Summary of Mueller Water Products Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Mueller Water Products (NYSE: MWA) - **Industry**: Water Infrastructure - **CEO Transition**: Marty Zakas will step down as CEO on February 9, 2026, with Paul McAndrew taking over [8][18] Key Financial Highlights - **Fiscal Year 2025 Performance**: - Record-breaking year with over 8% net sales growth, all organic [9][10] - EBITDA margin of 22.8% [10] - Free cash flow was approximately 84% of adjusted net income [15] Market Position and Products - **Core Products**: - Underground water infrastructure components including iron gate valves, fire hydrants, and specialty valves [9][12] - Focus on water and wastewater treatment facilities [9] - **Market Segments**: - Predominantly serves the U.S. market (92% of net sales), with a small portion from Canada [10] - Strong presence in municipal water utilities and residential construction markets [12][13] Strategic Initiatives - **Infrastructure Investment**: - $55 billion allocated for water infrastructure by the federal government [13] - Emphasis on the need for continued investment in aging water infrastructure [30][28] - **Product Innovations**: - Introduction of hydrant renewal technology to reduce replacement costs and time [30][31] - Development of EcoBrass, a more sustainable brass material [11][39] Operational Improvements - **Manufacturing Enhancements**: - Consolidation of five manufacturing sites into a new facility in Kimball, Tennessee [37] - New brass foundry opened, replacing an older facility [38] - **Capacity and Productivity**: - Plans to modernize aged equipment in iron foundries to increase capacity and productivity [40] Leadership Vision - **Future Growth**: - Focus on fewer, larger opportunities for growth rather than spreading resources too thin [22] - Commitment to enhancing customer experience through digital interfaces and operational improvements [16][23] - **Cultural Shift**: - Transition towards a performance-driven culture to support growth and margin expansion [23] Financial Strategy - **Capital Allocation**: - Balanced approach between returning capital to shareholders and investing in growth opportunities [52][54] - Ongoing share repurchase program with $65 million remaining [52] - **Margin Improvement**: - Expectation of 100 basis points year-over-year margin expansion [42] Conclusion - **Outlook**: - Positive outlook for continued growth driven by infrastructure investment and operational improvements [15][17] - Strong focus on innovation and customer relationships to enhance market position [16][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter net sales of $1,900,000,000, marking a 10% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 3% to $224,000,000, both representing all-time highs for the first quarter [5][20][24] - Gross margins improved sequentially to 26.7% from 26.6% in the previous quarter, although down from 26.9% year-over-year [21][24] - Diluted earnings per share increased approximately 6% to $0.52 due to higher net income and a lower share count following share repurchases [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved mid single-digit organic sales growth, with notable performance in meters (10% growth) and double-digit growth in treatment plant and fusible high-density polyethylene offerings [9][20] - Storm drainage products outperformed with a 17% growth, driven by road and bridge projects and increased distribution opportunities [71] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The municipal construction market remains stable, supported by funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with a growing pipeline of projects [6][94] - Residential lot development showed resilience, but signs of softening were noted due to economic conditions and affordability pressures [7][62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence through both organic growth and acquisitions, with a healthy acquisition pipeline and plans to open 5 to 10 new greenfield locations in 2025 [12][87] - The strategic plan emphasizes local service, product line expansion, and leveraging market intelligence to drive growth [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the near and long-term outlook for municipal construction, despite short-term uncertainties in residential development [8][27] - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance for net sales between $7,600,000,000 and $7,800,000, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $950,000,000 and $1,000,000, reflecting stable demand and project activity [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has been actively managing its supply chain to mitigate impacts from tariffs and trade restrictions, with minimal direct effects noted so far [11][21] - The company continues to invest in employee training and development, which has been recognized in industry awards [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on SG&A productivity for the year - Management indicated that SG&A expenses increased 14% due to acquisitions and inflation, but productivity gains were noted, with expectations for improved rates in the second quarter [30][33] Question: Top-line guidance and market conservatism - Management expects the market to be roughly flat for the full year, with stronger performance in the first half and potential challenges in the back half due to economic uncertainties [36][37] Question: Pricing dynamics and commodity impacts - Pricing improved sequentially, with expectations for flat pricing for the year, despite some inflationary pressures on certain product categories [44][46] Question: Residential construction market outlook - Management noted a potential slowdown in residential development, with bidding activity scaling down, but emphasized that this segment represents only about 20% of the business [62][63] Question: Employee retention and poaching concerns - Management reported high employee retention rates and viewed occasional poaching as an opportunity to attract talent [102][103] Question: Cost-out initiatives and SG&A alignment - Management is focusing on aligning resources to areas of growth, with some cost-out initiatives underway, but no substantial quantification provided [104][106]