10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2013

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2013

Filed November 1, 2013For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) reported strong third-quarter and year-to-date performance for the period ending September 30, 2013. Total net sales increased significantly, driven by a substantial contribution from recent acquisitions, particularly in the Flow Control segment. This strategic acquisition growth, combined with organic sales increases in commercial markets, paints a positive picture of the company's expansion and market penetration. Profitability also saw a marked improvement, with operating income and margins increasing across most segments, notably in Flow Control and Surface Technologies. This was supported by the successful integration of acquired businesses and benefits from prior-year restructuring initiatives. While defense market sales experienced a slight decline, the robust growth in commercial sectors, especially Oil & Gas and General Industrial, demonstrates the company's diversification strategy yielding positive results. The company also highlighted a dividend increase, signaling confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased by 20% to $1.81 billion, driven largely by acquisitions contributing 20% to this growth.
  • 2Operating income for the nine months increased by 60% to $158.7 million, with operating margin improving to 8.8% from 6.6% in the prior year.
  • 3The Flow Control segment showed significant growth, with sales up 21% and operating income more than doubling to $76.7 million, benefiting from acquisitions and favorable market conditions in naval defense and power generation.
  • 4The Controls segment reported a 22% increase in sales and a 22% rise in operating income, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in commercial aerospace.
  • 5Surface Technologies segment also saw strong performance, with sales up 12% and operating income increasing by 61%, largely due to acquisitions and increased coating services in commercial aerospace.
  • 6The company repurchased no shares in the first nine months of 2013, compared to $5 million in the prior year, and increased its quarterly dividend by 11.1%.
  • 7Cash flow from operations was strong, increasing to $134.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, up from $53.9 million in the prior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by acquisitions, which contributed significantly to sales increases across all segments, particularly in Flow Control. Organic growth was also a key factor, especially in commercial markets like Oil & Gas, General Industrial, and Commercial Aerospace.

Profitability improved significantly. Operating income for the nine months increased by 60% to $158.7 million, and operating margins expanded across most segments. This was attributed to the successful integration of acquisitions, benefits from prior restructuring, and improved operational performance.

While defense market sales experienced a slight decrease, the company highlighted robust growth in commercial markets. This diversification demonstrates the company's strategy to balance its portfolio and reduce reliance on any single market sector. The strong performance in Oil & Gas and General Industrial is particularly noteworthy.

The company reported strong cash flow from operations, which increased substantially. While debt levels increased due to recent financing activities and acquisitions, the company maintained compliance with its debt covenants and had significant availability under its revolving credit facility, indicating a solid liquidity position.