10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 4, 2006For Securities:EMR

Summary

Emerson Electric Co. reported robust financial results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2006, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth in both sales and net earnings. Net sales increased by 15% for the quarter and 15% for the first six months, driven by strong performance across all five business segments, particularly in Network Power, Process Management, and Industrial Automation. This growth was fueled by a favorable economic environment, market share gains, and strategic acquisitions. The company also highlighted improved profit margins, largely due to higher sales volumes and the benefits from previous cost-reduction initiatives, which helped offset rising material and pension costs. The balance sheet remains strong, with a reduced debt-to-capital ratio and solid cash flow generation, positioning Emerson well for future investments and strategic growth opportunities. Looking ahead, Emerson raised its full-year fiscal 2006 earnings per share guidance to a range of $4.25 to $4.35, reflecting confidence in continued sales growth driven by underlying business performance, acquisitions, and favorable market conditions. The company has strategically expanded its portfolio through significant acquisitions, including Artesyn Technologies and Knürr AG, which will bolster the Network Power segment. Despite ongoing concerns about commodity cost pressures, Emerson's management expressed optimism about the company's financial health and its ability to navigate market challenges while delivering value to shareholders.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales surged by 15% year-over-year for both the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, reaching $4.85 billion and $9.40 billion, respectively.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share (EPS) saw substantial growth, increasing by 27% to $1.05 for the quarter and 31% to $2.01 for the six-month period.
  • 3All five business segments reported sales growth, with Network Power, Process Management, and Industrial Automation being key drivers.
  • 4Gross profit margin improved slightly to 35.7% for the quarter and remained strong at 35.4% for the six months, reflecting higher sales volume and productivity gains.
  • 5The company successfully reduced its total debt to total capital ratio to 30.8% from 35.6% in the prior year, indicating improved financial leverage.
  • 6Emerson completed several strategic acquisitions during the quarter, including Artesyn Technologies for approximately $500 million, Knürr AG for $96 million, and Bristol Babcock for $121 million, primarily strengthening the Network Power and Process Management segments.
  • 7Full-year fiscal 2006 EPS guidance was raised to $4.25-$4.35, up from previous guidance, signaling strong confidence in future performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth was driven by a combination of factors including a favorable economic environment, particularly in the United States and Asia, market share gains, and strategic acquisitions. Underlying sales growth was primarily fueled by an increase in volume and market penetration, with price increases helping to offset higher raw material costs.

Emerson Electric indicated that sales price increases implemented over the past year are now offsetting higher raw material costs. The company is also leveraging higher sales volumes and productivity improvements to manage costs. Benefits from previous rationalization actions are also contributing to margin strength. However, higher pension costs, wages, and material costs did partially offset these gains in some segments.

The acquisitions, including Artesyn Technologies, Knürr AG, and Bristol Babcock, are expected to contribute to sales growth and strengthen specific segments, particularly Network Power and Process Management. Artesyn and Knürr will be integrated into the Network Power segment, enhancing power conversion and enclosure solutions, while Bristol Babcock will boost the Process Management segment's offerings in the oil and gas sector. The acquisition of Artesyn is expected to add approximately $200 million in sales but be slightly dilutive to EPS by $0.02-$0.03 in fiscal 2006.

Emerson Electric raised its full-year fiscal 2006 EPS guidance to a range of $4.25 to $4.35, indicating a positive outlook. This revised guidance reflects strong order growth, continued underlying sales increases, and the expected contributions from recent acquisitions. The company anticipates consolidated sales growth between 12% and 15% for the full year.