Donaldson Q1 2021 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Donaldson Company reported a decrease in net sales by 5.4% to $636.6 million and a decline in earnings per share by 4.4% to $0.48 for the first quarter of 2021. Despite these declines, the company saw growth in gross margin and managed to mitigate the impact of the pandemic through replacement parts sales and newly established customer relationships in China.
First quarter sales decreased by 5.4% to $636.6 million.
Earnings per share declined by 4.4% to $0.48.
Operating margin increased by 0.5 percentage points, driven by gross margin.
Sales trends are expected to improve, with year-over-year growth anticipated in the second half of fiscal 2021.
Donaldson
Donaldson
Forward Guidance
Donaldson expects second quarter sales to be up sequentially from the first quarter, with a year-over-year change between a 4 percent decline and a 1 percent increase. Sales in the second half of fiscal 2021 are expected to increase. The company plans to keep full-year 2021 operating expense as a rate of sales roughly flat with 2020. They expect to repurchase at least 1 percent of its outstanding shares.
Positive Outlook
- Second quarter sales are expected to be up sequentially from first quarter
- Sales in the second half of fiscal 2021 are expected to increase
- Gross margin is expected to increase as year-over-year sales trends improve
- The Company plans to keep full-year 2021 operating expense as a rate of sales roughly flat with 2020
- Free cash flow conversion is still expected above 100 percent
Challenges Ahead
- Continued uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Incremental benefits from raw material costs and a favorable mix of sales are expected to be lower
- Higher incentive compensation
- Continued investments in strategic priorities
- Capital expenditures are still planned meaningfully below fiscal 2020