Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported a net income of $164 million, down from $176 million a year ago, while diluted earnings per share increased to $1.67 from $1.65 a year ago [4][5] - The year-to-date return on equity was 13% through Q3 2025 [4] - Consolidated cash and investments totaled $6.6 billion with an annualized investment yield of 3.9% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. mortgage insurance in force was $249 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year [5] - The mortgage insurance net premium earned for Q3 2025 was $232 million, including $15.9 million from third-party business [9] - The average base premium rate for the U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio remained at 41 basis points, while the average net premium rate decreased by one basis point to 35 basis points [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio default rate increased to 2.29%, up 17 basis points from the previous quarter [9] - The weighted average FICO score of the insurance in force was 746, with a weighted average original loan-to-value (LTV) of 93% [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on a prudent capital strategy, maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning capital to shareholders [6][12] - A new $500 million share repurchase authorization was approved, running through year-end 2027 [7] - The company is committed to investing in strategic growth while balancing shareholder returns [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business, benefiting from favorable credit trends and the interest rate environment [4] - The company anticipates that current mortgage rates will support elevated persistency in the near term [5] - Management highlighted the strong credit quality of the insurance portfolio and the substantial home equity embedded in the in-force book as mitigating factors for potential claims [5][6] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 9 million shares for over $500 million year-to-date through October 31 [7] - The board approved a common dividend of $0.31 for Q4 2025 [7] - The statutory capital of Essent Guarantee was $3.7 billion, with a risk-to-capital ratio of 8.9 to 1 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit trends and provisions - Management noted that the average loan size has increased to nearly $300,000, which affects provisions when defaults occur [15] Question: Claims amount and severity - Management indicated that fluctuations in claims are dependent on document processing and adjudication, with severity remaining below reserves [17] Question: Seeded premiums and reinsurance transactions - Management explained that seeded premiums will fluctuate based on default and provision activity, with seasonal trends expected [19][20] Question: Tax rate changes - The increase in the estimated annual effective tax rate was attributed to withholding taxes on dividends, with expectations of a rate around 16% going forward [21][22] Question: Severity rates and long-term expectations - Management stated that while severity rates have increased, the overall risk remains low, and they are conservative in provisioning [26][27] Question: Underwriting guardrails and credit score requirements - Management confirmed that current systems have not changed significantly, and lenders are focused on managing origination costs [39][40] Question: Upstreaming capital from MI subsidiary - Management indicated plans for consistent dividends, potentially larger in Q4, while maintaining a focus on upstreaming cash [42] Question: Title business performance and growth avenues - Management noted that the Title business is still in early stages, with a focus on lender relationships and potential future growth [43][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $420 million, up 5% from Q3 2024, with organic growth of 3.4% [6][8] - Adjusted net income was $28 million, down 3% compared to $29 million in Q3 2024 [6][10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $55 million, or 13% of net sales, compared to 14% in Q3 2024 [6][8] - Gross profit was $101.7 million, up 0.8%, with a gross margin of 24.2%, down 90 basis points from the previous year [8][9] - Operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $102 million, or 116% of net income [7][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Equipment Division net sales were $247 million, up 17% with 14.5% organic growth [11] - Vegetation Management Division net sales were $173.1 million, down 9% due to weakness in end markets and production challenges [11][12] - Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales for the Industrial Equipment Division was 15.5%, while for the Vegetation Management Division it was 9.7% [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong performance in municipal and contractor spending on infrastructure maintenance, with state and local spending growing at a compound annual rate of approximately 5% over the past 20 quarters [16] - The early order pattern in the fourth quarter for the Industrial Equipment Division started off reasonably, with a healthy backlog [18][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on four strategic pillars: people and culture, commercial excellence, operational excellence, and acquisitions [23] - Emphasis on product innovation and catering to customer needs, with a focus on higher-margin profit pools such as parts and service [24] - The company aims for long-term financial targets including sales growth of over 10%, adjusted operating income margins around 15%, and adjusted EBITDA margins of 18-20% [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future performance despite mixed results in Q3, particularly in the Industrial Equipment Division [6][7] - The Vegetation Management Division is expected to improve as production efficiencies are realized and end markets stabilize [22][29] - The company anticipates a slight decline in sales moving from Q3 to Q4, typical for seasonal trends, with expectations for margin improvements in the long term [50][54] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with total assets of $1,595 million and $244.8 million in cash as of September 30, 2025 [12][14] - A quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share was approved, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering long-term value to shareholders [14][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you get back above 10% operating margins on vegetation without meaningful revenue growth? - Management believes they can achieve adjusted operating margins of 15% and adjusted EBITDA margins of 20% through improved production efficiencies and volume leverage as markets stabilize [29] Question: Are there specific areas within the industrial segment that are more challenged? - Management noted that while industrial orders are generally up year-to-date, there are some lumpy order patterns, particularly in excavators and vacuum trucks, with some cooling in end markets expected [31][33] Question: How do inventory levels sit in the vegetation management segment? - Inventory levels are reasonable, with order cancellations in line with historic averages, but there is some softness in tree care and government mowing segments [35] Question: What are the primary drivers behind the decline in margin on the industrial side of the business? - The decline in margins is primarily attributed to tariffs, which have increased in Q3, and management is working to pass these costs along to customers [36][37] Question: How long might it take to achieve the 18% EBITDA target? - Management expects to return vegetation division margins to previous levels within one or two quarters, with additional improvements from procurement savings and operational efficiencies [39][40] Question: What are the levers within control to sustain demand in the industrial segment? - Management highlighted the importance of product innovation and M&A as key drivers for sustaining demand, particularly in attractive end markets [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q3 2025 was $29 million, down from $45.9 million in Q3 2024, impacted by a $7.8 million one-time gain on asset sales last year [6] - EBITDA decreased to $97.1 million from $119.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA fell to $98.8 million from $114 million [6] - Distributable cash flow was $53 million compared to $71.1 million, with adjusted distributable cash flow at $53.3 million versus $71.6 million [6] - Trailing 12-month distribution coverage remained strong at 1.64 times, or 1.5 times after factoring in distributions to preferred unit holders [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - GDSO product margin decreased by $18.8 million to $218.9 million [7] - Gasoline distribution product margin fell by $19.3 million to $144.8 million, with fuel margins down 7% year-over-year to $0.37 per gallon [8] - Stage and operations product margin increased by $0.5 million to $74.1 million, attributed to an increase in sundries [8] - Wholesale segment product margin increased by $6.9 million to $78 million, driven by favorable marketing conditions in gasoline [9] - Commercial segment product margin decreased by $2.5 million to $7 million due to less favorable marketing conditions in bunkering [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its marine fuel supply operations into the Port of Houston, enhancing its presence in the Gulf Coast [4] - The retail network saw a decrease in site count to 1,540, down by 49 from the previous year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital discipline and operational efficiency, seeking sustainable returns and long-term value creation [12] - The strategy includes optimizing and upgrading the retail portfolio, with a focus on enhancing the convenience store experience through new brands and loyalty programs [4][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the lower-end consumer is under pressure, with consumers trading down to more generic brands [25] - Despite challenges, the company reported strong performance in convenience stores, with year-over-year growth despite a decrease in company-operated sites [25] - Wage inflation has calmed, and there are signs of improvement in labor availability compared to previous years [27][28] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.7550 per common unit, marking the 16th consecutive quarterly distribution increase [5] - Capital expenditures for Q3 were $19.7 million, with expectations for maintenance capex of $45 million-$55 million and expansion capex of $40 million-$50 million for the full year [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk a little bit more about entering the bunkering market in Houston? - Management indicated that they already have a presence in the business and see differentiated assets compared to competition [17] Question: Can you explain the differentiated offering in the bunkering market? - The differentiation is primarily based on the location of facilities and the approach to market supply [18] Question: How is the acquisition environment looking? - Management noted that there was a quiet period for retail M&A but signs of activity are emerging [21] Question: Are you facing competition from Parkland? - Management confirmed that they do not operate in Parkland's footprint [23] Question: Are you seeing pressure on lower-end consumers? - Yes, there is pressure, but the company is leveraging its loyalty program to drive promotions [25] Question: How is labor availability for the company? - Labor availability has improved, with more applicants compared to the previous years [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 were $374 million, a decrease of approximately 6% compared to the prior year, primarily due to softer demand in chemical intermediates and nylon end markets [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $25 million, down $28 million from last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.6% [8][9] - Free cash flow for the trailing 12 months through Q3 2025 was approximately break-even, with a target for positive free cash flow for the full year of 2025 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plant nutrients showed strong performance, with a year-over-year granular volume increase of 20%, contributing to higher revenue generation [29] - Domestic nylon solution margins expanded year-over-year, but overall nylon markets faced pressure [10][11] - Acetone pricing moderated from multi-year highs, impacting overall earnings [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agricultural and fertilizer market continues to grow, with sulfur nutrition demand estimated to grow 3%-4% per year [11] - The building construction market remains largely unchanged, while the plastics sector faces broader macro softness [12] - Demand in the semiconductor space is anticipated to improve sequentially into Q4 and 2026 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing operational and commercial performance while managing inventory levels and free cash flow [4][6] - Strategic investments are being made in growth initiatives, including a sustained growth program that is tracking favorably against its capital budget [6][7] - The company aims to leverage its low-cost position and integrated production capabilities to navigate cycles and capitalize on emerging opportunities [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging industry dynamics and the need for a disciplined approach to cash management [4][6] - The company expects strong free cash flow in Q4, supported by working capital tailwinds [14] - There is confidence in the long-term positioning of the company despite current market pressures [16][17] Other Important Information - A site-wide electrical outage at the Chesterfield nylon plant is expected to impact Q4 EBITDA by $7 million-$9 million [5] - The company successfully completed a planned plant turnaround at the Hopewell facility [5] - Two new members were added to the board of directors, enhancing corporate governance [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the chemical intermediates market and pricing environment - Management indicated that acetone represents roughly 50% of sales in chemical intermediates, with Q3 results aligning with expectations of subdued phenol demand [21][22] Question: Update on ammonium sulfate results - The company reported the highest third-quarter revenue for ammonium sulfate, driven by increased granular volume and favorable pricing [27][29] Question: Raw material cost trends and purchasing strategy - Management clarified that they typically do not execute hedges on raw materials, with natural gas prices significantly impacting costs [30][31] Question: Update on Section 45Q carbon capture credits - The timing for receiving credits has shifted to 2026 due to the government shutdown, but the company remains confident in achieving positive free cash flow for 2025 [33][34] Question: Impact of bonus depreciation on financial results - Bonus depreciation primarily affects the cash tax rate, with significant benefits expected in future years [36][38] Question: Cost reduction initiatives for 2026 - The company is focusing on productivity improvements and targeting non-manpower fixed costs as part of its cost reduction strategy [41][42] Question: Nature of the settlement regarding intellectual property - The settlement included a monetary component and an agreement on patent use, which is expected to enhance future sales [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 were $374 million, a decrease of approximately 6% compared to the prior year, primarily due to softer demand in chemical intermediates and nylon end markets [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $25 million, down $28 million from last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.6% [8] - The decline in earnings was driven by lower acetone price raw spreads and higher utility costs due to increasing natural gas prices [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plant nutrients showed strong performance with a year-over-year pricing increase in the fall fill program, contributing positively to sales [10] - Domestic nylon solution margins expanded year-over-year, but overall demand remained under pressure [10] - Granular ammonium sulfate volume increased by 20% year-over-year, contributing to record revenue for the segment [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agricultural and fertilizer market is expected to grow at an average rate of 3%-4% per year, driven by robust demand for sulfur nutrition [11] - The building construction market remains stable, while the plastics sector faces challenges due to broader macroeconomic softness [12] - Demand in the semiconductor space is anticipated to improve sequentially into Q4 and 2026 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing operational performance and cash management, with a CapEx reduction of $30 million for 2025 [6][15] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing production output and sales volume mix while driving productivity to support through-cycle profitability [6][16] - The company is well-positioned to navigate cycles and capitalize on emerging opportunities due to its integrated business model and competitive advantages [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging industry dynamics and the need to moderate production rates to manage inventory levels [4] - The company expects strong free cash flow in Q4, supported by working capital tailwinds [14] - Management remains optimistic about long-term positioning despite current market pressures [16] Other Important Information - A site-wide electrical outage at the Chesterfield nylon plant is expected to impact Q4 EBITDA by $7 million-$9 million [5] - The company successfully upgraded its enterprise resource planning system to enhance management tools and data analytics [7] - Two new board members were added to strengthen corporate governance and support strategic growth priorities [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the chemical intermediates market and pricing environment - Management indicated that acetone represents roughly 50% of sales in chemical intermediates, with Q3 results aligning with expectations amid subdued phenol demand [21][22] Question: Update on ammonium sulfate results - The company reported record third-quarter revenue for ammonium sulfate, driven by increased granular volume and favorable pricing [27][29] Question: Raw material cost trends and purchasing strategy - Management noted that they typically do not execute hedges on raw materials, with natural gas prices increasing significantly year-over-year [30][31] Question: Update on Section 45Q carbon capture credits - The timing for receiving credits has shifted to 2026 due to the government shutdown, but the company expects a cumulative benefit of $100 million-$120 million across the program's life [33][34] Question: Impact of bonus depreciation on financial results - Bonus depreciation primarily affects the cash tax rate, with significant benefits expected for projects qualifying after January 19, 2024 [36][38] Question: Cost reduction initiatives for 2026 - Management is focusing on productivity improvements and targeting non-manpower fixed costs as part of their cost reduction strategy [41][42] Question: Nature of the intellectual property settlement - The settlement included a monetary component and an agreement on patent use, which is expected to enhance future sales [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a third consecutive quarter of results that met or exceeded expectations, driven by the Scripps Sports strategy and strong sales execution [4] - Local media division revenue decreased by 27% due to the absence of political advertising revenue compared to the prior year, while core advertising revenue increased by nearly 2% [6] - The company reported a loss of $0.55 per share, which included various costs that increased the loss by a total of $0.15 per share [10] - Net leverage improved to 4.6 times at the end of Q3, down from 6 times in Q2 of the previous year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local media segment profit was nearly $53 million compared to $161 million in Q3 of the previous year [6] - Scripps Networks revenue was approximately flat at $201 million year-over-year, with connected TV revenue up 41% [7][8] - Scripps Networks' segment profit was $53 million, with a segment margin of 27% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects local media division revenue to decline by about 30% in Q4, while core revenue is anticipated to increase by about 10% [6] - Scripps Networks' revenue is expected to decrease in the low double-digit range for Q4 due to various factors, including a lack of political revenue and lower upfront advertising [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio through station swaps and sales, with recent transactions yielding strong valuations [4][22] - The Scripps Sports strategy has been a significant driver of revenue growth, particularly in women's sports and partnerships with various leagues [14][16] - The company is pursuing aggressive distribution on streaming services, projecting connected TV revenue to exceed $120 million in 2025 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategies, highlighting strong performance in sports and connected TV revenue streams [13] - The upcoming midterm elections are expected to yield record spending across the advertising ecosystem, positioning the company well for future growth [22] - Management acknowledged challenges in the advertising environment but remains optimistic about the potential for recovery as economic uncertainties are resolved [72] Other Important Information - The company has been actively managing expenses, resulting in improved margins and a focus on fiscal discipline [20] - The Scripps Transformation Office is leveraging technology and AI to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for further asset sales? - Management indicated there are still significant opportunities for optimizing the portfolio through buying, selling, and swapping stations [26] Question: Can you elaborate on the impact of the government shutdown on revenue? - Management noted that the government shutdown has affected demand and buying from networks, particularly in the Medicare Advantage space [68] Question: How is the advertising environment compared to six months ago? - Management observed some strength in local advertising but noted challenges in the national ad marketplace, particularly in direct response pricing and pharmaceuticals [55][72] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding AI and cost efficiency? - Management expects to provide more information on the impact of technology and AI on operational efficiency in the upcoming year [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $12 billion, a 28% increase over the second quarter of 2025 [10] - Net income, excluding one-time items, reached $5.2 billion, marking a 28% increase over the previous quarter [10] - Operating cash flow closed at $9.9 billion, up 31% from the second quarter [10] - Free cash flow was $5 billion, a 44% increase from the second quarter [10] - The company approved a payment of BRL 12.2 billion in dividends [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil and gas production increased by 8% in the quarter, with a 17% growth over the last 12 months [11] - Pre-salt production reached 2.56 million barrels of oil equivalent, supported by a 4% efficiency increase [5] - Domestic sales of oil products increased by 5%, with diesel sales growing by 12% compared to the previous quarter [7] - The refinery FUT closed the quarter at 94%, producing high-value-added derivatives [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company exported around 800,000 barrels of oil per day, with total exports surpassing 1 million barrels per day when including byproducts [7] - Brent prices rose by 2% in the quarter, although they fell by $11 per barrel over the past year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing oil production and improving operational efficiency, with a long-term perspective on investments rather than short-term dividends [14] - Key projects in the refining segment are advancing, with significant savings achieved compared to reference budgets [6] - The company aims to enhance Brazilian self-sufficiency and contribute to energy security and emission reduction through its investments [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged the challenging scenario due to the drop in Brent prices but emphasized the strong operational performance in the third quarter [4] - The company is confident in meeting its investment guidance and maintaining a focus on efficiency and cost management [16] - Management expressed optimism about future production capacity increases without additional costs, particularly in the Búzios field [22][23] Other Important Information - The company celebrated the hiring of 850 technical employees and approximately 570 new graduates to expand operations [9] - The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré reached a record instantaneous flow rate of 270,000 barrels of oil per day [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contribution of inflation to FPSO results and Capex constraints for 2026 - Management stated that Capex is not increasing due to inflation, and investments are being accelerated without raising project budgets [27][28] Question: Concerns regarding Braskem's financial situation - Management noted that Braskem has its own governance and no proposals are currently on the table for discussion [26] Question: Potential reduction in Capex in the midterm - Management indicated that while there may be a reduction in Capex in the future, it is not expected for the next year [31] Question: Sustainability of production levels above nominal capacity - Management clarified that production peaks are temporary and based on reservoir characteristics [46] Question: Decision-making process for leasing vs. owning FPSOs - Management explained that decisions are based on technical assessments and market conditions, with no preference for one model over the other [42] Question: Updates on the ethanol market and liquid natural gas - Management confirmed ongoing negotiations regarding ethanol and expressed interest in participating in future auctions for reserve capacity [48][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 were $374 million, a decrease of approximately 6% compared to the prior year, primarily due to softer demand in chemical intermediates and nylon end markets [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $25 million, down $28 million from last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.6% [8][9] - Free cash flow for the trailing 12 months through Q3 2025 is approximately break-even, with a target for positive free cash flow for the full year of 2025 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plant nutrients showed strong performance, with a year-over-year pricing increase in the fall fill program, while nylon solutions faced pressure with moderated production rates [10][11] - Granular ammonium sulfate volume was up 20% year-over-year, contributing to record revenue for the segment in Q3 [28] - Acetone pricing moderated from multi-year highs, impacting overall chemical intermediates performance [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agricultural and fertilizer market continues to grow, with sulfur nutrition demand expected to increase by 3-4% per year [11] - The building construction market remains stable, while the plastics sector faces broader macro softness [12] - Demand in the semiconductor space is anticipated to improve sequentially into Q4 and 2026 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing operational performance and cash management, with a disciplined approach to capital investment [6][16] - Strategic initiatives include leveraging a low-cost position in vertically integrated production and enhancing capabilities in ammonium sulfate growth [16][17] - The company is positioned to navigate cycles and capitalize on emerging opportunities, with a focus on long-term value creation [16][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging industry dynamics and the need to moderate production rates due to demand softness [4][5] - The company expects strong free cash flow in Q4, supported by working capital tailwinds [14] - There is confidence in capturing significant benefits from the 45Q carbon capture tax credits, although timing may shift to 2026 due to government processes [33][34] Other Important Information - A site-wide electrical outage at the Chesterfield nylon plant had minimal impact on Q3 results but is expected to affect Q4 EBITDA by $7-$9 million [5] - The company successfully completed a planned plant turnaround at the Hopewell facility [5] - Two new members were added to the board of directors, enhancing corporate governance and strategic growth priorities [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the chemical intermediates market and pricing environment - Management indicated that acetone represents roughly 50% of sales in chemical intermediates, with subdued phenol demand impacting overall results [21][22] Question: Update on ammonium sulfate results - The company reported the highest third-quarter revenue for ammonium sulfate, driven by increased granular volume and favorable pricing [27][28] Question: Raw material cost trends and purchasing strategies - Management noted that they typically do not execute hedges on raw materials, with natural gas prices increasing significantly year-over-year [30][31] Question: Update on Section 45Q carbon capture credits - The company expects to receive credits in 2026 due to delays from the government shutdown, with a cumulative benefit anticipated across the program's life [33][34] Question: Impact of bonus depreciation on financial results - Bonus depreciation primarily affects the cash tax rate, with significant benefits expected in future years as more projects qualify [35][36] Question: Cost reduction initiatives for 2026 - Management highlighted a focus on productivity and addressing non-manpower fixed costs as part of their cost reduction strategy [41][42] Question: Nature of the settlement regarding intellectual property - The settlement included a monetary component and established a customer base that respects the company's intellectual property rights [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly fee-related earnings grew 17% year-over-year to $754 million, while distributable earnings increased 7% to $661 million [5][25] - Fee-bearing capital reached $581 billion, an 8% increase year-over-year, driven by record fundraising [5][24] - The margin for the quarter was 58%, consistent with the prior year, and up 1% over the last 12 months [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure and renewable power raised $30 billion, deployed $30 billion, and monetized over $10 billion at approximately 20% returns over the past 12 months [11] - The private equity business launched its seventh vintage, focusing on essential service businesses, with expectations for it to be the largest fund ever [18][20] - Real estate business saw approximately $23 billion in property sales, representing $10 billion of equity value over the past 12 months [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global M&A volumes increased nearly 25% year-over-year, with $1 trillion in announced deals in the third quarter, the highest since 2021 [7][8] - The demand for electricity is increasing at an unprecedented rate, driven by electrification trends and the surge in electricity demand from data centers [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is launching an AI Infrastructure Fund to capture opportunities in AI-related infrastructure investments, estimated to exceed $7 trillion over the next decade [14] - A landmark partnership with the U.S. government to construct $80 billion in new nuclear power reactors positions the company at the forefront of clean energy initiatives [18] - The company aims to double its business by 2030, with plans to expand product offerings and diversify its investor base [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong fundraising momentum and expects 2026 to exceed 2025 levels [37][38] - The company is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for power solutions, leveraging its renewable power business [17][23] - Management highlighted the importance of operational improvement as a key driver of value creation in the current economic environment [73] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $43.75 per share, payable on December 31 [32] - The acquisition of the remaining 26% in Oaktree Capital Management is expected to close in the first half of 2026, enhancing the company's credit capabilities [9][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fundraising momentum and management fee growth outlook for 2026 - Management expects fundraising to exceed 2024 levels and anticipates strong growth in management fees driven by new acquisitions and fundraising [37][38] Question: Credit business fee rate and growth aspirations - The elevated fee rate was driven by a mix shift and one-off transaction fees, with a positive trend expected in the credit business [42][43] Question: Integration benefits from acquiring Oaktree - The acquisition will allow for operational synergies, improved marketing, and client service capabilities, enhancing overall value [49][52] Question: Retail market momentum and distribution strategy - The company is seeing robust momentum in the retail market and is focused on building relationships with key stakeholders to capture growth opportunities [55][56] Question: Corporate direct lending outlook - Management remains cautious about direct lending due to competition but sees strong opportunities in credit related to real assets and infrastructure [60][61] Question: Private equity fund outlook amidst market backdrop - The company is optimistic about its private equity fund due to its focus on essential assets and consistent performance across market cycles [72][75] Question: Broadening the client base for fundraising - The company has dedicated teams targeting small and medium-sized institutions, family offices, and insurance institutions, leading to significant growth [79][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $767 million, slightly up sequentially and in line with guidance, but down 1.8% year-over-year from $781 million in Q3 2024 [5][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $40 million, up from $32 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.2%, up 110 basis points year-over-year [6][12] - The net leverage ratio increased to 3.2 times due to cash flow items, with total cash on the balance sheet at approximately $264 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial segment adjusted revenue was $367 million, down 4.7% year-over-year, primarily due to volume declines from the largest client, although the top 25 commercial accounts grew year-over-year [12][13] - Government segment adjusted revenue was down 6.7% at $238 million, attributed to implementation impacts and a client canceling an implementation [13] - Transportation segment adjusted revenue increased by 14.9% year-over-year to $162 million, driven by strong equipment sales in the international transit business [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New business Annual Contract Value (ACV) signed in Q3 was $111 million, consistent with the prior year, while Year-to-date new business ACV is up 5% compared to the same period in 2024 [10] - The qualified ACV pipeline remains strong at $3.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year, driven by opportunities in the federal space [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on portfolio rationalization and enhancing its technology capabilities, particularly in AI initiatives [7][19] - A new board member with significant industry experience was added to strengthen the board [8] - The company is revising its commercial go-to-market strategy to improve client penetration and sales execution [21][47] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted the impact of the government shutdown on deal timing but expressed confidence in achieving adjusted EBITDA margin targets between 5% and 5.5% for the year [18][20] - The company anticipates that once the government shutdown concerns are resolved, cash flow metrics will improve [7][16] - Management remains optimistic about future growth, citing pent-up demand and ongoing sales pipeline expansion [23][24] Other Important Information - The company completed refinancing of its revolving credit facilities, simplifying its balance sheet [15][22] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was negative $54 million, impacted by timing items related to contract amendments and post-implementation phases [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the pipeline actually closed this quarter? - Management indicated that the government shutdown affected the timing of deal closures, but they expect a gradual improvement as approvals resume [29] Question: How is productivity or quality gains from GenAI being measured? - Management highlighted the use of GenAI in fraud reduction and customer experience improvements, with ongoing evaluations of how to share benefits with clients [30][31] Question: Are there any stranded costs left to tackle? - Management confirmed that they are through the initial phase of stranded costs and are continuously optimizing costs across the organization [35] Question: Are there changes to contract clauses to reduce churn risk? - Management stated that the revenue stream remains unaffected by the government shutdown, and they do not see a need to change the contract model at this time [36] Question: What does the client mix look like for AI endeavors? - Management noted that healthcare is a significant focus area for AI initiatives, with opportunities in both commercial and government sectors [43][44] Question: What are the growth opportunities on the commercial side? - Management emphasized the need for better client penetration and the deployment of new software licensing opportunities to drive growth [46][47]