Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $1.16 billion, an increase of 2.7% year-over-year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA margins improved to 17.4%, a 50 basis point increase from the previous year [12] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.37, up 11% from last year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered bearings sales reached $766 million, up 3.4% from last year, with organic sales increasing by 2.7% [17] - Industrial motion sales were $391 million, a 1.3% increase from last year, but organic sales declined by 3.5% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, revenue decreased by 1%, with growth in North America offset by lower revenue in Latin America [13] - Asia Pacific saw a 2% increase, driven by growth in China, particularly in wind energy shipments [13] - EMEA also experienced a 2% growth, marking the first growth in over two years, led by off-highway, rail, and heavy industry sectors [13][84] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve margins and grow faster in profitable verticals, focusing on an 80/20 approach to enhance operational efficiency [9][61] - There is a strong emphasis on leveraging the Timken brand and global footprint to drive revenue growth in acquired businesses [10] - The company is targeting growth in newer markets such as automation and food and beverage [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2026, citing encouraging order trends in key markets [34][24] - The evolving trade situation and tariff impacts are acknowledged as challenges, but the company is focused on mitigating these through pricing and operational efficiencies [44][24] Other Important Information - The company generated operating cash flow of $201 million in Q3, with free cash flow of $164 million, significantly up from last year [20] - The full-year earnings guidance midpoint is reaffirmed at $5.25, with a slight increase in the sales outlook [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term outlook and order rates - Management noted that the outlook incorporates the latest order trends, with a seasonally declining order book in Q3 but year-over-year orders up [32] Question: 2026 guidance and demand environment - Management is cautiously optimistic about 2026, expecting to leverage recovery in market volumes into higher profitability [34] Question: Organic growth implications for Q4 - There was no indication of a pull forward in Q3, and management remains cautious about Q4 due to trade uncertainties [40][42] Question: Impact of tariffs and pricing strategies - Management is focused on controlling tariff impacts through pricing and expects to fully offset these impacts by 2026 [44][91] Question: Segment performance in Q4 - Organic sales are expected to decline in both segments, with a more significant decline anticipated in industrial motion due to tough comparisons [48] Question: Long-term capital allocation strategy - The company plans to maintain a balanced capital allocation strategy, focusing on growth opportunities within its existing portfolio [65] Question: Growth in EMEA and sustainability - Growth in EMEA is attributed to reaching the bottom of a prolonged decline, with new business wins in off-highway and rail sectors [84] Question: Margin expectations for Q1 2026 - A significant step up in margins is expected from Q4 to Q1, driven by pricing actions and cost savings [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITT delivered nearly $1 billion in total orders for the third consecutive quarter, up 3% year-over-year [6] - Revenue grew 13% in total and 6% organically, reaching $999 million [7] - Operating income grew nearly twice the organic sales growth rate, with operating margin expanding over 100 basis points excluding M&A [7] - Adjusted EPS increased by 21%, and free cash flow grew 46% to $368 million year-to-date, with expectations to reach $500 million for the full year [7][10] - Free cash flow margin in the quarter was over 15%, surpassing the high end of the 2030 target [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Process (IP) grew 11% organically, driven by projects which grew over 50% [8][17] - Connect and Control Technologies (CCT) delivered 25% total growth, with 6% organic growth, supported by defense momentum and aerospace demand [9][17] - Motion Technologies (MT) grew 4% organically, outperforming global auto production, particularly in China [9][17] - IP margins expanded by 70 basis points to nearly 22%, while CCT margins grew by 270 basis points excluding Casoria dilution [9][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders in the Defense and Aerospace sectors were strong, with CCT orders up 27% and 6% organic growth [11] - Market share in China increased from 31% to above 34% [11] - Svanehøj secured over $250 million in orders year-to-date, representing 59% growth compared to the prior year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and margin expansion, compounded with M&A activities [6] - ITT aims to achieve a book-to-bill ratio above one for the full year, positioning itself for growth in 2026 [15] - Continued investment in innovations like Vidar and Geopad is a priority, with expectations for significant contributions from acquisitions [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong operational performance and the ability to exceed previous guidance [20] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for low double-digit growth driven by a strong backlog and project wins [46][85] - Management noted that while the automotive market is facing challenges, ITT's market share is expected to increase due to new product introductions [82] Other Important Information - The company is raising its full-year Adjusted EPS outlook, with the low end of the revised guidance now above the previous high end [10] - The effective tax rate is expected to be lower than planned, contributing positively to earnings [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on global auto production and its future - Management noted that global auto production was up 2% year-over-year, with China showing significant growth while Europe and North America are forecasted to decline slightly [35] Question: Confidence in the funnel for Industrial Process - Management indicated that the funnel is up 22% year-over-year, with strong activity in green projects and a healthy outlook for future orders [36][37] Question: Breakdown of the $0.20 guidance raise - The guidance raise is attributed to higher revenue, improved margins, and a favorable tax rate [43] Question: Market outlook for 2026 - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026 with a strong backlog, particularly in aerospace and defense [46] Question: Short cycle orders in Industrial Process - Management reported strong activity in parts and valves, with a notable increase in short cycle orders [50] Question: M&A opportunities and attractiveness of the funnel - The M&A funnel is rich with opportunities, primarily focused on pumps and valves, with a rigorous process in place to ensure value creation [60] Question: Impact of FX on Motion Technologies margins - FX transactions had a negative impact in absolute terms but provided a year-over-year benefit of around 100 basis points [113]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITT delivered nearly $1 billion in total orders for the third consecutive quarter, up 3% year-over-year [6] - Revenue grew 13% in total and 6% organically, reaching $999 million [7] - Operating income grew nearly twice the organic sales growth rate, with operating margin expanding over 100 basis points excluding M&A [7] - Adjusted EPS increased by 21%, and free cash flow grew 46% to $368 million year-to-date, with an expected full-year free cash flow of $500 million [7][10] - Free cash flow margin in the quarter was over 15%, surpassing the high end of the 2030 target [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Process (IP) grew 11% organically, driven by projects which grew over 50% [8] - Connect and Control Technologies (CCT) delivered 25% total growth, with 6% organic growth, supported by defense momentum and aerospace demand [9] - Motion Technologies (MT) grew 4% organically, outperforming global auto production, particularly in China [9] - Profitability improved across segments, with IP margins expanding to nearly 22% and CCT margins growing 270 basis points excluding Casoria dilution [9][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders have grown 19% over the last three years, exceeding $3 billion, with strength in Defense, Aero, Rail, and Energy Transition markets [11] - Market share in China increased from 31% to above 34% [11] - CCT orders were up 27%, with a book-to-bill comfortably above 1 [12] - Svanehøj secured over $250 million in orders year-to-date, representing 59% growth versus the prior year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and margin expansion, compounded with M&A activities [6] - Continued investment in innovations like Vidar and Geopad, with expectations for significant contributions from acquisitions [10][19] - The company aims for a book-to-bill above one for the full year, positioning for growth in 2026 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational performance and the ability to exceed previous guidance for revenue and EPS [21] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for low double-digit growth driven by a strong backlog and project wins [46][86] - Management noted that while auto production is expected to grow, challenges remain in Europe and North America due to competitive pressures [82] Other Important Information - The company is raising its full-year adjusted EPS outlook, with the low end of the revised guidance now above the previous high end [10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous processes for future M&A opportunities [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Global auto production outlook - Management noted that global auto production was up 2% year-over-year, with China showing significant growth while Europe and North America are forecasted to decline slightly [35] Question: Industrial Process funnel and order conversion - The funnel for active projects is up 22% year-over-year, indicating strong potential for order conversion [36] Question: Breakdown of EPS guidance raise - The $0.20 EPS guidance raise is attributed to improved profitability, better acquisitions, and a lower tax rate [43] Question: Market dynamics and growth areas - Management highlighted strong growth in aerospace and defense, with expectations for continued growth in these sectors [46] Question: Short cycle orders in Industrial Process - Short cycle orders were up 5%, with strong activity in parts and valves, particularly in the medical sector [50] Question: M&A opportunities and funnel attractiveness - The M&A funnel is rich with opportunities, primarily focused on pumps and valves, with a rigorous process in place to ensure value creation [60] Question: Margin expectations for CCT - CCT margins are expected to benefit from aerospace recovery and pricing power, with a focus on operational efficiencies [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved 4% net sales growth, with 3% organic daily sales growth and 11% growth in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year period [4][12]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased 11% to $127.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin improved 60 basis points to 10.1% due to higher net sales, improved gross margin, and increased SG&A leverage [16][29]. - Net income attributable to the company increased 33% to $59 million due to net sales growth, improved gross margin, and SG&A leverage [28]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales volume grew 2% during the third quarter, with agronomic products and landscaping products both achieving 3% organic daily sales growth [13][26]. - Pricing for landscaping products was up 1%, while agronomic products were flat, reflecting a recovery from previous deflation [66]. - Acquisition sales contributed approximately $13 million or 1% to net sales growth [27]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company estimates it holds about an 18% share of the $25 billion wholesale landscape products distribution market, indicating significant growth potential [6]. - The residential new construction end market was down during the quarter, particularly in Texas, Florida, Arizona, and California, while the repair and upgrade market showed signs of stabilization [13][55]. - Seven out of nine regions achieved positive organic daily sales growth in the third quarter, despite weaker sales in the Sun Belt states [26]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its scale and resources to deliver superior value to customers and suppliers, focusing on organic growth and acquisitions to fill product lines [7][9]. - The acquisition strategy remains a key focus, with four companies added in 2025, contributing approximately $40 million in trailing 12-month sales [21][38]. - Plans to consolidate or close 15 to 20 branches in 2026 are in place to optimize operations and reduce costs [21][58]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to drive continued performance and growth despite softer end markets heading into 2026 [5][55]. - The outlook for the fourth quarter includes expectations for low single-digit organic daily sales growth, driven by positive pricing and commercial initiatives [57]. - Management noted that while the repair and upgrade market has been down, it appears to be stabilizing, providing a foundation for future growth [56]. Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the third quarter was 20.4%, a decrease from 26.2% in the prior year period, primarily due to increased excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation [28]. - The company has repurchased approximately 656,000 shares for a total of approximately $78 million at an average price of approximately $118 per share year to date [29][31]. - The company plans to maintain financial strength and flexibility to execute its growth strategy in all market environments [31]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the charge not excluded from adjusted EBITDA guidance? - The company maintains strict guidelines regarding adjusted EBITDA, which primarily reflect acquisitions and adjustments within the first year [65]. Question: What is the pricing outlook for agronomic versus landscape products? - Pricing for landscape products was up 1%, while agronomic products were flat. The expectation for the fourth quarter is a price increase between 1% and 2% [66]. Question: Are there signs of stabilization in the repair and upgrade market? - Management noted that discussions with customers indicate stabilization in the repair and upgrade market, with a more optimistic outlook than three months ago [72]. Question: How does the company plan to manage SG&A in the fourth quarter? - The company expects to achieve good SG&A leverage in the fourth quarter, with continued focus on productivity improvements [74]. Question: What is the company's approach to acquisitions moving forward? - The company expects to see a higher number of acquisitions in 2026 compared to 2025, focusing on well-run companies rather than turnaround opportunities [92].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $1.6 billion for the third quarter, representing a growth of 35.4% year-over-year and 3.5% organic growth [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 170 basis points to 36.6%, and adjusted earnings per share increased over 15% to $1.05 [6][15] - Income before income taxes rose by 34%, and EBITDA grew by 41.8% [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment achieved total revenue growth of 37.8%, with organic growth at 2.7% [16] - Specialty distribution segment grew total revenues by 30%, with organic growth of 4.6% [18] - The impact of acquisitions, particularly AssuredPartners, contributed significantly to revenue growth, with AssuredPartners generating approximately $285 million in total revenue for the stub period [14][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial insurance pricing remained stable, with rates for most lines similar to the previous quarter [7][8] - Medical costs increased by 6% to 8%, while pharmacy costs rose over 10% [7] - Workers' compensation rates were flat to down 3%, and casualty rates saw increases of 5% to 10% [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its solutions and value to customers through leadership changes and strategic acquisitions [4][5] - The Board of Directors raised the dividend by 10% and expanded share repurchase authorization to $1.5 billion, indicating a focus on shareholder value [5] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities that align culturally and financially, with a strong pipeline domestically and internationally [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about economic growth remaining stable, with decreasing interest rates and a growing customer base [23] - The company anticipates similar pricing trends in the admitted market and expects continued upward pressure on casualty lines [24] - Management noted that the organic growth for retail is expected to remain stable, with potential headwinds from employee benefits incentives [16][39] Other Important Information - The company generated $1 billion in cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2025, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [20] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.7%, consistent with the prior year [16] - The company expects Q4 revenues for AssuredPartners to be in the range of $430 to $450 million [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of organic growth to EBITDA margins - Management clarified that organic growth is just one component of margin drivers and should not be directly correlated with margins [29][30] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management acknowledged some businesses are impacted, particularly in specialty and retail segments, but expect revenue to catch up over time [31][32] Question: Retail organic growth impact - Management explained the 1% impact on organic growth was due to adjustments in employee benefits incentives [35][36] Question: Future of admitted vs. E&S market - Management indicated that while there may be some movement from E&S back to admitted markets, the E&S market continues to grow [42] Question: Property renewal rates outlook - Management expects property renewal rates to remain similar, with potential for some markets to become more aggressive at year-end [53][54] Question: Technology investments - Management discussed ongoing investments in technology to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $1.6 billion for Q3 2025, representing a growth of 35.4% year-over-year and 3.5% organic growth [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 170 basis points to 36.6%, and adjusted earnings per share increased over 15% to $1.05 [6][16] - Contingent commissions grew by $46 million, with $12 million attributed to AssuredPartners [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment achieved total revenue growth of 37.8%, with organic growth at 2.7% [16] - Specialty distribution reported total revenue growth of 30%, with organic growth of 4.6% [18] - The impact of employee benefits incentives adjustments affected organic growth in the Retail segment by approximately 1% [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial insurance pricing remained stable, with rates for most lines similar to the previous quarter [7][22] - Medical costs increased by 6% to 8%, while pharmacy costs rose over 10% [8] - Workers' compensation rates were flat to down 3%, and casualty rates saw increases of 5% to 10% [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its solutions and value to customers through leadership changes and integration of AssuredPartners [4][5] - The M&A pipeline remains strong, with a focus on acquiring businesses that fit culturally and financially [24] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined capital deployment strategy to drive long-term shareholder value [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in stable economic growth and a positive outlook for the insurance market [22][24] - There are expectations for continued upward pressure on casualty lines unless significant tort reform occurs [23] - The company anticipates organic growth rates for the specialty distribution segment could decline in the mid-single digits due to various pressures [19] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors raised the dividend by 10%, marking the 32nd consecutive year of increases [5] - The company expanded its share repurchase authorization to $1.5 billion [5] - Cash flow from operations for the first nine months of 2025 was $1 billion, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of organic growth to EBITDA margins - Management clarified that organic growth is just one component of margin drivers and should not be directly correlated [27][29] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management acknowledged some businesses are impacted, particularly in specialty and retail segments, but expect revenue to catch up over time [30][31] Question: Details on retail organic growth impact - The 1% impact was due to adjustments in employee benefits incentives, which are expected to continue affecting Q4 [33][34] Question: Outlook for admitted E&S market - Management indicated that while there is some movement back to admitted markets, the E&S market continues to grow [41] Question: Specialty distribution outlook for Q4 - Management expects a decline in organic growth for specialty distribution due to various pressures, including non-recurring revenue from the previous year [19][89]

Core Viewpoint - Guggenheim maintains a "Buy" rating for Netflix (NFLX.US) with a target price of $1450, citing steady progress in Q3 and multiple growth drivers for future expansion [1][2] Group 1: Q3 Performance - Netflix's Q3 performance met market expectations, with revenue outlook for Q4 slightly exceeding previous guidance [1] - Revenue growth in Q3 was driven by an increase in subscribers, price adjustments, and accelerated advertising revenue, with the advertising business achieving its best sales record in history [2] - The company’s core operating margin for Q3 was 33.6%, surpassing the guidance of 31.5%, although reported operating margin was impacted by a one-time tax in Brazil [2] Group 2: User Engagement and Content Strategy - In the U.S. market, Netflix achieved a record high in quarterly viewing share, with total viewing hours slightly above the first half of the year [2] - The company expects to maintain user engagement growth in Q4 through popular content such as "Stranger Things," "The Diplomat" Season 3, and "The Perfect Match" Season 2 [2] - Netflix is expanding growth avenues through collaborations, including partnerships with Mattel (MAT.US) and Hasbro (HAS.US) for IP merchandise, and Spotify (SPOT.US) for podcast content [2] Group 3: Future Growth and Valuation - Guggenheim anticipates Netflix will drive incremental growth through five key areas: advertising expansion, video game development, IP ecosystem building, podcasting, and live content collaborations [2] - The target price of $1450 is based on a 42.5x expected P/E ratio for 2026, reflecting a premium of about 70% over the broader tech sector, indicating confidence in Netflix's leading position in the streaming industry and its long-term value creation capabilities [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved revenue of $699 million in Q3 2025, resulting in 1% organic growth, with foreign exchange (FX) providing a modest tailwind of approximately 1% [24][26] - Adjusted operating margins were reported at 26.1%, slightly above expectations but down 220 basis points year-over-year due to tariffs, FX, and lower volume leverage [24][25] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.18, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.05 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The signals software business grew 20% organically in the quarter, continuing to be a strong performer with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over 40% and a net retention rate of more than 110% [28] - The reproductive health business grew in the mid-single digits, with newborn screening growing in the high single digits [5][30] - The diagnostics segment generated $356 million in revenue, up 3% on a reported basis and 2% organically, with immunodiagnostics declining in the low single digits [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas experienced low single-digit growth, Europe saw mid-single-digit growth, while Asia declined in the mid-single digits, with China specifically declining in the low teens [27] - The diagnostics business in China faced a decline of over 20%, significantly impacting overall performance [31][90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capital deployment through share repurchases, having repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares in Q3, totaling 12.5 million shares since the divestiture [8][26] - The company is optimistic about future performance, anticipating organic growth in the 2% to 4% range for the year, while raising adjusted EPS guidance to $4.90 to $5.00 [9][33] - Strategic partnerships, such as those with Genomics England and Sanofi, are expected to enhance product offerings and market presence [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding improving customer confidence and investment levels in the industry, despite current market stability [4][9] - The company is cautious in its assumptions until sustained improvements in broader industry demand trends are observed [10][18] - Management highlighted the importance of AI in driving productivity and innovation, with several new AI-based products launched [11][12] Other Important Information - The company reported a 6% reduction in scope one and two emissions in 2024 and a 77% employee satisfaction rate [17] - The company received a AAA rating from MSCI, indicating strong performance in ESG metrics [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 growth outlook - Management indicated a prudent assumption of 2% to 3% organic growth for 2026, with signs of increasing customer activity, particularly in the pharma sector [36][39] Question: Confidence in maintaining 28% operating margin - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 28% operating margin baseline for 2026, supported by ongoing actions and cost containment initiatives [41][42] Question: Performance of reagents in Q3 - Reagents were reported to be slightly below expectations, with modest declines noted, but underlying lab activity remains strong [78][79] Question: Impact of budget flush in Q4 - A modest seasonal increase in instrument sales is expected in Q4, with some improvement in customer activity levels noted [82] Question: Future of China diagnostics - Management expects continued headwinds in China diagnostics due to DRG impacts, but anticipates a return to low single-digit growth post-anniversary in Q2 2026 [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $153 million, representing a 7% increase year over year, and EPS was $0.33, up 22% year over year [4][11] - Cash from operations was $29 million, exceeding the midpoint of the guidance range [4][11] - Gross margins for the MedTech and specialty audio segment were 53%, flat compared to the previous year, while Precision Devices segment gross margins improved to 41.5%, up 150 basis points year over year [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MedTech and specialty audio revenue was $65 million, up 2% year over year, driven by increased demand in the specialty audio market [5][11] - Precision Devices segment revenue was $88 million, up 12% year over year, with growth across all end markets including MedTech, defense, industrial, and EV and energy [5][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense market showed particularly strong growth, with design wins outpacing other end markets [6][12] - Channel inventories are now at normalized levels, matching orders to end market demand [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging unique technologies to design custom engineered solutions and deliver them at scale [4][10] - Future growth opportunities are anticipated in the specialty film production expansion and strong secular growth trends in end markets [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in organic growth rates at the high end of the stated range of 4% to 6% for the total company in 2026, supported by a healthy backlog of orders [8][9] - The company expects to finish 2025 strong with revenue and EPS growth accelerating in the second half of the year [8][9] Other Important Information - The company purchased $20 million in shares and reduced outstanding bank borrowings by $15 million during the quarter [9][13] - The net leverage ratio based on trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA was 0.6 times, with liquidity exceeding $350 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on specialty film capacity and demand outlook - Management indicated that the specialty film line is expected to generate $25 to $30 million this year, with additional orders anticipated, leading to a projected $55 to $60 million next year [20][21] Question: Design activity and growth expectations for segments - Management expects MedTech and specialty audio growth in 2026 to be in the 2% to 4% range, while Precision Devices may exceed the high end of the 6% to 8% growth range [23][24] Question: Update on M&A environment - The M&A environment has improved, with more assets available and lower interest rate expectations, but the company remains disciplined in its approach [33][34] Question: Impact of palladium prices on gross margins - The company has pre-buys in place for palladium, mitigating immediate impacts on gross margins, and is monitoring the situation closely [38][39] Question: Specialty film gross margin improvements - Management expects sequential improvement in specialty film gross margins from Q3 to Q4, with significant improvements anticipated by mid to late Q2 of next year [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $153 million, representing a 7% year-over-year increase, while EPS was $0.33, up 22% year-over-year [4][11] - Cash from operations was $29 million, exceeding the midpoint of the guidance range [4][11] - Year-to-date revenue growth was 5% and EPS growth was 15% year-over-year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MedTech and specialty audio revenue was $65 million, up 2% year-over-year, with gross margins at 53% [5][11] - Precision Devices segment revenue was $88 million, up 12% year-over-year, with gross margins at 41.5% [5][12] - The company expects MedTech and specialty audio revenue growth to be in the range of 2%-4% for 2025, while Precision Devices is expected to grow at the high end of 6%-8% [5][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense market showed particularly strong growth, with design wins outpacing other end markets [6][12] - Channel inventories are now at normalized levels, matching orders to end market demand [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging unique technologies to design custom-engineered solutions and deliver them at scale [4][10] - There is a strong emphasis on organic growth, with expectations for growth rates at the high end of 4%-6% for the total company in 2026 [8][9] - The company is pursuing synergistic acquisitions while maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to continue growing revenue in the fourth quarter and beyond, supported by a healthy backlog of orders [8][9] - The company anticipates strong revenue and EPS growth in the second half of 2025, driven by new design wins and robust demand across all markets [8][9] Other Important Information - The company purchased $20 million in shares and reduced outstanding bank borrowings by $15 million during the quarter [9][13] - The net leverage ratio based on trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA was 0.6 times, with liquidity exceeding $350 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on specialty film capacity and demand outlook - Management indicated that specialty film revenue is expected to be in the $25 million-$30 million range this year, with potential growth to $55 million-$60 million next year due to increased capacity [20][21] Question: Design activity and growth expectations - Management expects MedTech and specialty audio growth in 2026 to be in the 2%-4% range, while Precision Devices may exceed the high end of the 6%-8% growth range [23][24] Question: M&A environment and opportunities - The M&A environment has improved, with more assets available and lower interest rate expectations, but the company remains disciplined in its approach [33][34] Question: Impact of palladium prices on gross margins - Management has pre-buys in place to mitigate the impact of rising palladium prices, and does not foresee a negative impact on gross margins at this time [38][39] Question: Specialty film gross margin improvements - Management expects sequential improvement in specialty film gross margins, with significant benefits anticipated by late Q2 2026 as production ramps up [45][46]