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]