Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Celsius Holdings reported revenue of $739.3 million for Q2 2025, an 84% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by $301.2 million from the ALAANI New brand [7][21][22] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record of over $200 million in 2025, with adjusted diluted EPS increasing to $0.47 per share compared to $0.28 in the prior year [9][27] - Gross margin for the quarter was 51.5%, down 50 basis points year-over-year, influenced by ALAANI New's lower margin profile [8][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Celsius brand contributed $438.1 million in revenue, reflecting a 9% year-over-year increase supported by improved velocity and expanded distribution [22] - ALAANI New brand saw dollar sales rise by 129% year-over-year, achieving a 6.3% market share in the RTD energy category [14][27] - The Celsius portfolio achieved a 43% household penetration, with the Celsius brand at 34% and ALAANI New at 22% [12][94] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RTD energy category grew 15.2% year-over-year in Q2, with Celsius Holdings outpacing the category with a 28.9% increase in dollar sales [12][14] - International revenue grew 27% year-over-year, with strong contributions from Australia, the UK, and France [18][60] - The Celsius brand was the number one trademark in RTD energy on Amazon during the summer Prime Day event, achieving an 18.4% share [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering excellent customer service, supporting robust distribution growth, and innovation, with a goal of achieving $50 million in run-rate cost synergies over two years post-acquisition of ALAANI New [9][10] - The marketing strategy includes the launch of the "Live Fit Go" campaign, aimed at connecting with consumers and increasing brand loyalty [20][76] - The company plans to expand internationally while focusing on existing markets, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness trends [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong growth trajectory of both brands, driven by consumer trends towards functional, zero-sugar beverages [11][60] - There are expectations of margin pressure in the second half of the year due to higher input costs, particularly from tariffs on raw materials [9][40] - The management team remains committed to operational discipline and profitable growth, with a focus on leveraging synergies from the ALAANI New acquisition [30][42] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant retail milestone, surpassing $4 billion in retail sales over the past 52 weeks [14] - The Celsius brand's foodservice volume grew 9.8% year-over-year, representing approximately 12% of North America Celsius brand sales to PepsiCo [18] - The company ended the quarter with $615 million in cash, providing flexibility for innovation and international expansion [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on gross margin performance and future expectations? - Management highlighted strong performance in Q2, with gross margins benefiting from higher-margin products and operational efficiencies, but cautioned about potential impacts from rising raw material costs in the future [32][34][40] Question: What are the expectations for ALAANI shipments versus takeaway? - Management indicated that shipments and sell-through are closely aligned, with ongoing monitoring of inventory levels and consumer demand [45][47] Question: Can you discuss international expansion plans for the second half of the year? - Management expressed excitement about international opportunities, particularly in markets like the UK and Australia, and emphasized the importance of building local teams for execution [57][60] Question: What was the revenue contribution from the Costco channel? - Management confirmed that the club channel, including Costco, is a significant part of the business, with promotional activities contributing to revenue growth [65][68] Question: What are the drivers behind the acceleration of the Celsius brand? - Management noted that improved marketing strategies, innovative product launches, and a focus on consumer engagement have contributed to the brand's return to growth [72][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BCE reported a total revenue growth of 1.3% in Q2 2025, driven by fiber strategy and premium wireless subscriber retention [32] - EBITDA decreased by 0.9% due to higher cost of goods sold, while net earnings and statutory EPS increased due to lower asset impairment charges [33] - Adjusted EPS fell by 19.2%, reflecting noncash mark-to-market losses on FX hedges and options, higher interest expense, and lower tax adjustments [33] - Free cash flow increased by 5% in Q2 2025 [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internet revenue grew by 3%, supported by the addition of 27,000 new FTTH customers in Canada [12][36] - Wireless service revenue declined by approximately 3%, marking the second consecutive quarter of improvement in the year-over-year rate of decline [37] - Bell Media's total revenue increased by approximately 4%, driven by an 8.1% rise in subscription revenue [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - BCE's acquisition of Zipline Fiber expanded its fiber footprint by 1.4 million locations, positioning it as the third-largest fiber Internet provider in North America [11] - The Canadian AI data center market is projected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 20% [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - BCE's strategic priorities include putting customers first, delivering superior fiber and wireless networks, leading with AI-powered solutions, and building a digital media powerhouse [6] - The company aims to become the backbone of Canada's AI economy through its Bell AI Fabric initiative, which includes purpose-built AI data centers [24] - BCE is focused on executing its strategic plan while investing significantly in Canadian content and technology services [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over the federal government's decision regarding CRTC's wholesale access but remains focused on executing the strategic plan [30] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow and revenue, particularly from the integration of Zipline Fiber and the PSP partnership [46] Other Important Information - BCE's balance sheet remains strong with $3.8 billion in available liquidity and a net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.5 times adjusted EBITDA [39] - The company is targeting a year-end 2025 net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.8 times, reflecting the impacts of the MLSE sale and Zipline Fiber acquisition [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack guidance regarding Zipline and any adjustments? - Management indicated that Zipline continues to outperform initial financial expectations, and the revised guidance reflects the combined company's performance [51][52] Question: What is the expected free cash flow profile evolution from Zipline? - Management expects continued EBITDA growth from Zipline, with significant free cash flow growth anticipated once the PSP partnership is operational [61] Question: Can you discuss the long-term revenue opportunity for Bell AI Fabric? - Management highlighted a large total addressable market (TAM) for AI services and emphasized the integration of various elements of the enterprise strategy to drive growth [64][66] Question: How sustainable are the improvements in wireless churn metrics? - Management noted that churn reduction is a multifaceted approach, with ongoing customer service improvements contributing to the positive trend [89] Question: How should investors view the existing business compared to earlier guidance? - Management stated that the midpoint of guidance has increased, reflecting improved expectations for revenue and EBITDA, while free cash flow remains stable [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved adjusted EBITDA of $38 million, at the high end of the guidance range provided last quarter [4][21] - Total revenue for the quarter was $1.4 billion, with a gross margin of 17.8% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 2.7% [21][24] - Adjusted free cash flow conversion was 58%, with cash on the balance sheet increasing to $18 million [14][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokerage revenue was $1.025 billion, representing 69% of total revenue, with LTL volume growing by 45% year over year [23][34] - Truckload volume declined by 12%, primarily due to automotive weakness, while truckload gross profit per load improved by 7% sequentially [9][34] - Last Mile revenue increased by 19% year over year, with stops growing by 17%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [13][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall freight market remains soft, with a contraction of more than 3% in the cash freight index [6][15] - Automotive volume was down 28% year over year, contributing to the overall decline in truckload volume [34][102] - The company expects to continue operating in a soft freight market with limited spot opportunities [76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving profitable growth across market cycles while advancing its technology platform [16][19] - Growth will come from both the core truckload business and premium services, with a strong emphasis on LTL and Managed Transportation [19][20] - The integration of Coyote is nearly complete, with expectations for significant operating leverage as the market improves [31][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the freight market is soft, there are signs of tightening driven by capacity adjustments rather than improved demand [15][41] - There is cautious optimism among customers regarding trade policy clarity, which may unlock demand [31][106] - The company anticipates strong cash performance in the third quarter, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $33 million and $43 million [29][47] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $100 million annually in technology to enhance productivity and customer experience [19][20] - The integration of technology platforms is expected to be substantially complete by the end of the third quarter [12][49] - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with over $575 million in total committed liquidity [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on truckload volumes and optimizing price, volume, and service - Management explained that automotive weakness accounted for a portion of the volume decline, but efforts to optimize pricing and service have improved gross profit per load by 7% sequentially [55][56] Question: Margin characteristics of LTL growth compared to truckload - Management highlighted that LTL growth is driven by strong customer relationships and stable margins, with LTL now representing over 30% of overall volume [67] Question: Underlying freight market assumptions for the third quarter - Management expects continued automotive headwinds and a soft freight market, but anticipates improvements in procurement and profitability [76][78] Question: Impact of AI on productivity - Management noted that productivity has increased by 45% over the last two years, driven by AI and machine learning in pricing algorithms [110]

Talen Energy Corporation (TLN) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 07, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsSergio Castro - VP & TreasurerMark McFarland - CEO, President & DirectorTerry Nutt - Chief Financial OfficerNicholas Campanella - DirectorChris Morice - Chief Commercial OfficerDavid Arcaro - Executive Director - Equity ResearchMichael Sullivan - Director - Equity ResearchConference Call ParticipantsJeremy Tonet - MD & Research AnalystNone - AnalystRinny Singh - Equity Research AnalystGregg Orrill - Executiv ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced nearly $750 million in adjusted EBITDA and over $120 million in adjusted free cash flow for the quarter, with oil volumes growing 6% quarter over quarter [15][16] - Cash operating expenses on a unit basis were more than 10% lower, and capital investments were at the low end of the plan due to lower well costs and improved cycle times [15][16] - The company anticipates achieving a net debt target of $4.5 billion by the end of the year [9][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported significant operational efficiencies in the Permian Basin, with 50% of wells drilled and 30% of completions occurring in the Delaware [18] - In the Midland Basin, the average daily footage drilled per well exceeded 1,850 feet, and production commenced on several new pads [19] - The DJ Basin also showed efficiency gains, with drill times for four-mile laterals averaging about six days [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is approximately 60% hedged on oil for the remainder of the year, which is about twice the normal levels [11] - The divestment of $435 million in non-core DJ Basin assets is expected to close around the end of the third quarter, with production from these assets estimated at around 10,000 barrels equivalent per day for next year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has four clear priorities for 2025: maximizing free cash flow, strengthening the balance sheet, returning cash to shareholders, and leading in ESG initiatives [8][10] - An aggressive capital returns plan has been reinstated, with a buyback authorization exceeding 25% of the market cap [10][14] - The company aims to allocate 50% of free cash flow after the base dividend to share buybacks annually, with a target of $375 million in repurchases for the current year [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the $4.5 billion net debt goal and emphasized the importance of a strong balance sheet for executing the company's strategy [30][56] - The recent Tax Act is expected to provide over $200 million in savings over the next five years, ensuring minimal cash taxes for the foreseeable future [16] - Management highlighted the need for continued operational improvements and cost leadership to enhance shareholder value [46][56] Other Important Information - The company has optimized investment levels to focus on higher free cash flow and returns, and has proactively issued $750 million in new senior notes to enhance liquidity [11][12] - The company is on track with a $100 million cost optimization initiative, with approximately 80% of the savings captured to date [21][66] - The annual sustainability report was published, detailing the company's performance and sustainability initiatives [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategy shift and balance sheet comfort - Management indicated that recent steps, including incremental hedges and divestments, have positioned the company advantageously for capital returns [29][30] Question: 2026 plans post-strategy shift - The company plans to hold production flat at a lower level of CapEx following asset sales, with a focus on optimization [32][33] Question: Initial impressions of operations - Management noted good asset quality and operational execution, with ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs [38][39] Question: CEO search attributes - The company seeks a CEO who can set strategy, allocate capital effectively, and enhance performance without a complete strategic overhaul [45][46] Question: Dividend levels and stock buybacks - Management reaffirmed commitment to the base dividend while also implementing an accelerated repurchase program [61] Question: Cycle time reductions and efficiency - Management highlighted a mix of proprietary methods and vendor solutions to improve cycle times and reduce costs [96][97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company achieved revenue growth of 16% on an underlying basis, with an EBITDA margin of 11.2% and free cash flow of $442 million, reflecting a 16% increase in free cash flow per share [9][24][26] - In Q4, revenue reached $2.3 billion, representing a 13% year-over-year growth, with an EBITDA margin of 11.5% [22][24] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $8.4, a 27% increase from the previous year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company won $10 billion in contract awards for the year, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1x [10][32] - The company reported 10% organic growth for the full year, driven by strong customer demand for its differentiated technology [24][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generates 90% of its revenue from national security customers, benefiting from government funding initiatives such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocates over $150 billion for defense [18][32] - The company has a healthy pipeline with $16 billion in bids under evaluation, 80% of which are for new business [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has positioned itself in well-funded areas aligned with national security priorities, focusing on software-based capabilities and modernization [11][19] - The company anticipates revenue growth of nearly 8% for fiscal year 2026, with an EBITDA margin in the mid-11% range and free cash flow per share growth of over 60% [19][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current operating environment, highlighting strong customer demand and a robust pipeline of opportunities [17][19] - The company is closely monitoring the fiscal year 2026 budget process, indicating comfort in operating under a continuing resolution if necessary [18][19] Other Important Information - The company completed three strategic acquisitions and repurchased $150 million of shares during the year [28] - The company has a modest leverage ratio of 2.9x net debt to trailing twelve-month EBITDA, providing significant optionality for future capital deployment [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about the competitive landscape and pipeline - Management clarified that the majority of their $16 billion pipeline consists of new work to CACI, with over half being new customer work, indicating a focus on value bids rather than traditional government services [41][44] Question: Impact of ceiling reduction on iTask program - Management confirmed that the ceiling reduction from $5.7 billion to $5 billion does not impact revenue or margins, and the program continues to execute well [47][49] Question: Budget outlook and potential for organic growth - Management indicated that a quicker budget process could lead to achieving the higher end of organic growth guidance, emphasizing a robust process for setting guidance [54][56] Question: Award environment and contracting officer availability - Management noted some modest impacts on award decisions but emphasized their ability to operate effectively in the current environment, with expectations of extended current work due to tighter procurement bandwidth [68][70] Question: Updates on space optical terminals and Golden Dome initiative - Management reported strong demand for their technology and ongoing success in the space optical terminal market, with investments on track despite some production delays [78][80] Question: Federal civilian exposure and budget outlook - Management stated that only 6% of revenue comes from federal civilian work, with a strategic focus on defense and intelligence sectors, minimizing exposure to federal civilian budget fluctuations [92][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's core EPS grew by 2% year-over-year, reflecting strong underlying business growth, although dampened by elevated U.S. mortality and expected credit loss provisions [12][13] - The balance sheet remains strong with a LICAT ratio of 136% and a leverage ratio well below the 25% target, while book value per share increased by 5% from the prior year [13][28] - Net income for the quarter was reported at $1.8 billion, an increase of $747 million compared to the prior year, driven by positive market experience [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The insurance segments generated over 30% growth in new business CSM, with AP sales increasing by 15% year-over-year, particularly strong in Asia and the U.S. [15][16] - Global Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) achieved nearly $1 billion in positive net flows, demonstrating the strength of its diversified platform [16][22] - Core earnings in Asia increased by 13% year-over-year, while the U.S. segment saw a 53% decrease in core earnings due to unfavorable mortality experience [21][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asia segment reported a 31% increase in APE, with significant contributions from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Singapore [21] - In Canada, APE sales decreased by 34% year-over-year, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a large case sale in the Group Insurance business [24] - The U.S. segment experienced a 40% growth in AP sales, driven by demand for accumulation insurance products from affluent customers [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its digital capabilities and embedding AI across its businesses to drive growth and productivity [8][9] - The acquisition of Comvest Credit Partners is aimed at scaling the private markets business and enhancing existing private credit capabilities, expected to be immediately accretive to core EPS and ROE [10][31] - The leadership team is reviewing the company's strategy to assess potential refreshes to meet long-term ambitions [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver sustainable growth despite short-term headwinds impacting core earnings [29] - The company remains committed to investing in high-quality growth opportunities and maintaining strong capital deployment priorities [9][10] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by elevated mortality claims in the U.S. but views them as short-term headwinds rather than a trend [26][27] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $6.4 billion in capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks over the past year [28] - The transition to the new eMPF platform in Hong Kong is expected to impact core earnings, with a projected quarterly drag of approximately $25 million starting in 2026 [24][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: What other areas may the company want to bulk up in operations? - The company is focused on organic growth opportunities but is also looking for inorganic opportunities that could accelerate growth, particularly in private markets and alternatives [40][41] Question: What is the expected impact of the MPS on margins? - The transition to eMPF is expected to impact margins by approximately 150 basis points, with a recovery anticipated thereafter [46][47] Question: Can you provide details on the amortization of intangibles from the Comvest acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to add approximately $30 million annually in amortization of intangibles, which will be excluded from core earnings [49][50] Question: How does the company justify the valuation paid for Comvest? - The valuation reflects the future value expected from the acquisition, with significant growth opportunities in private credit and alignment of interests between the two firms [70][72] Question: What is the outlook for the Japan market? - The company sees continued growth potential in Japan, despite a decline in sales due to strong prior year performance, and is diversifying its product offerings [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 reached $214.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.9% [29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $25 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.7%, up from 10.4% in the previous year [37] - Active customers increased by 9% year-over-year, totaling 2.6 million [10][29] - Average revenue per customer rose by 4.6% to $316 [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Glasses revenue grew approximately 11% year-over-year, with progressive lenses accounting for 23% of prescription units sold [13][30] - Contact lenses saw a significant increase of 28% year-over-year, now representing 11.5% of total revenue [20][30] - Eye exams grew 44% year-over-year, contributing 6% to total revenue [22][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail revenue increased by 19.3% year-over-year, driven by new store openings and growth in established stores [29][30] - The company opened 11 new stores in Q2, bringing the total to 298 stores [31] - Retail productivity was reported at 101.7, indicating strong performance in existing stores [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its store footprint to over 900 locations across North America, highlighting significant growth potential [7] - A partnership with Google was announced to develop AI-powered intelligent eyewear, expanding the company's total addressable market [8][9] - The company is transitioning away from the Home Try-On program to focus on in-store experiences and AI-driven digital tools [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of the eye care consumer market, despite challenges in April [49] - The company raised its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue between $880 million and $888 million, representing 14-15% growth year-over-year [42] - Management noted that the gross impact of tariffs has moderated, contributing positively to EBITDA flow-through [39] Other Important Information - The CFO announced plans to step down after 14 years, with the co-CEO taking on interim financial responsibilities [24][25] - The company reported a strong cash position of $286 million and generated $24 million in free cash flow during Q2 [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the health of the eye care consumer and future growth - Management noted stability in the customer base and confidence in continued growth, citing the ability to adapt quickly to market changes [49][50] Question: Progress on the Google partnership and its importance - The partnership is expected to unlock new levels of utility in eyewear, with a focus on AI integration [59][60] Question: Impact of selective price increases on consumer behavior - Price increases were well received, with minimal impact on conversion rates and a stronger uptake on higher-value lens upgrades [64] Question: Drivers of revenue growth acceleration into July - Growth was observed across both retail and e-commerce channels, supported by pricing changes implemented earlier in the year [70][71] Question: Details on the Warby Advisor tool - The AI-driven tool provides personalized frame recommendations, enhancing the online shopping experience [73][74] Question: Future opportunities in the insurance market - The company sees significant growth potential in its insurance business, with ongoing efforts to enhance customer awareness and utilization [83][84] Question: Long-term outlook for contacts and progressives - Both segments are viewed as long-term growth drivers, with significant market share opportunities remaining [85][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CRH reported total revenues of $10.2 billion for Q2 2025, a 6% increase compared to the prior year, driven by favorable underlying demand and strong contributions from acquisitions [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.5 billion, reflecting a 9% increase year-over-year, with a margin expansion of 70 basis points [10][19] - The company raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $7.5 billion and $7.7 billion, indicating a 10% growth at the midpoint [9][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas Materials Solutions saw a 24% increase in total revenues and adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year, despite adverse weather conditions [11] - Essential Materials reported a 4% increase in revenues, supported by increased volumes and positive pricing momentum in Aggregates and Cement [11] - International Solutions experienced a 13% increase in revenue and a 23% increase in adjusted EBITDA, with significant margin expansion [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure, the largest end market for CRH, continues to benefit from state and federal funding, with less than 40% of IIJA highway funding deployed to date [13][30] - The residential sector in the U.S. is expected to remain subdued, while repair and remodel activities are resilient [31][32] - Positive pricing momentum is anticipated across markets, supported by disciplined commercial management [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CRH is focused on reinvesting in high-growth markets and has allocated approximately $1.7 billion across 19 acquisitions and growth CapEx investments [7][20] - The acquisition of EcoMaterial Technologies is expected to enhance CRH's cementitious growth strategy, significantly increasing its production capacity [23][24] - The company emphasizes a connected portfolio strategy to maximize profitability and operational efficiencies across its business segments [25][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying demand across key markets and noted that backlogs are ahead of the prior year [8][40] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of the year, driven by favorable weather conditions and robust backlogs [40] - Management highlighted the importance of federal and state funding in driving infrastructure demand, with expectations for a supportive legislative environment for future funding [54][56] Other Important Information - CRH has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, representing a 6% increase year-over-year, and has repurchased approximately $800 million in shares so far this year [21][22] - The company has a strong pipeline of growth opportunities and plans to maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy [34][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of the full-year guidance increase - Management noted strong Q2 performance with EBITDA up 9% and margins up 70 basis points, despite challenging weather conditions [37] - Infrastructure remains robust, with significant backlogs and positive momentum in July [40] Question: Expectations for U.S. Cement and aggregates - Underlying aggregate volumes were up 5% and pricing up 4% in Q2, with expectations for mid to high single-digit pricing growth for the full year [45][46] Question: Update on federal infrastructure funding - Management indicated a supportive bipartisan environment for the next highway bill, with a focus on surface transportation [54][56] Question: Performance of Adbri and margin expansion drivers - Adbri has performed well since acquisition, and margin expansion is attributed to tight cost control and operational efficiencies [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 8.5% to $5.5 billion, with 3% organic growth and new BD organic growth at 4% [7][24] - Adjusted gross margin reached 54.8%, up 50 basis points year over year, while adjusted operating margin increased to 25.8%, up 60 basis points year over year [7][31] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.68, exceeding expectations with a growth of 5.1% [7][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharm Systems improved sequentially to nearly 5% growth, with double-digit growth in Biologics [9][25] - APM delivered 13% pro forma growth, driven by strong commercial execution and new product innovation [26] - BD Life Sciences saw a low single-digit decrease in Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions, but significant sequential positive momentum of approximately 250 basis points [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company organic growth was led by performance in the U.S. and Greater Asia outside of China, partially offset by challenges in China [24] - Research instruments improved in the U.S. and EMEA by approximately 40-80%, driven by the launch of FaxDiscover 88 [29] - BackTech utilization increased over 20 percentage points sequentially, exiting the quarter at over 80% of historic levels [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a definitive agreement to separate its Biosciences and Diagnostics business, which is expected to unlock significant shareholder value [6][11] - Focus on enhancing capital allocation with an emphasis on share buybacks and competitive dividends [12] - Continued investment in innovation and commercial execution, particularly in areas like UCC and new product launches [40][85] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market headwinds and maintain organic growth [6][33] - Anticipated continued positive momentum in Q4, driven by APM's organic growth and improvements in BackTech [33] - The company expects to achieve its goal of a 25% operating margin by 2025, despite ongoing tariff impacts [34][60] Other Important Information - The company plans to use at least half of the $4 billion cash distribution from Waters for share buybacks [12] - BD Excellence operating system has significantly improved manufacturing productivity and reduced waste by over 35% [22] - The company is on track to complete a $1 billion share buyback by September, ahead of the original commitment [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook for RemainCo business - Management is pleased with performance across various segments and expects continued growth in mid-single digits for RemainCo [36][38] Question: Operating margin guidance for Q4 - Management indicated a slight sequential step down in operating margins due to timing of investments, but overall performance remains strong [44][46] Question: Insights on fiscal 2026 margins and EPS growth - Management expects healthy margins post-separation and anticipates a better outlook for tariffs in 2026, with a projected impact of around $275 million [60][62] Question: Trends in urology and interventional business - Urology growth is driven by ongoing trends and innovation, with no one-time factors affecting performance [78][80] Question: Increased SG&A investment in Q4 - Management confirmed that increased investments are aimed at supporting innovation and commercial execution, setting up for future growth [84][86]