaging System, is noteworthy in this division.
  3. Advanced Wound Management: This segment provides a comprehensive set of products to enhance the wound healing process, including traditional and advanced dressings, skin care products, and therapy systems. Their groundbreaking Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems have significantly improved wound healing times.

Innovation at Core

Smith & Nephew's philosophy echoes innovation at every level, as reflected in their cutting-edge products and services. One of the notable examples is their CORI Surgical System, which has revolutionised joint replacement surgeries with robotic assistance.

In 2020, the company introduced the Real Intelligence brand, which seeks to digitise the world of healthcare. This brand hosts a suite of interconnected digital technologies and services designed to improve patient outcomes while reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Smith & Nephew is at the forefront of new healthcare technologies and treatments. The company's robust Research & Development function continues to explore areas such as regenerative medicine and digital health, and they have also been quick to adopt Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.

Furthermore, the company's unwavering focus on sustainability aligns it with the global objective of reducing waste and promoting green manufacturing practices. Smith & Nephew's dedication to operating responsibly is evident in their policies on environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and community support.

Smith & Nephew plc: Financial Performance in 2023


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Smith & Nephew plc, a leading portfolio medical technology company, has shown promising financial performance in 2023, driven by strategic initiatives and innovation.

Key Financial Highlights:

Second Quarter 2023

The company reported second-quarter revenue of $1,379 million, a 7.8% increase on an underlying basis from the previous year's quarter. This growth was fueled by higher elective procedure volumes and the accelerated growth in the robotics business.

Orthopaedics revenue grew by 5.8%, and the Sports Medicine & ENT unit saw significant advancements.

Third Quarter 2023

The third quarter marked continued growth with revenue reaching $1,357 million, an 8.5% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The Orthopaedics business unit saw an 8.3% revenue increase, primarily driven by the JOURNEY II Total Knee System and POLAR3 Total Hip Solution.

The Sports Medicine & ENT unit also performed strongly, with an 11.1% increase in revenue. Advanced Wound Management grew by 3.6%.

Innovation and Product Development

Smith & Nephew focused heavily on innovation, expecting 25 new product launches in 2023. Significant developments in the Orthopaedics sector included the expansion of the robotics-assisted CORI Surgical System and the introduction of the AETOS Shoulder System.

In Sports Medicine, the UltraTRAC QUAD ACL Reconstruction Technique was a notable advancement.

Operational Improvements

The Company made substantial progress in improving operational efficiency, including updating and standardising pricing controls, reducing the day’s sales outstanding, and manufacturing optimization.

Advanced Wound Management and Sports Medicine & ENT

These areas continued to perform above market, driven by strong product portfolios and expanding indications.

Outlook for Full Year 2023

Smith & Nephew projects its full-year underlying revenue growth to be towards the higher end of the 6.0% to 7.0% range. The expected trading margin is around 17.5%, influenced by various market dynamics including the situation in China.

Smith and Nephew Share Price Analysis

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As of the latest available information, Smith and Nephew's share price shows varied performance across different stock exchanges. On the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the share price closed at $26.60, experiencing a minor decline of 0.71% from its previous close.

The stock maintained this price in after-hours trading. Key metrics from the NYSE listing include a 52-week range of $21.53 to $33.09, a market capitalization of $11.616 billion, and a PE ratio of 53.20. The company offers a forward dividend yield of 2.82% with an ex-dividend date set for October 5, 2023​​.

On the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the share price was listed at 1,063.50p for selling and 1,064.50p for buying, with no change reported at the close on December 20, 2023.

The company's year high was noted at 1,316.00p, and its year low at 887.00p. Smith and Nephew's market capitalization on the LSE is approximately £9.31 billion, and it has a P/E ratio of 16.46. The dividend yield is slightly higher at 2.94%​​.

The company, a significant player in the medical technology industry, is known for its design, manufacture, and marketing of orthopaedic devices, sports medicine, arthroscopic technologies, and wound-care solutions.

A considerable portion of its revenue comes from orthopaedic products, followed by sports medicine and ENT, and the advanced wound therapy segment. The U.S. contributes roughly half of the company's total revenue, with other developed markets and emerging markets accounting for the rest.

Bottom line

Smith & Nephew is more than just a medical equipment manufacturing company. It's an organisation dedicated to improving lives with relentless innovation, responsible business practices, and a forward-looking approach.

As they move towards the future, their focus will remain firmly on providing the highest quality products and advancing healthcare delivery around the globe.

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