Can a Water Company Grow at Tech Rates? XylemXylem's Growth in Q2: Resilient Demand Amid Asset Challenges
Xylem Inc. raised its annual profit forecast on Tuesday after posting higher-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by robust demand for its water and wastewater treatment products. The company now anticipates an adjusted profit for 2024 between $4.18 and $4.28 per share, up from its previous forecast of $4.10 to $4.25 per share. CEO Matthew Pine highlighted resilient demand in Xylem’s largest markets as a key factor in this optimistic outlook.
Furthermore, Xylem revised its annual revenue outlook upwards to $8.55 billion from about $8.50 billion. Quarterly revenue surged nearly 26% to $2.17 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates of $2.15 billion. Notably, sales from its water infrastructure unit reached $690 million, beating expectations of $655.28 million. This segment, which focuses on the transportation, treatment, and testing of water, includes a diverse range of products such as water and wastewater pumps.
On an adjusted basis, Xylem reported a profit of $1.09 per share for the quarter ending June 30, exceeding forecasts of $1.05 per share. However, a review of the 8K revealed some asset challenges. Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $815 million from $1,019 million in the prior quarter. Receivables remained relatively unchanged at $1,675 million, compared to $1,617 million previously. Inventories saw a slight increase, rising to $1,057 million from $1,018 million.
While Xylem’s revenue and profit forecasts are encouraging, the decrease in cash reserves and "stable" receivables suggest a need for careful asset management moving forward. This raises the question: Can a water company sustain growth at tech rates? With strategic acquisitions and strong market demand, Xylem shows potential, but effective management of its assets will be crucial to maintain its impressive trajectory in the water technology industry.
