Summary of Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Waters Corporation - **Industry**: Life Sciences and Analytical Instruments Key Points and Arguments Replacement Cycle and Growth Drivers - The replacement cycle for instruments, particularly LCMS, began about a year ago and is expected to continue for several more years, with current growth rates in the high single digits [2][4] - The growth drivers for LCMS include: 1. Instrument replacement cycle, which is still ongoing [2] 2. Idiosyncratic growth drivers such as GLP-1 testing, which has seen revenues double, and PFAS testing, which has 30% order growth [3] 3. Development of new products that meet significant unmet needs in the market [3] Performance in Different Segments - Chemistry segment grew by 13% in the third quarter, significantly above the pre-COVID run rate of 6%-7% [5] - The growth in chemistry is attributed to investments in bioseparations and innovations in product offerings, particularly for biologics [6][7] - The pharma segment experienced double-digit growth driven by the replacement cycle and idiosyncratic growth drivers, particularly in the U.S. and Europe [10][11] Regional Insights - In China, growth is driven by CDMOs supporting the local biotech industry, with a significant share of global in-licensing coming from China [11] - India is experiencing high teens growth driven by generics, while branded generics in China are still declining [11] Innovation and New Products - The CDMS opportunity is highlighted as a significant unmet need in the market, with potential to capture a large share of the $350 million annual sales currently dominated by existing techniques [16][17] - New product launches include the FACS DiVa S8 flow cytometer and the FXI incubator for microbiology, both expected to drive significant growth [22][23] Software and Commercial Model Changes - The Empower software business is a critical part of Waters' portfolio, with plans to transition to a subscription model to enhance revenue [30][31] - The Empower system is used for 80% of QAQC data submissions for drugs filed to regulatory bodies, indicating its importance in the industry [30] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The overall market setup is positive, with continued growth expected from the replacement cycle, new product introductions, and idiosyncratic growth drivers [38] - The company anticipates that the growth rate in chemistry will stabilize in the high single digits to low double digits over time [7] Additional Insights - The company is focusing on integration planning post-acquisition, with positive surprises in microbiology workflow improvements and potential market entry strategies [26] - The pricing strategy for large molecules is expected to be stickier and more significant compared to small molecules, enhancing revenue opportunities [9] Other Important Content - The company is actively working on enhancing its product offerings and market strategies to capture unmet needs and drive sustainable growth [17][38] - There is a focus on customer adoption and integration of new technologies, which is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the market [17][31]

Core Insights - Waters Corporation will have its President and CEO, Udit Batra, participate in a fireside chat at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on November 18, 2025 [1] - A live webcast of the event will be available on Waters' Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible for 90 days [2] Company Overview - Waters Corporation is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving various sectors including life sciences, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years [3] - The company focuses on ensuring the efficacy of medicines, safety of food, purity of water, and quality of everyday products, employing over 7,600 individuals across more than 100 countries [3]

Core Insights - Waters Corporation has launched the Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) designed for seamless integration with Waters Empower Software, which is widely used for regulatory submissions in the pharmaceutical industry [1][5][10] - The CAD enables near-universal detection of a wide range of analytes, including those difficult to measure with traditional methods, enhancing the capabilities of laboratories in various sectors [2][3][7] Product Features - The CAD provides sensitive and reproducible measurements of analytes with little or no UV absorption, making it suitable for characterizing small molecules, biopharmaceuticals, food additives, and environmental pollutants [3][4] - It addresses common issues faced by users of multi-vendor LC-CAD configurations, such as dropped communications, with 70% of users reporting these problems [4][7][10] - The detector is compatible with various Waters liquid chromatography systems, including the Alliance iS HPLC System and ACQUITY UPLC Systems, ensuring broad applicability [4][5] Market Position - Waters Empower Software is utilized for approximately 80% of novel drug submissions to regulatory authorities, highlighting its critical role in the pharmaceutical industry [1][10] - The introduction of the CAD reinforces Waters' commitment to providing a comprehensive range of liquid chromatography detectors that are compatible with Empower Software, enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency [5][9] Availability - The Waters Charged Aerosol Detector is currently available for pre-order, with shipments expected to begin in April 2026 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Waters Corporation reported a strong Q3 performance with sales of $800 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, exceeding market expectations for both revenue and profit [3][10]. Group 1: Pharmaceutical Market Performance - The pharmaceutical segment experienced a robust demand, achieving an 11% year-over-year growth, with double-digit increases in both the Americas and Asia, while Europe maintained a solid single-digit growth [3][10]. - The Chinese market was a key highlight, with pharmaceutical sales growing over 20% year-over-year, reflecting increased R&D investments from local CDMO and biotech companies [3][10]. - Revenue related to GLP-1 testing doubled globally, driven by the expansion of drug development and production in the Americas and Europe [3][10]. Group 2: Instrument Sales and Innovations - Instrument sales grew by 11% quarter-over-quarter, marking the best performance outside of the pandemic year of 2020, supported by a comprehensive product matrix [7][8]. - The Alliance series HPLC products saw over 300% year-over-year growth, indicating strong user recognition of the platform [8]. - The Xevo™ TQ Absolute series platform grew by 30% year-over-year, bolstered by the market introduction of the new Xevo™ TQ Absolute XR model [8][10]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Waters is enhancing its core technological advantages in large molecule drug analysis, launching the Xevo™ charge detection mass spectrometer, which offers ten times faster analysis speed and requires only 1% of the sample volume compared to traditional methods [12][18]. - The Empower platform is being upgraded to integrate various technologies, including flow cytometry, to create a unified, compliant data environment, with cloud and AI/ML functionalities expected by 2026 [14][18]. Group 4: Strategic Integration and Long-term Growth - Waters is actively pursuing a merger with BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions, expected to complete in Q1 2026, which will enhance its product portfolio and market access, particularly in high-growth areas like cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine [17][18]. - The company aims to leverage the merger to accelerate its long-term growth strategy while maintaining high standards of innovation and operational execution [17][18].

Core Insights - Waters Corporation (WAT) reported third-quarter 2025 non-GAAP earnings of $3.40 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.92% and reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase [1][8] - Net sales reached $800 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.59%, with an 8% increase year-over-year on both reported and constant currency (cc) bases [1][8] Segment Performance - The Waters segment generated sales of $713.4 million, up 9% year-over-year on both reported and cc bases, while the TA segment reported sales of $86.5 million, reflecting a 2% increase [2] - In terms of product categories, Instruments sales were $341.5 million (up 6%), Services sales were $299.9 million (up 8% reported, 7% cc), and Chemistry sales were $158.5 million (up 14% reported, 13% cc) [3] - The Pharmaceutical market generated sales of $479.8 million, increasing 12% year-over-year, while Industrial sales were $235.7 million (up 3%) and Government & Academic sales were $84.4 million (up 2%) [4] Geographic Performance - Asia generated sales of $269.7 million, up 7% reported and 13% cc, while the Americas reported sales of $292.8 million (up 5%) and Europe generated $237.4 million (up 13% reported, 5% cc) [5] Operating Details - Non-GAAP selling and administrative expenses were $179.7 million, an 8.3% increase year-over-year, while research and development expenses rose to $49.9 million (up 11.7%) [6] - The adjusted operating margin was 30.3%, contracting by 50 basis points year-over-year [6] Financial Position - As of September 27, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $459.1 million, up from $367.2 million as of June 28, with cash from operations reported at $187.3 million and free cash flow at $159.6 million [7] Future Guidance - Waters raised its 2025 guidance for cc sales growth to between 6.7% and 7.3%, with reported sales growth expected in the 6.5%-7.1% range [9] - Non-GAAP earnings guidance for 2025 is now projected to be in the range of $13.05 to $13.15 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of over 10% to 12% on a cc basis [9] - For Q4 2025, Waters expects cc sales growth between 5% and 7%, with non-GAAP earnings projected at $4.45 to $4.55 per share, reflecting year-over-year growth of over 9% to 11% [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million for the third quarter, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency [23][26] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [8][25] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point sequential increase from the previous quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LCMS portfolio [23][25] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and chemistry revenue up 13% [25][26] - Alliance iS sales grew over 300%, indicating strong customer adoption of the flagship HPLC product [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, pharma sales grew by 11%, industrial sales grew by 4%, and academic and government sales grew by 1% [23][25] - Asia saw a 13% growth, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [25] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in pharma and academic sectors [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and strategic expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [7][11] - The pending combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [21][22] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its offerings in large molecule applications and informatics [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing instrument replacement cycle and the positive impact of innovation on growth [30][79] - The external environment is improving, supported by stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for pharma customers [27][28] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [15][28] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Xevo Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer, marking a new era in mass spectrometry [17] - The FDA's new draft guidance on biosimilars is expected to increase demand for analytical instruments, aligning with the company's strategic focus [20][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pharma strength in the Americas and China - Management noted double-digit growth in pharma across all regions, driven by the instrument replacement cycle and new product traction [35][36] Question: Thoughts on the BD transaction and revenue synergies - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies and highlighted ongoing integration planning efforts [44][49] Question: Expectations for fourth quarter guidance and pull-forwards - Management indicated no pull-forwards were observed, with orders growing more than sales, leading to a healthy backlog [57] Question: Clarification on the Empower subscription model - Management discussed the incremental upside of the Empower model, emphasizing its transition to a subscription-based service [62] Question: Update on the TA business and order funnel - Management highlighted a recovery in the TA business due to stabilizing tariffs and improving customer spending [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million for the third quarter, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency [23][26] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [8][25] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point increase from the previous quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LC-MS portfolio [25] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and Chemistry revenue up 13% [25][26] - Chemistry products saw a significant boost, with new product launches contributing to a 13% growth in the segment [12][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, Pharma grew 11%, Industrial grew 4%, and Academic and Government grew 1% [23][25] - Asia experienced a 13% growth, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [25] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in Pharma and Academic & Government sectors [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [7][11] - The pending combination with BD's Bioscience & Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [21][22] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its competitive position in the market [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing instrument replacement cycle and the potential for sustained growth driven by innovation [30][77] - The external environment is improving, with more stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for Pharma customers [27][30] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [15][28] Other Important Information - The company is seeing strong demand for GLP-1 testing and PFAS testing, which are key growth drivers [9][10] - The integration planning for the BD transaction is progressing rapidly, with a focus on achieving synergies [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on Pharma strength in the Americas and China? - Management noted double-digit growth in Pharma across all regions, driven by the success of the replacement cycle and new product traction [35][36] Question: What are your thoughts on the BD transaction and revenue synergies? - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies and highlighted the integration planning efforts underway [44][49] Question: Can you clarify on the fourth quarter guidance and any pull-forwards? - Management indicated no pull-forwards were observed, with orders growing more than sales, leading to a healthy backlog [56][57] Question: How do you see the biosimilar opportunity evolving? - Management is optimistic about the shift towards analytical testing for biosimilars, which aligns with the company's strategy [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 [21][24] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [6][23] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point sequential increase from the prior quarter [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LCMS portfolio [21][23] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and chemistry revenue up 13% [23] - Alliance iS sales grew over 300%, indicating strong customer adoption of the flagship HPLC product [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, pharma sales grew by 11%, industrial sales grew by 4%, and academic and government sales grew by 1% [21][23] - Asia saw a growth of 13%, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [23] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in pharma and academic sectors [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and strategic expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [5][14] - The pending combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [19][20] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its competitive position in the market [14][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing instrument replacement cycle and the potential for sustained growth driven by new product launches and market demand [6][14] - The external environment is improving, supported by stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for pharma customers [12][25] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [12][25] Other Important Information - The company achieved a free cash flow of $160 million after capital expenditures and transaction-related expenses [24] - The integration planning for the BD combination is progressing rapidly, with a focus on operational readiness [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the pharma strength in the Americas and China? - Management noted that double-digit growth in the U.S. was driven by the success of the replacement cycle and new product traction, while in China, growth was supported by CDMOs aiding local biotech [29][30] Question: What are the latest thoughts on revenue synergies from the BD transaction? - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies, highlighting the potential for increased uptake of BD's products and improved service plans [35][39] Question: How does the recent FDA update on biosimilars impact Waters? - Management indicated that the shift towards analytical testing for biosimilars could significantly increase demand for their analytical instruments, aligning with the company's strategy [41] Question: What are the expectations for the fourth quarter regarding budget flush and pull forwards? - Management confirmed no pull forwards were observed and maintained a prudent outlook for Q4, expecting a 5-7% growth [42][44] Question: How should we think about the incremental upside from the Empower model? - Management highlighted the transition to a subscription-based model as a significant opportunity, with several customers already moving in that direction [46][48]

分组1 - Waters reported quarterly earnings of $3.4 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.21 per share, and up from $2.93 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +5.92% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $799.89 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.59% and increasing from $740.3 million year-over-year [2] - Waters has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, indicating strong performance [2] 分组2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $4.57 on revenues of $927.36 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $12.99 on revenues of $3.14 billion [7] - The Medical - Instruments industry, to which Waters belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]

Q3 2025 Performance Highlights - Waters Corporation reported Q3 2025 revenue of $800 million, with constant currency (CC) revenue growth of 8%[10] - CC recurring revenue growth was 9%[10] - CC instrument growth was 6%[10] - Q3 2025 Non-GAAP EPS grew by 16% to $3.40[10] - High single-digit (HSD) LC-MS growth and 17% CC growth were achieved[10] Growth Drivers and Innovation - BioAnalytical Characterization new products saw an 11% sequential growth in instrument sales from Q2 2025 to Q3 2025[13, 14] - Chemistry growth was 11% year-to-date in constant currency, driven by new BioSeparations products[16, 17] - Waters Alliance iS sales grew +300% in constant currency in 3Q25 compared to 3Q24[14] - Waters Xevo TQ Absolute sales grew +30% in constant currency in 3Q25 compared to 3Q24[14] Geographic and Market Performance - Pharma sales growth in Q3 2025 in constant currency was 11% overall, with strong performance across Americas, Europe, and Asia ex-China[19, 20] - Asia experienced 13% growth, Americas and Europe both saw 5% growth[34, 35] Guidance - The company projects FY 2025 constant currency revenue growth between 6.5% and 7.1%[37] - The company projects Q4 2025 constant currency revenue growth between 5.2% and 7.2%[37] - Non-GAAP EPS for FY 2025 is projected to be between $13.05 and $13.15[37] - Non-GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 is projected to be between $4.45 and $4.55[37]