Emerson’s sales increased 5% in fiscal 2010

Fourth quarter sales rose 14% from prior year quarter

Diversified manufacturer Emerson Corp. today reported that net sales for fiscal 2010 increased 5 percent to $21.0 billion. Underlying sales declined 1 percent, currency translation added 2 percent and acquisitions added 4 percent. Emerging market sales hit record levels of 34 percent of sales and international sales were 57 percent of total sales. Gross profit margin expanded 2.0 points to a record 39.6 percent for the year and operating profit margin reached 16.7 percent.

Earnings per share from continuing operations grew 15 percent to $2.60, which includes a negative $0.04 impact from the Chloride Group PLC acquisition and a negative $0.05 impact from the reclassification of the appliance motors and U.S. commercial and industrial motors businesses to discontinued operations. Net earnings per share increased 25 percent to $2.84, and includes a $0.20 gain from the sale of Motors and a positive $0.04 impact from the results of divested businesses.

“Because of the work accomplished during the downturn, we had a strong finish to the year. Our September order trends accelerated to 18 percent and reveal tremendous momentum heading into fiscal 2011,” said Chairman and CEO David N. Farr. “We are proud of our employees’ accomplishments and the results we delivered. Looking ahead, 2011 should be an even stronger year.”

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2010, were $5.8 billion, an increase of 14 percent from the prior year quarter. Underlying sales in the quarter increased 12 percent, which excludes a 3 percent impact from acquisitions and a 1 percent unfavorable impact from currency exchange rates. Growth was solid across all global markets. Underlying sales in the quarter grew 9 percent in the U.S., 14 percent in Asia, 15 percent in Europe and 11 percent in Latin America.

“Our fourth quarter results reflect continued strengthening in the global economy and improved demand for Emerson’s products,” Farr said. “Businesses are spending again. That’s good for Emerson. In the midst of the harsh economic downturn of the past couple of years, we did what we’ve done before. We repositioned the company to be stronger than ever before.

Emerson’s Industrial Automation group had strong performance in the quarter, with sales increasing 23 percent including an underlying sales increase of 26 percent, a 4 percent unfavorable impact from currency and a 1 percent favorable impact from acquisitions. Recently, Emerson won a major contract to provide power inverters and plant-wide controls for what will be California’s largest photovoltaic facility.

Its Tools and Storage sales were up 2 percent in the quarter, reflecting flat underlying sales and a 2 percent favorable impact from acquisitions. Strength in the tools and disposer businesses was offset by residential storage weakness