Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total reported revenue grew by 4%, while constant currency organic revenue increased by 6% driven by volume and a 20 basis points price increase [6][10] - Gross margin increased by 170 basis points to 44.3%, with positive pricing, favorable mix, and productivity outpacing labor inflation [6][7] - EBIT margin rose by 110 basis points to 24.8% of revenue compared to the previous year [7] - Net income from continuing operations was $270 million, and adjusted earnings per diluted share increased by 14% to $2.74 [7][10] - Free cash flow for fiscal 2025 reached a record $787 million, significantly above guidance due to working capital improvements [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Healthcare constant currency organic revenue grew by 6% for the year, driven by strong recurring revenue streams, while capital equipment revenue declined by 5% [10][11] - Capital equipment orders grew over 12% for the full year, indicating strong underlying demand [11] - AST constant currency organic revenue grew by 9% for the year, with services growing by 7% [12] - Life Sciences saw a 1% increase in constant currency organic revenue, with margins improving to 42.3% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diversified nature of the business allowed the company to deliver results in line with original outlook despite obstacles [10] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 6% to 7% for fiscal 2026 across all segments, with a minor note on AST reflecting high single-digit growth in services [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to leverage its strengths to mitigate tariff exposure, with an estimated $30 million impact from tariffs included in the fiscal 2026 outlook [17][18] - The company is well-positioned to deliver both top and bottom line growth in 2026, with no acquisition or divestiture impacts expected [14][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver growth, particularly in recurring revenues and capital equipment orders, despite previous uncertainties in the pharma sector [23][24] - The anticipated tariff impact is expected to be managed strategically, with a focus on mitigating exposure through supply chain adjustments [18][62] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 totaled $370 million, while depreciation and amortization amounted to $476 million [8] - The effective tax rate is planned at approximately 23.5% for fiscal 2026 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comfort in Life Sciences bouncing back to 6% to 7% range - Management noted strong performance in recurring revenues, particularly in consumables, and a rebound in capital equipment orders towards the end of the year [23] Question: Impact of tariffs on EPS - Management discussed various headwinds and tailwinds, including $20 million in restructuring cost savings and lower interest expenses offsetting higher tax rates and tariff impacts [25][26] Question: Cash flow guidance differences - The anticipated $40 million legal settlement for ETO negatively impacts cash flow, along with tariffs and reduced inventory improvements [30] Question: M&A opportunities - Management indicated capacity for M&A from both financial and intellectual perspectives, should the right opportunity arise [32] Question: Onshoring trends - Management suggested that while there are opportunities for onshoring, regulatory complexities may limit rapid shifts in production [36][37] Question: AST growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in accommodating industry growth without capacity constraints [73] Question: Tariff breakdown and mitigation - Management confirmed that the $30 million tariff impact is a net number, with half attributed to China and half to global tariffs, and emphasized ongoing mitigation efforts [58][62]