Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights
Fourth quarter 2024 performance relative to fourth quarter 2023
Sales of $540 million decreased 1% on a reported basis and 5% on an organic basis. Incremental sales from acquisitions within the Americas totaled $23 million and contributed 4% to reported growth. Organic sales growth within Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (“APMEA”) was more than offset by declines in the Americas and Europe primarily due to fewer shipping days, which accounted for approximately 5% of the sales decrease. Foreign exchange movements had an immaterial impact on sales.
Operating margin increased 210 basis points on a reported basis and 100 basis points on an adjusted basis. Adjusted operating margin increased primarily due to favorable price and productivity, which more than offset volume deleverage from fewer shipping days, inflation and the dilutive impact of the Bradley acquisition. Operating margin was favorably impacted by the decrease in restructuring and acquisition-related charges.
Regional Performance
Americas
Sales of $398 million increased 3% on a reported basis and declined 3% on an organic basis. The acquisitions of Bradley and Josam contributed $23 million of incremental sales, or 6% to reported growth. Organic sales decreased primarily due to fewer shipping days, which decreased sales by mid-single-digits and more than offset price realization.
Segment margin increased 160 basis points as benefits from price realization and productivity more than offset inflation, volume deleverage and the dilutive impact of the Bradley acquisition.
Europe
Sales of $109 million decreased 15% on a reported and organic basis. Sales declined as a result of lower volumes due to fewer shipping days and declines in the OEM channel, which was impacted by reduced government energy incentives and continued heat pump and wholesale channel destocking. Foreign exchange movements had an immaterial impact on sales.
Segment margin decreased 480 basis points as volume deleverage and inflation more than offset benefits from productivity.
APMEA
Sales of $34 million increased 4% on a reported basis and 3% on an organic basis. Favorable foreign exchange movements increased sales by 1%. Sales increased due to growth in China and the Middle East, which was partly offset by a decline in Australia and New Zealand driven by fewer shipping days.
Segment margin increased 490 basis points as benefits from higher trade and affiliates sales volume as well as productivity more than offset inflation and incremental investments.
Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
For full year 2024, operating cash flow was $361 million and net capital expenditures were $29 million, resulting in free cash flow of $332 million. For full year 2023, operating cash flow was $311 million and net capital expenditures were $30 million, resulting in free cash flow of $281 million. Operating and free cash flow increased in 2024 due to higher net income, improved working capital and cash flow generated by acquisitions.
The Company repurchased approximately 20,000 shares of Class A common stock at an aggregate cost of $4 million during the fourth quarter of 2024. For full year 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 85,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $17 million. Approximately $145 million remains available under the stock repurchase program authorized in 2023. There is no expiration date for this program.
Full Year 2025 Outlook
The Company anticipates full year 2025 sales growth to range from down 3% to up 2% on a reported and organic basis. Full year operating margin is expected to be between 16.7% and 17.3%, or down 60 basis points to flat, and adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 17.7% and 18.3%, or flat to up 60 basis points.
Further 2025 planning assumptions are included in the fourth quarter earnings materials posted in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.watts.com.