EX-99.1 2 c50903_ex99-1.htm c50903_ex99-1.htm -- Converted by SEC Publisher, created by BCL Technologies Inc., for SEC Filing
 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CURTISS-WRIGHT REPORTS 2007 THIRD QUARTER AND
NINE MONTH FINANCIAL RESULTS
- - -

Sales increase 27%; Operating Income up 19%; Backlog at Record Level

ROSELAND, NJ – October 25, 2007 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today reports financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The highlights are as follows:

Third Quarter 2007 Operating Highlights

    Net sales for the third quarter of 2007 increased 27% to $396.3 million from $311.8 million in the third quarter of 2006.
   
    Operating income in the third quarter of 2007 increased 19% to $44.5 million from $37.3 million in the third quarter of 2006.
   
    Net earnings for the third quarter of 2007 increased 24% to $25.2 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, from $20.4 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2006.

Nine Months 2007 Operating Highlights

Net sales for the first nine months of 2007 increased 21% to $1,094.5 million from $904.0 million in the first nine months of 2006.
   
Operating income in the first nine months of 2007 increased 24% to $118.0 million from $94.9 million in the first nine months of 2006.
   
Net earnings for the first nine months of 2007 increased 23% to $66.1 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, from $53.7 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2006. Net earnings for the first nine months of 2006 were favorably impacted by a lower effective tax rate resulting from one-time tax benefits of $3.6 million.
   
New orders received in the first nine months of 2007 were $1,433.9 million, up 47% compared to the first nine months of 2006. At September 30, 2007, our record high backlog was $1,376.8 million, up 57% from $875.5 million at December 31, 2006.

 

 



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 2

“We are pleased to report increased sales and operating income for the third quarter of 2007,” commented Martin R. Benante, Chairman and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. Our solid operating income performance in the third quarter was led by our Metal Treatment and Flow Control segments, which experienced organic operating income growth of 21% and 3%, respectively, over the prior year period. From a market perspective, our commercial sales continue to be strong with 20% overall organic sales growth in the third quarter of 2007, driven primarily by organic growth of 51% in the oil and gas market and 14% in the commercial aerospace market. Our record backlog is a clear indication of the success of our products and programs and provides great momentum for the remainder of 2007 and heading into 2008. We are excited about our recently signed contract with Westinghouse for the AP1000 nuclear reactors in China, where we will be supplying our advanced reactor coolant pumps. This effort solidifies our leadership in this new advanced nuclear plant design. We continue to invest in a number of military and commercial development programs and we expect these investments to provide future growth opportunities and improved profitability. Additionally, we anticipate higher operating margins in the fourth quarter of 2007 as a result of higher sales volume in both of our military and commercial businesses.”

Sales

Sales growth for the Corporation in the third quarter of 2007 was primarily driven by solid organic growth and contributions from our 2007 and 2006 acquisitions as compared to the prior year period. Overall organic sales growth was 12% for the third quarter 2007 over the prior year period. All of our operating segments contributed to the organic sales growth in the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to strengths in the commercial markets. In the third quarter of 2007, acquisitions made since June 30, 2006 contributed $48.1 million in incremental sales over the prior year period.

In our base businesses, higher sales from our Flow Control segment to the oil and gas and power generation markets, higher sales from our Motion Control segment to defense markets and the commercial aerospace market, and higher sales from our Metal Treatment segment to the commercial aerospace and automotive markets all contributed to the quarterly organic sales growth. In addition, foreign currency translation positively impacted sales by $4.1 million for the third quarter of 2007, as compared to the prior year period.

Operating Income

Operating income for the Corporation for the third quarter of 2007 increased 19% over the prior year period. The organic operating income growth for the third quarter of 2007 was 8%, led by our Metal Treatment and Flow Control segments, which experienced solid organic growth of 21% and 3%, respectively, over the prior year period. The organic operating income for our Motion Control segment decreased 4%, mainly due to less favorable sales mix resulting from reduced spares sales and increased development work. Our consolidated operating margin in the third quarter of 2007 decreased as compared to the prior year period mainly due to sales mix, increased research and development expenses, and our acquisitions which typically have lower margins initially than our base businesses. Non-segment operating expense improved $1.0 million primarily due to lower unallocated medical costs under the Company’s self-insured medical insurance plan. In addition, foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted operating income by $0.2 million for the third quarter 2007, compared to the prior year period.

 



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 3

Net Earnings

Net earnings increased 24% for the third quarter of 2007 over the comparable prior year period. Operating income from our business segments increased $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2007 over the prior year period. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2007 was 32.0% versus 35.4% for the third quarter of 2006. The lower tax rate was mainly due to final return to provision adjustments. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2007 increased due to higher debt levels resulting from our recent acquisitions and slightly higher interest rates, as compared to the prior year period.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2007 was $47 million, an improvement from the $25 million in the first nine months of 2006. Our 2007 free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, was $11 million for the first nine months of 2007, as compared to a loss of ($3) million in the first nine months of 2006. Our Flow Control and Metal Treatment segments drove the improved results. The improved cash flow resulted primarily from higher advance payments received in 2007 for the AP1000 program. Higher earnings were offset by higher inventory and receivables year-over-year.

Segment Performance

Flow Control – Sales for the third quarter of 2007 were $190.8 million, up 47% over the comparable period last year due to solid organic growth and the contribution from the 2006 and 2007 acquisitions. Organic sales growth was 12% in the third quarter of 2007 over the comparable prior year period. This organic sales growth was due to higher sales to the oil and gas market, led by increased demand for coker valve products, as well as strong sales of other products and services within the market. In addition, higher commercial nuclear power sales were driven by the timing of customer maintenance and replacement schedules and the addition of new teaming partners. In the third quarter of 2007, acquisitions made since June 30, 2006 contributed $45.7 million in incremental sales over the comparable prior year period. Sales of this segment were positively affected by foreign currency translation of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.

Operating income for this segment increased 34% in the third quarter of 2007 over the comparable prior year period. This segment’s organic operating income increased 3% in the third quarter of 2007 mainly due to higher sales volume and improved operating performance resulting from our businesses that were consolidated in 2006. These items were partially offset by higher research and development costs, mainly within our commercial nuclear power market. This segment continues to invest in development programs, which have an adverse impact on the margins in the short-term, but should provide good growth opportunities in the future. In the third quarter of 2007, acquisitions made since June 30, 2006 contributed $4.3 million in incremental operating income over the comparable prior year period. Operating income of this segment was unfavorably affected by foreign currency translation of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 4

Motion Control – Sales for the third quarter of 2007 of $142.5 million increased 13% over the comparable period last year. This improvement was due primarily to organic sales growth of 12% and the contribution from our 2007 acquisition of $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2007. The organic sales growth was driven by higher sales of actuator and sensor products to the commercial aerospace market and increased sales of embedded computing and marine defense products to the defense markets. Sales of this segment were favorably affected by foreign currency translation of $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.

Operating income for this segment decreased 4% for the third quarter of 2007 over the comparable prior year period. The reduction in operating income was primarily due to higher sales of lower margin new business, lower sales of higher margin military spares, increased research and development costs within our embedded computing business, and the negative impact of foreign currency translation, which unfavorably affected operating income by $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.

Metal Treatment – Sales for the third quarter of 2007 of $62.9 million were 12% higher than the comparable period last year, all growth being organic. The organic sales growth was driven by higher global shot peening revenues primarily in the commercial aerospace market along with strong demand in the specialty coatings business from the commercial aerospace and automotive markets. Sales of this segment were favorably affected by foreign currency translation of $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.

Operating income increased 21% for the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of the higher sales volume. Operating income of this segment was favorably affected by foreign currency translation of $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period.

Mr. Benante concluded, “We are updating our guidance for the full year 2007. We expect our revenues to be in the range of $1.56 billion to $1.58 billion; operating income in the range of $176 million to $183 million; and fully diluted earnings per share in the range of $2.14 to $2.24. In addition, we are also updating our free cash flow guidance to a range of $75 million to $85 million to reflect the commencement of the AP1000 program.”

“In 2007, we should once again demonstrate our ability to generate long-term shareholder value by growing our sales and earnings. Our historical performance demonstrates our ability to execute our strategy and achieve our financial targets. Our solid performance in the first nine months of 2007 continues this trend. We expect the fourth quarter of 2007 to be strong as many of our defense programs ramp up, our commercial markets continue to strengthen, and we realize additional benefits of our integration and cost control efforts. We continue to experience increased demand for our new technologies, many of which are only at the beginning of their life cycles, which should provide strong returns to our shareholders into the future. Our diversification strategy, the continued successful integration of our acquisitions, and ongoing emphasis on advanced technologies should continue to generate growth opportunities in each of our three business segments in 2007 and beyond.”



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 5

* * * * * * * * * *

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the third quarter 2007 results at 10:00 A.M. EST Friday, October 26, 2007. A live webcast of the call can be heard on the Internet by visiting the company’s website at www.curtisswright.com and clicking on the investor information page or by visiting other websites that provide links to corporate webcasts.

(Tables to Follow)



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 6

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share data)

    Three Months Ended         Nine Months Ended      
    September 30,   Change     September 30,   Change  
    2007     2006   %     2007     2006   %  
                                 
Net sales $ 396,268   $ 311,801   27.1 % $ 1,094,453   $ 903,988   21.1 %
Cost of sales   266,448     205,783   29.5 %   735,223     600,356   22.5 %
 Gross profit   129,820     106,018   22.5 %   359,230     303,632   18.3 %
                                 
Research & development expenses   12,655     7,227   75.1 %   35,481     28,531   24.4 %
Selling expenses   23,789     19,382   22.7 %   66,392     57,004   16.5 %
General and administrative expenses   48,727     41,885   16.3 %   138,833     122,788   13.1 %
Environmental remediation & administrative                                
 expenses, net   161     273   (41.0 %)   485     362   34.0 %
                                 
 Operating income   44,488     37,251   19.4 %   118,039     94,947   24.3 %
                                 
Other income, net   231     (18 ) (1383.3 %)   1,581     295   435.9 %
Interest expense   (7,712 )   (5,721 ) 34.8 %   (18,916 )   (17,103 ) 10.6 %
                                 
Earnings before income taxes   37,007     31,512   17.4 %   100,704     78,139   28.9 %
Provision for income taxes   11,832     11,156   6.1 %   34,635     24,413   41.9 %
                                 
Net earnings $ 25,175   $ 20,356   23.7 % $ 66,069   $ 53,726   23.0 %
                                 
Basic earnings per share $ 0.57   $ 0.46       $ 1.49   $ 1.23      
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.56   $ 0.46       $ 1.47   $ 1.21      
                                 
Dividends per share $ 0.06   $ 0.06       $ 0.18   $ 0.18      
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                                
 Basic   44,413     43,903         44,285     43,779      
 Diluted   45,102     44,338         44,925     44,254      



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 7

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

    September 30,   December 31,   Change      
    2007   2006     $   %  
Assets                        
 Current Assets:                        
     Cash and cash equivalents   $ 59,347   $ 124,517   $ (65,170 ) (52.3 %)
     Receivables, net     369,838     284,774     85,064   29.9 %
     Inventories, net     251,005     161,528     89,477   55.4 %
     Deferred income taxes     26,863     32,485     (5,622 ) (17.3 %)
     Other current assets     20,112     19,341     771   4.0 %
       Total current assets     727,165     622,645     104,520   16.8 %
 Property, plant, & equipment, net     320,818     296,652     24,166   8.1 %
 Prepaid pension costs     56,113     92,262     (36,149 ) (39.2 %)
 Goodwill, net     587,238     411,101     176,137   42.8 %
 Other intangible assets, net     226,317     158,080     68,237   43.2 %
 Other assets     15,184     11,416     3,768   33.0 %
                         
       Total Assets   $ 1,932,835   $ 1,592,156   $ 340,679   21.4 %
                         
Liabilities                        
 Current Liabilities:                        
     Short-term debt   $ 902   $ 5,874   $ (4,972 ) (84.6 %)
     Accounts payable     108,650     96,023     12,627   13.1 %
     Accrued expenses     89,584     81,532     8,052   9.9 %
     Income taxes payable     4,016     23,003     (18,987 ) (82.5 %)
     Deferred revenue     104,392     57,305     47,087   82.2 %
     Other current liabilities     35,830     28,388     7,442   26.2 %
       Total current liabilities     343,374     292,125     51,249   17.5 %
 Long-term debt     571,986     359,000     212,986   59.3 %
 Deferred income taxes     58,808     57,055     1,753   3.1 %
 Accrued pension & other postretirement benefit costs     38,765     71,006     (32,241 ) (45.4 %)
 Long-term portion of environmental reserves     18,777     21,220     (2,443 ) (11.5 %)
 Other liabilities     37,468     29,676     7,792   26.3 %
       Total Liabilities     1,069,178     830,082     239,096   28.8 %
                         
                         
Stockholders' Equity                        
     Common stock, $1 par value     47,715     47,533     182   0.4 %
     Additional paid in capital     78,604     69,887     8,717   12.5 %
     Retained earnings     772,710     716,030     56,680   7.9 %
     Accumulated other comprehensive income     83,985     55,806     28,179   50.5 %
      983,014     889,256     93,758   10.5 %
     Less: cost of treasury stock     119,357     127,182     (7,825 ) (6.2 %)
                         
       Total Stockholders' Equity     863,657     762,074     101,583   13.3 %
                         
       Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $ 1,932,835   $ 1,592,156   $ 340,679   21.4 %



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 8

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION
(In thousands)


Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
% %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Sales:                                            
Flow Control   $ 190,811     $ 129,819     47.0 %   $ 491,702     $ 380,277     29.3 %
Motion Control     142,524       125,639     13.4 %     412,730       356,496     15.8 %
Metal Treatment  
 
62,933    
 
56,343     11.7 %  
 
190,021    
 
167,215     13.6 %
 
Total Sales   $ 396,268     $ 311,801     27.1 %   $ 1,094,453     $ 903,988     21.1 %
 
Operating Income:                                            
Flow Control   $ 18,733     $ 14,014     33.7 %   $ 38,758     $ 36,901     5.0 %
Motion Control     14,756       15,310     (3.6 %)     43,626       33,436     30.5 %
Metal Treatment  
 
12,597    
 
10,448     20.6 %  
 
38,554    
 
31,630     21.9 %
 
Total Segments     46,086       39,772     15.9 %   $ 120,938     $ 101,967     18.6 %
Corporate & Other  
 
(1,598 )  
 
(2,521 )   (36.6 %)  
 
(2,899 )  
 
(7,020 )   (58.7 %)
 
Total Operating Income  
$
44,488     $ 37,251     19.4 %  
$
118,039     $ 94,947     24.3 %
 
 
Operating Margins:                                            
Flow Control     9.8 %     10.8 %           7.9 %     9.7 %      
Motion Control     10.4 %     12.2 %           10.6 %     9.4 %      
Metal Treatment     20.0 %     18.5 %           20.3 %     18.9 %      
Total Curtiss-Wright     11.2 %     11.9 %           10.8 %     10.5 %      



Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 9

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
      2007       2006       2007       2006  
Net Cash Provided by Operating   $ (6,365 )   $ 24,241     $ 46,739     $ 25,263  
     Activities                                
Capital Expenditures     (11,518 )     (10,789 )     (35,496 )     (27,926 )
Free Cash Flow (1)   $ (17,883 )   $ 13,452     $ 11,243     $ (2,663 )
Cash Conversion (1)     (71 %)     66 %     17 %     (5 %)

(1) The Corporation discloses free cash flow and cash conversion because the Corporation believes that they are measurements of cash flow that are available for investing and financing activities. Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow represents cash generated after paying for interest on borrowings, income taxes, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements, but before repaying outstanding debt and investing cash or utilizing debt credit lines to acquire businesses and make other strategic investments. Cash conversion is defined as free cash flow divided by net earnings. Free cash flow, as we define it, may differ from similarly named measures used by entities and, consequently, could be misleading unless all entities calculate and define free cash flow in the same manner.



About Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Page 10

Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in Roseland, New Jersey. The Company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for motion control and flow control applications and provides a variety of metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,300 people. More information on Curtiss-Wright can be found at www.curtisswright.com.

###

Certain statements made in this release, including statements about future revenue, organic revenue growth, quarterly and annual revenue, net income, organic operating income growth, future business opportunities, cost saving initiatives, and future cash flow from operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements present management's expectations, beliefs, plans and objectives regarding future financial performance, and assumptions or judgments concerning such performance. Any discussions contained in this press release, except to the extent that they contain historical facts, are forward-looking and accordingly involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on t hese forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: a reduction in anticipated orders; an economic downturn; changes in competitive marketplace and/or customer requirements; a change in government spending; an inability to perform customer contracts at anticipated cost levels; and other factors that generally affect the business of aerospace, defense contracting, electronics, marine, and industrial companies. Such factors are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release and additional information is available at www.curtisswright.com.

Contact:   Alexandra M. Deignan
    (973) 597-4734  
    adeignan@curtisswright.com