Q3 2025 Xylem Inc Earnings Call

Turkey, followed by zero after.

After todays presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to ask a question you May Press Star then one on your telephone keypad to withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

Please note that this event is being recorded.

I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Keith Buettner, Vice President of Investor Relations and <unk>. Please go ahead Sir.

Thank you operator, good morning, everyone and welcome to Xylem third quarter 2025 earnings call with me today are Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Pine, and Chief Financial Officer Bill Grogan.

They will provide their perspective on xylem third quarter results and discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2025 outlook.

Following our prepared remarks, we will address questions related to the information covered on the call.

We ask that you. Please keep to one question and then I'll follow up and then return to the queue.

As a reminder, this call and our webcast are accompanied by a slide presentation available in the investors section of our website.

A replay of today's call will be available until midnight November 11th and will be available for playback via the investors section of our website under the heading investor events.

Please turn to slide two.

Speaker #3: Welcome to Xylem . S third quarter , 2020 results conference call . All participants will be in a listen only mode . Should you need assistance , please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key , followed by zero .

Operator: Welcome to Xylem Inc.'s third quarter 2025 results conference call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. Please note that this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Keith Buettner, Vice President of Investor Relations and FP&A. Please go ahead, sir.

We will make some forward looking statements on today's call, including references to future events or developments that we anticipate will or may occur in the future.

These statements are subject to future risks and uncertainties such as those factors described in <unk> Islands. Most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC.

Speaker #3: After today's presentation , there will be an opportunity to ask questions , to ask a question , you may press star then one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #3: To withdraw your question , please press star . Then two . Please note that this event is being recorded . I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Keith Buettner , Vice President of Investor Relations and Fpna .

Please note the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements publicly to reflect subsequent events or circumstances and actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated.

Speaker #3: Please go ahead , sir .

Turn to slide three.

Speaker #4: Thank you . Operator . Good morning , everyone , and welcome to Xylem Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Call . With me today are Chief Executive Officer Matthew and Chief Financial Officer Bill Grogan .

Keith Buettner: Thank you, Operator. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Xylem Inc.'s third quarter 2025 earnings call. With me today are Chief Executive Officer Matthew Pine and Chief Financial Officer Bill Grogan. They will provide their perspective on Xylem Inc.'s third quarter results and discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2025 outlook. Following our prepared remarks, we will address questions related to the information covered on the call. I'll ask that you please keep to one question and a follow-up and then return to the queue. As a reminder, this call and our webcast are accompanied by a slide presentation available in the Investor section of our website. A replay of today's call will be available until midnight, November 11, and will be available for playback via the Investor section of our website under the heading Investor Events. Please turn to slide two.

We have provided you with a summary of key performance metrics, including both GAAP and non-GAAP metrics for purposes of today's call. All references will be on an organic <unk> adjusted basis, unless otherwise indicated and non-GAAP financials have been reconciled for you and are included in the appendix section of the presentation.

Speaker #4: They will provide their perspective on Xylem's third quarter results and discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2025 outlook. Following our prepared remarks, we will address questions related to the information covered on the call.

Now please turn to slide four and I will turn the call over to our CEO Matthew Pine.

Speaker #4: I will ask that you please keep to one question and a follow up , and then return to the Q as a reminder , this call in our webcast are accompanied by a slide presentation available in the investor section of our website .

Thank you Keith good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us I'm pleased to share that the team delivered another great quarter continue our momentum with disciplined execution driving strong results across the business revenue grew in all segments and most end markets with double digit growth in measurement and control solutions in water solutions and services.

Speaker #4: A replay of today's call will be available until midnight November 11th and will be available for playback via the investor section of our website under the heading Investor Events .

We also achieved record quarterly EBIT margin north of 23% expanded 200 basis points year over year, and delivering 23% EPS growth.

Speaker #4: Please turn to slide two . We will make some forward looking statements on today's call , including references to future events or developments that we anticipate will or may occur in the future .

Keith Buettner: We will make some forward-looking statements on today's call, including references to future events or developments that we anticipate will or may occur in the future. These statements are subject to future risks and uncertainties, such as those factors described in Xylem Inc.'s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Please note the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, and actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated. Please turn to slide three. We have provided you with a summary of key performance metrics, including both GAAP and non-GAAP metrics. For the purposes of today's call, all references will be on an organic and/or adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated, and non-GAAP financials have been reconciled for you and are included in the appendix section of the presentation.

It's a great performance by the team supported by healthy demand.

Speaker #4: These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties , such as those factors described in Xylem most recent annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC .

While orders were down slightly against tough comps, we saw notable growth in measurement and control solutions with strong performance across smart metering.

Speaker #4: Please note the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements publicly to reflect subsequent events or circumstances in actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated .

Underscoring the differentiation of our core portfolio.

We continued to see strong demand for our mission critical solutions across all segments.

These results reflect the impact of our commercial and operational momentum as well as the benefits of our ongoing simplification efforts are.

Our 80 20 implementations continue to drive margin improvement and focus our resources on the highest value opportunities.

And we're also moving even faster than anticipated, especially with the restructuring component of our operating model transformation.

Keith Buettner: Now, please turn to slide four, and I will turn the call over to our CEO, Matthew Pine.

These changes we've made to culture processes and structure are enabling faster decisions clearer accountability and better service.

Operator: Thank you, Keith. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. I'm pleased to share that the team delivered another great quarter. Continue our momentum with disciplined execution, driving strong results across the business. Revenue grew in all segments in most end markets with double-digit growth in Measurement & Control Solutions and Water Solutions & Services. We also achieved record quarterly EBITDA margin north of 23%, expanding 200 basis points year over year and delivering 23% EPS growth. It's a great performance by the team, supported by healthy demand. While orders were down slightly against tough comps, we saw notable growth in Measurement & Control Solutions with strong performance across smart metering, underscoring the differentiation of our core portfolio. We continue to see strong demand for our mission-critical solutions across all segments.

The team's impact on increasing quality of our customer experience is a great example.

We began set new xylem benchmarks for on time performance.

That serves to strengthen our customer relationships and reinforce our reputation for reliability.

Solid execution is deepening trust with our customers at the same time, it's expanding margins and they see the benefit and how we partner with them on innovation.

Because 80 20 focuses our energy and resources on their most important challenges.

As we've often said 80 20 isn't a cost out tool it's about resource allocation.

<unk> us redeploy capacity to the areas of our portfolio and customer base, where value and impact are greatest.

Which is aligned with our strategy of portfolio optimization and disciplined capital deployment.

Operator: These results reflect the impact of our commercial and operational momentum, as well as the benefits of our ongoing simplification efforts. Our 80/20 implementations continue to drive margin improvement and focus our resources on the highest value opportunities. We're also moving even faster than anticipated, especially with the restructuring component of our operating model transformation. These changes we've made to culture, processes, and structure are enabling faster decisions, clearer accountability, and better service. The team's impact on increasing quality of our customer experience is a great example. We began setting new Xylem benchmarks for on-time performance. That serves to strengthen our customer relationships and reinforce our reputation for reliability. Solid execution is deepening trust with our customers. At the same time, it's expanding margins, and they see the benefit in how we partner with them on innovation because 80/20 focuses our energy and resources on their most important challenges.

It's that discipline and mindset that led to divesting the international metering business, which we announced earlier this month.

The sale of concentrates are focused on Ams technologies in markets, where we have the strongest differentiation and are best positioned for profitable growth.

Turning to our outlook, given our performance and resilient market demand, we are raising our full year guidance for revenue margin and EPS.

Our guide reflects confidence in the team's ability to deliver our commitments, even as we manage through continuing macro uncertainty.

We expect our momentum to continue through the end of the year and beyond and we're solidly on track to deliver our long term financial framework.

With that I'll turn it over to bill to walk through the quarter's results, our financial position and our updated outlook in more detail Bill.

Thanks, Matthew Please turn to slide five.

We're very pleased with the strong quarter and year to date progress ongoing simplification efforts have improved our organizational agility and risk management effectiveness positioning us to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Operator: As we've often said, 80/20 isn't a cost-out tool. It's about resource allocation, helping us redeploy capacity to the areas of our portfolio and customer base where value and impact are greatest, which is aligned with our strategy of portfolio optimization and disciplined capital deployment. It's that discipline and mindset that led to divesting the international metering business, which we announced earlier this month. The sale concentrates our focus on AMI technologies in markets where we have the strongest differentiation and are best positioned for profitable growth. Turning to our outlook, given our performance and resilient market demand, we're raising our full-year guidance for revenue, margin, and EPS. Our guide reflects confidence in the team's ability to deliver our commitments, even as we manage through continuing macro uncertainty.

We anticipate further benefits as we continue advancing our simplification initiatives through our operating model transformation and fully leverage the advantages of our 80 20 implementations.

Demand across our business is healthy and our year to date book to Bill ratio remains near one.

Orders were down 2% in the quarter, but against tough comps with softness in China, mostly offset by growth in the U S and western Europe.

Backlog remains robust closing the quarter at approximately $5 billion.

Revenue growth was strong at 7% in the quarter ahead of our expectations driven by outperformance at Mcs Nws's US North America was particularly strong in the quarter, while we grew across most regions and end markets.

EBITDA margin expanded 200 basis points year over year, driven by productivity pricing and volume more than offsetting inflation investments and mix.

Operator: We expect our momentum to continue through the end of the year and beyond, and we're solidly on track to deliver a long-term financial framework. With that, I'll turn it over to Bill to walk through the quarter's results, our financial position, and our updated outlook in more detail. Bill?

Increased operational discipline continues to come through in our results with Q3 EPS of $1 37 up 23% versus the prior year.

Bill Grogan: Thanks, Matthew. Please turn to slide five. We're very pleased with the strong quarter and year-to-date progress. Ongoing simplification efforts have improved our organizational agility and risk management effectiveness, positioning us to navigate uncertainty with confidence. We anticipate further benefits as we continue advancing our simplification initiatives through our operating model transformation and fully leverage the advantages of our 80/20 simplification initiatives. Demand across the business is healthy, and our year-to-date book-to-bill ratio remains near one. Orders were down 2% in the quarter, but against tough comps, with softness in China mostly offset by growth in the U.S. and Western Europe. Backlog remains robust, closing the quarter at approximately $5 billion. Revenue growth was strong at 7% in the quarter, ahead of our expectations, driven by outperformance in Measurement & Control Solutions and Water Solutions & Services.

Year to date free cash flow was down modestly primarily due to outsourced water projects and restructuring payments, mostly offset by higher net income and improved networking capital.

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA stands at <unk>, four times, reflecting our strong balance sheet and capacity for continued investment.

Let's turn to slide six.

We had fantastic results across the segments, starting with measurement and control solutions.

Demand for our Ams solutions remains robust as orders grew 11% organically with strength across water and energy metering.

Backlog remains healthy at $1 5 billion.

Revenue was also up 11% driven by energy meeting metering demand and backlog execution.

EBITDA margin was up 60 basis points year over year to 21, 8% driven by productivity price and higher volumes offset in part by mix and inflation.

Bill Grogan: North America was particularly strong in the quarter while we grew across most regions and in markets. EBITDA margin expanded 200 basis points year over year, driven by productivity, pricing, and volume, more than offsetting inflation investments in mix. Increased operational discipline continues to come through in our results, with Q3 EPS of $1.37 up 23% versus the prior year. Year-to-date free cash flow is down modestly, primarily due to outsourced water projects and restructuring payments, mostly offset by higher net income and improved net working capital. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA stands at 0.4 times, reflecting our strong balance sheet and capacity for continued investment. Let's turn to slide six. We had fantastic results across the segments, starting with Measurement & Control Solutions. Demand for our AMI technologies remains robust as orders grew 11% organically, with strength across water and energy metering. Backlog remains healthy at $1.5 billion.

As Matthew mentioned at the end of the quarter, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our international metering business.

The business, which includes water and heat meters generated around $250 million of revenue in full year 2024, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin of less than 10%.

We expect to close in early 2026 with a selling price of $125 million. This will drive a 100 basis point margin improvement in the Mcs segment on a run rate basis.

The divestiture will allow us to focus on the North American meter market, where we have substantial competitive differentiation with the only FCC license proprietary bandwidth on our flex net fixed network, serving water gas and electric utility customers.

And water infrastructure.

<unk> remained strong across most regions and end markets book.

Book to Bill was above one despite orders declining by 2% against difficult comps.

Significant softness in China and funding timing from the Amp cycle in the UK were the primary drivers of the decline.

Bill Grogan: Revenue was also up 11%, driven by energy metering demand and backlog execution. EBITDA margin was up 60 basis points year over year to 21.8%, driven by productivity, price, and higher volumes, offset in part by mix and inflation. As Matthew mentioned, at the end of the quarter, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our international metering business. The business, which includes water and heat meters, generated around $250 million of revenue in full year 2024, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin of less than 10%. We expect to close in early 2026 with a selling price of $125 million. This will drive a 100 basis point margin improvement in the MCS segment on a run-rate basis.

Revenue grew 5% led by strong demand in transport and treatment and growth in most regions with double digit growth in the U S.

EBITDA margin expanded a robust 400 basis points to 24, 4% driven by productivity price and mix, partially offset by inflation and volume and investments.

And the team continues to get significant traction with our <unk> thousand 20 efforts as treatment starts to replicate the success, we have realized in transport.

Applied water continued its turnaround in the year with orders growth in the quarter, just edging into positive territory, making its seventh consecutive quarter of gains. The result was driven by strength in the U S, mostly offset by a significant slowdown in China.

Bill Grogan: The divestiture will allow us to focus on the North American meter market, where we have substantial competitive differentiation with the only FCC-licensed proprietary bandwidth on our FlexNet fixed network, serving water, gas, and electric utility customers. In Water Infrastructure, demand remains strong across most regions and end markets. Book-to-bill was above one, despite orders declining by 2% against difficult comps. Significant softness in China and funding timing from the AMPEC cycle in the UK were the primary drivers of the decline. Revenue grew 5%, led by strong demand in transport and treatment and growth in most regions, with double-digit growth in the U.S. EBITDA margin expanded a robust 400 basis points to 24.4%, driven by productivity, price, and mix, partially offset by inflation, volume, and investments. The team continues to get significant traction with their 80/20 efforts as treatment starts to replicate the success we have realized in transport.

Revenue increased 1% with growth in both the U S and western Europe and strength in building solutions again, partially offset by China.

EBITDA margin expanded 310 basis points to 21, 7% driven by productivity mix and price, partially offset by inflation investments in volume.

Applied water continues to gain traction from 80 20, as it accelerates both productivity and growth.

And in water solutions and services orders were down 11% against really tough comps driven by timing of capital projects, though year to date book to Bill remains above one.

Revenue grew 10% with contributions from capital projects to watering and services.

EBITDA margin expanded 160 basis points to 26, 3%, reflecting strong execution on price volume and productivity, partially offset by inflation mix and investments, let's move to slide seven.

We're updating our annualized tariff outlook based on the current rates, noting the fluid nature of the impacts as of today, our updated annualized impact is roughly $180 million with the inclusion of additional section 232 derivative tariffs.

Bill Grogan: Applied Water continued its turnaround in the year, with orders growth in the quarter just edging into positive territory, making it its seventh consecutive quarter of gains. The result was driven by strength in the U.S., mostly offset by a significant slowdown in China. Revenue increased 1%, with growth in both the U.S. and Western Europe and strength in building solutions, again partially offset by China. EBITDA margin expanded 310 basis points to 21.7%, driven by productivity, mix, and price, partially offset by inflation, investments, and volume. Applied Water continues to gain traction from 80/20 as it accelerates both productivity and growth. In Water Solutions & Services, orders were down 11% against really tough comps, driven by timing of capital projects, though year-to-date book-to-bill remains above one. Revenue grew 10% with contributions from capital projects to watering and services.

While there remains uncertainty around final timing and tariff levels. We are confident that the pricing actions and available supply chain levers will allow us to substantially offset the current impact, though we expect a slight margin dilutive effect.

We have not seen a meaningful volume impact on the business due to tariffs, but decision, making has taken a bit longer than normal given the uncertainty.

Let's turn to slide eight.

Given our strong year to date performance and execution momentum we are again, raising our full year guidance. We now expect full year revenue of roughly $9 billion.

Representing 5% to 6% total growth and 4% to 5% organic growth.

EBITDA margin is expected to be 22 to 22, 3%, reflecting 140 to 170 basis points of expansion versus prior year.

Bill Grogan: EBITDA margin expanded 160 basis points to 26.3%, reflecting strong execution on price, volume, and productivity, partially offset by inflation, mix, and investments. Let's move to slide seven. We're updating our annualized tariff outlook based on the current rates, noting the fluid nature of the impacts. As of today, our updated annualized impact is roughly $180 million, with the inclusion of additional Section 232 derivative tariffs. While there remains uncertainty around final timing and tariff levels, we are confident that the pricing actions and available supply chain levers will allow us to substantially offset the current impact, though we expect a slight margin dilutive effect. We have not seen a meaningful volume impact on the business due to tariffs, but decision-making has taken a bit longer than normal given the uncertainty. Let's turn to slide eight.

Up from the previous guide of 21, 3% to 21, 8%, primarily due to an acceleration of our restructuring and simplification efforts.

We are further raising our EPS guide to $5 three to $5 eight.

Up from $4 70 to $4 85.

Free cash flow margin expectation remains at 9% to 10%.

For the fourth quarter, we expect revenue of approximately $2 $4 billion with 2% to 3% organic growth and as a reminder, we grew 7% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

EBITDA margin is expected to be roughly 23% and EPS is expected to be $1 37 to $1 42.

We have a strong trajectory as we close out the fiscal year, while there continues to be macro uncertainty, particularly around tariffs and FX movements. The team is doing a great job controlling what we can control and building a systematic process to deliver results.

Bill Grogan: Given our strong year-to-date performance and execution momentum, we are again raising our full-year guidance. We now expect full-year revenue of roughly $9 billion, representing 5% to 6% total growth and 4% to 5% organic growth. EBITDA margin is expected to be 22% to 22.3%, reflecting 140 to 170 basis points of expansion versus prior year, up from the previous guide of 21.3% to 21.8%, primarily due to an acceleration of our structuring and simplification efforts. We are further raising our EPS guide to $5.03 to $5.08, up from $4.70 to $4.85. Free cash flow margin expectation remains at 9% to 10%. For the fourth quarter, we expect revenue of approximately $2.4 billion, with 2% to 3% organic growth. As a reminder, we grew 7% in the fourth quarter of 2024. EBITDA margin is expected to be roughly 23%, and EPS is expected to be $1.37 to $1.42.

We have confidence in our ability to meaningful meaningfully outperform our initial guidance set out in February supported by strong demand backlog execution and accelerated benefits from simplification, let's turn to slide nine and I'll turn it back to Matthew.

Thanks, Bill before we move to Q&A I want to highlight some great work. The team has done with Amazon in two of our large municipal customers on a couple of projects, we announced during the quarter.

There are great example of how as islands leadership in digital water solutions positions us in a global economy being transformed by artificial intelligence.

Together with Amazon, we're deploying xylem view advanced analytics in Mexico City and Monterey.

Helping the city saved more than 1 billion liters of water each year.

This partnership is a model for how hyperscale and communities can collaborate to ensure water security for both businesses and residents and it's a clear example of how our solutions are creating meaningful impact for customers and communities.

That's only going to become more consequential is AI infrastructure expands.

Attention is focused on data centers, which is understandable datacenters consume a lot of water. So they present clear applications for water management and reuse solutions that AI is water footprint is much much larger.

Bill Grogan: We have a strong trajectory as we close out the fiscal year. While there continues to be macro uncertainty, particularly around tariffs and FX movements, the team is doing a great job controlling what we can control and building a systematic process to deliver results. We have confidence in our ability to meaningfully outperform our initial guidance set out in February, supported by strong demand, backlog execution, and accelerated benefits from simplification. Let's turn to slide nine, and I'll turn it back to Matthew.

The whole AI value chain runs on water.

Alongside data center build outs water demand is growing across key verticals like power generation chip fabrication and mining for essential minerals.

And examples like the work with Amazon in Mexico, we see the potential for water solutions that resolve the difficult trade offs between economic growth and community wellbeing by effectively providing for both.

Keith Buettner: Thanks, Bill. Before we move to Q&A, I want to highlight some great work the team has done with Amazon and two of our large municipal customers on a couple of projects we announced during the quarter. They're a great example of how Xylem's leadership in digital water solutions positions us in a global economy being transformed by artificial intelligence. Together with Amazon, we're deploying Xylem's View advanced analytics in Mexico City and Monterrey, helping these cities save more than a billion liters of water each year. This partnership is a model for how hyperscalers and communities can collaborate to ensure water security for both businesses and residents, and it's a clear example of how our solutions are creating meaningful impact for customers and communities. That's only going to become more consequential as AI infrastructure expands. Attention is focused on data centers, which is understandable.

Is AI shapes and new economy, we are optimistic about the opportunity to have positive impact on both customers and on the communities that they serve increasing water security for both.

That optimism is built on both underlying macro trends and on solid foundations. The team has been building positioning xylem for sustainable long term growth.

The word simplification can make it sound easy, but our strong performance over the last several quarters is a function of the team's dedication drive and tireless execution.

Our self help initiatives, including 80 20 portfolio optimization and our operating model transformation are all delivering results if anything we're moving a little faster than expected.

Overall, we have a positive outlook for the remainder of the year, we're well on track to deliver our long term financial framework and we are strongly positioned to drive sustainable growth and value creation over the cycle.

Keith Buettner: Data centers consume a lot of water, so they present clear applications for water management and reuse solutions. AI's water footprint is much, much larger. The whole AI value chain runs on water. Alongside data center build-outs, water demand is growing across key verticals like power generation, chip fabrication, and mining for essential minerals. In examples like the work with Amazon in Mexico, we see the potential for water solutions that resolve the difficult trade-offs between economic growth and community well-being by effectively providing for both. As AI shapes a new economy, we're optimistic about the opportunity to have positive impact on both customers and on the communities that they serve, increasing water security for both. That optimism is built on both underlying macro trends and on solid foundations the team has been building, positioning Xylem for sustainable long-term growth.

With that operator, let's open the line for questions.

Thank you.

We will now begin the question and answer session to ask a question you May Press Star then one on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone. Please pick up your handset before pressing the keys to withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster.

And your first question today will come from Andy Kaplowitz with Citigroup. Please go ahead.

Good morning, everyone nice quarter.

Hey, good morning, Andy Thank you.

Bill you are now expecting 140 to 170 basis points of EBITDA margin improving from 25, I think your Investor day algorithm has been 100 basis points per year, and obviously segments such as water infrastructure and applied have had substantial 80 20 benefits. So far so the obvious question becomes how much improvement is still left in the tank can you continue to get.

Keith Buettner: The word simplification can make it sound easy, but our strong performance over the last several quarters is a function of the team's dedication, drive, and tireless execution. Our self-help initiatives, including 80/20, portfolio optimization, and our operating model transformation, are all delivering results. If anything, we're moving a little faster than expected. Overall, we have a positive outlook for the remainder of the year. We're well on track to deliver our long-term financial framework, and we are strongly positioned to drive sustainable growth and value creation over the cycle. With that, Operator, let's open the line for questions.

And then 100 basis points off the higher base as you go into 2006 and beyond and is it time to start thinking about a higher potential 2007, adjusted EBITDA margin versus Investor day target.

Okay.

Great question.

As a reminder for folks that may have not heard our investor day numbers, we put out 4% to 6% growth with 23% EBITDA margin by 2027 now.

To be fair, we did finish 2024 26, so there was 300 basis points up to 26.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. Your first question today will come from Andy Kaplovitz with Citigroup. Please go ahead.

We are guiding to to your point 22, plus for this year ahead of schedule. So theres likely some upside to our long term targets right now we're focused on delivering on 2025 commitments and quite frankly working to dial in 2026 are still a lot of.

Noise out there macro we're trying to digest and internally, there's a lot of good things going on that we're trying to calibrate as well.

And we will have.

A lot more detail in February, but I would say, we've made great progress and I would Andy called this the first phase of our journey and that was really around transforming our operating model both around our culture, our processes and our structure.

[Unknown Speaker]: Good morning, everyone. Next quarter.

Keith Buettner: Hey, good morning, Andy.

Operator: Thank you.

[Unknown Speaker]: Bill, you're now expecting 140 to 170 basis points of EBITDA margin improvement for 2025. I think your investor day algorithm has been 100 basis points per year. Obviously, segments such as Water Infrastructure and Applied Water have had substantial 80/20 benefits so far. The obvious question becomes how much improvement is still left in the tank. Can you continue to get that 100 basis points off the higher base as you go into 2026 and beyond? Is it time to start thinking about a higher potential 2027 adjusted EBITDA margin versus your investor day target?

And this work never ends it's.

These ongoing but.

What we're trying to do in the next phase of our journey as we move out of phase one we've taken enough ground into phase III is to leverage that simplification that we created to drive our growth engine in what we call phase two.

And some examples of that would be enterprise account management targeted selling, especially with our <unk> customers.

Customers would call raving fans.

Lost a higher base as you go into 26 and Beyond and is it time to start thinking about a higher potential, 27, adjusted Eva dumb margin versus your investor day Target.

And to leverage what we've done in 2020 to redeploy effort for innovation as well so.

Keith Buettner: Great question. Just as a reminder for folks that may have not heard our investor day numbers, we had put out 4% to 6% growth with 23% EBITDA margin by 2027. Now, excuse me, to be fair, we did finish 2024 at 20.6%, so there were 300 basis points up to 20.6%. We're guiding, to your point, 22% plus for this year ahead of schedule. There's likely some upside to our long-term targets. Right now we're focused on delivering on 2025 commitments. Quite frankly, working to dial in 2026, there's still a lot of noise out there or macro we're trying to digest. Internally, there's a lot of good things going on that we're trying to calibrate as well. We'll have a lot more detail in February. I would say we've made great progress. I would, Andy, call this the first phase of our journey.

Maybe the last thing I would I would also comment.

What I would call phase III is getting after our long term competitiveness by doubling down on some of our core franchises like North American metrology, Hence you saw the divestiture of the international business.

Commercial services, our transport business, where we really have strong position so.

Uh, great question. Um you know just as a reminder for folks that may have not heard our investor day numbers. You know, we we put out 4 to 6% growth with 23% even a margin by 2027. Now, excuse me, to be fair, we did finish 2024 at 20.6 so there was 300 basis points off to 20.6.

M&A that aligns to our value mapping and leveraging the strong balance sheet that we that we.

So I would say that we have a lot left in the tank there is more on margins, but more holistically really this in our first phase of our journey and making good progress.

Very helpful and then.

Macro, we're trying to digest and and internally there's a lot of good things going on that. We're trying to calibrate as well.

I know you had difficult comparisons in Q3, and Mcs CAE is still delivered 11% order growth.

The strength broad based in energy and water meters has that strength said that for 2026 and that segment does it mean good visibility toward growth.

Keith Buettner: That was really around transforming our operating model, both around our culture, our processes, and our structure. This work never ends. It's always ongoing. What we're trying to do in the next phase of our journey as we move out of phase one, we've taken enough ground into phase two, is to leverage that simplification that we created to drive our growth engine in what we call phase two. Some examples of that would be enterprise account management, targeted selling, especially with our A customers, customers we call raving fans, and to leverage what we've done in 80/20 to redeploy effort for innovation as well. Maybe the last thing I would also comment on, what I would call phase three, is getting after our long-term competitiveness by doubling down on some of our core franchises, like North America Metrology.

And we'll have you know a lot more detail in February. But I would say, you know, we've made great progress and I would Andy call this the first phase of our journey and that was really around Transforming Our operating model, both around our culture, our processes and our structure.

Both smart energy and water meters in 'twenty six.

Yes, I mean in Mcs overall demand is still healthy right. Our pipeline is strong and the fundamental growth drivers for IMI adoption are still solid.

We don't have a concern about funding here in the short term that's been raised a little bit and we have a long way to go on Ami adoption, we're still less than 50% there more through the deployment of calibration phase, which took almost a year.

But we sit with.

Pretty strong backlog level at $1 5 billion, which is down versus last year, but reflecting a more move towards a more normalization to historical levels kind of after the full supply chain surge in this project redeployment phase and we're typically around 60% of the following year sales and we're getting closer to that balance.

And you know this work never ends it's it's always ongoing but you know what we're trying to do in the next phase of our journey is we move out of phase 1. We've taken enough ground into phase 2 is to leverage that simplification that we've created to drive our growth engine and what we call Phase 2 and some examples of that would be Enterprise account management, targeted selling, especially with our a customers customers. We call raving fans and to leverage what we've done in 80/20 to redeploy effort for Innovation as well. So,

Keith Buettner: Hence, you saw the divestiture of the international business, commercial services, our transport business, where we really have strong positions. M&A that aligns to our value mapping and leveraging the strong balance sheet that we have. I would say that we have a lot left in the tank. There's more on margins, but more holistically, really just in our first phase of our journey and making good progress.

This order strength in Q3 up 11% it was across both water and energy meters.

We have a really strong commercial funnel and continue to gain share with our largest 4400.

you know, maybe the last thing I would I would also comment. Um what I would call phase 3 is getting after a long-term competitiveness by doubling down. On some of our core franchises, like North America Metrology, hence you saw the destitute of the international business, uh commercial, you know, services our transport business where we really have strong positions. So, and, you know, m&a that aligns to our value mapping and leveraging, the strong balance sheet that we, that we have. So I would say that we have a lot left in the tank, there's more on margins but more holistically.

Municipalities that account for about 80% of the Ami market.

Q4, we've talked about all year, we think we will be back to a book to bill positive.

Really just in our first phase of our journey and uh making good progress.

[Unknown Speaker]: Very helpful. Matthew, your difficult comparisons in Q3 and MCS, yet you still delivered 11% order growth. Is the strength broad-based in energy and water meters? How does that strength set Xylem up for 2026 in that segment? Does it mean good visibility toward growth in both smart energy and water meters in 2026?

As we see some of the water meter project wins convert to orders and our energy funnel still remains robust so.

Q4, shaping up really well are expected to be up double digits on the water side, making our what our water growth in the back half kind of mid single digits Mcs sales will be up sequentially two from the third quarter to the fourth quarter and the outlook for 2026 remains in our long term framework of high single digits.

Very helpful. And then, Mabel, you're making difficult comparisons in Q3 and MCS. Yeah, you still delivered 11% order growth. Is that strength broad-based in energy and water meters? How does that strength set us up for 2026 in that segment? Does it mean good visibility toward growth in both Smart Energy and water meters in 2026?

Bill Grogan: Yeah, I mean, in MCS, overall demand is still healthy, right? Our pipeline is strong, and the fundamental growth drivers for AMI adoption are still solid. We don't have a concern about funding here in the short term. That's been raised a little bit, and we have a long way to go on AMI adoption. We're still less than 50% there. We're through the deployment calibration phase, which took almost a year. We sit with a pretty strong backlog level at $1.5 billion, which is down versus last year, but reflecting a move towards a more normalization to historical levels, kind of after the post-supply chain surge and this project redeployment phase. We're typically around 60% of the following year's sales, and we're getting closer to that balance. This order strength in Q3, up 11%, was across both water and energy meters.

yeah, I I mean an MCS overall

is still healthy, right?

Very helpful guys. Thanks.

Thank you.

And your next question today will come from Deane Dray with RBC capital markets. Please go ahead.

Thank you good morning, everyone.

Good morning Deane.

That was a really nice earnings quality this quarter between organic revenue incrementals in cash flow. So you can check the box there.

Would like to hear a bit about.

The government shutdown.

Lot of questions about that just kind of what are the ripple effects too.

That drill funding state and local.

Have you had some project spend delayed because of that.

And just kind of what does that mean for the setup into 'twenty six.

Bill Grogan: We have a really strong commercial funnel and continue to gain share with our largest 4,400 municipalities that account for about 80% of the AMI market. Q4, we've talked about all year, we think we're going to be back to a book-to-bill positive as we see some of the water meter project wins convert to orders, and our energy funnel still remains robust. Q4 is shaping up really well. We're expected to be up double digits on the water side, making our water growth in the back half kind of mid-single digits. MCS sales will be up sequentially too from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. The outlook for 2026 remains in our long-term framework of high single digits.

Yeah on the government shutdown front, we havent seen anything meaningful funding mechanisms have always been slow to move in general in this space, especially with municipalities.

Wrong and the fundamental growth drivers for AMI. Adoption are still solid. Um, you know, we don't have a concern about funding here in the short term. That's been raised a little bit and we have a long way to go on Ami adoption, we're still less than 50% there. Um, we're through the deployment calibration phase which took almost a year, uh, but we sit with, you know, pretty strong backlog level at, uh, 1.5 billion dollars which is down versus last year, but reflecting a more move towards a more normalization to historical levels. Kind of after the post supply chain surge in this project redeployment phase and we're typically around 60% of of the following year sales. And we're we're getting closer to that balance this order strength in in Q3 up 11% it was across both water and energy meters. Um we we have a really strong commercial funnel and continue to gain share with our largest

And previously allocated funds will still make their way down to fund projects. So.

Now, we don't see any meaningful impact in the near term there could be a pause on EPA grant application reviews, but I don't see that thats going to have any material impact on Q4, where quite frankly on the full year of 2026. So.

All in all we feel good about the municipal.

<unk> not only in the U S, but more broadly across the globe.

Really good to hear and I appreciate the answer to Andy's question about.

[Unknown Speaker]: Very helpful, guys. Thanks.

Uh, 4400, uh, municipalities that account for about 80% of the Ami Market. Um, Q4, we've talked about all year, where we think we're going to be back to a book to Bill positive. Um, you know, as we, we see some of the water meter project wins convert to orders, and our energy funnel Still Remains robust. So, um, you know, Q4 shaping up, uh, really well or expected to be up, double digits, on the water side, making our, our water growth in the back half kind of mid single digits. MCS sales will be up, sequentially to from the third quarter, uh, to the fourth quarter, uh and the outlook for 2026 remains in our, our long-term framework of high single digits,

Keith Buettner: Thank you.

Very helpful guys. Thanks.

Operator: Your next question today will come from Deane Dray with RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Thank you.

The <unk> implementation entering phase two but can you just step back on 80 20, because there was such high expectations and there are still high expectations about the fundamental changes that are happening at xylem.

[Analyst]: Thank you. Good morning, everyone.

And your next question today will come from Dean Dre with RBC Capital markets. Please go ahead.

Keith Buettner: Hey, good morning, Deane.

Thank you. Good morning everyone.

[Analyst]: Hey, that was a really nice earnings quality this quarter between organic revenue, incrementals, and cash flow. You can check the box there. Would like to hear a bit about the government shutdown. We're getting a lot of questions about that. Just kind of, you know, what are the ripple effects into, you know, from federal funding to state and local? Have just some projects been delayed because of that? What does that mean for the setup into 2026?

Hey, good morning. Dean

Broadly what inning are you when you have all the business has gone through their first implementation.

And kind of where do you go from here in terms of further divestitures at the margin should we be expecting anything like that in the next couple of quarters.

Hey, that was uh really nice earnings quality. Uh, this quarter between organic revenue and incremental and cash flow. So um, you can check the box there. Um,

Okay.

Start us out here.

80, 20 as you can tell by the results really starting to take hold almost two years into our transformation.

Keith Buettner: Yeah, on the government shutdown front, we haven't seen anything meaningful. Funding mechanisms have always been slow to move in general in this space, especially with the municipalities. Previously allocated funds will still make their way down to fund projects. Right now we don't see any meaningful impact. In the near term, there could be a pause on EPA grant application reviews, but I don't see that that's going to have any material impact on Q4 or, quite frankly, on the full year of 2026. All in all, we feel good about the municipal resilience, not only in the U.S. but more broadly across the globe.

Would like to hear a bit about um, the government shutdown. Uh, we're getting a lot of questions about that. Just kind of, you know, what are the Ripple effects into, you know, from federal funding to State and local, you know, have just some projects, been delayed because of that and and just kind of what does that mean for the setup into 26?

And I would say that each quarter. The team continues to take another step towards what we call a simplifying xylem so.

Its moving from a tool set.

Yeah, on the government shutdown front, we haven't seen anything meaningful. Um funding mechanisms have always been slow to move in general in this space especially with municipalities

More of a critical piece on how we run the business, which is in my mind more cultural so that's very strong evidence that the things are progressing in a positive way.

As I said in my opening remarks. It also provides this kind of what I would call that maniacal focus on resource allocation, which is really really important for any company. So.

That's going to have any material impact on Q4 or or quite frankly on the full year of 2026. So,

To answer your question more specifically, 80% of the business.

Is in some phase of the implementation with our dewatering business globally, our analytics business and our treatment business the.

All in all, we feel good about the municipal, um, resilience not only in the US, but more broadly across the globe.

[Analyst]: Really good to hear. I appreciate the answer to Andy's question about the 80/20 implementation and entering phase two. Can you just step back on 80/20? There were such high expectations, and there are still high expectations about the fundamental changes that are happening at Xylem. Broadly, what inning are you in? Have all the businesses gone through their first implementation? Where do you go from here in terms of further divestitures at the margin? Should we be expecting anything like that in the next couple of quarters?

The most recent divisions to start the implementation of 80 20.

Treatment being probably one of the bigger divisions, we have so far to date going into the tool and we will see some meaningful impact to that division of our company.

As you see from the results we are moving with more speed accountability customer focus one thing I talk a lot about is on time performance and quality metrics of the health of your company.

On time performance with our customers.

<unk> reached a record high and its nearing what I would deem best in class in terms of industrial companies.

Keith Buettner: Okay. I'll start us out here, Deane. You know, 80/20 is, as you can tell by the results, really starting to take hold, almost two years into our transformation. I would say that each quarter, the team continues to take another step towards what we call simplifying Xylem. It's moving from a tool set to more of a critical piece on how we run the business, which is, in my mind, more cultural. That's very strong evidence that things are progressing in a positive way. As I said in my opening remarks, it also provides this kind of what I would call a maniacal focus on resource allocation, which is really, really important for any company.

Um, really good to hear. And I appreciate the answer to Andy's question about uh the 8020 implementation and, you know, entering Phase 2, but can you just step back on 8020 because there was such high expectations and there are still high expectations about the fundamental changes that are happening at xylem. You know, broadly what inning are. You have all the businesses gone through their first implementation? Um, and kind of, where do you go from here in terms of, you know, further the passengers at the margin? Should we be expecting anything like that in the next couple of quarters?

Our performance to their customers so.

Yes, maybe the last thing I would say another proof point is just the margin improvement youre seeing in the legacy xylem businesses with applied water and water infrastructure.

Okay, I'll start us out here. Um, Dean you know, 80/20 is is you can tell by the results, uh, really starting to take hold, you know, almost 2 years into our transformation.

Over the past several quarters so.

Just one thing I just want to highlight for those listening we're going to continue to walk away from revenue.

You know, and I would say that each quarter, the team continues to take another step towards what we call simplifying Xylem. So,

Deane, we do have divestitures.

We obviously will have just about 1% this year and divestiture and about 1% of acquisition this year.

Kind of almost washing, but obviously the international metrology piece will happen next year. It is a core focus we've talked publicly about $400 million to $600 million of things that will be pruning on the portfolio and we're still kind of tracking there, but the walkaway business will be a little bit more in 2026.

You know it's it's moving from a tool set um to more of a critical piece on how we run the business which is in my mind more cultural. So it's that's very strong evidence that the things are progressing in in a positive way. Um as I said in my opening remarks it also provides this kind of what I would call the maniacal, focus on resource allocation.

Keith Buettner: To answer your question more specifically, 80% of the business is in some phase of the implementation with our dewatering business globally, our analytics business, and our treatment business, the most recent divisions to start the implementation of 80/20. Treatment being probably one of the bigger divisions we have so far to date going into the tool. We'll see some meaningful impact to that division of our company. As you see from the results, we're moving with more speed, accountability, customer focus. One thing I talk a lot about is on-time performance and quality as metrics of the health of your company. On-time performance with our A customers reached a record high, and it's nearing what I would deem best in class in terms of industrial companies' performance to their customers.

Which is really, really important, uh, for any company. So,

Um, to answer your question more specifically 80% of the business.

In terms of $80 20, it was just under 1%. This year it will be just over a percent next year, but just to remind everybody that comes with higher quality earnings.

Is in some phase of the implementation with our dewatering business globally, our analytics business, and our treatment business. Uh, the most recent divisions to start the Implement implementation of 8020.

And it's all about simplifying the business. So we can.

Really build the long term growth engine and focus on our customers.

Um treatment being probably 1 of the bigger divisions we have so far today, going into the tool and we'll see some meaningful impact to that division of our company.

Your next question today will come from Scott Davis with <unk> Research. Please go ahead.

Hey, good morning, guys.

Um you know we're as you see from the results we're moving with the more speed accountability, customer focus, you know 1 thing I talked a lot about is on-time. Performance and quality is is metrics of the health of your company and

Hey, Scott Echo the congrats.

Just on the quarter, but it's been a.

It's been a really good couple of years for you guys.

Keith Buettner: Maybe the last thing I would say, another proof point is just the margin improvement you're seeing in the legacy Xylem businesses with Applied Water and Water Infrastructure over the past several quarters. Maybe just one thing I just want to highlight for those listening. We're going to continue to walk away from revenue, Deane. We do have divestitures. We obviously will have just about 1% this year in divestiture and about 1% of acquisition this year, kind of almost washing. Obviously, the international metrology piece will happen next year. It is a core focus. We've talked publicly about $400 to $600 million of things that we'll be pruning on the portfolio, and we're still kind of tracking there. The walkaway business will be a little bit more in 2026 in terms of 80/20. It was just under 1% this year. It'll be just over 1% next year.

Hey, just had to ask Matthew this is kind of a strange question, but you led in with culture processes and structure. What are you specifically mean by structure I think that can mean different things to do.

On-time performance with our a customers, um, reached a record high, and it's nearing, what I would deem best-in-class in terms of industrial companies, uh, performance to their customers. So,

Yeah. Maybe the last thing I would say another proof point is, you know, just the margin Improvement. You're seeing in the legacies Island businesses with applied water and and water infrastructure.

Different people so.

Yes for some explanation.

Over the past several quarters. So,

Yes, so structure was really getting at we were prior to this year, we were kind of highly a major size structure. So.

You know, maybe this 1 thing, I I just want to highlight for those listening. Uh you know we're going to continue to walk away from revenue. Uh Dean. We we do have the best teachers.

We pivoted to more of a we had a segment orientation, but more with discrete divisions under the segment 16 P&L with discrete.

Leadership Gms.

And it just drives better accountability I think the matrix structure served us well in the past, but going forward to drive better accountability better empowerment.

Getting to a kind of a singular axis around.

This segments and divisions. This enables us to make faster decisions for example in the prior structure, we would have 20% to 25 people sign off on a delegation of authority now we have four to five and so it just provides us the ability to be more nimble.

Uh we will have just about a percent this year investigator and about a percent of acquisition this year kind of almost washing. But obviously the international Metrology piece will happen next year. It is a core Focus. You know we've talked publicly about 400 to 600 million dollars of things that will be pruning on the portfolio and we're still kind of tracking their but the walkway business will be a little bit more in 2026.

Keith Buettner: Just to remind everybody, that comes with higher quality earnings. It's all about simplifying the business so we can really build the long-term growth engine and focus on our customers.

Um, in terms of 8020, it was just under a percent this year. It'll be just over a percent next year but just to remind everybody, you know, that comes with higher quality earnings

And make it our colleagues' lives easier.

And you know, it's all about simplifying the business, so we can really build the long-term growth engine and focus on our customers.

And make our customers.

Happier with our service.

Operator: Your next question today will come from Scott Davis with Melius Research. Please go ahead.

Those were two what I would call pieces of voice of customer that we got 253 years ago that we wanted to address.

And your next question today will come from Scott, Davis with mellie's research. Please go ahead.

[Analyst]: Hey, good morning, guys. I'll echo the congrats, not just on the quarter, but it's been a really good couple of years for you guys. I just had to ask, Matthew, this is kind of a strange question, but you led in with culture, processes, and structure. What do you specifically mean by structure? I think that can mean different things to different people. I'm looking for some explanations. Thanks.

That makes sense, thanks, and then.

Your net debt to EBITDA, what 0.4, I think you mentioned the.

Thanks for the quick kind of question on on priorities in the next 12 months and if you can talk to your M&A backlog or.

Hey good morning guys and I'll uh hey Scott Echo the Congress uh not just on the quarter but it's been a um it's been a really good couple years for you guys. Um,

When when and if you can kind of switch to more of an buyback.

I just had to ask Matthew. This is kind of a strange question, but you let in with culture processes and structure. What, what do you specifically mean by structure? I think that can mean different things to, to different people. So

Keith Buettner: Yeah, so structure was really getting at, we were prior to this year, we were kind of highly a matrixized structure. We pivoted to more of a, you know, we had a segment orientation, but more with discrete divisions under the segment, 16 P&Ls with discrete leadership GMs. It just drives better accountability. I think the matrix structure served us well in the past, but going forward, just to drive better accountability, better empowerment, getting to a kind of a singular axis around the segments and divisions just enables us to make faster decisions. For example, in the prior structure, we would have 20 to 25 people sign off on a delegation of authority. Now we have four to five. It just provides us the ability to be more nimble and make our colleagues' lives easier, and make our customers happier with our service.

Priority and just where you are.

Yep, for some explanation. Thanks. Yeah.

And that right now.

Yes.

Good question.

We've always said kind of our priorities are let's invest in the core we like M&A, we think will help us.

Yeah. So structure was really getting at, we were, prior to this year, we were kind of highly a matric structure. So.

Really grow the business in a positive way dividends, obviously, we'd be next and then we've talked about opportunistic share buybacks. So that's kind of our approach.

um, you know, we pivoted to more of a, you know, we had a segment orientation but more with a discrete divisions under the segment, 16 p&ls with discrete

As I've mentioned in prior calls we have put up really strong process in place before a couple of years ago, we were a bit more top down and M&A were much more bottoms up assigning targets to our segment leaders that are now focused.

Maybe not equally but for sure focused on organic and organic.

In the prior structure, we would have 20 to 25 people sign off on a delegation of authority.

In terms of growing the business. So we've got a very strong funnel, probably the most actionable funnel we've had.

Now, we have 4 to 5 and so it just provides us the ability to be more nimble.

It's a largely because of the new process that we've put in place so.

We will continue to be very disciplined look at things that are a strategic fit meet our hurdles.

Keith Buettner: Those were two pieces of voice of customer that we got two and a half, three years ago that we wanted to address.

And make our our colleagues live, it's easier. You know, and make our, our customers, uh, you know, happier with our service.

We've got such a great self help story right now Scott that rule focuses on small to medium bolt ons, we've talked about deploying a $1 billion of capital year.

And so those were 2. You know what I would call pieces of voice of customer that we got 2 and a half 3 years ago that we wanted to address.

[Analyst]: That makes sense. Thanks. Your net debt to EBITDA is 0.4, I think you mentioned, which begs the question on priorities in the next 12 months. If you can talk to your M&A backlog or when and if you switch to more of a buyback priority, just where your head is in that stuff right now.

Trying to create $60 million to $75 million of EBITDA.

That makes sense. Uh, thanks and then uh, your net debt to Eva what point for I think you mentioned the um,

But I wouldn't I wouldn't rule out if there was something very strategic and transformational we would definitely look at it but thats not our intent so our intense about $1 billion of capital deployment towards M&A each year.

Got you. Thank you Matthew I appreciate it good luck.

Keith Buettner: Yeah. No, it's a good question. We've always said our priorities are let's invest in the core. We like M&A. We think it will help us really grow the business in a positive way. Dividends, obviously, would be next. We've talked about opportunistic share buybacks. That's kind of our approach. As I've mentioned in prior calls, we have put a really strong process in place. A couple of years ago, we were a bit more top-down in M&A. We're much more bottoms-up, assigning targets to our segment leaders that are now focused, maybe not equally, but for sure focused on organic and organic in terms of growing the business. We've got a very strong funnel, probably the most actionable funnel we've had. It's largely because of the new process that we've put in place. We'll continue to be very disciplined, look at things that are strategic fit, meet our hurdles.

Thanks the kind of question on on priorities in the next 12 months. And if you can talk to your m&a, backlog or uh, you know, if when when and if you kind of switched to more of an buyback uh priority and you know, just where your your, your head is in that stuff right now. Yeah.

Thank you.

And your next question today will come from Nathan Jones with Stifel. Please go ahead.

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning, My follow ups, a couple of follow ups on Mcs for me.

Bill I think you mentioned in your answer to Andy's question that you are still in the kind of high single digits framework for 2020.

Yeah, no, it's a good question. Um, you know, we've we've always said, you know, kind of our priorities are. Let's invest in the core. We like m&a we think it's it's will help us uh, you know, really grow the business in a positive way. Dividends obviously would be next and then we we talked about opportunistic share buyback so that's kind of our our approach.

The book to Bill said, she is about eight three probably get to a 0.85, if youre close to one in the fourth quarter and you have talked about dialing up some backlog and backlog being at a more normalized level just wondering how that.

You know, as I mentioned in prior calls, we have put a really strong process in place. Before, a couple of years ago, we were a bit more top-down in M&A; we're much more bottoms-up now.

Assigning targets to our segment leaders that are now focused, you know,

The math works to get to high single digits for 2020 shakes and why that wouldn't be maybe a little bit of a reset lower because youre not burning off backlog.

Next year is there any additional color you could give on that would be helpful.

Well I think the $1 5 billion that we're at right now Nate is still elevated relative to historical so.

Keith Buettner: We've got such a great self-help story right now, Scott, that a real focus is on small to medium bolt-ons. We've talked about deploying $1 billion of capital a year, trying to create $60 to $75 million of EBITDA. I wouldn't rule out if there was something very strategic and transformational, we would definitely look at it, but that's not our intent. Our intent is about $1 billion of capital deployment towards M&A each year.

As we burn existing backlog and start to get the book to Bill positive I think that supports that high single digit framework with yes, we talked about the calibration of water getting back to a more normalized.

Growth within that framework and some of the additional projects we have on the energy side that will layer in here over the next quarter or two it gives us real confidence to get back there next year.

Maybe not equally, but for sure focused on organic and inorganic growth in terms of growing the business. So we've got a very strong funnel, probably the most actionable funnel we've had, and it's largely because of the new process that we've put in place. So, you know, we'll continue to be very disciplined and look at things that are a strategic fit and meet our hurdles. Um, we've got such a great self-help story right now, Scott, that, you know, a real focus is on small to medium bolt-ons. We talked about deploying $1 billion of capital a year, you know, trying to create $60 to $75 million of EBITDA.

Great.

Second follow up.

[Analyst]: Gotcha. Thank you, Matthew. Appreciate it. Good luck, guys.

But, you know, I wouldn't I wouldn't rule out if there was something very strategic in transformational, we would definitely look at it, but that's not our intent. So our intents about a billion dollars of capital deployment towards m&a. Each year

On the margin profile in MTS 60 basis point margin expansion, I think I, probably expected that to be a little higher.

Keith Buettner: Thank you.

[Analyst]: Thank you.

Gotcha. Thank you Matthew, appreciate it. Good luck, guys. You

Operator: Your next question today will come from Nathan Jones with Stifel. Please go ahead.

Thank you.

Probably expecting the water mix to improve a bit.

[Analyst]: Good morning, everyone.

And your next question today will come from Nathan Jones with stifel? Please go ahead.

And obviously you can leverage on volume given the good growth.

Keith Buettner: Morning, Nate.

Good morning, everyone.

[Analyst]: A couple of follow-ups on MCS for me. Bill, I think you mentioned in your answer to Andy's question that you're still in the kind of high single digits framework for 2026. The book-to-bill so far this year is about 0.83, probably gets to 0.85 if you're close to 1 in the fourth quarter. You have talked about burning off some backlog and backlog being at a more normalized level. I'm just wondering how the math works to get to high single digits for 2026 and why there wouldn't be maybe a little bit of a reset lower because you're not burning off backlog next year. Any additional color you could give on that would be helpful.

Maybe you can just talk about what that what the offset to the margin profile for MTS in the quarter and kind of where we should be longer time for that business. Thanks.

Morning. Nate. Follow ups.

Follow-ups on on MCS for me.

Yes.

Uh bill I think you uh mentioned in your answer to Andy's question that you're still in the kind of high single digits framework for 2026.

The biggest lever there has been the energy water mix, we talked about last quarter. Obviously, the strong performance there was a push out in some of the lower margin energy projects that we've talked about I think it's calibrated and sequentially margins for Mcs should look fairly similar here with the energy work.

Order mix normalization.

Getting back to historical levels later in 2026 with <unk>.

Bill Grogan: I think the $1.5 billion that we're at right now, Nate, is still elevated relative to historical. As we burn existing backlog and start to get to book-to-bill positive, I think that supports that high single-digit framework with, you know, we talked about the calibration of water getting back to a more normalized growth within that framework and some of the additional projects we have on the energy side that we'll layer in here over the next quarter or two gives us real confidence to get back there next year.

The book to bill so far this year is about 083 probably gets to 085 if you're close to 1 in the fourth quarter and you have talked about, you know, burning off some backlog and backlog being at a More normalized Level. I'm just wondering how that how the math Works to get to high single digits for a 2026 and and why they wouldn't be maybe a little bit of a reset lower because you're not burning off backlog, um, next year. So any additional color you could give on, that would be helpful.

That business, though with some of the structural changes they've made relative to 80 20, you see it come through with applied water with water infrastructure Mcs has just been masked a little bit with this mix challenge so.

We look for them to continue to expand margins into next year.

As mix normalizes in the second phase of some of their.

80, 20 simplification efforts pull through.

Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

Well I I think the 1.5 billion that we're at right now Nate is still elevated relative to historical so um as as we burn existing backlog and start to get to book. The bill positive, I think that supports that uh High single digit framework with. Yeah, we talked about the calibration of water, getting back to a more normalized um growth within that framework and some of the additional projects, we have on the energy side. Uh that will layer in here over the next quarter or 2. Uh, gives us real confidence to get back there next year.

And your next question today will come from William Griffin with Barclays. Please go ahead.

[Analyst]: Great. I guess second follow-up on the margin profile in MCS, 60 basis points of margin expansion. I think I probably expected that to be a little higher. I think we're probably expecting the water mix to improve a bit and obviously some leverage on volume given the good growth. Maybe you can just talk about what the offsets were to the margin profile for MCS in the quarter and kind of where we should be longer term for that business. Thanks.

Hey, Thanks, just a couple of basic ones here, but you had a little bit of M&A spending in the quarter. Just wondering if you could provide some color on what that was for.

Yes, it's primarily associated with international metering divestiture.

Got it.

And on that front.

Are you able to quantify sort of how accretive that divestiture could be to margin for the Mcs segment.

Bill Grogan: Yeah, I think the biggest lever there has been the energy water mix. We talked about last quarter, obviously the strong performance. There was a push out in some of the lower margin energy projects that we've talked about. I think it's calibrated and sequentially. Margins for MCS should look fairly similar here with the energy water mix normalization getting back to historical levels later in 2026. With that business, though, with some of the structural changes they've made relative to 80/20, you see it come through with Applied Water and with Water Infrastructure. MCS has just been masked a little bit with this mix challenge. We look for them to continue to expand margins into next year as mix normalizes and the second phase of some of their 80/20 simplification efforts pull through.

Great, uh, I guess, second follow-up. Um, on the margin profile, in mnts 60 basis point of margin expansion. I think I probably expected that to be a little higher. Uh, I think we'll probably expecting the, the water mix to improve a bit. Uh, and obviously some leverage on volume given the good growth. Um, maybe you can just talk about, you know, what the what the offsets were to uh to the margin profile for MCs in the quarter and kind of where we should be longer term for that business. Thanks.

Yes in the prepared remarks, we talked about on a run rate about 100 basis points.

Got it I appreciate it that's all for me.

Sure.

And your next question today will come from Andrew Buscaglia with BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Hey, good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

Just on.

Yeah, I I think the the, the biggest lever there, you know, has been the energy water, mix we talked about last quarter, obviously the strong performance. There was a push out in in some of the uh, lower margin, uh, energy projects that we've talked about. Uh, I think it's calibrated in sequentially. Margins for MCS should look fairly similar here with the energy. Water mixed normalization. Um getting back to historical love levels, you know, later in 2020 uh 6.

On the Mcs Maher.

With.

Margin.

Related to the divestment.

How do we compare you guys versus your larger peers in that space and I ask that in that.

Can you get to or even above.

Some of those peers that you you comp too.

Yes.

I think divesting that international piece gets you one step closer but are there. Other things you think you can do or how should we think about that long term.

Business though, with some of the structural changes, they they've made relative to 80/20. You see it come through with applied water and with water infrastructure, MCS has just been masked a little bit with this mixed challenge. So um, we look for them to continue to expand margins into next year, um, as mixed normalizes and the second phase of some of their uh 80/20 simplification efforts pull through.

[Analyst]: Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

Operator: Your next question today will come from William Grogan with Barclays. Please go ahead.

I think I think Andrew if we.

With bucket our margin profile, our core water business within smart metering is at or above our peer set I think.

And your next question today, will come from William Griffin with Barkley's please go ahead.

[Analyst]: Thanks. Just a couple of basic ones here, but you had a little bit of M&A spending in the quarter. I'm just wondering if you could provide some color on what that was for.

The dilutive nature is obviously international metrology business that we are divesting, but then the energy piece we've talked about.

Hi thanks. Just a couple basic ones here but you had a little bit of m&a spending in the quarter. Um, just wondering if you could provide uh, some color on on what that was for.

Bill Grogan: Yeah, it's primarily associated with international metering divestiture.

At a lower margin profile, obviously the team has done a phenomenal job of identifying opportunities to increase that over time, but there will always be be a gap there relative to the technology differentiation and the end market applications, but.

Yeah, it's primarily associated with uh, International metering devices here.

[Analyst]: Got it. On that front, are you able to quantify sort of how accretive that divestiture could be to margin for the Measurement & Control Solutions segment?

Right, our core water business, the profitability is significantly higher than some of our competitors.

Got it and on, on that front. Um, are you able to, uh, quantify sort of how creative that uh, divestiture could be to to margin for them CS segment?

Bill Grogan: Yeah, in the prepared remarks, we talked about at a run rate about 100 basis points.

yeah, and the prepared remarks we talked about on a run rate about a 100 basis points

At some of the leading margin profiles that youre, probably referring to.

[Analyst]: Got it. I appreciate it. That's all for me.

Bill Grogan: Sure.

Got it, I appreciate it. That's all for me.

Operator: Your next question today will come from Andrew Boscaglia with BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Sure.

Yes, okay.

Okay. That's helpful. And then I was hoping you could sort of.

And your next question today, will come from Andrew basaglia with BNP. Parabas. Please go ahead.

Parse out where youre seeing.

[Analyst]: Hey, good morning, everyone.

Keith Buettner: Morning.

<unk> pick up versus.

Hey, good morning, everyone.

Morning.

Internal efforts.

[Analyst]: On the Measurement & Control Solutions margins related to the divestiture, how do we compare you guys versus your larger peers in that space? I ask that in that, can you get to or even above some of those peers that you comp to? I think divesting the international piece gets you one step closer, but are there other things you think you can do or how should we think about that long term?

Organic sales.

If you can just run through some of that market and you talk about what was maybe a little bit better a little bit worse than you expected demand wise.

From an overall demand perspective.

Um, just so you know, on the MCS margins related to the divestment, what are like, um, you know, how do we compare you guys versus your larger peers in that space? And I asked that in that.

I would say if we ticked off obviously spent a lot of time here just talking about hey, resilient demand within Mcs is still there.

Relative to getting its actually been in excess of our long term framework here. This year with the energy meter refresh cycle and then next year getting back to a combo of.

You know, can you get to or even above? Um, some of those peers that you you comp to and is you know is I think divesting their at International Peace gets you 1 Step Closer but are there other things you think you can do or how should we think about that long term?

Bill Grogan: I think, Andrew, if we would bucket our margin profile, our core water business within smart metering is at or above our peer set. I think that the dual nature is obviously the international metrology business that we're divesting. The energy piece we've talked about is at a lower margin profile. Obviously, the team's done a phenomenal job of identifying opportunities to increase that over time, but there'll always be a gap there relative to the technology differentiation and the end market applications. Our core water business, the profitability is significantly higher than some of our competitors and, you know, at some of the leading margin profiles that you're probably referring to.

High single digits for both water and energy water infrastructure right, we continuing to see continue to see resilient opex and Capex demand transport has been really strong over the last few quarters. It was 5% growth against this quarter due to its mission critical nature of its applications and gaining share as the team has identified several different.

Opportunities through segmentation, yes.

Regional opportunities, where they're Underpenetrated treatment also has had pretty strong growth as it executes its backlog and focuses on different areas of the portfolio that they have the best profitable growth outlook. There. They are doing a lot of portfolio and.

Looking at different bidding practices to nail down where they have differentiation and go after those.

I think I think Andrew, if if, if we would bucket our our margin profile, our core water business within smart metering is at or above our peer set. I think the the the the the rule of nature is obviously the international Metrology business that we've we we're, we're devastating. But then the energy piece we've talked about, um, as at a lower lower margin profile. Obviously, the team's done a phenomenal job of identifying opportunities to increase that over time, but there will always be be a gap. There relative to the technology differentiation and the End Market applications, but um, right. Our core Water Business. The profitability is uh, significantly higher than some of our competitors and um, you know, at at uh, some of the

Margin profiles that you're probably referring to.

[Analyst]: Okay, that's helpful. I was hoping you could sort of parse out where you're seeing demand pickup versus internal efforts to improve organic sales. If you could just run through some of the end markets and talk about what was maybe a little bit better or a little bit worse than you expected demand-wise.

Areas applied water, we talked about continuing its growth Street.

Yeah. Okay.

Really strong performance in the western World and within commercial buildings, they've seen along with the biggest headwind for applied water and water infrastructure has been China.

Okay, that's helpful. And then um, yeah, I was hoping you could, you could sort of, um, parse out where you're seeing, you know, demand pickup versus. Um, internal efforts to improve organic sales.

A double digit decline on sales and orders for both segments and just to frame kind of China overall for xylem It had about 2% headwind on.

Um if you just run through some of that markets and you talk about what was maybe a little bit better, a little bit worse than you expected demand wise.

Bill Grogan: You know, from an overall demand perspective, I would say if we ticked off, obviously, we spent a lot of time here just talking about, hey, resilient demand within MCS is still there relative to getting, you know, it's actually been in excess of our long-term framework here this year with the energy meter refresh cycle. Next year, getting back to a combo of high single digits for both water and energy. Water Infrastructure, right, we continue to see resilient OpEx and CapEx demand. Transport's been really strong over the last few quarters. It was 5% growth against this quarter, due to its mission-critical nature of its applications. In gating shares, the team has identified several different opportunities through segmentation, different regional opportunities where they're underpenetrated.

Revenue and orders growth within the quarter, so pretty material, it's a smaller part of the overall portfolio, but as that market kind of accelerated decline from kind of a macroeconomic perspective and then the team is getting much more disciplined with the work that we're going after has created some headwinds and.

And then lastly, I'd say WSI, obviously double digit growth again.

Continued strength with our outsourced water projects, that's ramped here over the last two years as a focus.

Providing some really differentiated technology that some large customers along with dewatering was up double digits again this quarter.

So we've seen lots of strength across all four segments with the only area of watch we dial in on China, and then a little bit in our prepared remarks, just talking about large capital projects nothing has been canceled but things relative to conversion from our commercial funnel to an order has taken a little bit longer as maybe one area. We continue to <unk>.

Bill Grogan: Treatment also has had pretty strong growth as it executes its backlog and focuses on different areas of the portfolio that they have the best profitable growth outlook. They're doing a lot of portfolio and looking at different bidding practices to nail down where they have differentiation and go after those areas. Applied Water, we talked about continuing its growth streak, with really strong performance in the Western world and within commercial buildings. They've seen, along with the biggest headwind for Applied Water and Water Infrastructure, has been China, with double-digits decline on sales and orders for both segments. Just to frame kind of China overall for Xylem, it had about 2% headwind on revenue and orders growth within the quarter. Pretty material.

You know, from an overall demand perspective. Um I would say if we we ticked off obviously spent a lot of time here, just talking about hey resilient Demand with an MCS is still there. Um, relative to getting, you know, it's actually been in excess of our long-term framework here this year with the energy meter uh, refresh cycle. And then next year, getting back to a combo of um High single digits for both water and energy, water infrastructure, right, we continue to see. Continue to see resilient Opex and capex demand. You know transport's been really strong over the last few quarters. It was 5% growth against this quarter due to its Mission. Uh, critical nature of its applications and gaining shares. The team is identified several different opportunities through. Segmentation you had different Regional opportunities where they're under penetrated treatment also has had pretty strong growth. Um, is it executes, its backlog and focuses on different areas of the portfolio that they have, uh, the best profitable growth Outlook. They're, they're doing a lot of portfolio and

Monitor.

Okay clear thank you.

Your final question today will come from Mike Halloran with Baird. Please go ahead.

Hey, good morning Arun.

So.

Here for.

When you triangulate into all the things you just said bill in some of the comments earlier.

Is there anything to suggest about underlying dynamics in the marketplace.

You would not be at least in the range for kind of normal ish type growth as you look to 2026, meaning we know China is a little bit of a headwind here, but it seems like youre talking to.

Bill Grogan: It's a smaller part of the overall portfolio, but as that market kind of accelerated its decline from kind of a macroeconomic perspective, and then the team's getting much more disciplined with the work that we're going after, it's created some headwinds. Lastly, I'd say Water Solutions & Services, obviously double-digit growth again, continued strength with our outsourced water projects that's ramped here over the last two years as they focused, providing some really differentiated technology to some large customers, along with dewatering, was up double digits again this quarter. We've seen lots of strength across all four segments with the only area of watch we dial in on China. A little bit in our prepared remarks, just talking about large capital projects.

Pretty healthy normal dynamics resilient dynamics. However, you want to characterize it for the majority of your markets. So can you just frame that as a thought process as we head into next year.

Yes, I think you're spot on I think the funnel fundamental dynamics for all four segments are strong.

Again outside of a little bit of the China headwind Matthew highlighted a little bit there's probably a little bit more walkaway as it teams are accelerating kind of their 2020 progress obviously youre seeing it in the margin we expect that to continue.

Market kind of accelerated its decline from, um, kind of a macroeconomic perspective and then the team's getting much more disciplined with the work that we're going after, uh, has created some headwinds. Um, and then lastly I'd say WSS, obviously, double digit growth again, you know, continued strength with our outsourced water uh projects that's ramped here over the last 2 years as they focused.

But as we get much more selective and make bigger strides on our customer simplification of our product line simplification.

There's probably.

Bill Grogan: Nothing's been canceled, but things relative to conversion from our commercial funnel to an order has taken a little bit longer is maybe one area we continue to monitor.

Again, a little bit more headwind a little under a point this year a little over a point next year, but outside of that I think as we look out as best as we have visibility over the next 12 months with still macro volatility I mean, the fundamental dynamics are still strong with resilient demand within muni and I think differentiated technology, helping us on the industrial.

You know providing some really differentiated technology to some large customers along with dewatering. You know was up double digits again, this quarter. Um so we've seen lots of strength across all 4 segments with, you know the only area of watch. We we dial in on on China and then a little bit in our prepared remarks. Just talking about, you know, large capital projects, nothing's been canceled, but things relative to conversion from our commercial funnel to an order is taken a little bit longer. As maybe 1 area, we continue to monitor

[Analyst]: Okay, very clear. Thank you.

Okay. Very clear. Clear clear, thank you.

Operator: Your final question today will come from Mike Halloran with Melius Research. Please go ahead.

And your final question today will come from Mike Heran with Barrett. Please go ahead.

Keith Buettner: Hey, morning, everyone.

Side with some of the fits and starts other companies are seeing in that space.

[Analyst]: Morning.

Hey morning, everyone.

Keith Buettner: Two quick ones here. First, when you triangulate into all the things you just said, Bill, and some of the comments earlier, is there anything to suggest about underlying dynamics in the marketplace where you would not be at least in the range for kind of normal-ish type growth as you look to 2026? Meaning, we know China is a little bit of a headwind here, but it seems like you're talking to pretty healthy, normal dynamics, resilient dynamics, however you want to characterize it for the majority of your markets. Could you just frame that as a thought process as we head into next year?

And what's the long term thought process on how to manage China from here I know.

It's an area of softness today.

Maybe there's some de prioritization of U S based products.

The thought of how you guys plan on addressing youre attacking that market from here.

Yes, I think we're staying the course, but we're also right sizing the business for the demand environment, Mike, We're taking restructuring actions as we speak in China.

Um, so here, uh, first, when you triangulate into all the things you just said, Bill, and some of the comments earlier, is there anything to suggest about underlying dynamics in the marketplace? Where you would not be, at least in the range for kind of normal-ish type growth, as you looked at 2026. Meaning we know China is a little bit of a headwind here, but it's...

To the extent of around 40% of the workforce is coming out.

We don't take those decisions lightly it's unfortunate, but it's really just an indicator of the demand that we're seeing in the market and the hyper competitiveness of the market as well.

Seems like you're talking to pretty healthy, normal Dynamics, resilient Dynamics, however, you want to characterize it for the majority of your markets. So could you just frame that as a thought process as we had in the next year?

Bill Grogan: Yeah, I think you're spot on. I think the fundamental dynamics for all four segments are strong. Again, outside of a little bit of the China headwind, Matthew highlighted a little bit, there's probably a little bit more walkaway as the teams are accelerating their 80/20 progress. Obviously, you're seeing it in the margin. We expect that to continue. As we get much more selective and make bigger strides on our customer simplification or product line simplification, there's probably a little bit more headwind, a little under a point this year, a little over a point next year.

We like the market long term, but we have to size the business for the market that we're dealing with over the next balance of this year and through 2006, that's the approach we've taken.

And we will just it will be a watch item for us as we as we head into the first half of 2026, but.

That's really where we are right now and.

And I think that the teams are stepping back and looking at what is the greatest market opportunity, where we have the technology to match that and then reallocating all of our resources around those efforts.

Bill Grogan: Outside of that, I think as we look out, as best as we have visibility over the next 12 months with still macro volatility, the fundamental dynamics are still strong with resilient demand within Muni, and I think differentiated technology helping us on the industrial side with some of the fits and starts other companies are seeing in that space.

To try to spur incremental growth as we move forward.

Yes.

Thanks, guys I appreciate it.

Thank you.

This concludes our question and answer session I would now like to turn the conference back over to Matthew Pine for any closing remarks.

Thanks for joining today, we'll wrap it up there I appreciate the questions and as always we appreciate your interest and support and have a great day.

Keith Buettner: What is the long-term thought process on how to manage China from here? I know it is an area of softness today. Maybe there is some deprioritization of U.S.-based products. What is the thought on how you plan on addressing or attacking that market from here? Yeah.

Yeah, I I think you're spot on. I think the funnel fundamental Dynamics for All 4, segments are strong. Um, again, outside of a little bit of the, the China headwind, you know, Matthew highlighted a little bit, you know, there's probably a little bit more walk away. As a teams are accelerating like, kind of their 80/20 progress, obviously, you're seeing it in the margin, we expect that to continue, uh, but as we get much more selective, uh, and make bigger strides on our customer simplification, our product line simplification. Um, there's probably, you know, uh, again a little bit more headwind, you know, a little, under a point this year, a little over a point next year, but outside of that, I, I think as, as we look out, you know, as best as we have visibility over the next 12 months with still macro volatility. I mean, the fundamental Dynamics are still strong with resilient demand within Muni and I think differentiated technology helping us on the industrial side with some of the uh, fits and starts. Other companies are seeing in that space.

And and and what's the long-term thought process on how to manage China from here? I know.

The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation you may now disconnect.

Um you know it's an area of softness today. It's maybe there's some deep prioritization of us-based products. What's the thought of how you guys plan on addressing your attacking that market from here?

Bill Grogan: I think we're staying the course, but we're also right-sizing the business for the demand environment, Mike. We're taking restructuring actions as we speak in China. To the extent of around 40% of the workforce is coming out. We don't take those decisions lightly. It's unfortunate, but it's really just an indicator of the demand that we're seeing in the market and the hyper-competitiveness of the market as well. We like the market long term, but we have to size the business for the market that we're dealing with over the next, you know, balance of this year and through 2026. That's how the approach we've taken. It'll be a watch item for us as we head into the first half of 2026. That's really where we are right now.

We're staying in the course but we're also right sizing, the business for the demand environment, Mike. Uh we're taking restructuring actions as we speak in China uh to the extent of around uh 40% of the workforce is coming out.

Um, that's we don't take those decisions lightly it's unfortunate but it it's really just an indicator of the demand that we're seeing in the market and the hyper competitiveness of the market as well.

Um, we like the market long term but we have to size the business for the market that we're dealing with over the next, you know, balance of this year and through 26, that's how the approach we've taken.

Bill Grogan: I think that the teams are stepping back and looking at what is the greatest market opportunity where we have the technology to match that and then reallocating all of our resources around those efforts to try to spur incremental growth as we move forward.

And we'll just, you know, it'll be a watch item for us as we as we head into the first half of 2026. But um you know that's really where we are right now.

And I think that the teams are stepping back and looking at what is the greatest Market opportunity, where we have the technology to match that. And then reallocating all of our resources around those efforts um to try to Spur incremental growth as we move forward.

Keith Buettner: Thanks, guys. Appreciate it.

Bill Grogan: Thank you.

Thanks guys. Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Matthew Pine for any closing remarks.

Keith Buettner: Thanks for joining today. We'll wrap it up there. Appreciate the questions. As always, we appreciate your interest and support. Have a great day.

This concludes our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Matthew Pine for any closing remarks.

Thanks for joining today. We'll wrap it up there. We appreciate the questions, and as always, we appreciate your interest and support. Have a great day.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

The conference has now concluded, thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect