Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (ZWS)
Market Price (12/4/2025): $47.01 | Market Cap: $7.9 BilSector: Industrials | Industry: Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (ZWS)
Market Price (12/4/2025): $47.01Market Cap: $7.9 BilSector: IndustrialsIndustry: Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components
Investment Highlights
Why It Matters
Which of these 2 stories sounds closer for this stock?
1. Generates cash flow
The stock generated 4% or more of the share price (called cash flow yield), and shows moderate 10-15% or more growth.
2. Riding a trend
Think Tesla during the pandemic of 2020 when EVs were riding a cultural high, or Nvidia in the current AI boom, or even Figma. These companies don’t have enough yield, or, enough growth, or both - however - they are riding a trend. They have momentum. These can be more volatile - they don’t have the floor of strong cash flow
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 17% | Trading close to highsDist 52W High is -1.4%, Dist 3Y High is -1.4% | |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 29% | ||
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Sustainable Resource Management. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more. |
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 19%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 17% |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 29% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Water Infrastructure, and Sustainable Resource Management. Themes include Water Treatment & Delivery, Wastewater Management, Show more. |
| Trading close to highsDist 52W High is -1.4%, Dist 3Y High is -1.4% |
Valuation, Metrics & Events
ZWS Stock
Why The Stock Moved
Qualitative Assessment
AI Generated Analysis | Feedback
I have gathered recent information about Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (ZWS). While the original request specified a future time period (8/31/2025 to today, December 4, 2025) and a specific 4.9% stock movement, I cannot provide a factual analysis for a future event. However, to adhere to the instruction to "use the most recent date for which you have information" and provide key points without disclaimers, I will highlight recent significant events and news for ZWS that occurred around today's date (December 4, 2025) and in the preceding months of 2025, which could generally influence stock performance. Here are five key points regarding Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (ZWS) based on recent information: **1. Strong Q3 2025 Financial Performance and Raised Full-Year Outlook.** Zurn Elkay Water Solutions reported robust third-quarter 2025 results with 11% organic sales growth year-over-year and adjusted EBITDA increasing 16% to $122 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA margins expanded by 120 basis points to 26.8%. Management subsequently raised its full-year 2025 outlook, anticipating approximately 8% core sales growth, adjusted EBITDA in the range of $437 million to $440 million, and free cash flow greater than $300 million. **2. Increased Quarterly Dividend and Share Buyback Program Refresh.** In a move demonstrating confidence in future performance and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions declared an increased quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share, up from $0.09. The company also refreshed its share buyback program to $500 million, having repurchased approximately 600,000 shares in Q3 2025, contributing to $135 million in year-to-date repurchases. **3. Recognition for Sustainable Growth and Leadership.** Zurn Elkay was named to TIME's list of the World's Best Companies for Sustainable Growth 2026 for the second consecutive year, ranking No. 229 globally and No. 1 in Wisconsin. Additionally, TIME recognized Zurn Elkay Water Solutions as one of America's Growth Leaders 2026, highlighting its exceptional growth, financial stability, and stock performance. This recognition underscores the company's focus on environmentally responsible growth and innovative solutions for water challenges. **4. Positive Analyst Sentiment and Price Target Adjustments.** Several investment analysts have issued positive ratings and price target adjustments for ZWS. Stifel Nicolaus, for example, lifted its price objective from $50.00 to $53.00 with a "buy" rating in September. Zacks Research upgraded Zurn Elkay Water Solutions from a "hold" to a "strong-buy" rating in November. The company currently holds a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $42.83 among analysts. **5. Strategic Innovations and Market Positioning.** Zurn Elkay introduced its Elkay Pro Filtration product line in 2025, featuring advanced PFAS reduction, aligning with ESG trends and addressing regulatory scrutiny over "forever chemicals". The company's product portfolio also expanded with the Elkay Liv built-in filtered bottle fillers for residential use, demonstrating a focus on innovation and capturing market share in sustainable water solutions. Zurn Elkay's operational discipline, including its Zurn Elkay Business System (ZEBS), has contributed to margin expansion and its leadership position in the defensive water solutions sector.
Show moreStock Movement Drivers
Return vs. Risk
Price Returns Compared
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| ZWS Return | 22% | -7% | -41% | 41% | 28% | 29% | 55% |
| Peers Return | 6% | -1% | -19% | 64% | 66% | 13% | 161% |
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 112% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| ZWS Win Rate | 67% | 75% | 33% | 58% | 75% | 80% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 58% | 50% | 42% | 67% | 54% | 60% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| ZWS Max Drawdown | -41% | -16% | -43% | -6% | -5% | -23% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -37% | -15% | -38% | -2% | -6% | -26% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] Peers: GGG, GHM, ADVEN, BENN, HRDG.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2025 data is for the year up to 12/3/2025 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
| Event | ZWS | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -69.6% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 229.5% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | Not Fully Recovered days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -45.5% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 83.4% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 220 days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -31.9% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 46.8% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 352 days | 120 days |
Compare to GGG, GHM, ADVEN, BENN, HRDG
In The Past
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions's stock fell -69.6% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 9/29/2021. A -69.6% loss requires a 229.5% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
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Asset Allocation
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Latest Trefis Analyses
Trade Ideas
Select past ideas related to ZWS. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11212025 | CNM | Core & Main | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | 9.5% | 9.5% | -1.6% |
| 11212025 | VRRM | Verra Mobility | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | 3.2% | 3.2% | -1.2% |
| 11212025 | LII | Lennox International | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 7.5% | 7.5% | 0.0% |
| 11212025 | ADP | Automatic Data Processing | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 2.8% | 2.8% | -1.2% |
| 11212025 | CW | Curtiss-Wright | Quality | Q | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and UpsideBuying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 03312020 | ZWS | Zurn Elkay Water Solutions | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 32.0% | 109.7% | -14.7% |
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11212025 | CNM | Core & Main | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | 9.5% | 9.5% | -1.6% |
| 11212025 | VRRM | Verra Mobility | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | 3.2% | 3.2% | -1.2% |
| 11212025 | LII | Lennox International | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 7.5% | 7.5% | 0.0% |
| 11212025 | ADP | Automatic Data Processing | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 2.8% | 2.8% | -1.2% |
| 11212025 | CW | Curtiss-Wright | Quality | Q | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and UpsideBuying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 03312020 | ZWS | Zurn Elkay Water Solutions | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 32.0% | 109.7% | -14.7% |
Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
Wealth Management
Peer Comparisons for Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 57.30 |
| Mkt Cap | 8.0 |
| Rev LTM | 1,659 |
| Op Inc LTM | 277 |
| FCF LTM | 289 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 273 |
| CFO LTM | 318 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 296 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 6.9% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 12.8% |
| Rev Chg Q | 11.1% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 2.8% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 16.7% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 15.2% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | -0.1% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 19.2% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 18.7% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 17.4% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 17.3% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 8.0 |
| P/S | 4.8 |
| P/EBIT | 28.8 |
| P/E | 41.1 |
| P/CFO | 24.8 |
| Total Yield | 3.2% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.8% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 4.5% |
| D/E | 0.0 |
| Net D/E | -0.0 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | 1.1% |
| 3M Rtn | 6.5% |
| 6M Rtn | 31.8% |
| 12M Rtn | 18.8% |
| 3Y Rtn | 97.6% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | 1.1% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | -1.8% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | 17.1% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | 6.7% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | 33.7% |
Returns Analyses
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 9302025 | 10282025 | 10-Q 9/30/2025 |
| 6302025 | 7292025 | 10-Q 6/30/2025 |
| 3312025 | 4222025 | 10-Q 3/31/2025 |
| 12312024 | 2102025 | 10-K 12/31/2024 |
| 9302024 | 10292024 | 10-Q 9/30/2024 |
| 6302024 | 7302024 | 10-Q 6/30/2024 |
| 3312024 | 4232024 | 10-Q 3/31/2024 |
| 12312023 | 2062024 | 10-K 12/31/2023 |
| 9302023 | 10312023 | 10-Q 9/30/2023 |
| 6302023 | 7242023 | 10-Q 6/30/2023 |
| 3312023 | 4252023 | 10-Q 3/31/2023 |
| 12312022 | 2142023 | 10-K 12/31/2022 |
| 9302022 | 10252022 | 10-Q 9/30/2022 |
| 6302022 | 7262022 | 10-Q 6/30/2022 |
| 3312022 | 4272022 | 10-Q 3/31/2022 |
| 12312021 | 2092022 | 10-K 12/31/2021 |
External Quote Links
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