Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the strategy of "buying high, hoping to sell even higher" [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps investors identify which metrics are effective for assessing momentum in stocks [2] Group 2: Watts Water (WTS) Analysis - Watts Water currently has a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3][4] - Over the past week, WTS shares increased by 3.8%, outperforming the Zacks Instruments - Control industry, which rose by 3.51% [6] - In the last quarter, WTS shares rose by 31.02%, and over the past year, they increased by 39%, compared to the S&P 500's gains of 19.67% and 12.87% respectively [7] Group 3: Trading Volume and Earnings Outlook - WTS has an average 20-day trading volume of 159,698 shares, indicating a bullish sign when combined with rising stock prices [8] - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for WTS increased, raising the consensus estimate from $9.28 to $9.42 [10] - The positive earnings outlook contributes to WTS's strong performance and momentum score [9][12]

Core Viewpoint - Watts Water (WTS) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, tracking the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS from sell-side analysts [2]. - The Zacks rating upgrade for Watts Water reflects an optimistic earnings outlook, likely leading to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [4][6]. - The correlation between changes in earnings estimates and stock price movements is strong, with institutional investors using these estimates to determine fair value [5][7]. Company Performance - Watts Water is projected to earn $9.42 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change expected [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Watts Water has increased by 2.9%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of Watts Water to a Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].

Core Viewpoint - Watts Water (WTS) shares have increased by approximately 2.5% since the last earnings report, which is underperforming compared to the S&P 500 [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Market Reaction - The recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the catalysts affecting the stock's performance [1] - Investors and analysts are closely monitoring the stock as it approaches its next earnings release [1] Group 2: Estimates and Scores - Fresh estimates for Watts Water have trended upward over the past month, indicating positive sentiment [2] - The company has a Growth Score of B, a Momentum Score of C, and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy [3] - The aggregate VGM Score for Watts Water is C, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Group 3: Outlook - The upward trend in estimates suggests a promising outlook for the stock [4] - Watts Water holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [4]

Core Insights - Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS) has shown resilience in a volatile market, achieving a 26% gain over the past year, outperforming its industry and the S&P 500 [1][9] - The company's shares are trading near their 52-week high, indicating strong investor confidence [2] Group 1: Growth Strategies - WTS is expanding through strategic acquisitions, including I-CON Systems and Josam Company, which have positively contributed to sales in the Americas [6][7][10] - The launch of Nexa, an intelligent water management solution, is expected to enhance service revenues and support margin expansion [4] - The company anticipates incremental sales of around $7 million in the Americas for the second quarter of 2025, driven by acquisitions [6] Group 2: Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, WTS projects an adjusted operating margin between 19.1% and 19.7%, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 30-90 basis points [5] - The company updated its sales guidance for 2025, expecting a range from a decline of 2% to an increase of 3% [11] Group 3: Market Challenges - WTS faces challenges in its Europe segment, with a projected sales decline of 9% to 3% for 2025 due to ongoing market weakness and inventory destocking [13] - The company is also contending with potential margin pressure from tariffs and a weaker global economy [14]

Company Overview - Watts Water (WTS) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook for investors [3] Price Performance - Over the past week, WTS shares have increased by 10.04%, outperforming the Zacks Instruments - Control industry, which rose by 2.11% [5] - In the last month, WTS shares have risen by 25.7%, compared to the industry's performance of 19.41% [5] - For longer-term metrics, WTS shares have increased by 14.97% over the past three months and 15.04% over the last year, while the S&P 500 has moved -3.09% and 13.39%, respectively [6] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for WTS is 217,999 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Estimates - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for WTS have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $9.15 to $9.28 [9] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have moved upwards, while one has been revised downwards [9] Conclusion - Considering the positive price performance, trading volume, and favorable earnings outlook, WTS is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [11]

Core Insights - Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS) reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.37, an increase from $2.33 in the prior-year quarter, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.8% [1] - The company's quarterly net sales declined 2% year over year to $558 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.2% [1] Sales Performance - Incremental acquisition sales in the Americas contributed $5 million, accounting for 1% of the reported growth, while organic sales declined by 2% year over year [2] - In the Americas, net sales were flat at $418 million, with organic sales dipping 1% due to fewer shipping days, resulting in an approximate 3% fall [3] - Europe experienced a 12% year-over-year decline in net sales to $108 million, with organic sales down 9% [4] - APMEA saw a 9% increase in net sales to $32 million, with organic sales rising 13% [5] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit increased by 1.9% year over year to $272.5 million, while operating income fell by 9.3% to $87.7 million [6] - The adjusted operating margin improved by 80 basis points year over year to 19% [6] Cash Flow and Liquidity - For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, Watts Water generated $55.2 million in cash from operating activities, up from $45.6 million in the prior-year period [9] - Free cash flow increased to $45.6 million compared to $36.6 million a year ago [9] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $336.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, with $197.2 million in long-term debt [10] Guidance - For 2025, the company updated its guidance for reported sales, expecting a range from a decline of 2% to an increase of 3% [11] - The adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated to be between 20.4% and 21.0%, indicating an improvement of 30 to 90 basis points [11] - For the second quarter of 2025, reported sales are expected to increase by 1-4%, with organic sales projected to remain flat to increase by 3% [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of $558 million, down 2% on both a reported and organic basis, primarily due to fewer shipping days and ongoing weakness in Europe [13][14] - Adjusted operating income reached a record $106 million, increasing by 2%, with adjusted operating margins at 19%, up 80 basis points [16][18] - Adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.37, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the previous year [16][18] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $46 million, up from $37 million in the same quarter last year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas organic sales decreased by 1%, while reported sales remained flat, benefiting from the Icon acquisition which added $5 million [13][14] - Europe experienced a 9% decline in organic sales and a 12% drop in reported sales, attributed to fewer shipping days and weakness in new construction markets [14][16] - APMEA sales increased by 9% on a reported basis and 13% on an organic basis, driven by growth in China, the Middle East, and Australia [14][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates continued weakness in Europe due to a slowdown in new construction amid economic challenges [10][11] - The Americas market is expected to show slight improvement, while Europe is projected to decline compared to initial forecasts [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on vertical integration and manufacturing close to customers in the U.S. to mitigate tariff impacts [7][12] - A proactive approach to productivity savings through automation and lean initiatives is being implemented [8] - The company is maintaining its full-year organic sales and adjusted operating margin outlook despite macroeconomic uncertainties [9][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current trade environment and expects to manage costs effectively through their OneWatts performance system [24][25] - The outlook for the second half of 2025 remains cautious due to potential demand impacts from tariffs and economic conditions [10][11] Other Important Information - The company announced a 21% increase in dividends starting in June, reflecting strong cash flow and a healthy balance sheet [6][18] - The search for a new CFO is ongoing, with the current CFO remaining in position to ensure a smooth transition [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities to gain market share and margin - Management highlighted their strategy of manufacturing products regionally, which positions them favorably in the current tariff environment [31][33] Question: Pacing of price increases and potential tariff reductions - The company implemented annual price increases in January and additional tariff-related increases in March and May [35][36] Question: Front half versus back half margin and revenue expectations - Management indicated that the cautious outlook for the second half is due to uncertainty surrounding tariffs and potential demand impacts [44][90] Question: Weaker guidance for Europe - The management noted that the guidance reflects destocking in the heat pump market and uncertainty in new construction [61] Question: Integration of recent acquisitions - Integration efforts with recent acquisitions are ahead of schedule, with positive synergy tracking [63] Question: Raw material supply issues - Management acknowledged some raw material supply constraints but emphasized that tariffs are the primary concern impacting pricing [67][68] Question: Capacity and utilization of U.S. manufacturing facilities - The company has not fully utilized its North American manufacturing footprint and plans to expand shifts as needed without significant capital expenditures [79] Question: Margin expectations for the Americas - Management aims for a year-over-year margin increase of 30 to 50 basis points while continuing to invest in the business [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of $558 million, down 2% on both a reported and organic basis, primarily due to fewer shipping days and ongoing weakness in Europe [14][4] - Adjusted operating income reached a record $106 million, increasing by 2%, with adjusted operating margins at 19%, up 80 basis points [15][4] - Adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.37, reflecting a 2% increase year-over-year, supported by operational contributions and reduced interest expenses [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas organic sales decreased by 1%, while reported sales remained flat, benefiting from the Icon acquisition which added $5 million [14] - Europe experienced a significant decline, with organic sales down 9% and reported sales down 12%, attributed to fewer shipping days and destocking in the wholesale channel [14] - APMEA sales increased by 9% on a reported basis and 13% on an organic basis, driven by growth in China, the Middle East, and Australia [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates continued weakness in Europe due to a slowdown in new construction, while the Americas are expected to show slight improvement [19][11] - The outlook for the second quarter suggests organic sales growth could be flat to up 3%, with low to mid-single digit growth in the Americas and low single-digit growth in APMEA [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating the impact of tariffs through vertical integration and local manufacturing, which is expected to enhance competitiveness [6][12] - A 21% increase in dividends was announced, reflecting confidence in cash flows and a strong balance sheet [5][18] - The company is actively pursuing synergies from recent acquisitions and expects them to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA margins and adjusted EPS in 2025 [8][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current trade environment and maintaining full-year organic sales and adjusted operating margin outlook despite macroeconomic uncertainties [9][23] - The company noted that while first quarter performance was strong, there are concerns about potential demand reduction in the second half of the year due to tariff impacts [10][11] Other Important Information - The search for a new CFO is ongoing, with the current CFO remaining in place to ensure a smooth transition [13] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $46 million, an increase from $37 million in the same quarter last year, with expectations for continued improvement [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities to gain market share and margin - Management highlighted the strategy of manufacturing products closer to customers, which positions the company favorably in the current tariff environment [32][33] Question: Impact of price increases and potential tariff reductions - The company implemented annual price increases in January and additional tariff-related increases in March and May, with future pricing strategies being closely monitored [35][37] Question: Margin expectations for the first and second halves of the year - Management indicated that while the first quarter was strong, there is caution regarding potential demand impacts in the second half due to tariffs [44][45] Question: Integration progress of recent acquisitions - Integration efforts with recent acquisitions are ahead of schedule, with positive synergy tracking and operational benefits being realized [63] Question: Utilization of North American manufacturing facilities - The company noted that North American facilities are not fully utilized, allowing for capacity expansion without significant capital expenditures [80] Question: Weaker guidance for Europe - Management attributed the weaker guidance for Europe to ongoing destocking and uncertainty in new construction markets [61][85]

Q1 2025 Performance - Organic sales declined by 2% due to fewer shipping days and ongoing weakness in Europe[5] - Record adjusted operating margin of 19%, an expansion of 80 bps[5] - Announced a 21% dividend increase[5] - Free cash flow increased by 25%, from $37 million to $46 million[20] Financial Results - Sales decreased by 2%, from $571 million to $558 million[16] - Adjusted EPS increased by 2%, from $2.33 to $2.37[19] - Americas segment sales were $418 million, a 1% organic decrease, but acquisitions added $5 million[22] - Europe segment sales were $108 million, a 9% organic decrease, with a $4 million foreign exchange headwind[22] - APMEA segment sales were $32 million, a 13% organic increase[22] Outlook - The company is maintaining its FY 2025 outlook[6] - The estimated 2025 tariff cost impact is approximately $60 million[12]

Core Insights - Watts Water reported $558 million in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 2.3%, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.20% [1] - The EPS for the quarter was $2.37, up from $2.33 a year ago, representing an EPS surprise of 11.79% compared to the consensus estimate of $2.12 [1] Revenue Performance - Geographic Revenue in the Americas was $418.10 million, slightly above the estimated $404.15 million, but a year-over-year decline of 0.2% [4] - APMEA revenue reached $31.50 million, surpassing the estimated $28.30 million, with a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [4] - European revenue was reported at $108.40 million, exceeding the estimate of $107.75 million, but showed a significant year-over-year decline of 12.1% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Watts Water have returned +17.4% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +10.6% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]