Balance Sheet and Liquidity Strength
Gross debt-to-EBITDA was 2.1x at quarter end and liquidity totaled $1.3 billion (cash plus revolver availability). Management expects working capital to normalize from 19.5% of sales to ~16.5% by year-end.
Volume Recovery and Brand Recognition
Reported the strongest year-over-year first-quarter volume performance since the end of the pandemic. Delta Faucet received external recognition (USA Today, Newsweek) and BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Ecomix was named a 2026 Green Building Sustainable Product of the Year.
Revenue Growth
Net sales increased 6% year-over-year (4% in local currency), driven primarily by favorable pricing; North American sales up 5% in local currency. Gross margin expanded 10 basis points to 36%.
Operating Profit and EPS Expansion
Operating profit was $324 million, up 13% year-over-year; operating margin improved 90 basis points to 16.9%. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.04, a 20% increase for the quarter.
Plumbing Segment Outperformance
Plumbing sales grew 9% in the quarter (7% excluding currency), with pricing contributing ~6% and volumes up slightly. Plumbing operating profit rose 10% to $250 million and margin expanded 10 basis points to 18.3%. Delta Faucet delivered broad-based strength across trade, retail and e-commerce; Hansgrohe grew across many European markets.
Decorative Architectural Profit Improvement
Decorative Architectural sales were roughly flat vs. prior year, with Pro paint growing mid-single digits and DIY down low single digits. Segment operating profit increased 19% to $105 million and operating margin was 19%.
Restructuring Actions Driving Savings
Incurred approximately $8 million of restructuring charges in Q1 and expect about $50 million of restructuring charges in 2026; management reports realized savings contributing to margin expansion and funding future growth initiatives.
Strong Capital Allocation and Share Repurchases
Returned $267 million to shareholders in the quarter (including $202 million of share repurchases). Increased expected deployment to at least $800 million for share repurchases or acquisitions in 2026 (up from ~$600 million) and entered a 2-year delayed draw term loan up to $500 million to support opportunistic repurchases.