Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.56 for Q3, up from $0.48 in the prior year, while GAAP EPS was $0.14 compared to $0.31 last year [20] - Q3 revenue reached $316.2 million, reflecting a 6% organic growth year over year and a 4% reported growth [20] - Adjusted gross margin was 71.6%, slightly down from 71.9% last year, while adjusted operating margin improved to 34.9%, up 190 basis points from the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Protein Sciences segment achieved reported sales of $227.7 million, with organic revenue growth of 7% [25] - The Diagnostics and Spatial Biology segment reported sales of $89.2 million, with both reported and organic growth at 2% [26] - The GMP reagents business saw trailing twelve-month growth of over 13%, while the cell and gene therapy product line had a trailing twelve-month growth rate of over 30% [12][79] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced low single-digit growth, driven primarily by pharma customers, while Europe saw mid single-digit growth led by academic customers [21] - China faced a mid single-digit decline due to challenging economic conditions, but the rest of Asia increased mid-teens [21] - The academic market in the U.S. was flat, impacted by NIH funding uncertainties, while the diagnostics reagents division showed year-to-date growth in the high single digits [15][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing investments for future growth while driving operational efficiencies, maintaining industry-leading profitability [5] - The FDA's recent emphasis on reducing animal testing is seen as an opportunity for the company's organoid solutions, which are expected to accelerate growth [11] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts through optimization of its global footprint and supply chain adjustments [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating uncertainties related to NIH funding and tariffs, noting that past experiences suggest severe cuts to NIH funding are unlikely [28][66] - The company anticipates a temporary slowdown in growth momentum to low single digits in Q4 due to macro uncertainties [31] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects, emphasizing the alignment of their product portfolio with NIH research priorities [9][66] Other Important Information - The company returned $12.6 million in dividends and $100 million through stock buybacks during Q3, with a new share repurchase program authorized for up to $500 million [24] - The balance sheet remains strong with $140.7 million in cash and a total leverage ratio well below one times EBITDA [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of NIH funding uncertainties on guidance - Management indicated that while NIH funding uncertainties are a concern, they believe the impact on long-term growth will be immaterial, as historical trends show Congress often increases NIH budgets despite proposed cuts [66][68] Question: Clarification on pharma growth rates - Management clarified that pharma experienced double-digit growth in Q3, but they expect a step down in organic growth in Q4 due to tariff impacts and academic market slowdowns [36][38] Question: Local manufacturing footprint in China - Management confirmed that tariffs have not changed their strategy for local manufacturing in China, which is seen as beneficial for minimizing cross-border tariff impacts [51] Question: Expectations for fiscal year 2026 - Management stated that they will provide a soft guide for fiscal year 2026 in three months, anticipating more clarity on headwinds affecting end markets [42][63] Question: Biotech customer spending trends - Management noted that biotech funding is sensitive to capital markets, leading to more frugal spending, which was reflected in flat growth for biotech customers in Q3 [88]