Emerson Reports Strong First Quarter Results
Sales Increase 12 Percent to $5.6 Billion
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Increase 20 Percent to $0.66
Operating Cash Flow of $423 Million, 29% Increase
Full-year 2008 Outlook Reaffirmed
ST. LOUIS, February 5, 2008 – Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced net sales for the first quarter ended December 31, 2007 were $5.6 billion, an increase of 12 percent over the $5.1 billion reported in the same period last year. This sales increase included 7 percent growth in underlying sales (which exclude acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency translation) and a 5 percent favorable impact from foreign currency translation. Underlying sales growth in the United States was 5 percent and underlying international sales increased 9 percent, including 16 percent growth in Asia.
Earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter were up 17 percent to $522 million, or $0.66 per share. This represents a 20 percent increase in earnings per share (EPS) from the $0.55 earned in the same period last year.
On December 31, 2007, Emerson completed the sale of the Brooks Instrument unit, which resulted in an after-tax gain of $42 million. The gain and operations of Brooks during the quarter are classified as a discontinued operation. Including the $0.05 per share effect of the Brooks gain and operations in the first quarter of 2008, EPS was $0.71, an increase of 29 percent from the first quarter of 2007.
“These results demonstrate that Emerson continues to be well positioned for strong performance in the current global environment,” said Emerson Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, David N. Farr. “Emerson’s diverse set of businesses, innovative technology and broad global reach create a strong platform for continued growth in sales and earnings during 2008, even in a more challenging environment.
”The operating profit margin showed solid improvement in the quarter, increasing 60 basis points to 14.8 percent. A continued focus on operational excellence initiatives across the company was a key to driving the improvement. The company was able to leverage the increased sales volume and also realized the benefits from cost containment programs. The pretax margin improved 110 basis points to 13.8 percent.
Business Segment Highlights
Process Management sales grew 18 percent for the quarter. This included 12 percent underlying sales growth, a favorable impact of 5 percent from currency translation and 1 percent from acquisitions, net of divestitures. Sales were strong globally, driven primarily by increased energy sector demand and increased market penetration. The margin for this segment improved 20 basis points to 18.0 percent.
Industrial Automation sales grew 13 percent for the quarter. Underlying sales growth was 6 percent, which excludes 7 percent favorable impact of currency translation. Sales in the U.S. and Europe were solid, due largely to capital goods investments and global power generation demand. The margin for this segment declined 150 basis points to 15.2 percent. Funds received under the U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act were $3 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $24 million in the first quarter of 2007, which had a negative 190 basis point impact on the margin during the first quarter of 2008.
Network Power reported sales growth of 17 percent for the quarter, which included underlying sales growth of 12 percent. Reported sales included a 4 percent favorable currency impact as well as a 1 percent favorable impact from the Stratos acquisition. Strength in North American and Asian markets drove the sales growth. The margin expanded 300 basis points to 12.8 percent, due primarily to leverage on the higher sales volume and prior cost containment actions.
Climate Technologies achieved sales growth of 11 percent in the quarter. Underlying sales growth was 7 percent with an additional 4 percent coming from currency translation. Higher sales in the United States and Asia more than offset weakness in Europe. The decline in Europe is primarily the result of lower heat pump compressor sales, which were very high in the prior year quarter. The margin improved 40 basis points to 13.4 percent, mainly as a result of leverage on higher volume and cost reduction programs.
Appliance and Tools sales declined 4 percent in the quarter, which included more than 2 percent of favorable currency translation and negative 2 percent from divestitures, net of acquisitions. Weakness in consumer spending and residential investment led to the overall sales decline. Profitability for this segment improved by 70 basis points to 12.9 percent, driven primarily by cost containment actions and the favorable impact of divestitures.
Balance Sheet / Cash Flow
Operating cash flow was $423 million in the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 29 percent from the first quarter of 2007. This improvement was driven by increased earnings and working capital improvements. The ratio of trade working capital to sales improved 10 basis points to 19.7 percent.
“Emerson’s continued focus on cash generation and returns is evidenced by the cash flow results this quarter,” Farr said. “Emerson’s strong cash position allows us to invest in strategic areas of our business and also return substantial amounts of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.”
2008 Outlook
Based on performance in the quarter and continued order strength, Emerson expects full year earnings per share from continuing operations in the range of $2.95 to $3.05, which would represent growth in the range of 11 percent to 15 percent. This earnings per share performance is based on anticipated underlying sales growth in the range of 5 percent to 7 percent, reported sales growth in the range of 9 percent to 11 percent, and operating profit margin improvement of 40 to 60 basis points.
The 2008 outlook incorporates dilution of $0.02-$0.03 per share related to the Motorola Embedded Communications Computing acquisition, which closed on December 31, 2007. Estimated dilution to earnings per share results from non-cash charges for amortization of intangibles, a one-time inventory write-up, in-process R&D, and integration restructuring. A $15 million pretax expense associated with in-process R&D costs was recorded in the first quarter 2008.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Statements in this release that are not strictly historical may be “forward-looking” statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, and Emerson undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect later developments. These risks and uncertainties include economic and currency conditions, market demand, pricing, and competitive and technological factors, among others, as set forth in the company's most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC.