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YoY shift: Neutral
Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is -0.02pp more bearish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Risk Factors
-0.16pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
MD&A
+0.11pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
Per-snippet highlights
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
fines+3
harm+3
penalties+2
violations+2
threats+2
Positive rising
profitability+1
opportunities+1
desired+1
enhanced+1
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
9,787 words
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We may be affected by global economic conditions in general and conditions in the construction and infrastructure industries in particular.
Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions, including levels of consumer and business confidence, commodity prices, raw material and energy costs, supply chain issues, trade policies (including tariffs and trade barriers), foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, labor costs, levels of government spending and deficits, actual or anticipated default on sovereign debt, political conditions in the U.S. or otherwise, regulatory changes and other challenges that could affect the global economy. In addition, the current global economic environment has resulted, and may continue to result, in increased levels of commodity, materials and wage inflation. These various global economic conditions have affected and may continue to affect our business in a number of ways as discussed in more detail in this Item 1A and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. More particularly, a slowdown in building and remodeling activity, whether due to remote work or otherwise, or decreased public spending on infrastructure projects could affect our financial performance.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
litigation+5
restructuring+2
decline+2
impairment+1
dispute+1
Positive rising
gains+3
effective+1
greater+1
enhancements+1
MD&A (Item 7)
10,062 words
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We are the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization company. Our Company is organized into two segments, New Equipment and Service. Through our New Equipment segment, we design, manufacture, sell and install a wide range of passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators and moving walkways for residential and commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. Our New Equipment customers include real-estate and building developers and general contractors who develop and/or design buildings for residential, commercial, retail or mixed-use activity. We sell our New Equipment directly to customers, as well as through agents and distributors.
Through our Service segment, we perform maintenance and repair services for both our own products and those of other manufacturers and provide modernization services to upgrade elevators and escalators. Maintenance services include inspections to ensure code compliance, preventive maintenance offerings and other customized maintenance offerings tailored to meet customer needs, as well as repair services to address equipment and component wear and tear and breakdowns. Modernization services enhance equipment operation and improve building functionality. Modernization offerings range from relatively simple upgrades of interior finishes and aesthetics to complex upgrades of larger components and sub-systems, including the machine, ropes or belts, safety systems and the entire car or escalator. Our typical Service customers include building owners, facility managers, housing associations and government agencies that operate buildings where elevators and escalators are installed.
Our operations are subject to natural and man-made unexpected events that may increase our costs, limit access to building sites, interrupt production or our supply chain or otherwise adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The occurrence of one or more unexpected events, including war (see discussion below regarding ongoing conflicts), acts of terrorism or violence, civil unrest, pandemics, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other forms of natural disasters or severe weather, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise, in the United States or in other countries in which we operate or in which our suppliers are located could result in physical damage to and complete or partial closure of one or more of our manufacturing facilities or temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of component products from some of our suppliers, disruption and delay in the transport of our products to customers or limit our access to building sites to install our products or perform our services. Existing insurance coverage may not provide protection for all of the costs that may arise from such events. The impacts of these unexpected events are difficult to predict, but could result in higher costs or delays in our operations and/or adversely affect economic conditions in the regions where we operate and our financial performance.
Our international operations subject us to risk as our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in local and regional economic conditions, such as fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in credit conditions.
We conduct our business on a global basis, with approxim ate ly 71% of our 2025 n et sales derived from international operations. Changes in local and regional economic conditions, including credit conditions and fluctu ations in exchange rates, may affect product demand and reported profits in our non-U.S. operations, where transactions are generally denominated in local currencies. In addition, currency fluctuations may affect the prices we pay for the materials used in our products. Though we engage in hedging strategies to manage foreign currency exposures in connection with certain cross-border transactions, our operating margins may be negatively impacted by currency fluctuations that result in higher costs or lower revenues for certain cross-border transactions. Our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in exchange rates have given and may continue to give rise to gains or losses when financial statements of non-U.S. operating units are translated into U.S. dollars. Given that the majority of our net sales are non-U.S. based, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major foreign currencies has adversely affected and could in the future adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, limitations on the ability of our customers and suppliers to access credit at interest rates and on terms that are acceptable to them could lead to customer and supplier defaults and cancellations of existing orders, limit or prevent customers from being able to finance purchases of our products and services in the future, and cause delays in the delivery of key products from suppliers.
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Our international operations subject us to risks associated with government policies on international trade and investments and risks in general and particularly in China.
Our international sales and operations are subject to risks associated with changes in local government laws, regulations and policies, including those related to investments and limitations on foreign ownership of businesses, taxation, foreign exchange controls, capital controls, local manufacturing, product content or supplier requirements, employment regulations and the repatriation of earnings. Government policies on international trade and investments such as import quotas, capital controls, punitive taxes or tariffs or similar trade barriers, whether imposed by individual governments or regional trade blocs, can affect demand for our products and services, impact the competitive position of our products or services, or encumber our ability to manufacture or sell products in certain countries. International transactions also involve increased financial and legal risks due to differing legal systems and customs in foreign countries, which could result in increased costs, risk of fines or penalties as well as reputational harm. Our international sales and operations are also sensitive to changes in foreign nations’ priorities, including government budgets, as well as to political and economic instability.
The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, including tariffs and retaliatory actions in response thereto, or the renegotiation of existing trade agreements with the U.S. or countries where we sell large quantities of products and services, procure materials incorporated into our products, manufacture products or recruit and employ employees (see discussion on China below), could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. These impacts may include hindering our ability to r ecruit and retain employees or deploy certain employees to the geographies where their skills are best utilized, increased costs for our customers, declining consumer confidence, significant inflation and diminished economic expectations, which could ultimately reduce demand for our products. While we take steps to mitigate or avoid these increased costs, disruptions and legal risks due to changes in trade policies, our ability to do so may be limited by operational and supply chain constraints, especially in the short term. In addition, our ability to recover cost increases and maintain profitability levels through price adjustments may be limited by competitive pressures, customer acceptance, and contractual limitations. Tariff actions by the U.S. and retaliatory actions by other countries have caused, and may in the future cause, significant disruption and volatility in the financial markets, which could adversely affect the availability, terms and cost of capital, including with respect to refinancing our existing debt, and which in turn could reduce our cash flows and harm our business.
China is currently the largest end market for sales of new equipment in our industry, with our New Equipment net sales in China representing approximately one fifth of our global New Equipment net sales and over half of our global New Equipment unit volume and a growing part of our Service segment. Changes to market and economic conditions in China, including credit conditions for our customers, have recently impacted and may continue to impact our ability to maintain New Equipment net sales in China at rates consistent with prior years as well as future growth of our Service segment. Additionally, the escalation of trade conflicts between the U.S. and China could further impact economic conditions in the U.S. and China. Furthermore, as is the case in many countries where we operate, China could impose additional regulatory and legal requirements, including requirements that could increase costs in China and/or restrict access to Chinese markets, which could negatively impact our overall financial performance.
Our international operations subject us to risks associated with emerging markets.
We expect that net sales to emerging markets will continue to account for a significant portion of our net sales as those and other developing nations and regions around the world increase their demand for our products and services. A slowdown in urbanization in emerging countries, such as China or India, have and could continue to adversely affect our financial performance. In addition, as part of our global business model, we operate in certain countries, including Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Ukraine, Turkey and certain countries in the Middle East, that carry high levels of currency, political, compliance and economic risk. Our emerging market operations can present many risks, including differences in culturally accepted practices (such as employment and business practices), compliance risks, economic and government instability, currency fluctuations, and the imposition of foreign exchange and capital controls. While these factors and their impact are difficult to predict, any one or more of them could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
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Our international operations subject us to risks associated with geopolitical conflicts.
Our international sales and operations are subject to risks associated with geopolitical conflicts, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. Geopolitical conflicts, including threats related thereto, have resulted in worldwide geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, and we cannot predict how conflicts will evolve or the timing thereof. If current geopolitical conflicts expand to other countries and depending on the ultimate outcomes of these conflicts, which remain uncertain, they or new geopolitical conflicts could have additional adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to, increased costs, constraints on the availability of commodities, supply chain disruptions and decreased business spending. Furthermore, continuation of the conflicts could give rise to disruptions to our or our business partners’ global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion; adverse changes in international trade policies and relations; regulatory enforcement; our ability to implement and execute our business strategy; terrorist activities; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We use a variety of raw materials, supplier-provided parts, components, sub-systems and third-party manufacturing services in our business, and significant shortages, supplier capacity constraints, supplier production disruptions or price increases could increase our operating costs and adversely impact the competitive positions of our products.
Our reliance on suppliers (including third-party manufacturers) and commodity markets to secure the raw materials and components used in our products exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these materials. Issues with suppliers, (such as a disruption in deliveries, capacity and credit constraints, production disruptions, quality issues and supplier closings or bankruptcies), price increases or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities (particularly steel) have in the past had and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or could increase our operating costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Adverse changes in our relationships with, or the financial condition, performance or purchasing patterns, or compliance practices of, key distributors and agents could adversely affect us.
Certain of our businesses sell a significant amount of their products to distributors and agents, particularly in China, that have valuable relationships with customers. Some of these distributors and agents also sell our competitors’ products, and if they favor competing products for any reason they may fail to market our products effectively. Adverse changes in our relationships with these distributors and other partners, or adverse developments in their financial condition, performance or purchasing patterns, or compliance practices, could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
We design, manufacture, install and service products that incorporate advanced technologies; the introduction of new products and technologies, including artificial intelligence, involves risks, and we may not realize the degree or timing of benefits initially anticipated.
We seek to grow our business through the design, development, production, sale and support of innovative products that incorporate advanced technologies. The product and service needs of our customers change and evolve regularly, and we invest substantial amounts in research and development efforts to pursue advancements in technologies, products and services. Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our technological advancements, such as the development and execution of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence ("AI"), for the benefit of our New Equipment or Service segment or the development of new products depends on a variety of factors, including meeting development, production, certification and regulatory approval schedules; execution of internal and external performance plans; availability of supplier and internally produced parts and materials; performance of suppliers and subcontractors; hiring and training of qualified personnel; employee adoption of new technologies; achieving cost and production efficiencies; validation of innovative technologies; our ability to maintain new products at the Service levels and costs anticipated; and customer interest in new technologies and products and acceptance of products we manufacture or that incorporate technologies we develop.
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Our research and development efforts may not result in innovative products or services that incorporate new technologies for our New Equipment and Service segments, or products or services being developed on a timely basis or that meet the needs of our customers as effectively as competitive offerings. In addition, the markets for our products or services, or products that incorporate our technologies, may not develop or grow as we anticipate. We or our suppliers or subcontractors may encounter difficulties in developing and producing new products and services, and may not realize the degree or timing of benefits initially anticipated or may otherwise suffer significant adverse financial consequences. Due to the design complexity of our products, we may experience delays in completing the development and introduction of new products. Any delays could result in increased development costs or divert resources from other projects. If we are unable to successfully develop and timely introduce new products, services and technologies, our competitors may develop competing technologies that gain market acceptance in advance of or instead of our products or services that might cause our existing technology and offerings to become obsolete, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Further, as we integrate emerging and rapidly evolving technologies, including AI, into our products and services, we face evolving risks related to safety, data governance, regulatory compliance and intellectual property and may not be able to anticipate or identify vulnerabilities, design flaws or security threats resulting from the use of such technology and develop adequate protection measures, which could lead to unintended consequences and significantly impact our business, reputation, and financial results.
We operate in a competitive environment and our profitability depends on our ability to accurately estimate the costs and timing of providing our products and services.
Our contracts are typically awarded on a competitive basis. Our quotations and bids are based upon, among other items, the cost to provide the products and services. To generate an acceptable return on our investment on these contracts, we must be able to accurately estimate our costs to provide the services and deliver the products required by the contract and to be able to complete the contracts in a timely manner. If we fail to accurately estimate our costs or the time required to complete a new equipment order, or the extent of required maintenance pursuant to a service contract, or execute on our productivity initiatives, the profitability of our contracts may be materially and adversely affected. Some of our contracts provide for liquidateddamages if we do not perform in accordance with the contract. As a result of these and other factors, we may not be able to provide products and services at competitive prices while maintaining anticipated levels of profitability, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
We may not realize expected benefits from our cost reduction, restructuring and transformation efforts, including UpLift, and our profitability may be negatively impacted or our business otherwise might be adversely affected.
In order to operate more efficiently and cost effectively, we have and may continue to adjust employment, optimize our footprint or undertake other restructuring or transformation activities, including in connection with UpLift and our China business, and related reorganization, transformation and outsourcing activities, as applicable. These activities are complex and may involve or require significant changes to our operations. If we do not successfully manage restructuring and other transformation activities, expected efficiencies and benefits might be delayed or not realized, and our operations and business could be disrupted. Risks associated with these actions and other workforce management issues include unfavorable political responses, unforeseendelays in the implementation of anticipated workforce reductions, additional unexpected costs, challenges in change management, adverse effects on employee morale and capacity, and the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of employees or work stoppages or transitioning work to third parties, any of which may impair our ability to achieve anticipated cost reductions, otherwise harm our business or have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
We operate in challenging markets for talent and may fail to attract, develop and retain key personnel.
We depend on the skills, institutional knowledge, working relationships, and continued services and contributions of key personnel, including our leadership team, engineers, field professionals, and others at all levels of the company. In addition, our ability to achieve our operating and strategic goals depends on our ability to identify, hire, train and retain qualified individuals. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel in a highly competitive labor market, and we may lose key personnel or fail to attract sufficient skilled personnel and incur additional labor costs. Any such losses, failures or increased costs could have material adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
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Our debt levels and related debt service obligations could have negative consequences; we may need additional debt or equity financing in the future to meet our capital needs, and such financing may not be available on favorable terms, if at all, due to changes in global capital markets, our financial performance or outlook or our credit ratings and may be dilutive to existing shareholders.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $7.7 billion o utstanding long-term debt. Our debt level and related debt service obligations could have negative consequences, including, among others:
• requiring us to dedicate significant cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce funds we have available for other purposes, such as acquisitions and reinvestment in our businesses; and
• reducing our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and market conditions.
We may need additional financing for general corporate purposes. For example, we may need funds to increase our investment in research and development activities, to refinance or repay existing debt, or to make a strategic acquisition. We may be unable to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. Volatility in the world financial markets could further increase borrowing costs or affect our ability to access the capital markets. Our ability to issue debt or enter into other financing arrangements on acceptable terms could be adversely affected if there is a material decline in the demand for our products or services, or in the solvency of our customers, suppliers or distributors or other significantly unfavorable changes in economic conditions.
We have an investment-grade credit rating from each of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our credit ratings, and any actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade or similar announcement, could increase the cost of borrowing under any indebtedness we may incur, reduce market capacity for our commercial paper, require the posting of additional collateral under our derivative contracts, or otherwise have a negative impact on our liquidity, capital position and access to the capital markets.
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, our shareholders will experience dilution of their ownership interest. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to limitations on our operations due to restrictive covenants or rating agencies may downgrade our credit rating.
Quarterly cash dividends and share repurchases may be discontinued, accelerated or modified, are subject to a number of uncertainties and may affect the price of Common Stock.
Quarterly cash dividends and share repurchases are a component of our capital allocation strategy, which we fund with operating free cash flow, borrowings and divestitures. In general, dividends and share repurchases may be discontinued, accelerated, suspended or delayed at any time without prior notice. Furthermore, the amount of such dividends and repurchases may be changed, and the amount, timing and frequency of such dividends and repurchases may vary from historical practice or from the Company’s stated expectations. Decisions with respect to dividends and share repurchases are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and are based on a variety of factors. Important factors that could cause us to discontinue, limit, suspend, increase or delay our quarterly cash dividends or share repurchases include market conditions, the market price of our Common Stock, the nature and timing of other investment and acquisition opportunities, changes in our business strategy, the terms of our financing arrangements, our outlook as to the ability to obtain financing at attractive rates, the impact on our credit ratings and the availability of domestic cash. The reduction or elimination of our cash dividend or share repurchase program could adversely affect the market price of Common Stock. Although our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, changes in laws or regulations related thereto or short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program's effectiveness.
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We engage in acquisitions and divestitures, and may encounter difficulties integrating acquired businesses with, or disposing of businesses from, our current operations; therefore, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions and divestitures.
We seek to grow through strategic acquisitions, including of the interests in certain ventures and entities which we do not already wholly own, in addition to internal growth. Our due diligence reviews in connection with our acquisitions may not identify all of the material issues necessary to accurately estimate the cost and potential loss contingencies of a particular transaction, including potential exposure to regulatory sanctions resulting from an acquisition target’s previous activities. For example, we may incur unanticipated costs, expenses or other liabilities as a result of an acquisition target’s violation of applicable laws, such as anti-corruption, antitrust, anti-collusion, environmental or income tax laws. We also may incur unanticipated costs or expenses, including post-closing asset impairment charges, as well as expenses associated with eliminating duplicate facilities, litigation and other liabilities. We may incur unexpected costs associated with labor law, tax or pension matters or to bring acquired assets up to our operating standards. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquired businesses with our operations, applying our internal controls to these acquired businesses or in managing strategic investments. In addition, accounting requirements relating to business combinations, including the requirement to expense certain acquisition costs as incurred, may cause us to incur greater earnings volatility and generally lower earnings during periods in which we acquire new businesses.
We also make strategic divestitures from time to time. Our divestitures may result in continued financial exposure to the divested businesses, such as through guarantees, other financial arrangements, continued supply and services arrangements, and environmental and product liability claims, following the transaction. Under these arrangements, nonperformance by those divested businesses could result in obligations being imposed on us that could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.
Additionally, we may not realize the degree or timing of benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction, including as a result of current and proposed changes to U.S. and foreign regulatory approval processes and requirements in connection with an acquisition or divestiture. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are party to joint ventures which may not be successful and may expose us to special risks and restrictions.
In certain regions, we operate our business through joint venture relationships or non-wholly owned subsidiaries, including Otis Elevator (China) Investment Limited in China. A significant downturn or deterioration in the business or financial condition of a joint venture partner could affect our results of operations in a particular period. Our joint ventures may experience labor strikes, diminished liquidity or credit unavailability, weak demand for products, delays in the launch of new products or other difficulties in their businesses. Changes in local government laws, regulations and policies, including those related to investments and limitations on foreign ownership of businesses, could adversely impact our ability to participate in and operate our joint ventures, or could result in changes to the ownership structure or allocation of rights in our joint ventures. If we are not successful in maintaining our joint ventures and other strategic partnerships, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.
Joint ventures and non-wholly owned subsidiaries inherently involve special risks. Whether or not we hold a majority interest or maintain operational control in such arrangements, our partners or other shareholders may (1) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or contrary to ours, (2) exercise veto or other rights, to the extent available, to block actions that we believe to be in our or the joint venture’s or non-wholly owned subsidiary’s best interests, (3) take action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to our investments, business or compliance practices or (4) be unable or unwilling (including as a result of financial or other difficulties) to fulfill their obligations, such as contributing capital to expansion or maintenance projects, under the joint venture or other agreement. There can be no assurance that any particular joint venture or non-wholly owned subsidiary will be beneficial to us.
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Additional tax expense or additional tax exposures could affect our future profitability.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various international jurisdictions. Changes to tax laws and regulations, as well as changes and conflicts in related interpretations or other tax guidance could materially impact our tax receivables and liabilities and our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to examinations by various tax authorities. In addition, governmental authorities in various jurisdictions could launch new examinations and expand existing examinations. The global and diverse nature of our operations means that these risks will continue and additional examinations, proceedings and contingencies will arise from time to time. Our competitive position, cash flows, results of operation or financial condition may be affected by the outcome of examinations, proceedings and contingencies that cannot be predicted with certainty.
See "Business Overview" and "Results of Operations – Income Taxes" in Item 7 and "Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and "Note 14: Income Taxes" in Item 8 in this Form 10-K, for further discussion on income taxes and related contingencies.
Our defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market risk that could adversely affect our results.
The performance of the financial markets and interest rates, as well statutory and/or regulatory changes, can impact our defined benefit pension plan expenses and funding obligations. Significant decreases in the discount rate or investment losses on plan assets may increase our funding obligations and adversely impact our financial results. See "Note 11: Employee Benefit Plans" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion on pension plans and related obligations and contingencies.
We are subject to litigation, product safety and other legal and compliance risks.
We are subject to a variety of litigation, legal and compliance risks. These risks relate to, among other things, product safety, personal injuries, intellectual property rights, contract-related claims, taxes, environmental matters, competition laws and laws governing improper business practices. We could be charged with wrongdoing in connection with such matters. If convicted or found liable, we could be subject to significant fines, penalties, repayments and other damages (in certain cases, treble damages).
As a global business, we are subject to complex laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. Those laws and regulations may be interpreted in different ways. They may also change from time to time, as may related interpretations and other guidance. Changes in laws or regulations could result in higher expenses or changes to business operations that could impact our ability to sell our products and services or sell them at expected profit levels. Uncertainty relating to those laws or regulations may also affect how we operate, structure our investments, structure our contracts and comply with the terms of these contracts and/or enforce our rights thereunder.
Product and general liability claims (including claims related to the safety, reliability or maintenance of our products) and accident risks during the production, installation, maintenance and use of our products can result in significant costs, including settlements, punitivedamages and other risks such as damage to our reputation, negative publicity and management distraction, which could reduce demand for our products and services.
In addition, we are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and other anti-corruption laws that generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA applies to companies, individual directors, officers, employees and agents. Under certain anti-corruption laws, companies also may be held liable for the actions of partners or representatives. Certain of our customer relationships are with governmental entities and are, therefore, subject to the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws. Despite meaningful measures that we undertake to seek to ensure lawful conduct, which include training and internal controls, we may not always be able to prevent our employees, partners, joint ventures, agents or distributors from violating the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws. Changes in these laws or their interpretation, administration and/or enforcement may also occur over time. As a result, we could be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement, changes or enhancements to our compliance measures that could increase our costs, decrease our access to certain sales channels, personnel changes or other remedial actions.
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Moreover, we are subject to antitrust and anti-collusion laws, including mandatory supply laws and bidding regulations, in various jurisdictions throughout the world. Changes in these laws or their interpretation, administration and/or enforcement may occur over time, and any such changes may limit our future acquisitions or operations, or result in changes to our strategies, sales and distribution structures or other business practices. We are subject to ongoing claims related to allegedviolations of anti-collusion laws in certain European countries, where we are subject to claims for overcharges on elevators and escalators related to civil cartel cases. Though we have implemented policies, controls and other measures to prevent collusion or anti-competitive behavior, our controls may not always be effective in preventing our employees, partners, joint ventures, agents or distributors from violatingantitrust or anti-collusion laws.
Additionally, we provide products and services to government entities. Government contract laws and regulations impose certain risks. If violations of law are found, they could result in civil and criminalpenalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, refund of a portion of fees received, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from future government business. Each of these factors could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and reputation.
Violations of the FCPA, antitrust or other anti-corruption or anti-collusion laws, government contract laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our operations, cause reputational harm, involve significant management distraction and result in a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
We also must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products, services and technology from the U.S. and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations. In the U.S., these laws include, among others, the Export Administration Regulations administered by the Department of Commerce and embargoes and sanctions regulations administered by the Department of the Treasury. In addition, U.S. foreign policy may restrict or prohibit business dealings with certain individuals, entities or countries; changes in these prohibitions can happen suddenly and could result in a material adverse effect on our operations. See discussion of other risks associated with our international business, including changes in trade policies, discussed above and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
For a description of current material legal proceedings, see "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
We are impacted by evolving stakeholder interest in sustainability and responsibility matters.
We report on our sustainability and responsibility projects and programs, as required by applicable law and voluntarily. Our strategies reflect our focus on projects and programs that tie to business performance allowing us to adapt to evolving market needs and pursue new opportunities in alignment with our business strategies. Nonetheless, there is no certainty that these projects and programs will deliver the desired outcomes. Our ability to deliver on our sustainability and responsibility initiatives is subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control. Examples of such risks include: (1) the availability and cost of low- or non-carbon-based energy sources and technologies, (2) third-party coordination and alignment over which we do not have control and which may be unpredictable, (3) evolving regulatory requirements affecting sustainability or responsibility related standards or disclosures, (4) the availability of suppliers that can meet our sustainability-related standards, and (5) our ability to recruit, develop, and retain talent in our labor markets. In addition, standards for tracking and reporting on sustainability-related matters have not been harmonized and continue to evolve. Our processes and controls for reporting of sustainability and responsibility matters have been enhanced but may not always comply with evolving and disparate standards for identifying, measuring, and reporting metrics globally, our interpretation of reporting standards may differ from those of others, and such standards may change over time, any of which could result in significant revisions to our performance metrics, climate-related targets or reported progress in achieving such targets and increased compliance costs and risks.
If our sustainability and responsibility practices do not meet evolving regulations, investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an investment, supplier, or business partner could be negatively impacted, or could result in litigation. We may also be subject to penalties for non-compliance under applicable laws. In addition, our failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill our climate-related targets within the timelines we announce, or at all, could have similar negative impacts.
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Information security, data privacy and identity protection may require significant resources and present certain risks to our business, reputation and financial condition.
We collect, store, have access to and otherwise process certain company and third-party confidential or sensitive data that may be subject to data privacy and cybersecurity laws, regulations or customer-imposed controls, including proprietary business information, personal data and other information. We also develop products that may in certain cases collect, store, have access to, and otherwise process certain personally identifiable or confidential data of our customers who purchase and use such products either separately or as a part of another product or system or by way of access to our websites or social media accounts. Although we seek to protect such data and design our products to enable our customers to use them while complying with applicable data privacy and cybersecurity laws and/or customer-imposed controls, we have experienced cyberattacks. While these attacks have not to our knowledge had a material adverse impact on the Company to date, our internal systems and products may be vulnerable to further cyberattacks, security breaches, theft, programming errors or employee errors, which could lead to the compromise of confidential and sensitive data, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, defective products, production downtimes and/or operational disruptions in violation of applicable law and/or contractual obligations. A significant actual or perceived risk of theft, loss, fraudulent use or misuse of customer, employee or other data, whether by us, our suppliers, distributors, customers or other third parties, as a result of employee error or malfeasance, or as a result of the compromise of software, security and other products we incorporate into our products, as well as non-compliance with applicable industry standards or our contractual or other legal obligations or privacy and information security policies regarding such data, could result in costs, fines, litigation or regulatory actions, or could lead customers to select products and services of our competitors. In addition, any such event could harm our reputation, cause unfavorable publicity or otherwise adversely affect certain potential customers’ perceptions of the security and reliability of our services as well as our credibility and reputation, which could result in lost sales. Because of the global nature of our business, both our internal systems and products must comply with the applicable laws, regulations and standards in a number of jurisdictions, which continue to evolve and in certain cases, include provisions that are unclear. Government enforcement actions, including due to geopolitical concerns, and violations of data privacy and cybersecurity laws could be costly or interrupt our business operations. Any of the foregoing factors could result in reputational damage or civil or governmental proceedings and/or substantial monetary damages or fines, which could result in a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. As global standards and regulations relating to AI increase and change, they could result in additional costs, regulatory scrutiny, legal liability and reputational harm, including if we fail to comply with such standards and regulations. Additionally, misuse of sensitive data used in AI models may lead to privacy violations or non-compliance with data protection laws.
Our business and financial performance depend on continued substantial investment in information technology infrastructure, which may not yield anticipated benefits, and may be adversely affected by cyberattacks on information technology infrastructure and products and other business disruptions.
The efficient operation of our business requires continued substantial investment in technology infrastructure systems, including partial shifting from virtual private networks to cloud-based networks, and we must attract and retain qualified people to operate these systems, expand and improve them, integrate new systems effectively and efficiently convert to new systems when required. An inability to fund, acquire and implement these systems might impact our ability to respond effectively to changing customer expectations, manage our business, scale our solutions effectively or impact our customer service levels, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage and negatively impact our financial results. Repeated or prolongedinterruptions of service due to problems with our systems or third-party technologies, whether or not in our control, could have a significant negative impact on our reputation and our ability to sell products and services. Furthermore, we are highly dependent upon a variety of internal computer and telecommunication systems to operate our business. Failure to design, develop and implement new technology infrastructure systems in an effective and timely manner, or to adequately invest in and maintain these systems, could result in the diversion of management’s attention and resources and could materially adversely affect our operating results, competitive position and ability to efficiently manage our business. Our existing information systems may become obsolete, requiring us to transition our systems to a new platform. Such a transition would be time-consuming, costly and damaging to our competitive position, and could require additional management resources. Failure to implement and deploy new systems or replacement systems on the schedules anticipated, could materially adversely affect our operating results.
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In addition, our business may be impacted by disruptions to our own or third-party information technology ("IT") infrastructure, which could result from (among other causes) cyberattacks on or failures of such infrastructure or compromises to its physical security, as well as from damaging weather or other acts of nature. Cyber-based risks, in particular, are evolving and include attacks on our IT infrastructure, as well as attacks targeting the security, integrity and/or availability of the hardware, software and information installed, stored or transmitted in our products, including after the purchase of those products and when they are installed into third-party products, facilities or infrastructure. Such attacks could disrupt our business operations, our systems or those of third parties, and could impact the ability of our products to work as intended. We and some of our third-party suppliers have experienced cyber-based attacks, and, due to the evolving threat landscape, may continue to experience them going forward, potentially with more frequency. We continue to make investments and adopt measures designed to enhance our protection, detection, response, and recovery capabilities, and to mitigate potential risks to our technology, products, services and operations from potential cyberattacks. However, given the unpredictability, nature and scope of cyberattacks, it is possible that potential vulnerabilities could go undetected for an extended period. As a result of a cyberattack, we could potentially be subject to production downtimes, operational delays or other detrimental impacts on our operations or ability to provide products and services to our customers; destruction or corruption of data; security breaches; manipulation or improper use of our or third-party systems, networks or products; financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business, potential liability, penalties, fines and/or damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
We depend on our intellectual property, and have access to certain intellectual property and information of our customers, suppliers and distributors; infringement or failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely affect our future growth and success.
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, nondisclosure agreements, customer and supplier agreements, license agreements, restrictive covenants, information technology security systems, internal controls and compliance systems and other measures to protect our intellectual property. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements, information technology security systems and other measures to protect certain customer and supplier information and intellectual property that we have in our possession or to which we have access. Our efforts to protect such intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be sufficient. We cannot be sure that our pending patent applications will result in the issuance of patents to us, that patents issued to or licensed by us in the past or in the future will not be challenged or circumvented by competitors or that these patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to preclude our competitors from introducing technologies similar to those covered by our patents and patent applications. Our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights also may be limited. In addition, we may be the target of competitor or other third-party patent enforcement actions seeking substantial monetary damages or seeking to prevent the sale and marketing of certain of our products or services. Our competitive position also may be adversely impacted by limitations on our ability to obtain possession of, and ownership or necessary licenses concerning, data important to the development or provision of our products or service offerings, or by limitations on our ability to restrict the use by others of data related to our products or services. Any of these events or factors could subject us to judgments, penalties and significant litigation costs or temporarily or permanently disrupt our sales and marketing of the affected products or services and could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Operating outside the United States also exposes us to additional intellectual property risk. The laws and enforcement practices of certain jurisdictions in which we operate may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as in the United States and may impose joint venture, technology transfer, local service or other foreign investment requirements, and restrictions that potentially compromise control over our technology and proprietary information. Failure of foreign jurisdictions to protect our intellectual property rights, an inability to effectively enforce such rights in foreign jurisdictions, or the imposition of foreign jurisdiction investment or sourcing restrictions or requirements could result in loss of valuable proprietary information and could impact our competitive position and financial results.
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Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Anti-takeover provisions could enable our Board of Directors to resist a takeover attempt by a third party and limit the power of our shareholders.
Otis’ amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain, and Delaware law contains, provisions that are intended to detercoercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to the bidder and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with Otis’ Board of Directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include, among others, (1) the ability of our remaining directors to fill vacancies on Otis’ Board of Directors (except in an instance where a director is removed by shareholders and the resulting vacancy is filled by shareholders); (2) limitations on shareholders’ ability to call a special shareholder meeting; (3) rules regarding how shareholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at shareholder meetings; and (4) the right of Otis’ Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval.
In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control that you may favor. Section 203 provides that, subject to limited exceptions, persons that acquire, or are affiliated with persons that acquire, more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation may not engage in a business combination with that corporation, including by merger, consolidation or acquisitions of additional shares, for a three-year period following the date on which that person or any of its affiliates becomes the holder of more than 15% of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock.
We believe these provisions protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with Otis’ Board of Directors and by providing Otis’ Board of Directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make Otis immune from takeovers; however, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that Otis’ Board of Directors determines is not in the best interests of Otis and our shareholders. These provisions may also prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.
Our amended and restated bylaws designate the state courts within the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could discourage lawsuits against Otis and our directors and officers.
Otis’ amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless Otis’ Board of Directors otherwise determines, the state courts within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Otis, any action asserting a claim for or based on a breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director or officer or other employee of Otis to Otis or its shareholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against Otis or any current or former director or officer or other employee of Otis arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws, any action asserting a claim relating to or involving Otis governed by the internal affairs doctrine, or any action asserting an "internal corporate claim" as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, this exclusive forum provision applies to state and federal law claims, including claims under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), although Otis shareholders will not be deemed to have waived Otis’ compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar exclusive forum provisions in other companies’ organizational documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with claims subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction, a court could find the exclusive forum provision contained in the amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable.
This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our shareholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such shareholders find favorable for disputes with Otis or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against Otis and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Risks Related to the Separation
In connection with the Separation, each of RTX, Otis and Carrier agreed to indemnify the other parties for certain liabilities. If we are required to pay under these indemnities to RTX and/or Carrier, our financial results could be negatively impacted. Also, the RTX or Carrier indemnities may not be sufficient to hold us harmless from the full amount of liabilities for which RTX and Carrier are allocated responsibility, and RTX and/or Carrier may not be able to satisfy their respective indemnification obligations in the future.
Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, the TMA and the EMA, each party agreed to indemnify the other parties for certain liabilities. Indemnities that we may be required to provide RTX and/or Carrier are not subject to any cap, may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that RTX and/or Carrier has agreed to retain. The indemnities from RTX and Carrier for our benefit may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, and RTX and/or Carrier may not be able to fully satisfy their respective indemnification obligations. Any amounts we are required to pay pursuant to such indemnification obligations and other liabilities could require us to divert cash that would otherwise have been used in furtherance of our operating business. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from RTX or Carrier, as applicable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves. Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If the Separation, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including as a result of subsequent acquisitions of our stock or the stock of RTX, we, as well as RTX, Carrier, and RTX's shareholders, could be subject to significant tax liabilities. In addition, if certain internal restructuring transactions were to fail to qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free for U.S. federal or non-U.S. income tax purposes, we, as well as RTX and Carrier could be subject to significant tax liabilities. In certain circumstances, we could be required to indemnify RTX for material taxes and other related amounts pursuant to indemnification obligations under the TMA.
In connection with the Separation, our former parent UTC received a ruling from the IRS regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters relating to the Separation and an opinion of outside counsel regarding the qualification of certain elements of the Separation under Section 355 of the Code. The IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel were based upon and rely on, among other things, various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations, statements and undertakings of UTC (and RTX), Otis and Carrier, including those relating to the past and future conduct of UTC (and RTX), Otis and Carrier. Notwithstanding receipt of the IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel, the IRS could determine that the Separation and/or certain related transactions should be treated as taxable transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it determines that any of the representations, assumptions or undertakings upon which the IRS ruling or the opinion of counsel was based were inaccurate or have not been complied with. In addition, the IRS ruling does not address all of the issues that are relevant to determining whether the Separation, together with certain related transactions, qualifies as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The opinion of counsel represents the judgment of such counsel and is not binding on the IRS or any court, and the IRS or a court may disagree with the conclusions in the opinion of counsel. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt by UTC of the IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert that the Separation and/or certain related transactions did not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes or that a court would not sustain such a challenge.
If the distribution of Common Stock pursuant to the Separation were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, RTX would recognize a taxable gain as if it had sold the Common Stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value, and RTX shareholders who received Common Stock in the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares. Even if the distribution of Common Stock pursuant to the Separation were to otherwise qualify as a tax-free transaction under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, it may result in a taxable gain to RTX (but not its shareholders) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the Separation were deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, shares representing a 50% or greater interest (by vote or value) in RTX or Otis. For this purpose, any acquisitions of RTX or Otis shares within the period beginning two years before the distribution of Common Stock pursuant to the Separation and ending two years after such distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although RTX or Otis may be able to rebut that presumption (including by qualifying for one or more safe harbors under applicable Treasury Regulations).
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In addition, in connection with and prior to the Separation, UTC and its subsidiaries completed various internal reorganization transactions. With respect to certain transactions undertaken as part of the internal reorganization, UTC obtained tax rulings in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions and/or opinions of external tax advisors, in each case, regarding the tax treatment of such transactions. Such tax rulings and opinions were based upon and relied on, among other things, various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations (including with respect to certain valuation matters relating to the internal reorganization), statements and undertakings of UTC (and RTX), Otis, Carrier or their respective subsidiaries. If any of these representations or statements were, or become, inaccurate or incomplete, or if RTX, Otis, Carrier or any of their respective subsidiaries do not fulfill or otherwise comply with any such undertakings or covenants, such tax rulings and/or opinions may be invalid or the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized. Further, notwithstanding receipt of any such tax rulings and/or opinions, there can be no assurance that the relevant taxing authorities will not assert that the tax treatment of the relevant transactions differs from the conclusions reached in the relevant tax rulings and/or opinions. In the event the relevant taxing authorities prevail with any challenge in respect of any relevant transaction, we, as well as RTX and Carrier, could be subject to significant tax liabilities.
Under the TMA, Otis generally is required to indemnify RTX and Carrier for any taxes resulting from the Separation and certain related transactions (and any related costs and other damages) to the extent such amounts resulted from (1) an acquisition of all or a portion of the equity securities or assets of Otis, whether by merger or otherwise (and regardless of whether we participated in or otherwise facilitated the acquisition), (2) other actions or failures to act by Otis or (3) certain of Otis’ representations, covenants or undertakings contained in any of the Separation-related agreements and documents or in any documents relating to the IRS ruling and/or the opinion of counsel being incorrect or violated. Further, under the TMA, we generally are required to indemnify RTX and Carrier for a specified portion of any taxes (and any related costs and other damages) (a) arising as a result of the failure of the Separation and certain related transactions to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free (including as a result of Section 355(e) of the Code) or a failure of any internal separation transaction that is intended to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free to so qualify, in each case, to the extent such amounts do not result from a disqualifying action by, or acquisition of equity securities of, Otis, Carrier or RTX or (b) arising from an adjustment, pursuant to an audit or other tax proceeding, with respect to any transaction undertaken in connection with the Separation that is not intended to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free. Any such indemnity obligations could be material.
We serve our customers through a global network of colleagues. These include sales personnel, field technicians with separate skills in performing installation and service, as well as engineers driving our continued product development and innovation. We function under a centralized operating model whereby we pursue a global strategy set around New Equipment and Service because we seek to grow our maintenance portfolio, in part, through the conversion of new elevator and escalator installations into service contracts. Accordingly, we benefit from an integrated global strategy, which sets priorities and establishes accountability across the full product lifecycle.
For additional discussion of our business, refer to Item 1 in this Form 10-K.
UpLift
Announced in July 2023, UpLift is a program with the goal of transforming our operating model. UpLift includes the standardization of our processes and improvement of our supply chain procurement, among other aspects of the program, as well as organizational changes which result in restructuring actions. The annual run-rate savings generated by UpLift are approximately $200 million. As of 2025, total restructuring and other incremental costs to complete the transformation ("UpLift transformation costs") are approximately $300 million, including trailing restructuring costs expected in 2026 of $18 million.
The Company generated approximately $70 million of pre-tax savings in each of 2025 and 2024, including run-rate savings of approximately $200 million and $120 million, respectively, driven by our simplified operating structure, optimized organizational spans and layers, and reduced digital technology costs. These savings are primarily reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
UpLift costs incurred are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
UpLift restructuring costs
UpLift transformation costs
Total UpLift costs
Total UpLift costs incurred to date are $282 million, including $132 million of restructuring costs and $150 million of transformation costs.
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UpLift restructuring costs are primarily severance costs and are recorded primarily in Selling, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. UpLift transformation costs are primarily for consultants, third-party service providers and personnel focused on designing and implementing a centralized service delivery model that supports our new organizational structure, including the standardization of our supply chain and digital technology procurement. These costs are recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For further details, refer to the discussion on restructuring costs in the "Results of Operations," as well as " Note 15: Restructuring and Transformation Costs" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
German Tax Litigation
In August 2024, we received a favorable ruling regarding a German tax litigation. As a result, we recorded income tax benefits of approximately $185 million and related interest income of approximately $200 million, which are included in Income tax expense (benefit), net and Interest expense (income), net, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2024. Additionally, pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement ("TMA") with RTX Corporation ("RTX", our former parent), the Company recorded indemnification expense of $194 million for amounts due to RTX resulting from the outcome of the German tax litigation. This expense is included in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2024.
Based on additional information received from RTX during the year, which resulted in additional indemnification expense of $67 million, offset by indemnity payments made to RTX of $205 million, the Company now estimates the amount payable to RTX to be $56 million. The indemnification expense is included in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2025. This estimate could further change due to the parties' continuing dispute concerning the scope of the final indemnity amount, which will be resolved pursuant to the procedures set forth in the TMA.
For further details, refer to "Note 14: Income Taxes" and "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
Impact of Global Macroeconomic Conditions on Our Company
Global macroeconomic conditions have impacted, and continue to impact, aspects of the Company's operations and overall financial performance. These macroeconomic conditions include, among others, inflationary pressures, high interest rates, tighter credit conditions and changes in global trade policies including higher tariffs in the U.S. and other countries. These macroeconomic trends could continue to impact our business, including impacts to overall financial performance in 2026 , as a result of the following, among other things:
• Higher costs of products and services due to tariffs;
• Customer demand impacting our new equipment, maintenance and repair, and modernization businesses;
• Customer liquidity constraints and related credit reserve;
• Cancellations or delays of customer orders; and
• Supplier liquidity, as well as supplier and raw material capacity constraints, delays and related costs.
Other than the impact from new tariffs currently in effect of approximately $20 million during 2025 and a similar impact anticipated in 2026, we currently do not expect any significant impact to our capital and financial resources from these macroeconomic conditions, including to our overall liquidity posi tion based on our available cash and cash equivalents and our access to credit facilities and the capital markets.
See the "Liquidity and Financial Condition" section of this item of this Form 10-K for further detail and Item 1A in this Form 10-K for macroeconomic risks related to our business.
Risks Associated with Ongoing Conflicts
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in worldwide geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, including volatile commodity markets, foreign exchange fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, increased risk of cybersecurity incidents, reputational risk, increased operating costs (including fuel and other input costs), environmental, health and safety risks related to securing and maintaining facilities, additional sanctions and other regulations (including restrictions on the transfer of funds to and from Russia). We do not have operations in Russia.
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To the extent possible, we continue to operate our business in Ukraine, which represented less than 1% of our 2025, 2024 and 2023 net sales and operating profit.
Additionally, we do not have operations or material net sales in Israel or Gaza. Although we have operations in the Middle East and transport products through the Red Sea, we currently do not expect the recent conflicts in that region to have a material impact on our business.
We cannot predict how the events described above will evolve. Depending on the ultimate outcomes of these conflicts, which remain uncertain, they could heighten certain risks disclosed in Item 1A in this Form 10-K, including but not limited to, adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, including increased inflation, constraints on the availability of commodities, supply chain disruption and decreased business spending; cyber-incidents; disruptions to our or our business partners’ global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion; adverse changes in international trade policies and relations; claims, litigation and regulatory enforcement; our ability to implement and execute our business strategy; terrorist activities; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; reputational risk; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Sustainability-related matters
There have been no, and we do not expect there to be in the near term, material impacts on our business, financial condition or results of operations as a result of compliance with legislation or regulatory rules regarding climate change, from the known physical effects of climate change or as a result of implementing our sustainability-related initiatives or from transitional risks such as increased regulations or customer shifting preference toward low carbon products, as determined under our climate scenarios. Other climate change concerns, however, could subject us to additional costs and restrictions, and we are not able to predict how such regulations or concerns would affect our business, operations or financial results. For a discussion of risks associated with sustainability-related matters, see Item 1A in this Form 10-K.
For a discussion of Otis’ climate near-term science-based targets, see the discussion under "Sustainability and Responsibility" in Item 1 in this Form 10-K.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
(dollars in millions)
Net sales
Percentage change year-over-year
The factors contributing to the total percentage change year-over-year in total Net sales are as follows:
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions and divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
The Organic volume was flat for 2025 driven by an increase in organic sales of 5% in Service, offset by a decrease of (7)% in New Equipment.
The Organic volume increase of 1% for 2024 was driven by an increase in organic sales of 7% in Service, offset by a decrease of (6)% in New Equipment.
See "Segment Review" below for a discussion of Net sales by segment.
Cost of Products and Services Sold
(dollars in millions)
Cost of products and services sold
Percentage change year-over-year
The factors contributing to the percentage change year-over-year in total cost of products and services sold are as follows:
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions and divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
The Organic volume decrease of (1)% in total cost of products and services sold in 2025 was primarily driven by the organic sales changes noted above. Productivity was partially offset by the impact of tariffs and inflationary pressures, including higher labor costs.
The Organic volume increase of 1% in total cost of products and services sold in 2024 was primarily driven by the organic sales increases noted above and inflationary pressures, including annual wage increases and higher Service-related material costs, partially offset by productivity and lower commodity prices, primarily steel.
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Gross Margin
(dollars in millions)
Gross margin
Gross margin percentage
Gross margin percentage increased 40 basis points in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to the increase in Service sales and decrease in New Equipment sales and the benefits from productivity, partially offset by the inflationary pressures described above.
Gross margin percentage increased 40 basis points in 2024 compared to 2023 , due to Service sales growing faster than New Equipment sales, the benefits from productivity and lower commodity prices, partially offset by the inflationary pressures described above.
Research and Development
(dollars in millions)
Research and development
Percentage of Net sales
Research and development was relatively flat in 2025 compared to 2024 and 2023. Research and development includes product development and innovation, including digital features, enhancements to current elevator and escalator systems, and the development of the next-generation products.
Selling, General and Administrative
(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative
Percentage of Net sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $118 million in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by higher restructuring costs, annual wage increases, other employment-related costs and the impact from foreign exchange, partially offset by savings resulting from UpLift.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $23 million in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by savings resulting from UpLift, lower restructuring costs and favorable foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by annual wage increases and higher other employment-related costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales increased 70 basis points in 2025 compared to 2024, and decreased 30 basis points in 2024 compared to 2023.
Restructuring Costs
(dollars in millions)
UpLift restructuring costs
Other restructuring costs
Total restructuring costs
We initiate restructuring actions to keep our cost structure competitive. Charges generally arise from severance related to workforce reductions and, to a lesser degree, facility exit and lease termination costs associated with the consolidation of office and manufacturing operations. We continue to closely monitor the economic environment and may undertake further restructuring actions to keep our cost structure aligned with the demands of the prevailing market conditions.
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UpLift restructuring costs were $76 million and $31 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. We also incurred $69 million and $65 million of UpLift transformation costs in 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are primarily for consultants, third-party service providers and personnel focused on designing and implementing a centralized service delivery model that supports our new organizational structure, including the standardization of our supply chain and digital technology procurement. These costs are recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Other restructuring action costs were $54 million in 2025 and included $36 million of costs related to 2025 actions and $18 million of costs related to 2024 actions.
Most of the expected restructuring charges will require cash payments, which we have funded and expect to continue to fund with cash generated from operations. The table below presents approximate cash outflows related to the restructuring actions during 2025, and the expected cash payments to complete the actions announced:
(dollars in millions)
UpLift Actions
Other Actions
Total Restructuring
Cash outflows during the year ended December 31, 2025
Expected cash payments remaining to complete actions announced
The approved UpLift restructuring actions are expected to generate approximately $103 million in annual recurring savings by the end of 2025, primarily in Selling, general and administrative expenses, of which approximately $84 million and $39 million were realized during 2025 and 2024, respectively, including $50 million of incremental savings compared to 2024.
For other restructuring actions, we generally expect to achieve annual recurring savings within the two-year period subsequent to initiating the actions, including $33 million for the 2025 actions and $27 million for the 2024 actions, split evenly in Cost of Products and Services Sold and in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Approximately $43 million of savings was realized for the 2025 and 2024 actions during 2025.
For additional discussion of restructuring and transformation costs, see "Note 15: Restructuring and Transformation Costs" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
Other Income (Expense), Net
(dollars in millions)
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net primarily includes the impact of changes in the fair value and settlement of derivatives, gains or losses on sale of businesses and fixed assets, earnings from equity method investments, fair value changes on equity securities, impairments, UpLift transformation costs, non-recurring Separation-related adjustments and certain other operating items.
The change in Other income (expense), net of $130 million in 2025 compared to 2024, was primarily driven by lower Separation-related adjustments of $107 million, gains on sales of assets of $29 million, lower impairmentloss related to net assets held for sale of $8 million and favorable foreign currency mark-to-market adjustments, partially offset by higher UpLift transformation costs of $4 million.
The change in Other income (expense), net of $(257) million in 2024 compared to 2023, was primarily driven by Separation-related adjustments of $177 million, UpLift transformation costs of $65 million, $18 million of impairmentloss related to net assets held for sale, foreign currency mark-to-market adjustments, and non-recurring litigation-related settlement costs, including $18 million in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by other reserve adjustments.
For additional discussion of the Separation-related adjustments, Litigation-related settlement c osts and Held fo r sale impairment, see "Note 21: Segment Financial Data" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K. For additional discussion of UpLift transformation costs, see "Note 15: Restructuring and Transformation Costs" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
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Interest Expense (Income), Net
(dollars in millions)
Interest expense (income), net
Interest expens e (income), net primarily relates to interest expense on our external debt, offset by interest income earned on cash balances and short-term investments, and also includes interest related to tax matters.
The change in Interest expense (income), net of $227 million in 2025 compared to 2024, was primarily driven by the absence of $200 million of interest income related to the favorable ruling received in August 2024 regarding a tax litigation in Germany, higher interest related to the $600 million and €850 million unsecured, unsubordinated debt issued in November 2024, as well as the $500 million unsecured, unsubordinated debt issued in September 2025, partially offset by lower interest expense related to the repayment of the $1.3 billion unsecured, unsubordinated debt in April 2025. Interest expense (income), net in 2025 was also impacted by interest reserve adjustments related to non-recurring tax items.
The change in Interest expense (income), net of $(181) million in 2024 compared to 2023, was primarily driven by approximately $200 million related to the German tax litigation, interest reserve adjustments and higher interest income, partially offset by higher interest expense related to the $600 million and €850 million unsecured, unsubordinated debt issued in November 2024 and $750 million unsecured, unsubordinated debt issued in August 2023.
The average interest rate on our external debt for 2025, 2024 and 2023 was 2.8%, 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively.
For additional discussion of borrowings, see "Note 8: Borrowings and Lines of Credit" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K. For additional discussion of German tax litigation, see "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" and "Note 21: Segment Financial Data" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
Effective tax rate
The 2025 effective tax rate is higher than the statutory U.S. rate primarily due to higher international tax rates as compared to the lower U.S. federal statutory rate. The 2025 effective tax rate is higher than the 2024 effective tax rate primarily due to the absence of estimated tax benefits arising from the resolution of the German tax litigation and the absence of the reduction in a deferred tax liability related to the mitigation of future repatriation costs, both recorded in 2024, and the tax effect of the increase in our estimated nondeductible TMA indemnity obligation payable to RTX recorded in 2025. These impacts were partially offset by an incremental benefit related to foreign-derived intangible income and foreign valuation allowance releases recorded in 2025.
The 2024 effective tax rate is lower than the 2023 effective tax rate and the statutory U.S. rate primarily due to recognition of estimated tax benefits arising from the resolution of the German tax litigation and the reduction of a deferred tax liability related to the mitigation of future repatriation costs.
The 2023 effective tax rate is higher than the statutory U.S. rate primarily due to higher international tax rates as compared to the lower U.S. federal statutory rate.
For additional discussion of income taxes and the effective income tax rate, see "Note 14: Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
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Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries' Earnings and Net Income Attributable to Otis Worldwide Corporation
(dollars in millions)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries' earnings
Net income attributable to Otis Worldwide Corporation
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries' earnings decreased in 2025 in comparison to 2024, primarily driven by lower net income from non-wholly owned subsidiaries. Other than our acquisition of the noncontrolling shares of Otis Electric during the fourth quarter of 2025, ownership interest in the underlying non-wholly owned subsidiaries has remained generally consistent year-over-year. See "Note 1: Business Overview" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for further discussion of the noncontrolling interest acquisition.
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries' earnings were relatively flat in 2024 in comparison to 2023. Other than our acquisition of the noncontrolling shares of our subsidiary in Japan during the second quarter of 2024, ownership interest in the underlying non-wholly owned subsidiaries has remained generally consistent year-over-year. See "Note 1: Business Overview" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for further discussion of the noncontrolling interest acquisition.
Net income attributable to Otis Worldwide Corporation decreased in 2025 compared to 2024, due to a higher effective tax rate and higher interest expense, partially offset by higher operating profit (including the impact of foreign exchange rates) and lower noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries' earnings.
Net income attributable to Otis Worldwide Corporation increased in 2024 compared to 2023, due to a lower effective tax rate and lower interest expense, partially offset by lower operating profit (including the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates).
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Segment Review
Summary performance for our operating segments for 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Net Sales
Operating Profit
Operating Profit Margin
(dollars in millions)
New Equipment
Service
Total segment
Corporate and Unallocated
General corporate expenses and other
UpLift restructuring
Other restructuring
UpLift transformation costs
Separation-related reserve adjustment
Litigation-related settlement costs
Held for sale impairment
Other, net
Total
New Equipment
The New Equipment segment designs, manufactures, sells and installs a wide range of passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators and moving walkways in residential and commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. Our New Equipment customers include real-estate and building developers and general contracto rs who develop and/or design buildings for residential, infrastructure, commercial, retail or mixed-use activity. We sell directly to customers as well as through agents and distributors. We also sell New Equipment to government agencies to support infrastructure projects, such as airports, railways or metros.
Summary performance for New Equipment for 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Total Increase (Decrease)
Year-Over-Year for:
(dollars in millions)
2025 compared with 2024
2024 compared with 2023
Net sales
Cost of sales
Operating expenses
Operating profit
Operating profit margin
Summary analysis of the Net sales change for New Equipment for 2025 and 2024 compared with the prior years was as follows:
Components of Net sales change:
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions/Divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
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2025 Compared with 2024
The organic sales decrease of (7)% was driven by a greater than (20)% decline in China and high single-digit decline in Americas, partially offset by mid single-digit growth in EMEA and Asia Pacific.
New Equipment operating profit decreased $(89) million. The impacts of lower volume, unfavorable price and tariff headwinds, and regional and product mix were partially offset by productivity, including the benefits of restructuring actions. Operating margin decreased 130 basis points.
2024 Compared with 2023
The organic sales decrease of (6)% was driven by a greater than 20% decline in China, partially offset by mid single-digit growth in Americas and Asia Pacific and low single-digit growth in EMEA.
New Equipment operating profit decreased $(52) million including foreign exchange headwinds of $(8) million. The impacts of lower volume and unfavorable regional and product mix were partially offset by favorable price, productivity including the benefits from UpLift, and commodity tailwinds. Operating margin decreased 50 basis points.
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Service
The Service segment performs maintenance and repair services for both our products and those of other manufacturers and provides modernization services to upgrade elevators and escalators. Maintenance services include inspections to ensure code compliance, preventive maintenance offerings and other customized maintenance offerings tailored to meet customer needs, as well as repair services that address equipment and component wear and tear, and breakdowns. Modernization services enhance equipment operation and improve building functionality. Modernization offerings range from relatively simple upgrades of interior finishes and aesthetics, to complex upgrades of larger components and sub-systems, including the machine, ropes or belts, safety systems and the entire car or escalator. Our typical Service customers include building owners, facility managers, housing associations and government agencies that operate buildings where elevators and escalators are installed.
Summary performance for Service for 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Total Increase (Decrease)
Year-Over-Year for:
(dollars in millions)
2025 compared with 2024
2024 compared with 2023
Net sales
Cost of sales
Operating expenses
Operating profit
Operating profit margin
Summary analysis of the Net sales change for Service f or 2025 and 2024 compared with the prior years was as follows:
Components of Net sales change:
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions/Divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
2025 Compared with 2024
Net Sales
The organic sales increase of 5% is due to increases in maintenance and repair of 4% and modernization of 9%.
Components of Net sales change:
Maintenance and Repair
Modernization
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions/Divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
Operating profit
Service operating profit increased $189 million including foreign exchange tailwinds of $36 million. Higher volume, improved pricing, productivity and gains on sales of assets of $19 million, were partially offset by inflationary pressures including higher labor costs, and mix. Operating margin increased 50 basis points.
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2024 Compared with 2023
Net Sales
The organic sales increase of 7% is due to increases in maintenance and repair of 6%, and modernization of 12%.
Components of Net sales change:
Maintenance and Repair
Modernization
Organic volume
Foreign currency translation
Acquisitions/Divestitures, net and Other
Total % change
Operating Profit
Service operating profit increased $171 million including foreign exchange headwinds of $(21) million. Higher volume, improved pricing on maintenance contracts, and productivity including the benefits from UpLift were partially offset by inflationary pressures, including annual wage increases and higher material costs. Operating margin increased 60 basis points.
Corporate and Unallocated
(dollars in millions)
General corporate expenses and other
UpLift restructuring
Other restructuring
UpLift transformation costs
Separation-related adjustments
Litigation-related settlement costs
Held for sale impairment
Other, net
Total Corporate and Unallocated
General corporate expenses and other increased $22 million and $32 million in 2025 compared to 2024 and 2024 compared to 2023, respectively, primarily due to higher corporate costs including annual wage increases and other employment-related costs, partially offset by foreign currency mark-to-market adjustments and gains on sales of assets of $7 million in 2025.
For additional discussion of the Separation-related adjustments, Litigation-related settlement costs, and Held for sale impairment, see "Note 21: Segment Financial Data" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K. For additional discussion of the restructuring and UpLift transformation costs, see "Note 15: Restructuring and Transformation Costs" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
We expect to fund our ongoing operating, investing and financing requirements mainly through cash flows from operations, available liquidity through cash on hand and available bank lines of credit and access to the capital markets.
As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.1 billion, of which approximately 86% was held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Domestic cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025 includes amounts that will be used to fund the repayment at maturity of the Japanese Yen denominated 0.370% notes due March 18, 2026. We manage our worldwide cash requirements by reviewing available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct our business and the cost-effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. On occasion, we are required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks with respect to contractual obligations related to acquisitions and divestitures or other legal obligations. The amount of such restricted cash was $9 million and $21 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
From time-to-time we may need to access the capital markets to obtain financing. We may incur indebtedness or issue equity as needed. Although we believe that the arrangements in place as of December 31, 2025 permit us to finance our operations on acceptable terms and conditions, our access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future could be impacted by many factors, including (1) our credit ratings or absence of a credit rating, (2) the liquidity of the overall capital markets and (3) the current state of the economy, including tighter credit conditions. There can be no assurance that we will continue to have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us.
The following table contains several key measures of our financial condition and liquidity:
(dollars in millions)
December 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents
Total debt
Net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents)
Total equity
Total capitalization (total debt plus total equity)
Net capitalization (total debt plus total equity less cash and cash equivalents)
Total debt to total capitalization
Net debt to net capitalization
The Company does not intend to reinvest certain undistributed earnings of our international subsidiaries that have been previously taxed in the U.S. For the remainder of the Company’s undistributed international earnings, unless tax effective to repatriate, we will continue to permanently reinvest these earnings.
Borrowings and Lines of Credit
The following is a summary of the long-term debt issuances and repayments in 2025, 2024 and 2023:
(dollars in millions)
Issuance Date
Description of Debt
Aggregate Principal Balance
September 4, 2025
5.131% notes due 2035
November 19, 2024
2.875% notes due 2027 (€850 million principal value)
November 19, 2024
5.125% notes due 2031
August 16, 2023
5.25% notes due 2028
Repayment Date
Description of Debt
Aggregate Principal Paid
April 7, 2025
2.056% notes due 2025
November 13, 2023
0.000% notes due 2023 (€500 million principal value)
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A portion of the proceeds from the September 2025 issuance of $500 million notes listed above will be used to fund the repayment at maturity of the Company's currently outstanding ¥21.5 billion Japanese Yen denominated 0.370% notes due March 18, 2026. The remainder of the proceeds were used to fund the repayment of certain of our commercial paper borrowings.
A portion of the proceeds from the November 2024 issuance of the Euro and USD notes listed above were used to fund the repayment at maturity of the Company's $1.3 billion 2.056% notes that were due April 5, 2025. The remainder of the proceeds were used to fund the repayment of the Company's commercial paper and for other general corporate purposes.
The proceeds from the August 2023 issuance of $750 million notes listed above were used to fund the repayments of Otis' commercial paper and €500 million 0.000% notes that were due in November 2023, with the remainder used for other general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2025, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Company's $1.5 billion commercial paper program. For additional discussion of borrowings, see "Note 8: Borrowings and Lines of Credit" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Share Repurchase Program
On January 16, 2025, our Board of Directors revoked any remaining share repurchase authority under the prior share repurchase program and approved a share repurchase program for up to $2.0 billion of Common Stock, of which approximately $1.3 billion was remaining as of December 31, 2025.
Under these programs, shares may be purchased on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, under accelerated share repurchase programs or under plans complying with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Discussion of Cash Flows
The following table reflects the major categories of cash flows. For additional details, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(dollars in millions)
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities primarily represent inflows and outflows associated with our operations. Primary activities include net income from operations adjusted for non-cash transactions, working capital changes and changes in other assets and liabilities.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by working capital balances during the periods, including a decrease in Other current assets in 2025 compared to an increase in 2024, due to the refunds received in 2025 from the German tax litigation, a larger increase in Accounts payable in 2025 compared to 2024, due to the timing of payments to suppliers, partially offset by a larger increase in Accounts receivable, net, in 2025 compared to 2024, due to the timing of billings and collections. Additionally, Separation-related and UpLift-related net payments were approximately $258 million and $97 million, respectively, in 2025, compared to net payments of approximately $49 million and $86 million, respectively, in 2024.
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The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by Separation-related and UpLift-related net payments, approximately $49 million and $86 million, respectively, in 2024, compared to net payments of approximately $25 million and $20 million, respectively, in 2023. Working capital activity includes a smaller decrease in Accounts receivable, net in 2024 compared to 2023 due to the timing of billings and collections, mostly offset by a smaller increase in Accounts payable in 2024 compared to 2023 due to the timing of payments to suppliers and other activity.
During 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.6 billion. The primary driver of the inflow related to $1.5 billion of net income. The decrease in Other current assets due to refunds received in 2025 from the German tax litigation and the increase in Accounts payable due to timing of payments to suppliers were partially offset by an increase in Accounts receivable, net, due to timing of billings and collections and a decrease in Accrued Liabilities due to Separation-related and UpLift-related payments. For additional discussion of the German tax litigation, see "Note 1: Business Overview" and "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
During 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.6 billion. Net income of $1.7 billion includes approximately $185 million of income tax benefits and approximately $200 million of interest income, partially offset by $194 million of indemnification expense resulting from the outcome of the German tax litigation during the third quarter of 2024, none of which resulted in cash flow activity during 2024. A decrease in Accounts receivable, net, due to the timing of billings and collections is mostly offset by an increase in Accounts payable due to the timing of payments to suppliers. For additional discussion of the German tax litigation, see "Note 1: Business Overview" and "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities primarily represent inflows and outflows associated with long-term assets, including capital expenditures, investments in businesses and securities, proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and the settlement of derivative contracts.
The increase in net cash used in investing activities in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by the net cash payments from the settlement of derivative instruments in 2025 compared to net cash receipts in 2024, partially offset by higher net proceeds from sale of fixed assets in 2025 compared to 2024. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by the net cash receipts from the settlement of derivative instruments in 2024 compared to net cash payments in 2023, partially offset by acquisition of businesses and intangible assets.
During 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $406 million. The primary drivers of the outflow related to $204 million of net cash payments from the settlement of derivative instruments, $152 million of capital expenditures and $109 million of acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, partially offset by $60 million of net proceeds from the sale of fixed assets.
During 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $164 million. The primary drivers of the outflow related to $126 million of capital expenditures and $87 million of acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, partially offset by $49 million of net cash receipts from the settlement of derivative instruments.
As discussed in "Note 16: Financial Instruments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K, we enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes. We operate internationally and, in the normal course of business, are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. These fluctuations can increase the costs of financing, investing and operating the business. We use derivative instruments, including forward contracts and options to manage certain foreign currency and commodity price exposures.
Financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities primarily represent inflows and outflows associated with equity and borrowings. Primary activities include short-term and long-term borrowing activity, paying dividends to shareholders, the repurchase of our Common Stock and dividends or other payments to noncontrolling interests.
The increase in net cash used in financing activities in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to the repayment of long-term debt in 2025 and lower net proceeds from the long-term debt issuance in 2025 compared to 2024. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the higher net proceeds from the long-term debt issued in 2024 compared to 2023.
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During 2025, net cash used in financing activities was $2.4 billion. The primary drivers of the outflow were repayments of long-term debt of $1.3 billion, repurchases of our Common Stock of $809 million, dividends paid on our Common Stock and to noncontrolling shareholders of $647 million and $69 million, respectively, and acquisitions of noncontrolling interest shares of $217 million, including approximately $215 million for our purchase of all outstanding shares from the noncontrolling shareholder of Otis Electric. These were partially offset by the net proceeds from the long-term debt issuance of $495 million and net proceeds from short-term borrowings of $142 million.
During 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $309 million. The primary drivers of the outflow were the repurchases of our Common Stock of $1.0 billion, dividends paid on our Common Stock and to noncontrolling shareholders of $606 million and $94 million, respectively, and acquisition of noncontrolling interest shares of $75 million, including approximately $70 million for our subsidiary in Japan. These were partially offset by the net proceeds from the long-term debt issuance of $1.5 billion.
For additional discussion of acquisition of noncontrolling interest, borrowing and share repurchase activity, see "Note 1: Business Overview", "Note 8: Borrowings and Lines of Credit", and "Note 12: Stock", respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
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Guaranteed Securities: Summarized Financial Information
The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the 2026 Euro Notes, the 2027 Euro Notes and the 2031 Euro Notes (together the "Euro Notes"), in each case issued by Highland Holdings S.à r.l. ("Highland"), a private limited liability company ( société à responsabilité limitée ) incorporated and existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ("Luxembourg"). The Euro Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Otis Worldwide Corporation ("OWC") on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis. Refer to "Note 8: Borrowings and Lines of Credit" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for additional information.
Highland is a wholly-owned, indirect consolidated subsidiary of OWC. OWC is incorporated under the laws of Delaware. As a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Luxembourg, and with its registered office in Luxembourg, Highland is subject to Luxembourg insolvency and bankruptcy laws in the event any insolvency proceedings are initiated against it. Luxembourg bankruptcy law is significantly different from, and may be less favorable to creditors than, the bankruptcy law in effect in the United States and may make it more difficult for creditors to recover the amount they could expect to recover in liquidation under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy rules.
The Euro Notes are not guaranteed by any of OWC's or Highland's subsidiaries (all OWC subsidiaries other than Highland are referred to herein as "non-guarantor subsidiaries"). Holders of the Euro Notes will have a direct claim only against Highland, as issuer, and OWC, as guarantor.
The following tables set forth the summarized financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 of each of OWC and Highland on a standalone basis, which does not include the consolidated impact of the assets, liabilities, and financial results of their subsidiaries except as noted on the tables below, nor does it include any impact of intercompany eliminations as there were no intercompany transactions between OWC and Highland. This summarized financial information is not intended to present the financial position or results of operations of OWC or Highland in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
OWC Statement of Operations - Standalone and Unconsolidated
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Operating expenses
Income from consolidated subsidiaries
Income (loss) from operations excluding income from consolidated subsidiaries
Net income (loss) excluding income from consolidated subsidiaries
As of December 31,
(dollars in millions)
OWC Balance Sheet - Standalone and Unconsolidated
Current assets (intercompany receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Current assets (excluding intercompany receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent assets (investments in consolidated subsidiaries)
Noncurrent assets (excluding investments in consolidated subsidiaries)
Current liabilities (intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Current liabilities (excluding intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent liabilities (intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent liabilities (excluding intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
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Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Highland Statement of Operations - Standalone and Unconsolidated
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Operating expenses
Income from consolidated subsidiaries
Income (loss) from operations excluding income from consolidated subsidiaries
Net income (loss) excluding income from consolidated subsidiaries
As of December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Highland Balance Sheet - Standalone and Unconsolidated
Current assets (intercompany receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Current assets (excluding intercompany receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent assets (investments in consolidated subsidiaries)
Noncurrent assets (intercompany receivables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent assets (excluding investments in consolidated subsidiaries)
Current liabilities (intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Current liabilities (excluding intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Current liabilities (intercompany payables from non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent liabilities (intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
Noncurrent liabilities (excluding intercompany payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. "Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies used in preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes the most complex and sensitive judgments, because of their significance to the Consolidated Financial Statements, result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. The most significant areas involving management judgments and estimates are described below. Actual results in these areas could differ from management’s estimates.
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
We recognize revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers and its related amendments, (referred to, collectively, as "ASC 606"). For new equipment and modernization contracts, equipment and installation are typically procured in a single contract providing the customer with a complete installed elevator or escalator unit. The combination of equipment and installation promises are typically a single performance obligation. For these performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress. Contract costs are usually incurred over a period of time, which can be several years, and the estimation of these costs requires management’s judgment. Contract costs included in the calculation are comprised of labor, materials, subcontractors’ costs or other direct costs and indirect costs, which include indirect labor costs.
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The long-term nature of the contracts, the complexity of the products and the scale of the projects can affect our ability to estimate costs precisely. In developing our cost estimates, we utilize a combination of our historical costs experience and expected costs considering current circumstances. We review cost estimates for modification on significant new equipment and modernization contracts on a quarterly basis and when circumstances change, and for others, no less frequently than annually or when circumstances change and warrant a modification to a previous estimate. We record changes in contract estimates using the cumulative catch-up method and we review changes in contract estimates for their impact on net sales or operating profit in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Modifications are recognized as a cumulative catch-up or treated as a separate accounting contract if the modification adds distinct goods or services and the modification is priced at its stand-alone selling price.
See "Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
The future tax benefit arising from deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards was $687 million and $576 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Management estimates that our earnings during the periods when the temporary differences become deductible will be generally sufficient to realize the related future income tax benefits, which may be realized over an extended period of time. For those jurisdictions where the expiration date of tax carryforwards or the projected operating results indicate that realization is not likely, a valuation allowance is provided.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we estimate future taxable income, considering the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and the realizability of tax loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be affected by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and future taxable income levels. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets in the future, we would reduce such amounts through an increase to tax expense in the period in which that determination is made or when tax law changes are enacted. Conversely, if we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net carrying amounts, we would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a decrease to tax expense in the period in which that determination is made.
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill
We have generated goodwill as a result of our acquisitions. At the time of acquisition, we account for business acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting, in accordance with which assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the acquisition date. The fair value of the consideration paid, including contingent consideration, is assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
We review our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis at July 1 or more frequently if events or a change in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment at a level within the Company referred to as the reporting unit, which is one level below the operating segment level. We have determined there are three reporting units within each business segment.
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In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other , we initially perform a qualitative assessment (commonly known as "step zero") to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary before performing the two-step test. The qualitative assessment requires judgments by management about economic conditions including the entity’s operating environment, its industry and other market considerations, entity-specific events related to financial performance or loss of key personnel and other events that could impact the reporting unit. If management concludes, based on assessment of relevant events, facts and circumstances, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is greater than its carrying value, no further impairment testing is required. If we determine, based on this assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying value. An impairmentloss is recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. No impairmentloss is recognized if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value.
We completed the annual goodwill impairment test for all of our reporting units as of July 1, 2025 and d etermined that no adjustment to goodwill was necessary as the fair value of each reporting unit was in excess of the carrying value of each reporting unit.
Contingent Liabilities
Otis is party to litigation related to a n umber of matters as described in "Note 20: Contingent Liabilities" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K. In particular, they may include risks associated with contractual, regulatory and other matters, which may arise in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of these matters may have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Management regularly analyzes current information about these matters and accrues for contingent losses that are probable and reasonably estimable. To assess the exposure to potential liability, we consult with relevant internal and external counsel. In making the decision regarding the need for loss accruals, management considers the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a sufficiently reliable estimate of the amount of loss. See Part I, Item 1A in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Employee Benefit Plans
We sponsor domestic and international defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. Major assumptions used in the accounting for these employee benefit plans include the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, rate of increase in employee compensation levels and mortality rates. Assumptions are determined based on company data and appropriate market indicators, and are evaluated each year as of December 31. A change in any of these assumptions would have an effect on net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the following table, we show the sensitivity of our pension plan liabilities to a 25 basis point change in the discount rates for benefit obligations, as of December 31, 2025:
(dollars in millions)
Increase in Discount Rate of 25 bps
Decrease in Discount Rate of 25 bps
Projected benefit obligation
The impact on the net periodic pension (benefit) cost, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the net periodic postretirement (benefit) cost is each $1 million or less.
Pension expense is also sensitive to changes in the expected long-term rate of asset return. An increase or decrease of 25 basis points in the expected long-term rate of asset return would have decreased or increased 2025 pension expense by approximately $2 million.
The weighted-average discount rates used to measure pension liabilities and costs are generally based on yield curves developed utilizing high quality corporate bonds, as well as each plan’s specific cash flows, and are compared to high-quality bond indices for reasonableness. The weighted-average discount rate used to measure pension liabilities was 3.6% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2024, reflecting changes in market interest rates.
See "Note 11: Employee Benefit Plans" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We extend a variety of financial guarantees to third parties in support of our business. We also have obligations arising from environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. Circumstances that could cause the contingent obligations and liabilities arising from these arrangements to come to fruition include changes in the underlying transaction, non-performance under a contract or deterioration in the financial condition of the guaranteed party.
Otis' contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2025 are discussed below. See also "Note 11: Employee Benefit Plans" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of our expected pension and postretirement contributions.
Long-term Debt
See "Note 8: Borrowings and Lines of Credit" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of our long-term debt principal payments as of December 31, 2025. In the following table, we show the timing of payments of interest on long-term debt as of December 31, 2025:
Payments Due by Period
(dollars in millions)
Total
Thereafter
Long-term debt - future interest
For long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies, the interest payments above reflect U.S. dollar amounts using foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2025.
Purchase Obligations
Purchase obligations include amounts committed for the purchase of goods and services under legally enforceable contracts or purchase orders. Where it is not practically feasible to determine the legally enforceable portion of our obligation under certain of our long-term purchase agreements, we include additional expected purchase obligations beyond what may be legally enforceable. We enter into contractual purchase commitments with suppliers and service vendors to support our information technology that are either necessary to operate our business or result from implementing strategic initiatives. In the following table, we show the timing of payments of total purchase obligations as of December 31, 2025:
Payments Due by Period
(dollars in millions)
Total
Thereafter
Purchase obligations
Other Long-term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities in the table below includes obligations related to product, service and warranty policies, estimated remediation costs and contractual indemnities, and are included in Other long-term liabilities on the "Consolidated Balance Sheets" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The timing of expected cash flows associated with these obligations is based upon management's estimates over the terms of these agreements and is largely based upon historical experience. In the following table, we show the timing of these payments as of December 31, 2025:
Payments Due by Period
(dollars in millions)
Total
Thereafter
Other long-term liabilities
The amounts above include $23 million of non-current contractual payables due to RTX for reimbursement of tax payments that RTX is responsible to pay after the Separation pursuant to the TMA.
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Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Otis has unrecognized tax benefits of $152 million as of December 31, 2025. The timing of when such unrecognized tax benefits will become realizable is uncertain. See "Note 14: Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 in this Form 10-K for additional discussion on unrecognized tax benefits.
