Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for Q3 2025 was $1.62 billion, down 5% year-over-year on an organic basis, primarily due to weaker performance in the Lab segment [11] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.5%, with adjusted EPS for the quarter at $0.22, reflecting a $0.04 decline year-over-year [11][12] - Free cash flow was strong at $172 million, with an adjusted conversion rate of 124% [12] - A $785 million impairment to goodwill associated with the Lab distribution business was recorded, driven by share price weakness and margin headwinds [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Laboratory Solutions, revenue was $1.1 billion, down 5% organically, below expectations of a 2% to 4% decline [14] - Bioscience production revenue was $527 million, down 4% organically, at the low end of expectations [17] - Adjusted operating income for Laboratory Solutions was $124 million, representing an 11.3% margin, impacted by lower volumes and related absorption [17][20] - Adjusted operating income for bioscience production was $128 million, with a 24.2% margin, also affected by operational challenges [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market backdrop in the Lab segment is stable, but customer activity remains lower than expected due to ongoing end market uncertainty related to basic research funding [15] - The distribution channel, accounting for two-thirds of segment revenue, faced weakness in consumables and equipment, while chemicals and reagents were flat [16] - The company anticipates continued softness in consumables and lab services due to the U.S. Federal government shutdown [21][85] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is initiating a turnaround strategy called "Avantor Revival," focusing on five key pillars: go-to-market strategy, strategic investments in manufacturing and supply chain, portfolio scrutiny, cost savings, and talent improvement [26][28][31] - A $500 million share repurchase program has been authorized to demonstrate confidence in the company's long-term value [10] - The company aims to simplify operations and empower frontline staff to better meet customer needs [8][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that current challenges are fixable and emphasized the need for better communication, visibility, and accountability [36] - The company expects full-year organic revenue growth to be negative 3.5% to negative 2.5%, with reported revenue growth anticipated to be negative 4% to negative 3% [20] - Management acknowledged the need for strategic investments in manufacturing and supply chain to meet demand effectively [27][31] Other Important Information - The company is focused on improving leadership accountability and establishing new operating norms to align priorities across the organization [29][30] - A new Chief Operating Officer and other key leadership positions are being recruited to enhance operational excellence [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the confidence that the current issues are fixable? - Management expressed confidence that the issues are fixable, emphasizing the passion of the team and the need for leadership and better execution [36] Question: Can the business grow in 2026? - Management is taking a fresh look at the numbers and will provide an understanding of growth potential in 2026 after further analysis [39] Question: How to stem share losses in the Laboratory Solutions segment? - Management acknowledged share losses but noted that no key customer accounts have been lost recently and emphasized the importance of improving e-commerce capabilities [42][44] Question: What are the expectations for pricing and volume in Q4? - Management indicated that pricing is expected to stabilize, with modest increases anticipated in Q4 [52] Question: Why is the company buying back stock now? - The company believes its current share price does not reflect its long-term value and aims to demonstrate commitment to turning around performance [71]