Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year 2025 sales increased by 5.4% to $2.1 billion, with segment operating income up 10% to $269 million [5][17][18] - Fourth quarter 2025 sales were $506.9 million, a year-over-year increase of 4.4%, with operating income rising 20% to $51.6 million [12][13][15][16] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 was $4.14, a 6% increase from $3.92 in 2024, while GAAP diluted EPS was $3.22, down from $3.86 due to a pension settlement charge [12][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Water Systems sales increased by 6% for the full year 2025, driven by strong pricing and acquisitions, while operating income was up 5.2% [22][23] - Energy Systems sales rose by 9% to $299 million for the full year, with operating income increasing by 6% to $99 million [24] - Distribution segment sales increased by 2% to $700.7 million, with operating income up 64% to $39.8 million, reflecting margin enhancement initiatives [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Systems in the U.S. and Canada saw a 4% decline in Q4 due to softer HVAC markets, while international sales increased by 15% [19] - Energy Systems sales outside the U.S. and Canada increased by 19%, indicating strong international demand [20] - Distribution segment's operating income margin improved by 300 basis points to 3.3% in Q4, driven by higher volumes and price realization [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as an innovation and growth leader, with over 35 new products expected to generate $160 million in revenue by year three [8] - Focus on enhancing margins through a value acceleration office, utilizing AI and process engineering to streamline operations and manage costs [10][31] - The company is committed to strategic acquisitions to fill portfolio gaps and enhance market reach, with a healthy M&A pipeline anticipated for 2026 [60][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a turbulent global market, with a healthy order book and backlog as they move into 2026 [5][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected sales growth of 3% to 4% across segments, with adjusted EPS guidance of $4.40 to $4.60 [27][28] - Management noted that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on urbanization and increasing demand for high-quality water and energy solutions [29][30] Other Important Information - The company completed approximately $120 million in acquisitions and $160 million in share buybacks in 2025, maintaining a strong balance sheet [6][26] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 was announced, marking the 34th consecutive year of dividend increases [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic outlook across segments for revenue guidance - Management indicated a 3%-5% growth outlook for the water business, with a mix of volume and price increases expected [36] Question: Specifics on water business end markets and geographic demand - Management noted stabilization in HVAC markets and expected growth in the U.S. and Europe, with no pronounced weaknesses anticipated [40][41] Question: Impact of HVAC on water segment performance - Management clarified that HVAC weakness was isolated to Q4 and expected normalization in early 2026 [45] Question: Energy segment margin challenges - Management acknowledged tariff impacts and indicated expectations for margin recovery in 2026 [50] Question: Integration progress of recent acquisitions - Management reported smooth integration of PumpEng and Barnes, with positive growth synergies anticipated for 2026 [58][59] Question: Value acceleration office and its impact - Management highlighted the office's focus on process reengineering and growth, with expected benefits in productivity and efficiency [64][66]