A. O. Smith Reports Record Sales and Earnings in 2023 and Introduces 2024 Guidance
- Record sales and earnings indicate strong financial performance
- Positive outlook for 2024 with projected sales and earnings growth
- Strong balance sheet and free cash flow for capital allocation priorities
- None.
Insights
The reported record sales and earnings by A. O. Smith Corporation reflect a robust financial performance, particularly noting a significant 136% increase in net earnings and a 144% increase in diluted earnings per share (EPS) year-over-year. This substantial growth can be attributed to increased volumes, improved operating margins and a notable reduction in material costs. The positive outlook for 2024, projecting a 3% to 5% sales increase and an EPS range of $3.90 to $4.15, suggests a continuation of this growth trajectory.
From a shareholder's perspective, the company's commitment to capital return—evidenced by share repurchases and an 84-year streak of dividend payments—signals confidence in its financial stability and liquidity. The leverage ratio of 6.5% indicates a conservative debt position, further underlining the company's solid balance sheet.
Investors should note the free cash flow conversion rate of 107%, which exceeds the standard benchmark of 100%, indicating that the company is efficiently generating more cash than its net income. This is a positive sign for potential reinvestment and shareholder returns.
The growth in A. O. Smith's North American segment, particularly in water heater volumes, suggests a resilient demand in this market. The reported increase in sales despite lower boiler volumes and pricing highlights the company's strong market positioning in water heating products. In contrast, the Rest of the World segment faced a slight decline, which, after adjusting for currency translation impacts, still reflects growth in local currency terms—especially in China and India.
Investors should consider the potential market dynamics in China, where the economy faces challenges and in India, where there is a notable demand increase. These dynamics are crucial for understanding the company's international expansion strategies and potential risks associated with geopolitical and economic fluctuations.
Furthermore, the emphasis on launching new and innovative products, particularly in the kitchen and water treatment categories, demonstrates the company's focus on diversification and capturing new market segments, which could be pivotal for future revenue streams.
The performance of A. O. Smith can be seen as an indicator of broader economic health, particularly in the construction and home improvement sectors. The company's success in 2023, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, suggests resilience in these sectors. The increase in adjusted segment margin indicates improved efficiency and cost management, which is particularly significant in an inflationary period where material costs can erode profit margins.
Looking ahead, the company's optimistic 2024 outlook may reflect expectations of continued economic stability or growth in its key markets. However, investors should remain aware of the potential for economic downturns that could affect discretionary spending on home appliances and construction projects.
The company's exclusion of potential impacts from future acquisitions in its guidance suggests a conservative approach to forecasting, which may appeal to investors seeking stability. Nonetheless, the ability to make strategic acquisitions could be a lever for growth if economic conditions remain favorable.
2023 Highlights
(Comparisons are year-over-year ("YoY"), unless otherwise noted)
- Record sales of
, an increase of$3.9 billion 3% primarily driven by higher water heater volumes - Record net earnings of
and record earnings per share (EPS) of$556.6 million driven by higher volumes and improved operating margin in$3.69 North America - Adjusted earnings of
resulted in adjusted EPS of$574.8 million , an increase of$3.81 21% - Strong operating cash flow and free cash flow of
and$670 million , respectively, and free cash flow conversion of$598 million 107% - 2024 Outlook:
- Sales increase of
3% to5% - EPS of between
and$3.90 $4.15
- Sales increase of
Key Financial Metrics
Full Year
(in millions, except per share amounts)
2023 | 2022 | % Change YoY | |
Net sales | 3 % | ||
Net earnings | 136 % | ||
Adjusted earnings | 18 % | ||
Diluted earnings per share | $ 3.69 | $ 1.51 | 144 % |
Adjusted earnings per share | $ 3.81 1 | $ 3.14 2 | 21 % |
1 | Excludes restructuring and impairment expenses and pension settlement (income) expense. See accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP |
2 | Excludes pension settlement expense, legal judgment income, terminated acquisition-related expenses and non-operating pension expense. |
Fourth Quarter
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | % Change YoY | |
Net sales | 6 % | ||
Net earnings (loss) | 214 % | ||
Adjusted earnings | 10 % | ||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.92 | $ (0.78) | 218 % |
Adjusted earnings per share | $ 0.97 3 | $ 0.86 4 | 13 % |
3 | Excludes restructuring and impairment expenses and pension settlement expense. See accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP |
4 | Excludes pension settlement expense and non-operating pension expense. See accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP |
"For a third consecutive year, A. O. Smith delivered record sales in 2023, led by resilient
Segment-level Performance
Full Year 2023
2023 sales of
Segment earnings were
Fourth Quarter 2023
Fourth quarter sales of
Segment earnings were
Rest of World
Full Year 2023
Rest of World sales of
Segment earnings were
Fourth Quarter 2023
Rest of World sales of
Segment earnings were
Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Capital Allocation
As of December 31, 2023, cash and marketable securities balances totaled
Cash provided by operations was
As part of its commitment to return capital to shareholders, the Company repurchased 4.4 million shares at a cost of
On January 16, 2024, the Company's board of directors approved a
Outlook
2024 Outlook
(in millions except per share amounts)
2023 | 2024 Outlook | |||
Actual | Low End | High End | ||
Net sales | ||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ 3.69 | $ 3.90 | $ 4.15 | |
Adjusted earnings per share | $ 3.81 5 | $ 3.90 | $ 4.15 |
5 | Excludes restructuring and impairment expenses. See accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations |
"2023 was a very successful year with record financial results and our 2024 outlook projects growth in both sales and earnings. In
"We believe our strong balance sheet and free cash flow continue to provide us the liquidity to focus on our capital allocation priorities of organic growth, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases, which we believe will enable us to execute our strategy to invest and grow profitably."
The Company's guidance excludes the potential impacts from future acquisitions.
A. O. Smith will host a webcasted conference call at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) today. The call can be heard live on the Company's website click here. An audio replay of the call will be available on the Company's website after the live event. To access the archived audio replay, go to the "Investors" page and select the Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Call link.
To provide improved transparency into the operating results of its business, the Company is providing non-GAAP measures. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operations less capital expenditures. Adjusted earnings, adjusted EPS, adjusted segment earnings and adjusted corporate expenses exclude the impact of impairment charges, pension settlement income and expenses, as well as legal judgment income, expenses associated with terminated acquisition costs and non-operating pension expenses. Reconciliations from GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures are provided in the financial information included in this news release.
Forward-looking Statements
This release contains statements that the Company believes are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "continue," "guidance," "outlook" or words of similar meaning. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things, the following: softening in
About A. O. Smith
Celebrating its 150th year of business, A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||||||||
Statement of Earnings (Losses) | |||||||||||
(condensed consolidated financial statements - | |||||||||||
dollars in millions, except share data) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Net sales | $ | 988.1 | $ | 936.1 | $ | 3,852.8 | $ | 3,753.9 | |||
Cost of products sold | 618.3 | 587.5 | 2,368.0 | 2,424.3 | |||||||
Gross profit | 369.8 | 348.6 | 1,484.8 | 1,329.6 | |||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 185.0 | 168.9 | 727.4 | 670.9 | |||||||
Restructuring and impairment expenses | 3.2 | — | 18.8 | — | |||||||
Interest expense | 1.1 | 3.4 | 12.0 | 9.4 | |||||||
Other expense (income)(1) | 3.6 | 419.2 | (6.9) | 425.6 | |||||||
Earnings (losses) before provision for income taxes | 176.9 | (242.9) | 733.5 | 223.7 | |||||||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes(2) | 39.6 | (122.8) | 176.9 | (12.0) | |||||||
Net earnings (losses) | $ | 137.3 | $ | (120.1) | $ | 556.6 | $ | 235.7 | |||
Diluted earnings (losses) per share of common stock(3) | $ | 0.92 | $ | (0.78) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 1.51 | |||
Average common shares outstanding (000's omitted) | 149,436 | 153,158 | 151,016 | 155,779 |
(1) | Other expense (income) includes pension settlement expense of |
(2) | Provision for (benefit from) income taxes includes a benefit of |
(3) | Earnings per share amounts are calculated discretely and, therefore, may not add up to the total due to rounding. |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||
Balance Sheet | |||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||
(Unaudited) | December 31, | ||||
ASSETS: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 339.9 | $ | 391.2 | |
Marketable securities | 23.5 | 90.6 | |||
Receivables | 596.0 | 581.2 | |||
Inventories | 497.4 | 516.4 | |||
Other current assets | 43.5 | 54.3 | |||
Total Current Assets | 1,500.3 | 1,633.7 | |||
Net property, plant and equipment | 597.5 | 590.7 | |||
Goodwill and other intangibles | 970.1 | 967.6 | |||
Operating lease assets | 37.3 | 29.8 | |||
Other assets | 108.7 | 110.5 | |||
Total Assets | $ | 3,213.9 | $ | 3,332.3 | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||
Trade payables | $ | 600.4 | $ | 625.8 | |
Accrued payroll and benefits | 92.2 | 75.7 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 177.4 | 159.1 | |||
Product warranties | 65.3 | 63.6 | |||
Debt due within one year | 10.0 | 10.0 | |||
Total Current Liabilities | 945.3 | 934.2 | |||
Long-term debt | 117.3 | 334.5 | |||
Pension liabilities | 10.5 | 9.9 | |||
Operating lease liabilities | 27.9 | 22.4 | |||
Other liabilities | 268.5 | 283.6 | |||
Stockholders' equity | 1,844.4 | 1,747.7 | |||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 3,213.9 | $ | 3,332.3 |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||
Statement of Cash Flows | |||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||
(unaudited) | |||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||
Operating Activities | |||||
Net earnings | $ | 556.6 | $ | 235.7 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating | |||||
Depreciation & amortization | 78.3 | 76.9 | |||
Stock based compensation expense | 11.5 | 11.1 | |||
Non-cash impairment | 15.6 | — | |||
Pension settlement (income) expense | (0.9) | 417.3 | |||
Pension settlement non-cash taxes | 0.2 | (167.7) | |||
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||
Current assets and liabilities | 20.0 | (194.1) | |||
Noncurrent assets and liabilities | (11.0) | 12.2 | |||
Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 670.3 | 391.4 | |||
Investing Activities | |||||
Capital expenditures | (72.6) | (70.3) | |||
Acquisitions | (16.8) | (8.0) | |||
Investment in marketable securities | (63.1) | (91.6) | |||
Net proceeds from sale of marketable securities | 128.4 | 178.0 | |||
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities | (24.1) | 8.1 | |||
Financing Activities | |||||
Long-term debt (repaid) incurred | (218.1) | 150.6 | |||
Common stock repurchases | (306.5) | (403.5) | |||
Net proceeds (payments) from stock option activity | 23.4 | (0.7) | |||
Dividends paid | (183.5) | (177.2) | |||
Cash Used In Financing Activities | (684.7) | (430.8) | |||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (12.8) | (20.8) | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (51.3) | (52.1) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period | 391.2 | 443.3 | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period | $ | 339.9 | $ | 391.2 |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||||||||
Business Segments | |||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Net sales | |||||||||||
$ | 738.0 | $ | 692.0 | $ | 2,922.9 | $ | 2,819.1 | ||||
Rest of World | 260.2 | 249.7 | 956.9 | 965.8 | |||||||
Inter-segment sales | (10.1) | (5.6) | (27.0) | (31.0) | |||||||
$ | 988.1 | $ | 936.1 | $ | 3,852.8 | $ | 3,753.9 | ||||
Earnings (losses) | |||||||||||
$ | 169.0 | $ | (187.5) | $ | 726.7 | $ | 266.0 | ||||
Rest of World (2) | 26.6 | 31.6 | 83.4 | 96.3 | |||||||
Inter-segment earnings elimination | (0.5) | (0.2) | (0.5) | (0.3) | |||||||
195.1 | (156.1) | 809.6 | 362.0 | ||||||||
Corporate expense (3) | (17.1) | (83.4) | (64.1) | (128.9) | |||||||
Interest expense | (1.1) | (3.4) | (12.0) | (9.4) | |||||||
Earnings (losses) before income taxes | 176.9 | (242.9) | 733.5 | 223.7 | |||||||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes(4) | 39.6 | (122.8) | 176.9 | (12.0) | |||||||
Net earnings (losses) | $ | 137.3 | $ | (120.1) | $ | 556.6 | $ | 235.7 | |||
Additional Information | |||||||||||
(1) | |||||||||||
includes pension settlement expense (income) of: | $ | 4.3 | $ | 346.8 | $ | (0.7) | $ | 346.8 | |||
includes pension expense of: | — | 1.9 | — | 9.7 | |||||||
includes legal judgment income of: | — | — | — | (11.5) | |||||||
(2)Rest of World | |||||||||||
includes restructuring and impairment expense of: | 3.2 | — | 15.7 | — | |||||||
(3)Corporate expense | |||||||||||
includes terminated acquisition-related expenses of: | — | — | — | 4.3 | |||||||
includes pension settlement expense (income) of: | 0.8 | 70.5 | (0.2) | 70.5 | |||||||
includes impairment expense of: | — | — | 3.1 | — | |||||||
includes pension expense of: | — | 0.9 | — | 2.0 |
(4) | Provision for (benefit from) income taxes includes a benefit of |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||||||||
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||
(dollars in millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
The following is a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share to adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Net Earnings (Loss) (GAAP) | $ | 137.3 | $ | (120.1) | $ | 556.6 | $ | 235.7 | |||
Restructuring and impairment expenses, before tax | 3.2 | — | 18.8 | — | |||||||
Pension settlement expense (income), before tax | 5.1 | 417.3 | (0.9) | 417.3 | |||||||
Pension expense, before tax | — | 2.8 | — | 11.7 | |||||||
Legal judgment income, before tax | — | — | — | (11.5) | |||||||
Terminated acquisition-related expenses, before tax | — | — | — | 4.3 | |||||||
Tax effect on above items | (1.2) | (168.4) | 0.3 | (168.8) | |||||||
Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) | $ | 144.4 | $ | 131.6 | $ | 574.8 | $ | 488.7 | |||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (GAAP)(1) | $ | 0.92 | $ | (0.78) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 1.51 | |||
Restructuring and impairment expenses, per diluted share, before tax | 0.02 | — | 0.12 | — | |||||||
Pension settlement expense (income) per diluted share, before tax | 0.04 | 2.72 | — | 2.68 | |||||||
Pension expense per diluted share, before tax | — | 0.02 | — | 0.08 | |||||||
Legal judgment income per diluted share, before tax | — | — | — | (0.07) | |||||||
Terminated acquisition-related expenses per diluted share, before tax | — | — | — | 0.03 | |||||||
Tax effect on above items per diluted share | (0.01) | (1.10) | — | (1.09) | |||||||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)(1) | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.86 | $ | 3.81 | $ | 3.14 |
(1) | Earnings (loss) per share amounts are calculated discretely and, therefore, may not add up to the total due to rounding. |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||||||||
Adjusted Segment Earnings | |||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
The following is a reconciliation of reported earnings (loss) before provision for income taxes to total segment earnings (non- | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes (GAAP) | $ | 176.9 | $ | (242.9) | $ | 733.5 | $ | 223.7 | |||
Add: Corporate expense(1) | 17.1 | 83.4 | 64.1 | 128.9 | |||||||
Add: Interest expense | 1.1 | 3.4 | 12.0 | 9.4 | |||||||
Total Segment Earnings (Loss) (non-GAAP) | $ | 195.1 | $ | (156.1) | $ | 809.6 | $ | 362.0 | |||
$ | 169.0 | $ | (187.5) | $ | 726.7 | $ | 266.0 | ||||
Rest of World(3) | 26.6 | 31.6 | 83.4 | 96.3 | |||||||
Inter-segment earnings elimination | (0.5) | (0.2) | (0.5) | (0.3) | |||||||
Total Segment Earnings (Loss) (non-GAAP) | $ | 195.1 | $ | (156.1) | $ | 809.6 | $ | 362.0 | |||
Additional Information | |||||||||||
(1)Corporate expense | $ | (17.1) | $ | (83.4) | $ | (64.1) | $ | (128.9) | |||
Pension settlement expense (income), before tax | 0.8 | 70.5 | (0.2) | 70.5 | |||||||
Impairment expense, before tax | — | — | 3.1 | — | |||||||
Pension expense, before tax | — | 0.9 | — | 2.0 | |||||||
Terminated acquisition-related expenses, before tax | — | — | — | 4.3 | |||||||
Adjusted Corporate expense (non-GAAP) | $ | (16.3) | $ | (12.0) | $ | (61.2) | $ | (52.1) | |||
(2) | $ | 169.0 | $ | (187.5) | $ | 726.7 | $ | 266.0 | |||
Pension settlement expense (income), before tax | 4.3 | 346.8 | (0.7) | 346.8 | |||||||
Pension expense, before tax | — | 1.9 | — | 9.7 | |||||||
Legal judgment income, before tax | — | — | — | (11.5) | |||||||
Adjusted | $ | 173.3 | $ | 161.2 | $ | 726.0 | $ | 611.0 | |||
(3)Rest of World | $ | 26.6 | $ | 31.6 | $ | 83.4 | $ | 96.3 | |||
Restructuring and impairment expenses, before tax | 3.2 | — | 15.7 | — | |||||||
Adjusted Rest of World (non-GAAP) | $ | 29.8 | $ | 31.6 | $ | 99.1 | $ | 96.3 |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | |||||
Free Cash Flow | |||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||
(unaudited) | |||||
The following is a reconciliation of reported cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow (non-GAAP): | |||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||
Cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 670.3 | $ | 391.4 | |
Less: Capital expenditures | (72.6) | (70.3) | |||
Free cash flow (non-GAAP) | $ | 597.7 | $ | 321.1 |
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION | ||||||
2024 EPS Guidance and 2023 Adjusted EPS | ||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||
The following is a reconciliation of diluted EPS to adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) (all items are net of tax): | ||||||
2024 Guidance | 2023 | |||||
Diluted EPS (GAAP) | $ | 3.90 - 4.15 | $ | 3.69 | ||
Restructuring and impairment expenses | — | 0.12(1) | ||||
Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) | $ | 3.90 - 4.15 | $ | 3.81 |
(1) | Includes pre-tax restructuring and impairment expenses of |
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SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation
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