UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024

☐

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-11499

WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Delaware		04-2916536
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

815 Chestnut Street, North Andover, MA		01845
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(978) 688-1811

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per share

WTS

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer ☒		Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐		Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class		Outstanding at April 28, 2024
Class A Common Stock, $0.10 par value		27,412,374

Class B Common Stock, $0.10 par value		5,958,290

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX


Part I. Financial Information		3

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

	Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (unaudited)	3

	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 (unaudited)	4

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 (unaudited)	5

	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 (unaudited)	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 (unaudited)	7

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	33

Part II. Other Information		33

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	33

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	33

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	34

Item 5.	Other Information		35

Item 6.	Exhibits	36

Signatures		37

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in millions, except share information)

(Unaudited)


	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	237.1	$	350.1
Trade accounts receivable, less reserve allowances of $13.0 million at March 31, 2024 and $11.9 million at December 31, 2023		305.7		259.8
Inventories, net:
Raw materials		151.9		150.6
Work in process		21.3		20.2
Finished goods		250.4		228.5
Total Inventories		423.6		399.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		43.6		51.8
Total Current Assets		1,010.0		1,061.0
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment, at cost		683.8		677.2
Accumulated depreciation		(428.8)		(429.0)
Property, plant and equipment, net		255.0		248.2
OTHER ASSETS:
Goodwill		724.3		693.0
Intangible assets, net		250.9		216.1
Deferred income taxes		21.6		23.6
Other, net		70.6		67.5
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,332.4	$	2,309.4
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	162.6	$	131.8
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		186.6		190.3
Accrued compensation and benefits		58.1		83.7
Total Current Liabilities		407.3		405.8
LONG-TERM DEBT		283.5		298.3
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		12.6		13.5
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES		77.2		78.5
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, $0.10 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding		—		—
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized; 1 vote per share; issued and outstanding, 27,418,449 shares at March 31, 2024 and 27,352,701 shares at December 31, 2023		2.7		2.7
Class B common stock, $0.10 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10 votes per share; issued and outstanding, 5,958,290 shares at March 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023		0.6		0.6
Additional paid-in capital		680.6		674.3
Retained earnings		1,022.8		979.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(154.9)		(143.4)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		1,551.8		1,513.3
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	2,332.4	$	2,309.4

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in millions, except per share information)

(Unaudited)


	First Quarter Ended
	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023
Net sales	$	570.9	$	471.7
Cost of goods sold		303.4		253.6
GROSS PROFIT		267.5		218.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses		169.6		133.7
Restructuring		1.2		(0.3)
OPERATING INCOME		96.7		84.7
Other (income) expense:
Interest income		(2.1)		(0.4)
Interest expense		4.2		1.5
Other (income) expense, net		(0.6)		0.1
Total other expense		1.5		1.2
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		95.2		83.5
Provision for income taxes		22.6		18.8
NET INCOME	$	72.6	$	64.7
Basic EPS
NET INCOME PER SHARE	$	2.17	$	1.94
Weighted average number of shares		33.4		33.4
Diluted EPS
NET INCOME PER SHARE	$	2.17	$	1.93
Weighted average number of shares		33.5		33.5
Dividends declared per share	$	0.36	$	0.30

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)


	First Quarter Ended
	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023
Net income	$	72.6	$	64.7
Other comprehensive (loss) income net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(12.9)		4.4
Cash flow hedges		1.4		(1.7)
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(11.5)		2.7
Comprehensive income	$	61.1	$	67.4

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

Accumulated

Class A

Class B

Additional

Other

Total

(For the first quarter ended

Common Stock

Paid-In

Retained

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

March 31, 2024)

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Loss

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2023

27,352,701

2.7

5,958,290

0.6

674.3

979.1

(143.4)

1,513.3

Net income

—

72.6

—

72.6

Other comprehensive loss

—

(11.5)

Comprehensive income

61.1

Stock-based compensation

—

4.0

—

4.0

Stock repurchase

(19,750)

—

(4.0)

—

(4.0)

Net change in restricted and performance stock units

85,498

—

2.3

(12.8)

—

(10.5)

Common stock dividends

—

(12.1)

—

(12.1)

Balance at March 31, 2024

27,418,449

2.7

5,958,290

0.6

680.6

1,022.8

(154.9)

1,551.8


											Accumulated
	Class A			Class B			Additional				Other		Total
(For the first quarter ended	Common Stock			Common Stock			Paid-In		Retained		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
March 26, 2023)	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Loss		Equity
Balance at December 31, 2022	27,314,679	$	2.7	5,958,290	$	0.6	$	651.9	$	795.3	$	(149.9)	$	1,300.6
Net income	—		—	—		—		—		64.7		—		64.7
Other comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		—		2.7		2.7
Comprehensive income														67.4
Shares of Class A common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options	547		—	—		—		0.1		—		—		0.1
Stock-based compensation	—		—	—		—		4.0		—		—		4.0
Stock repurchase	(22,473)		—	—		—		—		(3.7)		—		(3.7)
Net change in restricted and performance stock units	121,647		—	—		—		2.1		(14.6)		—		(12.5)
Common stock dividends	—		—	—		—		—		(10.1)		—		(10.1)
Balance at March 26, 2023	27,414,400	$	2.7	5,958,290	$	0.6	$	658.1	$	831.6	$	(147.2)	$	1,345.8

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	72.6	$	64.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		8.6		7.0
Amortization of intangibles		4.7		3.0
(Gain) on sale of asset and loss on disposal of long-lived asset		(1.0)		0.2
Stock-based compensation		4.0		4.0
Deferred income tax		0.9		(0.7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(44.5)		(34.8)
Inventories		(12.5)		(23.9)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		7.1		(1.9)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		5.7		15.8
Net cash provided by operating activities		45.6		33.4
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(10.1)		(5.1)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment		1.1		—
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(100.8)		—
Net cash used in investing activities		(109.8)		(5.1)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term borrowings		—		30.0
Payments of long-term debt		(15.0)		(30.0)
Payments for withholding taxes on vested awards		(12.8)		(14.6)
Payments for finance leases and other		(0.7)		(0.7)
Proceeds from share transactions under employee stock plans		—		0.1
Payments to repurchase common stock		(4.0)		(3.7)
Dividends		(12.1)		(10.1)
Net cash used in financing activities		(44.6)		(29.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(4.2)		1.7
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(113.0)		1.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		350.1		310.8
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	237.1	$	311.8

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:
Acquisition of businesses:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	102.9	$	—
Cash paid, net of cash acquired		100.8		—
Liabilities assumed	$	2.1	$	—

Issuance of stock under management stock purchase plan	$	0.3	$	0.4

CASH PAID FOR:
Interest	$	3.2	$	1.2
Income taxes	$	13.7	$	7.7

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2024, the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023.

The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The accounting policies followed by the Company are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The financial statements included in this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024.

The Company operates on a 52-week fiscal year ending on December 31, with each quarter, except the fourth quarter, ending on a Sunday. Any quarterly data contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q generally reflect the results of operations for a 13-week period.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We are not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require updates to the Company’s estimates or judgments or require the Company to revise the carrying value of the Company’s assets or liabilities as of the date of issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2. Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, are consistent with those discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $21.8 million and $16.6 million for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $18.5 million and $16.1 million for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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Accounting Standard Updates

In March 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted climate-related reporting rules, “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors” (the “SEC Climate Reporting Rules”), which require the disclosure of material Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related topics in annual reports and registration statements. For large accelerated filers, disclosure requirements will begin phasing in for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact these rules will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the implementation of the final rules. In the stay order, the SEC noted it intends to vigorously defend the validity of the final rules. The Company is monitoring the outcome of the voluntary stay.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topics 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect that the updated standard will have on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In November 2023, the Financial Standards Accounting Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures" which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2024, and for interim periods beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect that the updated standard will have on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

3. Revenue Recognition

The Company is a leading supplier of products and solutions that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial and residential markets. For 150 years, the Company has designed and produced valve systems that safeguard and regulate water systems, energy efficient heating and hydronic systems, drainage systems and water filtration technology that helps purify and conserve water.

The Company distributes products through four primary distribution channels: wholesale, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), specialty, and do-it-yourself (“DIY”). The Company operates in three geographic segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (“APMEA”). Each of these segments sells similar products, which consist of the following principal product categories:

●

Residential & commercial flow control and protection—includes products and solutions typically sold into plumbing and hot water applications such as backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, thermostatic mixing valves, leak detection and protection products, commercial washroom solutions and emergency safety products and equipment. Many of our flow control and protection products are now smart and connected enabled, warning of leaks, floods and freeze with alerts to Building Management Systems (“BMS”) and/or personal devices giving our customers greater insight into their water management and the ability to shut off the water supply to avoid waste and mitigate damage.

●

HVAC & gas—includes commercial high-efficiency boilers, water heaters and custom heat and hot water solutions, hydronic and electric heating systems for under-floor radiant applications, hydronic pump groups for boiler manufacturers and alternative energy control packages, and flexible stainless steel connectors for natural and liquid propane gas in commercial food service and residential applications. Most of our HVAC products and solutions feature advanced controls enabling customers to easily connect to the BMS for better monitoring, control and operation. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

●

Drainage & water re-use—includes drainage products and engineered rain water harvesting solutions for commercial, industrial, marine and residential applications, including connected roof drain systems.

●

Water quality—includes point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration, monitoring, conditioning and scale prevention systems for commercial, marine and residential applications.

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The following table disaggregates revenue, which is presented as net sales in the financial statements, for each reportable segment, by distribution channel and principal product category:

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2024

(in millions)

Distribution Channel

Americas

Europe

APMEA

Consolidated

Wholesale

272.2

84.0

19.0

375.2

OEM

26.0

38.7

1.7

66.4

Specialty

97.5

—

8.1

105.6

DIY

23.1

0.6

—

23.7

Total

418.8

123.3

28.8

570.9

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2024

(in millions)

Principal Product Category

Americas

Europe

APMEA

Consolidated

Residential & Commercial Flow Control

273.6

47.2

25.1

345.9

HVAC and Gas Products

85.1

52.2

2.8

140.1

Drainage and Water Re-use Products

33.0

22.9

0.6

56.5

Water Quality Products

27.1

1.0

0.3

28.4

Total

418.8

123.3

28.8

570.9


	For the first quarter ended March 26, 2023
			(in millions)
Distribution Channel	Americas		Europe		APMEA		Consolidated
Wholesale	$	188.8	$	81.1	$	18.5	$	288.4
OEM		23.1		46.5		1.7		71.3
Specialty		90.5		—		—		90.5
DIY		20.8		0.7		—		21.5
Total	$	323.2	$	128.3	$	20.2	$	471.7

	For the first quarter ended March 26, 2023
			(in millions)
Principal Product Category	Americas		Europe		APMEA		Consolidated
Residential & Commercial Flow Control	$	194.5	$	45.5	$	15.9	$	255.9
HVAC and Gas Products		78.2		62.3		3.4		143.9
Drainage and Water Re-use Products		22.8		19.6		0.7		43.1
Water Quality Products		27.7		0.9		0.2		28.8
Total	$	323.2	$	128.3	$	20.2	$	471.7

The Company generally considers customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to represent the contract with a customer. The Company’s contracts with customers are generally for products only and typically do not include other performance obligations such as professional services, extended warranties, or other material rights. In situations where sales are to a distributor, the Company has concluded that its contracts are with the distributor as the Company holds a contract bearing enforceable rights and obligations only with the distributor. As part of its consideration of the contract, the Company evaluates certain factors, including the customer’s ability to pay (or credit risk). For each contract, the Company considers the promise to transfer products, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, the Company has elected not to assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. The product price as specified on the purchase order is considered the standalone selling price as it is an observable input which depicts the price as if sold to a similar customer in similar circumstances. Revenue is recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer (i.e., when the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied), which typically occurs at shipment from the Company’s manufacturing site or distribution center, or delivery to the customer’s named location. In determining whether control has transferred, the Company considers if there is a present right to payment, physical possession and legal title, along with risks and rewards of ownership having transferred to the customer. In certain circumstances, the Company manufactures

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customized products without alternative use for its customers. However, as these arrangements do not entitle the Company to a right to payment of cost plus a profit for work completed, the Company has concluded that control transfers at the point in time and not over time.

At times, the Company receives orders for products to be delivered over multiple dates that may extend across reporting periods. The Company invoices for each delivery upon shipment and recognizes revenues for each distinct product delivered, assuming transfer of control has occurred. As scheduled delivery dates are within one year, under the optional exemption as provided for under ASC 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), revenues allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts are not disclosed.

The Company generally provides an assurance warranty that its products will substantially conform to their published specifications. The Company’s liability is limited to either a credit equal to the purchase price or replacement of the defective part. Returns under warranty have historically been immaterial. The Company does not consider activities related to such warranty, if any, to be a separate performance obligation. For certain of its products, the Company will separately sell extended warranty and service policies to its customers. The Company considers the sale of these policies as separate performance obligations. These policies typically are for periods ranging from one to three years. Payments received are deferred and recognized over the policy period. For all periods presented, the revenue recognized and the revenue deferred under these policies are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections from the Company’s contracts with customers can vary based on the payment terms and conditions in the customer contracts. In limited cases, customers will partially prepay for their goods. In addition, there are constraints which cause variability in the ultimate consideration to be recognized. These constraints typically include early payment discounts, volume rebates, rights of return, cooperative advertising, and market development funds. The Company includes these constraints in the estimated transaction price when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of variable consideration. These estimates are based on historical experience, anticipated future performance and the Company’s best judgment at the time. The Company did not recognize any material revenue from obligations satisfied in prior periods. When the timing of the Company’s recognition of revenue is different from the timing of payments made by the customer, the Company recognizes a contract liability (customer payment precedes performance). For all periods presented, the recognized contract liabilities and the associated revenue deferred are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company incurs costs to obtain and fulfill a contract; however, the Company has elected to recognize all incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period is one year or less. The Company has elected to treat shipping and handling activities performed after the customer has obtained control of the related goods as a fulfillment cost, and the related cost is accrued for in conjunction with the recording of revenue for the goods.

4. Acquisitions

Josam

Effective January 1, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Josam Company following its conversion into Josam Industries, LLC (“Josam”) in a share purchase transaction funded with cash on hand. The aggregate net purchase price was approximately $98.9 million, net of cash acquired of $4.6 million. The final post-closing working capital adjustment is immaterial and will be adjusted in the second quarter of 2024. Josam is based in Michigan City, Indiana, and is a leading provider and manufacturer of drainage and plumbing products, serving commercial, industrial, and multi-family end markets for over 100 years. Josam’s operating results since the date of acquisition are included in the Americas segment. The Company has determined that both the pro-forma and actual results, including Josam’s net sales, net income, and earnings per share, are not material to the Company’s financial results, and therefore has not included these disclosures.

The Company accounted for the transaction as a purchased business combination. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company performed the preliminary purchase price allocation for the Josam purchase, with immaterial adjustments expected in the second quarter of 2024 related to the final working capital adjustment, final intangible asset valuations and deferred tax adjustments. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of $34.6 million in goodwill and $39.4 million in intangible assets. The intangible assets acquired consist of customer relationships valued at $33.5 million with estimated lives of 15 years and the trade name valued at $5.9 million with an indefinite life. The goodwill is attributable to the workforce of Josam and the portfolio that will allow Watts to extend its product offerings as a result of the

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acquisition. For tax purposes, the Company accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition and therefore the intangibles and goodwill are deductible for tax purposes.

The following table summarizes the preliminary value of the assets and liabilities acquired (in millions):


Cash	$	4.6
Trade accounts receivable		4.3
Inventories, net		15.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		0.5
Property, Plant and Equipment		7.6
Intangible assets		39.4
Goodwill		34.6
Accounts payable		(1.5)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(1.4)
Purchase price	$	103.5

Bradley

On October 23, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Bradley Corporation following its conversion into Bradley Company, LLC (“Bradley”) in a share purchase transaction. The aggregate net purchase price was approximately $301.2 million, net of cash acquired of $9.2 million, and was financed by $210 million of borrowings under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the remainder being funded by cash on hand. The purchase price includes an estimated working capital adjustment of $3.1 million and is subject to a final post-closing working capital adjustment, which is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company paid an additional $1.9 million to settle liabilities acquired in the transaction that were considered part of the total purchase price, resulting in an aggregate net purchase price of approximately $303.1 million, net of cash of $9.2 million.

Bradley is based in Menomonee Falls, WI, and is a provider and manufacturer of commercial washroom and emergency safety products serving commercial (primarily institutional) and industrial end markets for over 100 years. Bradley offers a comprehensive product portfolio that includes plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories and emergency safety products to a diverse customer base. Bradley’s complementary portfolio will enable the Company to provide its customers with innovative water solutions, as it adds front-of-the-wall applications to its differentiated back-of-the-wall portfolio. The acquisition of Bradley is intended to align with the Company’s strategy to enhance its product offerings, drive growth and serve its customers.

Bradley’s operating results since the date of acquisition are included in the Americas segment. The Company accounted for the transaction as a purchased business combination. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company performed the preliminary purchase price allocation for the Bradley purchase, with immaterial adjustments expected related to the final working capital adjustment, final intangible asset valuations and deferred tax adjustments. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation with the exception of the final working capital adjustment which is expected in the second quarter of 2024. The changes to the purchase price allocation in the first quarter of 2024 were not material and resulted in the adjusted recognition of $96.9 million in goodwill and $115.3 million in intangible assets. The intangible assets acquired consist of customer relationships valued at $85.3 million with estimated lives of 15 years and the trade name valued at $30.0 million with an indefinite life. The goodwill is attributable to the workforce of Bradley and the strategic platform adjacency that will allow Watts to extend its product offerings as a result of the acquisition. For tax purposes, the Company accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition and therefore the intangibles and goodwill are deductible for tax purposes.

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The following table summarizes the preliminary value of the assets and liabilities acquired (in millions):


Cash	$	9.2
Trade accounts receivable		23.5
Inventories, net		38.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3.5
Property, Plant and Equipment		47.6
Intangible assets		115.3
Goodwill		96.9
Accounts payable		(8.2)
Employee benefits, other		(5.0)
Other current liabilities		(8.4)
Other noncurrent liabilities		(0.5)
Purchase price	$	312.3

Supplemental pro-forma information (unaudited)

Had the Company completed the acquisition of Bradley at the beginning of 2023, net sales, net income and earnings per share would have been as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023

	(Amounts in millions, except per share information)
Net Sales	$	570.9	$	521.6
Net Income	$	75.6	$	65.3
Net income per share:
Basic EPS	$	2.26	$	1.95
Diluted EPS	$	2.25	$	1.95

Net income for the first quarter ended March 26, 2023 was adjusted to include $2.0 million of net interest expense related to the financing, $1.1 million of net amortization expense resulting from the estimated allocation of purchase price to amortizable tangible and intangible assets, and $0.4 million of income tax expense to align the effective tax rate. Net income for the first quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 was also adjusted to exclude $3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of net acquisition-related and purchase accounting charges. The pro-forma financial information excludes adjustments for estimated cost synergies or other effects of the integration of Bradley.

Enware

On March 31, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of the primary business assets of Enware Australia Pty Ltd (“Enware”) in an all-cash transaction. Enware is based near Sydney, Australia, and has been a leading supplier for specialty plumbing and safety equipment used in the Australian institutional and commercial end markets since 1937. The acquisition of Enware aligns with the Company’s strategy to expand geographically into countries with mature and enforced plumbing codes. Enware is expected to enhance the Company’s product offering and channel access into the Australian marketplace. The acquisition of Enware was deemed not to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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5. Goodwill & Intangibles

The Company operates in three geographic segments: Americas, Europe, and APMEA. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by geographic segment are as follows:

Gross Balance

Accumulated Impairment Losses

Foreign Currency Translation

Net Goodwill

Acquired

January 1,

Balance

During

Balance

Impairment

Balance

2024 -

January 1,

the

March 31,

January 1,

Loss During

March 31,

2024

Period

2024

the Period

2024

(in millions)

Americas

587.1

34.8

621.9

(24.5)

—

(24.5)

(0.2)

597.2

Europe

239.8

—

239.8

(129.7)

—

(129.7)

(2.4)

107.7

APMEA

33.2

—

33.2

(12.9)

—

(12.9)

(0.9)

19.4

Total

860.1

34.8

894.9

(167.1)

—

(167.1)

(3.5)

724.3

During the first quarter of 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Josam, resulting in $34.6 million of goodwill, and adjustments to the purchase price allocation of Bradley, resulting in $0.2 million of additional goodwill, both within the Americas region. The final working capital adjustments for the two acquisitions are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it is “more likely than not” that they might be impaired, such as from a change in business conditions. The Company performs its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of each year. At the most recent annual impairment test which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company performed qualitative fair value assessments, including an evaluation of certain key assumptions for all of its reporting units with goodwill at the impairment test date. The Company concluded that the fair value of all reporting units tested exceeded their carrying values at that time.

Intangible assets include the following:

March 31, 2024

December 31, 2023

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Amortization

Amount

(in millions)

Patents

5.0

(5.0)

—

5.0

(5.0)

—

Customer relationships

252.0

(89.0)

163.0

218.0

(85.3)

132.7

Technology

53.2

(45.1)

8.1

53.2

(44.2)

9.0

Trade names

20.7

(12.3)

8.4

20.8

(12.3)

8.5

Other

1.1

(0.7)

0.4

1.1

(0.7)

0.4

Total amortizable intangibles

332.0

(152.1)

179.9

298.1

(147.5)

150.6

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

71.0

—

71.0

65.5

—

65.5

403.0

(152.1)

250.9

363.6

(147.5)

216.1

In the first quarter of 2024, the Company acquired $39.4 million in intangible assets as part of the Josam acquisition, consisting of customer relationships valued at $33.5 million, with an estimated useful life of 15 years, and an indefinite-lived trade name of $5.9 million. Aggregate amortization expense for amortized intangible assets for the first quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023 was $4.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

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6. Earnings per Share and Stock Repurchase Program

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the calculation of earnings per share:

For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

For the First Quarter Ended March 26, 2023

Income

Shares

Per Share

Income

Shares

Per Share

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

(Amounts in millions, except per share information)

Basic EPS:

Net income

72.6

33.4

2.17

64.7

33.4

1.94

Effect of dilutive securities:

Common stock equivalents

0.1

—

0.1

(0.01)

Diluted EPS:

Net income

72.6

33.5

2.17

64.7

33.5

1.93

There were no options to purchase Class A common stock outstanding during the first quarters ended March 31, 2024 or March 26, 2023 that would have been anti-dilutive.

On February 6, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of the Company’s Class A common stock, to be purchased from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On July 31, 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $150 million of the Company’s Class A common stock to be purchased from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The Company has entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan which permits shares to be repurchased under both stock repurchase programs when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The repurchase programs may be suspended or discontinued at any time, subject to the terms of the Rule 10b5-1 plan the Company entered into with respect to the repurchase programs. As of March 31, 2024, there was approximately $8.0 million remaining authorized for share repurchases under the 2019 repurchase program. The Company had not made any share repurchases under the 2023 repurchase program as of March 31, 2024.

For the first quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, the Company repurchased 19,750 shares for $4.0 million and 22,473 shares for $3.7 million, respectively.

7. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company granted 41,862 and 41,096 units of deferred stock awards during the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company grants shares of deferred stock awards to key employees and stock awards to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors under the Third Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (“2004 Stock Incentive Plan”). Deferred stock awards to employees typically vest over a three-year period, and stock awards to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors vest immediately.

The Company also grants performance stock units to key employees under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. Performance stock units cliff vest at the end of a performance period set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant, which is currently three years. Upon vesting, the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock awarded to each performance stock unit recipient will be determined based on the Company’s performance relative to certain performance goals set at the time the performance stock units were granted. The recipient of a performance stock unit award may earn from zero shares to twice the number of target shares awarded to such recipient. The performance stock units are amortized to expense over the vesting period and, based on the Company’s performance relative to the performance goals, may be adjusted. Changes to the estimated shares expected to vest will result in adjustments to the related share-based compensation expense that will be recorded in the period of change. If the performance goals are not met, no awards are earned and previously recognized compensation expense is reversed. The Company granted 38,903 and 35,948 performance stock units during the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The performance goals for the performance stock units are based on the compound annual growth rate of the Company’s revenue over the three-year performance period and the Company’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”) for the third year of the performance period.

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Under the Management Stock Purchase Plan (“MSPP”), the Company granted 20,076 and 26,645 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) during the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The MSPP allows for the granting of RSUs to key employees. On an annual basis, key employees may elect to receive a portion of their annual incentive compensation in RSUs instead of cash. Participating employees may use up to 50% of their annual incentive bonus to purchase RSUs for a purchase price equal to 80% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock as of the date of grant. RSUs vest either annually over a three-year period from the grant date or upon the third anniversary of the grant date. Receipt of the shares underlying RSUs is deferred for a minimum of three years, or such greater number of years from the date of the grant as is chosen by the employee.

The fair value of the discount of each purchased RSU is estimated on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes-Merton Model, based on the following weighted average assumptions:


	2024		2023
Expected life (years)	3.0		3.0
Expected stock price volatility	28.9	%	33.7	%
Expected dividend yield	0.80	%	0.80	%
Risk-free interest rate	4.5	%	4.1	%

The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant for the respective expected life of the RSUs. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of RSUs and volatility were calculated using historical data. The expected dividend yield of stock is the Company’s best estimate of the expected future dividend yield.

The above assumptions were used to determine the weighted average grant-date fair value of the discount on RSUs granted in 2024 and 2023 of $68.94 and $57.50, respectively.

A more detailed description of each of these plans can be found in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

8. Segment Information

The Company operates in three geographic segments: Americas, Europe, and APMEA. Each of these segments sells similar products and has separate financial results that are reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker. Each segment earns revenue and income almost exclusively from the sale of the Company’s products. The Company sells its products into various end markets around the world, with sales by region based upon location of the entity recording the sale. See Note 3 for further detail on the product lines sold into by region. All intercompany sales transactions have been eliminated. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those described in Note 2 above and in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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The following is a summary of the Company’s significant accounts and balances by segment, reconciled to its consolidated totals:


	First Quarter Ended
	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023

	(in millions)
Net sales
Americas	$	418.8	$	323.2
Europe		123.3		128.3
APMEA		28.8		20.2
Consolidated net sales	$	570.9	$	471.7
Operating income (loss)
Americas	$	85.4	$	72.5
Europe		20.5		19.2
APMEA		5.0		4.0
Subtotal reportable segments		110.9		95.7
Corporate(*)		(14.2)		(11.0)
Consolidated operating income		96.7		84.7
Interest income		(2.1)		(0.4)
Interest expense		4.2		1.5
Other (income) expense, net		(0.6)		0.1
Income before income taxes	$	95.2	$	83.5
Capital expenditures
Americas	$	7.4	$	3.2
Europe		2.4		1.8
APMEA		0.3		0.1
Consolidated capital expenditures	$	10.1	$	5.1
Depreciation and amortization
Americas	$	10.4	$	7.1
Europe		2.3		2.4
APMEA		0.6		0.5
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	13.3	$	10.0

	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023

	(in millions)
Identifiable assets (at end of period)
Americas	$	1,610.4	$	1,605.7
Europe		585.3		569.1
APMEA		136.7		134.6
Consolidated identifiable assets	$	2,332.4	$	2,309.4
Property, plant and equipment, net (at end of period)
Americas	$	182.3	$	174.0
Europe		68.5		69.9
APMEA		4.2		4.3
Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net	$	255.0	$	248.2

* Corporate expenses are primarily for administrative compensation expense, compliance costs, professional fees, including corporate-related legal and audit expenses, shareholder services and benefit administration costs.

The above operating segments are presented on a basis consistent with the presentation included in the Company’s December 31, 2023 consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The property, plant and equipment, net, in the U.S. of the Company’s Americas segment was $169.5 million and $161.5 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

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The following includes U.S. net sales of the Company’s Americas segment:


	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023

	(in millions)
U.S. net sales	$	392.6	$	304.3

The following includes intersegment sales for Americas, Europe and APMEA:


	First Quarter Ended
	March 31,		March 26,
	2024		2023

	(in millions)
Intersegment Sales
Americas	$	2.6	$	2.0
Europe		5.8		5.6
APMEA		21.4		22.1
Intersegment sales	$	29.8	$	29.7

9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:


							Accumulated
	Foreign						Other
	Currency		Pension			Cash Flow	Comprehensive
	Translation		Adjustment			Hedges (1)	Loss

	(in millions)

Balance December 31, 2023	$	(147.3)	$	0.7	$	3.2	$	(143.4)
Change in period		(12.9)		—		1.4		(11.5)
Balance March 31, 2024	$	(160.2)	$	0.7	$	4.6	$	(154.9)

Balance December 31, 2022	$	(157.0)	$	—	$	7.1	$	(149.9)
Change in period		4.4		—		(1.7)		2.7
Balance March 26, 2023	$	(152.6)	$	—	$	5.4	$	(147.2)

(1)	Cash flow hedges include interest rate swaps and designated foreign currency hedges. See Note 11 for further details.

10. Debt

On March 30, 2021, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended by Amendment no. 1 dated August 2, 2022, Amendment no. 2 dated December 12, 2023 and as may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement establishes a senior unsecured revolving credit facility of $800 million (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 30, 2026, subject to extension under certain circumstances and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 (or 4.00 to 1.00 during temporary step-ups following certain acquisitions) and the minimum consolidated interest ratio of 3.50 to 1.00.

The Revolving Credit Facility also includes sub-limits of $100 million for letters of credit and $15 million for swing line loans. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had drawn down $285.0 million on this line of credit and had $12.5 million in letters of credit outstanding, which resulted in $502.5 million of unused and available credit under the Revolving Credit Facility as of such date. Borrowings outstanding bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to an applicable percentage defined as (i) in the case of Term Benchmark loans, the Term Benchmark rate plus an applicable percentage, ranging from 1.075% to 1.325%, or (ii) in the case of alternate base rate loans and swing line loans, interest (which at all times will not be less than 1.00%) at the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the FRBNY Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% and (c) the Term Benchmark rate plus 1.00% for a one-month interest period, in each case, determined by reference to the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. For the borrowings

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denominated in dollars, there is a fixed 10 basis point adjustment if the reference rate is Term SOFR. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was 6.50%. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding inclusive of the interest rate swaps discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was 4.79%. In addition to paying interest under the Credit Agreement, the Company is also required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including, but not limited to, an unused facility fee and letter of credit fees. The Company may repay loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement from time to time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs, if any, and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement imposes various restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries, including restrictions pertaining to: (i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness, (ii) limitations on liens, (iii) making distributions, dividends and other payments, (iv) mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, (v) dispositions of assets, (vi) certain consolidated leverage ratios and consolidated interest coverage ratios, (vii) transactions with affiliates, (viii) changes to governing documents, and (ix) changes in control.

The Company maintains letters of credit that guarantee its performance or payment to third parties in accordance with specified terms and conditions. The Company’s letters of credit are primarily associated with insurance coverage. The Company’s letters of credit generally expire within one year of issuance. These instruments may exist or expire without being drawn down. Therefore, they do not necessarily represent future cash flow obligations.

11. Financial Instruments and Derivative Instruments

Fair Value

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt under the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying value.

Financial Instruments

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including deferred compensation plan assets and related liabilities, contingent consideration and derivatives. The fair values of these financial assets and liabilities were determined using the following inputs as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2024 Using:
			Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant
			Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)

	(in millions)
Assets
Plan asset for deferred compensation(1)	$	2.5	$	2.5	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap(2)	$	6.9	$	—	$	6.9	$	—
Designated foreign currency hedges(3)	$	0.1	$	—	$	0.1	$	—
Total assets	$	9.5	$	2.5	$	7.0	$	—
Liabilities
Plan liability for deferred compensation(4)	$	2.5	$	2.5	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap(5)	$	0.8	$	—	$	0.8	$	—
Total liabilities	$	3.3	$	2.5	$	0.8	$	—

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	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 Using:
			Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant
			Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)

	(in millions)
Assets
Plan asset for deferred compensation(1)	$	2.3	$	2.3	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap(2)	$	6.5	$	—	$	6.5	$	—
Total assets	$	8.8	$	2.3	$	6.5	$	—
Liabilities
Plan liability for deferred compensation(4)	$	2.3	$	2.3	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap(5)	$	2.0	$	—	$	2.0	$	—
Designated foreign currency hedges(6)	$	0.2	$	—	$	0.2	$	—
Total liabilities	$	4.5	$	2.3	$	2.2	$	—

(1)	Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other assets (other, net).

(2)

As of March 31, 2024, $3.8 million classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and $3.1 million classified in other assets (other, net). As of December 31, 2023, $3.5 million classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and $3.0 million classified in other assets (other, net).

(3)	Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

(4)Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accrued compensation and benefits.

(5)Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other noncurrent liabilities.

(6)Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Cash equivalents consist of instruments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and consist primarily of money market funds, for which the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

The Company uses financial instruments from time to time to enhance its ability to manage risk, including foreign currency and commodity pricing exposures, which exist as part of its ongoing business operations. The use of derivatives exposes the Company to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and to market risk related to changes in currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company manages its exposure to counterparty credit risk through diversification of counterparties. The Company’s counterparties in derivative transactions are substantial commercial banks with significant experience using such derivative instruments. The impact of market risk on the fair value and cash flows of the Company’s derivative instruments is monitored and the Company restricts the use of derivative financial instruments to hedging activities. The Company does not enter into contracts for trading purposes nor does the Company enter into any contracts for speculative purposes. The use of derivative instruments is approved by senior management under written guidelines.

Interest Rate Swaps

On March 30, 2021, the Company entered into the Credit Agreement which extended the maturity date of the $800 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility from February 12, 2022 to March 30, 2026. On August 2, 2022, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement to replace the LIBOR as a reference rate for borrowings with Term SOFR and to provide for a fixed adjustment of 10 basis points added to Term SOFR for all Term SOFR borrowings, subject to a 0.00% floor. Borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum as further detailed in Note 10.

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In order to manage the Company’s exposure to changes in cash flows attributable to fluctuations in interest payments related to the Company’s floating rate debt, the Company entered into an interest rate swap on March 30, 2021. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Company received the one-month USD-LIBOR subject to a 0.00% floor and paid a fixed rate of 1.02975% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. On August 2, 2022, the Company amended the interest rate swap to replace LIBOR as a reference rate for borrowings with Term SOFR. Under the amended interest rate swap agreement, the Company receives the one-month Term SOFR subject to a -0.1 floor and pays a fixed rate of 0.942% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. The Company elected the optional expedient in connection with amending its interest rate swap to replace the reference rate from LIBOR to Term SOFR to consider the amendment as a continuation of the existing contract without having to perform an assessment that would otherwise be required under U.S. GAAP. The Company entered into an additional interest rate swap on October 23, 2023, as part of the acquisition of Bradley. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Company receives the one-month Term SOFR subject to a -0.1% floor and pays a fixed rate of 4.844% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. Both swaps mature on March 30, 2026. The Company formally documents the hedge relationships at hedge inception to ensure that its interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether the interest rate swap is highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flow of the hedged item. The Company does not hold or issue interest rate swaps for trading purposes. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, a net gain of $1.2 million was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to recognize the effective portion of the fair value of the interest rate swap that qualifies as a cash flow hedge.

Designated Foreign Currency Hedges

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact most business, including certain intercompany transactions, in foreign currencies. Such transactions are principally purchases or sales of materials. The Company has exposure to a number of foreign currencies, including the Canadian dollar, the euro, and the Chinese yuan. The Company uses a layering methodology, whereby at the end of each quarter, the Company enters into forward exchange contracts hedging Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar, which hedge up to 85% of the forecasted intercompany purchase transactions between one of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries and the Company’s U.S. operating subsidiaries for the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2024, all designated foreign exchange hedge contracts were cash flow hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The Company records the effective portion of the designated foreign currency hedge contracts in other comprehensive income until inventory turns and is sold to a third-party. Once the third-party transaction associated with the hedged forecasted transaction occurs, the effective portion of any related gain or loss on the designated foreign currency hedge is reclassified into earnings within cost of goods sold. In the event the notional amount of the derivatives exceeds the forecasted intercompany purchases for a given month, the excess hedge position will be attributed to the following month’s forecasted purchases. However, if the following month’s forecasted purchases cannot absorb the excess hedge position from the current month, the effective portion of the hedge recorded in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to earnings.

The notional amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2024 for the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar contracts was $15.5 million. The fair value of the Company’s designated foreign hedge contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2024 was an asset of $0.1 million. As of March 31, 2024, the amount expected to be reclassified into cost of goods sold from other comprehensive income in the next twelve months is a gain of less than $0.1 million.

12. Contingencies and Environmental Remediation

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in disputes, litigation, and governmental or regulatory inquiries and investigations, both pending and threatened, including those involving product liability, environmental matters, and commercial disputes.

Other than the items described below, significant commitments and contingencies at March 31, 2024 are consistent with those discussed in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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As of March 31, 2024, the Company estimates that the aggregate amount of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued for its contingencies is approximately $4.6 million. With respect to the estimate of reasonably possible loss, management has estimated the upper end of the range of reasonably possible loss based on (i) the amount of money damages claimed, where applicable, (ii) the allegations and factual development to date, (iii) available defenses based on the allegations, and/or (iv) other potentially liable parties. This estimate is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimate will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of the matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may be material to the Company’s operating results or cash flows for a particular quarterly or annual period. However, based on information currently known to it, management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters, as they are resolved over time, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.

Chemetco, Inc. Superfund Site, Hartford, Illinois

In August 2017, Watts Regulator Co. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) received a “Notice of Environmental Liability” from the Chemetco Site Group (“Group”) alleging that it is a PRP for the Chemetco, Inc. Superfund Site in Hartford, Illinois (the “Site”) because it arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances that were contained in materials sent to the Site and that resulted in the release or threat of release of hazardous substances at the Site. The letter offered Watts Regulator Co. the opportunity to join the Group and participate in the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (“RI/FS”) for a portion of the Site. Watts Regulator Co. joined the Group in September 2017 and was added in March 2018 as a signatory to the Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) governing completion of the RI/FS. The Remedial Investigation report has been completed for the first portion of the site. For that same portion of the site, the draft Feasibility Study (“FS”) report was submitted to USEPA and IEPA for review and comment in September 2021. USEPA and IEPA both issued comments on the draft FS. The Group provided responses to the Agency comments on December 1, 2023. The deadline for submission of the revised FS report has been deferred with USEPA’s consent until all Agency comments are resolved. Comments and final approval from the EPA are required to complete the FS process.

Based on information currently known to it, management believes that Watts Regulator Co.’s share of the costs of the RI/FS is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, or have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results for any particular period. The Company is unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss for the above matter in which damages have not been specified because: (i) the FS process for the first portion of the Site has not been completed, and the RI/FS process for the remainder of the Site has not yet been initiated, to determine what remediation plans will be implemented and the costs of such plans; (ii) the total amount of material sent to the Site, and the total number of PRPs who may or may not agree to fund or perform any remediation, have not been determined; (iii) the share contribution for PRPs to any remediation has not been determined; and (iv) the number of years required to implement a remediation plan acceptable to USEPA and IEPA is uncertain.

13. Subsequent Events

On May 7, 2024, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of forty-three cents ($0.43) per share on each outstanding share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock payable on June 14, 2024 to stockholders of record on May 31, 2024.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements that are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements contain projections of our future results of operations or our financial position or state other forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including without limitation statements regarding our business performance and strategy, expected financial results, our strategy, benefits from recent acquisitions, improvements in operating and free cashflow throughout and our ability to manage challenging macro-economic and softer market conditions, are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” and “would” or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause these differences are described under Item 1A-“Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans and estimates at the date of this report, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes.

Overview

The following discussion and analysis are provided to increase the understanding of, and should be read in conjunction with, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to “the Company,” “Watts,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Watts Water Technologies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We are a leading supplier of solutions, systems and products that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through and out of buildings in the commercial, industrial and residential markets in the Americas, Europe and APMEA. For 150 years, we have designed and produced valve systems that safeguard and regulate water systems, energy efficient heating and hydronic systems, drainage systems and water filtration technology that helps purify and conserve water. We earn revenue and income almost exclusively from the sale of our products. Our principal product and solution categories include:

● Residential & commercial flow control and protection—includes products and solutions typically sold into plumbing and hot water applications such as backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, thermostatic mixing valves, leak detection and protection products, commercial washroom solutions and emergency safety products and equipment. Many of our flow control and protection products are now smart and connected enabled, warning of leaks, floods and freeze with alerts to Building Management Systems (BMS) and/or personal devices giving our customers greater insight into their water management and the ability to shut off the water supply to avoid waste and mitigate damage.

● HVAC & gas—includes commercial high-efficiency boilers, water heaters and heating solutions, hydronic and electric heating systems for under-floor radiant applications, custom heat and hot water solutions, hydronic pump groups for boiler manufacturers and alternative energy control packages, and flexible stainless steel connectors for natural and liquid propane gas in commercial food service and residential applications. Most of our HVAC products and solutions feature advanced controls enabling customers to easily connect to the BMS for better monitoring, control and operation. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

● Drainage & water re-use—includes drainage products and engineered rain water harvesting solutions for commercial, industrial, marine and residential applications, including connected roof drain systems.

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● Water quality—includes point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration, monitoring, conditioning and scale prevention systems for commercial, marine and residential applications.

Our business is reported in three geographic segments: Americas, Europe, and APMEA. We distribute our products through four primary distribution channels: wholesale, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), specialty, and do-it-yourself (DIY).

We believe that the factors relating to our future growth include continued product innovation that meets the needs of our customers and our end markets; our ability to continue to make selective acquisitions, both in our core markets as well as in complementary markets; regulatory requirements relating to the quality and conservation of water and the safe use of water; increased demand for clean water; and continued enforcement of plumbing and building codes. We have completed 14 acquisitions since 2014. Our acquisition strategy focuses on businesses that promote our key macro themes around safety and regulation, energy efficiency and water conservation. We target businesses that will provide us with one or more of the following: an entry into new markets and/or new geographies, improved channel access, unique and/or proprietary technologies, including smart and connected technologies, advanced production capabilities or complementary solution offerings. Since March 31, 2023, we completed three strategic and complementary acquisitions that expanded our addressable market and that we believe will enable value creation through greater scale and growth opportunities.

We believe that sustainability guides and permeates every aspect of our business, including our product development strategy and design, and how we structure our operations. Our innovation strategy is focused on differentiated products and solutions that will provide greater opportunity to distinguish ourselves in the marketplace, while at the same time creating innovative products and smart solutions to protect, control, and conserve critical resources, and help our customers with their sustainability efforts through the use of our products. We continually look for strategic opportunities to invest in new products and markets or divest existing product lines where necessary in order to meet those objectives.

Over the past several years we have been building our smart and connected products foundation by expanding our internal capabilities and making strategic acquisitions. Our strategy is to deliver superior customer value through smart and connected products and solutions. This strategy focuses on three dimensions: Connect, Control and Conserve. We are focused on introducing products that connect our customers with smart systems, control systems for optimal performance, and conserve critical resources by increasing operability, efficiency and safety.

Products representing a majority of our sales are subject to regulatory standards and code enforcement, which typically require that these products meet stringent performance criteria. We have consistently advocated for the development and enforcement of such plumbing codes. We are focused on maintaining stringent quality control and testing procedures at each of our manufacturing facilities in order to manufacture products in compliance with code requirements and take advantage of the resulting demand for compliant products. We believe that product development, product testing capability and investment in plant and equipment needed to manufacture products in compliance with code requirements, represent a competitive advantage for us.

Global gross domestic product (“GDP”) remains positive, however global economic indicators are mixed and show some signs of weakening market conditions for the remainder of 2024. Elevated interest rates may impact new construction. We also continue to experience inflation across our labor and overhead costs. The European economy continued to show signs of weakening, China’s economy has decelerated, and geo-political risks have heightened. Despite these anticipated challenges and uncertainties, we continue to invest in our business, including new products, our smart and connected solutions and our growth and productivity initiatives. We remain focused on our customers’ needs and executing on our long-term strategy.

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Financial Overview

First quarter 2024 sales increased 21.0%, or $99.2 million, on a reported basis, and 6.4%, or $30.1 million, on an organic basis, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The reported sales increase included acquired sales of $68.3 million, or 14.5%, with $60.2 million reported within the Americas segment and $8.1 million reported within the APMEA segment, while the foreign exchange impact was flat compared to the first quarter of 2023. The 6.4% organic growth was driven by organic growth in the Americas of 11.0% and APMEA of 6.4% and offset by 5.1% organic decline in Europe, and included additional shipping days compared to the first quarter of 2023. The positive impact of additional shipping days in the first quarter of 2024 will be offset in the fourth quarter of 2024. The 6.4% organic growth was primarily driven by approximately 7% of growth from additional shipping days and favorable price realization, offset by volume declines in Europe. The growth from additional shipping days was estimated based on average sales per day. Operating income of $96.7 million increased by $12.0 million, or 14.2%, in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the first quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily driven by favorable price realization, volume leverage from the additional shipping days and productivity, partially offset by inflation and incremental investments.

In discussing our results of operations, we refer to non-GAAP financial measures, including organic sales, organic selling, general and administrative expenses, and organic operating income, that exclude the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange from year-over-year comparisons. Management believes reporting these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors, potential investors and others, because it allows for additional insight into underlying trends by providing growth on a consistent basis. We reconcile the change in these non-GAAP financial measures to our reported results below.

Acquisitions

On January 1, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Josam Company following its conversion into Josam Industries, LLC (“Josam”) in a share purchase transaction funded with cash on hand. The aggregate net purchase price was approximately $98.9 million, net of cash acquired of $4.6 million. The net transaction value was approximately $88.9 million after adjusting for the estimated net present value of expected tax benefits of approximately $10 million. Josam is based in Michigan City, Indiana, and is a leading provider and manufacturer of drainage and plumbing products, serving commercial, industrial, and multi-family end markets for over 100 years.

Recent Developments

On May 7, 2024, we declared a quarterly dividend of forty-three cents ($0.43) per share on each outstanding share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock payable on June 14, 2024 to stockholders of record on May 31, 2024.

Results of Operations

First Quarter ended March 31, 2024 Compared to First Quarter Ended March 26, 2023

Net Sales. Our business is reported in three geographic segments: Americas, Europe and APMEA. Our net sales in each of these segments for each of the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 were as follows:


	First Quarter Ended				First Quarter Ended						% Change to
	March 31, 2024				March 26, 2023						Consolidated
	Net Sales		% Sales		Net Sales		% Sales		Change		Net Sales

	(dollars in millions)
Americas	$	418.8	73.4	%	$	323.2	68.5	%	$	95.6	20.3	%
Europe		123.3	21.6			128.3	27.2			(5.0)	(1.1)
APMEA		28.8	5.0			20.2	4.3			8.6	1.8
Total	$	570.9	100.0	%	$	471.7	100.0	%	$	99.2	21.0	%

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The change in net sales was attributable to the following:


									Change As a %								Change As a %
									of Consolidated Net Sales								of Segment Net Sales

	Americas		Europe		APMEA		Total		Americas		Europe		APMEA		Total		Americas		Europe		APMEA

	(dollars in millions)
Organic	$	35.4	$	(6.6)	$	1.3	$	30.1	7.5	%	(1.4)	%	0.3	%	6.4	%	11.0	%	(5.1)	%	6.4	%
Foreign exchange		—		1.6		(0.8)		0.8	—		0.3		(0.2)		0.1		—		1.2		(3.9)
Acquired		60.2		—		8.1		68.3	12.8		—		1.7		14.5		18.6		—		40.1
Total	$	95.6	$	(5.0)	$	8.6	$	99.2	20.3	%	(1.1)	%	1.8	%	21.0	%	29.6	%	(3.9)	%	42.6	%

Our products are sold primarily to wholesalers, OEMs, DIY chains, and through various specialty channels. The change in organic net sales by channel was attributable to the following:


														Change As a %
														of Prior Year Sales
	Wholesale		OEMs		DIY		Specialty			Total			Wholesale			OEMs			DIY			Specialty

	(dollars in millions)
Americas	$	23.2	$	3.0	$	2.2		$	7.0		$	35.4		12.3	%		13.0	%		10.6	%		7.7	%
Europe		1.9		(8.4)		(0.1)			—			(6.6)		2.3			(18.1)			(14.3)			—
APMEA		1.2		0.1		—			—			1.3		6.5			5.9			—			—
Total	$	26.3	$	(5.3)	$	2.1		$	7.0		$	30.1

Americas net sales increased $95.6 million, or 29.6%, for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The change in net sales was positively impacted by $60.2 million, or 18.6%, of acquired sales related to the Bradley and Josam acquisitions completed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024, respectively. Organic net sales increased $35.4 million, or 11.0%, primarily due to increased volume from the benefit of additional shipping days in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 and favorable price realization. The additional shipping days increased net sales by high-single-digits. The organic net sales growth was primarily in the wholesale channel from increased sales across our core valve products.

Europe net sales decreased $5.0 million, or 3.9%, for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The change in net sales was positively impacted by $1.6 million, or 1.2%, of foreign currency translation. Organic net sales decreased $6.6 million, or 5.1%, primarily due to lower volumes despite the benefit of additional shipping days and favorable price realization. The additional shipping days increased net sales by mid-single-digits. The decline was primarily in the OEM channel due to the volume declines impacted by reduced government energy incentives in Germany and Italy, as well as volume declines in wholesale plumbing product into France and Benelux.

APMEA net sales increased $8.6 million, or 42.6%, for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The change in net sales was negatively impacted by $0.8 million, or 3.9%, of foreign currency translation, which was more than offset by $8.1 million, or 40.1%, of acquired sales related to the Enware acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2023. Organic net sales increased $1.3 million, or 6.4%, primarily due to volume growth from the benefit of additional shipping days in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The additional shipping days increased net sales by mid-single-digits. The organic growth was primarily due to growth in New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East, partially offset by declines in China.

The net increase in sales due to foreign exchange was mostly due to the favorable impact of the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Chinese yuan in the first quarter of 2024. We cannot predict whether foreign currencies will appreciate or depreciate against the U.S. dollar in future periods or whether future foreign exchange rate fluctuations will have a positive or negative impact on our net sales.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit and gross profit as a percent of net sales (gross margin) for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 were as follows:


	First Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2024			March 26, 2023

	(dollars in millions)
Gross profit	$	267.5		$	218.1
Gross margin		46.9	%		46.2	%

Gross profit and gross margin increased primarily from higher price realization, favorable volume leverage from the additional shipping days and productivity, partially offset by inflation and the amortization of the fair value step-up adjustments for inventory purchased as part of the Bradley and Josam acquisitions.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses increased $35.9 million, or 5.9%, in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in SG&A expenses was attributable to the following:


	(in millions)		% Change
Organic	$	10.4	1.7	%
Foreign exchange		0.2	—
Acquired		25.3	4.2
Total	$	35.9	5.9	%

The increase in organic SG&A expenses was primarily due to an increase in investments of $6.0 million, including in our smart and connected initiatives and other strategic initiatives, general inflation of $3.8 million, increased variable costs due to higher sales of $2.7 million, higher travel and marketing costs of $1.8 million and acquisition-related costs of $0.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2023. These increases were partially offset by a net decrease in short-term and long-term compensation accruals of $2.9 million, $2.1 million from productivity initiatives and $0.7 million of restructuring savings. The increase in foreign exchange was mainly due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro, partially offset by the U.S. dollar appreciation against the Chinese yuan. The acquired SG&A costs related to the Bradley and Josam acquisitions in the Americas segment completed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024, respectively, as well as the Enware acquisition in the APMEA segment completed in the second quarter of 2023. The acquired SG&A costs include $2.0 million of acquisition-related costs. Total SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 29.7% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 28.3% in the first quarter of 2023.

Restructuring. In the first quarter of 2024, we recorded a net restructuring charge of $1.2 million, which primarily related to immaterial severance and other exit costs in the Americas and APMEA segments. In the first quarter of 2023, we recorded a net restructuring benefit of $0.3 million related to immaterial adjustments to reduce previously estimated restructuring charges recognized for the cost saving actions in Europe and related to severance and other costs.

Operating Income. Operating income (loss) by segment for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 was as follows:


							% Change to
	First Quarter Ended						Consolidated
	March 31,		March 26,				Operating
	2024		2023		Change		Income

	(dollars in millions)
Americas	$	85.4	$	72.5	$	12.9	15.2	%
Europe		20.5		19.2		1.3	1.6
APMEA		5.0		4.0		1.0	1.2
Corporate		(14.2)		(11.0)		(3.2)	(3.8)
Total	$	96.7	$	84.7	$	12.0	14.2	%

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The increase (decrease) in operating income (loss) was attributable to the following:


											Change As a % of										Change As a % of
											Consolidated Operating Income										Segment Operating Income

	Americas		Europe		APMEA		Corporate		Total		Americas		Europe		APMEA		Corporate		Total		Americas		Europe		APMEA		Corporate

	(dollars in millions)
Organic	$	6.0	$	1.4	$	0.7	$	(3.2)	$	4.9	7.1	%	1.7	%	0.8	%	(3.8)	%	5.8	%	8.2	%	7.3	%	17.5	%	29.1	%
Foreign exchange		—		0.3		(0.2)		—		0.1	—		0.4		(0.2)		—		0.2		—		1.6		(5.0)		—
Acquired		7.8		—		0.7		—		8.5	9.2		—		0.8		—		10.0		10.8		—		17.5		—
Restructuring, impairment charges		(0.9)		(0.4)		(0.2)		—		(1.5)	(1.1)		(0.5)		(0.2)		—		(1.8)		(1.2)		(2.1)		(5.0)		—
Total	$	12.9	$	1.3	$	1.0	$	(3.2)	$	12.0	15.2	%	1.6	%	1.2	%	(3.8)	%	14.2	%	17.8	%	6.8	%	25.0	%	29.1	%

Operating income increased $12.0 million, or 14.2%, for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. Operating income was positively impacted by $8.5 million, or 10.0%, from acquisitions and positively impacted by $0.1 million, or 0.2% of foreign currency translation. The increase in organic operating income of $4.9 million, or 5.8%, was due to higher price realization, favorable volume leverage from additional shipping days and productivity. These increases were partially offset by inflation and incremental investments.

Interest Income. Interest income in the first quarter of 2024 increased $1.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher interest rates earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in the first quarter of 2024 increased $2.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to a higher principal balance of debt outstanding due to the acquisition of Bradley during the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase in interest rates. Refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (income) expense, net, was an income balance of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to favorable foreign currency translation, compared to an expense balance of $0.1 in the first quarter of 2023.

Income Taxes. Our effective income tax rate increased to 23.7% in the first quarter of 2024, from 22.5% in the first quarter of 2023, primarily related to a lower tax benefit resulting from the vesting of stock compensation awards in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) has a framework for a 15% global minimum tax, commonly referred to as “Pillar Two” and certain aspects are effective January 1, 2024. We have assessed the 2024 forecasted annual impact of Pillar Two and it is not expected to be material to our consolidated financial statements.

Net Income. Net income was $72.6 million, or $2.17 per common share on a diluted basis, for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $64.7 million, or $1.93 per common share on a diluted basis, for the first quarter of 2023. Results for the first quarter of 2024 included after-tax charges of $5.2 million, or $0.15 per common share, for acquisition-related costs, $0.9 million, or $0.03 per common share, for restructuring; partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per common share, for gain on sale of asset. Results for the first quarter of 2023 include an after-tax benefit of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per common share, for restructuring.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We generated $45.6 million of net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $33.4 million of net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily related to higher net income and reduced working capital investments.

We used $109.8 million of net cash for investing activities in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $5.1 million used in the first quarter of 2023. We used $100.8 million in cash for business acquisitions in our Americas segment and $3.9 million more cash for net capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. For the remainder of 2024, we expect to invest approximately $35 million to $45 million in capital expenditure as part of our ongoing commitment to improve our operating capabilities.

We used $44.6 million of net cash for financing activities during the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to long-term debt repayments of $15.0 million, dividend payments of $12.1 million, tax withholding payments on vested stock awards of $12.8 million and payments of $4.0 million to repurchase approximately 20,000 shares of Class A common stock. In the

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first quarter of 2023, we used $29.0 million of net cash for financing activities primarily due to tax withholding payments on vested stock awards of $14.6 million, dividend payments of $10.1 million and payments of $3.7 million to repurchase approximately 22,000 shares of Class A common stock.

On March 30, 2021, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended by Amendment no. 1 dated August 2, 2022, Amendment no. 2 dated December 12, 2023 and as may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement establishes a senior unsecured revolving credit facility of $800 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 30, 2026, subject to extension under certain circumstances and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 (or 4.00 to 1.00 during temporary step-ups following certain acquisitions) and the minimum consolidated interest ratio of 3.50 to 1.00.

The Revolving Credit Facility also includes sublimits of $100 million for letters of credit and $15 million for swing line loans. As of March 31, 2024, we had drawn down $285.0 million on this line of credit and had $12.5 million in letters of credit outstanding, which resulted in $502.5 million of unused and available credit under the Revolving Credit Facility as of such date. Borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to an applicable percentage defined as (i) in the case of Term Benchmark loans, the Term Benchmark rate plus an applicable percentage, ranging from 1.075% to 1.325%, or (ii) in the case of alternate base rate loans and swing line loans, interest (which at all times will not be less than 1.00%) at the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the FRBNY Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% and (c) the Term Benchmark rate plus 1.00% for a one month interest period, in each case, determined by reference to our consolidated leverage ratio. For the borrowings denominated in dollars, there is a fixed 10 basis point adjustment if the reference rate is Term SOFR. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was 6.50%. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding inclusive of the interest rate swap discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024 was 4.79%. In addition to paying interest under the Credit Agreement, we are also required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including, but not limited to, an unused facility fee and letter of credit fees. We may repay loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement from time to time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs, if any, and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the Credit Agreement.

As of March 31, 2024, we held $237.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. Of this amount, $157.6 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. Our U.S. operations typically generate sufficient cash flows to meet our domestic obligations. However, if we did have to borrow to fund some or all of our expected cash outlays, we can do so at reasonable interest rates by utilizing the undrawn borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. Subsequent to recording the Toll Tax as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, our intent, other than with respect to the one-time repatriation of foreign earnings in 2023, has been to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and we do not have any current plans to repatriate additional post-Toll Tax foreign earnings to fund operations in the United States. However, if amounts held by foreign subsidiaries were needed to fund operations in the United States, we could be required to accrue and pay taxes to repatriate these funds. Such charges may include potential state income taxes and other tax charges.

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In accordance with the SEC’s Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K, the following provides definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures used by management. We believe that these measures enhance the overall understanding of underlying business results and trends. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to be considered by the user in place of the related GAAP financial measure, but rather as supplemental information to more fully understand our business results. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies due to possible differences in method and in the items or events being adjusted.

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Organic net sales and organic net sales growth, organic SG&A expenses, and organic operating income, are non-GAAP measures that exclude the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange from period-over-period comparisons. A reconciliation to the most closely related U.S. GAAP measure, net sales, SG&A and operating income, have been included in our discussion within “Results of Operations” above. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or as a superior measure to U.S. GAAP measures. Management believes reporting these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors, potential investors and others, by facilitating easier comparisons of our performance with prior and future periods.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that does not represent cash provided by operating activities in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, it should not be considered an alternative to net cash provided by or used in operating activities as an indication of our performance. The cash conversion rate of free cash flow to net income is also a measure of our performance in cash flow generation. We believe free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate to be an appropriate supplemental measure of our operating performance because it provides investors with a measure of our ability to generate cash, repay debt, pay dividends, repurchase stock and fund acquisitions.

A reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow and a calculation of our cash conversion rate is provided below:


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,			March 26,
	2024			2023

	(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	45.6		$	33.4
Less: additions to property, plant, and equipment		(10.1)			(5.1)
Plus: proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment		1.1			—
Free cash flow	$	36.6		$	28.3
Net income —as reported	$	72.6		$	64.7
Cash conversion rate of free cash flow to net income		50.4	%		43.7	%

Free cash flow improved in the first quarter of 2024 when compared to the first quarter of 2023 primarily driven by higher net income and reduced working capital investments.

Our net debt to capitalization ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure used by management, at March 31, 2024 was 2.9% compared to (3.5%) at December 31, 2023. The change was driven by an increase in net debt balance primarily due to decreased cash and cash equivalents and an increase in stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 due to higher net income. Management believes the net debt to capitalization ratio is an appropriate supplemental measure because it helps investors understand our ability to meet our financing needs and serves as a basis to evaluate our financial structure. Our computation may not be comparable to other companies that may define their net debt to capitalization ratios differently.

A reconciliation of long-term debt (including current portion) to net debt and our net debt to capitalization ratio is provided below:


	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023

	(in millions)
Current portion of long‑term debt	$	—	$	—
Plus: long-term debt, net of current portion		283.5		298.3
Less: cash and cash equivalents		(237.1)		(350.1)
Net debt	$	46.4	$	(51.8)

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A reconciliation of capitalization is provided below:


	March 31,			December 31,
	2024			2023

	(in millions)
Net debt	$	46.4		$	(51.8)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,551.8			1,513.3
Capitalization	$	1,598.2		$	1,461.5
Net debt to capitalization ratio		2.9	%		(3.5)	%

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Key Estimates

We believe that our critical accounting policies are those related to revenue recognition, inventory valuation, goodwill and other intangibles, product liability costs, legal contingencies and income taxes. We believe these accounting policies are particularly important to an understanding of our financial position and results of operations and require application of significant judgment by our management. In applying these policies, management uses its judgment in making certain assumptions and estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described under the heading “Accounting Policies” in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We use derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce exposure to adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and costs of certain raw materials used in the manufacturing process. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. As a matter of policy, all derivative positions are used to reduce risk by hedging underlying economic exposure. The derivatives we use are instruments with liquid markets. See Note 11 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Our consolidated earnings, which are reported in United States dollars, are subject to translation risks due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This risk is concentrated in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the euro; the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar; and the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan.

Our non-U.S. subsidiaries transact most business, including certain intercompany transactions, in foreign currencies. Such transactions are principally purchases or sales of materials and are denominated in European currencies, the Chinese yuan or the U.S. or Canadian dollar. We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts from time to time to manage the risk related to intercompany loans, intercompany purchases and intercompany sales that occur during the course of a year, and certain open foreign currency denominated commitments to sell products to third parties. We have entered into forward exchange contracts which hedge approximately 80% to 85% of the forecasted intercompany purchases between one of our Canadian subsidiaries and our U.S. operating subsidiaries for the next twelve months. We record the effective portion of the designated foreign currency hedge contracts in other comprehensive income until inventory turns and is sold to a third-party. Once the third-party transaction associated with the hedged forecasted transaction occurs, the effective portion of any related gain or loss on the designated foreign currency hedge is reclassified into cost of goods sold within earnings. The fair value of the Company’s designated foreign hedge contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2024 was an asset of $0.1 million.

Under the Credit Agreement, our earnings and cash flows are exposed to fluctuations in interest payments related to our floating rate debt. In order to manage our exposure, we entered into an interest rate swap on March 30, 2021. Under the interest rate swap agreement, we received the one-month USD-LIBOR subject to a 0.00% floor and paid a fixed rate of 1.02975% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. On August 2, 2022, we amended the interest rate swap to replace LIBOR as a reference rate for borrowings with Term SOFR. Under the amended interest rate swap agreement, we receive the one-month Term SOFR subject to a -0.1 percent floor and pay a fixed rate of 0.942% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. We entered into an additional interest rate swap on October 23, 2023, as part of the acquisition of Bradley. Under the interest rate swap agreement, we receive the one-month Term SOFR subject to a -0.1% floor and pay a fixed rate of 4.844% on a notional amount of $100.0 million. Both swaps mature on March 30, 2026. Information about our long-term debt facility and related interest rates appears in Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We purchase significant amounts of bronze ingot, brass rod, cast iron, stainless steel and plastic, which are utilized in manufacturing our many product lines. Our operating results can be adversely affected by changes in commodity prices

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if we are unable to pass on related price increases to our customers. We manage this risk by monitoring related market prices, working with our suppliers to achieve the maximum level of stability in their costs and related pricing, seeking alternative supply sources when necessary and passing increases in commodity costs to our customers, to the maximum extent possible, when they occur.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures is also necessarily limited by the staff and other resources available to us and the geographic diversity of our operations. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We are currently in the process of integrating the Bradley operations, control processes and information systems into our systems and control environment. We believe that we have taken the necessary steps to monitor and maintain appropriate internal controls over financial reporting during this integration. We will continue to review and document our disclosure controls and procedures, including our internal control over financial reporting, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

As disclosed in Part I, Item 1, “Product Liability, Environmental and Other Litigation Matters” and Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, we are party to certain litigation. There have been no material developments with respect to such legal proceedings during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, other than as described in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

We satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation due upon the vesting of shares of restricted stock by repurchasing a number of shares with an aggregate fair market value on the date of such vesting that would satisfy the withholding amount due.

The following table includes information with respect to shares of our Class A common stock withheld to satisfy withholding tax obligations during the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.


	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
					(d) Maximum Number (or
	(a) Total			(c) Total Number of	Approximate Dollar
	Number of			Shares (or Units)	Value) of Shares (or
	Shares (or	(b) Average		Purchased as Part of	Units) that May Yet Be
	Units)	Price Paid per		Publicly Announced	Purchased Under the
Period	Purchased	Share (or Unit)		Plans or Programs	Plans or Programs
January 1, 2024 – January 28, 2024	—	$	—	—	—
January 29, 2024 – February 25, 2024	34,300	$	209.10	—	—
February 26, 2024 – March 31, 2024	27,753	$	205.70	—	—
Total	62,053	$	207.58	—	—

The following table includes information with respect to repurchases of our Class A common stock during the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 under our stock repurchase programs.


	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)
					(d) Maximum Number (or
	(a) Total			(c) Total Number of	Approximate Dollar
	Number of	(b) Average		Shares (or Units)	Value) of Shares (or
	Shares (or	Price Paid		Purchased as Part of	Units) that May Yet Be
	Units)	per Share		Publicly Announced	Purchased Under the
Period	Purchased(1)	(or Unit)		Plans or Programs	Plans or Programs
January 1, 2024 – January 28, 2024	5,879	$	199.89	5,879	$	160,793,044
January 29, 2024 – February 25, 2024	6,149	$	202.74	6,149	$	159,546,371
February 26, 2024 – March 31, 2024	7,722	$	204.05	7,722	$	157,970,533
Total	19,750	$	202.39	19,750

(1)

On February 6, 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a repurchase program of up to $150 million of our Class A common stock, to be purchased from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, which does not have an expiration date. On July 31, 2023, the Board of Directors authorized an additional stock repurchase program of up to $150 million of our Class A common stock to be purchased from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, which also has no expiration date. The additional $150 million has been reflected in the maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased in column (d) above. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors.

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Item 5.Other Information

(a) Disclosure in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K.

None.

(b) Material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the board of directors.

None.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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Item 6. Exhibits


Exhibit No.		Description
3.1		Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2023 (File No. 001-11499).
3.2		Amended and Restated By-Laws. Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2023 (File No. 001- 11499).
10.1†		Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and certain directors and officers of the Registrant.
10.2†		Form of 2024 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Watts Water Technologies, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.3†		Third Amendment, dated March 29, 2024, to Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2023, by and among G6 Adventures Corporation, Bradley Corporation, the shareholders of G6 Adventures Corporation, Watts Regulator Co. and Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
31.1†		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2†		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1††		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2††		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS**		Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

† Filed herewith.

†† Furnished herewith.

** Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 26, 2023, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Date: May 9, 2024	By:	/s/ Robert J. Pagano, Jr.
		Robert J. Pagano, Jr.
		Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Date: May 9, 2024	By:	/s/ Shashank Patel
		Shashank Patel Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)