Summary
Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) filed an 8-K on February 22, 2011, providing an update on its order trends for the three months ending January 2011. The report indicates a solid overall performance, with total Emerson orders growing by 15% in the trailing three-month period, driven primarily by strong performance in Process Management and Industrial Automation segments. These segments are benefiting from increasing capital spending and a global recovery in end markets. While the company saw robust order growth, certain segments like Network Power experienced headwinds due to tougher year-over-year comparisons and regional weaknesses, particularly in Asia. However, other areas within Network Power and Climate Technologies showed strengthening trends, especially in residential and refrigeration markets. The report also notes that currency exchange rates had a negligible impact on overall orders, while fixed rate orders remained stable. Investors should note the cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information and the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the company's future performance.
Key Highlights
- 1Total Emerson orders showed a healthy 15% growth in the trailing three-month period ending January 2011.
- 2Process Management and Industrial Automation segments demonstrated strong order growth, exceeding +20%, driven by increased capital spending and global market recovery.
- 3Network Power segment faced challenges with a decline in orders (negative 5% to 0%) in January 2011, mainly due to tougher prior-year comparisons and specific business units in Asia.
- 4Climate Technologies orders showed strengthening trends, with a 15% growth in January 2011, boosted by Asian and North American residential markets.
- 5Tools and Storage orders saw slight improvement, with the tools business performing well, though U.S. residential markets remain depressed.
- 6Currency exchange rates had a negligible impact on overall order growth, maintaining stability.
- 7The company provided forward-looking statements and cautioned investors about inherent risks and uncertainties.