10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2020

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2020

Filed July 31, 2020For Securities:AJG

Summary

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) reported solid performance for the second quarter and first half of 2020, demonstrating resilience amidst economic challenges. Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020, were $3.45 billion, a decrease from $3.65 billion in the prior year, primarily due to a significant reduction in clean coal revenues. However, the core brokerage and risk management segments showed revenue growth, with brokerage revenues up 5% to $2.64 billion for the first half. Net earnings attributable to controlling interests increased by 10% to $500.0 million for the first six months of 2020, and diluted EPS rose by 10% to $2.58. The company's strategic acquisitions continue to drive growth, with 12 acquisitions completed in the first half of 2020. Management highlighted strong organic revenue growth in the brokerage segment and effective cost management strategies implemented in response to COVID-19, which are expected to yield significant savings. Despite broader economic headwinds, AJG's diversified business model and focus on essential services provided a stable platform, positioning the company to navigate the uncertain economic environment.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.58B
Cost of Revenue$161.20M
Gross Profit$1.42B
Operating Expenses$1.41B
Interest Expense$50.00M
Net Income$153.70M
EPS (Basic)$0.81
EPS (Diluted)$0.79
Shares Outstanding (Basic)190.50M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues decreased by 5.4% to $3,450.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $3,648.4 million for the same period in 2019, mainly due to a decline in clean coal revenues.
  • 2Net earnings attributable to controlling interests increased by 10.3% to $500.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $444.2 million for the same period in 2019.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share increased by 10.2% to $2.58 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $2.35 for the same period in 2019.
  • 4Brokerage segment revenues grew by 4.9% to $2,636.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, driven by acquisitions and organic growth.
  • 5The company completed 12 acquisitions in the first six months of 2020, contributing to the growth in the brokerage segment.
  • 6Cash flows from operating activities significantly increased to $802.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $419.6 million in the prior year, boosted by working capital management and tax refunds.
  • 7The company maintained compliance with its debt covenants and had substantial liquidity with $1.3 billion in available liquidity as of June 30, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020, were $3,450.9 million, a decrease of 5.4% compared to $3,648.4 million in the same period of 2019. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in revenues from clean coal activities. However, the core brokerage segment showed strong performance, with revenues increasing by 4.9% to $2,636.7 million, reflecting growth from acquisitions and underlying business performance.

Net earnings attributable to controlling interests increased by 10.3% to $500.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $444.2 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share also saw an improvement, rising by 10.2% to $2.58 from $2.35 in the first half of 2019.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. implemented cost-saving measures and focused on preserving liquidity. These actions included reducing capital expenditures, managing working capital, and slowing down the acquisition program. The company reported strong operating cash flows and maintained substantial liquidity of approximately $1.3 billion as of June 30, 2020, indicating a solid ability to meet its financial obligations.

The company's clean energy investments, particularly those related to clean coal production plants and IRC Section 45 tax credits, saw a decrease in revenues due to lower production. While these investments generated adjusted net earnings, the company anticipates reduced production for the remainder of 2020. The future impact of these investments will depend on factors such as regulatory changes and operational performance.