Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved all-time high EBITDA margins of 27% in electronic materials, reflecting improved cost structure and operational performance [4] - Sales increased approximately 1% year-over-year, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.41, flat compared to the prior year and up 3% sequentially [12][18] - Adjusted EBITDA was $55.5 million, down 2% year-over-year, primarily due to lower volume from equipment downtime in Performance Materials [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance Materials saw value-added sales of $157.1 million, down 4% year-over-year, impacted by equipment downtime [12][14] - Electronic materials reported value-added sales of $79.7 million, up 2% from the prior year and up 7% organically, with EBITDA margins reaching a record 27.1% [15][16] - Precision Optics experienced value-added sales of $27.1 million, up 21% year-over-year, returning to double-digit EBITDA margins [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor sales, excluding China, increased 7% year-to-date, with high-performance memory applications up over 30% [6] - The defense market saw record bookings up approximately 40% year-to-date, with $150 million in requests for quotes (RFQs) [10][43] - The space market has grown fivefold in three years, with significant opportunities expected to continue [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-growth markets such as semiconductor, defense, space, and energy, with order rates up more than 10% sequentially [5][11] - Strategic partnerships, such as with Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Kairos Power, are aimed at expanding into new energy solutions [9][25] - The company aims to achieve midterm target margins of 23% and is committed to improving operational reliability and cost structure [13][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a strong Q4, driven by defense orders and improving operational performance [24] - There is uncertainty regarding the China market, which has seen a 20% year-over-year decline, impacting overall sales [74][92] - The company anticipates continued growth in high-demand sectors despite challenges in the automotive market [60][62] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a net debt position of approximately $441 million and $214 million of available capacity on its credit facility [17] - A new $50 million stock repurchase program was authorized, although organic growth remains the top priority for capital allocation [17][65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was the full year outlook range not narrowed? - Management cited uncertainty around China and potential impacts from the government shutdown as reasons for maintaining the range [24] Question: What financial impact is expected from the new agreement with Commonwealth Fusion Systems? - Initial shipments are expected to contribute a few million this year, with a more significant annualized run rate anticipated next year [25][27] Question: What is the nature of the equipment downtime in Performance Materials? - The downtime was primarily due to issues in the largest plant, but operations have resumed, and sales are expected to catch up in Q4 [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for 2026 growth? - Management is optimistic about growth in key markets, with a focus on offsetting challenges in China with high-growth opportunities [42][45] Question: How is the company addressing operational reliability? - The company is focused on capital improvements and maintenance to minimize equipment downtime in the future [40][41] Question: What is the expected impact of tariffs on financial results? - The China business is down about 20% year-over-year, with some tariff impacts being manageable through pricing strategies [74][75] Question: Will beryllium be stockpiled due to increased defense spending? - Management indicated that increased U.S. defense spending could lead to higher demand for beryllium-based applications [102][103]