Summary
Emerson Electric Co. reported strong financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, driven by broad-based sales and earnings growth across all five business segments. Net sales increased by 13% for the quarter and 12% for the nine-month period, with significant contributions from international markets, particularly Asia and Europe, and a positive impact from foreign currency translation and strategic acquisitions. The company demonstrated improved profitability, with net earnings rising by 18% for the quarter and 15% for the nine-month period. This was supported by higher sales volumes, benefits from previous rationalization actions, and improved gross profit margins. Emerson's financial position remains robust, with substantial cash flow generation, a solid balance sheet, and a positive outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2007, projecting earnings per share growth of 15% to 17%.
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2007, increased by 13% to $5.87 billion, and for the nine months ended June 30, 2007, increased by 12% to $16.44 billion.
- 2Net earnings for the third quarter rose by 18% to $574 million, with diluted earnings per share increasing to $0.72.
- 3For the nine months ended June 30, 2007, net earnings increased by 15% to $1.51 billion, with diluted earnings per share reaching $1.88.
- 4All five business segments (Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Appliance and Tools) reported sales and earnings growth.
- 5The company completed two acquisitions: Damcos Holding AS in January 2007 and Stratos International, Inc. in July 2007, further strengthening its market position.
- 6Emerson expects full fiscal year 2007 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.58 to $2.63, representing 15% to 17% growth over fiscal year 2006.
- 7Cash and equivalents increased by $521 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2007, reflecting strong operating cash flow.