Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ashland's Q4 sales were $478 million, down 8% year over year, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives, with adjusted EBITDA at $119 million, down 4% year over year [4][10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 24.9%, up 110 basis points from last year, marking the most profitable quarter of the year [10] - Adjusted earnings per share was $1.08, down 14% from the prior year, impacted by a higher effective tax rate [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life Sciences sales were $173 million, down 10% year over year, primarily due to the divestiture of the nutraceuticals business, but adjusted EBITDA was $55 million, representing a 32% margin [12][14] - Personal Care sales were $151 million, down 7% year-over-year, but on a comparable basis, delivered 5% sales growth with strong volume gains [17] - Specialty Additives sales were $131 million, down 9% year-over-year, but adjusted EBITDA was $29 million, consistent with the prior year, achieving the strongest margin of the year at 22.1% [18][20] - Intermediates faced pricing and volume pressure, with sales at $33 million, down 8% year over year, and adjusted EBITDA of $5 million, representing a 15.2% margin [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life Sciences showed resilience in pharma demand, achieving low single-digit sales growth year over year, while nutrition end markets were softer [12][13] - Personal Care experienced broad-based gains across end markets and regions, particularly in biofunctional actives and microbial protection [17] - Specialty Additives faced challenges in coatings, particularly in China, India, and the Middle East, but other markets improved [6][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ashland's strategic focus includes portfolio optimization and restructuring, with approximately 85% of its portfolio serving consumer-facing end markets [7][8] - The company aims to deliver resilient long-term value through disciplined execution and clear focus on priorities, with a $60 million manufacturing optimization program underway [9][22] - Future growth is expected to come from globalized sales and innovation-driven growth, targeting $20 million and $15 million respectively for fiscal 2026 [25][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted ongoing macroeconomic challenges but noted strong margins and consistent performance in Q4 [4][9] - The company expects full-year sales for fiscal 2026 to be between $1,835 million and $1,905 million, representing organic growth of 1%-5% [27][28] - Management remains cautious about macro factors like interest rates and housing turnover but believes in the potential for share gains and innovation to drive growth [28][29] Other Important Information - The company completed a $30 million restructuring program, realizing $20 million in savings this year, with another $12 million expected in fiscal 2026 [21] - Total liquidity stood at just over $800 million, with net leverage at 2.9 times, improving to mid-twos after a $103 million tax refund [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were volumes in Q4, and what are your volume assumptions for next year? - Management noted a nice pickup in volumes in Life Sciences and Personal Care, with mixed results in coatings, particularly in China [32] Question: Can you elaborate on the weakness in the nutrition side of Life Sciences? - The weakness was primarily in North America and Europe, but recent share gains are expected to support a return to growth [36] Question: How much of the $100 million CapEx is growth CapEx? - Approximately $55 million is for stay-in-business, with the remainder allocated to growth projects supporting globalized initiatives [36][38] Question: How is the competitive intensity from Chinese competitors affecting the business? - Competitive intensity remains a key factor, particularly in the coatings segment, with variations depending on the region [57] Question: What is the expected contribution from the innovation pipeline in 2026? - The company targets $15 million in innovation-driven growth for 2026, with a focus on core technologies [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Order bookings were $734 million, up 6% sequentially, reflecting solid performance across diversified end markets [4] - Q2 revenues were $729 million, up 19% from Q2 last year, driven primarily by organic growth [4][12] - Adjusted earnings from operations in Q2 were $79 million, a 40% increase from the prior year [12] - Gross margin for Q2 was 29.9%, a 36 basis point increase from Q2 last year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life sciences order backlog at quarter end remains strong at $1.1 billion, supported by demand across sub-markets [4] - Food and beverage backlog was $218 million, with customer wins in multiple regions during Q2 [6] - Energy order backlog was a record $277 million, up 154% over Q2 last year, driven primarily by nuclear refurbishment projects [7] - The services business performed strongly, contributing to overall growth [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nuclear funnel continues to broaden, covering service and new nuclear reactor builds, including small modular reactors [8] - The consumer products funnel remains stable, with ongoing programs in personal care and household goods packaging [8] - Transportation opportunities are smaller compared to previous years, but still present [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuous improvement through the ATS Business Model, emphasizing value creation across its diversified global portfolio [3] - The company is actively cultivating and reviewing M&A opportunities that align with long-term strategic priorities [10] - Investment in innovation remains a core strategy, with the development of the Illuminate Manufacturing Intelligence platform [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains dynamic, with geopolitical tensions and trade considerations impacting operations [15] - The company expects to maintain leadership in key sub-markets and drive progress on growth priorities [16] - The outlook for sustained growth is supported by a strong order backlog and expectations for revenue and margin expansion in fiscal 2026 [17] Other Important Information - The company plans to incur approximately $15 million in restructuring costs in the latter half of the fiscal year, with an expected payback of less than one year [15] - The net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio was 3.4 times, with expectations to reduce leverage to within the target range of 2-3 times [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about slowing bookings momentum - Management noted that there is normal variability in bookings and a healthy book-to-bill ratio of 1.12, with strong activity in life sciences and food sectors [20][21] Question: Performance of the services business - The services business performed strongly, contributing positively to overall growth, and management confirmed plans to replace the head of that segment [24][25] Question: Margin trajectory and restructuring impact - Management expects margin expansion driven by both cost reduction initiatives and sales growth, with restructuring expected to yield cost savings [28][52] Question: Nuclear backlog and revenue conversion - The nuclear backlog is expected to grow, with refurbishment work continuing over the next 1.5 to 2 years, supplemented by new build projects [39][43] Question: Life sciences revenue performance - Revenue timing is largely driven by project execution in the backlog, with some exposure to publicly funded institutions being a small part of the business [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% increase in sales on an organic, constant currency basis for Q3 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.90, up 9.2% year over year [5][20][24] - U.S. business sales grew 5.6% on an organic basis, marking the best revenue growth performance since mid-2023 [5][21] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 72.6%, while adjusted operating margin was 26.5%, reflecting better gross margin and lower manufacturing costs [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. knee segment saw a growth of 3.5%, driven by the adoption of Persona Osteotide and Oxford partial cementless knee products [6][22] - The robotics and navigation segment increased by 20.3%, with ROSA accounts performing over half of their knee implants robotically [8][21] - The upper extremities business grew in the high single digits, while cranial, maxillofacial, and thoracic (CMFT) business increased over 20% due to new product introductions [10][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International revenue grew by 4.2%, with emerging markets presenting a headwind to growth [21][22] - The global needs segment grew 5.3%, with U.S. needs increasing by 3.5% and international needs by 7.8% [22] - The company experienced unexpected weakness in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and non-core segments, impacting growth by nearly 120 basis points [6][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three strategic priorities: people and culture, operational excellence, and innovation and diversification [11][12] - Recent acquisitions, including Monogram Technologies, aim to enhance the company's robotics capabilities and expand its product offerings [15][17] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while pursuing growth opportunities in high-growth markets [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in addressing identified issues and remains optimistic about the market reception of new products [6][19] - The updated guidance for 2025 reflects a more measured outlook due to continued weakness in restorative therapies and challenges in certain international markets [10][26] - Management emphasized the importance of innovation and commercial execution in driving future growth [19][59] Other Important Information - The company updated its full-year organic constant currency revenue growth expectations to a range of 3.5% to 4% [10][26] - Free cash flow for the year is projected to be between $1 billion and $1.2 billion, with operating cash flows of $419 million reported for the quarter [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance philosophy and Q3 performance - Management acknowledged unexpected cancellations and challenges in emerging markets that impacted growth, emphasizing a need for more measured external commentary moving forward [30][34] Question: Future headwinds and capital allocation - Management indicated that the recent challenges are not expected to impact 2025 guidance and highlighted a disciplined approach to capital allocation, focusing on growth markets [38][40] Question: Performance against long-range plan (LRP) targets - Management noted that while current growth is mid-single digits, future acceleration will depend on market dynamics, innovation, and commercial execution [42][44] Question: Product pipeline and innovation - Management discussed the successful rollout of new products and the potential for significant revenue contributions from breakthrough technologies in the coming years [46][55] Question: U.S. knee market share - Management acknowledged potential market share loss but emphasized improved growth rates and the positive impact of new product introductions [60]

Core Insights - The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has set new records with participation from 155 countries and regions, featuring 4,108 overseas enterprises and an exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, highlighting the event's growing significance in global trade [1] Group 1: Economic Cooperation and Market Access - Malaysian enterprises have utilized CIIE as a platform to access the Chinese market, with over 180 companies participating and more than 700 visiting in the past seven years, showcasing products like the "Durian Express" for rapid delivery [2] - Nigeria has seen increased production and job creation due to participation in CIIE, with local companies gaining insights into the Chinese market and establishing connections with global business partners [2] - Canada has signed agreements worth over 1.6 billion CAD at CIIE, emphasizing the event as a crucial platform for Canadian companies to explore opportunities in the Chinese market [3] Group 2: Innovation and Product Launches - CIIE serves as a launchpad for new products and technologies, with companies like Danone introducing innovative health solutions tailored for the Chinese market, including specialized nutrition products for cancer patients and the elderly [9][10] - OSIM has showcased its latest ergonomic massage chair, integrating AI technology for personalized health management, reflecting the growing trend of health-focused consumer products [12][11] - Fonterra has introduced localized products for the Chinese market, such as cheese and cream tailored to local tastes, demonstrating the importance of market-specific innovation [13] Group 3: Long-term Commitment and Strategic Growth - Companies like Danone and Sanofi have expressed their long-term commitment to the Chinese market, leveraging CIIE to enhance their operational strategies and product offerings [9][14] - The continuous participation of firms like L'Oréal and Fonterra at CIIE illustrates their strategic focus on expanding their presence and adapting to the evolving consumer landscape in China [8][13] - The event has become a vital platform for companies to engage with local consumers and understand market dynamics, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth [5][8]

Group 1 - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a significant event showcasing China's commitment to openness and global cooperation, with participation from 155 countries and over 4,100 foreign enterprises [1][2] - China has maintained its position as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, with imports of goods and services expected to exceed $15 trillion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [2] - The CIIE has become a platform for multinational companies to launch new products and technologies, with 461 new products, technologies, and services showcased at this year's event [4] Group 2 - Medtronic has established a digital healthcare innovation base in Beijing, highlighting its commitment to the Chinese market, which is expected to become the largest healthcare market globally [3] - Sanofi has consistently participated in the CIIE for eight years, emphasizing its long-term investment in the Chinese market and its end-to-end value chain from R&D to commercial operations [3] - Schneider Electric has built five R&D centers in China, showcasing its innovations in digital technology and energy solutions at the CIIE, reinforcing its strategy of "developing in China for the world" [5] Group 3 - The CIIE promotes inclusive and sustainable economic globalization, providing opportunities for developing countries and small enterprises to access the Chinese market [6][7] - The event has facilitated the entry of products from the least developed countries into China, supporting local industries and improving livelihoods [6] - Over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises participated in the CIIE, demonstrating its role as a platform for global SMEs to share opportunities in the Chinese market [7]

Core Insights - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become increasingly important for foreign companies in shaping their development strategies in the Chinese market [1][2][3] - CIIE serves as a platform for multinational food companies to synchronize their growth with the Chinese market, facilitating innovation and cultural exchange [1] - Companies like Savencia and Cargill view CIIE as a valuable opportunity to showcase innovative products and solutions, aiming for sustainable development in the food industry [1] - Shiseido emphasizes CIIE as a strategic platform for integrating its business operations in China and enhancing brand recognition among consumers [2] - Standard Chartered highlights CIIE's role in connecting international capital with Chinese companies, fostering global asset allocation [2] - SGS has utilized CIIE to launch innovative services that have quickly gained market recognition, reinforcing its commitment to international trade and technology collaboration [3] - PwC plans to leverage its global network and local insights to support Chinese enterprises in expanding internationally through CIIE [3] Summary by Company - **Savencia**: Anticipates showcasing innovative products at CIIE, focusing on natural and healthy dietary concepts to grow alongside the Chinese market [1] - **Cargill**: Views CIIE as a crucial platform for deepening connections with the Chinese market and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry [1] - **MUJI**: Reports a 12-month consecutive sales growth in China, with 422 stores as of August, and sees CIIE as a catalyst for global resource integration [1] - **Shiseido**: Utilizes CIIE to enhance its business integration in China and boost brand awareness among local and international consumers [2] - **Standard Chartered**: Participates in CIIE to showcase its business strategy and foster partnerships, benefiting from eight years of involvement [2] - **SGS**: Highlights successful launches of innovative services at CIIE, establishing benchmarks in green consumption and digital carbon management [3] - **PwC**: Plans to continue its participation in CIIE to transform professional capabilities into actionable solutions for Chinese enterprises [3]

金秋申城，宾朋满座。11月5日至10日，第八届中国国际进口博览会如约而至。155个国家、地区和国际 组织参与，4108家境外企业参展，各方共赴开放盛会，共享中国机遇。更多"进博故事"将上演，更 多"进博效应"将释放，推动新时代的中国与世界共享美好未来。 为世界经济注入确定性 当前，世界经济增长动能不足，全球发展赤字扩大，经济全球化道路布满荆棘。当国际社会在动荡中期 盼稳定、在迷雾中寻找方向，中国为世界经济带来了宝贵的确定性。 确定性来自中国超大规模市场的巨大潜力。中国已连续16年稳居全球第二大进口市场，"十四五"期间货 物和服务进口将超过15万亿美元。 确定性来自中国扩大对外开放的坚定信念。面对单边主义、保护主义逆流，中国在开放道路上步履坚 实，为世界经济照亮前路、注入信心。 葡萄牙中国工商会秘书长贝尔纳多·门迪亚表示，持续推进高水平对外开放，充分体现出中国作为负责 任大国与世界共享机遇、共同发展的坚定决心，不仅推动自身经济高质量增长，也为全球合作伙伴创造 了新的空间。 8年来，进博会规模不断扩大，参展主体日趋多元，让世界看到一个始终致力于以开放促共赢的中国。 借助进博舞台，越来越多的创新产品走进中国市场，越 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Graphic Packaging's sales for Q3 2025 were $2.2 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $383 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.5%. Adjusted EPS was $0.58 [4][10][22] - Year-on-year volumes were down 2%, but the company outperformed most markets served [10][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The innovation platform has opened new markets for paperboard packaging, contributing an additional $52 million in the quarter, roughly 2% of total sales [31] - Food and household products remained steady, while beverage and food service sectors showed weakness [12][18] - Health and beauty, primarily a European business, continued to perform solidly [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer market has bifurcated, with upper-income consumers spending differently and lower-income consumers cutting back due to rising food prices [10] - Grocery volumes have been impacted, with CPG customers timing purchases to manage cash, leading to less predictable order flows [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Waco facility is a critical investment that enhances supply chain efficiency and reduces waste, expected to ramp up to full production in 12-18 months [8][9] - The company is transitioning from Vision 2025 to Vision 2030, focusing on free cash flow generation [8][22] - Graphic Packaging aims to leverage its competitive advantages in innovation, cost efficiency, and quality to drive long-term growth [22][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging consumer packaging environment but expressed confidence in improving margins as demand normalizes [23][25] - The company is focused on controlling costs and inventory, with plans to further reduce SG&A expenses [24][25] - Management expects a significant free cash flow inflection in 2026, targeting $700-$800 million [26][28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 6.8 million shares year-to-date, reducing shares outstanding by 2.3% in 2025 [23] - The Waco facility's startup costs are estimated at $65-$75 million, with two-thirds incurred in 2025 and one-third in 2026 [46][54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the end markets track as expected, and what about share shifts due to bleached board conversion? - Management clarified that there was no share loss; customer purchasing patterns affected volumetric performance, with innovation helping to outperform challenges [31] Question: Confidence in Waco's EBITDA contribution for next year? - Management expressed high confidence in Waco delivering the expected $80 million EBITDA contribution [32] Question: Opportunities for further productivity improvements? - Management highlighted the focus on cost control and efficiency, with a return to normalized CapEx expected to generate significant free cash flow [35] Question: Trends in the food service market? - Management noted that fast casual dining is under pressure, while quick service restaurants are gaining traction, with innovation expected to support volume growth [39] Question: Impact of competitive price pressure on SBS and CUK? - Management confirmed no share loss and emphasized the cost advantages of coated recycled paperboard over bleached alternatives [41] Question: Update on Pacesetter Rene Premium CRB and pricing? - Management indicated that while Rene is a competitive product, pricing may be impacted by market dynamics, but they have the capabilities to manage this [49] Question: Expectations for year-end leverage? - Management projected a net debt range of 3.5-3.7 times by year-end, influenced by reduced EBITDA and share repurchases [50]

Core Points - The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will officially open on November 5, showcasing new products and technologies from around the world, facilitating interactions between exhibitors and buyers, and promoting open cooperation and mutual benefits [1] Group 1: Event Overview - A total of 4,108 foreign enterprises will participate in the expo, covering an exhibition area of over 430,000 square meters, marking a new record in scale [2] - The national exhibitions will feature six guest countries: Thailand, UAE, Nigeria, Georgia, Sweden, and Colombia [4] - The enterprise exhibition will include six major sectors: medical devices and healthcare, automotive and smart mobility, technology equipment, consumer goods, agricultural products, and service trade, along with an innovation incubation area [6] Group 2: Participation and Innovation - This year's enterprise exhibition area exceeds 367,000 square meters, with over 600 new participating companies compared to last year, including 290 Fortune 500 and industry-leading firms, achieving historical highs in both exhibition area and total number of companies [8] - The expo will showcase 461 new products, technologies, and services, with nearly half being global debuts [14] Group 3: Highlights and Themes - The expo reflects China's commitment to high-level opening up, with participation from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, and the U.S. maintaining the largest exhibition area for seven consecutive years [11] - The event will feature innovative themes, such as the "CIIE Sports Park" in the consumer goods sector, aimed at promoting sports consumption through interactive experiences [14] - Over 80 supporting activities will be held, including trade negotiations and investment promotion, fostering deeper cooperation between China and foreign localities [16]

Group 1 - The A-share market showed a rebound with all three major indices turning positive, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising by 0.55% at the close [1] - The medical device sector maintained a volatile trend, with the medical device ETF (562600) slightly declining by 0.11% but attracting over 10 million in net inflows for the day, marking five consecutive trading days of net inflows totaling over 30 million, which accounted for 40% of the trading volume, indicating a clear intention of capital to buy on dips [1] - The Beijing Inclusive Health Insurance for 2026 was announced, highlighting a continuous increase in insured individuals over the past four years, with a cumulative total exceeding 15 million, and the renewal rate rising from 65% in 2023 to 80% in 2025. The new policy will expand the coverage of innovative drugs outside the medical insurance catalog and increase the reimbursement ratio for special drugs [1] Group 2 - CITIC Securities indicated that the fluctuations in the medical device sector are related to Q3 performance disclosures. In the short term, it is recommended to seize opportunities for performance and valuation recovery in companies expected to improve in 2026, as several leading companies in the medical device sector are anticipated to experience accelerated growth in 2026 [1] - Long-term investment opportunities in the medical device industry stem from innovation, international expansion, and mergers and acquisitions, with the sector's innovation and international capabilities being recognized and valuations undergoing reassessment [1]