RPM International Inc. Q3 FY2026 earnings call

Operational Improvements - Green Belt program trained over 600 associates, generated over $50 million in savings with $30 million in pipeline. - STNA-focused optimization actions generated ~$5 million in savings in third quarter. - Center-led procurement team leveraging company-wide buying power to achieve savings and navigate supply chain challenges. ### Segment Transformations - Consumer segment promoted Don Harmeyer to president, reallocating assets towards highest growth opportunities with strong financial discipline. - Construction products group has broad-based strength in North American businesses, added small acquisitions and acquired CalZip. - Performance coatings group has broad-based growth across businesses, including protective and fire protection, and emerging markets. ### Middle East Impact - Geopolitical events created supply chain disruptions and increased raw material costs, but RPM has contracts covering majority raw material volume requirements, FIFO accounting delays P&L impact, and has taken actions to mitigate cost pressures.

Construction Products Group: Sales grew to a record with broad-based strength in North American businesses, including roofing solutions, wall systems, and concrete admixtures. Currency translation and rebound from government shutdown contributed to sales growth. Adjusted EBIT grew due to improved sales, mixed SG&A-focused optimization actions, and fixed cost leverage. Performance Coatings Group: Achieved record sales with broad-based growth across businesses. Protective coatings, passive fire protection, infrastructure, and high-performance building solutions in emerging markets performed well. Adjusted EBIT was a record. Consumer Group: M&A and pricing to recover inflation generated record sales, partially offset by continued soft DIY demand and product rationalization. Adjusted EBIT grew as MAP operational improvements more than offset reduced fixed cost leverage from lower volumes and temporary inefficiencies from facility closures and transitions.

Fourth Quarter Outlook - Reaffirming sales guidance with mid single digit revenue growth aided by M&A. Organic growth strongest at construction businesses. - Anticipate fourth quarter raw material inflation 1 to 2 percent, mid to high single-digit in first quarter of 2027, expect to offset with pricing. - SG&A-focused optimization actions expected to have $20 million favorable P&L impact in fourth quarter, partially offset by wage and freight inflation. - Reaffirming adjusted EBIT guidance of low to high single digit percentage growth over record prior year results, wider range due to market uncertainty.

Geopolitical Risks - Supply chain disruptions and increased raw material costs due to Middle East conflict. - Volatility in oil prices and related impact on raw material costs, which could lead to sustained inflation affecting energy, freight, and materials. ### Operational Risks - Temporary inefficiencies from plant consolidations in consumer and construction products groups. - Impact of economic volatility on consumer DIY demand and housing turnover, affecting consumer group performance.

Q: John Roberts at Mizuho asked about what's helping and shifting.

A: Moved on to next question.

Q: Matthew Dio from Bank of America asked about raw material inflation and fiscal 1Q.

A: Answered on high-level perspective and specifics.

Q: John McNulty at BMO Capital Markets asked about price putting through and volume growth.

A: Answered on pricing progress and volume growth drivers.

Q: Mike Harrison at Seaport Research Partners asked about temporary inefficiencies from plant consolidations.

A: Rusty answered on cost and segments.

Q: Ganshum Punjabi with Baird asked about inflation cycle difference and consumer segment leadership changes.

A: Answered on inflation cycle and leadership changes.

Q: Patrick Cunningham at Citi asked about relative strength in performance coatings group.

A: Answered on different markets and synergies.

Q: Kevin McCarthy with Vertical Research Partners asked about comparing price-cost optimization efforts and cash flow items.

A: Answered on past vs present efforts and cash flow.

Q: Arun Viswanathan with RBC asked about rising healthcare expenses.

A: Answered on Q3 impact and outlook.

Q: David Begleiter with Deutsche Bank asked about construction products exceeding expectations.

A: Answered on system selling and acquisitions.

Q: Mike Sisson with Wells Fargo asked about EBIT growth and consumer group growth algorithm.

A: Answered on EBIT growth potential and consumer group strategies.

Q: Vincent Andrews at Morgan Stanley asked about $100 million program allocation and consumer demand.

A: Answered on allocation and consumer demand factors.

Q: Joshua Spector with UBS asked about raw materials and pricing.

A: Answered on raw material assumptions and pricing outlook.

Q: Eric Boyce at Evercore asked about Europe growth, consumer organic sales, and pricing actions.

A: Answered on Europe growth, consumer organic sales, and pricing structure.

Q: Jeff Sikoskis with J.P. Morgan asked about Europe growth exclusive of M&A and FX and March vs April business.

A: Answered on Europe growth and March-April business impact.