Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter revenue met expectations, with a goal of achieving $6 billion in EBITDA by 2027 [6][7] - Adjusted operating earnings per share for the second quarter was $0.20, down from $0.23 in the first quarter [27] - Free cash flow for the second quarter was $54 million, with expectations for the full year ranging from $100 million to $300 million [25][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Packaging Solutions North America, on-time delivery improved from 92% to 97% [15] - Volume in Packaging Solutions North America was seasonally higher, while EMEA experienced lower volumes due to market softness [23][36] - The company expects to achieve a run rate of approximately $650 million in commercial excellence benefits by the end of the year [16][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America remained stable but softer than the previous year, with expectations for stable box demand in the third quarter [11][12] - EMEA box shipments slowed by approximately 1% in the second quarter, but June showed signs of recovery [13] - The company anticipates a moderate increase in demand in the second half of the year, driven by seasonal growth in fast-moving consumer goods [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformational journey, deploying the "eightytwenty" strategy to drive improvements and synergies [7][8] - Strategic decisions include closing and selling facilities to reduce complexity and minimize costs [18][20] - The company aims to build a pure play packaging business, emphasizing stability and predictability [67] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing mill reliability issues, attributing them to years of underinvestment and emphasizing the need for consistent capital reinvestment [48][90] - The outlook for North America is positive, with expectations of closing the gap to industry standards by the fourth quarter [12][56] - In Europe, the company is experiencing variability due to market conditions, but remains committed to achieving its EBITDA targets [66][68] Other Important Information - The company has proposed to close five UK plants, which is expected to yield approximately $25 million in savings [19] - The strategic review of the global Southern Fibers business is ongoing, with no changes to the expected timeline [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about mill reliability issues - Management acknowledged that mill reliability issues have been building for years due to underinvestment and emphasized the need for consistent capital reinvestment [48][49] Question: Outlook for North America and EMEA - Management expressed confidence in North America, citing improvements in commercial operations and the potential for growth, while acknowledging the challenges in Europe due to market conditions [56][62] Question: July box volumes and customer inventories - Management indicated that the market remains relatively flat, with cautious customer behavior and no significant evidence of restocking anticipated [72][74] Question: Opportunities for accelerating reinvestment in mills - Management stated that while there is a focus on mill reliability, the ability to accelerate reinvestment is constrained by the need to prioritize strategic assets [90][92] Question: Update on exiting non-strategic export markets - Management confirmed progress in exiting non-strategic export markets, emphasizing that not all export is detrimental [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record results in Q2 across all metrics: sales increased by 2% to $1.1 billion, adjusted operating income rose by 9% to $297 million, return on sales (ROS) expanded by 170 basis points to 26.4%, and adjusted EPS increased by 14% to $1.39 [8][15][22] - Free cash flow reached a record $596 million, up 14% year over year, with a net debt leverage ratio of 1.2 times, down from 1.6 times a year ago [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Flow Segment**: Sales were flat year over year, with residential sales down 1% due to higher interest rates impacting the residential market, while commercial sales rose by 1% [16][18] - **Water Solutions Segment**: Sales declined by 4% to $298 million, primarily due to lower volume, with commercial sales down 3% and residential sales down 6% [18][19] - **Pool Segment**: Sales increased by 9% to $427 million, driven by price, volume, and the acquisition of Gulfstream [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates flow sales to grow in the low single digits, while water solutions are expected to decline in the mid single digits, and pool sales are projected to increase by approximately 6% to 7% for the full year [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives and strategic growth, including investments in high-performing talent and new product innovations [10][13] - The company aims to achieve $80 million in transformation savings for 2025 and targets a ROS of 26% by the end of 2026 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the softer residential end market allows the company to improve overall business positioning for when demand recovers, with expectations that lower interest rates will catalyze an improving housing market [11][14] - The company remains agile in a rapidly changing macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, with a strong balance sheet and capital allocation strategy [26] Other Important Information - The company made an investment in a startup, Hope Hydration, to deliver free water through digitally connected refill stations, which aligns with its sustainability goals [9] - The company updated its full-year guidance, expecting sales growth of approximately 1% to 2% and adjusted EPS of approximately $4.75 to $4.85 [22][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pool unit volumes and pricing sensitivity - Management indicated that new pool builds are expected to be modestly down, with customers extending product life through repairs rather than new purchases, influenced by pricing increases [32][33] Question: Price versus cost outlook for the year - Management clarified that pricing is expected to offset tariffs, with a net benefit from lower tariffs and staggered pricing strategies implemented [35][36] Question: Pool volume outlook and channel inventories - Management confirmed that pool volume expectations have slightly shifted to a more challenging outlook, but channel inventories are being monitored effectively [86][87] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and future increases - Management stated that they are prepared to react to any tariff changes and will work with dealers to recover costs as needed [89] Question: Divestiture of the commercial services business - Management explained that the decision to divest was based on changing dynamics and a focus on higher-margin businesses, with no expected loss in aftermarket sales [62][95]