Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, sales decreased by 1% to $1,000,000,000, but adjusted operating income increased by 17% to a record $231,000,000, with return on sales (ROS) expanding by 370 basis points to 23.8% [10][20] - For the full year 2024, sales were $4,100,000,000, with adjusted operating income of $959,000,000, up 12%, and adjusted EPS of $4.33, up 15% [11][12] - The company generated record free cash flow of $693,000,000, marking a nearly 26% year-over-year increase [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flow segment sales decreased by 5% in Q4 to $361,000,000, while commercial sales increased by 7% [22] - Water Solutions segment sales decreased by 4% in Q4 to $258,000,000, with reportable segment income growing by 21% to $62,000,000 [25] - Pool segment sales grew by 5% in Q4 to $354,000,000, driven by both price and volume [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects total sales in fiscal 2025 to be approximately flat to up 2%, with flow sales expected to increase slightly and water solutions sales expected to decline by low single digits [32][39] - Pool sales are projected to increase by approximately 4% to 5% in 2025, benefiting from a recent acquisition [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives and the implementation of the "eightytwenty" strategy to drive profitability and operational efficiencies [16][18] - The ROS target has been increased to 26% by the end of 2026, reflecting confidence in achieving higher profitability despite macroeconomic uncertainties [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2024 was a transformative year with strong performance across all segments, despite macroeconomic challenges [7][9] - The company anticipates a recovery in residential markets in the second half of 2025, contingent on interest rate stabilization [111] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend by approximately 9%, marking the 49th consecutive year of dividend increases [30] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy, focusing on organic growth and strategic acquisitions [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the split between the legacy transformation program and the new eightytwenty program? - Management indicated that the benefits of transformation will be captured in the productivity column, with eightytwenty helping to focus the business [44][45] Question: How is pricing being managed in light of tariffs? - The company expects to implement a price increase of 1.5% to 2%, which includes adjustments for tariffs, and anticipates that price will offset additional tariff costs [46][48] Question: What is the outlook for the pool market? - Management remains cautious about new pool builds, expecting low single-digit growth in new and remodeled pools, with aftermarket sales also projected to grow [56][106] Question: How are tariffs affecting the financial outlook? - The company has embedded the impact of tariffs in its adjusted EPS guidance, with expectations for minimal impact in Q1 and more significant effects in subsequent quarters [55][62] Question: What is the expected contribution from the recent acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $35,000,000 in revenue for 2025, with a net benefit of about $30,000,000 [77]