Mar 31, 2020

Lincoln Electric Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Lincoln Electric's Q1 2020 results were impacted by weakened global demand trends, while the company focused on protecting employees' health and safety and implemented cost reduction initiatives.

Key Takeaways

Lincoln Electric reported a 7.5% decrease in net sales to $702.0 million in Q1 2020, with organic sales declining by 9.5%. EPS decreased by 18.8% to $0.91, while adjusted EPS decreased by 14.5% to $1.00. The company implemented cost reduction initiatives to mitigate the impact of lower demand and expects $40 to $45 million in realized cost savings in 2020.

Operated as an “essential business” in substantially all locations, serving customers while prioritizing employee safety.

Net sales decreased by 7.5%, with organic sales declining by 9.5%.

Operating income margin decreased by 90 basis points to 11.5%; adjusted operating income margin decreased by 40 basis points to 12.6%.

Returned $140 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Total Revenue
$702M
Previous year: $759M
-7.5%
EPS
$1
Previous year: $1.17
-14.5%
Operating Margin
11.5%
Previous year: 12.4%
-7.3%
Adjusted Operating Margin
12.6%
Previous year: 13%
-3.1%
Gross Profit
$237M
Previous year: $258M
-8.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$163M
Previous year: $267M
-38.8%
Total Assets
$2.31B
Previous year: $2.35B
-2.1%

Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Global demand trends weakened significantly in April, declining in the low 40% range versus the prior year. The company expanded its cost reduction initiatives and expect these new measures, combined with earlier actions, to now generate $40 to $45 million in realized cost savings in 2020. While demand is expected to trough in the second quarter, the company's strong investment-grade balance sheet profile, liquidity, and cash flow generation give management confidence in their ability to successfully navigate this challenging period and generate long-term value for shareholders.

Positive Outlook

  • Expanded cost reduction initiatives to mitigate the impact of lower demand.
  • Expect $40 to $45 million in realized cost savings in 2020 from cost reduction initiatives.
  • Strong investment-grade balance sheet profile.
  • Strong liquidity.
  • Strong cash flow generation.

Challenges Ahead

  • Global demand trends weakened significantly in April, declining in the low 40% range versus the prior year.
  • Expect demand to trough in the second quarter.
  • Impacts of COVID-19 on its markets and operations including softening demand.
  • Impacts of COVID-19 on its markets and operations including supply chain disruptions.
  • Impacts of COVID-19 on its markets and operations including other logistics constraints.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income