Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.4% year over year to $1.37 billion, with currency providing a 150 basis point tailwind [20] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 9.4% year over year to $0.93, exceeding guidance due to higher sales volumes [22] - Free cash flow generation was $323 million, an increase of $83 million year over year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales reached $825 million, up 6.2% year over year, with core sales growth of 5% [22][23] - PQI segment sales grew 6.8% year over year to $546 million, with core sales growth of 4.6% [24][25] - Water Quality's adjusted operating profit increased 11.5% to $214 million, with a margin of 25.9% [24] - PQI's adjusted operating profit was $140 million, flat year over year, with a margin of 25.6% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales growth in Western Europe was 6.3%, led by double-digit growth in water quality [13] - North America saw core sales growth of 5.6%, with both segments generating growth above 5% [13] - High growth markets experienced over 6% sales growth year over year, with high single-digit growth in PQI [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.72 to $3.80 per share, reflecting stable demand and macroeconomic conditions [9][31] - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on acquisitions to fuel long-term shareholder value [10][30] - The company is investing in emerging technology-oriented businesses, such as a €20 million commitment to Emerald Technology Ventures Global Water Fund II [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing strong demand for technology solutions [34] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by secular trends in water reuse and sustainability [42] - Management noted that the infrastructure supporting technology and AI growth will strain water capacity, positioning the company well to meet these needs [15] Other Important Information - The company achieved mid-single-digit core sales growth for four consecutive quarters, demonstrating the durability of its business model [7] - Adjusted operating profit margin was 23.7%, consistent with underlying guidance assumptions [12][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on core water quality growth by region? - Management indicated that their water quality business is resilient to government funding fluctuations, driven by secular trends in water reuse and sustainability [41] Question: What is the impact of tariffs and pricing on PQI margins? - Management explained that margin compression was due to acquisitions, timing differences in pricing actions, and investments, with expectations for gradual improvement in the second half of the year [46][49] Question: How is the company positioned in the current M&A market? - Management stated that the M&A pipeline is active, with a focus on identifying attractive markets and companies, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [62] Question: What is the outlook for the UK water utility market? - Management expressed confidence in capitalizing on increased spending opportunities in the UK, leveraging their direct sales approach [102] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Chinese market? - Management noted that while water quality sales in China have been flat, they are executing well within available opportunities [94]