10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2010

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2010

Filed November 4, 2010For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation reported a solid third quarter and a strong first nine months of 2010, demonstrating revenue growth and improved profitability across its key segments. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, increased by 5% to $1.37 billion, driven by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Net earnings for the same period rose 16% to $70 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, reflecting operational efficiencies and benefits from cost reduction initiatives. The company highlighted strong performance in its commercial markets, particularly in the general industrial and commercial aerospace sectors, indicating signs of economic recovery. Defense markets showed mixed results, with strengths in naval and aerospace defense partially offset by declines in ground defense. The company also successfully integrated two acquisitions in the first nine months of the year, contributing to overall growth and expanding its capabilities. Financially, Curtiss-Wright maintained a healthy liquidity position, with a significant increase in working capital. The company is actively managing its capital resources, with capital expenditures focused on new machinery, product lines, and facility expansion. Despite some ongoing challenges in specific markets, the overall financial health and operational performance indicate a positive trajectory for the company.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, increased by 5% to $1.37 billion, compared to $1.31 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Net earnings for the first nine months of 2010 increased by 16% to $70 million ($1.51 per diluted share), up from $60.4 million ($1.32 per diluted share) in the same period of 2009.
  • 3The company completed two acquisitions (Hybricon Corporation and Specialist Electronics Services Ltd.) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, contributing to revenue and segment diversification.
  • 4Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $122.6 million, an increase of 10.3% from $111.1 million in the prior year.
  • 5The Flow Control segment saw a 4.8% increase in sales for the quarter and a 4.4% increase for the nine months, driven by defense markets (Virginia-class submarines, Ford-class aircraft carriers).
  • 6The Motion Control segment reported a 9.4% sales increase for the quarter and 4.6% for the nine months, benefiting from aerospace defense and general industrial markets.
  • 7Metal Treatment segment sales grew by 9.6% for the quarter and 7.4% for the nine months, primarily driven by the general industrial market.
  • 8The company's liquidity remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $83.9 million as of September 30, 2010, and a working capital of $543.1 million.
  • 9Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2010 were $39 million, with an additional $30 million expected for the remainder of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curtiss-Wright demonstrated strong performance, with net sales increasing by 5% to $1.37 billion and net earnings rising 16% to $70 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, compared to the same period in 2009. This growth was driven by organic increases across its segments and the successful integration of recent acquisitions.

All three segments showed positive growth. Flow Control sales increased 4.4% driven by defense contracts, Motion Control sales grew 4.6% supported by aerospace defense and industrial markets, and Metal Treatment sales rose 7.4%, largely due to demand in the general industrial sector. Operating income also improved across all segments.

The company maintains a healthy liquidity position. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $83.9 million as of September 30, 2010, and working capital increased significantly to $543.1 million. Operating activities provided positive cash flow, and the company has access to a revolving credit facility to support its operations and investments.

Yes, Curtiss-Wright acquired Hybricon Corporation and Specialist Electronics Services Ltd. during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. These acquisitions contributed to revenue growth and expanded the company's offerings, with incremental sales reported for these businesses.