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 Performance - Second quarter net sales increased by 8% year-over-year, reaching $445 million compared to $412 million in 2024[6] - Core sales also grew by 8% year-over-year in the second quarter[6] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter increased by 13% year-over-year, reaching $118 million compared to $104 million in 2024, with a margin of 26.5%, up 120 bps[6] - First half net sales increased by 6% year-over-year, reaching $833 million compared to $786 million in 2024[6] - First half Adjusted EBITDA increased by 11% year-over-year, reaching $216 million compared to $194 million in 2024, with a margin of 25.9%, up 120 bps[6] - The company expects full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to be between $420 million and $430 million[26] - The company expects full year 2025 Free Cash Flow to be $300 million[26] Strategic Initiatives - The company launched Elkay Pro Filtration[5] - The company repurchased $33 million of shares in Q2, representing approximately 1 million shares, and $110 million in H1, representing approximately 3.2 million shares[5] - The company is navigating the tariff environment effectively[5] - The company is reducing China direct material spend and is on track to be under $30 million (2-3% of COGS) by the end of 2026[24] Sustainability Impact - 86% of revenue comes from products with sustainable attributes[12] - The company's products saved 16.6 billion gallons of water[12] - The company's filters delivered 1.2 billion gallons of safer, cleaner filtered water[12] - The company prevented 9.6 billion single-use plastic water bottles[12]