Franklin Electric Co Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2024

Description of the Business

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (“Franklin Electric” or the “Company”) is an Indiana corporation founded in 1944 and incorporated in 1946. Named after America’s pioneer electrical engineer, Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Electric manufactured the first water-lubricated submersible motor for water systems and the first submersible motor for fueling systems. With 2024 revenue of approximately $2.0 billion, the Company designs, manufactures and distributes water and fuel pumping systems, composed primarily of submersible motors, pumps, electronic controls, water treatment systems, and related parts and equipment.

The Company’s water pumping systems move fresh and wastewater for the residential, agricultural and other industrial end markets. The Company also sells various groundwater equipment products to well installation contractors, including water pumping systems, through its and third-party distribution branches located in the U.S. With a growing global footprint, the Company has also evolved into a top supplier of submersible fueling systems at gas stations, making pumps, pipes, electronic controls and monitoring devices.

The Company’s products are sold worldwide by its employee sales force and independent manufacturing representatives. The Company offers normal and customary trade terms to its customers, no significant part of which is of an extended nature. Special inventory requirements are not necessary, and customer merchandise return rights do not extend beyond normal warranty provisions.

Franklin Electric’s Key Factors for Success

While maintaining a culture of safety and lean principles, Franklin Electric strives to deliver quality, availability, service, innovation, and cost in every encounter the Company has with stakeholders, including direct or indirect customers, employees, shareholders, and suppliers. These key factors for success are a roadmap for the Company's growth as a global provider of water and energy systems, through geographic expansion and product line extensions, leveraging its global platform and competency in system design, all while consistently offering the best value to its customer.

Markets and Applications

The Company’s business consists of three reportable segments based on the principal end market served: Water Systems, Energy Systems, and Distribution. The Company changed the name of the Fueling Systems segment to Energy Systems to reflect its diverse portfolio and growth strategy, as well as to better reflect the markets and customers served by the segment. The Company does not allocate corporate expenses or intersegment eliminations to a reportable segment. Segment and geographic information appears in Note 15 - Segment and Geographic Information to the consolidated financial statements.

The market for the Company’s products is highly competitive and includes diversified accounts by size and type. The Company’s Water Systems and Energy Systems products and related equipment are sold to specialty distributors and some original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), as well as industrial and petroleum equipment distributors and major oil and utility companies. The Company’s Distribution segment sells products primarily to water well contractors.

Water Systems Segment

Water Systems is a global leader in the production and marketing of water pumping systems and is a technical leader in submersible motors, pumps, drives, electronic controls, water treatment systems, and monitoring devices. The Water Systems segment designs, manufactures and sells motors, pumps, drives, electronic controls, monitoring devices, and related parts and equipment primarily for use in groundwater, water transfer and wastewater.

Water Systems motors, pumps and controls are used principally for pumping clean water and wastewater in a variety of residential, agricultural, municipal and industrial applications. Water Systems also manufactures electronic drives and controls for the motors which control functionality and provide protection from various hazards, such as electrical surges, over-heating and dry wells or dry tanks. In the three years ended December 31, 2024, the Company only completed one significant acquisition in the segment when it acquired substantially all of the assets of Action Manufacturing & Supply, Inc. in 2023 expanding its portfolio in water treatment systems. In February 2025, the Company acquired PumpEng Pty Ltd. ("PumpEng"), a manufacturer of submersible pumps for the mining sector headquartered in Australia. Also in February 2025, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barnes de Colombia S.A. ("Barnes"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of industrial and commercial pumps based in Colombia.

Water Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets. Water Systems contributed about 60 percent of the Company’s total revenue in 2024. Significant portions of segment revenue come from selling groundwater and surface pumps, motors, and controls for residential and commercial buildings, as well as agricultural sales which are more seasonal and subject to commodity price changes. The Water Systems segment generates approximately 25 to 30 percent of its revenue in developing markets, which often lack municipal water systems. As those countries install water systems and further develop with an expanding middle class or improving quality of living, the Company views those markets as an opportunity. The Company has had 6 to 9 percent compounded annual sales growth in developing regions in recent years. Water Systems competes in each of its targeted markets based on product design, quality, performance, availability and price. The Company’s principal competitors in the specialty water products industry are Grundfos Management A/S, Pentair, Inc. and Xylem, Inc.

2024 Water Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:

• Development of new integrated pressure boosting systems for residential and commercial applications
• Electronic variable frequency drives and controls for Pump and HVAC applications, including enhancements to include tethering and IOT capability for our drives and making our key platforms easier to utilize by our customers
• Development of expanded offering of standard electric skid pump package designs including the "SmartPrime" variable frequency drive skid packages and updated stackable units for rental and municipal dewatering markets
• Development of new HVAC condensate product offerings including new externally mounted mini-condensate pump
• Greywater pumping equipment, including the expansion of our electrical submersible pump lines with addition of range, materials, and control packages for the global market
• Submersible pumps for commercial, municipal, and agricultural applications including the development of global standardization of updated cast iron submersible turbine hydraulics, and upgrading the performance of line shaft turbine product offering
• Water treatment products focused on component performance improvements

Energy Systems Segment

Energy Systems is a global leader in the production and marketing of fuel pumping systems, fuel containment systems and monitoring and control systems. The Energy Systems segment designs, manufactures and sells pumps, motors, pipe, sumps, fittings, vapor recovery components, electronic controls, monitoring devices and related parts and equipment primarily for use in energy system applications.

Energy Systems offers a complete array of components between the tank and the dispenser, including submersible pumps, motors, station hardware, piping, sumps, vapor recovery, corrosion control systems and electronic controls and monitoring. The Energy Systems segment growth has been sustained by a commitment to protecting human health and the environment while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership. Energy Systems takes steps to ensure its products are installed and maintained properly through robust global certification tools for their third-party contractors. The segment serves other energy markets such as power reliability systems and includes intelligent electronic devices that are designed for online monitoring for the power utility, hydroelectric, rail, and telecommunication and data center infrastructure.

Energy Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets. The Company believes there is growth opportunity in developing markets. Energy Systems competes in each of its targeted markets based on product design, quality, performance, availability and price. The Company’s principal competitors in the petroleum equipment industry are Vontier Corporation and Dover Corporation.

2024 Energy Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:

• Developed new overfill protection valve for the Indian market with a more robust valve design
• Developed Distribution Transformer Monitoring antenna, which allows for improved wireless monitoring transmission
• Developed new fiberglass tank sump and cover to withstand increased weight and side compression
• Developed Remote Integration Panel to allow remote control and power cycling of breakers at fueling stations
• Developed Trip Signature Monitor for continuous monitoring of substation circuit breakers
• Developed EV-Controls NexPhase 800 & 2000A, an upgraded electric vehicle charger switchgear

Distribution Segment

The Distribution segment is operated as a collection of wholly owned leading groundwater distributors known as the Headwater Companies. Headwater Companies deliver quality products and leading brands to the industry, providing contractors with the products and services they demand to meet their application challenges. The Distribution segment operates within the U.S. professional groundwater market. In 2023, the Distribution segment acquired substantially all of the assets of LCA Pump, LLC, which operated Water Works Pump, a professional groundwater distributor operating in the Midwest.

Information Regarding All Reportable Segments

Research and Development

The Company incurred research and development expenses as follows:

(In millions)

Expenses incurred were for activities related to the development of new products, improvement of existing products and manufacturing methods and other applied research and development.

The Company owns a number of patents, trademarks, and licenses. In the aggregate, these patents are of material importance to the operation of the business; however, the Company believes that its operations are not dependent on any single patent or group of patents.

Raw Materials

The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s products are coil and bar steel, stainless steel, copper wire and aluminum ingot. Major components are electric motors, electrical components, motor protectors, forgings, gray iron castings, plastic resins and bearings. Most of these raw materials are available from multiple sources in the U.S. and world markets. Generally, the Company believes that adequate alternative sources are available for the majority of its key raw material and purchased component needs; however, the Company is dependent on a single or limited number of suppliers for certain materials or components. The Company believes that availability of fuel and energy is adequate to satisfy current and projected overall operations unless interrupted by government direction, allocation or other disruption.

Major Customers

No single customer accounted for over 10 percent of net sales in 2024, 2023, or 2022. No single customer accounted for over 10 percent of gross accounts receivable in 2024 and 2023.

Backlog

The dollar amount of backlog by segment was as follows:

(In millions)

The backlog is composed of written orders for products for which prices are typically established at the time the order is placed, primarily standard catalog items. All backlog orders are expected to be filled in 2025. The Company’s sales in the first quarter are generally less than its sales in other quarters due to less water well drilling and overall product sales during the winter months in the Northern hemisphere. Beyond that, there is no seasonal pattern to the backlog and the backlog has not proven to be a significant indicator of future sales.

Environmental Matters

The Company believes that it is in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning the discharge of material into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. The Company has not experienced any material costs in connection with environmental compliance, and does not believe that such compliance will have any material effect upon the financial position, results of operations, cash flows or competitive position of the Company.

Human Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately 6,300 employees. The Company is committed to providing safe work environments for its employees, prioritizing wellness, health and safety best practices and requiring ethical compliance with established policies. Further information regarding its human capital details and initiatives can be found in the 2024 Franklin Electric Sustainability Report available for download on the Company's website.

Available Information

The Company is a U.S. public reporting company under the Exchange Act and files reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC, which can be accessed from the SEC's home page on the Internet at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov). The Company’s website address is www.franklin-electric.com (http://www.franklin-electric.com). The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the Company’s website includes the Company’s corporate governance guidelines, its Board committee charters, Lead Independent Director charter, and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics. Information contained on the Company’s website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

The following describes the principal risks affecting the Company and its business. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to the Company, could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition in the future.

Risks Related to the Industry

Reduced housing starts adversely affect demand for the Company’s products, thereby reducing revenues and earnings. Demand for certain Company products is affected by housing starts. Variation in housing starts due to economic volatility both within the United States and globally could adversely impact gross margins and operating results.

The Company’s results may be adversely affected by global macroeconomic supply and demand conditions related to the energy and mining industries. The energy and mining industries are users of the Company’s products, including the coal, iron ore, gold, copper, oil, and natural gas industries. Decisions to purchase the Company’s products are dependent upon the performance of the industries in which our customers operate. If demand or output in these industries increases, the demand for our products will generally increase. Likewise, if demand or output in these industries declines, the demand for our products will generally decrease. The energy and mining industries’ demand and output are impacted by the prices of commodities in these industries which are frequently volatile and change in response to general economic conditions, economic growth, commodity inventories, and any disruptions in production or distribution. Changes in these conditions could adversely impact sales, gross margin, and operating results.

Volatility in the prices and availability of raw materials, components, finished goods and other commodities could adversely affect operations. The Company purchases most of the raw materials for its products on the open market and relies on third parties for the sourcing of certain finished goods. Accordingly, the cost of its products may be affected by changes in the market price and its ability to successfully obtain raw materials, sourced components, or finished goods. The Company and its suppliers also use natural gas and electricity in manufacturing products both of which have historically been volatile. The Company does not generally engage in commodity hedging for raw materials and energy. Significant increases in the prices or disruptions in the supply chain of commodities, sourced components, finished goods, energy or other commodities could cause product prices to increase, which may reduce demand for products or make the Company more susceptible to competition. Furthermore, in the event the Company is unable to pass along increases in operating costs to its customers, margins and profitability may be adversely affected.

The growth of municipal water systems and increased government restrictions on groundwater pumping could reduce demand for private water wells and the Company’s products, thereby reducing revenues and earnings. Demand for certain Company products is affected by rural communities shifting from private and individual water well systems to city or municipal water systems. Many economic and other factors outside the Company’s control, including governmental regulations on water quality, and tax credits and incentives, could adversely impact the demand for private and individual water wells. A decline in private and individual water well systems in the United States or other economies in the international markets the Company serves could reduce demand for the Company’s products and adversely impact sales, gross margins, and operating results.

Demand for Energy Systems products is impacted by environmental legislation which may cause significant fluctuations in costs and revenues. Environmental legislation related to air quality and fuel containment may create demand for certain Energy Systems products which must be supplied in a relatively short time frame to meet the governmental mandate. During periods of increased demand, the Company’s revenues and profitability could increase significantly, although the Company can also be at risk of not having capacity to meet demand or cost overruns due to inefficiencies during ramp up to the higher production levels. After the Company’s customers have met the compliance requirements, the Company’s revenues and profitability may decrease significantly as the demand for certain products declines substantially. The risk of not reducing production costs in relation to the decreased demand and reduced revenues could have a material adverse impact on gross margins and the Company’s results of operations.

Changes in tax legislation regarding the Company’s U.S. or foreign earnings could materially affect future results. Since the Company operates in different countries and is subject to taxation in different jurisdictions, the Company’s future effective tax rates could be impacted by changes in such countries’ tax laws or their interpretations. Both domestic and international tax laws are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, legislation, evolution of regulation and court rulings. The application of these tax laws and related regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment, and uncertainty. The Company cannot predict whether any proposed changes in tax laws will be enacted into law or what, if any, changes may be made to any such proposals prior to their being enacted into law. If the tax laws change in a manner that increases the Company’s tax obligation, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

On December 15, 2022, the European Union (EU) Member States formally adopted the EU’s Pillar Two Directive, which generally provides for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Pillar Two Framework. A significant number of countries have enacted portions, or all, of the OECD proposal with effective dates in 2024 and 2025 for different aspects of the directive, with many additional countries expected to implement similar legislation with varying effective dates in the future. In 2024, Pillar Two did not have a material impact on the Company’s income tax liability, provision for income taxes, or effective tax rate, nor does the Company expect a material impact in the future.

Risks Related to the Business

The Company is exposed to political, economic and other risks that arise from operating a multinational business. The Company has significant operations outside the United States, including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Turkey, Canada and Argentina. Further, the Company obtains raw materials and finished goods from foreign suppliers. Accordingly, the Company’s business is subject to political, economic, and other risks that are inherent in operating a multinational business. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Difficulty in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through foreign legal systems
• Trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements
• Inability to obtain raw materials and finished goods in a timely manner from foreign suppliers
• Imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions (including recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on China, Canada and Mexico and other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries)
• Difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations and the application of foreign labor regulations
• Compliance with foreign laws and regulations
• Changes in general economic and political conditions in countries where the Company operates

Additionally, the Company’s operations outside the United States could be negatively impacted by changes in treaties, agreements, policies, and laws implemented by the United States. If the Company does not anticipate and effectively manage these risks, these factors may have a material adverse impact on its international operations or on the business as a whole.

The Company has significant investments in foreign entities and has significant sales and purchases in foreign denominated currencies creating exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company has significant investments outside the United States, including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Turkey, Canada and Argentina. Further, the Company has sales and makes purchases of raw materials and finished goods in foreign denominated currencies. Accordingly, the Company has exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is partially mitigated through several means: maintenance of local production facilities in the markets served, invoicing of customers in the same currency as the source of the products, prompt settlement of intercompany balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, and application of derivative instruments when appropriate. To the extent that these mitigating strategies are not successful, foreign currency rate fluctuations can have a material adverse impact on the Company’s international operations or on the business as a whole.

In the second quarter of 2022, the Company concluded that Turkey represents a highly inflationary economy as its three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeded 100 percent. As a result, the Company started remeasuring the financial statements for the Company’s Turkish operations in accordance with the highly inflationary accounting rules in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 830 "Foreign Currency Matters" as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2022. As a result, all gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the financial results of operations and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses are reflected in earnings, which have resulted in volatility within the Company’s earnings, rather than as a component of the Company’s comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity. The Company also remeasures its financial statements for its Argentina operations in accordance with the highly inflationary accounting rules. Turkey and Argentina becoming highly inflationary economies has had an adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and further inflation may have additional adverse effects on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

The Company’s acquisition strategy entails expense, integration risks, and other risks that could affect the Company’s earnings and financial condition. One of the Company’s continuing strategies is to increase revenues and expand market share through acquisitions that will provide complementary Water and Energy Systems products, add to the Company’s global reach, or both. The Company spends significant time and effort expanding existing businesses through identifying, pursuing, completing, and integrating acquisitions, which generate expense whether or not the acquisitions are actually completed. Competition for acquisition candidates may limit the number of opportunities and may result in higher acquisition prices. There is uncertainty related to successfully acquiring, integrating and profitably managing additional businesses without substantial costs, delays or other problems. There can also be no assurance that acquired companies will achieve revenues, profitability or cash flows that justify the investment. Failure to manage or mitigate these risks could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s products are sold in highly competitive markets, by numerous competitors whose actions could negatively impact sales volume, pricing and profitability. The Company is a global leader in the production and marketing of groundwater and fuel pumping systems. End user demand, distribution relationships, industry consolidation, new product capabilities of the Company’s competitors or new competitors, and many other factors contribute to a highly competitive environment. Additionally, some of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater financial resources than the Company. The Company believes that consistency of product quality, timeliness of delivery, service, and continued product innovation, as well as price, are principal factors considered by customers in selecting suppliers. Competitive factors previously described may lead to declines in sales or in the prices of the Company’s products which could have an adverse impact on its results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s products are sold to numerous distribution outlets based on market performance. The Company may, from time to time, change distribution outlets in certain markets based on market share and growth. These changes could adversely impact sales and operating results.

Transferring operations of the Company to lower cost regions may not result in the intended cost benefits. The Company is continuing its rationalization of manufacturing capacity between all existing manufacturing facilities and the manufacturing complexes in lower cost regions. To implement this strategy, the Company must complete the transfer of assets and intellectual property between operations. Each of these transfers involves the risk of disruption to the Company’s manufacturing capability, supply chain, and, ultimately, to the Company’s ability to service customers and generate revenues and profits and may include significant severance amounts.

Delays in introducing new products or the inability to achieve or maintain market acceptance with existing or new products may cause the Company’s revenues to decrease. The industries to which the Company belongs are characterized by intense competition, changes in end-user requirements, and evolving product offerings and introductions. The Company believes future success will depend, in part, on the ability to anticipate and adapt to these factors and offer, on a timely basis, products that meet customer demands. Failure to successfully develop new and innovative products or to enhance existing products could result in the loss of existing customers to competitors or the inability to attract new business, either of which may adversely affect the Company’s revenues.

Certain Company products are subject to regulation and government performance requirements in addition to the warranties provided by the Company. The Company’s product lines have expanded significantly and certain products are subject to government regulations and standards for manufacture, assembly, and performance in addition to the warranties provided by the Company. The Company’s failure to meet all such standards or perform in accordance with warranties could result in significant warranty or repair costs, lost sales and profits, damage to the Company’s reputation, fines or penalties from governmental organizations, and increased litigation exposure. Changes to these regulations or standards may require the Company to modify its business objectives and incur additional costs to comply. Any liabilities or penalties actually incurred could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings and operating results.

The Company has significant goodwill and intangible assets and future impairment of the value of these assets may adversely affect the Company's operating results and financial condition. The Company’s total assets include substantial intangible assets, primarily goodwill. Goodwill results from the Company’s acquisitions, representing the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or as warranted by triggering events. If future operating performance at one or more of the Company’s operating segments were to decline significantly below current levels, the Company could incur a non-cash impairment charge to operating earnings. The recognition of an impairment of a significant portion of the Company’s goodwill or intangible assets could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by the seasonality of sales and weather conditions. The Company experiences seasonal demand in a number of markets within the Water Systems segment. End-user demand in primary markets follows warm weather trends and is at seasonal highs from April to August in the Northern Hemisphere. Demand for residential and agricultural water systems are also affected by weather-related disasters including heavy flooding and drought. Changes in these patterns could reduce demand for the Company’s products and adversely impact sales, gross margins, and operating results.

The Company depends on certain key suppliers, and any loss of those suppliers or their failure to meet commitments may adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations. The Company is dependent on a single or limited number of suppliers for some materials or components required in the manufacture of its products. If any of those suppliers fail to meet their commitments to the Company in terms of delivery or quality, the Company may experience supply shortages that could result in its inability to meet customer requirements, or could otherwise experience an interruption in operations that could negatively impact the Company’s business and results of operations.

The Company’s operations are dependent on information technology infrastructure and failures could significantly affect its business. The Company depends on information technology infrastructure in order to achieve business objectives. If the Company experiences a problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, a problem with the functioning of an important IT application, or an intentional disruption of IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede the Company's ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship products in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on business in the ordinary course. Any such events could cause the loss of customers or revenue and could cause significant expense to be incurred to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns. The Company is also subject to certain U.S. and international data protection and cybersecurity regulations. Complying with these laws may subject the Company to additional costs or require changes to the Company’s business practices. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations could expose the Company to potentially significant liabilities.

Additional Risks to the Company. The Company is subject to various risks in the normal course of business as well as catastrophic events including severe weather events, earthquakes, fires, acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, epidemics and pandemics and other unexpected events. Exhibit 99.1 sets forth risks and other factors that may affect future results, including those identified above, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Risk Management and Strategy

The Company’s data protection and privacy program is designed to help it assess, identify, manage, and mitigate risks relating to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The Company designs its cybersecurity standards, policies, processes and controls to operate in an integrated manner, leveraging applicable industry standards and security frameworks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and Center for Internet Security, Inc (CIS) Controls, as guides in supporting its ability to perform such functions.

The Company manages its data protection and privacy program, fostering collaboration with partners across business units and functional areas to identify and assess material cybersecurity threats, evaluate their severity, and explore ways to mitigate and manage such risks. Third parties are engaged to assess the Company’s cybersecurity posture and adherence to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Controls, and the Company evaluates cybersecurity risks as part of its annual risk assessment process. Cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies and initiatives are developed based on these assessments.

As part of the Company’s data protection and privacy program, it maintains a cyber risk management program that seeks to address key risk management concepts, including mission and vision, escalation path for risk mitigation, risk assessments, and risk treatment. The Company does so by conducting a variety of planning and preparedness activities, including employing monitoring tools to identify suspicious or anomalous activity, vulnerabilities, or signs of compromise across its networks, systems, and data. The Company utilizes data from attack surface management tools to produce a prioritized set of vulnerabilities for remediation. A key area for the program is employee cybersecurity education. The Company’s employees play a key role in cybersecurity and participate in mandatory cybersecurity training, phishing attack simulations, educational events, and receive news bulletins. The Company’s data protection and privacy program is designed to adhere to and adapt to global privacy and data protection laws.

The Company has established policies, processes, and controls that are designed to monitor, detect, investigate, respond to, and escalate management of cybersecurity threats and incidents. If the Company experiences a cybersecurity incident, the Company activates an incident response plan, which includes processes to enable it to triage, assess severity of, escalate, contain, investigate, and remediate the incident, as well as to comply with applicable legal obligations and mitigate brand and reputational harm. Based on initial investigation into such incident’s impact to the Company, the actor(s) involved, and other factors, the Company assigns a severity level to an incident, which dictates the escalation path for a given incident. Incidents rising to higher levels of severity and potential materiality are escalated to designated members of the Company’s senior management for further assessment, response, and remediation. Additionally, the Company has established a Cyber Crisis Management Team, responsible for addressing and responding to the most severe cyber incidents. If warranted, senior management notifies the Audit Committee and/or the full Board of Directors, as appropriate. Throughout this process, the Company continues to investigate the incident and, as its understanding of the incident evolves, updates its severity assessment, as necessary.

Governance

The Company’s cybersecurity program and approach is overseen by its Board of Directors, in coordination with the Audit Committee, and Senior Leadership, along with its Vice President, Information Technology. The Vice President, Information Technology reports to the Chief Administration Officer and has more than 25 years of IT experience with over 10 years of cybersecurity and international business experience. The Board of Directors receives annual reports from Senior Leadership on the Company’s cybersecurity risks. In addition, Senior Leadership updates the Board of Directors, as necessary, regarding any significant cybersecurity incidents. The Board of Directors and Senior Leadership review the strategy, tools, metrics and latest trends affecting cybersecurity utilizing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Controls as the foundation for its cybersecurity strategy and approach.

The Company’s business strategy, results of operations and financial condition have not been materially affected and are not reasonably likely to be affected by risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previously identified cybersecurity incidents, but it cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any future material incidents. For more information on the Company’s information technology related risks, see Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide with over 220 manufacturing and distribution facilities located in over 20 countries. The Global Headquarters is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States and houses sales, marketing and administrative offices along with a state-of-the-art research and engineering facility. Besides the owned corporate facility, the Company considers the following to be principal properties:

The Company also owns and leases other smaller facilities which serve as manufacturing locations and distribution warehouses. The Company does not consider these facilities to be principal to the business or operations. In the Company’s opinion, its facilities are suitable for their intended use, adequate for the Company’s business needs, all currently utilized and in good condition.

The Company is defending various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. For a description of the Company's material legal proceedings, refer to Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated into this Item 3 by reference. In the opinion of management, based on current knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, other claims and legal actions can be defended or resolved without a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net cash flows.

Discussion of the year-over-year comparison of changes in the Company's financial condition and results of operation as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 can be found in Part II, Item 7. "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

2024 vs. 2023

OVERVIEW

Net sales in 2024 decreased 2 percent compared to the prior year. The sales decrease in 2024 was primarily due to lower volumes and the negative impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by the incremental sales impact from recent acquisitions. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $717.3 million for 2024, an increase of $20.3 million from the prior year. Diluted earnings per share was $3.86 for 2024, a decrease of $0.25 or 6 percent from the prior year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

Net sales in 2024 were $2.0 billion and decreased 2 percent compared to the prior year. Sales were negatively impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates, principally due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Argentine Peso, Turkish Lira and Brazilian Real. However, the Company increases prices in the local currency to offset the impact of currency devaluation in the Argentina and Turkey highly inflationary economies. As a result, the net negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales was 1 percent in 2024.

(In millions)

Net Sales-Water Systems

Water Systems net sales decreased 2 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. This sales decline was primarily due to lower volumes, which decreased due to weaker end market demand for large dewatering equipment. Additionally, net sales decreased 2 percent in 2024 due to the negative impact from foreign exchange rates, as compared to prior year while the incremental sales impact from recent acquisitions favorably impacted sales 1 percent in 2024.

Water Systems net sales in the U.S. and Canada decreased 5 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. In 2024, sales of large dewatering equipment decreased 41 percent, sales of water treatment products increased 11 percent, sales of groundwater pumping equipment increased 4 percent and sales of all other surface pumping equipment increased 5 percent compared to 2023.

Water Systems net sales in markets outside the U.S. and Canada increased 4 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. Sales decreased 4 percent in 2024 due to the negative impact from foreign exchange rates, as compared to prior year. In 2024 excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales increased in all three major regions: EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

Net Sales-Energy Systems

Energy Systems net sales decreased 8 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. This sales decline was primarily due to lower volumes.

Energy Systems net sales in the U.S. and Canada decreased 3 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. Outside the U.S. and Canada, Energy Systems sales decreased 18 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. The decreases were across all product lines.

Net Sales-Distribution

Distribution net sales increased 2 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year. The Distribution segment sales increase was primarily due to the incremental sales impact from a recent acquisition, which favorably impacted net sales by 3 percent, partially offset by the negative impact of commodity pricing declines and unfavorable weather.

Gross Profit and Expense Ratios

(In Millions)

Gross Profit

The gross profit margin ratio was 35.5 percent and 33.8 percent in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The gross profit margin was favorably impacted in 2024 by cost management, including lower freight costs in Water Systems and Energy Systems, and a favorable product and geographic sales mix shift.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

SG&A expenses were $470.1 million in 2024 compared to $433.5 million in 2023. SG&A expenses increased in 2024 primarily due to higher employee compensation costs, including incremental expenses associated with the Company's CEO transition, and the incremental expense impact of recent acquisitions. The SG&A expenses ratio was 23.3 percent and 21.0 percent in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring expenses were $3.5 million and $1.1 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Restructuring actions in 2024 were primarily related to headcount reductions and facility closures to optimize the Company's cost structure. Restructuring expenses in 2023 were primarily from continued miscellaneous manufacturing realignment activities, branch closings and consolidations.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased 7 percent in 2024, as compared to the prior year.

(In millions)

Operating Income-Water Systems

Water Systems operating income in 2024 was $197.9 million, an increase of $1.3 million as compared to the prior year. The 2024 operating income margin was 16.7 percent, an increase of 40 basis points from 16.3 percent in 2023. Operating income and operating margin increased in 2024 primarily due to price realization, cost management and a favorable product and geographic sales mix shift.

Operating Income-Energy Systems

Energy Systems operating income in 2024 was $93.6 million, an increase of $0.9 million as compared to the prior year. The 2024 operating income margin was 34.2 percent, an increase of 290 basis points from 31.3 percent in 2023. Operating income and operating margin increased primarily due to a favorable geographic mix of sales, price realization and cost management.

Operating Income-Distribution

Distribution operating income in 2024 was $24.3 million, a decrease of $10.0 million as compared to the prior-year period. The 2024 operating income margin was 3.5 percent, a decrease of 160 basis points from 5.1 percent in 2023. Operating income and operating income margin decreased in 2024 primarily due to the negative impact on sales from wet weather across much of the United States, decreases in pricing of commodity-based products sold through the business and increased SG&A costs.

Operating Income-Corporate Expenses and Eliminations

Operating income-corporate expenses and eliminations is composed primarily of intersegment sales and profit eliminations and unallocated general and administrative expenses. The intersegment profit elimination impact in 2024 compared to 2023 was an unfavorable $2.7 million. The intersegment elimination of operating income effectively defers the operating income on sales from Water Systems to Distribution in the consolidated financial results until such time as the transferred product is sold from the Distribution segment to its end third party customer. General and administrative expenses increased $8.3 million, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by to higher employee compensation costs, including incremental expenses associated with the Company’s CEO transition.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $6.3 million in 2024 and $11.8 million in 2023, respectively. The decrease in 2024 was primarily driven by lower average borrowings in 2024.

Other Income or Expense

Other income (expense), net was a benefit of $1.3 million in 2024 and $3.7 million in 2023. The benefit in 2024 was lower than 2023 due to lower interest income realized in Argentina as excess cash balances and interest rates have declined in 2024 compared to 2023.

Foreign Exchange

Foreign currency-based transactions produced an expense of $6.8 million in 2024 and $12.1 million in 2023, respectively. The expense in 2024 and 2023 was primarily due to transaction losses associated with the Turkish Lira and Argentine Peso relative to the U.S. dollar. The Company reports the results of its subsidiaries in Argentina and Turkey using highly inflationary accounting, which requires that the functional currency of the entity be changed to the reporting currency of its parent.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes in 2024 and 2023 were $50.2 million and $47.5 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2024 was about 22 percent and included a favorable benefit from discrete events of 1 percent. The effective tax rate for 2023 was about 20 percent and included a favorable benefit from discrete events of 1 percent. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21 percent, primarily due to U.S. states taxes, foreign earnings taxed at rates higher than the U.S. statutory rate, and nondeductible officer’s compensation, partially offset by the recognition of the U.S. foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) provisions, certain incentives, and discrete events.

Net Income

Net income for 2024 was $181.6 million compared to 2023 net income of $194.7 million. Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for 2024 was $180.3 million, or $3.86 per diluted share, compared to 2023 net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. of $193.3 million, or $4.11 per diluted share.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Sources of Liquidity

The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operations, revolving credit agreements, and long-term debt funds available. The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at December 31, 2024 is adequate to meet projected needs for the foreseeable future. The Company expects that ongoing requirements for operations, capital expenditures, pension obligations, dividends, share repurchases, and debt service will be adequately funded from cash on hand, operations, and existing credit agreements.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a $350.0 million revolving credit facility. The facility is scheduled to mature on May 13, 2026. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $304.1 million borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement as $4.5 million in letters of commercial and standby letters of credit were outstanding and undrawn and $41.4 million in revolver borrowings were drawn or outstanding.

In addition, the Company maintains an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC, an affiliate of New York Life, and each of the undersigned holders of Notes (the "New York Life Agreement"). On May 15, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 that increased the total available facility amount from lenders to $250.0 million from $200.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining borrowing capacity on the New York Life Agreement was $175.0 million. The Company also maintains an uncommitted and unsecured note purchase and private shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc. and its affiliates (the "Prudential Agreement"). On May 15, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 that increased the total available facility amount from lenders to $250.0 million from $150.0 million. The maturity dates of both agreements were extended from July 30, 2024 to May 15, 2027.

At December 31, 2024, the Company had $47.1 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions, which the Company intends to use to fund foreign operations. There is currently no need to repatriate these funds in order to meet domestic funding obligations or scheduled cash distributions.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:

(in millions)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

2024 vs 2023

Net cash provided by operating activities was $261.4 million for 2024 compared to $315.7 million for 2023. The change in operating cash flow was primarily attributable to changes in working capital and lower earnings. In 2023, the Company's cash flow benefited from actions it took to improve working capital including inventory reductions as its supply chain resiliency and lead times improved significantly compared to 2022.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

2024 vs. 2023

Net cash used in investing activities was $45.6 million in 2024 compared to $74.3 million in 2023. The change in investing cash flow was primarily attributable to decreased acquisition activity in 2024.

In February 2025, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of PumpEng for a purchase price of AUD 24.0 million (approximately $15 million), subject to working capital and net debt closing adjustments. Also in February 2025, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barnes for an enterprise value of $110.0 million, subject to working capital and net debt closing adjustments. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including Colombian antitrust clearance, and is expected to close on or about March 1, 2025.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

2024 vs. 2023

Net cash used by financing activities was $74.1 million in 2024 compared to $192.2 million in 2023. The change in financing cash flow was primarily due to net borrowings under the Company's credit facility in 2024 compared to net repayments in 2023, partially offset by lower proceeds from option exercises, increased share repurchase activity and higher dividends.

AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The majority of the Company’s contractual obligations to third parties relate to debt obligations. In addition, the Company has certain contractual obligations for future lease payments and purchase obligations. The payment schedule for these contractual obligations is as follows:

(In millions)

Interest payments on debt obligations are calculated for future periods using interest rates in effect at the end of 2024. Certain of these projected interest payments may differ in the future based on interest rates or other factors or events. The projected interest payments only pertain to obligations and agreements outstanding at December 31, 2024.

The Company has pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations not included in the table above which will result in estimated future payments of approximately $7.3 million in 2025. In addition, due to the timing of funding in future periods being uncertain and dependent on future movements in interest rates, investment returns, changes in laws and regulations and other variables, the table above excludes the non-current liability of $24.1 million for cash outflows related to the Company's pension plans.

The Company also has unrecognized tax benefits, none of which are included in the table above. The unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.3 million have been recorded as liabilities and the Company is uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits, the Company has also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest of $0.1 million.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2 - Accounting Pronouncements, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the sections entitled ""Adoption of New Accounting Standards" and "Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted", included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis. Estimates are based on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There were no material changes to estimates or methodologies used to develop those estimates in 2024. The Company’s critical accounting estimates are identified below:

Inventory Valuation

The Company uses certain estimates and judgments to value inventory. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company reviews its inventories for excess or obsolete products or components. Based on an analysis of historical usage, management’s evaluation of estimated future demand, market conditions, and alternative uses for possible excess or obsolete parts, carrying values are adjusted. The carrying value is reduced regularly to reflect the age and current anticipated product demand. If actual demand differs from the estimates, additional reductions would be necessary in the period such determination is made. Excess and obsolete inventory is periodically disposed of through sale to third parties, scrapping, or other means.

Business Combinations and Valuation of Acquired Intangible Assets

The Company follows the guidance under FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The Company utilizes management estimates and may use an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in determining the fair values of assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed. The identifiable intangible assets acquired typically include customer relationships and trade names. Identifiable intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method ("MPEEM"). The fair value of trade names is measured using a relief-from-royalty ("RFR") approach, which assumes the value of the trade name is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had the Company not owned the trade name and instead licensed the trade name from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are based on internal revenue forecasts which the Company believes represents reasonable market participant assumptions. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable discount rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing estimates of future cash flows, including revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the discount rate and risk premium. There is inherent uncertainty in forecasted future cash flows and therefore, actual results may differ and could result in subsequent impairment charges of acquired intangible assets and/or goodwill.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset and Goodwill Impairment Evaluation

According to FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment. The Company has the option to assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test is not required to be performed. If the Company determines that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, or if it does not elect the option to perform an initial qualitative assessment, it performs a quantitative impairment test.

The Company uses a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments including qualitative reviews as well as quantitative reviews using the income and market approaches.

The market value approach compares the reporting units’ current and projected financial results to entities of similar size and industry to determine the market value of the reporting unit. The income approach utilizes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These cash flows consider factors regarding expected future operating income and historical trends, as well as the effects of demand and competition. The Company is required to record an impairment if these assumptions and estimates change whereby the fair value of the reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets are below their associated carrying values.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names. The Company determined it was not more likely than not that the fair values of its reporting units were lower than their carrying values. The Company also determined the fair value of all other indefinite-lived intangible assets were in excess of their respective carrying values. Significant judgment is required to determine if an indication of impairment has taken place. Factors to be considered include the following: adverse changes in operating results, decline in strategic business plans, significantly lower future cash flows, and sustainable declines in market data such as market capitalization. A 10 percent decrease in the estimated fair value of any of the indefinite-lived trade names would not have changed this determination. The sensitivity analysis required the use of numerous subjective assumptions, which, if actual experience varies, could result in material differences in the requirements for impairment charges. Further, an extended downturn in the economy may impact certain components of the operating segments more significantly and could result in an impairment determination.

Income Taxes

Under the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company analyzes the deferred tax assets and liabilities for their future realization based on the estimated existence of sufficient taxable income. This analysis considers the following sources of taxable income: prior year taxable income, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and tax planning strategies that would generate taxable income in the relevant period. If sufficient taxable income is not projected then the Company will record a valuation allowance against the relevant deferred tax assets.

The Company’s operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. These jurisdictions have different tax rates, and the Company determines the allocation of income to each of these jurisdictions based upon various estimates and assumptions. In the normal course of business, the Company will undergo tax audits by various tax jurisdictions. Such audits often require an extended period of time to complete and may result in income tax adjustments if changes to the allocation are required between jurisdictions with different tax rates. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in the various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. Although the Company has recorded all income tax uncertainties in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, these accruals represent estimates that are subject to the inherent uncertainties associated with the tax audit process. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, which, if actual experience varies, could result in material adjustments to tax expense and/or deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Pension and Employee Benefit Obligations

The Company consults with its actuaries to assist with the calculation of discount rates used in its pension and post retirement plans. The discount rates used to determine domestic pension and post-retirement plan liabilities are calculated using a full yield curve approach. Market conditions have caused the weighted-average discount rate to move from 4.90 percent last year to 5.48 percent this year for the domestic pension plans and from 4.88 percent last year to 5.47 percent this year for the postretirement health and life insurance plan. A change in the discount rate selected by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a change of about $0.1 million to employee benefit expense and a change of about $2.4 million of liability.

The Company consults with actuaries and investment advisors in making its determination of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Using input from these consultations such as long-term investment sector expected returns, the correlations and standard deviations thereof, and the plan asset allocation, the Company will use an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 5.75 percent in measuring net periodic cost for 2025. Market conditions have caused the expected long-term rate or return to decrease from 6.20 percent as used in measuring net periodic cost for 2024. A change in the long-term rate of return selected by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a change of about $0.3 million of employee benefit expense.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

This annual report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking information, such as statements about the Company’s financial goals, acquisition strategies, financial expectations including anticipated revenue or expense levels, business prospects, market positioning, product development, manufacturing re-alignment, capital expenditures, tax benefits and expenses, and the effect of contingencies or changes in accounting policies. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “strategy,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.” While the Company believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on present conditions, forward-looking statements made by the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, new housing starts, weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, and other risks, all as described in Item 1A and Exhibit 99.1 of this Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based upon information presently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

The Company is subject to market risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. These exposures are actively monitored by management. Exposure to foreign exchange rate risk is due to certain costs, revenue and borrowings being denominated in currencies other than one of the Company’s subsidiaries functional currency. Similarly, the Company is exposed to market risk as the result of changes in interest rates which may affect the cost of financing.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Foreign currency exchange rate risk is mitigated through several means including maintenance of local production facilities in the markets served, invoicing of customers in the currency which the Company is billed for production inputs, prompt settlement of third party and intercompany balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, maintaining minimal foreign currency denominated cash balances, and application of derivative instruments when appropriate. Based on the 2024 mix of foreign currencies, the Company estimates that a hypothetical strengthening of the US Dollar by about 2 percent would have reduced the Company’s 2024 sales by less than 1 percent.

Interest Rate Risk

The results of operations are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily with respect to borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Borrowings in USD under the Credit Agreement may be made either at (i) a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Term Benchmark plus an applicable margin or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement. Borrowings in EUR under the Credit Agreement may be made either at (i) a Euro Interbank Offer Rate (EURIBOR) Term Benchmark plus an applicable margin or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company had $41.4 million borrowings at year-end 2024 under the Credit Agreement. The Company estimates that a hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would have increased interest expense by $0.3 million during 2024. The Company also has exposure to changes in interest rates in the form of the fair value of outstanding fixed rate debt fluctuating in response to changing interest rates.

Commodity Price Exposures

Portions of the Company’s business are exposed to volatility in the prices of certain commodities, such as copper, steel and aluminum, among others. The primary exposure to this volatility resides with the use of these materials in purchased component parts. The Company generally maintains long-term fixed price contracts on raw materials and component parts; however, the Company is prone to exposure as these contracts expire. Based on the 2024 use of commodities, the Company estimates that a hypothetical 10 percent adverse movement in prices for raw metal commodities would result in less than 1 percent decrease of gross margin as a percent of net sales.

As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 under the Exchange Act during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting of the Company. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management excluded the asset acquisition of FSHS, Incorporated (Note 3 - Acquisitions) from its assessment of internal controls over financial reporting as the acquisition occurred in 2024. This exclusion is in accordance with the general guidance from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for one year following the acquisition. The net sales and total assets of the current year acquisition represented less than 1 percent of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. Based on its evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. This report appears on page 58.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, of the Company and our report dated February 21, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at FSHS Incorporated, which was acquired in 2024. This acquired business constitutes less than 1% of net sales and total assets of the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at this acquired business.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 21, 2025