What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce Emerson Electric Co.'s third-quarter 2009 financial results, which were detailed in a press release furnished as an exhibit, and to provide an update on the company's order trends across its various business segments.

Are Emerson's order trends improving?

The filing suggests signs of stabilization in Emerson's order trends, which were down 25-30% year-over-year for the trailing three months ending June 2009. While this indicates a potential bottoming out, the levels remain low and significant declines persist across most segments.

Which business segments are performing the weakest and strongest?

Industrial Automation is noted as having extremely weak order trends. Process Management also shows significant declines, though some areas like power and water markets performed better and environmental regulations provided support. Network Power in China is showing growth due to stimulus programs, representing a relative bright spot, while Climate Technologies are showing stabilization.

What should investors be aware of regarding the financial measures presented?

Investors should be aware that the press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. The company considers these measures useful for evaluation but notes they are supplemental and may differ from those presented by other companies. These measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP financial information.

EMR 8-K: Earnings & Results & Regulation FD

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) on August 4, 2009, primarily announces the company's third-quarter 2009 results and provides updates on order trends. The key takeaway for investors is that while overall order trends remain challenging, down 25-30% year-over-year for the trailing three months ending June 2009, there are signs of stabilization. Underlying orders, excluding currency impacts, were down 20-25%. The filing highlights specific segment performance, noting continued weakness in Industrial Automation and cautious spending in Process Management, though environmental regulations provide some support. Network Power shows some growth in China due to stimulus programs, while Climate Technologies exhibit stabilization despite unfavorable weather. Appliance and Tools continue to be impacted by weak market conditions. Investors should note the company's upcoming earnings conference call and that the press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, which should be considered supplemental information.

Key Highlights

1Emerson Electric Co. reported its third-quarter 2009 results on August 4, 2009, via a press release furnished with this 8-K filing.
2Overall trailing three-month order trends (ending June 2009) showed signs of stabilization but remained significantly down, decreasing 25-30% compared to the prior year.
3Underlying orders, excluding currency fluctuations, declined 20-25%, with currency having a negative impact of approximately 3 percentage points.
4The Process Management segment experienced a 20-25% decline in trailing three-month underlying orders, with cautious capital spending in chemical and refining markets offset by better performance in power and water markets.
5Industrial Automation orders remained extremely weak, significantly impacted by reduced demand for power generating alternators.
6Network Power saw growth in China driven by stimulus programs, while other regions experienced broad negative order pressure. Underlying trends for this segment have been stable over the past six months.
7Climate Technologies showed stabilization in order rates, with low residential channel inventory levels potentially benefiting the segment if weather conditions improve.
8Appliance and Tools orders were negatively impacted by challenging conditions in U.S. residential, non-residential, and consumer end markets.

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Aug 4, 2009)

Summary

Key Highlights

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