A. O. Smith sells 81% of its China business to CPE

A. O. Smith agreed to sell an 81% interest in its China business to alternative asset manager CPE, valuing the unit at about $400 million cash-free, debt-free, or more than $500 million including brand-licensing royalties. A. O. Smith keeps 19%, will repatriate about $80 million of cash, and plans to prioritize buybacks.

Why it matters: The deal caps a strategic review begun in July 2025 and sharpens the water-tech company's portfolio focus.