10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2021

CURTISS WRIGHT CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2021

Filed May 6, 2021For Securities:CW

Summary

Curtiss-Wright Corporation reported solid financial results for the first quarter of 2021, with total net sales slightly declining by 1% to $597.1 million compared to the prior year. However, operating income saw a significant increase of 17% to $85.1 million, driven by improved operating margins, particularly in the Defense Electronics and Naval & Power segments. Net earnings rose by 15% to $59.5 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, reflecting strong operational execution and cost management initiatives. The company's diversified business model, with a significant portion of revenue from defense markets, provided resilience. While the Aerospace & Industrial segment faced headwinds due to the commercial aerospace downturn, the strong performance in Defense Electronics and Naval & Power segments, supported by ongoing defense spending and strategic acquisitions, offset these challenges.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales were $597.1 million, a slight decrease of 1% year-over-year, impacted by lower sales in the Aerospace & Industrial segment.
  • 2Operating income increased significantly by 17% to $85.1 million, with operating margin expanding by 220 basis points to 14.2%, driven by strong performance in Defense Electronics and Naval & Power.
  • 3Net earnings grew 15% to $59.5 million, translating to $1.45 in diluted earnings per share, up from $1.21 in the prior year.
  • 4The Defense Electronics segment showed robust growth with a 30% increase in sales to $181.2 million and a 52% surge in operating income, benefiting from acquisitions and increased demand.
  • 5The Naval & Power segment reported flat sales at $235.5 million but saw a substantial 35% increase in operating income, driven by favorable product mix and cost savings.
  • 6Cash used in operating activities was $(26.6) million, a significant improvement from $(192.6) million in the prior year, mainly due to the absence of a large pension contribution.
  • 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $147.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and substantial unused credit facility availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the first quarter of 2021, Curtiss-Wright Corporation experienced a slight decrease in total net sales to $597.1 million (down 1% year-over-year), primarily due to challenges in the Aerospace & Industrial segment. However, the company demonstrated strong operational efficiency, leading to a significant 17% increase in operating income to $85.1 million and a 15% rise in net earnings to $59.5 million, or $1.45 per diluted share.

The Defense Electronics segment was a standout performer, with sales up 30% and operating income up 52%, boosted by acquisitions like PacStar. The Naval & Power segment achieved flat sales but saw a 35% increase in operating income due to favorable product mix and cost savings. The Aerospace & Industrial segment faced headwinds, with sales down 20% and operating income down 41%, largely impacted by the ongoing slowdown in the commercial aerospace market due to the pandemic.

Cash flow from operating activities showed a significant improvement, moving from a usage of $192.6 million in Q1 2020 to $26.6 million in Q1 2021, largely due to the absence of a significant pension contribution made in the prior year. The company ended the quarter with $147.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and maintained a strong liquidity position with substantial unused borrowing capacity under its credit facility.

The company notes the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its commercial aerospace and general industrial markets, leading to unpredictable volatility in demand. It also highlights potential liquidated damages related to AP1000 nuclear power plant contracts, though it believes the ultimate resolution will not have a material impact. The company also manages risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate changes.