Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $1.6 billion for the third quarter, representing a growth of 35.4% year-over-year and 3.5% organic growth [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 170 basis points to 36.6%, and adjusted earnings per share grew over 15% to $1.05 [6][16] - Contingent commissions increased by $46 million, with $12 million attributed to AssuredPartners [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment achieved total revenue growth of 37.8%, with organic growth at 2.7% [16] - The Specialty Distribution segment grew total revenues by 30%, with organic growth of 4.6% [18] - The organic growth in Retail was impacted by approximately 1% due to adjustments related to employee benefits incentives [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial insurance pricing remained stable, with rates for most lines similar to the second quarter [7][8] - Medical costs increased by 6%-8%, while pharmacy costs rose over 10% [7] - Rates in the admitted P&C markets were flat to up 5% compared to the prior year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its solutions and value to customers through leadership changes and the integration of AssuredPartners [4][5] - The Board of Directors raised the dividend by 10% and expanded share repurchase authorization to $1.5 billion [5] - The company is focused on both organic and inorganic growth, with a strong pipeline for M&A activities [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about economic growth remaining stable, with a cautious bias among business leaders [7][23] - The company anticipates organic growth in the fourth quarter to be similar to the third quarter, influenced by employee benefits adjustments [16][21] - Management noted that the pricing environment for casualty and auto rates is expected to continue increasing [24] Other Important Information - The company generated $1 billion in cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2025, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [20] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.7%, remaining flat compared to the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of organic growth to EBITDA margins - Management clarified that organic growth is just one component of margin drivers and should not be directly correlated [29][30] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management acknowledged some businesses are impacted, particularly in specialty and retail segments, but expect revenue to catch up once the government reopens [31][32] Question: Retail organic growth impact - Management explained the 1% impact was due to adjustments in incentive commissions for employee benefits [35][36] Question: Future of admitted vs. E&S markets - Management indicated that while there may be some movement back to admitted markets, the E&S market continues to grow [42] Question: Expectations for property renewal rates - Management expects property renewal rates to remain similar, with potential for some markets to become more aggressive at year-end [53][54]