Top-Line Growth
Q1 sales of $433 million, representing 11% core and reported year-over-year growth. Management attributed ~5 percentage points to price with the remainder from volume; company expects Q2 core sales growth of 8%–9%.
Profitability and Margin Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA of $116 million, up 18% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 160 basis points to 26.8% in Q1. Trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA margins improved ~630 basis points since Q1 2023 (point-to-point up ~730 basis points over 13 quarters). Q2 margin guidance 27%–27.5% (projected 50–100 bps YoY expansion).
Strong Cash Generation and Balance Sheet
Generated $43 million of free cash flow in Q1 and reiterated full-year free cash flow target of approximately $335 million. Repurchased $50 million of shares (~$47/share) in the quarter. Net debt leverage ended the quarter at 0.5x (inclusive of repurchase).
Improved Liquidity and Capital Allocation Flexibility
Upsized and extended revolving credit facility from $200 million to $550 million with a 5-year extension, increasing liquidity as company evaluates M&A funnel. Management continues to prioritize opportunistic buybacks, dividends and disciplined M&A that meet return hurdles.
Product Momentum — Drinking Water & Filtration
Drinking Water performed very well: installed base of filtered bottle fillers growing in double digits and filtration growing above double digits. Pro Filtration product showing strong adoption and high attachment rates, contributing to higher-margin mix.
Operational Improvements and Synergies
Continued benefits from the Zurn Elkay Business System and continuous improvement (#CI) initiatives. Delivered over $50 million of merger synergies and ongoing structural improvements (footprint consolidation, lean tools, sourcing decisions) that are margin-accretive. Supply-chain changes have materially reduced tariff exposure, with U.S. sourcing now the largest source.