Company Overview - Otis Worldwide Corporation is the largest player in the escalator and elevator industry, which operates in an oligopolistic market structure [1] - Approximately 50% of the company's revenues are derived from its core business activities [1] Investment Strategy - The company is positioned as a growth portfolio, appealing to long-term growth and dividend-growth investors [1] - The focus is on identifying undervalued stocks and high-quality dividend growers that provide reliable cash flow for reinvestment [1] Financial Performance - Sustained profitability is emphasized as a key driver of returns, characterized by strong margins, stable and expanding free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital [1]

Core Viewpoint - Otis Worldwide reported mixed results for Q4 2024, with adjusted earnings missing estimates while net sales exceeded expectations, marking the second consecutive earnings miss after a strong performance in prior quarters [2][5]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 93 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 95 cents by 2.1%, but increased 6.9% year-over-year from 87 cents [5]. - Net sales reached $3.68 billion, slightly above the consensus mark of $3.65 billion, reflecting a 1.5% year-over-year growth, with organic sales increasing by 1.9% [5]. - Adjusted operating margin expanded by 30 basis points to 15.9%, driven by favorable performance in the Service segment [6]. Segment Analysis - **New Equipment Segment**: - Net sales were $1.36 billion, down 7.4% year-over-year, with organic sales declining 6.8% [7]. - Orders decreased by 4% at constant currency, with significant declines in China and EMEA [8]. - Operating margin contracted by 140 basis points to 4.7% due to lower volume and unfavorable mix [9]. - **Service Segment**: - Net sales increased by 7.6% year-over-year to $2.32 billion, supported by a 7.8% rise in organic sales [10]. - Operating margin improved by 50 basis points to 24.5%, aided by higher volume and favorable pricing [11]. Annual Highlights - For 2024, Otis Worldwide reported annual revenues of $14.26 billion, a 0.4% increase from $14.21 billion in 2023, with adjusted EPS rising to $3.83 from $3.54 [12]. - Adjusted operating margin for the year expanded by 50 basis points to 16.5% [12]. Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $2.3 billion, up from $1.27 billion at the end of 2023, while long-term debt increased to $6.97 billion [13]. - Net cash flows from operating activities were $1.56 billion, down from $1.63 billion a year ago, with adjusted free cash flow totaling $1.57 billion [13]. 2025 Outlook - Otis expects net sales between $14.1 billion and $14.4 billion, with organic sales growth projected between 2% and 4% [14]. - Adjusted EPS is anticipated to be between $4 and $4.10, indicating a year-over-year growth of 4-7% [15]. Estimate Trends - There has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 5.23% [16]. VGM Scores - Otis Worldwide has a Growth Score of A but lags in Momentum with an F, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of C [17].