Cooper Industries plc.
(
CBE
) reported third-quarter 2012 earnings per share from continuing
operations of $1.16; above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.14
and the prior-year earnings of 98 cents.
Revenue
Total revenue in the quarter was $1.50 billion, representing a
year-over-year increase of 7.8%. Excluding a positive impact from
acquisitions of 2.6% and negative foreign currency impact of
1.5%, core revenue in the quarter increased by 6.7%.
Growth in the quarter was aided by good performance in North
America as well as in the developing markets. Though demand in
the commercial and residential markets improved during the
quarter, the overall demand was not very impressive.
The third-quarter book-to-bill ratio was 98%, due to a decline
in order rates. Backlog at the end of the quarter increased by
16% from that at the end of December 31, 2011.
Segment Details
The company's revenue in the Energy & Safety Solutions
segment increased by 6.9% year over year to $804.0 million in the
quarter. Excluding a negative currency translation impact of 2.3%
and positive impact of acquisitions of 2.3%, core segment revenue
increased by 6.9%. Rising demand for specified products in global
industrial and energy markets aided growth.
Revenue in the Electrical Products Group segment increased by
8.8% year over year to $693.5 million in the quarter. Excluding a
negative foreign currency impact of 0.7% and positive impact from
acquisitions of 3.0%, core segment revenue increased by 6.5%.
Huge demand for industrial products as well as rising demand for
energy efficiency products aided core revenue growth. Demand for
residential products also increased during the quarter.
Margins
Operating earnings for the quarter were $254.9 million
compared with $205.3 million in the prior-year period. SG&A
expense was $279.2 million compared with $269.2 million in the
prior-year period.
Energy & Safety Solutions segment margin was 19.0%, up 230
basis points year over year. Electrical Products Group segment
margin was 14.9%, up 100 basis points.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents were $965.8 million with long-term
debt of $1.1 billion and shareowner's equity of $4.14
billion.
Cash from operating activities in the year was $545.2
million.
Outlook
The company is not providing any outlook due to the previously
announced transaction with
Eaton Corporation
(
ETN
). The agreement was announced by Eaton and Cooper Industries on
May 21, 2012, and is as per the Irish Takeover Rules. The newly
formed company will be based in Ireland, which is the current
location of Cooper Industries, and is expected to be called Eaton
Global Corporation plc. or a modified version of the
same.
As per the agreement, Cooper Shareholders will receive
$39.15 in cash and 0.77479 shares of New Eaton for each Cooper
share. Total equity value of the transaction has been fixed at
$11.8 billion. Eaton shareholders are expected to enjoy
approximately 73% share of the new company while Cooper will have
a share of approximately 27%.
The companies expect 2014 operating earnings per share to be
increased by 35 cents through this acquisition and by 45 cents in
2015. Excluding the non-cash expense related to the amortization
of intangibles arising from purchase accounting, positive effect
from the acquisition is expected to be 65 cents in 2014 and 75
cents in 2015.
The electrical offerings of Cooper include electrical
protection, power transmission and distribution, lighting and
wiring components. Cooper specializes in provision of efficient
and safe energy solution to customers globally.
Further, Eaton leads in power distribution, power quality,
control and automation, power monitoring, and energy management
products and services, offering managerial solutions for
challenges in electrical, aerospace, hydraulics and vehicle
sector. The combination allows the companies to enter new related
industries, exploit emerging markets and provide wide technical
services to customers globally.
Cooper Industries plc, is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Its
brands include Buss, Edison, Crouse Hinds, Weller, DGD, Buckeye,
Cooper, and Master Power. Major competitors of the company
are
ABB Ltd.
(
ABB
),
General Electric Co.
(
GE
) and
Stanley Black & Decker Inc.
(
SWK
). Operations and supply sources located outside the United
Staates, particularly the emerging markets, are subject to
increased risks. Operating entities outside the USA contribute
significantly to the company's revenue and earnings.
We continue to maintain a Neutral rating on Cooper Industries,
with a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold recommendation) over the next
one-to-three months.
ABB LTD-ADR (ABB): Free Stock Analysis Report
COOPER INDS PLC (CBE): Free Stock Analysis
Report
EATON CORP (ETN): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENL ELECTRIC (GE): Free Stock Analysis
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STANLEY B&D INC (SWK): Free Stock Analysis
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