Key Takeaways RPM's adjusted EPS estimate for Q2 edged lower recently, while net sales are still expected to rise YoY.RPM expects Q2 sales growth across CPG, PCG and Consumer, supported by demand trends and recent acquisitions.RPM expects MAP 2025 initiatives to support margins, contributing to year-over-year growth in adjusted EBIT.RPM International Inc. ((RPM) is slated to report its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Jan. 8, before the opening bell.In the last reported quarter, RPM’s adjusted earnings ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales increased by 7.4% to a record level, with both organic and M&A growth contributing [11] - Adjusted EBIT increased by 2.9% to a record, driven by volume growth and MAP 2025 initiatives, despite headwinds from higher raw material costs [11] - First quarter adjusted EPS reached a record $1.88, influenced by adjusted EBIT improvement, partially offset by increased interest expense due to higher debt levels from acquisition financing [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Construction Products Group sales reached a record, driven by systems and turnkey roofing solutions, although there was softness in Europe and disaster restoration business [12][14] - Performance Coatings Group achieved record sales with broad-based strength in turnkey flooring and protective coatings, supported by acquisitions [14] - Consumer Group sales increased to a record due to successful integration of The Pink Stuff and Ready Seal acquisitions, despite soft DIY demand [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was led by Europe, benefiting from acquisitions and favorable effects, while North America grew by 5.9% [12] - Emerging markets showed mixed performance, with strength in Africa and the Middle East driven by infrastructure projects [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a pivot to growth, emphasizing strategic acquisitions, new product introductions, and efficiency initiatives [6][8] - Investments in sales associates and support staff are being made, contrasting with competitors who are cutting costs [9][10] - The company is expanding its presence in adjacent markets, particularly in cleaning products and consumer categories [30][102] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing economic uncertainty and challenges in the construction market, but expressed confidence in achieving record sales and EBIT in the upcoming quarter [19][20] - The company anticipates continued growth in sales and adjusted EBIT, driven by acquisitions and a focus on repair and maintenance [21] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining growth investments despite rising healthcare costs and inflationary pressures [26][56] Other Important Information - The company returned $82 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first quarter [16] - Inventory increases were strategic to mitigate future tariff impacts and ensure high service levels during plant consolidations [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the year and impact of investments - Management indicated that investments are delivering higher organic growth levels than the market, with deliberate spending on new hires and advertising contributing to growth [25][26] Question: Industry demand for the Consumer Group - Management believes the Consumer Group is outperforming the broader industry, with new product introductions helping to gain market share [29] Question: Details on increased marketing spend - The increase in marketing spend is primarily in advertising, focusing on social media and e-commerce, particularly in the cleaners category [34] Question: Impact of manufacturing inefficiencies - Management noted about $10 million of unfavorable conversion costs due to plant consolidations, which are expected to continue into the second quarter [37] Question: Organic growth drivers in Construction and Performance Coatings - Management highlighted strong backlogs in reroofing projects and aggressive sales force expansion as key drivers of growth in these segments [44][49] Question: Changes in full-year guidance - Management cited challenging gross profit margins and unexpected healthcare cost increases as reasons for adjusting guidance to the lower end of the range [55][56] Question: Pricing strategy in response to tariffs - Management acknowledged the difficulty in timing price increases due to fluctuating tariff impacts, with expectations for higher prices in the upcoming quarter [59][60] Question: Working capital management and inventory strategy - Management explained strategic inventory purchases to prepare for tariff impacts and ensure product availability during transitions [66] Question: Future growth expectations and market conditions - Management expressed optimism for improved market conditions in the coming year, anticipating better dynamics in the housing market [87]

Core Viewpoint - RPM International Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on October 1, with adjusted EPS estimated at $1.87, reflecting a 1.6% year-over-year growth, and net sales projected to rise 3.8% to $2.04 billion [1][3][9] Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, RPM's adjusted EPS and net sales exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.5% and 3.2%, respectively, with year-over-year growth of 10.3% and 3.7% [1][2] - The company has topped analysts' expectations in three of the last four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 4.4% in the remaining quarter [2] Sales and Growth Drivers - RPM's net sales are expected to grow year over year due to contributions from all reportable segments: Construction Products Group (CPG), Performance Coatings Group (PCG), and Consumer Group [4] - The growth is driven by increased sales of systems and turnkey solutions for high-performance buildings, as well as maintenance and repair products [4] - Acquisitions of The Pink Stuff and Ready Seal are anticipated to contribute positively, despite challenges from reduced DIY sales and soft demand in specialty OEM markets [5] Segment Performance - The CPG segment, contributing 38.9% to the previous quarter's net sales, is expected to see a growth of 3.1% year over year to $818.8 million [6] - The Consumer Group and PCG segments are projected to grow by 5.2% and 2.5% year over year, respectively [6] Cost Management and Margins - RPM's bottom line is expected to benefit from MAP 2025 initiatives, leading to savings in procurement, manufacturing, and commercial excellence [8] - Adjusted EBIT is projected to increase by 4.5% year over year to $343 million, supported by lower advertising, insurance, and bonus expenses [9][10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RPM's adjusted EPS has decreased slightly from $1.88 to $1.87 over the past 30 days, indicating a 1.6% growth from the previous year's figure of $1.84 [3] - The company expects selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales to decline by 10 basis points year over year to 26.6% [10]