Watts Water’s Q2 results surpassed Wall Street revenue and non-GAAP profit expectations, yet the market response was muted, likely due to concerns around the sustainability of near-term margin gains and regional softness. Management attributed the strong quarter to robust organic growth in the Americas, proactive price increases to offset tariffs, and incremental contributions from recent acquisitions. CEO Robert Pagano highlighted, “Organic sales increased 6% in the quarter with favorable price, volume and pull-forward demand more than offsetting continued weakness in Europe.”
Is now the time to buy WTS? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
Watts Water Technologies (WTS) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $643.7 million vs analyst estimates of $612.9 million (7.8% year-on-year growth, 5% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $3.09 vs analyst estimates of $2.63 (17.7% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $153.6 million vs analyst estimates of $135.2 million (23.9% margin, 13.6% beat)
- Operating Margin: 21%, up from 18.7% in the same quarter last year
- Organic Revenue rose 5.8% year on year vs analyst estimates of 1.8% growth (402.9 basis point beat)
- Market Capitalization: $9.10 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Watts Water Technologies’s Q2 Earnings Call
- Ryan Michael Connors (Northcoast Research) asked about the magnitude of pull-forward demand and its impact on Q2 sales. CFO Shashank Patel quantified the effect as roughly $20 million and confirmed it was expected to reduce Q3 volumes.
- Nathan Hardie Jones (Stifel) inquired about supply chain strategy and benefits of a domestic manufacturing footprint. CEO Robert Pagano explained that producing close to end markets offers flexibility amid tariff changes, with ongoing evaluation of reshoring opportunities.
- Jeffrey David Hammond (KeyBanc) pressed for details on the evolving mix of tariffs and price realization. Patel clarified that while China tariffs declined, new copper and European tariffs offset much of the relief, resulting in a $40 million direct impact for 2025.
- Michael J. Pesendorfer (Baird) asked about 80/20 process improvements and their focus within acquired versus legacy businesses. Pagano emphasized that both legacy and acquired operations are under continuous review to maximize profitable growth.
- Andrew Jon Krill (Deutsche Bank) questioned the drivers behind expected margin declines in Q3 and Q4. Patel cited one-time price/cost benefits in Q2, normal seasonality, and anticipated volume declines as the main factors.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Going forward, the StockStory team will watch (1) whether Watts Water sustains pricing power to offset ongoing tariff impacts, (2) evidence of accelerating Nexa platform adoption and recurring revenue contributions, and (3) integration progress and realized synergies from recent acquisitions. We will also track any signs of stabilization in European construction markets and continued data center demand as additional drivers.
Watts Water Technologies currently trades at $272.75, up from $264.42 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
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