Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4% increase in sales to approximately $1.5 billion and a 4% increase in operating profit to $358 million [11][12] - Adjusted diluted EPS rose by 12%, and free cash flow increased by 34% to $254 million [12][14] - The overall performance was driven by strong growth in the electrical segment and grid infrastructure, despite a decline in grid automation sales [12][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the utility segment, sales increased by 1% to $944 million, with operating profit remaining stable at $242 million [15] - The grid infrastructure unit grew at high single digits, with strong performance across transmission, substation, and distribution markets [15][16] - The electrical segment saw double-digit sales growth of 10% and a 17% increase in operating profit, with 8% organic growth across end markets [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility market is experiencing robust project pipelines, particularly in substation and transmission markets, while distribution markets benefit from ongoing hardening and resiliency activities [27] - The electrical solutions market is expected to remain strong in data centers and light industrial sectors, although macroeconomic uncertainty may impact non-residential construction and heavy industrial segments [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation strategies that include acquiring high-growth, high-margin businesses, exemplified by the recent acquisition of DMC Power [7] - The strategy emphasizes simplifying operations to drive productivity and long-term margin expansion [5][6] - The company is positioned at the intersection of grid modernization and electrification, anticipating strong performance driven by megatrends [6][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong performance in 2026 and beyond, citing normalization of supply chain dynamics and robust market positions [6][26] - The company raised its full-year 2025 outlook, expecting operational improvements to offset lower organic growth [6][20] - Management highlighted the importance of managing costs effectively while maintaining pricing power in the face of inflation [5][12] Other Important Information - The company announced the retirement of CFO Bill Sperry at the end of the year, with Joe Capozzoli set to succeed him [8][9] - The DMC Power acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $0.20 to adjusted earnings per share in 2026 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 growth expectations - Management acknowledged the potential for strong growth in 2026 but emphasized a cautious approach to planning resources based on long-term guidance [30][31] Question: Details on September-October order strength - Management noted broad-based order strength in the T&D sector, indicating a positive trend for future growth [40][41] Question: Sustainability of the lower tax rate into 2026 - The lower tax rate is driven by an international acquisition restructuring and is expected to normalize next year [42] Question: Clarification on utility segment recovery - Management confirmed that the organic revenue guidance reduction was entirely within the utility segment, with recovery timing shifting as expected [45] Question: Commentary on pricing and margin expectations for next year - Management indicated that pricing for the year is expected to be in the 3% range, with balanced contributions from both segments [51][62]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong momentum and buy rank are highlighted for investors: Amphenol, Bank7, and T. Rowe Price Group 1: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors, and specialty cables [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 1.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Amphenol's shares increased by 40.6% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 17.5% [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Bank7 (BSVN) - Bank7 is a community banking company that offers deposits, loans, card facilities, investments, wealth management, and online banking services [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 3.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Bank7's shares gained 38.9% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 17.5% [3] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [3] Group 3: T. Rowe Price (TROW) - T. Rowe Price is a global investment management organization providing mutual funds, sub-advisory services, and separate account management for various investors [4] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [4] - T. Rowe Price's shares increased by 26.6% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 17.5% [5] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [5]