Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved 5% sales growth and marked the 15th consecutive quarter of margin expansion, with adjusted operating profit increasing by 9% to $252 million and adjusted EPS rising by 9% to $1.18 [10][17] - For the full year 2025, sales reached $4.18 billion, a 2% increase, with adjusted operating income growing by 10% and adjusted EPS increasing to a record $4.92, up 14% year-over-year [11][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flow sales in Q4 increased by 9% to $394 million, with commercial and industrial sales up 12% and residential sales rising 4% [18] - Water Solutions sales decreased by 10% to $232 million in Q4, with commercial sales down 15% due to the impact of the sale of the commercial services business [20] - Pool sales grew by 11% to $393 million in Q4, driven primarily by price increases [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American market for Water Solutions remained relatively strong, although international and China sales experienced volatility [36] - The company expects total sales growth of approximately 3% to 4% in 2026, with flow sales projected to increase by mid-single digits to high single digits [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has strategically combined its Flow residential business with its Water Solutions residential business to enhance operational efficiencies and customer experiences [8][9] - The focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, with plans to invest in digital and AI-driven solutions [12][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model and resilience of end markets, projecting adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 in the range of $5.25 to $5.40, reflecting an 8% increase at the midpoint [12][24] - The company remains vigilant in responding to macro volatility and is taking proactive steps to mitigate risks [12][22] Other Important Information - The company generated record free cash flow of $748 million and returned $225 million to shareholders through share repurchases [11][23] - The leadership transition includes Nick Brazis as the new CFO, emphasizing a commitment to disciplined execution and financial integrity [7][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the commercial Water Solutions business - Management indicated that both Manitowoc and Everpure are expected to return to growth in 2026, with the North American market remaining strong despite international volatility [36] Question: Incremental productivity opportunities from the combination of residential flow and water - The combined business is expected to create significant margin improvement over the next several years, leveraging better channel alignment and operational efficiencies [37][39] Question: Pool business dynamics and guidance - Management noted that the guidance reflects no residential recovery in 2026, with a focus on maintaining a pragmatic approach to sales expectations [46][48] Question: Capital allocation priorities - The company plans to continue raising dividends while actively looking for strategic acquisitions and considering share buybacks as part of its capital allocation strategy [49] Question: Impact of 80/20 strategy on organic growth - Management clarified that the 80/20 strategy is expected to drive growth by focusing on high-margin customers, with no anticipated headwinds from walking away from lower-margin revenue [60] Question: Pricing strategy amidst inflation - The company aims to offset inflation through pricing while ensuring that price increases do not exceed necessary levels to maintain competitiveness [62][63]

Core Insights - Blue-chip stocks are essential for long-term investors, providing stability and steady dividends in a well-structured portfolio [1][2] Established Businesses - Blue-chip stocks represent established companies with dominant market positions, such as DBS Group Holdings, United Overseas Bank, Singtel, ST Engineering, and Seatrium, which are integral to Singapore's economy [3][4] Dependable Income - Blue-chip companies have a strong history of paying and increasing dividends, exemplified by Singapore Exchange Limited, which has raised its annual dividend from S$0.28 to S$0.375 per share over the past decade [5][6] Liquidity and Accessibility - Blue-chip stocks on the Singapore Exchange feature high trading volumes and lower bid-ask spreads, facilitating easy buying and selling, and providing liquidity for investors [8] Risk Management - Blue-chip stocks reduce overall portfolio volatility and act as a buffer during market downturns, making them a foundational element for a balanced investment strategy [9] Building a Core Blue-Chip Portfolio - A recommended investment strategy involves an 80/20 portfolio allocation, with 80% in blue-chip stocks and 20% in growth stocks, ensuring steady income and reduced volatility [10][11] Strong Foundation for Investing - A successful investment strategy focuses on building a strong foundation with blue-chip stocks, complemented by selective growth stocks to achieve long-term wealth compounding [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [26] - The company expects nearly $800 million of run rate quarterly EBITDA in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [10] - The company anticipates free cash flow for the full year to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [29] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [33] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level of demand to continue into the second quarter [13] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable on a quarter-to-quarter basis [13] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company outlined three pillars of its strategy designed to drive sustainable value creation, focusing on building an advantaged cost position, superior customer experience, and profitable market share growth [8] - The company is targeting $1.9 billion of cost reductions by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already achieved [15] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with significant synergies expected from the combination [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [12] - The company is prepared for three different scenarios regarding demand, with a focus on controlling its own destiny through strategic execution [14] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to strategy execution despite external challenges [70] Other Important Information - The company will report legacy IP and DS Smith businesses in North America as Packaging Solutions North America and in EMEA as Packaging Solutions EMEA [20] - The strategic option process for the global cellulose fiber business is ongoing, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What demand assumptions are being used for the full year EBITDA guidance? - Management indicated confidence in landing between 3.5% and 4% EBITDA if demand remains stable, with April showing signs of stabilization [49][50] Question: How has the tariff situation impacted the pulp business? - Management noted a mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [62][63] Question: Can you provide more details on market share gains in North America? - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to a turnaround in market share, particularly among small to medium-sized customers [78][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [30] - The company expects a run rate quarterly EBITDA of nearly $800 million in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [12][16] - Free cash flow for the full year is expected to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [33] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [37] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level to continue into the second quarter [15] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable in the second quarter [15] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: building an advantaged cost position, enhancing customer experience, and driving profitable market share growth [10] - The company aims to achieve $1.9 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already realized [17] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with a target of achieving $600 million to $700 million in synergies [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [15] - The company is prepared for various scenarios, including potential economic deterioration, and is focused on controlling its own destiny [16] - Management remains optimistic about achieving the targeted range of earnings improvements if demand remains stable [15] Other Important Information - The company is implementing an "eighty-twenty" performance system to drive significant earnings improvement and commercial excellence [20] - The company is actively pursuing a strategic option process for its Global Cellulose Fibers business, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends and EBITDA guidance - Management indicated that if demand remains stable, they feel confident in achieving an EBITDA target between $3.5 billion and $4 billion [53][64] Question: Impact of tariffs on pulp business - Management noted that there is mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [66][67] Question: Market share gains in North America - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to modest market share gains in local accounts [81][85] Question: Operating rates and portfolio assessment - Management confirmed stability in demand and indicated ongoing footprint optimization efforts [86][89] Question: EBITDA bridge from first half to second half - Management explained that the second half is expected to see a significant increase in EBITDA due to cost savings and price realization [97][100]