Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $805 million, representing a 5% increase on an organic basis and a 7.7% increase on a reported basis [5][14] - Adjusted operating margins were 21.1%, while adjusted EPS was $1.96, up 6% compared to the prior year [5][17] - Year-to-date operating cash flow reached $504 million, up 9%, and free cash flow was $294 million, a 54% increase from last year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proprietary product segment revenues were $648 million, up 5.1% organically, driven by HVP components, which saw a 13% organic growth [7][14] - HVP delivery device revenues declined to $99 million, down 16.7% year-on-year organically, primarily due to a prior year incentive payment [10][14] - Contract manufacturing segment revenues were $157 million, growing by 4.9% organically [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Biologics revenue was $329 million, up 8.3% organically, while pharma revenue rose 1.4% to $183 million [15] - GLP-1s accounted for 9% of total company sales, with strong growth expected to continue [8][12] - The company is experiencing a normalization in demand trends for biologics and biosimilars, with a participation rate above 90% year-to-date [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its guidance for 2025 due to strong performance and improving business momentum [5][18] - Focus on high-value product components, particularly in the GLP-1 and Annex 1 markets, is expected to drive future growth [21][46] - The company is actively working on optimizing its manufacturing network and consolidating operations to enhance efficiency [75][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of positive trends due to strong execution and improving market conditions [22][66] - The company anticipates that destocking is largely behind them, with demand expected to improve for key growth drivers [21][66] - There are ongoing discussions with customers regarding new business opportunities to replace the CGM contract expected to conclude in mid-2026 [35][36] Other Important Information - The company has appointed a new CFO and CTO to strengthen its leadership team and drive innovation [6][7] - The company is ramping up production in its Dublin facility for drug handling, expected to add approximately $20 million in revenue next year [12][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term growth outlook for 7%-9% - Management believes they are on track to achieve long-term growth targets, driven by HVP components and biologics [24][25] Question: Sustainability of HVP components growth - Management is confident in the sustainability of double-digit growth for HVP components, supported by GLP-1s and Annex 1 [28][30] Question: Visibility on CGM contract exit - Management is engaged in discussions with potential customers to fill the gap left by the CGM contract, expecting healthy revenues and margins [35][36] Question: Margin opportunities - Management sees opportunities for margin expansion through operational efficiencies and higher-value products [34][60] Question: Impact of Annex 1 on customer decisions - Annex 1 projects are accelerating, with more conversations with EU regulators, leading to increased customer interest [54][56] Question: Growth in GLP-1s - Management expects continued healthy growth in GLP-1s, driven by market dynamics and new approvals [42][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core pre-tax, pre-provision income for Q3 2025 was $54.4 million, up from $49.4 million in Q2 2025 and $29.8 million year-over-year [3][4] - Core EPS for Q3 was $0.61, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [10] - Reported NIM increased to 3.01%, with a significant increase in the spread between loans and deposits following the Fed rate cut [10][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew over $160 million in Q3, compared to $110 million in Q2, with year-over-year growth exceeding $400 million [7] - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, increased to $535 million, with a weighted average rate of approximately 6.95% [7] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, with total deposits up approximately $320 million from the prior quarter [4][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets (NPAs) were up slightly but represented only 50 basis points of total assets, which is favorable compared to peers [4] - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with a core deposit-funded balance sheet [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly in business loans and core deposits, while managing its commercial real estate concentration ratio [8][38] - New branch openings in Manhattan and New Jersey are part of the strategy to expand market presence [8] - The company aims for NIM expansion in the fourth quarter and significant opportunities in 2026 based on loan repricing [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality and expects resolution of legacy NPAs in Q4 [22] - The company anticipates a gradual improvement in NIM due to reduced deposit costs and stable loan yields [12][13] - Management believes the industry is in the later innings of the credit cycle, with a strong local economy and no significant stress expected [49] Other Important Information - Non-interest income for the quarter was $12.2 million, including a $1.5 million fraud recovery [11][46] - The common equity tier 1 ratio grew to over 11.5%, and total capital ratio increased to over 16% [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about charge-offs related to non-performing loans - Management clarified that charge-offs were primarily related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate, with no multifamily loans involved [21][22] Question: Expectations on multifamily payoffs and future prepayments - Management indicated that while there were significant payoffs this quarter, future prepayments are expected to normalize [24] Question: Discussion on normalized charge-offs and future expectations - Management stated that charge-offs are currently at 31 basis points and expect to return to historical levels as new businesses are built out [30][31] Question: Insights on deposit betas with potential rate cuts - Management noted that gradual rate cuts would help maintain deposit costs, with current costs in the low 190s [34][35] Question: Thoughts on M&A and strategic alternatives - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and deploying excess liquidity rather than pursuing M&A at this time [38][45] Question: Discussion on stock repurchases given capital ratios - Management confirmed that discussions on stock repurchases have begun, with a focus on deploying capital effectively before considering buybacks [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 revenue exceeded $1 billion, marking a 10.7% increase compared to 2024, with organic revenue growth of 5.9% driven by favorable pricing and volume [8][9] - Adjusted EPS for Q3 was $2.30, an increase of $0.14 or 6.5% year-over-year [9] - Year-to-date available cash flow reached $485.2 million, up 25.1% from the previous year [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas segment revenue was $844 million, up 7.9% reported and 6.4% organically, with non-residential business demand remaining healthy [9][10] - International segment revenue was $226 million, up 22.5% reported and 3.6% organically, with acquisitions contributing 13.6% to segment revenue [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-residential markets in the Americas are resilient, while residential markets remain soft, consistent with year-to-date growth rates [14][15] - International markets are expected to show roughly flat organic performance, with some segments at historical troughs [14][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation for long-term shareholder benefits, raising the 2025 adjusted EPS outlook to $8.10-$8.20 [5][15] - Allegion continues to pursue accretive acquisitions, with recent acquisitions including UAP and Bressant enhancing the product portfolio [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that spec activity has accelerated in 2025, supporting organic growth in non-residential markets [22][14] - The input cost environment remains dynamic, with expectations to drive pricing to offset inflation [15][68] Other Important Information - The company remains disciplined in capital deployment, with a strong balance sheet and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.8x [12][13] - Allegion continues to be a dividend-paying stock, distributing $0.51 per share in Q3 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on spec writing and key verticals - Spec activity has continued to grow in 2025, with versatile spec writers capable of addressing various market needs [22] Question: M&A pipeline and potential earnings accretion - The M&A pipeline remains strong across both reporting segments, with ongoing activity in portfolio expansion and complementary software [24] Question: Conversations with building owners regarding macro uncertainty - Non-res project activity is healthy, with private finance returning to the market, supported by positive customer backlogs [31] Question: International volume growth and momentum - International segment showed volume growth after previous declines, with electronics businesses performing well [33] Question: Adjusted operating margins and corporate costs - Expectation of margin expansion in Q4, with corporate costs remaining consistent with previous quarters [36] Question: Pricing power and customer weakness - No signs of pricing fatigue observed, with the demand environment in non-res being healthy [68]

Textron (NYSE:TXT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsDavid Rosenberg - EVP and CFOScott Hegstrom - Vice President, Investor RelationsScott Donnelly - Chairman, President, and CEORonald Epstein - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsRobert Stallard - AnalystMyles Walton - Senior AnalystSeth Seifma - VP and Equity Research AnalystPeter Arment - Senior AnalystNone - Analyst 1None - Analyst 2None - Analyst 3Sheila Kahyaoglu - Senior AnalystOperatorGood morning, ladie ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2.043 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.6% and a sequential increase of approximately 1.3% from Q2 2025 [17][10] - Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 20 basis points to 19.4% compared to Q2 2025 [17][10] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter was $3.31, a decrease of 1.2% year-over-year but an increase of 1.5% sequentially [18][10] - Free cash flow totaled $334 million for the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to $687 million [11][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross business awards totaled $3 billion, up mid-single digits year-over-year, with notable strength in oncology, cardiometabolic disease, and FFP [9][10] - The overall burn rate remained flat at 8.2%, in line with expectations [10][19] - Adjusted gross margin for the quarter was 28.2%, down from 29.5% in Q3 2024 [17][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The biotech sector showed a significant increase in RFP flow year-over-year and sequentially, indicating a strong pipeline of actionable opportunities [11][12] - Elevated cancellations totaled $900 million, reflecting a flat trend with Q2 levels, primarily affecting previously awarded studies [11][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate top-line growth, manage costs rigorously, and deploy novel technologies to enhance offerings [14][15] - Focus areas include expanding opportunity flow and win rates in biotech, diversifying revenue streams in large pharma, and increasing market share in mid-sized segments [14][15] - The company plans to invest in AI-enabled technologies and external partnerships to enhance capabilities [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a robust opportunity for growth despite recent cancellation levels being a headwind [16][10] - The outlook for 2026 will depend on sustaining positive trends in RFP flow and gross bookings while managing cancellation levels [12][16] - The current market environment is characterized as mixed but encouraging, with signs of improvement in both biotech funding and pharma deal flow [36][10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $250 million in shares during the quarter, totaling $750 million year-to-date [10][20] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 16.5%, consistent with expectations for the full year [18][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more insight into the cancellation dynamics? - Management noted that cancellations were in line with projections, primarily affecting studies awarded prior to Q3 that were canceled before enrollment [22][23] Question: What proactive measures are being taken regarding gross margins? - Management acknowledged the impact of increased pass-throughs on margins and emphasized ongoing cost management and technology investments to enhance efficiency [26][27] Question: How is the industry environment evolving, particularly between pharma and biotech? - Management indicated that while the environment remains competitive, there are signs of improvement in biotech funding and pharma deal flow, contributing to increased RFP activity [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for pricing pressure and pass-throughs in 2026? - Management expects pricing pressure to remain a factor, but they are focused on maintaining margins through operational efficiency and technology deployment [42][43] Question: Can you discuss the strength in early-phase work versus late-phase work? - Management confirmed continued strength in early-phase business, with double-digit growth year-over-year [84][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EPS of $1.84 on $10.8 billion of premium revenue, which was below expectations [7][19] - The consolidated MCR for the quarter was 92.6%, reflecting a challenging medical cost environment [7][19] - Year-to-date, the consolidated MCR stands at 90.8% with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 2.7% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Medicaid, which represents 75% of total premium revenue, the MCR was reported at 92% with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 2.6% [8][19] - The Medicare segment reported a third quarter MCR of 93.6%, with higher utilization in high-acuity populations [8][20] - The Marketplace segment had a significantly higher-than-expected MCR of 95.6%, driven by elevated utilization [8][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates full-year premium revenue to increase to approximately $42.5 billion [9][24] - The adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 has been revised down to approximately $14 per share, reflecting a consolidated MCR of 91.3% [9][24] - The medical cost trend for Medicaid is now expected to be 7%, which is 100 basis points higher than previous guidance [10][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to surpass the $50 billion premium revenue mark in the coming years, with a focus on winning RFPs and pursuing M&A opportunities [16] - The strategy includes reducing exposure in the Marketplace while stabilizing the risk pool [17] - The company is optimistic about Medicaid rates keeping pace with medical cost trends, with expectations for slight improvements [42][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging medical cost environment but expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the business [17][18] - The company views the current operating environment as temporary and expects rates to eventually align with medical cost trends [17][60] - Management highlighted the importance of state responsiveness to rate adjustments in light of increased medical costs [42][44] Other Important Information - The company has a strong capital foundation, with RBC ratios at 340% and total subsidiary capital 70% above state minimums [22] - Share repurchases totaled approximately 2.8 million shares at a cost of $500 million, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term value [23] - The company has an active pipeline of $54 billion in new opportunities over the next few years [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of ACA MCR pressure in the quarter? - Management indicated that the pressure was due to increased medical cost trends across all categories, with a higher percentage of special enrollment membership contributing to the trend [34][35] Question: Are you expecting Medicaid rates to be in excess of the 7% cost trend? - Management expressed optimism that rates will at least keep pace with the trend, citing state responsiveness and a solid baseline for rate projections [41][42] Question: How does the expiration of subsidies affect your pricing assumptions? - Management stated that pricing was conservatively set to account for the expiration of subsidies, with an aim to break even or better in the Marketplace segment [46][47] Question: What is the outlook for embedded earnings? - Management indicated that embedded earnings are expected to be realized over time, with some components contributing positively in the upcoming year [62][65] Question: Can you discuss the M&A pipeline and capital allocation priorities? - Management confirmed that capital priorities remain focused on organic growth, inorganic growth, and returning capital to shareholders, with a full pipeline of actionable M&A opportunities [71][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated service revenue increased by 4% to $4.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $2.5 billion [18][19] - Free cash flow was reported at $829 million, down 9% year-over-year due to increasing taxable income and tax installment payments [19][21] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, reflecting a slight increase due to the acquisition of an additional stake in MLSE [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue remained flat, with adjusted EBITDA up 1% year-over-year, maintaining industry-leading margins of 67%, up 60 basis points [13][15] - Cable service revenue grew by 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 2%, leading to cable margins of 58%, up 70 basis points [15][16] - Media revenue surged by 26% to $753 million, driven by the strong performance of the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 111,000 mobile phone net additions in Q3, totaling 206,000 year-to-date, primarily on postpaid plans [4][13] - Retail internet additions were 29,000 in the quarter, with approximately 80,000 new internet subscribers year-to-date [6][15] - Blended mobile phone ARPU decreased by 3% to $56.70, reflecting competitive pressures and lower international roaming revenue [15][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock significant unrecognized value from its sports and media assets, with an estimated value exceeding $15 billion [8][18] - Continued focus on financial discipline while pursuing growth in wireless, cable, and media segments [10][25] - Plans to acquire the remaining minority stake in MLSE to enhance revenue and profitability growth [9][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining service revenue growth despite competitive pressures and a slower growth economy [12][13] - The company anticipates strong execution in Q4, supported by the successful playoff run of the Toronto Blue Jays [17][44] - Management remains committed to improving capital efficiency and maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [10][24] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be approximately $3.7 billion, down from previous estimates [10][24] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience through AI technologies and improving operational efficiency [37][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on wireless competitive environment and pricing sustainability - Management highlighted streamlined pricing offerings and successful customer engagement strategies, indicating confidence in sustaining current pricing structures [27][29] Question: Insights on churn management - Management noted a holistic approach to base management, resulting in improved churn rates and customer retention [30][31] Question: Clarification on service revenue trends and impacts - Management acknowledged lower roaming volumes and wholesale revenues as contributing factors to service revenue trends [34][35] Question: Operating leverage opportunities through AI - Management discussed three main areas for AI deployment: customer experience, operational efficiency, and security enhancements [36][38] Question: Expectations for wireless service revenue trajectory - Management confirmed expectations for positive service revenue growth moving forward, despite slight declines in Q3 [58][59] Question: Update on satellite-to-mobile service costs - Management clarified that increased costs were related to both marketing and service fees associated with the satellite-to-mobile initiative [81][83] Question: Future of wireless net additions amid low immigration - Management projected continued growth in the wireless sector, estimating a 3% growth rate even with low immigration levels [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2.043 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.6% and a sequential increase of approximately 1.3% from Q2 2025 [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $396.7 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.4%, a decrease of 20 basis points from Q2 2025 [16][9] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.31, a decrease of 1.2% year-over-year but an increase of 1.5% sequentially [17][9] - Free cash flow totaled $334 million for the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to $687 million [10][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross business awards totaled $3 billion, up mid-single digits year-over-year, with notable strength in oncology, cardiometabolic disease, and FFP [9] - The overall burn rate remained flat at 8.2%, consistent with previous expectations [9] - Adjusted gross margin for the quarter was 28.2%, down from 29.5% in Q3 2024 and down 10 basis points from Q2 2025 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The biotech sector showed a significant increase in RFP flow year-over-year and sequentially, indicating a strong pipeline of actionable opportunities [10] - The net book-to-bill ratio was 1.02 times, negatively impacted by elevated cancellations totaling $900 million [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate top-line growth, manage costs rigorously, and deploy novel technologies to enhance offerings [12] - Focus areas include expanding opportunity flow and win rates in biotech, diversifying revenue streams in large pharma, and increasing market share in mid-sized segments [12] - The company plans to continue investing in AI-enabled technologies and external partnerships to enhance capabilities [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong market position and the potential for growth despite recent cancellation levels being a headwind [15] - The operating environment remains mixed, with improvements in biotech funding but uncertainty regarding the timelines for converting opportunities to contracts [11][34] - Management expects elevated cancellation levels to moderate in 2026, with a return to more normalized levels of growth anticipated [72] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $250 million in shares during the quarter, totaling $750 million year-to-date [10][19] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 16.5%, consistent with expectations for the full year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more insight into the cancellation dynamics? - Management noted that cancellations were in line with projections, primarily affecting studies awarded prior to Q3 that were canceled before enrollment [22][24] Question: What are the dynamics affecting gross margins? - Management acknowledged that the increase in pass-through revenues and competitive pricing pressures are impacting margins, but emphasized ongoing cost management efforts [27][30] Question: How is the industry environment evolving, particularly between pharma and biotech? - Management indicated that while there are positive signs in biotech funding and RFP flow, the overall environment remains mixed and uncertain [34] Question: What is the outlook for pricing pressures? - Management stated that while the pricing environment is competitive, it has not worsened significantly, and they are focused on maintaining quality and predictability for clients [36][38] Question: How does the company balance labor force stability with margin defense? - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable workforce to ensure productivity and client confidence while managing costs effectively [66][68] Question: What is the status of BARDA-funded COVID-related trials? - Management indicated that COVID-related revenue is minimal, with expectations for any changes to be positive rather than negative [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share reported at $0.30 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.36 on a core basis [7] - Net interest income increased by $3 million compared to the prior quarter, driven by an increase in average net loans of $242 million [7] - Total loans increased by $373 million, representing a 14% annualized growth rate [8] - Net interest margin remained stable at 2.91% compared to the second quarter [7][8] - Operating expenses for the quarter were $76 million, including $4 million of restructuring charges [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan originations totaled $1 billion, resulting in loan growth of $373 million [11] - Commercial and industrial loans increased by 12% for the quarter [11] - Non-interest income increased by 5% to $12.3 million, primarily driven by strong swap demand linked to commercial growth [13] - The decision to outsource residential loan originations is expected to reduce fee and service income by approximately $2 million in the fourth quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $203 million, with organic growth at $321 million before decreases in brokered CDs [12] - Premier Banking teams contributed $128 million of new deposits for the quarter [12] - Approximately 20% of new deposits are in non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts (DDA) [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving operating leverage and earnings through outsourcing residential loan originations and underwriting functions [8] - The strategic decision to outsource is expected to yield a pre-tax improvement of approximately $10 million in annual operating results [20] - The company aims for 7% to 9% annualized loan growth for 2026, predominantly driven by growth in commercial and industrial loans [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong asset quality, with non-performing loans at 0.39% of total loans [17] - The company anticipates modest short-term compression on margin in the fourth quarter due to seasonality and residual repricing of large legacy deposit relationships [17] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for steady net interest income growth in line with or exceeding high single-digit growth rates [22] Other Important Information - Capital levels remain robust with a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 10.6% and tangible book value per share of $19.52 [9] - The company did not repurchase any shares this quarter as capital was deployed for loan growth [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on net interest income guidance - Management clarified that the 3% terminal rate refers to assumptions around Fed rate cuts, not net interest margin [27][28] Question: Update on Premier Bank's deposit growth - Management attributed deposit growth to newly hired teams and their acclimation to the bank [42] Question: Impact of restructuring on non-interest income - Management confirmed a $10 million pre-tax benefit from restructuring, with some headwinds expected in non-interest income [48][52] Question: Update on NDFI exposure and GovCon portfolio - Management stated that NDFI exposure is small and focused on commercial lending, with GovCon exposure being well-managed [58][64] Question: Expectations for ROA and deposit composition - Management expects to achieve a 1% ROA by early 2027, with current DDA composition at 20% [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record net revenue and record adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2025, with the Live and Historical Racing segment also reporting record figures [8][28] - The Live and Historical Racing segment grew revenue by 21% and adjusted EBITDA by 25% compared to the prior year quarter, marking the twenty-first consecutive quarter of record growth [29] - Free cash flow generated was $166 million or $2.34 per share, up 13% from the prior year quarter, with a free cash flow yield of approximately 10% [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wagering Services and Solutions segment delivered record adjusted EBITDA driven by the growth of the Xacta business, benefiting from Kentucky and Virginia properties [32] - Regional gaming properties performed well, with adjusted EBITDA for wholly owned gaming properties increasing over $3 million, excluding the impact of removing HRMs from Louisiana operations [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its HRM operations in Kentucky and Virginia, with significant growth in gross gaming revenues and customer databases [19][20] - The Virginia market showed strong performance, with GGR per unit per day increasing every month of Q3 2025 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $280 million to $300 million in a new structure called Victory Run, aimed at enhancing the guest experience during Derby Week [15] - Five key growth catalysts for the Kentucky Derby were identified: ticketing revenue, broadcast rates, wagering, sponsorships, and selective renovations [10][14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the Kentucky Derby and HRM properties, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments [26][37] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy while aiming to reduce leverage below four times by 2026 [35][36] Other Important Information - The company announced a 7% increase in dividends, marking the fifteenth consecutive year of increased dividends per share [35] - The federal tax bill signed on July 4 is expected to improve free cash flow through lower cash tax payments [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: ROI targets for Victory Run - The company targets a 20% unlevered IRR, focusing on achieving this within three years [41] Question: Prospective opportunity for ETGs - Management acknowledged the importance of electronic table games as a growth opportunity but noted the need for regulatory progress [45][47] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The company is committed to balancing share repurchases with capital investments, aiming to reduce leverage while maintaining strategic growth [50][51] Question: Benefits of owning properties outright - Owning real estate provides stability and predictability, which management believes is not fully recognized in the market [53][54] Question: M&A environment - There has been a recent pickup in M&A activity, and the company remains opportunistic in both acquisitions and sales [57][59] Question: Virginia illegal machines enforcement - Management reported strong enforcement against illegal machines but acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating it has not significantly impacted business [90][92]