10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Mar 31, 2001

Filed May 11, 2001For Securities:EMR

Summary

Emerson Electric Co. reported strong financial results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2001, demonstrating record sales, net earnings, and earnings per share. Net sales increased by 5% for the quarter to $4.1 billion and by 8% for the six-month period to $8.0 billion, year-over-year. This growth was driven by robust performance in the process control and network power businesses, as well as significant expansion in international markets. The company's strategic initiatives, including the PlantWeb™ field-based architecture and acquisitions like Ericsson's Energy Systems, are contributing to this success. Despite some regional market softness and currency headwinds, Emerson's diversified business segments and global presence position it well for continued growth. The company maintains a strong financial position, with adequate resources for reinvestment, acquisitions, and managing its capital structure.

Key Highlights

  • 1Record sales and earnings reported for both the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2001.
  • 2Net sales increased by 5% to $4.1 billion for the quarter and 8% to $8.0 billion for the six-month period, compared to the prior year.
  • 3Strong performance driven by Process Control and Network Power segments, along with broad international market strength.
  • 4Acquisition of Ericsson's Energy Systems division contributed significantly to the 44% sales increase in Electronics and Telecommunications.
  • 5Underlying sales growth of 6% for the quarter, with strong international contributions offsetting modest domestic growth.
  • 6Company maintains a strong financial position, with adequate liquidity and resources for future investments and acquisitions.
  • 7Adoption of FAS 133 did not materially impact financial results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the Process Control business, aided by the success of its PlantWeb™ architecture, and the Network Power business. Additionally, the Electronics and Telecommunications segment saw a significant boost from the acquisition of Ericsson's Energy Systems division. International markets, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, also contributed substantially to overall sales increases.

Currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact, particularly on the Industrial Automation and Appliance and Tools businesses, contributing to reported sales declines in these segments. For the quarter, currency had a 2 percentage point unfavorable impact on underlying sales.

Emerson Electric appears to be in a strong financial position. The company reported an increase in cash and equivalents and maintains a solid working capital and current ratio. Management stated they have sufficient resources for reinvestment, strategic acquisitions, and effective capital structure management, indicating a positive outlook.

Yes, the acquisition of Ericsson's Energy Systems division significantly boosted the Electronics and Telecommunications segment. The company also mentioned the divestiture of the Sweco specialty separation business, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $60 million, with its sales and earnings included in the Industrial Automation segment for comparison.