Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Evercore reported record third quarter results with adjusted net revenues exceeding $1 billion, reflecting a 42% year-over-year increase, marking the best third quarter in the company's history [6][17] - Adjusted operating income for the third quarter was $228 million, up 69% year-over-year, with adjusted earnings per share reaching $3.48, a 71% increase compared to the previous year [17] - The adjusted operating margin improved to 21.8%, up from 18.2% in the prior year, indicating a nearly 360 basis points improvement [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted advisory fees reached $884 million, a record for the third quarter, reflecting a 49% year-over-year increase [18] - Underwriting revenues were $44 million, down 1% year-over-year but up 36% sequentially, while commissions and related revenue increased 15% year-over-year to $63 million, marking a record third quarter [19] - Private capital advisory business delivered a record third quarter, driven by GP-led continuation fund transactions, with revenues exceeding the full year 2024 total by the end of the third quarter [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment banking environment has strengthened, with increased M&A activity and capital markets transactions returning to the market after earlier volatility [8][9] - Evercore advised on four of the 11 largest global M&A transactions as of the end of the quarter, indicating strong market engagement [12] - The wealth management segment achieved record quarter-end assets under management (AUM) of approximately $15.4 billion, driven by market appreciation and strong new client inflows [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on expanding its client coverage, enhancing product capabilities, and capitalizing on sector and geographic opportunities [7] - Evercore's strategy includes significant recruitment efforts, with a 50% increase in Senior Managing Directors since the end of 2021, positioning the firm for future growth [10] - The company is optimistic about the European market, anticipating continued growth and engagement following the acquisition of Robey Warshaw [53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing investment banking recovery, driven by both cyclical and structural factors, with expectations for continued strengthening into 2026 [9][30] - The potential impact of the government shutdown is being monitored, but management believes it will not have a permanent effect on business operations [40][41] - The company is optimistic about the regulatory environment, expecting a loosening of restrictions that could facilitate deal closures [44] Other Important Information - The adjusted tax rate for the quarter was 28.7%, slightly down from the previous year [24] - The company repurchased approximately 170,000 shares at an average price of $326.62 during the third quarter, returning approximately $624 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current environment and trajectory of activity - Management noted a continued strengthening in the market across various sectors, with high engagement levels and backlogs at record highs [29] Question: Comp leverage and future expectations - Management acknowledged improvements in the compensation ratio but emphasized a focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term comp ratio optimization [33][34] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management indicated that the government shutdown could slow down processes but does not anticipate a permanent impact on deal flow [40][41] Question: Regulatory environment and deal timelines - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment, expecting a more benign atmosphere for deal closures [44] Question: Impact of recent bank losses on client hesitance - Management believes that recent bank losses are isolated incidents and do not broadly impact market confidence [46] Question: Outlook for DCM business and pipeline - Management reported a strengthening pipeline and optimism about upcoming deals, despite potential slowdowns due to the government shutdown [49][50] Question: European market and investment opportunities - Management highlighted a record quarter in Europe and significant white space for growth following the Robey Warshaw acquisition [52][53]

Navient (NasdaqGS:JSM) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 29, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsJoe Fisher - CFODavid Yowan - CEOJen Earyes - Head of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsRyan Shelley - AnalystMoshe Orenbuch - Senior Equity Research AnalystMark DeVries - Senior Equity Research AnalystSanjay Sakhrani - AnalystBill Ryan - Senior Equity AnalystMihir Bhatia - Equity Research AnalystRick Shane - Senior Equity Research AnalystJeff Adelson - AnalystOperatorGood morning and welcome to the Nav ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the third quarter, net sales decreased by 3%, with a 2% decrease in local currency excluding the Kichler divestiture [8][14] - Operating profit was $312 million, with an operating profit margin of 16.3% [8][15] - Earnings per share for the quarter was $0.97 [8][15] - Adjusted earnings per share for 2025 is now anticipated to be in the range of $3.90-$3.95, down from a previous expectation of $3.90-$4.10 [11][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plumbing sales increased by 1% in local currency, with North American plumbing sales also up by 1% driven by favorable pricing [8][9] - Decorative Architectural segment sales decreased by 12%, or 6% excluding the Kichler divestiture, with operating profit for the segment at $128 million and an operating margin of 19.1% [9][10] - Total paint sales decreased in low single digits, with DIY paint sales down mid-single digits due to soft demand [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International plumbing sales were in line with the prior year in local currency, with growth in many European markets but challenges in China [9][16] - The overall market environment remains volatile, with expectations for the U.S. and international repair and remodel markets to decrease low single digits in 2025 [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock opportunities through strong execution, strategic investments, and innovation in product offerings [7][12] - Focus on maintaining agility in response to macroeconomic uncertainties and rising costs while continuing to drive long-term shareholder value [11][13] - The company is committed to capital deployment strategies, returning $188 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in the quarter [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while near-term market conditions are challenging, structural factors for repair and remodel activity remain strong [12][13] - The company is focused on mitigating tariff impacts and expects to continue to gain market share in key growth areas [12][21] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of their brands and innovative products to deliver long-term value [14][13] Other Important Information - The company generated strong free cash flow and maintained a solid balance sheet, with gross debt to EBITDA at 2x at quarter end [18] - The total annualized cost impact of tariffs is estimated to be approximately $270 million, with ongoing efforts to mitigate these costs [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of competitor price increases on paint pricing outlook - Management indicated that they do not expect significant pricing increases on paint as they maintain a price-cost neutrality relationship with The Home Depot [25][27] Question: Long-term impact of tariffs on plumbing margins - Management acknowledged the volatility of tariffs and emphasized ongoing mitigation efforts to offset costs and restore margins over time [28][30] Question: Surprises in plumbing margins for Q3 - Management noted that Q3 results were impacted by tariffs, industry softness, and elevated commodity costs, with some unexpected adjustments in inventory reserves [34][35] Question: Dynamics in builders' hardware business - Management explained that the builders' hardware business faced softness in sales due to industry-wide challenges and a planned shipping process change [37] Question: Clarification on inventory reserves - Management confirmed that inventory-related adjustments were larger than typical due to market conditions, impacting plumbing segment margins [101][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $470 million, with contribution ex-TAC increasing to $288 million, reflecting a year-over-year tailwind from foreign currencies of $6 million [20][24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $105 million, up 28% year-over-year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 36%, up 500 basis points year-over-year [22][24] - Free cash flow was $67 million in Q3, up 74% year-over-year, demonstrating consistent upward momentum in adjusted EPS and free cash flow per share [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In performance media, revenue was $403 million, with contribution ex-TAC at $222 million, up 5% at constant currency [20][21] - Retail media revenue was $67 million, with contribution ex-TAC growing 11% at constant currency to $66 million, up 34% on a two-year stack [22] - Media spend in retail media grew 26% year-over-year, with over 4,100 brands participating [13][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Media spend growth was observed in Asia-Pac and EMEA, while trends in the U.S. were softer but improving [21] - Travel was the fastest-growing vertical, up 24%, while fashion saw an 11% decline [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving into a diversified, multi-channel platform, with about 85% of media spend now outside of desktop display [6][11] - Focus on agentic AI as a major shift in the industry, with plans to integrate AI-driven capabilities into shopping experiences [7][9] - The company announced plans to re-domicile to Luxembourg and replace its current ADS structure with a direct listing on Nasdaq, aimed at enhancing capital management flexibility [17][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and ability to capture shifts in commerce and advertising, anticipating sustained growth and long-term value for shareholders [18][31] - The company expects contribution ex-TAC to grow 3%-4% year-over-year at constant currency for 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin projected at approximately 34% [27][28] Other Important Information - The company is investing in organic growth, value-enhancing acquisitions, and returning capital to shareholders, with $11 million allocated to share repurchases in Q3 [25][26] - The company is focused on building a strong operational fitness to enable greater scale and efficiency, including driving productivity gains through AI-powered tools [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client response to agentic products and CTV growth opportunities - Management highlighted threefold opportunities in agentic products, including internal tools for audience creation and partnerships with AI platforms [34][35] - Investments in CTV are focused on supply-side integrations and demand-side tactics to enhance performance [38][39] Question: Partnership with AI platforms and its impact on e-commerce - Management sees monetization strategies for AI platforms leaning towards native advertising solutions, with a focus on improving product-oriented responses [42][43] Question: Retail media trends and new client ramp-up - Management noted that most Q3 activity was related to existing clients, with new wins starting to ramp up, including the DoorDash partnership [60][61] Question: Adjusted EBITDA beat and re-domicile implications - The beat in adjusted EBITDA was attributed to top-line growth and operational leverage, with no material costs expected from the re-domicile [64][66] Question: Investments required for AI products and retail media headwinds - Management indicated that investments for AI products are within normal scaling, with a slower ramp-up of new clients expected in retail media [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue reached $310 million, up 15% year-over-year, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of revenue growth and the third straight quarter of double-digit year-over-year increases [4][12] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $0.22, up 29% from $0.17 in the prior year [12] - SaaS Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 24% year-over-year to $216 million [4][12] - Total bookings increased by 21% year-over-year, reflecting strong customer demand [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product revenue was $194 million, growing 20% year-over-year and achieving six sequential quarters of product revenue growth [13] - Subscription and support revenue totaled $116 million, up 9% year-over-year, with total recurring revenue growing 8% year-over-year [14] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 61.3%, impacted by industry-wide increases in component costs [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted in Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions, with significant new customer wins [14] - 36 customers spent over $1 million with the company in the quarter, up from 34 last quarter and 27 in the prior year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its footprint in government sectors and enhancing its technology offerings, particularly with Extreme Fabric and Extreme Platform One [6][9] - The introduction of Extreme Platform One is expected to drive future growth, with positive customer feedback noted [5][10] - The company aims to achieve a revenue growth rate of 10% for the full fiscal year 2026, with a focus on large opportunities and increasing market share [11][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering gross margins through price increases and operational efficiencies [15][20] - The company anticipates continued growth in SaaS ARR and recurring revenue, with a target of 35% of total revenue from recurring sources in fiscal 2026 [17] - Management highlighted the competitive landscape, noting opportunities arising from disruptions among larger competitors [27][29] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its corporate responsibility efforts, reducing emissions by 34% since 2021 [11] - The company plans to host an AI Summit to discuss future innovations and strategies [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk more about component price increases impacting gross margins? - Management acknowledged rising prices in memory and optics, indicating plans for price increases to recover costs [20][21] Question: What is the impact of the federal government shutdown on your business? - Management stated that the shutdown has had little to no impact, with opportunities opening up in the federal market due to recent certifications [24][25] Question: How is the competitive environment with Cisco and Juniper? - Management noted confusion in the market due to acquisitions and changes in partner programs, presenting opportunities for the company [27][29] Question: Can you provide metrics on Extreme Platform One's commercial introduction? - Management indicated that it is early for metrics but noted high adoption and excitement about the platform [36][38] Question: What are the long-term gross margin targets? - Management maintained a long-term target of 64% to 66% gross margins, with expectations for recovery from current levels [62][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 reached $60.1 million, reflecting a 23.5% increase compared to Q3 2024 and a 6% sequential increase from Q2 2025 [7][19] - Gross profit for the quarter was $46 million, up from $36.4 million in Q3 2024, resulting in a gross margin of 76.6%, an increase from 74.9% year-over-year [21][22] - Net income for the quarter was $0.7 million or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million or $0.04 per share in Q3 2024 [23] - Adjusted net income was $6.1 million or $0.12 per share, compared to $3.1 million or $0.07 per share in the same period last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong revenue growth was driven by the Avance Nerve Graft and the adoption of the nerve repair algorithm across target markets, with double-digit growth in extremities, oromaxillofacial, and breast markets [7][8] - Active breast ReSensation programs increased by 7% from Q3 2024, with 281 surgeons performing procedures in Q3 2025, representing a 20% increase [13] - The company trained 97 surgeons in extremities year-to-date, exceeding training targets in oromaxillofacial and head and neck markets [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Coverage among commercial payers increased to over 64%, with an estimated 18.1 million additional lives covered for nerve repair using synthetic conduits or allografts [16] - The company is actively engaging with national payers to transition from investigational to standard coverage, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand access [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to generate at least 66% of total revenue growth from high-potential accounts, with a focus on expanding presence and improving salesforce productivity [9] - Innovation remains critical to long-term growth, with ongoing clinical research and development initiatives to support nerve care [14] - The company plans to continue incremental hiring across target markets to enhance coverage and develop nerve care usage [82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic plan and the ability to deliver growth consistent with guidance, despite slight underperformance in high-potential accounts due to the transition from case stock sales [7][10] - The FDA has extended the PDUFA goal date for the Biologics License Application for Avance Nerve Graft to December 5, 2025, which is expected to secure market exclusivity [18] Other Important Information - The company raised its revenue growth guidance for 2025 to at least 19%, expecting revenue of at least $222.8 million [25] - Operating expenses increased to $44.1 million, but as a percentage of revenue, they decreased, indicating improved operating leverage [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Q4 revenue expectations and case stock sales program impact - Management indicated that the $1.6 million revenue increase in Q3 was related to the transition from case stock sales and advised excluding this from Q4 models [30] Question: Comments on BLA and labeling expectations - Management confirmed that the FDA is expected to discuss labeling in November, with the final BLA decision still targeted for December 5 [91] Question: Coverage expansion and its impact post-BLA approval - Management noted that BLA approval would support market development efforts but cautioned against expecting immediate widespread adoption [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted operating income of $3.5 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.60 for the third quarter, with a 36% increase in adjusted operating income and a nearly 47% increase in adjusted EPS year-over-year [5][17] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance was raised to a range of $6.55-$6.65, up from the previous range of $6.30-$6.40 [5][26] - Year-to-date cash flow from operations reached approximately $7.2 billion [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the healthcare benefits segment, revenue was nearly $36 billion, a 9% increase year-over-year, with a medical benefit ratio of 92.8%, down 240 basis points from the prior year [17][18] - The health services segment generated revenues of over $49 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year, although adjusted operating income decreased by 7% to approximately $2.1 billion [21][22] - The pharmacy and consumer wellness segment reported revenues of over $36 billion, a nearly 12% increase year-over-year, with same-store pharmacy sales growing nearly 17% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with medical membership of approximately 26.7 million, flat sequentially but down 445,000 members year-over-year [18] - The retail pharmacy script share grew to approximately 28.9%, reflecting strong performance in the pharmacy market [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming the most trusted healthcare company in America, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across its diversified business [5][15] - Strategic decisions include exiting the individual exchange business and tempering growth in Oak Street Health clinics to improve financial performance [8][9] - The company is investing in technology and leadership to strengthen its healthcare delivery business [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a disciplined and cautious outlook while remaining optimistic about the future, particularly in the Aetna business, which is expected to lead in Medicare Advantage STARS ratings [7][8] - The company anticipates continued growth in enterprise earnings next year, despite near-term market dynamics affecting some client contracts [12][29] - Management highlighted the importance of transparency and cost reduction in the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) space, with a focus on the true cost model [11][41] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $5.7 billion goodwill impairment charge in the healthcare delivery segment, primarily due to strategic changes in clinic growth expectations [9][22] - The company achieved new client wins of nearly $6 billion in the PBM sector, with high retention rates [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on PBM side and future economics - Management acknowledged headwinds in the PBM sector but emphasized the strength of a diversified company and the ongoing transition to a true cost model [34][36] Question: Drivers of PCW business growth - Management highlighted strong execution and strategic investments in technology as key drivers for growth in the pharmacy and consumer wellness segment [46][49] Question: Provider liabilities and impact on MBR - Management clarified that the 100 basis points of provider liabilities were related to historical issues and not expected to continue [55][57] Question: Recontracting efforts at Oak Street - Management indicated a focus on improving the Oak Street Health business and mentioned that the impairment charge was related to clinic growth expectations [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales rose 8% to $687 million, with organic sales increasing 2% year-over-year, reflecting solid sequential improvement in the Americas and continued strength in EMEA and APAC [3][4] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 7% to $133 million, with a slight reduction in adjusted EBITDA margin by about 20 basis points due to the impact of the EWM acquisition [4][11] - Free cash flow conversion exceeded 100% this quarter, driven by strong team performance [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, total sales increased with mid-single-digit growth in the U.S., while equipment and automation also grew mid-single digits [7][11] - EMEA and APAC delivered volume growth of 4%, supported by strong execution in high-growth markets and high single-digit growth in equipment and automation [8][12] - The EWM acquisition contributed approximately 2 points of growth and roughly $1 million in adjusted EBITDA within Q3 results [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed mid-single-digit growth, while Mexico remained stable and South America performed in line with expectations [7][11] - EMEA sales grew 14% year-over-year to $395 million, driven by growth in Asia, India, and the Middle East [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is raising its full-year guidance, expecting total sales of $2.71 billion to $2.73 billion, reflecting around 1% organic growth and contributions from the EWM acquisition [14] - The strategy includes a shift towards equipment and gas control, aiming for EBITDA margins of 22% or more by 2028 [16] - The company is committed to integrating AI into its EBX initiatives to enhance productivity and performance [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its strategy and deliver long-term shareholder value, highlighting a robust pipeline of productivity and transformational projects [4][16] - The management noted that the fourth quarter started positively, with expectations for improved core growth compared to Q3 [53] Other Important Information - The company completed four acquisitions this year, including EWM, which enhances its equipment and automation portfolios [16] - The company is focused on reducing net leverage to one to two times and positioning for accelerated M&A activity in 2026 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sequential improvement in Americas and concerns about deferred automation shipments - Management indicated there was some catch-up but emphasized good execution and stability in Mexico, with positive momentum in the U.S. market [22][23] Question: Strategic fit of EWM and year-one deal model - Management highlighted strong gross margins for EWM and the importance of investing in growth initiatives to drive sales [24][25][26] Question: EBITDA margin decline in the Americas - Management expected the decline and attributed it to investments in sales initiatives and tariff impacts, with confidence in margin expansion for 2026 [30][31] Question: Margin improvement expectations for 2026 - Management outlined three factors for margin improvement: pricing adjustments, tariff-based movements, and ongoing restructuring initiatives [36][37] Question: EMEA and APAC segment performance - Management noted strong orders in high-growth markets and significant share gains in Europe, with expectations for continued momentum [40][41] Question: EWM's legacy distribution and integration - Management described the distribution as complementary, with opportunities to leverage EWM's product lines through ESAB's global network [44][45] Question: Fourth quarter performance expectations - Management indicated a positive start to Q4, expecting core growth to improve from Q3 levels [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter net revenues were $931 million, an increase of more than 2% from $910 million in the year-ago period [16] - Adjusted EPS was $0.42 compared to $0.41 in the year-ago period, reflecting lower interest costs and tax initiatives [17] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $168 million compared to $171 million in the year-ago period [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail revenue of $864 million increased 1% compared to the third quarter of 2023, with retail volume growing 1% excluding foam products [16] - Reynolds Wrap retail sales were up 7%, with volumes outperforming the category [9] - Hefty Waste Bags saw retail takeaways increase by 9%, outperforming the category by 10 points [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating environment remains challenging, particularly for low and middle-income consumers facing cost inflation [8] - The company noted that inflation remains around 3%, above the Fed's target of 2% [33] - Consumer sentiment has declined, with double-digit decreases year to date heading into the holidays [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on innovation and revenue growth management to drive share gains and profitability [39] - A new Chief Commercial Officer is leading growth programs to enhance market share across major customers [9] - The company is investing in high-return projects to support growth and drive margin improvements [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in retail trends and the effectiveness of implemented programs to drive near and long-term results [19] - The company anticipates net revenues to be flat to down 1% for the full year compared to 2024 [19] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining cost discipline in all areas, including SG&A [19] Other Important Information - The company is making progress in managing manufacturing, supply chain, and SG&A costs while driving market share [7] - New product innovations, such as Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer liners, have been recognized for their growth potential [10] - The company is positioned well within its target leverage range of 2x-2.5x EBITDA, allowing for continued investment in growth opportunities [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you see the setup for the important holiday season in terms of promotional intensity and consumer behavior? - Management noted increased promotional activity in waste and food bags but feels confident in navigating the promotional environment [31][32] - Consumer sentiment remains under pressure, with inflation and cooling labor markets impacting lower-income demographics [33][34] Question: Can you elaborate on the risk of retailers shifting store brands to other suppliers? - Management flagged this risk due to economic challenges and uncertainty in supply chains, but expects to win more than lose as a US-centric manufacturer [34] Question: What is the grand plan related to operational capabilities and long-term growth? - The company is focused on driving growth through innovation, revenue growth management, and share gains at the customer level [39] Question: What is the outlook for the tableware business and foam products? - The tableware business is down primarily due to foam headwinds, but profitability has increased despite volume declines [42][43] Question: How is the Hefty Waste and Storage segment performing in terms of profitability and distribution? - The segment continues to perform well, with significant volume growth and effective management of promotional activities [46][47] Question: What is the current state of consumer behavior regarding dining out versus cooking at home? - There are modest tailwinds from increased cooking at home, but rising prices in the marketplace are also a factor [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q3 2025 was $1.281 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6% [10][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $243 million, up 7% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 19%, representing a sequential increase of 400 basis points [14][15] - Adjusted cash flow from operations was $161 million, with adjusted free cash flow at $87 million, indicating strong cash flow generation [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vision Care revenue for Q3 was $736 million, increasing by 6%, driven by growth in both consumer and contact lenses [10][11] - Pharmaceuticals segment revenue was $330 million, representing a 7% increase, with MIEBO contributing $84 million, showing a 71% year-over-year increase [13][14] - Surgical segment revenue was $215 million, a 1% increase, with a 7% growth excluding the enVista recall [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. branded RX business in pharmaceuticals grew by 13%, while the international pharmaceuticals business was up 12% [13][14] - The contact lens market is growing at a low end of the mid-single digit range, with the company outpacing market growth [38][80] - The company reported a 9% growth in the U.S. contact lens market and a 4% growth internationally [12][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three core pillars: Selling Excellence, Operational Excellence, and Disruptive Innovation, with the addition of a fourth pillar, Financial Excellence, aimed at improving cash conversion and margin structure [6][27] - The company plans to showcase its pipeline of innovative products at the upcoming Investor Day, emphasizing sustained, profitable growth [7][10] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong field force and focusing on combination therapies to expand the dry eye market [105] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing growth of the dry eye market, with MIEBO and Xiidra expected to benefit from increased awareness and education [18][104] - The company is monitoring tariff impacts closely, with expectations to offset potential tariff costs in 2025 [16][78] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined execution and resource allocation to drive financial excellence and margin expansion [27][29] Other Important Information - The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance at $5.05 billion to $5.15 billion, representing constant currency growth of approximately 5%-7% [15][16] - Adjusted gross margin for Q3 was 61.7%, reflecting a 130 basis points decrease year-over-year due to product mix and the enVista recall [14][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Commentary on Financial Excellence pillar - Management explained that Financial Excellence focuses on ensuring every dollar spent drives growth and efficiency, emphasizing disciplined execution and better resource allocation [26][27] Question: Insights on contact lens market share - Management noted that the contact lens market is growing in the mid-single digits, with the company growing faster than the market due to new product innovations [38][39] Question: MIEBO and combination therapies - Management discussed the potential for combination therapies to expand the dry eye market, highlighting MIEBO's unique position in treating evaporative dry eye [44][51] Question: Surgical business recovery post-recall - Management reported strong recovery in the enVista IOL platform, with sales approaching pre-recall levels and a focus on regaining market trust [58][60] Question: Sustainability of SG&A leverage - Management indicated that the recent SG&A improvements are sustainable, with a focus on reallocating resources towards revenue generation [66][68] Question: Tariff impact and market growth outlook - Management acknowledged the fluidity of the tariff situation but expressed confidence in the ability to manage and offset impacts, while also noting mixed signals in market growth [78][80]