Pentair Reports First Quarter 2020 Results

Sales were up 3 percent compared to sales for the same period last year. Excluding currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures, core sales grew 3 percent in the first quarter. First quarter 2020 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations (“EPS”) were $0.43 compared to $0.30 in the first quarter of 2019. On an adjusted basis, the company reported EPS of $0.52 compared to $0.43 in the first quarter of 2019. Segment income, adjusted net income, free cash flow and adjusted EPS are described in the attached schedules.

First quarter 2020 operating income was $101 million, up 49 percent compared to operating income for the first quarter of 2019, and return on sales (“ROS”) was 14.2 percent, an increase of 440 basis points when compared to the first quarter of 2019. On an adjusted basis, the company reported segment income of $112 million for the first quarter, up 13 percent compared to segment income for the first quarter of 2019, and ROS was 15.7 percent, an increase of 140 basis points when compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Consumer Solutions sales were up 9 percent compared to sales for the same period last year. Excluding currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures, core sales grew 7 percent in the first quarter. Segment income of $85 million was up 13 percent compared to the first quarter of 2019, and ROS was 21.8 percent, an increase of 80 basis points when compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Industrial & Flow Technologies sales were down 3 percent compared to sales for the same period last year. Excluding currency translation, core sales were down 2 percent in the first quarter. Segment income of $45 million was up 9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2019, and ROS was 13.9 percent, an increase of 150 basis points when compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Net cash used for operating activities of continuing operations was $162 million compared to a use of $257 million in the first quarter of 2019 and free cash flow used for continuing operations was $181 million for the quarter compared to a use of $273 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Pentair paid a regular cash dividend of $0.19 per share in the first quarter of 2020. Pentair previously announced on December 9, 2019 that its Board of Directors approved a 6 percent increase in the company's regular quarterly cash dividend rate to $0.19 from $0.18. 2020 marks the 44th consecutive year that Pentair has increased its dividend.

CEO’s Remarks

John L. Stauch, President and CEO, stated, “I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to all that have suffered loss during this global pandemic. I would also like to recognize our employees around the globe, especially our COVID-19 crisis team and manufacturing employees for their tremendous commitment to our customers and to Pentair. I remain optimistic about Pentair’s future and believe that we are making decisions that put the health and safety of our employees first, as well as prioritizing actions to keep our great teams intact. We will continue to identify solutions and opportunities that we believe will position us to improve our longer-term growth and productivity trajectories.”

“While our first quarter results began to see the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to deliver results in line with our prior expectations. We recognize that the demand environment has and will continue to change and we are taking appropriate actions to adjust our cost structure while still keeping a focus on our long term strategies. Our goal is to remain focused and emerge as a stronger business as demand returns. We are confident in our liquidity position and we believe that our foundation remains strong.”

“Pentair has an industry leading and proven portfolio of solutions to solve customers’ water needs. Water quality and sustainability remain at the forefront of many consumers and industries minds and we believe we are well positioned to serve their needs. We serve a large, installed base with over 70 percent of our business tied to support and sales of aftermarket products. While 2020 presents an unprecedented year of challenges, we continue to believe in our long-term strategy to deliver smart, sustainable water solutions, for life.”

Liquidity

The company remains confident in its liquidity position. Pentair’s primary liquidity sources are operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2020, Pentair had cash and cash equivalents of $169 million and $1.45 billion of total debt outstanding, plus the capacity to borrow an additional $326 million under its credit facility. The company has $74 million of debt maturities in 2020, $104 million in 2021, and $88 million in 2022. The company has taken measures to enhance liquidity including implementing cost savings initiatives and temporarily suspending share repurchases.

2020 Guidance Update

At this point in time, the company believes it cannot forecast the impact on its financial results from the COVID-19 global pandemic. The company has suspended guidance until visibility returns.