Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 2025 increased by 23.6% year over year, reaching $1.85 billion, marking an all-time Q3 record for the company [6][23] - Adjusted EBITDA was $93.6 million, an increase of 80% from $52 million in the year-ago quarter, also representing a record level for any third-quarter period [7][27] - Free cash flow generated in Q3 was $73.6 million, a new record level for any third-quarter period, improving from $32.8 million in Q3 2024 [30][31] - GAAP net loss was $4.6 million compared to a loss of $1.7 million a year ago, but excluding deal-related expenses, net income would have been positive at $2.9 million [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total transactions increased by 22%, with organic transactions up 7% year over year, significantly outpacing the overall market growth of 2% [6][23] - The company achieved a principal agent retention rate of 97.3% and added a record 851 principal agents in Q3 [7][8] - Title and escrow revenue reached record levels, with the attach rate continuing to improve year over year [5][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market share increased to 5.6% in Q3, an increase of 83 basis points from the year-ago period [23] - Gross transaction value was $70.7 billion, reflecting a 22.5% increase from a year ago, driven by a 21.5% increase in total transactions and a 1% increase in average selling price [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformational merger with Anywhere Real Estate, expected to close in the second half of 2026, which is anticipated to enhance market presence and operational efficiencies [4][9] - The company aims to achieve over $300 million in net cost synergies from the merger, exceeding previous targets [15][16] - Investment in AI initiatives is a key focus, with the launch of Compass AI 2.0 expected to enhance agent productivity and operational efficiency [18][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continuing to outgrow the market even post-merger, citing a strong pipeline of interested agents and a proactive approach to market changes [6][10] - The company remains committed to OPEX discipline, having reduced full-year OPEX guidance to $1 billion-$1.005 billion [32][33] - Management highlighted the positive impact of generative AI on lead generation and agent performance, positioning the company favorably in the evolving real estate landscape [19][20] Other Important Information - The company incurred $7.5 million in transaction expenses related to the Anywhere merger, which will continue to be reported separately [27] - Stock-based compensation expense was $60 million, in line with guidance, with expectations for similar levels in Q4 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Incremental $50 million-$75 million EBITDA - Management confirmed that the incremental EBITDA improvement is included in the guidance and will continue into the baseline for 2026 [34] Question: Uplift in Christie's attach rate - The uplift is attributed to integrating Christie's agents into the title business, enhancing collaboration and efficiency [36] Question: Integration with ChatGPT - The company has an integration with OpenAI and is seeing organic lead flow from ChatGPT, benefiting experienced agents [38][39] Question: Increasing number of agents - Confidence in adding 700-800 agents is based on a strong pipeline and positive market sentiment among real estate professionals [41][42] Question: OPEX management - The company is focused on operational efficiencies across various departments, including leveraging AI to improve productivity [60][62]