Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million for the third quarter, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency [23][26] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [8][25] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point sequential increase from the previous quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LCMS portfolio [23][25] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and chemistry revenue up 13% [25][26] - Alliance iS sales grew over 300%, indicating strong customer adoption of the flagship HPLC product [9] 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% [23][25] - Asia saw a 13% growth, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [25] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in pharma and academic sectors [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and strategic expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [7][11] - The pending combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [21][22] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its offerings in large molecule applications and informatics [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing instrument replacement cycle and the positive impact of innovation on growth [30][79] - The external environment is improving, supported by stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for pharma customers [27][28] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [15][28] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Xevo Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer, marking a new era in mass spectrometry [17] - The FDA's new draft guidance on biosimilars is expected to increase demand for analytical instruments, aligning with the company's strategic focus [20][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pharma strength in the Americas and China - Management noted double-digit growth in pharma across all regions, driven by the instrument replacement cycle and new product traction [35][36] Question: Thoughts on the BD transaction and revenue synergies - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies and highlighted ongoing integration planning efforts [44][49] Question: Expectations for fourth quarter guidance and pull-forwards - Management indicated no pull-forwards were observed, with orders growing more than sales, leading to a healthy backlog [57] Question: Clarification on the Empower subscription model - Management discussed the incremental upside of the Empower model, emphasizing its transition to a subscription-based service [62] Question: Update on the TA business and order funnel - Management highlighted a recovery in the TA business due to stabilizing tariffs and improving customer spending [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $800 million for the third quarter, reflecting an 8% increase both as reported and in constant currency [23][26] - Non-GAAP earnings per share increased by 16% to $3.40, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.20 [8][25] - Gross margin for the quarter was 59%, a 70 basis point increase from the previous quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instrument sales grew by 6%, driven by high single-digit growth in the LC-MS portfolio [25] - Recurring revenue increased by 9%, with service revenue up 7% and Chemistry revenue up 13% [25][26] - Chemistry products saw a significant boost, with new product launches contributing to a 13% growth in the segment [12][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, Pharma grew 11%, Industrial grew 4%, and Academic and Government grew 1% [23][25] - Asia experienced a 13% growth, while Europe and the Americas each grew by 5% [25] - In China, sales grew by 12%, driven by double-digit growth in Pharma and Academic & Government sectors [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and expansion into high-growth areas, including bioanalytical characterization and bioseparations [7][11] - The pending combination with BD's Bioscience & Diagnostic Solutions business is expected to create significant value and synergies [21][22] - The company plans to launch a series of new products in 2026, enhancing its competitive position in the market [16][19] 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 innovation [30][77] - The external environment is improving, with more stable global trade conditions and a clearer policy backdrop for Pharma customers [27][30] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting constant currency sales growth in the range of 6.7%-7.3% [15][28] Other Important Information - The company is seeing strong demand for GLP-1 testing and PFAS testing, which are key growth drivers [9][10] - The integration planning for the BD transaction is progressing rapidly, with a focus on achieving synergies [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on Pharma strength in the Americas and China? - Management noted double-digit growth in Pharma across all regions, driven by the success of the replacement cycle and new product traction [35][36] Question: What are your thoughts on the BD transaction and revenue synergies? - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies and highlighted the integration planning efforts underway [44][49] Question: Can you clarify on the fourth quarter guidance and any pull-forwards? - Management indicated no pull-forwards were observed, with orders growing more than sales, leading to a healthy backlog [56][57] Question: How do you see the biosimilar opportunity evolving? - Management is optimistic about the shift towards analytical testing for biosimilars, which aligns with the company's strategy [50][51]

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]

Summary of Waters Corporation and BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Involved**: Waters Corporation (WAT) and BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions - **Industry**: Life Sciences and Diagnostics Key Points and Arguments 1. **M&A Announcement**: Waters announced a combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions via a Reverse Morris Trust, issuing 39.2% of its shares to BD shareholders and assuming $4 billion in debt [2][5][43] 2. **Financial Projections**: The combined company is expected to generate pro forma revenue of approximately $6.5 billion with adjusted EBITDA of around $2 billion for 2025 [6][18] 3. **R&D Investment**: Approximately 10% of product sales will be allocated to R&D to sustain innovation [7][16] 4. **Employee Count and Headquarters**: The combined entity will have around 16,000 employees and will be headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts [7] 5. **Market Expansion**: The transaction is expected to double Waters' total addressable market to approximately $40 billion, with growth driven by consistent demand factors such as pill count and disease detection [8][11] 6. **Revenue Stability**: Over 70% of the combined revenue is expected to be recurring, enhancing growth stability [9][10] 7. **Cost and Revenue Synergies**: Expected cost synergies of $200 million by year three and revenue synergies of $290 million by year five [19][40] 8. **Adjusted Operating Margin**: The combined company aims to expand its adjusted operating margin by approximately 500 basis points by 2030 [18][42] Additional Important Insights 1. **Strategic Fit**: The combination is seen as a unique opportunity to leverage complementary capabilities in regulated high-volume applications, enhancing the growth profile of both companies [12][14] 2. **Innovation Pipeline**: BD's expertise in flow cytometry and microbiology complements Waters' strengths in liquid chromatography, creating opportunities for cross-selling and new product development [23][25][30] 3. **Customer Base**: The merger is expected to enhance customer trust and loyalty, with over 80% of the combined company's revenue coming from iconic brands [16][61] 4. **Market Positioning**: BD's strong presence in diagnostics and microbiology is expected to accelerate Waters' entry into high-growth adjacencies such as bioseparations and bioanalytical characterization [35][37] 5. **Regulatory and Market Access**: The combination will provide Waters with the necessary regulatory and market access capabilities to enhance its diagnostics offerings [76][88] Conclusion The merger between Waters Corporation and BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions is positioned as a transformative move that will create a leader in the life sciences and diagnostics industry, with significant potential for innovation, market expansion, and financial growth. The strategic alignment of both companies' strengths is expected to deliver substantial long-term value to shareholders and customers alike [46][47].