Leggett & Platt (LEG)
NYSE:LEG

Leggett & Platt (LEG) AI Stock Analysis

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Leggett & Platt

(NYSE:LEG)

60Neutral
Leggett & Platt's overall score is weighed down by financial performance challenges such as declining revenue and profitability, and high leverage. Technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, but the potential for a rebound exists. Despite a negative P/E ratio, the high dividend yield provides some appeal. Mixed earnings call outlook highlights ongoing demand and macroeconomic pressures.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
LEG should benefit from cost savings and better fundamentals in the Bedding segment, with $35M-$40M of cost cuts in place.
Earnings
Analyst upgrades shares of LEG to Neutral and increases the price target to $13 due to increased confidence in EPS growth.
Market Position
The outlook for LEG's Bedding segment is improved as LEG benefits from a large Sealy product line reset and stabilization in market share.
Negative Factors
Automotive Segment Challenges
LEG's Automotive business faces structural headwinds from Chinese manufactured EVs, impacting sales and volumes negatively.
Consumer Demand Uncertainty
Uncertainty around the timing and magnitude of a recovery in consumer discretionary demand and industrial end markets will continue to weigh on the stock.
Retail Sector Disruptions
Retail bankruptcies in the Home Furniture space, like those of Big Lots and Conn’s/Badcock, have been disruptive and could worsen for LEG.

Leggett & Platt (LEG) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Leggett & Platt Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLeggett & Platt, Incorporated designs, manufactures, and markets engineered components and products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Bedding Products; Specialized Products; and Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products. The company offers steel rods, drawn wires, foam chemicals and additives, innersprings, specialty foams, private label finished mattresses, mattress foundations, wire forms for mattress foundations, adjustable beds, industrial sewing and quilting machines, and mattress packaging and glue drying equipment, as well as machines to produce innersprings for industrial users of steel rods and wires, manufacturers of finished bedding, big box and e-commerce retailers, bedding brands and mattress retailers, department stores, and home improvement centers. It also provides mechanical and pneumatic lumbar support and massage systems for automotive seating; seat suspension systems, motors and actuators, and cables; titanium, nickel, and stainless-steel tubing, formed tubes, tube assemblies, and flexible joint components for fluid conveyance systems; and engineered hydraulic cylinders to automobile OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, aerospace OEMs and suppliers, and mobile equipment OEMs. In addition, the company offers steel mechanisms and motion hardware for reclining chairs, sofas, sleeper sofas and lift chairs; springs and seat suspensions; components and private label finished goods for soft seating; and bases, columns, back rests, casters, and frames, as well as control devices for chairs. Further, it offers carpet cushion and hard surface flooring underlayment, structural fabrics, and geo components to manufacturers of upholstered and office furniture, flooring retailers and distributors, contractors, landscapers, road construction companies, retailers, government agencies, and mattress and furniture producers, as well as manufacturers of packaging, filtration, and draperies. The company was founded in 1883 and is based in Carthage, Missouri.
How the Company Makes MoneyLeggett & Platt generates revenue through the manufacturing and sale of its diverse product portfolio, primarily within the Bedding Products, Specialized Products, and Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products segments. The Bedding Products segment, which includes mattress springs and specialty foam, is a significant contributor to the company's revenue. The Specialized Products segment offers automotive components like seating support and lumbar systems, serving major car manufacturers. Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products encompass components for residential and office furniture, as well as flooring underlayment and textile products. The company's earnings are driven by both direct sales to manufacturers and secondary markets, leveraging long-standing relationships with key industry players. Additionally, Leggett & Platt benefits from its global operations, which allow it to tap into various geographic markets and economic cycles.

Leggett & Platt Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Leggett & Platt faces challenges with declining revenue and profitability, as indicated by negative net income in recent years. While operational efficiencies improved margins, the high debt level poses a risk. Cash flow remains a bright spot, with strong free cash flow generation providing a buffer against financial instability.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Leggett & Platt shows a concerning trend with declining revenue from $5.14 billion in 2022 to $4.73 billion in 2023, and further to $749.1 million in 2024. Net income has turned negative in 2023 and 2024, which is a major red flag. However, gross profit margins remain stable, indicating cost control. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthier compared to 2023, suggesting operational improvements.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company exhibits high financial leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio above 2.9 in recent years, signaling potential risk. Stockholders' equity has decreased significantly over the years, affecting the equity ratio. However, the company maintains a reasonable amount of cash and short-term investments, providing some liquidity cushion.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
The cash flow position is relatively strong despite negative net income, with positive operating cash flow and free cash flow over the years. The free cash flow to net income ratio is positive, indicating effective cash conversion even with profitability challenges.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
749.10M4.73B5.15B5.07B4.28B
Gross Profit
749.10M853.80M976.80M1.04B894.50M
EBIT
240.30M320.60M485.00M596.00M400.50M
EBITDA
-287.30M93.20M663.80M778.10M590.70M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-511.50M-136.80M309.80M402.40M253.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
350.20M365.50M316.50M361.70M348.90M
Total Assets
3.66B4.63B5.19B5.31B4.75B
Total Debt
2.05B2.20B2.29B2.29B2.06B
Net Debt
1.70B1.83B1.97B1.93B1.72B
Total Liabilities
2.97B3.30B3.54B3.66B3.36B
Stockholders Equity
689.40M1.33B1.64B1.65B1.39B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
224.10M383.40M341.10M164.70M536.40M
Operating Cash Flow
305.70M497.20M441.40M271.30M602.60M
Investing Cash Flow
-36.60M-91.30M-179.40M-220.70M-51.40M
Financing Cash Flow
-270.00M-358.80M-284.50M-39.70M-448.40M

Leggett & Platt Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price7.19
Price Trends
50DMA
9.09
Negative
100DMA
10.02
Negative
200DMA
11.17
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.35
Negative
RSI
34.62
Neutral
STOCH
14.23
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LEG, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 7.19 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.05, below the 50-day MA of 9.09, and below the 200-day MA of 11.17, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.35 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 34.62 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 14.23 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for LEG.

Leggett & Platt Risk Analysis

Leggett & Platt disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Leggett & Platt reported the most risks in the “Macro & Political” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Leggett & Platt Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
LZLZB
73
Outperform
$1.52B12.6212.40%2.25%1.81%8.09%
SGSGI
73
Outperform
$11.83B26.3087.10%0.95%0.11%3.48%
LELEG
60
Neutral
$970.31M-50.58%2.78%-7.27%-272.76%
59
Neutral
$11.22B10.13-1.22%3.96%1.32%-18.57%
HNHNI
52
Neutral
$1.98B14.6817.42%3.13%3.80%182.70%
47
Neutral
$98.11M-4.47%10.04%-16.67%-24.91%
44
Neutral
$125.60M9.10%-10.87%-33.24%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LEG
Leggett & Platt
7.19
-11.44
-61.41%
HNI
HNI
42.22
-0.51
-1.19%
HOFT
Hooker Furniture
9.16
-11.58
-55.83%
LZB
La-Z-Boy Incorporated
37.33
2.04
5.78%
SNBR
Sleep Number
5.23
-8.35
-61.49%
SGI
Somnigroup International
56.71
3.62
6.82%

Leggett & Platt Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 13, 2025 | % Change Since: -27.67% | Next Earnings Date: May 5, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook. While the company achieved significant progress in restructuring and product innovation, it faced substantial challenges from weak demand across key segments, a significant decrease in earnings, and ongoing macroeconomic pressures. The impact of imported products further exacerbated the difficulties in the bedding market.
Highlights
Restructuring Success
The company realized a total of $22 million EBIT benefit from restructuring in 2024, exceeding their expectation of $10 million to $15 million. They closed several facilities and completed phase one of restructuring initiatives across various segments.
Innovative Product Development
The company saw continued OEM adoption of semi-finished products in bedding, partnered with mattress OEMs for product line refreshes, and launched branded carpet cushion products with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Progress in Aerospace and Textiles
Aerospace business generated robust project pipeline growth, while the fabric converting business achieved modest growth in filtration, building products, and hospitality.
Lowlights
Weak Demand Across Segments
Fourth-quarter sales were down 5% versus 2023, with declines in bedding products (6%), specialized products (5%), and furniture, flooring, and textiles (4%). Full-year sales decreased 7% to $4.4 billion.
Significant Earnings Decrease
Fourth-quarter earnings per share decreased 19% from $0.26 to $0.10. Full-year adjusted EPS decreased 24% from $1.39 in 2023 to $1.05 in 2024.
Macroeconomic Challenges
The company anticipates continued demand pressure in 2025 due to low existing home sales, consumer affordability issues, and uncertainty in automotive and hydraulic cylinder markets.
Impact of Imported Products
The mattress market faced significant pressure from high volume, cheap imports, which dominated online sales and pressured domestic OEMs.
Company Guidance
In the 2025 guidance provided during the Leggett & Platt Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call, the company projects sales to range between $4.0 billion and $4.3 billion, marking a potential decline of 2% to 9% from 2024. Volumes are anticipated to decrease by low to mid-single digits across their segments, with bedding products down mid-single digits, specialized products down mid-single digits, and furniture, flooring, and textiles down low single digits. The expected 2025 earnings per share range is $0.83 to $1.24, factoring in restructuring costs and potential gains from real estate sales, leading to an adjusted EPS forecast between $1.00 to $1.20. The company aims for a full-year adjusted EBIT margin between 6.4% and 6.8%, alongside operating cash flow expectations of $275 million to $325 million. The guidance reflects the challenges related to consumer demand pressures, macroeconomic factors, and restructuring activities, emphasizing a focus on operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives to bolster long-term growth.

Leggett & Platt Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Leggett & Platt Announces Director Retirements and Salary Adjustments
Neutral
Feb 28, 2025

On February 25, 2025, Leggett & Platt announced the retirement of directors Mark A. Blinn and Manuel A. Fernandez, effective immediately before the 2025 annual shareholder meeting on May 7, 2025. Consequently, the board reduced its number of directors from ten to eight. Additionally, the company set the 2025 base salaries for its executive officers, with some increases for certain executives, and established the 2025 Key Officers Incentive Plan (KOIP) targets and award formulas. These changes reflect the company’s ongoing adjustments to its leadership and compensation structures, potentially impacting its strategic direction and stakeholder relations.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Leggett & Platt Announces Leadership Update and Restructuring
Neutral
Feb 13, 2025

On February 13, 2025, Leggett & Platt announced a leadership update with R. Samuel Smith, Jr. appointed as President of the Specialized Products segment, while Karl G. Glassman continues as Board Chairman and CEO. Leggett & Platt reported a mixed financial performance for 2024, with a 7% decrease in annual sales to $4.4 billion and a 5% decrease in fourth-quarter sales compared to the previous year. The company emphasized its strategic restructuring efforts, which yielded significant benefits, including a $22 million EBIT boost and a $126 million debt reduction. Despite challenges in residential, automotive, and hydraulic markets, the company remains optimistic about its strategic initiatives and is exploring potential asset sales for long-term growth.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.