WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) is a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions. The company operates through three strategic business units: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility & Broadband Solutions (UBS).
Financials
In the first quarter of 2024, WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) reported net sales of $5.35 billion, a 3.1% decrease compared to the prior year period. The decline was primarily driven by an estimated 4% decrease in volume, partially offset by a 1% increase in pricing and a 0.1% favorable impact from foreign exchange rates. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $340.4 million, a 19.1% year-over-year decrease, with adjusted EBITDA margin declining to 6.4% from 7.6% in the prior year period.
Net income for the quarter was $116.1 million, with earnings per diluted share of $1.95. On an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring costs, digital transformation costs, excise taxes on excess pension plan assets, and pension settlement cost, net income was $119.2 million and earnings per diluted share was $2.30.
Outlook
For the full year 2024, WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) is reaffirming its outlook for organic sales growth of -2% to +1% and adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.5% to 7.9%. The company has increased its free cash flow guidance to $800 million to $1 billion, up from the previous range of $600 million to $800 million. This represents more than 100% of adjusted net income at the midpoint and provides WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) with additional flexibility for share repurchases, debt reduction, and potential M&A.
Segment Performance
WESCO International, Inc.'s (NYSE:WCC) Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES) segment reported a 1.7% year-over-year decline in net sales in the first quarter, with a 1.8% organic decline. Adjusted EBITDA margin for EES was 7.9%, down from 8.6% in the prior year period, primarily due to lower supplier volume rebates.
The Communications & Security Solutions (CSS) segment saw a 3.6% year-over-year decline in net sales, with a 3.7% organic decline. Adjusted EBITDA margin for CSS was 7.6%, down from 9.0% in the prior year period, driven by lower sales volume and an unfavorable inventory adjustment.
The Utility & Broadband Solutions (UBS) segment reported a 4.5% year-over-year decline in net sales, with a 4.6% organic decline. Adjusted EBITDA margin for UBS was 10.7%, down from 11.3% in the prior year period, due to lower supplier volume rebates and a mix impact.
Liquidity
WESCO International, Inc.'s (NYSE:WCC) strong free cash flow generation has been a hallmark of the company's performance. In the first quarter of 2024, the company generated $731 million in free cash flow, driven by improvements in working capital. On a trailing 12-month basis, WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) generated more than $1.4 billion in free cash flow, representing over 100% of adjusted net income.
The company's financial position remains strong, with a financial leverage ratio of 2.6x as of March 31, 2024, down from 2.8x at the end of 2023. WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) utilized a portion of its free cash flow to repurchase $50 million of common stock in the first quarter and plans to use the $300 million in after-tax proceeds from the divestiture of its Wesco Integrated Supply (WIS) business to repurchase additional shares in the second quarter.
Recent Developments
WESCO International, Inc.'s (NYSE:WCC) long-term growth prospects remain promising, driven by several key secular trends, including electrification, grid modernization, data center expansion, and the increasing adoption of automation and connected devices. The company's unique portfolio of products and services, as well as its global footprint and scale, position it well to capitalize on these opportunities.
Conclusion
Despite the near-term margin pressures, WESCO International, Inc.'s (NYSE:WCC) valuation remains attractive, trading at a forward P/E of 10.6x as of May 2024, compared to its peer average of 20x and the current industry average of 24.5x. The company's strong free cash flow generation, balanced capital allocation strategy, and exposure to favorable long-term trends make WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) an intriguing investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the industrial distribution space.