Q4 2026 Sonic Healthcare Ltd Earnings Call

August 20, 2026

Speaker #1: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Sonic Healthcare FY2026 full-year results conference call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode.

Operator: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Sonic Healthcare FY 2026 full year results conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during this session, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Dr. Jim Newcombe, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sonic Healthcare. Sir, please go ahead.

Speaker #1: After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during this session, you will need to press star 1-1 on your telephone.

Speaker #1: You will then hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded.

Speaker #1: I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Dr. Jim Newcomb, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sonic Healthcare.

Speaker #1: Sir, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining Sonic Healthcare's FY2026 full-year results presentation. On the call with me today are Sonic Healthcare's Chief Financial Officer, Chris Wilkes, and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Paul Alexander.

Jim Newcombe: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining Sonic Healthcare's FY 2026 full year results presentation. On the call with me today are Sonic Healthcare's Chief Financial Officer, Chris Wilks, and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Paul Alexander. We delivered solid financial results in FY 2026, achieving our EBITDA guidance for the year on an underlying basis. Total revenue grew strongly, up 13% year-on-year to AUD 10.867 billion, with strong EBITDA growth of 11% to AUD 1.933 billion. Net profit after tax increased 17% to AUD 621 million, with earnings per share up by 14% to AUD 1.26. Operationally, we completed the acquisition of the LADR group in Germany, further strengthening our position in that market, with synergy realization well on track. In Switzerland, we continued substantial synergy capture from our recent acquisitions, which are also well on schedule.

Speaker #2: We delivered solid financial results in FY2026, achieving our EBITDA guidance for the year on an underlying basis. Total revenue grew strongly, up 13% year-on-year to $10.87 billion, with strong EBITDA growth of 11% to $1.93 billion.

Speaker #2: Net profit after tax increased 17% to $621 million, with earnings per share up by 14% to $1.26. Operationally, we completed the acquisition of the LADR Group in Germany, further strengthening our position in that market, with synergy realization well on track.

Speaker #2: In Switzerland, we continued substantial synergy capture from our recent acquisitions, which are also well on schedule. Across Sonic’s portfolio, we achieved strong growth in advanced diagnostics, leveraging market-leading brands across multiple geographies, including our acquisition in the US this year of Kairo Diagnostics.

Jim Newcombe: Across Sonic's portfolio, we achieved strong growth in advanced diagnostics, leveraging market-leading brands across multiple geographies, including our acquisition in the US this year of Ciro Diagnostics. We commenced an operating review of our US business, which is laying strong foundations for improved financial performance. In addition, we completed the sale and leaseback of our Brisbane Hub laboratory as part of our disciplined approach to capital management. All of these achievements were underpinned by our firm focus on growing earnings per share and improving return on invested capital. Sonic's investment proposition is clear. We deliver high-value medicine at scale, which drives growth and financial performance. Our FY 2026 results reinforce this proposition, something I've seen firsthand through my first nine months as CEO.

Speaker #2: We commenced an operating review of our US business, which is laying strong foundations for improved financial performance. In addition, we completed the sale and leaseback of our Brisbane hub laboratory as part of our disciplined approach to capital management.

Speaker #2: All of these achievements were underpinned by our firm focus on growing earnings per share and improving return on invested capital. Sonic's investment proposition is clear: we deliver high-value medicine at scale, which drives growth and financial performance.

Speaker #2: Our FY26 results reinforce this proposition, something I've seen firsthand through my first nine months as CEO. Meeting our people across the globe and seeing our world-leading operations platforms, I've gained an even greater appreciation for the unique competitive advantages created by the scale and diversity of our portfolio, our exceptional medical leadership culture, and our unparalleled operational excellence.

Jim Newcombe: Meeting our people across the globe and seeing our world-leading operations platforms, I've gained an even greater appreciation for the unique competitive advantages created by the scale and diversity of our portfolio, our exceptional medical leadership culture, and our unparalleled operational excellence. Over four decades, Sonic has built one of the world's leading medical diagnostics networks, spanning nine countries and 11 markets across pathology, radiology, and primary care. We hold leading positions in all our markets, including the number one position in six. In FY 2026, that scale translated into nearly AUD 11 billion of revenue and AUD 2 billion of earnings. But its impact extends well beyond strong financial results. Over the last year, our 47,000 employees supported 144 million patient consultations across more than 3,000 access points. Each consultation represents a moment when a patient and their doctor rely on us for an answer they can trust.

Speaker #2: Over four decades, Sonic has built one of the world's leading medical diagnostics networks, spanning nine countries and 11 markets across pathology, radiology, and primary care.

Speaker #2: We hold leading positions in all our markets, including the number one position in six. In FY 2026, that scale translated into nearly $11 billion of revenue and $2 billion of earnings, but its impact extends well beyond strong financial results.

Jim Newcombe: In FY 2026, that scale translated into nearly AUD 11 billion of revenue and AUD 2 billion of earnings. But its impact extends well beyond strong financial results. Over the last year, our 47,000 employees supported 144 million patient consultations across more than 3,000 access points. Each consultation represents a moment when a patient and their doctor rely on us for an answer they can trust.

Speaker #2: Over the last year, our 47,000 employees supported 144 million patient consultations across more than 3,000 access points. Each consultation represents a moment when a patient and their doctor rely on us for an answer they can trust.

Speaker #2: That trust has been earned over decades and lies at the heart of our medical leadership culture—our second key differentiator. Medical leadership is a unique operating model that places the delivery of the highest-quality medicine and patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Jim Newcombe: That trust has been earned over decades and lies at the heart of our medical leadership culture, our second key differentiator. Medical leadership is a unique operating model that places the delivery of highest quality medicine and patient care at the heart of everything we do. We attract industry-leading experts, maintain the highest standards of medical excellence, and build deep, trusted relationships with referring doctors. Those relationships create a powerful, self-reinforcing value cycle, driving organic growth and market share gains, which in turn translate into financial value for shareholders and enable us to successfully reinvest in our people, platforms, and innovation. The power of medical leadership was evident in our FY 2026 results. Our organic revenue grew 5%, continuing our longstanding track record of strong organic growth. Advanced diagnostics was a particular highlight, with Sonic Genetics in Australia and Biofocus in Germany delivering year-on-year growth of 15% and 12%, respectively.

Speaker #2: We attract industry-leading experts, maintain the highest standards of medical excellence, and build deep, trusted relationships with referring doctors. Those relationships create a powerful, self-reinforcing value cycle, driving organic growth and market share gains, which in turn translate into financial value for shareholders and enable us to successfully reinvest in our people, platforms, and innovation.

Speaker #2: The power of medical leadership was evident in our FY2026 results. Our organic revenue grew 5%, continuing our long-standing track record of strong organic growth.

Jim Newcombe: The power of medical leadership was evident in our FY 2026 results. Our organic revenue grew 5%, continuing our longstanding track record of strong organic growth. Advanced diagnostics was a particular highlight, with Sonic Genetics in Australia and Biofocus in Germany delivering year-on-year growth of 15% and 12%, respectively.

Speaker #2: Advanced diagnostics was a particular highlight, with Sonic Genetics in Australia and Biovis in Germany delivering year-on-year growth of 15% and 12%, respectively. Specialist referrals in Australian pathology continued to outperform, growing 7% year-on-year.

Jim Newcombe: Specialist referrals in Australian Pathology continued to outperform, growing 7% year-on-year. We built strong momentum in the expanding direct-to-consumer testing market, with our Mein Direktlabor business in Germany growing more than 60% year-on-year. Our third competitive differentiator is operational excellence, enabled by the capabilities and infrastructure we have built at scale. By combining industry-leading expertise, highly personalized specialty testing, and proprietary information systems, we consistently deliver high-quality patient outcomes. These capabilities are supported by sophisticated logistics management and an advanced global procurement platform, driving further productivity and operating efficiencies across the business. With these key differentiators as our foundation, we are focused on investing for the future. In FY 2026, we launched a major initiative to modernize our global digital infrastructure. This company-wide transformation represents a step change in our ability to deliver better outcomes for doctors, patients, and shareholders in an increasingly digital world.

Speaker #2: And we built strong momentum in the expanding direct-to-consumer testing market with our Mind Direct Labor business in Germany, growing more than 60% year-on-year.

Speaker #2: Our third competitive differentiator is operational excellence, enabled by the capabilities and infrastructure we have built at scale. By combining industry-leading expertise, highly personalized specialty testing, and proprietary information systems, we consistently deliver high-quality patient outcomes.

Speaker #2: These capabilities are supported by sophisticated logistics management and an advanced global procurement platform, driving further productivity and operating efficiencies across the business. With these key differentiators as our foundation, we are focused on investing for the future.

Jim Newcombe: These capabilities are supported by sophisticated logistics management and an advanced global procurement platform, driving further productivity and operating efficiencies across the business. With these key differentiators as our foundation, we are focused on investing for the future. In FY 2026, we launched a major initiative to modernize our global digital infrastructure. This company-wide transformation represents a step change in our ability to deliver better outcomes for doctors, patients, and shareholders in an increasingly digital world.

Speaker #2: In FY2026, we launched a major initiative to modernize our global digital infrastructure. This company-wide transformation represents a step change in our ability to deliver better outcomes for doctors, patients, and shareholders in an increasingly digital world.

Speaker #2: We are implementing this initiative across all three components of our tech platform. In our back office functions, we are migrating our finance, supply chain, and HR platforms to cloud-based systems, enabling greater standardization and scale efficiencies.

Jim Newcombe: We are implementing this initiative across all three components of our tech platform. In our back-office functions, we are migrating our finance, supply chain, and HR platforms to cloud-based systems, enabling greater standardization and scale efficiencies. This project was initiated in FY 2026 with approximately AUD 30 million of investment planned per annum over the next three years. Operationally, we are optimizing our specialist laboratory and radiology information systems, enabling more efficient, higher throughput laboratory and radiology workflows. At the clinical frontline, we are scaling a suite of leading-edge AI-enabled solutions, including proprietary patient and doctor applications that improve access to care and enhance productivity. Combined, these investments create an interconnected, scalable platform that will drive greater efficiency today while expanding our ability to innovate and deploy new technologies.

Speaker #2: This project was initiated in FY 2026, with approximately $30 million of investment planned per annum over the next three years. Operationally, we are optimizing our specialist laboratory and radiology information systems, enabling more efficient, higher-throughput laboratory and radiology workflows.

Speaker #2: And at the clinical frontline, we are scaling a suite of leading-edge, AI-enabled solutions, including proprietary patient and doctor applications that improve access to care and enhance productivity.

Jim Newcombe: At the clinical frontline, we are scaling a suite of leading-edge AI-enabled solutions, including proprietary patient and doctor applications that improve access to care and enhance productivity. Combined, these investments create an interconnected, scalable platform that will drive greater efficiency today while expanding our ability to innovate and deploy new technologies.

Speaker #2: Combined, these investments create an interconnected, scalable platform that will drive greater efficiency today while expanding our ability to innovate and deploy new technologies. Let me now turn to the performance of our markets and the key initiatives to drive revenue and earnings growth in FY27 and beyond.

Jim Newcombe: Let me now turn to the performance of our markets and the key initiatives to drive revenue and earnings growth in FY 2027 and beyond. Across the group, revenue performance was strong, reflecting the strength of our competitive differentiation and industry tailwinds, including aging populations, the rising prevalence of chronic disease, and the growing shift towards personalized preventative medicine. Over multiple decades, we have built unmatched trust and goodwill with doctors and patients who, in ever larger numbers, choose Sonic Healthcare for our high-value medical services. We translated strong revenue growth into healthy margins across our markets. Specifically, Germany, excluding the LADR acquisition, Switzerland, and Sonic Clinical Services delivered strong EBITDA margin expansion, demonstrating operating leverage from organic growth, ongoing synergy realization, and disciplined cost management. In Australian Pathology and Belgium, we maintained healthy margins despite fee changes, supported by strong organic growth and revenue diversification, including private billing initiatives.

Speaker #2: Across the group, revenue performance was strong, reflecting the strength of our competitive differentiation and industry tailwinds, including aging populations, the rising prevalence of chronic disease, and the growing shift towards personalized, preventative medicine.

Speaker #2: Over multiple decades, we have built unmatched trust and goodwill with doctors and patients, who in ever-larger numbers choose Sonic for our high-value medical services.

Speaker #2: We translated strong revenue growth into healthy margins across our markets. Specifically, Germany (excluding the LADR acquisition), Switzerland, and Sonic Clinical Services delivered strong EBITDA margin expansion, demonstrating operating leverage from organic growth, ongoing synergy realization, and disciplined cost management.

Jim Newcombe: We translated strong revenue growth into healthy margins across our markets. Specifically, Germany, excluding the LADR acquisition, Switzerland, and Sonic Clinical Services delivered strong EBITDA margin expansion, demonstrating operating leverage from organic growth, ongoing synergy realization, and disciplined cost management. In Australian Pathology and Belgium, we maintained healthy margins despite fee changes, supported by strong organic growth and revenue diversification, including private billing initiatives.

Speaker #2: In Australian pathology and Belgium, we maintained healthy margins despite fee changes, supported by strong organic growth and revenue diversification, including private billing initiatives. Margin performance in the US, UK, and radiology was affected by market-specific factors, and multiple initiatives are underway to improve performance in FY 2027 and beyond.

Jim Newcombe: Margin performance in the US, UK, and radiology was affected by market-specific factors, and multiple initiatives are in train to improve performance in FY 2027 and beyond. In Germany, Sonic achieved revenue growth of 43% with organic growth of 5%. We grew strongly in advanced diagnostics, including genetics, specialized biochemistry, and personalized precision medicine. We are leveraging Sonic's national infrastructure, trusted medical expertise, and extensive laboratory network to capture growth in the fast-growing direct-to-consumer market. On the regulatory front, we are closely monitoring the proposed reform of the GOÄ private fee schedule. There is currently no clarity on whether the reform will proceed nor its potential timing or impact, although it appears highly unlikely to take effect before calendar year 2028. While a wide range of potential mitigation strategies are under consideration, it is premature to provide any guidance on potential impact at this stage.

Speaker #2: In Germany, Sonic achieved revenue growth of 43%, with organic growth of 5%. We grew strongly in advanced diagnostics, including genetics, specialized biochemistry, and personalized precision medicine.

Speaker #2: We are leveraging Sonic's national infrastructure, trusted medical expertise, and extensive laboratory network to capture growth in the fast-growing direct-to-consumer market. On the regulatory front, we are closely monitoring the proposed reform of the GOA private fee schedule.

Jim Newcombe: On the regulatory front, we are closely monitoring the proposed reform of the GOÄ private fee schedule. There is currently no clarity on whether the reform will proceed nor its potential timing or impact, although it appears highly unlikely to take effect before calendar year 2028. While a wide range of potential mitigation strategies are under consideration, it is premature to provide any guidance on potential impact at this stage.

Speaker #2: There is currently no clarity on whether the reform will proceed, nor its potential timing or impact, although it appears highly unlikely to take effect before calendar year 2028.

Speaker #2: While a wide range of potential mitigation strategies are under consideration, it is premature to provide any guidance on potential impact at this stage. In the meantime, we continue to advocate against the proposed reform while pursuing opportunities for further cost efficiencies.

Jim Newcombe: In the meantime, we continue to advocate against the proposed reform while pursuing opportunities for further cost efficiencies. At the beginning of this new financial year, we realigned our management and operational structure to accelerate synergy capture and efficiencies through consolidation, bringing 11 federation members into three unified operating divisions. Finally, we are delivering significant synergies from our LADR acquisition well on schedule. We captured more than 40% of total synergies in the first year, with the balance to be realized over the next two. Key milestones included the migration to Sonic procurement contracts, the completion of two laboratory mergers in Berlin and Oldenburg, and the insourcing of LADR's external referrals into Sonic Specialty Laboratories. We are realizing synergies from the expansion of LADR's market-leading medical consumables trading and logistics business to Sonic's referrers.

Speaker #2: At the beginning of this new financial year, we realigned our management and operational structure to accelerate synergy capture and efficiencies through consolidation, bringing 11 federation members into three unified operating divisions.

Speaker #2: Finally, we are delivering significant synergies from our LADR acquisition well on schedule. We captured more than 40% of total synergies in the first year, with the balance to be realized over the next two.

Speaker #2: Key milestones included the migration to Sonic procurement contracts, the completion of two laboratory mergers in Berlin and Oldenburg, and the insourcing of LADR's external referrals into Sonic's specialty laboratories.

Jim Newcombe: Key milestones included the migration to Sonic procurement contracts, the completion of two laboratory mergers in Berlin and Oldenburg, and the insourcing of LADR's external referrals into Sonic Specialty Laboratories. We are realizing synergies from the expansion of LADR's market-leading medical consumables trading and logistics business to Sonic's referrers.

Speaker #2: We are realizing synergies from the expansion of LADR's market-leading medical consumables trading and logistics business to Sonic's referrers. In addition, we completed extensive integration across shared services, including sales, logistics, technical maintenance services, IT, and financial systems.

Jim Newcombe: In addition, we completed extensive integration across shared services, including sales, logistics, technical maintenance services, IT, and financial systems. In Australian Pathology, we delivered strong 5% organic revenue growth, driven by specialist referrals and private billing for selected tests. We benefited from the 2.4% annual indexation applied to 30% of Medicare schedule fees in FY 2026, with a further 2.6% indexation in effect for FY 2027. In the hospital segment, North Shore Private Hospital and Hollywood Private Hospital contracts commenced in July 2025 and February 2026 respectively, further contributing to increased specialist referrals. We also continued to implement private billing for selected tests. A highlight during the year was the completion of a national laboratory platform procurement process, driving further efficiency gains, including for the cutting-edge Docklands laboratory, due to open in mid-calendar year 2027.

Speaker #2: In Australian pathology, we delivered strong 5% organic revenue growth, driven by specialist referrals and private billing for selected tests. We benefited from the 2.4% annual indexation applied to 30% of Medicare Schedule fees in FY2026, with a further 2.6% indexation in effect for FY2027.

Speaker #2: In the hospital segment, North Shore Private Hospital and Hollywood Private Hospital contracts commenced in July 2025 and February 2026, respectively, further contributing to increased specialist referrals.

Jim Newcombe: In the hospital segment, North Shore Private Hospital and Hollywood Private Hospital contracts commenced in July 2025 and February 2026 respectively, further contributing to increased specialist referrals. We also continued to implement private billing for selected tests. A highlight during the year was the completion of a national laboratory platform procurement process, driving further efficiency gains, including for the cutting-edge Docklands laboratory, due to open in mid-calendar year 2027.

Speaker #2: We also continued to implement private billing for selected tests. A highlight during the year was the completion of a national laboratory platform procurement process, driving further efficiency gains, including for the cutting-edge Docklands Laboratory, due to open in mid-calendar year 2027.

Speaker #2: The Fair Work Commission gender undervaluation review resulted in wage increases for phlebotomists and health professionals, with an estimated FY 2027 cost impact of $4,002.8 million, respectively.

Jim Newcombe: The Fair Work Commission gender undervaluation review resulted in wage increases for phlebotomists and health professionals, with an estimated FY 2027 cost impact of AUD 4 million and AUD 2.8 million respectively. Our industry association is in good faith discussions with the Department of Health on offsetting funding options. In the meantime, we are maintaining strong cost discipline through initiatives such as the right sizing of our collection center network to improve productivity and deliver lease cost savings. Our US business delivered stable underlying revenue performance in FY 2026, with 2% organic growth after adjusting for the loss of a major Alabama payer contract and the restructuring of anatomical pathology operations. We are firmly focused on improving our financial performance through the previously announced US operating review. This review is ongoing and is already delivering tangible benefits. At the same time, we achieved accelerated growth in advanced diagnostics.

Speaker #2: Our industry association is in good faith discussions with the Department of Health on offsetting funding options. In the meantime, we are maintaining strong cost discipline through initiatives such as the right sizing of our collection center network to improve productivity and deliver least cost savings.

Speaker #2: Our US business delivered stable underlying revenue performance in FY2026, with 2% organic growth after adjusting for the loss of a major Alabama payer contract and the restructuring of anatomical pathology operations.

Jim Newcombe: Our US business delivered stable underlying revenue performance in FY 2026, with 2% organic growth after adjusting for the loss of a major Alabama payer contract and the restructuring of anatomical pathology operations. We are firmly focused on improving our financial performance through the previously announced US operating review. This review is ongoing and is already delivering tangible benefits. At the same time, we achieved accelerated growth in advanced diagnostics.

Speaker #2: We are firmly focused on improving our financial performance through the previously announced US operating review. This review is ongoing and has already delivered tangible benefits.

Speaker #2: At the same time, we achieved accelerated growth in advanced diagnostics. We delivered strong organic growth of 16%, driven by the nationalization of the division, which combines Chyrodiagnostics, Thyroceq, and other highly specialized testing.

Jim Newcombe: We delivered strong organic growth of 16%, driven by the nationalization of the division, which combines Ciro Diagnostics, ThyroSeq, and other highly specialized testing. We also continued to improve underlying operational efficiency. More than 70% of dermatopathology volumes are now processed through our proprietary world-leading PathologyWatch digital pathology platform. This platform enhances workflow efficiency while expanding our ability to serve referring specialists across a broader geographic footprint. In addition, our enhanced revenue collection system is delivering results with cash collections trending positively. The decision on PAMA fee cuts, scheduled for 1 January 2027, remains uncertain, although there continues to be positive dialogue regarding potential alternative legislation. The US operating review is delivering substantial results and continues to ramp up into FY 2027. During FY 2026, we rationalized 9 anatomical pathology practices, improving profitability through laboratory closures and test portfolio optimization.

Speaker #2: We also continued to improve underlying operational efficiency. More than 70% of dermatopathology volumes are now processed through our proprietary, world-leading Pathology Watch digital pathology platform.

Speaker #2: This platform enhances workflow efficiency while expanding our ability to serve referring specialists across a broader geographic footprint. In addition, our enhanced revenue collection system is delivering results, with cash collections trending positively.

Jim Newcombe: In addition, our enhanced revenue collection system is delivering results with cash collections trending positively. The decision on PAMA fee cuts, scheduled for 1 January 2027, remains uncertain, although there continues to be positive dialogue regarding potential alternative legislation. The US operating review is delivering substantial results and continues to ramp up into FY 2027. During FY 2026, we rationalized 9 anatomical pathology practices, improving profitability through laboratory closures and test portfolio optimization.

Speaker #2: The decision on PAMA fee cuts scheduled for January 1, 2027, remains uncertain, although there continues to be positive dialogue regarding potential alternative legislation. The US operating review is delivering substantial results and continues to ramp up into FY2027.

Speaker #2: During FY 2026, we rationalized nine anatomical pathology practices, improving profitability through laboratory closures and test portfolio optimization. We secured procurement savings across a range of non-clinical spend categories, and implemented a 10% reduction in corporate headcount across centralized support functions as part of a broader efficiency program.

Jim Newcombe: We secured procurement savings across a range of non-clinical spend categories and implemented a 10% reduction in corporate headcount across centralized support functions as part of a broader efficiency program. Building on this momentum, several initiatives remain in progress, including the optimization of external reference testing and the centralization of corporate functions, including compliance, legal, HR, and marketing. Combined, these initiatives are expected to add AUD 25 to AUD 30 million to FY 2027 earnings. We are also actively considering further initiatives as part of our ongoing operating review to improve financial performance. Our market-leading national network in Switzerland achieved strong organic growth of 4% in constant currency, accelerating to 6% in the second half. This translated into strong margin expansion, supported by significant synergies realized from the integration of the Synlab Suisse and Dr. Risch acquisitions.

Speaker #2: Building on this momentum, several initiatives remain in progress, including the optimization of external reference testing and the centralization of corporate functions, including compliance, legal, HR, and marketing.

Speaker #2: Combined, these initiatives are expected to add $25 to $30 million to FY 2027 earnings. We are also actively considering further initiatives as part of our ongoing operating review to improve financial performance.

Jim Newcombe: We are also actively considering further initiatives as part of our ongoing operating review to improve financial performance. Our market-leading national network in Switzerland achieved strong organic growth of 4% in constant currency, accelerating to 6% in the second half. This translated into strong margin expansion, supported by significant synergies realized from the integration of the Synlab Suisse and Dr. Risch acquisitions.

Speaker #2: Our market-leading national network in Switzerland achieved strong organic growth of 4% in constant currency, accelerating to 6% in the second half. This translated into strong margin expansion, supported by significant synergies realized from the integration of the Synlab Swiss and Dr. Risch acquisitions.

Speaker #2: In FY 2026, we completed four laboratory mergers across Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Ticino, with the two largest mergers in our pipeline in Bern and Lucerne on track for completion in FY 2027.

Jim Newcombe: In FY 2026, we completed 4 laboratory mergers across Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Ticino, with the 2 largest mergers in our pipeline in Bern and Lucerne on track for completion in FY 2027. We launched further optimization initiatives during the year, including in procurement, logistics, sales, IT harmonization, and insourcing of external reference testing. Regulatory changes which took effect from 1 July 2026 are expected to have an estimated CHF 20 million impact on FY 2027 revenue, equating to approximately 3% of revenue as a result of fee reductions for 10 high-volume tests. We have put in place initiatives across our operations to mitigate this impact. The UK delivered revenue growth of 17%, supported by the first full-year contribution from the Hertfordshire and West Essex, or HWE, NHS contract. As noted earlier, margin performance in the UK was impacted by market-specific factors.

Speaker #2: We launched further optimization initiatives during the year, including in procurement, logistics, sales, IT harmonization, and insourcing of external reference testing. Regulatory changes, which took effect from 1 July 2026, are expected to have an estimated 20 million Swiss franc impact on FY 2027 revenue, equating to approximately 3% of revenue as a result of fee reductions for 10 high-volume tests.

Speaker #2: We have put in place initiatives across our operations to mitigate this impact. The UK delivered revenue growth of 17%, supported by the first full-year contribution from the Hertfordshire and West Essex (HWE) and HS contract.

Speaker #2: As noted earlier, margin performance in the UK was impacted by market-specific factors. One factor was the extended integration timeline for the HWE contract. Our cutting-edge Watford Hub laboratory was completed and ready for go-live as planned during this year.

Jim Newcombe: One factor was the extended integration timeline for the HWE contract. Our cutting-edge Watford Hub laboratory was completed and ready for go live as planned during this year. The transfer of testing volumes associated with the HWE contract has progressed more slowly than anticipated due to operational issues within the NHS. As a result, we now expect to achieve the planned margins for the contract by H2 FY 2028. Looking ahead, the Watford laboratory is well-positioned to support the strong growth we are seeing in community-based diagnostics across the region. Margin performance was also impacted by higher labor costs associated with the introduction of a new pay framework in the second half of the year. This cost increase will annualize in FY 2027.

Speaker #2: The transfer of testing volumes associated with the HWE contract has progressed more slowly than anticipated due to operational issues within the NHS. As a result, we now expect to achieve the planned margins for the contract by the second half of fiscal year 2028.

Speaker #2: Looking ahead, the Watford laboratory is well positioned to support the strong growth we are seeing in community-based diagnostics across the region. Margin performance was also impacted by higher labor costs associated with the introduction of a new pay framework in the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: This cost increase will annualize in FY2027. We continue to strengthen our long-term strategic position in the UK and other areas, including through the acquisition of cellular pathology services, expanding our capabilities in the attractive and growing private anatomical pathology market.

Jim Newcombe: We continue to strengthen our long-term strategic position in the UK and other areas, including through the acquisition of cellular pathology services, expanding our capabilities in the attractive and growing private anatomical pathology market. More broadly, we have multiple promising opportunities in the pipeline to serve the growing private pathology market in the UK. Radiology delivered strong organic revenue growth of 7% and underlying EBITDA growth of 5%. Growth was supported by continued increased demand for higher-value modalities, including CT, MRI, and PET/CT, as well as annual Medicare indexation of 2.4% for FY 2026. Margin performance was impacted by our investment in 10 greenfield sites over the last two years, which lay the foundation for future growth. These sites remain in their ramp-up phase and are expected to become accretive approximately 18 months after opening.

Speaker #2: More broadly, we have multiple promising opportunities in the pipeline to serve the growing private pathology market in the UK. Radiology delivered strong organic revenue growth of 7% and underlying EBITDA growth of 5%. Growth was supported by continued increased demand for higher-value modalities, including CT, MRI, and PET-CT, as well as annual Medicare indexation of 2.4% for FY 2026.

Speaker #2: Margin performance was impacted by our investment in 10 greenfield sites over the last two years, which lays the foundation for future growth. These sites remain in their ramp-up phase and are expected to become accretive approximately 18 months after opening.

Speaker #2: Changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs referral guidelines affecting MRI volumes were also annualized. We are focused on driving margin improvement through organic growth, cost discipline, and productivity gains from the continued deployment of AI-enabled tools.

Jim Newcombe: Changes to the Department of Veterans' Affairs referral guidelines affecting MRI volumes also impacted margin but are now fully annualized. We are focused on driving margin improvement through organic growth, cost discipline, and productivity gains from the continued deployment of AI-enabled tools. As part of our digital transformation initiatives to optimize our radiology workflows, we are evaluating new system options to replace our existing radiology information system, which is now considered end of life. Finally, Sonic Clinical Services delivered revenue growth of 5%, with organic growth strengthening in the H2. EBITDA increased 25% year-on-year off a low base, with significant margin expansion. Our performance in the H2 was supported by a 3.2% increase half-on-half in GP consultations per working day, following the introduction of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program on 1 November 2025.

Speaker #2: As part of our digital transformation initiatives to optimize our radiology workflows, we are evaluating new system options to replace our existing Radiology Information System, which is now considered end-of-life.

Speaker #2: Finally, Sonic Clinical Services delivered revenue growth of 5%, with organic growth strengthening in the second half. EBITDA increased 25% year-on-year off a low base, with significant margin expansion.

Jim Newcombe: Finally, Sonic Clinical Services delivered revenue growth of 5%, with organic growth strengthening in the H2. EBITDA increased 25% year-on-year off a low base, with significant margin expansion. Our performance in the H2 was supported by a 3.2% increase half-on-half in GP consultations per working day, following the introduction of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program on 1 November 2025.

Speaker #2: Our performance in the second half was supported by a 3.2% increase, half-on-half, in GP consultations per working day, following the introduction of the bulk billing practice incentive program on 1 November 2025.

Speaker #2: Our skin health business continued to deliver strong financial performance, supported by its highly personalized approach to patient care. We realigned our operational and management structures to promote shared services and other efficiencies across the medical center, occupational health, and skin health businesses. This, combined with ongoing cost-saving initiatives, contributed to EBITDA growth during the year, with more improvements expected in FY 2027.

Jim Newcombe: Our skin health business continued to deliver strong financial performance, supported by its highly personalized approach to patient care. We realigned our operational and management structures to promote shared services and other efficiencies across the medical center, occupational health, and skin health businesses. This, combined with ongoing cost-saving initiatives, contributed to EBITDA growth during the year, with more improvements expected in FY 2027. Before I hand over to Chris, I would like to personally thank our management teams and all of our 47,000 people around the world. Our people's deep commitment to caring for our communities through high-value medicine is the beating heart of Sonic Healthcare's success. It is our people who have delivered our strong performance in FY 2026 and who will continue to do so into the future. Looking ahead, I am confident in the momentum we are building across the business and excited by the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #2: Before I hand over to Chris, I would like to personally thank our management teams and all of our 47,000 people around the world. Our people's deep commitment to caring for our communities through high-value medicine is the beating heart of Sonic Healthcare's success.

Jim Newcombe: Our people's deep commitment to caring for our communities through high-value medicine is the beating heart of Sonic Healthcare's success. It is our people who have delivered our strong performance in FY 2026 and who will continue to do so into the future. Looking ahead, I am confident in the momentum we are building across the business and excited by the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #2: It is our people who have delivered our strong performance in FY2026, and who will continue to do so into the future. Looking ahead, I'm confident in the momentum we are building across the business, and excited by the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #2: I'm positive that the initiatives underway across the business successfully build on our sound foundations of scale and diversification, exceptional medical leadership culture, and unparalleled operational excellence.

Jim Newcombe: I am positive that the initiatives underway across the business successfully build on our sound foundations of scale and diversification, an exceptional medical leadership culture, and unparalleled operational excellence. We are positioned to deliver strong long-term growth, profitability, and value creation for shareholders. I will hand over now to Chris to discuss the financial results in more detail.

Speaker #2: We are positioned to deliver strong, long-term growth, profitability, and value creation for shareholders. I'll hand over now to Chris to discuss the financial results in more detail.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Jim, and good morning, everyone. I'd like to now move to slide 23, where we have some more detail on the financial results.

Chris Wilks: Thank you, Jim, and good morning, everyone. I would like to now move to slide 23, where we have some more detail on the financial results. As Jim has already stated, FY 2026 was a solid financial result for Sonic Healthcare and in line with the guidance we set back in August 2025. Total revenue for the year increased by 13% to AUD 10.867 billion. On an underlying basis, adjusted for net non-recurring items of AUD 51 million, which I will discuss in more detail shortly. EBITDA for FY 2026 was AUD 1.933 billion, 11% higher than FY 2025. On a constant currency basis, EBITDA was AUD 1.916 billion and within our guidance range for the year. Net profit for the year was AUD 621 million, up 17%, while earnings per share grew 14% to AUD 1.26. As you can see on the right-hand side of the slide, depreciation expense was AUD 771 million.

Speaker #1: As Jim has already stated, FY26 was a solid financial result for Sonic and in line with the guidance we set back in August 2025.

Speaker #1: Total revenue for the year increased by 13% to $10.867 billion. On an underlying basis, adjusted for net non-recurring items of $51 million—which I'll discuss in more detail shortly—EBITDA for FY26 was $1.933 billion, 11% higher than FY25.

Chris Wilks: EBITDA for FY 2026 was AUD 1.933 billion, 11% higher than FY 2025. On a constant currency basis, EBITDA was AUD 1.916 billion and within our guidance range for the year. Net profit for the year was AUD 621 million, up 17%, while earnings per share grew 14% to AUD 1.26. As you can see on the right-hand side of the slide, depreciation expense was AUD 771 million.

Speaker #1: On a constant currency basis, EBITDA was $1.916 billion within the year. Net profit for the year was $621 million, up 17%, while earnings per share grew 14% to $1.26.

Speaker #1: As you can see on the right-hand side of the slide, depreciation expense was $771 million, and interest expense was $188 million, approximately 19% higher than the previous year. This was largely a consequence of the funding of the LADR acquisition in Germany, the Cairo acquisition in the US, and also the purchase of two laboratory properties.

Chris Wilks: Interest expense was AUD 188 million, approximately 19% higher than the previous year, largely a consequence of the funding of the LADR acquisition in Germany and the Ciro acquisition in the US, and also the purchase of two laboratory properties. The underlying effective tax rate for the year was 26%, a bit lower than the 27% we had guided. Property, plant, and equipment CapEx in FY 2026 totaled AUD 631 million. This was higher than normal, owing to AUD 280 million in strategic property investments. These included the acquisition and ongoing fit-out of the Melbourne Laboratory in Docklands, as well as of 16 Giffnock Avenue, Macquarie Park, which expands our existing site at 14 Giffnock Avenue. Maintenance CapEx was AUD 351 million, or approximately 3% of revenue.

Speaker #1: The underlying effective tax rate for the year was 26%, a bit lower than the 27% we had guided. Property, plant and equipment capex in FY 2026 totaled $631 million.

Speaker #1: This was higher than normal, owing to $280 million in strategic property investments. These included the acquisition and ongoing fit-out of the Melbourne Laboratory in Docklands, as well as the acquisition of 16 Giffnock Avenue, Macquarie Park, which expands our existing site at 14 Giffnock Avenue.

Speaker #1: Maintenance capex was $351 million, or approximately 3% of revenue. We expect property-related capex to be lower in FY27 and to drop away from FY28 onwards, as these major Australian projects and the lab infrastructure in Switzerland and the UK are completed.

Chris Wilks: We expect property-related CapEx to be lower in FY 2027 and drop away from FY 2028 onwards as these major Australian projects and the lab infrastructure in Switzerland and the UK are completed. On slide 24, we have more detail on the non-recurring items we have excluded from our underlying results. The most significant item was the AUD 107 million gain from the sale and leaseback of our Brisbane hub laboratory, which was completed in June 2026. This gain was offset by a number of items which also have their own tax impacts, as set out in the table. We have written down AUD 33 million in US debtors relating to the 2024 Change Healthcare cyberattack for revenue, which was recognized in FY 2024 and 2025. As we have mentioned in previous disclosures, this was a very disruptive event for us, and this is the net financial effect of it.

Speaker #1: On slide 24, we have more detail on the non-recurring items we have excluded from our underlying results. The most significant item was the $107 million gain from the sale and leaseback of our Brisbane Hub Laboratory, which was completed in June 2026.

Speaker #1: This gain was offset by a number of items, which also have their own tax impacts, as set out in the table. We have written down A$33 million in U.S. debtors relating to the 2024 Change Healthcare cyberattack for revenue, which was recognized in FY2024 and FY2025.

Speaker #1: As we have mentioned in previous disclosures, this was a very disruptive event for us, and this is the net financial effect of it. There was a $14 million wage adjustment relating to the interpretation of an Australian shift worker award dating back six years prior to FY26, which was identified through an internal review.

Chris Wilks: There was a AUD 14 million wage adjustment relating to the interpretation of an Australian shift work award dating back six years prior to FY 2026, which was identified through an internal review. We have impaired AUD 83 million in software intangibles, which is part of our digital and AI transformation initiative. This mainly relates to our radiology information system and legacy ERP systems, which, as Jim has mentioned earlier, are considered end of life. We incurred AUD 8 million in acquisition costs relating to the LADR acquisition in Germany and the Ciro acquisition in the US. There was AUD 14 million in restructuring costs related to US anatomical pathology business and facility rationalization in Germany and in the Sonic Clinical Services business in Australia. We made an initial AUD 6 million investment in the implementation of finance, supply chain, and HR systems as part of our digital and AI transformation initiative.

Speaker #1: We've impaired $83 million in software intangibles, which is part of our digital and AI transformation initiative. This mainly relates to our Radiology Information System and legacy ERP systems, which, as Jim mentioned earlier, are considered end-of-life.

Speaker #1: We incurred $8 million in acquisition costs relating to the LADR acquisition in Germany and the Cairo acquisition in the US. There was $14 million in restructuring costs related to the US anatomical pathology business and facility rationalization in Germany, and in the Sonic Clinical Services business in Australia.

Chris Wilks: There was AUD 14 million in restructuring costs related to US anatomical pathology business and facility rationalization in Germany and in the Sonic Clinical Services business in Australia. We made an initial AUD 6 million investment in the implementation of finance, supply chain, and HR systems as part of our digital and AI transformation initiative.

Speaker #1: We made an initial $6 million investment in the implementation of finance, supply chain, and HR systems as part of our digital and AI transformation initiative.

Speaker #1: We've also taken the decision to adjust for an interest deduction we're expecting in Germany relating to FY2017 to FY2019. This was triggered by a recent German court decision against another taxpayer.

Chris Wilks: We've also taken the decision to adjust for an interest deduction we're expecting in Germany relating to FY 2017 to 2019. This was triggered by a recent German court decision against another taxpayer. The net impact on the EBITDA of these non-recurring items was an adjustment of approximately AUD 51 million in FY 2026. Turning to capital management on slide 25, our priorities remain unchanged. First, maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet is considered fundamental. Second, we are maintaining a progressive dividend and expect the medium-term payout ratio to return to 70% to 80% of net profit as our profits grow. Third, pursuing strategic, selective, and synergistic acquisitions, which has been an important part of our history and remains a priority going forward. Finally, we will consider share buybacks using surplus funds subject to market conditions and other factors.

Speaker #1: The net impact on the EBITDA of these non-recurring items was an adjustment of approximately $51 million in FY 2026. Turning to capital management on slide 25, our priorities remain unchanged.

Speaker #1: First, maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet is considered fundamental. Second, we are maintaining a progressive dividend and expect the medium-term payout ratio to return to 70–80 percent of net profit as our profits grow.

Speaker #1: Third, pursuing strategic, selective, and synergistic acquisitions, which has been an important part of our history and remains a priority going forward. And finally, we will consider share buybacks using surplus funds, subject to market conditions and other factors.

Speaker #1: Moving to slide 26, our credit metrics remain in line with historical levels. We ended the year with a debt cover ratio of 2.2. The increase in net debt versus the prior year relates to the acquisition of LADR and Cairo Diagnostics, completed during the year, offset to some extent by the sale and leaseback of our Bowen Hills lab, which settled in June.

Chris Wilks: Moving to slide 26, our credit metrics remain in line with historical levels. We ended the year with a debt cover ratio of 2.2. The increase in net debt versus prior year relates to the acquisition of LADR and Ciro Diagnostics completed during the year, offset to some extent by the sale and leaseback of our Bowen Hills lab, which settled in June. As at 30 June 2026, we had approximately AUD 1.6 billion of available headroom. This was, however, before the final dividend payment. I note that we have recently entered into a new EUR 245 million bank debt facility that will effectively refinance the USPP debt we have maturing in November this year. On to slide 27. We are pleased to announce a final dividend of AUD 0.63 per share, taking the full-year dividend to AUD 1.08, an increase of AUD 0.01 on FY 2025.

Speaker #1: As at 30th of June 2026, we had approximately $1.6 billion of available headroom. This was, however, before the final dividend payment. I note that we have recently entered into a new €245 million bank debt facility that will effectively refinance the USPP debt we have maturing in November this year.

Speaker #1: On to slide 27. We are pleased to announce a final dividend of 63 cents per share, taking the full-year dividend to $1.08, an increase of 1 cent on FY25.

Speaker #1: This dividend will be franked to 60%, with a record date of 3rd September and a payment date of 17th September.

Chris Wilks: This dividend will be franked to 60% with a record date of 3 September and a payment date of 17 September. Whilst the payout ratio is relatively high this year, it is well supported by a strong operating cash flow investment-grade balance sheet. Turning to slide 28, where we have set out some of our recent property transactions, which are important operationally but also for capital management. We remain focused on optimizing returns on capital tied up in owned real estate, beginning with the sale and leaseback of our Bowen Hills laboratory, which was completed in June for AUD 445 million. The transaction enabled us to release capital at an effective pre-tax cost of 5.6% while also crystallizing value that was not reflected on our balance sheet.

Speaker #1: While the payout ratio is relatively high this year, it is well supported by strong operating cash flow and an investment-grade balance sheet. Turning to slide 28, we have set out some of our recent property transactions, which are important operationally but also for capital management.

Speaker #1: We remain focused on optimizing returns on capital tied up in owned real estate, beginning with the sale and leaseback of our Bowen Hills Laboratory, which was completed in June for $445 million.

Speaker #1: The transaction enabled us to release capital at an effective pre-tax cost of 5.6%, while also crystallizing value that was not reflected on our balance sheet.

Speaker #1: We also signed a conditional contract for the sale of our surplus property at 95 Epping Road, Macquarie Park, which has been rezoned for a multi-story residential development.

Chris Wilks: We also signed a conditional contract for the sale of our surplus property at 95 Epping Road, Macquarie Park, which has been rezoned for a multi-story residential development. Together, these transactions demonstrate our disciplined approach to capital management and our ongoing focus on improving returns on invested capital. Looking ahead on slide 29, we're evaluating additional property sale and leaseback opportunities, including our Melbourne pathology laboratory development in Docklands and our Macquarie Park laboratory at 14 and 16 Giffnock Avenue. The latter property was acquired during the second half of the year for approximately AUD 75 million to expand our laboratory footprint and support our long-term growth in this important market. Moving now to our FY 2027 outlook and guidance on slides 30 and 31. We believe the fundamental growth drivers that underpinned our performance in FY 2026 will continue into FY 2027 and beyond.

Speaker #1: Together, these transactions demonstrate our disciplined approach to capital management and our ongoing focus on improving returns on invested capital. Looking ahead on slide 29, we're evaluating additional property sale and leaseback opportunities, including our Melbourne Pathology Laboratory development in Docklands and our Macquarie Park Laboratory at 14 and 16 Giffnock Avenue.

Speaker #1: The latter property was acquired during the second half of the year for approximately $75 million, to expand our laboratory footprint and support our long-term growth in this important market.

Chris Wilks: The latter property was acquired during the second half of the year for approximately AUD 75 million to expand our laboratory footprint and support our long-term growth in this important market. Moving now to our FY 2027 outlook and guidance on slides 30 and 31. We believe the fundamental growth drivers that underpinned our performance in FY 2026 will continue into FY 2027 and beyond.

Speaker #1: Moving now to our FY 2027 outlook and guidance on slides 30 and 31. We believe the fundamental growth drivers that underpinned our performance in FY26 will continue into FY27 and beyond.

Speaker #1: We expect strong organic growth across our key markets, supported by favorable healthcare demand trends and Sonic's key differentiators of scale and diversification, medical leadership, and operational excellence.

Chris Wilks: We expect strong organic growth across our key markets, supported by favorable healthcare demand trends and Sonic Healthcare's key differentiators of scale and diversification, medical leadership, and operational excellence. We also see significant opportunities to accelerate growth in advanced diagnostics and emerging channels, including direct-to-consumer testing. While these underlying drivers remain positive, we have some headwinds with regulatory changes in Switzerland and the extended integration timeline associated with the UK NHS outsource contract that are expected to impact EBITDA growth in FY 2027. Our focus remains firmly on the execution of our proven strategies in FY 2027 to help mitigate these margin impacts. These include continuing to deliver cost efficiencies through our ongoing operating review in the US, capturing the benefits and synergies from our Swiss and German acquisitions, and executing on operational efficiency initiatives across procurement, automation, and clinical AI. Now for our FY 2027 guidance.

Speaker #1: We also see significant opportunities to accelerate growth in advanced diagnostics and emerging channels, including direct-to-consumer testing. While these underlying drivers remain positive, we have some headwinds with regulatory changes in Switzerland and the extended integration timeline associated with the UK NHS outsource contract that are expected to impact EBITDA growth in FY27.

Speaker #1: Our focus remains firmly on the execution of our proven strategies in FY27 to help mitigate these margin impacts. These include continuing to deliver cost efficiencies through our ongoing operating review in the US, capturing the benefits and synergies from our Swiss and German acquisitions, and executing on operational efficiency initiatives across procurement, automation, and clinical AI.

Chris Wilks: Our focus remains firmly on the execution of our proven strategies in FY 2027 to help mitigate these margin impacts. These include continuing to deliver cost efficiencies through our ongoing operating review in the US, capturing the benefits and synergies from our Swiss and German acquisitions, and executing on operational efficiency initiatives across procurement, automation, and clinical AI. Now for our FY 2027 guidance.

Speaker #1: Now for our FY 2027 guidance. On a constant currency basis, we expect EBITDA to be within the range of $1.95 billion to $2.03 billion. This excludes the back-office IT transformation costs of approximately $30 million. As Jim mentioned earlier, depreciation expense is forecast to be in the range of $810 million to $825 million, and amortization expense is forecast to be lower in FY27, within the range of $90 million to $95 million.

Chris Wilks: On a constant currency basis, we expect EBITDA to be within the range of AUD 1.95 billion to AUD 2.03 billion. This excludes the back office IT transformation costs of approximately AUD 30 million, as Jim mentioned earlier. Depreciation expense is forecast to be in the range of AUD 810 million to AUD 825 million. Amortization expense is forecast to be lower in FY 2027, within the range of AUD 90 million to AUD 95 million. Interest expense is expected to increase by 6% versus FY 2026, and our effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 27%. This guidance excludes any gains from the sale of properties, includes only completed acquisitions, assumes no future regulatory changes, and that current interest rates prevail. Specifically, the guidance does not allow for the potential PAMA fee cuts in the US. To conclude, FY 2026 demonstrated the strength and competitive differentiation of Sonic Healthcare's business model.

Speaker #1: Interest expense is expected to increase by 6% versus FY26, and our effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 27%. This guidance excludes any gains from the sale of properties, includes only completed acquisitions, assumes no future regulatory changes, and assumes that current interest rates prevail.

Chris Wilks: This guidance excludes any gains from the sale of properties, includes only completed acquisitions, assumes no future regulatory changes, and that current interest rates prevail. Specifically, the guidance does not allow for the potential PAMA fee cuts in the US. To conclude, FY 2026 demonstrated the strength and competitive differentiation of Sonic Healthcare's business model.

Speaker #1: Specifically, the guidance does not allow for the potential PAMA fee cuts in the US. To conclude, FY26 demonstrated the strength and competitive differentiation of Sonic's business model.

Speaker #1: We delivered strong organic growth, invested strategically for the future, and maintained a disciplined approach to cost and capital management. Looking ahead, we remain well positioned for continued growth, supported by industry tailwinds and the initiatives underway across the business to drive further efficiencies and improve returns on invested capital.

Chris Wilks: We delivered strong organic growth, invested strategically for the future, and maintained a disciplined approach to cost and capital management. Looking ahead, we remain well-positioned for continued growth, supported by industry tailwinds and the initiatives underway across the business to drive further efficiencies and improve returns on invested capital. We are confident in our outlook and in Sonic Healthcare's ability to deliver earnings growth and long-term value for shareholders. We will now open the call for questions.

Speaker #1: We are confident in our outlook and in Sonic's ability to deliver earnings growth and long-term value for shareholders. We will now open the call for questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one-one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one-one again.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. In fairness to all, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. Please stand by while we compile our Q&A roster. Our first question comes from the line of Davin Thillainathan with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: In fairness to all, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. Please stand by while we compile our Q&A roster.

Speaker #2: Our first question comes from the line of Devin Inithan with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thanks. Morning, Jim and Chris. Appreciate the presentation. Jim, perhaps a question for you to start off with. If I look at your FY27 guide, on an EBITDA basis, it implies about, I would say, low to mid-single-digit type growth.

Davin Thillainathan: Thanks. Morning, Jim and Chris. Appreciate the presentation. Jim, perhaps a question for you to start off with. If I look at your FY 2027 guide on an EBITDA basis, it implies about, I would say, low to mid-single digit type growth. Clearly, there is a fair amount of moving parts for the business. Could you perhaps summarize the top three key priorities that you are looking at to help improve EPS and ROIC, in line with your strategy? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Clearly, there are a fair amount of moving parts for the business. Could you perhaps summarize the top three key priorities that you're looking at to help improve EPS and ROIC, in line with your strategy?

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you very much for the question. I think if we look at the FY27 guidance, we've tried to provide a lot of color there about the moving parts, as you've said, and where our markets are at.

Chris Wilks: Thank you very much for the question. I think if we look at the FY 2027 guidance, we have tried to provide a lot of color there about the moving parts, as you have said, and where our markets are at. We see, as we have always seen, the biggest driver of achieving that guidance is the organic growth, and we have got a very strong history in that regard. I see medical leadership and our culture and our ability to have those relationships with referring doctors and patients directly as the key driver for that, as well as our incredible strength in logistics and operations. I think we enter the year with really good momentum on a lot of initiatives. We have identified opportunities through the operational improvement initiatives and productivity programs across the markets that we have talked about.

Jim Newcombe: Thank you very much for the question. I think if we look at the FY 2027 guidance, we have tried to provide a lot of color there about the moving parts, as you have said, and where our markets are at. We see, as we have always seen, the biggest driver of achieving that guidance is the organic growth, and we have got a very strong history in that regard. I see medical leadership and our culture and our ability to have those relationships with referring doctors and patients directly as the key driver for that, as well as our incredible strength in logistics and operations. I think we enter the year with really good momentum on a lot of initiatives. We have identified opportunities through the operational improvement initiatives and productivity programs across the markets that we have talked about.

Speaker #4: We see, as we've always seen, that the biggest driver of achieving that guidance is organic growth, and we've got a very strong history in that regard.

Speaker #4: I see medical leadership, our culture, and our ability to have those relationships with referring doctors and patients directly as the key drivers for that, as well as our incredible strength in logistics and operations.

Speaker #4: So, I think we enter the year with really good momentum on a lot of initiatives. We've identified opportunities through the operational improvement initiatives and productivity programs across the markets that we've talked about.

Speaker #4: The US operating review is obviously front of mind, and we've identified significant savings there that will contribute to the guidance this year. In terms of the potential headwinds that we've flagged, I think that we've come in with a lot of strong momentum and the ability to mitigate those through our strong operating platforms and scale in Switzerland and the UK.

Chris Wilks: The US operating review is obviously front of mind, and we have identified significant savings there that will contribute to the guidance this year. In terms of the potential headwinds that we have flagged, I think that we have come in with a lot of strong momentum and the ability to mitigate those through our strong operating platforms and scale in Switzerland and the UK. We are very confident that we can mitigate those, and we have incorporated that, of course, into the guidance. I think that, looking ahead to the year, we see a huge amount of opportunities, a lot of momentum from the previous year that we are going to take forward, and strong growth ahead.

Jim Newcombe: The US operating review is obviously front of mind, and we have identified significant savings there that will contribute to the guidance this year. In terms of the potential headwinds that we have flagged, I think that we have come in with a lot of strong momentum and the ability to mitigate those through our strong operating platforms and scale in Switzerland and the UK. We are very confident that we can mitigate those, and we have incorporated that, of course, into the guidance. I think that, looking ahead to the year, we see a huge amount of opportunities, a lot of momentum from the previous year that we are going to take forward, and strong growth ahead.

Speaker #4: And so we're very confident that we can mitigate those, and we've incorporated that, of course, into the guidance. So I think that looking ahead to the year, we see a huge amount of opportunities, a lot of momentum from the previous year that we're going to take forward, and strong growth ahead.

Speaker #3: Okay, and just one last one from me. An observation is, over that second-half 2026 period, it looks like there were a lot of non-recurring costs that were recognized across multiple components.

Davin Thillainathan: Okay. Just one last one from me. An observation is over that H2 2026 period, it looks like there were a lot of non-recurring costs that were recognized across multiple components. Could you please, perhaps, give us a sense of what happened across that timeframe? Did you take a detailed review of the business and uncovered all these different, I guess, parts of it? Thanks.

Speaker #3: Could you perhaps give us a sense of what happened across that timeframe? Did you take a detailed review of the business and uncover all the different parts of it?

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Speaker #4: Well, I think that what we presented today, in terms of the digital and AI transformation, is a recognition of several assets of ours—software assets—which are end of life.

Jim Newcombe: Well, I think what we presented today in terms of the digital and AI transformation is a recognition of several assets of ours, software assets, which are end of life.

Jim Newcombe: Well, I think what we presented today in terms of the digital and AI transformation is a recognition of several assets of ours, software assets, which are end of life. A deliberate attempt to invest in the future and create a very modern, scalable platform across those three areas. That includes back office, operational, and clinical. We have looked at all of those areas in terms of our current software platforms and identified those impairments. But on the flip side of that is the investments to create this global platform to move forward.

Speaker #4: And then a deliberate attempt to invest in the future and create a very modern, scalable platform across those three areas that includes back office, operational, and clinical.

Jim Newcombe: A deliberate attempt to invest in the future and create a very modern, scalable platform across those three areas. That includes back office, operational, and clinical. We have looked at all of those areas in terms of our current software platforms and identified those impairments. But on the flip side of that is the investments to create this global platform to move forward. I think very much enable the operating platform that we already have around the world, but do so in a way which is modernizing our approach to it, enabling AI tools across all three of those areas of the software portfolio. Particularly, I think moving forward, what we see as an opportunity where we are first rolling out in Australia is our three operating divisions here, which is the most well-advanced of this rollout.

Speaker #4: We've looked at all of those areas in terms of our current software platforms and identified those impairments. But on the flip side of that is the investment to create this global platform to move forward.

Speaker #4: And I think very much enable the operating platform that we already have around the world, but do it in a way, which is modernizing our approach to it, enabling AI tools across all three of those areas of the software portfolio.

Jim Newcombe: I think very much enable the operating platform that we already have around the world, but do so in a way which is modernizing our approach to it, enabling AI tools across all three of those areas of the software portfolio. Particularly, I think moving forward, what we see as an opportunity where we are first rolling out in Australia is our three operating divisions here, which is the most well-advanced of this rollout. The opportunity to use shared services and scale those across our three divisions in Australia, but then more broadly globally in the future.

Speaker #4: And particularly, I think, moving forward, what we see is an opportunity where we're first rolling out in Australia is our three operating divisions here.

Speaker #4: Which is the most well-advanced of this rollout. There's the opportunity to use shared services and scale those across our three divisions in Australia, and then more broadly, globally, in the future.

Jim Newcombe: The opportunity to use shared services and scale those across our three divisions in Australia, but then more broadly globally in the future.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Steve.

Davin Thillainathan: Thanks, Steve.

Speaker #2: Thank you. And one moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of David Lowe with UBS. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of David Low with UBS. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thanks very much. Maybe just one for Chris to start off with. Just on the FX—it's all constant currency. Could you give us a sense, if we use spot rates, what the implications are for some of those guidance lines, please?

David Low: Thanks very much. Maybe just one for Chris to start off with. Just the FX, it is all constant currency. Could you give us a sense of if we use spot rates, what the implications are for some of those guidance lines, please?

Speaker #5: Yeah, obviously it's difficult to forecast, but in the 4E you'll see the rates that have been used for the year's results that we've just reported.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, Dave, obviously, it is difficult to forecast, but in the 4E, you will see the rates that have been used for the year's results that we have just reported. I guess you can compare that with current rates. There is a bit of headwind now. I think off the top of my head, it is probably, if the current rates prevail for the whole year, to be something like AUD 40 to AUD 50 million at the EBITDA line. Who knows where that will head from here.

Speaker #5: And I guess you can compare that with current rates, but there is a bit of headwind now. I think, off the top of my head, if the current rates prevail for the whole year, it would be something like $40 to $50 million at the EBITDA line, but who knows where that will head from here.

Speaker #3: No, that's helpful. I mean, I think we got something not so far away from that, but on a given constant currency basis, it is helpful to hear your take on it.

David Low: No, that is helpful. I think we got something not so far away from that, but given constant currency, it is helpful to hear your take on it. The other topic I wanted to touch on is just the US and post the restructure. Can I get you to talk a little bit about what you think can happen with margins from here post the restructure? If you would not mind just reminding us of the XiFin revenue recognition and whether there is still benefits expected there. If I could just add into that the PAMA cuts. Are they in the guidance? I think in the past they have tended to be excluded.

Speaker #3: But the other topic I wanted to touch on is just the US and post the restructure. Can I get you to talk a little bit about what you think—what you think can happen with margins from here, post the restructure?

Speaker #3: And if you wouldn't mind just reminding us of the Zypin revenue recognition, and whether there's still benefits expected there. And if I could just add to that, the PAMA cuts.

Speaker #3: Are they in the guidance? I think, in the past, they've tended to be excluded.

Speaker #5: Yeah, just maybe the latest—the last question first. Yeah, I think we specifically mentioned the PAMA cuts are excluded because they're still pretty uncertain.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, just maybe the latest, last question first. Yeah, I think we specifically mentioned the PAMA cuts are excluded because they are still pretty uncertain, and there seems to be gaining momentum in Washington on the issue of the results legislation, et cetera. So that remains a work in progress, and we probably won't hear about that until closer to the end of the year. In terms of the margin improvement, I guess if you just take the numbers we have mentioned there, the 25 to 30 million, that in itself adds a reasonable margin improvement to our US operation. And separately, there are other things that are happening there. So I guess we are hoping that that will flow through into the 2027 numbers for the group. But was there another? I think there was another, a third question there I cannot remember exactly.

Speaker #5: There seems to be gaining momentum in Washington on the issue of the results legislation, etc. So that remains a work in progress, and we probably won't hear about that until closer to the end of the year.

Speaker #5: In terms of the margin improvement, I guess if you just take the numbers we've mentioned there, the $25 to $30 million—that in itself adds a reasonable margin improvement to our US operation.

Speaker #5: And separately, there are other things that are happening there. So I guess we're hoping that will flow through into the '27 numbers for the group.

Speaker #5: But was there another—I think there was another, a third question there. I can't remember exactly.

Speaker #3: Yeah, Zypin, the Zypin revenue.

David Low: Yeah. XiFin.

Chris Wilks: Oh, yes.

David Low: The XiFin revenue.

Speaker #5: Yeah, so Zypin is fully rolled out, other than in Hawaii. And it has been a little more challenging than we had hoped, because it's not just a simple rollout of software.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. XiFin is, it is fully rolled out other than in Hawaii. It has been a little more challenging than we had hoped because it is not just a simple rollout of a software. It involves lots of tools, including client portals, all that sort of thing. We are starting to see some green shoots on that. I think we mentioned in February that we are probably a little behind the upside we were expecting from it this year, but that is evolving. There are some new AI tools that we have started implementing, I think, in March this year that are starting to bear some fruit. I think, going into 2027, we hope to see some more benefits flowing through from the use of that technology.

Speaker #5: It involves lots of tools, including client portals and all that sort of thing. We're starting to see some green shoots on that. I think we mentioned in February that we're probably a little behind the upside we were expecting from it this year, but that's evolving.

Speaker #5: There are some new AI tools that we've started implementing, I think in March this year, that are starting to bear some fruit. So I think going into '27, we hope to see some more benefits flowing through from the use of that technology.

Speaker #4: I just think the other point to make around the operating review of the US in general is that we're seeing very good top-line growth in important areas like advanced diagnostics, and we have a clear market differentiation there with FireSeek, Cara Diagnostics, and other services.

Jim Newcombe: I just think to the other point to make around the operating review of the US in general is that we are seeing very good top-line growth in important areas like advanced diagnostics. We have a clear market differentiation in there with RSV, Ciro Diagnostics, and other services, and seeing very good national rollout of those. So that is a platform that we are very confident will continue to grow and that will help drive margins there as well.

Speaker #4: And we're seeing a very good national rollout of those. So that's a platform that we're very confident will continue to grow, and that will help drive margins there as well.

Speaker #3: All right. Thank you very much.

David Low: All right. Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: Thank you. And one moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of David Stanton with Jefferies. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of David Stanton with Jefferies. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Good morning, team, and thanks very much for taking my questions. First question, and then a follow-up. I've noticed that you've had less impact from the Fair Work decision for FY27 than at least one of your peers.

David Stanton: Good morning, team, and thanks very much for taking my questions. First question and then a follow-up.

David Stanton: Good morning, team, and thanks very much for taking my questions. First question and then a follow-up. I have noticed that you have had less impact from the Fair Work decision for FY 2027 than at least one of your peers that has talked to. Can you give us an idea of why that would be, given the size of your operations compared to your peers in the Australian market?

David Stanton: I have noticed that you have had less impact from the Fair Work decision for FY 2027 than at least one of your peers that has talked to. Can you give us an idea of why that would be, given the size of your operations compared to your peers in the Australian market?

Speaker #3: That has been talked to. So, can you give us an idea of why that would be, given the size of your operations compared to your peers in the Australian market?

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks, David. I think we talked about this at the half-year. It's a similar story to back then, which is that we have, we believe, leading employees in terms of expertise and long-term retention, and we have historically valued them very strongly.

Jim Newcombe: Yeah. Thanks, David, and I think we talked about this at the H1. It is a similar story to back then, which is that we believe, leading employees in terms of expertise and long-term retention, and we have historically valued them, very strongly. Part of that is that we are starting at a higher base in terms of any uplift from the gender and evaluation review. I think you are seeing the impact of that in these numbers compared to our competition.

Speaker #4: And part of that is that we're starting at a higher base in terms of any uplift from the gender-owned evaluation review. And I think you're seeing the impact of that in these numbers, compared to our competition.

Speaker #5: I think, David, it might be worth mentioning that I believe one of our competitors also included in their number just the base wage case impact.

Chris Wilks: I think, David, it might be worth mentioning that I think one of our competitors also included in their number, just the base wage case impact, whereas we are just pointing out the impact of the gender under-evaluation.

Speaker #5: We're just pointing out the impact of the gender-owned evaluation aspect of it.

Chris Wilks: aspect of it.

Speaker #3: And probably also, just to reinforce the point I think we made at the half-year, in relation to the increases for phlebotomists, the ratio of collection center numbers to revenue for Sonic is vastly different from our competitors.

Jim Newcombe: Probably also just to reinforce the point I think we made at the H1, that in relation to the increases for phlebotomists, the ratio of collection center numbers to revenue for Sonic Healthcare is vastly different from our competitors. So we are less impacted by that.

Speaker #3: And so we're less impacted by that. And my follow-up is one for Chris. You've I wonder if you could give us sort of a more specific guide around CAPEX, the PP&E in F27, please.

David Stanton: My follow-up is one for Chris. I wonder if you could give us a more specific guide around CapEx, PP&E in FY27, please.

Speaker #5: Yeah, look, I think I did, in my comments, mention some numbers there. Trying to pluck out the building costs, because that’s had a fair impact in the last few years as we’ve built some infrastructure, which we also referred to in the deck.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. Look, I think I did in my comments, mention some numbers there, trying to pluck out the building cost because that has had a fair impact in the last few years as we have built some infrastructure, which we also referred to in the deck. I think the maintenance CapEx number is, I think a rule of thumb, about 3% of revenue, and I think we quoted around AUD 351 million, which was this year just gone, and it is probably going to be sitting at a similar level for FY27. That does not include intangibles, which is a pretty static number, around the hundreds, just a bit over AUD 100 million.

Speaker #5: I think the maintenance CAPEX number is, I think, a rule of thumb—about 3% of revenue. And I think we quoted around about $351 million, which was for the year just gone.

Speaker #5: And it's probably going to be sitting at a similar level for FY27. That doesn't include intangibles, which is a pretty static number, around the $100 million mark.

Speaker #5: But just a bit over $100 million.

Jim Newcombe: As Chris flagged earlier, on top of that maintenance cost in 2027, there will still be some building costs, but not as high as in the current year, as in the 2026 year.

Speaker #3: And as Chris flagged earlier, on top of that maintenance cost in '27, there will still be some building costs, but not as high as in the current year.

Speaker #3: That is in the 26th year.

Speaker #5: Yeah, we've got the completion of the fit-out down in Docklands, which is the biggest chunk of that, and that's due to finish in June '27.

Chris Wilks: We have got the completion of the fit out down in Docklands, which is the biggest chunk of that, which is due to finish in June 2027.

Speaker #3: So down on the 631, I guess, would be the call.

David Stanton: So down on the 631, I guess would be the call.

Speaker #5: Yeah, yeah, yes. Yeah, absolutely.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, absolutely.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thank you.

David Stanton: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. And one moment for our next question. Our next question comes from the line of Saul Haddison with Barron Joey. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you, and one moment for our next question. Our next question comes from the line of Saul Hadassin with Barrenjoey. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Saul Hadassin: Yeah, good morning. Thanks for taking my question. I just wanted to ask about the guidance. I think just looking at the midpoint of EBITDA, it equates to about just under AUD 60 million of uplift versus this year, as in from 2026. You flagged the AUD 25 million to AUD 30 million coming from improvements in US operations. The remaining EBITDA increase is really only about AUD 25 million or AUD 30 million. I guess my question is this an issue that relates to top line? You highlighted 5% organic revenue growth for the business in 2026. Is this a revenue issue into 2027 that that revenue growth is going to slow and therefore EBITDA growth slows? I mean, the midpoint of your guidance, if you run down through all the line items, suggests NPAT will be flat on fiscal 2026.

Speaker #6: Yeah, good morning. Thanks for taking my question. I just wanted to ask about the guidance. I think, just looking at the midpoint of EBITDA, it equates to just under $60 million of uplift versus this year, as in '26.

Speaker #6: You flagged the $25 to $30 million coming from improvements in US operations. So, the remaining EBITDA increase is really only about $25 or $30 million.

Speaker #6: I guess my question is: is this an issue that relates to the top line? You highlighted 5% organic revenue growth for the business in 2026.

Saul Hadassin: You highlighted 5% organic revenue growth for the business in 2026. Is this a revenue issue into 2027 that that revenue growth is going to slow and therefore EBITDA growth slows? I mean, the midpoint of your guidance, if you run down through all the line items, suggests NPAT will be flat on fiscal 2026. I am trying to understand where is the lack of leverage coming through at that EBITDA line? Is this a revenue issue or is it a cost issue, particularly labor cost? Thanks.

Speaker #6: Is this a revenue issue into '27, that revenue growth is going to slow and therefore EBITDA growth slows? I mean, the midpoint of your guidance, if you run down through all of the line items, suggests NPAT will be flat on fiscal '26.

Speaker #6: And I'm trying to understand, where is the lack of leverage coming through at that EBITDA line? Is this a revenue issue, or is it a cost issue—particularly labor cost?

Saul Hadassin: I am trying to understand where is the lack of leverage coming through at that EBITDA line? Is this a revenue issue or is it a cost issue, particularly labor cost? Thanks.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Speaker #5: So yeah, look, I don't think it's a revenue issue, but we have cited in the Swiss slide that we've got some headwinds there, which are circa $20 million.

Chris Wilks: Saul, yeah, look, I do not think it is a revenue issue, but we have cited in the Swiss slide that we have got some headwinds there, which are circa 20 million. So that is Swiss francs, which is getting closer to 40 million, which is because it is a fee cut, it is a top-end bottom-line effect. There is also, we mentioned the delays in HWE. Without those, the guidance would probably be a bit stronger. But also you have chosen the midpoint. I guess we are hoping, even though we have given a range, we are hoping we would do better than the midpoint, but time will tell on that.

Speaker #5: So that's Swiss francs, which is getting closer to 40 million, which is because it's a fee cut—it's top end, bottom line effect. There's also, we mentioned, the delays in HWE.

Speaker #5: So, without those, the guidance would probably be a bit stronger. But also, you've chosen the midpoint. I guess we're hoping, even though we've given a range, that we would do better than the midpoint.

Speaker #5: But time will tell on that.

Speaker #3: I think on organic revenue growth, we flagged that in both Switzerland, other than this fee issue, and SCS, that actually we saw growth accelerate in the second half of the financial year.

Jim Newcombe: I think on organic revenue growth, we flagged that in both Switzerland, other than this fee issue and SCS, that actually we saw quite growth accelerate in the H2 of the financial year. So we are certainly not expecting anything in our underlying organic growth rate.

Speaker #3: So we're certainly not expecting anything in our underlying organic growth rate.

Speaker #5: And as you said, with solid growth and all of the initiatives we've got to improve efficiency, we would like to think that we will end up with a pretty solid result in FY27, barring those few headwinds that we've got to work through.

Chris Wilks: As Jim said, with solid growth and all of the initiatives we have got to improve efficiency, we would like to think that we will end up with a pretty solid result in FY27, barring those few headwinds that we have got to work through.

Speaker #6: And so, just to follow up on that, would it be fair to assume that you're expecting your organic revenue growth at a group level to be fairly consistent in '27, as in around 5%?

Saul Hadassin: Just to follow up on that, would it be fair to assume that you are expecting your organic revenue growth at a group level to be fairly consistent in 2027, as in around 5%?

Speaker #3: So we will have annualized the Hearts and West Essex contract, which is obviously a substantial step up in revenue, as you would have seen. In the UK, that was 17% in the year.

Jim Newcombe: We will have annualized the Health Services Laboratories and West Essex contract, which is obviously a substantial step-up in revenue, as you would have seen in the UK that it was 17% in the year. Adjusting, if you take that impact out, then yes, we would expect probably similar levels of organic growth other than the Swiss fee cut.

Speaker #3: So, adjusting—if you take that impact out, then yes, we would expect probably similar levels of organic growth, other than the Swiss FICA.

Speaker #6: Got it. Thank you very much. That’s all I have.

Saul Hadassin: Got it. Thank you very much. That's all I had.

Speaker #2: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question will come from the line of Chris Cooper with JP Morgan. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question will come from the line of Chris Cooper with J.P. Morgan. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Just on the US, it does sound like you're happy with the progress of the operating review, clearly contributing a decent amount of growth to the '27 guide as well, with that $25 to $30 million number that you called out.

Chris Cooper: Morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Just on the US, it does sound like you are happy with the progress of the operating review, clearly contributing a decent amount of the growth to the 2027 guide as well, with that 25 to 30 million number that you called out. Just curious, performance overall there still seems below where you would expect it to be. Are there scenarios where you would consider other options for that business, or is that entirely off the table for now?

Speaker #7: But just curious, I mean, performance overall there still seems below where you would expect it to be. Are there scenarios where you would consider other options for that business, or is that entirely off the table for now?

Speaker #8: My focus has been, and continues to be, on the operating review, which presented the positive outcomes from that. And again, apart from efficiency and productivity measures that we've seen bearing fruit, we're also seeing pleasing top-line growth in really important areas.

Jim Newcombe: Our focus has been and continues to be on the operating review. We have presented the positive outcomes from that. Again, apart from efficiency and productivity measures that we have seen bearing fruit, we are also seeing pleasing top-line growth in really important areas. That is our focus and we will keep the market up to date with the progress of that operating review, as you would expect. We are quite pleased with how it is going.

Speaker #8: So that's our focus, and we'll keep the market up to date with the progress of that operating review, as you'd expect. We're quite pleased with how it's going.

Chris Cooper: Okay. Just secondly, on the EBITDA guidance, you are excluding the AUD 30 million of IT costs. Can I just confirm that is a number you have a good handle on? We tend to see time and time again, this is the sort of thing that can creep up and become more of a headwind as these investments progress. So I just wanted to make sure that that AUD 30 million number is not going to sort of extend through the course of the year.

Speaker #5: Okay. And just secondly, on the EBITDA guidance, you're excluding the $30 million of IT costs. Can I just confirm that's a number you have a good handle on?

Speaker #5: I mean, we tend to see time and time again that this is the sort of thing that can creep up and become more of a headwind as these investments progress.

Speaker #5: So I just wanted to make sure that that $30 million number is not going to sort of extend through the course of the year.

Speaker #8: Yeah, look, we're pretty comfortable with the $30 million for ’27. We also cited a similar number in ’28 and ’29. Those outer years, we probably haven't got as much detail on.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, look, we are pretty comfortable with the AUD 30 million for 2027. We also cited a similar number in 2028 and 2029. Those outer years, we probably have not got as much detail on. Based on the work we have done so far, we are pretty confident that those projects can be delivered within that sort of envelope of cost. They will then help us deliver all sorts of other benefits from shared services, use of AI agents, et cetera. So there is lots that we are expecting to flow from that, particularly in the back office area.

Speaker #8: But based on the work we've done so far, we're pretty confident that those projects can be delivered within that sort of envelope of cost.

Speaker #8: And they will then help us deliver all sorts of other benefits from shared services, use of AI agents, etc., etc. So there's lots that we're expecting to flow from that, particularly in the back-office area.

Speaker #7: Thanks for taking the questions.

Chris Cooper: Thanks for taking the questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you. And one moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of Leanne Harrison with BofA.

Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of Lyanne Harrison with BofA. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Hi. Good morning, all. I might come back to the United States here. I think you quoted, I think, flat organic growth in the United States and called out progress with advanced diagnostics and THEROS Seq.

Lyanne Harrison: Hi. Good morning, all. I might come back to the United States here. I think you quoted flat organic growth in the United States and called out progress with advanced diagnostics and ThyroSeq. I am trying to understand, when you compare it to the organic growth that you showed in the H1, it was quite similar. Can you explain how you might be able to accelerate United States' top-line growth, particularly given that it is one of your more challenging markets?

Speaker #9: But I'm trying to understand—when you compare it to the organic growth that you showed in the first half, it was quite similar. So, can you explain how you might be able to accelerate United States top-line growth, particularly given that it's one of the more challenging markets?

Speaker #8: Yeah, thank you for the question. And it's important in this financial year '26 to look at the underlying organic growth. We did have, as we've talked about, the major payer contract loss in Alabama in January 2025.

Jim Newcombe: Yeah, thank you for the question. It is important in this financial FY26 to look at the underlying organic growth. We did have, as we have talked about, the major payer contract loss in Alabama in January 2025, and of course, the restructuring of the AP operations that we have talked about. Adjusting for that, we have got underlying organic growth of 2% in FY26. Moving forward, apart from the advanced diagnostics and dermatopathology divisions, we are putting a lot of effort into coordinating our sales teams in our major markets, and investing in those. Those are particularly important in US markets. In our major clinical pathology divisions, we are putting extra resources and strategic intent into that, which we are seeing the benefits of.

Speaker #8: And, of course, the restructuring of the AP operations that we've talked about. So, adjusting for that, we've got underlying organic growth of 2% in FY26.

Speaker #8: Moving forward, apart from the Advanced Diagnostics and Domestic Pathology divisions, we're putting a lot of effort into coordinating our sales teams in our major markets.

Speaker #8: And investing in those—those are particularly important in US markets. So, in our major clinical pathology divisions, we are putting extra resources and strategic intent into that, which we're seeing the benefits of.

Speaker #8: In our Mid-South area, we're seeing benefits, apart from Alabama, in different states where we've been able to shift resources from the Alabama market into other neighboring states and have seen a lot of benefit in terms of top-line growth there.

Jim Newcombe: In our Mid South area, we are seeing benefits apart from Alabama in different states that we have been able to shift resources from the Alabama market into other neighboring states and seen a lot of benefit in terms of top-line growth there. Across all of our areas, and Hawaii as well, we are seeing excellent growth ongoing there. I think it is fair to say this is not just an advanced diagnostics story. We are putting focus on other large parts of our business, like clinical pathology, core business, and investing in marketing teams and sales processes there.

Speaker #8: So, across all of our areas, and Hawaii as well, we're seeing excellent growth ongoing there. So I think it's fair to say this is not just an advanced diagnostics story.

Speaker #8: We're putting focus on other large parts of our business like clinical pathology, our core business, and investing in marketing teams and sales processes there.

Speaker #9: Okay. And as a second question, I think that slide 11 on EBITDA margin movements was interesting. What are your expectations for those markets in terms of what the EBITDA margin movement might look like for fiscal '27?

Lyanne Harrison: Okay. As a second question, I think that slide 11 on EBITDA margin movements was interesting. What are your expectations for those markets in terms of what the EBITDA margin movement might look like for fiscal 2027, and in particular the United States, the United Kingdom? Do you expect that to return to sort of the margins you saw in fiscal 2025?

Speaker #9: And in particular, the United States, the United Kingdom—do you expect that to return to the sort of margins you saw in fiscal '25?

Speaker #8: Yeah, maybe I'll take that one. So, yeah, look, we're trying to give a bit more transparency on margins in that slide without giving too much detail.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, maybe I will take that one. So yeah, look, we are trying to give a bit more transparency on margins in that slide without giving too much detail.

Lyanne Harrison: Yeah.

Chris Wilks: But the margins for the US should improve with the initiatives we have spelled out in the US slides and that Jim has talked to. I think in the UK, we are probably expecting a flatter period in 2027, maybe even down a bit as we incur some double costs associated with the HWE contract until we get the lab in Watford live. So I think probably more a margin improvement in the UK, in FY 2028 and beyond, and that should be pretty solid then because we remain very confident that that contract is going to be excellent for the business. Does that answer the main questions you had?

Speaker #8: But the margins for the US should improve with the initiatives we've spelled out in the US slides and that Jim's talked to. I think in the UK, we're probably expecting a flatter period in '27, maybe even down a bit, as we incur some double costs associated with the HWE contract until we get the lab in Watford live.

Speaker #8: So I think there's probably more of a margin improvement in the UK, sorry, in FY28 and beyond. And that should be pretty solid then, because we remain very confident that that contract is going to be excellent for the business.

Speaker #8: Does that answer the main questions you had?

Lyanne Harrison: Yeah. Then also Switzerland, given the fee cuts there, and then Australia with the labor. Do you expect Australia to be maintained and Switzerland perhaps a little bit down?

Speaker #9: Yeah, yeah. And then also Switzerland, given the fee cuts there, and then Australia with the labor—do you expect Australia to be maintained, and Switzerland perhaps a little bit down?

Speaker #8: Yeah, maybe. I'll have a go at that, and Jim, you can chime in. But I think Australia, particularly with some of our—will have cycled past some of the changes to fees for B12 and neurons.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. Maybe I will have a go at that and Jim, you can chime in. I think Australia, particularly with some of our, we will have cycled past some of the changes to fees for B12 and neurons. With some of the private billing, I am hoping that we would see some improvement in margins in Australia going forward. In Switzerland, we have got lots of synergies coming through. We have got that happening at the same time as this fee change. We will see how that pans out. Certainly there is pressures going both ways in that market, and it just remains to be seen how we end up at the end of the year. Jim, I do not know if you want to

Speaker #8: And so, with some of the private billing, I'm hoping that we will see some improvement in margins in Australia going forward. And in Switzerland, we've got lots of synergies coming through.

Speaker #8: We've got that happening at the same time as this fee change, so we'll see how that pans out. But certainly, there are pressures going both ways in that market.

Speaker #8: And it just remains to be seen how we end up at the end of the year. Jim, I don't really want to.

Jim Newcombe: Yeah. I think just stepping back and having a look at a bit of a longer term timeframe here, I think important to remind ourselves that in terms of the margin story, we intentionally went into contracts and acquisitions, which we knew were going to be margin dilutive in the initial stages. That is the LADR acquisition and the HWE contract. LADR is well on track. We are realizing synergies from that, and its integration into the broader German network that we have. HWE, we have shared today some of the delays that we are seeing with that, but still, looking longer term, what we see here are incredible opportunities to drive long-term earnings growth, and drive scale and efficiency across those two markets.

Speaker #3: Yeah, I think just stepping back and having a look at a bit of a longer-term timeframe here, I think it's important to remind ourselves that, in terms of the margin story, we intentionally went into contracts and acquisitions which we knew were going to be margin dilutive in the initial stages.

Speaker #3: So that's the LADR acquisition and the HWE contract. LADR is well on track. We're realizing synergies from that, and it's being integrated into the broader German network that we have.

Speaker #3: HWE, we've shared today some of the delays that we're seeing with that. But still, looking longer term, what we see here are incredible opportunities to drive long-term earnings growth and drive scale and efficiency across those two markets.

Jim Newcombe: HWE, we have shared today some of the delays that we are seeing with that, but still, looking longer term, what we see here are incredible opportunities to drive long-term earnings growth, and drive scale and efficiency across those two markets. Important to remember that we went into those with that strategy, and that there is still a very attractive long-term margin and value growth story with those contracts and acquisitions.

Speaker #3: It's important to remember that we went into those with that strategy, and that there is still a very attractive long-term margin and value growth story with those contracts and acquisitions.

Jim Newcombe: Important to remember that we went into those with that strategy, and that there is still a very attractive long-term margin and value growth story with those contracts and acquisitions.

Speaker #8: And maybe just to remind you that the HWE contract is a 15-year contract, so it should deliver good returns for Sonic for many years.

Chris Wilks: Maybe just to remind you that the HWE contract is a 15-year contract, so it should deliver good returns to Sonic Healthcare from many years. These things always take a They are a little harder in the first few years with the transition process.

Speaker #8: But these things always take a—they're a little harder in the first few years with the transition process.

Speaker #9: Great, thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of Sasha Curran with Evans & Partners.

Lyanne Harrison: Great. Thank you.

Operator: One moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of Sacha Krien with Evans and Partners. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. I just want to understand the headwinds into FY27 a little bit more in terms of EBITDA. So, the Swiss fee cut—presumably that's all margin until you can potentially mitigate that somewhat.

Sacha Krien: Good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Just want to understand the headwinds into FY 2027 a little bit more in terms of EBITDA. The Swiss fee cut, presumably that is all margin until you can potentially mitigate that somewhat. Secondly, are you able to quantify the UK headwind that you flagged there, and maybe talk about the extent to which you think that may reverse in FY 2028?

Speaker #10: And then secondly, are you able to quantify the UK headwind that you flagged there, and maybe talk about the extent to which you think that may reverse in FY28?

Speaker #8: Yeah, look, we probably can't give you more information than we've set out in the deck. So, on the Swiss front, you're right that that amount is a fee cut.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, look, we probably cannot give you more information than we have set out in the deck. On the Swiss front, you are right that amount, it is a fee cut, so that it goes off the top and bottom line initially. We are obviously also right in the middle of a whole lot of synergy capture from the acquisitions we made. This is where we have got two issues at play here, a fee cut that should be to some degree offset by some of those synergies that are flowing through for FY 2027. I think in our answer to the previous question on HWE, we have said that we think the impact in 2027 will be flat to maybe slightly negative on margin for 2027, but then rebound in 2028.

Speaker #8: So that it goes off the top and bottom line. Initially, we're obviously also right in the middle of a whole lot of synergy capture from the acquisitions we made.

Speaker #8: So, this is where we've got two issues at play here: a fee cut, but that should be, to some degree, offset by some of those synergies that are flowing through for FY27.

Speaker #8: And I think, in our answer to the previous question on HWE, we've said that we think the impact in '27 will be kind of flat to maybe slightly negative on margin for '27.

Speaker #8: But then rebound in 28.

Speaker #3: And I think that in both of those markets, again, to point out the history here, in FY26 in Switzerland, we saw very strong margin growth through synergy capture from recent acquisitions, which were margin dilutive.

Jim Newcombe: In both of those markets, again, to point out the history here is that, in FY26 in Switzerland, we saw very strong margin growth, through synergy capture from recent acquisitions, which were margin dilutive, and great execution on that. With every confidence in our platform and team there to drive further synergies and margin growth moving forwards, even with the regulatory change that we talked about. In the UK, similarly, we have a very strong operating model relationship with the NHS over many years through our Health Services Laboratories joint venture. So we have the right people, platforms, processes to realize these, and have the historical evidence for it. So it is about moving forward, executing on that, and we are very confident in that.

Speaker #3: And great execution on that. And so, with every confidence in our platform and team there to drive further synergies and margin growth moving forward, even with the regulatory change that we talked about.

Speaker #3: In the UK, similarly, we've got a very strong operating model relationship with the NHS over many years through our HSL joint venture. So, we have the right people, platforms, and processes to realize these and have the historical evidence for it.

Speaker #3: So it's about moving forward and executing on that, and we're very confident in that.

Speaker #10: Yep, okay. And then my follow-up, just in relation to this Swiss fee cut. I know you can't—we're not going to comment on GOA reform at the moment—but are there any other fee cuts of this magnitude that we should be aware of beyond FY27?

Sacha Krien: Yep. Okay. My follow-up, just in relation to this Swiss fee cut. I know you are not going to comment on GOÄ reform at the moment, but are there any other fee cuts of this magnitude that we should be aware of beyond FY27?

Speaker #3: No, there's nothing to advise on at this stage.

Jim Newcombe: No, there is nothing to advise on at this stage.

Speaker #10: Okay. Thank you.

Sacha Krien: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #9: Thank you. One moment. For our next question, our next question is going to come from the line of Craig Wong-Pan with RBC. Your line is open.

Operator: Hold on one moment for our next question. Our next question is going to come from the line of Craig Wong-Pan with RBC. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Thanks, and good morning. Just with the UK labor cost increases, when did they come into effect, and what impact did they have in the second half period?

Craig Wong-Pan: Thanks and good morning. Just with the UK labor cost increases, when did they come into effect and what impact did they have in the H2 period?

Chris Wilks: They came into effect as they were partly backdated in April 2025. So this FY 2026 has had more than a year's effect of them because they only were instigated when, Paul, can you remind me?

Speaker #8: They came into effect, although partly backdated, on April 25. So FY26 has had more than a year's effect of them, because they were only instigated when—Paul, can you remind me—it was H2, right?

Paul Alexander: H2.

Paul Alexander: Yeah. I cannot remember the exact date. So, there was some backdating of that. So they have been

Chris Wilks: Yeah. I cannot remember the exact date. So, there was some backdating of that. So they have been Effective for even more than the full year that we have just reported.

Speaker #8: Yeah, I can't remember the exact date. So there was some backdating of that. They've been effective for even more than the full year that we've just reported.

Paul Alexander: Effective for even more than the full year that we have just reported.

Speaker #8: Okay, so the impact into '27 will be lower than the actual amount you had in the second half, given that that was inclusive of back to April 25?

Craig Wong-Pan: Okay. So the impact into 2027 will be lower than the actual amount you had in the H2, given that that was inclusive of up back to April 25?

Speaker #8: Yes, that's correct. Okay. And then, just the second question is on the net interest expense—the increase of 6%. I'm just trying to understand that.

Paul Alexander: Yes, that is correct. Yeah.

Chris Wilks: Yes, that is correct. Yeah.

Craig Wong-Pan: Okay. Then just the second question is on the net interest expense, the increase of 6%. Just trying to understand that. Is that mainly the additional leasing costs coming through?

Speaker #8: Is that mainly the additional leasing costs coming through? Yeah. So as always, that's a complicated forecast to perform. Obviously, with the sale of Bowen Hills, the sale and leaseback, there's a sort of a move between normal debt interest and lease interest.

Paul Alexander: Yeah. As always, that's a complicated forecast to perform. Obviously, with the sale of Bowen Hills, the sale and leaseback, there's a sort of a move between normal debt interest and lease interest. Lease interest is up significantly in relation to that deal. Largely, the lease interest on Bowen Hills offsets the savings in interest that we'd have on the other side. Then you've got other movements like for example, the USPP debt that Chris mentioned expires in November this year. That was at a low rate of 1.75%, so there's a bit of a higher rate come through once that's refinanced. There's some other, we've got some tax payments to make that were flagged in the NRI and some earn-outs on some acquisitions to make as well that all those parts contribute to that uplift.

Speaker #8: So lease interest is up significantly in relation to that deal. But, largely, the lease interest on Bowen Hills offsets the savings in interest that we'd have on the other side.

Speaker #8: But then you've got other movements, like, for example, the USPP debt that Chris mentioned, which expires in November this year. That was at a low rate of 1.75%.

Speaker #8: So there's a bit of a higher rate come through once that's refinanced. And we've also got some tax payments to make that were flagged in the NRI, and some earn-outs on some acquisitions to make as well. All those parts contribute to that uplift.

Speaker #8: Okay. Thank you.

Craig Wong-Pan: Okay, thank you.

Speaker #9: One moment for our next question. Our next question will come from the line of Andrew Goodsall with MST Mercure. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Operator: One moment for our next question. Our next question will come from the line of Andrew Goodsall with MST Marquee. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #11: Well, thanks very much for taking my question. You did talk to the—this is a spot effect, I guess, versus the constant currency EBITDA guidance.

Andrew Goodsall: Well, thanks very much for taking my question. You did talk to the spot effect, I guess, versus the constant currency EBITDA guys. Just wondering if you could put a number on what your sort of natural hedging offset might be against that 50 or so at the EBITDA.

Speaker #11: Just wondering if you could put a number on what your sort of natural hedging offset might be against that $50 million or so at the EBITDA.

Speaker #8: Well, that's a difficult question to answer on the hop, Andrew.

Paul Alexander: Well, that's a difficult question to answer on the hop, Andrew.

Chris Wilks: Well, that's a difficult question to answer on the hop, Andrew.

Andrew Goodsall: I know. Sorry to give you some balance.

Speaker #11: Sorry, to give you some balance.

Speaker #8: Yeah. We gave a little bit of direction to, I think, a question Dave Lowe asked before at the EBITDA line. But you're asking also: what's the natural hedge offset there?

Paul Alexander: Yeah. We gave a little bit of direction to, I think, a question David Low asked before at the EBITDA line, but you're asking also what's the natural hedge offset there.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. We gave a little bit of direction to, I think, a question David Low asked before at the EBITDA line, but you're asking also what's the natural hedge offset there.

Speaker #11: I think we'd need to take that offline, Andrew, and maybe if you had a look at the movements in the second half of the financial year, of FY26, that would give you some guidance.

Craig Wong-Pan: I think we'd need to take that offline, Andrew. Maybe if you had a look at the movements in the H2 of the financial year of FY26, that would give you some guidance for 2022.

Paul Alexander: I think we'd need to take that offline, Andrew. Maybe if you had a look at the movements in the H2 of the financial year of FY26, that would give you some guidance for 2022.

Speaker #8: Okay.

Speaker #11: FY27—I can sort of run it, but I'd just love, if you had a back-of-the-envelope, then maybe just moving on to Australia. Obviously good growth there—probably more than double the MBS.

Andrew Goodsall: Okay. I can run it, and just thought you had a back of the envelope. Ben, maybe just moving on to Australia. Obviously, really good growth there, probably more than double with the MBS. A lot of moving parts, possible contract wins and so on. But when it comes down to patient pay or patient billing, just wondering how capable your systems are and whether there is sort of a more upside there, how hard down that journey you are in terms of rolling that out. Are you charging all the ineligible, non-funded, and expanding co-pays?

Speaker #11: There are a lot of moving parts—hospital contract wins, and so on. But when it comes down to patient pay or patient billing, I'm just wondering how capable your systems are, and whether there's more upside there. How far down that journey are you in terms of rolling that out?

Speaker #11: Are you charging all the knowledgeable non-funded and expanding co-pays?

Speaker #3: So it's a bit of a scratchy line there, Andrew, but I think I've got the gist of the question. So, as we've talked about previously, we have rolled out private billing, particularly for vitamin B12 testing, but also other vitamins, which are actually quite complex and advanced tests to perform—specialized tests, many of the other vitamins.

Jim Newcombe: So it is a bit of a scratchy line there, Andrew, but I think I have got the gist of the question. We have, as we have talked about previously, rolled out private billing, particularly for vitamin B12 testing, but also other vitamins, which are actually quite complex and advanced tests to perform, specialized tests, some many of the other vitamins. And so it is certainly gaining momentum, and we have private billing testing pathways in the majority of operations for vitamin B12. In all cases, there is informed consent from patients beforehand. There are other options in most cases. All of these, I think it is really important to say, come with, first of all, medical decision, with clinical governance around what is the right medicine to do in different situations, and then giving a patient, if there is an option, a choice to do, go down different pathways.

Speaker #3: And so it is certainly gaining momentum, and we have private billing testing pathways in the majority of our operations for vitamin B12. In all cases, there is informed consent from patients beforehand.

Speaker #3: There are other options in most cases. All of these, I think it's really important to say, come with, first of all, a medical decision with clinical governance around what's the right medicine.

Speaker #3: To do in different situations, and then giving a patient, if there is an option, a choice to go down different pathways. And we've done that, of course, in close collaboration with our referring doctors.

Jim Newcombe: And we have done that, of course, in close collaboration with our referring doctors. So it is a complex area, but we have certainly gained momentum during this last financial year in private billing in general, because we think it is the right thing to do in order to meet the medical needs, and to support those, we need to raise appropriate revenue from private billing to support those diagnostics.

Speaker #3: So it is a complex area, but we've certainly gained momentum during this last financial year in private billing in general. We think it's the right thing to do in order to meet the medical needs and to support those; we need to raise appropriate revenue from private billing to support those diagnostics.

Andrew Goodsall: I guess clearly pointing at the edge sort of ongoing and, I guess still some more upside.

Speaker #11: I guess that's a good point at the edge of the ongoing, and I guess there's still some more upside.

Speaker #3: Yes. So yes, there is we're certainly getting momentum. We think there is more upside into FY2027 on that in that front.

Jim Newcombe: Yes, we are certainly gaining momentum. We think there is more upside into FY 2027 on that, in that front.

Speaker #8: Some of the changes were only introduced throughout the year, Andrew, so there's an annualization effect and potential upside to come from those in FY27.

Paul Alexander: Some of the changes were only introduced through the year, Andrew, so there is an annualization effect upside to come from those in FY22.

Speaker #11: And finally, you've mentioned buybacks. What sort of timing would you put around the idea or the consideration?

Andrew Goodsall: Finally, you have mentioned buybacks. What sort of timing would you put around the idea of that consideration?

Speaker #8: Yeah, look, it's on the list of capital management priorities. I don't want to be disclosing something we haven't made a call on yet, but it's there and will be considered when appropriate.

Paul Alexander: Yeah, look, it is on the list of capital management priorities. I do not want to be disclosing something we have not made a call on yet, but it is there and will be considered when appropriate.

Jim Newcombe: Yeah, look, it is on the list of capital management priorities. I do not want to be disclosing something we have not made a call on yet, but it is there and will be considered when appropriate.

Speaker #11: That's great. Thank you.

Andrew Goodsall: That is great. Thank you.

Speaker #9: Our next question is from the line of Christine Tran with McCrory Capital. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question is going to be from the line of Christine Trinh with Macquarie Capital. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Morning, team. Thanks for taking my question. First question—could we just get an update on that New Jersey contract? I'm wondering, in terms of timing, when we can expect to see a more meaningful impact to US revenue?

Christine Trinh: Morning, team. Thanks for taking my question. First question, could we just get an update on that New Jersey contract? Just in terms of timing, when we can assume a more meaningful impact to US revenue?

Speaker #3: Yes, thanks for the question. This is the Horizon contract that we've talked about earlier, and we are seeing a lot of sales outreach going on in that region.

Jim Newcombe: Yes. Thanks for the question. This is the Horizon contract that we have talked about earlier, and we are seeing a lot of sales outreach going on in that region. It is relatively new, so I think it is fair to say that we are not seeing significant uplift in FY 2026 from that. But moving forwards, FY 2027, there is, I think, a lot of growth to be gained in that northern part of New Jersey in particular, through the initial sales outreaches that we have had. So it is something which is, I think it goes back to what we talked about earlier, which is that we have presented some headlines in terms of advanced diagnostics, dermatopathology, as well as the cost efficiency measures.

Speaker #3: It is relatively new, so I think it's fair to say that we're not seeing significant uplift in FY26 from that. But moving forward, FY27, there is, I think, a lot of growth to be gained in that northern part of New Jersey.

Speaker #3: In particular, through the initial sales outreaches that we've had. So, it's something which is, I think, it goes back to what we talked about earlier, which is that we've presented some headlines in terms of advanced diagnostics.

Speaker #3: The metapathology, as well as the cost-efficiency measures. But there is a lot of work going on at the ground level in our major markets—in the Northeast, Texas, and Mid-South—from a routine, or more routine, clinical pathology point of view.

Jim Newcombe: But there is a lot of work going on at the ground level in our major markets in the Northeast and Texas and mid-south, from a more routine clinical pathology point of view, to get out there and grow our sales network and our footprint. So we are very happy with how New Jersey is going. But in terms of last financial year, I think it is still building pace. But we will continue that momentum into FY27.

Speaker #3: To get out there and grow our sales network and our footprint. So we're very happy with how New Jersey is going. In terms of the last financial year, I think it's still building pace, but we'll continue that momentum into FY27.

Speaker #10: Right. And just a second question from me. I guess it's been a bit quiet on the M&A front. Just interested in your stance on future M&A?

Christine Trinh: Great. Just a second question from me. I guess it has been a bit quiet on the M&A front, just interested on your stance on future M&A. If there are any opportunities you are chasing or just focusing on that core business for now.

Speaker #10: And are there any opportunities you are pursuing, or are you just focusing on the core business now?

Speaker #3: Yeah. I mean, we talked about, again, our capital management priorities, and that continues to include selective synergistic acquisitions where there's a strong investment thesis.

Jim Newcombe: Well, we talked about, again, our capital management priorities, and that continues to include selective synergistic acquisitions, where there is a strong investment thesis. We have got a very strong focus on return on invested capital as we always have at Sonic Healthcare. I think what might be a little bit different today is that we have a lot of internal opportunities to create value from the assets we already own. We have talked already about the LADR acquisition, Ciro Diagnostics, recent Swiss acquisitions. That is unlocking a lot of value in those areas. So of course, we remain active and interested in opportunities, but we are also equally focused on extracting the value that we already have in our strong portfolio.

Speaker #3: We've got a very strong focus on return on invested capital, as we always have at Sonic Healthcare. I think what might be a little bit different today is that we have a lot of internal opportunities to create value from the assets we already own.

Speaker #3: We've already talked about the LADR acquisition, CARA Diagnostics, and recent Swiss acquisitions. That's unlocking a lot of value in those areas. So, of course, we remain active and interested in opportunities, but we're also equally focused on extracting the value that we already have in our strong portfolio.

Speaker #10: Right. Thank you.

Christine Trinh: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #9: Our next question comes from the line of Steve Wein with Jordan. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Steve Wheen with Jarden. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #11: Yeah, good morning. Just two very quick ones, just to help with reconciling some of the items. Firstly, in the FY26 EBITDA, could you just quantify—and I may have missed this—the amount of IT costs that were reclassified out of the '26 here?

Steve Wheen: Yeah, good morning. Just two very quick ones just for helping with reconciling some of the items. Firstly, in the FY26 EBITDA, could you just quantify, and I may have missed this, the amount of IT costs that were reclassified out of the 2026 year?

Chris Wilks: Steve, are you meaning as to, I think there is a number in what page? The 6.3 million number, which is part of the total of the net 51, relates to the IT transformation project. So that is the FY26 impact. Then we have alluded to another 30 million in FY27. Is that what you are meaning?

Speaker #8: Steve, are you meaning as to—I think there was a number on the page. The $6.3 million number, which is part of the total of the net $51 million, relates to the IT transformation program project.

Speaker #8: So that's the FY26 impact. And then we've alluded to another $30 million in FY27. Is that what you mean?

Speaker #11: Yeah, that's exactly right. So, '25 looked like it was $22 million, '26 is $6 million, and then FY27 is $30 million. Is that right?

Steve Wheen: Yeah, that is exactly right. So 2025 looked like it was 22 million, 2026 is 6 million, and then FY27 is 30. Is that right?

Speaker #8: Yeah, I'm not sure about the 25 number. I haven't looked back at 25, but I'm not aware of it.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. I am not sure about the 25 number. I would have to look back at 25, but I am not aware of that.

Steve Wheen: Oh, it is what you reclassify. Because you did it in the accounts, you reclassified that for the 25 number. Anyway, that was just the net difference, the movement in the EBITDA that I took. Anyway, we can take that offline, but there is the six that I was after.

Speaker #11: Because you did it in the accounts, you reclassified that in for the 25 number. But anyway, that was just the net difference, the movement in the EBITDA that I took.

Speaker #11: Anyway, we can take that offline, but there's the six that I was after. And then just the second thing was, just in the one-off items, the tax effect on the gain on sale—is that a benefit?

Chris Wilks: Yeah.

Steve Wheen: Then just the second thing was just in the one-off items. The tax effect on the gain on sale, is that a benefit?

Speaker #8: Yeah, it's a bit of a crazy one. I'll hand this one over to Paul to weave his magic on an answer here.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, it is a bit of a crazy one. I will hand this one over to Paul Alexander to weave his magic on an answer here.

Speaker #11: Yes, so it is a credit. You're right. And that credit is a combination of, first of all, that we had something like $170 million of unbooked capital losses that we've utilized against the gain.

Paul Alexander: Yes. So it is a credit, you are right. That credit is a combination of, first of all, that we had something like 170 million of unbooked capital losses that we have utilized against the gain. So, that certainly has a positive impact on the amount of tax we actually have to pay. There is about 40 million of tax to pay. But the other impact is related to AASB 16 and the timing differences between AASB 16 accounting and the tax deduction for rent. We have tried to explain this in the 4E under the tax expense explanation, so you could have a look there, and happy to go into a little more detail later. But really, it relates to the fact that under old accounting standards, our gain on the sale of this building was more like 300 million.

Speaker #11: So that certainly has a positive impact on the amount of tax we actually have to pay. There is about $40 million of tax to pay.

Speaker #11: But the other impact is related to AASB 16 and the timing differences between AASB 16 accounting and the tax deduction for rent. We've tried to explain this in the 4E and under the tax expense explanation.

Speaker #11: So you could have a look there. I'm happy to go into it in a little more detail later. But really, it relates to the fact that under old accounting standards, our gain on the sale of this building was more like $300 million.

Paul Alexander: But really, it relates to the fact that under old accounting standards, our gain on the sale of this building was more like 300 million. Whereas under AASB 16, it was only a bit over 100 million, and that 200 million is a kind of a timing difference for tax purposes going forward. So the net of all of that is the credit of 19 million this year.

Speaker #11: Whereas under AASB 16, it was only a bit over $100 million. And that $200 million is kind of a timing difference for tax purposes going forward.

Paul Alexander: Whereas under AASB 16, it was only a bit over 100 million, and that 200 million is a kind of a timing difference for tax purposes going forward. So the net of all of that is the credit of 19 million this year.

Speaker #11: So the net of all of that is the credit of $19 million this year. Right. Okay. So that's—I mean, one of my issues was trying to get to your 26% effective tax rate, because I've—anyway, that's going to be one of the big explanations, I think, as to why it's different.

Steve Wheen: Right. Okay. One of my issues was trying to get to your 26% effective tax rate because of. Anyway, that is going to be one of the big explanations, I think, as to why we are, it is different.

Chris Wilks: Yeah. That is the part of the delta between the 22% and the 26%.

Speaker #8: Yeah, that is part of the delta between the '22 and the '26.

Speaker #11: Yeah, yeah. Got it. Okay, thanks for that.

Steve Wheen: Yeah. Got it. Okay. Thanks for that.

Speaker #9: Thank you. And our last question is from Andrew Payne with CLSA. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Our last question is from Andrew Paine with CLSA. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Speaker #12: Yeah, thanks for taking my question. Just one from me—would be good to get a bit of a guide on where you are in terms of earnings contribution from recent M&A, and Switzerland, and some of the other regions.

Andrew Paine: Yeah, thanks for taking my question. Look, just one from me. Just be good to get a bit of a guide on where you are in terms of earnings contribution from recent M&A in Switzerland and some of the other regions. Understand whether they are delivering in line with the rest of the group's margins. Really just trying to understand the progress here. M&A in Switzerland was not seen as contributing to earnings when you acquired it.

Speaker #12: And understand whether they're delivering in line with the rest of the group's margins. Really just trying to understand the progress here, as M&A in Switzerland wasn't seen as contributing to earnings when you acquired it.

Speaker #8: So, yeah, maybe we can't obviously disclose more than we've disclosed really, but just on LADA, to start with our German acquisition, there is some information in the 4E that discloses the fact that it contributed about $59 million NPAT.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, maybe we cannot obviously disclose more than we have disclosed, really. Just on maybe LADR to start with, that German acquisition, there is some information in the 4E that discloses the fact that it has contributed about AUD 59 million NPAT. That is obviously without interest for FY 2026. So that is already a return above our cost of capital. I think when we announced that transaction, we told you that we expected to get to about an 11% ROIC after three years. So that one is performing absolutely according to plan. We have already achieved 40% of the expected synergies in this first year. So absolutely on target and as are the two in Switzerland. So there has been solid, you will see in that margin slide, solid margin growth in FY 2026 in Switzerland. We have got this fee issue now to deal with in FY 2027. So all of those acquisitions are performing according to plan.

Speaker #8: That's obviously without interest. For FY26, that's already a return above our cost of capital. I think when we announced that transaction, we told you that we expected to get to about 11% ROIC after three years.

Speaker #8: So, that one's performing absolutely according to plan. We've already achieved 40% of the expected synergies in this first year, so absolutely on target—and as are the two in Switzerland.

Chris Wilks: We have already achieved 40% of the expected synergies in this first year. So absolutely on target and as are the two in Switzerland. So there has been solid, you will see in that margin slide, solid margin growth in FY 2026 in Switzerland. We have got this fee issue now to deal with in FY 2027. So all of those acquisitions are performing according to plan.

Speaker #8: So, there’s been solid—you’ll see in that margin slide—solid margin growth in FY26 in Switzerland. We’ve got this fee issue now to deal with in FY27, but all of those acquisitions are performing according to plan.

Speaker #8: And likewise, with Cairo in the US, that's probably doing even a little better than we had originally budgeted.

Chris Wilks: Likewise with Ciro in the US, that is probably doing even a little better than we had originally budgeted for.

Andrew Paine: Okay. That is great, Karl. I will have a look at that. Just looking into 2027, do you still see some uplift coming through as they progress to where you want to get to?

Speaker #12: Okay, that's great. I'll have a look at that. And so, just looking into '27, do you still see some uplift coming through as they progress to where you want to get to?

Speaker #8: Yeah, absolutely. On all of those, we would be expecting continued improvements coming through from the synergies, which we've talked about. We've got two big lab mergers coming up in FY27 in Switzerland, which we, I think, mentioned on the slide.

Chris Wilks: Yeah, absolutely. On all of those, we would be expecting continued improvements coming through from the synergies, which we have talked about. We have got two big lab mergers coming up in FY 2027 in Switzerland, which we, I think, mentioned on the slide. So yeah, lots of activity going on and all heading in the right direction.

Speaker #8: So, yeah, lots of activity going on, and all heading in the right direction.

Speaker #12: That's great. That's all I had. Thanks.

Andrew Paine: That is great. That is all I had. Thanks.

Speaker #9: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this will conclude today's question-and-answer session. This will also conclude today's conference call. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this will conclude today's question and answer session. This will also conclude today's conference call. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect. Everyone, have a great day.

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Q4 2026 Sonic Healthcare Ltd Earnings Call

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