Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 was $691.8 million, an increase of 3.9% year-over-year, exceeding the high end of guidance [4][24] - Adjusted net income per diluted share was $4.59, an increase of 5.5% year-over-year [5][24] - Adjusted EPS growth was 7.2% when excluding fuel price and foreign exchange impacts [5] - The company aims for long-term revenue growth of 5%-10% and double-digit long-term adjusted EPS growth [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Mobility Segment**: Revenue increased by 1% despite a drag of 1.4% from lower fuel prices and foreign exchange rates [24][25] - **Benefits Segment**: Total revenue was $198.1 million, up 9.2%, with SaaS account growth of 6% [25][17] - **Corporate Payments Segment**: Revenue was $132.8 million, an increase of 4.7%, with purchase volume declining 0.9% year-over-year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mobility segment remains the largest, representing roughly half of total revenue [13] - Same store sales in the over-the-road market softened during Q3, with a noted decline in transaction levels [14][15] - The Benefits segment continues to grow, with WEX retaining its position as the fifth largest HSA custodian in the market [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three strategic pillars: amplifying core business, expanding reach into adjacent workflows, and accelerating innovation [6][7] - AI is leveraged to enhance productivity and decision-making, driving a 20% increase in product innovation velocity [7][8] - A comprehensive portfolio assessment was conducted, confirming that the segments work better together, enhancing competitive advantages [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth, particularly in Corporate Payments, as they move past the OTA customer transition [5][30] - The macroeconomic environment remains dynamic, but the company is optimistic about future performance due to strategic investments [30][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in the Benefits segment, especially with new legislation expanding HSA eligibility [18][30] Other Important Information - The company announced the appointment of Dave Foss to the Board of Directors, effective November 3rd [20][21] - The leverage ratio at the end of Q3 was 3.25x, down from 3.5x at the end of Q1, indicating a focus on debt reduction [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the conclusion of the strategic review regarding the stock? - Management indicated that the board conducted a thorough review with independent investment banks, focusing on executing the strategic plan and improving stock performance [34][35] Question: Can you elaborate on the trends in Mobility and the impact of over-the-road sales? - Management noted a slight worsening in over-the-road sales but emphasized a focus on sales and retention, viewing the situation as transient [36][40] Question: What are the expectations for Corporate Payments moving forward? - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth in Corporate Payments, with strong momentum and a robust pipeline of new customer opportunities [44][46] Question: How is the company managing credit in the Mobility segment? - Management stated that credit standards have been tightened, and they are making informed credit decisions, leveraging AI for better risk management [52][53] Question: What is the sensitivity of the business to fuel prices and interest rates? - Management provided specific figures indicating that a $0.10 change in fuel prices could impact revenue by $20 million and EPS by $0.35 [55][56] Question: What are the expectations for adjusted operating margin for the rest of the year? - Management did not provide specific guidance but indicated that margins are expected to expand next year assuming stable macro conditions [83]

Financial Performance - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.608 billion in 3Q 2025 from $1.483 billion in 3Q 2024[12], and is projected to be between $6.6 billion and $7.0 billion for the full year 2025[13, 48] - Distributable Cash Flow rose to approximately $1.610 billion in 3Q 2025 from approximately $820 million in 3Q 2024[12], with a full year 2025 guidance of $4.8 billion to $5.2 billion[13, 48] - Net Income attributable to Cheniere increased to $1.049 billion in 3Q 2025 from $893 million in 3Q 2024[12] - Approximately $1.8 billion was deployed in capital allocation during 3Q 2025[19, 46] Operational Highlights - 586 TBtu of LNG was loaded and 163 cargoes were exported in 3Q 2025[18, 46] - CCL Stage 3 Project is approximately 91% complete as of September 30, 2025[18, 23] - CCL Midscale Trains 8 & 9 Project is approximately 21% complete as of September 30, 2025[18, 23] Market Dynamics - European LNG imports increased by 26% year-over-year in 2025[30] - The LNG market is nearing an inflection point, with a projected annual CAGR of 7.4% in liquefaction capacity from 2025 to 2030[41, 42] Capital Allocation - Approximately 4.4 million shares were repurchased for approximately $1.0 billion in 3Q 2025[19, 46] - A dividend of $0.555 per share was declared for 3Q 2025, representing an increase of over 10% compared to the previous quarter[19, 46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 7% for the quarter and 4% year to date, with all reportable segments showing year-over-year growth [12][13] - Operating income for the quarter was $1 billion, down from $1.4 billion in the comparable period last year, primarily due to net investment gains [13] - Adjusted operating income totaled $621 million for the quarter, up 24% year-over-year, with insurance contributing significantly to this increase [14][15] - Operating cash flows for the first nine months were $2.1 billion, and comprehensive income to shareholders was $793 million for the quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Markel Insurance segment achieved a combined ratio of 93% in Q3, improved from 97% in the same period last year, with underwriting gross written premiums up 11% year-over-year [3][17] - The Industrial segment reported revenues of $1 billion, up 5% year-over-year, while adjusted operating income decreased by 9% due to softening demand in the auto industry [19] - The Consumer and Other segment saw revenues of $291 million, up 10% year-over-year, driven by acquisitions and higher sales volume [20][21] - The Financial segment's revenues increased by 16% year-over-year, but adjusted operating income decreased by 23% due to prior year favorable loss development [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The International division reported strong growth, with underwriting premiums increasing by 25% in Q3, reflecting successful investments in personnel and product expansion [16][51] - The U.S. Wholesale and Specialty division faced challenges, with a reported decline in premium volume due to the exit of certain lines, but showed resilience in casualty lines [45][49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving its core insurance business through decisive actions, including exiting underperforming segments and enhancing accountability [2][4] - A new organizational structure has been implemented to streamline operations and improve profitability, with a focus on distinct profit and loss responsibilities [26][28] - The company aims to leverage its strong cash flow to reinvest in existing businesses and explore new opportunities, particularly in the industrial and consumer sectors [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing improvements in insurance profitability and the effectiveness of recent strategic changes [3][24] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential in various segments, particularly in international markets and specialty lines [33][49] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the current economic environment but emphasized the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to reserving and capital allocation [28][67] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $1.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases since the end of 2020, reducing the share count from 13.8 million to 12.6 million [6] - The company has enhanced its financial disclosures to provide better insights into its performance and capital allocation strategies [7][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expense ratio in the Insurance division - Management acknowledged the current expense ratio of 36% and discussed the impact of product exits and growth in profitable lines, indicating a focus on reducing unnecessary costs while investing in growth areas [36][40] Question: Gross written premium growth and successes in Programs and Solutions - Management highlighted the strong growth in international lines and the selective approach in casualty and property lines, emphasizing the importance of pricing and risk appetite [44][45] Question: Adverse development in international professional liability - Management confirmed the occurrence of large claims leading to adverse development but reassured that it is manageable and does not reflect overall profitability concerns [55][56] Question: Capital management and buyback strategy - Management reiterated that share repurchases remain the primary capital allocation strategy, with a focus on being price-sensitive and rational in their approach [57][59] Question: Combined ratio opportunities in International vs. U.S. - Management discussed the favorable loss ratios in the International segment compared to the U.S., indicating a strategic focus on smaller micro businesses in the U.S. to improve loss ratios [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 7% for the quarter and 4% year to date, with all reportable segments showing year-over-year growth [13][14] - Operating income for the quarter was $1 billion, down from $1.4 billion in the comparable period last year, primarily due to net investment gains which were $433 million compared to $918 million last year [14] - Adjusted operating income totaled $621 million for the quarter, up 24% year over year, with insurance contributing $153 million to this increase [15][14] - Operating cash flows for the first nine months were $2.1 billion, and comprehensive income to shareholders was $793 million for the quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Markel Insurance segment achieved a combined ratio of 93% for the quarter, improved from 97% last year, with underwriting gross written premiums up 11% year over year [3][18] - The industrial segment reported revenues of $1 billion, up 5% year over year, while adjusted operating income decreased by 9% to $101 million due to softening demand in the auto industry [20] - Consumer and other segment revenues were $291 million, up 10% year over year, with adjusted operating income of $17 million compared to break even last year [21][22] - Financial segment revenues increased by 16% to $162 million, but adjusted operating income decreased by 23% to $61 million due to prior year favorable loss development [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international division showed strong growth with underwriting premiums up 25% for the quarter, driven by expanded territories and product offerings [17][52] - The U.S. wholesale and specialty division faced challenges, with a reported decline of 6% in premium volume due to the exit of certain product lines, but was relatively flat when excluding those lines [17][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving its core insurance business by exiting underperforming segments, making leadership changes, and enhancing accountability [2][4] - A new organizational structure has been implemented to streamline operations and improve profitability, with a focus on distinct profit and loss responsibilities for each business unit [27][28] - The company aims to enhance financial disclosures to provide better insights into performance and capital allocation [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the improvements made within the insurance segment, noting a commitment to maintaining a conservative approach to reserving and capital allocation [4][29] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities in both existing and new markets, particularly in the industrial and consumer sectors [5][34] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the current economic environment but emphasized the importance of maintaining a long-term focus on profitability and capital efficiency [4][30] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $1.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases since the end of 2020, reducing the share count from 13.8 million to 12.6 million [7] - Investment operations yielded an 8.4% return on equity investments, with a book yield on fixed income of 3.5% [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expense ratio dynamics in the insurance division - Management acknowledged the current expense ratio of 36% is high compared to peers, but emphasized the importance of focusing on combined ratio and overall profitability while managing expenses [37][39][41] Question: Successes in U.S. wholesale and specialty - Management highlighted that growth in casualty lines is driven by rate increases, while property and professional lines face challenges [45][46][48] Question: Adverse development in international professional liability - Management confirmed that recent adverse developments were due to large claims from prior years, but overall profitability remains strong [56][57] Question: Capital deployment priorities - Management reiterated that share repurchases remain the primary capital allocation strategy, with ongoing sensitivity to market conditions [58][60] Question: Combined ratio opportunities internationally vs. U.S. - Management noted that while both markets have opportunities, the international segment has benefited from a focus on small and micro businesses with lower loss ratios [64][66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 7% for the quarter and 4% year to date, with all reportable segments showing year-over-year growth [12] - Operating income for the quarter was $1 billion, down from $1.4 billion in the comparable period last year, primarily due to net investment gains which were $433 million compared to $918 million last year [12] - Adjusted operating income totaled $621 million for the quarter, up $121 million or 24% year-over-year, with insurance contributing $153 million to this increase [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Markel Insurance segment achieved a combined ratio of 93% in Q3, improved from 97% in the same period last year, aided by lower catastrophe activity [3][17] - Underwriting gross written premiums for Markel Insurance were up 11% year-over-year for the quarter, driven by growth in personal lines and international lines [15] - The industrial segment reported revenues of $1 billion, up 5% year-over-year, while the consumer and other segment saw revenues of $291 million, up 10% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international division of Markel Insurance experienced strong growth with a 25% increase in underwriting premiums for the quarter [16] - The financial segment's revenues were $162 million, up 16% year-over-year, although adjusted operating income decreased by 23% due to prior year favorable loss development [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving its core insurance business by exiting underperforming segments, making leadership changes, and enhancing accountability [2][4] - A new organizational structure has been implemented to streamline operations and improve profitability, with a focus on distinct P&L responsibilities for each business unit [24][25] - The company aims to reinvest in existing businesses and expand into new markets, particularly in industrial and consumer sectors, while maintaining a conservative approach to capital allocation [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing improvements in insurance profitability and the effectiveness of recent strategic actions [3][4] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential in various segments, particularly in international operations and niche markets [32] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the current economic environment but emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong focus on underwriting performance and expense management [49][50] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $1.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases since the end of 2020, reducing the share count from 13.8 million to 12.6 million [6] - The company has committed to enhancing financial disclosures to provide better insights into its operations and capital allocation [7][9] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Regarding the expense ratio at 36% and technology spending - Management acknowledged the current expense ratio and indicated that while they are focused on reducing it, investments in technology and profitable growth areas may temporarily increase the ratio [39][41] Question: Insights on gross written premium growth and successes in programs and solutions - Management highlighted that the growth in gross written premiums was strong at 11%, with specific successes noted in casualty and professional lines, while being selective in risk appetite [46][48] Question: Discussion on capital management and buyback strategies - Management confirmed that share repurchases remain the primary capital allocation strategy, with a focus on being price-sensitive and rational in their approach [62][68] Question: Comparison of international versus U.S. combined ratio opportunities - Management indicated that while there are attractive opportunities in both markets, the international segment has benefited from a focus on small and micro businesses, leading to lower loss ratios [70][74]

Capital Allocation and Returns - Since IPO, the company has returned $61 billion of capital to equity investors via LP distributions and common unit buybacks[9] - Distributions for 3Q 2025 were $0.545 per unit, a 3.8% increase over 3Q 2024[9] - Buybacks in 3Q 2025 totaled $80 million, representing 2.5 million common units[9] - For the 9 months ended September 30, 2025, buybacks amounted to $250 million, representing 8 million common units[9] - Adjusted CFFO Payout Ratio was 58% TTM for 3Q 2025[9] Capital Expenditures and Financial Health - Growth Capital Expenditures are projected to be approximately $4.5 billion in 2025 and between $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion in 2026[9] - Sustaining Capital Expenditures are estimated at approximately $525 million in 2025[9] - The Leverage Ratio was 3.3x as of September 30, 2025[9] - Liquidity stood at $3.6 billion as of September 30, 2025, comprising available credit capacity and unrestricted cash[9] Operational Performance and Growth - The company has $5.1 billion of major capital projects under construction[24] - Natural Gas Processing Plant Inlet Volume has a 10% CAGR[20] - Equivalent Pipeline Transportation Volume has a 8% CAGR[21] - NGL Fractionation Volume has a 8% CAGR[21] - For the 9 months ended 2025, the gross operating margin was $7.3 billion[27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter 2025 corporate FFO per share was $0.29, in line with expectations [11] - Same-store NOI grew by 2.7% in the quarter, driven by a 1.4% increase in same-store revenue and a 70 basis point decrease in operating expenses compared to the prior year [11][15] - Average occupancy at the end of the quarter was 95.6%, a 20 basis point improvement from the end of the second quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store revenue increased due to higher average rents per unit and improved bad debt, which now represents less than 1% of same-store revenues [4][15] - The company completed 788 units during the quarter, achieving an average monthly rent increase of approximately $250 over unrenovated market comps, resulting in a weighted average ROI of 15% [5] - Same-store operating expenses decreased over the prior year, primarily due to lower property insurance and turnover costs [5][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive net absorption was observed in over half of the markets, encompassing 60% of NOI exposure [8] - Atlanta, the largest market, saw occupancy increase by 50 basis points, with asking rents up 5% [8][14] - New deliveries in IRT submarkets declined by 56% from the 2023 to 2024 quarterly averages, with supply forecasted to grow by less than 2% per year for the next several years [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company will continue to evaluate investment opportunities, including value-add renovations, acquisitions, deleveraging, and share buybacks to drive long-term shareholder value [6][19] - The focus remains on optimizing near-term performance through stable occupancy, managing expenses, and investing in the value-add program [10] - The company is cautiously optimistic about a better operating environment in 2026, supported by a differentiated portfolio of Class B assets and a strong balance sheet [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while market fundamentals are improving, it is taking longer than expected, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with increasing pricing power [10][21] - The company expects apartment demand to remain steady, driven by employment opportunities and favorable rent versus buy economics [8] - Management highlighted that bad debt has improved significantly, with expectations to stabilize sustainably below 1% of revenues [15][16] Other Important Information - The company acquired two communities in Orlando for an aggregate purchase price of $155 million, which more than doubled its number of apartment units in the area [5][17] - The company recorded a $12.8 million impairment on an asset held for sale in Denver due to recent market pressures [17] - The updated acquisition guidance is $215 million, reflecting only closed acquisitions to date, while disposition guidance is $161 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the current supply pressures compared to earlier in the year? - Management noted that while some markets are experiencing softness, they expect movement early next year as supply pressures are waning [25][27] Question: What are the expectations for lease rate growth in 2026? - Management indicated that they expect new leases to begin hitting break-even points in the first half of next year, with cautious optimism for lease rate growth [51][55] Question: How are concessions trending in competitive markets? - Concessions are generally stable, with 23% of leases having some type of concession, down from 30% in Q3 of last year [56][60] Question: What is the company's appetite for buybacks given the current market conditions? - Management expressed a strong appetite for buybacks, recognizing the disconnect between market trading and implied cap rates [66][70] Question: Are there any labor availability issues affecting operations? - Management confirmed that there are no significant labor availability issues across their teams [110][111] Question: Have there been any shifts in tenant behavior that could influence rent growth? - Management has not observed significant shifts in tenant behavior affecting rent growth, but they are actively monitoring the situation [113][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company achieved top-line growth of 0.9% and EBITDA growth of 3.3%, with margin expansion of 85 basis points [7][21][25] - Underlying EPS increased by 1% in U.S. dollars and 0.3% in constant currency, reaching $0.99 per share [21][25] - Revenue per hectoliter increased by 4.8%, driven by disciplined revenue management and a portfolio of mega brands [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The premium beer, non-alcohol beer, and beyond beer segments continued to outperform, with the quarterly GMV of the BIS marketplace reaching nearly $1 billion [5][6] - In the U.S., revenue growth in the mid-40s was led by Cutwater, which grew revenue in the triple digits [9] - Michelob Ultra became the number one brand in the industry by volume year to date, gaining market share in all 50 states [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased in 70% of the company's markets, with bottom-line growth in four of five operating regions [8][21] - In China, revenue declined by 15.2% due to a soft consumer environment, with the company focusing on enhancing execution and route to market [13][14] - In Brazil, revenue declined by 1.9% driven by unseasonable weather, but market share gains and disciplined management offset the decline [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on consistent execution of its strategy, investing in brand power and innovation to drive market share gains [5][6] - A $6 billion share buyback program was approved, alongside an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, reflecting confidence in long-term growth [6][24] - The company aims to leverage partnerships, such as with Netflix, to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds in China and unseasonable weather in the Americas but expressed confidence in the resilience of the strategy [4][5] - The outlook for the beer category remains positive, with expectations for industry volume growth as conditions normalize [12][41] - The company anticipates a strong performance in 2026, driven by events like the FIFA World Cup in North America [27][41] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its debt portfolio, announcing the redemption of $2 billion of outstanding bonds [6][24] - The non-alcohol beer segment is seen as a key growth opportunity, with net revenue growing by 27% [16][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the $6 billion buyback program - Management indicated that the buyback program reflects improved balance sheet flexibility and is part of a disciplined capital allocation strategy [30][32] Question: Outlook for global beer volume growth - Management noted that the long-term potential for the beer category is around 1% growth, with opportunities for further growth through beyond beer propositions [34][35] Question: Volume growth expectations for 2026 - Management expressed optimism for volume growth in 2026, citing reduced consumer pressure from lower inflation and the impact of the FIFA World Cup [41][42] Question: Impact of input costs in 2026 - Management did not provide specific guidance on input costs but indicated that hedging policies are in place to manage FX risks [45][47] Question: Consumer improvement in Brazil and Colombia - Management noted that while Brazil faced challenges due to weather, Colombia continued to show strong volume growth and market share gains [56][57] Question: Performance of Cutwater brand - Management highlighted Cutwater's significant growth, becoming one of the top 10 spirits brands in the U.S., and emphasized the brand's potential for further expansion [70][71]

Core Insights - The company experienced slight shortfalls in Q3 results primarily due to slowdowns in field and industrial services, alongside higher-than-expected employee healthcare costs, but remains optimistic about growth in waste collection and disposal assets [1][18][26] - Year-on-year growth was driven by increased waste volumes, pricing gains, and productivity improvements, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin increase of 100 basis points to 20.7% [2][18] - The company reported total revenue of $1.55 billion in Q3, with adjusted EBITDA rising 6% to $320 million, reflecting effective pricing and cost-saving strategies [18][19] Financial Performance - Q3 revenue increased by 3% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 7%, driven by waste volumes and pricing, despite a decline in industrial and field services [4][19] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for Environmental Services grew for the fourteenth consecutive quarter, reflecting strong operational performance [4][19] - Net income grew modestly year-over-year, delivering earnings per share of $2.21, with cash and short-term marketable securities totaling $850 million [20][21] Segment Performance - The Environmental Services segment saw a 12% growth in Technical Services, with landfill volumes up 40% year-over-year and incineration utilization at 92% [4][5] - Safety Kleen Environmental Services reported an 8% increase in revenue, driven by pricing gains and growth in core service offerings [5][19] - Field services revenue declined by 11% due to the absence of medium to large response projects, while industrial services also faced a 4% revenue decline [6][7][19] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on margin growth and has implemented productivity and cost-saving initiatives, which are expected to benefit from improving macroeconomic conditions [1][2][19] - A successful PFAS incineration study in partnership with the EPA is anticipated to generate $100 million to $120 million in revenue this year, representing a 20% to 25% increase from the previous year [8][9] - Plans to construct a new state-of-the-art process plant are underway, with an expected total spend of $210 million to $220 million, projected to generate annual EBITDA of $30 million to $40 million [12][13] Capital Allocation and Future Outlook - The company is evaluating both bolt-on transactions and larger acquisitions, with a potential investment of over $500 million in internal projects over the next several years [14][15] - Share repurchases totaled $50 million in Q3, with a remaining authorization of approximately $380 million [24][25] - The company anticipates a strong finish to the year, with expectations for continued growth in waste projects and a positive economic outlook despite recent challenges [16][26][28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter 2025 global sales from continuing operations totaled $2.8 billion, increasing 5% on a reported basis and 2% on an operational basis [22] - Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $0.69 per share, reflecting a 41% increase versus the prior year [35] - Adjusted operating margin on a continuing operations basis was 14.9%, improving 40 basis points compared to the prior year [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical Products & Therapies segment sales were $1.3 billion, declining 1% due to softness in Infusion Therapies and Technologies [23] - Infusion Therapies and Technologies division sales totaled $1 billion, declining 4% primarily due to lower infusion pump sales [23] - Advanced Surgery sales grew 11% globally, totaling $306 million, driven by strong demand for hemostats and sealants [26] - Pharmaceuticals segment sales increased 7% to $632 million, with Injectables and Anesthesia division growing 3% [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. demand for IV Solutions remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for moderate recovery [25] - Total U.S. capital orders for Care and Connectivity Solutions increased 30% compared to the prior year [28] - The company anticipates continued fluid conservation in 2026, impacting IV Solutions demand [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on stabilizing business areas, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement [14][19] - A reduction in the quarterly dividend to $0.01 per share is planned to free up cash for deleveraging [16][36] - The company aims to improve operational execution and enhance innovation through the newly launched Baxter GPS system [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges current performance challenges and emphasizes the need for immediate actions and long-term solutions [12] - The company expects operational sales growth of 1 to 2% for 2025, reflecting updated expectations due to evolving business dynamics [39] - Management remains confident in the strength of the IV Solutions business despite current demand challenges [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has undergone significant transformation in recent years, becoming more streamlined and focused [14] - The anticipated impact of the kidney care sale is expected to help eliminate related costs [4] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic uncertainties, including tariffs [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Vision for Baxter and future changes - Management emphasizes a focus on stabilizing business areas, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving continuous improvement [46][47] Question: Potential for growth in 2026 - Management anticipates growth but does not provide specific guidance for 2026 [50] Question: Impact of Novum on guidance - The hold on Novum IQ Large Volume Pump is affecting sales and customer responses, leading to a cautious outlook [66] Question: Free cash flow generation - Management expects continued positive free cash flow, particularly in the fourth quarter, and is focused on improving working capital [71][72] Question: IV fluid conservation post-Hurricane Helene - Demand remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for gradual recovery [82][85] Question: Hospital CapEx trends - No signs of hesitancy in hospital capital spending have been observed, with robust order growth reported [86]