Avantor Struggles With Soft Demand But Backs Long-Term Value Through Buyback

Core Insights - Avantor Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 22 cents, below the consensus estimate of 23 cents [1] - The company’s sales were $1.62 billion, slightly missing the consensus of $1.65 billion, with a year-over-year decline of 5.3% [1] - Organic sales declined by 4.7%, impacted by a positive foreign currency translation of 2.2% and a negative M&A impact of 2.8% [1] Segment Performance - Laboratory Solutions sales were $1.09 billion, reflecting a 6.4% decrease, with an organic decline of 4.9% [2] - Bioscience Production sales totaled $527.3 million, down 2.9% reported and 4.3% organically, with operational headwinds affecting throughput [3] Strategic Initiatives - The company announced a $500 million share repurchase authorization, indicating confidence in cash generation and a commitment to long-term shareholder value [4] - CEO Emmanuel Ligner emphasized the need for decisive changes to improve execution, accountability, and financial performance [4] Guidance and Analyst Commentary - Avantor revised its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance from 94-98 cents to 88-92 cents, compared to the consensus of 95 cents [5] - The company expects organic revenue to decline between 3.5% and 2.5%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin in the mid-16% range [5] - Analysts suggest that while there is potential for outperformance, the company's current growth and margin profile justify a discount compared to peers [6]