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)