10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2012

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2012

Filed May 7, 2012For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation reported a significant increase in net earnings for the first quarter of 2012, driven primarily by a substantial gain from the divestiture of its Heat Treating business. While net sales saw a healthy 11% increase year-over-year to $501.7 million, operating income declined by 9% due to higher restructuring charges, start-up costs in the super vessel business, and unfavorable mix on certain defense programs. The company's strategic divestiture of its non-core Heat Treating business is a key event, allowing it to focus on higher-technology engineered services. This divestiture resulted in a significant gain on sale and reclassification of the business's results as discontinued operations, boosting overall net earnings to $41.3 million ($0.87 per diluted share) compared to $24.5 million ($0.52 per diluted share) in the prior year. Despite the boost from the divestiture, investors should note the underlying decline in operating income from continuing operations, signaling potential near-term operational headwinds. Looking ahead, Curtiss-Wright's diversified segments show mixed performance. Flow Control experienced stable sales but a slight dip in operating income. Motion Control saw modest sales growth but a significant drop in operating income due to restructuring and program-specific challenges. Metal Treatment, however, demonstrated strong growth in both sales and operating income. The company maintains a solid balance sheet and positive cash flow from investing activities, largely due to the divestiture proceeds.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings surged to $41.3 million ($0.87/diluted share) in Q1 2012, significantly boosted by an $18.4 million gain from the divestiture of the Heat Treating business.
  • 2Total net sales increased by 11% year-over-year to $501.7 million, driven by strong performance in commercial aerospace and other commercial markets, as well as contributions from acquisitions.
  • 3Operating income decreased by 9% to $35.6 million, impacted by $2.5 million in new restructuring charges in the Motion Control segment and start-up costs in the super vessel business.
  • 4The divestiture of the Heat Treating business, completed on March 30, 2012, resulted in the reclassification of its results as discontinued operations.
  • 5The Flow Control segment saw a 12% sales increase, while the Metal Treatment segment reported a robust 29% sales increase and a 30% increase in operating income.
  • 6The Motion Control segment experienced a 3% sales increase but a significant 21% decrease in operating income, attributed to restructuring charges and unfavorable defense program mix.
  • 7Cash provided by investing activities was $29.1 million, primarily due to proceeds from the Heat Treating divestiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the substantial increase in net earnings was the gain of $18.4 million from the divestiture of Curtiss-Wright's Heat Treating business on March 30, 2012. This non-core business's results were reclassified as discontinued operations, boosting the overall net earnings significantly.

While net sales from continuing operations increased by 11% to $501.7 million, operating income from continuing operations decreased by 9% to $35.6 million. This decline was attributed to higher restructuring charges, start-up costs in specific businesses, and unfavorable sales mix on certain defense programs, indicating some operational challenges despite revenue growth.

The divestiture resulted in proceeds of $51.2 million, contributing positively to cash flow from investing activities. It also allowed the company to exit a non-core, cyclical business and focus resources on higher-technology engineered services. The gain on sale significantly bolstered net earnings for the quarter.

The Flow Control segment showed stable sales with a slight dip in operating income, while the Metal Treatment segment demonstrated strong growth in both sales (29%) and operating income (30%). The Motion Control segment faced challenges, with sales up 3% but operating income down 21% due to restructuring and program-specific issues.