0000091142-21-000085 | 10-Q | XBRL Viewer

Print Document View Excel Document

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
Cover Page - shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 28, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-475
Entity Registrant Name	A. O. Smith Corporation
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	39-0619790
Entity Address, Address Line One	11270 West Park Place
Entity Address, City or Town	Milwaukee
Entity Address, State or Province	WI
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	53224-9508
City Area Code	414
Local Phone Number	359-4000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock (par value $1.00 per share)
Trading Symbol	AOS
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000091142
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,989,387
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		134,466,854

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 769.0	$ 636.9
Cost of products sold	480.4	397.4
Gross profit	288.6	239.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses	166.5	173.8
Interest expense	1.0	2.2
Other income	(5.0)	(4.2)
Earnings before provision for income taxes	126.1	67.7
Provision for income taxes	28.4	16.0
Net Earnings	$ 97.7	$ 51.7
Net Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (in USD per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.32
Diluted Net Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (in USD per share)	0.60	0.32
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock (in USD per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.24

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 97.7	$ 51.7
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1.4)	(18.0)
Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow derivative instruments, less related income tax benefit (provision) of $0.7 in 2021 and $(0.1) in 2020	(2.0)	0.3
Adjustment to pension liability, less related income tax provision of ($1.3) in 2021 and ($1.2) in 2020	3.8	3.6
Comprehensive Earnings	$ 98.1	$ 37.6

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121641772&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721683-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22595-107794

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121641772&loc=SL7669625-108580

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 11: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 12: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 13: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22663-107794

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75031198&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 60B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121326447&loc=SL5780133-109256

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22658-107794

+ Details

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (provision) on cash flow derivative instruments	$ 0.7	$ (0.1)
Income tax provision on adjustment to pension liability	$ (1.3)	$ (1.2)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 578.5	$ 573.1
Marketable securities	87.0	116.5
Receivables	534.5	585.0
Inventories	312.8	300.1
Other current assets	45.4	43.3
Total Current Assets	1,558.2	1,618.0
Property, plant and equipment	1,227.1	1,222.6
Less accumulated depreciation	(688.0)	(681.3)
Net property, plant and equipment	539.1	541.3
Goodwill	547.3	546.8
Other intangibles	320.9	323.9
Operating lease assets	44.2	41.6
Other assets	97.1	89.1
Total Assets	3,106.8	3,160.7
Current Liabilities
Trade payables	547.4	595.2
Accrued payroll and benefits	55.1	74.6
Accrued liabilities	181.2	161.9
Product warranties	45.6	47.8
Debt due within one year	6.8	6.8
Total Current Liabilities	836.1	886.3
Long-term debt	99.6	106.4
Product warranties	96.0	94.5
Long-term operating lease liabilities	35.8	34.4
Other liabilities	190.3	190.8
Total Liabilities	1,257.8	1,312.4
Stockholders’ Equity
Capital in excess of par value	528.7	520.4
Retained earnings	2,565.1	2,509.6
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(320.8)	(321.2)
Treasury stock at cost	(1,219.3)	(1,155.9)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,849.0	1,848.3
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	3,106.8	3,160.7
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, value	130.6	130.8
Common Stock
Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, value	$ 164.7	$ 164.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 5	$ 5
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	27,000,000	27,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	26,119,767	26,168,513
Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	164,587,827	164,539,081

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 97.7	$ 51.7
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19.5	20.1
Stock based compensation expense	7.4	9.0
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Current assets and liabilities	(13.2)	(15.1)
Noncurrent assets and liabilities	(7.0)	(11.6)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	104.4	54.1
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(17.1)	(12.8)
Investments in marketable securities	(24.4)	(38.8)
Net proceeds from sale of marketable securities	54.0	78.0
Cash Provided by Investing Activities	12.5	26.4
Financing Activities
Long-term debt repaid	(6.8)
Long-term debt incurred		58.5
Common stock repurchases	(67.0)	(56.7)
Net proceeds (payments) from stock option activity	4.5	(1.2)
Dividends paid	(42.2)	(39.0)
Cash Used in Financing Activities	(111.5)	(38.4)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5.4	42.1
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	573.1	374.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$ 578.5	$ 416.1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock Class A Common Stock	Common Stock Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (see Note 15)	Treasury Stock
Balance at the beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 130.9	$ 164.5	$ 509.0	$ 2,323.4		$ (1,112.7)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of Class A Common Stock		0.0	0.0	0.0
Issuance of share units				(6.5)
Vesting of share units				(1.6)			1.6
Stock based compensation expense				8.8
Exercises of stock options				(0.1)			(1.1)
Stock incentives				6.5
Net earnings	$ 51.7				51.7
Cash dividends on stock					(39.0)
Shares repurchased							(56.7)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2020	1,616.3	130.9	164.5	516.1	2,336.1	$ (362.4)	(1,168.9)
Balance at the beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2020	1,848.3	130.8	164.6	520.4	2,509.6		(1,155.9)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion of Class A Common Stock		(0.2)	0.1	0.2
Issuance of share units				(5.3)
Vesting of share units				(1.7)			1.7
Stock based compensation expense				7.2
Exercises of stock options				2.6			1.9
Stock incentives				5.3
Net earnings	97.7				97.7
Cash dividends on stock					(42.2)
Shares repurchased							(67.0)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 1,849.0	$ 130.6	$ 164.7	$ 528.7	$ 2,565.1	$ (320.8)	$ (1,219.3)

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. It is suggested the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021. Recent Accounting Pronouncement In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (issued under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”). This amendment removes certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted the amendment on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have an impact on its consolidated balance sheets, statements of earnings or statements of cash flows.

Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Substantially all of the Company’s sales are from contracts with customers for the purchase of its products. Contracts and customer purchase orders are used to determine the existence of a sales contract. Shipping documents are used to verify shipment. For substantially all of its products, the Company transfers control of products to the customer at the point in time when title and risk are passed to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment of the product. Each unit sold is considered an independent, unbundled performance obligation. The Company’s sales arrangements do not include other performance obligations that are material in the context of the contract.

The nature, timing and amount of revenue for a respective performance obligation are consistent for each customer. The Company measures the sales transaction price based upon the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. Sales and value added taxes are excluded from the measurement of transaction price. The Company’s payment terms for the majority of its customers are 30 to 90 days from shipment.

Additionally, certain customers in China pay the Company prior to the shipment of products resulting in a customer deposits liability of $77.7 million and $90.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Customer deposit liabilities are short term in nature and deposits are recognized into revenue within one year of receipt. The Company assesses the collectability of customer receivables based on the creditworthiness of a customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history. In determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company also considers various factors including the aging of customer accounts and historical write-offs. In addition, the Company monitors other risk factors including forward-looking information when establishing adequate allowances for doubtful accounts, which reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the receivables. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.3 million at March 31, 2021 and $5.6 million at December 31, 2020.

Rebates and incentives are based on pricing agreements and are tied to sales volume. The amount of revenue is reduced for variable consideration related to customer rebates which are calculated using expected values and are based on program specific factors such as expected rebate percentages based on expected volumes. In situations where the customer has the right to return eligible products, the Company reduces revenue for its estimates of expected product returns, which are primarily based on an analysis of historical experience. Changes in such accruals may be required if actual sales volume differs from estimated sales volume or if future returns differ from historical experience. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in net sales and the related costs are included in cost of products sold and are activities performed to fulfill the promise to transfer products.

Disaggregation of Net Sales

The Company is comprised of two reporting segments: North America and Rest of World. The Rest of World segment is primarily comprised of China, Europe and India. Both segments manufacture and market comprehensive lines of residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks and water treatment products. Both segments primarily manufacture and market in their respective regions of the world.

As each segment manufactures and markets products in its respective region of the world, the Company has determined that geography is the primary factor in reporting its sales. The Company further disaggregates its North America segment sales by major product line as each of North America’s major product lines is sold through distinct distribution channels and these product lines may be impacted differently by certain economic factors. Within the Rest of World segment, particularly in China and India, the Company’s major customers purchase across the Company’s product lines, utilizing the same distribution channels regardless of product type. In addition, the impact of economic factors is unlikely to be differentiated by product line in the Rest of World segment.

The North America segment major product lines are defined as the following:

Water heaters The Company’s water heaters are open water heating systems that heat potable water. Typical applications for water heaters include residences, restaurants, hotels and motels, office buildings, laundries, car washes and small businesses. The Company sells residential and commercial water heater products and related parts through its wholesale distribution channel, which includes more than 1,200 independent wholesale plumbing distributors. The Company also sells residential water heaters and related parts through retail and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) channels. A significant portion of the Company’s water heater sales in the North America segment is derived from the replacement of existing products.

Boilers The Company’s boilers are closed loop water heating systems used primarily for space heating or hydronic heating. The Company’s boilers are primarily used in applications in commercial settings for hospitals, schools, hotels and other large commercial buildings while residential boilers are used in homes, apartments and condominiums. The Company’s boiler distribution channel is comprised primarily of manufacturer representative firms, with the remainder of its boilers distributed through wholesale channels. The Company’s boiler sales in the North America segment are derived from a combination of replacement of existing products and new construction.

Water treatment products The Company’s water treatment products range from point-of-entry water softeners, solutions for problem well water, and whole-home water filtration products to on-the-go filtration bottles and point-of-use carbon and reverse osmosis products. Typical applications for the Company’s water treatment products include residences, restaurants, hotels and offices. The Company sells water treatment products through its retail and wholesale distribution channels, similar to water heater products and related parts. The Company’s water treatment products are also sold through independent water quality dealers as well as directly to consumers including through internet sales channels. A portion of the Company’s sales of water treatment products in the North America segment is comprised of replacement filters.

The following table disaggregates the Company’s net sales by segment. As described above, the Company’s North America segment sales are further disaggregated by major product line. In addition, the Company’s Rest of World segment sales are disaggregated by China and all other Rest of World:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
North America
Water heaters and related parts	$	457.7	$	447.8
Boilers and related parts	46.5		41.5
Water treatment products	48.7		43.6
Total North America	552.9		532.9
Rest of World
China	$	199.2	$	91.0
All other Rest of World	23.1		19.2
Total Rest of World	222.3		110.2
Inter-segment sales	(6.2)		(6.2)
Total Net Sales	$	769.0	$	636.9

- Definition

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=49130388

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130551-203045

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130556-203045

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130550-203045

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130558-203045

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

+ Details

Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

The Company’s lease portfolio consists of operating leases for buildings and equipment, such as forklifts and copiers, primarily in the United States and China. The Company defines a lease as a contract that gives the Company the right to control the use of a physical asset for a stated term. The Company pays the lessor for that right, with a series of payments defined in the contract and a corresponding right of use operating lease asset and liability are recorded. The Company has elected not to record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. To determine balance sheet amounts, required legal payments are discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of the inception of the lease. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would incur if it were to borrow, on a collateralized basis, an amount equal to the value of the leased item over a similar term, in a similar economic environment. Variable lease components not based on an index or rate are excluded from the measurement of the lease asset and liability and expensed as incurred for all asset classes.

Certain leases include one or more options to renew or terminate. Renewal terms can extend the lease term from one to five years and options to terminate can be effective within one year. The exercise of lease renewal or termination is at the Company’s discretion and when it is determined to be reasonably certain to renew or terminate, the option is reflected in the measurement of lease asset and liability. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants or material subleases. Cash flows associated with leases are materially consistent with the expense recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Liabilities
Short term: Accrued liabilities	$	12.3	$	11.1
Long term: Operating lease liabilities	35.8		34.4
Total operating lease liabilities	$	48.1	$	45.5
Less: Rent incentives and deferrals	(3.9)		(3.9)
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	44.2	$	41.6


Lease Term and Discount Rate						March 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term						9.6 years
Weighted-average discount rate						3.34%

The components of lease expense were as follows:


(dollars in millions)		Three months ended March 31,
Lease Expense	Classification	2021(1)		2020(2)
Operating lease expense	Cost of products sold	$	1.0	$	0.7
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	4.0		4.0

(1)2021 includes short-term and variable lease expenses of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

(2)2020 includes short-term and variable lease expenses of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021
2021	$	10.3
2022	11.2
2023	6.7
2024	5.6
2025	4.0
After 2025	21.3
Total lease payments	59.1
Less: imputed interest	(11.0)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	$	48.1

Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

The following table presents the components of the Company’s inventory balances:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Finished products	$	149.2	$	143.4
Work in process	21.9		21.8
Raw materials	166.0		159.2
Inventories, at FIFO cost	337.1		324.4
LIFO reserve	(24.3)		(24.3)
	$	312.8	$	300.1

Product Warranties

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract]

Product Warranties

The Company offers warranties on the sales of certain of its products with terms that are consistent with the market and records an accrual for the estimated future claims. The following table presents the Company’s warranty liability activity:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Balance at January 1	$	142.3	$	134.3
Expense	12.6		13.5
Claims settled	(13.3)		(12.5)
Balance at March 31	$	141.6	$	135.3

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term DebtThe Company had a $500 million multi-year multi-currency revolving credit agreement with a group of nine banks, which would have expired on December 15, 2021. The facility had an accordion provision which allowed it to be increased up to $700 million if certain conditions (including lender approval) were satisfied. Borrowings under bank credit lines and commercial paper borrowings were supported by the $500 million revolving credit agreement. At its option, the Company either maintained cash balances or paid fees for bank credit and services. The Company did not have borrowings on this facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021. On April 1, 2021, the Company renewed and amended the $500 million revolving credit facility with the new expiration date of March 31, 2026. The renewed and amended facility has an accordion provision which allows it to be increased up to $850 million if certain conditions (including lender approval) are satisfied.

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

The numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is net earnings. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares used in the earnings per share calculations:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021	2020
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares	161,526,733	161,871,788
Effect of dilutive stock options and share units	1,258,590	1,025,817
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	162,785,323	162,897,605

Stock Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock Based Compensation

The Company adopted the A. O. Smith Combined Incentive Compensation Plan (the Plan) effective January 1, 2007. The Plan was most recently reapproved by stockholders on April 15, 2020. The Plan is a continuation of the A. O. Smith Combined Executive Incentive Compensation Plan which was originally approved by stockholders in 2002. The number of shares available for granting of options or share units at March 31, 2021 was 6,763,257. Upon stock option exercise or share unit vesting, shares are issued from treasury stock.

Total stock based compensation expense recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $7.4 million and $9.0 million, respectively.

Stock Options

The stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 have three year pro rata vesting from the date of grant. Stock options are issued at exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. For active employees, all options granted in 2021 and 2020 expire ten years after the date of grant. The Company’s stock options are expensed ratably over the three year vesting period; however, included in stock option expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was expense associated with the accelerated vesting of stock option awards for certain employees who either are retirement eligible or become retirement eligible during the vesting period. Stock based compensation expense attributable to stock options in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $3.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Changes in options, all of which relate to the Company’s Common Stock, were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Weighted- Avg. Per Share Exercise Price		Number of Options	Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (dollars in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 2021	$	43.01	2,785,654
Granted	60.82		367,025
Exercised	35.07		(184,574)
Forfeited	45.36		(4,388)
Outstanding at March 31, 2021	45.70		2,963,717	7 years	$	64.9
Exercisable at March 31, 2021	43.21		1,882,018	6 years	$	45.9

The weighted-average fair value per option at the date of grant during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was $14.01 and $8.15, respectively. Assumptions were as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Expected life (years)	5.8		5.7
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%	1.6	%
Dividend yield	1.6	%	2.1	%
Expected volatility	27.3	%	23.6	%

The expected lives of options for purposes of these models are based on historical exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rates for purposes of these models are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant for the respective expected lives of the option. The expected dividend yields for purposes of these models are based on the dividends paid in the preceding four quarters divided by the grant date market value of the Common Stock. The expected volatility for purposes of these models are based on the historical volatility of the Common Stock.

Restricted Stock and Share Units

Participants may also be awarded shares of restricted stock or share units under the Plan. Share units vest three years after the date of grant. The Company granted 100,153 and 169,407 share units under the plan in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The share units were valued at $6.1 million and $7.2 million at the date of issuance in 2021 and 2020, respectively, based on the price of the Company’s Common Stock at the date of grant. The share units are recognized as compensation expense ratably over the three-year vesting period; however, included in share unit expense in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was expense associated with accelerated vesting of share unit awards for certain employees who either are retirement eligible or will become retirement eligible during the vesting period. Stock based compensation expense attributable to share units of $3.8 million and $4.5 million was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Certain non-U.S.-based employees receive the cash value of the share price at the vesting date in lieu of shares. Unvested cash-settled awards are remeasured at each reporting period.

A summary of share unit activity under the plan is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Number of Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Value
Issued and unvested at January 1, 2021	426,786	$	46.99
Granted	100,153	60.82
Vested	(89,079)	60.54
Forfeited	(2,915)	53.22
Issued and unvested at March 31, 2021	434,945	47.34

Pensions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pensions

The following table presents the components of the Company’s net pension income:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Service cost	$	0.4	$	0.4
Interest cost	3.6		5.7
Expected return on plan assets	(12.0)		(13.0)
Amortization of unrecognized loss	5.2		4.9
Amortization of prior service cost	(0.1)		(0.1)
Defined benefit plan income	$	(2.9)	$	(2.1)

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is presented within cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses within the condensed consolidated statements of earnings while the other components of pension income are reflected in other income. The Company was not required to and did not make a contribution to its U.S. pension plan in 2020. The Company is not required to make a contribution in 2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for retirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118257860&loc=d3e4179-114921

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21916913&loc=d3e273930-122802

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (o)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (p)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 70
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170846&loc=d3e28014-114942

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39689-114964

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(iv)(03)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (q)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (r)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)(iii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (l)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (r)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118255775&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Segment Results

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Results

The Company is comprised of two reporting segments: North America and Rest of World. The Rest of World segment is primarily comprised of China, Europe and India. Both segments manufacture and market comprehensive lines of residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks, and water treatment products. Both segments primarily manufacture and market in their respective regions of the world. The Rest of World segment also manufactures and markets in-home air purification products in China.

The following table presents the Company’s segment results:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Net sales
North America	$	552.9	$	532.9
Rest of World	222.3		110.2
Inter-segment	(6.2)		(6.2)
	$	769.0	$	636.9
Segment earnings (losses)
North America	$	130.4	$	127.1
Rest of World	11.8		(42.2)

	142.2		84.9
Corporate expense	(15.1)		(15.0)
Interest expense	(1.0)		(2.2)
Earnings before income taxes	126.1		67.7
Provision for income taxes	28.4		16.0
Net earnings	$	97.7	$	51.7

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8721-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8657-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8721-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2134510

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach which are prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

The following table presents assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in millions):


Fair Value Measurement Using	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	$	87.0	$	116.5
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	(3.0)		(4.3)

Items measured at fair value were comprised of the Company’s marketable securities (Level 1) and derivative instruments (Level 2). There were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure fair values on a recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

The Company utilizes certain derivative instruments to enhance its ability to manage currency exposure as well as raw materials price risk. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes. The contracts are executed with major financial institutions with no credit loss anticipated for failure of the counterparties to perform.

Cash Flow Hedges

With the exception of its net investment hedges, the Company designates all of its hedging instruments as cash flow hedges. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), gains or losses on the derivative instrument are reported as a component of other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and are reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases, sales and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business. Principal currencies for which the Company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts include the British pound, Canadian dollar, Euro and Mexican peso.

Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, until the underlying transaction is recorded in earnings. When the hedged item is realized, gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statement of earnings. The assessment of effectiveness for forward contracts is based on changes in the forward rates. These hedges have been determined to be effective. The majority of the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss for cash flow hedges are expected to be reclassified into earnings within one year.

The following table summarizes, by currency, the contractual amounts of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Buy		Sell		Buy		Sell
British pound	$	—	$	0.7	$	—	$	1.0
Canadian dollar	—		59.8		—		79.7
Euro	24.6		—		32.7		—
Mexican peso	18.1		—		16.5		—
Total	$	42.7	$	60.5	$	49.2	$	80.7

Commodity Futures Contracts

In addition to entering into supply arrangements in the normal course of business, the Company also enters into futures contracts to fix the cost of certain raw material purchases, principally steel, with the objective of minimizing changes in cost due to market price fluctuations. The hedging strategy for achieving this objective is to purchase steel futures contracts on the New York Metals Exchange (NYMEX) and copper futures contracts on the open market of the London Metals Exchange (LME) or over the counter contracts based on the LME.

With NYMEX, the Company is required to make cash deposits on unrealized losses on steel derivative contracts.

Net Investment Hedges

The Company enters into certain foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the exposure to a portion of the Company’s net investments in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. For the derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges, gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive loss where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments in its non-U.S. subsidiaries. These hedges are determined to be effective. The Company recognized $— and $0.8 million of after-tax gains associated with hedges of a net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries in currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The contractual amount of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts that are designated as net investment hedges is $50.0 million as of March 31, 2021.

The following tables present the impact of derivative contracts on the Company’s financial statements.

Fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:


(dollars in millions)	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets	$	0.7	$	2.7
	Accrued liabilities	(3.7)		(7.0)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(3.0)	$	(4.3)

The effect of cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings:

Three Months Ended March 31 (dollars in millions):


Derivatives in ASC 815 cash flow hedging relationships	Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive loss on derivatives				Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings
	2021		2020			2021		2020
Foreign currency contracts	$	(2.9)	$	1.4	Cost of products sold	$	(0.3)	$	0.8
Commodities contracts	—		(0.2)		Cost of products sold	—		—
	$	(2.9)	$	1.2		$	(0.3)	$	0.8

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 22.5 percent compared to 23.6 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The lower effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to a change in geographical earnings mix. The Company estimates that its annual effective income tax rate for the full year 2021 will be approximately 23 percent. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $9.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits of which $0.5 million would affect its effective income tax rate if recognized. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2017-2021 are subject to audit. The Company is subject to state and local income tax audits for tax years 2002-2021. The Company is subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for years 2015-2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies The Company maintains a commercial relationship with a supply-chain service provider (the Provider) in connection with the Company’s business in China. In this capacity, the Provider offers order-entry, warehousing and logistics support. The Provider also offers asset-backed financing to certain of the Company’s distributors in China to facilitate their working capital needs. To facilitate its financing support business, the Provider has collateralized lending facilities in place with multiple Chinese banks under which the Company has agreed to repurchase inventory if both requested by the banks and certain defined conditions are met, primarily related to the aging of the distributors’ notes. The Provider is required to indemnify the Company for any losses the Company would incur in the event of an inventory repurchase under these arrangements. Potential losses under the repurchase arrangements represent the difference between the repurchase price and net proceeds from the resale of product plus costs incurred in the process, less related distributor rebates. Before considering any reduction of distributor rebate accruals of $4.9 million and $5.4 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and from the resale of the related inventory, the gross amount the Company would be obligated to repurchase, which would be contingent on the default of all of the outstanding loans, was approximately $6.5 million as of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company’s reserves for estimated losses under repurchase arrangements were immaterial as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

Changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss by component are as follows:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
Cumulative foreign currency translation
Balance at beginning of period	$	(48.1)		$	(66.2)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1.4)			(18.0)
Balance at end of period	(49.5)			(84.2)
Unrealized net gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives
Balance at beginning of period	0.6			0.2
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(2.2)			0.9
Realized losses (gains) on derivatives reclassified to cost of products sold (net of income tax (benefit) provision of $(0.1) and $0.2 in 2021 and 2020, respectively)	0.2			(0.6)
Balance at end of period	(1.4)			0.5
Pension liability
Balance at beginning of period	(273.7)			(282.3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:(1)	3.8			3.6
Balance at end of period	(269.9)			(278.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	$	(320.8)		$	(362.4)

(1) Amortization of pension items:
Actuarial losses	$	5.2	(2)	$	4.9	(2)
Prior year service cost	(0.1)		(2)	(0.1)		(2)
	5.1			4.8
Income tax benefit	(1.3)			(1.2)
Reclassification net of income tax benefit	$	3.8		$	3.6

(2)These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 - Pensions for additional details.

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncement In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (issued under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”). This amendment removes certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted the amendment on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have an impact on its consolidated balance sheets, statements of earnings or statements of cash flows.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Net Sales Disaggregated by Segment and Major Product Line


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
North America
Water heaters and related parts	$	457.7	$	447.8
Boilers and related parts	46.5		41.5
Water treatment products	48.7		43.6
Total North America	552.9		532.9
Rest of World
China	$	199.2	$	91.0
All other Rest of World	23.1		19.2
Total Rest of World	222.3		110.2
Inter-segment sales	(6.2)		(6.2)
Total Net Sales	$	769.0	$	636.9

Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Related to Leases

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Liabilities
Short term: Accrued liabilities	$	12.3	$	11.1
Long term: Operating lease liabilities	35.8		34.4
Total operating lease liabilities	$	48.1	$	45.5
Less: Rent incentives and deferrals	(3.9)		(3.9)
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	44.2	$	41.6


Lease Term and Discount Rate						March 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term						9.6 years
Weighted-average discount rate						3.34%

Schedule of Components of Lease Expense

The components of lease expense were as follows:


(dollars in millions)		Three months ended March 31,
Lease Expense	Classification	2021(1)		2020(2)
Operating lease expense	Cost of products sold	$	1.0	$	0.7
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	4.0		4.0

(1)2021 includes short-term and variable lease expenses of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

(2)2020 includes short-term and variable lease expenses of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021
2021	$	10.3
2022	11.2
2023	6.7
2024	5.6
2025	4.0
After 2025	21.3
Total lease payments	59.1
Less: imputed interest	(11.0)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	$	48.1

Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventories

The following table presents the components of the Company’s inventory balances:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Finished products	$	149.2	$	143.4
Work in process	21.9		21.8
Raw materials	166.0		159.2
Inventories, at FIFO cost	337.1		324.4
LIFO reserve	(24.3)		(24.3)
	$	312.8	$	300.1

Product Warranties (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract]

Schedule of Warranty Liability Activity

The following table presents the Company’s warranty liability activity:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Balance at January 1	$	142.3	$	134.3
Expense	12.6		13.5
Claims settled	(13.3)		(12.5)
Balance at March 31	$	141.6	$	135.3

Earnings per Share of Common Stock (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Used in EPS Calculations

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares used in the earnings per share calculations:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021	2020
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares	161,526,733	161,871,788
Effect of dilutive stock options and share units	1,258,590	1,025,817
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	162,785,323	162,897,605

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Options

Changes in options, all of which relate to the Company’s Common Stock, were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Weighted- Avg. Per Share Exercise Price		Number of Options	Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (dollars in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 2021	$	43.01	2,785,654
Granted	60.82		367,025
Exercised	35.07		(184,574)
Forfeited	45.36		(4,388)
Outstanding at March 31, 2021	45.70		2,963,717	7 years	$	64.9
Exercisable at March 31, 2021	43.21		1,882,018	6 years	$	45.9

Schedule of Assumptions

Assumptions were as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Expected life (years)	5.8		5.7
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%	1.6	%
Dividend yield	1.6	%	2.1	%
Expected volatility	27.3	%	23.6	%

Schedule of Share Unit Activity

A summary of share unit activity under the plan is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Number of Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Value
Issued and unvested at January 1, 2021	426,786	$	46.99
Granted	100,153	60.82
Vested	(89,079)	60.54
Forfeited	(2,915)	53.22
Issued and unvested at March 31, 2021	434,945	47.34

Pensions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Net Pension Income

The following table presents the components of the Company’s net pension income:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Service cost	$	0.4	$	0.4
Interest cost	3.6		5.7
Expected return on plan assets	(12.0)		(13.0)
Amortization of unrecognized loss	5.2		4.9
Amortization of prior service cost	(0.1)		(0.1)
Defined benefit plan income	$	(2.9)	$	(2.1)

Segment Results (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Results

The following table presents the Company’s segment results:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Net sales
North America	$	552.9	$	532.9
Rest of World	222.3		110.2
Inter-segment	(6.2)		(6.2)
	$	769.0	$	636.9
Segment earnings (losses)
North America	$	130.4	$	127.1
Rest of World	11.8		(42.2)

	142.2		84.9
Corporate expense	(15.1)		(15.0)
Interest expense	(1.0)		(2.2)
Earnings before income taxes	126.1		67.7
Provision for income taxes	28.4		16.0
Net earnings	$	97.7	$	51.7

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in millions):


Fair Value Measurement Using	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	$	87.0	$	116.5
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	(3.0)		(4.3)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The following table summarizes, by currency, the contractual amounts of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges:


(dollars in millions)	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Buy		Sell		Buy		Sell
British pound	$	—	$	0.7	$	—	$	1.0
Canadian dollar	—		59.8		—		79.7
Euro	24.6		—		32.7		—
Mexican peso	18.1		—		16.5		—
Total	$	42.7	$	60.5	$	49.2	$	80.7

Schedule of Impact of Derivative Contracts on the Company's Financial Statements

The following tables present the impact of derivative contracts on the Company’s financial statements.

Fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:


(dollars in millions)	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets	$	0.7	$	2.7
	Accrued liabilities	(3.7)		(7.0)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(3.0)	$	(4.3)

Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedges on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

The effect of cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings:

Three Months Ended March 31 (dollars in millions):


Derivatives in ASC 815 cash flow hedging relationships	Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive loss on derivatives				Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings
	2021		2020			2021		2020
Foreign currency contracts	$	(2.9)	$	1.4	Cost of products sold	$	(0.3)	$	0.8
Commodities contracts	—		(0.2)		Cost of products sold	—		—
	$	(2.9)	$	1.2		$	(0.3)	$	0.8

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

Changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss by component are as follows:


(dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
Cumulative foreign currency translation
Balance at beginning of period	$	(48.1)		$	(66.2)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(1.4)			(18.0)
Balance at end of period	(49.5)			(84.2)
Unrealized net gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives
Balance at beginning of period	0.6			0.2
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(2.2)			0.9
Realized losses (gains) on derivatives reclassified to cost of products sold (net of income tax (benefit) provision of $(0.1) and $0.2 in 2021 and 2020, respectively)	0.2			(0.6)
Balance at end of period	(1.4)			0.5
Pension liability
Balance at beginning of period	(273.7)			(282.3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:(1)	3.8			3.6
Balance at end of period	(269.9)			(278.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	$	(320.8)		$	(362.4)

(1) Amortization of pension items:
Actuarial losses	$	5.2	(2)	$	4.9	(2)
Prior year service cost	(0.1)		(2)	(0.1)		(2)
	5.1			4.8
Income tax benefit	(1.3)			(1.2)
Reclassification net of income tax benefit	$	3.8		$	3.6

(2)These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 - Pensions for additional details.

Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) segment distributor	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Customer deposits liability	$ 77.7	$ 90.0
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5.3	$ 5.6
Number of reporting segments \| segment	2
Water Heaters \| North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of wholesale distributors \| distributor	1,200
Minimum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Payment terms	30 years
Maximum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Payment terms	90 years

Revenue Recognition - Segment Sales Disaggregated by Major Product Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 769.0	$ 636.9
Operating Segments \| North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	552.9	532.9
Operating Segments \| Rest of World
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	222.3	110.2
Operating Segments \| Rest of World \| China
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	199.2	91.0
Operating Segments \| Rest of World \| All other Rest of World
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	23.1	19.2
Operating Segments \| Water heaters and related parts \| North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	457.7	447.8
Operating Segments \| Boilers and related parts \| North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	46.5	41.5
Operating Segments \| Water treatment products \| North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	48.7	43.6
Inter-segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ (6.2)	$ (6.2)

Leases - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
Leases - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease termination period	1 year
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease, renewal term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease, renewal term	5 years

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Liabilities
Current operating lease liability, statement of financial position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Short term: Accrued liabilities	$ 12.3	$ 11.1
Long term: Operating lease liabilities	35.8	34.4
Total operating lease liabilities	48.1	45.5
Less: Rent incentives and deferrals	(3.9)	(3.9)
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 44.2	$ 41.6
Lease Term and Discount Rate
Weighted-average remaining lease term	9 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate	3.34%

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Short-term lease expenses	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Variable lease expenses	0.6	0.4
Cost of products sold
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease expense	1.0	0.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease expense	$ 4.0	$ 4.0

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
2021	$ 10.3
2022	11.2
2023	6.7
2024	5.6
2025	4.0
After 2025	21.3
Total lease payments	59.1
Less: imputed interest	(11.0)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	$ 48.1	$ 45.5

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished products	$ 149.2	$ 143.4
Work in process	21.9	21.8
Raw materials	166.0	159.2
Inventories, at FIFO cost	337.1	324.4
LIFO reserve	(24.3)	(24.3)
Inventories	$ 312.8	$ 300.1

Product Warranties - Company's Warranty Liability Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 142.3	$ 134.3
Expense	12.6	13.5
Claims settled	(13.3)	(12.5)
Balance at end of year	$ 141.6	$ 135.3

Long-Term Debt (Details)	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) bank	Apr. 01, 2021 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Multi-currency revolving credit agreement, current borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000
Number of banks involved in multi-year multi-currency revolving credit agreement \| bank	9
Multi-currency revolving credit agreement, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 700,000,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Multi-currency revolving credit agreement, current borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Accordion feature, higher borrowing capacity option		$ 850,000,000

Earnings per Share of Common Stock - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Used in Earnings per Share Calculations (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares (in shares)	161,526,733	161,871,788
Effect of dilutive stock options and share units (in shares)	1,258,590	1,025,817
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	162,785,323	162,897,605

Stock Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock based compensation cost recognized	$ 7.4	$ 9.0
Stock option compensation expense recognized	$ 3.6	$ 4.5
Weighted-average fair value per option at the date of grant (in USD per share)	$ 14.01	$ 8.15
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award expiration period	10 years	10 years
Award vesting period	3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock And Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Number of units granted (in shares)	100,153	169,407
Value of units share units granted	$ 6.1	$ 7.2
Share based compensation expense attributable to share units	$ 3.8	$ 4.5
A.O. Smith Combined Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for granting of options or share units (in shares)	6,763,257

Stock Based Compensation - Changes in Options (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Weighted- Avg. Per Share Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 43.01
Granted (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	60.82
Exercised (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	35.07
Forfeited (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	45.36
Ending balance (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 45.70
Number of Options
Beginning balance (in shares) \| shares	2,785,654
Granted (in shares) \| shares	367,025
Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(184,574)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(4,388)
Ending balance (in shares) \| shares	2,963,717
Stock option activity, additional disclosures
Outstanding, Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 64.9
Exercisable, Weighted-Avg. Per Share Exercise Price (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 43.21
Exercisable, Number of Options (in shares) \| shares	1,882,018
Exercisable, Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 45.9

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule of Weighted-average Fair Value per Option at Date of Grant (Details) - Employee Stock Option	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 8 months 12 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.60%
Dividend yield	1.60%	2.10%
Expected volatility	27.30%	23.60%

Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Share Unit Activity Under Plan (Details) - Restricted Stock And Share Units - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Number of Units
Beginning balance (in shares)	426,786
Granted (in shares)	100,153	169,407
Vested (in shares)	(89,079)
Forfeited (in shares)	(2,915)
Ending balance (in shares)	434,945
Weighted-Average Grant Date Value
Beginning balance (in USD per share)	$ 46.99
Granted (in USD per share)	60.82
Vested (in USD per share)	60.54
Forfeited (in USD per share)	53.22
Ending balance (in USD per share)	$ 47.34

Pensions (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Pensions (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Interest cost	3,600,000	5,700,000
Expected return on plan assets	(12,000,000.0)	(13,000,000.0)
Amortization of unrecognized loss	5,200,000	4,900,000
Amortization of prior service cost	(100,000)	(100,000)
Defined benefit plan income	(2,900,000)	$ (2,100,000)
Employer contributions in 2019			$ 0
Expected contributions in 2020	$ 0

Segment Results (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Segment Results (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) segment	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments \| segment	2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 769.0	$ 636.9
Segment earnings (losses)	142.2	84.9
Corporate expense	5.0	4.2
Interest expense	(1.0)	(2.2)
Earnings before provision for income taxes	126.1	67.7
Provision for income taxes	28.4	16.0
Net Earnings	97.7	51.7
Inter-segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	(6.2)	(6.2)
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate expense	(15.1)	(15.0)
North America \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	552.9	532.9
Segment earnings (losses)	130.4	127.1
Rest of World \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	222.3	110.2
Segment earnings (losses)	$ 11.8	$ (42.2)

Fair Value Measurements - Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis	$ 87.0	$ 116.5
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis	$ (3.0)	$ (4.3)

Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Summary by Currency of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Details) - Foreign currency forward contracts - Designated as hedging instrument - Cash flow hedging - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Buy
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	$ 42.7	$ 49.2
Buy \| Euro
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	24.6	32.7
Buy \| Mexican peso
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	18.1	16.5
Sell
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	60.5	80.7
Sell \| British pound
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	0.7	1.0
Sell \| Canadian dollar
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total	$ 59.8	$ 79.7

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
After-tax (losses) gains associated with currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income	$ (1.4)	$ (18.0)
Net Investment Hedges \| Non-U.S.
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
After-tax (losses) gains associated with currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income	0.0	$ 0.8
Net Investment Hedges \| Non-U.S. \| Foreign currency forward contracts
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Contractual amounts of foreign currency forward contracts	$ 50.0

Derivative Instruments - Impact of Derivative Contracts on Company's Financial Statements (Details) - Designated as hedging instrument - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ (3.0)	$ (4.3)
Foreign currency contracts \| Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, assets	0.7	2.7
Foreign currency contracts \| Accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments, liabilities	$ (3.7)	$ (7.0)

Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Effect of Derivatives Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive loss on derivatives	$ (2.9)	$ 1.2
Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	(0.3)	0.8
Foreign currency contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive loss on derivatives	(2.9)	1.4
Foreign currency contracts \| Cost of products sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	(0.3)	0.8
Commodities contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive loss on derivatives	0.0	(0.2)
Commodities contracts \| Cost of products sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	$ 0.0	$ 0.0

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rates	22.50%	23.60%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 9.0
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized	$ 0.5
Forecast
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rates			23.00%

Commitment and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Distributor rebate accruals	$ 4.9	$ 5.4
Repurchase of inventory
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment	$ 6.5	$ 6.5

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of period	$ 1,848.3
Balance at end of period	1,849.0	$ 1,616.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at end of period	(320.8)	(362.4)
Cumulative foreign currency translation
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of period	(48.1)	(66.2)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(1.4)	(18.0)
Balance at end of period	(49.5)	(84.2)
Unrealized net gain on cash flow derivatives
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of period	0.6	0.2
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(2.2)	0.9
Amounts reclassified, net of tax	0.2	(0.6)
Balance at end of period	(1.4)	0.5
Income tax provision (benefit)	(0.1)	0.2
Pension liability
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of period	(273.7)	(282.3)
Amounts reclassified, net of tax	3.8	3.6
Balance at end of period	(269.9)	(278.7)
Income tax provision (benefit)	(1.3)	(1.2)
Reclassification, before income tax benefit	5.1	4.8
Actuarial losses
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassification, before income tax benefit	5.2	4.9
Prior year service cost
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Reclassification, before income tax benefit	$ (0.1)	$ (0.1)