Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated reported sales growth was 8%, with 3% organic growth, and adjusted earnings per share were $1.94 [5][15] - GAAP gross margins declined to 46.5%, down 140 basis points from last year, reflecting inflation, tariffs, and transactional FX increases [15] - GAAP operating margin was 20.1%, with an adjusted operating margin of 22.1%, down 50 basis points year over year [15][16] - Quarterly GAAP net income totaled $70 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, with adjusted diluted earnings per share up 6% from last year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas segment, sales increased 5% year over year on a reported basis, or 3% organic, with high single-digit organic growth in detection and low single-digit growth in industrial PPE [17] - Organic sales in fire service declined 3% year over year, while organic sales of industrial PPE increased 7% [6][17] - International segment sales increased by 16% year over year, with a 7% contribution from M&C Tech Group and a 5% organic increase [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Detection's organic growth was 6%, driven by strength in both fixed and portable instruments, with more than half of the growth in portables coming from connected devices [5][6] - A double-digit decline in fire service orders was primarily due to near-term market dynamics in the Americas and the U.S. Air Force comparison [7] - The overall book-to-bill ratio was slightly below one, indicating a near-term negative impact from the fire service order pace in the Americas [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to strengthen its leadership in industrial safety technology through customer-driven new product development [8] - Recent product introductions include the Altair IO6 multi-gas connected portable device and a new H2 V-Gard Safety Helmet [9] - The M&A pipeline remains active, with a strong balance sheet positioning the company well for growth-oriented deployment and cash returns to shareholders [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued momentum in fall protection and detection as key performance tailwinds, despite challenges from the U.S. government shutdown and timing of AFG funds [20][22] - The company maintains a low single-digit full-year organic growth outlook, with M&C Tech Group expected to add approximately two points to full-year revenue growth [20][22] - Management expressed confidence in navigating macro uncertainties and timing challenges, emphasizing the strength of the business fundamentals [22] Other Important Information - The company reported robust free cash flow of $100 million, or 144% of earnings, with quarterly operating cash flow up 33% from a year ago [18] - The company repaid $50 million of debt in the quarter, ending with net leverage of one time and a weighted average interest rate of 4.1% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will there be much of the normal seasonal uplift in the fourth quarter? - Management confirmed that the fourth quarter will likely not see much seasonal uplift due to the fire service issues [24] Question: Does the timing of AFG funding preclude customers from placing orders? - Management explained that customers typically act quickly once they receive funding, but the government shutdown has slowed the process [26] Question: What is the expectation for SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter? - Management indicated that SG&A expenses would return to more normal levels in the fourth quarter [28] Question: Can you provide insights on the FX impact on margins? - Management noted that inflation and tariffs have been significant factors affecting margins, with some transactional FX also impacting costs [30] Question: What is the outlook for the fire service business going into 2026? - Management expressed optimism for the fire service business in 2026, anticipating consistent demand despite current headwinds [35] Question: Are there any major restructuring plans for the next few quarters? - Management confirmed that there are no major restructuring plans to include in future models [44] Question: How is the integration of M&C Tech Group progressing? - Management reported positive integration progress and identified growth opportunities in the U.S. market [53] Question: What is the current status of the MSA+ Connected Worker Platform? - Management stated that the MSA+ platform continues to perform well, contributing significantly to growth in portable instruments [40]