The clattering of tools halts for an hour as mechanics stop building narrowbody jets lined up nose-to-tail and break into small work groups to talk through their on-the-job impediments and irritants. The discussions often center on persistent headaches, like a hole repeatedly drilled in the wrong location by a key supplier, Boeing employees said. With the second anniversary approaching of the Alaska Air Group Inc. midair near-calamity that plunged Boeing into crisis, the planemaker is reinforcing the safet ...

If you want to be a high-mileage CEO like Warren Buffett, it pays to be humble. That's the advice from the Oracle of Omaha, in his final Thanksgiving letter to shareholders as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, released Monday.Buffett detailed a range of thoughts on the virtues of stewardship, honesty, and what he described as "good intentions" gone awry in attempts to rein in CEO pay. One broad takeaway was his call to continue learning and growing."Choose your heroes very carefully and then emulate them. You wi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Canadian Natural achieved record quarterly corporate production of approximately 1.62 million BOEs per day, a significant increase of approximately 257,000 BOEs per day, or up 19% from Q3 2024 levels [4][14] - Adjusted funds flow for Q3 2025 was approximately CAD 3.9 billion, with adjusted net earnings of CAD 1.8 billion [14][16] - Returns to shareholders in the quarter totaled CAD 1.5 billion, including CAD 1.2 billion in dividends and CAD 300 million in share repurchases [14][15] - The company increased its 2025 corporate production guidance range to 1,560,000-1,580,000 BOEs per day [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil sands mining and upgrading production averaged 581,136 barrels per day of SCO, an increase of approximately 83,500 barrels per day, or 17% from Q3 2024 levels [7] - Thermal in situ operations averaged 274,752 barrels per day, showing slight growth from Q3 2024 [8] - Primary heavy crude oil production averaged 87,705 barrels per day, an increase of 14% from Q3 2024 levels [9] - North American light crude oil and natural gas production averaged 180,100 barrels per day, a 69% increase from Q3 2024 [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American natural gas production averaged approximately 2.66 BCF for the quarter, a 30% increase from Q3 2024 levels [11] - Operating costs for North American natural gas averaged CAD 1.14 per MCF, a decrease of 7% from Q3 2024 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on continuous improvement and operational efficiency to drive value creation for shareholders [12][16] - Canadian Natural is exploring egress opportunities to enhance market access for its crude, particularly in light of new pipeline projects [28][40] - The company is committed to capital allocation towards high-return projects without reliance on any single commodity [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the operational setup into the end of the year, with all assets performing as expected [48] - There is a positive outlook on discussions with the federal government regarding carbon competitiveness and egress opportunities [39][40] - The company anticipates maintaining light-heavy differentials in the range of CAD 10-13 per barrel, supported by strong demand and egress capacity [55] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with a quarter-end debt to EBITDA ratio of 0.9 times and liquidity of over CAD 4.3 billion [15][16] - Canadian Natural has increased its dividend for 25 consecutive years, with a CAGR of 21% [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential operational benefits from the Albion Oil Sands asset swap - Management highlighted the potential for equipment utilization and cost savings due to the proximity of the two mining assets [20] Question: Opportunities for egress capacity to Midcontinent or Gulf Coast refiners - Management is open to reviewing opportunities for egress and sees positive implications for Canadian crude pricing [28] Question: Need for further consolidation in Western Canada gas - Management noted that while consolidation is occurring, the focus should be on increasing egress opportunities for gas [33] Question: Production growth outlook from Palliser and Endeavor assets - Management confirmed that both areas will be part of the capital allocation strategy for next year [34] Question: Progress on working with the federal government on pathways - Management reported more positive engagement with the new federal government, emphasizing the need for detailed discussions on carbon competitiveness [39][40] Question: Implications of potential acceleration of T block decommissioning on capital expenditures - Management indicated that capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to increase modestly, with tax recoveries considered [44] Question: Operational performance as the year ends - Management stated that all assets are performing as expected, with strong optimization and utilization [48] Question: Scheduled maintenance for 2026 - Management confirmed that Horizon will have a significant turnaround in Q3 2026, along with routine maintenance for thermal facilities [50] Question: Updated thoughts on M&A and capital allocation strategy - Management indicated no significant changes in M&A strategy, focusing on accretive opportunities close to core areas [54]

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 [17] - Total company adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $0.69 per share, reflecting a 41% increase versus the prior year [31] - Adjusted operating margin from continuing operations was 14.9%, improving 40 basis points compared to the prior year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the Medical Products & Therapies (MPT) segment were $1.3 billion, declining 1% due to softness in Infusion Therapies and Technologies [18] - Infusion Therapies and Technologies division sales totaled $1 billion, declining 4% primarily due to lower infusion pump sales [18] - Advanced Surgery sales grew 11% globally, totaling $306 million, driven by strong demand for hemostats and sealants [20] - Healthcare Systems & Technologies (HST) sales increased 2% to $773 million, with Care and Connectivity Solutions growing 3% [23] - Pharmaceuticals segment sales totaled $632 million, increasing 7%, with Injectables and Anesthesia division growing 3% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. demand for IV Solutions remains below pre-Hurricane Helene levels, with expectations for further recovery at a moderate pace [20] - Total U.S. capital orders for Care and Connectivity Solutions increased 30% compared to the prior year [24] - The company has not observed a slowdown in U.S. hospital capital spending despite broader macroeconomic uncertainty [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on stabilizing business areas that require increased attention, strengthening the balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement [11][14] - A new growth and performance system, Baxter GPS, has been launched to drive continuous improvement and efficiency [14] - The company plans to reduce the quarterly dividend to $0.01 per share to free up cash for deleveraging [13][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that current performance is unsatisfactory and emphasizes the need for immediate actions and long-term solutions [9] - The company expects operational sales growth of 1%-2% for 2025, reflecting a reduction from prior expectations [34] - Management remains confident in the strength of the IV Solutions business over the medium and long term [20][76] Other Important Information - The company is actively working to resolve issues related to the Novum IQ Large Volume Pump, which has led to a hold on deliveries and installations [12][19] - The adjusted tax rate for the quarter was 5.1%, driven by the release of reserves and discrete benefits [31] 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 through the new GPS system [40][41] Question: Potential for growth in 2026 - Management anticipates growth but does not provide specific guidance for 2026, highlighting the importance of customer relationships and market dynamics [44] Question: Impact of Novum on guidance - The hold on Novum is affecting sales, and management is working urgently to address outstanding field actions [58] Question: Free cash flow generation - Management expects continued positive free cash flow, particularly in the fourth quarter, and is focused on improving working capital [63][64] Question: Hospital CapEx trends - Management has not observed a slowdown in hospital capital spending, with robust order growth in the capital business [78]

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]

Core Insights - Flex has received Excellence Awards from the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) for its sites in Manaus, Brazil, and Guadalajara, Mexico, showcasing its global leadership in operational excellence and continuous improvement [1][2]. Group 1: Awards and Recognition - The total number of Flex sites honored by AME has reached six, with previous awards given to locations in Tczew, Poland; Jaguariúna, Brazil; Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia; and Zhuhai, China [2]. - To qualify for the AME award, facilities must demonstrate best-in-class manufacturing performance through a comprehensive plant profile submission, a lean assessment, and an on-site evaluation [2]. Group 2: Operational Excellence - The Manaus facility is recognized for its advanced use of information systems that enhance operational efficiency and its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, serving multiple markets including industrial, lifestyle, consumer, and communications [3]. - The Guadalajara plastics operations are acknowledged for their strong people-first culture and advanced problem-solving capabilities, specializing in advanced injection molding and semi-automated assembly [4]. Group 3: Company Commitment - Flex's ongoing recognition by AME underscores its long-term commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and its role as an advanced manufacturing solutions partner [5].

Process Improvement - The PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is used to enhance business processes [1] - The PDCA Cycle aims to achieve continuous improvement [1] - The PDCA Cycle is used to boost operational efficiency [1]

"Always Assume You’re Wrong — Your Goal Is to Be Less Wrong Over Time. — Elon Musk" https://t.co/wVvgqgwKoC ...

Leadership & Strategy - The document emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new information, suggesting a strategic approach of constantly refining understanding and minimizing errors over time [1] - The quote "Always Assume You're Wrong — Your Goal Is to Be Less Wrong Over Time" highlights a mindset of intellectual humility and a commitment to improvement [1]

Business Strategy & Transformation - The company emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and not letting current situations dictate future opportunities, as demonstrated by pivoting the business model when a large customer changed its supply chain strategy [3][6][7] - The company highlights the significance of seizing opportunities even when facing challenges, referencing the decision to partner with Starbucks despite a difficult business environment, which led to the creation of a food service network across Asia [8][9] - The company underscores the value of continuous learning and skill development, illustrated by pursuing an MBA to deepen understanding of the supply chain business [10][11] Entrepreneurial Mindset - The company advocates for playing the ball on its merit, meaning that current circumstances should not dictate how one responds to the next opportunity [3] - The company stresses the importance of detaching daily to rebuild oneself, suggesting that hobbies and breaks can provide stillness, mental strength, and clarity [12][13][14] - The company emphasizes that limitations and boundaries are often self-imposed and that individuals have more potential than they realize [18] Personal Development & Leadership - The company shares a life lesson about making the best use of one's abilities, regardless of perceived limitations [2] - The company encourages making decisions based on merit rather than fear or past experiences, advocating for an open and adaptable approach to life's plans [19]