Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net sales decreased by 2% in the second quarter, but were in line with the prior year when excluding the Kichler divestiture and currency impacts [13][22] - Gross margins increased by 10 basis points to 37.7%, while operating profit grew by $14 million to $413 million, resulting in an operating profit margin increase of 100 basis points to 20.1% [13][24] - Earnings per share (EPS) grew by 8% to $1.3 per share [13][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Plumbing sales increased by 4% in local currency, with North American Plumbing sales up by 5% driven by favorable pricing and volume [14][25] - International plumbing sales increased by 1% in local currency, with operating profit for the segment at $276 million and an operating margin of 21% [15][25] - Decorative Architectural segment sales decreased by 12%, with total paint sales down mid-single digits due to lower volume [15][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global repair and remodel market is anticipated to decline by low single digits, with the company expecting to outperform the market [19][33] - The company expects its sales to be roughly flat, excluding the impacts of divestiture and currency, with lower volumes offset by pricing [19][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its portfolio of brands and enhance consumer experiences while driving profitable growth [8][20] - The focus is on leveraging digital strategies, including e-commerce and digital marketing, to accelerate top-line growth [83] - The company is committed to maintaining cost discipline while investing in future growth opportunities [30][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, emphasizing the need for mitigation actions against tariffs and commodity cost increases [12][17] - The company anticipates some uncertainty in near-term market conditions but remains optimistic about structural factors supporting long-term growth [20][34] - Management expects headwinds in the second half of the year, particularly related to tariff costs and commodity inflation [35] Other Important Information - The company plans to allocate approximately $450 million towards share repurchases or acquisitions in 2025, with a focus on bolt-on acquisitions [38][41] - The balance sheet remains strong, with gross debt to EBITDA at two times and $1.3 billion in liquidity [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Allocation of $450 million to repurchases and acquisitions - Management indicated that acquisitions would be bolt-on in nature, focusing on core areas, with the majority of the allocation expected for share repurchases [38][41] Question: Sustainability of propane growth - The propane business has grown significantly, and management believes there is still room for growth, particularly through partnerships with The Home Depot [42][43] Question: Pre-buy activity in plumbing - Some pre-buy activity was noted in plumbing, primarily related to tariff price increases, but overall channel inventories remain healthy [48][50] Question: DIY paint consumption trends - Management highlighted that existing home sales, which are at a three-decade low, are a major driver of softness in the DIY market [54][56] Question: Performance of plumbing brands - Upper premium and luxury brands are performing well, while mid-tier brands are experiencing some trade-down [61][63] Question: Mitigation actions against tariffs - Management is employing pricing, cost reductions, and sourcing changes to mitigate tariff impacts, with a focus on reducing exposure to China [74][104] Question: Working capital dynamics - Working capital is impacted by tariffs and inflation, with a focus on maintaining lean inventory while managing tariff-related costs [118][119]