A. O. Smith(US:AOS) Prnewswireยท2025-10-28 10:55Core Insights - A. O. Smith Corporation reported a 4% increase in net sales for Q3 2025, reaching $942.5 million compared to $902.6 million in Q3 2024, with net earnings rising by 10% to $132 million [1][5] - The North America segment experienced a 6% sales growth, driven by pricing actions and strong demand for commercial water heaters and boilers, while the China market faced a 12% decline in local currency sales [1][2][5] - The company has adjusted its full-year sales outlook to a range of flat to up 1% and narrowed its diluted EPS guidance to $3.70 to $3.85 [5][12] Key Financial Metrics - Q3 2025 net sales: $942.5 million, up from $902.6 million in Q3 2024, representing a 4% YoY increase [1][5] - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $132 million, compared to $120.1 million in Q3 2024, marking a 10% increase [1][5] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.94 from $0.82, reflecting a 15% increase YoY [1][5] Segment Performance - North America segment sales reached $742.8 million, a 6% increase YoY, primarily due to pricing actions and higher volumes of commercial water heaters and boilers [2][5] - Segment earnings for North America were $179.7 million, an 11% increase from $162.5 million in the prior year, with an operating margin of 24.2%, up 110 basis points [3][22] - The Rest of World segment saw sales decrease by 1% to $207.9 million, with a 12% decline in China sales offset by a 13% growth in India [6][7] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Cash provided by operations increased by 21% to $434 million, while free cash flow grew by 35% to $381 million in the first nine months of 2025 [5][9] - The company repurchased 5 million shares for $335.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, with an expected total repurchase of approximately $400 million for the year [10][11] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - A. O. Smith's board approved a 6% increase in the dividend rate, continuing a trend of over 30 consecutive years of dividend increases [11][24]