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Avantor, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2026

Filed with the SEC on Oct 28, 2026 and accepted by EDGAR at Oct 28, 2026, 09:03 ET.

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Management's discussion and analysis

As filed, 40,797 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary factors regarding forward-looking statements.”

Basis of presentation

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes. Pursuant to SEC rules for reports covering interim periods, we have prepared this discussion and analysis to enable you to assess material changes in our financial condition and results of operations since December 31, 2025, the date of our Annual Report. Therefore, we encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with our Annual Report.

Overview

During the three months ended September 30, 2026, we recorded net sales of $1,698.3 million, net income of $203.4 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $256.9 million, operating income of $139.5 million, and Adjusted Operating Income of $227.6 million. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2026 increased by 4.6%, which included a 5.2% organic net sales increase compared to the same period in 2025. See “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures” for reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, net income (loss) margin to Adjusted EBITDA margin, operating income to Adjusted Operating Income, and operating income margin to Adjusted Operating Income margin. See “Results of operations” for a reconciliation and explanation of changes of net sales growth (decline) to organic net sales growth (decline).

Segment Change

Effective January 1, 2026, we revised our internal operating model and reporting structure and now operate and report our results through two operating segments, which are also our reportable segments: Bioscience & Medtech Products and VWR Distribution & Services. This structure is consistent with how our Chief Executive Officer, who is our CODM, assesses performance and allocates resources. This segment change did not impact our consolidated operating results. Segment disclosures, including those for comparative periods presented, have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.

Factors and current trends affecting our business and results of operations

The following updates the discussion of the factors and current trends disclosed in our Annual Report. These updates may affect our performance and financial condition in future periods.

We have been impacted by inflationary pressures

We have experienced inflationary pressures across all of our cost categories. While we have implemented pricing and productivity measures to combat these pressures, they may continue to adversely impact our results.

Fluctuations in foreign currency rates impact our results

Our consolidated results of operations include results reported in many different functional currencies that are translated into our U.S. dollar reporting currency. Movements in the U.S. dollar against those functional currencies, particularly the Euro, have caused significant variability in our results and may continue to do so in the future.

Our results may be impacted by changes in trade policy

Recent developments in U.S. trade policy have reduced certain tariff‑related pressures; however, ongoing uncertainty remains, and changes in trade policy could adversely affect our results in future periods.

Goodwill impairment risk — VWR Distribution

During the first quarter of 2026, a sustained decline in our share price and market capitalization constituted a triggering event that required an interim goodwill impairment assessment for the VWR Distribution reporting unit. The assessment indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a limited margin, and therefore no impairment was recognized during the quarter.

The limited excess of fair value over carrying value reflects business conditions and valuation inputs that are sensitive to adverse changes, including operating performance, market conditions, and other assumptions used in estimating fair value. These conditions represent a known uncertainty that could materially affect future results. We continue to monitor these factors closely and are pursuing operational and strategic actions intended to improve the performance of the VWR Distribution business.

If market conditions deteriorate further, including a continued decline in market capitalization or reductions to the financial projections for the VWR Distribution reporting unit, a material non‑cash goodwill impairment charge could be required in a future reporting period (see note 7).

Key indicators of performance and financial condition

To evaluate our performance, we monitor a number of key indicators. As appropriate, we supplement our results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP with certain non-GAAP financial measurements that we believe are useful to investors, creditors and others in assessing our performance. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported GAAP results because they may include or exclude certain items as compared to similar GAAP-based measures, and such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Rather, these measures should be considered as an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that provide a more complete understanding of our business.

The key indicators that we monitor are as follows:

  • Net sales, gross margin, operating income, operating income margin, net income or loss and net income or loss margin. These measures are discussed in the section entitled “Results of operations”;
  • Organic net sales growth (decline), which is a non-GAAP measure discussed in the section entitled “Results of operations.” Organic net sales growth (decline) eliminates from our reported net sales change the impacts of revenues from acquisitions and divestitures that occurred in the last year (as applicable) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that this measurement is useful to investors as a way to measure and evaluate our underlying commercial operating performance consistently across our segments and the periods presented. This measurement is used by our management for the same reason. Reconciliations to the change in reported net sales, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, are included in the section entitled “Results of operations”;
  • Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, which are non-GAAP measures discussed in the section entitled “Results of operations.” Adjusted EBITDA is our net income or loss adjusted for the following items: (i) interest expense, (ii) income tax expense, (iii) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (iv) depreciation expense, (v) losses on extinguishment of debt, (vi) charges associated with the impairment of certain assets, (vii) gain or loss on sale of business, and (viii) certain other adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales as determined under GAAP. We believe that these measurements are useful to investors as ways to analyze the underlying trends in our business consistently across the periods presented. These measurements are used by our management for the same reason. A reconciliation of net income or loss and net income or loss margin, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, respectively, are included in the section entitled “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures”;
  • Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income margin, which are non-GAAP measures discussed in the section entitled “Results of operations.” Adjusted Operating Income is our operating income or loss adjusted for the following items: (i) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) charges associated with the impairment of certain assets, (iii) gain or loss on sale of business, and (iv) certain other adjustments. This measurement is our segment reporting profitability measure under GAAP. Adjusted Operating Income margin is Adjusted Operating Income divided by net sales as determined under GAAP. We believe that these measurements are useful to investors as ways to analyze the underlying trends in our business consistently across the periods presented. These measurements are used by our management for the same reason. A reconciliation of operating income or loss and operating income or loss margin, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, to Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating

Income margin, respectively, are included in the section entitled “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures”;

  • Cash flows from operating activities, which we discuss in the section entitled “Liquidity and capital resources—Historical cash flows”;
  • Free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure, is equal to our cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus direct transaction costs and income taxes paid related to acquisitions and divestitures (as applicable) in the period. We believe that this measurement is useful to investors as it provides a view on the Company’s ability to generate cash for use in financing or investing activities. This measurement is used by management for the same reason. A reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to free cash flow, is included in the section entitled “Liquidity and capital resources—Historical cash flows.”

Results of operations

We present results of operations in the same manner in which we manage our business, evaluate performance and allocate resources. We also provide a discussion of net sales and Adjusted Operating Income by reportable segment: Bioscience & Medtech Products and VWR Distribution & Services. Corporate costs are managed on a standalone basis, certain portions of which are allocated to our reportable segments.

Executive summary

(dollars in millions)

2026 Three months ended September 30, 2025 Change
Net sales $1,698.3 $1,623.8 $74.5
Gross profit $534.8 $526.5 $8.3
Gross margin 31.5% 32.4% (90) bps
Operating income (loss) $139.5 $(648.8) $788.3
Operating income (loss) margin 8.2% (40.0)% 4,820 bps
Net income (loss) $203.4 $(711.8) $915.2
Net income (loss) margin 12.0% (43.8)% 5,580 bps
Adjusted EBITDA $256.9 $267.9 $(11.0)
Adjusted EBITDA margin 15.1% 16.5% (140) bps
Adjusted Operating Income $227.6 $237.3 $(9.7)
Adjusted Operating Income margin 13.4% 14.6% (120) bps

Net sales for the third quarter increased, driven primarily by higher sales volume and commercial excellence. Gross margin decreased, reflecting unfavorable product mix and inflationary pressures. Gross profit increased compared with the prior-year period, driven primarily by higher sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable product mix. Higher SG&A expenses, driven mainly by increased compensation expense, more than offset the increase in gross profit, resulting in lower Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA.

Net Sales

Three months ended

(in millions)

2026 Three months ended September 30, Net sales growth 2025 Foreign currency impact Reconciliation of net sales growth (decline) to organic net sales growth (decline) Organic net sales growth
Bioscience & Medtech Products $464.5 $448.8 $15.7 $(0.6) $16.3
VWR Distribution & Services 1,233.8 1,175.0 58.8 (9.0) 67.8
Total $1,698.3 $1,623.8 $74.5 $(9.6) $84.1

Net sales increased $74.5 million, or 4.6%, which included $9.6 million, or 0.6%, of unfavorable foreign currency impact, while organic net sales increased by $84.1 million, or 5.2%.

In the Bioscience & Medtech Products segment, net sales increased by $15.7 million, or 3.5%, including $0.6 million, or 0.1%, of unfavorable foreign currency impact. Organic net sales increased by $16.3 million, or 3.6%. The organic sales increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes in the NuSil and Process Chemicals businesses, partially offset by lower sales volumes in the Fluid Handling business.

In the VWR Distribution & Services segment, net sales increased by $58.8 million, or 5.0%, including $9.0 million, or 0.8%, of unfavorable foreign currency impact. Organic net sales increased by $67.8 million, or 5.8%. The organic sales increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes within our specialty procurement offering and higher sales of consumables and lab chemicals.

Nine months ended

(in millions)

2026 Nine months ended September 30, Net sales growth (decline) 2025 Foreign currency impact Reconciliation of net sales growth (decline) to organic net sales growth (decline) Organic net sales growth (decline)
Bioscience & Medtech Products $1,347.7 $1,351.1 $(3.4) $15.7 $(19.1)
VWR Distribution & Services 3,624.3 3,537.5 86.8 54.7 32.1
Total $4,972.0 $4,888.6 $83.4 $70.4 $13.0

Net sales increased $83.4 million, or 1.7%, which included $70.4 million, or 1.4%, of favorable foreign currency impact. Organic net sales increased by $13.0 million, or 0.3%.

In the Bioscience & Medtech Products segment, net sales decreased by $3.4 million, or 0.3%, including $15.7 million, or 1.1%, of favorable foreign currency impact. Organic net sales decreased by $19.1 million, or 1.4%. The organic sales decrease was primarily driven by lower sales volumes in the Fluid Handling and NuSil businesses, partially offset by higher sales volumes in Process Chemicals.

In the VWR Distribution & Services segment, net sales increased by $86.8 million, or 2.5%, including $54.7 million, or 1.6%, of favorable foreign currency impact. Organic net sales increased by $32.1 million, or 0.9%. The organic sales increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes within our specialty procurement offering, while sales across the remaining product categories were generally consistent with the prior year.

Gross margin

2026 Three months ended September 30, 2025 2026 Change 2025 Nine months ended September 30, Change
Gross margin 31.5% 32.4% (90) bps 31.6% 33.0% (140) bps

Three and nine months ended

Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2026 contracted by 90 basis points, reflecting unfavorable product mix and inflationary pressures. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 contracted by 140 basis points, reflecting those same factors, as well as higher inventory reserves and freight costs, which had a more pronounced impact during the nine-month period.

Operating income (loss)

(in millions)

2026 Three months ended September 30, 2025 2026 Change 2025 Nine months ended September 30, Change
Gross profit $534.8 $526.5 $8.3 $1,572.5 $1,615.5 $(43.0)
Operating expenses (excluding impairment charges) 395.3 390.3 5.0 1,211.7 1,203.1 8.6
Impairment charges — 785.0 (785.0) — 785.0 (785.0)
Operating income (loss) $139.5 $(648.8) $788.3 $360.8 $(372.6) $733.4

Three and nine months ended

Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2026 increased primarily due to the absence of the non-cash impairment charge in the prior year and higher gross profit, as previously discussed. These increases were partially offset by higher SG&A expenses, driven mainly by increased compensation and restructuring expenses. Higher SG&A expenses were partially offset by the absence of transformation costs incurred in the prior year.

Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 increased primarily due to the absence of the non-cash impairment charge in the prior year. This increase was partially offset by lower gross profit, as previously discussed, and higher SG&A expenses, driven mainly by increased compensation and restructuring expenses and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. Higher SG&A expenses were partially offset by the absence of transformation costs incurred in the prior year.

Net income (loss)

(in millions)

2026 Three months ended September 30, 2025 2026 Change 2025 Nine months ended September 30, Change
Operating income (loss) $139.5 $(648.8) $788.3 $360.8 $(372.6) $733.4
Interest expense, net (39.9) (44.2) 4.3 (122.2) (129.8) 7.6
Loss on extinguishment of debt (0.8) (0.2) (0.6) (2.0) (0.2) (1.8)
Other (expense) income, net (0.8) 3.7 (4.5) (1.9) (19.5) 17.6
Income tax benefit (expense) 105.4 (22.3) 127.7 50.1 (60.5) 110.6
Net income (loss) $203.4 $(711.8) $915.2 $284.8 $(582.6) $867.4

Three and nine months ended

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2026 increased primarily due to higher operating income, as previously discussed, lower interest expense resulting from debt repayments made over the last twelve months, and a current-year income tax benefit primarily resulting from the internal reorganization completed during the third quarter of 2026.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 increased primarily due to higher operating income, as previously discussed, lower interest expense resulting from debt repayments made over the last twelve months, the absence of pension termination charges incurred in the prior year, and a current-year income tax benefit primarily resulting from the internal reorganization completed during the third quarter of 2026.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin

For reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin to net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin, respectively, the most directly comparable measures under GAAP, see “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.”

(dollars in millions)

2026 Three months ended September 30, 2025 2026 Change 2025 Nine months ended September 30, Change
Adjusted EBITDA $256.9 $267.9 $(11.0) $730.6 $817.3 $(86.7)
Adjusted EBITDA margin 15.1% 16.5% (140) bps 14.7% 16.7% (200) bps

Three and nine months ended

For the three months ended September 30, 2026, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $11.0 million, or 4.1%, which included unfavorable foreign currency translation impact of $1.5 million, or 0.6%. The remaining decline of $9.5 million, or 3.5%, was primarily driven by higher SG&A expenses, partially offset by higher gross profit as previously discussed.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $86.7 million, or 10.6%, which included a favorable foreign currency translation impact of $9.8 million, or 1.2%. The remaining decline of $96.5 million, or 11.8%, was primarily driven by lower gross profit and higher SG&A expenses, as previously discussed.

Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income margin

For reconciliations of Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income margin to operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) margin, respectively, the most directly comparable measures under GAAP, see “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.”

(dollars in millions)

2026 Adjusted Operating Income: Three months ended September 30, 2025 2026 Change 2025 Nine months ended September 30, Change
Bioscience & Medtech Products $123.4 $119.3 $4.1 $343.7 $365.2 $(21.5)
VWR Distribution & Services 119.4 132.0 (12.6) 351.2 421.5 (70.3)
Corporate (15.2) (14.0) (1.2) (51.6) (54.4) 2.8
Total $227.6 $237.3 $(9.7) $643.3 $732.3 $(89.0)
Adjusted Operating Income margin 13.4% 14.6% (120) bps 12.9% 15.0% (210) bps

Three months ended

Adjusted Operating Income decreased by $9.7 million, or 4.1%, which included unfavorable foreign currency translation impact of $1.1 million, or 0.5%. The remaining decline of $8.6 million, or 3.6%, is further discussed below.

In the Bioscience & Medtech Products segment, Adjusted Operating Income increased by $4.1 million, or 3.4%, or 3.6% when adjusted for unfavorable foreign currency impact. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume and commercial excellence, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses.

In the VWR Distribution & Services segment, Adjusted Operating Income declined by $12.6 million, or 9.5%, or 8.9% when adjusted for unfavorable foreign currency impact. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable product mix and higher SG&A expenses, partially offset by higher sales volume.

In Corporate, Adjusted Operating Income declined by $1.2 million, or 8.6%, due to various immaterial factors.

Nine months ended

Adjusted Operating Income decreased $89.0 million, or 12.2%, which included a favorable foreign currency translation impact of $8.7 million, or 1.1%. The remaining decline was $97.7 million, or 13.3%, which is further discussed below.

In the Bioscience & Medtech Products segment, Adjusted Operating Income declined $21.5 million, or 5.9%, or 6.9% when adjusted for favorable foreign currency translation impact. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volume and higher SG&A expenses, partially offset by commercial excellence.

In the VWR Distribution & Services segment, Adjusted Operating Income declined $70.3 million, or 16.7%, or 17.9% when adjusted for favorable foreign currency translation impact. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable product mix, higher freight costs, and higher SG&A expenses.

In Corporate, Adjusted Operating Income improved $2.8 million, or 5.1%, due to various immaterial factors.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures

The following table presents the reconciliation of net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, respectively:

(dollars in millions, % based on net sales)

2026 $% Three months ended September 30, 2025 $% Nine months ended September 30, 2026 $% 2025 $%
Net income (loss) $203.4 12.0% $(711.8) (43.8)% $284.8 5.7% $(582.6) (11.9)%
Interest expense, net 39.9 2.4% 44.2 2.7% 122.2 2.6% 129.8 2.7%
Income tax (benefit) expense (105.4) (6.2)% 22.3 1.4% (50.1) (1.0)% 60.5 1.1%
Depreciation and amortization 105.3 6.1% 104.5 6.5% 315.9 6.3% 306.9 6.3%
Loss on extinguishment of debt 0.8 —% 0.2 —% 2.0 —% 0.2 —%
Restructuring, severance, and related impairment charges1 8.1 0.5% 2.2 0.1% 47.2 0.9% 28.0 0.6%
Transformation expenses2 — —% 13.7 0.8% — —% 49.5 1.0%
Reserve for certain legal matters, net3 1.3 0.1% 1.6 0.1% 4.7 0.1% 5.2 0.1%
Other4 3.5 0.2% 7.8 0.5% 3.9 0.1% 18.5 0.4%
Pension termination charges5 — —% (1.8) (0.1)% — —% 16.3 0.3%
Impairment charges6 — —% 785.0 48.3% — —% 785.0 16.1%
Adjusted EBITDA $256.9 15.1% $267.9 16.5% $730.6 14.7% $817.3 16.7%

1. Reflects charges incurred during the period related to restructuring initiatives to increase profitability and productivity. Costs included in this caption consist of employee severance, site-exit and contract termination costs, and non-cash impairment charges on long-lived assets associated with site exits.

2. Represents incremental expenses directly associated with the Company’s former cost transformation initiative, which concluded in 2025. These expenses are primarily related to the cost of external advisors.

3. Represents charges and legal costs, net of recoveries, incurred in connection with certain litigation and other contingencies that management evaluates separately from core operating performance.

4. Represents net foreign currency (gain) loss from financing activities, other stock-based compensation expense (benefit) and certain other items that management evaluates separately from core operating performance. The 2025 periods also include a purchase price adjustment related to the 2024 sale of our Clinical Services business and $6.1 million of severance and transition costs associated with the replacement of our Chief Executive Officer.

5. As described in note 12 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6. Represents the $785.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized in the third quarter of 2025 related to the former Distribution reporting unit. Refer to note 7.

The following table presents the reconciliation of net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin to Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income margin, respectively, and includes operating income and operating income margin (the most directly comparable GAAP measures) as intermediate subtotals:

(dollars in millions, % based on net sales)

2026 $% Three months ended September 30, 2025 $% Nine months ended September 30, 2026 $% 2025 $%
Net income (loss) $203.4 12.0% $(711.8) (43.8)% $284.8 5.7% $(582.6) (11.9)%
Interest expense, net 39.9 2.4% 44.2 2.7% 122.2 2.6% 129.8 2.7%
Income tax (benefit) expense (105.4) (6.2)% 22.3 1.4% (50.1) (1.0)% 60.5 1.1%
Loss on extinguishment of debt 0.8 —% 0.2 —% 2.0 —% 0.2 —%
Other (expense) income, net 0.8 —% (3.7) (0.3)% 1.9 —% 19.5 0.5%
Operating income (loss) 139.5 8.2% (648.8) (40.0)% 360.8 7.3% (372.6) (7.6)%
Amortization 75.5 4.4% 76.1 4.7% 227.1 4.6% 225.5 4.6%
Restructuring, severance, and related impairment charges1 8.1 0.5% 2.2 0.1% 47.2 0.9% 28.0 0.6%
Transformation expenses2 — —% 13.7 0.8% — —% 49.5 1.0%
Reserve for certain legal matters, net3 1.3 0.1% 1.6 0.1% 4.7 0.1% 5.2 0.1%
Other4 3.2 0.2% 7.5 0.6% 3.5 —% 11.7 0.2%
Impairment charges5 — —% 785.0 48.3% — —% 785.0 16.1%
Adjusted Operating Income $227.6 13.4% $237.3 14.6% $643.3 12.9% $732.3 15.0%

1. Reflects charges incurred during the period related to restructuring initiatives to increase profitability and productivity. Costs included in this caption consist of employee severance, site-exit and contract termination costs, and non-cash impairment charges on long-lived assets associated with site exits.

2. Represents incremental expenses directly associated with the Company’s former cost transformation initiative, which concluded in 2025. These expenses are primarily related to the cost of external advisors.

3. Represents charges and legal costs, net of recoveries, incurred in connection with certain litigation and other contingencies that management evaluates separately from core operating performance.

4. Represents other stock-based compensation expense (benefit) and certain other items that management evaluates separately from core operating performance. The 2025 periods also include a purchase price adjustment related to the 2024 sale of our Clinical Services business and $6.1 million of severance and transition costs associated with the replacement of our Chief Executive Officer.

5. Represents the $785.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized in the third quarter of 2025 related to the former Distribution reporting unit. Refer to note 7.

Liquidity and capital resources

We fund short-term cash requirements primarily from operating cash flows and credit facilities. The majority of our long-term financing is from indebtedness. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, we generated $195.1 million and $432.0 million of cash from operating activities, respectively, ended the quarter with $464.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and our availability under our credit facilities was $1,379.9 million.

We have required term loan payments of $28.7 million due in the next twelve months.

In October 2025, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of our common stock. Repurchases may be funded through available cash, borrowings under existing credit facilities, or other financing arrangements. The program may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time. As of September 30, 2026, $425.0 million remained available for repurchase under the program.

Liquidity

The following table presents our primary sources of liquidity:

(in millions)

Unused availability under our revolving credit facility: September 30, 2026
Capacity $1,400.0
Undrawn letters of credit outstanding (20.1)
Unused availability $1,379.9
Cash and cash equivalents 464.3
Total liquidity $1,844.2

Based on the combination of the unused availability under our revolving credit facility and cash and cash equivalents, we believe that we have sufficient capital resources to meet our liquidity needs.

Our debt agreements include representations and covenants that we believe are usual and customary. The credit facility includes a leverage-based financial maintenance covenant and a consolidated interest coverage ratio financial maintenance covenant, each of which is subject to customary definitions, adjustments and exclusions. As of September 30, 2026, our net leverage and consolidated interest coverage ratio were within the covenant requirements.

At September 30, 2026, $253.1 million, or 54.5%, of our $464.3 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries and may be subject to certain taxes upon repatriation, primarily where foreign withholding taxes apply.

Historical cash flows

The following table presents a summary of cash provided by (used in) various activities:

(in millions)

2026 Operating activities: Nine months ended September 30, 2025 Change
Net income (loss) $284.8 $(582.6) $867.4
Non-cash items1 269.3 1,154.1 (884.8)
Working capital changes2 (141.2) (49.5) (91.7)
All other 19.1 (50.9) 70.0
Total $432.0 $471.1 $(39.1)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (110.0) (93.3) (16.7)
Other 1.5 2.5 (1.0)
Total $(108.5) $(90.8) $(17.7)
Financing activities (217.8) (410.1) 192.3

1. Consists of typical non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, deferred income taxes, impairment charges, non-cash restructuring charges and other items.

2. Includes changes to our accounts receivable, inventory, contract assets and accounts payable.

Cash flows from operating activities provided $39.1 million less cash in 2026, primarily due to higher net working capital requirements, partially offset by an increase in net income, as previously discussed, and favorable changes in other assets and liabilities within the “All Other” caption above. The changes in other assets and liabilities were primarily driven by income tax benefits, lower incentive compensation payments, and lower cash outflows related to deferred income. These favorable changes were partially offset by customer prebate payments made during 2026.

Investing activities used $17.7 million more cash in 2026. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures compared with the prior year.

Financing activities used $192.3 million less cash in 2026, primarily due to lower term loan repayments compared with the prior year and higher proceeds received from stock option exercises.

Free cash flow

(in millions)

2026 Nine months ended September 30, 2025 Change
Net cash provided by operating activities $432.0 $471.1 $(39.1)
Capital expenditures (110.0) (93.3) (16.7)
Divestiture-related transaction expenses and taxes paid 2.2 1.4 0.8
Free cash flow $324.2 $379.2 $(55.0)

Free cash flow was $55.0 million lower in 2026, primarily due to lower cash flow from operating activities, as previously discussed, and an increase in capital expenditures.

Indebtedness

For information about our indebtedness, refer to the section entitled “Liquidity” and note 9 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 — “Financial statements.”

Critical accounting policies and estimates

We update our critical accounting policies and estimates in interim periods only for material changes since year‑end, including significant changes in assumptions, methodology, sensitivity, or where new information or events materially affect these estimates.

Testing goodwill for impairment

Our consolidated balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and other intangible assets. At September 30, 2026, the combined carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges, was $7,858.2 million, representing approximately 68% of our total assets. As a result, impairment assessments for these assets involve significant management judgment and represent a critical accounting estimate.

Required Annual Assessment

On October 1 of each year, we perform annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. The impairment analysis for goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets consists of an optional qualitative assessment, which may be followed by a quantitative analysis.

The qualitative assessment requires identification and evaluation of relevant events or circumstances that could indicate impairment and an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value. The quantitative impairment test requires estimation of the fair value of our reporting units using a weighted average of a discounted cash flow method and a guideline public company method. These valuation methods require management to make numerous assumptions, including but not limited to future profitability and cash flows, net sales, gross margin, SG&A expenses, capital expenditures, investments in debt‑free net working capital, discount rates reflecting current market assumptions, the weighting of valuation methods, and the selection of comparable publicly traded companies. Variations in any of these assumptions could result in materially different estimates of fair value.

Our estimates are based on historical performance, management’s knowledge and experience, and overall economic conditions, including projections of future earnings potential. Developing forecasted cash flows requires evaluation of intermediate‑ to long‑term performance, including assumptions regarding revenue growth, operating margins, inflation, capital requirements, and working capital management. Estimating appropriate discount rates requires judgment in selecting risk premiums, which can materially impact valuation outcomes. The selection of peer companies and the weighting of valuation approaches under the market method also involve judgment, and alternative assumptions could result in materially different conclusions.

2025 Distribution Reporting Unit Impairment

As a result of sustained declines in our publicly quoted share price and market capitalization, together with deterioration in the operating results of our Distribution reporting unit, we performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2025. The deterioration in operating performance reflected lower sales volumes and a decline in gross margin, which negatively impacted projected future cash flows for the reporting unit relative to prior expectations.

Based on the results of that impairment test, the carrying amount of the Distribution reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value, resulting in a non‑deductible, non‑cash goodwill impairment charge of $785.0 million, which was recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2025. Following the impairment charge, the carrying value of the Distribution reporting unit was approximately $3,500.0 million, of which approximately $2,000.0 million was comprised of goodwill. No impairment of other long‑lived assets within the Distribution reporting unit was identified.

All other reporting units tested were not impaired, as their estimated fair values exceeded their respective carrying amounts as of the interim testing date.

Following the impairment charge, the carrying value of the Distribution reporting unit approximated its estimated fair value. As a result, a meaningful portion of the remaining carrying value of this reporting unit, including the associated goodwill, was considered at risk of further impairment. Recognition of additional impairment charges could be required in future periods if operating performance, market conditions, or other valuation assumptions were to deteriorate further.

Since October 1, 2025 is our annual impairment testing date, management performed the required annual assessment as of that date, including a review of key assumptions, market indicators, and other relevant factors. No conditions were identified that differed materially from those considered in the September 30, 2025 interim impairment analysis. Accordingly, the conclusions reached in that interim test remained appropriate, and no additional impairment was recorded as of October 1, 2025.

2026 Interim Impairment Test

As described in note 7, effective January 1, 2026, we updated our reporting unit structure. The VWR Distribution reporting unit includes the operations that previously comprised our Distribution reporting unit, and goodwill was reassigned using a relative fair value allocation method. The VWR Distribution reporting unit is included within the VWR Distribution & Services reportable segment.

During the first quarter of 2026, a sustained decline in our share price and market capitalization represented a triggering event under the goodwill impairment guidance. As a result, we performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment for all of our reporting units (see note 7).

As of March 31, 2026, the estimated fair value of the VWR Distribution reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5.5%, and therefore no goodwill impairment was recognized during the quarter. Goodwill allocated to the VWR Distribution reporting unit totaled approximately $2,800.0 million as of the testing date. The limited excess of fair value over carrying value indicates that the valuation of this reporting unit is sensitive to adverse changes in key assumptions, including future operating performance, cash flows, discount rates, and market conditions. A modest increase in discount rates or a reduction in forecasted cash flows could eliminate this excess and result in a goodwill impairment.

The estimated fair values of our remaining reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by greater margins as of the testing date.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2026, we evaluated whether any events or changes in circumstances had occurred that would indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Based on this assessment, no triggering events or impairment indicators were identified, and accordingly, no interim goodwill impairment assessment was required during the quarter.

We continue to monitor internal and external factors that could affect the estimated fair value of our reporting units, including trends in our share price and market capitalization, macroeconomic conditions, and operating performance. If market conditions deteriorate further, including a continued decline in market capitalization or reductions to the financial projections for the VWR Distribution reporting unit, a material non‑cash goodwill impairment charge could be required in a future reporting period.

Market risk

As filed, 288 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk appear in Item 7A “Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk” in our Annual Report. There were no material changes during the quarter ended September 30, 2026 to this information as reported in our Annual Report.

Controls and procedures

As filed, 1,015 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

Management’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2026, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2026, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Risk factors

As filed, 1,631 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

For information regarding factors that could affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, see the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report and the following risk factor, which supplements and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report.

Our VWR Distribution reporting unit is at risk of goodwill impairment, which could result in a material non‑cash charge.

Our consolidated balance sheet includes goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets that must be periodically evaluated for potential impairment. We assess the realizability of the reported goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets annually, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. During the first quarter of 2026, a sustained decline in our share price and market capitalization constituted a triggering event that required an interim goodwill impairment assessment. Although no impairment was recorded, the VWR Distribution reporting unit is considered at risk of impairment because the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by a limited margin. The valuation is sensitive to adverse changes in operating performance, forecasted cash flows, discount rates and market conditions. If these factors deteriorate, we could be required to record a material non‑cash goodwill impairment charge in a future reporting period (see note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report).

Figures reported in this filing

Standardized line items from the XBRL in this filing, for the period ended 2026-09-30. Comparative periods it repeats are left out.

Figures reported in this filing
Line itemPeriodValueXBRL concept
Revenue3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$1.70bnus-gaap:Revenues
Revenue9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$4.97bnus-gaap:Revenues
Cost of revenue3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$1.16bnus-gaap:CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Cost of revenue9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$3.40bnus-gaap:CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Gross profit3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$534.8mus-gaap:GrossProfit
Gross profit9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$1.57bnus-gaap:GrossProfit
Selling, general and administrative3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$395.3mus-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Selling, general and administrative9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$1.21bnus-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Operating income3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$139.5mus-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss
Operating income9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$360.8mus-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss
Interest expense3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$39.9mus-gaap:InterestExpense
Interest expense9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$122.2mus-gaap:InterestExpense
Income tax3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30−$105.4mus-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Income tax9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30−$50.1mus-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Net income3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$203.4mus-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Net income9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$284.8mus-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Diluted EPS3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$0.30us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted
Diluted EPS9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$0.42us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted
Basic EPS3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30$0.30us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic
Basic EPS9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$0.42us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic
Diluted shares (weighted)3 months2026-07-01 to 2026-09-30680,900,000 sharesus-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding
Diluted shares (weighted)9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30677,700,000 sharesus-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding
Operating cash flow9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$432.0mus-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Capital expenditure9 months2026-01-01 to 2026-09-30$110.0mus-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Cash and equivalentsAt period end2026-09-30$464.3mus-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Current assetsAt period end2026-09-30$2.59bnus-gaap:AssetsCurrent
Total assetsAt period end2026-09-30$11.63bnus-gaap:Assets
Current liabilitiesAt period end2026-09-30$1.37bnus-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent
Total liabilitiesAt period end2026-09-30$5.79bnus-gaap:Liabilities
Long-term debtAt period end2026-09-30$3.65bnus-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Current portion of debtAt period end2026-09-30$35.0mus-gaap:LongTermDebtCurrent
Shareholders' equityAt period end2026-09-30$5.84bnus-gaap:StockholdersEquity

Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0001628280-26-067751. Last ingested by Listed: Oct 28, 2026, 09:10 ET. Listed shows no prices and gives no investment advice.