Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 11% organic sales growth year-over-year and a 16% increase in EBITDA to $122 million, with margins expanding by 120 basis points to 26.8% [4][10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $94 million, and the company repurchased approximately 600,000 shares, totaling $135 million year-to-date, representing about 3.8% of total shares outstanding [4][11] - The company raised its dividend by 22% and refreshed its share buyback program to $500 million [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales totaled $455 million in the third quarter, reflecting 11% core growth year-over-year, with the non-residential market remaining positive while the residential market showed softness [9] - The company experienced a full quarter impact from tariff-related price increases implemented in April, contributing to the core growth [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that the market outlook for 2026 will resemble that of 2025, with an acceleration in growth pushed to 2027 due to uncertainties around tariffs and interest rates [5][6] - Key macro indicators such as the Dodge Momentum Index, Architectural Billing Index, and Construction Backlogs are monitored to assess future construction spending [16][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging internal growth initiatives and competitive advantages, including product portfolio breadth and unique market positioning [6][30] - There is an intention to sharpen focus on driving organic growth into adjacent categories, supported by a strong cash flow generation and low leverage [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining price-cost positivity despite tariff impacts, projecting year-over-year core sales growth in the high single digits for the fourth quarter [32][33] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA margins to remain strong, with a new baseline established for future performance [64] Other Important Information - The company completed its U.S. pension plan termination, eliminating approximately $200 million in liabilities and related assets [11][12] - The company has maintained a strong track record of growth, with 55 out of the last 59 quarters showing year-over-year quarterly growth [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has there been any meaningful divergence in growth rates across legacy Zurn product categories over Q3 or into Q4? - Management indicated that most core categories are experiencing solid unit growth, with no significant changes expected as they head into the fourth quarter [38] Question: Can you provide an update on the reception of Elkay Pro Filtration and the market opportunity with the LIV EZ line? - Management reported strong uptake for the Elkay Pro Filtration system and expressed excitement about the LIV EZ product as a market extension, though not a primary growth pillar [40][41] Question: How should volume expectations be considered for the back half of the year? - Management noted good volume growth in Q3, with expectations for similar momentum in Q4, despite some pull forward in orders due to a price increase [46][47] Question: What are the priorities for capital allocation going forward? - Management reiterated a focus on reducing leverage, investing in core business, and maintaining a steady approach to share repurchases and dividends [52] Question: Can you provide insights on the M&A funnel and its evolution over the last 12 months? - Management stated that while the funnel has not changed significantly, there are more opportunities at the top, and they continue to evaluate various M&A prospects [58] Question: How do you view the consistent strong margin results and future expectations? - Management expressed confidence that the current margin levels represent a new baseline, with expectations for continued margin expansion driven by operational efficiencies [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved sales of $1.022 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising 10% to $263 million and adjusted EPS increasing 14% to $1.24 [6][13] - Return on sales (ROS) expanded by 160 basis points to 25.7% [6][13] - The company generated record free cash flow of $719 million year-to-date, up 14% year-over-year, and reduced its net debt leverage ratio to 1.3x from 1.4x a year ago [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flow segment sales increased 6% year-over-year to $394 million, with residential sales up 3%, commercial sales up 5%, and industrial sales up 10% [13][14] - Water Solutions sales declined 6% to $273 million, with commercial sales down 6% and residential sales also down 6% year-over-year [14] - Pool sales increased 7% to $354 million, driven by price, volume, and the Gulfstream acquisition, although segment income rose only 3% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects Flow sales to grow in low single digits, Water Solutions to decline in mid-single digits, and Pool sales to increase approximately 7% for the full year [17] - The company anticipates fourth-quarter sales to be up approximately 3% to 4% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives and has delivered approximately $56 million in transformation savings year-to-date, aiming for $80 million in 2025 [8][9] - The company continues to invest in growth initiatives and innovation through digital and product technology [8] - The company plans to share more insights on its 80/20 actions at an upcoming Investor Day in March [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to drive efficiencies and profitability, with a balanced capital deployment strategy [10][19] - The company is cautious about potential headwinds such as tariffs and high interest rates but remains optimistic about growth opportunities [64] Other Important Information - The company announced the acquisition of Hydra-Stop for approximately $292 million, enhancing its Flow business [6][16] - The CFO will be leaving the company effective March 1, 2026, with a smooth transition planned [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Pool margin productivity - Management acknowledged the challenging comparison for Pool's margin but expressed optimism for a rebound in Q4, highlighting investments made to drive future growth [23][24] Question: Update on Water Solutions growth - Management noted a slight decrease in core Water Solutions growth due to lagging commercial growth and international sales softness, particularly in China [33][34] Question: Transformation savings context - Management provided insights into the sources of transformation savings, emphasizing balanced contributions across all four pillars of transformation [43][44] Question: Hydro-Stop acquisition growth potential - Management indicated that Hydro-Stop is expected to contribute approximately $50 million in revenue for 2026, with cross-selling opportunities anticipated [87] Question: Digital sales percentage and future outlook - Management discussed the importance of digital strategies and the need for investment in digital front ends to enhance customer experiences [99][101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved sales of $1.022 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising 10% to $263 million and adjusted EPS increasing 14% to $1.24 [6][13] - Return on sales (ROS) expanded by 160 basis points to 25.7% [6][13] - The company generated record free cash flow of $719 million year-to-date, up 14% year-over-year, and reduced its net debt leverage ratio to 1.3 times from 1.4 times a year ago [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Flow Segment**: Sales increased 6% year-over-year to $394 million, with residential sales up 3%, commercial sales up 5%, and industrial sales up 10% [13][14] - **Water Solutions Segment**: Sales declined 6% to $273 million, with commercial sales down 6% and residential sales also down 6% year-over-year [14] - **Pool Segment**: Sales increased 7% to $354 million, driven by price, volume, and the Gulfstream acquisition [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects Flow sales to grow in low single digits, Water Solutions to decline in mid-single digits, and Pool sales to increase approximately 7% for the full year [17] - The company anticipates fourth-quarter sales to be up approximately 3% to 4% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives and has delivered approximately $56 million in transformation savings year-to-date, aiming for $80 million by the end of 2025 [8][9] - The company continues to invest in growth initiatives and innovation through digital and product technology [8] - The company plans to share more insights on its 80/20 actions at an upcoming Investor Day in March [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's execution and increased full-year guidance, expecting adjusted EPS of approximately $4.85 to $4.90, up 12% to 13% from 2024 [7][16] - Management noted that while there are uncertainties due to tariffs and interest rates, they are optimistic about the company's performance and growth opportunities [64] Other Important Information - The company announced that CFO Bob Fishman will be leaving effective March 1, 2026, and Nick Cash will take over [10][11] - The company has been proactive in mitigating the impact of tariffs through price increases and other strategies [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Pool margin productivity and full-year outlook - Management acknowledged the tough comparison for Pool margins but expressed optimism for a rebound in Q4, indicating that investments made in Q3 would drive future growth [23][24] Question: Update on Water Solutions growth - Management noted a slight decrease in core Water Solutions growth due to lagging commercial growth and international sales softness, particularly in China [33][34] Question: Transformation savings and future potential - Management confirmed confidence in achieving the 26% ROS target and indicated that transformation savings have been balanced across various operational areas [36][43] Question: Insights on Flow segment pricing and performance - Management highlighted strong performance across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with price increases contributing positively [50][51] Question: Hydrostat acquisition impact - Management confirmed expectations of $10 million in sales contribution from Hydrostat in Q4 and projected $50 million in 2026, emphasizing cross-selling opportunities [73][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.8%, up 100 basis points year over year [7][12] - Adjusted EPS grew by mid-teens percentage compared to the previous year [7] - Revenue growth was strong at 6% in the quarter, driven primarily by outperformance in Measurement and Control Solutions (MCS) [12][19] - Year-to-date free cash flow decreased by $61 million year over year, mainly due to outsourced water projects and timing of tax payments [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Measurement and Control Solutions (MCS)**: Orders grew 12% organically, with revenue up 10% driven by energy metering demand [14] - **Water Infrastructure**: Revenue grew 4%, with demand led by treatment solutions, although orders declined by 2% due to funding delays in the UK and Canada [15] - **Applied Water**: Orders rose 4% for the sixth consecutive quarter, with revenue increasing by 5% [16] - **Water Solutions and Services**: Orders increased by 5%, with revenue growth also at 5% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for products and solutions remains resilient, particularly in smart metering, which saw double-digit growth [8] - The backlog remains strong across all segments, except MCS, which is being normalized [12] - The company noted ongoing economic challenges in China, with orders down approximately 18% year over year [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its transformation plan laid out at the Investor Day, which includes simplifying operations and enhancing portfolio for growth [10][22] - Recent acquisitions in advanced treatment are aimed at strengthening the growth engine and enhancing capabilities [26] - The company is committed to mitigating tariff impacts through pricing actions and supply chain adjustments [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering strong performance for the remainder of 2025, despite macro uncertainties [20][22] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $8.9 billion to $9.0 billion, reflecting 4% to 5% total growth [19] - Management acknowledged potential impacts from tariffs and FX movements but emphasized strong demand and backlog execution [20] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in its simplification initiatives, which have improved productivity and customer responsiveness [9][10] - The integration of Evoqua is ahead of schedule, with strong traction on cost and revenue synergies [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on MCS order outlook and destocking - Management noted resilient demand across the board, with expectations for MCS to return to positive book-to-bill by year-end [34] Question: Progress on simplification initiatives - Management reported tracking ahead of the timeline for simplification, with improved decision-making and customer metrics [36] Question: Applied Water segment performance and eightytwenty impact - Management highlighted strong orders and revenue growth, with eightytwenty helping to focus on growth while simplifying operations [48] Question: Municipal utility funding concerns - Management expressed confidence that Congress will appropriate funds to maintain healthy state revolving fund levels, despite concerns [90] Question: MCS legacy energy business margin drag - Management indicated that legacy projects would pressure margins in the near term but expect sequential improvement in Q4 [106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record results in Q2, with sales increasing by 2% to $1.1 billion, adjusted operating income rising by 9% to $297 million, and adjusted EPS increasing by 14% to $1.39 [7][15] - Return on sales (ROS) expanded by 170 basis points to 26.4%, driven primarily by transformation initiatives and pricing strategies [7][15] - Free cash flow reached a record $596 million, up 14% year over year, with a net debt leverage ratio decreasing from 1.6 times to 1.2 times [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 increases, volume growth, and the acquisition of Gulfstream [19][20] 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] - The company noted a softer residential end market, which has allowed for a focus on improving overall business operations [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving long-term shareholder value through transformation initiatives and strategic growth investments, including talent acquisition and product innovation [10][13] - The company has committed to achieving $80 million in transformation savings for 2025, with expectations for continued margin improvement beyond 2026 [12][13] - The company is adapting to a rapidly changing macroeconomic environment and is optimistic about future demand recovery as interest rates potentially decrease [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its strategy despite a challenging environment, with expectations for sales growth of 1% to 2% and adjusted EPS guidance of $4.75 to $4.85 for the full year [8][22] - The management highlighted the importance of monitoring macroeconomic conditions and adjusting strategies accordingly, particularly in response to tariff impacts and inflation [24][25] Other Important Information - The company made an investment in a startup, Hope Hydration, which aims to provide free water through digitally connected refill stations, leveraging Pentair's technology [9] - The company strategically divested its small commercial services business to focus on higher-margin filtration and ice businesses [18][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pool unit volumes and pricing sensitivity - Management noted 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 [31][32] Question: Price versus cost outlook for the year - Management indicated that pricing strategies are designed to offset tariff impacts, with a net benefit from lower tariffs contributing to raised guidance [35][36] Question: Pool volume outlook and channel inventories - Management confirmed that while pool volume outlook remains modestly challenging, channel inventories are well managed and in line with historical levels [90] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and operational decisions - Management stated that the tariff situation has paused some decision-making but remains committed to localizing supply chains and optimizing operational efficiencies [85][86] Question: Future divestitures and cash flow performance - Management clarified that while there are no immediate divestitures planned, they are focused on product line exits that do not align with their strategic goals, and highlighted strong cash flow performance due to improved working capital management [100][101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $1 billion, down 1% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income increasing 12% to $243 million and adjusted EPS rising 18% to $1.11 [22][11][12] - Return on sales (ROS) expanded by 260 basis points to 24% [11][22] - The company maintained its full-year 2025 sales and adjusted EPS guidance of $4.65 to $4.80, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 9% at the midpoint [11][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales were down 1% year-over-year, with pool sales growing 7%, while flow and water solutions declined by 4% and 5%, respectively [22][23][26] - Pool segment income increased 14% to $126 million, with a return on sales of 32.8% [28] - Water solutions segment income grew 9% to $61 million, with a return on sales of 23.5% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flow sales declined 4% year-over-year, with residential sales down 6% due to higher interest rates, while commercial sales rose 3% [24] - The company noted that the ice business faced difficult year-over-year comparisons but is expected to return to normalized growth rates [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives to drive margin expansion, having saved $174 million in 2023 and 2024 combined, with an expectation of an additional $80 million in 2025 [15][29] - The implementation of the 80-20 strategy aims to optimize operations and focus on high-value core sales growth [17][20] - The company is maintaining a balanced capital deployment strategy, including debt repayment, dividends, share repurchases, and M&A [14][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining guidance despite dynamic market conditions, including tariff impacts and inflation [11][33] - The company is monitoring the operating environment closely, particularly regarding potential demand destruction due to tariffs [72][73] - Management highlighted the importance of agility in responding to changing market conditions and maintaining operational efficiency [12][14] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $50 million of shares and increased its dividend for the 49th consecutive year [11][32] - The estimated tariff impact for 2025 is approximately $140 million, primarily from China, with mitigation strategies in place [36][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic sales assumptions for the year - Management indicated that higher prices are expected to offset lower volumes, particularly in the North American residential housing market [47][48] Question: Clarification on tariff impact - The $140 million tariff impact is an in-year estimate for 2025, with expectations that it will primarily affect the second half of the year [49][50] Question: Absorbing tariff impacts in margin guidance - Management confirmed that pricing strategies are designed to exceed tariff impacts, with slight benefits from mix and currency [55][56] Question: Pool forecast growth and selling season - Management noted that while the pool market remains strong, there may be softening in remodeling and discretionary spending later in the year [60][61] Question: Inventory pre-positioning and order capping strategy - The company is capping orders to prevent shadow inventory and ensure supply chain stability, learning from past supply chain issues [69][70] Question: Competitive supply chain positioning - Management acknowledged that while some businesses may face margin challenges, others are positioned to exceed tariff impacts [103][104] Question: Transformation initiatives and future projects - The company is continuously evaluating transformation projects to enhance supply chain effectiveness, with benefits expected in 2026 and beyond [99][100]