(Source: Business Wire)Pentair, Inc. (NYSE:PNR) today announced third quarter 2009 net earnings per diluted share from continuing operations (EPS) of $0.38. This represents a decrease of 12 percent as compared to the $0.43 of EPS in the third quarter last year. Current period results included a negative $0.04 per share impact from restructuring charges. Adjusting for these items, third quarter 2009 EPS was $0.42, compared to adjusted third quarter 2008 EPS of $0.56, a decrease of 25 percent.

Total company sales decreased 23 percent to $663 million, compared with $856 million in the third quarter of 2008. The company delivered third quarter operating income of $67 million. On an adjusted basis, the company delivered operating income of $74 million versus $101 million in the year-ago quarter. The company's adjusted operating income in the current quarter excluded the impact of additional severance charges associated with the third quarter elimination of 275 positions not included in prior restructuring. Overall, adjusted operating margins for the third quarter contracted 60 basis points to 11.2 percent. The positive impact from productivity and price did not offset the significant negative impact related to lower volumes.

Total company free cash flow was positive $103 million for the quarter. Year-to-date the company has generated $202 million of free cash flow, which is $95 million more than was generated in the first three quarters of 2008. The company said it remains on track to achieve free cash flow greater than $225 million for 2009.

"We continue to benefit from our cost actions and remain committed to our full year outlook. Additionally, with our strong free cash flow generation and the investments we have maintained in product innovation and sales and marketing we believe the company remains in an excellent position to benefit as markets recover," said Randall J. Hogan, Pentair chairman and chief executive officer.

THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

The Water Group delivered $462 million in sales, a 17 percent decline year-over-year. Sales were down 16 percent excluding foreign exchange.

Flow Technologies sales were down 14 percent versus the year-ago quarter, as growth in the company's global municipal market did not offset declines in commercial, industrial and residential markets.

Filtration sales were down 21 percent as sales to global residential, commercial and industrial markets continue to reflect inventory destocking and overall market softness.

Global Pool sales were down 16 percent as the prolonged decline in North American residential pool markets persists.

The Water Group's third quarter reported operating income totaled $53 million, up 7 percent as compared to $50 million in the same period last year.