EX-99.1 2 exhibit991.txt ESCO EARNINGS RELEASE Exhibit 99.1 ESCO TECHNOLOGIES For more information contact: For media inquiries: Patricia K. Moore David P. Garino Director, Investor Relations (314) 982-0551 ESCO Technologies Inc. (314) 213-7277 ESCO ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2008 RESULTS --------------------------------------- ST. LOUIS, November 12, 2008 - ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. Within this release, references to "quarters" and "year-to-date" relate to the fiscal quarters and fiscal years ended September 30 for the respective periods noted. Net earnings and EPS are presented from "Continuing Operations" and "Discontinued Operations." Continuing Operations represent the results of the ongoing businesses of the Company, and Discontinued Operations represent the results of the filtration portion of Filtertek which was sold on November 25, 2007. The reconciliation from "EPS - GAAP Basis" to "EPS - Adjusted Basis" noted in the tables below excludes intangible asset amortization related to TWACS NG software, purchase accounting amortization related to recent acquisitions, and Doble's inventory step-up. 4th Quarter Summary ($ in millions): ------------------------------------ 4th Qtr 4th Qtr (Continuing Operations): 2008 2007 Delta ------------------------ ---- ---- ----- Net Sales $ 196.0 139.9 40.1% EBIT $ 33.7 18.5 82.2% Net Earnings $ 20.1 14.9 34.9% ==== ==== EPS - GAAP Basis $ 0.76 0.57 33.3% ==== ==== EPS - Adjusted Basis $ 0.87 0.62 40.3% ==== ==== (Discontinued Operations): -------------------------- Net Earnings $ 4.4 1.7 N.M. === === EPS $ 0.17 0.07 N.M ==== ==== Total Year Summary ($ in millions): ----------------------------------- FY FY (Continuing Operations): 2008 2007 Delta ------------------------ ---- ---- ----- Net Sales $ 623.8 444.7 40.3% EBIT $ 80.8 37.4 116.0% Net Earnings $ 47.4 30.4 55.9% ==== ==== EPS - GAAP Basis $ 1.80 1.15 56.5% ==== ==== EPS - Adjusted Basis $ 2.20 1.35 63.0% ==== ==== (Discontinued Operations): -------------------------- Net Earnings (Loss) $ (0.7) 3.3 N.M. ===== === EPS $ (0.02) 0.13 N.M ====== ==== Management believes using "EPS - Adjusted Basis" as a financial measure is important for investors to understand the Company's operations and its ability to service its debt. Discontinued Operations ----------------------- Net earnings and EPS from discontinued operations were $4.4 million and $0.17 per share, respectively for the 2008 fourth quarter. For the full year, discontinued operations resulted in a net loss of $0.7 million or $0.02 per share. The fourth quarter net earnings from discontinued operations resulted from a tax true-up driven by the completion of the final purchase price allocation as determined by the buyer of Filtertek. Also, foreign tax credits related to Filtertek prior to its divestiture were finalized and recognized in the 2008 fourth quarter. Sales ----- Fourth quarter and total year sales increased 40 percent in 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007 with all three operating segments contributing to the sales growth. Utility Solutions Group (USG) sales increased $50.9 million (79 percent) and $165.3 million (84 percent) for the 2008 fourth quarter and fiscal year, respectively, compared to the comparable periods of 2007 as a result of the following: o Doble sales were $22.2 million in the 2008 fourth quarter and $74.3 million for the 10-month period since the date of acquisition; o Fixed network RF AMI sales increased $21.5 million (114 percent) in the 2008 fourth quarter and $55.4 million (113 percent) for the year primarily due to higher gas deliveries at PG&E and the sale of additional water AMI products; and, o Fixed network power-line system (PLS) AMI sales increased $6.9 million (18 percent) in the 2008 fourth quarter and $31.7 million (25 percent) for the year as TWACS deliveries increased across all customer end-markets and due to the completion of the PG&E contract as amended. Test sales in 2008 increased in the fourth quarter and total year due to an increase in international chamber deliveries. Filtration sales increased $3.7 million (12 percent) in the fourth quarter of 2008, and $10.6 million (10 percent) for the total year reflecting sales increases across all product lines with particularly strong results recognized in the aerospace end-markets. Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) ----------------------------------------- On a segment basis, items that impacted EBIT dollars and EBIT as a percent of sales ("EBIT margin") during the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2008 included the following: In the USG segment, EBIT for the 2008 fourth quarter was $24.8 million (21.5 percent of sales), compared to $10.1 million (15.7 percent of sales) in the 2007 fourth quarter. The $14.7 million increase in EBIT dollars and the increase in EBIT as a percent of sales was the result of the significant sales increases across the segment as noted above. The 2008 fourth quarter also included higher TWACS NG software amortization compared to the 2007 fourth quarter ($2.9 million compared to $1.8 million). Total year 2008 EBIT was $66.3 million (18.3 percent of sales) compared to $22.0 million (11.1 percent of sales) with the significant increase in dollars and percentage being driven by the 84 percent increase in full-year sales within this segment. In the Test segment, EBIT margins were slightly lower in 2008 due to changes in sales mix involving additional large chambers and fewer high-margin components sold versus 2007. In the Filtration segment, EBIT dollars and EBIT margin increased in 2008 due to the increase in sales noted above and as a result of favorable sales mix changes. Corporate operating costs were higher in 2008 due to lower royalty income and higher amortization expenses related to recent acquisitions that included identifiable intangible assets. Effective Tax Rate ------------------ The effective tax rate from Continuing Operations in the fourth quarter of 2008 was 35.2 percent compared to 19.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007, and 33.3 percent compared to20.1 percent for the fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. The 2008 and 2007 tax rates were favorably benefited in varying degrees by specific tax credits realized in the respective fiscal years (i.e., export-related benefits, research credits, domestic production deduction). New Orders ---------- New orders received in the fourth quarters were $179.6 million in 2008 compared to $110.1 million in 2007, representing a 63 percent increase. For the fiscal years, new orders increased approximately 35 percent in 2008 and were $633.0 million in the current year compared to $470.2 million in 2007, resulting in a backlog at September 30, 2008, of $266.8 million. Doble's orders for the 2008 fourth quarter and full year were $22.4 million and $78.6 million, respectively. Orders from PG&E received in the 2008 fourth quarter were $34.0 million and included an additional 100,000 units in September related to the RF electric AMI product. During fiscal 2008, total PG&E orders received were $111.8 million, representing 1.9 million units. Total PG&E firm order quantities since inception are 2.7 million units (2.0 million gas and 0.7 million electric) worth $171.2 million. While only a nominal quantity is included in the order amounts noted above, the Company previously announced that its AMI technology has been selected by Idaho Power (estimated at 500,000 power-line system electric units, $25 million), New York City Water (estimated at 875,000 RF water units, $68.3 million), and Baltimore Gas & Electric (selected for RF pilot for gas and electric trial). Also in the 2008 fourth quarter, the Test segment was awarded one of the largest contracts in its history when ETS-Lindgren signed a $16.7 million contract with the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) in India to provide two automotive test chambers to support India's most significant automotive initiative undertaken to date. Cash Flow / Debt Position ------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities from Continuing Operations was $76.3 million during fiscal 2008. At September 30, 2008, the Company had $28.7 million in cash, $7 million of restricted cash included in other assets, and $233.7 million of total debt outstanding resulting in a net debt position of $198 million. This net debt position includes the cash used to acquire LDIC GmbH on August 4, 2008, as previously announced. Doble Purchase Accounting Items ------------------------------- The 2008 pretax amortization charge related to Doble's identifiable intangible assets was $2.8 million. Additionally, Doble's finished goods inventory was required to be "stepped up" under purchase accounting, which caused finished goods inventory to be sold with no profit recognized. This resulted in positive cash flow, but "lost" profit of $1.5 million in fiscal 2008. Chairman's Commentary - 2008 ---------------------------- Vic Richey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am very pleased with our operating performance in 2008 as our growth in sales, earnings, and entered orders continued to demonstrate ESCO's significant resiliency in a challenging economic environment. We finished the year at a level well above last year's sales, EBIT, EPS, cash flow, and entered orders. Our success in 2008 was clearly evident when looking at the double-digit growth percentages noted throughout our financials, especially within the Utility Solutions Group." Business Outlook - 2009 ----------------------- Statements contained in the preceding and following paragraphs are based on current expectations. Statements that are not strictly historical are considered forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. The Business Outlook described below excludes the impact of any future acquisitions or divestitures, and reflects: the impact of the amortization of identifiable intangible purchase accounting assets related to Aclara Software, Aclara RF, Doble and LDIC; the impact of the Doble inventory step-up resulting in "lost" profit; and the amortization of TWACS NG software. Aclara RF Facility Relocation ----------------------------- Due to its significant sales growth, Aclara RF Systems Inc. (formerly Hexagram, Inc.) will be relocating to a newer, more efficient facility in the greater Cleveland, Ohio, area during fiscal 2009. As a result, approximately $2.0 million in pretax nonrecurring exit and relocation costs are expected to be incurred in the Utility Solutions Group, primarily related to the noncash write-off of leasehold improvements, vacant facility charges, and physical move costs. Revenues and Earnings Per Share - 2009 -------------------------------------- In fiscal 2009, Management expects the following: o Revenues between $680 million and $690 million; o EPS - GAAP Basis of between $2.00 and $2.15 (which includes approximately $0.05 per share related to the Aclara RF facility relocation charge noted above); o EPS - Adjusted Basis of between $2.42 and $2.57 per share; and, o EBITDA of greater than $120 million. EPS - Adjusted Basis excludes approximately $0.42 per share of costs related to TWACS NG software amortization, purchase accounting intangible asset amortization related to the Company's recent acquisitions, and Doble's purchase accounting inventory step-up. Additionally, interest expense for 2009 included in the EPS amounts noted above is expected to be in the range of $0.22 to $0.24 per share, and fiscal 2009 stock compensation expense is expected to be in the range of $0.07 to $0.09 per share for the year. The full-year 2009 tax rate is expected to be 35 to 37 percent, with quarterly variations depending on the timing and amount of discrete tax benefits and charges. The 2009 quarterly earnings profile is projected to be back-end loaded, but not as severely as fiscal 2008. GAAP earnings in the first half of fiscal 2009 are expected to be approximately $0.70 to $0.75 per share, which is significantly higher than the $0.53 per share recognized in the first half of fiscal 2008. Chairman's Commentary - 2009 ---------------------------- Mr. Richey further commented, "I am optimistic about our future based on how well positioned we are heading into 2009. Having Doble for the full year and beginning our AMI deployments with Idaho Power, New York City water, and our near-term international opportunities will give us positive momentum throughout 2009." Mr. Richey concluded, "I remain committed to our strategy to drive organic growth across all operating segments through new product development and attention to costs, supplemented by acquisition activity, to allow us to further enhance our market presence world-wide. These actions will contribute significantly to our stated goal of increasing long-term shareholder value." Conference Call --------------- The Company will host a conference call today, November 12, at 4 p.m., Central Time, to discuss the Company's fourth quarter and full-year operating results. A live audio webcast will be available on the Company's web site at www.escotechnologies.com. Please access the web site at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the conference call will be available for seven days on the Company's web site noted above or by phone (dial 1-888-203-1112 and enter the pass code 1439544). Forward-Looking Statements -------------------------- Statements in this press release regarding the amounts and timing of fiscal 2009 future revenues, results, earnings, EBIT, EPS - Adjusted Basis, EPS - GAAP Basis, EBITDA, interest expense, stock compensation expense, costs incurred with the Aclara RF relocation and new building, the success of product development and cost reduction efforts, the amortization of Doble's intangible assets, future acquisitions, the fiscal 2009 effective annual tax rate, the success of international AMR / AMI pilots and the success of international opportunities, the long-term success of the Company, and any other written or oral statements which are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update. The Company's actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment including, but not limited to: the risk factors described in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, and in Part II, Item 1A of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2008; the success of the Company's competitors; changes in or the effect of the Federal Energy Bill; the timing and content of purchase order releases under the Company's AMI contracts; the Company's successful performance of its AMI contracts; site readiness issues with Test segment customers; weakening of economic conditions in served markets; changes in customer demands or customer insolvencies; competition; intellectual property rights; technical difficulties; unforeseen charges impacting corporate operating expenses; the performance of the Company's international operations; material changes in the costs of certain raw materials including steel and copper; delivery delays or defaults by customers; termination for convenience ofcustomer contracts; timing and magnitude of future contract awards; containment of engineering and development costs; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; labor disputes; changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements; costs relating to environmental matters; uncertainty of disputes in litigation or arbitration; the Company's successful execution of internal operating plans; and the integration of newly acquired businesses. ESCO, headquartered in St. Louis, is a proven supplier of special purpose utility solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities, including hardware and software to support advanced metering applications and fully automated intelligent instrumentation. In addition, the Company provides engineered filtration products to the aviation, space, and process markets worldwide and is the industry leader in RF shielding and EMC test products. Further information regarding ESCO and its subsidiaries is available on the Company's web site at www.escotechnologies.com. - tables attached - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Three Months Ended Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 ---- ---- Net Sales $196,032 139,892 Cost and Expenses: Cost of sales 118,260 89,265 SG&A 39,288 28,571 Amortization of intangible assets 4,800 2,691 Interest expense 2,677 27 Other (income) expenses, net (8) 903 -- --- Total costs and expenses 165,017 121,457 ------- ------- Earnings before income taxes 31,015 18,435 Income taxes 10,908 3,510 ------ ----- Net earnings from continuing operations 20,107 14,925 Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $515 - 1,697 Gain on sale from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $4,652 4,398 - ------ ----- Net earnings from discontinued operations 4,398 1,697 Net earnings $ 24,505 16,622 ======== ====== Earnings per share: Basic Continuing operations 0.77 0.58 Discontinued operations 0.17 0.07 ---- ---- Net earnings $ 0.94 0.65 ======== ==== Diluted Continuing operations 0.76 0.57 Discontinued operations 0.17 0.07 ---- ---- Net earnings $ 0.93 0.64 ======== ==== Average common shares O/S: Basic 26,052 25,760 ====== ====== Diluted 26,452 26,160 ====== ====== - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended Year Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 ---- ---- Net Sales $623,817 444,704 Cost and Expenses: Cost of sales 374,098 282,596 SG&A 151,173 111,610 Amortization of intangible assets 17,570 10,243 Interest expense (income) 9,812 (599) Other expenses, net 149 2,815 --- ----- Total costs and expenses 552,802 406,665 ------- ------- Earnings before income taxes 71,015 38,039 Income taxes 23,613 7,633 ------ ----- Net earnings from continuing operations 47,402 30,406 (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $325 and $1,382, respectively (115) 3,307 Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $157 (576) - ----- ---- Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations (691) 3,307 Net earnings $ 46,711 33,713 ======== ====== Earnings per share: Basic Continuing operations 1.83 1.17 Discontinued operations (0.03) 0.13 ----- ---- Net earnings $ 1.80 1.30 ======== ==== Diluted Continuing operations 1.80 1.15 Discontinued operations (0.02) 0.13 ----- ---- Net earnings $ 1.78 1.28 ======== ==== Average common shares O/S: Basic 25,909 25,865 ====== ====== Diluted 26,315 26,387 ====== ====== - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Year Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net Sales --------- Utility Solutions $115,372 64,428 362,905 197,631 Test 46,171 44,697 144,770 141,492 Filtration 34,489 30,767 116,142 105,581 ------ ------ ------- ------- Totals $196,032 139,892 623,817 444,704 ======== ======= ======= ======= EBIT ---- Utility Solutions $ 24,761 10,109 66,301 22,000 Test 6,351 6,160 13,877 14,406(5) Filtration 7,417 6,055 21,195 18,413 Corporate (4,837)(1) (3,862)(2) (20,546)(3) (17,379)(4) ------ ------ ------- ------- Consolidated EBIT 33,692 18,462 80,827 37,440 Interest (expense)/ income (2,677) (27) (9,812) 599 ------ --- ------ --- Earnings before income taxes $ 31,015 18,435 71,015 38,039 ======== ====== ====== ====== Note: Depreciation and amortization expense was $7.7 million and $4.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $27.6 million and $16.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. (1) Includes $1.2 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets. (2) Includes $0.4 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets. (3) Includes $4.2 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets. (4) Includes $2.1 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets. (5) Includes a $2.3 million charge related to the litigation award within the Test segment and $0.3 million of legal costs associated with arbitrating this dispute. - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) EPS - Adjusted Basis Reconciliation (Continuing Operations) ----------------------------------------------------------- Q4 08 Q4 07 FY 08 FY 07 ----- ----- ----- ----- EPS - GAAP Basis $0.76 0.57 1.80 1.15 Adjustments (defined below) 0.11 0.05 0.40 0.20 ---- ---- ---- ---- EPS - Adjusted Basis $0.87 0.62 2.20 1.35 ===== ==== ==== ==== Adjustments exclude pretax intangible asset amortization expense related to TWACS NG software, purchase accounting intangible amortization related to the Company's acquisitions within the last three years and the expense related to the purchase accounting step-up of Doble Engineering Company inventory. For the year ended September 30, 2008, these adjustments consisted of $11.0 million of pretax intangible asset amortization expense related to TWACS NG software, $4.2 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets, and a $1.5 million inventory step-up. EBITDA - FY 2009 ---------------- EBITDA of greater than $120 million under "Revenues and Earnings Per Share - 2009" cannot be reconciled with a GAAP measure as this represents a forward-looking measure with no comparable GAAP measurement quantifiable at this time. EPS - Adjusted Basis Reconciliation - FY 2009 --------------------------------------------- EPS - GAAP Basis - FY 2009 Range $2.00 2.15 Adjustments (defined below) 0.45 0.45 ---- ---- EPS - Adjusted Basis - FY 2009 Range $2.45 2.60 ===== ==== Adjustments exclude pretax intangible asset amortization expense related to TWACS NG software, purchase accounting intangible amortization related to the Company's acquisitions within the last three years, the expense related to the purchase accounting step-up of Doble Engineering Company inventory and the nonrecurring Aclara RF facility relocation costs. - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 ---- ---- Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,667 18,638 Accounts receivable, net 135,436 85,319 Costs and estimated earnings on long-term contracts 9,095 11,520 Inventories 66,962 55,885 Current portion of deferred tax assets 15,368 25,264 Other current assets 15,108 28,054 Current assets from discontinued operations - 35,670 ------- ------ Total current assets 270,636 260,350 Property, plant and equipment, net 72,591 50,193 Goodwill 329,478 124,757 Intangible assets, net 238,223 74,624 Other assets 17,745 10,338 Other assets from discontinued operations - 55,845 ------- ------ $928,673 576,107 ======== ======= Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt $50,000 - Accounts payable 49,329 45,726 Current portion of deferred revenue 18,920 24,621 Other current liabilities 50,434 31,859 Current liabilities from discontinued operations - 16,994 ------- ------ Total current liabilities 168,683 119,200 Long-term portion of deferred revenue 2,228 4,514 Deferred tax liabilities 83,515 18,522 Other liabilities 21,760 15,854 Long-term debt 183,650 - Other liabilities from discontinued operations - 2,534 Shareholders' equity 468,837 415,483 ------- ------- $928,673 576,107 ======== ======= - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Year Ended September 30, 2008 ------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 46,711 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Net loss from discontinued operations 691 Depreciation and amortization 27,634 Stock compensation expense 3,990 Changes in operating working capital (8,770) Effect of deferred taxes 7,561 Change in deferred revenues and costs, net (2,780) Other 1,213 ----- Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations 76,250 Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (691) Net cash provided by discontinued operations 1,581 ----- Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations 890 --- Net cash provided by operating activities 77,140 ------ Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (345,395) Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 4,966 Change in restricted cash (6,841) Additions to capitalized software (11,012) Capital expenditures - continuing operations (16,683) ------- Net cash used by investing activities - continuing operations (374,965) Capital expenditures - discontinued operations (1,126) Proceeds from divestiture of business, net - discontinued operations 74,370 ------ Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations 73,244 ------ Net cash used by investing activities (301,721) -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 304,157 Principal payments on long-term debt (71,197) Debt issuance costs (2,965) Net decrease in short-term borrowings - discontinued operations (2,844) Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised 737 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 6,384 Other 338 --- Net cash provided by financing activities 234,610 ------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 10,029 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 18,638 ------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 28,667 ======== - more - ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Other Selected Financial Data (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Backlog And Entered Orders - Utility ---------------------------- Q4 FY 2008 Solutions Test Filtration Total ---------- --------- ---- ---------- ----- Beginning Backlog - 6/30/08 continuing opers $138,928 61,402 82,962 283,292 Entered Orders 101,987 54,592 22,990 179,569 Sales (115,372) (46,171) (34,489) (196,032) -------- ------- ------- -------- Ending Backlog - 9/30/08 $125,543 69,823 71,463 266,829 ======== ====== ====== ======= Backlog And Entered Orders - Utility ---------------------------- FY 2008 Solutions Test Filtration Total ------- --------- ---- ---------- ----- Beginning Backlog - 9/30/07 continuing opers $123,176 60,038 74,394 257,608 Entered Orders 365,272 154,555 113,211 633,038 Sales (362,905) (144,770) (116,142) (623,817) -------- -------- -------- -------- Ending Backlog - 9/30/08 $125,543 69,823 71,463 266,829 ======== ====== ====== ======= # # #