8-KOther Events

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report (Jun 26, 2003)

Filed June 26, 2003For Securities:EMR

Summary

This 8-K filing from Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) on June 26, 2003, provides an update on their order trends for the three months ending May 2003. While the total company "underlying orders" (excluding currency, acquisitions, and divestitures) showed a slight positive growth of 0 to +5 percent on a trailing three-month average basis compared to the prior year, this masks some segment-specific weaknesses. Favorable currency exchange rates provided a notable boost of approximately 5 percent to May orders. The company noted continued weakness in North America across several segments, impacting Process Control, Industrial Automation, and Appliance and Tools. Conversely, HVAC orders saw strength internationally, and Electronics and Telecommunications continued to face headwinds from the telecom market. Investors should note the upcoming release of third-quarter results on August 5, 2003, with a conference call to follow. This filing indicates that while Emerson is experiencing some overall stability, underlying organic growth in North America remains a point of concern that will likely be a focus in future earnings calls. The positive impact of currency exchange rates suggests that underlying operational performance may be facing challenges, making the upcoming quarterly results particularly important for assessing the company's core business health.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total Emerson underlying orders showed a slight positive growth of 0% to +5% on a trailing 3-month average basis compared to the prior year.
  • 2Favorable currency exchange rates positively impacted May orders by approximately 5%.
  • 3Underlying trends (excluding currency, acquisitions, and divestitures) are down slightly due to continued weakness in North America.
  • 4Process Control and Industrial Automation segments show strength internationally but softness in North America.
  • 5Electronics and Telecommunications orders continue to be negatively impacted by broad weakness in telecommunications markets.
  • 6HVAC orders saw increases in Europe and Asia, offset by the United States due to unseasonably cool weather.
  • 7Emerson Electric Co. will announce its third-quarter results and hold an investor conference call on August 5, 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the trailing three months ending May 2003, Emerson's total underlying orders showed a modest increase of 0% to +5% year-over-year. However, this overall figure masks segment-specific challenges, particularly in North America, and benefited from approximately 5% from favorable currency exchange rates.

Weakness is noted in North America across Process Control, Industrial Automation, and Appliance and Tools. The Electronics and Telecommunications segment continues to be impacted by broad telecommunications market weakness. HVAC orders show strength internationally, particularly in Europe and Asia, despite softness in the U.S. due to weather.

Emerson Electric Co. is scheduled to release its third-quarter results on Tuesday, August 5, 2003, followed by a conference call with investors.

Favorable currency exchange rates had a significant positive impact, boosting May orders by approximately 5%. This suggests that the underlying organic growth trends, excluding currency effects, are weaker than the reported order numbers.