The Company has replaced its former Control Systems reporting segment with two new reporting segments: Architecture & Software, and Control Products & Solutions. Following is a discussion of first quarter results for each of these segments. Architecture & Software The Architecture & Software segment contains all elements of the Company’s integrated control and information architecture capable of connecting customers’ entire manufacturing enterprise. Architecture & Software first quarter sales were $529.0 million, an increase of 6 percent compared to $497.3 million in the first quarter of 2006. Our Logix platform business grew by 11 percent in the quarter, led by strength in the U.S. and Europe, but hindered by results in Asia Pacific and Canada. Segment operating earnings were $147.3 million, an increase of 2 percent compared to $144.7 million in the first quarter of 2006. Earnings increased due to higher volume, productivity efforts, price, and lower pension expense nearly offset by inflation, higher spending on globalization and market expansion, and product mix. Architecture & Software segment operating margin was 27.8 percent in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 29.1 percent in 2006.
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Control Products & Solutions The Control Products & Solutions segment combines a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent motor control and industrial control products, along with the customer support and application knowledge necessary to implement an automation solution on the plant floor. Control Products & Solutions first quarter sales were $617.3 million, an increase of 8 percent compared to sales of $572.4 million in the 2006 first quarter. Segment operating earnings were $79.7 million, an increase of 19 percent compared to $67.1 million in the first quarter of 2006. Earnings increased due to productivity efforts, higher volume, lower pension expense and price, partially offset by inflation and product mix. Control Products & Solutions segment operating margin was 12.9 percent in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 11.7 percent in 2006. General Corporate – Net First quarter general corporate expenses were $19.0 million compared to $22.0 million in the 2006 first quarter. Income Taxes The continuing operations effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 30 percent compared to 29 percent in the first quarter of 2006. The 2007 fiscal year continuing operations tax rate is expected to average 30-31 percent, but may be subject to quarterly variability.
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Discontinued Operations In June 2006, the Company announced its intent to divest the Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors and motor repair services businesses that comprise nearly all of the Power Systems reporting segment. In November 2006, the Company announced that it has agreed to sell these businesses to Baldor Electric. These businesses have therefore been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The transaction is expected to close on January 31, 2007. Power Systems first quarter sales were $248.1 million, an increase of 11 percent compared to sales of $224.2 million in the 2006 first quarter. Operating earnings were $53.2 million, an increase of 45 percent compared to $36.7 million in the first quarter of 2006. Operating earnings in 2007 included a benefit of $5.7 million ($3.8 million after tax, or $0.02 per share) due to the effect of the divestiture on the accounting for depreciation and amortization. Share Repurchase During the quarter the Company repurchased the remaining 5.6 million shares available under its September, 2006 authorization. In December the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 3 million shares. Conference Call A conference call to discuss our financial results will take place at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time on January 24. The call will be webcast and accessible via the Rockwell Automation website (www.rockwellautomation.com).
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This news release contains statements (including certain projections and business trends) accompanied by such phrases as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend” and other similar expressions, that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to: |