Watts Water(WTS) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Employee Engagement and Workforce - The company had approximately 5,700 employees globally as of December 31, 2025, with 3,100 in the Americas, 1,900 in Europe, and 700 in APMEA[49] - The global employee engagement survey achieved an 85% participation rate in 2025, indicating strong employee involvement[60] - The company has a robust talent management strategy, including a global employee referral bonus program and a college internship program to attract top talent[51] - The company has a diverse executive team, including a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, with extensive experience in various industries[76][77][79][80] - The company has expanded its leadership team with directors who have significant experience in technology, engineering, and industrial sectors[83][84][85][86] Sustainability and Environmental Impact - The company has made substantial progress in reducing its environmental impact, including a reduction in global water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through smart monitoring systems[65] - The company is committed to high governance standards and has adopted a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all employees and Board members worldwide[67] - The company is strong focus on sustainability, with a Chief Sustainability Officer appointed to oversee these efforts[81] - The company supported various charitable organizations in 2025, including funding the construction of six AquaTowers to provide clean drinking water in Mexico, India, and the Philippines[66] - In 2025, the company was recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for the seventh consecutive year and one of America's Greenest Companies for the third consecutive year[68] Product Development and Innovation - The company invested in its smart and connected product pipeline, focusing on technologies that enhance water safety and efficiency, including leak detection systems and advanced strainers[45] - The company expanded its Nexa-enabled ecosystem in 2025, integrating key hardware with its intelligent water management platform to enhance user experience[46] - The company has seen increased demand for energy-efficient products and water conservation devices due to growing concerns about climate change and sustainability[64] Financial Management and Risk - The company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce exposure to adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, and costs of certain raw materials[286] - Approximately 80% to 85% of the forecasted intercompany purchases between one of the Canadian subsidiaries and U.S. operating subsidiaries are hedged using forward exchange contracts for the next twelve months[288] - The fair value of designated foreign hedge contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2025, was a liability of less than $0.1 million[288] - The company entered into an interest rate swap on March 30, 2021, with a notional amount of $100.0 million, paying a fixed rate of 1.02975%[289] - An additional interest rate swap was entered into on October 23, 2023, as part of the acquisition of Bradley, with a fixed rate of 4.844% on a notional amount of $100.0 million[289] - The company’s consolidated earnings are subject to translation risks due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly with the euro, Canadian dollar, and Chinese yuan[287] - The company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, adhering to a policy of using them solely for hedging underlying economic exposure[286] - The company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries transact most business in foreign currencies, primarily for purchases or sales of materials[288] Legal and Compliance - The company maintains product liability and other insurance coverage, which may not be adequate to fully protect against substantial damage claims[70] - The company has been named as a potentially responsible party for a limited number of identified contaminated sites, with environmental liabilities recorded based on the most probable cost of remediation[71] - The company is currently defending lawsuits related to asbestos exposure, with no substantial evidence found against its products[72] - The company has faced various litigation matters arising from its operations, which are being monitored and managed[73] Reporting and Transparency - The company provides free access to its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K through its website[74]