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Franklin Electric

fele · NASDAQ Industrials
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Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Machinery
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Franklin Electric
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________

FORM 10-K
_________

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 

OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission file number 0-362

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)

9255 Coverdale Road

Fort Wayne, Indiana

(Address of principal executive offices)

35-0827455

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

46809

(Zip Code)

(260) 824-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, $0.10 par value
(Title of each class)

NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None
(Title of each class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES  

NO

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

YES 

NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such 
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES

NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 YES

NO 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is 
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company" in Rule 
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer 

Non-Accelerated Filer 

Smaller Reporting Company 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

YES  

NO

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at July 1, 2016 (the last business 
day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was $1,527,181,567.  The stock price used in this computation was 
the last sales price on that date, as reported by NASDAQ Global Select Market.  For purposes of this calculation, the registrant has 
excluded shares held by executive officers and directors of the registrant, including restricted shares and except for shares owned by 
the executive officers through the registrant's 401(k) Plan.  Determination of stock ownership by non-affiliates was made solely for 
the purpose of responding to this requirement and the registrant is not bound by this determination for any other purpose.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at February 15, 2017:
46,382,586 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

A portion of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 5, 2017 (Part III).

2

  
  FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplemental Item - Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . .

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . .

Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART I.

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

PART II.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

PART III.

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

PART IV.

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signatures . . . . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhibit Index . .

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Description of the Business
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (“Franklin Electric” or the “Company”) is an Indiana corporation founded in 1944 and incorporated 
in 1946.  Named after America’s pioneer electrical engineer, Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Electric manufactured the first water-
lubricated submersible motor for water systems, and the first submersible motor for fueling systems.  With 2016 revenue of 
$949.9 million and approximately 5,200 employees, today the Company designs, manufactures and distributes water and fuel 
pumping systems, composed primarily of submersible motors, pumps, electronic controls and related parts and equipment.  

The Company’s water pumping systems move fresh and waste water for the housing, agriculture, and other industrial end 
markets.  With a growing global footprint, the Company has also evolved into being a top supplier of submersible fueling 
systems at gas stations, making pumps, pipes, electronic controls, and monitoring devices.  Fuel pumping systems account for 
the balance of the Company’s revenues.  

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

Franklin Electric’s Key Factors for Success
While maintaining a culture of safety and lean principals, Franklin Electric promises to deliver quality, availability, service, 
innovation, and value in every encounter the Company has with stakeholders, including direct or indirect customers, 
employees, shareholders, and suppliers.  These key factors for success are a roadmap to ensure the Company consistently offers 
the best value to its customer.

Markets and Applications
The Company's business consists of two reporting segments based on the principal end market served: the Water Systems 
segment and the Fueling Systems segment.  The Company includes unallocated corporate expenses in an “Other” segment that, 
together with the Water Systems and Fueling Systems segments, represent the Company.  Segment and geographic information 
appears in Note 16, “Segment and Geographic Information” to the consolidated financial statements.

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

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

Water Systems motors and pumps are used principally for pumping clean water and wastewater in a variety of residential, 
agricultural, and industrial applications.  Water Systems also manufactures electronic drives and controls for the motors which 
control functionality and provide protection from various hazards, such as electric surges, over-heating, or dry wells or tanks. 

The Water Systems business has grown from a domestic submersible motor manufacturer to a global manufacturer of systems 
and components for the movement of water and automotive fuels.  Founded in the 1940s, the Company made submersible 
motors for pumps for much of its history. About 10 years ago, it entered the pump business, and has since grown through 
acquisitions.  Highlights of the Water Systems business transformation, from its origins to the present, are as follows:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

1950s - Domestic submersible motor manufacturer
1990s - Global manufacturer of submersible motors, electronic drives and controls selling to pump OEMs
2004 - Began to change the business model to include pumps and sell directly to wholesale distributors
2006 - Added adjacent pumping systems, acquired Little Giant Pump Company, United States
2007 - Expanded globally, acquired Pump Brands (Pty) Limited, South Africa

4

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

2008 - Continued global expansion, acquired Industrias Schneider SA, Brazil
2009 - International acquisition, Vertical, S.p.A., Italy
2011 - International acquisition, Impo Motor Pompa Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Turkey 
2012 - Acquired majority interest, 70.5%, in mobile pumping systems company, Pioneer Pump Holdings, Inc.      
("PPH"), a United States company with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and South Africa
2014 - International acquisitions, Bombas Leao S.A., Brazil and majority interest, 70%, of Pluga Pumps and Motors 
Private Limited, India
2015 - Acquired remaining 29.5% noncontrolling interest of PPH

Water Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets.  Water-pumping systems contribute about 75 to 80 percent of 
revenue.  Significant portions of segment revenue come from selling groundwater and surface pumps to residential and 
commercial buildings, as well as agricultural sales which are more seasonal and subject to commodity price changes.  The 
Water segment generates 40 percent of its revenue in developing markets, which often lack municipal water systems. As those 
countries bring systems up to date, the Company views those markets as an opportunity. The Company has had 15 to 20 percent 
compounded annual sales growth in those regions in recent years.  Water Systems competes in each of its targeted markets 
based on product design, quality of products and services, performance, availability, and price.  The Company's principal 
competitors in the specialty water products industry are Grundfos Management A/S, Pentair, Inc., and Xylem, Inc.

2016 Water Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:

•  Electronic drives and controls for submersible pumping, above-ground pumping, and HVAC applications
• 
• 
•  Gray water pumping equipment, including the redesigned PowerSewer™ Systems and the IGPDS series dual seal 

Solar pumping technology, including new models and new accessories for the Fhoton™ Solar Pumping Systems
Submersible and surface pumps for agricultural and municipal applications

grinder pumps

•  Condensate removal pumps, including the VCC-20-P designed for use in plenum applications
• 
•  Artificial Lift systems for gas well dewatering and oil pumping, including new pump shrouds, abrasion resistant pump 

Submersible motor technology and motor protection, including ultra-efficient permanent magnet motors

geometries, pumps for improved oil handling, and drives for deeper set pumps

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

Fueling Systems has expanded its product offerings through internal development and acquisitions.  Highlights of the Fueling 
Systems history are as follows:

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

1990s - Domestic manufacturer of submersible turbine pumping systems
2000 - Acquired Advanced Polymer Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of underground pipe for fueling applications, 
and EBW, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of fueling hardware components
2006 - Acquired Healy Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of fueling nozzles and vapor recovery systems
2010 - Acquired PetroTechnik Limited, a United Kingdom distributor that designs and sources flexible and lightweight 
underground pipe
2012 - Acquired Flexing, Inc., a manufacturer of fueling equipment including stainless steel flexible hose connectors
2014 - Acquired majority interest, 65%, in Wadcorpp India Private Limited, India, a distributor of fueling equipment

Fueling Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets.  Rising car use is leading to more investment in gas stations 
which, in turn, leads to increased demand for the Company’s Fueling Systems products.  The Company believes there is growth 
opportunity in developing markets and, accordingly, acquired an investment in India in 2014.  Fueling Systems competes in 
each of its targeted markets based on product design, quality of products and services, performance, availability, and price.  The 
Company's principal competitors in the petroleum equipment industry are Danaher Corporation and Dover Corporation.

2016 Fueling Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:

•  Development of a new automatic tank gauge platform
•  Development of a pumping system for alternative fuels

5

 
•  Development of new fuel dispensing nozzles
• 

Software enhancements to automatic tank gauges

Information Regarding All Reportable Segments
Research and Development
The Company incurred research and development expense as follows:

(In millions)

Research and development expense

2016

2015

2014

$

21.5

$

18.4

$

19.3

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

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

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

Major Customers
No single customer accounted for over 10 percent of net sales in 2016, 2015, or 2014.  No single customer accounted for over 
10 percent of gross accounts receivable in 2016 and 2015.

Backlog
The dollar amount of backlog by segment was as follows:

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Consolidated

February 15,
2017

February 17,
2016

$

$

39.4

25.2

64.6

$

$

44.4

15.0

59.4

The backlog is composed of written orders at prices adjustable on a price-at-the-time-of-shipment basis for products, primarily 
standard catalog items.  All backlog orders are expected to be filled in fiscal 2017.  The Company’s sales in the first quarter are 
generally less than its sales in other quarters due to generally less water well drilling and overall product sales during the winter 
months in the Northern hemisphere.  Beyond that, there is no seasonal pattern to the backlog and the backlog has not proven to 
be a significant indicator of future sales.

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

Available Information
The Company’s website address is www.franklin-electric.com.  The Company makes available free of charge on or through its 
website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to 
those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and 

6

Exchange Commission.  Additionally, the Company’s website includes the Company’s corporate governance guidelines, its 
Board committee charters, and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics.  Information contained on the Company’s 
website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

Risks Related to the Industry

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

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

Risks Related to the Business

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

Inability to obtain raw materials and finished goods in a timely manner from foreign suppliers
Imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions

•  Difficulty in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through foreign legal systems
•  Trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements
• 
• 
•  Difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations and the application of foreign labor regulations
•  Compliance with foreign laws and regulations
•  Changes in general economic and political conditions in countries where the Company operates

Additionally, the Company’s operations outside the United States could be negatively impacted by changes in treaties, 
agreements, policies, and laws implemented by the United States.

If the Company does not anticipate and effectively manage these risks, these factors may have a material adverse impact on its 
international operations or on the business as a whole.

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

7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Company's operations are dependent on information technology infrastructure and failures could significantly affect 
its business.    The Company depends on information technology infrastructure in order to achieve business objectives.   If the 
Company experiences a problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, a problem with the functioning of an 
important IT application, or an intentional disruption of IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede the 
9

 
 
 
Company's ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship products in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on 
business in the ordinary course.  Any such events could cause the loss of customers or revenue and could cause significant 
expense to be incurred to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns.  The Company is also in the process 
of updating its global Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") system that will redesign and deploy a common information 
system over a period of several years.  The process of implementation can be costly and can divert the attention of management 
from the day-to-day operations of the business.  As the Company implements the ERP system, the new system may not perform 
as expected, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's business.  

Additional Risks to the Company.  The Company is subject to various risks in the normal course of business.  Exhibit 99.1 sets 
forth risks and other factors that may affect future results, including those identified above, and is incorporated herein by 
reference.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide with over 125 manufacturing and distribution facilities located in over 20 
countries.  The Global Headquarters is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States and houses sales, marketing, and 
administrative offices along with a state of the art research and engineering facility.  Besides the owned corporate facility, the 
Company considers the following to be principal properties:

Location / Segment

Purpose

Own/Lease

Santa Catarina, Brazil / Both

Sao Paulo, Brazil / Both

Jiangsu Province, China / Both

Brno, Czech Republic / Water

Dueville, Italy / Water

Nuevo Leon, Mexico / Both

Edenvale, South Africa / Water

Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales

Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Izmir, Turkey / Water

Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D

Indiana, United States / Both

Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D

Oklahoma, United States / Water

Manufacturing

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Own

Wisconsin, United States / Fueling

Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D

Lease

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

10

 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Current executive officers of the Company, their ages, current position, and business experience during at least the past five 
years as of December 31, 2016, are as follows:

Name

Age

Position Held

Gregg C. Sengstack

58 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

President and Chief Executive Officer

President and Chief Operating Officer

Period
Holding
Position

2015 - present

2014 - 2015

2011 - 2014

Robert J. Stone

52 Senior Vice President and President, International Water Systems

2012 - present

Senior Vice President and President, Americas Water Systems Group

2007 - 2012

Daniel J. Crose

69 Vice President, Global Water Product Supply

DeLancey W. Davis

51 Vice President and President, North America Water Systems

Donald P. Kenney

56 Vice President and President, Energy Systems

President, Energy Systems

President, Fueling Systems

John J. Haines

Julie S. Freigang

53 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

49 Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Steven W. Aikman

57 Vice President, Global Water Systems Engineering

Chief Information Officer

Vice President, Information Technologies - Eaton Corporation

Jonathan M. Grandon

41

Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and
Secretary
Vice President, Integration - Zimmer Biomet

Senior Vice President and General Counsel - Biomet

Vice President and Division General Counsel, Associate General Counsel,
Corporate - Biomet

Partner - Ropes & Gray LLP

2011 - present

2012 - present

2014 - present

2013 - 2014

1991 - 2013

2008 - present

2015 - present

2014 - 2015

2011 - 2014

2010 - present

2016 - present

2015 - 2016

2014 - 2015

2013 - 2014

2008 - 2013

All executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors at the Board meeting held in conjunction with the annual 
meeting of shareholders.  All executive officers hold office until their successors are duly elected or until their death, 
resignation, or removal by the Board.

11

 
 
 
PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The number of shareholders of record as of February 15, 2017 was 762.  The Company's stock is traded on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market under the symbol FELE.

Dividends paid and the price range per common share as quoted by the NASDAQ Global Select Market for 2016 and 2015 
were as follows:

Dividends per Share

2016

2015

Price per Share

2016

2015

Low

High

Low

High

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

$

.0975

$

.0900

$

23.93

$

32.71

$

33.45

$

.1000

.1000

.1000

.0975

.0975

.0975

30.58

32.65

34.90

35.37

40.71

44.50

32.13

26.75

26.91

39.12

39.56

31.67

35.11

The Company has increased dividend payments on an annual basis for 24 consecutive periods.  The payment of dividends in 
the future will be determined by the Board of Directors and will depend on business conditions, earnings, and other factors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for
repurchase from 628,692 to 2,300,000 shares. There is no expiration date for this plan.  On August 3, 2015, the Company's 
Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for repurchase by an additional 3,000,000 
shares.  The authorization was in addition to the 535,107 shares that remained available for repurchase as of July 31, 2015.  The 
Company did not repurchase any shares under this plan during the fourth quarter of 2016. The maximum number of shares that 
may still be purchased under this plan as of December 31, 2016 is 2,156,362.

12

 
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the Company's cumulative total shareholder return (Common Stock price appreciation plus 
dividends, on a reinvested basis) over the last five fiscal years with the Guggenheim S&P Global Water Index and the Russell 
2000 Index. 

Hypothetical $100 invested on December 31, 2011 (fiscal year-end 2011) in Franklin Electric common stock (FELE), 
Guggenheim S&P Global Water Index, and Russell 2000 Index, assuming reinvestment of dividends:

YE 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

FELE

Guggenheim S&P Global Water

Russell 2000

$

$

100

100

100

$

142

119

116

$

205

148

162

$

172

152

169

$

124

150

162

179

161

196

13

 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The 
information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future operations.

Five Year Financial Summary 

(In thousands, except per share amounts and
ratios)

2016

2015

2014

(c)

2013

2012

(d)

Operations:

Net sales

Gross profit

Interest expense

Income tax expense
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric
Co., Inc.
Depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures

Balance sheet:

Working capital (a)(b)(e)

Property, plant, and equipment, net

Total assets (a)

Long-term debt (a)

Shareholders’ equity

Other data:

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric
Co., Inc., to sales

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric
Co., Inc., to average total assets

Current ratio (b)(f)

$ 949,856

$ 924,923

$ 1,047,777

$ 965,462

$ 891,345

331,406

8,732

24,798

78,745

35,534

37,624

326,058

196,137

1,039,905

156,544

613,445

297,608

10,039

12,625

72,945

35,476

25,933

293,450

190,039

996,111

187,806

557,700

344,410

10,735

18,851

69,806

37,210

42,396

268,434

209,786

331,514

10,597

28,851

81,958

31,356

67,206

333,880

208,596

1,075,797

1,051,770

143,605

596,840

174,063

595,707

301,664

10,208

32,250

82,864

28,335

42,062

283,278

171,975

976,283

150,633

514,406

8.3%

7.7%

3.1

7.9%

7.0%

3.0

6.7%

6.6%

2.3

8.5%

8.1%

3.4

9.3%

9.2%

2.9

Number of common shares outstanding

46,376

46,219

47,594

47,715

47,132

Per share:

Market price range

High

Low

$

$

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric
Co., Inc., per weighted average common share $

44.50

23.93

1.67

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric
Co., Inc., per weighted average common share,
assuming dilution

Book value (g)

Dividends per common share

$

$

$

1.65

13.12

0.3975

$

$

$

$

$

$

39.56

26.75

1.52

1.50

11.73

0.3825

$

$

$

$

$

$

45.42

33.93

1.43

1.41

12.38

0.3475

$

$

$

$

$

$

45.62

29.95

1.70

1.68

12.38

0.3050

$

$

$

$

$

$

30.98

22.77

1.76

1.73

10.78

0.2850

(a)  In 2016, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 
2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  This 
ASU required retrospective adoption; therefore, years 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were restated above to reflect the 
adoption of the ASU.  See Note 2 for additional information regarding this ASU. 

(b)  Balances as of year-end 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were not retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of ASU 2015-17, 
Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which related to the presentation of deferred 
taxes. 

14

(c)  Includes the results of operations of the Company's 100% wholly owned subsidiary, Bombas Leao S.A., since its 

acquisition in the second quarter of 2014, and 90% of the Company's owned subsidiary, Impo Motor Pompa Sanayi ve 
Ticaret A.S., since the Company's acquisition of an additional 10% in the second quarter of 2014.

(d)  Includes the results of operations of the Company's 70.5% owned subsidiary, Pioneer Pump Holdings, Inc., since the 

Company's acquisition of an additional 39.5% in the first quarter of 2012, 100% of the wholly owned subsidiary, Cerus 
Industrial Corporation, since its acquisition in the third quarter of 2012, and 100% of the wholly owned subsidiary, 
Flexing, Incorporated, since the Company's acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2012.

(e)  Working capital = Current assets minus current liabilities.
(f)  Current ratio = Current assets divided by current liabilities.
(g)  Book value = Shareholders’ equity divided by weighted average common shares, assuming full dilution.

15

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

2016 vs. 2015 

OVERVIEW

Sales in 2016 increased from the prior year.  Net sales in 2016 were $949.9 million, an increase of about 3 percent compared to 
2015 sales of $924.9 million. The sales increase was attributable to both volume and price increases partially offset by the 
impact of foreign currency translation as the US dollar strengthened against certain foreign currencies. The Company's 
consolidated gross profit was $331.4 million for 2016, an increase of $33.8 million or about 11 percent from 2015. The gross 
profit as a percent of net sales increased 270 basis points to 34.9 percent in 2016 from 32.2 percent in 2015. The gross profit 
margin change was due primarily to favorable pricing, lower direct material costs and lower fixed cost on higher sales. For 
2016, diluted earnings per share were $1.65, an increase of 10 percent compared to 2015 diluted earnings per share of $1.50. 
Adjusted earnings per share were $1.66, an increase of 13 percent versus the $1.47 adjusted earnings per share in 2015 (see the 
table below for a reconciliation of the GAAP EPS to the adjusted EPS).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales
Net sales in 2016 were $949.9 million, an increase of $25.0 million or about 3 percent compared to 2015 sales of $924.9 
million.  The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $0.7 million.  Sales revenue decreased by $23.2 million 
or about 2 percent in 2016 due to foreign currency translation. The sales change in 2016, excluding acquisitions and foreign 
currency translation, was an increase of $47.5 million or about 5 percent.

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Consolidated

Net Sales

2016

2015

2016 v 2015

$

$

723.2

226.7

949.9

$

$

707.6

217.3

924.9

$

$

15.6

9.4

25.0

Net Sales-Water Systems
Water Systems sales were $723.2 million in 2016, an increase of $15.6 million or 2 percent versus 2015. The incremental 
impact of sales from acquired businesses was $0.7 million.  Foreign currency translation rate changes decreased sales $21.4 
million, or about 3 percent, compared to sales in 2015. The sales change in 2016, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency 
translation, was an increase of $36.3 million or about 5 percent.

Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada were 36 percent of consolidated sales and increased by about 5 percent in 2016 
compared to the prior year. Sales revenue decreased by $2.1 million or less than 1 percent in 2016 due to foreign currency 
translation. The sales change in 2016, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was an increase of $16.4 million 
or about 5 percent.  In 2016, sales of groundwater pumping equipment increased by about 9 percent. The growth in 
groundwater equipment sales was led by a 12 percent increase in sales of products for both residential and agricultural 
applications.  Sales of Pioneer branded mobile dewatering equipment declined by about 12 percent. The decline in mobile 
dewatering equipment is primarily attributed to reduced demand in the oil and gas end markets.

Water Systems sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa were about 17 percent of consolidated sales and declined by about 4 
percent compared to 2015. Water Systems in Europe, the Middle East and Africa were reduced by $10.5 million or about 6 
percent due to foreign currency translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales were up in 2016 by 
about 2 percent compared to 2015. The growth was driven by strong sales of groundwater pumping equipment in Turkey.
In local currency sales in Turkey grew; however, this growth was offset by sales declines in other parts of the region due to 
political and economic turmoil and the lower price of oil which reduced investment by the public sector, particularly in Saudi 
Arabia.

Water Systems sales in Latin America were about 14 percent of consolidated sales for 2016 and declined by about 1 percent 
compared to 2015.  Sales revenue decreased by $8.5 million or about 7 percent in 2016 due to foreign currency translation. The 
sales change in 2016, excluding foreign currency translation, was an increase of $7.4 million or about 6 percent. The growth in 
sales was led by increased sales in Mexico and Brazil, in local currency. This sales growth is a result of increasing demand for 
16

Franklin submersible pumps and motors, customer acceptance of the many product line upgrades that have been implemented 
over the past two years, and general market conditions.

Water Systems sales in the Asia Pacific region were 9 percent of consolidated sales and grew by about 12 percent compared to 
the prior year. Foreign currency translation rate changes decreased sales in 2016 in the Asia Pacific region by less than a 
percent. The Asia Pacific region experienced strong year over year growth in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems sales which represented 24 percent of consolidated sales were $226.7 million in 2016, an increase of $9.4 
million or about 4 percent versus 2015. Foreign currency translation rate changes decreased sales $1.8 million or about 1 
percent compared to sales in 2015. The sales change in 2016, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was an 
increase of $11.2 million or about 5 percent.

Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada grew by about 8 percent in 2016 compared to the prior year with sales growth 
coming from most product lines, most significantly our pumping and fuel management systems. Fueling Systems sales in the 
rest of the world were down about 2 percent year over year.  In 2016, Fueling Systems revenues increased in the Asia Pacific 
regions by about 14 percent, driven by higher sales in India. This growth in Asia was more than offset by a sales decline in 
Europe principally due to a 42 percent decline in the sale of storage tanks that support North Sea oil production.

Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for 2016 and 2015 was 65.1 percent and 67.8 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the 
gross profit margin increased to 34.9 percent from 32.2 percent, a 270 basis point improvement. The gross profit margin 
increase was primarily due to lower raw material costs and lower fixed costs.  Direct materials as a percentage of sales was 
44.8 percent down 210 basis points compared to 46.9 percent last year.  This decrease in direct materials was primarily due to 
favorable pricing and lower direct material costs.  The Company's consolidated gross profit was $331.4 million for 2016, up 
$33.8 million or 11 percent from 2015.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $221.2 million in 2016 and increased by $16.9 million or about 8 
percent in 2016 compared to last year. In 2016, increases in SG&A attributable to higher variable compensation expenses were 
about $12 million or about 6 percent. Additional year over year changes in SG&A costs were primarily in Marketing and 
Selling related expenses which increased about $2.5 million to support sales growth and, also, Research, Development & 
Engineering expense which increased by $2.3 million in the year.

Restructuring (Income)/Expense
Restructuring expenses for 2016 netted to a gain of $(0.6) million and increased diluted earnings per share about $0.01.  
Restructuring expenses for 2016 included a gain of $(2.0) million from the sale of land and building in Brazil and $1.4 million 
in expenses related to severance and pension costs, equipment relocation expenses, asset write-downs and other costs related to 
the transfer of production activities and other restructuring costs from continued manufacturing realignments.

Restructuring expenses for 2015 were $3.0 million and decreased diluted earnings per share about $0.04.  Restructuring 
expenses in 2015 included severance and pension costs, equipment relocation expenses, and asset write-downs primarily 
related to the closure of the Wittlich, Germany facility and other manufacturing realignment activities in Europe and Brazil. 

Operating Income
Operating income was $110.8 million in 2016, up $20.4 million from $90.4 million in 2015.

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

2016

2015

2016 v 2015

$

$

108.2

$

86.7

$

56.3
(53.7)
110.8

$

51.5
(47.8)
90.4

$

21.5

4.8
(5.9)
20.4

There were specific items in 2016 and 2015 that impacted operating income.  

17

In 2016 they were as follows:

• 

• 

• 

$(0.6) million of net restructuring charges. Restructuring (income)/expenses in 2016 included a gain of $(2.0) million 
from the sale of land and building in Brazil, $0.4 million in asset write-offs, $0.2 million in severance and pension 
cost, $0.2 million expenses related to equipment transfers and freight costs and $0.6 million in other relocation costs 
primarily related to other manufacturing realignment activities.

$1.2 million related to executive transition.

$0.1 million in other miscellaneous costs related to closed acquisitions.

In 2015 they were as follows:

•  There were $3.0 million of restructuring charges. Restructuring expenses in 2015 were $0.6 million in severance cost, 
$0.6 million in pension cost, $0.6 million expenses related to equipment transfers and freight costs, $0.1 million in 
asset write-offs and $1.1 million in other relocation costs primarily related to the closure of the Wittlich, Germany 
facility and other manufacturing realignment activities in Europe and Brazil.

• 

• 

• 

$1.2 million related to executive transition.

$0.7 million related to business realignment cost, primarily severance, in targeted fixed cost reduction actions.

$0.2 million in other miscellaneous costs related to closed acquisitions.

The Company refers to these items as “non-GAAP adjustments” for purposes of presenting the non-GAAP financial measures 
of operating income after non-GAAP adjustments and percent operating income to net sales after non-GAAP adjustments to net 
sales (operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments).  The Company believes this information helps investors and 
management understand underlying trends in the Company's business more easily and by presenting these matters in this way, 
gives our investors and management a more accurate picture of the actual operational performance of the Company. The non-
GAAP adjustments are for restructuring expenses, reported separately on the income statement, as well as certain legal matters 
and acquisition related items which are included in SG&A on the income statement.  The differences between these non-GAAP 
financial measures and the most comparable GAAP measures are reconciled in the following tables:

18

Operating Income and Margins

Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

(in millions)

Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
% Operating Income To Net Sales

Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Restructuring
Non-GAAP
Operating Income/(Loss) after Non-GAAP Adjustments

% Operating Income to Net Sales after Non-GAAP adjustments 
(Operating Income Margin after Non-GAAP Adjustments)

Reported Operating Income/(Loss)

% Operating Income To Net Sales

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

Restructuring

Non-GAAP

Operating Income/(Loss) after Non-GAAP Adjustments

% Operating Income to Net Sales after Non-GAAP adjustments 
(Operating Income Margin after Non-GAAP Adjustments)

$

$
$
$

$

$

$

$

For the Full Year of 2016

Water

Fueling

Other

$

108.2
15.0%

$

56.3
24.8%

(53.7) $

Consolidated
110.8
11.7%

(1.2) $
$
0.1
$
107.1

0.6
$
— $
$

56.9

— $
1.2 $
(52.5) $

14.8%

25.1%

(0.6)
1.3
111.5

11.7%

For the Full Year of 2015

Water

Fueling

Other

Consolidated

86.7

$

12.3%

51.5

$

23.7%

(47.8) $

2.7

0.7

90.1

$

$

$

0.3

0.2

52.0

$

$

$

— $

1.2 $
(46.6) $

12.7%

23.9%

90.4

9.8%

3.0

2.1

95.5

10.3%

Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $108.2 million in 2016, up $21.5 million or 25 percent versus the 2015 as reported and up 
$17.0 million or 19 percent versus the 2015 after non-GAAP adjustments. The 2016 operating income margin was 15.0 percent, 
up 270 basis points from 12.3 percent in 2015. The 2016 operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments was 14.8 
percent, an increase of 210 basis points from the 12.7 percent of net sales in 2015 after non-GAAP adjustments. The increase in 
basis points was primarily due to improved margins from lower variable costs.

Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $56.3 million in 2016, up $4.8 million or about 9 percent compared to $51.5 million in 
2015 as reported, and up $4.9 million or 9 percent compared to $52.0 million after non-GAAP adjustments in 2015. The 2016 
operating income margin was 24.8 percent, an increase of 110 basis points from the as reported 23.7 percent of net sales in 
2015. The 2016 operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments was 25.1 percent, an increase of 120 basis points from 
the 23.9 percent of net sales in 2015 after non-GAAP adjustments. The increase in basis points was primarily due to improved 
margins from lower variable costs.

Operating Income-Other
Operating income-other is composed primarily of unallocated general and administrative expenses.  General and administrative 
expenses after non-GAAP adjustments were higher by about 13 percent, primarily due to higher variable compensation 
expenses.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for 2016 and 2015 was $8.7 million and $10.0 million, respectively.

Other Income or Expense
Other income or expense was a gain of $1.0 million in 2016. Included in other income or expense in 2016 was minority income 
of $1.7 million and interest income of $1.0 million, primarily derived from the investment of cash balances in short-term 
securities. In 2016, other expenses also included the reversal of an indemnification receivable related to a contingent tax 
liability for $1.9 million recorded at the time of a foreign acquisition.  The contingent tax liability was for the same amount and 

19

 
was also reversed in 2016 and the benefit was recorded in the income tax provision.  Other income or expense was income of 
$6.9 million in 2015. Included in other income or expense in 2016 was minority income of $2.8 million and interest income of 
$1.3 million, primarily derived from the investment of cash balances in short-term securities. The Company also realized a gain 
on the settlement of the redeemable non-controlling interest liability in the first quarter of 2015 of about $2.7 million. 

Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency-based transactions produced a gain for 2016 of $1.1 million, primarily due to the Turkish lira relative to the 
U.S. dollar and euro.  Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for 2015 of $0.9 million, primarily due to the South 
African rand, Colombian peso and Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, none of which individually were significant.  

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2016 and 2015 was $24.8 million and $12.6 million, respectively. The tax rate for 2016 was 
23.8 percent and 2015 was 14.6 percent. Discrete adjustments in 2016 were primarily due to the favorable impact from equity 
compensation share based payments and the reversal of a contingent tax liability offset by adjustments to the Company’s 
valuation allowance against certain state deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized. Discrete adjustments during 2015 
were the reversal of a deferred tax liability of about $4.8 million created in 2012 when the Company acquired the controlling 
interest in the Pioneer subsidiary and realized a gain on the then equity investment in Pioneer.  This purchase transaction also 
resulted in other tax benefits of about $3.5 million. The tax rate before discrete adjustments for 2016 was about 26 percent and 
2015 was about 27 percent. The tax rate is lower than the statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to the indefinite 
reinvestment of foreign earnings and reduced taxes on foreign and repatriated earnings. The Company has the ability to 
indefinitely reinvest these foreign earnings based on the earnings and cash projections of its other operations, current cash on 
hand and available credit.

Net Income
Net income for 2016 was $79.3 million compared to 2015 net income of $73.7 million.  Net income attributable to Franklin 
Electric Co., Inc. for 2016 was $78.7 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, compared to 2015 net income attributable to Franklin 
Electric Co., Inc. of $72.9 million or $1.50 per diluted share. Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. after Non-
GAAP adjustments for 2016 was $77.4 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, compared to 2015 net income attributable to 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. after Non-GAAP adjustments of $69.7 million or $1.47 per diluted share.

There were specific items in 2016 and 2015 that impacted net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.  The Company 
refers to these items as “non-GAAP adjustments” for purposes of presenting the non-GAAP financial measures of net income 
attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and adjusted EPS.  The Company believes this information helps investors understand 
underlying trends in the Company's business more easily.  The differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the 
most comparable GAAP measures are reconciled in the following tables:

Earnings Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

For the Full Year

(in millions)
Net Income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Reported

Allocated Undistributed Earnings

Earnings for EPS Calculations

Non-GAAP adjustments (before tax):

Restructuring

Non-GAAP items

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax:

Restructuring

Non-GAAP items

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Earnings after Non-GAAP Adjustments

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

20

2016

2015

Change

78.7 $

(1.7) $

77.0 $

(0.6) $
1.3 $

— $

(0.4) $
0.8 $

— $

77.4 $

72.9

(1.5)

71.4

3.0

2.1
(4.8)

1.8

1.3
(4.8)

69.7

8%

8%

11%

Earnings Per Share Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

For the Full Year

(in millions except per-share data)

Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Reported

Restructuring Per Share, net of tax

Non-GAAP items, net of tax

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Fully Diluted EPS after Non-GAAP Adjustments (Adjusted
EPS)

2016

2015

Change

(2)%

10 %

46.7

1.65

(0.01)
0.02

$

$

$

$

— $

47.6

1.50

0.04

0.03

(0.10)

1.66

$

1.47

13 %

$

$

$

$

$

$

2015 vs. 2014 

OVERVIEW

Sales in 2015 decreased from the prior year.  Net sales in 2015 were $924.9 million, a decrease of about 12 percent compared 
to 2014 sales of $1,047.8 million. The sales decrease was primarily the impact of foreign currency translation as the US dollar 
strengthened against certain foreign currencies and lower sales volume, partially offset by sales price increases, as well as the 
Company's acquisitions. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $297.6 million for 2015, a decrease of $46.8 million or 
about 14 percent from 2014. The gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased 70 basis points to 32.2 percent in 2015 from 
32.9 percent in 2014. The gross profit margin change was due primarily to lost leverage on fixed cost due to lower sales. For 
2015, diluted earnings per share were $1.50, an increase of 6 percent compared to 2014 diluted earnings per share of $1.41. 
Adjusted earnings per share were $1.47, a decrease of 16 percent versus the $1.76 adjusted earnings per share in 2014 (see the 
table below for a reconciliation of the GAAP EPS to the adjusted EPS).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales
Net sales in 2015 were $924.9 million, a decrease of $122.9 million or about 12 percent compared to 2014 sales of $1,047.8 
million.  The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $21.3 million or about 2 percent.  Sales revenue 
decreased by $89.3 million or about 9 percent in 2015 due to foreign currency translation. The sales change in 2015, excluding 
acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was a decrease of $54.9 million or about 5 percent.

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Consolidated

Net Sales

2015

2014

2015 v 2014

$

$

707.6

217.3

924.9

$

$

824.6

223.2

1,047.8

$

$

(117.0)
(5.9)
(122.9)

Net Sales-Water Systems
Water Systems sales were $707.6 million in 2015, a decrease of $117.0 million or 14 percent versus 2014. The incremental 
impact of sales from acquired businesses was $20.8 million or about 2 percent.  Foreign currency translation rate changes 
decreased sales $78.3 million, or about 9 percent, compared to sales in 2014. The sales change in 2015, excluding acquisitions 
and foreign currency translation, was a decrease of $59.5 million or about 7 percent.

Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada were 36 percent of consolidated sales and declined by about 20 percent in 2015 
compared to the prior year. Sales revenue decreased by $5.9 million or about 1 percent in 2015 due to foreign currency 
translation. In 2015, U.S. and Canada sales of Pioneer branded mobile dewatering equipment declined by about 55 percent. The 
decline in mobile dewatering equipment is primarily attributed to reduced demand in the oil and gas end markets. Sales of 

21

groundwater pumping equipment declined by about 14 percent, and sales of surface water pumping equipment declined by 
about 6 percent versus 2014. The decline in groundwater equipment sales is attributable primarily to weaker demand in the 
agriculture sector as a result of less favorable weather and to a lesser extent, distributor changes the Company made in its 
primary groundwater distribution channel.  Sales of surface water pumping equipment also declined due to lower condensate 
pump sales as cooler temperatures delayed the start to the HVAC season.

Water Systems sales in Latin America were about 14 percent of consolidated sales for 2015 and declined by about 9 percent 
compared to the prior year. Acquisition related sales during 2015 were $10.4 million or about 7 percent. Foreign currency 
translation rate changes decreased sales $34.7 million, or about 24 percent, compared to sales in 2014. Excluding acquisition 
and foreign currency translation, sales in Latin America grew by about 8 percent during 2015. The growth in sales was led by 
increased sales in Mexico and Brazil, in local currency. This sales growth is a result of increasing demand for Franklin 
submersible pumps and motors, customer acceptance of the many product line upgrades that have been implemented over the 
past two years, and general market conditions.

Water Systems sales in the Middle East and Africa were about 11 percent of consolidated sales and decreased by about 10 
percent compared to 2014. Water Systems sales in the Middle East and Africa were reduced by $16.5 million or about 14 
percent in the year due to foreign currency translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales were up 
about 4 percent compared to 2014. The growth was driven by strong sales of groundwater pumping equipment in Turkey.

Water Systems sales in the Asia Pacific region were 8 percent of consolidated sales and grew by about 7 percent compared to 
the prior year. Acquisition related sales during 2015 increased sales by about 9 percent in Asia Pacific. Foreign currency 
translation rate changes decreased sales in 2015 in the Asia Pacific region by about 5 percent. Excluding acquisitions and 
foreign currency translation sales grew by about 3 percent during 2015. The Asia Pacific region experienced strong year over 
year growth in Southeast Asia and Korea. These sales increases were partially offset by smaller declines in sales in Australia, 
Japan and China.

Water Systems sales in Europe were about 7 percent of consolidated sales and decreased by about 20 percent compared to the 
prior year. Foreign currency translation rate changes decreased sales by about 21 percent compared to sales in 2014. Excluding 
foreign currency translation, European sales grew by about 1 percent during 2015.

Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems sales which represented 23 percent of consolidated sales were $217.3 million in 2015, a decrease of $5.9 
million or about 3 percent versus 2014. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $0.5 million.  Foreign 
currency translation rate changes decreased sales $11.0 million or about 5 percent compared to sales in 2014. The sales change 
in 2015, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation, was an increase of $4.6 million or about 2 percent.

Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada grew by about 6 percent in 2015 compared to the prior year with sales growth 
coming from most product lines, especially in piping. Fueling Systems revenues declined in India and China due to the timing 
of tender awards made in India and the ongoing reduction in State owned oil company procurements in China. Sales also 
declined in Europe principally due to a 42 percent decline in the sale of storage tanks that support North Sea oil production.

Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for 2015 and 2014 was 67.8 percent and 67.1 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the 
gross profit margin decreased to 32.2 percent from 32.9 percent, a 70 basis point decline. The gross profit margin decrease was 
primarily due to fixed costs deleverage on lower sales and higher raw material costs.  Direct materials as a percentage of sales 
was 46.9 percent up 50 basis points compared to 46.4 percent last year.  This increase in direct materials was partially offset by 
lower labor and burden costs.  The Company's consolidated gross profit was $297.6 million for 2015, down $46.8 million or 14 
percent from 2014.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $204.3 million in 2015 and decreased by $23.4 million or about 10 
percent in 2015 compared to last year. In 2015, increases in SG&A attributable to acquisitions were about $6 million or about 3 
percent. Additional year over year changes in SG&A costs were decreases in the year primarily due to lower marketing and 
selling related expenses, as well as lower costs for incentive compensation. Approximately half of the lower SG&A expenses 
was related to foreign exchange.

22

Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses for 2015 were $3.0 million and reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04. 
Restructuring expenses in 2015 included severance and pension costs, equipment relocation expenses, asset write-downs and 
primarily related to the closure of the Wittlich, Germany facility and other manufacturing realignment activities in Europe and 
Brazil. There were $16.6 million of restructuring expenses in 2014 and reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately 
$0.24. Restructuring expenses in 2014 included severance costs, equipment relocation expenses, and asset write-downs 
primarily related to the closure of the Wittlich, Germany facility and other European manufacturing realignment activities.

Operating Income
Operating income was $90.4 million in 2015, down $9.7 million from $100.1 million in 2014.

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

Operating income (loss)

2015

2014

2015 v 2014

$

$

86.7

$

103.9

$

51.5
(47.8)
90.4

$

49.7
(53.5)
100.1

$

(17.2)
1.8

5.7
(9.7)

There were specific items in 2015 and 2014 that impacted operating income.

In 2015 they were as follows:

•  There were $3.0 million of restructuring charges. Restructuring expenses in 2015 were $0.6 million in severance cost, 
$0.6 million in pension cost, $0.6 million expenses related to equipment transfers and freight costs, $0.1 million in 
asset write-offs and $1.1 million in other relocation costs primarily related to the closure of the Wittlich, Germany 
facility and other manufacturing realignment activities in Europe and Brazil.

• 

• 

• 

$1.2 million related to executive transition.

$0.7 million related to business realignment cost, primarily severance, in targeted fixed cost reduction actions.

$0.2 million in other miscellaneous costs related to closed acquisitions.

In 2014 they were as follows:

•  There were $16.6 million of restructuring charges. Restructuring expenses in 2014 were $14.7 million in severance 

cost, $1.7 million expenses related to equipment transfers, freight and other relocation costs and $0.2 million in asset 
write-offs primarily related to the transfer of production activities from Germany to the Czech Republic and other 
continued manufacturing realignments.

• 

• 

• 

$3.2 million in other miscellaneous costs related to closed and pending acquisitions and $0.2 million in legal fees 
incurred by Franklin Fueling Systems.

$2.5 million related to executive transition.

$1.8 million of software write-offs.

The Company refers to these items as “non-GAAP adjustments” for purposes of presenting the non-GAAP financial measures 
of operating income after non-GAAP adjustments and percent operating income to net sales after non-GAAP adjustments to net 
sales (operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments).  The Company believes this information helps investors and 
management understand underlying trends in the Company's business more easily and by presenting these matters in this way, 
gives our investors and management a more accurate picture of the actual operational performance of the Company. The non-
GAAP adjustments are for restructuring expenses, reported separately on the income statement, as well as certain legal matters 
and acquisition related items which are included in SG&A on the income statement.  The differences between these non-GAAP 
financial measures and the most comparable GAAP measures are reconciled in the following tables:

23

Operating Income and Margins

Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

(in millions)

Reported Operating Income/(Loss)
% Operating Income To Net Sales

Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Restructuring
Non-GAAP

Operating Income after Non-GAAP Adjustments

% Operating Income to Net Sales after Non-GAAP
Adjustments (Operating Income Margin after Non-GAAP
Adjustments)

Reported Operating Income/(Loss)

% Operating Income To Net Sales

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

Restructuring

Non-GAAP

Operating Income after Non-GAAP Adjustments
% Operating Income to Net Sales after Non-GAAP
Adjustments (Operating Income Margin after Non-GAAP
Adjustments)

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

Water

For the Full Year of 2015
Fueling

Other

$

86.7
12.3%

$

51.5
23.7%

(47.8) $

Consolidated
90.4
9.8%

2.7
0.7

90.1

$
$

$

0.3
0.2

52.0

$
$

$

— $
$
1.2

(46.6) $

12.7%

23.9%

3.0
2.1

95.5

10.3%

For the Full Year of 2014

Water

Fueling

Other

Consolidated

103.9

$

12.6%

49.7

$

22.3%

(53.5) $

100.1

9.6%

16.1

3.7

123.7

$

$

$

0.5

1.5

51.7

$

$

$

— $

2.5
$
(51.0) $

16.6

7.7

124.4

15.0%

23.2%

11.9%

Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income, after non-GAAP adjustments, was $90.1 million in 2015, a decrease of 27 percent versus 
2014. The 2015 operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments was 12.7 percent and decreased by 230 basis points 
compared to the 15.0 percent of net sales in 2014. Operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments decreased in Water 
Systems primarily due to loss of operating leverage.

Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income after non-GAAP adjustments was $52.0 million in 2015 compared to $51.7 million after 
non-GAAP adjustments in 2014. The 2015 operating income margin after non-GAAP adjustments was 23.9 percent and 
increased by 70 basis points compared to the 23.2 percent of net sales in 2014. This increased profitability was primarily due to 
lower fixed costs.

Operating Income-Other
Operating income-other is composed primarily of unallocated general and administrative expenses.  General and administrative 
expenses after non-GAAP adjustments were down about 9 percent compared to last year primarily due to lower incentive 
compensation due to lower overall operating results.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for 2015 and 2014 was $10.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively.

Other Income or Expense
Other income or expense was a gain of $6.9 million in 2015. Included in other income or expense in 2015 was minority income 
of $2.8 million and interest income of $1.3 million, primarily derived from the investment of cash balances in short-term 
securities. The Company also realized a gain on the settlement of the redeemable non-controlling interest liability in the first 
quarter of this year of about $2.7 million. Other income or expense was a gain of $1.3 million in 2014 and included in other 

24

 
income or expense in 2014 was interest income of $2.0 million, primarily derived from the investment of cash balances in 
short-term securities.

Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for 2015 of $0.9 million, primarily due to the South African rand, 
Colombian Peso and Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, none of which individually were significant.  Foreign 
currency-based transactions produced a loss for 2014 of $1.0 million, primarily due to the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, 
Turkish lira, and South African rand relative to the U.S. dollar, none of which individually were significant.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2015 and 2014 was $12.6 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The tax rate for 2015 was 
14.6 percent and 2014 was 21.0 percent. Discrete adjustments during 2015 were the reversal of a deferred tax liability created 
in 2012 when the Company acquired the controlling interest in the Pioneer subsidiary and realized a gain on the then equity 
investment in Pioneer. This tax benefit of about $4.8 million was treated as a non-GAAP adjustment. Because in 2012, the gain 
was treated as a non-GAAP adjustment, the Company is now consistently treating the reversal of the tax liability related to that 
gain as a non-GAAP adjustment and reducing reported Earnings per Share in 2015 by $0.10 cents. The Company also realized 
a gain on the redeemable non-controlling interest liability in the year of about $2.7 million which is included in ‘Other income’. 
This purchase transaction also resulted in other tax benefits of about $2.5 million, which were expensed through the Company’s 
earnings in prior years as well as a benefit of about $1.0 million related to the 2015 gain. The tax rate before discrete 
adjustments for 2015 was about 27 percent and 2014 was about 26 percent. The tax rate is lower than the statutory rate of 35 
percent primarily due to the indefinite reinvestment of foreign earnings and reduced taxes on foreign and repatriated earnings. 
The Company has the ability to indefinitely reinvest these foreign earnings based on the earnings and cash projections of its 
other operations, current cash on hand and available credit.

Net Income
Net income for 2015 was $73.7 million compared to 2014 net income of $70.9 million.  Net income attributable to Franklin 
Electric Co., Inc. for 2015 was $72.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, compared to 2014 net income attributable to Franklin 
Electric Co., Inc. of $69.8 million or $1.41 per diluted share. Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. after Non-
GAAP adjustments for 2015 was $69.7 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to 2014 net income attributable to 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. after Non-GAAP adjustments of $84.3 million or $1.76 per diluted share.

There were specific items in 2015 and 2014 that impacted net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. The Company 
refers to these items as “non-GAAP adjustments” for purposes of presenting the non-GAAP financial measures of net income 
attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and adjusted EPS.  The Company believes this information helps investors understand 
underlying trends in the Company's business more easily.  The differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the 
most comparable GAAP measures are reconciled in the following tables:

25

Earnings Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

For the Full Year

(in millions)

2015

2014

Change

Net Income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Reported

Allocated Undistributed Earnings

Earnings for EPS Calculations

Non-GAAP adjustments (before tax):

Restructuring

Non-GAAP items

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax:

Restructuring

Non-GAAP items

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Earnings after Non-GAAP Adjustments

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

72.9

$

(1.5) $

71.4

$

3.0

$

$
2.1
(4.8) $

1.8

1.3

$

$

(4.8) $

69.7

$

69.8

(1.6)

68.2

16.6

7.7

—

11.4

4.7

—

84.3

4 %

5 %

(17)%

Earnings Per Share Before and After Non-GAAP Adjustments

For the Full Year

(in millions except per-share data)

Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Reported

Restructuring Per Share, net of tax

Non-GAAP items, net of tax

Pioneer tax benefits on equity gain

Fully Diluted EPS after Non-GAAP Adjustments (Adjusted
EPS)

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

2015

2014

Change

$

$

$

$

$

$

47.6

1.50

0.04

$

$

$

0.03
$
(0.10) $

1.47

$

48.2

1.41

0.24

0.11

—

1.76

(1)%

6 %

(16)%

Sources of Liquidity
The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operations, revolving credit agreements, and 
long-term debt funds available.  The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at December 31, 2016 is 
adequate to meet projected needs.  The Company expects that ongoing requirements for operations, capital expenditures, 
pension obligations, dividends, and debt service will be adequately funded from cash on hand, operations, and existing credit 
agreements.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a $300.0 million revolving credit facility.  The facility is scheduled to mature on 
October 28, 2021.  As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $294.1 million borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement 
as $5.9 million in letters of commercial and standby letters of credit were outstanding and undrawn and no revolver borrowing 
was drawn and outstanding as of the end of the quarter.

The Company also has other long-term debt borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016.  See Footnote 11 for additional 
specifics regarding these obligations and future maturities.

26

At December 31, 2016, the Company had $74.5 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions, which will 
be used to fund foreign operations.  There is currently no need to repatriate these funds in order to meet domestic funding 
obligations or scheduled cash distributions.  If the Company chose to repatriate historical earnings held in foreign jurisdictions, 
the intention to do so would only be in a tax-efficient manner.  

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

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Change in cash and cash equivalents

2016

2015

2014

$

$

115.4
(33.8)
(51.7)
(7.1)
22.8

$

$

99.6
(29.6)
(41.1)
(6.5)
22.4

$

$

47.3
(77.7)
(44.3)
(0.7)
(75.4)

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
2016 vs. 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities was $115.4 million for 2016 compared to $99.6 million for 2015.  An increase in cash 
provided by operations in 2016 was partially attributable to large cash outflows in 2015 related to restructuring costs previously 
accrued at year-end 2014.  The increase in cash provided was partially offset by increased cash used during 2016 for higher 
receivables and inventory balances compared to year-end 2015, driven by higher sales volumes in 2016.  Finally, during 2015 
the mandatory share purchase liability of $22.9 million for Pioneer was settled, resulting in a non-cash gain and reversal of 
certain deferred tax liabilities, also non-cash, both of which were adjustments to net income. 

2015 vs. 2014
Net cash provided by operating activities was $99.6 million for 2015 compared to $47.3 million for 2014. The increase in cash 
provided from operations in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to lower uses of cash for trade receivables and 
inventory in conjunction with reduced sales in 2015. This increase in cash provided from operations was partially offset by a 
reduction in outstanding accounts payable balances at year-end 2015 compared to 2014. This reduction was also primarily due 
to lower year-end inventory levels. 

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
2016 vs. 2015
Net cash used in investing activities was $33.8 million in 2016 compared to $29.6 million in 2015. During 2016, the Company 
had increased capital expenditures compared to 2015, primarily attributable to the purchase of a building in the first quarter.  
Cash expended on this purchase was partially offset with proceeds realized from the sale of an idle building in Brazil which 
completed during the third quarter of 2016.

2015 vs. 2014
Net cash used in investing activities was $29.6 million in 2015 compared to $77.7 million in 2014. During 2015, the Company 
used less cash for acquisitions and equity investment purchases compared to 2014. In addition, cash used for capital 
expenditures during 2015 was less than the previous year as 2014 saw the completion of a new manufacturing facility in Brazil.  
During 2014, the Company completed the acquisitions of Bombas Leao S.A. (“Bombas Leao”), with cash on hand and short-
term borrowings repaid within the year, and two entities in India, with cash on hand. 

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
2016 vs. 2015
Net cash flows from financing activities were uses of cash of $51.7 million in 2016 compared to $41.1 million in 2015.  During 
2016, the Company had net repayments of debt of about $30.4 million compared to net borrowings during 2015 of about $43.6 
million, resulting in a greater use of cash.  The Company paid dividends of $19.1 million in 2016, which was up slightly from 
$18.9 million in 2015.  In addition, in 2015 the Company made a payment of $20.2 million for the Pioneer mandatory share 
purchase liability and repurchased a significant amount of the Company's common stock, which were both large uses of cash 
that did not repeat in 2016.

27

2015 vs. 2014
Net cash flows from financing activities were uses of cash of $41.1 million in 2015 compared to $44.3 million in 2014. During 
2015, the Company made a payment of $20.2 million for the Pioneer mandatory share purchase liability. In addition, the 
Company used cash of $46.3 million to complete the repurchase of about 1.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock 
pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase program. Dividends in the amount of $18.9 million were paid to shareholders. The 
Company also had increased debt borrowings and repayments during 2015 primarily due to the issuance of $75.0 million of 
debt under the New York Life Agreement, first scheduled Prudential Agreement payment of $30.0 million, and increased 
Revolver borrowing and repayments. 

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

(In millions)

Debt
Debt interest
Capital leases
Operating leases
Purchase obligations

Total

2017

$

$

190.4
29.3
0.1
21.4
10.8
252.0

$

$

33.7
7.5
—
7.4
10.8
59.4

2018-2019
62.5
$
8.1
0.1
9.2
—
79.9

$

2020-2021
2.4
$
4.5
—
4.1
—
11.0

$

More than
5 years

$

$

91.8
9.2
—
0.7
—
101.7

The Company has pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations not included in the table above which will result in 
estimated future payments of approximately $6 million in 2017.  The Company also has unrecognized tax benefits, none of 
which are included in the table above.  The unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.3 million have been recorded as 
liabilities and the Company is uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.  Related to the unrecognized tax 
benefits, the Company has also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest of $1.1 million.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for 
leases found in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 840.  This ASU requires lessees to present right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.  The guidance is to be applied using a 
modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements and is effective 
for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  The Company has begun the 
evaluation process for the adoption of the ASU, and anticipates that the majority of the Company’s outstanding operating leases 
would be recognized as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities upon adoption, resulting in a significant impact to the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The impact of this ASU is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash 
position.  The impact to the Company’s results of operations is still being evaluated.   

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  ASU 2014-09 outlines a 
single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes 
current revenue recognition guidance.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).  ASU 2016-08 clarifies 
the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations.  In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  ASU 2016-10 clarifies the 
implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations.  These ASUs are effective for interim and annual reporting 
periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified 
retrospective approach to adopt these standards.  The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 beginning in the first quarter of 2018 
using the modified retrospective approach.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact 
on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  

28

 
 
 
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments 
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities.  Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis.  Estimates are based on historical experience and on other 
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making 
judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may 
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  There were no material changes to estimates or 
methodologies used to develop those estimates in 2016.

The Company’s critical accounting estimates are identified below:

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

Trade Names and Goodwill
According to FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for 
impairment at least annually or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment.  The 
Company uses a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments including income and market 
approaches.  For indefinite-lived assets apart from goodwill, primarily trade names for the Company, if the fair value is less 
than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The Company has not made 
any material changes to the method of evaluating impairments during the last three years.  

In compliance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level for 
impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment.  Reporting units 
are operating segments or one level below, known as components, which can be aggregated for testing purposes.  The 
Company’s goodwill is allocated to the North America Water Systems, International Water, and Fueling Systems units, as 
components within the North America Water Systems and International Water reporting units can be aggregated.  As the 
Company’s business model evolves, management will continue to evaluate its reporting units and review the aggregation 
criteria.

In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by utilizing a 
combination of both the market value and income approaches. The market value approach compares the reporting units' current 
and projected financial results to entities of similar size and industry to determine the market value of the reporting unit. The 
income approach utilizes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the 
respective assets. These cash flows consider factors regarding expected future operating income and historical trends, as well as 
the effects of demand and competition. The Company may be required to record an impairment if these assumptions and 
estimates change whereby the fair value of the reporting units is below their associated carrying values. Goodwill included on 
the balance sheet as of the fiscal year ended 2016 was $199.6 million.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company completed its annual impairment test of goodwill and tradenames and 
determined the fair value of all intangibles were substantially in excess of the respective carrying values.  Significant judgment 
is required to determine if an indication of impairment has taken place.  Factors to be considered include the following: adverse 
changes in operating results, decline in strategic business plans, significantly lower future cash flows, and sustainable declines 
in market data such as market capitalization.  A 10 percent decrease in the fair value estimates used in the impairment test 
would not have changed this determination.  The sensitivity analysis required the use of numerous subjective assumptions, 
which, if actual experience varies, could result in material differences in the requirements for impairment charges.  Further, an 
extended downturn in the economy may impact certain components of the operating segments more significantly and could 
result in changes to the aggregation assumptions and impairment determination.

Income Taxes
Under the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the 
future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and 

29

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

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

Pension and Employee Benefit Obligations
The Company consults with its actuaries to assist with the calculation of discount rates used in its pension and post retirement 
plans.  Beginning in 2016, the discount rates used to determine domestic pension and post-retirement plan liabilities are 
calculated using a full yield curve approach.  The change compared to the previous method resulted in different service and 
interest components of net periodic benefit cost in the 2016 fiscal year.  Historically, the Company estimated these service and 
interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the 
benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.  The Company made this change to provide a more precise measurement of 
service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield 
curve rates. Market conditions have caused the weighted-average discount rate to move from 4.37 percent last year to 4.13 
percent this year for the domestic pension plans and from 4.09 percent last year to 3.89 percent this year for the postretirement 
health and life insurance plan. A change in the discount rate selected by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a 
change of about $0.1 million to employee benefit expense and a change of about $4.1 million of liability. 

The Company consults with actuaries and investment advisors in making its determination of the expected long-term rate of 
return on plan assets. Using input from these consultations such as long-term investment sector expected returns, the 
correlations and standard deviations thereof, and the plan asset allocation, the Company has assumed an expected long-term 
rate of return on plan assets of 6.25 percent as of the fiscal year ended 2016.  A change in the long-term rate of return selected 
by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a change of about $0.4 million of employee benefit expense. 

According to FASB ASC 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, settlement accounting is triggered when lump sum payouts 
from a defined benefit plan exceed the sum of service cost and interest cost for the year. During 2016, one of the Company’s 
domestic pension plans required settlement accounting as a payout to a participant exceeded these criteria. 

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

30

presently available.  The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information, except as 
required by law.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Foreign currency exchange rate risk is mitigated through several means including maintenance of local production facilities in 
the markets served, invoicing of customers in the currency which the Company is billed for production inputs, prompt 
settlement of third party and inter-company balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, maintaining minimal 
foreign currency denominated cash balances, and application of derivative instruments when appropriate.  Based on the 2016 
mix of foreign currencies, the Company estimates that a hypothetical strengthening of the US Dollar by about 5 percent would 
have reduced the Company’s 2016 sales by about 2 percent.  

Interest Rate Expense

The results of operations are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily with respect to borrowings under the Company’s 
revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) and the New York Life Agreement, where interest rates are tied to the 
prime rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR).  The Company had no borrowings at year-end 2016 under the Credit 
Agreement and had $75.0 million outstanding under the New York Life Agreement.  The Company estimates that a 
hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in LIBOR rates would have increased interest expense by $1.0 million during 2016.  
The Company also has exposure to changes in interest rates in the form of the fair value of outstanding fixed rate debt 
fluctuating in response to changing interest rates.  The Company does not, as a matter of policy, enter into derivative contracts 
for speculative purposes.

Commodity Price Exposures

Portions of the Company's business are exposed to volatility in the prices of certain commodities, such as copper, nickel and 
aluminum, among others. The primary exposure to this volatility resides with the use of these materials in purchased 
component parts. We generally maintain long-term fixed price contracts on raw materials and component parts; however, the 
Company is prone to exposure as these contracts expire. Based on the 2016 use of commodities, the Company estimates that a 
hypothetical 10 percent adverse movement in prices for raw metal commodities would result in about a 100 basis point 
decrease of gross margin as a percent of sales.  

31

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2016

2015

2014

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

Restructuring (income)/expense

Operating income

Interest expense

Other income, net

Foreign exchange income/(expense)

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

Income per share:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends per common share

$

949,856

$

924,923

$

1,047,777

618,450

331,406

221,209
(598)
110,795
(8,732)
993

1,057

104,113

24,798

79,315
(570)
78,745

1.67

1.65

0.3975

$

$

$

$

$

627,315

297,608

204,250

2,997

90,361
(10,039)
6,863
(869)
86,316

12,625

73,691
(746)
72,945

1.52

1.50

0.3825

$

$

$

$

$

703,367

344,410

227,711

16,611

100,088
(10,735)
1,349
(999)
89,703

18,851

70,852
(1,046)
69,806

1.43

1.41

0.3475

$

$

$

$

$

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

32

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

Net income

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

     Employee benefit plan activity:

        Net gain/(loss) arising during period

       Amortization arising during period

Other comprehensive loss
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other
comprehensive income/(loss)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Comprehensive income

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

$

2016

2015

2014

$

79,315

$

73,691

$

70,852

(8,459)

(58,886)

(36,243)

(3,809)
4,298
(7,970)

(499)
(8,469)
70,846

345
70,501

$

1,278

5,759
(51,849)

(2,471)
(54,320)
19,371

121
19,250

$

(30,395)
4,385
(62,253)

8,593
(53,660)
17,192

570
16,622

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

33

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

2016

2015

(In thousands)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

104,331

$

145,999

80,052

18,735

104,684

203,471

30,018

483,819

121,364

242,170

47,523

19,089

430,146
(234,009)
196,137

—

4,621

134,667

199,609

21,052

81,561

127,251

82,223

18,384

93,987

194,594

34,715

438,121

117,753

233,834

39,639

19,845

411,071
(221,032)
190,039

1,613

3,461

141,357

199,847

21,673

$

1,039,905

$

996,111

Receivables, less allowances of $3,601 and $3,801, respectively

Inventories:

Raw material

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Total inventories

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:

Land and buildings

Machinery and equipment

Furniture and fixtures

Other

Property, plant, and equipment, gross

Less:  Allowance for depreciation

Property, plant, and equipment, net

Asset held for sale

Deferred income taxes

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

34

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Income taxes

Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Deferred income taxes

Employee benefit plans

Other long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 17)

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

Shareholders' equity:

Common stock (65,000 shares authorized, $.10 par value) outstanding (46,376 and 46,219,
respectively)

Additional capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total shareholders' equity

Noncontrolling interest

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2016

2015

$

63,927

$

56,845

3,274

33,715

157,761

156,544

40,460

45,307

17,093

57,822

52,109

1,794

32,946

144,671

187,806

33,404

47,398

16,511

—

—

7,652

6,856

4,638

228,564

550,095
(169,852)
613,445

1,643

615,088

$

1,039,905

$

4,622

216,472

498,214
(161,608)
557,700

1,765

559,465

996,111

35

 
 
 
 
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

2016

2015

2014

$

79,315

$

73,691

$

70,852

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating
activities:

Depreciation and amortization

Share-based compensation

Deferred income taxes

Loss on disposals of plant and equipment

Realized gain on share purchase liability

Foreign exchange (income)/expense

Excess tax from share-based payment arrangements

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Receivables

Inventory

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Income taxes

Employee benefit plans

Other, net

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Additions to property, plant, and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Additional consideration for prior acquisition

Cash paid for minority equity investments

Other, net

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of debt

Repayment of debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock

Excess tax from share-based payment arrangements

Purchases of common stock

Dividends paid

Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling shares

Share purchase liability payment

Net cash flows from financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net change in cash and equivalents

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

36

35,534

6,889

2,978

751

—
(1,057)
—

(21,334)
(7,636)
11,782

4,709
(1,049)
4,492

115,374

(39,136)
6,028
(1,007)
—

—

346
(33,769)

64,681
(95,066)
5,243

—
(7,422)
(19,137)
—

—
(51,701)
(7,134)
22,770

81,561

35,476

5,626
(6,802)
1,542
(2,723)
869
(932)

3,444

9,350
(19,744)
5,575
(2,455)
(3,314)
99,603

(26,171)
202
(3,761)
(127)
—

274
(29,583)

233,486
(189,910)
2,050

932
(48,579)
(18,926)
—
(20,200)
(41,147)
(6,453)
22,420

59,141

37,210

7,471
(2,415)
1,351

—

999
(2,463)

(29,064)
(32,782)
22,852
(14,135)
(6,834)
(5,693)
47,349

(35,525)
1,608
(35,599)
—
(6,716)
(1,490)
(77,722)

98,394
(117,217)
2,929

2,463
(10,610)
(17,421)
(2,875)
—
(44,337)
(702)
(75,412)
134,553

 
 
(In thousands)

Cash and equivalents at end of period

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest of $0, $0, and $392,
respectively

Non-cash items:

Payable to seller of Bombas Leao, S.A

Additions to property, plant, and equipment, not yet paid

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

104,331

22,296

8,965

24

366

$

$

$

$

$

81,561

14,264

10,211

24

960

$

$

$

$

$

59,141

29,066

10,850

267

1,030

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

37

 
 
 
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

Total Shareholders' Equity

(In thousands)

Common 
Shares
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)

Noncontrolling
Interest

Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest

Balance as of year end 2013

47,715

$

4,771

$

194,810

$ 450,855

$

(54,729) $

2,509

$

Net income

Currency translation
adjustment

Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax benefit
of $8,593
Adjustments to Impo
redemption value

Dividends on common stock
($0.3475/share)

Noncontrolling dividend

Acquisitions

Common stock issued

Purchase of redeemable
noncontrolling shares

Share-based compensation

Common stock repurchased

Tax benefit of stock options
exercised

(35,767)

(17,417)

69,806

(910)

(16,621)

654

(220)

(800)

172

17

2,912

(9)

(284)

(1)

(28)

7,472

2,252

(10,582)

Balance as of year end 2014

47,594

$

4,759

$

207,446

$ 492,548

$

(107,913) $

2,143

$

Net income

Currency translation
adjustment
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
expense of $2,471
Adjustments to Impo
redemption value

Dividends on common stock
($0.3825/share)

Noncontrolling dividend

Common stock issued

Share-based compensation

108

151

11

15

Common stock repurchased

(1,634)

(163)

Tax benefit of stock options
exercised

(58,261)

4,566

591

(146)

(823)

72,945

(760)

(18,103)

(48,416)

2,039

5,611

1,376

5,171

392

(256)

910

3,078

(2,875)

6,420

155

(479)

760

Balance as of year end 2015

46,219

$

4,622

$

216,472

$ 498,214

$

(161,608) $

1,765

$

6,856

Net income

Currency translation
adjustment
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
expense of $499

Adjustments to Impo
redemption value

Dividends on common stock
($0.3975/share)

Noncontrolling dividend

Common stock issued

274

27

5,216

38

(8,234)

(10)

78,745

(1,002)

(18,464)

(7)

(199)

1,002

577

(26)

(673)

(In thousands)

Common
Shares
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)

Noncontrolling
Interest

Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest

Total Shareholders' Equity

Share-based compensation

Common stock repurchased

125

(242)

13

(24)

6,876

(7,398)

Balance as of year end 2016

46,376

$

4,638

$

228,564

$ 550,095

$

(169,852) $

1,643

$

7,652

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

39

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.

Note 2.

Note 3.

Note 4.

Note 5.

Note 6.

Note 7.

Note 8.

Note 9.

Note 10.

Note 11.
Note 12.

Note 13.

Note 14.

Note 15.

Note 16.

Note 17.

Note 18.

Note 19.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounting Pronouncements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fair Value Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shareholders' Equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Share-Based Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Segment and Geographic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments and Contingencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page
Number

41

44

45

46

47

47

47

48

53

54

57
58

59

60

60

62

64

64

65

40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Company--“Franklin Electric” or the “Company” shall refer to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Fiscal Year--In December 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a change in reporting periods from fiscal periods 
to a calendar year.  This change is effective beginning January 1, 2017.  For fiscal years 2016 and prior, the Company's fiscal 
year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  The financial statements and accompanying notes are as of and for the years 
ended December 31, 2016 (52 weeks), January 2, 2016 (52 weeks), and January 3, 2015 (53 weeks), and referred to as 2016, 
2015, and 2014, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and its 
consolidated subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Business Combinations--The Company allocates the purchase price of its acquisitions to the assets acquired, liabilities 
assumed, and noncontrolling interests acquired based upon their respective fair values at the acquisition date.  The Company 
utilizes management estimates and inputs from an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in determining these fair 
values.  The excess of the acquisition price over these estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill.  Goodwill is adjusted for 
any changes to acquisition date fair value amounts made within the measurement period.  Acquisition-related transaction costs 
are recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred.   

Revenue Recognition--Revenue is recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is reasonably 
assured, the price is fixed or determinable, and shipment or delivery has occurred.  For product sales, the Company recognizes 
revenue once the transfer of ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is generally when the products are shipped.  

Generally, the only post-shipment obligation on the Company’s products include routine warranty obligations.  In the event that 
significant post-shipment obligations were to exist for the Company’s products, revenue recognition would be deferred until 
substantially all obligations were satisfied.  

The Company records net sales revenues after discounts at the time of sale based on specific discount programs in effect, 
related historical data, and experience.

Shipping and Handling Costs--Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component of cost of sales.  

Research and Development Expense--The Company’s research and development activities are charged to expense in the 
period incurred.  The Company incurred expenses of approximately $21.5 million in 2016, $18.4 million in 2015, and $19.3 
million in 2014 related to research and development.

Cash and Cash Equivalents--The Company considers cash on hand, demand deposits, and highly liquid investments with an 
original maturity date of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification 
("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance for defining, measuring, and disclosing fair 
value within an established framework and hierarchy.  Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an 
asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  The standard established a fair value hierarchy 
which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when 
measuring fair value.  The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value within the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and 
liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value 
drivers are observable in active markets; and

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are 
unobservable.

41

Accounts Receivable, Earned Discounts, and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts--Accounts receivable are stated at 
estimated net realizable value.  Accounts receivable are comprised of balances due from customers, net of earned discounts and 
estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts.  Earned discounts are based on specific customer agreement terms.  In 
determining allowances for uncollectible accounts, historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts 
receivable, and periodic credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are reviewed. 

Inventories--  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  The majority of the cost of domestic and foreign 
inventories is determined using the FIFO method with a portion of inventory costs determined using the average cost method.  
The Company reviews its inventories for excess or obsolete products or components based on an analysis of historical usage 
and management's evaluation of estimated future demand, market conditions, and alternative uses for possible excess or 
obsolete parts. 

Property, Plant, and Equipment--Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost.  The Company capitalizes certain 
computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for 
internal use, which are included in property, plant, and equipment.  Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on a 
straight line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Land improvement and buildings

Machinery and equipment

Software

Furniture and fixtures

10-40 years

5-10 years

3-7 years

3-7 years

Maintenance, repairs, and renewals of a minor nature are expensed as incurred.  Betterments and major renewals which extend 
the useful lives or add to the productive capacity of buildings, improvements, and equipment are capitalized.  The Company 
reviews its property, plant, and equipment for impairment at the asset group level whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  If an indicator is present, the Company compares 
carrying values to undiscounted future cash flows; if the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an 
impairment would be recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value.  

The Company’s depreciation expense was $27.1 million, $26.8 million, and $28.1 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, 
respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets--Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which the Company has determined to be 
the North America Water Systems, International Water, and Fueling Systems units.  In compliance with FASB ASC Topic 350, 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, the Company has evaluated the aggregation criteria and determined that the individual 
components within the North America Water Systems and International Water reporting units, respectively, can be aggregated 
in 2016.  

In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by utilizing a 
combination of both the income and market valuation approaches.  The income approach estimates fair value based upon future 
revenue, expenses, and cash flows discounted to present value.  The market valuation approach estimates fair value using 
market multipliers of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies.  The fair value calculated 
for each reporting unit is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. 

An indication of impairment exists if the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, as determined by the 
above approach.  The second step of testing as outlined in FASB ASC Topic 350 must be performed to measure the amount of 
impairment loss.  The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill 
to its carrying value in the same manner as if the reporting units were being acquired in a business combination.  The Company 
would allocate the fair value to all of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a 
hypothetical analysis that would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill.  The Company would record an impairment 
charge for the difference between the implied fair value of goodwill and the recorded goodwill.

The Company currently tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis using balances as of period 8, or more frequently as 
warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment.  Beginning in 2017, the Company will complete its annual 
goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter, using balances as of October 1.  The change in goodwill impairment testing 
date is deemed a change in accounting principle which management determined to be preferable.  The change was made to 

42

better align with the timing of the Company's annual and long-term planning processes, which are significant elements of the 
testing. 

In connection with the change in date of the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company performed a qualitative assessment 
of goodwill as of October 1, 2016 to ensure that a period of greater than 12 months did not elapse between test dates.  The 
Company did not recognize a goodwill impairment as a result of the qualitative assessment.  The change in annual goodwill 
impairment testing dates did not delay, accelerate, or avoid a goodwill impairment charge. 

The Company also tests indefinite lived intangible assets, primarily trade names, for impairment on an annual basis during the 
fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment.  In 
assessing the recoverability of the trade names, the Company determines the fair value using an income approach.  The income 
approach estimates fair value based upon future revenue and estimated royalty rates.  The fair value calculated for indefinite 
lived intangible assets is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.  An indication of impairment exists 
if the carrying value of the trade names is higher than the fair value.  The Company would record an impairment charge for the 
difference.

Amortization is recorded and calculated for other definite lived intangible assets on a basis that reflects cash flows over the 
estimated useful lives.  The weighted average number of years over which each intangible class is amortized is as follows: 

Patents

Technology

Customer relationships

Other

17 years

15 years

13-20 years

5-8 years

Warranty Obligations--The Company provides warranties on most of its products. The warranty terms vary but are 
generally two to five years from date of manufacture or one to five years from date of installation. Provisions for estimated 
expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified. 
These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. 
The Company actively studies trends of warranty claims and takes actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty 
claims. The Company believes that the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the 
original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve.

Income Taxes--Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.  Under this guidance, 
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets 
and liabilities and net operating loss and credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the 
differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the 
amounts expected to be realized.  The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions by establishing a recognition 
threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax 
return.

Defined Benefit Plans--The Company makes its determination for pension, post retirement, and post employment benefit plans 
liabilities based on management estimates and consultation with actuaries, incorporating estimates and assumptions of future 
plan service costs, future interest costs on projected benefit obligations, rates of compensation increases, employee turnover 
rates, anticipated mortality rates, expected investment returns on plan assets, asset allocation assumptions of plan assets, and 
other factors.

Earnings Per Common Share--Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed and disclosed in accordance with FASB 
ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share.  The Company utilizes the two-class method to compute earnings available to common 
shareholders.  Under the two-class method, earnings are adjusted by accretion amounts to redeemable noncontrolling interests 
recorded at redemption value.  The adjustments represent dividend distributions, in substance, to the noncontrolling interest 
holder as the holders have contractual rights to receive an amount upon redemption other than the fair value of the applicable 
shares.  As a result, earnings are adjusted to reflect this in substance distribution that is different from other common 
shareholders.  In addition, the Company allocates net earnings to each class of common stock and participating security as if all 
of the net earnings for the period had been distributed.  The Company's participating securities consist of share-based payment 
awards that contain a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed 
earnings with common shareholders.  Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net 
earnings allocated to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted 
earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number 

43

of common shares outstanding for the period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based 
awards.

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements--All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries in functional currency 
other than the U.S. dollar are translated at year end exchange rates.  All revenue and expense accounts are translated at average 
rates in effect during the respective period.  Adjustments for translating longer term foreign currency assets and liabilities in 
U.S. dollars are included as a component of other comprehensive income.  Transaction gains and losses that arise from shorter 
term exchange rate fluctuations are included in the “Foreign exchange income/(expense)" line within the Company's 
consolidated statements of income, as incurred.

Significant Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts 
of expenses during the reporting periods.  Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect inventory valuation, 
warranty, trade names and goodwill, income taxes, and pension and employee benefit obligations.

Although the Company regularly assesses these estimates, actual results could materially differ.  The Company bases its 
estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.

2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee 
Share-Based Payment Accounting.  This standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based 
payment transactions including the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax 
benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to 
cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification, and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash 
flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted.

The Company early adopted ASU 2016-09 during the second quarter ended July 2, 2016.  The primary impact of adoption was 
the recognition of excess tax benefits or deficiencies in the provision for income taxes rather than paid-in capital for all periods 
in fiscal year 2016.  Early adoption of the standard required adjustments as of January 3, 2016, the beginning of the annual 
period that includes the interim period of adoption. 

The Company has elected to continue its current policy of estimating forfeitures rather than recognizing forfeitures when they 
occur

Under ASU 2016-09, excess income tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements are classified as cash flows 
from operations, rather than as cash flows from financing activities.  The Company elected to apply the cash flow presentation 
requirements prospectively.  

The standard also clarifies that cash flows related to employee taxes paid by withheld shares should be classified as a financing 
activity.  This provision had no impact to the Company, because these cash flows have historically been presented as financing 
activities. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation 
of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the 
associated debt liability instead of a deferred asset.  The standard does not change the amortization of debt issuance costs, 
which will continue to follow the existing accounting guidance.  The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 during the first quarter 
ended April 2, 2016.  The retrospective adoption of this ASU required a total of approximately $0.3 million of unamortized 
debt issuance costs as of year-end 2015 to be reclassified from "Other assets" and "Other current assets" to a direct deduction 
from "Long-term debt" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 2, 2016.  In addition, there were no impacts 
to the Company's results of operations, retained earnings, or cash flows in the current or previous interim and annual reporting 
periods. 

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for 
leases found in ASC Topic 840.  This ASU requires lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance 
sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.  The guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach at 
the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements and is effective for interim and annual periods 

44

 
beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  The Company has begun the evaluation process for the 
adoption of the ASU, and anticipates that the majority of the Company’s outstanding operating leases would be recognized as 
right-of-use assets and lease liabilities upon adoption, resulting in a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated balance 
sheets. The impact of this ASU is non-cash in nature and will not affect the Company’s cash position.  The impact to the 
Company’s results of operations is still being evaluated.   

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  ASU 2014-09 outlines a 
single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes 
current revenue recognition guidance.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).  ASU 2016-08 clarifies 
the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations.  In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  ASU 2016-10 clarifies the 
implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations.  These ASUs are effective for interim and annual reporting 
periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified 
retrospective approach to adopt these standards.  The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 beginning in the first quarter of 2018 
using the modified retrospective approach.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact 
on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  

3. ACQUISITIONS
In 2012, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Pioneer Pump Holdings, Inc. ("PPH").  Pursuant to the terms of the 
2012 stock purchase agreement, the remaining 29.5 percent noncontrolling interest was recorded at $22.9 million and 
accounted for as a share purchase liability.  During the first quarter of 2015, the Company purchased the remaining 29.5 percent 
of outstanding shares of PPH for $20.2 million, increasing the Company's ownership in PPH to 100 percent.  The purchase was 
considered the settlement of a financing obligation, and the resulting $2.7 million gain was recorded in the Company's 
consolidated statements of income in the "Other income, net" line during the first quarter of 2015. 

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company acquired controlling interests in two entities in India in separate unrelated 
transactions.  Neither of the acquisitions was individually material, and the combined purchase price paid was approximately 
$6.6 million.  The results of the two businesses from their respective dates of acquisition through January 3, 2015 were not 
material.  

In an agreement dated June 6, 2014, between the Company and Bombas Leao S.A. ("Bombas Leao"), the Company acquired 
rights to 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Bombas Leao for a cash purchase price of approximately BRL 69.6 
million, $31.0 million at the then current exchange rate, subject to certain terms and conditions. The Company also acquired 
debt and certain liabilities of Bombas Leao. The Company funded the acquisition with cash on hand and short-term borrowings 
from the Company's revolving credit agreement.

Bombas Leao, based in Monte Azul Paulista, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, designs, manufactures, and distributes submersible 
groundwater pumping equipment through manufacturing and distribution facilities.

The Bombas Leao intangible assets of $23.5 million consist primarily of customer relationships, which will be amortized 
utilizing the straight line method over 20 years, and trade names, which are classified as indefinite lived assets and will not be 
amortized. 

The goodwill amount of $3.4 million resulting from the Bombas Leao acquisition consists primarily of broadened product 
offerings and expanded customer base. All of the goodwill was recorded as part of the Water Systems segment and is not 
expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

Preliminary goodwill increased by $0.3 million and current assets decreased by $0.3 million during 2015 due to working 
capital adjustments.  In addition, the Company paid an additional $0.3 million to the sellers of Bombas Leao during 2015 to 
satisfy amounts previously accrued per the original purchase agreement.  

The final purchase price assigned to the major identifiable assets and liabilities for the Bombas Leao acquisition is as follows:

45

(In millions)

Assets:

Cash acquired

Current assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Total consideration paid

$

$

1.1

13.4

6.5

23.5

3.4

3.1

51.0
(20.0)
31.0

The fair values of the identifiable assets, property, plant, and equipment, and liabilities were final as of the second quarter of 
2015.  The Company utilized management estimates and consultation with an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in 
the valuation.

The results of operations of Bombas Leao were included in the Company's consolidated statements of income from the 
acquisition date through the year ended January 3, 2015.  The difference between actual sales for the Company and proforma 
sales including Bombas Leao as if it was acquired at the beginning of the year was not material as a component of the 
Company's consolidated sales for the year ended January 3, 2015.  Due to the immaterial nature of the acquisition, the 
Company has not included full year proforma statements of income for the acquisition year.

Transaction costs for all acquisition related activity were expensed as incurred under the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 805, 
Business Combinations.  Transaction costs included in selling, general, and administrative expense in the Company’s 
consolidated statements of income were $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $2.4 million for the fiscal years ended 2016, 2015, and 
2014, respectively.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as set forth in the 
table below:

(In millions)

December 31,
2016

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Cash equivalents

$

3.6

$

3.6

$

— $

—

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

January 2, 2016

Cash equivalents

$

3.9

$

3.9

$

— $

—

The Company's Level 1 assets consist of cash equivalents which are generally comprised of foreign bank guaranteed 
certificates of deposit. 

The Company has no assets measured on a recurring basis classified as Level 2 or Level 3. 

Total debt, including current maturities, have carrying amounts of $190.2 million at December 31, 2016 and $220.7 million at 
January 2, 2016.  The estimated fair value of all debt was $195 million and $225 million at December 31, 2016 and January 2, 
2016, respectively.  In the absence of quoted prices in active markets, considerable judgment is required in developing 
estimates of fair value.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market 
transaction.  In determining the fair value of its debt, the Company uses estimates based on rates currently available to the 

46

 
 
 
Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.  Accordingly, the fair value of debt is classified as Level 2 
within the valuation hierarchy. 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no assets held for sale.  As of January 2, 2016, $1.6 million of assets were held for 
sale, recorded at carrying value in the Water Systems segment relating to an idle facility in Brazil.  The sale of the facility in 
Brazil was completed during 2016.  

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s deferred compensation stock program is subject to variable plan accounting and, accordingly, is adjusted for 
changes in the Company’s stock price at the end of each reporting period.  The Company has entered into share swap 
transaction agreements ("the swap") to mitigate the Company’s exposure to these fluctuations in the Company's stock price.  
The swap has not been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and is cancellable with 30 days written notice by either 
party.  As of December 31, 2016, the swap has a notional value based on 205,000 shares.  For the years ended December 31, 
2016, January 2, 2016, and January 3, 2015, the swap resulted in a gain of $2.2 million, and losses of $2.0 million and $0.8 
million, respectively.  Gains/losses resulting from the swap were primarily offset by losses/gains on the fair value of the 
deferred compensation stock liability.  All gains or losses and expenses related to the swap are recorded in the Company's 
consolidated statements of income within the “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” line. 

6. OTHER ASSETS
The Company has equity interests in various companies for strategic purposes.  The investments are accounted for under the 
equity method and are included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  The carrying amount of the 
investments is adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of earnings, losses, and dividends.  The investments are not 
considered material to the Company’s financial position, neither individually nor in the aggregate.  The Company’s 
proportionate share of earnings from its equity interests, included in the "Other income, net" line of the Company's 
consolidated statements of income, were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2016, January 2, 2016, and January 3, 
2015.

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

(In millions)

2016

2015

Amortized intangibles:

Patents

Technology

Customer relationships

Other

Total

Unamortized intangibles:

Trade names

Total intangibles

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

$

$

$

7.4

7.5

133.4

2.7
151.0

$

$

47.1

198.1

$

(6.4) $
(5.3)
(49.6)
(2.1)
(63.4) $

—
(63.4) $

7.4

7.5

132.6

3.5
151.0

$

$

46.4

197.4

$

(6.2)
(4.8)
(42.3)
(2.7)
(56.0)

—
(56.0)

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, was $8.4 million, $8.6 million, and 
$9.1 million, respectively.

Amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is projected as follows:

(In millions)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

$

8.4

$

8.3

$

8.2

$

8.1

$

7.7

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting segment for 2016 and 2015, is as follows:

(In millions)

Balance as of January 3, 2015

Adjustments to prior year acquisitions

Foreign currency translation

Balance as of January 2, 2016

Acquisitions

Foreign currency translation
Balance as of December 31, 2016

Water Systems

145.3
(0.9)
(7.6)

$

Fueling Systems
63.5
(0.2)
(0.3)

$

Consolidated

208.8
(1.1)
(7.9)

136.8

$

63.0

$

199.8

—
(0.5)
136.3

$

0.8
(0.5)
63.3

$

0.8
(1.0)
199.6

$

$

$

8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plans - As of December 31, 2016, the Company maintained two domestic pension plans and three German 
pension plans.  The Company used a December 31, 2016 measurement date for these plans.  One of the Company’s domestic 
pension plans covers two management employees (one active employee and one former employee), while the other domestic 
plan covers all other eligible employees (plan was frozen as of December 31, 2011).  The two domestic and three German plans 
collectively comprise the ‘Pension Benefits’ disclosure caption.  

Other Benefits - The Company also maintains a postretirement benefit plan to provide health and life insurance benefits to 
employees hired prior to 1992.  The Company effectively capped its cost for those benefits through plan amendments made in 
1992, freezing Company contributions for insurance benefits at 1991 levels for current and future beneficiaries with actuarially 
reduced benefits for employees who retire before age 65.  The disclosures surrounding this plan are reflected in the "Other 
Benefits" caption.

The following table sets forth aggregated information related to the Company’s pension benefits and other postretirement 
benefits, including changes in the benefit obligations, changes in plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the balance 
sheet, amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, and actuarial assumptions that the Company 
considered in its determination of benefit obligations and plan costs.  Benefit obligation balances presented below reflect the 
projected benefit obligation (PBO) for the Company's pension plans, and accumulated postretirement benefit obligations 
(APBO) for the Company's other benefit plans.

48

(In millions)

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain)/loss

Settlements paid

Benefits paid

Curtailment

Foreign currency exchange

Benefit obligation, end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of assets, beginning of year

Actual return on plan assets

Company contributions

Settlements paid

Benefits paid

Foreign currency exchange

Plan assets, end of year

Funded status

Amounts recognized in balance sheet:

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Net liability, end of year

Amount recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss):

Prior service cost

Net actuarial loss

Settlement

Total recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss)

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2016

2015

2016

2015

177.0

$

182.8

$

10.5

$

11.3

186.9

$

209.5

$

11.3

$

0.9

6.0

4.1
(0.6)
(15.7)
—
(0.5)
181.1

$

147.4

$

9.5

5.5
(0.5)
(15.7)
(0.1)
146.1

$

1.4

7.5
(12.3)
(0.4)
(14.4)
(1.9)
(2.5)
186.9

160.0
(4.0)
6.9
(0.4)
(14.4)
(0.7)
147.4

$

$

$

0.1

0.3

—

—
(1.2)
—

—

10.5

$

— $

—

1.2

—
(1.2)
—

— $

13.0

0.1

0.5
(1.0)
—
(1.3)
—

—

11.3

—

—

1.3

—
(1.3)
—

—

(35.0) $

(39.5) $

(10.5) $

(11.3)

(0.3) $
(34.7)
(35.0) $

(3.4) $
(36.0)
(39.4) $

(1.1) $
(9.4)
(10.5) $

(1.2)
(10.1)
(11.3)

— $

— $

48.9

1.5

48.0

2.1

$

0.2

0.9

—

50.4

$

50.1

$

1.1

$

0.5

0.9

—

1.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive income for 
2016 and 2015:

(In millions)

Net actuarial (gain)/loss

Amortization of:

Net actuarial gain

Prior service credit

Settlement recognition

Deferred tax asset

Foreign currency exchange

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

3.8

$

(0.3) $

— $

(2.3)
—
(1.4)
0.3
(0.1)
0.3

$

(2.8)
—
(2.1)
1.9
(0.3)
(3.6) $

(0.1)
(0.4)
—

0.2

—
(0.3) $

(1.0)

(0.2)
(0.4)
—

0.6

—
(1.0)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

$

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine domestic benefit obligations:

Discount rate

Rate of increase in future compensation

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2016

2015

2016

2015

4.13%

*

—%

4.37%

3.89%

4.09%

*

—%

3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)

3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)

*No rate of increases in future compensation used within assumptions for 2016 and 2015, as the cash balance component of the 
domestic Pension Plan was frozen and the other domestic Pension Plan components do not base benefits on compensation. 

Assumptions used to determine domestic periodic benefit cost:

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

Discount rate

4.40%

4.00%

4.75%

4.09%

3.75%

4.50%

Rate of increase in future
compensation

Expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets

*

—%

*

—%

*

—%

3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)

3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)

3.00 - 12.00%
(Graded)

6.50%

7.00%

7.70%

—%

—%

—%

*No rate of increases in future compensation used within assumptions for 2016, 2015, and 2014, as the cash balance 
component of the domestic Pension Plan was frozen and the other domestic Pension Plan components do not base benefits on 
compensation. 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company used the RP-2014 aggregate table adjusted to back out estimated 
mortality improvements from 2006 to the measurement date using Scale MP-2014, and then projected forward using Scale 
MP-2016 released by the Society of Actuaries during 2016 to estimate future mortality rates based upon current data.   For the 
fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, the Company used the RP-2014 aggregate table adjusted to back out estimated mortality 
improvements from 2006 to the measurement date using Scale MP-2014, and then projected forward using Scale MP-2015 
released by the Society of Actuaries during 2015 to estimate future mortality rates.

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth the aggregated net periodic benefit cost for all defined benefit plans for 2016, 2015, and 2014:

(In millions)

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

Amortization of:

Transition obligation

Settlement cost

Prior service cost

Actuarial loss

Settlement cost

Net periodic benefit cost

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

$

$

0.9

6.0

(9.2)

—

0.1

—

2.5

1.2

1.5

$

1.4

$

1.2

$

7.5
(9.9)

8.2
(10.6)

—

—

—

3.4

1.2

3.6

$

—

—

—

2.5

1.0

2.3

$

$

0.1

0.3

—

—

—

0.3

0.1

—

0.8

$

$

0.1

0.5

—

—

—

0.4

0.2

—

1.2

$

$

0.1

0.5

—

—

—

0.4

0.1

—

1.1

The estimated net actuarial (gain)/loss and prior service cost/(credit) that will be amortized from accumulated other 
comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the 2017 fiscal year are $2.6 million and $0.0 million, respectively, 
for the pension plans and $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for all other benefits.

The Company consults with a third party investment manager for the assets of the funded domestic defined benefit plan.  The 
plan assets are currently invested primarily in pooled funds, where each fund in turn is composed of mutual funds that have at 
least daily net asset valuations.  Thus, the Company’s funded domestic defined benefit plan assets are invested in a “fund of 
funds” approach.

The Company’s Board has delegated oversight and guidance to an appointed Employee Benefits Committee.  The Committee 
has the tasks of reviewing plan performance and asset allocation, ensuring plan compliance with applicable laws, establishing 
plan policies, procedures, and controls, monitoring expenses, and other related activities.

The plan's investment policies and strategies focus on the ability to fund benefit obligations as they come due.  Considerations 
include the plan's current funded level, plan design, benefit payment assumptions, funding regulations, impact of potentially 
volatile business results on the Company’s ability to make certain levels of contributions, and interest rate and asset return 
volatility among other considerations.  The Company currently attempts to maintain plan funded status at approximately 80 
percent or greater pursuant to the Pension Protection Act of 2007.  Given the plan’s current funded status, the Company’s cash 
on hand, cash historically generated from business operations, and cash available under committed credit facilities, the 
Company sees ample liquidity to achieve this goal.

Risk management and continuous monitoring requirements are met through monthly investment portfolio reports, quarterly 
Employee Benefits Committee meetings, annual valuations, asset/liability studies, and the annual assumption process focusing 
primarily on the return on asset assumption and the discount rate assumption.  As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, 
funds were invested in equity, fixed income, and other investments as follows:

Asset Category

Equity securities

Fixed income securities

Other

Total

Target Percentage

at Year-End 2016

Plan Asset Allocation at Year-End

2016

2015

31%

65%

4%

100%

31%

65%

4%

100%

34%

62%

4%

100%

The Company does not see any particular concentration of risk within the plans, nor any plan assets that pose difficulties for 
fair value assessment.  The Company currently has no allocation to potentially illiquid or potentially difficult to value assets 
such as hedge funds, venture capital, private equity, and real estate.

51

 
The Company works with actuaries and consultants in making its determination of the asset rate of return assumption and also 
the discount rate assumption. 

Asset class assumptions are set using a combination of empirical and forward-looking analysis for long-term rate of return on 
plan assets.  A variety of models are applied for filtering historical data and isolating the fundamental characteristics of asset 
classes.  These models provide empirical return estimates for each asset class, which are then reviewed and combined with a 
qualitative assessment of long-term relationships between asset classes before a return estimate is finalized.  This provides an 
additional means for correcting for the effect of unrealistic or unsustainable short-term valuations or trends, opting instead for 
return levels and behavior that are more likely to prevail over long periods.  With that, the Company has assumed an expected 
long-term rate of return on plan assets of 6.25 percent for the 2017 net periodic benefit cost, down from 6.50 percent in the 
prior year.  This decrease in the assumed long-term rate of return is primarily due to a higher percentage of assets in fixed 
income securities.

The Company uses the Aon Hewitt AA Above Median curve to determine the discount rate.  All cash flow obligations under the 
plan are matched to bonds in the Aon Hewitt universe of liquid, high-quality, non-callable / non-putable corporate bonds with 
outliers removed.  From that matching exercise, a discount rate is determined.

At January 2, 2016, the Company changed the method used to calculate the service and interest components of net periodic 
benefit cost for the domestic pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.  This change compared to the previous 
method resulted in different service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost in the 2016 fiscal year.  Historically, 
the Company estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived 
from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.  The Company elected to utilize a 
full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in 
the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.  The Company made this change to provide a 
more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to 
the corresponding spot yield curve rates.  This change does not affect the measurement of the Company's domestic pension and 
postretirement benefit obligations and is accounted for as a change in accounting estimate applied prospectively. 

The Company’s German pension plans are funded by insurance contract policies whereby the insurance company guarantees a 
fixed minimum return.  Due to tax legislation, individual pension benefits can only be financed using direct insurance policies 
up to certain maximums.  These maximum amounts in respect of each member are paid into such an arrangement on a yearly 
basis.

The Company designated all equity and most domestic fixed income plan assets as Level 1, as they are mutual funds with 
prices that are readily available.  The U.S. Treasury securities and German plan assets are designated as Level 2 inputs.  The 
fair value of the German plan assets are measured by the reserve that is supervised by the German Federal Financial 
Supervisory Authority.  The U.S. Treasury securities are administered by the United States government. 

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets for 2016 and 2015 by asset category are as follows:

(In millions)

Equity

Domestic equity mutual funds

International equity mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Fixed income mutual funds

Other

Insurance contracts

Cash and equivalents

Total

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
Markets for 
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)

2016

$

$

$

27.8

17.5

16.4
79.1

4.5

0.8
146.1

$

52

$

27.8

17.5

—
79.1

—

0.8
125.2

$

— $

—

16.4
—

4.5

—
20.9

$

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

 
(In millions)

Equity

Domestic equity mutual funds

International equity mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. treasury and government agency securities

Fixed income mutual funds

Other

Insurance contracts

Cash and equivalents

Total

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
Markets for 
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)

2015

$

$

31.0

19.6

$

31.0

19.6

— $

—

15.8

75.3

4.9

0.8

—

75.3

—

0.8

15.8

—

4.9

—

$

147.4

$

126.7

$

20.7

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

The Company estimates total contributions to the plans of $6 million in 2017.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in accordance 
with the following schedule:

(In millions)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Years 2022 through 2026

Pension
 Benefits

Other
 Benefits

$

$

11.6

11.7

11.3

11.3

11.2

59.3

1.1

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.8

3.5

Defined Contribution Plans - The Company maintained two defined contribution plans during 2016, 2015, and 2014.  The 
Company's cash contributions are allocated to participant's accounts based on investment elections.

The following table sets forth Company contributions to the defined contribution plans:

(In millions)

2016

2015

2014

Company contributions to the plans

$

5.9

$

5.9

$

5.6

9. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of:

(In millions)

Salaries, wages, and commissions

Product warranty costs

Insurance

Employee benefits

Other

2016

2015

28.4

$

8.2

2.0

7.9

10.3

56.8

$

20.5

9.3

2.7

11.0

8.6

52.1

$

$

53

 
10. INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes consisted of the following:

(In millions)

Domestic

Foreign

2016

2015

2014

$

$

45.4

58.7

104.1

$

$

23.6

62.7

86.3

$

$

The income tax provision/(benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following:

(In millions)

Current:

Federal

Foreign

State

Total current

Deferred:

Federal

Foreign

State

Total deferred

2016

2015

2014

9.6

$

1.2

$

11.4

0.8

21.8

2.9
(1.0)
1.1

3.0

24.8

$

$

17.4

0.8

19.4

(1.8)
(4.0)
(1.0)
(6.8) $
$
12.6

$

$

$

42.2

47.5

89.7

7.4

12.2

1.7

21.3

3.3
(3.8)
(1.9)
(2.4)
18.9

A reconciliation of the tax provision for continuing operations at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax expense rate 
as reported is as follows:

U.S. Federal statutory rate

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

Foreign operations

R&D tax credits

Uncertain tax position adjustments

Deferred tax adjustments - restructuring and rate
adjustments

Valuation allowance on state and foreign deferred tax

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

Share-based compensation

Other items

Effective tax rate

2016

2015

2014

35.0%
(0.3)
(8.4)
(0.6)
(2.5)

0.3

2.4

—
(1.1)
(1.0)
23.8%

35.0%
(0.3)
(13.1)
(1.0)
(1.5)

1.1

4.1
(9.4)
—
(0.3)
14.6%

35.0%

1.0
(9.2)
(0.6)
(1.6)

(3.9)
(0.3)
—

—

0.6

21.0%

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

(In millions)

Deferred tax assets:

Accrued expenses and reserves

Compensation and employee benefits

Other items

Valuation allowance on state and foreign deferred tax

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Accelerated depreciation on fixed assets

Amortization of intangibles

Other items

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liabilities

2016

2015

$

10.0

24.2

10.9
(9.8)
35.3

13.8

56.5

0.9

71.2
(35.9) $

12.8

25.7

9.6
(7.2)
40.9

14.0

56.6

0.2

70.8
(29.9)

$

$

The effective tax rate continues to be lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the indefinite reinvestment of foreign 
earnings taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate as well as recognition of foreign tax credits.  The Company has the ability 
to indefinitely reinvest these foreign earnings based on the earnings and cash projections of its other operations as well as cash 
on hand and available credit.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, 
Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  This standard 
simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including the recognition of excess 
tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy 
election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification, 
and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods 
beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted.  The Company early adopted ASU 2016-09 during the 
second quarter ended July 2, 2016.

The Company settled the liability for the noncontrolling interest of a subsidiary during the first quarter of 2015. This 
transaction created additional accretive benefits for the Company from the reversal of a deferred tax liability created in 2012 
when the Company acquired the controlling interest in the Pioneer subsidiary and realized a gain on the then equity investment 
in Pioneer. The Company also realized a gain on the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest liability during the first 
quarter of 2015.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. 
This ASU requires an entity to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent within a classified balance sheet. The 
ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. Entities 
can elect either prospective or retrospective adoption of the standard. The Company adopted the new standard on a prospective 
basis as of the fiscal year-ended January 2, 2016. Accordingly, classification of prior period deferred tax amounts were not 
retrospectively adjusted.

The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be 
generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the 
cumulative loss for certain state and foreign income tax purposes incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 
2016. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth.  

On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2016, a valuation allowance of $9.8 million has been recorded to recognize 
only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized.  The Company has foreign income tax net 
operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of $4.7 million and state income tax NOL and credit carryforwards of $6.1 million, 
which will expire on various dates as follows: 

55

 
 
 
 
(In millions)

2017-2019

2020-2024

2025-2029

2030-2034

2035-2039

Unlimited

$

$

0.7

2.4

0.6

2.1

0.7

4.3

10.8

The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain foreign NOL carryforwards as well as certain 
state NOL and state credit carryforwards will not be realized.  In recognition of this risk, the Company has provided a valuation 
allowance of $3.8 million on the deferred tax assets related to these foreign NOL carryforwards and a valuation allowance of 
$6.0 million on the deferred tax assets related to these state NOL and credit carryforwards. 

The Company considers undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested with respect to the 
U.S. It is the Company’s policy to reinvest earnings as needed for operations, capital and acquisition spending. The Company 
does not provide for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting over the tax basis in our investments in foreign 
subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. That excess totaled approximately $440.0 million as of December 31, 
2016.  The determination of the additional deferred taxes that have not been provided is not practicable.

As of the beginning of fiscal year 2016, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.4 million, excluding accrued 
interest and penalties.  The unrecognized tax benefits decreased $1.1 million for federal tax liabilities and remained the same 
for state income tax liabilities based on evaluations made during 2016 primarily due to statute expirations and offset by 
uncertain tax positions identified in the current year.  The Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued 
interest and penalties, of $1.3 million as of December 31, 2016.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for 2016, 2015, and 2014 (excluding 
interest and penalties) is as follows:

(In millions)

Beginning balance

Additions for tax positions of the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Statute expirations

Settlements

Ending balance

2016

2015

2014

$

2.4

0.1

0.1
(0.2)
(1.1)
—

$

4.4

0.2

0.2
(0.8)
(1.6)
—

1.3

$

2.4

$

5.1

0.1

1.7
(1.1)
(1.4)
—

4.4

$

$

If recognized, each annual effective tax rate would be affected by the net unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million, $2.3 
million, and $4.3 million as of year-end 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  In 
2016, interest and penalties decreased $1.2 million, for prior year tax positions.  The Company has accrued interest and 
penalties as of December 31, 2016, January 2, 2016, and January 3, 2015 of approximately $1.1 million, $2.3 million, and $2.5 
million, respectively.

The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, as of 
December 31, 2016, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 
before 2013 and is no longer subject to foreign or state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.

It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months as a result of an 
audit or due to the expiration of a statute of limitation.  Based on the current audits in process and pending statute expirations, 
the payment of taxes as a result could be up to $0.9 million.

56

11. DEBT
Debt consisted of the following: 

(In millions)

New York Life

Prudential Agreement

Tax increment financing debt

Capital leases

Foreign subsidiary debt

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

Less current maturities

Long-term debt

2016

2015

75.0

90.0

21.8

0.1

3.6
(0.3)
190.2
(33.7)
156.5

$

$

75.0

120.0

22.8

0.1

3.1
(0.3)
220.7
(32.9)
187.8

$

$

Debt outstanding at December 31, 2016, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, matures as follows: 

(In millions) 

Total

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Debt

Capital leases

$

$

190.4

0.1

190.5

$

$

33.7

—

33.7

$

$

31.2

0.1

31.3

$

$

31.3

—

31.3

$

$

1.2

—

1.2

$

$

1.2

—

1.2

$

$

91.8

—

91.8

New York Life
On May 27, 2015, the Company entered into an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC, 
an affiliate of New York Life (the "New York Life Agreement") for $150.0 million maximum aggregate principal borrowing 
capacity and the Company authorized the issuance of $75.0 million of floating rate senior notes due May 27, 2025.  These 
senior notes have a floating interest rate of one-month USD LIBOR (0.76 percent as of December 31, 2016) plus a spread of 
1.35 percent with interest-only payments due on a monthly basis.  On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into the First 
Amendment to Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement.  The Amendment was intended to make the covenants within the 
New York Life Agreement consistent with the covenants that were modified in the Third Amended and Restated Credit 
Agreement (the "Credit Agreement").  As of December 31, 2016, there was $75.0 million remaining borrowing capacity under 
the New York Life Agreement. 

Project Bonds
On December 31, 2012, the Company, Allen County, Indiana and certain institutional investors entered into a Bond Purchase 
and Loan Agreement.  Under the agreement, Allen County, Indiana issued a series of Project Bonds entitled “Taxable Economic 
Development Bonds, Series 2012 (Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Project)."  The aggregate principal amount of the Project Bonds 
that were issued, authenticated, and are now outstanding thereunder was limited to $25.0 million.  The Company then borrowed 
the proceeds under the Project Bonds through the issuance of Project Notes to finance the cost of acquisition, construction, 
installation and equipping of the new Global Corporate Headquarters and Engineering Center. These Project Notes ("Tax 
increment financing debt") bear interest at 3.6 percent per annum.  Interest and principal balance of the Project Notes are due 
and payable by the Company directly to the institutional investors in aggregate semi-annual installments commencing on July 
10, 2013, and concluding on January 10, 2033.  The use of the proceeds from the Project Notes was limited to assist the 
financing of the new Global Corporate Headquarters and Engineering Center.  On May 5, 2015, the Company entered into 
Amendment No. 1 to the Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement.  This amendment provided for debt repayment guarantees from 
certain Company subsidiaries and waived certain non-financial covenants related to subsidiary guarantees.  

Prudential Agreement
On April 9, 2007, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the 
"Prudential Agreement") in the amount of $175.0 million.  Under the Prudential Agreement, the Company issued notes in an 
aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million on April 30, 2007 (the “B-1 Notes”) and $40.0 million on September 7, 2007 (the 
“B-2 Notes”).  The B-1 Notes and B-2 Notes bear a coupon of 5.79 percent and had at issuance an average life of 10 years with 
a final maturity in 2019.  On July 22, 2010, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Prudential Agreement to 
increase its borrowing capacity by $25.0 million.  On December 14, 2011, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to the 
57

 
 
 
Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement to redefine the debt to EBITDA ratio covenant in 
order to be equivalent to that under the Agreement.  On December 31, 2012, the Company and Prudential Insurance Company 
of America entered into an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement to 
extend the effective date to December 31, 2015.  On May 5, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 6 to the Second 
Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement.   This amendment provided for debt repayment guarantees 
from certain Company subsidiaries and waived certain non-financial covenants related to subsidiary guarantees.  On May 28, 
2015, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential to 
increase the total borrowing capacity from $200.0 million to $250.0 million.  On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into 
Amendment No. 1 to the Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement.  This amendment was 
intended to make the covenants within the Prudential Agreement consistent with the covenants that were modified in the Credit 
Agreement (below).  As of December 31, 2016, the Company has $100.0 million borrowing capacity available under the 
Prudential Agreement.  Principal installments of $30.0 million are payable annually commencing on April 30, 2015 and 
continuing to and including April 30, 2019, with any unpaid balance due at maturity.  

Credit Agreement
On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement”). 
The Credit Agreement extended the maturity date of the Company’s previous credit agreement to October 28, 2021 and 
increased the commitment amount from $150.0 million to $300.0 million.  The Credit Agreement provides that the Borrowers 
may request an increase in the aggregate commitments by up to $150.0 million (not to exceed a total commitment of $450.0 
million) subject to the conditions contained therein. All of the Company's present and future material domestic subsidiaries 
unconditionally guaranty all of the Borrowers' obligations under and in connection with the Credit Agreement. Additionally, the 
Company unconditionally guaranties all of the obligations of Franklin B.V. under the Credit Agreement.  Under the Credit 
Agreement, the Borrowers are required to pay certain fees, including a facility fee of 0.100% to 0.275% (depending on the 
Company's leverage ratio) of the aggregate commitment, which fee is payable quarterly in arrears. Loans may be made either at 
(i) a Eurocurrency rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.75% to 1.60% (depending on the Company's leverage 
ratio) or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no outstanding borrowings, $5.9 million in letters of credit outstanding, and 
$294.1 million of available capacity under the Credit Agreement.  As of January 2, 2016, the Company had no outstanding 
borrowings, $5.2 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $144.8 million of available capacity under the Credit Agreement. 

Covenants
The New York Life Agreement, the Project Bonds, the Prudential Agreement, and the Credit Agreement contain customary 
affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants relate to financial statements, notices of material events, conduct 
of business, inspection of property, maintenance of insurance, compliance with laws and most favored lender obligations. The 
negative covenants include limitations on loans, advances and investments, and the granting of liens by the Company or its 
subsidiaries, as well as prohibitions on certain consolidations, mergers, sales and transfers of assets. The covenants also include 
financial requirements including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 (using net debt in the measure of leverage ratio, 
whereas the previous credit agreement used gross debt) and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 (using EBITDA 
in the measure, whereas the previous credit agreement used EBIT). Cross default is applicable with the Credit Agreement, the 
Prudential Agreement, the Project Bonds, and the New York Life Agreement, but only if the Company is defaulting on an 
obligation exceeding $10.0 million.  The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2016. 

12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Authorized Shares
The Company has the authority to issue 65,000,000, $.10 par value shares.

Share Repurchases
During 2016, 2015, and 2014, pursuant to a stock repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, the 
Company repurchased and retired the following amounts and number of shares:

(In millions, except share amounts)

2016

2015

2014

Repurchases

Shares

3.8

$

46.3

$

144,600

1,568,731

9.0

243,020

$

58

In 2016, the Company retired 96,929 shares that were received from employees as payment for the exercise price of their stock 
options and taxes owed upon the exercise of their stock options and release of their restricted awards.  The Company also 
retired 16,391 shares that had been previously granted as stock awards to employees, but were forfeited upon not meeting the 
required restriction criteria or termination.  In 2015, the Company retired 65,209 shares that were received from employees as 
payment for the exercise price of their stock options and taxes owed upon the exercise of their stock options and release of their 
restricted awards.  The Company also retired 958 shares that had been previously granted as a stock award to employees, but 
were forfeited upon not meeting the required restriction criteria or termination.  In 2014, the Company retired 40,679 shares 
that were received from employees as payment for the exercise price of their stock options and taxes owned upon the exercise 
of their stock options and release of their restricted awards.  The Company also retired 68,675 shares that had been previously 
granted as stock awards to employees, but were forfeited upon not meeting the required restriction criteria or termination.  

In 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded $1.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as a reduction in tax liability and an 
increase to shareholders' equity as a result of stock option exercises and award vests.  In 2016, the Company early adopted ASU 
2016-09 (refer to Note 2 for additional information); therefore, no amounts were recorded to equity as a result of stock option 
exercises and award vests. 

13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) 
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component are summarized below: 

(In millions)
Balance, December 28, 2013

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)

(35.8)
—
(35.8)

Pension and 
Post-
Retirement 
Plan Benefit 
Adjustments (2)

Total

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
$

(16.0) $

(38.7) $

(54.7)

—
(17.4)
(17.4)

(35.8)
(17.4)
(53.2)

Balance, January 3, 2015

$

(51.8) $

(56.1) $ (107.9)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)

(58.3)
—
(58.3)

—

4.6

4.6

(58.3)
4.6
(53.7)

Balance, January 2, 2016

$

(110.1) $

(51.5) $ (161.6)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)

(8.3)
—
(8.3)

—

—

—

(8.3)
—
(8.3)

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

(118.4) $

(51.5) $ (169.9)

(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost 
(refer to Note 8 for additional details) and is included in the "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" line of the 
Company's consolidated statements of income.

(2) Net of tax (benefit)/expense of $0.5 million, $2.5 million and $(8.6) million for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Amounts related to noncontrolling interests were not material. 

59

14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method.  Under the two-class 
method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the 
period had been distributed.  The Company's participating securities consist of share-based payment awards that contain a 
nonforfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common 
shareholders. 

Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by 
the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per common share is calculated 
by dividing net earnings allocated to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the 
period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards.  

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2016

2015

2014

Numerator:

Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating
securities

Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to redeemable
noncontrolling interest

Net income available to common shareholders

Denominator:

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities:

Non-participating employee stock options and
performance awards

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

$

$

$

$

78.7

$

72.9

$

0.7

1.0

0.7

0.8

77.0

$

71.4

$

46.2

0.5

46.7

1.67

1.65

$

$

47.1

0.5

47.6

1.52

1.50

$

$

69.8

0.7

0.9

68.2

47.7

0.5

48.2

1.43

1.41

There were 0.4 million, 0.3 million, and 0.1 million stock options outstanding as of 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, that 
were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. 

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company maintains the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan (the "2012 Stock Plan"), which is a stock-based 
compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards and stock unit awards to key employees 
and non-employee directors. 

The 2012 Stock Plan authorizes 2,400,000 shares for issuance as follows: 

2012 Stock Plan

Authorized Shares

Stock Options

Stock/Stock Unit Awards

1,680,000

720,000

The Company also maintains the Amended and Restated Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan (the "2009 Stock Plan") which, 
as amended in 2009, provided for discretionary grants of stock options and stock awards.  The 2009 Stock Plan authorized 
4,400,000 shares for issuance as follows: 

2009 Stock Plan

Authorized Shares

Stock Options
Stock Awards

3,200,000
1,200,000

60

 
 
 
All options in the 2009 Stock Plan have been awarded.

The Company currently issues new shares from its common stock balance to satisfy option exercises and the settlement of 
stock awards and stock unit awards made under the 2009 Stock Plan and/or the 2012 Stock Plan.  

The total share-based compensation expense recognized in 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $6.9 million, $5.6 million, and $7.5 
million, respectively.

Stock Options:
Under the above plans, the exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of 
grant, and the options expire 10 years after the date of the grant.  Options granted to employees vest at 25 percent a year and 
become fully vested and fully exercisable after 4 years (vesting is accelerated upon retirement, death, or disability).  Subject to 
the terms of the plans, in general, the aggregate option exercise price and any applicable tax withholdings may be satisfied in 
cash or its equivalent, by the plan participant’s delivery of shares of the Company’s common stock having a fair market value at 
the time of exercise equal to the aggregate option exercise price and/or the applicable tax withholdings or by having shares 
otherwise subject to the award withheld by the Company or via cashless exercise through a broker-dealer.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with a 
single approach and amortized using a straight-line attribution method over the option’s vesting period.  Options granted to 
retirement eligible employees are immediately expensed.  The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected volatility 
of its stock, the weighted average expected life, the period of time options granted are expected to be outstanding, and its 
dividend yield.  The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield 
curve in effect at the time of the grant.

The table below provides the weighted average grant-date fair values and key assumptions used for the Black-Scholes model to 
determine the fair value of options granted during 2016, 2015, and 2014:

2016

2015

2014

Risk-free interest rate

Dividend yield

Volatility factor

Expected term

1.21%

1.32%

37.70%

1.59%

0.95%

37.90%

5.5 years

5.5 years

Weighted average grant-date fair value of options

$

9.18

$

12.34

$

A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock option activity and related information is as follows:

1.68%

0.70%

38.70%

5.6 years

15.09

(Shares in thousands)

Stock Options

Outstanding at beginning of 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding at end of 2016

Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate

Vested and exercisable at end of period

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

Shares

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value 
(000’s)

23.26

29.08

19.18

33.68

43.27

25.02

24.92

21.15

1,472

$

265
(273)
(8)
(1)
1,455

1,433

977

$

$

$

61

5.50 years

5.45 years

4.05 years

$

$

$

20,592

20,433

17,548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Intrinsic value of options exercised
Cash received from the exercise of options
Fair value of shares vested
Tax benefit of options exercised

$

2016

2015

2014

$

5.2
5.2
1.7
1.9

$

1.7
2.0
1.4
0.7

3.8
2.9
2.8
1.5

As of December 31, 2016, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options 
granted under the 2012 Stock Plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.15 years.

Stock/Stock Unit Awards:
Under the 2009 Stock Plan, non-employee directors and employees may be granted stock awards.  Under the 2012 Stock Plan, 
non-employee directors and employees may be granted stock awards and stock units.

Stock awards to non-employee directors are generally fully vested when made.  Stock/stock unit awards to employees cliff vest 
over 3 or 4 years (subject to accelerated vesting of a pro rata portion in the case of retirement, death or disability) and may be 
contingent on the attainment of certain performance goals.  Dividends are paid to the recipient prior to vesting, except that 
dividends on performance-based stock awards under the 2012 Stock Plan will be paid only to the extent the performance goals 
are met.  

Stock/stock unit awards granted to retirement eligible employees are expensed over the vesting period.  Compensation cost for 
the performance stock/stock unit awards is accrued based on the probable outcome of specified performance conditions. 

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock/stock unit award activity and related information is as follows:

(Shares in thousands)

Restricted Stock/Stock Unit Awards

Non-vested at beginning of 2016

Awarded

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at end of 2016

Shares

Weighted-Average 
Grant-
Date Fair Value

510

$

172
(175)
(34)
473

$

34.43

29.45

28.35

34.16

34.89

The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock/stock unit awards granted in 2016, 2015, and 2014, is $29.45, 
$36.27, and $42.39, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2016, there was $8.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock/stock 
unit awards granted under the 2012 Stock Plan and the 2009 Stock Plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a 
weighted-average period of 2.21 years.

16. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company’s business consists of the Water Systems and Fueling Systems reportable segments, based on the principal end 
market served.  Within the Water Systems segment, North America Water Systems and International Water Systems have been 
identified as operating segments.  For reporting segment purposes, the Company aggregates North America Water Systems and 
International Water Systems into the Water Systems segment, as they meet the aggregation criteria in FASB ASC 280. The 
Company includes unallocated corporate expenses and inter-company eliminations in an “Other” segment that together with the 
Water Systems and Fueling Systems segments, represent the Company.

The Water Systems segment designs, manufactures and sells motors, pumps, electronic controls and related parts and 
equipment primarily for use in submersible water and other fluid system applications.  The Fueling Systems segment designs, 
manufactures and sells pumps, electronic controls and related parts and equipment primarily for use in submersible fueling 
system applications.  The Fueling Systems segment integrates and sells motors and electronic controls produced by the Water 
Systems segment.

62

 
The accounting policies of the Company's reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 (Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies).  Performance is evaluated based on the sales and operating income of the segments and a 
variety of ratios to measure performance.  These results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would 
have occurred had each segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

Financial information by reportable business segment is included in the following summary:

(In millions)

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

Net sales to external customers

Operating income (loss)

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

723.2

$

707.6

$

824.6

$

108.2

$

86.7

$

226.7

—

217.3

—

223.2

—

949.9

$

924.9

$

1,047.8

$

56.3
(53.7)
110.8

$

51.5
(47.8)
90.4

$

103.9

49.7
(53.5)
100.1

Total assets

Depreciation

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

671.5

$

677.6

$

757.5

$

19.5

$

19.5

$

251.1

117.3

248.5

70.0

252.7

65.6

2.3

5.3

2.5

4.8

1,039.9

$

996.1

$

1,075.8

$

27.1

$

26.8

$

Amortization

Capital expenditures

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

6.4

1.9

0.1

8.4

$

$

6.6

1.9

0.1

8.6

$

$

7.1

1.8

0.2

9.1

$

$

31.8

$

19.5

$

2.1

3.7

1.4

5.0

37.6

$

25.9

$

19.9

2.4

5.8

28.1

33.8

3.9

4.7

42.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

Cash is the major asset group in "Other" of total assets at December 31, 2016.  Property, plant and equipment is the major asset 
group in "Other" of total assets at January 2, 2016.

Financial information by geographic region is as follows:

(In millions)

United States

Foreign

Consolidated

2016

Net sales
2015

2014

2016

Long-lived assets
2015

2014

$

$

446.9

503.0

949.9

$

$

418.5

506.4

924.9

$

$

485.5

562.3

1,047.8

$

$

349.2

202.3

551.5

$

$

404.1

150.7

554.8

$

$

418.0

184.4

602.4

Net sales are attributed to geographic regions based upon the ship to location of the customer.  Long-lived assets are attributed 
to geographic regions based upon the country of domicile.  

The Company offers a large array of products and systems to multiple markets and customers.  Product sales information is 
tracked regionally and products are categorized differently between regions based on local needs and reporting requirements. 
However, net sales by segment are representative of the Company's sales by major product category. The Company sells its 
products through various distribution channels including wholesale and retail distributors, specialty distributors, industrial and 
petroleum equipment distributors, as well as major oil and utility companies and original equipment manufacturers.

No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales in 2016, 2015, or 2014.  No single 
customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company's gross accounts receivable in 2016 or 2015.

63

 
 
 
 
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is defending various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion 
of management, based on current knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, these claims and legal actions can 
be defended or resolved without a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net cash flows.

Total rent expense charged to operations for operating leases including contingent rentals was $11.7 million, $11.9 million, and 
$12.6 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. 

The future minimum rental payments for non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016, are as follows:

(In millions)
Future minimum rental payments

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

$

7.4

$

5.2

$

4.0

$

2.4

$

1.7

$

0.7

At December 31, 2016, the Company had $10.8 million of commitments primarily for capital expenditures and the purchase of 
raw materials to be used in production.

The changes in the carrying amount of the warranty accrual, as recorded in the "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" 
line of the Company's consolidated balance sheets for 2016 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions)

Beginning balance

Accruals related to product warranties

Reductions for payments made

Ending balance

2016

2015

9.3

$

5.9
(7.0)
8.2

$

9.4

7.6
(7.7)
9.3

$

$

18. RESTRUCTURING
On July 1, 2014, the Company announced a plan to close its Wittlich, Germany manufacturing facility and to complete other 
European based business units and facilities realignments. The realignments as of the end of 2016 are considered to be 
substantially completed. In total, the Company had previously estimated the cost for these European realignments to be 
approximately $19.4 million.  The Company actually incurred expenses of $17.5 million.  Charges for the realignment included 
severance expenses, professional service fees, asset write-offs and manufacturing equipment relocation costs.

Costs incurred in the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, included in the “Restructuring (income)/expense” line of the 
Company's consolidated statements of income, are as follows:

(In millions)

Employee severance

Equipment relocation
Asset write-off, net of gain on disposal
Other

Total

Water Systems

Fueling Systems

Other

Consolidated

$

$

0.2

$

—
(2.0)
0.6
(1.2) $

— $

— $

0.2
0.4
—

0.6

—
—
—

$

— $

0.2

0.2
(1.6)
0.6
(0.6)

Restructuring expenses of $3.0 million and $16.6 million were incurred in 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily for the Water 
Systems realignment.

As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, there were no material restructuring reserves.

64

 
19. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Unaudited quarterly financial information for 2016 and 2015, is as follows:

(In millions, except per share amounts)

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Net Income

Net Income
Attributable to
Franklin
Electric Co.,
Inc.

Basic
Earnings Per
Share

Diluted 
Earnings Per 
Share

$

$

$

218.4

$

252.1

239.8

239.6

$

74.2

90.7

85.5

81.0

949.9

$

331.4

$

225.7

$

247.4

232.5

219.3

$

71.5

80.2

76.8

69.1

  $

924.9

$

297.6

$

13.6

24.2

23.7

17.8

79.3

20.0

16.4

21.0

16.3

73.7

$

$

$

$

13.5

24.0

23.7

17.5

78.7

19.8

16.1

20.8

16.2

72.9

$

$

$

$

0.28

0.51

0.51

0.37

1.67

0.41

0.33

0.44

0.34

1.52

$

$

$

$

0.28

0.50

0.50

0.37

1.65

0.41

0.33

0.43

0.33

1.50

2016

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

2015

1st quarter

2nd quarter

3rd quarter

4th quarter

Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented.  As a result, the 
sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the annual earnings per share amount.

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") 
as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial 
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the 
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and 
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Franklin 
Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in 
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information 
set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, 
and our report dated March 1, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial 
reporting.

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2017

66

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company began the process of a multi-year implementation of a global enterprise resource 
planning (“ERP”) system.  The new ERP system was designed to better support the Company's business needs in response to 
the changing operating environment.  The implementation of a worldwide ERP system will likely affect the processes that 
constitute the Company's internal control over financial reporting and will require testing for effectiveness as the 
implementation progresses. The Company expects that the new ERP system will enhance the overall system of internal controls 
over financial reporting through further automation and integration of business processes, although it is not being implemented 
in response to any identified deficiency in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. 

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

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

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

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

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

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the 
framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission.  Based on its evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over 
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.  This report appears on page 68.

67

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as 
of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over 
financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or 
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a 
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2016 
of the Company and our report dated March 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and 
financial statement schedule.

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2017

68

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

None.

69

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information concerning directors and director nominees required by this Item 10 is set forth in the Company's Proxy 
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 5, 2017, under the headings of "ELECTION OF 
DIRECTORS" and "INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS," and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

The information concerning executive officers required by this Item 10 is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under the 
heading of "EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT," and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information concerning Regulation S-K, Item 405 disclosures of delinquent Form 3, 4, or 5 filers required by this Item 10 
is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 5, 2017, under the 
heading of “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE,” and is incorporated herein by 
reference.

The information concerning the procedures for shareholders to recommend nominees to the Company’s board of directors, the 
Audit Committee of the board of directors, and the Company’s code of conduct and ethics required by this Item 10 is set forth 
in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 5, 2017 under the heading 
“INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required by Item 11 is set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to 
be held on May 5, 2017, under the headings of “INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,” 
“MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT,” “COMPENSATION, 
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS,” “SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE,” “GRANT OF PLAN BASED AWARDS 
TABLE,” “OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE,” “OPTION EXCERCISES AND STOCK 
VESTED TABLE,” “PENSION BENEFITS TABLE,” “NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION,” “POTENTIAL 
PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE COMPANY,” and “DIRECTOR 
COMPENSATION,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by Item 12 is set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to 
be held on May 5, 2017, under the headings of "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS,” 
“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT" and “SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY 
COMPENSATION PLANS,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 

The information required by Item 13 is set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to 
be held on May 5, 2017, under the heading “INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,” and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

The information required by Item 14 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to 
be held on May 5, 2017, under the heading “PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & 
TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2017 
FISCAL YEAR,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

70

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES 

PART IV

Documents filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements - Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2016

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedule - Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 

  Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not
applicable, or the required information is disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements and related
notes.
3. Exhibits

 Exhibits are set forth in the attached Exhibit Index.

Management Contract, Compensatory Plan, or Arrangement is denoted by an asterisk (*).

Form 10-K 
Annual Report
(page)

32

33

34

36

38

40

72

75

71

 
 
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In millions)

2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

Allowance for deferred taxes

2015

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

Allowance for deferred taxes

2014

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

Allowance for deferred taxes

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Deductions (a)

Other

Balance at End
of Period

$

$

$

3.8

7.2

3.2

3.9

3.0

3.5

$

$

$

0.1

2.9

1.1

3.5

0.2

1.3

$

$

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.2

— $

0.9

— $

—

— $

—

— $

—

3.6

9.8

3.8

7.2

3.2

3.9

(a) Charges for which allowances were created.

72

 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Date: March 1, 2017

By

/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack

Gregg C. Sengstack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.

Registrant

73

 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 1, 2017.

By

/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack

Gregg C. Sengstack

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ John J. Haines

John J. Haines

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ David T. Brown

David T. Brown

Director

/s/ Renee J. Peterson

Renee J. Peterson

Director

/s/ David A. Roberts

David A. Roberts

Director

/s/ Jennifer L. Sherman

Jennifer L. Sherman

Director

/s/ Thomas R. VerHage

Thomas R. VerHage

Director

/s/ David M. Wathen

David M. Wathen

Director

74

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Number

Description

3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2007)

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Franklin Electric Co., Inc., as amended December 16, 2016 (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2016)

10.1 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company’s Proxy Statement

for the Annual Meeting held on April 29, 2005)*

10.2 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the

Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting held on April 24, 2009)*

10.3 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company's Proxy

Statement for the Annual Meeting held on May 4, 2012)*

10.4 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Non-employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended on April 1,
2006)*

10.5 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan dated

February 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended January 1, 2011)*

10.6 Second Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Nonemployee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan

dated May 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2011)*

10.7 Amended and Restated Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009)*

10.8 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan dated December 20, 2012

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29,
2012)*

10.9 Second Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015)*

10.10 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference

to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2012)*

10.11 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan

dated December 20, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 29, 2012)*

10.12 Second Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3,
2015)*

10.13 Third Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3,
2015)*

10.14 Retirement and Consulting Agreement between the Company and R. Scott Trumbull (incorporated by reference

to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2014)*

10.15 Employment Agreement between the Company and Gregg C. Sengstack (incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.13 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012)*

10.16 Employment Agreement between the Company and John J. Haines (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of

the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012)*

10.17 Form of Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement between the Company and Gregg C. Sengstack, John J.

Haines, Steven W. Aikman, Daniel J. Crose, DeLancey W. Davis, Julie S. Freigang, Donald P. Kenney, Robert J.
Stone, Jonathan M. Grandon, Thomas J. Strupp, and R. Scott Trumbull (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.15 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005)*

75

 
10.18 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and Steven W. Aikman, Daniel J. Crose,

DeLancey W. Davis, Julie S. Freigang, Donald P. Kenney, Robert J. Stone and Thomas J. Strupp (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013)*

10.19 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and Jonathan M. Grandon (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)*

10.20 Description of the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Program (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016)*

10.21 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the

Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 8, 2015)*

10.22 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.23 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.24 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.5 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.25 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of

the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.26 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of

the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.27 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to the

Company's Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2012)*

10.28 Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.29 Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*

10.30 Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement by and among the Company, 

Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015)

10.31 Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated October 

28, 2016, by and among the Company, Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the purchasers named 
therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)

10.32 Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement, dated December 31, 2012, among the Company, The Board of

Commissions of the County of Allen, Indiana, and the Bondholders referred to therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2013)

10.33 Amendment No. 1 to Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement and Waiver, dated May 5, 2015, among the

Company, The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen, and the Bondholders referred to therein
(incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2015)

10.34 Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Franklin Electric Co., 
Inc., Franklin Electric B.V., JP Morgan Chase, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as 
Syndication Agent, and the lenders identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 
Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)

10.35 Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement by and among the Company, NYL Investors LLC, and the

purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 2,
2015)

10.36 First Amendment to Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among the

Company, NYL Investors LLC, and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)

10.37 Stock Redemption Agreement, dated April 15, 2015, between the Company and Ms. Patricia Schaefer and Ms.

Diane Humphrey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 20,
2015)

18.1 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Preferability Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April
2, 2011)

21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002

76

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of

the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99.1 Forward-Looking Statements

101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

* Management Contract, Compensatory Plan or Arrangement

77

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

EXHIBIT 21

Subsidiary

Bombas Leao SA

Cookson & Zinn (PTL) Limited

Coverco S.r.l.

FE Latin America B.V.

FELE C.V.

Franklin Control Systems, Inc.

Franklin Electric (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

Franklin Electric (Chile) Ltda

Franklin Electric (SEA) Pty. Ltd.

Franklin Electric (South Africa) Pty. Ltd.
Franklin Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

Franklin Electric (Zambia) Ltd.

Franklin Electric B.V.

Franklin Electric Botswana Pty. Ltd.

Franklin Electric Canada, Inc.

Franklin Electric Colombia SAS

Franklin Electric Europa GmbH

Franklin Electric Germany Holding GmbH

Franklin Electric Holding B.V.

Franklin Electric India Private Ltd.

Franklin Electric Industria de Motobombas SA

Franklin Electric International, Inc.

Franklin Electric NL BV

Franklin Electric spol s.r.o.

Franklin Electric Subsidiaries, LLC

Franklin Electric Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Franklin Fueling Sistemas de Combustiveis Ltda

Franklin Fueling Systems (Beijing) Company Ltd.

Franklin Fueling Systems Australia Pty. Ltd.

Franklin Fueling Systems France SARL

Franklin Fueling Systems India Private Ltd.

Franklin Fueling Systems Ltd.

Franklin Fueling Systems GmbH

Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.

Impo Motor Pompa Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.

Intelligent Controls, LLC

Motores Electricos Sumergibles de Mexico S. de R.L de C.V.

Motores Franklin S.A. de C.V.

Motori Sommersi Riavvolgibili S.r.l.
Pioneer Pump Holdings Pty.

State or Country
of Organization

Percent of Voting
Stock Owned

Brazil

United Kingdom

Italy

Netherlands

Netherlands

Oregon

Australia

Chile

Singapore

South Africa
China

Zambia

Netherlands

Botswana

Canada

Colombia

Germany

Germany

Netherlands

India

Brazil

Delaware

Netherlands

Czech Republic

Indiana

China
Brazil

China

Australia

France

India

United Kingdom

Germany

Indiana

Turkey

Maine

Mexico

Mexico

Italy
Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

90

100

100

100

75
100

Pioneer Pump Ltd.

Pioneer Pump Pty. Ltd.

Pioneer Pump Solutions Ltd.

Pioneer Pump, Inc.

Pluga Pumps and Motors Private Limited

Servicios de MESMEX S de SRL de CV

Franklin Electric S.r.l

Franklin Wadcorpp India Private Limited

United Kingdom

South Africa

United Kingdom

Texas

India

Mexico

Italy

India

100

100

100

100

70

100

100

65

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements (file numbers 333-01959, 333-59771, 333-34994, 
333-34996, 333-111370, 333-124845, 333-158771, 333-166268, and 333-181138) on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 1, 
2017, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and 
subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting, 
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 
2016.

EXHIBIT 23.1

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2017

 
CERTIFICATIONS 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

EXHIBIT 31.1 

I, Gregg C. Sengstack, certify that: 

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Franklin Electric Co., Inc., for the year ending December 31, 2016;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and we have:

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to Franklin Electric Co., Inc., 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during 
the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles;

c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  Disclosed in this report any changes in Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting that 
occurred during Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case 
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s auditors and the audit committee of Franklin Electric 
Co., Inc.'s board of directors:

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s ability to record, 
process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:

March 1, 2017

/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack

Gregg C. Sengstack

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

EXHIBIT 31.2 

I, John J. Haines, certify that: 

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Franklin Electric Co., Inc., for the year ending December 31, 2016;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and we have:

 a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to Franklin Electric Co., Inc., 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during 
the period in which this report is being prepared;

 b.  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles;

 c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 d.  Disclosed in this report any change in Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting that 

occurred during Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case 
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Franklin Electric 
Co., Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s auditors and the audit committee of Franklin Electric Co., 
Inc.'s board of directors:

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:

March 1, 2017

/s/ John J. Haines

John J. Haines

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

EXHIBIT 32.1 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT 
TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

In connection with the Annual Report of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year 

ending December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregg 
C. Sengstack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify to my knowledge, pursuant to section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350), that:

1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; 

and

2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results 

of operations of the Company.

Date:

March 1, 2017

/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack

Gregg C. Sengstack

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

 
EXHIBIT 32.2 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT 
TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

In connection with the Annual Report of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year 

ending December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John J. 
Haines, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify to my knowledge, pursuant to section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350), that:

1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; 

and

2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results 

of operations of the Company.

Date:

March 1, 2017

/s/ John J. Haines

John J. Haines

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

 
ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 99.1

Forward-Looking Statements

Written and oral statements provided by the Company from time to time, including in the Company's annual report to 
shareholders and its annual report on Form 10-K and other filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, may contain 
certain forward-looking information, such as statements about the Company's financial goals, acquisition strategies, financial 
expectations including anticipated revenue or expense levels, business prospects, market positioning, product development, 
manufacturing re-alignment, capital expenditures, tax benefits and expenses, and the effect of contingencies or changes in 
accounting policies.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” 
“anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “strategy,” and similar expressions 
or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.”  While the Company believes that the 
assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on present conditions, forward-looking 
statements made by the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results 
may differ materially from those in the Company's written or oral forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, 
including, but not limited to, the following:

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The Company's success in its ongoing evaluation and implementation of its business strategies, especially its success 
in managing the expense and integration, valuation and other risks of its acquisition strategy and divestitures.

Continued or increased competitive pressures that affect sales volume, pricing and profitability.

Increased competition due to industry consolidation or new entrants into the Company's existing markets.

The strength of the recovery and future health of the U.S. and international economies and other economic factors that 
directly or indirectly affect the demand for the Company's products, including the effect of economic conditions on 
housing starts in the United States and on the availability and terms of financing.

Increases in the cost of raw material, components, other materials, transportation or other services which the Company 
is unable to pass on to customers or which impact demand for the Company's products.

The effects of and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations and other activities of 
governments, agencies and similar organizations across the many countries and regions where the Company 
manufacturers or sells its products, including trade restrictions, inflation, currency fluctuations, import and other 
charges or taxes, nationalizations and unstable governments.

The Company's success in implementing its strategy of concentrating production in low cost locations.

The Company's ability to anticipate changing customer requirements, fund and accomplish product innovation, 
improve processes, and attract and retain capable staff in order to deal with increasing volume and complexity in its 
products.

Difficulties or delays in the development, production, testing and marketing of products, including a failure to ship 
new products when anticipated, failure of customers to accept these products when planned, any defects in products or 
a failure of manufacturing economies to develop when planned.

The costs and other effects of administrative, civil or criminal proceedings, settlements and investigations, claims, 
developments or assertions by or against the Company, including those relating to intellectual property rights and 
licenses, alleged defects in products and non-compliance with governmental regulations.

The introduction of alternative products or governmental and regulatory actions that favor alternative methods of 
serving the same function as the Company's products, such as the extension of municipal water systems.

The effect of environmental legislation and regulation on the Company's products and sales.

The Company's success in reducing or controlling growth in selling, general and administrative expenses.

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The Company's ability to manage the life cycle of its products, reduce product costs and other costs and increase 
productivity.

Events such as fires, floods, or other natural disasters and weather conditions impacting the Company's ability to 
produce products or the demand for its products.

A prolonged disruption of scheduled deliveries from suppliers when alternative sources of raw material and 
components are not available.

Labor strikes or work stoppages by employees of the Company, its customers, suppliers, or freight contractors or other 
providers.

The adoption of new, or changes in, accounting policies and practices.

Some of these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect future results are discussed in more detail in “Item 1A - Risk 
Factors,” “Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” and Note 17, “Commitments and 
Contingencies” included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All forward-looking statements included herein are 
based upon information presently available.  The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking 
information, except as required by law.