Craig Arnold, one of America’s Black CEOs, gains $32 million from Eaton’s shares

Key Points

• Eaton CEO Craig Arnold sees his stake surge by $32 million following a strong rise in Eaton’s stock price.
• Under Arnold’s leadership, Eaton’s sales jump to $24.88 billion, with net income rising 17.7% to $3.8 billion.
• Eaton’s stock climbs 17% in April, boosting Arnold’s holdings, though shares remain down 13% year-to-date.

Craig Arnold, one of America’s richest Black CEOs, has experienced a notable rebound in his stake’s market value, with his holdings rising by $32 million following a surge in Eaton’s stock price. The uptick comes after months of volatility.

As the chairman, president, and CEO of Eaton, Arnold holds a 0.19 percent stake in the multinational power management company, equivalent to 765,791 shares. Over the past 26 days, the value of his stake climbed by $32.1 million. This uptick follows a notable decline in March, when Arnold’s stake dropped by $28.9 million, briefly reducing its value to $201.88 million. 

Eaton’s strong performance under Craig Arnold

Eaton, a global leader in energy-efficient solutions operating in more than 175 countries, has seen strong financial performance under Arnold. The company reported a solid sales increase to $24.88 billion in 2024, driven by robust demand across its Electrical Americas, Electrical Global, and Aerospace divisions. Net income also saw a 17.7 percent rise to $3.8 billion, up from $3.22 billion in the previous year, with earnings per share climbing to $10.80 from $9.12.

The company’s financial performance has translated into a 17 percent increase in its stock price on the (NYSE) over the past month, rising from $246.52 on April 4 to $288.44. This surge has pushed Eaton’s market capitalization above $112 billion. Arnold’s holdings have benefited directly, with his stake increasing in value from $188.78 million on April 4 to $220.88 million. 

Eaton projects gains

This strong performance, paired with a $407.2 million dividend, has strengthened the company’s market position, fueling its recent stock price surge. However, despite the recent rebound, Eaton shares are still down 13.09 percent year-to-date. A $100,000 investment in Eaton at the start of 2025 would now be valued at $86,910, reflecting a loss of $13,090. 

Looking ahead, Eaton remains optimistic about 2025. The company expects its power management business to keep growing, putting Arnold and other shareholders in position to benefit from rising demand for energy-efficient solutions in an increasingly digital world.