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A.O. Smith's quarterly margins hit by greater steel rates

Water heater maker A. O. Smith reported quarterly incomes that showed it was taking a hit from greater steel prices and a slow healing in home sales in the United States, its most significant market.

The company's shares were down 6% in early trading.

A. O. Smith now anticipates its 2024 adjusted revenue to be between $3.95 and $4.10 per share, compared with its earlier forecast of $3.90 to $4.15.

The company in the 2nd quarter had actually been struck by a slow recovery in the domestic housing market in the United States and high rates of steel, which is its main raw material.

Quarterly profits from the The United States and Canada segment, which accounted for 75% of 2023 sales, dropped partially. The sector's margins was up to 25.1% from 27.6%.

The year-over-year reductions in segment earnings and segment margin remained in line with expectations and were mostly a. result of higher material costs, mainly steel, and higher. selling expenses, A. O. Smith stated.

A drawn-out downturn in the Chinese realty sector. affected its sales in the worldwide sector.

The company reported adjusted revenues of $1.06 per share in. the second quarter, in line with experts' price quotes, according. to LSEG data.

Sales of $1.02 billion beat price quotes of $997.8 million.

(source: Reuters)