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Emerson Electric (EMR) Down 3.5% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Rebound?

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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Emerson Electric (EMR - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 3.5% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Emerson Electric due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

Emerson Q1 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Up Y/Y

Emerson has reported better-than-expected first-quarter fiscal 2022 (ended Dec 31, 2021) results, with earnings and sales surpassing estimates by 6.1% and 0.1%, respectively.

The company’s adjusted earnings came in at $1.05 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 99 cents. On a year-over-year basis, the bottom line improved 13%.

Inside the Headlines

Emerson’s net sales were $4,473 million in the quarter, reflecting an increase of 8% from the year-ago quarter. Underlying sales were up 8%. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,470 million.

The company reports net sales under two segments — Automation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutions. Fiscal first-quarter segmental results are briefly discussed below:

Automation Solutions’ net sales were $2,805 million, increasing 4.2% year over year. Underlying sales of the segment increased 5%. Commercial & Residential Solutions generated net sales of $1,671 million in the fiscal first quarter, up 13.2% year over year. Underlying sales were up 13%. Under the segment, Climate Technologies’ sales increased 12.8% to $1,163 million and that from Tools & Home Products jumped 14.2% to $508 million.

Margin Details

In the quarter under review, Emerson's cost of sales increased 8.7% year over year to $2,651 million. It represented 59.3% of net sales compared with 58.6% in the year-ago quarter. Pretax margin in the quarter was 26.3%, up 1,280 basis points (bps). Adjusted EBITA margin came in at 19.6%, up 140 bps. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 1.3% to $1,011 million. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses were 22.6% compared with 24% in the year-ago quarter.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Exiting first-quarter fiscal 2022, Emerson had cash and cash equivalents of $4,726 million, up from $2,354 million in the previous quarter. Long-term debt balance increased 50.6% sequentially to $8,722 million. During the first three months of fiscal 2022, the company repaid debts of $501 million.

In the first three months of fiscal 2022, it generated net cash of $523 million from operating activities, reflecting a decrease of 35.3% from the year-ago period. Capital expenditure was $116 million, down from $122 million.

During the first three months of fiscal 2022, the company paid out dividends amounting to $307 million and repurchased shares worth $253 million.

Outlook

For fiscal 2022 (ending September 2022), it anticipates net sales growth of 6-8%, higher than 5-7% increase predicted earlier. Underlying sales are expected to grow in the range of 7-9%, compared with 6-8% growth projected earlier.

For fiscal 2022, adjusted earnings per share are predicted to lie in the range of $4.90-$5.05 compared with $4.82-$4.97 estimated previously.

For the fiscal year, Emerson expects Automation Solutions’ net sales to grow in the range of 5-7% while Commercial & Residential Solutions’ net sales are projected to increase 8-10%.

The company anticipates generating operating cash flow of $3.8 billion, with free cash flow of $3.1 billion. It expects to repurchase $250-$500 million worth of shares and pay dividends totaling $1.2 billion in fiscal 2022.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2022 (ending March 2022), it anticipates net sales growth of 4-6%. Underlying sales are expected to grow in the range of 6-8%.

For the fiscal second quarter, adjusted earnings per share are expected to lie in the range of $1.15-$1.20.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

It turns out, estimates review flatlined during the past month.

VGM Scores

At this time, Emerson Electric has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a C. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook

Emerson Electric has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.


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