8-KRegulation FDOther Events

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Sep 26, 2007)

Filed September 26, 2007For Securities:EMR

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) on September 25, 2007, provides an update on the company's order trends and a divestiture. The company reported solid underlying order growth for the three months ending August 2007, with an overall increase of 5% to 10%. Key segments like Process Management and Industrial Automation showed robust performance, while Network Power also experienced strong order growth. However, Climate Technologies continued to face softness due to the U.S. housing market, and Appliance and Tools showed mixed results, with consumer-related businesses weak but non-residential construction exposed businesses performing better. In addition to the order trends, Emerson announced the sale of its Western Forge hand tools business, a part of the Appliance and Tools segment, to MW Universal Inc. This business generated approximately $80 million in annual revenues. The filing also preemptively informs investors about upcoming events, including the Q4 and FY 2007 earnings release and conference call scheduled for November 6, 2007, and an appearance at the Baird 2007 Industrial Conference on November 7, 2007.

Key Highlights

  • 1Emerson Electric Co. reported solid underlying order growth of 5% to 10% for the trailing three months ending August 2007.
  • 2Process Management and Industrial Automation segments demonstrated strong order growth, benefiting from favorable currency exchange rates.
  • 3Network Power segment also experienced robust order growth, driven by its power systems, inbound power, and embedded power businesses.
  • 4Climate Technologies segment continues to be impacted by weakness in the U.S. housing market, resulting in soft orders.
  • 5Appliance and Tools segment showed mixed order performance, with consumer weakness offset by strength in non-residential construction-related businesses.
  • 6The company divested its Western Forge hand tools business, generating approximately $80 million in annual revenues, to MW Universal Inc.
  • 7Emerson announced its Q4 and FY 2007 earnings release and conference call for November 6, 2007, and an investor presentation at the Baird Industrial Conference on November 7, 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key drivers included solid performance in Process Management and Industrial Automation segments, strong growth in Network Power, and a contribution of approximately 3 percentage points from favorable currency exchange rates. Strength in electrical distribution, mechanical power transmission, and various power system businesses within these segments were also noted.

The Climate Technologies segment continues to face challenges, primarily due to the ongoing weakness in the U.S. housing market. The Appliance and Tools segment also experienced softness in consumer-related businesses, although this was partially offset by strength in businesses exposed to non-residential construction.

The divestiture of Western Forge, a hand tools business within the Appliance and Tools segment generating about $80 million in annual revenues, indicates Emerson's strategic focus and potential portfolio optimization. This move allows the company to streamline operations and concentrate on core areas.

Emerson Electric Co. will issue its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2007 results on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, followed by an investor conference call. Additionally, management will present at the Baird 2007 Industrial Conference on November 7, 2007.