10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2017

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2017

Filed May 4, 2017For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation reported mixed results for the first quarter of 2017, with total net sales increasing by 4% to $523.6 million, driven by growth in its Commercial/Industrial and Defense segments. However, operating income saw a notable decrease of 11% to $51.2 million, primarily impacted by the acquisition of Teletronics Technology Corporation (TTC) in the Defense segment, which negatively affected profitability. The company also experienced a significant decrease in net earnings from continuing operations, down 1% to $32.5 million, and a higher effective tax rate before considering a discrete item related to share-based accounting adoption. Despite the dip in operating income, the company made strategic acquisitions, notably the purchase of TTC for $232.8 million, which is expected to bolster its Defense segment. This acquisition contributed $10 million in sales but also $6 million to the operating income decrease. The Power segment showed resilience with a 5% sales increase and a 13% operating income rise, partly due to higher production on the AP1000 China Direct program. Investors should note the shift in cash flow from operations, which was negative in the quarter ($24.9 million) compared to positive in the prior year, largely due to timing of collections and a one-time benefit in the prior year. The company maintained its liquidity and debt compliance.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased 4% to $523.6 million, driven by growth across segments, particularly Defense and Commercial/Industrial.
  • 2Operating income decreased 11% to $51.2 million, impacted by the recent acquisition of Teletronics Technology Corporation (TTC) in the Defense segment.
  • 3Net earnings from continuing operations slightly decreased by 1% to $32.5 million.
  • 4The company completed significant acquisitions during the quarter, notably Teletronics Technology Corporation (TTC) for $232.8 million, enhancing its Defense segment capabilities.
  • 5The Power segment demonstrated strong performance with a 5% increase in sales and a 13% increase in operating income, supported by the AP1000 China Direct program.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities turned negative at ($24.9 million) compared to a positive $70.3 million in the prior year, due to prior period collections and a one-time benefit.
  • 7The company reported a substantial increase in Goodwill by $116.3 million due to acquisitions, bringing the total to $1.07 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in operating income was the acquisition of Teletronics Technology Corporation (TTC) in the Defense segment. While contributing to sales, the acquisition negatively impacted operating income by $6 million in the current quarter, combined with other factors leading to an overall 11% decrease in operating income compared to the prior year.

The company completed two acquisitions during the quarter for approximately $239 million, which significantly increased its Goodwill balance by $116.3 million to $1.07 billion. These acquisitions contributed $10 million in sales in the Defense segment, but also led to a substantial increase in cash used for investing activities and negatively impacted operating income.

The Power segment showed positive momentum with a 5% increase in sales and a 13% increase in operating income. This growth was driven by higher production on the AP1000 China Direct program and improved profitability in the aftermarket power generation business, signaling a positive outlook for this segment.

Cash flow from operating activities was negative ($24.9 million) primarily due to a significant comparison to the prior year period. The prior year benefited from $66 million in net collections related to the AP1000 program and a $20 million one-time benefit from an interest rate swap termination, which were not present in the current quarter.