MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #sustainablyinspired--TIME named Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (NYSE: ZWS) to its list of the World's Best Companies - Sustainable Growth 2026 for the second consecutive year. TIME's list ranks the top 500 companies based on their ability to deliver strong financial results while driving long-term, environmentally responsible growth. Zurn Elkay ranked No. 229 overall, No. 40 among U.S.-based companies, No. 31 among Industry peers and No. 1 in Wisconsin. "This recognitio ...

Group 1: Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) - Seagate Technology Holdings plc is a data storage devices and solutions company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 7% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.10 compared to the industry average of 1.53, indicating strong growth potential [1] - Seagate possesses a Growth Score of B, reflecting its favorable growth characteristics [1] Group 2: Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (ZWS) - Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a water management solutions provider with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 2.26 compared to the industry average of 2.67, suggesting competitive growth prospects [2] - Zurn Elkay also possesses a Growth Score of B, indicating solid growth characteristics [2] Group 3: H World Group Limited (HTHT) - H World Group Limited is a hotel management company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.1% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.25 compared to the industry average of 1.95, highlighting its growth potential [3] - H World Group possesses a Growth Score of B, reflecting its strong growth characteristics [3]

Group 1 - The focus is on producing objective, data-driven research primarily about small- to mid-cap companies, which are often overlooked by many investors [1] - Occasionally, large-cap companies are analyzed to provide a broader perspective on the equity markets [1] Group 2 - There is a beneficial long position in the shares of ZWS, indicating a positive outlook on the company's stock [2]

Core Insights - Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation has been recognized by TIME as one of America's Growth Leaders for 2026, highlighting its exceptional growth, financial stability, and stock performance [1] Company Overview - Founded in 1900, Zurn Elkay has built a legacy based on an innovative product portfolio that addresses water-related challenges effectively and efficiently [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 11% organic sales growth year-over-year and a 16% increase in EBITDA to $122 million, with margins expanding by 120 basis points to 26.8% [4][10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $94 million, and the company repurchased approximately 600,000 shares, totaling $135 million year-to-date, representing about 3.8% of total shares outstanding [4][11] - The company raised its dividend by 22% and refreshed its share buyback program to $500 million [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales totaled $455 million in the third quarter, reflecting 11% core growth year-over-year, with the non-residential market remaining positive while the residential market showed softness [9] - The company experienced a full quarter impact from tariff-related price increases implemented in April, contributing to the core growth [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that the market outlook for 2026 will resemble that of 2025, with an acceleration in growth pushed to 2027 due to uncertainties around tariffs and interest rates [5][6] - Key macro indicators such as the Dodge Momentum Index, Architectural Billing Index, and Construction Backlogs are monitored to assess future construction spending [16][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging internal growth initiatives and competitive advantages, including product portfolio breadth and unique market positioning [6][30] - There is an intention to sharpen focus on driving organic growth into adjacent categories, supported by a strong cash flow generation and low leverage [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining price-cost positivity despite tariff impacts, projecting year-over-year core sales growth in the high single digits for the fourth quarter [32][33] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA margins to remain strong, with a new baseline established for future performance [64] Other Important Information - The company completed its U.S. pension plan termination, eliminating approximately $200 million in liabilities and related assets [11][12] - The company has maintained a strong track record of growth, with 55 out of the last 59 quarters showing year-over-year quarterly growth [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has there been any meaningful divergence in growth rates across legacy Zurn product categories over Q3 or into Q4? - Management indicated that most core categories are experiencing solid unit growth, with no significant changes expected as they head into the fourth quarter [38] Question: Can you provide an update on the reception of Elkay Pro Filtration and the market opportunity with the LIV EZ line? - Management reported strong uptake for the Elkay Pro Filtration system and expressed excitement about the LIV EZ product as a market extension, though not a primary growth pillar [40][41] Question: How should volume expectations be considered for the back half of the year? - Management noted good volume growth in Q3, with expectations for similar momentum in Q4, despite some pull forward in orders due to a price increase [46][47] Question: What are the priorities for capital allocation going forward? - Management reiterated a focus on reducing leverage, investing in core business, and maintaining a steady approach to share repurchases and dividends [52] Question: Can you provide insights on the M&A funnel and its evolution over the last 12 months? - Management stated that while the funnel has not changed significantly, there are more opportunities at the top, and they continue to evaluate various M&A prospects [58] Question: How do you view the consistent strong margin results and future expectations? - Management expressed confidence that the current margin levels represent a new baseline, with expectations for continued margin expansion driven by operational efficiencies [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 11% organic sales growth year over year, with total sales reaching $455 million in Q3 [4][9] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 16% to $122 million, with EBITDA margins expanding 120 basis points to 26.8%, marking the highest quarterly margins since the Elkay merger [4][10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $94 million, contributing to a year-to-date total of $135 million in share repurchases, representing about 3.8% of total shares outstanding [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The non-residential market remains positive, while the residential market continues to experience softness [9] - Incremental demand of approximately $8 million was shipped in Q3 due to customers ordering ahead of a pricing action [9][10] - The company has seen solid unit growth across almost all core categories, with no significant changes from previous quarters [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dodge Momentum Index, Architectural Billing Index, and Construction Backlogs are key indicators for future non-residential construction spending [16][19] - The company expects the market outlook for 2026 to resemble that of 2025, with low growth anticipated [5][26] - The company is over-indexed to stable segments within non-residential construction, particularly in education and healthcare [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage internal growth initiatives and competitive advantages to drive organic growth [6][30] - There is a focus on expanding into adjacent markets with innovative products while maintaining a strong core business [30] - The company has refreshed its share buyback program to $500 million and raised its dividend by 22% [4][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current tariff environment and maintain price-cost positivity [32][68] - The company raised its full-year estimates for growth, profitability, and cash flow, projecting core sales growth of approximately 8% for the full year [31] - Management noted that the tariff costs for 2025 are expected to be approximately $50 million, slightly higher than previous estimates [32] Other Important Information - The company completed its U.S. pension plan termination, eliminating approximately $200 million in liabilities [11][12] - Sustainability initiatives have advanced, with significant contributions to cleaner drinking water and reduced plastic waste [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Divergence in growth rates across product categories - Management noted that almost all core categories are experiencing solid unit growth, with no significant changes expected as they head into Q4 [38] Question: Update on Elkay Pro Filtration and LIV EZ line - The Elkay Pro Filtration system has seen strong uptake, and the LIV EZ line is expected to tap into a small market with good growth potential [40][42] Question: Volume expectations for the back half of the year - Management indicated that good volume growth is expected, with some pull forward in Q3 offset by weakness in the residential market [47][48] Question: Capital allocation priorities - The company continues to generate significant free cash flow, focusing on reducing leverage, investing in core business, and evaluating stock value for share repurchases [53] Question: M&A funnel and market opportunities - The M&A funnel has seen modest growth, with a focus on returns on invested capital rather than specific valuations [59] Question: Aspirations for residential drinking water - Management characterized the appetite for residential filtration as low, viewing the LIV EZ product as an extension rather than a significant market entry [62] Question: Consistent strong margin results - Management highlighted consistent margin expansion since the Elkay merger, with a new baseline for margins established [66] Question: Navigating the tariff environment - The company has proactively moved manufacturing out of China, positioning itself well to manage tariff impacts [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew 11% organically year over year, totaling $455 million in Q3 2025 [4][8] - EBITDA increased 16% to $122 million, with margins expanding 120 basis points to 26.8% [4][10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $94 million, with year-to-date repurchases reaching $135 million [4][11] - The company raised its dividend by 22% and refreshed its share buyback program to $500 million [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The non-residential market remains positive, while the residential market continues to experience softness [9] - Core growth reflects higher realization of tariff-related price increases implemented in April [9] - Incremental demand of about $8 million was shipped due to customers ordering ahead of a pricing action in mid-September [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dodge Momentum Index, Architectural Billing Index, and Construction Backlogs are tracked as key indicators for future non-residential construction spending [15][19] - The market outlook for 2026 is expected to resemble that of 2025, with low growth anticipated [5][26] - The company is over-indexed to stable segments within non-residential construction, particularly education and healthcare [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging internal growth initiatives and competitive advantages in product portfolio and market positioning [6][30] - Plans to sharpen focus on driving organic growth into adjacent categories while maintaining a premier pure play water business in North America [30] - The company aims to exploit competitive advantages in specification, supply chains, and go-to-market capabilities [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised full-year estimates for growth, profitability, and cash flow, projecting core sales growth of approximately 8% for the full year [31] - Tariff costs for 2025 are now expected to be approximately $50 million, slightly higher than previous estimates [33] - The company remains confident in its ability to navigate the tariff environment and maintain price-cost positivity [33][74] Other Important Information - The company completed its U.S. pension plan termination, eliminating approximately $200 million in liabilities [11][12] - Sustainability initiatives have advanced, including delivering 1.8 billion gallons of filtered drinking water and eliminating the need for 14.6 billion single-use plastic bottles [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any meaningful divergence in growth rates across legacy Zurn Elkay product categories? - Management noted that almost all core categories are experiencing solid unit growth, with no significant changes expected as they head into Q4 [38] Question: Update on the reception of Elkay Pro Filtration and market opportunity with LIV EZ line? - The Elkay Pro Filtration system has seen strong uptake, and the LIV EZ line is expected to grow nicely, though it is not anticipated to be a major pillar of the commercial drinking water offering [40][42] Question: Clarification on volume expectations and capital allocation priorities? - Management indicated that Q4 growth is expected to be equal to Q3 momentum, with a focus on maintaining a steady repurchase strategy while generating significant free cash flow [50][56] Question: Insights on the M&A funnel and aspirations for residential drinking water? - The M&A funnel has seen modest growth, with no significant changes in valuations. The company does not have a high appetite for entering residential filtration but sees the LIV EZ as an extension of existing offerings [60][62] Question: Consistent strong margin results and future expectations? - Management expressed confidence that the current margin levels represent a new baseline, with expectations of 30% to 35% incrementals on volume in the long term [71]

Financial Performance - Core sales increased by 11% year-over-year in Q3 2025[5,6] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 16% year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching $122 million[5,6] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 26.8% in Q3 2025, an increase of 120 bps year-over-year[5,6] - Free cash flow was $94 million in Q3 2025[5] - Year-to-date net sales reached $1,289 million, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024[7] - Year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA reached $338 million, a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024[7] Strategic Developments - Quarterly dividend increased by 22%[5] - The company completed the U.S pension plan termination[5] - Authorized share buyback increased to $500 million[5] - Share repurchases in Q3 2025 amounted to $25 million, representing approximately 600k shares[5] Sustainability Impact - 86% of revenue comes from products with sustainable attributes[10] - Products saved 24.7 million gallons of water[10] - Products delivered 1.8 billion gallons of safer, cleaner filtered water[10] - Products prevented 14.6 billion single-use plastic water bottles[10]

Core Insights - Carillon Eagle Small Cap Growth Fund's third-quarter 2025 investor letter indicates a sustained upward rally in equity markets, driven by AI acceleration, reduced inflationary impacts from tariffs, and prospects for interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve [1] - The Russell 2000® Growth Index increased by 12.19% in the quarter, slightly underperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index, which rose by 12.60% [1] Company Highlights - Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (NYSE:ZWS) is identified as a key stock in the fund's portfolio, with a one-month return of -1.65% and a 52-week gain of 28.22% [2] - As of October 28, 2025, Zurn Elkay's stock closed at $46.03 per share, with a market capitalization of $7.712 billion [2] - The company has outperformed broader non-residential construction trends and has effectively navigated tariff challenges, as noted in its recent earnings report, which exceeded investor expectations [3] - Recent product launches and favorable legislative trends are expected to positively impact Zurn Elkay's core institutional end markets, providing growth momentum [3] Market Position - Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 24 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of the second quarter, down from 26 in the previous quarter [4] - While Zurn Elkay is recognized for its potential, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Zurn Water (ZWS) reported quarterly earnings of $0.43 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.40 per share, and showing an increase from $0.34 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +7.50% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $455.4 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.86% and up from $410 million year-over-year [2] - Zurn Water shares have increased approximately 25% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 16.9% [3] Earnings Performance - Over the last four quarters, Zurn Water has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.32 on revenues of $389.94 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.44 on revenues of $1.67 billion [7] Industry Outlook - The Waste Removal Services industry, to which Zurn Water belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 35% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Another company in the same industry, Casella (CWST), is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.34 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +25.9% [9]