EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 32604
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 32604_10-K_2021_0000032604-21-000038.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
Emerson (“the Company”) is a global leader that designs and manufactures products and delivers services that bring technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer markets around the world. Our purpose is to drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable. Sales by geographic destination in 2021 were: the Americas, 53 percent; Europe, 18 percent; and Asia, Middle East & Africa, 29 percent (China, 12 percent).
The Company reports three segments: Automation Solutions; and Climate Technologies and Tools & Home Products, which together comprise the Commercial & Residential Solutions business. A summary of the Company's businesses is described below.
•Automation Solutions - enables process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers to maximize production, protect personnel and the environment, and optimize their energy efficiency and operating costs through a broad offering of products and integrated solutions, including measurement and analytical instrumentation, industrial valves and equipment, and process control software and systems.
•Commercial & Residential Solutions - provides products and solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainability, enhance household and commercial comfort, and protect food quality and sustainability through heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, as well as a broad range of tools and appliance solutions.
The Company sells products and solutions that support customers in a variety of different end markets. Overall, sales by end market were as follows: oil and gas, 17 percent (upstream, 11 percent; midstream, 6 percent); residential, 16 percent; chemical, 10 percent; power, 10 percent; discrete and industrial, 10 percent; commercial, 9 percent; cold chain/refrigeration, 7 percent; refining, 6 percent; life sciences and medical, 3 percent; other, 12 percent.
Emerson was incorporated in Missouri in 1890 and has evolved through internal growth and strategic acquisitions. Management has a well-established set of operating mechanisms to manage its business performance and set strategy. The Company also has processes undertaken by management with oversight from the Board of Directors to specifically focus on risks in areas such as cybersecurity, compliance, environmental, financial and reputational, among others. The Company periodically updates, assesses, and monitors its risk exposures, provides timely updates to the Board, and takes actions to mitigate these risks.
Acquisitions are an integral component of Emerson's growth and value creation strategy. On October 11, 2021, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Aspen Technology, Inc. ("AspenTech") to combine two of Emerson's stand-alone industrial software businesses, Open Systems International, Inc. ("OSI") and the geological simulation software business, along with a contribution of $6.0 billion in cash to AspenTech shareholders, to create "new AspenTech", a diversified, high-performance industrial software leader with greater scale, capabilities and technologies. Upon closing of the transaction, the Company will own 55 percent of new AspenTech and its results and financial position will be fully consolidated in Emerson's financial statements.
In 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of OSI, a leading operations technology software provider, which broadens and complements Automation Solutions’ software portfolio and ability to help customers in the global power industry, and other end markets, transform and digitize operations to more seamlessly incorporate renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency and reliability.
In 2020, the Company acquired three businesses, two in the Automations Solutions segment and one in the Climate Technologies segment, and in 2019 the Company acquired several smaller businesses to expand its Automation Solutions product portfolio, which included the acquisition of Machine Automation Solutions (General Electric's former Intelligent Platforms business). Information with respect to acquisition and divestiture activity is set forth in Note 4. These references and all other Note references in this document refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which notes are hereby incorporated by reference. See also Item 1A - “Risk Factors” and Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
The Automation Solutions segment offers a broad array of products, integrated solutions, software and services which enable process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers to maximize production, protect personnel and the environment, reduce project costs, and optimize their energy efficiency and operating costs. Markets served include oil and gas, refining, chemicals, power generation, life sciences, food and beverage, automotive, pulp and paper, metals and mining, and municipal water supplies. The segment’s major product offerings are Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation, Valves, Actuators & Regulators, Industrial Solutions and Systems & Software, which are further described below.
Across these product offerings, Automation Solutions offers the PlantwebTM Digital Ecosystem, a comprehensive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architecture that provides remote monitoring by combining intelligent field sensors, communication gateways and controllers, software, and complementary partner technologies. This IIoT architecture delivers measurable business performance improvements to customers by providing insights into production performance, energy consumption, reliability of specific equipment or process units, and safety. Together with the broad offering of products and integrated solutions, Automation Solutions also provides a portfolio of services and lifecycle service centers which offer consulting, engineering, systems development, project management, training, maintenance, and troubleshooting expertise to aid in process optimization. Sales by geographic destination in 2021 for Automation Solutions were: the Americas, 44 percent; Europe, 21 percent; and Asia, Middle East & Africa, 35 percent (China, 14 percent).
Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation
Measurement instrumentation measures the physical properties of liquids or gases in a process stream, such as pressure, temperature, level, rate and amount of flow, and communicates this information to a process control system or other software applications. Measurement technologies provided by the Company include Coriolis direct mass flow, magnetic flow, vortex flow, ultrasonic flow, differential pressure, ultra-low flow fluid measurement, corrosion measurement, acoustic measurement, temperature sensors, radar-based tank gauging and magnetic level gauging. The Company’s measurement products are often used in custody transfer applications, such as the transfer of gasoline from a storage tank to a tanker truck, where precise metering of the amount of fluid transferred helps ensure accurate asset management. Complementary products include onshore and subsea multi-phase meters, wet gas meters, downhole gauges and corrosion/erosion measuring instruments.
Analytical instrumentation analyzes the chemical composition of process fluids and emissions to enhance quality and efficiency, as well as environmental compliance. The Company’s analytical technologies include process gas chromatographs, in-situ oxygen analyzers, infrared gas and process fluid analyzers, combustion analyzers and systems, and analyzers that measure pH, conductivity and water quality. The Company provides sensors to detect combustible and toxic gases, and flames. These devices support the safety of both people and process plant assets.
Measurement and analytical instrumentation technologies are also available with highly secure and reliable wireless communication capability, allowing customers to monitor processes or equipment that were previously not measurable (remote, moving/rotating) or not economical to measure due to the high cost and difficulty of running wires in industrial process plants.
Valves, Actuators & Regulators
The primary role of an industrial valve is to control, isolate, or regulate the flow of liquids or gases to achieve safe operation along with reliability and optimized performance.
Control, isolation and pressure relief valves respond to commands from a control system to continuously and precisely modulate the flow of process fluids and gases. Engineered on/off valves are typically used to achieve tight shutoff, even in high-pressure and high-temperature processes. The Company designs, engineers and manufactures ball, gate, globe, check, sliding stem, rotary, high performance butterfly, triple offset, and severe services valves for critical applications. The Company also designs and manufactures sophisticated smart actuation and control technologies that continuously monitor valve health and remotely control valve positions to foster proactive and predictive maintenance as well as decrease the risk of unplanned shutdowns.
The Company provides pressure management products, including pressure relief, vacuum relief, and gauge valves designed to control fugitive emissions. The Company also supplies a line of industrial and residential regulators, whose function is to reduce the pressure of fluids and gases moving from high-pressure supply lines into lower pressure systems, and also manufactures tank and terminal safety equipment, including hatches, vent pressure and vacuum relief valves, and flame arrestors for storage tanks in the oil and gas, petrochemical, refining and other process industries.
Industrial Solutions
Industrial Solutions include fluid control and pneumatic mechanisms, electrical distribution equipment, materials joining solutions and precision cleaning products which are used in a variety of manufacturing operations to provide integrated solutions to customers. Pneumatic products transform air or gas into energy and power for use in manufacturing operations such as food processing and packaging, life sciences and petrochemical processing. Products include solenoid and pneumatic valves, valve position indicators, pneumatic cylinders and actuators, air preparation equipment, and pressure, vacuum, temperature switches and automobile assembly. Electrical distribution consists of a broad line of components for current- and noncurrent-carrying electrical distribution devices, including conduit and cable fittings, plugs and other receptacles, industrial lighting, enclosures and controls. Electrical distribution products are used in hazardous, industrial and commercial environments, such as oil and gas drilling and production sites, petrochemical plants and commercial buildings. Plastic and metal joining technologies and equipment are supplied to a diversified manufacturing customer base, including automotive, medical devices, business and consumer electronics, and textile manufacturing. The Company also provides precision cleaning and liquid processing solutions to industrial and commercial manufacturers. Products include ultrasonic joining and cleaning equipment; linear and orbital vibration welding equipment; systems for hot plate, spin and laser welding; and aqueous, semi-aqueous and vapor cleaning systems.
Systems & Software
The Company provides process control systems and software that control plant processes by collecting and analyzing information from measurement devices in the plant and using that information to adjust valves, pumps, motors, drives and other control hardware for maximum product quality and process efficiency and safety. Software capabilities also include life sciences operations management, upstream oil and gas reservoir simulation and production optimization modeling, pipeline and terminal management, operations management simulation, and training systems. The Company’s process control systems can be extended wirelessly to support a mobile workforce with handheld tools/communicators, provide site-wide location tracking of people and assets, and enable video monitoring and communication with wireless field devices, thereby increasing the information available to operators.
On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of Open Systems International, Inc., a leading operations technology software provider, which broadens and complements Automation Solutions’ software portfolio and ability to help customers in the global power industry, and other end markets, transform and digitize operations to more seamlessly incorporate renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency and reliability. See Note 4.
On January 31, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Machine Automation Solutions (General Electric's former Intelligent Platforms business). This business offers programmable logic controller technologies that expand the Company's capabilities in machine control and discrete applications, as well as for process and hybrid markets. The Company also completed several acquisitions of software providers, including Zedi, which offers a cloud-based supervisory control and data acquisition platform that helps oil and gas producers optimize and manage their operations.
Distribution
The principal worldwide distribution channel for Automation Solutions is a direct sales force, while a network of independent sales representatives, and to a lesser extent independent distributors purchasing products for resale, are also utilized. Approximately half of the sales in the United States are made through a direct sales force with the remainder primarily through independent sales representatives and distributors. In Europe and Asia, sales are primarily made through a direct sales force with the remainder split evenly between independent sales representatives and distributors.
Brands
Service/trademarks and trade names within (but not exclusive to) Automation Solutions include Emerson Automation Solutions, Appleton, ASCO, Aventics, Bettis, Branson, DeltaV, Fisher, Keystone, KTM, Micro Motion, Monarch, Ovation, Plantweb, Rosemount and Vanessa.
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS
The Commercial & Residential Solutions business consists of the Climate Technologies and Tools & Home Products segments, and provides products and solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainability, enhance household and commercial comfort, and protect food quality and sustainability through heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, as well as a broad range of tools and appliance solutions. Sales by geographic destination in 2021 for Commercial & Residential Solutions were: the Americas, 68 percent; Europe, 13 percent; and Asia, Middle East & Africa, 19 percent (China, 9 percent).
CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES
The Climate Technologies segment provides products and services for many areas of the climate control industry, including residential heating and cooling, commercial air conditioning, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and cold chain management. The Company's technologies enable homeowners and businesses to better manage their heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for improved control and comfort, and lower energy costs. Climate Technologies also provides services that digitally control and remotely monitor refrigeration units in grocery stores and other food distribution outlets to enhance food freshness and safety, as well as cargo and transportation monitoring solutions. Sales by geographic destination in 2021 for Climate Technologies were: the Americas, 64 percent; Europe, 12 percent; and Asia, Middle East & Africa, 24 percent (China, 12 percent).
Residential and Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning
The Company provides a full range of heating and air conditioning products that help reduce operational and energy costs and create comfortable environments in all types of buildings. These products include reciprocating and scroll compressors, including ultra-efficient residential scroll compressors with two stages of cooling capacity, as well as variable speed scroll compressors; system protector and flow control devices; standard, programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats; monitoring equipment and electronic controls for gas and electric heating systems; gas valves for furnaces and water heaters; ignition systems for furnaces; sensors and thermistors for home appliances; and temperature sensors and controls.
Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration
Commercial and industrial refrigeration technologies are incorporated into equipment to refrigerate food and beverages in supermarkets, convenience stores, food service operations, refrigerated trucks and refrigerated marine transport containers. Climate Technologies refrigeration products are also used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including medical applications, food processing and cold storage. Products include reciprocating, scroll and screw compressors; precision flow controls; system diagnostics and controls that provide precise temperature management; and environmental control systems. Transport and cargo monitoring solutions are also offered, which extend throughout the cold chain to ensure quality and safety as food travels from growers to processing and distribution facilities, and finally to retail points of sale.
Services and Solutions
Services and solutions provides air conditioning, refrigeration and lighting control technologies that enable global customers to optimize the performance of facilities, including large-scale retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores and food service operations. The Company’s expertise allows customers to reduce energy and maintenance costs, thereby improving overall facility efficiency and uptime. In addition to industry-leading controls, services include facility design and product management, site commissioning, facility monitoring and energy modeling.
Distribution
Climate Technologies' sales, primarily to original equipment manufacturers and end users, are made predominantly through worldwide direct sales forces. Remaining sales are primarily through independent distributor networks throughout the world. Approximately one-third of this segment’s sales are made to a small number of original equipment manufacturers.
Brands
Service/trademarks and trade names within (but not exclusive to) the Climate Technologies segment include Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions, Emerson Climate Technologies, Copeland, CoreSense, Dixell, Fusite, Lumity, ProAct, Sensi, Therm-O-Disc, Vilter and White-Rodgers.
TOOLS & HOME PRODUCTS
The Company’s Tools & Home Products segment offers tools for professionals and homeowners and appliance solutions. Sales by geographic destination in 2021 for this segment were: the Americas, 78 percent; Europe, 16 percent; and Asia, Middle East & Africa, 6 percent.
Professional Tools
Pipe-working tools are used by plumbing and mechanical professionals to install and repair piping systems. Products include pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, pipe threading and roll grooving equipment, mechanical crimping tube joining systems, drain cleaners, tubing tools, and diagnostic systems, including closed-circuit television pipe inspection and locating equipment. Electrical tools are used by industry professionals for numerous tasks related to the installation of wire and cable, including bending, termination and hole-making. Other professional tools include water jetters, wet-dry vacuums, commercial vacuums and bolt cutters. The Company also offers do-it-yourself tools, available at retail home improvement outlets, which include drain cleaning equipment, pipe and tube working tools, and wet-dry vacuums.
Appliance Solutions
The Company provides a number of appliance solutions, including residential and commercial food waste disposers, instant hot water dispensers and compact electric water heaters.
Distribution
The principal worldwide distribution channels for Tools & Home Products are distributors and direct sales forces. Professional tools are sold worldwide almost exclusively through distributors. Appliance solutions are sold through direct sales force networks, distributors and online retailers. Approximately one-fourth of this segment's sales are made to a small number of big-box retail outlets.
Brands
Service/trademarks and trade names within (but not exclusive to) the Tools & Home Products segment include Emerson, Emerson Professional Tools, Badger, Greenlee, Grind2Energy, InSinkErator, Klauke, ProTeam and RIDGID.
RAW MATERIALS
The Company's major requirements for basic raw materials include steel, copper, cast iron, electronics, rare earth metals, aluminum and brass; and to a lesser extent, plastics and petroleum-based chemicals. The Company seeks to have many 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 or other events. In fiscal 2021, market price volatility for certain materials, most notably the price of steel, negatively impacted the Company's profitability. The Company also navigated supply chain disruptions and experienced higher freight costs. Despite these challenging conditions, the raw materials and various purchased components needed for the Company’s products have generally been available in sufficient quantities. See Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES
The Company maintains an intellectual property portfolio it has developed or acquired over a number of years, including patents, trademarks and licenses. The Company also continues to develop or acquire new intellectual property. New patent applications are continuously filed to protect the Company’s ongoing research and development activities. The Company’s trademark registrations may be renewed and their duration is dependent upon national laws and trademark use. While this proprietary intellectual property portfolio is important to the Company in the aggregate, management does not regard any of its segments as being dependent on any single patent, trademark registration or license.
BACKLOG
The Company’s estimated consolidated order backlog was $6.5 billion and $5.3 billion at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Approximately 85 percent of the Company’s consolidated backlog is expected to be recognized as revenue over the next 12 months, with the remainder substantially over the subsequent two years thereafter. Backlog by business at September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (dollars in millions):
2020 2021
Automation Solutions $ 4,689 5,426
Commercial & Residential Solutions 624 1,107
Total Backlog $ 5,313 6,533
COMPETITION
The Company's businesses operate in highly competitive markets. The Company competes based on product performance, quality, branding, service and/or price across the industries and markets served. A significant element of the Company's competitive strategy is to deliver solutions to our customers by manufacturing high-quality products at the best relevant global cost. Although no single company competes directly with Emerson in all of the Company's product lines, various companies compete in one or more product lines with the number of competitors varying by product line. Some competitors have substantially greater sales, assets and financial resources than Emerson and the Company also competes with many smaller companies. Management believes Emerson has a market leadership position in many of its product lines.
REGULATIONS
The Company's operations, products and services are subject to various government regulations, including environmental regulations. Our manufacturing locations generate waste, of which treatment, storage, transportation and disposal are subject to U.S. federal, state, foreign and/or local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment. The Company continually works to minimize the environmental impact of its operations through safe technologies, facility design and operating procedures. Compliance with government regulations, including environmental regulations, has not had, and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's capital expenditures (including expenditures for environmental control facilities), earnings or competitive position. However, laws and regulations may be changed, accelerated or adopted that impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon the Company and which could negatively impact our operating results. See Item 1A - "Risk Factors."
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES
Supporting our people is a core value for Emerson and underpins our corporate culture. We believe the Company’s success depends on its ability to attract, develop and retain key personnel, and we hired our first Chief People Officer, Elizabeth Adefioye, to help ensure the Company remains focused on this goal. The skills, experience and industry knowledge of key employees significantly benefit our operations and performance. The Company's Board of Directors and management oversee various employee initiatives.
The Company supports and develops its employees through global training and development programs that build and strengthen employees’ leadership and professional skills. Leadership development programs include intensive
learning programs for new leaders as well as more established leaders. The Company also partners with educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to help prepare current and future workers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. To assess and improve employee retention and engagement, the Company surveys employees with the assistance of third-party consultants, and takes actions to address areas of employee concern. Approximately 45,000 employees were surveyed during the three years ended September 30, 2021.
Employee health and safety in the workplace is also one of the Company’s core values. Safety efforts are led by the Corporate Safety Council and supported by health and safety committees that operate at the local site level. Hazards in the workplace are actively identified and management tracks incidents so remedial actions can be taken to improve workplace safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored for us the importance of keeping our employees safe and healthy. In response to the pandemic, the Company has taken actions aligned with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect our workforce so they can more safely and effectively perform their work.
We have identified other human capital priorities, including, among other things, providing competitive wages and benefits and promoting an inclusive work environment. The Company is committed to efforts to increase diversity and foster an inclusive work environment that supports our large global workforce and helps us innovate for our customers. We also have taken actions to enhance diversity, including recruiting at venues representing women, minorities and U.S. military veterans. In 2021, the Company introduced diversity goals at the leadership level. Our efforts are guided by our Chief Executive Officer and Diversity Council, which is comprised of 14 senior-level executives.
Employee levels are managed to align with the pace of business and management believes it has sufficient human capital to operate its business successfully. The Company and its subsidiaries had approximately 86,700 employees at September 30, 2021. Management believes that the Company's employee relations are favorable.
A small portion of the Company’s U.S. employees are unionized, while outside the U.S., we have employees in certain countries, particularly in Europe, that are represented by an employee representative organization, such as a union, works council or employee association.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Emerson’s global purpose is to drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable. Our environmental sustainability strategy is focused on driving progress within our facilities and helping our customers achieve their ESG objectives. In 2019, we made a commitment to reduce our GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 20 percent, normalized to sales, across our entire global manufacturing footprint and shared service facilities by 2028, measured by our baseline year of 2018. In 2020, we formed the Environmental Sustainability Steering Committee to further our efforts to drive environmentally responsible solutions for the Company and the industries we serve. And in early 2021, we named Mike Train as our first Chief Sustainability Officer.
Our environmental sustainability strategy is summarized by our “Greening Of, Greening By, Greening With” framework. Greening Of Emerson demonstrates our efforts to improve our internal environmental sustainability performance, including reducing our GHG emissions and energy and water consumption. Greening By Emerson is our approach to delivering technology, solutions and expertise (including through our software offerings) that support and enable our customers’ decarbonization and environmental sustainability efforts. Greening With Emerson reflects how we foster collaboration among stakeholders by participating in environmental sustainability industry forums, partnering to develop innovative solutions, and engaging with governments globally to support sustainability-related policies and regulations.
Emerson’s environmental sustainability initiatives and strategy are discussed further in our 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance Report, which can be found on our website at www.Emerson.com; this report is not incorporated by reference and should not be considered part of this Form 10-K.
INTERNET ACCESS
Emerson's reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and all amendments to those reports, as well as proxy statements, are available without charge through the Company’s website on the internet as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They may be accessed as follows: www.Emerson.com, Investors, SEC Filings. Information on the Company’s website does not constitute part of this Form 10-K.
The information set forth under Item 1A - “Risk Factors” is hereby incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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 Products
Our 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.
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 Services
The 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 customer demand, which result in unpredictable product transitions, shortened life cycles and increased importance of being 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, lower greenhouse gas refrigerant usage, 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 Benefits
We 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 2021 and in past years, we have made various acquisitions and entered into joint venture arrangements intended to complement or expand our business, and may continue to do so in the future. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to 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 benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The Planned Combination of Two of Our Industrial Software Businesses (OSI Inc. and the Geological Simulation Software businesses) with the Business of Aspen Technology, Inc., and our Planned Majority Stake in the Publicly Traded Entity that Holds Such Combined Businesses, May Not Be Completed Within the Currently Contemplated Time Frame, With the Expected Terms or Costs, and May Not Achieve the Intended Benefits
We make no assurance regarding the terms, timing, costs or benefits anticipated from the planned combination with Aspen Technology, Inc. ("AspenTech"). Unforeseen developments, including possible delays in obtaining various regulatory and other approvals, could delay the proposed transaction, or cause it to occur on terms and conditions that are less favorable, or at a higher cost, than expected. Further, we may not realize some or all of the anticipated strategic, financial or other benefits of the planned combination.
Completion of the proposed AspenTech transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including among other things, the receipt of approval from AspenTech's stockholders and the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, which make the completion and timing of the proposed transaction uncertain. In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could delay the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The failure to satisfy all of the required conditions could delay the completion of the proposed transaction for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring at all. There can be no assurance that the conditions to the completion of the proposed AspenTech transaction will be satisfied or waived or that the proposed transaction will be completed.
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 Products
Our major requirements for raw materials include steel, copper, 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 internationally. Emerging market sales represent over one-third of total sales and serving a global customer base requires that we place more materials sourcing and production in emerging markets to capitalize on market opportunities and maintain our best-cost position. Our and our suppliers’ international production facilities and operations could be disrupted by weather and natural disaster (including the potential effects of climate change), labor strife, war, political unrest, terrorist activity or public health concerns such as an epidemic or pandemic, particularly in emerging countries that are not well-equipped 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 Personnel
Our 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 Business
The 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. 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 Operations
We 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 Risks
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Has Adversely Impacted our Business and 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) has significantly increased economic, demand and operational uncertainty. We have global operations, customers and suppliers, including in countries most impacted by COVID-19. Authorities around the world have taken a variety of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including travel bans or restrictions, increased border controls or closures, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns and such authorities may impose additional restrictions. We have also taken actions to protect our employees and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including embracing guidelines set by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on social distancing, good hygiene, restrictions on employee travel and in-person meetings, and changes to employee work arrangements including remote work arrangements where appropriate. Evolving government plans around the world to institute vaccination mandates, including in the U.S., create uncertainty that may impact our employees and result in labor shortages and unforeseen costs, which could negatively affect our results. These actions have and may continue to impact our employees, customers and suppliers, and future developments could cause further disruptions to Emerson due to the interconnected nature of our business relationships.
The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and our customers, as well as volatility in commodity markets (including oil prices), has negatively impacted demand for our products and could continue to do so in the future. Its effects could also result in further disruptions to our manufacturing operations, including higher rates of employee absenteeism, and supply chain, which could continue to negatively impact our ability to meet customer demand. Additionally, the potential deterioration and volatility of credit and financial markets could limit our ability to obtain external financing. The extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, including the spread and duration of the virus, 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 Fluctuations
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 the 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 Results
As 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 Results
We 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, significant 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 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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
At September 30, 2021, the Company had approximately 170 manufacturing locations worldwide, of which approximately 60 were located in the United States and 110 were located outside the United States, primarily in Europe and Asia, and to a lesser extent in Canada and Latin America. Manufacturing locations by business are: Automation Solutions, 120; and Commercial & Residential Solutions, 50, including 40 in the Climate Technologies segment and 10 in the Tools & Home Products segment. The majority of the locations are owned, with the remainder occupied under lease. The Company considers its facilities suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used. The Company also maintains a smaller number of administrative, sales, research and development, and distribution facilities.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal proceedings, some of which claim substantial amounts of damages. It is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters, but historically the Company has been largely successful in both prosecuting and defending claims and lawsuits.
The Company believes a material adverse impact of any pending litigation is unlikely. Nevertheless, given the uncertainties of litigation, a remote possibility exists that litigation could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Note 13.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following sets forth certain information as of November 15, 2021, with respect to the Company's executive officers. The Fiscal Year column indicates the first year the executive served as an officer of the Company. These officers have been elected or appointed to terms which expire February 1, 2022:
Name Position Age Fiscal Year
S. L. Karsanbhai Chief Executive Officer and President 52 2002
F. J. Dellaquila Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 64 1991
R. R. Krishnan
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
50 2005
M. J. Bulanda Executive President - Automation Solutions 55 2002
J. P. Froedge Executive President - Commercial & Residential Solutions 46 2013
S. Y. Bosco Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel 63 2005
K. Button Bell Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer 63 1999
L. A. Flavin Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer 56 2001
M. H. Train Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer 59 1994
E. M. Adefioye Chief People Officer 53 2021
M. J. Baughman Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer 56 2018
There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers and directors.
Lal Karsanbhai has been Chief Executive Officer since February 2021 and President since March 2021. Prior to his current position, Mr. Karsanbhai was Executive President - Automation Solutions from October 2018 through January 2021, President - Measurement & Analytical from 2016 through September 2018, and President Emerson Network Power Europe, Middle East and Africa from 2014 through 2016.
Frank J. Dellaquila was appointed Senior Executive Vice President in November 2016, Executive Vice President in November 2012 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2010.
Ram R. Krishnan was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2021. Prior to his current position, Mr. Krishnan was President Final Control from November 2017 to February 2021, Chief Operating Officer Final Control from January 2017 to November 2017, and President Flow Solutions from 2016 through January 2017.
Mark J. Bulanda was appointed Executive President - Automation Solutions in February 2021. Prior to his current position, Mr. Bulanda was Senior Vice President from November 2016 through February 2021, Vice President - Acquisition Planning and Development from May 2016 through November 2016 and Executive Vice President - Emerson Industrial Automation from 2012 through May 2016.
James P. Froedge was appointed Executive President - Commercial & Residential Solutions in August 2020. Prior to his current position, Mr. Froedge was President - Automation Solutions Asia Pacific from 2018 through August 2020, President - Process Systems and Solutions from 2016 through 2018, Vice President - Acquisition Planning and Development from 2013 through 2016 and in Acquisition Planning from 2012 through 2013.
Sara Y. Bosco was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel in May 2016. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bosco was President, Emerson Asia-Pacific from 2008 through May 2016.
Katherine Button Bell was appointed Senior Vice President in November 2016 and Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer in 1999.
Lisa A. Flavin was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer in March 2021. Prior to her current position, Ms. Flavin was Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer from February 2019 through March 2021 and Vice President, Audit and Chief Compliance Officer from February 2015 through February 2019.
Michael H. Train was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer in March 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Train was President from October 2018 to March 2021 and Executive President - Automation Solutions from
October 2016 through October 2018, Executive Vice President - Automation Solutions from May 2016 through October 2016 and President of Global Sales for Emerson Process Management from 2010 through May 2016.
Elizabeth M. Adefioye was appointed Chief People Officer in August 2021. Prior to that, beginning in 2018, Ms. Adefioye was Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Ingredion Incorporated, a global ingredients solutions provider, and Vice President Human Resources, North America and Global Specialties of Ingredion, from September 2016 through March 2018, and Vice President Human Resources Americas of Janssen Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, from June 2015 to September 2016.
Michael J. Baughman was appointed Chief Accounting Officer in February 2018, and Vice President and Controller in October 2017. Prior to that Mr. Baughman was Vice President, Finance, Global Operations, Quality, and Research and Development of Baxter International Inc., a global healthcare products company, from 2015 through September 2017, and Vice President, Finance, Medical Products of Baxter from 2013 to 2015.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Information regarding the market for the Company's common stock and dividend payments is set forth in Note 20 and is hereby incorporated by reference. There were approximately 16,400 stockholders of record at September 30, 2021.
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased
(000s) Average Price
Paid per Share Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (000s) Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (000s)
July 2021
711 $96.76 711 61,777
August 2021
815 $102.95 815 60,962
September 2021
717 $99.47 717 60,245
Total 2,243 $99.87 2,243 60,245
In November 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 70 million shares. In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of an additional 60 million shares and a total of approximately 60 million shares remain available.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6 [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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 Measures
To 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 example, non-GAAP measures may exclude the impact of certain items such as acquisitions or divestitures, amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, discrete taxes, changes 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 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 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. EBITDA (defined as EBIT excluding depreciation and amortization) and EBITDA margin (defined as EBITDA divided by net sales) are used as measures of the Company's current operating performance, as they exclude the impact of capital and acquisition-related investments. All of these are commonly used financial measures utilized by management to evaluate performance (U.S. GAAP measures: pretax earnings or pretax profit 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).
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 dividend, 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. Management 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).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Report of Management
The 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, 2021 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. The design of this system recognizes that errors or irregularities may occur and that estimates and judgments are required to assess the relative cost and expected benefits of the controls. 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 Reporting
The 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 framework 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, 2021.
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/ Frank J. Dellaquila
S. L. Karsanbhai Frank J. Dellaquila
Chief Executive Officer Senior Executive Vice President
and President and Chief Financial Officer
Results of Operations
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in Item 7 are in millions, except per share amounts or where noted)
2019 2020 2021 20 vs. 19 21 vs. 20
Net sales $ 18,372 16,785 18,236 (9) % 9 %
Gross profit $ 7,815 7,009 7,563 (10) % 8 %
Percent of sales 42.5 % 41.8 % 41.5 %
SG&A $ 4,457 3,986 4,179
Percent of sales 24.2 % 23.8 % 22.9 %
Other deductions, net $ 325 532 318
Amortization of intangibles $ 238 239 300
Restructuring costs $ 95 284 150
Interest expense, net $ 174 156 154
Earnings before income taxes $ 2,859 2,335 2,912 (18) % 25 %
Percent of sales 15.6 % 13.9 % 16.0 %
Net earnings common stockholders $ 2,306 1,965 2,303 (15) % 17 %
Percent of sales 12.6 % 11.7 % 12.6 %
Diluted EPS $ 3.71 3.24 3.82 (13) % 18 %
Return on common stockholders' equity 26.8 % 23.6 % 25.2 %
Return on total capital 19.5 % 16.8 % 18.1 %
OVERVIEW
Overall, sales for 2021 were $18.2 billion, up 9 percent compared with the prior year, supported by foreign currency translation which added 3 percent and the Open Systems International, Inc. ("OSI") acquisition which added 1 percent. Sales recovered to the levels achieved in 2019 prior to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, reflecting the Company's strong rebound from the broad challenges faced in fiscal 2020. Further, the Company's restructuring and cost reset actions that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and which were increased in response to COVID-19 contributed to strong profitability and a significant decrease in SG&A expenses as a percent of sales.
Net earnings common stockholders were $2,303 in 2021, up 17 percent compared with prior year earnings of $1,965, and diluted earnings per share were $3.82, up 18 percent versus $3.24 per share in 2020, reflecting strong operating results.
The Company generated operating cash flow of $3.6 billion in 2021, an increase of $492, or 16 percent, due to higher earnings.
NET SALES
Net sales for 2021 were $18.2 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion, or 9 percent compared with 2020. Sales increased $455 in Automation Solutions and $1,010 in Commercial & Residential Solutions. Underlying sales, which exclude foreign currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures, increased 5 percent on higher volume and slightly higher price. The OSI acquisition added 1 percent and foreign currency translation added 3 percent. Underlying sales increased 5 percent in the U.S. and 5 percent internationally.
Net sales for 2020 were $16.8 billion, a decrease of $1.6 billion, or 9 percent compared with 2019, as the global outbreak and spread of COVID-19 resulted in a rapid decline in demand which impacted most of the Company's end markets and geographies in the second half of the year. Sales decreased $1,047 in Automation Solutions and
$526 in Commercial & Residential Solutions. Underlying sales decreased 8 percent on lower volume, while foreign currency translation subtracted 1 percent. Underlying sales decreased 11 percent in the U.S. and 5 percent internationally.
INTERNATIONAL SALES
Emerson is a global business with international sales representing 57 percent of total sales in 2021, 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 10 percent, to $10.3 billion in 2021, reflecting increases in both the Automation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutions businesses. U.S. exports of $1.1 billion were up 12 percent compared with 2020. Underlying international destination sales were up 5 percent, as foreign currency translation had a 4 percent favorable impact on the comparison and the OSI acquisition added 1 percent. Underlying sales increased 5 percent in Europe, 5 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 15 percent), 9 percent in Latin America and 1 percent in Canada. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., totaled $9.3 billion in 2021, up 9 percent compared with 2020.
International destination sales, including U.S. exports, decreased 6 percent, to $9.4 billion in 2020, reflecting decreases in both the Automation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutions businesses. U.S. exports of $1.0 billion were down 10 percent compared with 2019. Underlying international destination sales were down 5 percent, as foreign currency translation had a 1 percent unfavorable impact on the comparison. Underlying sales decreased 4 percent in Europe, 4 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 5 percent), 7 percent in Latin America and 11 percent in Canada. Origin sales by international subsidiaries, including shipments to the U.S., totaled $8.5 billion in 2020, down 5 percent compared with 2019.
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
On October 11, 2021, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Aspen Technology, Inc. ("AspenTech") to combine two of Emerson's stand-alone industrial software businesses, Open Systems International, Inc. ("OSI") and the geological simulation software business, along with a contribution of $6.0 billion in cash to AspenTech shareholders, to create "new AspenTech", a diversified, high-performance industrial software leader with greater scale, capabilities and technologies. Upon closing of the transaction, the Company will own 55 percent of new AspenTech and its results and financial position will be fully consolidated in Emerson's financial statements. On a pro forma basis, new AspenTech is expected to have fiscal 2022 revenues of $1.1 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2022 and is subject to approval by AspenTech shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. See Item 1A - "Risk Factors" for additional information.
On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of 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 fiscal 2021 and is reported in the Automation Solutions segment.
In 2020, the Company acquired three businesses, two in the Automation Solutions segment and one in the Climate Technologies segment, for $126, net of cash acquired. These three businesses had combined annual sales of approximately $50.
The Company acquired eight businesses in 2019, all in the Automation Solutions segment, for $469, net of cash acquired. These eight businesses had combined annual sales of approximately $300.
See Note 4 for further information on acquisitions and divestitures.
COST OF SALES
Cost of sales for 2021 were $10,673, an increase of $897 compared with $9,776 in 2020, primarily due to higher sales volume in Commercial & Residential Solutions, foreign currency translation, and the OSI acquisition which added $112 including intangibles amortization of $39. Gross profit was $7,563 in 2021 compared to $7,009 in 2020, while gross margin decreased 0.3 percentage points to 41.5 percent, as leverage on higher sales volume was offset
by unfavorable price-cost in Commercial & Residential Solutions primarily driven by higher steel prices, intangibles amortization from the OSI acquisition which deducted 0.2 percentage points, and unfavorable mix.
Cost of sales for 2020 were $9,776, a decrease of $781 compared with $10,557 in 2019, primarily due to lower volume. Gross profit was $7,009 in 2020 compared to $7,815 in 2019, while gross margin decreased 0.7 percentage points to 41.8 percent, reflecting deleverage on lower sales volume and unfavorable mix within Automation Solutions, partially offset by favorable price-cost.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
SG&A expenses of $4,179 in 2021 increased $193 compared with 2020 on higher stock compensation expense, as well as increased sales volume. SG&A as a percent of sales decreased 0.9 percentage points to 22.9 percent, reflecting increased savings of approximately $240 from the Company's restructuring and cost reset actions, partially offset by higher stock compensation expense of $114 (0.6 percentage points) due to a higher share price in the current year.
SG&A expenses of $3,986 in 2020 decreased $471 compared with 2019 and SG&A as a percent of sales decreased 0.4 percentage points to 23.8 percent. Savings of approximately $220 from the Company's restructuring and cost reset actions that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 offset deleverage on lower sales volume. The Company also benefited in the second half of the year from a salary and hiring freeze, furloughs, compensation reductions for the Board of Directors and key executives across Emerson, and curtailed travel, meetings and discretionary spending.
OTHER DEDUCTIONS, NET
Other deductions, net were $318 in 2021, a decrease of $214 compared with 2020, reflecting lower restructuring costs of $134, investment-related gains, including gains in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 of $21 from an investment sale and $17 from the acquisition of full ownership of an equity investment, and a gain in the second quarter of $31 from the sale of an equity investment, a favorable impact from pensions, and favorable foreign currency transactions of $17. These items were partially offset by higher intangibles amortization of $61, primarily related to the OSI acquisition. See Notes 5 and 6.
Other deductions, net were $532 in 2020, an increase of $207 compared with 2019. The increase reflects increased restructuring costs of $189 and special advisory fees of $13.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
Interest expense, net was $154, $156 and $174 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decreases in 2021 and 2020 reflect the maturity of long-term debt with relatively higher interest rates, partially offset by lower interest income.
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Pretax earnings of $2,912 increased $577 in 2021, up 25 percent compared with 2020. Earnings increased $425 in Automation Solutions and $246 in Commercial & Residential Solutions. Costs reported at Corporate increased $96, reflecting higher stock compensation expense of $114 and first year acquisition accounting charges and fees related to the OSI acquisition of $50, partially offset by the investment-related gains discussed above and lower unallocated pension and postretirement costs which decreased by $41. See the Business Segments discussion that follows and Note 18.
Pretax earnings of $2,335 decreased $524 in 2020, down 18 percent compared with 2019. Earnings decreased $424 in Automation Solutions and $153 in Commercial & Residential Solutions. Costs reported at Corporate decreased $35, as an increase in unallocated pension and postretirement costs of $55 was more than offset by a decline in all other corporate costs of $90.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes were $585, $345 and $531 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of 20 percent, 15 percent and 19 percent in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The tax rates for 2021, 2020 and 2019 included benefits from restructuring subsidiaries of $13, $103 and $74, respectively. The 2020 rate also included the impact of a research and development tax credit study, while 2019 included a $13 discrete tax benefit due to the issuance of final regulations related to the one-time tax on deemed repatriation. See Note 14.
NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net earnings attributable to common stockholders in 2021 were $2,303, up 17 percent compared with 2020, and diluted earnings per share were $3.82, up 18 percent compared with $3.24 in 2020 due to improved operating results reflecting significant savings from the Company's restructuring and cost reset actions and leverage on higher sales volume in Commercial & Residential Solutions.
Net earnings attributable to common stockholders in 2020 were $1,965, down 15 percent compared with 2019, and diluted earnings per share were $3.24, down 13 percent compared with $3.71 in 2019. Reduced operating results reflected a decline in sales volume largely attributable to the negative effects of COVID-19, while restructuring expense increased significantly due to the Company's cost reset actions that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
The tables below present the Company's diluted earnings per share on an adjusted basis to facilitate period-to-period comparisons and provide additional insight into the underlying, ongoing operating performance of the Company. Certain non-operational items are excluded from the calculation of adjusted earnings per share as noted below. In addition, adjusted earnings per share excludes the impact of restructuring expense due to the Company's significant cost reset actions that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
2019 2020 2021
Diluted earnings per share $ 3.71 3.24 3.82
Restructuring and advisory fees 0.12 0.42 0.24
OSI first year acquisition accounting charges and fees - - 0.07
Gain on acquisition of full ownership of equity Investment - - (0.03)
Discrete tax benefits (0.14) (0.20) -
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 3.69 3.46 4.10
The table below summarizes the changes in adjusted diluted earnings per share. The items identified below are discussed throughout MD&A, see further discussion above and in the Business Segments and Financial Position sections below.
2020 2021
Adjusted diluted earnings per share - prior year $ 3.69 3.46
Operations (0.27) 0.59
Stock compensation 0.01 (0.16)
Pensions (0.08) 0.05
Gains on sales of investments - 0.06
Foreign currency (0.06) 0.09
Interest expense 0.02 -
Income tax rate 0.08 (0.02)
Share repurchases 0.07 0.03
Adjusted diluted earnings per share - current year $ 3.46 4.10
RETURNS ON EQUITY AND TOTAL CAPITAL
Return on common stockholders' equity (net earnings attributable to common stockholders divided by average common stockholders' equity) was 25.2 percent in 2021 compared with 23.6 percent in 2020 and 26.8 percent in 2019. 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 18.1 percent in 2021 compared with 16.8 percent in 2020 and 19.5 percent in 2019. Returns in 2021 reflected higher net earnings, while lower net earnings negatively impacted returns in 2020.
Business Segments
Following is an analysis of segment results for 2021 compared with 2020, and 2020 compared with 2019. In fiscal 2021, the Company reclassified certain software product sales that were previously reported in Measurement and Analytical Instrumentation to Systems & Software (previously described as Process Control Systems & Solutions). The Company defines segment earnings as earnings before interest and income taxes.
AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
2019 2020 2021 20 vs. 19 21 vs. 20
Sales $ 12,202 11,155 11,610 (9) % 4 %
Earnings $ 1,947 1,523 1,948 (22) % 28 %
Margin 16.0 % 13.6 % 16.8 %
Sales by Major Product Offering
Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation $ 3,615 3,108 3,071 (14) % (1) %
Valves, Actuators & Regulators 3,794 3,589 3,483 (5) % (3) %
Industrial Solutions 2,232 2,012 2,266 (10) % 13 %
Systems & Software 2,561 2,446 2,790 (4) % 14 %
Total $ 12,202 11,155 11,610 (9) % 4 %
2021 vs. 2020 - Automation Solutions sales were $11.6 billion in 2021, an increase of $455, or 4 percent. Underlying sales were flat as higher prices offset slightly lower volume. Discrete and hybrid markets exhibited strength throughout the year while longer cycle process automation markets began to recover in the second half of the year, including a sharp recovery in core North American automation markets. The OSI acquisition added 2 percent and foreign currency translation had a 2 percent favorable impact. Sales for Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation decreased $37, or 1 percent, as process industries were weak in the first half of the year, but have improved sequentially as markets continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Valves, Actuators & Regulators decreased $106, or 3 percent, reflecting slower demand in most end markets, particularly in North America and Europe, partially offset by modest growth in Asia. Industrial Solutions sales increased $254, or 13 percent, on strong growth in Europe and robust growth in China, while North American discrete end markets were up moderately. Systems & Software increased $344, or 14 percent, reflecting the impact of the OSI acquisition which added $191. Process end markets were strong in Europe and had moderate growth in Asia while North America was flat. Power generation end markets were solid in North America and strong in Europe, partially offset by softness in Asia. Underlying sales decreased 2 percent in the Americas (U.S. down 3 percent), increased 1 percent in Europe and 2 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China up 14 percent). Earnings of $1,948 increased $425 from the prior year, and margin increased 3.2 percentage points to 16.8 percent, as significant savings from cost reduction actions and favorable price-cost more than offset higher performance-based compensation expense. Lower restructuring expense benefited margins 0.9 percentage points, while intangibles amortization of $66 from the OSI acquisition reduced margin 0.6 percentage points.
2020 vs. 2019 - Automation Solutions sales were $11.2 billion in 2020, a decrease of $1,047, or 9 percent, reflecting the negative effects of COVID-19 which impacted most end markets and geographies in the second half of the year, particularly in North America. Underlying sales decreased 8 percent on lower volume. The Machine Automation Solutions acquisition added $47 and foreign currency translation had a 1 percent unfavorable impact. Sales for Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation decreased $507, or 14 percent, due to weakness in process industries, primarily in North America. Valves, Actuators & Regulators decreased $205, or 5 percent, reflecting slower demand in most end markets. Industrial Solutions sales decreased $220, or 10 percent, on lower global demand in discrete end markets. Systems & Software decreased $115, or 4 percent, due to weakness in power generation end markets in China and process end markets in the U.S., partially offset by the Machine Automation Solutions acquisition. Underlying sales decreased 14 percent in the Americas (U.S. down 14 percent), 5 percent in Europe, and 1 percent in Asia, Middle East & Africa (China down 2 percent). Earnings of $1,523 decreased $424 from the prior year, primarily due to higher restructuring expenses of $179 and lower volume. Margin decreased 2.4 percentage points
to 13.6 percent, reflecting a negative impact from restructuring expenses of 1.7 percentage points and unfavorable mix. Savings from cost reduction actions offset deleverage on lower sales volume.
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS
2019 2020 2021 20 vs. 19 21 vs. 20
Sales:
Climate Technologies $ 4,313 3,980 4,748 (8) % 19 %
Tools & Home Products 1,856 1,663 1,905 (10) % 15 %
Total $ 6,169 5,643 6,653 (9) % 18 %
Earnings:
Climate Technologies $ 883 801 965 (9) % 20 %
Tools & Home Products 388 317 399 (18) % 26 %
Total $ 1,271 1,118 1,364 (12) % 22 %
Margin 20.6 % 19.8 % 20.5 %
2021 vs. 2020 - Commercial & Residential Solutions sales were $6.7 billion in 2021, an increase of $1,010, or 18 percent. Underlying sales increased 16 percent on strong global demand, as nearly all businesses achieved double-digit growth each quarter, while foreign currency translation added 2 percent. Climate Technologies sales were $4.7 billion in 2021, an increase of $768, or 19 percent. Air conditioning and heating sales were up mid-teens, reflecting strong demand for residential-oriented products and solutions in North America and robust growth in Europe and China. Cold chain sales were up over 20 percent, driven by favorable global market conditions and strength in food retail and aftermarket. Tools & Home Products sales were $1.9 billion in 2021, up $242 or 15 percent compared to the prior year. Sales of wet/dry vacuums were robust in part due to competitor outages, while sales were strong for global professional tools and solid for food waste disposers. Overall, underlying sales increased 16 percent in the Americas (U.S. up 15 percent) and 17 percent in Europe, while Asia, Middle East & Africa increased 17 percent (China up 17 percent). Earnings were $1,364, an increase of $246, and margin was up 0.7 percentage points, reflecting leverage on higher volume and savings from cost reduction actions, partially offset by unfavorable price-cost primarily due to steel price increases which negatively impacted the second half of the fiscal year.
2020 vs. 2019 - Commercial & Residential Solutions sales were $5.6 billion in 2020, a decrease of $526, or 9 percent. Underlying sales decreased 7 percent on lower volume. The divestiture of two small non-core businesses subtracted 1 percent and foreign currency translation deducted 1 percent. Climate Technologies sales were $4.0 billion in 2020, a decrease of $333, or 8 percent. Air conditioning and heating sales declined, reflecting a sharp decline in Asia and moderate decline in the U.S. due to the effects of COVID-19. Global cold chain sales were also down, reflecting double-digit declines in Asia and Europe, while North America was down moderately. Tools & Home Products sales were $1.7 billion in 2020, down $193 or 10 percent compared to the prior year, reflecting sharp declines in global professional tools markets. Sales for wet/dry vacuums were down moderately and food waste disposers were down slightly. Overall, underlying sales decreased 7 percent in the Americas (U.S. down 8 percent) and 3 percent in Europe, while Asia, Middle East & Africa decreased 11 percent (China down 11 percent). Earnings were $1,118, a decrease of $153, and margin was down 0.8 percentage points, due to deleverage on lower sales volume and higher restructuring expenses which negatively impacted margins by 0.5 percentage points, partially offset by savings from cost reduction actions and favorable price-cost.
Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Emerson maintains a conservative financial structure to provide the strength and flexibility necessary to achieve our strategic objectives and has been successful in efficiently deploying 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 $25 billion and stockholders' equity of $10 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 significant growth in fiscal 2021 and over $3.0 billion in each of the last three years. 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 7, 10 and 11). The Company 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.
CASH FLOW
2019 2020 2021
Operating Cash Flow $ 3,006 3,083 3,575
Percent of sales 16.4 % 18.4 % 19.6 %
Capital Expenditures $ 594 538 581
Percent of sales 3.2 % 3.2 % 3.2 %
Free Cash Flow (Operating Cash Flow less Capital Expenditures)
$ 2,412 2,545 2,994
Percent of sales 13.1 % 15.2 % 16.4 %
Operating Working Capital $ 1,113 866 704
Percent of sales 6.1 % 5.2 % 3.9 %
Operating cash flow for 2021 was $3.6 billion, a $492, or 16 percent increase compared with 2020, due to higher earnings. Operating cash flow of $3.1 billion in 2020 increased 3 percent compared to $3.0 billion in 2019, as lower working capital needs associated with lower demand more than offset a decrease in earnings. At September 30, 2021, operating working capital as a percent of sales was 3.9 percent compared with 5.2 percent in 2020 and 6.1 percent in 2019. Contributions to pension plans were $41 in 2021, $66 in 2020 and $60 in 2019.
Capital expenditures were $581, $538 and $594 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $3.0 billion in 2021, up 18 percent. Free cash flow was $2.5 billion in 2020, compared with $2.4 billion in 2019. The Company is targeting capital spending of approximately $650 in 2022. Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions was $1,611, $126 and $469 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and among other things, provided 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, half of which is due in December 2021 with the remainder due in December 2022.
Dividends were $1,210 ($2.02 per share) in 2021, compared with $1,209 ($2.00 per share) in 2020 and $1,209 ($1.96 per share) in 2019. In November 2021, the Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly cash dividend 2 percent, to an annualized rate of $2.06 per share.
Purchases of Emerson common stock totaled $500, $942 and $1,250 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, at average per share prices of $94.65, $57.41 and $62.83.
The Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 70 million common shares in November 2015. In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of an additional 60 million shares and a total of approximately 60 million shares remain available for purchase under the authorizations. The Company purchased 5.3 million shares in 2021, 16.4 million shares in 2020 and 19.9 million shares in 2019 under the authorizations.
LEVERAGE/CAPITALIZATION
2019 2020 2021
Total Assets $ 20,497 22,882 24,715
Long-term Debt $ 4,277 6,326 5,793
Common Stockholders' Equity $ 8,233 8,405 9,883
Total Debt-to-Total Capital Ratio 41.0 % 47.1 % 40.3 %
Net Debt-to-Net Capital Ratio 33.9 % 33.2 % 30.4 %
Operating Cash Flow-to-Debt Ratio 52.5 % 41.2 % 53.6 %
Interest Coverage Ratio 15.2X 14.4X 18.6X
Total debt, which includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt, commercial paper and other short-term borrowings, was $6,665, $7,486 and $5,721 as of September 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the year, the Company repaid $300 of 4.25% notes that matured in November 2020. In 2020, the Company repaid $500 of 4.875% notes that matured in October 2019, while $400 of 5.25% notes that matured in October 2018 and $250 of 5.0% notes that matured in April 2019 were paid in fiscal 2019. In April 2020, the Company issued $500 of 1.8% notes due October 2027, $500 of 1.95% notes due October 2030 and $500 of 2.75% notes due October 2050, and in September 2020, the Company issued $750 of 0.875% notes due October 2026. In January 2019, the Company issued €500 of 1.25% notes due October 2025 and €500 of 2.0% notes due October 2029, and in May 2019, the Company issued €500 of 0.375% notes due May 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to reduce commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes. A portion of the proceeds from the notes issued in September 2020 were also used to fund the acquisition of OSI, which closed on October 1, 2020.
The total debt-to-total capital ratio and net debt-to-net capital ratio (less cash and short-term investments) decreased in 2021 due to lower long-term debt and higher equity compared to the prior year. In 2020 the total debt-to-total capital ratio increased due to the long-term debt issuances described above. The net debt-to-net capital ratio decreased slightly, reflecting the timing of the acquisition of OSI, which closed shortly after fiscal 2020 year-end. The operating cash flow-to-debt ratio increased in 2021 due to higher cash flow and lower debt. The decrease in 2020 was due to the increased borrowings. The interest coverage ratio is computed as earnings before income taxes plus interest expense, divided by interest expense. The increase in 2021 reflects higher earnings and slightly lower interest expense. The decrease in 2020 reflects lower earnings, partially offset by lower interest expense.
In May 2018, the Company entered into a $3.5 billion five-year revolving backup credit facility with various banks, which replaced the April 2014 $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.
Emerson's financial structure provides the flexibility necessary to achieve its strategic objectives. The Company has been successful in efficiently deploying cash where needed worldwide to fund operations, complete acquisitions and sustain long-term growth. At September 30, 2021, substantially all of the Company's cash was held outside of the U.S. (primarily in Europe and Asia). The Company routinely repatriates a portion of its non-U.S. cash from earnings each year, or otherwise when it can be accomplished tax efficiently, and provides for withholding taxes and any applicable U.S. income taxes as appropriate. The Company has been able to readily meet all its funding requirements and currently believes that sufficient funds will be available to meet the Company's needs in the foreseeable future through operating cash flow, existing resources, short- and long-term debt capacity or backup credit lines.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, 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 forecast the impact of these movements. Based on a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates, a 10 percent decrease in commodity prices 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, and lower commodity prices would benefit future earnings through lower cost of sales. See Notes 1, and 9 through 11.
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 vast majority of the Company's revenues relate to a broad offering of manufactured products which are recognized at the point in time when control transfers, generally in accordance with shipping terms. A portion of the Company's revenues relate to the sale of software and post-contract customer support, parts and labor for repairs, and engineering services.
In limited 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 third-party pricing or management's best estimate. For revenues 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.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Long-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 PLANS
The 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 Company'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, 2021, the U.S. pension plans were overfunded by $506 in total (approximately 12 percent in excess of the projected benefit obligation), including unfunded plans totaling $220. The substantial improvement in the funded status reflects strong asset returns in fiscal 2021. The non-U.S. plans were underfunded by $88, including unfunded plans totaling $318. The Company contributed a total of $41 to defined benefit plans in 2021 and expects to contribute approximately $50 in 2022. At year-end 2021, the discount rate for U.S. plans was 2.92 percent, and was 2.81 percent in 2020. The assumed investment return on plan assets was 6.50 percent in 2021, 6.75 percent in 2020 and 7.00 percent in 2019, and will be 6.00 percent for 2022. 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, 2021 by $200 and increased fiscal 2022 pension expense by $15. A 0.25 percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase fiscal 2022 pension expense by $15. See Note 12.
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. The 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 13.
INCOME TAXES
Income 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, 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 14.
Other Items
LEGAL MATTERS
At September 30, 2021, 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 commitments outside the normal course of business.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Effective October 1, 2020, the Company adopted two accounting standard updates and one new accounting standard, and in fiscal 2020 adopted updates to ASC 815, all of which had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial statements. These included:
•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.
•Updates to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which permit hedging certain contractually specified risk components. The updates also eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and simplify hedge documentation and effectiveness assessment requirements.
On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, which requires rights and obligations related to lease arrangements to be recognized on the balance sheet, using the optional transition method under which prior periods were not adjusted. The Company elected the package of practical expedients for leases that commenced prior to the adoption date, which included carrying forward the historical lease classification as operating or finance. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities of approximately $500 as of October 1, 2019, but did not materially impact the Company's earnings or cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2020. The Company's financial statements for 2019 continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historical accounting under ASC 840, Leases.
On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which updated and consolidated revenue recognition guidance from multiple sources into a single, comprehensive standard to be applied for all contracts with customers. The fundamental principle of the revised standard is to recognize revenue based on the transfer of goods and services to customers at the amount the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. The Company adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective approach and applied the guidance to open contracts which were not completed at the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of adoption resulted in a $30 increase to beginning retained earnings as of October 1, 2018. This increase primarily related to contracts where a portion of revenue for delivered goods or services was previously deferred due to contingent payment terms. The adoption of ASC 606 did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019.
FISCAL 2022 OUTLOOK
Emerson expects fiscal 2022 to be characterized by strong underlying demand. Strength in discrete and hybrid automation markets, further recovery in process markets and expanding opportunities in sustainability projects is expected to drive Automation Solutions full year net sales growth. For Commercial & Residential Solutions, residential demand is expected to moderate while the commercial and industrial environment is expected to further
improve. The Company expects operational challenges to continue through the first half of the year, but price-cost is expected to turn to a tailwind during the second half.
For the full year, consolidated net sales are expected to be up 5 to 7 percent, with underlying sales up 6 to 8 percent excluding a 1 percent unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. Automation Solutions net sales are expected to be up 5 to 7 percent, with underlying sales up 6 to 8 percent excluding a 1 percent unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation. Commercial & Residential Solutions net and underlying sales are expected to be up 6 to 9 percent. Earnings per share are expected to be $4.79 to $4.94, while adjusted earnings per share, which exclude a $0.19 per share impact from restructuring actions, a $0.42 per share impact from amortization of intangibles, and a $0.58 gain from proceeds received in November 2021 related to the Vertiv transaction, are expected to be $4.82 to $4.97 (see Note 4 for further details on the Vertiv gain). Operating cash flow is expected to be approximately $3.8 billion and free cash flow, which excludes projected capital spending of $650 million, is expected to be approximately $3.1 billion. Share repurchases are expected to be approximately $250 to $500 million in fiscal 2022.
The guidance discussed herein does not include the impact of the AspenTech transaction. Emerson will contribute $6.0 billion in cash related to its definitive agreement with AspenTech, and the transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2022. The Company expects to finance the transaction through a combination of cash on-hand and the issuance of new long-term debt. While the transaction will initially increase the Company's financial leverage and debt ratios, Emerson expects to retain its investment-grade long-term debt ratings. Further, the Company expects its leverage and debt ratios to improve rapidly through strong combined cash flow of the companies and disciplined capital allocation.
Brexit Update
The United Kingdom's (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), commonly known as "Brexit", was completed on January 31, 2020. Negotiations over the terms of trade and other laws and regulations took place during 2020 and an agreement between the EU and the UK was reached on December 24, 2020, which included zero tariffs and quotas on goods. The Company's net sales in the UK are principally in the Automation Solutions segment and represent less than two percent of consolidated sales. While there could be certain incremental costs for logistics and other items, the Company expects any impact of these items will be immaterial.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information from this Annual Report on Form 10-K set forth in Item 7 under "Financial Instruments" is hereby incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See the Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the report thereon of KPMG LLP that follow.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended September 30
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
2019 2020 2021
Net sales $ 18,372 16,785 18,236
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 10,557 9,776 10,673
Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,457 3,986 4,179
Other deductions, net 325 532 318
Interest expense, net of interest income of: 2019, $27;
2020, $19; 2021, $12
174 156 154
Earnings before income taxes 2,859 2,335 2,912
Income taxes 531 345 585
Net earnings 2,328 1,990 2,327
Less: Noncontrolling interests in earnings of subsidiaries 22 25 24
Net earnings common stockholders $ 2,306 1,965 2,303
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 3.74 3.26 3.85
Diluted $ 3.71 3.24 3.82
Weighted average outstanding shares:
Basic 616.2 602.9 598.1
Diluted 620.6 606.6 601.8
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in millions)
2019 2020 2021
Net earnings $ 2,328 1,990 2,327
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation (194) 85 81
Pension and postretirement (508) 64 605
Cash flow hedges (5) (2) 18
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (707) 147 704
Comprehensive income 1,621 2,137 3,031
Less: Noncontrolling interests in comprehensive income of subsidiaries
22 27 23
Comprehensive income common stockholders $ 1,599 2,110 3,008
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
September 30 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
2020 2021
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and equivalents $ 3,315 2,354
Receivables, less allowances of $138 in 2020 and $116 in 2021
2,802 2,971
Inventories 1,928 2,050
Other current assets 761 1,057
Total current assets 8,806 8,432
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,688 3,738
Other assets
Goodwill 6,734 7,723
Other intangible assets 2,468 2,877
Other 1,186 1,945
Total other assets 10,388 12,545
Total assets $ 22,882 24,715
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,160 872
Accounts payable 1,715 2,108
Accrued expenses 2,910 3,266
Total current liabilities 5,785 6,246
Long-term debt 6,326 5,793
Other liabilities 2,324 2,753
Equity
Common stock, $0.50 par value; authorized, 1,200.0 shares; issued, 953.4 shares; outstanding, 598.0 shares in 2020; 595.8 shares in 2021
477 477
Additional paid-in-capital 470 522
Retained earnings 24,955 26,047
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1,577) (872)
24,325 26,174
Less: Cost of common stock in treasury, 355.4 shares in 2020; 357.6 shares in 2021
15,920 16,291
Common stockholders’ equity 8,405 9,883
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 42 40
Total equity 8,447 9,923
Total liabilities and equity $ 22,882 24,715
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
2019 2020 2021
Common stock $ 477 477 477
Additional paid-in-capital
Beginning balance 348 393 470
Stock plans 45 77 52
Ending balance 393 470 522
Retained earnings
Beginning balance 23,072 24,199 24,955
Net earnings common stockholders 2,306 1,965 2,303
Dividends paid (per share: 2019, $1.96; 2020, $2.00; 2021, $2.02)
(1,209) (1,209) (1,210)
Adoption of accounting standard updates 30 - (1)
Ending balance 24,199 24,955 26,047
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance (1,015) (1,722) (1,577)
Foreign currency translation (194) 83 82
Pension and postretirement (508) 64 605
Cash flow hedges (5) (2) 18
Ending balance (1,722) (1,577) (872)
Treasury stock
Beginning balance (13,935) (15,114) (15,920)
Purchases (1,250) (942) (500)
Issued under stock plans 71 136 129
Ending balance (15,114) (15,920) (16,291)
Common stockholders' equity 8,233 8,405 9,883
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
Beginning balance 43 40 42
Net earnings 22 25 24
Other comprehensive income - 2 (1)
Dividends paid (25) (25) (25)
Ending balance 40 42 40
Total equity $ 8,273 8,447 9,923
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended September 30 (Dollars in millions)
2019 2020 2021
Operating activities
Net earnings $ 2,328 1,990 2,327
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 822 854 969
Stock compensation expense 120 110 224
Pension expense 2 67 28
Pension funding (60) (66) (41)
Changes in operating working capital (150) 148 203
Other, net (56) (20) (135)
Cash provided by operating activities 3,006 3,083 3,575
Investing activities
Capital expenditures (594) (538) (581)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash and equivalents acquired (469) (126) (1,611)
Divestitures of businesses 14 - 34
Other, net (125) (76) 38
Cash used in investing activities (1,174) (740) (2,120)
Financing activities
Net decrease in short-term borrowings (6) (90) (504)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings greater than three months - 1,043 71
Payments of short-term borrowings greater than three months - (1,043) (71)
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,691 2,233 -
Payments of long-term debt (656) (503) (308)
Dividends paid (1,209) (1,209) (1,210)
Purchases of common stock (1,250) (942) (500)
Other, net 39 2 100
Cash used in financing activities (1,391) (509) (2,422)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents (40) (13) 6
Increase (Decrease) in cash and equivalents 401 1,821 (961)
Beginning cash and equivalents 1,093 1,494 3,315
Ending cash and equivalents $ 1,494 3,315 2,354
Changes in operating working capital
Receivables $ 51 207 (165)
Inventories (87) (6) (126)
Other current assets (87) 33 (99)
Accounts payable (37) (196) 370
Accrued expenses 10 110 223
Total changes in operating working capital $ (150) 148 203
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. & SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended September 30
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts or where noted)
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Financial Statement Presentation
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Effective October 1, 2020, the Company adopted two accounting standard updates and one new accounting standard, and in fiscal 2020 adopted updates to ASC 815, all of which had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial statements. These included:
•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.
•Updates to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which permit hedging certain contractually specified risk components. The updates also eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and simplify hedge documentation and effectiveness assessment requirements.
On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, which requires rights and obligations related to lease arrangements to be recognized on the balance sheet, using the optional transition method under which prior periods were not adjusted. The Company elected the package of practical expedients for leases that commenced prior to the adoption date, which included carrying forward the historical lease classification as operating or finance. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities of approximately $500 as of October 1, 2019, but did not materially impact the Company's earnings or cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2020. The Company's financial statements for 2019 continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historical accounting under ASC 840, Leases.
On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which updated and consolidated revenue recognition guidance from multiple sources into a single, comprehensive standard to be applied for all contracts with customers. The fundamental principle of the revised standard is to recognize revenue based on the transfer of goods and services to customers at the amount the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. The Company adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective approach and applied the guidance to open contracts which were not completed at the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of adoption resulted in a $30 increase to beginning retained earnings as of October 1, 2018. This increase primarily related to contracts where a portion of revenue for delivered goods or services was previously deferred due to contingent payment terms. The adoption of ASC 606 did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled affiliates. Intercompany transactions, profits and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments of 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting shares of other entities are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in publicly traded companies of less than 20 percent are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in nonpublicly traded companies of less than 20 percent are carried at cost, minus impairment, and adjusted for observable price changes in orderly transactions.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for most of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local currency. Adjustments resulting from translating local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The majority of inventory is valued based on standard costs, which approximate average costs, while the remainder is principally valued on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost standards are revised at the beginning of each year. The annual effect of resetting standards plus any operating variances incurred during each period are allocated to inventories and recognized in cost of sales as product is sold. Following are the components of inventory as of September 30:
2020 2021
Finished products $ 584 616
Raw materials and work in process 1,344 1,434
Total inventories $ 1,928 2,050
Fair Value Measurement
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a formal hierarchy and framework for measuring certain financial statement items at fair value, and requires disclosures about fair value measurements and the reliability of valuation inputs. Under ASC 820, measurement assumes the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal or at least the most advantageous market for that asset or liability. Within the hierarchy, Level 1 instruments use observable market prices for an identical item in active markets and have the most reliable valuations. Level 2 instruments are valued through broker/dealer quotation or other approaches using market-observable inputs for similar items in active markets, including forward and spot prices, interest rates and volatilities. Level 3 instruments are valued using inputs not observable in an active market, such as company-developed future cash flow estimates, and are considered the least reliable. Valuations for all of the Company's financial instruments fall within Level 2. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is Level 2, estimated using current interest rates and pricing from financial institutions and other market sources for debt with similar maturities and characteristics.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company records investments in land, buildings, and machinery and equipment at cost. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over estimated service lives, which for principal assets are 30 to 40 years for buildings and 8 to 12 years for machinery and equipment. Long-lived tangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized based on estimated fair values if the sum of estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the related assets is less than the carrying values.
The components of property, plant and equipment as of September 30 follow:
2020 2021
Land $ 350 359
Buildings 2,335 2,493
Machinery and equipment 5,907 6,097
Construction in progress 463 478
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 9,055 9,427
Less: Accumulated depreciation 5,367 5,689
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,688 3,738
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method and recorded at their respective fair values. Substantially all goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit that acquires a business. A reporting unit is an operating segment as defined in ASC 280, Segment Reporting, or a business one level below an operating segment if discrete financial information for that business unit is prepared and regularly reviewed by the segment manager. The Company conducts annual impairment tests of goodwill in the fourth quarter. If an initial assessment indicates it is more likely than not goodwill might be impaired, it is evaluated by comparing the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value. An impairment charge would be recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate the fair value of a unit may be less than its carrying value. Estimated fair values of reporting units are Level 3 measures and are developed generally under an income approach that discounts estimated future cash flows using risk-adjusted interest rates, as well as earnings multiples or other techniques as warranted. Fair values are subject to changes in underlying economic conditions.
All of the Company's identifiable intangible assets are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangibles consist of intellectual property such as patents and trademarks, customer relationships and capitalized software. Identifiable intangibles are also subject to evaluation for potential impairment if events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. See Note 8.
Leases
The Company leases offices; manufacturing facilities and equipment; and transportation, information technology and office equipment under operating lease arrangements. Finance lease arrangements are immaterial. The Company determines whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. An arrangement contains a lease if the Company has the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of an identified asset. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the balance sheet and are recorded as short-term lease expense. The discount rate used to calculate present value is the Company's incremental borrowing rate based on the lease term and the economic environment of the applicable country or region.
Certain leases contain renewal options or options to terminate prior to lease expiration, which are included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain they will be exercised. The Company has elected to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for its offices and manufacturing facilities. Some lease arrangements include payments that are adjusted periodically based on actual charges incurred for common area maintenance, utilities, taxes and insurance, or changes in an index or rate referenced in the lease. The fixed portion of these payments is included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at lease commencement, while the variable portion is recorded as variable lease expense. The Company's leases typically do not contain material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
Product Warranty
Warranties vary by product line and are competitive for the markets in which the Company operates. Warranties are largely offered to provide assurance that the product will function as intended and generally extend for a period of one to two years from the date of sale or installation. Provisions for warranty expense are estimated at the time of sale based on historical experience and adjusted quarterly for any known issues that may arise. Product warranty expense is less than one-half of one percent of sales.
Revenue Recognition
Emerson is a global manufacturer that designs and manufactures products and delivers services that bring technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for its customers, largely in the form of tangible products. 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 vast majority of the Company's revenues relate to a broad offering of manufactured products which are recognized at the point in time when control transfers, generally in accordance with shipping terms. A portion of the Company's revenues relate to the sale of software and post-contract customer support, parts and labor for repairs, and engineering services. In limited 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.
Revenue is recognized over time for approximately 5 percent of the Company's revenues. These contracts largely relate to projects in the Systems & Software product offering within the Automation Solutions segment where revenue is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method to reflect the transfer of control over time, while a small amount is attributable to long-term maintenance and service contracts where revenue is typically recognized on a straight-line basis as the services are provided. Approximately 5 percent of revenues relate to sales arrangements with multiple performance obligations, principally in the Automation Solutions segment. 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.
For revenues 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.
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 third-party pricing or management's best estimate. Generally, contract duration is short-term, and cancellation, termination or refund provisions apply only in the event of contract breach and are rarely invoked.
Payment terms vary but are generally short-term in nature. The Company's long-term contracts, where revenue is generally recognized over time, are typically billed as work progresses in accordance with the contract terms and conditions, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of certain milestones. The timing of revenue recognition and billings under these contracts results in either unbilled receivables (contract assets) when revenue recognized exceeds billings, or customer advances (contract liabilities) when billings exceed revenue recognized. Unbilled receivables are reclassified to accounts receivable when an unconditional right to consideration exists, typically when a milestone in the contract is achieved. The Company does not evaluate whether the transaction price includes a significant financing component for contracts where the time between cash collection and performance is less than one year.
Certain arrangements with customers include variable consideration, typically in the form of rebates, cash discounts or penalties. In limited circumstances, the Company sells products with a general right of return. In most instances, returns are limited to product quality issues. The Company records a reduction to revenue at the time of sale to reflect the ultimate amount of consideration it expects to receive. The Company's estimates are updated quarterly based on historical experience, trend analysis, and expected market conditions. Variable consideration is typically not constrained at the time revenue is recognized. See Notes 2 and 18 for additional information about the Company's revenues.
Derivatives and Hedging
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices due to its worldwide presence and diverse business profile. The Company's foreign currency exposures relate to transactions denominated in currencies that differ from the functional currencies of its business units, primarily in euros, Mexican pesos, and Singapore dollars. Primary commodity exposures are price fluctuations on forecasted purchases of copper and aluminum and related products. As part of the Company's risk
management strategy, derivative instruments are selectively used in an effort to minimize the impact of these exposures. Foreign exchange forwards and options are utilized to hedge foreign currency exposures impacting sales or cost of sales transactions, firm commitments and the fair value of assets and liabilities, while swap and option contracts may be used to minimize the effect of commodity price fluctuations on the cost of sales. Non-U.S. dollar obligations are utilized to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the Company's net investments in foreign operations. All derivatives are associated with specific underlying exposures and the Company does not hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The duration of hedge positions is generally two years or less, except for the Company's net investment hedges.
All derivatives are accounted for under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and recognized at fair value. For derivatives hedging variability in future cash flows, any gain or loss is deferred in stockholders' equity and recognized when the underlying hedged transaction impacts earnings. The majority of the Company's derivatives that are designated as hedges and qualify for hedge accounting are cash flow hedges. For derivatives hedging the fair value of existing assets or liabilities, both the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item are recognized in earnings each period. Currency fluctuations on non-U.S. dollar obligations that have been designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to income in the same period when a foreign operation is sold or substantially liquidated and the gain or loss related to the sale is included in income. To the extent that any hedge is not fully effective at offsetting changes in the underlying hedged item, there could be a net earnings impact. The Company also uses derivatives to hedge economic exposures that do not receive hedge accounting under ASC 815. The underlying exposures for these hedges relate primarily to purchases of commodity-based components used in the Company's manufacturing processes, and the revaluation of certain foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities. Gains or losses on derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recognized in the income statement immediately.
Counterparties to derivative arrangements are companies with investment-grade credit ratings. The Company has bilateral collateral arrangements with counterparties with credit rating-based posting thresholds that vary depending on the arrangement. If credit ratings on the Company's debt fall below pre-established levels, counterparties can require immediate full collateralization on all derivatives in net liability positions. The maximum amount that could potentially have been required was immaterial. The Company also can demand full collateralization of derivatives in net asset positions should any counterparty credit ratings fall below certain thresholds. No collateral was posted with counterparties and none was held by the Company at year end. Risk from credit loss when derivatives are in asset positions is not considered material. The Company has master netting arrangements in place with its counterparties that allow the offsetting of certain derivative-related amounts receivable and payable when settlement occurs in the same period. Accordingly, counterparty balances are netted in the consolidated balance sheet and are reported in other current assets or accrued expenses as appropriate, depending on positions with counterparties as of the balance sheet date. See Note 9.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on pretax income reported in the consolidated statements of earnings and tax rates currently enacted in each jurisdiction. Certain income and expense items are recognized in different time periods for financial reporting and income tax filing purposes, and deferred income taxes are provided for the effect of temporary differences. Effective in fiscal 2019, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act subjects the Company to U.S. tax on global intangible low-taxed income earned by certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company has elected to recognize this tax as a period expense when it is incurred. The Company also provides for withholding taxes and any applicable U.S. income taxes on earnings intended to be repatriated from non-U.S. locations. No provision has been made for these taxes on approximately $5.5 billion of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as of September 30, 2021, as these earnings are considered indefinitely invested or otherwise retained for continuing international operations. Recognition of withholding taxes and any applicable U.S. income taxes on undistributed non-U.S. earnings would be triggered by a management decision to repatriate those earnings. Determination of the amount of taxes that might be paid on these undistributed earnings if eventually remitted is not practicable. See Note 14.
(2) REVENUE RECOGNITION
The following table summarizes the balances of the Company's unbilled receivables (contract assets), which are reported in Other current assets, and its customer advances (contract liabilities), which are reported in Accrued expenses.
2020 2021
Unbilled receivables (contract assets) $ 458 528
Customer advances (contract liabilities) (583) (730)
Net contract liabilities $ (125) (202)
The majority of the Company's contract balances relate to arrangements where revenue is recognized over time and payments from customers are made according to a contractual billing schedule. The increase in net contract liabilities was due to customer billings which exceeded revenue recognized for performance completed during the period. Revenue recognized for 2021 included approximately $460 that was included in the beginning contract liability balance. Other factors that impacted the change in net contract liabilities were immaterial.
Revenue recognized for 2021 for performance obligations that were satisfied in previous periods, including cumulative catchup adjustments on the Company's long-term contracts, was not material. Capitalized amounts related to incremental costs to obtain customer contracts and costs to fulfill contracts are immaterial.
As of September 30, 2021, the Company's backlog relating to unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) performance obligations in contracts with its customers was approximately $6.5 billion. The Company expects to recognize approximately 85 percent of its remaining performance obligations as revenue over the next 12 months, with the remainder substantially over the subsequent two years thereafter.
See Note 18 for additional information about the Company's revenues.
(3) WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
Basic earnings per common share consider only the weighted-average of common shares outstanding while diluted earnings per common share also consider the dilutive effects of stock options and incentive shares. An inconsequential number of shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share in 2021, 2020 and 2019 as the effect would have been antidilutive. Earnings allocated to participating securities were inconsequential for all years presented.
Reconciliations of weighted-average shares for basic and diluted earnings per common share follow (shares in millions):
2019 2020 2021
Basic shares outstanding 616.2 602.9 598.1
Dilutive shares 4.4 3.7 3.7
Diluted shares outstanding 620.6 606.6 601.8
(4) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
On October 11, 2021, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Aspen Technology, Inc. ("AspenTech") to combine two of Emerson's stand-alone industrial software businesses, Open Systems International, Inc. ("OSI") and the geological simulation software business, along with a contribution of $6.0 billion in cash to AspenTech shareholders, to create "new AspenTech", a diversified, high-performance industrial software leader with greater scale, capabilities and technologies. Upon closing of the transaction, the Company will own 55 percent of new AspenTech and its results and financial position will be fully consolidated in Emerson's financial statements.
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, which had net sales of $191 in fiscal 2021 and is reported in the Automation Solutions segment, expands the Company's offerings in the power industry to include the digitization and modernization of the
electric grid. The Company recognized goodwill of $967 (none of which is expected to be tax deductible), identifiable intangible assets of $783, primarily intellectual property and customer relationships with a weighted-average useful life of approximately 11 years, and deferred tax liabilities of $193. Results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2021 included first year pretax acquisition accounting charges related to backlog amortization and deferred revenue of $30 and $14, respectively, and fees of $6.
In 2020, the Company acquired three businesses, two in the Automation Solutions segment and one in the Climate Technologies segment, for $126, net of cash acquired. These three businesses had combined annual sales of approximately $50.
The Company acquired eight businesses in 2019, all in the Automation Solutions segment, for $469, net of cash acquired. These eight businesses had combined annual sales of approximately $300. The Company recognized goodwill of $209 ($155 of which is expected to be tax deductible) and other identifiable intangible assets of $158, primarily customer relationships and intellectual property with a weighted-average useful life of approximately nine years.
As previously disclosed, the Company sold its network power systems business (rebranded as Vertiv, now a publicly traded company, symbol VRT) in 2017 and retained a subordinated interest contingent upon the equity holders first receiving a threshold return on their initial investment. Subsequent to September 30, 2021, the equity holders received a return on their investment in excess of the threshold. Based on the terms of the agreement and the current calculation, the Company could receive approximately $600 on a pretax basis through periodic distributions over the next two years, of which $438 was received in November 2021. However, 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. As of September 30, 2021, no amounts have been recognized in the financial statements related to this gain contingency.
(5) OTHER DEDUCTIONS, NET
Other deductions, net are summarized below:
2019 2020 2021
Amortization of intangibles (intellectual property and customer relationships) $ 238 239 300
Restructuring costs 95 284 150
Other (8) 9 (132)
Total $ 325 532 318
The increase in intangibles amortization expense for 2021 was due to the OSI acquisition, including backlog amortization of $30. Other is composed of several items, including acquisition/divestiture costs, foreign currency transaction gains and losses, litigation, pension expense and other items. The change in 2021 was primarily due to a favorable impact from pensions and investment-related gains, including gains in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 of $21 from an investment sale and $17 from the acquisition of full ownership of an equity investment, and a gain in the second quarter of $31 from the sale of an equity investment. The change in 2020 was primarily due to special advisory fees of $13.
(6) RESTRUCTURING COSTS
Each year the Company incurs costs to size its businesses to levels appropriate for current economic conditions and to continually improve its cost structure and operational efficiency, deploy assets globally, and remain competitive on a worldwide basis. Costs result from numerous individual actions implemented across the Company's various operating units on an ongoing basis and can include costs for moving facilities to best-cost locations, restarting plants after relocation or geographic expansion to better serve local markets, reducing forcecount or the number of facilities, exiting certain product lines, and other costs resulting from asset deployment decisions (such as contract termination costs, asset write-downs and vacant facility costs).
Restructuring expenses were $150, $284 and $95 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company expects fiscal year 2022 restructuring expense to be approximately $150.
Restructuring costs by business segment follows:
2019 2020 2021
Automation Solutions $ 65 232 123
Climate Technologies 20 23 15
Tools & Home Products 7 21 7
Commercial & Residential Solutions 27 44 22
Corporate 3 8 5
Total $ 95 284 150
Costs incurred in 2021 relate to the Company's initiatives to improve operating margins that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and were expanded in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 in response to the effects of COVID-19 on demand for the Company's products. Actions taken in 2021 included workforce reductions of approximately 3,600 positions and the exit of eight production facilities worldwide. Costs incurred in 2020 and 2019 primarily relate to the Company's initiatives to improve operating margins that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and were expanded in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 in response to the effects of COVID-19 on demand for the Company's products. Expenses incurred in 2020 and 2019 included actions to exit six and two facilities, and eliminate approximately 5,400 and 1,100 positions, respectively.
The change in the liability for restructuring costs during the years ended September 30 follows:
2020 Expense Utilized/Paid 2021
Severance and benefits $ 176 112 116 172
Other 5 38 39 4
Total $ 181 150 155 176
2019 Expense Utilized/Paid 2020
Severance and benefits $ 62 239 125 176
Other 7 45 47 5
Total $ 69 284 172 181
The tables above do not include $38 and $20 of costs related to restructuring actions incurred for the year ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that are required to be reported in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.
(7) LEASES
The components of lease expense for the years ended September 30 were as follows:
2020 2021
Operating lease expense $ 207 195
Variable lease expense $ 19 17
Short-term lease expense and sublease income were immaterial for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020. Cash paid for operating leases is classified within operating cash flows and was $192 and $201 for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating lease right-of-use asset additions was $194 and $210 for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following table summarizes the balances of the Company's operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and 2021, the vast majority of which relates to offices and manufacturing facilities:
2020 2021
Right-of-use assets (Other assets) $ 508 558
Current lease liabilities (Accrued expenses) $ 148 155
Noncurrent lease liabilities (Other liabilities) $ 373 413
The weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases was 5.8 years, and 4.6 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.
Future maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 are summarized below:
2022 $ 166
2023 131
2024 97
2025 62
2026 39
Thereafter 125
Total lease payments 620
Less: Interest 52
Total lease liabilities $ 568
Lease commitments that have not yet commenced were immaterial as of September 30, 2021.
(8) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
The change in the carrying value of goodwill by business segment follows:
Automation Solutions Climate Technologies Tools & Home Products Commercial & Residential Solutions
Total
Balance, September 30, 2019 $ 5,467 668 401 1,069 6,536
Acquisitions 23 59 - 59 82
Foreign currency
translation and other 93 3 20 23 116
Balance, September 30, 2020 5,583 730 421 1,151 6,734
Acquisitions 967 23 - 23 990
Foreign currency
translation and other 2 - (3) (3) (1)
Balance, September 30, 2021 $ 6,552 753 418 1,171 7,723
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of identifiable intangible assets by major class follow:
Customer Relationships Intellectual Property Capitalized Software Total
2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021
Gross carrying amount $ 2,059 2,391 1,628 2,062 1,419 1,458 5,106 5,911
Less: Accumulated amortization 731 896 773 923 1,134 1,215 2,638 3,034
Net carrying amount $ 1,328 1,495 855 1,139 285 243 2,468 2,877
Intangible asset amortization expense for the major classes included above for 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $470, $369 and $359, respectively. Based on intangible asset balances as of September 30, 2021, amortization expense is expected to approximate $408 in 2022, $379 in 2023, $347 in 2024, $306 in 2025 and $274 in 2026. The increase in goodwill and intangible assets reflect the acquisition of Open Systems International, Inc.
(9) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Following is a discussion regarding the Company’s use of financial instruments:
Hedging Activities
As of September 30, 2021, the notional amount of foreign currency hedge positions was approximately $2.0 billion, and commodity hedge contracts totaled approximately $137 (primarily 39 million pounds of copper and aluminum). All derivatives receiving hedge accounting are cash flow hedges. The majority of hedging gains and losses deferred as of September 30, 2021 are expected to be recognized over the next 12 months as the underlying forecasted transactions occur. Gains and losses on foreign currency derivatives reported in Other deductions, net reflect hedges of balance sheet exposures that do not receive hedge accounting.
Net Investment Hedge
In fiscal 2019, the Company issued euro-denominated debt of €1.5 billion. The euro notes reduce foreign currency risk associated with the Company's international subsidiaries that use the euro as their functional currency and have been designated as a hedge of a portion of the investment in these operations. Foreign currency gains or losses associated with the euro-denominated debt are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will remain until the hedged investment is sold or substantially liquidated.
The following gains and losses are included in earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI):
Gain (Loss) to Earnings Gain (Loss) to OCI
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Location
Commodity Cost of sales $ (11) (8) 33 (10) 10 29
Foreign currency Sales (7) (5) 3 (8) 4 3
Foreign currency Cost of sales 20 4 8 14 (25) 34
Foreign currency Other deductions, net 66 (40) 53
Net Investment Hedge
Euro denominated debt 70 (123) 21
Total $ 68 (49) 97 66 (134) 87
Regardless of whether derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting, the Company expects hedging gains or losses to be offset by losses or gains on the related underlying exposures. The amounts ultimately recognized will differ from those presented above for open positions, which remain subject to ongoing market price fluctuations until settlement. Derivatives receiving hedge accounting are highly effective and no amounts were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Fair Value Measurement
Valuations for all derivatives and the Company's long-term debt fall within Level 2 of the GAAP valuation hierarchy. The fair value of long-term debt was $6.8 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively, as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, which exceeded the carrying value by $485 and $629, respectively. The fair values of commodity and foreign currency contracts were reported in Other current assets and Accrued expenses as summarized below:
2020 2021
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Commodity $ 11 - 12 6
Foreign currency $ 26 25 36 6
(10) SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LINES OF CREDIT
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
2020 2021
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 322 538
Commercial paper 838 334
Total $ 1,160 872
Interest rate for weighted-average short-term borrowings at year end 0.1% 0.1%
In May 2018, the Company entered into a $3.5 billion five-year revolving backup credit facility with various banks, which replaced the April 2014 $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.
(11) LONG-TERM DEBT
The details of long-term debt follow:
2020 2021
4.25% notes due November 2020 $ 300 -
2.625% notes due December 2021 500 500
2.625% notes due February 2023 500 500
0.375% euro notes due May 2024 586 579
3.15% notes due June 2025 500 500
1.25% euro notes due October 2025 586 579
0.875% notes due October 2026 750 750
1.8% notes due October 2027 500 500
2.0% euro notes due October 2029 586 579
1.95% notes due October 2030 500 500
6.0% notes due August 2032 250 250
6.125% notes due April 2039 250 250
5.25% notes due November 2039 300 300
2.75% notes due October 2050 500 500
Other 40 44
Long-term debt 6,648 6,331
Less: Current maturities 322 538
Total, net $ 6,326 5,793
Long-term debt maturing during each of the four years after 2022 is $505, $592, $497 and $577, respectively. Total interest paid on long-term debt was approximately $156, $163 and $195 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the year, the Company repaid $300 of 4.25% notes that matured in November 2020. In 2020, the Company repaid $500 of 4.875% notes that matured in October 2019. In April 2020, the Company issued $500 of 1.8% notes due October 2027, $500 of 1.95% notes due October 2030 and $500 of 2.75% notes due October 2050. In September 2020, the Company issued $750 of 0.875% notes due October 2026.
The Company 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.
(12) PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
Retirement plans expense includes the following components:
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) $ 47 57 54 24 30 29
Interest cost 155 125 94 38 30 32
Expected return on plan assets (281) (268) (264) (68) (72) (74)
Net amortization and other 81 148 143 6 17 14
Net periodic pension expense 2 62 27 - 5 1
Defined contribution plans 125 112 114 56 56 52
Total retirement plans expense $ 127 174 141 56 61 53
Net periodic pension expense decreased in 2021 primarily due to lower interest cost. For defined contribution plans, the Company makes cash contributions based on plan requirements, which are expensed as incurred.
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.
Details of the changes in the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plans follow:
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
2020 2021 2020 2021
Projected benefit obligation, beginning $ 4,410 4,525 1,584 1,633
Service cost 57 54 30 29
Interest cost 125 94 30 32
Actuarial loss (gain) 260 (13) 3 (101)
Benefits paid (202) (218) (37) (39)
Settlements (111) (105) (46) (35)
Foreign currency translation and other (14) 1 69 43
Projected benefit obligation, ending $ 4,525 4,338 1,633 1,562
Fair value of plan assets, beginning $ 4,208 4,383 1,284 1,367
Actual return on plan assets 466 771 58 100
Employer contributions 20 12 46 29
Benefits paid (202) (218) (37) (39)
Settlements (111) (105) (46) (35)
Foreign currency translation and other 2 1 62 52
Fair value of plan assets, ending $ 4,383 4,844 1,367 1,474
Net amount recognized in the balance sheet $ (142) 506 (266) (88)
Location of net amount recognized in the balance sheet:
Noncurrent asset $ 140 732 125 283
Current liability (11) (13) (15) (16)
Noncurrent liability (271) (213) (376) (355)
Net amount recognized in the balance sheet $ (142) 506 (266) (88)
Pretax accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (937) (274) (316) (182)
Actuarial gains in 2021 were largely due to an increase in the discount rates used to estimate the benefit obligations for the U.S. and non-U.S. plans, which were 2.92% and 2.2% at September 30, 2021 compared to 2.81% and 1.9% at September 30, 2020, respectively. Actuarial losses in 2020 were largely due to a decrease in the discount rate used to estimate the benefit obligations for the U.S. plan, which was 2.81% at September 30, 2020 compared to 3.22% at September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2021, U.S. pension plans were overfunded by $506 in total, including unfunded plans totaling $220. The non-U.S. plans were underfunded by $88, including unfunded plans totaling $318.
As of the September 30, 2021 and 2020 measurement dates, the plans' total accumulated benefit obligation was $5,634 and $5,859, respectively. The total projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for individual plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1,142, $1,016 and $544, respectively, for 2021, and $1,200, $1,055 and $527, respectively, for 2020. The total projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for individual plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $711, $626 and $123, respectively, for 2021, and $1,153, $1,034 and $492, respectively, for 2020.
Future benefit payments by U.S. plans are estimated to be $212 in 2022, $217 in 2023, $222 in 2024, $227 in 2025, $231 in 2026 and $1,192 in total over the five years 2027 through 2031. Based on foreign currency exchange rates as of September 30, 2021, future benefit payments by non-U.S. plans are estimated to be $68 in 2022, $66 in 2023, $70 in 2024, $71 in 2025, $74 in 2026 and $415 in total over the five years 2027 through 2031. The Company expects to contribute approximately $50 to its retirement plans in 2022.
The weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation of pension benefits follow:
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Net pension expense
Discount rate used to determine service cost 4.33 % 3.40 % 3.16 % 2.7 % 1.9 % 1.9 %
Discount rate used to determine interest cost 3.98 % 2.87 % 2.10 % 2.7 % 1.9 % 1.9 %
Expected return on plan assets 7.00 % 6.75 % 6.50 % 6.1 % 5.8 % 5.6 %
Rate of compensation increase 3.25 % 3.25 % 3.25 % 3.5 % 3.7 % 3.6 %
Benefit obligations
Discount rate 3.22 % 2.81 % 2.92 % 1.9 % 1.9 % 2.2 %
Rate of compensation increase 3.25 % 3.25 % 3.25 % 3.7 % 3.6 % 3.7 %
The discount rate for the U.S. retirement plans was 2.92 percent as of September 30, 2021. An actuarially developed, company-specific yield curve is used to determine the discount rate. To determine the service and interest cost components of pension expense for its U.S. retirement plans, the Company applies the specific spot rates along the yield curve, rather than the single weighted-average rate, to the projected cash flows to provide more precise measurement of these costs. The expected return on plan assets assumption is determined by reviewing the investment returns of the plans for the past 10 years plus longer-term historical returns of an asset mix approximating the Company's asset allocation targets, and periodically comparing these returns to expectations of investment advisors and actuaries to determine whether long-term future returns are expected to differ significantly from the past.
The Company's asset allocations at September 30, 2021 and 2020, and weighted-average target allocations follow:
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
2020 2021 Target 2020 2021 Target
Equity securities 49 % 39 % 35-45% 41 % 35 % 30-40%
Debt securities 45 55 50-60 48 55 50-60
Other 6 6 0-10 11 10 5-15
Total 100 % 100 % 100% 100 % 100 % 100%
The primary objective for the investment of pension assets is to secure participant retirement benefits by earning a reasonable rate of return. Plan assets are invested consistent with the provisions of the prudence and diversification rules of ERISA and with a long-term investment horizon. The Company continuously monitors the value of assets by class and routinely rebalances to remain within target allocations. The equity strategy is to minimize concentrations of risk by investing primarily in a mix of companies that are diversified across geographies, market capitalization, style, sectors and industries worldwide. The approach for bonds emphasizes investment-grade corporate and government debt with maturities matching a portion of the longer duration pension liabilities. The bonds strategy also includes a high-yield element which is generally shorter in duration. For diversification, a small portion of U.S. plan assets is allocated to private equity partnerships and real asset fund investments, providing opportunities for above market returns. Leveraging techniques are not used and the use of derivatives in any fund is limited and inconsequential.
The fair values of defined benefit pension assets as of September 30, organized by asset class and by the fair value hierarchy of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, follow. Investments valued based on the net asset value (NAV) of fund units held, as derived from the fair value of the underlying assets, are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total %
U.S. equities $ 591 9 - 670 1,270 20 %
International equities 356 17 - 563 936 15 %
Emerging market equities - 1 - 212 213 3 %
Corporate bonds - 1,516 - 565 2,081 33 %
Government bonds - 642 - 730 1,372 22 %
Other 46 8 135 257 446 7 %
Total $ 993 2,193 135 2,997 6,318 100 %
U.S. equities $ 785 10 - 536 1,331 23 %
International equities 513 16 - 635 1,164 20 %
Emerging market equities - - - 237 237 4 %
Corporate bonds - 1,202 - 446 1,648 29 %
Government bonds - 450 - 531 981 17 %
Other 4 8 133 244 389 7 %
Total $ 1,302 1,686 133 2,629 5,750 100 %
Asset Classes
U.S. equities reflect companies domiciled in the U.S., including multinational companies. International equities are comprised of companies domiciled in developed nations outside the U.S. Emerging market equities are comprised of companies domiciled in portions of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Corporate bonds represent investment-grade debt of issuers primarily from the U.S. Government bonds include investment-grade instruments issued by federal, state and local governments, primarily in the U.S. Other includes cash, interests in mixed asset funds investing in commodities, natural resources, agriculture, real estate and infrastructure funds, life insurance contracts (U.S.), and shares in certain general investment funds of financial institutions or insurance arrangements (non-U.S.) that typically ensure no market losses or provide for a small minimum return guarantee.
Fair Value Hierarchy Categories
Valuations of Level 1 assets for all classes are based on quoted closing market prices from the principal exchanges where the individual securities are traded. Cash is valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Debt securities categorized as Level 2 assets are generally valued based on independent broker/dealer bids or by comparison to other debt securities having similar durations, yields and credit ratings. Valuation techniques and inputs for these assets include discounted cash flow analysis, earnings multiple approaches, recent transactions, transfer restrictions, prevailing discount rates, volatilities, credit ratings and other factors. In the Other class, interests in mixed asset funds are Level 2, and U.S. life insurance contracts and non-U.S. general fund investments and insurance arrangements are Level 3. Investments measured at NAV are primarily nonexchange-traded commingled or collective funds where the underlying securities have observable prices available from active markets and typically provide liquidity daily or within a few days. The NAV category also includes fund investments in private equities, real estate and infrastructure where the fair value of the underlying assets is determined by the investment manager. Total unfunded commitments for the private equity funds were approximately $270 at September 30, 2021. These investments cannot be redeemed, but instead the funds will make distributions through liquidation of the underlying assets, which is expected to occur over approximately the next 10 years. The real estate and infrastructure funds typically offer quarterly redemption.
Postretirement Plans
The Company also sponsors unfunded postretirement benefit plans (primarily health care) for certain U.S. retirees and their dependents. The Company’s principal U.S. postretirement plan has been frozen to new employees since 1993. The postretirement benefit liability for all plans was $119 and $135 as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and included deferred actuarial gains in accumulated other comprehensive income of $98 and $106, respectively. Service and interest costs are negligible and more than offset by the amortization of deferred actuarial gains, which resulted in net postretirement income of $15 for 2021 and $12 for 2020 and 2019. Benefits paid were
$9 and $12 for 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the Company estimates that future health care benefit payments will be approximately $10 per year for 2022 through 2026, and $38 in total over the five years 2027 through 2031.
(13) CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
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. The 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. See Note 19 for additional information about the Company's asbestos liabilities and related insurance receivables.
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. The Company enters into certain indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business in which the indemnified party is held harmless and is reimbursed for losses incurred from claims by third parties, usually up to a prespecified limit. In connection with divestitures of certain assets or businesses, the Company often provides indemnities to the buyer with respect to certain matters including, for example, environmental or unidentified tax liabilities related to periods prior to the disposition. Because of the uncertain nature of the indemnities, the maximum liability cannot be quantified. As such, contingent liabilities are recorded when they are both probable and reasonably estimable. Historically, payments under indemnity arrangements have been inconsequential.
At September 30, 2021, 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 commitments outside the normal course of business.
(14) INCOME TAXES
Pretax earnings consist of the following:
2019 2020 2021
United States $ 1,771 1,360 1,491
Non-U.S. 1,088 975 1,421
Total pretax earnings $ 2,859 2,335 2,912
The principal components of income tax expense follow:
2019 2020 2021
Current:
U.S. federal $ 247 123 152
State and local 24 15 26
Non-U.S. 308 288 355
Deferred:
U.S. federal (2) (44) 81
State and local 12 1 (2)
Non-U.S. (58) (38) (27)
Income tax expense $ 531 345 585
Reconciliations of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate follow.
2019 2020 2021
U.S. federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit 1.0 0.6 0.7
Non-U.S. rate differential 1.8 1.7 2.0
Non-U.S. tax holidays (1.1) (1.1) (0.8)
Research and development credits (0.3) (1.8) (0.6)
Foreign derived intangible income (1.1) (1.2) (1.4)
Subsidiary restructuring (2.6) (4.4) (0.5)
Other (0.1) - (0.3)
Effective income tax rate 18.6 % 14.8 % 20.1 %
The tax rates for 2021, 2020 and 2019 include benefits from restructuring subsidiaries of $13, $103 and $74, respectively. The increase in research and development credits in 2020 was due to the impact of a research and development tax credit study.
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 include 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, half of which is due in December 2021 with the remainder due in December 2022.
Non-U.S. tax holidays reduce tax rates in certain jurisdictions and are expected to expire over the next year.
Following are changes in unrecognized tax benefits before considering recoverability of any cross-jurisdictional tax credits (U.S. federal, state and non-U.S.) and temporary differences. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is expected to be reduced by approximately $50 in the next 12 months.
2020 2021
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning $ 159 195
Additions for current year tax positions 25 27
Additions for prior year tax positions 29 17
Reductions for prior year tax positions (8) (6)
Acquisitions and divestitures - 1
Reductions for settlements with tax authorities - (5)
Reductions for expiration of statutes of limitations (10) (10)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending $ 195 219
If none of the unrecognized tax benefits shown is ultimately paid, the tax provision and the calculation of the effective tax rate would be favorably impacted by $185, which is net of cross-jurisdictional tax credits and temporary differences. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense. Total expense (income) recognized from interest and penalties was $(4), $1 and $4 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, total accrued interest and penalties were $24 and $29, respectively.
The U.S. is the major jurisdiction for which the Company files income tax returns. U.S. federal tax returns are closed by statute for years through 2013. The status of state and non-U.S. tax examinations varies due to the numerous legal entities and jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
The principal items that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities follow:
2020 2021
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses, capital losses and tax credits $ 487 316
Accrued liabilities 219 216
Postretirement and postemployment benefits 33 29
Employee compensation and benefits 119 149
Pensions 69 -
Other 137 128
Total $ 1,064 838
Valuation allowances $ (293) (236)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangibles $ (652) (787)
Pensions - (107)
Property, plant and equipment (212) (212)
Undistributed non-U.S. earnings (36) (38)
Other (33) (54)
Total $ (933) (1,198)
Net deferred income tax liability $ (162) (596)
Total income taxes paid were approximately $680, $400 and $650 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Approximately half of the $316 of net operating losses and tax credits expire over the next 10 years, while most of the remainder can be carried forward indefinitely.
(15) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company's stock-based compensation plans include performance shares, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock options. Although the Company has discretion, shares distributed under these plans are issued from treasury stock.
Total compensation expense and income tax benefits for stock options and incentive shares follows. The Company's performance shares awards are marked-to-market each period based on changes in the stock price.
2019 2020 2021
Performance shares $ 96 98 203
Restricted stock and restricted stock units 21 11 21
Stock options 3 1 -
Total stock compensation expense $ 120 110 224
Income tax benefits recognized $ 20 18 27
As of September 30, 2021, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested shares awarded under these plans was $164, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
Performance Shares, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
The Company's incentive shares plans include performance shares awards which distribute the value of common stock to key management employees at the conclusion of a three-year period subject to certain operating performance conditions and other terms and restrictions. The form of distribution is primarily shares of common stock, with a portion in cash in the first quarter following the end of the applicable three-year performance period.
Dividend equivalents are only paid on earned awards after the performance period has concluded. Compensation expense for performance shares is recognized over the service period based on the number of shares ultimately expected to be earned. Performance shares awards are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, with compensation expense adjusted at the end of each reporting period to reflect the change in fair value of the awards.
Information related to performance share payouts for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2021 follows (shares in thousands):
2020 2021
Performance period 2017 - 2019 2018 - 2020
Percent payout 107 % 100 %
Total shares earned 2,008 1,535
Shares distributed in cash, primarily for tax withholding 883 672
As of September 30, 2021, approximately 1,327,000 shares awarded primarily in 2019 were outstanding, contingent on the Company achieving its performance objectives through 2021. The objectives for these shares were met at the 101 percent level and the shares will be distributed in early 2022.
Additionally, the rights to receive approximately 1,547,000 and 1,497,000 common shares awarded in 2021 and 2020, respectively, are outstanding and contingent upon the Company achieving its performance objectives through 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Incentive shares plans also include restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards involve distribution of common stock to key management employees subject to cliff vesting at the end of service periods ranging from three to ten years while restricted stock units granted to employees cliff vest at the end of a three-year period. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is determined based on the average of the high and low market prices of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, with compensation expense recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period. In 2021, approximately 87,000 shares of restricted stock vested as a result of participants fulfilling the applicable service requirements. Consequently, approximately 57,000 shares were issued while 30,000 shares were withheld for income taxes in accordance with minimum withholding requirements. As of September 30, 2021, there were approximately 1,269,000 shares of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding.
In addition to the employee stock option and incentive shares plans, in 2021 the Company awarded approximately 19,000 shares of restricted stock and 2,000 restricted stock units under the restricted stock plan for non-management directors. As of September 30, 2021, approximately 99,000 shares were available for issuance under this plan.
As of September 30, 2021, 5.1 million shares remained available for award under incentive shares plans.
Changes in shares outstanding but not yet earned under incentive shares plans during the year ended September 30, 2021 follow (shares in thousands; assumes 100 percent payout of unvested awards):
Shares Average Grant Date
Fair Value Per Share
Beginning of year 5,916 $ 67.22
Granted 2,095 $ 71.75
Earned/vested (1,867) $ 63.28
Canceled (503) $ 67.54
End of year 5,641 $ 70.22
Information related to incentive shares plans follows:
2019 2020 2021
Total fair value of shares earned/vested $ 145 164 131
Share awards distributed in cash, primarily for tax withholding $ 73 81 58
Stock Options
There were no stock option grants in 2021, 2020 and 2019. The Company's stock option plans expired in fiscal year 2021. Previously awarded stock options allow key officers and employees to purchase common stock at specified prices, which are equal to 100 percent of the closing market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant. Options generally vest one-third in each of the three years subsequent to grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the number of options expected to vest.
Changes in shares subject to options during the year ended September 30, 2021 follow (shares in thousands):
Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Shares Total
Intrinsic Value of Shares Average Remaining Life (Years)
Beginning of year $ 58.42 4,133
Options granted $ - -
Options exercised $ 58.85 (2,071)
Options canceled $ 61.19 (45)
End of year $ 57.96 2,017 $ 75 3.1
Exercisable at end of year $ 57.96 2,017 $ 75 3.1
Information related to stock options follows:
2019 2020 2021
Cash received for option exercises $ 40 126 114
Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 16 47 53
Tax benefits related to option exercises $ 8 8 6
(16) COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK
At September 30, 2021, 13.7 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Company's stock-based compensation plans. During 2021, 5.3 million common shares were purchased and 3.1 million treasury shares were reissued. In 2020, 16.4 million common shares were purchased and 3.4 million treasury shares were reissued.
At September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company had 5.4 million shares of $2.50 par value preferred stock authorized, with none issued.
(17) ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Activity in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is shown below, net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation 2019 2020 2021
Beginning balance $ (600) (794) (711)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes of $(16), $29 and $(5), respectively
(194) 83 82
Ending balance (794) (711) (629)
Pension and postretirement
Beginning balance (420) (928) (864)
Actuarial gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of taxes of $165, $15
and $(150), respectively
(560) (49) 499
Amortization of deferred actuarial losses into earnings, net of taxes of $(15), $(34)
and $(34), respectively
52 113 106
Ending balance (928) (864) (259)
Cash flow hedges
Beginning balance 5 - (2)
Gains (Losses) deferred during the period, net of taxes of $1, $2 and $(15),
respectively
(3) (9) 51
Reclassifications of realized (gains) losses to sales and cost of sales, net of taxes
of $0, $(2) and $11, respectively
(2) 7 (33)
Ending balance - (2) 16
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (1,722) (1,577) (872)
(18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS INFORMATION
The Company designs and manufactures products and delivers services that bring technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer markets around the world. The Company reports three segments: Automation Solutions; and Climate Technologies and Tools & Home Products, which together comprise the Commercial & Residential Solutions business.
The Automation Solutions segment enables process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers to maximize production, protect personnel and the environment, reduce project costs, and optimize their energy efficiency and operating costs through a broad offering of integrated solutions, software, services and products, including measurement and analytical instrumentation, industrial valves and equipment, and process control software and systems. Markets served include oil and gas, refining, chemicals, power generation, life sciences, food and beverage, automotive, pulp and paper, metals and mining, and municipal water supplies. In fiscal 2021, the Company reclassified certain software product sales that were previously reported in Measurement and Analytical Instrumentation to Systems & Software (previously described as Process Control Systems & Solutions). The segment's major product offerings are described below.
•Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation products measure the physical properties of liquids or gases in a process stream and communicate this information to a process control system or other software applications, and analyze the chemical composition of process fluids and emissions to enhance quality and efficiency, as well as environmental compliance.
•Valves, Actuators & Regulators consists of control, isolation and pressure relief valves which respond to commands from a control system to continuously and precisely modulate the flow of process fluids and gases, smart actuation and control technologies, pressure management products, and industrial and residential regulators that reduce the pressure of fluids and gases moving from high-pressure supply lines into lower pressure systems.
•Industrial Solutions provides fluid control and pneumatic mechanisms, electrical distribution equipment, and materials joining and precision cleaning products which are used in a variety of manufacturing operations to provide integrated solutions to customers.
•Systems & Software provides a digital ecosystem that controls plant processes by communicating with and adjusting the "intelligent" plant devices described above to provide precision measurement, control, monitoring, asset optimization, and plant safety and reliability for plants that produce power, or process fluids or other items.
The Commercial & Residential Solutions business consists of the Climate Technologies and Tools & Home Products segments. This business provides products and solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainability, enhance household and commercial comfort, and protect food quality and sustainability through heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology, as well as a broad range of mechanical, electrical, utility and do-it-yourself tools and appliance solutions.
The Climate Technologies segment provides products, services and solutions for all areas of the climate control industry, including residential heating and cooling, commercial air conditioning, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and cold chain management. Products include compressors, temperature sensors and controls, thermostats, flow controls, and stationary and mobile remote monitoring technologies and services that enable homeowners and businesses to better manage their heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for improved control and comfort, and lower energy costs.
The Tools & Home Products segment offers tools for professionals and homeowners and appliance solutions. Products include professional pipe-working tools, electrical and utility tools, residential and commercial food waste disposers, and wet-dry vacuums.
The principal distribution method for each segment is direct sales forces, although the Company also uses independent sales representatives and distributors. Due to its global presence, certain of the Company's international operations are subject to risks including the stability of governments and business conditions in foreign countries which could result in adverse changes in exchange rates, changes in regulations or disruption of operations.
The primary income measure used for assessing segment performance and making operating decisions is earnings before interest and income taxes. Certain expenses are reported at Corporate, including stock compensation expense and a portion of pension and postretirement benefit costs. Corporate and other includes unallocated corporate expenses, acquisition/divestiture costs, first year acquisition accounting charges (which include fair value adjustments related to inventory, backlog and deferred revenue) and other items. Corporate assets are primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents, investments and certain fixed assets. Summarized below is information about the Company's operations by business segment and by geography.
Business Segments
Sales Earnings Total Assets
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Automation Solutions $ 12,202 11,155 11,610 $ 1,947 1,523 1,948 $ 13,996 14,250 15,823
Climate Technologies 4,313 3,980 4,748 883 801 965 2,885 3,065 3,269
Tools & Home Products 1,856 1,663 1,905 388 317 399 1,462 1,491 1,598
Commercial & Residential Solutions 6,169 5,643 6,653 1,271 1,118 1,364 4,347 4,556 4,867
Corporate items:
Stock compensation - (120) (110) (224) - -
Unallocated pension and postretirement costs 108 53 94
Corporate and other (173) (93) (116) 2,154 4,076 4,025
Eliminations/Interest 1 (13) (27) (174) (156) (154)
Total $ 18,372 16,785 18,236 $ 2,859 2,335 2,912 $ 20,497 22,882 24,715
Automation Solutions sales by major product offering are summarized below, including the reclassification of prior year amounts to reflect this change.
2019 2020 2021
Measurement & Analytical Instrumentation $ 3,615 3,108 3,071
Valves, Actuators & Regulators 3,794 3,589 3,483
Industrial Solutions 2,232 2,012 2,266
Systems & Software 2,561 2,446 2,790
Total $ 12,202 11,155 11,610
Depreciation
and Amortization Capital
Expenditures
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Automation Solutions $ 535 557 632 $ 297 308 325
Climate Technologies 176 184 191 222 158 143
Tools & Home Products 71 77 76 59 58 94
Commercial & Residential Solutions 247 261 267 281 216 237
Corporate and other 40 36 70 16 14 19
Total $ 822 854 969 $ 594 538 581
Depreciation and amortization includes intellectual property, customer relationships and capitalized software.
Geographic Information
Sales by major geographic destination are summarized below:
Automation Solutions Commercial & Residential Solutions Total
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Americas $ 5,850 5,051 5,100 $ 4,253 3,896 4,513 $ 10,103 8,947 9,613
Asia, Middle East & Africa 3,891 3,801 4,046 1,192 1,053 1,277 5,083 4,854 5,323
Europe 2,461 2,303 2,464 724 694 863 3,185 2,997 3,327
Total $ 12,202 11,155 11,610 $ 6,169 5,643 6,653 $ 18,371 16,798 18,263
Sales in the U.S. were $7,952, $7,420 and $8,390 for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, while Asia, Middle East & Africa includes sales in China of $2,252, $1,845 and $1,962 in those years.
Property, Plant and Equipment
2019 2020 2021
Americas $ 2,339 2,345 2,375
Asia, Middle East & Africa 671 679 678
Europe 632 664 685
Total $ 3,642 3,688 3,738
Property, plant and equipment located in the U.S. was $2,141 in 2021, $2,124 in 2020 and $2,128 in 2019.
(19) OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
Items reported in earnings during the years ended September 30 included the following:
2019 2020 2021
Research and development expense $ 454 439 485
Rent expense $ 285 239 228
The components of depreciation and amortization expense reported for the years ended September 30 included the following:
2019 2020 2021
Depreciation expense $ 463 485 499
Amortization of intangibles (includes $15, $17 and $57 reported in Cost of Sales in
2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively) (a)
253 256 357
Amortization of capitalized software 106 113 113
Total $ 822 854 969
(a) Amortization of intangibles includes backlog amortization of $30 related to the OSI acquisition for the year ended September 30, 2021.
Items reported in other noncurrent assets included the following:
2020 2021
Pension assets $ 265 1,015
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 508 558
Deferred income taxes $ 99 115
Asbestos-related insurance receivables $ 100 95
Items reported in accrued expenses included the following:
2020 2021
Customer advances (contract liabilities) $ 583 730
Employee compensation $ 577 690
Operating lease liabilities (current) $ 148 155
Product warranty $ 148 146
Other liabilities are summarized as follows:
2020 2021
Deferred income taxes $ 261 711
Pension and postretirement liabilities 769 676
Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent) 373 413
Asbestos litigation 295 256
Other 626 697
Total $ 2,324 2,753
(20) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Full Year
2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021
Net sales $ 4,151 4,161 4,162 4,431 3,914 4,697 4,558 4,947 16,785 18,236
Gross profit $ 1,759 1,723 1,750 1,862 1,618 1,982 1,882 1,996 7,009 7,563
Net earnings common stockholders $ 326 445 517 561 399 627 723 670 1,965 2,303
Net earnings per common share:
Basic $ 0.53 0.74 0.85 0.94 0.67 1.05 1.21 1.12 3.26 3.85
Diluted $ 0.53 0.74 0.84 0.93 0.67 1.04 1.20 1.11 3.24 3.82
Dividends per common share $ 0.50 0.505 0.50 0.505 0.50 0.505 0.50 0.505 2.00 2.02
Earnings per share are computed independently each period; as a result, the quarterly amounts may not sum to the calculated annual figure.
Emerson Electric Co. common stock (symbol EMR) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Chicago.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Emerson Electric Co.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Emerson Electric Co. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2021 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of October 1, 2019, due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Sufficiency of Audit Evidence over Net Sales
As discussed in Notes 1, 2 and 18 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and disclosed in the consolidated statement of earnings, the Company recorded $18.2 billion of net sales in 2021.
We identified the evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over net sales as a critical audit matter. Net sales are recognized primarily from the sale of tangible products from hundreds of Company locations around the world. Evaluating the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained required especially subjective auditor judgment because of the geographical dispersion of the Company’s net sales generating activities. This included determining the Company locations at which procedures were performed and the supervision and review of procedures performed at those locations.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We applied auditor judgment to determine the nature and extent of procedures to be performed over net sales, including the determination of the Company locations at which those procedures were to be performed. At each Company location where procedures were performed, we:
•Evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s net sales processes, including the Company’s controls over the accurate recording of amounts.
•Assessed the recorded net sales by selecting a sample of transactions and compared the amounts recognized for consistency with underlying documentation, including contracts with customers and shipping documentation.
We evaluated the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained by assessing the results of procedures performed.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We or our predecessor firms have served as the Company’s auditor since 1938.
St. Louis, Missouri
November 15, 2021

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures which is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on an evaluation performed, the Company's certifying officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2021 to provide reasonable assurance of achieving these objectives.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries to report material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company's reports. There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, and the related report of the Company’s auditor, KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, set forth in Item 7 and Item 8, respectively, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are hereby incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B - OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding nominees and directors appearing under "Proxy Item No. 1: Election of Directors" in the Emerson Electric Co. Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement for the February 2022 annual shareholders' meeting (the "2022 Proxy Statement") is hereby incorporated by reference. Information regarding executive officers is set forth in Part I of this report. Information regarding the Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert appearing under "Board and Committee Operations - Board and Corporate Governance - Committees of Our Board of Directors," "Board and Committee Operations - Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee - Nomination Process" and "- Proxy Access" in the 2022 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer; has posted such Code of Ethics on its website; and intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K by posting such information on its website. The Company has adopted Charters for its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and a Code of Business Ethics for directors, officers and employees, which are available on its website and in print to any stockholder who requests them. The Company has also adopted Corporate Governance Principles and Practices, which are available on its website and in print to any stockholder who requests them. The Corporate Governance section of the Company's website may be accessed as follows: www.Emerson.com, Investors, Corporate Governance.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information appearing under “Executive Compensation" (including the information set forth under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis"), "Compensation Tables," "Board and Committee Operations-Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee-Director Compensation," "Board and Committee Operations-Compensation Committee" (including, but not limited to, the information set forth under "Role of Executive Officers and the Compensation Consultant," "Compensation Committee Report" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation") in the 2022 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
The information contained in the "Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such information into future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information regarding beneficial ownership of shares by nominees and continuing directors, named executive officers, five percent beneficial owners, and by all directors and executive officers as a group appearing under "Ownership of Emerson Equity Securities" in the 2022 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
The following table sets forth aggregate information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2021:
Number of Securities
to be Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in Column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders (1) 8,464,000 $57.96 5,229,000
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders - - -
Total 8,464,000 $57.96 5,229,000
(1)Includes the Stock Option and Incentive Shares Plans previously approved by the Company's security holders. Shares included in column (a) assume the maximum payouts, where applicable, and are as follows: (i) 2,017,000 shares reserved for outstanding stock option awards, (ii) 2,243,000 shares reserved for performance share awards granted in 2021, (iii) 1,872,000 shares reserved for performance share awards granted in 2020, (iv) 1,659,000 shares reserved for performance share awards granted in 2019 and (v) 673,000 shares reserved for outstanding restricted stock unit awards. As provided by the Company’s Incentive Shares Plans, performance shares awards represent a commitment to issue such shares without cash payment by the employee, contingent upon achievement of the performance objectives and continued service by the employee.
The price in column (b) represents the weighted-average exercise price for outstanding options. Included in column (c) are shares remaining available for award under previously approved plans as follows: (i) 4,118,000 under the 2015 Incentive Shares Plan, (ii) 1,012,000 under the 2006 Incentive Shares Plan, and (iii) 99,000 under the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Management Directors.
Information regarding stock option plans and incentive shares plans is set forth in Note 15.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information appearing under “Board and Committee Operations-Board and Corporate Governance-Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons," "-Certain Business Relationships and Related Party Transactions" and "-Director Independence" in the 2022 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14 - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information appearing under "Board and Committee Operations-Audit Committee-Fees Paid to KPMG LLP" in the 2022 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15 - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
A) Documents filed as a part of this report:
1. The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of the Company and subsidiaries and the report thereon of KPMG LLP set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules - All schedules are omitted because they are not required, not applicable or the required information is provided in the financial statements or notes thereto contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3. Exhibits (Listed by numbers corresponding to the Exhibit Table of Item 601 in Regulation S-K).
2(a)** Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 10, 2021, among Emerson Electric Co., Aspen Technology, Inc., EMR Worldwide, Inc., Emersub CX, Inc. and Emersub CXI, Inc., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed on October 12, 2021, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 2.1.
3(a) Restated Articles of Incorporation of Emerson Electric Co., incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 3(a); Termination of Designated Shares of Stock and Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1998 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 3(a).
3(b) Bylaws of Emerson Electric Co., as amended through May 4, 2021, incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 4, 2021, filed on May 4, 2021, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 3.1.
4(a) Indenture dated as of December 10, 1998, between Emerson Electric Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as successor trustee to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor to The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as the Bank of New York)), as trustee, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1998 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 4(b).
4(b) Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of April 26, 2019 by and among Emerson Electric Co., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as successor trustee, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as resigning trustee, incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 15, 2019, filed on May 17, 2019, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 4.4.
4(c) Description of Capital Stock incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co., 2020 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 4(c).
4(d) Description of 0.375% Notes due 2024, 1.250% Notes due 2025 and 2.000% Notes due 2029, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co., 2019 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 4(d).
No other long-term debt instruments are filed since the total amount of securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of Emerson Electric Co. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Emerson Electric Co. agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
10(a)* Third Amendment to the Emerson Electric Co. 1993 Incentive Shares Plan, as restated, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1996 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(g), and Fourth Amendment thereto, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2001 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(d).
10(b)* Amended and Restated Emerson Electric Co. Continuing Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(c).
10(c)* Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Forms of Payment Election Form, Initial Notice of Election and Notice of Election Change, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(d).
10(d)* First Amendment to the Emerson Electric Co. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1999 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(h), and Form of Change of Control Election, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K dated October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.9 (applicable only with respect to benefits vested as of December 31, 2004).
10(e)* Amended and Restated Emerson Electric Co. Pension Restoration Plan dated October 6, 2015, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2015 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(e); Forms of Participation Award Letter, Acceptance of Award and Benefit Election Forms (applicable only with respect to benefits after January 1, 2005), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(f); and Lump Sum Distribution Election Forms.
10(f)* Fifth Amendment to the Supplemental Executive Savings Investment Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(j), and Form of Participation Agreement and Form of Annual Election, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.8 (applicable only with respect to benefits vested as of December 31, 2004).
10(g)* Amended and Restated Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan and Forms of Participation Agreement, Annual Election Form and Payment Election Form (applicable only with respect to benefits after January 1, 2005), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(h), First Amendment to Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1 and Second Amendment to the Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co., Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2.
10(h)* Amended and Restated Emerson Electric Co. Annual Incentive Plan and Form of Acceptance of Award, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(i).
10(i)* 1997 Incentive Shares Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1997 Proxy Statement dated December 6, 1996, File No. 1-278, Exhibit A, and First Amendment thereto, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2001 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(j), Amendment for 409A Compliance, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(j), Form of Performance Share Award Certificate, Forms of Acceptance of Award and Change of Control Election, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.5, and Form of Restricted Shares Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.6.
10(j)* 1998 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 1998 Proxy Statement dated December 12, 1997, File No. 1-278, Appendix A, and Amendment No. 1 thereto, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2000 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(l), Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement and Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.1, and Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement and Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.2.
10(k)* 2001 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2002 Proxy Statement dated December 12, 2001, File No. 1-278, Appendix A, Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement and Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.3 (used on or prior to September 30, 2011), Forms of Notice of Grant of Stock Options, Option Agreement and Incentive
Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1 (used after September 30, 2011), Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement and Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed October 1, 2004, Exhibit 10.4 (used on or prior to September 30, 2011), Forms of Notice of Grant of Stock Options, Option Agreement and Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2 (used after September 30, 2011).
10(l)* Emerson Electric Co. Description of Split Dollar Life Insurance Program Transition, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed September 2, 2005, Exhibit 10.1.
10(m)* Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Management Directors, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1, Form of Restricted Stock Award Letter under the Emerson Electric Co. Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Management Directors, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed February 1, 2005, Exhibit 10.2, and Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Letter under the Emerson Electric Co. Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Management Directors, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
10(n)* Description of Non-Management Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-K filed November 20, 2017, Exhibit 10(n).
10(o)* Description of Named Executive Officer Compensation, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-K filed November 20, 2017, Exhibit 10(o).
10(p)* Emerson Electric Co. 2006 Incentive Shares Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2006 Proxy Statement dated December 16, 2005, Appendix C, Amendment for 409A Compliance, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(q), Forms of Performance Shares Award Certificate and Acceptance of Award (used on or prior to September 30, 2009) and Restricted Shares Award Agreement (used on or prior to September 30, 2011), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2007 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(q), Amendment to Emerson Electric Co. 2006 Incentive Shares Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1, Forms of Performance Shares Award Certificate, Acceptance of Award and 2010 Performance Shares Program Award Summary, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 (used after September 30, 2009 and on or prior to September 30, 2011), File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2, Forms of Performance Shares Award Certificate and Acceptance of Award, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.3 (used after September 30, 2011), and Form of Restricted Shares Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.4 (used after September 30, 2011).
10(q) Credit Agreement dated as of May 23, 2018, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K dated May 23, 2018 and filed May 29, 2018, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
10(r)* 2011 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2011 Proxy Statement dated December 10, 2010, File No. 1-278, Appendix B, 2011 Stock Option Plan as Amended and Restated effective October 1, 2012, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2012 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(r), Forms of Notice of Grant of Stock Options, Option Agreement and Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1 and Forms of Notice of Grant of Stock Options, Option Agreement and Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2.
10(s)* Emerson Electric Co. 2015 Incentive Shares Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2015 Proxy Statement dated December 12, 2014, Appendix B, Forms of Performance Shares Award Certificate and Acceptance of Award (used on or prior to November 5, 2018), Performance Shares Program Award Summary (used on or prior to November 5, 2018) and Form of Restricted Shares Award Agreement (used on or prior to November 5, 2018), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2015 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(u), Form of Restricted Shares Award Agreement (used after November 5, 2018), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, Exhibit 10.1, Form of Restricted Stock Units Program Acceptance of Award (used after November 5, 2018), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, Exhibit 10.2 and Form of Performance Share Program Acceptance of Award (used after November 5, 2018), incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, Exhibit 10.3.
10(t) Transaction Agreement dated as of July 29, 2016 among Emerson Electric Co., Cortes NP Holdings, LLC, Cortes NP Acquisition Corporation, ASCO Power Grp, LLC and Cortes NP JV Holdings, LLC, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co. 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10(w).
10(u)* Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan II, incorporated by reference to the Emerson Electric Co. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1, Second Amendment to the Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co., Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2 and First Amendment to the Emerson Electric Co. Savings Investment Restoration Plan II, incorporated by reference to Emerson Electric Co., Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
10(v)* Letter Agreement dated as of August 12, 2020, by and between Emerson Electric Co. and Robert T. Sharp, incorporated by reference to the Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed September 4, 2020, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
10(w)* Letter Agreement dated as of February 23, 2021, by and between Emerson Electric Co. and David N. Farr, incorporated by reference to the Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed February 26, 2021, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
10(x)* Consulting Agreement dated as of February 23, 2021, by and between Emerson Electric Co. and David N. Farr, incorporated by reference to the Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed February 26, 2021, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.2.
10(y)* Letter Agreement dated as of February 16, 2021, by and between Emerson Electric Co. and Steven J. Pelch, incorporated by reference to the Emerson Electric Co. Form 8-K filed March 12, 2021, File No. 1-278, Exhibit 10.1.
21 Subsidiaries of Emerson Electric Co.
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24 Power of Attorney
31 Certifications pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
32 Certifications pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101 Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2020 and 2021, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2020, and 2021 (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2021, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2020 and 2021, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years
ended September 30, 2019, 2020 and 2021, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2021.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Management contract or compensatory plan.
** Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. Emerson agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request. Portions of this exhibit have been redacted in compliance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10).