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Pentair Reports EPS of $.50 in Third Quarter as Tools Recovery Continues, Year-To-Date Cash Flow Reaches $110 Million

October 19, 2001

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct 19, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A strategically balanced portfolio of businesses, rigorous cost controls, and the benefits of a turnaround well underway in its Tools Group enabled Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) to deliver $647 million in sales and earnings per share of $0.50 in the third quarter of 2001 in spite of severe economic difficulties in the global marketplace, the company announced today.

"In a period of reduced consumer confidence and lower capital spending, Pentair has concentrated on strengthening its market positions, controlling costs, improving productivity, and increasing financial discipline to build cash flow," said Randall J. Hogan, president and chief executive officer. "These actions are helping us navigate through difficult times, and are positioning us well to capitalize on the opportunities that will emerge when the business climate improves."

For the three months ended September 29, 2001, Pentair had operating income of $51.2 million, compared to $61.4 million in the third quarter of 2000. Continuing diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the 2001 third quarter was $0.50, compared to $0.58 in the year-earlier quarter. Sales for the third quarter of 2001 totaled $646.6 million, versus $691.8 million in the third quarter of 2000.

Pentair's free cash flow for the third quarter totaled $56 million, bringing total free cash flow for the first nine months of 2001 to $110 million, on track with the company's goal of $150 million for the year.

"Our efforts to improve working capital productivity have paid off handsomely through the first nine months of 2001," said David D. Harrison, Pentair's chief financial officer. "Thus far this year, the company has shown a $120 million improvement from the previous year's free cash flow, with a 149 percent conversion of year-to-date 2001 net income. In addition, third quarter SG&A expenses were reduced $4 million from those of the same period last year, due primarily to cost control initiatives in the Tools and Enclosures groups partially offset by process improvement investments. Further, we realized more than $16 million in additional cost reductions in the third quarter 2001 compared to the same period last year."

For the nine months ended September 29, 2001, operating income was $164.4 million, compared to $213.5 million (including restructuring charge income of $2.5 million) in the comparable 2000 period. Continuing diluted EPS in the first nine months of 2001 was $1.50, versus $2.06 a year earlier. Sales for the first nine months of 2001 were $2.0 billion, compared to $2.1 billion in the year-earlier period.

On a segment-by-segment basis, Pentair reported that its Tools business recorded its third consecutive quarter of operating margin improvement, while the Water Technologies business held margins in the double digits and increased sales in a difficult market environment. The performance of the Enclosures business declined as the slowdown in capital spending by both industrial and telecom/datacom customers persisted.

In Tools, third quarter sales were below 2000 levels, but operating income showed a 63 percent improvement and comparable gains were reported in free cash flow from reduced inventory and receivables. Much of the performance improvement was attributed to the Group's realigned supply management strategies and cost control programs, both of which are principal elements of the segment's recovery strategy.

Pressure washer sales continued strong through the third quarter. The company's DeVilbiss Air Power Company (DAPC) unit was honored as Home Depot's "Partner of the Year," in recognition of the strong sales of DAPC pressure washers.

A new line of Porter-Cable branded air tools and accessories was launched successfully in September, and the company's new 9.6-volt cordless drill generated strong sales at the quarter's end. A number of trade publications presented top awards for innovative Porter-Cable and Delta tools during the third quarter. Among the winners were Porter-Cable's 9290, the world's first cordless router, the BN200V12 cordless brad nailer, NS150A narrow crown stapler, and the 557 biscuit jointer. Delta winners included the 50-868 ambient air cleaner, the 23-710 sharpening machine, the 17-965 drill press, and the 28-280 14-inch band saw.

Third quarter 2001 sales in the Water Technologies Group were up eight percent from prior year, spurred by substantial gains in the Pool and Spa Equipment business, while Pump and Water Treatment sales were below 2000 levels because of slowing export demand and domestic economic weakness. Operating income was flat to the prior year.

Although the sales mix reduced the Water Technologies Group's overall margin rate, Pentair said strong cost control measures in all of the Group's businesses lessened the impact. The Water Technologies group continues to drive cost efficiency with its lean manufacturing processes and other strong cost control measures.

Third quarter highlights of the Water Technologies Group included the selection of Pentair's CodeLine vessels for a new desalination plant in Tampa Bay, the largest such project in the U.S. The order is valued at more than $1.5 million. Also in the quarter, Pentair introduced a new line of reverse osmosis vessels, called EuroLine, which are better suited to the lower-pressure filtration applications common in Europe.

Third quarter sales and operating income were down significantly in the Enclosures Group, as industrial and technology demand continued to be weak in North America, and declined further in Europe, where sales to that region are off approximately 35 percent year over year. Enclosures profitability improved in North America in the third quarter of 2001 compared to the second quarter, but declined precipitously in Europe during the same period. Pentair continues to accelerate its cost control programs in Enclosures to restore performance.

The Enclosures Group improved its cost position by completing the relocation of small enclosures production to an existing plant in Reynosa, Mexico; reducing headcount by 170 employees through early retirement and lay-offs; and relocating the European enclosures headquarters from Scotland to an existing facility in Germany. Pentair said it named Michael V. Schrock, 48, formerly president of Pentair Water Technologies -- Americas, to head the Enclosures Group, and that new senior management at the Group's European operations has recently been installed.

Among its third-quarter business achievements, the Enclosures Group won a contract for Compaq's next generation rack-mounted data storage unit and was selected as the next generation power solutions provider for Lucent. The Group also received the first release of 15 systems of Tellabs' 6100 series chassis and won a major rack mounting system program from Dell. The wins will potentially represent more than $20 million in sales for 2002.

"Looking across the company, the problems that plagued Pentair's Tools Group in 2000 have been addressed, and this business is now focused on growing its top line, developing new products, and leveraging its strong brands," Hogan said. "Our company-wide cost control and productivity improvement activities have supported margins, but Pentair, like most other companies, is dealing with unprecedented business pressures.

"We realized an immediate drop in demand after September 11, and although some of that demand appears to be returning, it's clear that the global economy is very unsettled," Hogan added. "We are confident that we have control of the operating levers in each of our three groups, but given the prevailing economic conditions, we expect fourth quarter earnings comparable to those of the third quarter, at best. Given continued benefits from our cost control, debt reduction, and lean enterprise initiatives, we look for double-digit earnings improvement and a stronger economy in 2002."

A Pentair conference call scheduled for 9:00 a.m. CDT today will be webcast live via www.pentair.com . The conference call, which can be found on the site's "Financial Information" page, will be archived at the same location.

Pentair, headquartered in St. Paul, produces a wide range of tools under several well-known brand names, including Porter-Cable, Delta, and Ex-Cell. In addition to tools, the company's core businesses include water technologies -- including water pumps, water treatment products, and pool and spa equipment -- and enclosures, which house and protect delicate electronic and computer technologies. Pentair employs 12,500 people in more than 50 locations around the world.

Any statements made about the company's anticipated financial results are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as continued economic growth, retail and industrial demand and other competitive pressures, the ability to successfully strengthen management and other uncertainties as described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2000. Actual results could differ materially from anticipated results.

                        Pentair, Inc. and Subsidiaries
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

                         Three months ended          Nine months ended
                      September 29  September 30 September 29  September 30
    In thousands,
     except per-share
     data                     2001         2000          2001          2000
    Net sales             $646,559      $691,784   $2,020,018    $2,073,236
    Cost of goods sold     487,033       518,925    1,525,723     1,528,328
    Gross profit           159,526       172,859      494,295       544,908
    Selling, general and
     administrative        100,537       104,295      307,112       310,477
    Research and
     development             7,805         7,214       22,794        23,360
    Restructuring charge
     (income)                   --            --           --        (2,468)
    Operating income        51,184        61,350      164,389       213,539
    Net interest expense    14,409        18,753       48,366        56,280
    Write-off of investment     --            --        2,500            --
    Income from continuing
     operations before
     income taxes           36,775        42,597      113,523       157,259
    Provision for income
     taxes                  12,104        14,576       39,733        56,924
    Income from continuing
     operations             24,671        28,021       73,790       100,335
    Income (loss) from
     discontinued
     operations, net of tax     --       (14,382)          --       (16,797)
    Cumulative effect of
     accounting change,
     net of tax                 --            --           --        (1,222)
    Net income            $ 24,671      $ 13,639   $   73,790    $   82,316

    Earnings per common share
    Basic
    Continuing operations $   0.50      $   0.58   $     1.50    $     2.07
    Income (loss) from
     discontinued operations    --         (0.30)          --         (0.35)
    Cumulative effect of
     accounting change          --            --           --         (0.02)

    Basic earnings per
     common share         $   0.50      $   0.28   $     1.50    $     1.70

    Diluted
    Continuing operations $   0.50      $   0.58   $     1.50    $     2.06
    Income (loss) from
     discontinued operations    --         (0.30)          --         (0.35)
    Cumulative effect of
     accounting change          --            --           --         (0.02)

    Diluted earnings per
     common share         $   0.50      $   0.28   $     1.50    $     1.69

    Weighted average common
     shares outstanding
    Basic                   49,082        48,521       49,040        48,497
    Diluted                 49,410        48,568       49,270        48,628

    Cash dividends
     declared per
     common share         $   0.18      $   0.17   $     0.52    $     0.49




                        Pentair, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                               September 29     December 31  September 30
                                       2001            2000          2000
    In thousands                 (Unaudited)                   (Unaudited)
    Assets
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents    $   32,816      $   34,944    $   54,387
    Accounts and notes
     receivable, net                460,732         468,081       524,631
    Inventories                     343,127         392,495       422,909
    Other current assets            102,226          95,019        82,594
    Net assets of discontinued
     operations                     106,683         101,263       130,335
    Total current assets          1,045,584       1,091,802     1,214,856

    Property, plant and
     equipment, net                 340,187         352,984       351,203

    Goodwill, net                 1,111,992       1,141,102     1,142,047
    Other assets                     93,814          58,137        59,838
    Total assets                 $2,591,577      $2,644,025    $2,767,944

    Liabilities and
     Shareholders' Equity
    Current liabilities
    Short-term borrowings        $   61,890      $  108,141    $  198,351
    Current maturities of
     long-term debt                   4,371          23,999        22,584
    Accounts and notes payable      207,721         250,088       243,436
    Accrued expenses and other
     current liabilities            257,265         266,564       275,491
    Total current liabilities       531,247         648,792       739,862

    Long-term debt                  781,885         781,834       827,891
    Other noncurrent liabilities    211,649         202,808       171,563
    Total liabilities             1,524,781       1,633,434     1,739,316

    Shareholders' equity          1,066,796       1,010,591     1,028,628
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity        $2,591,577      $2,644,025    $2,767,944



                        Pentair, Inc. and Subsidiaries
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

                                                      Nine months ended
                                                September 29   September 30
    In thousands                                        2001           2000
    Operating activities
    Net income                                       $73,790        $82,316
    Depreciation                                      48,662         45,471
    Amortization                                      30,966         29,281
    Deferred income taxes                              3,843         (1,669)
    Restructuring charge (income)                         --         (2,468)
    Other expense, write-off of investment             2,500             --
    Cumulative effect of accounting change                --          1,222
    Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
     effects of business acquisitions

    Accounts and notes receivable                      5,416        (43,911)
    Inventories                                       47,978        (78,297)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets        (11,963)       (19,933)
    Accounts payable                                 (40,418)        28,662
    Employee compensation and benefits                (8,353)        (3,471)
    Accrued product claims and warranties             (1,887)        (5,422)
    Income taxes                                      10,922         16,405
    Other current liabilities                         (8,018)       (17,224)
    Pension and post-retirement benefits               7,614          4,399
    Other assets and liabilities                      (4,851)       (15,643)
    Net cash provided by continuing operations       156,201         19,718
    Net cash used for discontinued operations         (8,944)        13,177
    Net cash provided by (used for) operating
     activities                                      147,257         32,895

    Investing activities
    Capital expenditures                             (37,639)       (43,556)
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired                (1,937)            --
    Equity investments                               (20,564)            --
    Other                                                 --           (371)
    Net cash used for investing activities           (60,140)       (43,927)

    Financing activities
    Net short-term borrowings                        (46,937)        47,739
    Proceeds from long-term debt                       2,676          6,030
    Repayment of long-term debt                      (22,582)       (35,135)
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options            1,492          1,619
    Repurchases of common stock                       (1,458)          (410)
    Dividends paid                                   (25,499)       (23,767)
    Net cash provided by (used for) financing
     activities                                      (92,308)        (3,924)

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash            3,063          6,328
    Change in cash and cash equivalents               (2,128)        (8,628)
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period    34,944         63,015
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period         $32,816        $54,387




                        Pentair, Inc. and Subsidiaries
       Financial Information by Reportable Business Segment (Unaudited)

                         Three months ended          Nine months ended
                      September 29  September 30 September 29  September 30
    In thousands              2001          2000         2001          2000

    Net sales to
     external customers
    Tools                $ 250,677     $ 280,203   $  776,974    $  787,188
    Water                  231,565       214,119      693,434       707,813
    Enclosures             164,317       197,462      549,610       578,235
    Consolidated         $ 646,559     $ 691,784   $2,020,018    $2,073,236

    Operating income
     (loss) before
     restructuring charge
    Tools (1)            $  17,524     $  10,772   $   43,605    $   50,012
    Water                   28,427        28,512       92,270       100,709
    Enclosures               8,740        24,786       39,811        72,477
    Other                   (3,507)       (2,720)     (11,297)      (12,127)
    Consolidated         $  51,184     $  61,350   $  164,389    $  211,071

    Operating income
     (loss) before
     restructuring charge
     as a percent of net
     sales
    Tools (1)                  7.0%          3.8%         5.6%          6.4%
    Water                     12.3%         13.3%        13.3%         14.2%
    Enclosures                 5.3%         12.6%         7.2%         12.5%
    Consolidated               7.9%          8.9%         8.1%         10.2%

    Restructuring charge
     (income)
    Tools                $      --     $      --   $       --    $   (1,171)
    Water                       --            --           --            --
    Enclosures                  --            --           --        (1,297)
    Other                       --            --           --            --
    Consolidated         $      --     $      --   $       --    $   (2,468)

    Operating Income
     (Loss) After
     Restructuring Charge
    Tools (1)            $  17,524     $  10,772   $   43,605    $   51,183
    Water                   28,427        28,512       92,270       1     
SOURCE Pentair, Inc.

CONTACT:          Mark Cain of Pentair, +1-651-639-5278