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Sep 30, 2020

Emerson Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Emerson's Q4 2020 earnings declined due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company exceeded its second quarter reset financial forecast in sales, EBITDA, and cash flow.

Key Takeaways

Emerson reported a decrease in net sales by 8% to $4.6 billion, with underlying sales down by 9%. GAAP EPS increased by 3% to $1.20, while adjusted EPS decreased by 4% to $1.10. The company delivered strong operating cash flow of $1.23 billion, up 2%, and free cash flow of $1.02 billion, up 2%.

Fourth quarter GAAP net sales were $4.6 billion, down 8 percent; underlying sales were down 9 percent, in-line with management guidance.

Fourth quarter GAAP EPS was $1.20, up 3 percent from the year prior; adjusted EPS was $1.10, down 4 percent.

Operating cash flow was $1.23 billion, up 2 percent for the quarter.

Free cash flow was $1.02 billion, up 2 percent for the quarter, resulting in exceptional free cash flow conversion of 140 percent.

Total Revenue
$4.56B
Previous year: $4.97B
-8.3%
EPS
$1.1
Previous year: $1.07
+2.8%
Gross Profit
$1.88B
Previous year: $2.13B
-11.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$3.32B
Previous year: $1.49B
+121.9%
Free Cash Flow
$1.02B
Previous year: $1.01B
+1.5%
Total Assets
$22.9B
Previous year: $20.5B
+11.6%

Emerson

Emerson

Emerson Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Emerson expects overall revenue to return to growth in the third quarter of 2021. Commercial & Residential Solutions is expected to return to growth earlier than originally expected, while Automation Solutions is expected to return to growth later in the year.

Positive Outlook

  • Net Sales Growth 1% - 4%
  • Automation Solutions (1%) - 2%
  • Commercial & Residential Solutions 5% - 8%
  • Underlying Sales Growth (1%) - 2%
  • Automation Solutions (4%) - (1%)

Challenges Ahead

  • Management believes it is appropriate to assume a conservative forecast for the 2021 macroeconomic environment given the current uncertainty
  • Due to the delayed recovery in many automation markets, we are increasing restructuring spend within Automation Solutions, resulting in a total company restructuring spend of over $200 million in 2021.
  • The guidance assumes no major operational or supply chain disruptions
  • The guidance assumes oil prices in the $35 to $50 range during this period.
  • Tax Rate ~22.5%

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income