Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Woodward reported record net sales of $915 million for the third quarter, an increase of 8% year over year, with earnings per share at $1.76, also up 8% year over year [21][28] - The aerospace segment achieved record sales of $596 million, a 15% increase from $518 million, while industrial segment sales decreased by 3% to $319 million [21][24] - Year-to-date cash provided by operating activities was $238 million, down from $297 million, with capital expenditures at $79 million compared to $72 million [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace segment earnings were $126 million, with margins expanding by 140 basis points to 21.1% of segment sales, driven by price realization and higher volumes [23] - Defense OEM sales surged by 56%, while commercial services sales rose by 30%, exceeding expectations [22] - Industrial sales, excluding China on highway, grew by 9%, with oil and gas and marine transportation both up 16% [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace services showed sustained strong growth, with legacy engine LRU overhauls increasing compared to last year [14] - The marine demand remained exceptionally strong, with more than half of new ship orders including alternative fuel specifications [19] - The industrial segment's gas turbine portfolio performed well, particularly in LNG and broader oil and gas applications, confirming growth predictions [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements, with a significant investment in a new manufacturing facility for the Airbus A350 spoiler actuation production [10][12] - Recent acquisition of Safran's North American electromechanical actuation business strengthens Woodward's position in the market [12][29] - The company plans to increase capital allocation to CapEx in 2026 and 2027 to support future growth and productivity [13][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about sustained demand across aerospace and industrial segments despite supply chain challenges [13][20] - The macro environment is being navigated with vigilance, focusing on resilience and customer service amid tariffs and geopolitical matters [20] - The company expects continued momentum in growth drivers across both segments into 2026 and beyond [19] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year sales and earnings guidance based on strong year-to-date performance and a stable macro environment [9][30] - Free cash flow expectations were lowered due to increased working capital needs, with a revised range of $315 million to $350 million [31] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Clarification on LEAP and GTF aftermarket volumes - Management confirmed that LEAP and GTF aftermarket volumes are now approaching legacy volumes, with a forecasted crossover around 2028 [35][36] Question: Drivers behind sequential margin decline in Aerospace - The decline was attributed to a mix shift towards lower-margin defense OE products, with expectations for margin improvement in the fourth quarter [38][39] Question: Details on aerospace investments impacting margins - Investments were aimed at driving productivity and improving operational efficiency, with a focus on increasing manufacturing capabilities [46][47] Question: Impact of the Safran acquisition on results - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to grow capabilities in electromechanical actuation systems, with no immediate macro impact on aerospace [73][76] Question: Expectations for China On Highway sales - Sales are expected to be around $10 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting ongoing economic challenges [92][97] Question: Insights on the A350 spoiler win and expected chipset content - The A350 program includes significant hardware content, with revenue expected to start in 2028 [81][84] Question: Comments on defense demand sustainability - Management feels positive about defense demand through at least the first half of 2026, with ongoing strong performance in smart defense products [88]