EMR 10-K diff: FY 2023-09-30 → FY 2025-09-30
Paragraph-level diff of Risk Factors (Item 1A) and Management's Discussion & Analysis (Item 7).
Item 1A · Risk Factors
+21 paragraphs −16 paragraphs ~16 changed
FY 2023-09-30 (earlier)
ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider, among other matters, the factors set forth below and the other information in this report. The Company’s risk factors set forth below are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management or that management currently deems immaterial also may materially, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results. We may amend or supplement the risk factors set forth below from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC.
Business and Operational Risks
We Operate in Businesses That Are Subject to Competitive Pressures That Could Affect Prices or Demand for Our ProductsOur businesses operate in markets that are highly competitive and potentially volatile, and we compete on the basis of product performance, quality, service and/or price across the industries and markets served. Our businesses are largely dependent on the current and future business environment, including capital and consumer spending. A significant element of our competitive strategy is to deliver solutions to our customers by manufacturing high-quality products at the best relevant global cost. Various companies compete with us in one or more product lines and the number of competitors varies by product line. Some of our competitors have substantially greater sales, assets and financial resources than our Company and we also compete with many smaller companies. Competitive pressures could adversely affect prices or customer demand for our products, impacting our sales or profit margins, and/or resulting in a loss of market share. In addition, certain of our businesses rely, in part, on independent sales representatives and distributors. Any disruption or adverse change in our relationships with these independent sales representatives could weaken our competitive position and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A disruption or adverse change could result from the sale or financial instability of an independent sales representative or distributor, changes to our relationship including favoring competing products for any reason, or other events.Our Operating Results Depend in Part on Continued Successful Research, Development and Marketing of New and/or Improved Products and Services, and There Can Be No Assurance That We Will Continue to Successfully Introduce New Products and ServicesThe success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by our customers. Our businesses are affected by varying degrees of technological change and corresponding shifts in
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customer demand, which result in unpredictable product transitions, shortened life cycles and increased importance of bein g first to market with new products and services. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to continue to bring new products and services to market.We must anticipate and respond to market and technological changes driven by broader trends such as decarbonization and electrification efforts in response to climate change. Market growth from the use of cleaner energy sources, as well as emissions management, energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts are likely to depend in part on technologies not yet deployed or widely adopted today. We may not adequately innovate or position our businesses for the adoption of technologies such as battery storage solutions, hydrogen use cases in industry, mobility, and power generation, enhanced electrical grid demand management, carbon capture and sequestration or advanced nuclear power.
These trends and the relative competitiveness of our product and service offerings will continue to be impacted by uncertain factors such as the pace of technological developments and related cost considerations, the levels of economic growth in different markets around the world and the adoption of climate change-related policies such as carbon taxes, greenhouse gas emission reductions, incentives or mandates for particular types of energy, or policies that impact the availability of financing for certain types of projects.
If We Are Unable to Defend or Protect Our Intellectual Property Rights, the Company's Competitive Position Could Be Adversely Affected
The Company's intellectual property rights are important to its business and include numerous patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other confidential information. This intellectual property may be subject to challenge, infringement, invalidation or circumvention by third parties. Despite extensive security measures, our intellectual property may be subject to misappropriation through unauthorized access of our information technology systems, employee theft, or other acts of industrial espionage. Should the Company be unable to adequately defend or protect its intellectual property, it may suffer competitive harm.
We Engage in Acquisitions and Divestitures, Which Are Subject to Domestic and Foreign Regulatory Requirements, and May Encounter Difficulties in Integrating and Separating These Businesses and Therefore We May Not Realize the Anticipated BenefitsWe regularly seek growth through strategic acquisitions as well as evaluate our portfolio for potential divestitures. These activities require favorable environments to execute these transactions, and we may encounter difficulties in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions. In 2023 and in past years, we have made various acquisitions and divestitures, including our acquisition of National Instruments which closed after year-end, our divestiture of a majority stake in the Climate Technologies business (now renamed Copeland), and our majority stake in Aspen Technology, Inc., and entered into joint venture arrangements intended to complement or expand our business, and may continue to do so in the future. As a result of these transactions, the Company has a narrower business which is focused on higher growth markets including software, innovation and disruptive technologies, and may encounter more volatility and be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to achieve higher rates of growth, integrate assets and personnel acquired in these transactions and to cooperate with our strategic partners. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations as well as separating divested businesses, and in managing strategic investments. Furthermore, we may not realize the degree, or timing, of anticipated benefits including, among others, increasing rates of profitability and growth. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
As part of the Copeland transaction, the Company received a note receivable and retained a 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest. As the Company no longer has a controlling interest in this business, the future value or proceeds from the note receivable and common equity interest will depend on the business performance of Copeland and how the controlling owner manages the business. Therefore, the Company can make no assurance regarding the amount or timing of any future proceeds or value to be derived from the note receivable and common equity interest.We Use a Variety of Raw Materials and Components in Our Businesses, and Significant Shortages or Price Increases Could Increase Our Operating Costs and Adversely Impact the Competitive Positions of Our P roducts7Our major requirements for raw materials include steel, cast iron, electronics, rare earth metals, aluminum, brass and, to a lesser extent, plastics and petroleum-based chemicals. The Company seeks multiple sources of supply for each of its major requirements in order to avoid significant dependence on any one or a few suppliers. However, the supply of materials or other items could be disrupted by natural disasters, a health epidemic or pandemic, or other events. Significant shortages or price increases could impact the prices our affected businesses charge, their operating costs and the competitive position of their products and services, which could adversely affect our results of operations. While we monitor market prices of the commodities we require and attempt to mitigate price exposure through hedging activities, this risk could adversely affect our operating results.
Our Operations Depend on Production Facilities Throughout the World, a Majority of Which Are Located Outside the United States and Subject to Increased Risks of Disrupted Production, Causing Delays in Shipments and Loss of Customers and Revenue
We manage businesses with manufacturing facilities worldwide, a majority of which are located outside the United States, and also source certain materials globally. Emerging market sales represent over one-third of total sales and serving a global customer base requires that we p lace more materials sourcing and production in emerging markets to capitalize on market opportunities and maintain a best-cost position. Our and our suppliers’ non-U.S. production facilities and operations could be disrupted by weather and natural disaster (including the potential effects of climate change), labor strife, war (including the Russia-Ukraine and other global conflicts), political unrest, terrorist activity or public health concerns such as an epidemic or pandemic, particularly in emerging countries that are not well-equip ped to handle such occurrences.
Our manufacturing facilities abroad are dependent on the stability of governments and business conditions and may be more susceptible to changes in laws, policies and regulations in host countries, as well as economic and political upheaval, than our domestic facilities. These facilities face increased risks of nationalization as well as operational disruptions which could cause delays in shipments of products and the loss of sales and customers, and insurance proceeds may not adequately compensate us.
Access to Funding Through the Capital Markets is Essential to the Execution of Our Business Plan, and if We Are Unable to Maintain Such Access We Could Experience a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business and Financial Results
Our ability to invest in our businesses, make strategic acquisitions and refinance maturing debt obligations requires access to the capital markets and sufficient bank credit lines to support short-term borrowings. Volatility in the capital markets may increase costs associated with issuing commercial paper or other debt instruments, or affect the Company’s ability to access those markets. If we are unable to continue to access the capital markets, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, if our customers, suppliers or financial institutions are unable to access the capital markets to meet their commitments to the Company, our business could be adversely impacted.
Our Business Success Depends on the Ability to Attract, Develop and Retain Key PersonnelOur success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and performance. The failure to attract, develop and retain highly qualified personnel could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities as well as negatively impact our business and operating results.Security and/or Data Privacy Breaches, or Disruptions of Our Information Technology Systems Could Adversely Affect Our BusinessThe Company relies on information technology networks and systems, including the internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. These technology networks and systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components; power outages; telecommunications or system failures; terrorist attacks; natural disasters; employee error or malfeasance; server or cloud provider breaches; and computer viruses or cyberattacks. Cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology networks and systems to more sophisticated and targeted measures, known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company, its products,
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its customers and/or its third-party service providers. Despite the implementation of cybersecurity measures (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring, and maintenance of backup and protective systems), the Company’s information technology systems may still be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats and other electronic security breaches. It is possible for such vulnerabilities to remain undetected for an extended period. In addition, it is possible a security breach could result in theft of trade secrets or other intellectual property or disclosure of confidential customer, supplier or employee information. Should the Company be unable to prevent security breaches or other damage to our information technology systems, disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations, as well as expose the Company to litigation, liability or penalties under privacy laws, increased cybersecurity protection costs, reputational damage and product failure. In addition, we must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the U.S. and elsewhere. Compliance with privacy and localization laws and regulations increases operational complexity. Failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to fines and penalties, as well as legal and reputational risks, including proceedings against the Company by governmental entities or others.
Our Products and Services are Highly Sophisticated and Specialized, and a Major Product Failure or Similar Event Caused by Defects, Cybersecurity Incidents or Other Failures, Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Reputation, Financial Position and Results of OperationsWe produce highly sophisticated products and provide specialized services that incorporate or use complex or leading-edge technology, including both hardware and software. Many of our products and services, including measurement and analytical instrumentation, industrial valves and equipment, and process control systems, are integrated and used in complex process, hybrid and discrete manufacturing environments. As a result, the impact of a catastrophic product failure or similar event could be significant. While we have built operational processes to ensure that our product design, manufacture, performance and servicing meet rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that we or our customers or other third parties will not experience operational process or product failures and other problems, including through manufacturing or design defects, process or other failures of contractors or third-party suppliers, cybersecurity incidents or other intentional acts, that could result in potential product, safety, regulatory or environmental risks. Cybersecurity incidents aimed at the software embedded in our products could lead to third-party claims resulting from damages caused by our product failures, and this risk is enhanced by the increasingly connected nature of our products. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include financial loss, reputational damage, litigation with third parties, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations.Industry and General Economic RisksThe Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Adversely Impacted our Business and a Resurgence or Development of New Strains or Variants of COVID-19, or Other Public Health Emergencies, Could in the Future Have a Material Adverse Impact on our Business, Results of Operation, Financial Condition and Liquidity, the Nature and Extent of Which is Highly Uncertain
The global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) significantly increased economic, demand and operational uncertainty. Our operations have generally stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and in May 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency. However, a resurgence or development of new strains of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, could result in unpredictable responses by authorities around the world which could negatively impact our global operations, customers and suppliers. Any future pandemics or public health emergencies could result in disruptions to our manufacturing operations, including higher rates of employee absenteeism, and supply chain, which could negatively impact our ability to meet customer demand. The extent to which new strains or variants of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, could impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity is highly uncertain and would depend on future developments, including the spread and duration of any such virus and the variants, potential actions taken by governmental authorities, and how quickly economic conditions stabilize and recover.Our Substantial Sales Both in the U.S. and Abroad Subject Us to Economic Risk as Our Results of Operations May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in Government Regulations and Policies and Currency Fluctuations9
We sell, manufacture, engineer and purchase products globally, with significant sales in both mature and emerging markets. We expect sales in non-U.S. markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our total sales. Our U.S. and international operations subject the Company to changes in government regulations and policies in a large number of jurisdictions around the world, including those related to trade, investments, taxation, exchange controls and repatriation of earnings. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, trade restrictions or barriers, tariffs or taxes, trade protection measures, and retaliatory countermeasures, including on imports from countries where we manufacture products, could adversely impact our business and financial results. In addition, changes in the relative values of currencies occur from time to time and have affected our operating results and could do so in the future. While we monitor our exchange rate exposures and attempt to mitigate this exposure through hedging activities, this risk could adversely affect our operating results.Recessions, Adverse Market Conditions or Downturns in End Markets We Serve May Negatively Affect Our Operations
In th e past, our operations have been exposed to significant volatility due to changes in general economic conditions or consumer preferences, recessions or adverse conditions in the end markets we serve. In the future, similar changes could adversely impact overall sales, operating results (including potential impairment charges for goodwill or other long-lived assets) and cash flows. Moreover, during economic downturns we may undertake more extensive restructuring actions, including workforce reductions, global facility consolidations, centralization of certain business support activities, and other cost reduction initiatives, and incur higher costs. As these plans and actions can be complex, the anticipated operational improvements, efficiencies and other benefits might be delayed or not realized.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Changes in Tax Rates, Laws or Regulations and the Resolution of Tax Disputes Could Adversely Impact Our Financial ResultsAs a global company, we are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine our consolidated income tax provision and related liabilities. The Company’s effective tax rate, cash flows and operating results could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, as well as by changes in the local tax laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof. In addition, the Company’s tax returns are subject to regular review and audit by U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities. While we believe our tax provisions are appropriate, the final outcome of tax audits or disputes could result in adjustments to the Company’s tax liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial results.Our Reputation, Ability To Do Business and Results of Operations Could Be Impaired By Improper Conduct By Any of Our Employees, Agents or Business Partners
We are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies, including laws related to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, export and import compliance, anti-trust and money laundering, due to our global operations. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced government corruption to some degree. We cannot provide assurance our internal controls will always protect us from the improper conduct of our employees, agents and business partners. Any such violation of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance and could damage our reputation, our business and results of operations.
We Are Subject to Litigation and Environmental Regulations That Could Adversely Impact Our Operating ResultsWe are, and may in the future be, a party to a number of legal proceedings and claims, including those involving intellectual property, product liability (including asbestos) and environmental matters, several of which claim, or may in the future claim, si gnificant damages. Given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, we can offer no assurance that existing litigation or a future adverse development will not have a material adverse impact. We also are subject to various laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment, and we could incur substantial costs as a result of the noncompliance with or liability for cleanup or
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other costs or damages under environmental laws. In addition, increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more international, federal, and/or state or other stakeholder requirements or expectations that could result in more restrictive or expansive standards, such as stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions or more prescriptive reporting of environmental, social, and governance metrics. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate change legislation and standards, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. While the Company has adopted certain voluntary targets, environmental laws, regulations or standards may be changed, accelerated or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon the Company, its products or customers, which could negatively impact the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.Increasing Interest and Expectations with Respect to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Matters by Our Various Stakeholders Could Adversely Affect Our Business and Operating ResultsIn response to growing customer, investor, employee, governmental, and other stakeholder interest in our ESG practices, we have increased reporting of our ESG programs and performance and have established and announced our aspirational purpose, causes, values, and related commitments, goals or targets, including those regarding sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, our net zero ambition, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Our ability to achieve such goals and aspirations is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which rely on the collective efforts of others or may be outside of our control. Such risks include, among others, the availability and adoption of new or additional technologies that reduce carbon or eliminate energy sources on a commercially reasonable basis, competing and evolving economic, policy and regulatory factors, the ability of suppliers and others to meet our sustainability, diversity and other goals, the availability of qualified candidates in our labor markets and our ability to recruit and retain diverse talent, and customer engagement in our goals. There may be times where actual outcomes vary from those aimed for or expected and sometimes challenges may delay or block progress. As a result, we cannot offer assurances that the results reflected or implied by any such statements will be realized or achieved. Moreover, standards and expectations for ESG matters continue to evolve and may be subject to varying interpretations, which may result in significant revisions to our goals or progress. In addition, certain of our product offerings may become less attractive as standards evolve. A failure or perceived failure to meet our aspirational purpose, causes, values, and related commitments, goals or targets within the timelines we announce, or at all, or a failure or perceived failure to meet evolving stakeholders expectations and standards, could damage our reputation, adversely affect employee retention or engagement or support from our various stakeholders and could subject us to government enforcement actions or penalties and private litigation. Such outcomes could negatively impact the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.
FY 2025-09-30 (later)
ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider, among other matters, the factors set forth below and the other information in this report. The Company’s risk factors set forth below are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management or that management currently deems immaterial also may materially, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results. We may amend or supplement the risk factors set forth below from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC.
Business and Operational Risks
We Operate in Businesses That Are Subject to Competitive Pressures That Could Affect Prices or Demand for Our ProductsOur businesses operate in markets that are highly competitive and potentially volatile, and we compete on the basis of product performance, quality, service and/or price across the industries and markets served. Our businesses are
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largely dependent on the current and future business environment, including capital and consumer spending. A significant element of our competitive strategy is to deliver solutions to our customers by manufacturing high-quality products at the best relevant global cost. Various companies compete with us in one or more product lines and the number of competitors varies by product line. Some of our competitors have substantially greater sales, assets and financial resources than our Company and we also compete with many smaller companies. Competitive pressures could adversely affect prices or customer demand for our products, impacting our sales or profit margins, and/or resulting in a loss of market share. In addition, certain of our businesses rely, in part, on independent sales representatives and distributors. Any disruption or adverse change in our relationships with these independent sales representatives could weaken our competitive position and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A disruption or adverse change could result from the sale or financial instability of an independent sales representative or distributor, changes to our relationship including favoring competing products for any reason, or other events.Our Operating Results Depend in Part on Continued Successful Research, Development and Marketing of New and/or Improved Products and Services, and There Can Be No Assurance That We Will Continue to Successfully Introduce New Products and ServicesThe success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by our customers. Our businesses are affected by varying degrees of technological change, such as, among others, artificial intelligences and machine learning, and corresponding shifts in customer demand, which result in unpredictable product transitions, shortened life cycles and increased importance of bein g first to market with new products and services. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to continue to bring new products and services to market.We must anticipate and respond to market and technological changes driven by broader trends such as decarbonization and electrification efforts in response to climate change. Market growth from the use of cleaner energy sources, as well as emissions management, energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts are likely to depend in part on technologies not yet deployed or widely adopted today. We may not adequately innovate or position our businesses for the adoption of technologies such as battery storage solutions, hydrogen use cases in industry, mobility, and power generation, enhanced electrical grid demand management, carbon capture and sequestration or advanced nuclear power.
These trends and the relative competitiveness of our product and service offerings will continue to be impacted by uncertain factors such as the pace of technological developments and related cost considerations, the levels of economic growth in different markets around the world and the adoption of climate change-related policies such as carbon taxes, greenhouse gas emission reductions, incentives or mandates for particular types of energy, or policies that impact the availability of financing for certain types of projects.
If We Are Unable to Defend or Protect Our Intellectual Property Rights, the Company's Competitive Position Could Be Adversely Affected
The Company's intellectual property rights are important to its business and include numerous patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other confidential information. This intellectual property may be subject to challenge, infringement, invalidation or circumvention by third parties. Despite extensive security measures, our intellectual property may be subject to misappropriation through unauthorized access of our information technology systems, employee theft, or other acts of industrial espionage. Should the Company be unable to adequately defend or protect its intellectual property, it may suffer competitive harm.
We Engage in Acquisitions and Divestitures, Which Are Subject to Domestic and Foreign Regulatory Requirements, and May Encounter Difficulties in Integrating and Separating These Businesses and Therefore We May Not Realize the Anticipated BenefitsWe regularly seek growth through strategic acquisitions as well as evaluate our portfolio for potential divestitures. These activities require favorable environments to execute these transactions, and we may encounter difficulties in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions. In 2025 and in past years, we have made various acquisitions and divestitures, including our purchase of the remaining outstanding shares of common stock of AspenTech not already owned by the Company, our acquisition of National Instruments, and our
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divestiture of the Climate Technologies business (now renamed Copeland), and entered into joint venture arrangements intended to complement or expand our business, and may continue to do so in the future. As a result of these transactions, the Company has a narrower business which is focused on higher growth markets including software, innovation and disruptive technologies, and may encounter more volatility and be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to achieve higher rates of growth, integrate assets and personnel acquired in these transactions and to cooperate with our strategic partners. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations as well as separating divested businesses, and in managing strategic investments. Furthermore, we may not realize the degree, or timing, of anticipated benefits including, among others, increasing rates of profitability and growth. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.We Use a Variety of Raw Materials and Components in Our Businesses, and Significant Shortages or Price Increases Could Increase Our Operating Costs and Adversely Impact the Competitive Positions of Our P roductsOur major requirements for raw materials include steel, cast iron, electronics, rare earth metals, aluminum, brass and, to a lesser extent, plastics and petroleum-based chemicals. The Company seeks multiple sources of supply for each of its major requirements in order to avoid significant dependence on any one or a few suppliers. However, the supply of materials or other items could be disrupted by natural disasters, a health epidemic or pandemic, or other events. Significant shortages or price increases could impact the prices our affected businesses charge, their operating costs and the competitive position of their products and services, which could adversely affect our results of operations. While we monitor market prices of the commodities we require and attempt to mitigate price exposure through hedging activities, this risk could adversely affect our operating results.
Our Operations Depend on Production Facilities Throughout the World, a Majority of Which Are Located Outside the United States and Subject to Increased Risks of Disrupted Production, Causing Delays in Shipments and Loss of Customers and Revenue
We manage businesses with manufacturing facilities worldwide, a majority of which are located outside the United States, and also source certain materials globally. Emerging market sales represent over one-third of total sales and serving a global customer base requires that we p lace more materials sourcing and production in emerging markets to capitalize on market opportunities and maintain a best-cost position. Our and our suppliers’ non-U.S. production facilities and operations could be disrupted by weather and natural disaster (including the potential effects of climate change), labor strife, war (including the Russia-Ukraine and other global conflicts), political unrest, terrorist activity or public health concerns such as an epidemic or pandemic, particularly in emerging countries that are not well-equip ped to handle such occurrences.
Our manufacturing facilities abroad are dependent on the stability of governments and business conditions and may be more susceptible to changes in laws, policies and regulations in host countries, as well as economic and political upheaval, than our domestic facilities. These facilities face increased risks of nationalization as well as operational disruptions which could cause delays in shipments of products and the loss of sales and customers, and insurance proceeds may not adequately compensate us.
Access to Funding Through the Capital Markets is Essential to the Execution of Our Business Plan, and if We Are Unable to Maintain Such Access We Could Experience a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business and Financial Results
Our ability to invest in our businesses, make strategic acquisitions and refinance maturing debt obligations requires access to the capital markets and sufficient bank credit lines to support short-term borrowings. Volatility in the capital markets may increase costs associated with issuing commercial paper or other debt instruments, or affect the Company’s ability to access those markets. If we are unable to continue to access the capital markets, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, if our customers, suppliers or financial institutions are unable to access the capital markets to meet their commitments to the Company, our business could be adversely impacted.
Our Business Success Depends on the Ability to Attract, Develop and Retain Key PersonnelOur success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and performance. The failure to attract,
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develop and retain highly qualified personnel could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities as well as negatively impact our business and operating results.Security and/or Data Privacy Breaches, or Disruptions of Our Information Technology Systems Could Adversely Affect Our BusinessThe Company relies on information technology networks and systems, including the internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. These technology networks and systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components; power outages; telecommunications or system failures; terrorist attacks; natural disasters; employee error or malfeasance; server or cloud provider breaches; and computer viruses or cyberattacks. Cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology networks and systems to more sophisticated and targeted measures, known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company, its products, its customers and/or its third-party service providers. Despite the implementation of cybersecurity measures (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring, and maintenance of backup and protective systems), the Company’s information technology systems may still be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats and other electronic security breaches. It is possible for such vulnerabilities to remain undetected for an extended period. In addition, it is possible a security breach could result in theft of trade secrets or other intellectual property or disclosure of confidential customer, supplier or employee information. We anticipate that the risk of cybersecurity attacks will increase as artificial intelligence capabilities improve and are increasingly used to identify vulnerabilities and construct increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, with the possibility of additional vulnerabilities being introduced through our own use of artificial intelligence and its use by our stakeholders, including vendors and customers, among others. Should the Company be unable to prevent security breaches or other damage to our information technology systems, disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations, as well as expose the Company to litigation, liability or penalties under privacy laws, increased cybersecurity protection costs, reputational damage and product failure. In addition, we must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the U.S. and elsewhere. Compliance with privacy and localization laws and regulations increases operational complexity. Failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to fines and penalties, as well as legal and reputational risks, including proceedings against the Company by governmental entities or others.
Our Products and Services are Highly Sophisticated and Specialized, and a Major Product Failure or Similar Event Caused by Defects, Cybersecurity Incidents or Other Failures Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Reputation, Financial Position and Results of OperationsWe produce highly sophisticated products and provide specialized services that incorporate or use complex or leading-edge technology, including both hardware and software. Many of our products and services, including measurement and analytical instrumentation, industrial valves and equipment, and process control systems, are integrated and used in complex process, hybrid and discrete manufacturing environments. As a result, the impact of a catastrophic product failure or similar event could be significant. While we have built operational processes to ensure that our product design, manufacture, performance and servicing meet rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that we or our customers or other third parties will not experience operational process or product failures and other problems, including through manufacturing or design defects, process or other failures of contractors or third-party suppliers, cybersecurity incidents or other intentional acts, that could result in potential product, safety, regulatory or environmental risks. Cybersecurity incidents aimed at the software embedded in our products could lead to third-party claims resulting from damages caused by our product failures, and this risk is enhanced by the increasingly connected nature of our products. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include financial loss, reputational damage, litigation with third parties, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations.We May Use Artificial Intelligence in Our Businesses and in Our Products and Services, and Challenges With Managing its Use Could Result in Reputational Harm, Competitive Harm, and Legal Liability, and Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations
Our businesses increasingly rely on artificial intelligence solutions to optimize our operations, improve customer experiences, and enhance our products and services. While the use of artificial intelligence presents significant
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opportunities, it also introduces a range of risks that could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability, and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our artificial intelligence efforts subject us to risks related to accuracy, intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, data privacy, and cybersecurity, among others, and if our use of artificial intelligence becomes controversial, we may experience brand or reputational harm, competitive harm, or legal liability. Additionally, our competitors or other third parties may incorporate artificial intelligence into their products, services or operations more quickly or successfully than us, or develop superior products and services with the aid of artificial intelligence, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Finally, the regulatory landscape surrounding artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and the use of artificial intelligence may be subject to new legal or regulatory requirements, the impact of which may be prohibitive or pose further risks from a legal or regulatory perspective.Industry and General Economic RisksOur Substantial Sales Both in the U.S. and Abroad Subject Us to Economic Risk as Our Results of Operations May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in Government Regulations and Policies and Currency FluctuationsWe sell, manufacture, engineer and purchase products globally, with significant sales in both mature and emerging markets. We expect sales in non-U.S. markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our total sales. Our U.S. and international operations subject the Company to changes in government regulations and policies in a large number of jurisdictions around the world, including those related to trade, investments, taxation, exchange controls and repatriation of earnings. Changes in laws or policies (including their interpretations) governing the terms of foreign trade, trade restrictions or barriers, tariffs or taxes, trade protection measures, and retaliatory countermeasures, including on imports from countries where we manufacture products, could adversely impact our business and financial results. In addition, changes in the relative values of currencies occur from time to time and have affected our operating results and could do so in the future. While we monitor our exchange rate exposures and attempt to mitigate this exposure through hedging activities, this risk could adversely affect our operating results.
The recent changes in U.S. trade policy involving the application or increase of tariffs and the subsequent retaliatory measures against the U.S. have created a dynamic environment that may have a material adverse impact on our business. While we have deployed strategies to mitigate the impact of these dynamic trade policies, there is no assurance that we will be able to mitigate the full impact of all such tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade policies that have or may develop in this rapidly changing environment. Increasing trade tensions and changes in trade policies have the potential to adversely impact our costs, the demand for our products, our supply chain and the global economy, which may have an adverse impact on our business, including operating and financial results and conditions.Recessions, Adverse Market Conditions or Downturns in End Markets We Serve May Negatively Affect Our Operations
In th e past, our operations have been exposed to significant volatility due to changes in general economic conditions or consumer preferences, recessions or adverse conditions in the end markets we serve. In the future, similar changes could adversely impact overall sales, operating results (including potential impairment charges for goodwill or other long-lived assets) and cash flows. Moreover, during economic downturns we may undertake more extensive restructuring actions, including workforce reductions, global facility consolidations, centralization of certain business support activities, and other cost reduction initiatives, and incur higher costs. As these plans and actions can be complex, the anticipated operational improvements, efficiencies and other benefits might be delayed or not realized.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Changes in Tax Rates, Laws or Regulations and the Resolution of Tax Disputes Could Adversely Impact Our Financial ResultsAs a global company, we are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine ou r consolidated income tax provision and related liabilities. The Company’s effective tax rate, cash flows and operating results could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries
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with different statutory tax rates, as well as by changes in the local tax laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof, including multiple, overlapping tax regimes enacted as part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development proposals that implement a global minimum tax. In addition, the Company’s tax returns are subject to regular review and audit by U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities. While we believe our tax provisions are appropriate, the final outcome of tax audits or disputes could result in adju stments to the Company’s tax liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial results.Our Reputation, Ability To Do Business and Results of Operations Could Be Impaired By Improper Conduct By Any of Our Employees, Agents or Business Partners
We are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies, including laws related to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, export and import compliance, anti-trust and money laundering, due to our global operations. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced government corruption to some degree. We cannot provide assurance our internal controls will always protect us from the improper conduct of our employees, agents and business partners. Any such violation of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance and could damage our reputation, our business and results of operations.
We Are Subject to Litigation and Environmental Regulations That Could Adversely Impact Our Operating ResultsWe are, and may in the future be, a party to a number of legal proceedings and claims, including those involving intellectual property, commercial transactions, government contracts, the integration of emerging technologies (for example, artificial intelligence and machine learning, among others), M&A, employment, employee benefit plans, antitrust, anti-corruption, accounting, import and export, health and safety matters, product liability (including asbestos) and environmental matters, several of which claim, or may in the future claim, si gnificant damages. Given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, we can offer no assurance that existing litigation or a future adverse development will not have a material adverse impact. We also are subject to various laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment, and we could incur substantial costs as a result of the noncompliance with or liability for cleanup or other costs or damages under environmental laws. In addition, increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more international, federal, and/or state or other stakeholder requirements or expectations that could result in more restrictive or expansive standards, such as stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions or more prescriptive reporting of environmental, social, and governance metrics. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate change legislation and standards, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. While the Company has adopted certain voluntary goals or targets, environmental laws, regulations or standards may be changed, accelerated or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon the Company, its products or customers, which could negatively impact the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.Increasing Interest and Expectations with Respect to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Matters by Our Various Stakeholders Could Adversely Affect Our Business and Operating ResultsIn response to growing customer, investor, employee, governmental, and other stakeholder interest in our ESG practices, we have increased reporting of our ESG programs and performance and have established and announced our aspirational purpose, causes, values, and related commitments, goals or targets, including those regarding sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, and our net zero ambition. Our ability to achieve such goals and aspirations is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which rely on the collective efforts of others or may be outside of our control. Such risks include, among others, the availability and adoption of new or additional technologies that reduce carbon or eliminate energy sources on a commercially reasonable basis, competing and evolving economic, policy and regulatory factors, the ability of suppliers and others to meet our sustainability and other goals, the availability of qualified candidates in our labor markets and our ability to recruit and retain diverse talent, and customer engagement in our goals. There may be times where actual outcomes vary from those aimed for or expected and sometimes challenges may delay or block progress. As a result, we cannot offer assurances that the results reflected or implied by any such statements will be realized or achieved. Moreover, standards and expectations for ESG matters continue to evolve and may be subject to varying interpretations, which may result in
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significant revisions to our goals or progress. In addition, certain of our product offerings may become less attractive as standards evolve. A failure or perceived failure to meet our aspirational purpose, causes, values, and related commitments, goals or targets within the timelines we announce, or at all, or a failure or perceived failure to meet evolving stakeholders expectations and standards, could damage our reputation, adversely affect employee retention or engagement or support from our various stakeholders and could subject us to government enforcement actions or penalties and private litigation. Such outcomes could negatively impact the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.
Item 7 · Management's Discussion & Analysis
+244 paragraphs −253 paragraphs ~244 changed
FY 2023-09-30 (earlier)
ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Safe Harbor Statement
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning Emerson's operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Emerson undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect later developments. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Emerson provides the cautionary statements set forth under Item 1A - “Risk Factors,” which are hereby incorporated by reference and identify important economic, political and technological factors, among others, changes in which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.13Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresTo supplement the Company’s financial information presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), management periodically uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures,” as such term is defined in Regulation G under SEC rules, to clarify and enhance understanding of past performance and prospects for the future. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in or excluded from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For exa mple, non-GAAP measures may exclude the impact of certain items such as acquisitions or divestitures, amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, discrete taxes, ch anges in reporting segments, gains, losses and impairments, or items outside of management’s control, such as foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management believes that the following non-GAAP financial measures provide investors and analysts useful insight into the Company’s financial position and operating performance. Any non-GAAP measure provided should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the most directly comparable measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as identified in italics below. Further, the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculation of similarly titled financial measures presented by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies.Underlying sales, which exclude the impact of significant acquisitions, divestitures and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates during the periods presented, are provided to facilitate relevant period-to-period comparisons of sales growth by excluding those items that impact overall comparability (U.S. GAAP measure: net sales ).Operating profit (defined as net sales less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses) and operating profit margin (defined as operating profit divided by net sales) are indicative of short-term operational performance and ongoing profitability. Management closely monitors operating profit and operating profit margin of each business to evaluate past performance and actions required to improve profitability. EBIT (defined as earnings before deductions for interest expense, net, related party interest income, and income taxes) and total segment EBIT, and EBIT margin (defined as EBIT divided by net sales) and total segment EBIT margin, are financial measures that exclude the impact of financing on the capital structure and income taxes . Adjusted EBITA and adjusted segment EBITA (defined as earnings excluding interest expense, net, related party interest income, income taxes, intangibles amortization expense, restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction fees, and certain gains, losses or impairments) and adjusted EBITA margin and adjusted segment EBITA margin (defined as adjusted EBITA divided by net sales) are measures used by management to evaluate the Company's operational performance, as they exclude the impact of acquisition-related investments and non-operational items. EBITDA (defined as EBIT excluding depreciation and amortization) and EBITDA margin (defined as EBITDA divided by net sales) are also used as measures of the Company's current operating performance, as they exclude the impact of capital and acquisition-related investments. Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA excluding restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction fees, and certain gains, losses or impairments) and adjusted EBITDA margin (defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales) are also used to exclude the impact of non-operational items. All of these are commonly used financial measures utilized by management to evaluate performance (U.S. GAAP measures: pretax earnings or pretax profit margin, segment earnings or segment margin ).
Earnings, earnings per share, return on common stockholders’ equity and return on total capital excluding certain gains and losses, impairments, restructuring costs, impacts of acquisitions or divestitures, amortization of intangibles, discrete taxes, or other items provide additional insight into the underlying, ongoing operating performance of the Company and facilitate period-to-period comparisons by excluding the earnings impact of these items. Management believes that presenting earnings, earnings per share, return on common stockholders' equity and return on total capital excluding these items is more representative of the Company’s operational performance and may be more useful for investors (U.S. GAAP measures: earnings, earnings per share, return on common stockholders’ equity, return on total capital ).
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Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) and free cash flow as a percent of net sales are indicators of the Company’s cash generating capabilities, dividends as a percent of free cash flow is an indicator of the Company's ability to support its divid end, and free cash flow conversion of adjusted net earnings (free cash flow divided by net earnings adjusted for intangibles amortization expense, restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction fees, and certain gains, losses or impairments) is an indicator of the quality of the Company's earnings, after considering investments in capital assets which are necessary to maintain and enhance existing operations. The determination of operating cash flow adds back noncash depreciation expense to earnings and thereby does not reflect a charge for necessary capital expenditures. Managemen t believes that free cash flow, free cash flow as a percent of net sales and dividends as a percent of free cash flow are useful to both management and investors as measures of the Company’s ability to generate cash and support its dividend (U.S. GAAP measures: operating cash flow, operating cash flow as a percent of net sales, dividends as a percent of operating cash flow ).
15FINANCIAL REVIEW
Report of ManagementThe Company's management is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the financial statements. Management believes that the financial statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2023 have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances. In preparing the financial statements, management makes informed judgments and estimates where necessary to reflect the expected effects of events and transactions that have not been completed. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures ensure that material information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and communicated to management and reported within the required time periods.In meeting its responsibility for the reliability of the financial statements, management relies on a system of internal accounting controls. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Although the design of this system recognizes that errors or irregularities may occur, management believes that the Company's internal accounting controls provide reasonable assurance that errors or irregularities that could be material to the financial statements are prevented or would be detected within a timely period.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting process. The Audit Committee meets with management and the Company's internal auditors periodically to review the work of each and to monitor the discharge by each of its responsibilities. The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors, who have free access to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, to discuss the quality and acceptability of the Company's financial reporting and internal controls, as well as nonaudit-related services.
The independent auditors are engaged to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Their opinions are based on procedures that they believe to be sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements contain no material errors and that the Company's internal controls are effective.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingThe Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the frame work and the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2023.The Company's auditor, KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ S. L. Karsanbhai /s/ Michael J. Baughman
S. L. Karsanbhai Michael J. Baughman
President Executive Vice President
and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer16Results of Operations
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in Item 7 are in millions, except per share amounts or where noted)2021 2022 2023 22 vs. 21 23 vs. 22
Net sales $ 12,932 13,804 15,165 7 % 10 %
Gross profit $ 5,730 6,306 7,427 10 % 18 %
Percent of sales 44.3 % 45.7 % 49.0 % 1.4 pts 3.3 pts
SG&A $ 3,494 3,614 4,186
Percent of sales 27.0 % 26.2 % 27.6 % (0.8) pts 1.4 pts
Gain on subordinated interest $ — (453) (161)
Other deductions, net $ 319 519 683
Amortization of intangibles $ 277 336 482
Restructuring costs $ 132 75 72
Interest expense, net $ 155 194 34
Interest income from related party $ — — (41)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes $ 1,762 2,432 2,726 38 % 12 %
Percent of sales 13.6 % 17.6 % 18.0 % 4.0 pts 0.4 pts
Earnings from continuing operations common stockholders $ 1,414 1,886 2,152 33 % 14 %
Percent of sales 10.9 % 13.7 % 14.2 % 2.8 pts 0.5 pts
Net earnings common stockholders $ 2,303 3,231 13,219 40 % 309 %
Percent of sales 17.8 % 23.4 % 87.2 % 5.6 pts 63.8 pts
Diluted EPS – Earnings from continuing operations $ 2.35 3.16 3.72 34 % 18 %
Diluted EPS – Net earnings $ 3.82 5.41 22.88 42 % 323 %
Adjusted Diluted EPS – Earnings from continuing operations $ 3.01 3.64 4.44 21 % 22 %
Return on common stockholders' equity 25.2 % 31.9 % 85.1 % 6.7 pts 53.2 pts
Return on total capital 18.1 % 20.4 % 66.5 % 2.3 pts 46.1 ptsOVERVIEWOverall, sales for 2023 were $15.2 billion, up 10 percent compared with the prior year, reflecting strong growth across the majority of the Company's business segments and all geographies.
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders were $2,152 in 2023, up 14 percent compared with prior year earnings of $1,886, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.72, up 18 percent versus $3.16 in 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.44 compared with $3.64 in the prior year, reflecting strong sales growth and operating performance.
The Company generated operating cash flow from continuing operations of $2.7 billion in 2023, an increase of $678, or 33 percent, reflecting higher earnings (excluding the impacts in both years from the Vertiv subordinated interest gains and higher Heritage AspenTech intangibles amortization in the current year).
The table below presents the Company's diluted earnings per share from continuing operations on an adjusted basis to facilitate period-to-period comparisons and provide additional insight into the underlying, ongoing operating performance of the Company. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excludes intangibles
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amortization expense, restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction-related costs, interest income on undeployed proceeds related to the Copeland transaction, gains or losses on the Copeland equity method investment, and certain gains, losses or impairments.
2021 2022 2023
Diluted earnings from continuing operations per share $ 2.35 3.16 3.72
Amortization of intangibles 0.38 0.45 0.62
Restructuring and related costs 0.21 0.14 0.14
Acquisition/divestiture costs and pre-acquisition interest on AspenTech debt — 0.15 0.13
Gain on subordinated interest — (0.60) (0.21)
National Instruments investment gain — — (0.07)
Other investment-related gains — (0.02) —
AspenTech Micromine purchase price hedge — 0.04 (0.02)
Interest income on undeployed proceeds from Copeland transaction — — (0.19)
Loss on Copeland equity method investment — — 0.24
Russia business exit charge — 0.32 0.08
OSI first year acquisition accounting charges and fees 0.07 — —
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share $ 3.01 3.64 4.44The table below summarizes the changes in adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations. The items identified below are discussed throughout MD&A, see further discussion above and in the Business Segments and Financial Position sections below.2022 2023
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share - prior year $ 3.01 3.64
Operations, including impact of AspenTech acquisition 0.58 0.77
Corporate and other — 0.07
Stock compensation 0.12 (0.16)
Foreign currency (0.02) (0.12)
Pensions 0.03 0.07
Gains on sales of capital assets in 2022 0.02 (0.02)
Gains on sales of investments in 2021 (0.03) —
Effective tax rate (0.09) 0.01
Interest income on Copeland note receivable — 0.05
Other (0.01) (0.01)
Share repurchases 0.03 0.14
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share - current year $ 3.64 4.44NET SALESNet sales for 2023 were $15.2 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 10 percent compared with 2022. Intelligent Devices sales increased 7 percent, while Software and Control sales increased 20 percent, which included the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition. Underlying sales were up 10 percent on 6 percent higher volume and 4 percent higher price. Foreign currency translation subtracted 2 percent, the Heritage AspenTech acquisition added 3 percent and the divestiture of Metran, Emerson's Russia-based manufacturing subsidiary, deducted 1 percent. Underlying sales were up 11 percent in the U.S. and up 9 percent internationally.
Net sales for 2022 were $13.8 billion, an increase of $0.9 billion, or 7 percent compared with 2021 . Intelligent Devices sales increased 5 percent, while Software and Control sales increased 16 percent. Underlying sales increased 7 percent on 4 percent higher volume and 3 percent higher price. The Heritage AspenTech acquisition
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added 3 percent and fo reign currency translation deducted 3 percent. Underlying sales were up 12 percent in the U.S. and up 5 percent internationally.INTERNATIONAL SALESEmerson is a global business with international sales representing 58 percent of total sales in 2023, including U.S. exports . The Company generally expects faster economic growth in emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Middle East/Africa.
International destination sales, including U.S. exports, increased 9 percent, to $8.9 billion in 2023, reflecting the Company's overall increase in sales and the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition. U.S. expo rts of $1.0 billion were up 6 percent compared with 2022. Underlying international destination sales were up 9 percent, as foreign currency translation had a 3 percent unfavorable imp act on the comparison, the Heritage AspenTech acquisition added 3 percent and the divestiture of Metran, Emerson's Russia-based manufacturing subsidiary, deducted 1 percent. Underlying sales increased 10 percent in Europe, 9 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 4 percent), 14 percent in Latin America and 1 percent in Canada. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., totaled $7.7 billion in 2023, up 5 percent compared with 2022.
International destination sales, including U.S. exports, increased 2 percent, to $8.2 billion in 2022, reflecting the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition. U.S . exports of $1.0 billion were up 51 percent compared with 2021, including an increase of approximately $200 due to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition . Underlying international destination sales were up 5 percent, as foreign currency translation had a 5 percent unfavorable impact on the comparison and the Heritage AspenTech acquisition added 2 percent. Underlying sales increased 5 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 11 percent), 18 percent in Latin Americ a and 14 percent in Canada, while Europe was down slightly. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., totaled $7.4 billion in 2022, down 2 percent compared with 2021.ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURESPortfolio management is an integral component of Emerson's growth and value creation strategy. Over the past two years, the Company has taken significant actions to accelerate the transformation of its portfolio through the completion of strategic acquisitions and divestitures of non-core businesses. These actions were undertaken to create a higher growth and cohesive industrial technology portfolio as a global automation leader serving a diversified set of end markets. The Company’s recent portfolio actions include the following transactions:
On October 11, 2023, subsequent to Emerson's fiscal year-end, the Company completed the acquisition of National Instruments Corporation ("NI") at an equity value of $8.2 billion. NI, which provides software-connected automated test and measurement systems that enable enterprises to bring products to market faster and at a lower cost, had revenues of approximately $1.7 billion and pretax earnings of approximately $170 for the 12 months ended September 30, 2023.
In 2023, the Company acquired two businesses, Flexim, which will be reported in the Measurement & Analytical segment, and Afag, which will be reported in the Discrete Automation segment, for $705, net of cash acquired.
On March 31, 2023, Emerson completed the divestiture of Metran, its Russia-based manufacturing subsidiary. In 2023, the Company recognized a pretax loss of $47 in Other deductions ($47 after-tax, in total $0.08 per share) related to its exit of business operations in Russia. The Company had previously announced its intention to exit business operations in 2022 and recognized a pretax loss of $181 ($190 after-tax, in total $0.32 per share). This charge included a loss of $36 in operations and $145 reported in Other deductions ($10 of which is reported in restructuring costs) and was primarily non-cash. Emerson's historical net sales in Russia represented approximately 2.0 percent of consolidated annual sales.
On May 31, 2023, the Company completed the previously announced sale of a majority stake in its Climate Technologies business (which constitutes the former Climate Technologies segment, excluding Therm-O-Disc which was divested earlier in 2022) to private equity funds managed by Blackstone in a $14.0 billion transaction. The Company recognized a pretax gain of approximately $10.6 billion (approximately $8.4 billion after-tax including tax expense recognized in prior quarters related to subsidiary restructurings). The new standalone business is named Copeland.
19On October 31, 2022, the Company completed the divestiture of its InSinkErator business, which manufactures food waste disposers, to Whirlpool Corporation for $3.0 billion, and the Company recognized a pretax gain of approximately $2.8 billion (approximately $2.1 billion after-tax) in 2023.On May 31, 2022 the Company completed the divestiture of its Therm-O-Disc sensing and protection technologies business to an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $486 ($429 after-tax) in 2022.
Climate Technologies, Therm-O-Disc and InSinkErator are reported within discontinued operations for all periods presented.
On May 16, 2022, the Company completed the transactions contemplated by its definitive agreement with Aspen Technology, Inc. ("Heritage AspenTech") to contribute two of Emerson's stand-alone industrial software businesses, Open Systems International, Inc. and the Geological Simulation Software business (collectively, the “Emerson Industrial Software Business”), along with approximately $6.0 billion in cash to Heritage AspenTech stockholders, to create "New AspenTech" (defined as "AspenTech" herein). Upon closing of the transaction, Emerson owned 55 percent of the outstanding shares of AspenTech common stock (on a fully diluted basis). AspenTech and its subsidiaries now operate under Heritage AspenTech’s previous name “Aspen Technology, Inc.” and AspenTech common stock is traded on NASDAQ under AspenTech’s previous stock ticker symbol “AZPN.” Due to the timing of the acquisition, the results for the first half of fiscal 2022 do not include the results of Heritage AspenTech.
On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI), a leading operations technology software provider in the global power industry, for approximately $1.6 billion, net of cash acquired. This business had net sales of $191 in 2021 and is now reported in the AspenTech segment.
See Notes 4, 5, 8 and 23 and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" for further information on acquisitions and divestitures.COST OF SALESCost of sales for 2023 were $7,738, an increase of $240 compared with $7,498 in 2022. Gross profit was $7,427 in 2023 compared to $6,306 in 2022, while gross margin increased 3.3 percentage poi nts to 49.0 percent due to favorable price less net material inflation, the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition which benefited margins by 0.6 percentage points, and favorable mix.
Cost of sales for 2022 were $7,498 , an increase of $296 compared with $7,202 in 2021 , primarily due to higher sales volume and higher materials costs. G ross profit was $6,306 in 2022 compared to $5,730 in 2021 , while gross margin increased 1.4 percentage points to 45.7 percent. The Heritage AspenTech acquisition benefited gross margin 0.9 percentage points and favorable mix also contributed to the increase. Price less net material inflation was favorable but had a slightly dilutive impact on margins, while higher freight and other inflation also negatively impacted margins.SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSESSG&A expenses of $4,186 in 2023 increased $572 compared with 2022 and SG&A as a percent of sales increased 1.4 percentage points to 27.6 percent, reflecting the Heritage AspenTech acquisition and higher stock compensation expense of $125, of which $75 related to Emerson stock plans due to a higher share price and $50 was attributable to AspenTech stock plans. These items were partially offset by strong operating leverage on higher sales.
SG&A expenses of $3,614 in 2022 increased $120 compared with 2021, reflecting the impact of higher sales and higher wage and other inflation. SG&A as a percent of sales decreased 0.8 percentage points to 26.2 percent, reflecting lower stock compensation expense of $72 due to a lower share price in 2022 (0.6 percentage points) and leverage on higher sales.GAIN ON SUBORDINATED INTERESTIn the first quarter of 2022, the Company received a distribution of $438 related to its subordinated interest in Vertiv (in total, a pretax gain of $453 was recognized in the first quarter of 2022, $358 after-tax, $0.60 per share) and received the remaining $15 related to the pretax gain in the first quarter of 2023. In 2023, the Company received additional distributions totaling $161 ($122 after-tax, $0.21 per share). Based on the terms of the agreement and the current calculation, the Company could receive additional distributions of approximately $40. The remaining distributions are contingent on the timing and price at which Vertiv shares are sold by the equity holders and therefore, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of the remaining distributions to the Company.
20OTHER DEDUCTIONS, NETOther deductions, net were $683 in 2023, an increase of $164 compared with 2022, reflecting a loss of $177 on the Company's equity method investment in Copeland, higher intangibles amortization of $146 primarily related to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition, and an unfavorable impact from foreign currency transactions of $112 reflecting losses in the current year compared to gains in the prior year. The prior year included a charge of $145 related to the Company exiting its business in Russia compared to a charge of $47 in the current year . The current year also included a mark-to-market gain of $56 on the Company's equity investment in NI, and a mark-to-market gain of $24 related to foreign currency forward contracts entered into by AspenTech to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange associated with the Micromine purchase price compared to a loss of $50 in the prior year. On June 21, 2023, AspenTech terminated all outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.
Other deductions, net were $519 in 2022, an increase of $200 compared with 2021 , reflecting a charge of $145 related to the Company exiting its business in Russia ($10 of which is reported in restructuring costs), acquisition/divestiture costs of $91, higher intangibles amortization of $59, primarily related to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition, and a mark-to-market loss of $50 related to foreign currency forward contracts entered into by AspenTech to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange associated with the Micromine purchase price. These items were partially offset by lower restructuring costs of $57. See Notes 6 and 7.INTEREST EXPENSE, NETInterest expense, net was $34 , $194 and $155 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2023 reflects interest income on undeployed proceeds from the Copeland transaction of $141 ($108 after-tax, $0.19 per share). The increase in 2022 compared to 2021 reflects the issuance of $3 billion of long-term debt in December 2021 to support the AspenTech transaction, partially offset by $500 of notes that matured in the first quarter of 2022.
Interest income from related party was $41 in 2023 and reflects n on-cash interest income on the Copeland note receivable, which is capitalized to the carrying value of the note.EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXESPretax earnings from conti nuing operations of $2,726 increased $294 in 2023, up 12 percent compared with 2022, reflecting strong operating results in the current year. Earnings increased $447 in Intelligent Devices and decreased $27 in Software and Control (reflecting the impact of higher intangibles amortization due to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition).
Pretax earnings from continuing operations of $2,432 increased $670 in 2022, up 38 percent compared with 2021, reflecting the impact of the Vertiv gain discussed above and strong earnings, which increased $340 in Intelligent Devices and increased $74 in Software and Contr ol. See the Business Segments discussion that follows and Note 20.INCOME TAXESIn come taxes were $599, $549 and $346 for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of 22 percent, 23 percent and 20 percent in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The rate in 2022 reflected the impact of the Russia business exit which was essentially offset by a benefit related to the completion of tax examinations. See Note 16.NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARENet earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders in 2023 were $2,152, up 14 percent compared with 2022, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.72, up 18 percent compared with $3.16 in 2022, reflecting strong operating results. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.44 compared with $3.64 in the prior year. See the analysis of adjusted earnings per share in the Overview section for further detai ls. Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders in 2023 were $11,067 ($19.16 per share) which included the $8.4 billion after-tax gain on the Copeland transaction and the $2.1 billion after-tax gain on the divestiture of InSinkErator, compared to $1,345 ($2.25 per share) in 2022. See Note 5. N et earnings attributable to common stockholders were $13,219 ($22.88 per share) compared with $3,231 ($5.41 per share) in 2022 .
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders in 2022 were $1,886 , up 33 percent compared with 2021 , and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.16, up 34 percent compared with $2.35 in 2021. Results reflected strong operating results and included a gain of $0.60 per share related to the Company's subordinated interest in Vertiv. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing
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operations were $3.64 compared with $3.01 in the prior year. See the analysis of adjusted earnings per share in the Overview section for further details. Earnin gs from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders in 2022 wer e $1,345 ($2.25 per share) compared to $889 ($1.47 per share) in 2021, reflecting an after-tax gain of $429 ($0.72 per share) related to the Therm-O-Disc divestiture in 2022. See Note 5. Net earnings common stockholders w ere $3,231 ($5.41 per share) in 2022 compared with $2,303 ($3.82 per share) in 2021 .The table below, which shows results on an adjusted EBITA basis, is intended to supplement the Company's
discussion of its results of operations herein.Twelve Months Ended September 30 2021 2022 2023 22 vs. 21 23 vs. 22
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes $ 1,762 2,432 2,726 38 % 12 %
Percent of sales 13.6 % 17.6 % 18.0 % 4.0 pts 0.4 pts
Interest expense, net 155 194 34
Interest income from related party — — (41)
Amortization of intangibles 304 430 678
Restructuring and related costs 166 105 92
Acquisition/divestiture and related costs — 91 84
Gain on subordinated interest — (453) (161)
National Instruments investment gain — — (56)
Other investment-related gains (14) —
AspenTech Micromine purchase price hedge — 50 (24)
Loss on Copeland equity method investment — — 177
Russia business exit charge — 181 47
OSI first year acquisition accounting charges 50 — —
Adjusted EBITA from continuing operations $ 2,437 3,016 3,556 24 % 18 %
Percent of sales 18.8 % 21.8 % 23.4 % 3.0 pts 1.6 pts
RETURNS ON EQUITY AND TOTAL CAPITAL
Return on common stockholders' equity (net earnings attributable to common stockholders divided by average common stockholders' equity) was 85.1 percent in 2023 compared with 31.9 percent in 2022 and 25.2 percent in 2021. Return on total capital (computed as net earnings attributable to common stockholders excluding after-tax net interest expense, divided by average common stockholders' equity plus short- and long-term debt less cash and short-term investments) was 66.5 percent in 2023 compared with 20.4 percent in 2022 and 18.1 percent in 2021. The higher returns in 2023 included the impact of the after-tax gain from the Copeland transaction (approximately $8.4 billion), the after-tax gain on the InSinkErator divestiture (approximately $2.1 billion), the Vertiv subordinated interest after-tax gain of $122, the National Instruments investment after-tax gain of $43, the after-tax loss on the Copeland equity method investment of $134, after-tax acquisition/divestiture costs of $78, and the Russia business exit after-tax loss of $47. The higher returns in 2022 included the impact of the Vertiv subordinated interest after-tax gain of $358, the after-tax gain on the Therm-O-Disc divestiture of $429, after-tax acquisition/divestiture costs of $93 (including amounts reported in discontinued operations), and the Russia business exit after-tax loss of $190. Excluding these items in both years, return on common stockholders' equity was 17.9 percent and 26.9 percent in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and return on total capital was 14.0 percent and 17.4 percent, respectively. The decrease in 2023 reflects the increase to equity from the after-tax gains on the Copeland transaction and InSinkErator divestiture.Business SegmentsFollowing is an analysis of segment results for 2023 compared with 2022, and 2022 compared with 2021. The Company defines segment earnings as earnings before interest and income taxes.
22INTELLIGENT DEVICES2022 2023 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Final Control $ 3,607 3,970 10 % 2 % 1 % 13 %
Measurement & Analytical 3,215 3,595 12 % 2 % 2 % 16 %
Discrete Automation 2,612 2,635 1 % 2 % — % 3 %
Safety & Productivity 1,402 1,388 (1) % — % — % (1) %
Total $ 10,836 11,588 7 % 2 % 1 % 10 %Earnings:Final Control $ 592 865 46 %
Measurement & Analytical 785 936 19 %
Discrete Automation 542 509 (6) %
Safety & Productivity 250 306 22 %
Total $ 2,169 2,616 21 %
Margin 20.0 % 22.6 % 2.6 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Final Control $ 94 88
Measurement & Analytical 21 27
Discrete Automation 30 29
Safety & Productivity 26 26
Total $ 171 170Restructuring and related costs:Final Control $ 75 28
Measurement & Analytical 3 13
Discrete Automation — 27
Safety & Productivity 10 —
Total $ 88 68
Adjusted EBITA $ 2,428 2,854 18 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 22.4 % 24.6 % 2.2 pts
2023 vs. 2022 - Intelligent Devices sales were $11.6 billion in 2023, an increase of $752, or 7 percent. Underlying sales increased 10 percent on 5 percent higher volume and 5 percent higher price. Underlying sales increased 11 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 12 percent), increased 9 percent in Europe and increased 8 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 2 percent). Sales for Final Control increased $363, or 10 percent. Underlying sales increased 13 percent, reflecting strength in chemical and energy end markets and across all geographies, particularly in the U.S. Sa les for Measurement & Analytical increased $380, or 12 percent. Underlying sales increased 16 percent, reflecting robust growth in the Americas and Europe due to strong demand, while Asia, Middle East & Africa was up moderately due to softness in China. D iscrete Automation sales increased $23, or 1 percent, while underlying sales increased 3 percent, reflecting softening demand in the second half of the year, with all geographies up low-to-mid single digits for the full year. Safety & Productivity sales decreased $14, or 1 percent, and underlying sales decreased 1 percent, reflecting softness in the Americas and Europe, while Asia, Middle East & Africa was up slightly. Earnings for Intellig ent Devices were $2,616 , an increase of $447 , or 21 percent , and margin increased 2.6 percentage points to 22.6 percent, reflecting favorable price less net material inflation, leverage on higher sales and favorable mix, partially offset by wage and other inflation. Adj usted EBITA margin was 24.6 percent , an increase of 2.2 percentage points.
23INTELLIGENT DEVICES2021 2022 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Final Control $ 3,488 3,607 4 % 3 % — % 7 %
Measurement & Analytical 3,078 3,215 4 % 3 % — % 7 %
Discrete Automation 2,474 2,612 6 % 4 % — % 10 %
Safety & Productivity 1,340 1,402 5 % 2 % — % 7 %
Total $ 10,380 10,836 5 % 3 % — % 8 %Earnings:Final Control $ 432 592 37 %
Measurement & Analytical 684 785 15 %
Discrete Automation 457 542 18 %
Safety & Productivity 256 250 (2) %
Total $ 1,829 2,169 19 %
Margin 17.6 % 20.0 % 2.4 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Final Control $ 107 94
Measurement & Analytical 25 21
Discrete Automation 34 30
Safety & Productivity 28 26
Total $ 194 171Restructuring and related costs:Final Control $ 66 75
Measurement & Analytical 58 3
Discrete Automation 11 —
Safety & Productivity 4 10
Total $ 139 88
Adjusted EBITA $ 2,162 2,428 12 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 20.8 % 22.4 % 1.6 pts
2022 vs. 2021 - Intelligent Devices sales were $10.8 billion in 2022, an increase of $456, or 5 percent. Underlying sales increased 8 percent on 5 percent higher volume and 3 percent higher price. Foreign currency translation had a 3 percent unfavorable impact. Underlying sales increased 12 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 12 percent), increased 1 percent in Europe and increased 5 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 11 percent). Sales for Final Control increased $119, or 4 percent, and underlying sales increased 7 percent, reflecting strong demand in the Americas and China, partially offset by softness in the rest of Asia, Middle East & Africa. Sales for Measurement & Analytical increased $137, or 4 percent, and underlying sales increased 7 percent. Sales were strong in China and North America, while sales were down moderately in Europe due to supply chain constraints. Discrete Automation sales increased $138, or 6 percent, and underlying sales increased 10 percent, reflecting strong demand across all geographies. Safety & Productivity sales increased $62, or 5 percent, and underlying sales increased 7 percent. Sales of professional tools were strong, while wet/dry vacuums decreased moderately due to difficult comparisons. Earnings for Intelligent Devices were $2,169, an increase of $340, or 19 percent, and margin increased 2.4 percentage points to 20.0 percent, reflecting leverage on higher volume, favorable mix, lower restructuring expenses which benefited margins 0.5 percentage points, savings from cost reduction actions and favorable price less net material inflation, partially offset by higher freight and other inflation. Adjusted EBITA margin was 22.4 percent, an increase of 1.6 percentage points.
24SOFTWARE AND CONTROL2022 2023 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Control Systems & Software $ 2,398 2,606 9 % 1 % 1 % 11 %
AspenTech 656 1,042 59 % — % (60) % (1) %
Total $ 3,054 3,648 20 % 1 % (11) % 10 %Earnings:Control Systems & Software $ 437 529 21 %
AspenTech 12 (107) (967) %
Total $ 449 422 (6) %
Margin 14.7 % 11.6 % (3.1) ptsAmortization of intangibles:Control Systems & Software $ 22 22
AspenTech 237 486
Total $ 259 508Restructuring and related costs:Control Systems & Software $ 11 9
AspenTech — 1
Total $ 11 10
Adjusted EBITA $ 719 940 31 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 23.5 % 25.8 % 2.3 pts
2023 vs. 2022 - Software and Control sales were $3.6 billion in 2023, an increase of $594, or 20 percent compared to the prior year, reflecting the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition and strong growth in Control Systems & Software. Underlying sales increased 10 percent on 8 percent higher volume and 2 percent higher price. Underlying sales increased 7 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 6 percent), increased 11 percent in Europe and increased 13 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 16 percent). Sales for Control Systems & Software increased $208, or 9 percent, and underlying sales increased 11 percent, reflecting global strength in process end markets while power end markets were up modestly. Sales for AspenTech increased $386, or 59 percent, due to the acquisition of Heritage AspenTech. Earnings for Software and Control were $422, a decrease of $27, or 6 percent, and margin decreased 3.1 percentage points to 11.6 percent, reflecting the impact from $249 of incremental intangibles amortization related to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition. Adjusted EBITA margin was 25.8 percent, an increase of 2.3 percentage points, reflecting leverage on higher sales, higher price and favorable mix, partially offset by inflation and unfavorable foreign currency transactions.
25SOFTWARE AND CONTROL2021 2022 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Control Systems & Software $ 2,321 2,398 3 % 4 % — % 7 %
AspenTech 319 656 106 % — % (106) % — %
Total $ 2,640 3,054 16 % 4 % (13) % 7 %Earnings:Control Systems & Software $ 382 437 14 %
AspenTech (7) 12 269 %
Total $ 375 449 20 %
Margin 14.2 % 14.7 % 0.5 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Control Systems & Software $ 20 22
AspenTech 89 237
Total $ 109 259Restructuring and related costs:Control Systems & Software $ 11 11
AspenTech 2 —
Total $ 13 11
Adjusted EBITA $ 497 719 45 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 18.8 % 23.5 % 4.7 pts
2022 vs. 2021 - Software and Control sales were $3.1 billion in 2022, an increase of $414, or 16 percent compared to 2021, reflecting the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition and growth in Control Systems & Software. Underlying sales increased 7 percent on higher volume. Underlying sales increased 13 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 12 percent), decreased 4 percent in Europe and increased 6 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 11 percent). Sales for Control Systems & Software increased $77, or 3 percent, and underlying sales increased 7 percent, reflecting strength in process end markets in North America and China, partially offset by weakness in Europe, while power end markets were strong in North America and Europe. Sales for AspenTech increased $337, or 106 percent, due to the acquisition of Heritage AspenTech. Earnings for Software and Control were $449, an increase of $74, or 20 percent, and margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 14.7 percent. Results for 2022 included intangibles amortization of $148 related to the Heritage AspenTech acquisition. Adjusted EBITA margin was 23.5 percent, an increase of 4.7 percentage points, reflecting the impact of the Heritage AspenTech acquisition and leverage on higher volume in Control Systems & Software.Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital ResourcesEmerson maintains a conservative financial structure to provide the strength and flexibility necessary to achieve our strategic objectives and efficiently deploy cash where needed worldwide to fund operations, complete acquisitions and sustain long-term growth. Emerson is in a strong financial position, with total assets of $43 billion and stockholders' equity of $21 billion, and has the resources available for reinvestment in existing businesses, strategic acquisitions and managing its capital structure on a short- and long-term basis.
The Company continues to generate substantial operating cash flow, including over $2.7 billion from continuing operations in 2023. Cash flows have been and are expected to be sufficient for at least the next 12 months to meet the Company’s operating requirements, including those related to salaries and wages, working capital, capital expenditures, and other liquidity requirements associated with operations. Th e Company also has certain contractual obligations, primarily long-term debt and operating leases (see Notes 9, 12 and 13). The Company has been able to readily meet all its funding requirements and currently believes that sufficient funds will be available to meet its needs for the foreseeable future through operating cash flow, existing resources, short- and long-term debt capacity, or its $3.5 billion revolving backup credit facility under which it has not incurred any borrowings.
26CASH FLOW2021 2022 2023
Operating Cash Flow $ 2,458 2,048 2,726
Percent of sales 19.0 % 14.8 % 18.0 %
Capital Expenditures $ 404 299 363
Percent of sales 3.1 % 2.2 % 2.4 %Free Cash Flow (Operating Cash Flow less Capital Expenditures)$ 2,054 1,749 2,363
Percent of sales 15.9 % 12.7 % 15.6 %
Operating Working Capital $ 457 990 1,283
Percent of sales 3.5 % 7.2 % 8.5 %
Operating cash flow from continuing operations for 2023 was $2.7 billion, an increase of $678, or 33 percent compared with 2022, reflecting higher earnings (excluding the impacts in both years from the Vertiv subordinated interest gains and higher Heritage AspenTech intangibles amortization in the current year). Operating cash flow included approximately $310 generated by AspenTech. Operating cash flow from continuing operations of $2.0 billion in 2022 decreased 17 percent compared to $2.5 billion in 2021, reflecting higher working capital due to increased sales and ongoing supply chain constraints.
At September 30, 2023, operating working capital as a percent of sales was 8.5 percent compared with 7.2 percent in 2022 and 3.5 percent in 2021. Operating working capital remained elevated in 2023 due to higher inventory levels to support sales growth and higher receivables. The increase for 2022 compared to 2021 was due to higher inventory levels to support sales growth and reflecting supply chain constraints. In addition, the Heritage AspenTech acquisition increased operating working capital by approximately $250 in 2022. As of September 30, 2023, Emerson's cash and equivalents totaled $8.1 billion, reflecting the after-tax proceeds related to the Copeland transaction, which were used along with other available liquidity to fund the National Instruments transaction subsequent to year-end (see the Leverage/Capitalization section for further discussion of Emerson's post-close financial position). Going forward, Copeland is not expected to issue dividends to the Company but will distribute cash for the Company to pay its share of U.S. taxes. The Company's cash also includes approximately $120 attributable to AspenTech which is intended to be used for its own purposes and is not available to return to Emerson shareholders.
Free cash flow from continuing operations (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $2,363 in 2023, up 35 percent, reflecting the increase in operating cash flow. Free cash flow from continuing operations was $1,749 in 2022, compared with $2,054 in 2021. Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions was $705, $5,702 and $1,592 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Total cash provided by operating activities including the impact of discontinued operations was $637, $2,922 and $3,575 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2023 was due to approximately $2.3 billion of income taxes paid related to the gains on the Copeland transaction and InSinkErator divestiture and subsidiary restructurings related to the Copeland transaction. Investing cash flow from discontinued operations of $12.5 billion in 2023 reflects the proceeds from the Copeland transaction and InSinkErator divestiture.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and among other things, provides tax relief to businesses. Tax provisions of the CARES Act included the deferral of certain payroll taxes, relief for retaining employees, and other provisions. The Company deferred $73 of certain payroll taxes through the end of calendar year 2020, of which approximately $37 was paid in December 2021 and the remainder paid in December 2022.
Dividends were $1,198 ($2.08 per share) in 2023, compared with $1,223 ($2.06 per share) in 2022 and $1,210 ($2.02 per share) in 2021. In November 2023, the Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly cash dividend 1 percent, to an annualized rate of $2.10 per share.
Purchases of Emerson common stock totaled $2,000, $500 and $500 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, at average per share prices of $94.09, $87.64 and $94.65. AspenTech repurchases were $214 in 2023, which increased the Company's common ownership percentage to approximately 57 percent.
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In November 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 70 million shares, and during 2022, the remaining shares available under this authorization were purchased. In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of an a dditional 60 million shares and a total of approximately 33.3 million shares remain available. The Company purchased 21.3 million shares in 2023, 5.7 million shares in 2022 and 5.3 million shares in 2021 under the authorizations.LEVERAGE/CAPITALIZATION2021 2022 2023
Total Assets $ 24,715 35,672 42,746
Long-term Debt $ 5,793 8,259 7,610
Common Stockholders' Equity $ 9,883 10,364 20,689
Total Debt-to-Total Capital Ratio 40.3 % 50.0 % 28.3 %
Net Debt-to-Net Capital Ratio 30.4 % 45.3 % 0.5 %
Operating Cash Flow-to-Debt Ratio 36.9 % 19.7 % 33.4 %
Interest Coverage Ratio 11.6X 11.7X 11.5X
Total debt, which includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings, was $8,157, $10,374 and $6,665 as of September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2023 included a net reduction in short-term borrowings of approximately $1.6 billion and repayments of long-term debt of $741 (including $264 related to AspenTech's repayment of the outstanding balance on its existing term loan facility plus accrued interest). The increase in 2022 was due to the issuance of $3 billion of long-term debt and increased commercial paper borrowings of approximately $1.3 billion compared to September 30, 2021. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes and the increased commercial paper borrowings to fund the majority of its contribution of approximately $6.0 billion to existing stockholders of Heritage AspenTech as part of the transaction. Long-term debt was issued in December 2021 as follows: $1 billion of 2.0% notes due December 2028, $1 billion of 2.2% notes due December 2031, and $1 billion of 2.8% notes due December 2051. Additionally, the Company repaid $500 of 2.625% notes that matured in 2022, and in 2021 repaid $300 of 4.25% notes that matured. See Note 4 and Note 13.
The total debt-to-total capital ratio and net debt-to-net capital ratio (less cash and short-term investments) decreased in 2023 due to the proceeds and after-tax gains (which increased common stockholder's equity) on the Copeland transaction and InSinkErator divestiture. Considering the cash paid to complete the National Instruments transaction in October 2023, the Company's net debt-to-net capital ratio was approximately 29.0 percent, reflecting moderate levels of debt consistent with prior years. These ratios increased in 2022 due to the increased borrowings to support the AspenTech transaction discussed above. The interest coverage ratio is computed as earnings before income taxes plus interest expense, divided by interest expense. The Company's earnings increased in 2023 and 2022 which offset higher interest expense due to the increased long-term debt and commercial paper borrowings to fund the Heritage AspenTech acquisition.
In February 2023, the Company entered into a $3.5 billion five-year revolving backup credit facility with various banks, which replaced the May 2018 $3.5 billion facility. The credit facility is maintained to support general corporate purposes, including commercial paper borrowings. The Company has not incurred any borrowings under this or previous facilities. The credit facility contains no financial covenants and is not subject to termination based on a change of credit rating or material adverse changes. The facility is unsecured and may be accessed under various interest rate alternatives at the Company’s option. Fees to maintain the facility are immaterial. The Company also maintains a universal shelf registration statement on file with the SEC under which it can issue debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, share purchase contracts or share purchase units without a predetermined limit. Securities can be sold in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of sale.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSIn the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates due to its worldwide presence and diverse business pr ofile and selectively uses derivative financial instruments, including forwards, swaps and purchased options to manage these risks. The Company does not hold
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derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The value of derivatives and other financial instruments is subject to change as a result of market movements in rates and prices. Sensitivity analysis is one technique used to fo recast the impact of these movements. Based on a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates or a 10 percent weakening in the U.S. dollar across all currencies, the potential losses in future earnings, fair value or cash flows are not material. Sensitivity analysis has limitations; for example, a weaker U.S. dollar would benefit future earnings through favorable translation of non-U.S. operating results. See Notes 1, and 11 through 13.Critical Accounting Policies
Preparation of the Company's financial statements requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates regarding uncertainties that could affect reported revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity. Note 1 describes the significant accounting policies used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The most significant areas where management judgments and estimates impact the primary financial statements are described below. Actual results in these areas could differ materially from management's estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company evaluates its contracts with customers to identify the promised goods or services and recognizes revenue for the identified performance obligations at the amount the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations are satisfied and control has transferred to the customer, typically when products are shipped or delivered, title and risk of loss pass to the customer, and the Company has a present right to payment. The majority of the Company's revenues relate to a broad offering of manufactured products and software which are recognized at the point in time when control transfers, generally in accordance with shipping terms, or the first day of the contractual term for software. A portion of the Company's revenues relate to the sale of post-contract customer support, parts and labor for repairs, and engineering services.
In some circumstances, contracts include multiple performance obligations, where revenue is recognized separately for each good or service, as well as contracts where revenue is recognized over time as control transfers to the customer. Tangible products represent a large majority of the delivered items in contracts with multiple performance obligations or where revenue is recognized over time, while a smaller portion is attributable to installation, service and maintenance. In sales arrangements that involve multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price for each performance obligation. Observable selling prices from actual transactions are used whenever possible. In other instances, the Company determines the standalone selling price based on thi rd-party pricing or management's best estimate. For projects where revenue is recognized over time, the Company typically uses an input method to determine progress and recognize revenue, based on costs incurred. The Company believes costs incurred closely correspond with its performance under the contract and the transfer of control to the customer. The Company also has software maintenance contracts where revenue is recognized ratably over the maintenance term.
VALUATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIESAssets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, including intangible assets, are accounted for using the acquisition method and recorded at their respective fair values. In 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Aspen Technology, Inc. and engaged an independent third-party valuation specialist to assist in the determination of the fair value of intangible assets. This included the use of certain assumptions and estimates, including the projected revenue for the customer relationship and developed technology intangible asset and the obsolescence rate for the developed technology intangible asset. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates to be reasonable and appropriate, they require judgement and are based on experience and historical information obtained from Aspen Technology, Inc.
In 2023, the consideration received from the divestiture of a majority stake in Copeland included a note receivable with a face value of $2.25 billion and the Company also retained a 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland. The note receivable and common equity interest were required to be initially valued at fair value as part of the overall consideration received for the transaction. The fair value of the common equity investment was determined using a discounted cash flow model, which included estimating financial projections for Copeland and applying an appropriate discount rate, and an option pricing model based on various assumptions. Fair value for the note receivable was determined using a market approach primarily based on interest rates for companies with similar credit quality and the expected duration of the note.
29LONG-LIVED ASSETSLong-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate impairment may exist. If the Company determines that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, a permanent impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Reporting units are also reviewed for possible goodwill impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter. If an initial assessment indicates it is more likely than not an impairment may exist, it is evaluated by comparing the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value. Fair value is generally estimated using an income approach that discounts estimated future cash flows using discount rates judged by management to be commensurate with the applicable risk. Estimates of future sales, operating results, cash flows and discount rates are subject to changes in the economic environment, including such factors as the general level of market interest rates, expected equity market returns and the volatility of markets served, particularly when recessionary economic circumstances continue for an extended period of time.RETIREMENT PLANSThe Company maintains a prudent long-term investment strategy consistent with the duration of pension obligations. The determination of defined benefit plan expense and liabilities is dependent on various assumptions, including the expected annual rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate and the rate of annual compensation increases. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, actual results that differ from the Compa ny's assumptions are accumulated as deferred actuarial gains or losses and amortized to expense in future periods. The Company's principal U.S. defined benefit plan is closed to employees hired after January 1, 2016 while shorter-tenured employees ceased accruing benefits effective October 1, 2016.
As of September 30, 2023, the U.S. pension plans were overfunded by $656 in total (approximately 22 percent in excess of the projected benefit obligation), including unfunded plans totaling $159. The non-U.S. plans were underfunded by $62, including unfunded plans totaling $213. The Company contributed a total of $46 to defined benefit plans in 2023 and expects to contribute approximately $45 in 2024. At year-end 2023, the discount rate for U.S. plans was 6.03 percent, and was 5.64 percent in 2022. The assumed investment return on plan assets was 6.00 percent in 2023, 6.00 percent in 2022 and 6.50 percent in 2021, and will be 6.50 percent for 2024. While management believes its assumptions used are appropriate, actual experience may differ. A 0.25 percentage point decrease in the U.S. and non-U.S. discount rates would have increased the total projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2023 by $100 and increased 2024 pension expense by $15. A 0.25 percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase 2024 pension expense by $15. See Note 1 4.CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company is a party to a number of pending legal proceedings and claims, including those involving general and product liability (including asbestos) and other matters, several of which claim substantial amounts of damages. The Company accrues for such liabilities when it is probable that future costs (including legal fees and expenses) will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are based on developments to date; management's estimates of the outcomes of these matters; and the Company's experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. T he Company engages an outside expert to develop an actuarial estimate of its expected costs to resolve all pending and future asbestos claims, including defense costs, as well as its related insurance receivables. The reserve for asbestos litigation, which is recorded on an undiscounted basis, is based on projected claims through 2065.
Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company historically has been largely successful in defending itself against claims and suits that have been brought against it, and will continue to defend itself vigorously in all such matters. While the Company believes a material adverse impact is unlikely, given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, a remote possibility exists that a future development could have a material adverse impact on the Company. See Note 15.
INCOME TAXESIncome tax expense and tax assets and liabilities reflect management's assessment of taxes paid or expected to be paid (received) on items included in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and consideration of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income taxes are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the
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amount that will more likely than not be realized. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.
Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns which remain subject to examination, along with positions expected to be taken in future returns. The Company provides for unrecognized tax benefits, based on the technical merits, when it is more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will not be sustained upon examination. Adjustments are made to the uncertain tax positions when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit; changes in applicable tax laws, including tax case rulings and legislative guidance; or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
Cash repatriated to the U.S. is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes. No provision is made for withholding taxes and any applicable U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries where these earnings are considered indefinitely invested or otherwise retained for continuing international operations. Determination of the amount of taxes that might be paid on these undistributed earnings if eventually remitted is not practicable. See Notes 1 and 16.Other Items
LEGAL MATTERSAt September 30, 2023, there were no known contingent liabilities (including guarantees, pending litigation, taxes and other claims) that management believes will be material in relation to the Company's financial statements, nor were there any material commit ments outside the normal course of business.NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTSIn 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2021-10 (Topic 832), Government Assistance, which requires annual disclosures about certain types of government assistance received. This standard has no impact on the accounting for government assistance and did not materially impact the Company's disclosures.In 2022, the Company adopted three accounting standard updates, and in 2021 adopted two accounting standard updates and one new accounting standard, each of which had an immaterial or no impact on the Company's financial statements. These included:
• Updates to Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, Business Combinations , which clarify the accounting for contract assets and liabilities assumed in a business combination. In general, this will result in contract liabilities being recognized at their historical amounts under ASC 606, rather than at fair value in accordance with the general requirements of ASC 805.
• Updates to ASC 740, Income Taxes , which require the recognition of a franchise tax that is partially based on income as an income-based tax with any incremental amount as a non-income based tax. These updates also make certain changes to intra-period tax allocation principles and interim tax calculations.
• Updates to ASC 321, Equity Securities , ASC 323 Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures , and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , which clarify how to account for the transition into and out of the equity method of accounting when evaluating observable transactions.
• Updates to ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , which eliminate the requirement to measure impairment based on the implied fair value of goodwill compared to the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Instead, goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value.
• Updates to ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , which align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a software hosting arrangement with the requirements for costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.
• Adoption of ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses , which amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach to estimate lifetime expected credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables.
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FISCAL 2024 OUTLOOK
For fiscal year 2024, consolidated net sales from continuing operations are expected to be up 13 to 15.5 percent, with underlying sales up 4 to 6 percent excluding a 1 percent unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 10 to 10.5 percent impact from the NI acquisition. Earnings per share, which incorporate the NI acquisition other than as set forth below, are expected to be $3.82 to $4.02, while adjusted earnings per share are expected to be $5.15 to $5.35 (see the following reconciliation).
Outlook for Fiscal 2024 Earnings Per Share 2024
Diluted earnings per share $3.82 - $4.02
Amortization of intangibles ~ 0.67
Restructuring and related costs ~ 0.22
Acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs ~ 0.22
Copeland equity loss ~ 0.22
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $5.15 - $5.35
Operating cash flow is expected to be $3.0 to $3.1 billion and free cash flow, which excludes projected capital spending of approximately $0.4 billion, is expected to be $2.6 to $2.7 billion. The fiscal 2024 outlook assumes approximately $500 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and approximately $1.2 billion of dividend payments.
GAAP earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2024 does not include the impact of intangibles amortization and other purchase accounting-related costs related to the NI transaction. The initial accounting for this transaction is not yet complete and therefore Emerson is unable to estimate these amounts. Although these items may have a significant impact on GAAP earnings per share, they will be excluded from adjusted earnings per share and will have no impact on cash flows.
FY 2025-09-30 (later)
ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Safe Harbor Statement
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning Emerson's operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Emerson undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect later developments. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Emerson provides the cautionary statements set forth under Item 1A - “Risk Factors,” which are hereby incorporated by reference and identify important economic, political and technological factors, among others, changes in which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresTo supplement the Company’s financial information presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), management periodically uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures,” as such term is defined in Regulation G under SEC rules, to clarify and enhance understanding of past performance and prospects for the future. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in or excluded from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For exa mple, non-GAAP measures may exclude the impact of certain items such as acquisitions or divestitures, amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, discrete taxes, gains, losses and impairments, or items outside of management’s control, such as foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management believes that the following non-GAAP financial measures provide investors and analysts useful insight into the Company’s financial position and operating performance. Any non-GAAP measure provided should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the most directly comparable measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as identified in italics below. Further, the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculation of similarly titled financial measures presented by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies.Underlying sales, which exclude the impact of significant acquisitions, divestitures and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates during the periods presented, are provided to facilitate relevant period-to-period comparisons of sales growth by excluding those items that impact overall comparability (U.S. GAAP measure: net sales ).Operating profit (defined as net sales less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses) and operating profit margin (defined as operating profit divided by net sales) are indicative of short-term operational performance and ongoing profitability. Management closely monitors operating profit and operating profit margin of each business to evaluate past performance and actions required to improve profitability. EBIT (defined as earnings before deductions for interest expense, net, related party interest income, and income taxes) and total segment EBIT, and EBIT margin (defined as EBIT divided by net sales) and total segment EBIT margin, are financial measures that exclude the impact of financing on the capital structure and income taxes . Adjusted EBITA and adjusted segment EBITA (defined as earnings excluding interest expense, net, related party interest income, income taxes, intangibles amortization expense, restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction fees, and certain gains, losses or impairments) and adjusted EBITA margin and adjusted segment EBITA margin (defined as adjusted EBITA divided by net sales) are measures used by management to evaluate the Company's operational performance, as they exclude the impact of acquisition-related investments and non-operational items. EBITDA (defined as EBIT excluding depreciation and amortization) and EBITDA margin (defined as EBITDA divided by net sales) are also used as measures of the Company's current operating performance, as they exclude the impact of capital and acquisition-related investments. Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA excluding restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction fees, and certain gains, losses or impairments) and adjusted EBITDA margin (defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales) are also used to exclude the impact of non-operational items. All of these are commonly used financial measures
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utilized by management to evaluate performance (U.S. GAAP measures: pretax earnings or pretax profit margin, segment earnings or segment margin ).
Adjusted earnings and earnings per share, which exclude certain gains and losses, impairments, restructuring costs, impacts of acquisitions or divestitures, amortization of intangibles, discrete taxes, or other items provide additional insight into the underlying, ongoing operating performance of the Company and facilitate period-to-period comparisons by excluding the earnings impact of these items. Management believes that presenting adjusted earnings and earnings per share excluding these items is more representative of the Company’s operational performance and may be more useful for investors (U.S. GAAP measures: earnings, earnings per share ).
Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) and free cash flow as a percent of net sales are indicators of the Company’s cash generating capabilities, and dividends as a percent of free cash flow is an indicator of the Company's ability to support its divid end, after considering investments in capital assets which are necessary to maintain and enhance existing operations. The determination of operating cash flow adds back noncash depreciation expense to earnings and thereby does not reflect a charge for necessary capital expenditures. Managemen t believes that free cash flow, free cash flow as a percent of net sales and dividends as a percent of free cash flow are useful to both management and investors as measures of the Company’s ability to generate cash and support its dividend (U.S. GAAP measures: operating cash flow, operating cash flow as a percent of net sales, dividends as a percent of operating cash flow ).
17FINANCIAL REVIEW
Report of ManagementThe Company's management is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the financial statements. Management believes that the financial statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2025 have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances. In preparing the financial statements, management makes informed judgments and estimates where necessary to reflect the expected effects of events and transactions that have not been completed. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures ensure that material information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and communicated to management and reported within the required time periods.In meeting its responsibility for the reliability of the financial statements, management relies on a system of internal accounting controls. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Although the design of this system recognizes that errors or irregularities may occur, management believes that the Company's internal accounting controls provide reasonable assurance that errors or irregularities that could be material to the financial statements are prevented or would be detected within a timely period.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting process. The Audit Committee meets with management and the Company's internal auditors periodically to review the work of each and to monitor the discharge by each of its responsibilities. The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors, who have free access to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, to discuss the quality and acceptability of the Company's financial reporting and internal controls, as well as nonaudit-related services.
The independent auditors are engaged to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Their opinions are based on procedures that they believe to be sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements contain no material errors and that the Company's internal controls are effective.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingThe Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the frame work and the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2025.The Company's auditor, KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ S. L. Karsanbhai /s/ Michael J. Baughman
S. L. Karsanbhai Michael J. Baughman
President Executive Vice President
and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer18Results of Operations
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in Item 7 are in millions, except per share amounts or where noted)2023 2024 2025 24 vs. 23 25 vs. 24
Net sales $ 15,165 17,492 18,016 15 % 3 %
Gross profit $ 7,427 8,885 9,519 20 % 7 %
Percent of sales 49.0 % 50.8 % 52.8 % 1.8 pts 2.0 pts
SG&A $ 4,186 5,142 5,103
Percent of sales 27.6 % 29.4 % 28.3 % 1.8 pts (1.1) pts
Loss on Copeland note receivable $ — 279 —
Gain on subordinated interest $ (161) (79) —
Other deductions, net $ 506 1,434 1,245
Amortization of intangibles $ 482 1,077 884
Restructuring costs $ 72 228 136
Interest expense, net $ 34 175 237
Interest income from related party $ (41) (86) —
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes $ 2,903 2,020 2,934 (30) % 45 %
Percent of sales 19.1 % 11.5 % 16.3 % (7.6) pts 4.8 pts
Earnings from continuing operations common stockholders $ 2,286 1,618 2,285 (29) % 41 %
Percent of sales 15.1 % 9.2 % 12.7 % (5.9) pts 3.5 pts
Net earnings common stockholders $ 13,219 1,968 2,293 (85) % 17 %
Percent of sales 87.2 % 11.2 % 12.7 % (76.0) pts 1.5 pts
Diluted EPS – Earnings from continuing operations $ 3.96 2.82 4.03 (29) % 43 %
Diluted EPS – Net earnings $ 22.88 3.43 4.04 (85) % 18 %
Adjusted Diluted EPS – Earnings from continuing operations $ 4.44 5.49 6.00 24 % 9 %OVERVIEWOn March 12, 2025, Emerson completed its purchase of the remaining outstanding shares of common stock of AspenTech not already owned by the Company for approximately $ 7.2 billion. As a result of the transaction, AspenTech is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. AspenTech was reorganized upon completion of the transaction and now reports to Control Systems & Software leadership. AspenTech's results, which were previously reported as a separate segment, are now consolidated into the Control Systems & Software segment for all periods presented. See Notes 4 and 20.
On October 11, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of National Instruments Corporation ("NI"), which is now referred to as Test & Measurement and reported as a segment in the Software and Control business group. NI provides software-connected automated test and measurement systems that enable enterprises to bring products to market faster and at a lower cost, and had revenues of approximately $1.7 billion for the 12 months ended September 30, 2023. See Note 4.
Overall, in 2025 sales were $18.0 billion, up 3 percent compared with the prior year. Underlying sales, which exclude foreign currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures, were also up 3 percent.
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Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders were $2,285 in 2025, up 41 percent compared with prior year earnings of $1,618, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.03, up 43 percent versus $2.82 in 2024. The prior year included purchase accounting related impacts from the NI acquisition and higher associated restructuring charges, and a pretax loss of $279 ($217 after-tax, $0.38 per share) related to the Company's definitive agreement to sell its Copeland note receivable for $1.9 billion. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $6.00 compared with $5.49 in the prior year, reflecting sales growth and strong operating performance.
The Company generated operating cash flow from continuing operations of $3.7 billion in 2025, an increase of $359, or 11 percent, reflecting higher earnings and favorable changes in working capital.
The table below presents the Company's diluted earnings per share from continuing operations on an adjusted basis to facilitate period-to-period comparisons and provide additional insight into the underlying, ongoing operating performance of the Company. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excludes intangibles amortization expense, restructuring expense, first year purchase accounting related items and transaction-related costs, interest income on undeployed proceeds related to the Copeland transaction, and certain gains, losses or impairments.
2023 2024 2025
Diluted earnings from continuing operations per share $ 3.96 2.82 4.03
Amortization of intangibles 0.62 1.43 1.35
Restructuring and related costs 0.14 0.33 0.23
Acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs 0.13 0.26 0.33
Discrete taxes — (0.10) 0.06
Amortization of acquisition-related inventory step-up — 0.38 —
Loss on Copeland note receivable — 0.38 —
Loss on divestiture of businesses — 0.09 —
Gain on subordinated interest (0.21) (0.10) —
National Instruments investment gain (0.07) — —
AspenTech Micromine purchase price hedge (0.02) — —
Interest income on undeployed proceeds from Copeland transaction (0.19) — —
Russia business exit charge 0.08 — —
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share $ 4.44 5.49 6.00The table below summarizes the changes in adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations. The items identified below are discussed throughout MD&A, see further discussion above and in the Business Segments and Financial Position sections below.2024 2025
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share - prior year $ 4.44 5.49
Operations 1.06 0.62
Noncontrolling interests — 0.13
Corporate and other (0.02) —
Stock compensation 0.05 (0.02)
Foreign currency (0.07) (0.01)
Pensions — (0.09)
Effective tax rate (0.06) —
Interest expense, net 0.06 (0.20)
Share count 0.03 0.08
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share - current year $ 5.49 6.00
20NET SALESNet sales for 2025 were $18.0 billion, an increase of $0.5 billion, or 3 percent compared with 2024. Intelligent Devices sales increased 2 percent, while Software and Control sales increased 5 percent . Underlying sales were up 3 percent on 2.5 percent higher price and 0.5 percent higher volume. Underlying sales were up 5 percent in the U.S. and up 1 percent internationally.
Net sales for 2024 were $17.5 billion, an increase of $2.3 billion, or 15 percent compared with 2023 . Intelligent Devices sales increased 5 percent, while Software and Control sales increased 48 percent, which included the impact of the Test & Measurement acquisition. Underlying sales increased 6 percent on 4 percent higher volume and 2 percent higher price. The Test & Measurement acquisition added 9.5 percent and the divestiture of Metran deducted 0.5 percent. Underlying sales were up 2 percent in the U.S. and up 9 percent internationally.INTERNATIONAL SALESEmerson is a global business with international sales representing 59 percent of total sales in 2025, including U.S. exports .
International destination sales, including U.S. exports, increased 1 percent, to $10.6 billion in 2025, reflecting the Company's overall increase in sale s. U.S. exports of $1.4 billion were up 5 percent compared with 2024. Underlying international destination sales were up 1 percent. Underlying sales increased 3 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 4 percent) and 7 percent in Canada, while Europe decreased 2 percent and Latin America was flat. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., total ed $9.4 billion in 2025, up 1 percent compa red with 2024.
International destination sales, including U.S. exports, increased 18 percent, to $10.5 billion in 2024, reflecting the Company's overall increase in sales and the impact of the Test & Measurement acquisition. U.S . exports of $1.3 billion were up 26 percent compared with 2023 . Underlying international destination sales were up 9 percent and the Test & Measurement acquisition added 9 percent. Underlying sales increased 7 percent in Europe, 8 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 3 percent), 21 percent in Latin Americ a and 5 percent in Canada. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., totaled $9.3 billion in 2024, up 20 percent compared with 2023.ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURESPortfolio management is an integral component of Emerson's growth and value creation strategy. Over the past three years, the Company has taken significant actions to accelerate the transformation of its portfolio through the completion of strategic acquisitions and divestitures of non-core businesses. These actions were undertaken to create a cohesive, higher growth and higher margin industrial technology portfolio as a global automation leader serving a diversified set of end markets. The Company’s recent portfolio actions include the following transactions:
On March 12, 2025, Emerson completed its purchase of the remaining outstanding shares of common stock of AspenTech not already owned by the Company for approximately $ 7.2 billion. Emerson also incurred fees of $ 76 ($65 after-tax) and paid $ 76 to settle certain AspenTech share-based awards that were outstanding prior to the transaction closing. The purchase of the remaining outstanding shares and related costs are reported as an adjustment to Equity. Separately, AspenTech incurred $ 127 ($ 113 after-tax) of deal-related fees which are reported as acquisition/divestiture costs in Other deductions, net. AspenTech is now reported as a part of the Control Systems & Software segment in the Software and Control business group, see Note 20.
On November 15, 2024, AspenTech acquired Open Grid Systems Limited, a global provider of network model management technology and a pioneer in developing model-driven applications supporting open access to data through industry standards, for a total purchase price of $ 46 , net of cash acquired.
On October 11, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of National Instruments Corporation ("NI") at an equity value of $8.2 billion. NI, which provides software-connected automated test and measurement systems that enable enterprises to bring products to market faster and at a lower cost, had revenues of approximately $1.7 billion and pretax earnings of approximately $170 for the 12 months ended September 30, 2023.
In 2023, the Company acquired two businesses, Flexim, which is reported in the Measurement & Analytical segment, and Afag, which is reported in the Discrete Automation segment, for $715, net of cash acquired.
On May 31, 2023, the Company completed the sale of a majority stake in its Climate Technologies business (which
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constitutes the former Climate Technologies segment, excluding Therm-O-Disc which was divested earlier in 2022) to private equity funds managed by Blackstone in a $14.0 billion transaction. The Company recognized a pretax gain of approximately $10.6 billion (approximately $8.4 billion after-tax including tax expense recognized in prior quarters related to subsidiary restructurings). The standalone business is named Copeland.
Subsequently, on June 6, 2024, the Company entered into definitive agreements to sell its 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland to private equity funds managed by Blackstone for $1.5 billion and its note receivable to Copeland for $1.9 billion and the transactions were completed in August 2024.
On March 31, 2023, Emerson completed the divestiture of Metran, its Russia-based manufacturing subsidiary and in 2023, recognized a pretax loss of $47 in Other deductions ($47 after-tax, in total $0.08 per share) related to its exit of business operations in Russia. Emerson's historical net sales in Russia represented approximately 2.0 percent of consolidated annual sales.On October 31, 2022, the Company completed the divestiture of its InSinkErator business, which manufactures food waste disposers, to Whirlpool Corporation for $3.0 billion, and the Company recognized a pretax gain of approximately $2.8 billion (approximately $2.1 billion after-tax) in 2023.See Notes 4, 5 and 8 and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" for further information on acquisitions and divestitures.COST OF SALESCost of sales for 2025 were $8,497, a decrease of $110 compared with $8,607 in 2024. Gross profit was $9,519 in 2025 compared to $8,885 in 2024, while gross margin increased 2.0 percentage poi nts to 52.8 percent. The prior year reflected the impact from acquisition-related inventory step-up amortization of $231, which negatively impacted margins by approximately 1.3 percentage points. Favorable price less net material inflation also contributed to the increase in gross margin.
Cost of sales for 2024 were $8,607 , an increase of $869 compared with $7,738 in 2023, reflecting the impact of higher volume and the Test & Measurement acquisition. G ross profit was $8,885 in 2024 compared to $7,427 in 2023 , while gross margin increased 1.8 percentage points to 50.8 percent, reflecting the Test & Measurement acquisition and higher price partially offset by the impact from acquisition-related inventory step-up amortization of $231, which negatively impacted margins by approximately 1.3 percentage points.SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSESSG&A expenses of $5,103 in 2025 decreased $39 compared with 2024 and SG&A as a percent of sales decreased 1.1 percentage points to 28.3 percent, reflecting savings from cost reduction actions (primarily at Test & Measurement and AspenTech).
SG&A expenses of $5,142 in 2024 increased $956 compared with 2023 and SG&A as a percent of sales increased 1.8 percentage points to 29.4 percent, reflecting the impact of the Test & Measurement acquisition, partially offset by strong operating leverage on higher sales.
SALE OF COPELAND NOTE RECEIVABLE AND EQUITY INTEREST
On June 6, 2024, the Company entered into definitive agreements to sell its 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland to private equity funds managed by Blackstone for $1.5 billion and its note receivable to Copeland for $1.9 billion, and the transactions were subsequently completed in August 2024. Upon entering into the note agreement, the Company recorded a pretax loss in continuing operations of $279 ($217 after-tax, $0.38 per share) to adjust the carrying value of the note to $1.9 billion to reflect the transaction price, while the Company recognized a gain of $539 ($435 after-tax) in discontinued operations upon the sale of the common equity interest.GAIN ON SUBORDINATED INTERESTIn 2023, the Company received distributions related to its subordinated interest in Vertiv totaling $161 ($122 after-tax, $0.21 per share) and received $15 related to gains recognized in 2022. In 2024, the Company received its final distribution of $79 ($60 after-tax, $0.10 per share).OTHER DEDUCTIONS, NETOther deductions, net were $1,245 in 2025, a decrease of $189 compared with 2024, reflecting lower intangibles amortization of $193 (including $136 of backlog amortization in the prior year related to the Test & Measurement
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acquisition) and lower restructuring expense of $92, partially offset by higher acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs which increased by $118. The prior year also included divestiture losses of $48.
Other deductions, net were $1,434 in 2024, an increase of $928 compared with 2023. 2024 included intangibles amortization related to the Test & Measurement acquisition of $560, while restructuring costs increased by $156 and acquisition/divestiture costs increased by $27. The Company also incurred divestiture losses of $48 ($50 after-tax, $0.09 per share).INTEREST EXPENSE, NETInterest expense, net was $237 , $175 and $34 in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 reflects higher levels of debt to support the AspenTech transaction. Results in 2023 included interest income on undeployed proceeds from the Copeland transaction of $141 ($108 after-tax, $0.19 per share).
Interest income from related party was $86 and $41 in 2024 and 2023, respectively and reflects n on-cash interest income on the Copeland note receivable, which was capitalized to the carrying value of the note through the date of the sale agreement.EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXESPretax earnings from conti nuing operations of $2,934 increased $914 in 2025, up 45 percent compared with 2024. Earnings increased $146 in Intelligent Devices and increased $545 in Software and Control.
Pretax earnings from continuing operations of $2,020 decreased $883 in 2024, down 30 percent compared with 2023, which included the impact of acquisition-related inventory step-up amortization, higher amortization due to the Test & Measurement acquisition, and the loss on the Copeland note receivable. Earnings increased $191 in Intelligent Devices and decreased $140 in Software and Contr ol.INCOME TAXESIn come taxes were $696, $415 and $642 for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of 24 percent, 21 percent and 22 percent in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The current year rate was negatively impacted by discrete tax items totaling $36 ($0.06 per share) and fees incurred by AspenTech which were not fully deductible (see Note 4). In total, the net impact of these items increased the rate by approximately 2 percentage points. The prior year rate included a $57 ($0.10 per share) benefit related to discrete tax items and a benefit from return-to-provision adjustments related to the filing of the prior year U.S. tax return, partially offset by unfavorable impacts from inventory step-up amortization and the divestiture losses (see Note 4), which were non-deductible for tax purposes. In total, the net impact of these items benefited the rate by approximately 1 percentage point. See Note 16.NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARENet earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders in 2025 were $2,285, up 41 percent compared with 2024, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.03, up 43 percent compared with $2.82 in 2024. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $6.00 compared with $5.49 in the prior year. See the analysis of adjusted earnings per share in the Overview section for further detai ls. Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders in 2025 were $8 ($0.01 per share), compared to $350 ($0.61 per share) in 2024. Net earni ngs attributable to common stockholders were $2,293 ($4.04 per share) compared with $1,968 ($3.43 per share) in 2024 .
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders in 2024 were $1,618 , down 29 percent compared with 2023 , and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.82, down 29 percent compared with $3.96 in 2023, reflecting the impact of acquisition-related inventory step-up amortization, higher amortization due to the Test & Measurement acquisition, and the loss on the Copeland note receivable. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $5.49 compared with $4.44 in the prior year. See the analysis of adjusted earnings per share in the Overview section for further details. Earnin gs from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders in 2024 wer e $350 ($0.61 per share) and included the gain on the sale of the Company's 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland of $539 ($435 after-tax). Earnings from discontinued operations in 2023 were $10,933 ($18.92 per share), which included the $8.4 billion after-tax gain on the Copeland transaction and the $2.1 billion after-tax gain on the divestiture of InSinkErator . See Note 5. Net earnings common stockholders w ere $1,968 ($3.43 per share) in 2024 compared with $13,219 ($22.88 per share) in 2023 .
23The table below, which shows results on an adjusted EBITA basis, is intended to supplement the Company's
discussion of its results of operations herein.2023 2024 2025 24 vs. 23 25 vs. 24
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes $ 2,903 2,020 2,934 (30) % 45 %
Percent of sales 19.1 % 11.5 % 16.3 % (7.6) pts 4.8 pts
Interest expense, net 34 175 237
Interest income from related party (41) (86) —
Amortization of intangibles 678 1,274 1,083
Restructuring and related costs 92 244 162
Acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs 84 220 277
Amortization of acquisition-related inventory step-up — 231 —
Loss on Copeland note receivable — 279 —
Loss on divestitures of businesses — 48 —
Gain on subordinated interest (161) (79) —
National Instruments investment gain (56) — —
AspenTech Micromine purchase price hedge (24) — —
Russia business exit charge 47 — —
Adjusted EBITA from continuing operations $ 3,556 4,326 4,693 22 % 8 %
Percent of sales 23.4 % 24.7 % 26.0 % 1.3 pts 1.3 pts
24Business SegmentsFollowing is an analysis of segment results for 2025 compared with 2024, and 2024 compared with 2023. The Company defines segment earnings as earnings before interest and income taxes.INTELLIGENT DEVICES2024 2025 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Final Control $ 4,204 4,380 4 % — % — % 4 %
Measurement & Analytical 4,061 4,143 2 % — % — % 2 %
Discrete Automation 2,506 2,521 1 % — % — % 1 %
Safety & Productivity 1,390 1,356 (2) % (1) % — % (3) %
Total $ 12,161 12,400 2 % — % — % 2 %Earnings:Final Control $ 977 1,081 11 %
Measurement & Analytical 1,056 1,112 5 %
Discrete Automation 466 469 1 %
Safety & Productivity 308 291 (5) %
Total $ 2,807 2,953 5 %
Margin 23.1 % 23.8 % 0.7 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Final Control $ 87 86
Measurement & Analytical 55 45
Discrete Automation 34 32
Safety & Productivity 26 27
Total $ 202 190Restructuring and related costs:Final Control $ 17 9
Measurement & Analytical 26 25
Discrete Automation 35 30
Safety & Productivity 7 5
Total $ 85 69
Adjusted EBITA $ 3,094 3,212 4 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 25.4 % 25.9 % 0.5 pts
2025 vs. 2024 - Intelligent Devices sales were $12.4 billion in 2025, an increase of $239, or 2 percent. Underlying sales increased 2 percent on higher price, while volume was favorable at Final Control and Measurement & Analytical, offset by decreased volume at Discrete Automation and Safety & Productivity. Underlying sales increased 3 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 4 percent), decreased 3 percent in Europe and increased 2 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 3 percent). Sales for Final Control increased $176, or 4 percent, reflecting strength in power end markets. Sa les for Measurement & Analytical increased $82, or 2 percent, reflecting mixed geographic results and difficult comparisons. D iscrete Automation sales increased $15, or 1 percent, reflecting solid growth in the Americas, mostly offset by softness in Europe and Asia, Middle East & Africa. Safety & Productivity sales decreased $34, or 2 percent , reflecting softness in all geographies. Earnings for Intellig ent Devices were $2,953 , an increase of $146 , or 5 percent , and margin increased 0.7 percentage points to 23.8 percent, reflecting favorable price less net material inflation. Adj usted EBITA margin was 25.9 percent , an increase of 0.5 percentage points.
25INTELLIGENT DEVICES2023 2024 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Final Control $ 3,970 4,204 6 % — % — % 6 %
Measurement & Analytical 3,595 4,061 13 % — % 1 % 14 %
Discrete Automation 2,635 2,506 (5) % — % — % (5) %
Safety & Productivity 1,388 1,390 — % — % — % — %
Total $ 11,588 12,161 5 % — % — % 5 %Earnings:Final Control $ 865 977 13 %
Measurement & Analytical 936 1,056 13 %
Discrete Automation 509 466 (9) %
Safety & Productivity 306 308 1 %
Total $ 2,616 2,807 7 %
Margin 22.6 % 23.1 % 0.5 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Final Control $ 88 87
Measurement & Analytical 27 55
Discrete Automation 29 34
Safety & Productivity 26 26
Total $ 170 202Restructuring and related costs:Final Control $ 28 17
Measurement & Analytical 13 26
Discrete Automation 27 35
Safety & Productivity — 7
Total $ 68 85
Adjusted EBITA $ 2,854 3,094 8 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 24.6 % 25.4 % 0.8 pts
2024 vs. 2023 - Intelligent Devices sales were $12.2 billion in 2024, an increase of $573, or 5 percent. Underlying sales increased 5 percent on 3 percent higher volume and 2 percent higher price. Underlying sales increased 3 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 1 percent), increased 5 percent in Europe and increased 9 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 2 percent). Sales for Final Control increased $234, or 6 percent, reflecting strength in energy and power end markets. Sales for Measurement & Analytical increased $466, or 13 percent, reflecting robust growth in all geographies and strong backlog conversion. Discrete Automation sales decreased $129, or 5 percent, reflecting softness in all geographies. Safety & Productivity sales increased $2, essentially flat, reflecting moderate results across all geographies. Earnings for Intelligent Devices were $2,807, an increase of $191, or 7 percent, and margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 23.1 percent, reflecting leverage on higher sales and favorable price less net material inflation, partially offset by increases in other costs. Adjusted EBITA margin was 25.4 percent, an increase of 0.8 percentage points.
26SOFTWARE AND CONTROL2024 2025 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Control Systems & Software $ 3,935 4,205 7 % — % — % 7 %
Test & Measurement 1,464 1,486 2 % (1) % — % 1 %
Total $ 5,399 5,691 5 % — % — % 5 %Earnings:Control Systems & Software $ 572 895 57 %
Test & Measurement (290) (68) 77 %
Total $ 282 827 193 %
Margin 5.2 % 14.5 % 9.3 ptsAmortization of intangibles:Control Systems & Software $ 512 468
Test & Measurement 560 425
Total $ 1,072 893Restructuring and related costs:Control Systems & Software $ 23 25
Test & Measurement 81 18
Total $ 104 43
Adjusted EBITA $ 1,458 1,763 21 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 27.0 % 31.0 % 4.0 pts
2025 vs. 2024 - Software and Control sales were $5.7 billion in 2025, an increase of $292, or 5 percent compared to the prior year. Underlying sales increased 5 percent on 2.5 percent higher volume and 2.5 percent higher price. Underlying sales increased 9 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 10 percent), decreased 1 percent in Europe and increased 4 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 6 percent). Sales for Control Systems & Software increased $270, or 7 percent, reflecting strong growth at AspenTech (including a favorable impact related to the timing of contract renewals) and favorable demand in process and power end markets across all geographies. Test & Measurement sales increased $22, or 2 percent, reflecting strong growth in the Americas, offset by softness in Europe and China. Earnings for Software and Control were $827, an increase of $545, or 193 percent, and margin increased 9.3 percentage points to 14.5 percent, reflecting leverage on higher Control Systems & Software sales (including a benefit related to the timing of AspenTech contract renewals), higher price, savings from cost reduction actions (primarily at Test & Measurement and AspenTech), lower intangibles amortization, and lower restructuring and related costs compared to the prior year. Adjusted EBITA margin was 31.0 percent, an increase of 4.0 percentage points.
27SOFTWARE AND CONTROL2023 2024 Change FX Acq/Div U/LSales:Control Systems & Software $ 3,648 3,935 8 % — % — % 8 %
Test & Measurement — 1,464 — %
Total $ 3,648 5,399 48 % — % (40) % 8 %Earnings:Control Systems & Software $ 422 572 35 %
Test & Measurement — (290)
Total $ 422 282 (33) %
Margin 11.6 % 5.2 % (6.4) ptsAmortization of intangibles:Control Systems & Software $ 508 512
Test & Measurement — 560
Total $ 508 1,072Restructuring and related costs:Control Systems & Software $ 10 23
Test & Measurement — 81
Total $ 10 104
Adjusted EBITA $ 940 1,458 55 %
Adjusted EBITA Margin 25.8 % 27.0 % 1.2 pts
2024 vs. 2023 - Software and Control sales were $5.4 billion in 2024, an increase of $1,751, or 48 percent compared to 2023, reflecting the impact of the NI acquisition. Underlying sales increased 8 percent on 5 percent higher volume and 3 percent higher price. Underlying sales increased 8 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 7 percent), increased 9 percent in Europe and increased 8 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 5 percent). Sales for Control Systems & Software increased $287, or 8 percent, reflecting strong international demand in process and hybrid end markets while power end markets were strong globally. AspenTech sales were up modestly. Test & Measurement sales were $ 1,464. Earnings for Software and Control were $282, a decrease of $140, or 33 percent, and margin decreased 6.4 percentage points to 5.2 percent, reflecting the impact from $560 of incremental intangibles amortization related to the Test & Measurement acquisition. Adjusted EBITA margin was 27.0 percent, an increase of 1.2 percentage points, reflecting leverage on higher sales and higher price, partially offset by the impact of the Test & Measurement acquisition.Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital ResourcesEmerson maintains a conservative financial structure to provide the strength and flexibility necessary to achieve our strategic objectives and efficiently deploy cash where needed worldwide to fund operations, complete acquisitions and sustain long-term growth. Emerson is in a strong financial position, with total assets of $42 billion and stockholders' equity of $20 billion, and has the resources available for reinvestment in existing businesses, strategic acquisitions and managing its capital structure on a short- and long-term basis.
The Company continues to generate substantial operating cash flow, including approximately $3.7 billion from continuing operations in 2025. Cash flows have been and are expected to be sufficient for at least the next 12 months to meet the Company’s operating requirements, including those related to salaries and wages, working capital, capital expenditures, and other liquidity requirements associated with operations. The Company also has certain contractual obligations, primarily long-term debt and operating leases (see Notes 9, 12 and 13). The Company has been able to readily meet all its funding requirements and currently believes that sufficient funds will be available to meet its needs for the foreseeable future through operating cash flow, existing resources, short- and long-term debt capacity, or its revolving backup credit facilities under which it has not incurred any borrowings.
28CASH FLOW2023 2024 2025
Operating Cash Flow $ 2,710 3,317 3,676
Percent of sales 17.9 % 19.0 % 20.4 %
Capital Expenditures $ 363 419 431
Percent of sales 2.4 % 2.4 % 2.4 %Free Cash Flow (Operating Cash Flow less Capital Expenditures)$ 2,347 2,898 3,245
Percent of sales 15.5 % 16.6 % 18.0 %
Operating Working Capital $ 1,283 1,394 2,039
Percent of sales 8.5 % 8.0 % 11.3 %
Operating cash flow from continuing operations for 2025 was $3.7 billion, an increase of $359, or 11 percent compared with 2024, reflecting higher earnings and favorable changes in working capital. Operating cash flow from continuing operations for 2024 was $3.3 billion, an increase of 22 percent compared to $2.7 billion in 2023, reflecting higher earnings (excluding the impact of non-cash items related to the NI acquisition and the loss on the Copeland note receivable). Acquisition-related costs and integration activities negatively impacted 2024 operating cash flow by approximately $235.
At September 30, 2025, operating working capital as a percent of sales was 11.3 percent compared with 8.0 percent in 2024 and 8.5 percent in 2023. The change in operating working capital compared to the prior year was due to the payment of income taxes of approximately $0.6 billion in 2025 related to the sale of the Company's 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland. Total operating working capital increased in 2024 due to the NI acquisition, but improved as a percent of sales compared to 2023 due to improvements in inventory levels.
Free cash flow from continuing operations (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $3,245 in 2025, up 12 percent, reflecting the increase in operating cash flow. Free cash flow from continuing operations was $2,898 in 2024, compared with $2,347 in 2023. Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions was $37, $8,342 and $705 in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Total cash provided by operating activities including the impact of discontinued operations was $3,098, $3,332 and $637 in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in 2025 reflected higher operating cash flow from continuing operations, offset by approximately $0.6 billion of income taxes paid related to the sale of the Company's 40 percent non-controlling common equity interest in Copeland. The lower cash flow in 2023 was due to approximately $2.3 billion of income taxes paid related to the gains on the Copeland transaction and InSinkErator divestiture and subsidiary restructurings related to the Copeland transaction.
Dividends were $1,192 ($2.11 per share) in 2025, compared with $1,201 ($2.10 per share) in 2024 and $1,198 ($2.08 per share) in 2023. In November 2025, the Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly cash dividend to an annualized rate of $2.22 per share.
Purchases of Emerson common stock totaled $1,167, $435 and $2,000 in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, at average per share prices of $125.66, $99.04 and $94.09. AspenTech repurchases were $208 in 2024. In November 2025, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up 50 million shares. This is in addition to the authorization approved by the Board in March 2020 for the purchase of up to 60 million shares, of which approximately 19.6 million shares remain available at September 30, 2025. The Company purchased 9.3 million shares in 2025, 4.4 million shares in 2024 and 21.3 million shares in 2023.
29LEVERAGE/CAPITALIZATION2023 2024 2025
Total Assets $ 42,746 44,246 41,964
Long-term Debt $ 7,610 7,155 8,319
Common Stockholders' Equity $ 20,689 21,636 20,282
Total Debt-to-Total Capital Ratio 28.3 % 26.2 % 39.3 %
Net Debt-to-Net Capital Ratio 0.5 % 15.9 % 36.2 %
Operating Cash Flow-to-Debt Ratio 33.2 % 43.2 % 28.0 %
Interest Coverage Ratio 12.1X 7.2X 8.6X
Total debt, which includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings, was $13,116, $7,687 and $8,157 as of September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2025 reflects increased short-term borrowings and long-term debt to fund the AspenTech transaction. Overall, the Company's commercial paper borrowings increased to approximately $4.2 billion at September 30, 2025. In March 2025, the Company issued €500 of 3.0% notes due March 2031, $500 of 5.0% notes due March 2035, and €500 of 3.5% notes due March 2037. The decrease in 2024 reflected the repayment of €500 of 0.375% euro notes that matured in May 2024. See Note 4 and Note 13.
The increase in the debt-to-total capital ratios in 2025 reflects the increased commercial paper and long-term debt discussed above. The total debt-to-capital ratio decreased slightly in 2024, reflecting repayments of long-term debt, while the net debt-to-net capital ratio increased reflecting the use of cash held on the balance sheet at September 30, 2023 that was used to complete the NI acquisition. Although the Company's financial leverage and debt ratios are currently elevated compared to its historical levels, Emerson expects to retain its investment-grade long-term debt ratings. Further, the Company expects its leverage and debt ratios to improve through disciplined capital allocation, which includes using a portion of its cash flows to reduce net debt.
The interest coverage ratio is computed as earnings before income taxes plus interest expense, divided by interest expense. The interest coverage ratio in 2025 reflects higher interest expense due to the increased short-term borrowings and long-term debt discussed above. The lower ratio in 2024 reflects lower GAAP pretax earnings largely due to the NI acquisition. Excluding the impact from acquisition-related inventory step-up amortization of $231, higher intangibles amortization of $595, acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs of $220, higher restructuring and related costs of $152, the loss of $279 on the Copeland note receivable and the gain on the subordinated interest of $79, the interest coverage ratio was 11.6X.
On February 11, 2025, the Company entered into a $3 billion, 364-day revolving backup credit facility to support increased commercial paper borrowings in connection with the AspenTech transaction. This facility is in addition to the Company's existing $3.5 billion revolving backup credit facility with various banks, which was entered into in February 2023. The credit facilities are maintained to support general corporate purposes, including commercial paper borrowings. The Company has not incurred any borrowings under these or previous facilities. The credit facilities contain no financial covenants and are not subject to termination based on a change of credit rating or material adverse changes. The facilities are unsecured and may be accessed under various interest rate alternatives at the Company’s option. Fees to maintain the facilities are immaterial. The Company also maintains a universal shelf registration statement on file with the SEC under which it can issue debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, share purchase contracts or share purchase units without a predetermined limit. Securities can be sold in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of sale.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSIn the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates due to its worldwide presence and diverse business pr ofile and selectively uses derivative financial instruments, including forwards, swaps and purchased options to manage these risks. The Company does not hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The value of derivatives and other financial instruments is subject to change as a result of market movements in rates and prices. Sensitivity analysis is one technique used to fo recast
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the impact of these movements. Based on a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates or a 10 percent weakening in the U.S. dollar across all currencies, the potential losses in future earnings, fair value or cash flows are not material. Sensitivity analysis has limitations; for example, a weaker U.S. dollar would benefit future earnings through favorable translation of non-U.S. operating results. See Notes 1, and 11 through 13.Critical Accounting Policies
Preparation of the Company's financial statements requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates regarding uncertainties that could affect reported revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity. Note 1 describes the significant accounting policies used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The most significant areas where management judgments and estimates impact the primary financial statements are described below. Actual results in these areas could differ materially from management's estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company evaluates its contracts with customers to identify the promised goods or services and recognizes revenue for the identified performance obligations at the amount the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations are satisfied and control has transferred to the customer, typically when products are shipped or delivered, title and risk of loss pass to the customer, and the Company has a present right to payment. The majority of the Company's revenues relate to a broad offering of manufactured products and software which are recognized at the point in time when control transfers, generally in accordance with shipping terms, or the first day of the contractual term for software. A portion of the Company's revenues relate to the sale of post-contract customer support, parts and labor for repairs, and engineering services.
In some circumstances, contracts include multiple performance obligations, where revenue is recognized separately for each good or service, as well as contracts where revenue is recognized over time as control transfers to the customer. Tangible products represent a large majority of the delivered items in contracts with multiple performance obligations or where revenue is recognized over time, while a smaller portion is attributable to installation, service and maintenance. In sales arrangements that involve multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price for each performance obligation. Observable selling prices from actual transactions are used whenever possible. In other instances, the Company determines the standalone selling price based on thi rd-party pricing or management's best estimate. For projects where revenue is recognized over time, the Company typically uses an input method to determine progress and recognize revenue, based on costs incurred. The Company believes costs incurred closely correspond with its performance under the contract and the transfer of control to the customer. The Company also has software maintenance contracts where revenue is recognized ratably over the maintenance term.
VALUATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIESAssets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, including intangible assets, are accounted for using the acquisition method and recorded at their respective fair values. In 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of National Instruments Corporation and engaged an independent third-party valuation specialist to assist in the determination of the fair value of intangible assets. This included the use of certain assumptions and estimates, including projected revenue for customer relationship and developed technology intangible assets, the attrition rate for customer relationship intangible assets, and the obsolescence rate for developed technology intangible assets. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates to be reasonable and appropriate, they require judgment and are based on experience and historical information obtained from National Instruments Corporation.LONG-LIVED ASSETSLong-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate impairment may exist. If the Company determines that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, a permanent impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Reporting units are also reviewed for possible goodwill impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter. If an initial assessment indicates it is more likely than not an impairment may exist, it is evaluated by comparing the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value. Fair value is generally estimated using an income approach that discounts estimated future cash flows using discount rates judged by management to be commensurate with the applicable risk. Estimates of future sales, operating results, cash flows and discount rates are subject to changes in the economic environment, including such factors as the general level of market interest
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rates, expected equity market returns and the volatility of markets served, particularly when recessionary economic circumstances continue for an extended period of time.RETIREMENT PLANSThe Company maintains a prudent long-term investment strategy consistent with the duration of pension obligations. The determination of defined benefit plan expense and liabilities is dependent on various assumptions, including the expected annual rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate and the rate of annual compensation increases. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, actual results that differ from the Compa ny's assumptions are accumulated as deferred actuarial gains or losses and amortized to expense in future periods. The Company's principal U.S. defined benefit plan is closed to employees hired after January 1, 2016 while shorter-tenured employees ceased accruing benefits effective October 1, 2016. Effective January 1, 2025, the Company implemented a new profit sharing retirement program for all U.S. non-union employees. Eligible employees receive a base contribution to a cash balance account administered within the principal U.S. defined benefit plan, funded by surplus pension assets, as well as a potential profit sharing contribution to their defined contribution account. For employees that had continued to accrue benefits in the principal U.S. defined benefit plan, future service after December 31, 2024 is frozen.
As of September 30, 2025, the U.S. pension plans were overfunded by $856 in total (approximatel y 29 p ercent in excess of the projected benefit obligation), including unfunded plans totaling $161. The non-U.S. plans were underfunded by $65, including unfunded plans totaling $242. The Company contributed a total of $46 to defined benefit plans in 2025 and expects to contribute approximately $40 in 2026. At year-end 2025, the discount rate for U.S. plans was 5.27 percent, and was 4.97 percent in 2024. The assumed investment return on plan assets was 6.50 percent in 2025, 6.50 percent in 2024 and 6.00 percent in 2023, and will be 6.75 percent for 2026. While management believes its assumptions used are appropriate, actual experience may differ. A 0.25 percentage point decrease in the U.S. and non-U.S. discount rates would have increased the total projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2025 by $100 and increased 2026 pension expense by $10. A 0.25 percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase 2026 pension expense by $10. See Note 1 4.CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company is a party to a number of pending legal proceedings and claims, including those involving general and product liability (including asbestos) and other matters, several of which claim substantial amounts of damages. The Company accrues for such liabilities when it is probable that future costs (including legal fees and expenses) will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are based on developments to date; management's estimates of the outcomes of these matters; and the Company's experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. T he Company engages an outside expert to develop an actuarial estimate of its expected costs to resolve all pending and future asbestos claims, including defense costs, as well as its related insurance receivables. The reserve for asbestos litigation, which is recorded on an undiscounted basis, is based on projected claims through 2065.
Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company historically has been largely successful in defending itself against claims and suits that have been brought against it, and will continue to defend itself vigorously in all such matters. While the Company believes a material adverse impact is unlikely, given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, a remote possibility exists that a future development could have a material adverse impact on the Company. See Note 15.
INCOME TAXESIncome tax expense and tax assets and liabilities reflect management's assessment of taxes paid or expected to be paid (received) on items included in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and consideration of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income taxes are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.
Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns which remain subject to examination, along with positions expected to be taken in future returns. The Company provides for unrecognized tax benefits,
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based on the technical merits, when it is more likely than not that an uncertain tax position will not be sustained upon examination. Adjustments are made to the uncertain tax positions when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit; changes in applicable tax laws, including tax case rulings and legislative guidance; or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
Cash repatriated to the U.S. is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes. No provision is made for withholding taxes and any other applicable income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries where these earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested or otherwise retained for continuing international operations. Determination of the amount of taxes that might be paid on these undistributed earnings if eventually remitted is not practicable. See Notes 1 and 16.Other Items
LEGAL MATTERSAt September 30, 2025, there were no known contingent liabilities (including guarantees, pending litigation, taxes and other claims) that management believes will be material in relation to the Company's financial statements, nor were there any material commit ments outside the normal course of business.NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTSIn the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company adopted ASU No. 2023-07 (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which requires disclosure of significant segment expenses on an annual and interim basis. The new standard also requires disclosure of the Company's chief operating decision maker and interim disclosure of each reportable segment's total assets. This standard has no impact on the accounting for reportable segments. See Note 20.
In 2024, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-04 (Subtopic 405-50), Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs, which requires disclosures about the use of supplier finance programs. This standard has no impact on the accounting for supplier finance programs and did not materially impact the Company's disclosures.In 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2021-10 (Topic 832), Government Assistance, which requires annual disclosures about certain types of government assistance received. This standard has no impact on the accounting for government assistance and did not materially impact the Company's disclosures.In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09 (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures , which expands the disclosures required with respect to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid both in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. The updates, which are effective in fiscal 2026, change disclosures only and will not impact the Company’s results of operations.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03 (Subtopic 220-40), Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses , which requires expanded disclosures of specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements. The updates, which are effective for annual periods in fiscal 2028 and interim periods in fiscal 2029, change disclosures only and will not impact the Company’s results of operations.
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FISCAL 2026 OUTLOOK
For fiscal year 2026, consolidated net sales from continuing operations are expected to be up approximately 5.5 percent, with underlying sales up approximately 4 percent, excluding a 1.5 percent favorable impact from foreign currency translation. Earnings per share are expected to be $4.73 to $4.93, while adjusted earnings per share are expected to be $6.35 to $6.55 (see the following reconciliation).
Outlook for Fiscal 2026 Earnings Per Share 2026
Diluted earnings per share $4.73 - $4.93
Amortization of intangibles ~ 1.42
Restructuring and related costs ~ 0.15
Acquisition/divestiture fees and related costs ~ 0.05
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $6.35 - $6.55
Operating cash flow is expected to be $4.0 to $4.1 billion and free cash flow, which excludes projected capital spending of approximately $0.45 billion, is expected to be $3.5 to $3.6 billion. The fiscal 2026 outlook assumes approximately $2.2 billion returned to shareholders through approximately $1.0 billion of share repurchases and approximately $1.2 billion of dividend payments.