10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2018

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2018

Filed July 26, 2018For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) reported strong financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2018, with total net sales increasing by 7% to $1,167.8 million and net earnings rising significantly by 42% to $118.4 million compared to the prior year period. This growth was driven by robust performance across its segments, particularly in Defense and Commercial/Industrial, with notable increases in operating income and margins. The company also saw a substantial increase in new orders, indicating strong future demand. The company successfully integrated the Dresser-Rand Government Business (DRG) acquisition in the Power segment, which contributed positively to sales, though it incurred some initial purchase accounting costs. While the Power segment experienced a slight decline in operating income due to these costs and lower production on the AP1000 U.S. program, overall operational efficiency improvements and favorable contract adjustments in other segments, coupled with the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, contributed to improved profitability. Investors should note the company's continued focus on strategic acquisitions and margin improvement initiatives, alongside its disciplined capital allocation, including share repurchases and dividends.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales for the first six months of 2018 increased by 7% to $1.168 billion, compared to $1.091 billion in the prior year.
  • 2Net earnings grew by 42% to $118.4 million for the first six months of 2018, up from $83.2 million in the prior year.
  • 3Operating income saw a substantial increase of 31% to $166.6 million for the six-month period, with operating margin improving by 260 basis points.
  • 4New orders increased by 9% to $1.305 billion for the first six months of 2018, signaling strong future revenue potential.
  • 5The Defense segment showed exceptional growth with sales up 10% and operating income up 81% for the six-month period.
  • 6The company completed a significant acquisition of the Dresser-Rand Government Business (DRG) for $212.7 million, integrating it into the Power segment.
  • 7The effective tax rate decreased due to the U.S. corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curtiss-Wright demonstrated strong performance in the first half of 2018. Total net sales grew by 7% to $1.168 billion, and net earnings saw a significant increase of 42% to $118.4 million compared to the same period in 2017. This was driven by robust sales growth across most segments and improved operating margins.

The acquisition of the Dresser-Rand Government Business (DRG) for $212.7 million, integrated into the Power segment, contributed positively to sales, adding $22 million in revenue during the first six months of 2018. However, the acquisition also incurred initial purchase accounting costs, which slightly impacted the operating income of the Power segment.

The company's new orders increased by 9% to $1.305 billion for the first six months of 2018, up from $1.192 billion in the prior year. This increase, particularly strong in the Defense and Power segments, suggests a positive outlook for future revenue and continued business growth.

The company is involved in several legal proceedings, including asbestos-related lawsuits and a significant claim from Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) related to a refinery incident. While Curtiss-Wright believes it has strong legal defenses and adequate insurance for asbestos claims, the CNRL claim, with estimated damages exceeding $1 billion, remains a material uncertainty that could potentially affect financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows if unfavorable developments occur. The company is unable to estimate the potential loss range at this time.