Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 [21][24] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [6][23] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point sequential increase from the prior quarter [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LCMS portfolio [21][23] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and chemistry revenue up 13% [23] - Alliance iS sales grew over 300%, indicating strong customer adoption of the flagship HPLC product [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, pharma sales grew by 11%, industrial sales grew by 4%, and academic and government sales grew by 1% [21][23] - Asia saw a growth of 13%, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [23] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in pharma and academic sectors [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and strategic expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [5][14] - The pending combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [19][20] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its competitive position in the market [14][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing instrument replacement cycle and the potential for sustained growth driven by new product launches and market demand [6][14] - The external environment is improving, supported by stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for pharma customers [12][25] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [12][25] Other Important Information - The company achieved a free cash flow of $160 million after capital expenditures and transaction-related expenses [24] - The integration planning for the BD combination is progressing rapidly, with a focus on operational readiness [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the pharma strength in the Americas and China? - Management noted that double-digit growth in the U.S. was driven by the success of the replacement cycle and new product traction, while in China, growth was supported by CDMOs aiding local biotech [29][30] Question: What are the latest thoughts on revenue synergies from the BD transaction? - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies, highlighting the potential for increased uptake of BD's products and improved service plans [35][39] Question: How does the recent FDA update on biosimilars impact Waters? - Management indicated that the shift towards analytical testing for biosimilars could significantly increase demand for their analytical instruments, aligning with the company's strategy [41] Question: What are the expectations for the fourth quarter regarding budget flush and pull forwards? - Management confirmed no pull forwards were observed and maintained a prudent outlook for Q4, expecting a 5-7% growth [42][44] Question: How should we think about the incremental upside from the Empower model? - Management highlighted the transition to a subscription-based model as a significant opportunity, with several customers already moving in that direction [46][48]