Arrow Electronics Reports Fourth-Quarter and Year-End 2020 Results

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Arrow Electronics, Inc. has reported fourth-quarter 2020 sales of $8.45 billion, an increase of 15 percent from sales of $7.34 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019. Fourth-quarter 2020 non-GAAP1 sales increased 13 percent from 2019. Fourth-quarter 2020 net income was $236 million, or $3.08 per share on a diluted basis, compared with net income of $112 million, or $1.36 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net income1 was $243 million, or $3.17 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with net income of $181 million, or $2.20 per share on a diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2020, changes in foreign currencies had positive impacts on growth of approximately $161 million on sales and $.11 on earnings per share on a diluted basis compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

“Arrow’s talented team works hard every day to help customers and suppliers overcome design, engineering, and supply chain challenges – and this commitment was more evident than ever in 2020. Despite the uncertain environment, Arrow drove exceptional financial performance and built on our reputation as a trusted partner for customers and suppliers, with innovative products and solutions,” said Michael J. Long, chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “It was a remarkable accomplishment to end the year with record fourth-quarter sales, net income, and earnings per share.”

Global components fourth-quarter sales of $5.92 billion increased 25 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales increased 23 percent year over year. Asia-Pacific components sales increased 54 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales in the region increased 53 percent year over year. Europe components sales increased 15 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales in the region increased 7 percent year over year. Americas components sales decreased 1 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales in the region remained flat year over year. Global components fourth-quarter operating income was $230 million. Fourth-quarter non-GAAP operating income was $236 million.

“We have long discussed the potential to pioneer value-added distribution in Asia, and our belief that Arrow is well-positioned to increase the scale of our Asia components business leading to higher profit levels. We also saw a compelling opportunity for global components to accelerate profit growth and expansion as soon as demand from end-customers stabilizes and improves,” continued Mr. Long. “Our focused execution delivered on both accounts, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Global enterprise computing solutions fourth-quarter sales of $2.53 billion decreased 3 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales decreased 5 percent year over year. Europe enterprise computing solutions sales increased 9 percent year over year. Non-GAAP sales in the region increased 2 percent year over year. Americas enterprise computing sales decreased 10 percent year over year. Global enterprise computing solutions fourth-quarter operating income was $156 million. Fourth-quarter non-GAAP operating income was $158 million.

“Global enterprise computing solutions is starting off 2021 on solid footing having returned to operating income growth in the fourth quarter on higher operating margins,” concluded Mr. Long.

Full-Year Results

Full-year 2020 sales of $28.67 billion decreased 1 percent from sales of $28.92 billion in 2019. Full-year 2020 non-GAAP sales remained flat year over year. Net income for 2020 was $584 million, or $7.43 per share on a diluted basis, compared with net loss of $204 million, or $(2.44) per share on a diluted basis, in 2019. Non-GAAP net income was $610 million, or $7.75 per share on a diluted basis, in 2020 compared with non-GAAP net income of $636 million, or $7.55 per share on a diluted basis, in 2019. In 2020, changes in foreign currencies had positive impacts on growth of approximately $119 million on sales, and $.12 on earnings per share on a diluted basis compared to 2019.

“We experienced substantial demand volatility throughout 2020, but our flexible business model allowed us to further improve our financial foundation over the course of the year,” said Chris Stansbury, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “Fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 cash flow provided by operating activities were $200 million and $1.36 billion, respectively, and return on invested capital increased year over year for the third consecutive quarter. We remain committed to returning excess cash to shareholders and returned approximately $100 million to shareholders through our stock repurchase program during the fourth quarter, and approximately $475 million in 2020, the most we have ever returned in a single year, all while reducing debt by $715 million.”

First-Quarter 2021 Outlook

• Consolidated sales of $7.625 billion to $8.225 billion, with global components sales of $5.825 billion to $6.125 billion, and global enterprise computing solutions sales of $1.8 billion to $2.1 billion
• Net income per share on a diluted basis of $2.02 to $2.18, and non-GAAP net income per share on a diluted basis1 of $2.17 to $2.33
• Average tax rate of approximately 24.5% percent compared to the long-term range of 23 to 25 percent
• Average diluted shares outstanding of 76 million
• Interest expense of approximately $31 million
• Expecting average USD-to-Euro exchange rate of $1.23 to €1; changes in foreign currencies to increase sales by approximately $235 million, and earnings per share on a diluted basis by $.12 compared to the first quarter of 2020