10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2019

CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2019

Filed April 25, 2019For Securities:CRS

Summary

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) reported a solid third quarter for fiscal year 2019, with net sales increasing by 7% to $609.9 million compared to the prior year period. This growth was driven by a favorable product mix across key end-use markets, particularly Aerospace & Defense, Medical, and Energy, and was further bolstered by an $11.4 million insurance recovery. The company's operating income saw a significant improvement, rising to $73.2 million from $45.7 million in the prior year. This enhanced profitability reflects both the strong sales performance and margin expansion, with gross margin increasing to 20.2% and operating margin to 12.0%. The company also noted strong demand in its core business, with backlog levels increasing by 44% year-over-year, indicating continued growth momentum. Investments in strategic areas like additive manufacturing and soft magnetics are also progressing. Financially, the company experienced a decrease in cash from operations to $57.2 million for the nine-month period, leading to negative free cash flow of $(169.7) million, primarily due to increased capital expenditures and an acquisition. Despite this, Carpenter Technology maintains a healthy liquidity position with significant available borrowing capacity under its credit facility, which is expected to be sufficient for its cash needs.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 increased by 7% year-over-year to $609.9 million, driven by strong performance in Aerospace & Defense, Medical, and Energy sectors.
  • 2Operating income more than doubled to $73.2 million compared to $45.7 million in the prior year's third quarter, reflecting improved sales and a favorable product mix.
  • 3Gross margin improved to 20.2% and operating margin to 12.0% for the quarter, indicating increased profitability on sales.
  • 4Backlog increased by 44% year-over-year, signaling continued demand and future sales growth.
  • 5The company made significant investments in capital expenditures ($130.7 million for the nine-month period), focusing on growth areas like additive manufacturing and soft magnetics.
  • 6Acquisition of LPW Technology Ltd. for $79.0 million was completed in October 2018, strengthening the company's metal powder lifecycle management capabilities.
  • 7Despite increased investments leading to negative free cash flow of $(169.7) million for the nine months, the company maintains adequate liquidity through cash on hand and an available credit facility of $267 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was a combination of strong demand across key end-use markets, particularly Aerospace & Defense, Medical, and Energy, supported by a favorable product mix. An $11.4 million insurance recovery also contributed to the overall financial results for the period.

Profitability significantly improved. Gross profit increased by 28% to $123.2 million, with gross margin expanding to 20.2% from 16.8% in the prior year. Operating income rose to $73.2 million from $45.7 million, and operating margin increased to 12.0% from 8.0%.

For the nine-month period, cash from operations decreased to $57.2 million, resulting in a negative free cash flow of $(169.7) million, largely due to increased capital expenditures and the acquisition of LPW Technology. However, the company reported a strong liquidity position with $18.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $267 million available under its credit facility, which management believes is sufficient to meet its needs.

Carpenter Technology operates in two main segments: Specialty Alloys Operations (SAO) and Performance Engineered Products (PEP). SAO saw a 3% increase in net sales for the quarter, driven by strong product mix in Aerospace & Defense and Energy. PEP's net sales increased by 19% due to strengthening demand in titanium products for Aerospace & Defense and Medical markets. PEP's results were also significantly boosted by an $11.4 million insurance recovery.