RPM International Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended May 31, 2025

THE COMPANY

RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation, succeeded to the reporting obligations of RPM, Inc., an Ohio corporation, following a 2002 reincorporation transaction. RPM, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1947 under the name Republic Powdered Metals, Inc. and changed its name to RPM, Inc. in 1971.

As used herein, the terms “RPM,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to RPM International Inc. and all our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Our principal executive offices are located at 2628 Pearl Road, Medina, Ohio 44256, and our telephone number is (330) 273-5090.

BUSINESS

Our subsidiaries manufacture, market and sell various specialty chemical product lines, including high-quality specialty paints, infrastructure rehab and repair products, protective coatings, roofing systems, sealants and adhesives, focusing on the maintenance and improvement needs of the construction, industrial, specialty and consumer markets. Our family of products includes those marketed under brand names such as API, Carboline, CAVE, DAP, Day-Glo, Dri-Eaz, Dryvit, Euclid, EUCO, Fibergrate, Fibregrid, Fibrecrete, Flecto, Flowcrete, Gator, Grupo PV, Hummervoll, illbruck, Kemtile, Key Resin, Nudura, Mohawk, The Pink Stuff, Prime Resins, Rust-Oleum, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Stonhard, Strathmore, TCI, Toxement, Tremco, Tuf-Strand, Universal Sealants, Viapol, Watco and Zinsser. As of May 31, 2025, our subsidiaries marketed products in approximately 163 countries and territories and operated manufacturing facilities in approximately 118 locations in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Approximately 30% of our sales are generated in international markets through a combination of exports to and direct sales in foreign countries. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, we recorded net sales of $7.4 billion.

Available Information

Our Internet website address is www.rpminc.com (http://www.rpminc.com). We make available free of charge on or through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Segment Information

Our business is divided into four reportable segments: the Construction Products Group (“CPG”) reportable segment, Performance Coatings Group (“PCG”) reportable segment, Consumer Group (“Consumer”) reportable segment and Specialty Products Group (“SPG”) reportable segment. These four reportable segments also represent our operating segments.

Within each operating segment, we manage product lines and businesses which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. The table below describes the breakdown of the percentage of consolidated net sales and description of the product lines/business for each of our four reportable segments:

See Note R, “Segment Information,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for financial information relating to our four reportable segments and financial information by geographic area.

CPG Segment

Our CPG segment products and services are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our construction product lines and services are sold directly to manufacturers, contractors, distributors and end-users, including industrial manufacturing facilities, concrete and cement producers, public institutions and other commercial customers. Our CPG segment generated $2.8 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:

• waterproofing, coatings and traditional roofing systems used in building protection, maintenance and weatherproofing applications marketed under our Tremco, AlphaGuard, AlphaGrade, BURmastic, OneSeal, POWERply, THERMastic, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem and TREMproof brand names;
• in collaboration with companies from the PCG and SPG reportable segments respectively, Fibergrate and Legend Brands, retrofit structural panels, FRP and metal TremSafe rooftop safety solutions, and RoofTec cleaning and RoofTec drying services;
• sealants, air barriers, tapes and foams that seal and insulate joints in various construction assemblies and glazing assemblies marketed under our Tremco, Dymonic, ExoAir, illbruck and Spectrem brand names and firestopping technologies under the TREMstop brand;
• new residential home weatherization systems marketed under our TUFF-N-DRI, Watchdog Waterproofing and Enviro-Dri brand names, ‘A’ rated fire classified vapor control membranes sold under the illbruck brand name and non-combustible insulated breather membranes sold under the Skytech brand name;
• specialized roofing, building maintenance and related services performed by our Weatherproofing Technologies Incorporated (WTI) subsidiary, as well as our Weatherproofing Technologies Canada (WTC) subsidiary that include: turnkey general contracting projects where we supply product and apply it, general roofing repairs, roof restorations, building asset management programs, diagnostic services, indoor air quality audits, HVAC restorations, including Pure Air Control Services, job-site inspections, TremCare maintenance programs, customized warranty solutions and offerings, also including StructureCare, which focuses primarily on waterproofing structures, as well as car park preventive maintenance, restoration and repair;
• sealing and bonding solutions for windows and doors, facades, interiors and exteriors under our illbruck TremGlaze and Winco brand names;
• subfloor preparation, leveling screeds for flooring and waterproofing applications under our Tremco and Isocrete brand names;
• in-plant glazing solutions and structural glazing under our Tremco and EnerEDGE brand names;
• high-performance resin flooring systems, terrazo, polyurethane & MMA waterproof coatings, epoxy floor paint and coatings, concrete repair and protection products, traffic deck coatings, and decorative concrete for industrial and commercial applications sold under our Flowcrete, Flow Resin, Vulkem, Deckshield and Key Resins brand names;
• rolled asphalt roofing materials, waterproofing products, and chemical admixtures marketed under our Viapol, Vandex and Betumat brand names;
• concrete and masonry admixtures, concrete fibers, cement grinding aids, cement performance enhancers, curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts and mortars, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane foams, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials marketed under the Euclid, CAVE, Conex, Toxement, Viapol, Dural, EUCO, Eucon, Accelguard, Eucem, Fiberstrand, Increte Systems, Plastol, Sentinel, Speed Crete, Tuf-Strand, Maxten, Color-Crete, Prime Gel, Prime Bond, Prime Coat, Prime Guard, Prime Rez, Prime Flex and Tremco PUMA Expansion Joint System brand names;
• solutions for fire stopping and intumescent coatings for steel structures under our Firetherm brand now all transitioned to Nullifire, Veda and TREMStop brand names;
• adhesive & sealant solutions for the manufacturing industries under our Pactan brand name;
• insulated building cladding materials (exterior insulating and finishing systems, “EIFS”) under our Dryvit and NewBrick brand names;
• Architectural coatings and specialty finishes for building exteriors under our Dryvit brand name;
• MCM, ACM and EIFS prefabricated exterior wall panels under our Dryvit brand name;
• insulated concrete form (“ICF”) and industrial concrete panel wall systems and engineered buck framing systems and ICF bracing systems marketed and sold under the Nudura, Prebuck, and Giraffe brand names;
• foam joint sealants for commercial construction manufactured and marketed under the Willseal brand name;
• expansion joint covers and fire-stopping solutions for horizontal and vertical linear joints under the Willseal and Veda brands;
• armored floor joints for industrial buildings under HCJ brand.

PCG Segment

Our PCG segment products and services are sold throughout North America, as well as internationally, and are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. Our PCG segment generated $1.5 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:

• high-performance polymer flooring products and installation services, or turnkey solutions, for industrial, institutional and commercial facilities, as well as offshore and marine structures and cruise, ferry and navy ships marketed under our Stonhard, Hummervoll, Kemtile, Liquid Elements, API and Dudick brand names;
• high-performance, heavy-duty corrosion-control coatings, containment linings, railcar linings, fireproofing and soundproofing products and heat and cryogenic insulation products for a wide variety of industrial infrastructure and oil and gas-related applications marketed under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Nullifire, Charflame, Firefilm, A/D Fire, Strathmore, Thermo-Lag, Plasite, Perlifoc, Dudick, Farbocustic and Southwest brand names;
• specialty construction products and services for bridge expansion joints, bridge decks, highway markings, protective coatings, trenchless pipe rehabilitation equipment and asphalt and concrete repair products marketed under our Pitchmastic PMB, Nufins, Visul, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed, Prime Resins, Logiball and Epoplex brand names;
• FRP composite grating and structures used for industrial platforms, staircases and rooftop safety, and raised flooring systems for outdoor living spaces utilizing adjustable polypropylene pedestals marketed under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid, Safe-T-Span, Bison, Jouplast and Ocape brand names; and
• amine curing agents, reactive diluents, specialty epoxy resins and other intermediates under our Arnette Polymers brand name;
• in certain international markets, in collaboration with companies from the Consumer, CPG and SPG reportable segments, respectively, decorative paints, specialty primers and cleaners, waterproofing, roof coatings and sealants, grouts, concrete repair and admixtures, resin floor and parking deck coatings, intumescent coatings and firestopping products, pleasure marine and deck coatings, marketed under Rust-Oleum, Tremco, Euclid, Flowcrete, Nullifire, Pettit and Tuffcoat brand names.

Consumer Segment

Our Consumer segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly residential applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our Consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe and Latin America. Consumer segment products are sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, residential construction suppliers, paint stores, craft shops and to other customers through distributors. Our Consumer segment generated $2.4 billion in net sales in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and is composed of the following major product lines and brand names:

• a broad line of coating products to protect and decorate a wide variety of surfaces for the DIY and professional markets which are sold under several brand names, including Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust, American Accents, Painter’s Touch, Universal, Industrial Choice, Rust-Oleum Automotive, Sierra Performance, Hard Hat, TOR, Mathys, CombiColor, Noxyde, MultiSpec and Tremclad;
• specialty products targeted to solve problems for the paint contractor and the DIYer for applications that include surface preparation, mold and mildew prevention, wallpaper removal and application, and waterproofing, sold under our Zinsser, B-I-N, Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Cover Stain, DIF, FastPrime, Sealcoat, Gardz, Perma-White, Shieldz, Watertite and Okon brand names;
• a line of woodcare products for interior and exterior applications for the DIY and professional markets that are sold under the Varathane, Watco and Wolman brand names;
• cleaners sold under The Pink Stuff, Krud Kutter, Mean Green, Concrobium, Whink and Jomax brand names;
• concrete restoration and flooring systems for the DIY and professional floor contractor markets sold under the Epoxy Shield, Rock Solid, Seal Krete and Concrete Saver brand names;
• metallic and faux finish coatings marketed under our Modern Masters brand name;
• tile and stone sealants and cleaners under our Miracle Sealants brand name;
• a broad line of finishing products for the DIY and professional markets including abrasives for hand and power sanding, cutting, grinding and surface refinishing marketed under the Gator, Finish 1st and Zip Sander brand names;
• an assortment of other products, including hobby paints and cements marketed under our Testors brand name; and
• a complete line of caulks, sealants, adhesives, insulating foam, spackling, glazing, and other general patch and repair products for home construction, repair and remodeling marketed through a wide assortment of DAP branded products, including, but not limited to, ‘33’, ‘53’, ‘1012’, 4000, 7000, Alex, Alex Fast Dry, Alex Plus, Alex Ultra, Alex Flex, AMP, Barrier Foam, Beats The Nail, Blend-Stick, Blockade, DAPtex, Draftstop, DryDex, Dynaflex 230, Dynaflex Ultra, Dynagrip, Eclipse, Elastopatch, Extreme Stretch, Fast ‘N Final, FastPatch, Fire Break, Kwik Seal, Kwik Seal Plus, Kwik Seal Ultra, Max Fill, Mono, Mouse Shield, No Warp, Patch-N-Paint, Plastic Wood, Platinum Patch, Power Point, RapidFuse, Seal ‘N Peel, SIDE Winder, Silicone Plus, Silicone Max, SMARTBOND, Storm Bond, TankBond, Touch’N Foam Pro, Touch’N Seal, Ultra Clear, Wall Cavity Foam, and Weldwood.

SPG Segment

Our SPG segment products are sold throughout North America and internationally, primarily in Europe. Our SPG product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The SPG segment generated $0.7 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:

• fluorescent colorants and pigments marketed under our Day-Glo and Radiant brand names;
• shellac-based-specialty coatings for industrial and pharmaceutical uses, edible glazes, food coatings and ingredients marketed under our Mantrose-Haeuser, NatureSeal, Profile Food Ingredients and Holton Food Products brand names;
• fire and water damage restoration products marketed under the Dri-Eaz, Unsmoke and ODORx brand names;
• professional carpet cleaning and disinfecting products marketed under the Sapphire Scientific, Chemspec and Prochem brand names;
• fuel additives marketed under our ValvTect brand name;
• wood treatments marketed under our Kop-Coat and TRU CORE brand names;
• pleasure marine coatings marketed under our Pettit, Woolsey, Z-Spar and Tuffcoat brand names;
• wood coatings and touch-up products primarily for furniture and interior wood applications marketed under our FinishWorks, Mohawk, and Morrells brand names;
• a variety of products for specialized applications, including powder coatings for exterior and interior applications marketed under our TCI brand name; and
• nail enamel, polish and coating components for the personal care industry.

Foreign Operations

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, our foreign operations accounted for approximately 28.9% of our total net sales, excluding any direct exports from the United States. Our direct exports from the United States were approximately 0.8% of our total net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. In addition, we receive license fees and royalty income from numerous international license agreements, and we also have several joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method, operating in various foreign countries. We have foreign manufacturing facilities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. We also have foreign sales offices or warehouse facilities in China, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Kuwait, Namibia, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam. Information concerning our foreign operations is set forth in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

Competition

We conduct our business in highly competitive markets, and all of our major products face competition from local, regional, national and multi-national firms. Our markets, however, are fragmented, and we do not face competition across all of our products from any one competitor in particular. Several of our competitors have access to greater financial resources and larger sales organizations than we do. While third-party figures are not necessarily available with respect to the size of our position in the market for each of our products, we believe that we are a major producer of caulks, cleaners, sealants, insulating foams, patch-and-repair products for the general consumer as well as for the residential building trade; roofing systems; urethane sealants and waterproofing materials; aluminum coatings; cement-based coatings; hobby paints; small project paints; industrial-corrosion-control products; firestopping; fireproofing; consumer rust-preventative coatings; polymer floorings; fluorescent coatings and pigments; fiberglass-reinforced-plastic gratings; raised flooring systems; water and fire damage restoration products; carpet cleaning truck-mount systems and shellac-based coatings. However, we do not believe that we have a significant share of the total protective coatings market (on a world-wide basis). The following is a summary of the competition that our key products face in the various markets in which we compete:

Paints, Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants Products

The market for paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants has experienced significant consolidation over the past several decades. However, the market remains fragmented, which creates further consolidation opportunities for industry participants. Many leading suppliers tend to focus on coatings, while other companies focus on adhesives and sealants. Barriers to market entry are relatively high for new market entrants due to the lengthy intervals between product development and market acceptance, the importance of brand identity and the difficulty in establishing a reputation as a reliable supplier of these products. Most of the suppliers, including us, who provide these items have a portfolio of products that span across a wide variety of applications.

Consumer Home Improvement Products. Within our Consumer reportable segment, we generally serve the home improvement market with products designed for niche architectural, rust-preventative, decorative and special purpose paint and caulking and sealing applications. The products we sell for home improvement include those sold under our Rust-Oleum, Varathane, Watco, Zinsser, DAP, Touch’N Foam and Gator brand names. As a leading manufacturer of home improvement-related coatings, adhesives and sealants, we market products to DIY users and contractors through a wide range of distribution channels. These distribution channels include direct sales to home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware and paint stores, and sales through distributors and sales representative organizations. Competitors in this market generally compete for market share by marketing and building upon brand recognition, providing customer service and developing new products based on customer needs.

Industrial Protective Coatings Products. Anti-corrosion protective coatings and fireproofing must withstand the destructive elements of nature and operating processes under harsh environments and conditions. Our protective industrial coating products are marketed primarily under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Plasite, Nullifire, Firefilm, Charflame, A/D Fire, Strathmore, Thermo-lag, Perlifoc, Epoplex, Dudick, Farbocustic, Perliwool and Southwest brand names. Some of the larger consumers of high-performance protective and corrosion control coatings, fireproofing and intumescent steel coatings are the oil and gas, pulp and paper, petrochemical, shipbuilding, high-rise building construction, public utility and bridge and highway industries, water and wastewater treatment plants, and electronics manufacturing facilities. These markets are highly fragmented. We and our competitors compete for market share by supplying a wide variety of high-quality products and by offering customized solutions.

Roofing Systems Products

In the roofing industry, re-roofing applications have historically accounted for over three-quarters of U.S. demand, with the remainder generated by new roofing applications. Our primary roofing brand, Tremco, was founded in 1928. Our roofing products are used in three standard scenarios: (a) restoration (b) re-cover and (c) new construction. We create and drive market demand for these products by providing innovative solutions that deliver exceptional value for the customer. The high performance of our products and services enables a long service life and ease of maintenance. The ease of installation, landfill avoidance, roof longevity, the elimination of facility and occupant disruption, and utilization of sustainable materials and systems ensures a low cost of ownership for our customers. Whether a project is a restoration, re-cover or new construction, our goal is always to help create a space that is safe, dry, and energy efficient for its occupants.

Construction Products

Flooring Systems Products. Polymer flooring systems are used in industrial, commercial and, to a lesser extent, residential applications to provide a smooth, seamless surface that is impervious to penetration by water and other substances while being easy to clean and maintain. These systems are particularly well-suited for clean environments such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage and healthcare facilities. In addition, the fast installation time and long-term durability of these systems and products make them ideal for industrial floor repair and restoration. Polymer flooring systems are based on epoxy, polyurethane and methyl methacrylate resins. Most of these flooring systems are applied during new construction, but there is also a significant repair and renovation market. Key performance attributes in polymer flooring systems that distinguish competitors for these applications include static control, chemical resistance, contamination control, durability and aesthetics. We market our flooring systems under the Stonhard, Flowcrete, Key Resin, Euclid, Liquid Elements, Hummervoll, Kemtile, API and Dudick brand names.

FRP Grating and Structural Composites. FRP grating and railings are used primarily in industrial and, to a lesser extent, commercial applications. FRP exhibits many specialized features, which make it a beneficial alternative to traditional steel or aluminum. These include a high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal non-conductivity, and molded-in color, which eliminates the need for repainting. FRP is used for rooftop safety, platforms, walkways and stairs for a variety of applications, including those in the food and beverage, chemical processing, water and wastewater, pulp and paper, commercial roofing, commercial sealants and waterproofing, and offshore oil and gas industries. Structural composites include high-density polypropylene pedestal systems for raised flooring applications in outdoor environments. Key attributes that differentiate competitors in these markets include product quality, depth of product line, and design-and-fabrication services. Our products for these applications are sold under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid, Safe-T-Span, Bison, Jouplast and Ocape brand names.

Sealants, Waterproofing, Concrete and Masonry Products. Sealants, which include urethane, silicone, latex, butyl and hybrid technology products, are designed to be installed in construction joints for the purpose of providing a flexible air and water-tight seal. Waterproof coatings, usually urethane or asphalt based, are installed in exposed and buried applications to waterproof and protect concrete. Structural and traffic tolerant membranes, expansion joints and bearings are used in a variety of applications for bridge deck construction and restoration and the protection and preservation of balconies, pedestrian walkways and parking structures. In the concrete and masonry additives market, a variety of chemicals and fibers can be added to concrete and masonry to improve the processability, performance, or appearance of these products. Chemical admixtures for concrete are typically grouped according to their functional characteristics, such as water-reducers, set controllers, superplasticizers and air-entraining agents. Curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials are used to protect, repair or improve new or existing concrete structures used in the construction industry, and rehabilitation and repair of roads, highways, bridges, pipes and other infrastructure. The key attributes that differentiate competitors for these applications include quality assurance, on-the-job consultation and value-added, highly engineered and/or sustainable products. We primarily offer products marketed under our Tremco, EUCO, Toxement, Viapol, Betumat, CAVE, Vandex, illbruck, Tamms, AlphaGuard, AlphaGrade, OneSeal, PowerPly, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem, TREMproof, Dymonic, Increte, TUFF-N-DRI, Nufins, Pitchmastic PMB, Visul, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed, Prime Rez, Prime Gel, Prime Guard, Prime Coat, Prime Bond, Prime Flex, Logiball, Watchdog Waterproofing, PSI, Tuf-Strand, Sealtite and HydroStop brand names for this line of business.

Building Wall, Cladding and Envelope Systems. CPG's collective products and systems are a single source for new construction, renovation and restoration. We use a fully tested systems approach in standing behind its whole building warranty, providing a single point of responsibility and peace of mind for our customers.

Intellectual Property

Our intellectual property portfolios include valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks, trade and brand names. In addition, through our subsidiaries, we continue to conduct significant research and technology development activities. Among our most significant intangibles are our Rust-Oleum®, Carboline®, DAP®, illbruck® and Tremco® trademarks.

Rust-Oleum Corporation and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 950 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the trademark “Rust-Oleum®” and other trademarks covering a variety of rust-preventative, decorative, general purpose, specialty, industrial and professional products sold by Rust-Oleum Corporation and related companies.

Carboline Global, Inc. and some of our other subsidiaries own nearly 500 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries covering the products sold by the Carboline Global Inc. and related companies, including two United States trademark registrations for the trademark “Carboline®”.

DAP Global, Inc. and other subsidiaries of the Company own nearly 400 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the “DAP®” trademark, the “Putty Knife design” trademark and other trademarks covering products sold under the DAP brand and related brands.

Tremco CPG Inc. and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 90 registrations or applications for the trademark “Tremco®” in the United States and numerous countries covering a variety of roofing, sealants and coating products. There are also many other trademarks of Tremco CPG Inc. and some of our other subsidiaries that are the subject of registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries, bringing the total number of registrations and applications covering products sold under the Tremco brand and related brands to nearly 950.

Our other principal product trademarks include: 2X Ultra Cover®, AlphaGuard®, Alumanation®, Betumat™, B-I-N®, Bitumastic®, Bulls Eye 1-2-3®, Chemgrate®, Dri-Eaz®, Dymonic®, EnerEDGE®, Enviro-Dri®, EUCO®, ExoAir®, Flecto™, Fibergrate®, Floquil™, Paraseal®, Permaroof®, Plasite®, Proglaze®, Sanitile®, Sealtite™, Solargard®, Spectrem®, Stonblend®, Stonclad®, Stonhard®, Stonlux®, Stonshield®, Testors®, The Pink Stuff®, TREMproof®, TUFF-N-DRI®, Varathane®, Viapol™, Vulkem®, Watchdog Waterproofing®, Woolsey®, Zinsser® and Z-Spar®; and, in Europe, API®, Perlifoc®, Hummervoll®, Nufins®, Pitchmastic PMB®, Visul®, Flowcrete®, Nullifire®, Radglo® and Martin Mathys™. Our trademark registrations are valid for a variety of different terms of up to 15 years, and may be renewable as long as the trademarks continue to be used and all other local conditions for renewal are met. Our trademark registrations are maintained and renewed on a regular basis as required.

Raw Materials

The cost and availability of raw materials, including packaging, materially impact our financial results. We obtain raw materials from a number of suppliers. Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals. The cost of raw materials has in the past experienced, and likely will continue to experience, periods of volatility which could increase the cost of manufacturing our products. Under normal market conditions, these materials are generally available on the open market from a variety of producers; however, shortages have occurred and continue to be a possibility. Interruptions in the supply of raw materials could have a significant impact on our ability to produce products.

Throughout fiscal 2025, we experienced modest inflation in some of our raw materials. We expect that inflation of some materials, inclusive of tariff-related impacts, will create headwinds impacting our results in fiscal 2026. Where possible, actions such as alternative sources of materials will be implemented to minimize the impact of the tariffs.

Changes in international trade duties and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the United States and abroad, could materially impact the cost and availability of raw materials. Any increase in material costs that are not offset by an increase in our prices could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Seasonal Factors

Our business is dependent, to a significant extent, on external weather factors. We historically experience stronger sales and operating results in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters, which are the three-month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, while we have experienced seasonally lower performance in our third fiscal quarter.

Customers

Sales to our ten largest Consumer segment customers, such as DIY home centers, on a combined basis represented approximately 22%, 24%, and 25% of our total net sales for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Except for sales to these customers, our business is not dependent upon any one customer or small group of customers but is largely dispersed over a substantial number of customers.

Research and Development

Our research and development work is performed at various laboratory locations. During fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, approximately $94.7 million, $92.2 million and $86.6 million, respectively, was charged to expense for research and development activities. In addition to this laboratory work, we view our field technical service as being integral to the success of our research activities. Our research and development activities and our field technical service costs are both included as part of our selling, general and administrative expenses.

Environmental Matters

Our Building a Better World program is the core of our sustainability strategy that helps us create sustainable solutions that add value to our businesses, drive growth, and prioritize the people and communities where we live and work. It is structured around three pillars of Our Products, Our People and Our Processes and is built on a foundation of Our Governance.

Our Building a Better World Oversight Committee supports our ongoing commitment to responsibly serve and engage our associates, customers and stakeholders on critical sustainability matters. The Oversight Committee includes, among others, Vice President – Corporate Benefits & Risk Management; Vice President – Environmental, Health and Safety; Vice President – Operations; and representatives from each business segment. The Building a Better World Oversight Committee is chaired by the Vice President – Investor Relations & Sustainability.

The Building a Better World Oversight Committee reviews and identifies sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities, and the processes for developing and managing sustainability related goals. The Chair of the Building a Better World Oversight Committee provides updates to the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board to seek insight with respect to important sustainability and climate-related issues. Dedicated teams of subject matter experts focus on addressing and managing risks, opportunities and strategies as well as developing initiatives and programming in support of our Building a Better World program pillars.

We are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations dealing with environmental, health and safety issues for the various locations around the world in which we conduct our business. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following major areas:

• the sale, export, generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials;
• regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy or climate change;
• the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the soil, water and air; and
• the health and safety of our associates.

For information regarding environmental accruals, see Note P, “Contingencies and Accrued Losses,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information concerning certain environmental matters affecting us, see “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Proceedings” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Human Capital

We understand that our company is only as strong as the team behind it. With the consistent support and dedication of leadership at all levels, we foster a workplace that supports our associates as individuals and helps them thrive in their current positions and strive to accomplish their future aspirations. Our human capital management strategy includes sustainable best practices in professional development, benefits, health and safety, and community involvement in an effort to continue to hire the best associates and retain them throughout the course of their careers. We measure satisfaction through our annual Engagement Survey, through which participants are able to express their opinion and provide comments and suggestions.

Talent Development

It is critical to our long-term success to develop our internal talent. Our Global Organizational Leadership Development (“GOLD”) Team is charged with creating a leadership-led learning culture across RPM. The GOLD Team has developed several training programs to support development which include Leadership Accelerator, Leaders of the Future, RPM University, Strategic Leader Staff Rides, and partnering with the Center for Creative Leadership.

Benefits

Our leadership has long understood that to attract and retain top talent, and to share the benefits of a successful business, we must maintain a premium benefits program for our associates. For U.S. associates, we offer an attractive benefits package, including defined benefit pension plans, medical, telehealth, tuition reimbursement and an employer-matched 401(k). We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”) which focuses on behavioral health and provides resources for financial and legal matters. Mental health support is key to associates, who may get support through the EAP as well as through telehealth and our health plans.

Similar ancillary benefits are offered to our Canadian associates, and associates of our other foreign subsidiaries receive benefits coverage, to the extent deemed appropriate, through plans that meet local requirements.

Respect at RPM

At RPM, we are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We support this commitment and provide associate resources through Respect at RPM, a program that reinforces our core values of operating with transparency, trust and respect. The program emphasizes the importance of these core values across our operations; and supports associate growth and development. We recruit, select, hire and develop individuals based on their qualifications and skills. All associates and other parties involved in the employment relationship are required to comply with RPM’s Code of Conduct and are prohibited from discriminating against individuals during all stages of employment or hiring, including decisions involving recruitment, promotion, transfer, assignment, training, termination and lay-offs, working conditions, wage and salary administration, associate benefits and application of policies. We prohibit inappropriate conduct against others, including discrimination perpetrated by associates, supervisors, customers or vendors, and strictly prohibit retaliation and harassment, as set forth in our Code of Conduct and Hotline and Non-Retaliation Policy.

Health & Safety

We follow many best practices to ensure our associates come to work feeling empowered to safely do their jobs. As part of our EH&S management system, we continuously educate and train to institutionalize our health and safety values, set and monitor health and safety objectives, conduct regular risk assessments and process hazard and root cause analysis, and actively enforce incident prevention and reporting policies. In addition, we contract with trusted, third-party vendors to conduct EH&S compliance audits annually that are prioritized based on high-risk processes, facilities with recent expansion or process changes and to cover any new acquisitions. These audits cover the following critical focus areas: health & safety, environmental compliance, property risk, product stewardship and chemical compliance.

Associates

As of May 31, 2025, we employed 17,778 persons. Approximately 324 U.S. employees were represented by unions under contracts which expire at varying times in the future. We believe that all relations with associates and their unions are good.

As a global supplier of paint, coatings, roofing, construction and related products and services, we operate in a business environment that includes risks. Each of the risks described in this section may adversely affect some or all of our businesses, the results of our operations, our financial position, or our liquidity. Additionally, while the following factors are considered to be the more significant risk factors for our company, no such list should be considered to be a complete listing of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted risk factors may present additional obstacles which may adversely affect some or all of our businesses, the results of our operations, financial position, or our liquidity. Similarly, the disclosure of any risk factor in this filing as potentially occurring in the future should not be read to imply that the risk has not already materialized. Therefore, you should carefully consider these risk factors, as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file from time to time, in evaluating us, our business and your investment in us as they could cause our actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements.

ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC RISKS

Our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by global and regional economic conditions and trends in ways we may not be able to predict or control.

Our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by many factors including but not limited to a market decline, a public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic, civil unrest similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, higher inflation or interest rates, economic recession, natural disasters, impacts of and issues related to climate change, changes to laws or regulations (including import and export requirements such as new or increased tariffs, sanctions, quotas or trade barriers), cybersecurity incidents, terrorist activity, business disruptions, our ability to adequately staff operations or otherwise.

Furthermore, commercial building utilization and the continued shift in consumer spending to online shopping and remote work may negatively impact residential and commercial construction and repair and maintenance markets. Additionally, escalation in or persistent high interest rates may lead to financial institutions being more prudent with capital deployment and tightening lending, especially in relation to construction and real estate development. As a result, future construction activity could decrease, potentially resulting in a decrease in product demand.

In addition, economic distress decreased purchasing power, public crises, business cyclicality, such as in the oil and gas industry, or other factors could cause difficulties for our customers and, in turn, result in decreases in product demand, increases in bad debt write-offs, decreases in timely collection of accounts receivable and adjustments to our allowance for credit losses, resulting in material reductions to our revenues and net earnings. We could experience labor inflation, increased competitive pricing pressure, and raw material inflation and availability issues resulting in difficulties meeting customer demand.

Future economic uncertainties may result in decreased revenue, gross margins, earnings or growth rates, difficulty in managing inventory levels, an inability to predict or meet changes in demand for our products or collect customer receivables, an inability to adequately staff and maintain operations at affected facilities, and negatively impact our customers, suppliers and the markets we serve.

Global economic and capital market conditions may cause our access to capital to be more difficult in the future and/or costs to secure such capital more expensive.

In the future, we may need new or additional financing to provide liquidity to conduct our operations, expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. Any sustained weakness in general economic conditions, or U.S. or global capital markets could adversely affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all. From time to time we have relied, and we may also rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to that facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one institution does not need to be made up by the others. Longer term volatility and continued disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our businesses in the longer term. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged.

Volatility in the equity markets or interest rates could substantially increase our pension costs and required pension contributions.

We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding; (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost; and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant change in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.

A public health crisis could cause disruptions to our operations which could adversely affect our business in the future.

A significant public health crisis could cause disruptions to our operations resulting in a negative impact to our businesses, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition stemming from impacts on the economy, transportation networks, raw material availability, worker availability, production efforts and customer demand for our products. Our ability to predict and respond to future changes resulting from potential health crisis is uncertain. Even after any future public health crisis subsides, there may be long-term effects on our business practices and customers in economies in which we operate that could severely disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Terrorist activities and other acts of violence, civil unrest, or war could negatively impact the locations or industries in which we compete, our operations, and our profitability.

Terrorist activities and acts of violence or war have contributed to economic instability in the United States and elsewhere which has a direct impact on businesses and whole industries operating in those locations. Any future acts of terrorism including cyber-terrorism, violence or war could negatively affect the industries in which we compete, our ability to purchase raw materials, adequately staff our operations, manufacture products or sell or distribute products, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Catastrophic events, severe weather conditions and natural disasters may reduce the demand for some of our products, impair our ability to meet our demand for such products or cause supply chain disruptions which could have a negative effect on our operations and sales.

From time to time, severe weather conditions and natural disasters could have, a negative effect on our operations and sales. Events such as destructive wildfires, tornados, extreme storms or temperatures and increased flooding or other natural disasters could cause damage to our facilities, and leading to production, supply or distribution challenges resulting in a negative effect on our sales or results of operations. Unusually cold or rainy weather or other disruptive weather, especially during the U.S. general construction and exterior painting season, may also have an adverse effect on sales. Furthermore, the impacts of these risks to our suppliers may have a detrimental effect on our earnings, cash flow, or the sales, manufacturing, and distribution of our products, including supply chain disruptions, raw material shortages and increased costs.

Significant foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may harm our financial results.

We conduct business in various regions throughout the world and are therefore exposed to risks associated with interest rates and value changes in foreign currencies, including as a result of inflation, central bank monetary policies, currency controls and other exchange restrictions, which may adversely affect our businesses. Our reported net sales, earnings, cash flow and financial condition are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could in the future have an adverse effect on our net revenues and earnings, and the carrying values of our assets located outside the United States.

FINANCIAL RISKS

The use of accounting estimates involves judgment and could impact our financial results.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in Item 7 under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.” Additionally, as discussed in Note P, “Contingencies and Accrued Losses,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we make certain estimates, including decisions related to legal proceedings and various loss reserves. These estimates and assumptions involve the use of judgment, and therefore, actual financial results may differ.

The results of our annual and, as-required, interim testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets have required, and in the future may result in additional substantial impairment charges.

As of May 31, 2025, we had approximately $2.4 billion in goodwill and other intangible assets. The Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) section 350, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other," requires that goodwill be tested at least on an annual basis, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, using either a qualitative assessment or a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level. We perform our annual required impairment tests, which involve the use of estimates related to the fair market values of the reporting units with which goodwill is associated, as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. The evaluation of our long-lived assets for impairment includes determining whether indicators of impairment exist, this is a subjective process that considers both internal and external factors. The impairment assessment evaluation requires the use of significant judgment regarding estimates and assumptions surrounding future results of operations and cash flows.

For discussion of the approach for, and results of, our interim and annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for all periods presented, please refer to the headings entitled “Goodwill” and “Other Long-Lived Assets” within the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” sections located in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” as well as Note A(11),

"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to our Consolidated Financial Statements as presented below.

In the future, if global economic conditions were to decline significantly, or if our reporting units experience significant declines in business, we may incur additional, substantial goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges. The amount of any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our significant amount of indebtedness could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Our total debt was approximately $2.6 billion and $2.1 billion at May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which compares with $2.9 billion and $2.5 billion in stockholders’ equity at May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our level of indebtedness could adversely impact out business. For example, it could:

• require us to dedicate a material portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments, stock repurchases or other general corporate requirements;
• result in a downgrade of our credit rating, which would increase our borrowing costs, adversely affect our financial results, and make it more difficult for us to raise capital;
• restrict our operational flexibility and reduce our ability to conduct certain transactions, since our credit facility contains certain restrictive financial and operating covenants;
• limit our flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions, which would make us more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions; and
• have a material adverse effect on our short-term liquidity if large debt maturities occur in close succession.

We cannot guarantee that we will always be able to make timely or sufficient payments of our debt. Should we fail to comply with covenants in our debt instruments, such failure could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, would have a material adverse effect on us.

OPERATIONAL RISKS

Operating improvement initiatives, including digital and physical consolidation efforts, may increase our operational risks and could cause us to incur significant expenses and impact the trading value of our common stock.

In August 2022, we approved and announced our Margin Achievement Plan 2025 ("MAP 2025"). MAP 2025 is a multi-year restructuring plan to build on the achievements of our 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan ("MAP to Growth"). On May 31, 2025, we formally concluded MAP 2025; however, certain projects identified prior to May 31, 2025 will not be completed until fiscal 2026. As a result, we plan to continue recognizing restructuring costs throughout fiscal 2026. Our MAP 2025 operating improvement program is designed to result in significant changes in our organizational and operational structure. We have taken actions and may continue to take additional actions during future periods, in furtherance of these or other operating improvement initiatives. We may incur further expenses as a result of these actions, and we also may experience disruptions in our operations, decreased productivity and unanticipated associate turnover. Consolidation of systems and locations may increase the severity of any potential risk. Further, the objectives of our operating improvement initiatives may not be achieved. The occurrence of any of these, our failure to succeed in our MAP 2025 operating improvement plan, or other related events associated with our operating improvement initiatives could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Fluctuations in the supply and cost of raw materials, energy or other resources may negatively impact our financial results.

The cost and availability of raw materials, including packaging could materially impact our financial results. We obtain raw materials from many suppliers. Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals. Factors such as political instability, civil unrest, higher tariffs, import/export restrictions, trade policy, supply chain disruptions, regulations, supplier operational and labor issues, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, armed conflicts and wars, or public health crises have impacted and may in the future adversely impact our suppliers or the availability and cost of the resource(s) they supply, our ability to meet customer demands for some of our products, staff and maintain operations at affected facilities and our costs generally. In addition, environmental and social regulations, including regulations related to climate change or otherwise, may negatively impact our businesses or our suppliers in terms of availability and cost of raw materials, as well as sources and supply of energy. Interruptions in the supply of raw materials or sources of energy could in the future have a significant impact on our ability or cost to produce products.

Cost and adequate supply of raw materials is managed by establishing contracts, procuring from multiple sources, and identifying alternative materials or technology; however, sole source suppliers, the unavailability of raw materials or increased prices of raw materials that we are unable to pass along to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cashflows.

Additionally, changes in international trade duties, tariffs, sanctions and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the United States and abroad, could materially impact the cost of raw materials. Any increased costs associated with tariffs, duties or other trade policies that is not offset by an increase in our prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and some of our competitors are much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do.

The markets in which we operate are fragmented, and we do not face competition from any one company across all our product lines. However, any significant increase in competition resulting from the consolidation of competitors or other competitive dynamics like new product introductions, may cause us to lose market share or compel us to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could result in reduced gross profit margins. Increased competition may also impair our ability to grow or to maintain our current levels of revenues and earnings. Some companies that compete in our markets include Akzo Nobel, Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Carlisle Companies Inc., H.B. Fuller, Masco Corporation, PPG Industries, Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company and Sika AG. Several of these companies are much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do. Increased competition with these or other companies could prevent the institution of price increases or could require price reductions or increased spending to maintain our market share, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our success depends upon our ability to identify, attract, retain and develop key associates and the succession of senior management.

Our success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key associates. If our compensation and benefits, talent management, or cultural programs and practices are not competitive, or employees otherwise become more difficult to attract or retain under reasonable terms, we may experience higher labor-related costs and may be unable to attract, retain, develop and progress a qualified global workforce, which could adversely affect our business and future success and impair our ability to meet our strategic objectives and the needs of our customers. In addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the succession of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be adversely affected. While we maintain a disciplined, ongoing succession planning process and have succession plans in place for senior management and other key associates, these do not guarantee that the services of qualified senior executives will continue to be available to us at particular moments in time.

We depend on a few key customers for a significant portion of our net sales and, therefore, significant declines in the level of purchases by any of these key customers could harm our business.

Some of our operating companies, particularly in the Consumer reportable segment, face a substantial amount of customer concentration. For example, our key customers in the Consumer reportable segment include Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, Hardlines Distribution, The Home Depot, Inc., Lowe’s, Menards, Orgill, W.W. Grainger, and Wal-Mart. Within our Consumer segment, sales to these customers accounted for approximately 65%, 67% and 67% of net sales for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. On a consolidated basis, sales to these customers across all of our reportable segments accounted for approximately 22%, 24% and 25% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Sales to The Home Depot, Inc. represented less than 10% of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, and 24%, 23% and 23% of our Consumer segment net sales for fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. If we were to lose one or more of our key customers, experience a delay or cancellation of a significant order, incur a significant decrease in the level of purchases, or experience difficulty in collecting amounts due from any of our key customers, our net revenues could decline materially and our operating results could be reduced materially.

If our efforts to acquire and integrate other companies or product lines fail or we encounter difficulties associated with divestitures our business may not grow or realize anticipated benefits from these acquisitions or divestitures.

As an important part of our growth strategy, we intend to continue pursuing acquisitions of complementary businesses or products and creating joint ventures. Our ability to continue to grow in this manner depends upon our ability to identify, negotiate and finance suitable acquisitions or joint venture arrangements. Execution of our acquisition strategy with respect to some companies or product lines could fail or could result in unanticipated costs to us that were not apparent despite our due diligence efforts, either of which could hinder our growth or adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, acquisitions and their subsequent integration involve many risks, including, but not limited to:

• inaccurate assessments of disclosed liabilities and the potentially adverse effects of undisclosed liabilities;
• unforeseen difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, their products, and their culture into our existing business;
• unforeseen delays in realizing the benefits from acquired companies or product lines, including projected efficiencies, cost savings, revenue synergies and profit margins;
• unforeseen diversion of our management’s time and attention from other business matters;
• unforeseen difficulties resulting from insufficient prior experience in any new markets we may enter;
• unforeseen difficulties in retaining key associates and customers of acquired businesses;
• increased regulatory and compliance risks;
• increased risk to our cybersecurity landscape; and
• increases in our indebtedness and contingent liabilities, which could in turn restrict our ability to raise additional capital when needed or to pursue other important elements of our business strategy.

Furthermore, we may make strategic divestitures because of portfolio rationalization which may impact our future growth. Divestitures may result in continued financial involvement in the divested business, such as through indemnities or retained liabilities, which could result in financial obligations imposed upon us and could affect our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We derive a significant amount of our revenues from foreign markets, which subjects us to additional business risks that could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our foreign manufacturing operations accounted for approximately 28.9% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, not including exports directly from the United States which accounted for approximately 0.8% of our net sales for fiscal 2025. We plan to continue to grow our international operations and the growth and maintenance of such operations could be adversely affected by a public health crisis, civil unrest, invasions and conflicts, war, changes in social, political and economic conditions, inflation rates, trade protection measures, restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of earnings, changing intellectual property rights, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements, and other events that restrict the sales of our products or increase our costs. Our ability to effectively manage our foreign operations may pose significant risks that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow, liquidity or financial condition.

Cybersecurity threats, data privacy compliance, and use of artificial intelligence could have a negative impact on our business.

We rely on information technology systems, products and applications to conduct our business, including recording and processing transactions, administering human resource activities and associate benefits, manufacturing, marketing and selling our products, researching and developing new products, maintaining and growing our businesses, and supporting and communicating with our associates, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Some of these systems and applications are operated by third parties. Disruptions or compromises to information technology, failures to allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build, sustain, and protect an appropriate information technology infrastructure, failures to effectively implement system upgrades or patches in a timely manner, or failures in our due diligence regarding third-party providers, could result in our business or financial results being negatively impacted.

Additionally, we, ourselves and through our third parties, digitally collect and process different types of information including personal, confidential, proprietary, and sensitive data, which may include information about our employees, customers, associates, suppliers, distributors and others. Some of this data is stored, accessible or transferred internationally.

The interpretation and application of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biometric, individual privacy, and other data related rules and regulations around the world applicable to our business (collectively, the “Data Protection Laws”) are uncertain and evolving. It is possible that the Data Protection Laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data practices. Complying with these various Data Protection Laws is difficult and failure to comply could cause us to incur substantial costs, suffer reputational damage, or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business. In addition, some of our systems, tools and resources use, integrate or will integrate some form of artificial intelligence which has the potential to result in bias, miscalculations, data errors, intellectual property infringement and other unintended consequences. It is possible that the information technology tools we use or deploy may negatively affect our reputation, disrupt our operations, or have a material impact on our financial results. Further, although we have implemented internal controls and procedures designed to manage compliance with the Data Protection Laws and protect our data, there can be no assurance that our controls will prevent a breach or that our procedures will enable us to be fully compliant with all Data Protection Laws.

Cyber-attacks or breaches due to security vulnerabilities, associate error, supplier or third-party error, malfeasance or other disruptions may occur. We may be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to our data, information technology systems and/or applications.

These risks may be increased as a result of our inability to keep up with advancements in technology and evolving interpretations of the Data Protection Law requirements, remote work, a public health crisis, war or civil unrest. Future loss, inaccessibility, alteration or misappropriation of information related to us, our associates, former associates, customers, suppliers or others may have a negative impact on our business. A violation of, or failure to comply with, the Data Protection Laws by us, our suppliers, or other third parties, a cyber-attack or a security breach of our systems or that of one of our key suppliers or third parties could lead to negative publicity, legal claims, extortion, ransom, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information or key information, damage to or inaccessibility of critical systems, manufacture of defective products, production downtimes, operational disruptions, data breach claims, privacy violations and other significant costs, which could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary information or there is a loss in the actual or perceived value of our brands.

We have numerous valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks, trade dress, and trade names, including certain marks that are significant to our business, which are identified under Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary information and rights from unauthorized use or disclosure, other parties may attempt to obtain, disclose or use them without our authorization; such theft, unauthorized action, use or disclosure could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

Similarly, the value of our brands may be impacted by reputational damage. The reputations of our branded products depend on numerous factors, including the successful advertising and marketing of our brand names, consumer acceptance, continued trademark validity, the availability of similar products from our competitors, and our ability to maintain product quality, technological advantages and claims of superior performance.

In addition, advances in artificial intelligence and increasingly widespread use of advanced technology, by us, our third parties or others, including generative artificial intelligence tools, may increase the risk of unauthorized access to our intellectual property or otherwise expose our confidential information or trade secrets which could adversely affect the value of our intellectual property, investment in research and development and our business.

Furthermore, our use of social media and independent social media influencers for advertising, marketing and other purposes, as well as online reviews of our products and services and discussions on other digital public forums used by our customers increases our risk of receiving negative commentary that could damage our reputation resulting in an overall decrease in the perceived value of our brands. A loss of a brand or in the actual or perceived value of our brands could limit or reduce the demand for our products and could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

Although we have insurance, it may not cover every potential risk associated with our operations.

Although we maintain insurance of various types to cover many of the risks and hazards that apply to our operations, our insurance does not cover every potential risk associated with our operations. The occurrence of a significant event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future.

If our efforts to achieve stated sustainability goals, targets or objectives fail, or we fail to effectively respond to changing regulatory requirements related to climate change, our business and reputation may be adversely affected.

We might fail to effectively address increased attention or expectations from the media, stockholders, activists and other stakeholders on climate change and related environmental or other sustainability matters. Such failure, or the perception that we have failed to act responsibly with respect to such matters or to effectively respond to new or additional regulatory requirements related to climate change, whether or not valid, could result in adverse publicity and negatively affect our business and reputation. In addition, we have established and publicly announced goals to reduce our impact on the environment and, in the future may establish and publicly announce other goals or commitments associated with our sustainability initiatives. Our ability to achieve any stated goal, target or objective is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control, including evolving regulatory requirements. Furthermore, standards for tracking and reporting such matters continue to evolve. Our selection of voluntary disclosure frameworks and standards, and the interpretation or application of those frameworks and standards, may change from time to time or differ from those of others. Laws and regulations in different jurisdictions may conflict or have different reporting requirements. Methodologies for reporting this data may be updated and previously reported data may be adjusted to reflect improvement in availability and quality of data, changing assumptions, changes in the nature and scope of our operations and other changes in circumstances, which could result in significant revisions to our baseline data, current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or ability to achieve such goals in the future. If we fail to achieve, are perceived to have failed, or are delayed in achieving these goals and commitments, it could negatively affect investor confidence in us, as well as expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS

The industries in which we operate expose us to inherent risks of legal and warranty claims and other litigation-related risks and costs, which could adversely impact our business.

We face an inherent risk of legal claims if the exposure to, or the failure, use, or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage or if we fail to implement appropriate oversight or monitor and assess business risks. In the course of our business, we are subject to a variety of inquiries, investigations and claims by regulators, as well as claims and lawsuits, including class actions, by private parties, including those related to foodborne illnesses, product liability, Caremark or other fiduciary and product claims regarding distribution and recalls, asbestos or other chemicals or materials that are or were in our products, whether intentionally added or resulting from contamination, warranties, the environment, employment matters, contracts, intellectual property and commercial matters, which due to their uncertain nature may result in losses, some of which may be material. We are defending claims and class action lawsuits, and could be subject to future claims and lawsuits, in which significant financial damages are alleged and may be owed. These matters sometimes consume material financial resources to defend and can be a distraction to management. Some, but not all, of such matters are insured. We offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long term warranty programs at certain of our businesses and, as a result, from time to time we may experience higher levels of warranty expense, which is typically reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The nature and extent to which we use reactive chemistry or hazardous or flammable materials in our manufacturing processes creates risk of damage to persons and property that, if realized, could be material.

Compliance with environmental, sustainability, health and safety and other laws and regulations could subject us to unforeseen future expenditures or liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to numerous, complicated and often increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those developed in response to climate change, in the jurisdictions where we conduct business and sell our products. Governmental and regulatory authorities impose various laws and regulations on us that relate to environmental protection, the use, sale, transportation, import and export of certain chemicals or hazardous materials, and various health and safety matters, including the preparation, storage, and sale of food products, discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the handling, use, treatment, storage and clean-up of solid and hazardous wastes, the use of certain chemicals in product formulations, and the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater affected by hazardous substances and those related to climate change. These laws and regulations include the U.S. Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, Canada’s Chemical Management Program and DSL, EU and UK, REACH and many other federal, state, provincial, local and international statutes. These laws and regulations often impose strict, retroactive and joint and several liability for the costs of, and damages resulting from, not addressing our, or our predecessors’ past or present facilities and third-party disposal sites. We are currently undertaking remedial activities at a number of our properties and could be subject to future liability as yet unknown, but that could be material.

We may not always be in full compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in every jurisdiction in which we conduct our business. In addition, if we violate or fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws (including related to permitting), we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators, including enjoining or curtailing operations or sales, remedial or corrective measures, installing pollution control equipment, or other actions. We could be liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals of concern relating to our products or operations. We may be required to make additional expenditures to remain in or to achieve compliance with environmental, health or safety laws or changes in stakeholder preferences or expectations in the future and any such additional expenditures may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If regulatory permits or registrations are delayed, restricted, or rejected, subsequent operations at our businesses could be delayed or restricted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.

Our businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. These include securities, environmental, sustainability, health, safety, tax, competition and anti-trust, insurance, service contract and warranty, trade controls, data security, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, labor, wage and hour employment, and privacy laws and regulations. These laws and regulations change from time to time and thus may result in increased risk and costs to us related to our compliance therewith. From time-to-time regulators review our compliance with applicable laws. We have not always been, and may not always be, in full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to our business and, thus enforcement actions, fines and private litigation claims and damages, which could be material, may occur, notwithstanding our belief that we have in place appropriate risk management and compliance programs to mitigate these risks.

We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries, as well as trade sanctions administered by the office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of Commerce.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making or receiving improper payments to governmental officials or others for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or for other unfair advantage. Our policies mandate compliance with anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.

We are required to comply with U.S. regulations on trade sanctions and embargoes administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, the Commerce Department and similar multi-national bodies and governmental agencies worldwide, which are complex and often changing. A violation thereof could subject us to regulatory enforcement actions, including a loss of export privileges and significant civil and criminal penalties and fines.

Although we have internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will prevent a violation of these laws. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

We could be adversely affected by or incur liability for the actions or inaction of our third parties.

We vet and monitor customers, suppliers, service providers, including social media influencers, product applicators, sales agents and distributors and other parties that we engage in an effort to ensure that their business practices are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and our values and expectations, including that they are complying with applicable laws, applying appropriate technical security measures, safeguarding data security and privacy and human rights, and preventing illegal trade and corruption. In the event one of our third parties experiences a data breach, is found to have violated applicable laws or regulations, loses favor in the market, or the business practices of the third party come under scrutiny or are found to not align to our values or expectations, we could be subject to legal claims, fines and reputational damage related to the third-party relationship. In the event any third-party claim, legal violation or business practice requires us to sever the third-party relationship, we could also experience an impact on our services, operations, or our ability to obtain products or services.

We are subject to the effect of tax law changes in all the jurisdictions in which we operate, some of which may be retroactive in application.

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations which govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. Any potential tax law changes may, for example, increase applicable tax rates, impose tariffs or create reciprocal tariffs, increase our costs, adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition, have retroactive application, or impose stricter compliance requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could reduce our consolidated net earnings.

In response to, for instance, an economic crisis or recession, governments may revise tax laws, regulations or official interpretations in ways that could have a significant impact on us, including modifications that could, for example, reduce the profits that we can effectively realize from our non-U.S. operations, or that could require costly changes to those operations, or the way in which they are structured. If changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations were to significantly increase the tax rates on non-U.S. income, our effective tax rate could increase, our profits could be reduced, and if such increases were a result of our status as a U.S. company, could place us at a disadvantage to our non-U.S. competitors if those competitors remain subject to lower local tax rates.

We could be adversely affected by failure to comply with federal, state and local government procurement regulations and requirements.

Some of our companies have contracts with and supply product to federal, state and local governmental entities and their contractors, and are required to comply with specific cybersecurity frameworks, procurement regulations and other requirements relating to those contracts and sales. Requirements in our contracts and those requirements flowed down to us in our capacity as a subcontractor or supplier, although customary in government contracts, may impact our performance and compliance costs. Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements or to make required disclosures under contract could result in reductions of the value of contracts, contract modifications or termination for cause, adverse past performance ratings, actions under a federal or state false claims statutes, suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time and the assessment of penalties and fines, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition and could have a negative impact on our reputation and ability to procure other government contracts in the future.

Our cyber-security risk strategy includes policies and procedures for assessing, identifying and managing material cybersecurity threats. Our program is based on the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework and other applicable industry frameworks. Our cybersecurity posture is risk based, focused on the areas of higher risk to the company and associates. Our cybersecurity policies, standards and practices are integrated into our enterprise risk management approach, and cybersecurity risks are among the enterprise risks that are subject to oversight by the Board of Directors acting through the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

We use third party vendors to perform ongoing security monitoring, reporting and forensic analysis, including annual external penetration testing. Security standards are established and defined with respect to administrator accounts, backups, encryption, passwords, website certifications, antivirus software, endpoint management, firewalls, wi-fi networks, vulnerability scanning, server protection, patching, privacy by design, and data breach reporting. We perform ongoing employee cybersecurity awareness and training activities, which includes frequent phishing testing, and we maintain cyber insurance coverage.

We conduct annual internal audits to test compliance with our technology policies, security procedures and controls. Our third-party information technology providers, consultants and vendors are vetted by our information security teams to assess cybersecurity risks and mitigation measures, where applicable.

We continue to increase our cybersecurity investments and safeguards designed to detect and prevent cybersecurity incidents. Notwithstanding our increased cybersecurity investments and preparedness activities, threat actors and cybersecurity incidents continue to pose a risk to the security of our systems, facilities, and networks and to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data, including but not limited to intellectual property, confidential information and personal data. Cybersecurity incidents are investigated and remediated in accordance with our incident response procedures and other policies and procedures. For more information on how a cybersecurity incident may impact the Company, refer to the risk factor titled “Cybersecurity threats, data privacy compliance, and use of artificial intelligence could have a negative impact on our business,” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents that have disrupted our operations in the past, to date, no cybersecurity incidents have had or are materially likely to have, a material impact on RPM.

Cybersecurity is overseen by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Senior Director - Information Security coordinates with and directs cybersecurity initiatives through information technology and cybersecurity personnel throughout RPM.

The Senior Director - Information Security has over 15 years’ experience in the information technology and cybersecurity field as well as over 15 years’ experience in auditing information security, including previous roles in information security architecture, information technology and information security audit and governance. The Senior Director - Information Security has completed a CISO Academy Workshop, where he gained valuable insights to help improve our cybersecurity posture and program while also better aligning it to our overall business strategy and operating model. He received a BA in math and computer science from Ohio Wesleyan University and holds an Information Systems Auditor certification.

The Audit Committee regularly receives information and reports from the Senior Director - Information Security and other executives responsible for identifying and assessing the scope, nature and impact of cybersecurity risks, incidents and mitigation efforts.

In addition to the Audit Committee, the full Board of Directors receives reports on the status of our cybersecurity risks, incidents and mitigation efforts either from the Audit Committee or from the Senior Director – Information Security and other executives. We utilize a technology-based reporting system to identify and log data-related events.

Cybersecurity incidents are assessed for actual or potential impact on the business and any relevant data subjects. Materiality of cybersecurity incidents is assessed and determined by the Cybersecurity Team, which has been assigned this responsibility by our Disclosure Committee. The Cybersecurity Team consists of the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel, the Vice President - Commercial Excellence, the Vice President - Global Systems and the Senior Director - Information Security. The Senior Director - Information Security reports regularly to our Disclosure Committee. In the event a cybersecurity incident is determined to have, or is likely to have, a material impact on the Company, the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is directly notified by the General Counsel in coordination with the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Director - Information Security.

Our corporate headquarters and a plant and offices for one subsidiary are located on approximately 180 acres, which we own in Medina, Ohio. As of May 31, 2025, our operations occupied a total of approximately 20.0 million square feet, with the majority, approximately 16.9 million square feet, devoted to manufacturing, assembly and warehousing. Of the approximately 20.0 million square feet occupied, approximately 9.7 million square feet are owned and approximately 10.3 million square feet are occupied under operating leases.

Set forth below is a description, as of May 31, 2025, of our principal owned facilities which we believe are material to our operations:

20

Set forth below is a description, as of May 31, 2025, of our principal leased facilities which we believe are material to our operations:

We lease certain of our properties under long-term leases. Some of these leases provide for increased rent based on an increase in the cost-of-living index. For information concerning our rental obligations, see Note M, “Leases,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Under many of our leases, we are obligated to pay certain varying insurance costs, utilities, real property taxes and other costs and expenses.

We believe that our manufacturing plants and office facilities are well maintained and suitable for our operations.

Environmental Matters

Like other companies participating in similar lines of business, some of our subsidiaries are identified as a “potentially responsible party” under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar local environmental statutes or are participating in the cost of certain clean-up efforts or other remedial actions relating to environmental matters. Our share of such costs to date, however, has not been material and management believes that these environmental proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 1 — Business — Environmental Matters,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and given the size of our operations, we have elected to adopt a quantitative disclosure threshold for environmental proceedings of $1.0 million. On December 19, 2024, a subsidiary in our Consumer segment received informal notification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") of the EPA's intent to issue a civil penalty for alleged violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act Section 6 regulatory standard related to 2021 sales of a consumer product allegedly containing a regulated substance. The EPA provided an initial proposed penalty calculation on January 14, 2025, which totaled approximately $6.2 million. We are disputing this proposed penalty and believe that it is unwarranted under the circumstances. Based on information currently known, we are not able to estimate the outcome of this matter or a possible range of loss, if any.

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:

• a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate;
• an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
• unanticipated competition;
• a loss of key personnel; and
• 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 2025, 2024 and 2023.

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 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:

• significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;
• significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets;
• significant changes in the strategy for our overall business; and
• 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 would be 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 would be 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 would be based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied.

Additionally, we test all 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 quantitative processes during our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023.

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 the 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.

Additionally, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations that govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. The calculation of our income tax expense is based on the best information available, including the application of currently enacted income tax laws and regulations, and involves our significant judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can ultimately be determined, in some instances, several years after the financial statements have been published.

Our provision for income tax expense is allocated between continuing operations and other income categories, such as other comprehensive income (loss). We release the income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to income from continuing operations at the current tax rates when the related pretax changes are recognized. Disproportionate tax effects in AOCI are released to income tax expense only when circumstances upon which they are based cease to exist.

We also maintain accruals for estimated income tax exposures for many different jurisdictions. Tax exposures are settled primarily through the resolution of audits within each tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Tax exposures and actual income tax liabilities can also be affected by changes in applicable tax laws, retroactive tax law changes or other factors, which may cause us to believe revisions of past estimates are appropriate. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our income tax expense and income tax exposures, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

During fiscal 2025, we reassessed certain of our income tax positions following recent developments in U.S. income tax case law. Based on our current analysis and interpretation, we have recognized a $43.9 million net increase to our deferred income tax assets for U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards because of these developments. The amount recorded is our current estimate of the deferred tax assets for these credits that we expect to realize during the carryforward period. It is possible that the amount recorded could be adjusted if there are changes in U.S. income tax laws, regulations, case law, guidance or other positions issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Further, the amount recorded could change based on our future results or the implementation, if any, of income tax planning.

Contingencies

We are party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. Although we cannot precisely predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, we record provisions when we consider the liability probable and estimable. Our provisions are based on historical experience and legal advice and are adjusted according to developments. In general, our accruals, including our accruals for environmental and warranty liabilities, discussed further below, represent the best estimate of a range of probable losses. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple factors that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as regulators, courts, and state and federal legislatures. Changes in the amounts of our loss provisions, which can be material, affect our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate our accruals at the end of each quarter, or sometimes more frequently, based on available facts, and may revise our estimates in the future based on any new information that becomes available.

Our environmental-related accruals are similarly established and/or adjusted as more information becomes available upon which costs can be reasonably estimated. Actual costs may vary from these estimates because of the inherent uncertainties involved, including the identification of new sites and the development of new information about contamination. Certain sites are still being investigated; therefore, we have been unable to fully evaluate the ultimate costs for those sites. As a result, accruals have not been estimated for certain of these sites and costs may ultimately exceed existing estimated accruals for other sites. We have received indemnities for potential environmental issues from purchasers of certain of our properties and businesses and from sellers of some of the properties or businesses we have acquired. If the indemnifying party fails to, or becomes unable to, fulfill its obligations under those agreements, we may incur environmental costs in addition to any amounts accrued, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long-term warranty programs at certain of our businesses, and thus have established corresponding warranty liabilities. Warranty expense is impacted by variations in local construction practices, installation conditions, and geographic and climate differences. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our warranty expense, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding, (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant change in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.

Changes in our key plan assumptions would impact net periodic benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation for our defined benefit and various postretirement benefit plans. Based upon May 31, 2025 information, the following tables reflect the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our defined benefit pension plans in the United States and internationally:

(In millions)

Based upon May 31, 2025 information, the following table reflects the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our various postretirement health care plans:

(In millions)

26

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings, roofing systems, flooring solutions, sealants, cleaners and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into four reportable segments - CPG, PCG, Consumer and SPG - which also represent our operating segments. In addition to our four reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. Within each operating segment, we manage product lines and businesses which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. See Note R, "Segment Information," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our reportable segments.

Effective June 1, 2023, certain Asia Pacific businesses and management structure, formerly of our CPG segment, were transferred to our PCG segment to create operating efficiencies and a more unified go-to-market strategy in Asia Pacific. This realignment is reflected in our reportable segments beginning with fiscal 2022. As such, historical segment results have been recast to reflect the impact of this change.

Effective June 1, 2025, we realigned certain businesses and management structure to recognize how we allocate resources and analyze the operating performance of our operating segments. This realignment did not change our reportable segments at May 31, 2025. Rather, our periodic filings, beginning with our first quarter ending August 31, 2025, will include historical segment results reclassified to reflect the effect of this realignment. See Note A(21), "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Subsequent Events," of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail regarding this change in reportable segments.

The following table reflects the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represents the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of product lines.

(In thousands)

(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 (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, or adjusted EBIT, as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense 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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion includes a comparison of Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources for the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024. For comparisons of the years ended May 31, 2024 and 2023, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 as filed on July 25, 2024.

Net Sales

(In millions, except percentages)

Our CPG segment generated organic sales growth during fiscal 2025, led by systems and turnkey roofing solutions serving high-performance buildings, which benefited from its restoration project focus, direct sales model, and high growth in the service business. Unfavorable foreign exchange translation partially offset sales growth.

Our PCG segment generated organic sales growth during fiscal 2025 when compared to the prior year. Organic sales growth was driven by the flooring business, which benefited from its focus on maintenance and restoration and specified, turnkey solutions for high-performance construction projects. PCG's growth was strongest internationally in Europe and the Middle East, which was driven by an acquisition in the FRP structures business in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 as well as demand from high-performance building and infrastructure projects. The divestiture of USL's Bridgecare services division in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and unfavorable foreign exchange translation partially offset this sales growth.

Our Consumer segment experienced organic sales declines in fiscal 2025 driven by reduced DIY takeaway at retail, customer destocking and the rationalization of certain lower-margin products. This was partially offset by new product introductions, growth in Europe and the benefit from an acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. Unfavorable foreign exchange translation also impacted sales declines.

Our SPG segment experienced organic sales declines during fiscal 2025, which were driven by soft demand in specialty OEM markets and the disaster restoration business, which was impacted by lower remediation activity. Sales declines were partially offset by growth from an acquisition in the food coatings business in the first quarter of fiscal 2025.

Gross Profit Margin Our consolidated gross profit margin of 41.4% of net sales for fiscal 2025 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 41.1% for the comparable period a year ago. This gross profit margin increase of approximately 30 basis points ("bps") resulted primarily from our MAP 2025 initiatives, which generated incremental savings in procurement, manufacturing and commercial excellence that favorably impacted our gross margin, partially offset by reduced fixed-cost absorption due to lower production volumes, and additional costs incurred due to MAP 2025-enabled plant consolidations; labor inflation, tariff-related impacts and unfavorable sales mix.

We expect that the inflationary headwinds noted above, inclusive of tariff-related impacts, will continue in fiscal 2026.

SG&A Expenses Our consolidated SG&A expense increased by approximately $37.0 million during fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024 and increased to 29.2% of net sales for fiscal 2025 from 28.8% of net sales for fiscal 2024. This increase was due to merit increases, along with increased legal fees, merger and acquisition ("M&A") expenses, hospitalization costs, commissions and increased intangible asset amortization related to our MAP 2025 program. Further, the prior period includes the $11.1 million gain on business interruption insurance proceeds which did not recur in the current period as described below in Note P, "Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses," to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This was partially offset by reduced advertising costs, insurance costs, decreased bonus expense, MAP 2025 savings and favorable foreign currency impacts.

Our CPG segment SG&A decreased approximately $10.0 million in fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024 and decreased as a percentage of net sales. The decrease in expense was mainly due to MAP 2025 savings, along with lower accrued employee benefit costs, decreased bad debt expense, professional fees and favorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by merit increases and increased commissions.

Our PCG segment SG&A was approximately $4.0 million higher for fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024 but decreased as a percentage of net sales. The increase in expense was mainly due to merit increases, partially offset by a reduction in bad debt expense, and bonus expense, along with the $4.5 million loss on the sale of USL's Bridgecare services division recorded during the prior year, as described below in Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our Consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $31.8 million during fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024 and increased as a percentage of net sales. The year-over-year increase in SG&A was primarily attributable to the $11.1 million gain on business interruption insurance proceeds received in the prior year and a $3.6 million gain associated with the sale of a facility in the prior year that did not recur in the current year, $4.4 million of bad debt expense related to a retail customer bankruptcy, increased intangible asset amortization related to our MAP 2025 program, increased legal fees and increased IT expenses, partially offset by MAP 2025 savings, along with decreased advertising costs and variable distribution costs.

Our SPG segment SG&A was approximately $3.0 million higher during fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024 and increased as a percentage of sales. The increase in SG&A expense is attributable to increased bad debt expense of $2.5 million related to a customer bankruptcy and the $1.7 million impairment charge for an indefinite-lived tradename as described below in Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases were partially offset by MAP 2025 savings and reduced professional fees.

Our corporate/other category SG&A was approximately $8.2 million higher during fiscal 2025 versus fiscal 2024. This was mainly due to increased benefit costs, compensation costs, IT expense, and M&A expenses, partially offset by decreased insurance costs and reduced professional fees related to our MAP 2025 operational improvement initiatives.

The following table summarizes the retirement-related benefit plans’ impact on income before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, as the service cost component has a significant impact on our SG&A expense:

(In millions)

We expect that pension and postretirement expense will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, both of which are difficult to predict in light of the lingering macroeconomic uncertainties associated with tariff-related impacts, but which may have a material impact on our consolidated financial results in the future. A decrease of 1% in the discount rate or the expected return on plan assets assumptions would result in $8.0 million and $8.6 million higher expense, respectively. The assumptions and estimates used to determine the discount rate and expected return on plan assets are more fully described in Note N, “Pension Plans,” and Note O, “Postretirement Benefits,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Further discussion and analysis of the sensitivity surrounding our most critical assumptions under our pension and postretirement plans is discussed above in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Pension and Postretirement Plans.”

Restructuring Expense

The following table summarizes restructuring charges recorded during the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, related to our MAP 2025 initiative, which is a multi-year restructuring plan to build on the achievements of MAP to Growth and designed to improve margins by streamlining business processes, reducing working capital, implementing commercial initiatives to drive improved mix, pricing discipline and salesforce effectiveness and improving operating efficiency:

(In millions)

On May 31, 2025, we formally concluded MAP 2025; however, certain projects identified prior to May 31, 2025 will not be completed until fiscal 2026. We currently expect to incur approximately $20.1 million of future additional charges related to the implementation of MAP 2025.

For further information and details about MAP 2025, see Note B, “Restructuring,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense

(In millions, except percentages)

30

(In millions)

Investment (Income), Net

See Note A(15), "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investment (Income), Net," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

(Gain) on Sales of Assets and Business, Net

See Note F, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

Other (Income) Expense, Net

See Note A(16), "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other (Income) Expense, Net," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

Income Before Income Taxes (“IBT”)

(In millions, except percentages)

On a consolidated basis, our results reflect MAP 2025 benefits, partially offset by reduced fixed-cost absorption due to negative production volumes, increased SG&A and unfavorable foreign currency translation. Our CPG segment results reflect sales growth and MAP 2025 benefits. Our PCG segment results reflect unit volume growth, which was enhanced by MAP 2025 initiatives. In addition, our prior year PCG segment results reflect the $4.5 million loss on the sale of USL's Bridgecare services division, the $3.3 million impairment of an indefinite lived-intangible asset as described below in Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and higher bad debt expense. Our Consumer segment results reflect reduced fixed-cost absorption due to negative volumes, raw material and labor inflation, $4.4 million of bad debt expense from a retail customer bankruptcy, increased restructuring costs and increased intangible asset amortization related to our MAP 2025 program, while our prior period results include the $11.1 million gain on business interruption insurance proceeds and $3.6 million gain associated with the sale of a facility. The current period earnings decline was mitigated by improved operating efficiencies related to MAP 2025 and rationalization of lower margin products. Our SPG segment results reflect reduced fixed-cost absorption due to negative volumes along with increased bad debt expense, restructuring costs and the $13.1 million of intangible asset impairment charges, partially offset by MAP 2025 benefits. Our corporate/other category results reflect reduced interest expense, pension non-service costs and insurance costs, partially offset by the unfavorable swing in investment returns, along with increased compensation expense and M&A expenses.

Income Tax Rate The effective income tax rate was 12.9% for fiscal 2025 compared to an effective income tax rate of 25.2% for fiscal 2024. Refer to Note H, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the components of the effective income tax rates.

Net Income

(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

31

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Approximately $768.2 million of cash was provided by operating activities during fiscal 2025, compared with $1.12 billion of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2024. The net change in cash from operations includes the change in net income, which increased by $100.9 million year over year.

The change in accounts receivable during fiscal 2025 provided approximately $137.9 million less cash than fiscal 2024. This was primarily due to the timing of sales in our PCG segment and increased volumes in our CPG segment which generated strong sales growth at the end of fiscal 2025. Average days sales outstanding at May 31, 2025 and 2024 was 63.0 days.

During fiscal 2025, the change in inventory used approximately $214.3 million more cash compared to our spending during fiscal 2024 as a result of strategic purchases to mitigate the impact of tariffs. This is in comparison to fiscal 2024, when our operating segments were using safety stock built up in response to supply chain outages and raw material inflation. Average days inventory outstanding at May 31, 2025 decreased to 85.8 days from 91.1 days at May 31, 2024.

The change in accounts payable during fiscal 2025 used approximately $108.5 million less cash than during fiscal 2024. This is associated with working capital efficiencies enabled by MAP 2025 initiatives, including improved procurement practices. Average days payables outstanding at May 31, 2025 increased to 91.3 days from 83.0 days at May 31, 2024.

Investing Activities

For fiscal 2025, cash used for investing activities increased by $619.1 million to $825.5 million as compared to $206.4 million in the prior year period. This year-over-year increase in cash used for investing activities was primarily driven by a $580.2 million increase in cash used for business acquisitions, primarily driven by the acquisition of the Star Brands Group.

We paid for capital expenditures of $229.9 million and $214.0 million during the periods ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This increase was the result of MAP 2025-enabled plant consolidations and investments in shared RPM production, distribution and R&D centers, due to improved international coordination as part of our MAP 2025 program. Our capital expenditures facilitate our continued growth, allow us to achieve production and distribution efficiencies, expand capacity, introduce new technology, improve environmental health and safety capabilities, improve information systems, and enhance our administration capabilities. We continued to invest capital spending in growth initiatives and to improve operational efficiencies in fiscal 2025.

Our captive insurance companies invest their excess cash in marketable securities in the ordinary course of conducting their operations, and this activity will continue. Differences in the amounts related to these activities on a year-over-year basis are primarily attributable to the rebalancing of the portfolio, along with differences in the timing and performance of their investments balanced against amounts required to satisfy claims. At May 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of our investments in marketable securities totaled $159.7 million and $154.3 million, respectively.

As of May 31, 2025, approximately $274.9 million of our consolidated cash and cash equivalents were held at various foreign subsidiaries, compared with approximately $215.2 million as of May 31, 2024. Undistributed earnings held at our foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanently reinvested will be used, for instance, to expand operations organically or for acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions. Further, our operations in the United States generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy U.S. operating requirements. Refer to Note H, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding unremitted foreign earnings.

Financing Activities

For fiscal 2025, financing activities provided $121.9 million of cash compared to $890.0 million of cash used for financing activities in the prior year. This was driven principally by debt-related activities. During fiscal 2025, we borrowed $418.1 million on our revolving credit facilities and $60.0 million on our accounts receivable securitization program ("AR Program") to finance business acquisitions, primarily driven by the acquisition of the Star Brands Group. In comparison, we repaid $273.4 million on our revolving credit facilities, $45.0 million on our AR Program and $250.0 million on our term loan in fiscal 2024. Refer to Note G, “Borrowings,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of significant debt-related activity that occurred in fiscal 2025 and 2024, significant components of our debt, and our available liquidity.

The following table summarizes our financial obligations and their expected maturities at May 31, 2025, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the periods indicated.

(In thousands)

(1) Excluded from other long-term liabilities are our gross long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $2.3 million at May 31, 2025. Currently, we cannot predict with reasonable reliability the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities related to these liabilities.

(2) These amounts represent our estimated cash contributions to be made in the periods indicated for our pension and postretirement plans, assuming no actuarial gains or losses, assumption changes or plan changes occur in any period. The projected contributions assume the required minimum amounts will be contributed.

The U.S. dollar fluctuated throughout the year and was stronger against other major currencies where we conduct operations, causing an unfavorable change in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (refer to Note K, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” to the Consolidated Financial Statements) component of stockholders’ equity of $9.0 million this year versus a favorable change of $3.5 million last year. The change in fiscal 2025 was in addition to a favorable net change of $12.0 million related to adjustments required for minimum pension and other postretirement liabilities.

Stock Repurchase Program

Refer to Note I, “Stock Repurchase Program,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our stock repurchase program.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet financings. We have no subsidiaries that are not included in our financial statements, nor do we have any interests in, or relationships with, any special-purpose entities that are not reflected in our financial statements.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we fund our operations through long- and short-term borrowings and denominate our business transactions in a variety of foreign currencies. We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential loss in earnings based on a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates and a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A summary of our primary market risk exposures follows.

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary interest rate risk exposure results from our floating rate debt, including various revolving and other lines of credit (refer to Note G, “Borrowings,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements). If there was a 100-bps increase or decrease in interest rates it would have resulted in an increase or decrease in interest expense of $4.8 million and $7.9 million for fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our primary exposure to interest rate risk is movements in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), European Short-Term Rate (ESTR), and Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA). At May 31, 2025, approximately 37.0% of our debt was subject to floating interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our foreign sales and results of operations are subject to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations (refer to Note A(4), “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could materially adversely affect our net revenues, net income and the carrying values of our assets located outside the United States. Global economic uncertainty continues to exist. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our operating results.

If the U.S. dollar were to strengthen, our foreign results of operations would be unfavorably impacted, but the effect is not expected to be material. A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would not have resulted in a material impact to net income for the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024. We do not currently use financial derivative instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in foreign currency, commodity or interest rate speculation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing discussion includes forward-looking statements relating to our business. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by us, are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including those specified below), which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. As a result, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) global and regional markets and general economic conditions, including uncertainties surrounding the volatility in financial markets, the availability of capital and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; (b) the prices, supply and availability of raw materials, including assorted pigments, resins, solvents, and other natural gas- and oil-based materials; packaging, including plastic and metal containers; and transportation services, including fuel surcharges; (c) continued growth in demand for our products; (d) legal, environmental and litigation risks inherent in our businesses and risks related to the adequacy of our insurance coverage for such matters; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f) the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon our foreign operations; (g) changes in global trade policies, including the adoption or expansion of tariffs and trade barriers; (h) the effect of non-currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (i) risks and uncertainties associated with our ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities; (j) the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives, the ability to identify additional cost savings opportunities, and the risks of failing to meet any other objectives of our improvement plans; (k) risks related to the adequacy of our contingent liability reserves; (l) risks relating to a public health crisis similar to the Covid pandemic; (m) risks related to acts of war similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; (n) risks related to the transition or physical impacts of climate change and other natural disasters or meeting sustainability-related voluntary goals or regulatory requirements; (o) risks related to our or our third parties' use of technology including artificial intelligence, data breaches and data privacy violations; (p) the shift to remote work and online purchasing and the impact that has on residential and commercial real estate construction; and (q) other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2025, as the same may be updated from time to time. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15) as of May 31, 2025 (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the attestation report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth above.

(c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.