10-KPeriod: FY2006

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed February 27, 2007For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation's 2006 10-K filing highlights a year of solid growth, driven by strong performance across its three reportable segments: Flow Control, Motion Control, and Metal Treatment. The company experienced a 13.4% increase in consolidated net sales to $1.28 billion, with net earnings growing 7% to $80.6 million. This growth was fueled by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, particularly in the energy and defense sectors. The company's revenue is significantly tied to defense spending, with approximately 45% derived from military and defense programs. While this provides a stable revenue base, it also exposes the company to risks associated with government budget fluctuations and contract modifications. Curtiss-Wright is actively managing these risks through diversification and by leveraging its engineering expertise in niche markets. Looking ahead, management expressed optimism for continued growth in 2007, anticipating ongoing strength in energy markets, steady defense spending, and a flourishing commercial aerospace industry. However, the company remains aware of potential risks such as economic downturns, geopolitical instability, and currency fluctuations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 13.4% to $1.28 billion in 2006, driven by organic growth and acquisitions.
  • 2Net earnings rose by 7% to $80.6 million ($1.82 diluted EPS) in 2006.
  • 3Defense-related markets represented 45% of revenues, indicating a strong reliance on government spending.
  • 4The company successfully integrated several acquisitions in 2006, including Techswan, Enpro Systems, and Allegheny, contributing to revenue growth.
  • 5Backlog remained strong at $875.5 million at year-end 2006, up from $805.6 million in 2005, signaling continued demand.
  • 6The company's dividend per share increased to $0.24 in 2006, reflecting a 20% increase from 2005.
  • 7Curtiss-Wright is expanding its international presence, with 37% of pre-tax earnings generated from foreign operations in 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curtiss-Wright experienced strong financial performance in 2006 driven by robust organic growth across its Flow Control, Motion Control, and Metal Treatment segments. Key drivers included increased demand in energy markets (oil & gas and commercial nuclear power), strong performance in ground defense due to upgrades and new technology insertions, and continued growth in commercial aerospace. The company also benefited from successful integration of recent acquisitions.

Defense-related markets accounted for approximately 45% of Curtiss-Wright's revenues in 2006. While this provides a significant portion of their business, it exposes them to risks such as potential reductions in government budgets, changes in spending priorities, contract terminations, and delays in program funding. The company mitigates some of this risk through diversification across different defense platforms and markets.

Curtiss-Wright anticipates modest growth in 2007, expecting continued strength in energy markets, steady defense spending, and a healthy commercial aerospace industry. Key economic factors the company is monitoring include the pace of U.S. economic growth, the geopolitical landscape, global energy demand, and currency exchange rate fluctuations. They are cautiously optimistic about continued economic expansion.

Curtiss-Wright has pursued a strategy of growth through acquisitions, integrating numerous businesses in recent years. These acquisitions have contributed to revenue growth and expanded the company's product and service offerings. For example, acquisitions in 2006 such as Enpro Systems and Techswan bolstered the Flow Control segment. The company notes that integration costs from recent acquisitions initially lowered operating segment margins in 2006, but expects long-term benefits from diversification and synergy.