10-KPeriod: FY2011

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO Annual Report, Year Ended Sep 30, 2011

Filed November 22, 2011For Securities:EMR

Summary

This 10-K filing for Emerson Electric Co. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, showcases a diversified global technology and engineering company with five core business segments: Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Tools and Storage. The company demonstrated robust performance, with net sales increasing to $24.2 billion, up from $21.0 billion in the prior year, and earnings per share showing a positive trend. Emerson's strategy emphasizes providing integrated solutions and leveraging its global presence, with a significant portion of sales coming from international markets, particularly Asia and Europe. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2012, Emerson projected continued growth in underlying sales of 5-7%, with net sales expected to increase by 4-6%. The company anticipates operating profit margins around 18% and earnings per share growth between 8-12%. While global economic conditions present some challenges, Emerson's diversified business model, ongoing investment in research and development, and strategic acquisitions position it for continued success. The company also highlighted its commitment to share repurchases and dividend payments, reflecting a focus on returning value to shareholders.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Emerson Electric Co. reported a significant increase in net sales to $24.2 billion for fiscal year 2011, up from $21.0 billion in 2010, indicating strong revenue growth.
  • 2The company projects continued sales growth for fiscal year 2012, with an expected increase of 4-6% in net sales and underlying sales growth of 5-7%.
  • 3Emerson's diversified business segments, including Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Tools and Storage, contribute to its broad market reach and resilience.
  • 4International sales represented a substantial portion of total revenue, with Asia and Europe being key geographic markets, demonstrating Emerson's global footprint.
  • 5The company's outlook for fiscal year 2012 is positive, forecasting operating profit margins of approximately 18% and earnings per share growth of 8-12%.
  • 6Emerson actively engaged in share repurchases, with over 9.4 million shares bought back in the period presented, signaling a commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7Investment in research and development increased to $555 million in 2011, underscoring the company's focus on innovation and new product development.

Frequently Asked Questions

In fiscal year 2011, Emerson Electric operated through five key segments: Process Management (28% of sales), Industrial Automation (21%), Network Power (27%), Climate Technologies (16%), and Tools and Storage (8%). This diversification across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets provides a broad revenue base.

Emerson Electric anticipated positive performance for fiscal year 2012, projecting underlying sales growth of 5-7% (excluding currency impacts) and a net sales increase of 4-6%. The company also expected operating profit margins around 18% and earnings per share growth in the range of 8-12%.

Emerson Electric identified several key risks, including intense competition affecting prices and demand, reliance on research and development for new products, challenges in integrating acquired businesses, the necessity of access to capital markets for funding, potential disruptions and price increases in raw material supply, risks associated with its global manufacturing footprint and international operations (including currency fluctuations and political instability), and the impact of economic downturns and adverse market conditions on segment revenues and operating results. They also noted potential litigation and environmental regulations as risks.

The company actively engaged in share repurchases, buying back 9.4 million shares during the period presented, and had a substantial remaining authorization for future repurchases. Additionally, Emerson consistently increased its cash dividends per common share, indicating a commitment to returning value to its shareholders.