Stanley Black & Decker Q4 2023 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Stanley Black & Decker's Q4 2023 results showed a revenue of $3.7 billion. The company's gross margin expanded sequentially, driven by supply chain actions and lower shipping costs. The company generated full year cash from operating activities of $1.2 billion and free cash flow of $853 million, with inventory reduced by $1.9 billion since mid-2022.
Full year revenues reached $15.8 billion, while fourth quarter revenues were $3.7 billion, down versus prior year primarily due to lower outdoor and DIY volume as well as infrastructure customer destocking.
Fourth quarter gross margin was 29.6%, up 10.7 points versus prior year; fourth quarter adjusted gross margin was 29.8%, up 10.3 points versus prior year.
Fourth quarter GAAP EPS was ($1.84); fourth quarter adjusted EPS was $0.92. Full year GAAP EPS was ($1.88); Full Year adjusted EPS was $1.45.
Fourth quarter cash from operating activities was $769 million; fourth quarter free cash flow was $647 million.
Stanley Black & Decker
Stanley Black & Decker
Stanley Black & Decker Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
Management expects 2024 EPS to be in the range of $1.60 to $2.85 on a GAAP basis, and between $3.50 to $4.50 on an adjusted basis. Free cash flow is expected to approximate $0.6 billion to $0.8 billion, significantly ahead of net income, as we continue to prioritize inventory reductions.
Positive Outlook
- Focused execution of our Global Cost Reduction Program in 2023 yielded improvements in our cost structure that pushed fourth quarter gross margins toward 30%, ahead of plan behind freight deflation and our teams accelerated efforts to deliver profit and cash.
- Over $1 billion of inventory reductions through the course of the year, helped us deliver strong free cash flow.
- Continue our measured and disciplined approach to cost management as we drive toward our target of 35%+ adjusted gross margins.
- Funding additional organic revenue growth investments.
- Entire organization is aligned around achieving margin expansion, cash generation and balance sheet strength, and working together to position the Company for long-term growth and value creation.