Newell Brands Announces First Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Newell Brands (NWL) reported strong Q1 2021 results with net sales of $2.3 billion, up 21.3% year-over-year. Core sales growth was 20.9%, with every business unit showing increases. Normalized EPS reached $0.30, compared to $0.09 in the prior year. The company improved its full-year net sales forecast to $9.9-$10.1 billion and normalized EPS outlook to $1.63-$1.73. Operating margin rose to 10.1%, and the leverage ratio improved to 3.3x. The CEO highlighted ongoing opportunities for growth through strategic execution amid inflationary pressures.

Positive

• Net sales increased by 21.3% to $2.3 billion.
• Core sales grew by 20.9% across all business units.
• Normalized EPS tripled to $0.30 compared to the previous year.
• Full-year net sales outlook raised to $9.9-$10.1 billion from $9.5-$9.7 billion.
• Normalized EPS outlook increased to $1.63-$1.73 from $1.55-$1.65.
• Operating margin improved to 10.1% from 6.0% in the prior year.
• Leverage ratio improved to 3.3x from 4.2x in the prior year.

Negative

• Reported gross margin decreased to 31.9% from 32.7% due to inflation impacts.
• Operating cash outflow was $25 million, reflecting working capital increases.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) today announced its first quarter 2021 financial results.

"2021 is off to a terrific start, as top line increased 21 percent, normalized operating profit doubled and earnings per share tripled year-over-year during the first quarter, building on the momentum from the back half of 2020. Each of our business units and geographic regions delivered significant sales growth, fueled by consumption, as our supply chain teams operated with excellence and successfully managed broad-based demand surges,” said Ravi Saligram, Newell Brands President and CEO. “We are still in the early stages of realizing the full potential of our business and see tremendous opportunity for value creation through focused execution of our strategic priorities, including sustaining top line growth, strengthening our brands through insights and innovation, driving omni-channel prowess, unlocking international potential, and expanding distribution, while serving as a force for good in the world."

Chris Peterson, Chief Financial Officer and President, Business Operations, said, “Significant out-performance on top line, in combination with productivity gains and operating leverage, drove outstanding results in the first quarter. We made further progress on deleveraging and reducing our cash conversion cycle relative to year-ago levels. Much stronger than anticipated results thus far in 2021 give us confidence to raise our outlook for the full year both on top and bottom lines, despite additional inflationary pressures. We currently forecast core sales growth of 5 to 7 percent and normalized earnings per share of $1.63 to $1.73 for full year 2021.”

First Quarter 2021 Executive Summary

• Net sales were $2.3 billion, an increase of 21.3 percent compared with the prior year period.
• Core sales grew 20.9 percent compared with the prior year period. Every business unit and major region increased core sales compared with the prior year period.
• Reported operating margin was 8.4 percent compared with negative 74.7 percent in the prior year period. Normalized operating margin was 10.1 percent compared with 6.0 percent in the prior year period.
• Reported diluted earnings per share were $0.21 compared with a $3.02 diluted loss per share in the prior year period.
• Normalized diluted earnings per share were $0.30 compared with $0.09 per share in the prior year period.
• The company redeemed the remaining $94 million of its 3.15 percent senior notes that were scheduled to mature in April 2021.
• The company's leverage ratio improved to 3.3x at the end of the first quarter from 4.2x in the prior year period and 3.5x at the end of 2020.
• The company increased its 2021 full year net sales outlook to $9.9 billion to $10.1 billion from its previous range of $9.5 billion to $9.7 billion. The company also raised its 2021 full year outlook for normalized earnings per share to $1.63 to $1.73 from its previous range of $1.55 to $1.65.

First Quarter 2021 Operating Results

Net sales were $2.3 billion, a 21.3 percent increase compared to the prior year period, as core sales growth of 20.9 percent and favorable foreign exchange were partially offset by the impact of business and retail store exits.

Reported gross margin was 31.9 percent compared with 32.7 percent in the prior year period, as inflation, particularly related to resin, transportation and labor, more than offset the benefit from FUEL productivity savings and pricing. Normalized gross margin was 32.2 percent compared with 32.8 percent in the prior year period.

Reported operating income was $192 million compared with operating loss of $1.4 billion in the prior year period, which reflected the impact of impairment charges. Reported operating margin was 8.4 percent compared with a negative 74.7 percent in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $230 million, or 10.1 percent of sales, compared with $113 million, or 6.0 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Interest expense was $67 million compared with $63 million in the prior year period.

The company reported a tax provision of $37 million compared with a tax benefit of $204 million in the prior year period, which included discrete tax benefits. Normalized tax expense was $37 million compared with $3 million in the prior year period.

The company reported net income of $89 million, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, compared with net loss of $1.3 billion, or $3.02 diluted loss per share, in the prior year period.

Normalized net income was $128 million, or $0.30 normalized diluted earnings per share, compared with $39 million, or $0.09 normalized diluted earnings per share, in the prior year period.

An explanation of non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP results to comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables attached to this release.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Operating cash outflow was $25 million compared with operating cash flow of $23 million in the prior year period, reflecting working capital increase to support strong net sales growth, which more than offset the year-over-year improvement in the cash conversion cycle.

The company redeemed the remaining $94 million of its 3.15 percent senior notes that were scheduled to mature in April 2021 and repurchased $5 million of its 3.85 percent senior notes due 2023. At the end of the first quarter, Newell Brands had cash and cash equivalents of $682 million and net debt outstanding of $4.8 billion. The company maintained a strong liquidity position, with over $2 billion in available short-term liquidity, including cash on hand. Newell Brands exited the first quarter with a leverage ratio of 3.3x compared to 4.2x in the prior year period and 3.5x at the end of 2020.

Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of net debt to normalized EBITDA from continuing operations. An explanation of how the leverage ratio is calculated and a related reconciliation, as well as a reconciliation of reported results to normalized results, are included in the tables attached to this release.

First Quarter 2021 Operating Segment Results

The Commercial Solutions segment generated net sales of $471 million compared with $413 million in the prior year period, driven by core sales growth of 12.9 percent and the impact of favorable foreign exchange. Core sales increased in both the Commercial and the Connected Home & Security business units. Reported operating income was $50 million, or 10.6 percent of sales, compared with a loss of $272 million, or negative 65.9 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $53 million, or 11.3 percent of sales, versus $51 million, or 12.3 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Home Appliances segment generated net sales of $360 million compared with $261 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 38.9 percent, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange. Reported operating income was $3 million, or 0.8 percent of sales, compared with a loss of $299 million, or negative 114.6 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $8 million, or 2.2 percent of sales, versus operating loss of $9 million, or negative 3.4 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Home Solutions segment generated net sales of $504 million compared with $377 million in the prior year period, largely driven by core sales growth of 33.8 percent. Both business units, Food and Home Fragrance, delivered core sales growth. Reported operating income was $61 million, or 12.1 percent of sales, compared with a loss of $301 million, or negative 79.8 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $76 million, or 15.1 percent of sales, versus $16 million, or 4.2 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Learning & Development segment generated net sales of $617 million compared with $528 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by core sales growth of 17.3 percent. Core sales increased in both Writing and Baby business units. Reported operating income was $110 million, or 17.8 percent of sales, compared with $4 million, or 0.8 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $114 million, or 18.5 percent of sales, compared with $86 million, or 16.3 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Outdoor & Recreation segment generated net sales of $336 million compared with $307 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 7.0 percent and the impact of favorable foreign exchange. Reported operating income was $15 million, or 4.5 percent of sales, compared with a loss of $474 million, or negative 154.4 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $20 million, or 6.0 percent of sales, compared with $15 million, or 4.9 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Outlook for Full Year and Second Quarter 2021

The company updated its full year outlook for 2021 and initiated its second quarter 2021 guidance as follows:

		Previous Full Year 2021 Outlook		Updated Full Year 2021 Outlook
Net Sales		$9.5 to $9.7 billion		$9.9 to $10.1 billion
Core Sales		Low single digit growth		5% to 7% growth
Normalized Operating Margin		30 to 60 bps improvement to 11.4% to 11.7%		30 to 60 bps improvement to 11.4% to 11.7%
Normalized EPS		$1.55 to $1.65		$1.63 to $1.73
Operating Cash Flow		Approximately $1.0 billion		Approximately $1.0 billion

										Q2 2021 Outlook
Net Sales										$2.5 to $2.58 billion
Core Sales										17% to 20% growth
Normalized Operating Margin										130 to 180 bps improvement to 11.5% to 12.0%
Normalized EPS										$0.41 to $0.45

The company has presented forward-looking statements regarding normalized operating margin and normalized earnings per share. These non-GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses or income from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgement and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking normalized operating margin or normalized earnings per share to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because such information is not available, and management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, we believe such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on the company's full-year and second quarter 2021 financial results. These non-GAAP financial measures are preliminary estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among others, changes in connection with quarter-end and year-end adjustments. Any variation between the company's actual results and preliminary financial data set forth above may be material.

Conference Call

Newell Brands’ first quarter 2021 earnings conference call will be held today, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. ET. A link to the webcast is provided under Events & Presentations in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.newellbrands.com. A webcast replay will be made available in the Quarterly Earnings section of the company’s website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release contains non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and includes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are included in this press release and the additional financial information both to explain its results to stockholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of its businesses. The company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors since these measures (a) permit investors to view the company’s performance and liquidity using the same tools that management uses to evaluate the company’s past performance, reportable business segments, prospects for future performance and liquidity, and (b) determine certain elements of management incentive compensation.

The company’s management believes that core sales provides a more complete understanding of underlying sales trends by providing sales on a consistent basis as it excludes the impacts of acquisitions, planned and completed divestitures, retail store openings and closings, certain market exits, impact of customer returns related to a product recall in Outdoor and Recreation segment, and changes in foreign exchange from year-over-year comparisons. The effect of changes in foreign exchange on reported sales is calculated by applying the prior year average monthly exchange rates to the current year local currency sales amounts (excluding acquisitions and divestitures), with the difference between the 2020 reported sales and constant currency sales presented as the foreign exchange impact increase or decrease in core sales. The company’s management believes that “normalized” gross margin, “normalized” operating income, “normalized” operating margin, "normalized EBITDA," "normalized EBITDA from continuing operations," “normalized” net income, “normalized” diluted earnings per share, “normalized” interest and “normalized” tax benefits, which exclude restructuring and restructuring-related expenses and one-time and other events such as costs related to the extinguishment of debt, certain tax benefits and charges, impairment charges, pension settlement charges, divestiture costs, costs related to the acquisition, integration and financing of acquired businesses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, inflationary adjustments, expenses related to certain product recalls and certain other items, are useful because they provide investors with a meaningful perspective on the current underlying performance of the company’s core ongoing operations and liquidity. On a pro forma basis, "normalized" items give effect to the company's decision not to sell the Commercial, Mapa and Quickie businesses. “Normalized EBITDA from continuing operations” is an ongoing liquidity measure (that excludes non-cash items) and is calculated as pro forma normalized earnings from continuing operations before interest, tax depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expense. "Leverage ratio" is a liquidity measure calculated as the ratio of net debt (defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents) to normalized EBITDA from continuing operations. "Free cash flow productivity” is calculated as the ratio of free cash flow (calculated as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) to normalized net income, and the company believes that free cash flow productivity is an important indicator of liquidity realized from the company’s core ongoing operations.

The company determines the tax effect of the items excluded from normalized diluted earnings per share by applying the estimated effective rate for the applicable jurisdiction in which the pre-tax items were incurred, and for which realization of the resulting tax benefit, if any, is expected. In certain situations in which an item excluded from normalized results impacts income tax expense, the company utilizes a “with” and “without” approach to determine normalized income tax benefit or expense. The company will also exclude one-time tax expenses related to a change in tax status of certain entities and the loss of GILTI tax credits as a result of utilizing the 50% IRC Section 163(j) limit resulting from the CARES Act to determine normalized income tax benefit.

While the company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the company’s performance and liquidity, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for or superior to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies.

About Newell Brands

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid®, Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Mapa®, Spontex® and Yankee Candle®. Newell Brands is committed to enhancing the lives of consumers around the world with planet friendly, innovative and attractive products that create moments of joy and provide peace of mind.

This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release and its exhibits, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, operating strategies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and similar matters, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements generally can be identified by the use of words or phrases, including, but not limited to, "guidance", "outlook", “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” “setting up,” "beginning to,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “resume,” “are confident that,” "remain optimistic that," or similar statements. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees because there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including the impairment charges and accounting for income taxes. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• our ability to manage the demand, supply and operational challenges with the actual or perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• our dependence on the strength of retail, commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various countries around the world;
• competition with other manufacturers and distributors of consumer products;
• major retailers’ strong bargaining power and consolidation of our customers;
• our ability to improve productivity, reduce complexity and streamline operations;
• our ability to develop innovative new products, to develop, maintain and strengthen end-user brands and to realize the benefits of increased advertising and promotion spend;
• our ability to remediate the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and consistently maintain effective internal control over financial reporting;
• risks related to our substantial indebtedness, a potential increase in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings;
• future events that could adversely affect the value of our assets and/or stock price and require additional impairment charges;
• unexpected costs or expenses associated with divestitures;
• our ability to effectively execute our turnaround plan;
• changes in the prices and availability of labor, transportation, raw materials and sourced products, including inflation, and our ability to obtain them in a timely manner;
• the impact of governmental investigations, inspections, lawsuits, legislative requests or other actions by third parties;
• the risks inherent to our foreign operations, including currency fluctuations, exchange controls and pricing restrictions;
• a failure of one of our key information technology systems, networks, processes or related controls or those of our service providers;
• the impact of U.S. and foreign regulations on our operations, including the impact of tariffs and environmental remediation costs;
• the potential inability to attract, retain and motivate key employees;
• the resolution of tax contingencies resulting in additional tax liabilities;
• product liability, product recalls or related regulatory actions;
• our ability to protect intellectual property rights;
• significant increases in funding obligations related to our pension plans; and
• other factors listed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other SEC filings.

The consolidated condensed financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Management’s application of U.S. GAAP requires the pervasive use of estimates and assumptions in preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. As discussed above, the world is currently experiencing the global COVID-19 pandemic which has required greater use of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although we have made our best estimates based upon current information, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business may result in future changes to management’s estimates and assumptions, especially if the severity worsens or duration lengthens. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions developed by management. If so, the company may be subject to future incremental impairment charges as well as changes to recorded reserves and valuations.

The information contained in this press release and the tables is as of the date indicated. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments.

NEWELL BRANDS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Amounts in millions, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020				% Change
Net sales		$	2,288			$	1,886			21.3%
Cost of products sold		1,557				1,269
Gross profit		731				617				18.5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		534				548				(2.6)%
Restructuring costs, net		5				2
Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets		—				1,475
Operating income (loss)		192				(1,408)				NM
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense, net		67				63
Other (income) expense, net		(1)				12
Income (loss) before income taxes		126				(1,483)				NM
Income tax provision (benefit)		37				(204)
Net income (loss)		$	89			$	(1,279)			NM
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		424.9				423.8
Diluted		427.6				423.8
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		$	0.21			$	(3.02)
Diluted		$	0.21			$	(3.02)
Dividends per share		$	0.23			$	0.23
* NM - NOT MEANINGFUL

NEWELL BRANDS INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Amounts in millions)
	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	682			$	981
Accounts receivable, net	1,530				1,678
Inventories	1,901				1,638
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	272				331
Total current assets	4,385				4,628
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,151				1,176
Operating lease assets	513				530
Goodwill	3,525				3,553
Other intangible assets, net	3,506				3,564
Deferred income taxes	843				838
Other assets	417

FAQ

What were Newell Brands' Q1 2021 net sales figures?

Newell Brands reported Q1 2021 net sales of $2.3 billion, a 21.3% increase year-over-year.

How much did Newell Brands raise its full-year sales forecast for 2021?

The company raised its full-year sales forecast to $9.9-$10.1 billion from the previous range of $9.5-$9.7 billion.

What is the normalized EPS for Newell Brands in Q1 2021?

Newell Brands reported normalized earnings per share of $0.30 for Q1 2021, up from $0.09 the previous year.

What is Newell Brands' leverage ratio at the end of Q1 2021?

The leverage ratio improved to 3.3x at the end of Q1 2021, down from 4.2x in the prior year.

What were the major drivers of Newell Brands' growth in Q1 2021?

Growth in Q1 2021 was driven by core sales increases across all business units and effective supply chain management.