Otis Worldwide (US:OTIS)2025-04-23 16:01Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Otis Worldwide Corporation reported net sales of $3.3 billion with organic sales flat year over year [24] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 3% excluding a $16 million foreign exchange headwind, with adjusted operating profit margin expanding by 40 basis points to 16.7% [24][11] - Adjusted EPS grew by 5% or $0.04 in the quarter, driven by solid operational performance and a lower share count [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Service organic sales grew by 4%, with maintenance and repair services increasing by 3% and modernization orders rising by 12% [10][26] - New equipment organic sales declined by 7%, with EMEA sales growing mid-single digits and APAC growing approximately 10% [29][30] - Service operating profit increased to $537 million, with operating profit margins expanding to 24.6% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas saw strong orders performance, growing mid-teens, while Asia Pacific orders grew greater than 20%, primarily driven by India and Southeast Asia [15][16] - New equipment orders in China declined greater than 20%, aligning with expectations, while EMEA experienced mid-single digit declines [15][16] - The total backlog, including maintenance and repair, remains at historically high levels, positioning the company well for future quarters [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on service-driven business models and modernization opportunities, with a projected multiyear growth cycle in modernizations due to an aging installed base [17][19] - Otis is implementing transformation initiatives, including Uplift and a China transformation program, to drive process efficiencies and capture service and modernization opportunities [50][52] - The company anticipates adjusted free cash flow of approximately $1.6 billion, primarily returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects the global new equipment market to stabilize later in 2025, with a projected decline in new equipment units of mid-single digits for the year [35][36] - The service business, representing approximately 90% of segment operating income, is largely insulated from tariff impacts, with expectations for continued growth [39][40] - Management remains optimistic about the service flywheel model and anticipates stronger growth in the second half of the year due to backlog execution and cost savings realization [57][60] Other Important Information - The company announced an 8% increase in its dividend, bringing cumulative dividend increases since the spin-off to approximately 110% [12][44] - Otis was recognized by Fortune as one of the world's most admired companies and named to the Wall Street Journal's best-managed companies list [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide clarity on the gross headwind from tariffs? - Management indicated that the annualized impact of China tariffs is around $90 million, with mitigation efforts expected to offset half of this amount [66][68] Question: Are you seeing any impact at the local level in China regarding US companies? - Management stated that there is no overt targeting of Otis Worldwide Corporation in China, and they continue to develop relationships at all levels of government [78] Question: What is the pricing strategy in response to tariffs? - Management confirmed that they have increased prices across new equipment and maintenance services, with a focus on passing inflation costs to customers [80] Question: What is the outlook for new equipment orders in China? - Management expects the China market to be down 15% in the second quarter, with a gradual improvement anticipated in the second half of the year [84] Question: Can you elaborate on the project delays in the Americas? - Management noted that project delays are primarily due to uncertainty around global trade policies, but they remain optimistic about backlog execution and future orders [122][126]