Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Waters (NYSE: WAT) reported strong Q4 2024 results with sales of $873 million, up 6% as reported and 8% in constant currency. Q4 highlights include 8% instrument growth and 9% recurring revenue growth in constant currency. Pharmaceutical sector showed robust performance, growing 10% in constant currency.

Full-year 2024 sales reached $2,958 million, flat year-over-year. The company achieved GAAP EPS of $10.71 and non-GAAP EPS of $11.86, up 1% from 2023 despite 5% foreign exchange headwinds. Waters generated strong cash flow with $762 million in operating cash flow and $744 million in free cash flow.

Looking ahead to 2025, Waters projects constant currency sales growth of 4.5% to 7.0%, with reported growth between 2.5% to 5.0% after accounting for currency impact. The company expects 2025 non-GAAP EPS between $12.70 and $13.00, facing approximately 4% headwind from foreign exchange.

Positive

• Q4 sales exceeded guidance at $873M, growing 6% YoY
• Q4 non-GAAP EPS grew 13% to $4.10
• Strong pharma sector performance with 10% growth in Q4
• Generated $744M in free cash flow (25% of sales)
• Margin expansion achieved despite FX headwinds

Negative

• Full-year 2024 sales remained flat at $2,958M
• Significant foreign exchange headwinds impacting earnings (5% impact in 2024)
• Industrial market showed weak growth at just 2% in Q4
• Expected continued FX headwinds in 2025 (4% impact)

Insights

Financial Analyst

Waters 's Q4 2024 results demonstrate exceptional operational execution and strategic positioning in the analytical instruments market. The standout 10% constant currency growth in pharmaceutical sales signals strong market share gains and successful penetration of core markets. The balanced growth across instruments (8%) and recurring revenue (9%) reflects a robust business model that combines innovation with stable, high-margin revenue streams.

The company's operational excellence is particularly noteworthy, achieving margin expansion despite significant headwinds. The adjusted operating income margin of 31.0% showcases effective cost management and pricing power. The impressive free cash flow conversion ratio of 105% of adjusted net income provides substantial financial flexibility for future investments and shareholder returns.

Regional performance analysis reveals encouraging trends, with Europe leading at 11% constant currency growth, followed by Asia at 9% and Americas at 6%. This geographical diversification helps buffer against regional market fluctuations and demonstrates the global strength of Waters' market position.

Looking ahead, the 2025 guidance of 4.5-7.0% constant currency growth suggests continued momentum, though forex headwinds (estimated -2.0%) will impact reported figures. The projected Q1 2025 performance indicates steady growth trajectory, with the company effectively navigating currency challenges through operational efficiency and strategic pricing initiatives.

The strong adoption of new products and success of strategic initiatives positions Waters favorably in the highly competitive analytical instruments market. The consistent expansion in recurring revenue streams provides a robust foundation for sustainable growth, while the strong cash flow generation supports continued investment in innovation and market expansion.

Highlights

Fourth Quarter 2024

• Sales of $873 million exceeded high-end of guidance range, grew 6% as reported and 8% in constant currency
• Instruments grew 8% and recurring revenue grew 9% in constant currency, as growth accelerated across all three reported regions
• Pharma grew 10% in constant currency, reflecting stronger-than-expected year-end spending dynamics and broad-based growth across the Americas, Europe, and Asia
• GAAP EPS of $3.88; non-GAAP EPS of $4.10 grew 13% as strong operational performance and better-than-expected sales volume offset foreign exchange headwinds

Full-Year 2024

• Sales exceeded guidance at $2,958 million, flat as reported and in organic constant currency
• GAAP operating income margin of 27.9%; operational excellence drove adjusted operating income margin expansion to 31.0%, effectively neutralizing the challenges posed by foreign exchange headwinds
• GAAP EPS of $10.71; non-GAAP EPS of $11.86 grew 1% versus 2023, which includes a 5% impact due to foreign exchange headwinds
• Generated $762 million in operating cash flow; $744 million in free cash flow, representing 25% of full-year sales, and a free cash flow to adjusted net income ratio of 105%

MILFORD, Mass., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024.

Sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $873 million, an increase of 6% as reported, compared to sales of $819 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Currency translation decreased sales by 2%.

On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $3.88, compared to $3.65 for the fourth quarter of 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS increased by 13% to $4.10, compared to $3.62 for the fourth quarter of 2023. This includes a decline of approximately 9% due to foreign exchange headwinds, which were 6% or $0.23 adverse to guidance.

"We delivered excellent results in the fourth quarter, led by double-digit growth in Pharma, while instruments and recurring revenue both grew high single-digits in constant currency," said Dr. Udit Batra, President & CEO, Waters Corporation. "Growth accelerated across all regions, driven by strong adoption of new products and the success of our strategic initiatives."

Dr. Batra continued, "Our team has done a commendable job of consistently executing our strategy and delivering a second consecutive year of margin expansion while overcoming significant headwinds in foreign exchange, volume, and inflation. With the strong operational execution, the traction of our differentiated portfolio and the success of our strategic initiatives, Waters is very well positioned for the next phase of growth."

Fourth Quarter 2024

During the fourth quarter of 2024, sales into the pharmaceutical market increased 8% as reported and 10% in constant currency. Sales into the industrial market increased 1% as reported and 2% in constant currency. Sales into the academic and government market increased 15% as reported and 16% in constant currency.

During the quarter, instrument system sales increased 6% as reported and 8% in constant currency. Recurring revenues, which represent the combination of service and precision chemistries, increased 7% as reported and 9% in constant currency.

Geographically, sales in Asia during the quarter increased 4% as reported and 9% in constant currency. Sales in the Americas increased 6% as reported and in constant currency. Sales in Europe increased 10% as reported and 11% in constant currency.

Full-Year 2024

Sales for the fiscal year 2024 were $2,958 million, flat as reported, compared to sales of $2,956 million for fiscal year 2023. Currency translation decreased sales by approximately 1%, while the impact of acquisitions increased sales by approximately 1%.

On a GAAP basis, EPS for fiscal year 2024 was $10.71, compared to $10.84 for fiscal year 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS increased by 1% to $11.86, compared to $11.75 for fiscal year 2023. This includes a decline of approximately 5% due to foreign exchange headwinds, which were 2% adverse to guidance.

Unless otherwise noted, sales growth and decline percentages are presented on an as-reported basis. A description and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results appear in the tables below and can be found on the Company's website www.waters.com in the Investor Relations section.

Full-Year and First Quarter 2025 Financial Guidance

Full-Year 2025 Financial Guidance

The Company expects full-year 2025 constant currency sales growth to be in the range of +4.5% to +7.0%. Currency translation is expected to decrease full-year sales growth by approximately 2.0%. The resulting full-year 2025 reported sales growth is expected in the range of +2.5% to +5.0%.

The Company expects full-year 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be in the range of $12.70 to $13.00, which includes an estimated headwind of approximately 4% due to unfavorable foreign exchange.

Please refer to the tables below for a reconciliation of the projected GAAP to non-GAAP financial outlook for the full-year.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Guidance

The Company expects first quarter 2025 constant currency sales growth to be in the range of +4.0% to +7.0%. Currency translation is expected to decrease first quarter sales growth by approximately 3.0%. The resulting first quarter 2025 reported sales growth is expected in the range of +1.0% to +4.0%.

The Company expects first quarter 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be in the range of $2.17 to $2.25, which includes an estimated headwind of approximately 7% due to unfavorable foreign exchange.

Please refer to the tables below for a reconciliation of the projected GAAP to non-GAAP financial outlook for the first quarter.

Conference Call Details

Waters Corporation will webcast its fourth quarter 2024 financial results conference call today, February 12, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call and see the accompanying slide presentation, please visit www.waters.com, select "Investor Relations" under the "About Waters" section, navigate to "Events & Presentations," and click on the "Webcast." A replay will be available through at least March 5, 2025.

About Waters Corporation

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years. Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and the quality and sustainability of products used every day. In over 100 countries, our 7,600 passionate employees collaborate with customers in laboratories, manufacturing sites, and hospitals to accelerate the benefits of pioneering science.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial measures, such as organic constant currency growth rates, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted share and free cash flow, among others, which are considered "non-GAAP" financial measures under applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company's definitions of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release adjust for specified items that can be highly variable or difficult to predict. The Company generally uses these non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate management's financial and operational decision-making, including evaluation of the Company's historical operating results, comparison to competitors' operating results and determination of management incentive compensation. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company's operations that, when viewed with GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company's business. Because non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the Company's reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the Company's consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the tables accompanying this release.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding future results and events. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "feels", "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "suggests", "appears", "estimates", "projects" and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company's actual future results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward- looking statements within this release for a variety of reasons, including and without limitation, risks related to, and expectations or ability to realize commercial success of the Wyatt transaction; the impact of this transaction on the Company's business, anticipated progress on Waters' research programs, development of new analytical instruments and associated software or consumables, manufacturing development and capabilities; the increased indebtedness of the Company as a result of the Wyatt transaction, the repayment of which could impact the Company's future results, market prospects for its products and sales and earnings guidance; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations potentially affecting translation of the Company's future non-U.S. operating results, particularly when a foreign currency weakens against the U.S. dollar; current global economic, sovereign and political conditions and uncertainties, including the effect of new or proposed tariff or trade regulations as well as other new or changed domestic and foreign laws, regulations and policies; changes in inflation and interest rates; the impacts and costs of war, in particular as a result of the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, and the possibility of further escalation resulting in new geopolitical and regulatory instability; the Chinese government's ongoing tightening of restrictions on procurement by government-funded customers; the Company's ability to access capital, maintain liquidity and service the Company's debt in volatile market conditions; risks related to the effects of any pandemic on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects; changes in timing and demand for the Company's products among the Company's customers and various market sectors, particularly as a result of fluctuations in their expenditures or ability to obtain funding; the ability to realize the expected benefits related to the Company's various cost-saving initiatives, including workforce reductions and organizational restructurings; the introduction of competing products by other companies and loss of market share, as well as pressures on prices from competitors and/or customers; changes in the competitive landscape as a result of changes in ownership, mergers and continued consolidation among the Company's competitors; regulatory, economic and competitive obstacles to new product introductions; lack of acceptance of new products and inability to grow organically through innovation; rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence; risks associated with previous or future acquisitions, strategic investments, joint ventures and divestitures, including risks associated with achieving the anticipated financial results and operational synergies; contingent purchase price payments and expansion of our business into new or developing markets; risks associated with unexpected disruptions in operations; failure to adequately protect the Company's intellectual property, infringement of intellectual property rights of third parties and inability to obtain licenses on commercially reasonable terms; the Company's ability to acquire adequate sources of supply and its reliance on outside contractors for certain components and modules, as well as disruptions to its supply chain; risks associated with third-party sales intermediaries and resellers; the impact and costs of changes in statutory or contractual tax rates in jurisdictions in which the Company operates as well as shifts in taxable income among jurisdictions with different effective tax rates, the outcome of ongoing and future tax examinations and changes in legislation affecting the Company's effective tax rate; the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified employees and management personnel; risks associated with cybersecurity and technology, including attempts by third parties to defeat the security measures of the Company and its third-party partners; increased regulatory burdens as the Company's business evolves, especially with respect to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others, and in connection with government contracts; regulatory, environmental and logistical obstacles affecting the distribution of the Company's products, completion of purchase order documentation and the ability of customers to obtain letters of credit or other financing alternatives; risks associated with litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings; and the impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting principles and practices. Such factors and others are discussed more fully in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as in the sections entitled "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 30, 2024, June 29, 2024, and September 28, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which discussions are incorporated by reference in this release, as updated by the Company's future filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this release represent the Company's estimates or views as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates or views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Net sales	$               872,714		$               819,474		$            2,958,387		$            2,956,416
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of sales	348,516		318,360		1,200,201		1,195,223
Selling and administrative expenses	173,268		180,357		690,148		736,014
Research and development expenses	46,914		44,386		183,027		174,945
Purchased intangibles amortization	11,753		12,148		47,090		32,558
Litigation provision	-		-		11,568		-
Operating income	292,263		264,223		826,353		817,676
Other (expense) income, net	(843)		(557)		776		807
Interest expense, net	(14,437)		(26,066)		(72,261)		(82,240)
Income from operations before income taxes	276,983		237,600		754,868		736,243
Provision for income taxes	45,585		21,395		117,034		94,009
Net income	$               231,398		$               216,205		$               637,834		$               642,234
Net income per basic common share	$                     3.90		$                     3.66		$                   10.75		$                   10.87
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	59,386		59,142		59,333		59,076
Net income per diluted common share	$                     3.88		$                     3.65		$                   10.71		$                   10.84
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	59,645		59,311		59,552		59,270

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP
Net Sales by Operating Segments, Products & Services, Geography and Markets
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
															Constant
					Three Months Ended						Percent		Impact of		Currency
					December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Change		Currency		Growth Rate (a)
NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENTS
Waters					$	764,309		$	716,932		7 %		(2 %)		8 %
TA						108,405			102,542		6 %		(1 %)		7 %
Total					$	872,714		$	819,474		6 %		(2 %)		8 %
NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Instruments					$	419,616		$	397,201		6 %		(2 %)		8 %
Service						301,844			278,888		8 %		(1 %)		9 %
Chemistry						151,254			143,385		5 %		(2 %)		7 %
Total Recurring						453,098			422,273		7 %		(2 %)		9 %
Total					$	872,714		$	819,474		6 %		(2 %)		8 %
NET SALES - GEOGRAPHY
Asia					$	272,903		$	261,893		4 %		(5 %)		9 %
Americas						321,005			303,746		6 %		0 %		6 %
Europe						278,806			253,835		10 %		(1 %)		11 %
Total					$	872,714		$	819,474		6 %		(2 %)		8 %
NET SALES - MARKETS
Pharmaceutical					$	498,807		$	463,698		8 %		(3 %)		10 %
Industrial						264,027			260,249		1 %		(1 %)		2 %
Academic & Government						109,880			95,527		15 %		(1 %)		16 %
Total					$	872,714		$	819,474		6 %		(2 %)		8 %

(a)

The Company believes that referring to comparable constant currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Constant currency growth, a non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP
Net Sales by Operating Segments, Products & Services, Geography and Markets
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
																	Organic
																	Constant
					Twelve Months Ended						Percent		Impact of		Impact of		Currency
					December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Change		Currency		Acquisitions		Growth Rate (a)
NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENTS
Waters					$	2,604,421		$	2,601,590		0 %		(1 %)		1 %		0 %
TA						353,966			354,826		0 %		(1 %)		0 %		1 %
Total					$	2,958,387		$	2,956,416		0 %		(1 %)		1 %		0 %
NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Instruments					$	1,278,695		$	1,361,581		(6 %)		(1 %)		2 %		(7 %)
Service						1,114,211			1,053,366		6 %		(1 %)		1 %		6 %
Chemistry						565,481			541,469		4 %		(1 %)		0 %		5 %
Total Recurring						1,679,692			1,594,835		5 %		(1 %)		0 %		6 %
Total					$	2,958,387		$	2,956,416		0 %		(1 %)		1 %		0 %
NET SALES - GEOGRAPHY
Asia					$	969,222		$	1,007,825		(4 %)		(4 %)		1 %		(1 %)
Americas						1,115,780			1,108,573		1 %		0 %		2 %		(1 %)
Europe						873,385			840,018		4 %		1 %		1 %		2 %
Total					$	2,958,387		$	2,956,416		0 %		(1 %)		1 %		0 %
NET SALES - MARKETS
Pharmaceutical					$	1,718,899		$	1,696,875		1 %		(2 %)		2 %		1 %
Industrial						908,486			909,003		0 %		0 %		0 %		0 %
Academic & Government						331,002			350,538		(6 %)		0 %		1 %		(7 %)
Total					$	2,958,387		$	2,956,416		0 %		(1 %)		1 %		0 %

(a)

The Company believes that referring to comparable organic constant currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Organic constant currency growth, a non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period and excluding the impact of acquisitions made within twelve months of the acquisition close date. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Financials
Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(In thousands, except per share data)
																				Income from
																				Operations
					Selling &			Research &						Operating			Other			before			Provision for						Diluted
					Administrative			Development			Operating			Income			(Expense)			Income			Income			Net			Earnings
					Expenses(a)			Expenses			Income			Percentage			Income			Taxes			Taxes			Income			per Share
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
GAAP				$	185,021		$	46,914		$	292,263			33.5 %		$	(843)		$	276,983		$	45,585		$	231,398		$	3.88
Adjustments:
	Purchased intangibles amortization (b)				(11,753)			-			11,753			1.3 %			-			11,753			2,813			8,940			0.15
	Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)				(1,480)			-			1,480			0.2 %			-			1,480			354			1,126			0.02
	ERP implementation and transformation costs (h)				(1,346)			-			1,346			0.2 %			-			1,346			337			1,009			0.02
	Retention bonus obligation (f)				(1,911)			(636)			2,547			0.3 %			-			2,547			612			1,935			0.03
Adjusted Non-GAAP				$	168,531		$	46,278		$	309,389			35.5 %		$	(843)		$	294,109		$	49,701		$	244,408		$	4.10
Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
GAAP				$	192,505		$	44,386		$	264,223			32.2 %		$	(557)		$	237,600		$	21,395		$	216,205		$	3.65
Adjustments:
	Purchased intangibles amortization (b)				(12,148)			-			12,148			1.5 %			-			12,148			2,906			9,242			0.16
	Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)				(1,036)			-			1,036			0.1 %			130			1,166			266			900			0.02
	Acquisition related costs (e)				(649)			-			649			0.1 %			-			649			156			493			0.01
	Retention bonus obligation (f)				(5,725)			(1,909)			7,634			0.9 %			-			7,634			1,832			5,802			0.10
	Certain income tax items (g)				-			-			-			-			-			-			17,651			(17,651)			(0.30)
Adjusted Non-GAAP				$	172,947		$	42,477		$	285,690			34.9 %		$	(427)		$	259,197		$	44,206		$	214,991		$	3.62
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
GAAP				$	748,806		$	183,027		$	826,353			27.9 %		$	776		$	754,868		$	117,034		$	637,834		$	10.71
Adjustments:
	Purchased intangibles amortization (b)				(47,090)			-			47,090			1.6 %			-			47,090			11,269			35,821			0.60
	Litigation provision and settlement (c)				(11,568)			-			11,568			0.4 %			-			11,568			2,776			8,792			0.15
	Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)				(12,160)			-			12,160			0.4 %			-			12,160			2,971			9,189			0.15
	ERP implementation and transformation costs (h)				(1,346)			-			1,346			0.0 %			-			1,346			337			1,009			0.02
	Retention bonus obligation (f)				(13,362)			(4,453)			17,815			0.6 %			-			17,815			4,276			13,539			0.23
Adjusted Non-GAAP				$	663,280		$	178,574		$	916,332			31.0 %		$	776		$	844,847		$	138,663		$	706,184		$	11.86
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
GAAP				$	768,572		$	174,945		$	817,676			27.7 %		$	807		$	736,243		$	94,009		$	642,234		$	10.84
Adjustments:
	Purchased intangibles amortization (b)				(32,558)			-			32,558			1.1 %			-			32,558			7,758			24,800			0.42
	Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)				(29,917)			-			29,917			1.0 %			(521)			29,396			7,126			22,270			0.38
	Acquisition related costs (e)				(13,947)			-			13,947			0.5 %			-			13,947			3,347			10,600			0.18
	Retention bonus obligation (f)				(14,093)			(4,699)			18,792			0.6 %			-			18,792			4,510			14,282			0.24
	Certain income tax items (g)				-			-			-			-			-			-			17,651			(17,651)			(0.30)
Adjusted Non-GAAP				$	678,057		$	170,246		$	912,890			30.9 %		$	286		$	830,936		$	134,401		$	696,535		$	11.75

(a)

Selling & administrative expenses include purchased intangibles amortization and litigation provisions and settlements.

(b)

The purchased intangibles amortization, a non-cash expense, was excluded to be consistent with how management evaluates the performance of its core business against historical operating results and the operating results of competitors over periods of time.

(c)

Litigation provisions and settlement gains were excluded as these items are isolated, unpredictable and not expected to recur regularly.

(d)

Restructuring costs and certain other items were excluded as the Company believes that the cost to consolidate operations, reduce overhead, and certain other income or expense items are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses of a specific function or geographic location of the Company.

(e)

Acquisition related costs include all incremental expenses incurred, such as advisory, legal, accounting, tax, valuation, and other professional fees. The Company believes that these costs are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses.

(f)

In connection with the Wyatt acquisition, the Company started to recognize a two-year retention bonus obligation that is contingent upon the employee's providing future service and continued employment with Waters. The Company believes that these costs are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses.

(g)

Certain income tax items were excluded as these non-cash expenses and benefits represent updates in management's assessment of ongoing examinations, tax audit settlements, or other tax items that are not indicative of the Company's normal or future income tax expense.

(h)

ERP implementation and transformation costs represent costs related to the Company's initiative to transition from its legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to a new global ERP solution with a cloud-based infrastructure. These costs, which do not represent normal or future ongoing business expenses, are one-time, non-recurring costs related to the establishment of our new global ERP solution that were determined to be non-capitalizable in accordance with accounting standards.

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Preliminary Condensed Unclassified Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands and unaudited)
					December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash, cash equivalents and investments					$                325,355		$                395,974
Accounts receivable					733,365		702,168
Inventories					477,261		516,236
Property, plant and equipment, net					651,200		639,073
Intangible assets, net					567,906		629,187
Goodwill					1,295,720		1,305,446
Other assets					502,988		438,770
Total assets					$             4,553,795		$             4,626,854
Notes payable and debt					$             1,626,488		$             2,355,513
Other liabilities					1,098,800		1,121,000
Total liabilities					2,725,288		3,476,513
Total stockholders' equity					1,828,507		1,150,341
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity					$             4,553,795		$             4,626,854

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Preliminary Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(In thousands and unaudited)
				Three Months Ended					Twelve Months Ended
				December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income			$                     231,398		$                   216,205			$                   637,834		$                   642,234
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
			cash provided by operating activities:
		Stock-based compensation		11,716		4,644			44,709		36,868
		Depreciation and amortization		48,575		48,060			191,825		165,905
		Change in operating assets and liabilities and other, net		(51,550)		(38,787)			(112,245)		(242,198)
			Net cash provided by operating activities	240,139		230,122			762,123		602,809
Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant, equipment
			and software capitalization	(52,104)		(41,588)			(142,481)		(160,632)
	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			-		3,553			-		(1,282,354)
	Proceeds from (investments in) unaffiliated companies			-		91			(1,489)		742
	Net change in investments			(9)		-			(53)		(21)
			Net cash used in investing activities	(52,113)		(37,944)			(144,023)		(1,442,265)
Cash flows from financing activities:
	Net change in debt			(200,000)		(150,001)			(730,000)		779,600
	Proceeds from stock plans			5,293		11,700			30,366		29,792
	Purchases of treasury shares			(66)		156			(13,541)		(70,277)
	Other cash flow from financing activities, net			1,195		7,658			16,500		15,836
			Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(193,578)		(130,487)			(696,675)		754,951
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				(541)		(3,029)			7,920		(948)
			(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(6,093)		58,662			(70,655)		(85,453)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				330,514		336,414			395,076		480,529
			Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$                     324,421		$                   395,076			$                   324,421		$                   395,076
Reconciliation of GAAP Cash Flows from Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (a)
Net cash provided by operating activities - GAAP				$                     240,139		$                   230,122			$                   762,123		$                   602,809
	Adjustments:
		Additions to property, plant, equipment
			and software capitalization	(52,104)		(41,588)			(142,481)		(160,632)
		Tax reform payments		-		-			95,645		72,101
		Litigation settlements (received) paid, net		-		(375)			9,250		(1,500)
		Major facility renovations		-		3,494			-		15,645
		Payment of acquired Wyatt liabilities (b)		-		-			-		25,617
		Payment of Wyatt retention bonus obligation (c)		-		-			19,770		-
Free Cash Flow - Adjusted Non-GAAP				$                     188,035		$                   191,653			$                   744,307		$                   554,040

(a)		The Company defines free cash flow as net cash flow from operations accounted for under GAAP less capital expenditures and software capitalizations plus or minus any unusual and non recurring items. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measurement and may not be comparable to free cash flow reported by other companies.
(b)		In connection with the Wyatt acquisition, the Company assumed certain obligations of Wyatt and paid those obligations immediately upon closing the transaction. The Company believes that the assumed obligations do not represent future ongoing business expenses.
(c)		During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company made its first retention payment under the Wyatt retention bonus program. The Company believes that these payments are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses.

 

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Projected GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Financial Outlook
			Twelve Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			December 31, 2025				March 29, 2025
				Range				Range
Projected Sales
Constant currency sales growth rate (a)			4.5 %	-	7.0 %		4.0 %	-	7.0 %
Currency translation impact			(2.0 %)	-	(2.0 %)		(3.0 %)	-	(3.0 %)
Sales growth rate as reported			2.5 %	-	5.0 %		1.0 %	-	4.0 %
				Range				Range
Projected Earnings Per Diluted Share
GAAP earnings per diluted share			$    11.83	-	$    12.13		$      1.96	-	$      2.04
Adjustments:
	Purchased intangibles amortization		$      0.60	-	$      0.60		$      0.15	-	$      0.15
	ERP implementation and transformation costs		$      0.22	-	$      0.22		$      0.03	-	$      0.03
	Retention bonus obligation		$      0.05	-	$      0.05		$      0.03	-	$      0.03
Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share			$    12.70	-	$    13.00		$      2.17	-	$      2.25

(a) Constant currency growth rates are a non-GAAP financial measure that measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. These amounts are estimated at the current foreign currency exchange rates and based on the forecasted geographical sales in local currency, as well as an assessment of market conditions as of today, and may differ significantly from actual results.
These forward-looking adjustment estimates do not reflect future gains and charges that are inherently difficult to predict and estimate due to their unknown timing, effect and/or significance.

 

Contact: Caspar Tudor, Head of Investor Relations – (508) 482-2429

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SOURCE Waters Corporation

FAQ

What were Waters 's (WAT) Q4 2024 earnings results?

Waters reported Q4 2024 sales of $873M (up 6%), with non-GAAP EPS of $4.10 (up 13% YoY). The company exceeded its guidance range despite foreign exchange headwinds.

How much did Waters (WAT) pharmaceutical segment grow in Q4 2024?

Waters' pharmaceutical market sales grew 10% in constant currency during Q4 2024, driven by stronger-than-expected year-end spending and broad-based growth across all regions.

What is Waters 's (WAT) revenue guidance for 2025?

Waters expects 2025 constant currency sales growth of 4.5% to 7.0%, with reported growth between 2.5% to 5.0% after accounting for currency impact.

How much free cash flow did Waters (WAT) generate in 2024?

Waters generated $744 million in free cash flow during 2024, representing 25% of full-year sales and a free cash flow to adjusted net income ratio of 105%.

What is Waters 's (WAT) EPS guidance for 2025?

Waters projects 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be between $12.70 and $13.00, including an estimated 4% headwind from unfavorable foreign exchange.