Watts Water’s Q4 results were marked by strong execution in high-growth segments and a positive market reaction, as investors responded to the company’s revenue and earnings beats. Management attributed performance to robust demand in The Americas, favorable pricing, and expanding sales from the data center sector. CEO Robert Pagano noted that the company’s “One Watts performance system and ongoing product rationalization” helped boost margins, while recent acquisitions provided incremental revenue. The success in Q4 was underpinned by strategic focus on higher-margin, faster-growing businesses and disciplined capital allocation.
Is now the time to buy WTS? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Watts Water Technologies (WTS) Q4 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $625.1 million vs analyst estimates of $611.1 million (15.7% year-on-year growth, 2.3% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $2.62 vs analyst estimates of $2.34 (12% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $133.5 million vs analyst estimates of $120.8 million (21.4% margin, 10.5% beat)
- Operating Margin: 18.2%, up from 16.5% in the same quarter last year
- Organic Revenue rose 8% year on year (beat)
- Market Capitalization: $10.99 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Watts Water Technologies’s Q4 Earnings Call
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Nathan Hardie Jones (Stifel): Asked about the philosophy and long-term targets for M&A. CEO Robert Pagano explained that acquisitions must be financially and strategically justified, targeting EPS accretion in year one and margin alignment within three to five years.
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Michael Halloran (Baird): Sought clarification on the impact of the 80/20 product rationalization and volume trends. CFO Diane McClintock noted that the effort is included in organic growth guidance and primarily affects lower-margin retail and OEM channels.
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Jeffrey David Hammond (KeyBanc Capital Markets): Probed on the competitive landscape and growth opportunity in data center cooling valves. Pagano stated Watts is among the top three players and emphasized the importance of reputation and quality in gaining market share.
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James Kho (Jefferies): Inquired about sustainability of European margin improvement. McClintock explained that Q4 benefited from extra shipping days and restructuring, with muted volumes and 80/20 product exits likely keeping margins flat going forward.
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Ryan Michael Connors (Northcoast Research): Questioned pricing strategy amid rising copper costs. McClintock indicated higher pricing will roll through in Q1, with further increases possible if copper inflation persists.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Looking forward, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace of data center sales growth and the company’s ability to expand share in this segment, (2) progress on integrating recent acquisitions and achieving the targeted margin improvements, and (3) the impact of further product rationalization on both top-line growth and profitability. Additional attention will be paid to the adoption of digital solutions and any changes in the macroeconomic outlook for construction and infrastructure spending.
Watts Water Technologies currently trades at $329.50, up from $314.75 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
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