Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 6% organic growth year-over-year [5][12] - Operating EBITDA was $840 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year, resulting in an operating EBITDA margin of 27.3% [5][12] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.09, flat compared to the previous year, primarily due to a higher tax rate [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Industrials Co.**: Net sales of $1.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with 4% organic growth [14][16] - **Electronics Co.**: Net sales of $1.3 billion, an increase of 11% year-over-year, driven by 10% organic growth [17] - Organic growth in healthcare and water technologies was in the high single digits, while diversified industrials saw low single-digit growth [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Asia-Pacific regions experienced 7% organic growth, while Europe saw a 6% increase year-over-year [13] - The healthcare and water business is expected to grow at about 5% organic growth on average [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving above-market organic growth and building a robust business system [7][11] - A disciplined capital allocation model was emphasized, including a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share and a $2 billion share repurchase authorization [6][11] - The company aims for medium-term targets of 3%-4% organic growth, 150-200 basis points of margin expansion, and 8%-10% EPS growth from 2026 to 2028 [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving medium-term targets, with expectations of continued growth in healthcare and water sectors [31][92] - The construction market is anticipated to improve, with expectations of flat performance in the shelter business next year [82][93] Other Important Information - The successful completion of the CUNY separation was highlighted, with $4.2 billion received to reduce debt [18] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, particularly in healthcare and water sectors [41][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on the timing benefit in sales? - The timing benefit was customer-driven, as orders were accelerated into Q3 due to a planned blackout period for the separation [29] Question: What are the expectations for 2026? - The company expects healthcare and water to grow at about 5% organic growth, while the diversified industrials segment is projected to be flat [31][92] Question: What is the plan for the balance sheet? - The pro forma debt is expected to be around $3.25 billion, with a target to stay below 2 times net debt to EBITDA [39] Question: Can you elaborate on the RO acquisition in China? - The acquisition was primarily to add capacity and enhance local production capabilities, not to introduce new technology [97] Question: How is the healthcare business performing? - The healthcare business is expected to see mid to high single-digit growth, with strong performance in medical packaging and biopharma [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were approximately $652 million, a 2.1% increase from $638 million in Q2 2024. On a currency-neutral basis, this represents a 1% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by process chromatography products [12][14] - Gross margin for Q2 2025 was reported at 53%, down from 55.6% in Q2 2024. Non-GAAP gross margin was 53.7%, compared to 56.4% in the previous year, attributed to higher material costs and reduced fixed manufacturing absorption [14][15] - Operating income for Q2 2025 was $77 million, or 11.8% of sales, compared to $101 million, or 15.9% of sales in Q2 2024. Non-GAAP operating margin was 13.6%, down from 16.7% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life Sciences Group sales increased to $263 million in Q2 2025 from $251 million in Q2 2024, a 4.9% increase on a reported basis and 3.8% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by process chromatography and food safety products [13] - Clinical Diagnostics Group sales were approximately $389 million, essentially flat compared to $388 million in Q2 2024, with a decrease of 0.7% on a currency-neutral basis due to lower diabetes testing reimbursement rates in China [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The academic market continues to face headwinds due to constrained government funding, although there are signs of stabilization, particularly in consumables [5] - In China, volume-based procurement has not significantly impacted the portfolio, with local reimbursement pressures offset by strength outside of China, resulting in 3.7% growth in the rest of the world markets [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its Droplet Digital PCR portfolio with the launch of the QX Continuum platform and the rebranded QX700 Series ddPCR instruments, aimed at providing simplified workflows and flexibility for various budget levels [5][6] - The acquisition of Stila Technologies is expected to enhance the company's capabilities and product offerings in the digital PCR market [5][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the operating environment remains challenging, there are positive signals regarding NIH funding for 2026, and the company is adapting to the current situation [25] - The company raised its full-year guidance for 2025, expecting total currency-neutral revenue growth to be in the range of flat to 1%, reflecting improved outlooks for consumables and process chromatography [19][20] Other Important Information - The company plans to host a webinar on Droplet Digital PCR and its updated portfolio on August 26, 2025, and will participate in several investor conferences in the fall [101][102] - The company has repurchased a total of 593,508 shares during Q2 2025 for a total cost of $139 million, with $337 million remaining for share repurchases under the current program [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Process Chromatography results - Management indicated that the strong results were partly due to customer pull-forward orders, but they expect sustainable growth moving forward [31][32] Question: Contribution of Stila to guidance - The guidance increase includes contributions from Stila, with the ddPCR growth rate moving up to mid-single digits, while organic growth remains stable [34][35] Question: Diagnostics market in China - Management confirmed that while the market remains soft, they have not seen significant impacts from volume-based procurement or reimbursement changes [44][46] Question: Tariff environment management - The company has implemented various countermeasures to manage tariff uncertainties, including supplier flexibility and manufacturing adaptability [51][53] Question: Demand trends in global academic markets - Demand from U.S. federally funded research customers was stable throughout the quarter, with some improvement noted from Q1 [77][92]