Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.4% year over year to $1.37 billion, with core sales growth of 4.8% driven by broad-based volume gains across both segments [21][22] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 9.4% year over year to $0.93, exceeding guidance due to better-than-expected sales volumes [14][23] - Free cash flow generation was strong at $323 million, an increase of $83 million year over year, reflecting effective cash management [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales reached $825 million, up 6.2% year over year, with core sales growth of 5% driven by strong demand for water analytics and treatment solutions [24][26] - PQI segment sales grew 6.8% year over year to $546 million, with core sales growth of 4.6% supported by recurring revenue and equipment shipments [27][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales growth in Western Europe was 6.3%, led by double-digit growth in water quality, while North America saw core sales growth of 5.6% [14][16] - High growth markets experienced over 6% core sales growth year over year, with notable performance in Latin America and India [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $3.72 to $3.80, reflecting stable demand and positive macroeconomic conditions [10][32] - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on acquisitions, with a commitment to invest in emerging technology-oriented businesses [11][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing strong secular growth drivers in water quality and essential goods [36][37] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of the year, supported by robust demand and effective execution of its business model [36][58] Other Important Information - The company announced a €20 million commitment to invest in Emerald Technology Ventures Global Water Fund II, enhancing its innovation and technology development efforts [11] - Adjusted operating profit margin for the quarter was 23.7%, with expectations for margin expansion in the second half of the year [22][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on core water quality growth by region? - Management indicated that their water quality business is resilient to fluctuations in government funding, driven by secular trends such as water reuse and sustainability goals [44][45] Question: What is the impact of tariffs and pricing on PQI margins? - Management explained that margin compression was due to acquisitions, timing of pricing actions, and investments, with expectations for gradual improvement in the second half of the year [48][51] Question: How is the company positioned in the UK water utility market? - Management expressed confidence in capitalizing on opportunities in the UK, leveraging direct sales to customers to identify and act on local opportunities [105][106]