Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net revenue of $987 million for the first quarter, an increase of 8% from the prior year [5] - Operating income rose to $131 million, up 12% year-over-year [5] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 17% to $0.34, while GAAP EPS was reported at $0.40 [5][12] Business Segment Performance - The Government Services segment generated $382 million in revenue, growing 5% despite a U.S. government shutdown [6] - The Commercial and International Group segment's revenue increased by 10% to $605 million, driven by growth in the UK and Ireland [6][7] - Margins for both segments improved by 40 basis points, with Government Services at 18% and Commercial International at 13% [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Federal work increased by 7%, primarily due to projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [8] - U.S. state and local markets grew by 10%, driven by municipal water treatment and digital water modernization [8] - International work accounted for 48% of total revenues, growing at a rate of 13% [9] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company focuses on water supply, treatment, flood control, and environmental stewardship, which remain in high demand [3] - Strategic growth areas include technology and automation, with plans for acquisitions to enhance capabilities [17][24] - The company aims to leverage its strong balance sheet for investments in growth opportunities [16][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in revenue growth despite challenges like the government shutdown, expecting federal orders to increase in the second half of the fiscal year [10][11] - The company anticipates continued strong demand in water and environmental services, with a forecasted revenue growth rate of 5%-10% for international markets [25][26] - Management highlighted the importance of bipartisan support for future growth, particularly in federal spending [59] Other Important Information - The company announced a 12% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, marking the 47th consecutive quarterly dividend [17] - A stock buyback program was initiated, with $50 million repurchased in the first quarter [18] - The company divested its Norway operation, which was deemed non-core, while acquiring Halvik and Providence to enhance its consulting services [77][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength in Federal Business - Management noted that the 7% growth in federal business was supported by advanced planning and strong relationships with clients, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [35][38] Question: International Business Performance - The UK and Ireland have shown strong double-digit growth, while Canada is performing well with significant infrastructure investments [40][42] - Australia is recovering from previous declines, moving from -15% growth to flat performance [44][46] Question: Guidance and Market Conditions - Management indicated that guidance reflects a midpoint of 9% revenue growth, with potential risks from government shutdowns impacting the low end of the range [56][58] Question: M&A Focus and Strategy - The company is looking for strategic acquisitions that could justify higher leverage, with a focus on partnerships that transform the industry [65][66] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining shareholder value while pursuing growth through acquisitions [72][74]

Core Insights - West Virginia's drinking water infrastructure received a D+ grade, while wastewater infrastructure received a D grade according to the ASCE's 2025 Report Card [1][2] - The EPA's 2023 assessment indicates that West Virginia needs to invest approximately $4.5 billion in drinking water infrastructure over the next two decades, with even greater resources required for wastewater systems [2] - West Virginia American Water has invested over $736 million in water infrastructure improvements over the past decade and plans to continue these efforts [3] Investment Needs - The state requires sustained investment and coordinated action from utilities, regulators, legislators, and local leaders to address the infrastructure challenges [3] - American Water, the parent company of West Virginia American Water, plans to invest more than $46 billion across its operations, including West Virginia, over the next ten years [3] Company Overview - West Virginia American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 583,000 people with safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported nearly 7% net sales growth in Q2 2025, reaching $2.1 billion, with approximately 5% organic growth [3][5] - Gross margin improved to 26.8%, up 10 basis points sequentially and 40 basis points year-over-year [4][6] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased approximately 13% to $0.87 compared to $0.77 in the prior year [6] - SG&A expenses rose 13% to $302 million, with half of the increase attributed to acquisitions and one-time costs [6][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales of meter products declined year-over-year due to project delays, but a growing backlog is expected to support strong sales growth in the second half [4][47] - The municipal market remains strong, with healthy demand driven by funding and infrastructure projects [3][9] - Residential lot development slowed, particularly in the Sun Belt markets, leading to a revised outlook for residential demand [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Municipal end market volumes are expected to grow in the low single digits, while non-residential volumes are projected to be roughly flat [6] - Residential lot development is anticipated to decline in the low double digits for the full year [6][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic growth and complementary acquisitions, with recent acquisition of Canada Waterworks enhancing its position in the Canadian market [4][5] - Investments are being made in new locations and technology solutions to improve efficiency and support long-term margin expansion [4][6] - The company aims to capture growth opportunities in aging U.S. water infrastructure and is confident in its long-term growth and profitability prospects [4][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that higher interest rates and affordability concerns are impacting residential demand, which is expected to remain soft [3][4] - The company is implementing targeted cost-out actions to improve productivity and operating margins, with some benefits expected in the second half of the year [4][6] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term demand characteristics across its end markets and the potential for above-market growth [6][18] Other Important Information - The company generated $34 million of operating cash flow in the quarter and returned $8 million to shareholders through share repurchases [6] - Total liquidity was reported at $1.1 billion, primarily from availability under the ABL credit facility [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the factors affecting the revenue guidance? - Management indicated that the decline in residential outlook is the main driver, but there are positive contributions from municipal markets and successful sales initiatives [8][9] Question: What are the growth opportunities in the evolving water market? - Management expressed optimism about the water market, highlighting increased demand from data centers and aging infrastructure projects [10][11] Question: How is the company addressing higher operating expenses? - Management acknowledged stubborn inflation and higher costs but emphasized ongoing cost-out actions and targeted investments for growth [15][16] Question: What is the outlook for residential demand? - Management noted that residential demand weakened throughout Q2 and is expected to remain low double digits for the rest of the year [17][18] Question: How does the company view the competitive environment? - Management stated that the competitive environment remains typical, with no significant changes, and emphasized the stability Core & Main provides to customers [59][60]