Eaton Corporation’s (NYSE:ETN) earnings per share of $1.29 in fourth-quarter 2017 topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.25 by 3.2%. Reported earnings were at the high end of management’s guidance range of $1.19-$1.29. Also, earnings were 15% higher than the year-ago figure.
Adjusted earnings in the quarter, including the new one-time gain of 14 cents from the new U.S. tax law, were $1.43 per share.
Revenues
In the quarter, Eaton’s total revenues came in at $5,213 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,090 million by 2.4%. The figure was 7.1% higher than the year-ago quarter.
The year-over-year sales increase includes 5% growth in organic sales and 2% rise in positive currency translations, which was better than the expected growth of 3-4% from organic sales and 1.5% from positive currency translations.
Eaton Corporation, PLC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Eaton Corporation, PLC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Eaton Corporation, PLC Quote
Segment Details
In the fourth quarter, Electrical Products’ total sales were $1,822 million, up 6% from the year- ago quarter. Organic sales were up 3% and currency translation was a positive 3%. Operating income for the quarter was $331 million, up 4% year over year.
Electrical Systems and Services’ total sales were $1,498 million, up 3% from the year-ago quarter. Organic sales were up 2% and currency translation was a positive 2%. Operating income for the quarter was $225 million, up 27% year over year.
Hydraulics total sales were $614 million, up 18% from the year-ago quarter. Organic sales were up 17% and currency translation was a positive 1%. Operating income for the quarter was $74 million, up 100% year over year.
Aerospace total sales were $441 million, up 4% from the year-ago quarter. Organic sales were up 2% and currency translation was a positive 2%. Operating income for the quarter was $88 million, up 5% year over year.
Vehicle total sales were $838 million up 13% from the year-ago quarter. Organic sales were up 12% and currency translation was a positive 3%. Operating income for the quarter was $140 million, up 44% year over year.
Quarterly Highlights
Cost of products sold in the reported quarter was $3,535 million, up 27.4% from the prior-year quarter.
Selling and administrative expenses were $862 million, in line with year-ago quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the company’s research and development expenses were $144 million, down from $145 million in the prior-year quarter.
Interest expenses of $65 million were up 8.3% from the prior-year quarter.
During the fourth quarter, order improved year over year in each segment. Order in Electrical Systems and Services, Hydraulics, Electrical Products and Aerospace were up 12%, 25%, 5% and 9% year over year, respectively.
Financial Update
Eaton’s cash and short-term investments were $561 million as of Dec 31, 2017, compared with $543 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
As of Dec 31, 2017, long-term debt was $7,167 million compared with $6,711 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
During the quarter, the company repurchased shares worth $61 million resulting in total repurchase of shares worth $850 million in 2017.
Guidance
First-quarter 2018 earnings per share are expected to be between $1.00 and $1.10.
The company expects its 2018 earnings in the range of $5.00-$5.20 per share.
Eaton expects its organic revenues to increase 4% in 2018. It expects segment margins in 2018 to be between 16.3% and 16.9%, up from the 2017 level of 15.8%.
Zacks Rank
Eaton has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Our View
Eaton’s earnings and total revenues were better than expectations thanks to the strong performance of every segment. Better-than-expected organic sales and positive currency translation also boosted the performance of the company.
We believe the improvement in end-market conditions is boosting the order book of the company. The free cash flow generation capability is also helping Eaton to move ahead with its share repurchase program.
The company will also gain from its restructuring activities, which is expected to bring about a net gain of $55 million in 2017.
Upcoming Releases
ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABB) is scheduled to report its fourth -quarter 2017 earnings on Feb 8, 2018. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 25 cents
SPX FLOW Inc. (NYSE:FLOW) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2017 earnings on Feb 6. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 50 cents.
CUI Global Inc. (NASDAQ:CUI) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2017 earnings on Mar 13. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 6 cents.
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Eaton Corporation, PLC (ETN): Free Stock Analysis Report
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