RPM INTERNATIONAL INC/DE/ (RPM)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; reserves for excess and obsolete inventories; allowances for recoverable sales and/or value-added taxes; uncertain tax positions; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts, and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.

A comprehensive discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2025.

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BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

Effective June 1, 2025, we realigned certain businesses and management structures to recognize how we allocate resources and analyze the operating performance of our operating segments. As such, we now report under three reportable segments instead of our four previous reportable segments. Our three reportable segments are: CPG, PCG and Consumer. This realignment changed our reportable segments beginning with our first quarter of fiscal 2026. As a result, historical segment results have been recast to reflect the impact of this change. See Note 17, "Segment Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represent the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses.

(a) The presentation includes a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, a measure defined by GAAP, to EBIT.

(b) Interest Income (Expense), Net includes the combination of Interest Income (Expense) and Investment Income (Expense), Net.

(c) EBIT is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as Earnings (Loss) Before Interest and Taxes. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments based on income before income taxes, but also look to EBIT, as a performance evaluation measure because Interest Income (Expense), Net is essentially related to corporate functions, as opposed to segment operations. We believe EBIT is useful to investors for this purpose as well, using EBIT as a metric in their investment decisions. EBIT should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income before income taxes as determined in accordance with GAAP, since EBIT omits the impact of interest in determining operating performance, which represent items necessary to our continued operations, given our level of indebtedness. Nonetheless, EBIT is a key measure expected by and useful to our fixed income investors, rating agencies and the banking community all of whom believe, and we concur, that this measure is critical to the capital markets' analysis of our segments' core operating performance. We also evaluate EBIT because it is clear that movements in EBIT impact our ability to attract financing. Our underwriters and bankers consistently require inclusion of this measure in offering memoranda in conjunction with any debt underwriting or bank financing. EBIT may not be indicative of our historical operating results, nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended February 28, 2026

Net Sales

Our CPG segment generated organic sales growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. This growth was driven by broad-based strength across its North American businesses, particularly those serving roofing solutions, wall systems and concrete admixtures, in addition to a rebound from the government shutdown. Favorable foreign currency translation also contributed to the sales increase.

Our PCG segment generated organic sales growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by broad-based growth, particularly in protective coatings and fireproofing coatings, in addition to strong demand in emerging markets for infrastructure and high-performance building solutions. Favorable foreign currency translation also contributed to the sales increase.

Our Consumer segment experienced organic sales declines in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 due to softness in DIY markets and product rationalization, partially offset by improved pricing to recover inflation. These organic sales declines were offset by acquisitions and favorable foreign currency translation.

Gross Profit Margin Our consolidated gross profit margin of 39.5% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 38.4% for the comparable period a year ago. The current quarter gross profit margin increase of approximately 1.1%, or 110 basis points, was driven by improved fixed-cost leverage from higher volumes, improved pricing to recover inflation and our MAP 2025 initiatives, which generated incremental savings in procurement, manufacturing and commercial excellence, partially offset by cost inflation, inclusive of tariff-related impacts.

We expect that the inflationary headwinds noted above, as well as the impact from geopolitical-driven inflation, will be reflected in our results throughout fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027.

SG&A Our consolidated SG&A expense during the third quarter was $32.2 million higher versus the same period last year but decreased to 33.2% of net sales from 34.0% of net sales for the prior year period. This increase was primarily driven by $17.0 million of additional SG&A from acquisitions, unfavorable foreign currency translation, investments in growth initiatives, merit increases, as well as increased healthcare costs, higher executive departure costs, distribution costs and advertising costs. This was partially offset by MAP 2025 benefits, savings from 2026 restructuring actions, along with reduced professional fees associated with merger and acquisition ("M&A") activities and reduced bad debt expense.

Our CPG segment SG&A increased approximately $10.4 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 versus the comparable prior year period but decreased as a percentage of net sales. The increase was mainly due to $1.9 million of additional SG&A from acquisitions, unfavorable foreign currency translation, merit increases and increased bonus expense, partially offset by MAP 2025 savings and savings from 2026 restructuring actions.

Our PCG segment SG&A increased approximately $1.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 versus the comparable prior year period but decreased as a percentage of net sales. The increase in expense was driven by $1.4 million of additional SG&A from acquisitions, unfavorable foreign currency translation, increased bonus expense and increased distribution costs, partially offset by MAP 2025 savings and savings from 2026 restructuring actions.

Our Consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $17.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 versus the same period last year and increased as a percentage of net sales. The increase in expense was driven by $13.7 million of additional SG&A related to acquisitions, unfavorable foreign currency translation, higher executive departure costs, increased distribution costs and increased advertising costs, partially offset by MAP 2025 savings and savings from 2026 restructuring actions.

SG&A expenses in our corporate/other category during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 increased approximately $2.9 million versus last year’s third qua

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our financial statements include all our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; reserves for excess and obsolete inventories; allowances for recoverable sales and/or value-added taxes; uncertain tax positions; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.

We have identified below the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements.

Goodwill

We test our goodwill balances at least annually, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, at the reporting unit level. Our annual impairment assessment date has been designated as the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is one level below our operating segments.

We follow the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance found in ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.

We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill. Among other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of our reporting units, we assess individual factors such as:

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a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate;

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an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;

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unanticipated competition;

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a loss of key personnel; and

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a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed.

We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative process is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. However, we have an unconditional option to bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative analysis. We applied the quantitative process during our annual goodwill impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2026, 2025 and 2024.

In applying the quantitative test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, then impairment of the reporting unit exists. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires our use of estimates and assumptions. We use significant judgment in determining the most appropriate method to establish the fair value of a reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit by employing various valuation techniques, depending on the availability and reliability of comparable market value indicators, and employ methods and assumptions that include the application of third-party market value indicators and the computation of discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit’s annual projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), or adjusted EBITDA, which adjusts for one-off items impacting revenues and/or expenses that are not considered by management to be indicative of ongoing operations. Our fair value estimations may include a combination of value indications from both the market and income approaches, as the income approach considers the future cash flows from a reporting unit’s ongoing operations as a going concern, while the market approach considers the current financial environment in establishing fair value.

In applying the market approach, we use market multiples derived from a set of similar companies. In applying the income approach, we evaluate discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit’s projected EBITDA. Under this approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. In applying the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the income approach, we rely on a number of factors, including future business plans, actual and forecasted operating results, and market data. The significant assumptions employed under this method include discount rates; revenue growth rates, including assumed terminal growth rates; and operating margins used to project future cash flows for a reporting unit. The discount rates utilized reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and discount rates adjusted for management’s assessment of a market

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participant’s view with respect to other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting unit. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. Refer to Note A(11), “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our annual goodwill impairment assessments and the results of our annual goodwill impairment tests.

Other Long-Lived Assets

We assess identifiable, amortizable intangible and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate the possibility that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. Factors considered important in our assessment, which might trigger an impairment evaluation, include the following:

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significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

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significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets;

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significant changes in the strategy for our overall business; and

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significant negative industry or economic trends.

Measuring a potential impairment of amortizable intangible and other long-lived assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. If we determine that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above-described indicators or other factors, any impairment amounts are measured based on the projected net cash flows expected from these assets, including any net cash flows related to eventual disposition activities. The determination of any impairment losses are based on the best information available, including internal estimates of discounted cash flows, market participant assumptions, quoted market prices, when available, and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair values. Cash flow estimates are based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied.

Additionally, we test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during our fiscal fourth quarter. We follow the guidance provided by ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying traditional quantitative tests. We applied both the qualitative and quantitative processes during our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, and applied only the quantitative process during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2025 and 2024.

The annual impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of each indefinite-lived asset and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Calculating the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimate the fair values of our intangible assets by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which includes discounted future cash flows related to each of our intangible asset’s projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues and market data.

Refer to Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and certain changes in valuation allowances. We provide valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In determining the adequacy of valuation allowances, we consider cumulative and anticipated amounts of domestic and international earnings or losses of an appropriate character, anticipated amounts of foreign source income, as well as the anticipated taxable income resulting from the reversal of future taxable temporary differences. We intend to maintain any recorded valuation allowances until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or capital gain income) exists to support a reversal of the tax valuation allowances.

Further, at each interim reporting period, we estimate an effective income tax rate that is expected to be applicable for the full year. Significant judgment is involved regarding the application of global income tax laws and regulations and when projecting the jurisdictional mix of income. Additionally, interpretation of tax laws, court decisions or other guidance provided by taxing authorities influences our estimate of the effective income tax rates. As a result, our actual effective income tax rates and related income tax liabilities may differ materially from our estimated effective tax rates and related income tax liabilities. Any resulting differences are recorded in the period they become known.

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Additionally, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations that gove

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