NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amounts are in millions unless indicated otherwise (per share data assume dilution). Columns and rows may not add and the sum of components may not equal total amounts reported due to rounding.
Note 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been made that are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods.
This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Eaton’s 2023 Form 10-K. The interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date this Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). This accounting standard requires additional segment disclosures on an annual and interim basis, including significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker. The standard does not change how operating segments and reportable segments are determined. ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The standard is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Eaton plans to adopt the standard for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company is evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 and expects the standard will only impact its segment disclosures with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). This accounting standard requires disaggregated income tax disclosures on an annual basis, including information on the Company’s effective income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 and expects the standard will only impact its income taxes disclosures with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES
Acquisition of a 49%stake in Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd.
On April 23, 2023, Eaton acquired a 49 percent stake in Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of power distribution and sub-transmission transformers in China. Eaton accounts for this investment on the equity method of accounting and it is reported within the Electrical Global business segment.
Acquisition of Exertherm
On May 20, 2024, Eaton acquired Exertherm, a U.K.-based provider of thermal monitoring solutions for electrical equipment. Exertherm is reported within the Electrical Americas business segment.
Acquisition of a 49%stake in NordicEPOD AS
On May 31, 2024, Eaton acquired a 49 percent stake in NordicEPOD AS, which designs and assembles standardized power modules for data centers in the Nordic region. Eaton accounts for this investment on the equity method of accounting and it is reported within the Electrical Global business segment.
Sales are recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied and control of promised goods or services have transferred to our customers. Control is transferred when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain benefits from the goods or services. Sales are measured at the amount of consideration the Company expects to be paid in exchange for these products or services.
The following table provides disaggregated sales by lines of businesses, geographic destination, market channel or end market, as applicable, for the Company's operating segments:
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Electrical Americas
Products
$
794
$
748
$
2,272
$
2,221
Systems
2,169
1,846
6,258
5,205
Total
$
2,963
$
2,594
$
8,530
$
7,426
Electrical Global
Products
$
879
$
848
$
2,604
$
2,620
Systems
694
655
2,074
1,952
Total
$
1,573
$
1,503
$
4,678
$
4,572
Aerospace
Original Equipment Manufacturers
$
366
$
342
$
1,110
$
980
Aftermarket
341
302
961
863
Industrial and Other
239
223
701
674
Total
$
946
$
867
$
2,772
$
2,517
Vehicle
Commercial
$
426
$
452
$
1,311
$
1,359
Passenger and Light Duty
270
301
831
884
Total
$
696
$
753
$
2,143
$
2,242
eMobility
$
167
$
163
$
514
$
471
Total net sales
$
6,345
$
5,880
$
18,638
$
17,229
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (revenue recognized exceeds amount billed to the customer), and deferred revenue (advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized). Accounts receivable from customers were $4,375 million and $3,966 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of contractual milestones. These assets and liabilities are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Unbilled receivables were $351 million and $289 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. The increase in unbilled receivables reflects higher revenue recognized and not yet billed from increased business activity in 2024.
Changes in the deferred revenue liabilities are as follows:
(In millions)
Deferred Revenue
Balance at January 1, 2024
$
626
Customer deposits and billings
1,999
Revenue recognized in the period
(2,009)
Translation
6
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
622
(In millions)
Deferred Revenue
Balance at January 1, 2023
$
508
Customer deposits and billings
1,684
Revenue recognized in the period
(1,563)
Translation
1
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
630
Deferred revenue liabilities of $607 million and $610 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the remaining balance presented in Other noncurrent liabilities.
A significant portion of open orders placed with Eaton are by original equipment manufacturers or distributors. These open orders are not considered firm as they have been historically subject to releases by customers. In measuring backlog of unsatisfied or partially satisfied obligations, only the amount of orders to which customers are firmly committed are included. Using this criterion, total backlog at September 30, 2024 was approximately $15.9 billion. At September 30, 2024, approximately 71% of this backlog is targeted for delivery to customers in the next twelve months and the rest thereafter.
Note 4. CREDIT LOSSES FOR RECEIVABLES
Receivables are exposed to credit risk based on the customers’ ability to pay which is influenced by, among other factors, their financial liquidity position. Eaton’s receivables are generally short-term in nature with a majority outstanding less than 90 days.
Eaton performs ongoing credit evaluation of its customers and maintains sufficient allowances for potential credit losses. The Company evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on the length of time the receivable is past due, and any anticipated future write-off based on historic experience adjusted for market conditions. The Company's segments, supported by our global credit department, perform the credit evaluation and monitoring process to estimate and manage credit risk. The process includes an evaluation of credit losses for both the overall segment receivable and specific customer balances. The process also includes review of customer financial information and credit ratings, approval and monitoring of customer credit limits, and an assessment of market conditions. The Company may also require prepayment from customers to mitigate credit risk. Receivable balances are written off against an allowance for credit losses after a final determination of collectability has been made.
Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for credit losses of $56 million and $38 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The change in the allowance for credit losses includes expense and net write-offs, none of which are significant.
Note 5. INVENTORY
Inventory is carried at lower of cost or net realizable value. The components of inventory are as follows:
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows:
(In millions)
January 1, 2024
Additions
Translation
September 30, 2024
Electrical Americas
$
7,415
$
22
$
(12)
$
7,425
Electrical Global
4,038
—
13
4,051
Aerospace
2,901
—
44
2,945
Vehicle
289
—
—
289
eMobility
334
—
—
334
Total
$
14,977
$
22
$
45
$
15,044
The 2024 additions to goodwill relate primarily to the anticipated synergies of acquiring Exertherm. The allocation of the Exertherm purchase price is preliminary and will be completed during the measurement period.
Note 7. SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM
The Company negotiates payment terms directly with its suppliers for the purchase of goods and services. In addition, a third-party financial institution offers a voluntary supply chain finance (SCF) program that enables certain of the Company’s suppliers, at the supplier’s sole discretion, to sell receivables due from the Company to the financial institution on terms directly negotiated with the financial institution. If a supplier elects to participate in the SCF program, the supplier decides which invoices are sold to the financial institution and the Company has no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to sell an invoice. Payments by the Company to participating suppliers are paid to the financial institution on the invoice due date, regardless of whether an individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the financial institution. The amounts due to the financial institution for suppliers that participate in the SCF program are included in Accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the associated payments are included in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
On September 30, 2024, the Company replaced its existing $500 million 364-day revolving credit facility with a new $500 million 364-day revolving credit facility that will expire on September 29, 2025. The Company also has a $2,500 million five-year revolving credit facility that will expire on October 1, 2027. The revolving credit facilities totaling $3,000 million are used to support commercial paper borrowings and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis. There were no borrowings outstanding under Eaton’s revolving credit facilities at September 30, 2024. The Company maintains access to the commercial paper markets through its $3,000 million commercial paper program, of which none was outstanding on September 30, 2024.
On May 21, 2024, a subsidiary of Eaton issued Euro denominated notes (2024 Euro Notes) with a face value of €1,000 million ($1,084 million), in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2024 Euro Notes are comprised of two tranches of €500 million each, which mature in 2031 and 2036, with interest payable annually at a respective rate of 3.601% and 3.802%. The issuer received proceeds totaling €995 million ($1,079 million) from the issuance, net of financing costs. The 2024 Euro Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The 2024 Euro Notes contain customary optional redemption and par call provisions. The 2024 Euro Notes also contain a change of control provision which requires the Company to make an offer to purchase all or any part of the 2024 Euro Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The capitalized deferred financing fees are amortized in Interest expense - net over the respective terms of the 2024 Euro Notes. The 2024 Euro Notes are subject to customary non-financial covenants.
Note 9. RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS
The components of retirement benefits expense are as follows:
United States pension benefit expense
Non-United States pension benefit expense
Three months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Service cost
$
5
$
4
$
11
$
11
Interest cost
33
35
21
22
Expected return on plan assets
(47)
(48)
(35)
(31)
Amortization
2
1
4
1
(7)
(8)
1
4
Settlements
12
9
1
1
Total expense
$
5
$
1
$
2
$
5
United States pension benefit expense
Non-United States pension benefit expense
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Service cost
$
14
$
14
$
34
$
32
Interest cost
100
106
64
64
Expected return on plan assets
(142)
(146)
(101)
(91)
Amortization
7
3
9
5
(21)
(23)
6
11
Settlements
31
28
4
2
Total expense
$
10
$
5
$
10
$
13
The components of retirement benefits expense other than service costs are included in Other income - net.
During 2020, the Company announced it was freezing its United States pension plans for its non-union employees. The freeze was effective January 1, 2021 for non-union U.S. employees whose retirement benefit was determined under a cash balance formula and is effective January 1, 2026 for non-union U.S. employees whose retirement benefit is determined under a final average pay formula.
Eaton is subject to a broad range of claims, administrative and legal proceedings such as lawsuits that relate to contractual allegations and indemnity claims, tax audits, patent infringement, personal injuries, antitrust matters, and employment-related matters. Eaton is also subject to legal claims from historic products which may have contained asbestos. Insurance may cover some of the costs associated with these claims and proceedings. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome or cost of these matters, the Company believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 11. INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was expense of 16.1% compared to expense of 17.3% for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2024 was due to the reduction of a valuation allowance on a foreign tax attribute, partially offset by greater levels of income in higher tax jurisdictions. The effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 2024 was expense of 16.8% compared to expense of 16.9% for the first nine months of 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2024 was due to a larger impact from the excess tax benefits recognized for employee share-based payments and the reduction of valuation allowances on foreign tax attributes, partially offset by greater levels of income in higher tax jurisdictions.
Brazil Tax Years 2005-2012
The Company has two Brazilian tax cases primarily relating to the amortization of certain goodwill generated from the acquisition of third-party businesses and corporate reorganizations. One case involves tax years 2005-2008 (Case 1), and the other involves tax years 2009-2012 (Case 2). Case 2 is proceeding on a more accelerated timeline than Case 1. For Case 2, the Company received a tax assessment in 2014 that included interest and penalties. In November 2019, the Company received an unfavorable result at the final tax administrative appeals level, resulting in an alleged tax deficiency of $24 million plus $112 million of interest and penalties (translated at the September 30, 2024 exchange rate). The Company is challenging this assessment in the judicial system and, on April 18, 2022, received an unfavorable decision at the first judicial level. On April 27, 2022, the Company filed a motion for clarification relating to that decision. On May 20, 2022, the court largely upheld its prior decision without further clarification. On June 9, 2022, the Company filed its notice of appeal to the second level court. On July 11, 2024, the court published a favorable decision resulting in the cancellation of an additional 75% penalty imposed by the tax authorities. As a result of the favorable decision, the alleged interest and penalties was reduced from $112 million to $79 million (translated at the September 30, 2024 exchange rate). The Company intends to continue its challenge of the assessment in the judicial system.
As previously disclosed for Case 1, the Company received a separate tax assessment alleging a tax deficiency of $30 million plus $113 million of interest and penalties (translated at the September 30, 2024 exchange rate), which the Company is challenging in the judicial system. On April 4, 2024, the court published a favorable decision resulting in a reduction to the Case 1 assessment for the goodwill generated from the acquisition of a third-party business. In the same decision, the court confirmed the cancellation of an additional 75% penalty imposed by the tax authorities. As a result of the favorable decision, the alleged tax deficiency was reduced to $30 million plus $92 million of interest and penalties (translated at the September 30, 2024 exchange rate). The remainder of Case 1 is still pending resolution at the first judicial level.
Both cases are expected to take several years to resolve through the Brazilian judicial system and require provision of certain assets as security for the alleged deficiencies. As of September 30, 2024, the Company pledged Brazilian real estate assets with net book value of $18 million and provided additional security in the form of bank secured bonds and insurance bonds totaling $127 million and a cash deposit of $25 million (translated at the September 30, 2024 exchange rate).
The Company believes that the final resolution of both of the assessments will not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty given the complex nature of tax controversies. Should the ultimate outcome of these matters deviate from our reasonable expectations, they may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. However, Eaton believes that its interpretations of tax laws and application of tax laws to its facts are correct.
On February 27, 2019, the Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program for share repurchases up to $5.0 billion of ordinary shares (2019 Program). On February 23, 2022, the Board renewed the 2019 Program by providing authority for up to $5.0 billion in repurchases to be made during the three-year period commencing on that date (2022 Program). Under the 2022 Program, the ordinary shares are expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, 3.0 million and 5.3 million ordinary shares, respectively, were repurchased under the 2022 program in the open market at a total cost of $891 million and $1,629 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, no ordinary shares were repurchased.
The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
(In millions)
Currency translation and related hedging instruments
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
Cash flow hedges
Total
Balance at January 1, 2024
$
(3,029)
$
(995)
$
118
$
(3,906)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(23)
(20)
(6)
(49)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)
(11)
35
(15)
9
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)
(34)
15
(21)
(40)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(3,063)
$
(980)
$
97
$
(3,947)
The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
(In millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
Consolidated Statements of Income classification
Gains and (losses) on net investment hedges (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
Currency exchange contracts
$
11
Interest expense - net
Tax expense
—
Total, net of tax
11
Amortization of defined benefits pensions and other postretirement benefits items
Actuarial loss and prior service cost
(41)
1
Tax benefit
7
Total, net of tax
(35)
Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps
10
Interest expense - net
Currency exchange contracts
7
Net sales and Cost of products sold
Commodity contracts
3
Cost of products sold
Tax expense
(4)
Total, net of tax
15
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(9)
1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items.
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Eaton Ordinary Shareholders
A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders is as follows:
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions except for per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
$
1,009
$
891
$
2,823
$
2,273
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
398.9
401.6
400.6
400.9
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation
1.8
2.2
1.9
1.9
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic
397.1
399.4
398.7
399.0
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Diluted
$
2.53
$
2.22
$
7.05
$
5.67
Basic
2.54
2.23
7.08
5.70
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, all stock options were included in the calculation of diluted net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders because they were all dilutive. For the third quarter of 2023, all stock options were included in the calculation of diluted net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders because they were all dilutive. For the first nine months of 2023, 0.1 million stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders because the exercise price of the options exceeded the average market price of the ordinary shares during the period and their effect, accordingly, would have been antidilutive.
Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to satisfy a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a fair value hierarchy is established, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
A summary of financial instruments and contingent consideration recognized at fair value, and the fair value measurements used, is as follows:
(In millions)
Total
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Other observable inputs (Level 2)
Unobservable inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2024
Cash
$
473
$
473
$
—
$
—
Short-term investments
1,521
1,521
—
—
Net derivative contracts
(14)
—
(14)
—
Contingent future payments from acquisition of Green Motion
(6)
—
—
(6)
December 31, 2023
Cash
$
488
$
488
$
—
$
—
Short-term investments
2,121
2,121
—
—
Net derivative contracts
11
—
11
—
Contingent future payments from acquisition of Green Motion
(18)
—
—
(18)
Eaton values its financial instruments using an industry standard market approach, in which prices and other relevant information is generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
On March 22, 2021, Eaton acquired Green Motion SA, a leading designer and manufacturer of electric vehicle charging hardware and related software based in Switzerland. Green Motion SA was acquired for $106 million, including $49 million of cash paid at closing and an initial estimate of $57 million for the fair value of contingent future consideration based on 2023 and 2024 revenue performance. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is estimated by discounting contingent payments expected to be made, and may increase or decrease based on changes in revenue estimates and discount rates, with a maximum possible undiscounted value of $122 million. As of September 30, 2024, the fair value of the contingent future payments has been reduced to $6 million based primarily on lower revenue in 2023 and lower projected 2024 revenue compared to the initial estimates at closing. This reduction is presented in Other income - net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Other Fair Value Measurements
Long-term debt and the current portion of long-term debt had a carrying value of $9,392 million and fair value of $9,173 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $9,261 million and $8,924 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023. The fair value of Eaton's debt instruments was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Note 14. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
In the normal course of business, Eaton is exposed to certain risks related to fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company uses various derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, currency forward exchange contracts, currency swaps and commodity contracts to manage risks from these market fluctuations. The instruments used by Eaton are straightforward, non-leveraged instruments. The counterparties to these instruments are financial institutions with strong credit ratings. Eaton maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. Such instruments are not purchased and sold for trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated as part of a hedging relationship, is effective and the nature of the hedging activity. Eaton formally documents all relationships between derivative financial instruments accounted for as designated hedges and the hedged item, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivative financial instruments to a recognized asset or liability, specific firm commitment, forecasted transaction, or net investment in a foreign operation. These financial instruments can be designated as:
•Hedges of the change in the fair value of a recognized fixed-rate asset or liability, or the firm commitment to acquire such an asset or liability (a fair value hedge); for these hedges, the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in income during the period of change in fair value.
•Hedges of the variable cash flows of a recognized variable-rate asset or liability, or the forecasted acquisition of such an asset or liability (a cash flow hedge); for these hedges, the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss on the hedged item is included in income.
•Hedges of the currency exposure related to a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge); for these hedges, the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income.
The gain or loss from a derivative financial instrument designated as a hedge is classified in the same line of the Consolidated Statements of Income as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. The cash flows resulting from these financial instruments are classified in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
For derivatives that are not designated as a hedge, any gain or loss is immediately recognized in income. The majority of derivatives used in this manner relate to risks resulting from assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and certain commodity contracts that arise in the normal course of business.
Eaton uses currency exchange contracts and certain of its debt denominated in foreign currency to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against foreign currency exposure (net investment hedges). The Company uses the spot rate method to assess hedge effectiveness when currency exchange contracts are used in net investment hedges. Under this method, changes in the spot exchange rate are recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Changes related to the forward rate are excluded from the hedging relationship and the forward points are amortized to Interest expense - net on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. The cash flows resulting from these currency exchange contracts are classified in investing activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The currency exchange contracts shown in the table above as derivatives not designated as hedges are primarily contracts entered into to manage currency volatility or exposure on intercompany receivables, payables and loans. While Eaton does not elect hedge accounting treatment for these derivatives, Eaton targets managing 95% to 100% of the intercompany balance sheet exposure to minimize the effect of currency volatility related to the movement of goods and services in the normal course of its operations. This activity represents the great majority of these currency exchange contracts. The cash flows resulting from the settlement of these derivatives have been classified in investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Foreign currency denominated debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments had a carrying value on an after-tax basis of $3,342 million at September 30, 2024 and $3,140 million at December 31, 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, the volume of outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions:
The following amounts were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps:
(In millions)
Carrying amount of the hedged assets (liabilities)
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount of the hedged asset (liabilities)1
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Long-term debt
$
(647)
$
(713)
$
(38)
$
(42)
1 At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, these amounts include the cumulative liability amount of fair value hedging adjustments remaining for which the hedge accounting has been discontinued of $38 million and $42 million, respectively.
The impact of cash flow and fair value hedging activities to the Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions)
Net Sales
Cost of products sold
Interest expense - net
Amounts from Consolidated Statements of Income
$
6,345
$
3,899
$
29
Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
The impact of derivatives not designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:
Gain (loss) recognized in Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Income classification
Three months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges
Currency exchange contracts
$
(3)
$
14
Interest expense - net
Total
$
(3)
$
14
Gain (loss) recognized in Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Income classification
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges
Currency exchange contracts
$
(11)
$
31
Interest expense - net
Total
$
(11)
$
31
The impact of derivative and non-derivative instruments designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income is as follows:
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Non-derivative designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency denominated debt
(47)
19
Gain (loss) on sale of business
—
—
Total
$
(54)
$
98
$
30
$
65
There was no net gain or loss included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the pre-tax portion of the fair value of currency exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges at September 30, 2024. There was no net gain or loss included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the pre-tax portion of the fair value of the forward points at September 30, 2024.
At September 30, 2024, a gain of $13 million of estimated unrealized net gains or losses associated with our cash flow hedges were expected to be reclassified to income from Accumulated other comprehensive loss within the next twelve months. These reclassifications relate to our designated foreign currency and commodity hedges that will mature in the next twelve months.
In the second quarter of 2020, Eaton initiated a multi-year restructuring program to reduce its cost structure and gain efficiencies in its business segments and at corporate in order to initially respond to declining market conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the inception of the program, the Company incurred expenses of $199 million for workforce reductions and $184 million for plant closing and other costs, resulting in total charges of $382 million through December 31, 2023. This multi-year restructuring program was substantially complete at the end of 2023, with final payments expected to be made in 2024.
During the first quarter of 2024, Eaton implemented a new multi-year restructuring program to accelerate opportunities to optimize its operations and global support structure. These actions will better align the Company's functions to support anticipated growth and drive greater effectiveness throughout the Company. Restructuring charges incurred under this program were $54 million in the third quarter and $132 million in the first nine months of 2024. This restructuring program is expected to be completed in 2026 and is expected to incur additional expenses related to workforce reductions of $198 million and plant closing and other costs of $45 million, resulting in total estimated charges of $375 million for the entire program.
A summary of restructuring program charges is as follows:
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions except for per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Workforce reductions
$
10
$
—
$
78
$
17
Plant closing and other
44
7
55
29
Total before income taxes
54
7
132
46
Income tax benefit
11
1
28
9
Total after income taxes
$
43
$
5
$
104
$
37
Per ordinary share - diluted
$
0.11
$
0.01
$
0.26
$
0.09
Restructuring program charges (income) related to the following segments:
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Electrical Americas
$
—
$
—
$
9
$
4
Electrical Global
42
5
70
22
Aerospace
(1)
1
7
4
Vehicle
4
1
32
4
eMobility
2
—
2
6
Corporate
6
—
13
6
Total
$
54
$
7
$
132
$
46
A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closing, and other associated costs is as follows:
(In millions)
Workforce reductions
Plant closing and other
Total
Balance at January 1, 2024
$
35
$
6
$
41
Liability recognized, net
78
55
132
Payments, utilization and translation
(38)
(53)
(92)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
74
$
7
$
82
These restructuring program charges were included in Cost of products sold, Selling and administrative expense, Research and development expense, or Other income – net, as appropriate. In Business Segment Information, these restructuring program charges are treated as Corporate items. See Note 16 for additional information about business segments.
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Eaton's operating segments are Electrical Americas, Electrical Global, Aerospace, Vehicle, and eMobility. Operating profit includes the operating profit from intersegment sales. For additional information regarding Eaton's business segments, see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the 2023 Form 10-K.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales
Electrical Americas
$
2,963
$
2,594
$
8,530
$
7,426
Electrical Global
1,573
1,503
4,678
4,572
Aerospace
946
867
2,772
2,517
Vehicle
696
753
2,143
2,242
eMobility
167
163
514
471
Total net sales
$
6,345
$
5,880
$
18,638
$
17,229
Segment operating profit (loss)
Electrical Americas
$
892
$
719
$
2,537
$
1,913
Electrical Global
294
328
872
892
Aerospace
230
209
637
580
Vehicle
135
131
381
353
eMobility
(7)
—
(9)
(5)
Total segment operating profit
1,544
1,386
4,417
3,732
Corporate
Intangible asset amortization expense
(106)
(107)
(319)
(344)
Interest expense - net
(29)
(33)
(88)
(124)
Pension and other postretirement benefits income
9
11
29
33
Restructuring program charges
(54)
(7)
(132)
(46)
Other expense - net
(160)
(171)
(508)
(512)
Income before income taxes
1,204
1,079
3,399
2,739
Income tax expense
193
187
573
463
Net income
1,011
892
2,827
2,277
Less net income for noncontrolling interests
(1)
(1)
(4)
(4)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Amounts are in millions of dollars or shares unless indicated otherwise (per share data assume dilution). Columns and rows may not add and the sum of components may not equal total amounts reported due to rounding.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are well positioned to capitalize on the megatrends of electrification, energy transition and digitalization. The reindustrialization of North America and Europe, growth in North American megaprojects, and increased global infrastructure spending focused on clean energy programs are expanding our end markets and positioning Eaton for growth for years to come. We are strengthening our participation across the entire electrical power value chain and benefiting from momentum in the data center and utility end markets as well as a growth cycle in the commercial aerospace and defense markets. We are guided by our commitment to operate sustainably and with the highest ethical standards. Our work is accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and for future generations.
Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries.
Portfolio Changes
The Company continues to actively manage its portfolio of businesses to deliver on its strategic objectives. The Company is focused on deploying its capital toward businesses that provide opportunities for above-market growth, strong returns, and align with secular trends and its power management strategies. During 2023 and 2024, Eaton continued to selectively add businesses to strengthen its portfolio.
Acquisitions of businesses and investments in associate companies
Date of acquisition
Business segment
Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd.
April 23, 2023
Electrical Global
A 49 percent stake in Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of power distribution and sub-transmission transformers in China.
Exertherm
May 20, 2024
Electrical Americas
A U.K. based provider of thermal monitoring solutions for electrical equipment.
NordicEPOD AS
May 31, 2024
Electrical Global
A 49 percent stake in NordicEPOD AS, which designs and assembles standardized power modules for data centers in the Nordic region.
Additional information related to acquisitions of businesses is presented in Note 2.
The following discussion of Consolidated Financial Results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures include adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per ordinary share, each of which differs from the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A reconciliation of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per ordinary share to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is included in the Consolidated Financial Results table below. Management believes that these financial measures are useful to investors because they provide additional meaningful financial information that should be considered when assessing our business performance and trends, and they allow investors to more easily compare Eaton’s financial performance period to period. Management uses this information in monitoring and evaluating the on-going performance of Eaton.
Acquisition and Divestiture Charges
Eaton incurs integration charges and transaction costs to acquire and integrate businesses, and transaction, separation and other costs to divest and exit businesses. Eaton also recognizes gains and losses on the sale of businesses. A summary of these Corporate items is as follows:
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions except for per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Acquisition integration, divestiture charges and transaction costs (income)
$
(4)
$
18
$
23
$
69
Income tax benefit
—
4
7
14
Total charges (income) after income taxes
$
(4)
$
14
$
17
$
54
Per ordinary share - diluted
$
(0.01)
$
0.03
$
0.04
$
0.14
Acquisition integration, divestiture charges and transaction costs (income) in 2024 and 2023 are primarily related to acquisitions completed prior to 2023, including other charges and income to acquire and exit businesses. 2024 also included the reduction in fair value of contingent future consideration from the Green Motion SA acquisition. These charges were included in Cost of products sold, Selling and administrative expense, Research and development expense, or Other income - net. In Business Segment Information in Note 16, the charges were included in Other expense - net.
Restructuring Programs
In the second quarter of 2020, Eaton initiated a multi-year restructuring program to reduce its cost structure and gain efficiencies in its business segments and at corporate in order to initially respond to declining market conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the inception of the program, the Company incurred expenses of $199 million for workforce reductions and $184 million for plant closing and other costs, resulting in total charges of $382 million through December 31, 2023. This restructuring program was substantially complete at the end of 2023 and mature year benefits from the program are estimated to be $265 million and will be largely realized by the end of 2024.
During the first quarter of 2024, Eaton implemented a new multi-year restructuring program to accelerate opportunities to optimize its operations and global support structure. These actions will better align the Company's functions to support anticipated growth and drive greater effectiveness throughout the Company. Restructuring charges incurred under this program were $54 million in the third quarter and $132 million in the first nine months of 2024. This restructuring program is expected to be completed in 2026 and is expected to incur additional expenses related to workforce reductions of $198 million and plant closing and other costs of $45 million, resulting in total estimated charges of $375 million for the entire program. The Company expects mature year benefits of $325 million when the multi-year program is fully implemented.
Additional information related to these restructuring programs is presented in Note 15.
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted
$
2.53
$
2.22
14
%
$
7.05
$
5.67
24
%
Excluding per share impact of acquisition and divestiture charges (income), after-tax
(0.01)
0.03
0.04
0.14
Excluding per share impact of restructuring program charges, after-tax
0.11
0.01
0.26
0.09
Excluding per share impact of intangible asset amortization expense, after-tax
0.21
0.21
0.62
0.67
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share
$
2.84
$
2.47
15
%
$
7.97
$
6.57
21
%
Net Sales
Changes in Net sales are summarized as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30 2024
Organic growth
8
%
8
%
Foreign currency
—
%
—
%
Total increase in Net sales
8
%
8
%
Organic sales increased 8% in the third quarter of 2024 due to strength in commercial & institutional end-markets in the Electrical Americas business segment, strength in data center and utility end-markets in the Electrical Americas and Electrical Global business segments, and strength in commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and military aftermarket in the Aerospace business segment, partially offset by weakness in industrial end-markets in the Electrical Americas business segment, weakness in the residential end-markets in the Electrical Americas and Electrical Global business segments, and weakness in the North American region in the Vehicle business segment.
Additionally, during the third quarter of 2024, certain facilities in the Electrical Americas business segment were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and the Aerospace business segment was impacted by industry related labor strikes. These events had a negative impact on Net sales in the third quarter of 2024 of $46 million. We expect Hurricane Helene and the labor strikes could continue to have an impact on Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Organic sales increased 8% in the first nine months of 2024 due to strength in commercial & institutional end-markets in the Electrical Americas business segment, strength in utility end-markets in the Electrical Global business segment, strength in data center end-markets in the Electrical Americas and Electrical Global business segments, strength in commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and military OEM in the Aerospace business segment, and strength in the European region in the eMobility business segment, partially offset by weakness in residential end-markets in the Electrical Americas and Electrical Global business segments and weakness in the North American region in the Vehicle business segment.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin increased from 37.3% in the third quarter of 2023 to 38.6% in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 270 basis point increase from higher sales and a 160 basis point increase from operating efficiencies, partially offset by a 120 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation and a 110 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives.
Gross profit margin increased from 36.0% in the first nine months of 2023 to 38.0% in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 290 basis point increase from higher sales and a 140 basis point increase from operating efficiencies, partially offset by a 100 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation and an 80 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was expense of 16.1% compared to expense of 17.3% for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2024 was due to the reduction of a valuation allowance on a foreign tax attribute, partially offset by greater levels of income in higher tax jurisdictions. The effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 2024 was expense of 16.8% compared to expense of 16.9% for the first nine months of 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2024 was due to a larger impact from the excess tax benefits recognized for employee share-based payments and the reduction of valuation allowances on foreign tax attributes, partially offset by greater levels of income in higher tax jurisdictions.
Net Income
Changes in Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders and Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted are summarized as follows:
The following is a discussion of Net sales, operating profit (loss) and operating margin by business segment. Additionally, the Company uses the following metrics as indicators of customer demand and future revenue expectations in the Electrical Americas, Electrical Global, and Aerospace business segments. The Company believes these metrics are useful to investors for the same reasons.
•Backlog: Includes orders to which customers are firmly committed
•Organic change in backlog: Percentage change in backlog, excluding the impact of foreign currency, acquisitions and divestitures
•Organic change in customer orders: Percentage change in firm customer orders on a trailing twelve month basis, excluding the impact of foreign currency, acquisitions and divestitures
•Book-to-bill: Average of the ratio of firm customer orders to Net sales for the last four quarters
Electrical Americas
Three months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
Nine months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales
$
2,963
$
2,594
14
%
$
8,530
$
7,426
15
%
Operating profit
$
892
$
719
24
%
$
2,537
$
1,913
33
%
Operating margin
30.1
%
27.7
%
29.7
%
25.8
%
Changes in Net sales:
Organic growth
14
%
15
%
Foreign currency
—
%
—
%
Total increase in Net sales
14
%
15
%
Performance metrics:
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Backlog
$
9,970
$
7,927
26
%
Organic change in backlog
26
%
Organic change in customer orders
16
%
Book-to-bill
1.2
The increase in organic sales in the third quarter of 2024 was due to strength in data center, commercial & institutional, and utility end-markets, partially offset by weakness in industrial and residential end-markets. The increase in organic sales in the first nine months of 2024 was due to strength in data center and commercial & institutional end-markets, partially offset by weakness in residential end-markets.
The operating margin increased from 27.7% in the third quarter of 2023 to 30.1% in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 540 basis point increase from higher sales and a 120 basis point increase from operating efficiencies, partially offset by a 280 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives and a 150 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation. The operating margin increased from 25.8% in the first nine months of 2023 to 29.7% in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 610 basis point increase from higher sales and a 180 basis point increase from operating efficiencies, partially offset by a 220 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives and a 140 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation.
The increase in organic sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 was due to strength in data center and utility end-markets, partially offset by weakness in residential end-markets. Additionally, the increase in organic sales in the third quarter of 2024 was due to strength in the European and Asia Pacific regions, partially offset by weakness in the Global Energy Infrastructure Solutions (GEIS) business, and the increase in organic sales in the first nine months of 2024 was due to strength in the Asia Pacific region.
The operating margin decreased from 21.8% in the third quarter of 2023 to 18.7% in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this decrease were a 270 basis point decline from the sale of a non-production facility in the third quarter of 2023, a 230 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation, and a 70 basis point decline from unfavorable product mix, partially offset by a 170 basis point increase from operating efficiencies and an 80 basis point increase from higher sales. The operating margin decreased from 19.5% in the first nine months of 2023 to 18.6% in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this decrease were a 140 basis point decline from higher wage inflation, a 90 basis point decline from the sale of a non-production facility in the third quarter of 2023, and a 50 basis point decline from unfavorable product mix, partially offset by a 170 basis point increase from operating efficiencies and a 90 basis point increase from higher sales.
The increase in organic sales in the third quarter of 2024 was due to strength in commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and military aftermarket. The increase in organic sales in the first nine months of 2024 was due to strength in commercial OEM, commercial aftermarket, and military OEM.
The operating margin increased from 24.1% in the third quarter of 2023 to 24.4% in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 450 basis point increase from higher sales and a 220 basis point increase from operating efficiencies, partially offset by a 410 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives and a 260 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation. The operating margin was flat at 23.0% in both the first nine months of 2024 and 2023. Material factors affecting the operating margin were a 450 basis point increase from higher sales and a 90 basis point increase from the sale of a production facility in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by a 260 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation and a 240 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives.
Vehicle
Three months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
Nine months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales
$
696
$
753
(7)
%
$
2,143
$
2,242
(4)
%
Operating profit
$
135
$
131
3
%
$
381
$
353
8
%
Operating margin
19.4
%
17.4
%
17.8
%
15.7
%
Changes in Net sales:
Organic growth
(6)
%
(4)
%
Foreign currency
(1)
%
—
%
Total decrease in Net sales
(7)
%
(4)
%
The decrease in organic sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 was due to weakness in the North American and European regions, partially offset by strength in the South American region.
The operating margin increased from 17.4% in the third quarter of 2023 to 19.4% in the third quarter of 2024. The material factor affecting this increase was a 170 basis point increase from operating efficiencies. The operating margin increased from 15.7% in the first nine months of 2023 to 17.8% in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were a 240 basis point increase from operating efficiencies and an 80 basis point increase from the sale of a non-production facility in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by an 80 basis point decrease from lower income from investments in associate companies.
Despite OEM delays in electric vehicle rollouts due to weaker than expected customer demand, organic sales increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 due to strength in the European region, partially offset by weakness in the North American region.
The operating margin decreased from 0.0% in the third quarter of 2023 to negative 4.4% in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this decrease were a 400 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives and a 380 basis point decline from unfavorable product mix, partially offset by a 330 basis point increase from operating efficiencies. The operating margin decreased from negative 1.1% in the first nine months of 2023 to negative 1.8% in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this decrease were a 510 basis point decline from unfavorable product mix, a 230 basis point decline from higher costs to support growth initiatives, and a 180 basis point decline from higher commodity and wage inflation, partially offset by a 460 basis point increase from higher sales, a 280 basis point increase from the sale of a non-production facility in the second quarter of 2024, and a 140 basis point increase from operating efficiencies.
Corporate Expense
Three months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
Nine months ended September 30
Increase (decrease)
(In millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Intangible asset amortization expense
$
106
$
107
(1)
%
$
319
$
344
(7)
%
Interest expense - net
29
33
(12)
%
88
124
(29)
%
Pension and other postretirement benefits income
(9)
(11)
(18)
%
(29)
(33)
(12)
%
Restructuring program charges
54
7
671
%
132
46
187
%
Other expense - net
160
171
(6)
%
508
512
(1)
%
Total corporate expense
$
340
$
307
11
%
$
1,018
$
993
3
%
Total corporate expense increased from $307 million in the third quarter of 2023 to $340 million in the third quarter of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were higher Restructuring program charges, partially offset by lower Other expense - net. The decrease in Other expense - net is due to lower acquisition and divestiture costs. Total corporate expense increased from $993 million in the first nine months of 2023 to $1,018 million in the first nine months of 2024. Material factors affecting this increase were higher Restructuring program charges, partially offset by lower Interest expense - net and Intangible asset amortization expense.
LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Financial Condition
Eaton’s objective is to finance its business through operating cash flow and an appropriate mix of equity and long-term and short-term debt. By diversifying its debt maturity structure, Eaton reduces liquidity risk.
On September 30, 2024, the Company replaced its existing $500 million 364-day revolving credit facility with a new $500 million 364-day revolving credit facility that will expire on September 29, 2025. The Company also has a $2,500 million five-year revolving credit facility that will expire on October 1, 2027. The revolving credit facilities totaling $3,000 million are used to support commercial paper borrowings and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis. There were no borrowings outstanding under Eaton’s revolving credit facilities at September 30, 2024. The Company maintains access to the commercial paper markets through its $3,000 million commercial paper program, of which none was outstanding on September 30, 2024.
On May 21, 2024, a subsidiary of Eaton issued Euro denominated notes (2024 Euro Notes) with a face value of €1,000 million ($1,084 million), in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2024 Euro Notes are comprised of 2 tranches of €500 million each, which mature in 2031 and 2036, with interest payable annually at a respective rate of 3.601% and 3.802%. The issuer received proceeds totaling €995 million ($1,079 million) from the issuance, net of financing costs. The 2024 Euro Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The 2024 Euro Notes contain customary optional redemption and par call provisions. The 2024 Euro Notes also contain a change of control provision which requires the Company to make an offer to purchase all or any part of the 2024 Euro Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The capitalized deferred financing fees are amortized in Interest expense - net over the respective terms of the 2024 Euro Notes. The 2024 Euro Notes are subject to customary non-financial covenants.
Over the course of a year, cash, short-term investments, and short-term debt may fluctuate in order to manage global liquidity. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Eaton had cash of $473 million and $488 million, short-term investments of $1,521 million and $2,121 million, and short-term debt of $3 million and $8 million, respectively. Eaton believes it has the operating flexibility, cash flow, cash and short-term investment balances, availability under existing revolving credit facilities, and access to capital markets in excess of the liquidity necessary to meet future operating needs of the business, fund capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses, as well as scheduled payments of long-term debt.
Eaton was in compliance with each of its debt covenants for all periods presented.
Cash Flows
A summary of cash flows is as follows:
Nine months ended September 30
Change
from 2023
(In millions)
2024
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
2,730
$
2,326
$
404
Net cash used in investing activities
—
(1,782)
1,782
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,692)
(507)
(2,185)
Effect of currency on cash
(52)
18
(70)
Total increase (decrease) in cash
$
(14)
$
54
Operating Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $404 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Material factors affecting this increase were higher net income of $550 million, partially offset by higher working capital balances of $221 million.
Investing Cash Flow
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $1,782 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Material factors affecting this decrease were an increase in sales of short-term investments of $595 million in 2024 compared to purchases of short-term investments of $1,304 million in 2023, partially offset by an increase in payments for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges of $14 million in 2024 compared to proceeds from settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges of $61 million in 2023, and an increase in cash paid for acquisition of a business to $50 million in 2024 compared to no cash paid in 2023.
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $2,185 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023. Material factors affecting this increase were an increase in repurchase of shares to $1,615 million in 2024 compared to no repurchase of shares in 2023, and an increase in payments on borrowings to $1,011 million in 2024 from $11 million in 2023, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from borrowings to $1,084 million in 2024 from $818 million in 2023 and a decrease in net payments of short-term debt to $6 million in 2024 from $295 million in 2023.
Uses of Cash
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $553 million and $514 million in the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company plans to increase capital expenditures over the next five years to expand production capacity across various markets to support anticipated growth. As a result, Eaton expects approximately $800 million in capital expenditures in 2024.
Dividends
Cash dividend payments were $1,130 million and $1,035 million in the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Payment of quarterly dividends in the future depends upon the Company’s ability to generate net income and operating cash flows, among other factors, and is subject to declaration by the Eaton Board of Directors. The Company intends to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2024.
Share Repurchases
On February 27, 2019, the Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program for share repurchases up to $5.0 billion of ordinary shares (2019 Program). On February 23, 2022, the Board renewed the 2019 Program by providing authority for up to $5.0 billion in repurchases to be made during the three-year period commencing on that date (2022 Program). Under the 2022 Program, the ordinary shares are expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, 3.0 million and 5.3 million ordinary shares, respectively, were repurchased under the 2022 program in the open market at a total cost of $891 million and $1,629 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, no ordinary shares were repurchased. The Company will continue to pursue share repurchases in 2024 depending on market conditions and capital levels.
Acquisition of Businesses
The Company paid cash of $50 million to acquire a business in the first nine months of 2024. There were no business acquisitions in the first nine months of 2023. The Company paid cash of $68 million for investments in associate companies in the first nine months of 2024 and 2023. The Company will continue to focus on deploying its capital toward businesses that provide opportunities for higher growth and strong returns, and align with secular trends and its power management strategies.
Debt
The Company manages a number of short-term and long-term debt instruments, including commercial paper. At September 30, 2024, the Company had Short-term debt of $3 million, Current portion of long-term debt of $714 million, and Long-term debt of $8,678 million. The Company believes it has the operating flexibility, cash flow, and access to capital markets to meet scheduled payments of long-term debt.
Supply Chain Finance Program
A third-party financial institution offers a voluntary supply chain finance (SCF) program that enables certain of the Company’s suppliers, at the supplier’s sole discretion, to sell receivables due from the Company to the financial institution on terms directly negotiated with the financial institution. The SCF program does not have a significant impact on the Company’s liquidity as payments by the Company to participating suppliers are paid to the financial institution on the invoice due date, regardless of whether an individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the financial institution. For additional information on the SCF program, see Note 7.
Eaton Corporation has issued senior notes pursuant to indentures dated April 1, 1994 (the 1994 Indenture), November 20, 2012 (the 2012 Indenture), September 15, 2017 (the 2017 Indenture) and August 23, 2022 (as supplemented by the First and Second Supplemental Indentures of the same date and the Third Supplemental Indenture dated May 18, 2023, the 2022 Indenture). The senior notes of Eaton Corporation are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Registered Senior Notes). Eaton Capital Unlimited Company, a subsidiary of Eaton, is the issuer of five outstanding series of debt securities sold in offshore transactions under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act (the Eurobonds). The Eurobonds and the Registered Senior Notes (together, the Senior Notes) comprise substantially all of Eaton’s long-term indebtedness.
Substantially all of the Senior Notes (with limited exceptions), together with the credit facilities described above under Liquidity and Financial Condition (the Credit Facilities), are guaranteed by Eaton and 17 of its subsidiaries. Accordingly, they rank equally with each other. However, because these obligations are not secured, they would be effectively subordinated to any existing or future secured indebtedness of Eaton and its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2024, Eaton has no material, long-term secured debt. The guaranteed Registered Senior Notes are also structurally subordinated to the liabilities of Eaton's subsidiaries that are not guarantors. Except as described below under Future Guarantors, Eaton is not obligated to cause its subsidiaries to guarantee the Registered Senior Notes.
The table set forth in Exhibit 22 filed with the Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2023 (10-K Exhibit 22) details the primary obligors and guarantors with respect to the guaranteed Registered Senior Notes.
Terms of Guarantees of Registered Securities
Payment of principal and interest on the Registered Senior Notes is guaranteed, on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis by the subsidiaries of Eaton set forth in the table referenced in the 10-K Exhibit 22. Each guarantee is full and unconditional, and joint and several. Each guarantor’s guarantee is an unsecured obligation that ranks equally with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The obligations of each guarantor under its guarantee of the Registered Senior Notes are subject to a customary savings clause or similar provision designed to prevent such guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or otherwise legally impermissible or voidable obligation.
Though the terms of the indentures vary slightly, generally, each guarantee of the Registered Senior Notes by a guarantor that is a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation provides that it will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to:
(a)the consummation of certain types of transactions permitted under the applicable indenture, including one that results in such guarantor ceasing to be a subsidiary; and
(b)for Registered Senior Notes issued under the 2022 Indenture, when such guarantor is a guarantor or issuer of indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of less than 25% of our total outstanding indebtedness.
Further, each guarantee by a direct or indirect parent of Eaton Corporation (other than Eaton) provides that it will also be released if:
(c)such guarantee (so long as the guarantor is not obligated under any other U.S. debt obligations), becomes prohibited by any applicable law, rule or regulation or by any contractual obligation; or
(d)such guarantee results in material adverse tax consequences to Eaton or any of its subsidiaries (so long as the applicable guarantor is not obligated under any other U.S. debt obligation).
The guarantee of Eaton does not contain any release provisions.
Future Guarantors
The 2012 and 2017 Indentures generally provide that, with certain limited exceptions, any subsidiary of Eaton must become a guarantor if it becomes obligated as borrower or guarantor under any series of debt securities or a syndicated credit facility. Further, the 2012 and 2017 Indentures provide that any entity that becomes a direct or indirect parent entity of Eaton Corporation and holds any material assets, with certain limited exceptions, or owes any material liabilities must become a guarantor. The 2022 Indenture provides only that, with certain limited exceptions, any subsidiary of Eaton must become a guarantor if it becomes obligated as borrower or guarantor under indebtedness with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of 25% of the Parent and its Subsidiaries’ then-outstanding indebtedness.
The 1994 Indenture does not contain provisions with respect to future guarantors.
Summarized Financial Information of Guarantors and Issuers
(In millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current assets
$
4,726
$
5,006
Noncurrent assets
13,089
13,004
Current liabilities
3,768
3,927
Noncurrent liabilities
10,528
10,012
Amounts due to subsidiaries that are non-issuers and non-guarantors - net
9,356
8,178
(In millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
Net sales
$
10,963
Sales to subsidiaries that are non-issuers and non-guarantors
845
Cost of products sold
7,951
Expense from subsidiaries that are non-issuers and non-guarantors - net
557
Net income
740
The financial information presented is that of Eaton Corporation and the Guarantors, which includes Eaton Corporation plc, on a combined basis and the financial information of non-issuer and non-guarantor subsidiaries has been excluded. Intercompany balances and transactions between Eaton Corporation and Guarantors have been eliminated, and amounts due from, amounts due to, and transactions with non-issuer and non-guarantor subsidiaries have been presented separately.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q Report contains forward-looking statements concerning litigation, expected capital deployment, expected capital expenditures, future dividend payments, anticipated share repurchases, future impact from Hurricane Helene and labor strikes, and expected restructuring program charges and benefits. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to Eaton, based on current beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These statements should be used with caution and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Eaton’s control. The following factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: global pandemics such as COVID-19; unanticipated changes in the markets for the Company’s business segments; unanticipated downturns in business relationships with customers or their purchases from us; the availability of credit to customers and suppliers; supply chain disruptions, competitive pressures on sales and pricing; unanticipated changes in the cost of material, labor and other production costs, or unexpected costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing; the introduction of competing technologies; unexpected technical or marketing difficulties; unexpected claims, charges, litigation or dispute resolutions; strikes or other labor unrest at Eaton or at our customers or suppliers; the impact of acquisitions and divestitures; unanticipated difficulties integrating acquisitions; new laws and governmental regulations; interest rate changes; tax rate changes or exposure to additional income tax liability; stock market and currency fluctuations; war, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, civil or political unrest or terrorism; and unanticipated deterioration of economic and financial conditions in the United States and around the world. Eaton does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
There have been no material changes in exposures to market risk since December 31, 2023.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-15, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of Eaton’s management, including Craig Arnold - Principal Executive Officer; and Olivier Leonetti - Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that Eaton’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Eaton’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Eaton’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including Eaton’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During the third quarter of 2024, there was no change in Eaton’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. Management is currently evaluating the impact of businesses acquired in the past twelve months on Eaton's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Information regarding the Company's current legal proceedings is presented in Note 10 of the Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.
“Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Eaton's 2023 Form 10-K includes a discussion of the Company's risk factors. There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in the 2023 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
(c) Issuer's Purchases of Equity Securities
During the third quarter of 2024, 3.0 million ordinary shares were repurchased in the open market at a total cost of $891 million. These shares were repurchased under the program approved by the Board on February 23, 2022 (the 2022 Program). A summary of the shares repurchased in the third quarter of 2024 is as follows:
Month
Total number of shares purchased
Average price paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions)
July
26,598
$
287.58
26,598
$
3,969
August
1,661,893
$
294.48
1,661,893
$
3,480
September
1,294,256
$
304.47
1,294,256
$
3,086
Total
2,982,747
$
298.75
2,982,747
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted, amended or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(4), Eaton agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its long-term debt other than those set forth in Exhibits (4.2 - 4.10) hereto
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. *
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EATON CORPORATION plc
Registrant
Date:
October 31, 2024
By:
/s/ Olivier Leonetti
Olivier Leonetti
Principal Financial Officer
(On behalf of the registrant and as Principal Financial Officer)