Mar 31, 2023

A O Smith Q1 2023 Earnings Report

A. O. Smith experienced a strong first quarter, driven by resilient water heater demand and lower steel costs.

Key Takeaways

A. O. Smith reported a 1% decrease in sales to $966 million, but net earnings increased by 6% to $126.9 million, resulting in record first quarter EPS of $0.84. Adjusted EPS was $0.94, excluding a non-cash impairment charge. The company raised its 2023 outlook to flat sales and adjusted EPS between $3.30 and $3.50.

Sales decreased 1% to $966 million, with North America increasing 3% and Rest of World decreasing 14%.

Net earnings increased 6% to $126.9 million, with EPS increasing 11% to $0.84.

Adjusted earnings were $142.5 million, excluding a non-cash impairment charge, resulting in adjusted EPS of $0.94.

The company raised its 2023 outlook to flat sales and adjusted EPS between $3.30 and $3.50.

Total Revenue
$966M
Previous year: $978M
-1.2%
EPS
$0.94
Previous year: $0.77
+22.1%
Leverage Ratio
16%
Gross Profit
$374M
Previous year: $342M
+9.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$406M
Previous year: $406M
+0.1%
Free Cash Flow
$109M
Previous year: $3.6M
+2933.3%
Total Assets
$3.34B
Previous year: $3.43B
-2.9%

A O Smith

A O Smith

A O Smith Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

A. O. Smith projects flat sales and adjusted EPS between $3.30 and $3.50 for the full year 2023.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong start to 2023, particularly in North America water heating.
  • Outperformed the market in North America water heating.
  • Price cost relationship resulted in a strong operating margin.
  • China's reopening is progressing as expected with sequential month-over-month demand improvement.
  • Strong balance sheet and free cash flow provide liquidity for capital allocation priorities.

Challenges Ahead

  • Meaningful rise in steel index prices will translate into higher input costs.
  • Higher input costs will put pressure on water heater margins in the second half of the year.
  • Potential impacts from future acquisitions are excluded from guidance.
  • Further softening in U.S. residential water heater demand.
  • Negative impacts to the company resulting from global inflationary pressures or a potential recession.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income