Michael Joseph Sison

Michael Joseph Sison from Wells Fargo Securities asked for a breakdown of DuPont's flat U.S. construction outlook for 2026, differentiating between non-residential, residential, and repair and remodel segments. He also inquired about the possibility and process of changing DuPont's industry designation (GICS code).

Answer

CFO Antonella Franzen detailed the 2026 U.S. construction outlook: low single-digit growth for non-residential and repair & remodel, offset by a low to mid-single-digit decline in residential. She also stated that DuPont's portfolio and performance do not mirror a chemical company, and while the first priority is execution, progress is being made to change the GICS classification to better reflect the current portfolio.

Michael Joseph Sison asked about the factors influencing RPM's full-year outlook, specifically the balance between growth investments and weaker demand, and inquired about the Consumer Group's organic growth, industry demand, and market share performance.

Answer

Frank Sullivan, Chairman and CEO, explained that growth investments are yielding desired outcomes, detailing $10 million in higher quarterly spending for new sales hires, M&A, and advertising, alongside an $8 million increase in healthcare costs. He noted the Consumer Group is outperforming the broader industry, gaining share in new categories like low-odor spray paint and cleaners, with The Pink Stuff acquisition opening new channels and geographies.