These Values have been the foundation of A. O. Smith since 1874 and will sustain our Company for years to come. As a leader in water technologies, we play an essential role in providing access to this critical resource. Our focus on our employees and innovative products, as well as our corporate responsibility and stewardship, benefits not only our shareholders but also positively impacts our communities and our planet.
A. O. Smith will achieve profitable growth.
Profitable growth is essential for A. O. Smith’s future. To achieve profitable growth, we must provide:
- New, efficient, high-quality and differentiated products for our customers;
- Greater opportunity for individual advancement and improved job security; and
- Growth in investment value for our stockholders in a socially responsible manner.
Not only will we seek an above-average return on stockholders’ investment, we will grow in a planned way so that:
- Our business units will have individualized growth rates that complement each other and produce a Company that grows faster than the U.S. economy; and
- The capital requirements of growth will be supported by funds generated by our above-average return on investment and by external sources, such as borrowing and equity.
A. O. Smith will emphasize innovation.
Innovation is a primary source of profitable growth. Therefore, we will:
- Achieve market leadership in all major product lines through innovation and continuous improvement that increases the value of our products and services to our customers;
- Seek innovative ways to improve our effectiveness as an organization and the productivity of our facilities;
- Create a culture and develop the necessary skills to encourage involvement, creativity and social responsibility;
- Encourage our employees to produce the best results and position our Company for future growth; and
- Focus on achieving profitable growth with a disciplined approach to mitigating risk.
A. O. Smith will preserve its good name.
In all dealings with people and organizations, we will act with uncompromising integrity. We will:
- Be fair and truthful in all claims and advertising;
- Deal fairly with customers, suppliers, competitors, government and regulatory agencies and employees;
- Strictly adhere to all laws and seek only honorable goals while rejecting unethical practices;
- Achieve high standards of quality in all aspects of the business; and
- Instill these values in all employees globally.
A. O. Smith will be a good place to work.
In operating our Company, we will attract imaginative and highly capable people. We will emphasize teamwork and promote diversity in seeking our objectives. We will:
- Create a climate where respect for the individual is fundamental;
- Encourage the freedom and personal growth that comes from hard work, passion for continuous improvement and uncompromising ethical values;
- Treat each other fairly and without discrimination;
- Pay individuals equitably according to their contributions; and
- Provide equipment, materials and training to ensure a safe working environment.
A. O. Smith will be a good citizen.
To serve the public and the communities in which we do business, we will:
- Strive for growth that contributes to the economic well being of the communities in which we are located;
- Provide financial support for and encourage our people to involve themselves in worthwhile civic activities;
- Ensure that our plants and operations comply with environmental standards;
- Continuously improve in areas of environmental, social and governance activities; and
- Encourage, in every appropriate way, the protection and preservation of the free enterprise system so necessary for the attainment of these objectives.