Shares of Pentair PLC (NYSE:PNR) declined following the release of its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results on Tuesday. The company reported a 5% increase in sales year-over-year (Y/Y), reaching $1.021 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.009 billion. When excluding the effects of currency translation, acquisitions, and divestitures, core sales advanced 4% Y/Y during the same period.
The company also experienced an expansion in gross margin, improving from 38.8% in the prior year’s quarter to 40.4%. Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of sales resulted in a margin increase of 90 basis points Y/Y to 24.7% for the quarter. Pentair’s adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter stood at $1.18, slightly above analyst expectations of $1.16.
Operating free cash flow from continuing operations reflected solid financial health, amounting to $748 million for the year, while the company held $101.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025.
Segment Performance
Within Pentair’s business segments, the Flow segment experienced a 9% rise in sales to $394.4 million during the quarter. Segment income grew 22% Y/Y to $90.1 million, supported by an operating margin increase of 240 basis points to 22.8%.
Conversely, the Water Solutions segment recorded sales of $232.3 million, down 10% from the previous year. Segment income declined 12% Y/Y to $55 million, with a reduction in return on sales (ROS) margin by 60 basis points to 23.5%.
The Pool segment showed positive momentum, with sales increasing 11% Y/Y to $393.4 million and segment income rising 11% to $132 million. However, the segment’s ROS margin slightly decreased by 20 basis points to 33.6%.
Capital Management and Shareholder Returns
During the fourth quarter, Pentair maintained its dividend policy by distributing 25 cents per share. Subsequently, on December 15, the company announced an 8% year-over-year increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to 27 cents per share. This dividend is slated for payment on February 6, 2026, to shareholders recorded by the close of business on January 23.
Moreover, Pentair repurchased 0.5 million shares for approximately $50 million in the quarter. Following these transactions, $1.0 billion remains authorized for share repurchases as of the end of 2025.
Management Commentary and Strategic Initiatives
John L. Stauch, President and CEO of Pentair, emphasized the company’s intentions to continue growth in sales, earnings, and margins through 2026. He highlighted the ongoing deployment of the Pentair Business System tools, including Transformation and the 80/20 principles, aimed at leveraging their balanced and resilient water portfolio strategically.
Financial Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, Pentair expects fiscal year 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to range between $5.25 and $5.40, slightly below the consensus forecast of $5.38. For the first quarter, the company projects adjusted EPS between $1.15 and $1.18, compared with street estimates of $1.23.
Revenue forecasts include an anticipated 1% to 2% increase in sales for the first quarter on a reported basis year-over-year, with full-year sales expected to grow approximately 3% to 4% on a reported basis.
Leadership Restructuring
Effective March 1, 2026, Pentair plans to reorganize its executive leadership to enhance growth and customer engagement. Adrian Chiu will assume the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation and Digital Officer. In this capacity, he will oversee corporate strategy initiatives, AI-driven innovation, and digital transformation efforts.
De’Mon Wiggins will broaden his responsibilities as Executive Vice President and President to also lead Pentair Water Solutions, integrating Commercial Water Solutions, Water Quality Management, and Flow under a unified leadership structure.
The company announced the departures of long-standing executives Steve Pilla and Phil Rolchigo. Additionally, Pentair is dissolving the Chief Supply Chain, Transformation and Technology Officer positions, redistributing these functions across the finance team, business units, and Chiu’s new division.
Stauch noted these organizational adjustments aim to unlock new growth avenues and deepen the company's impact across its markets.
Market Reaction
At the time of publication on Tuesday, Pentair’s shares were trading down 4.86%, priced at $100.38, according to Benzinga Pro data.