Curtiss-Wright Reports 2004 Financial Results Full Year and Fourth
Quarter Sales up 28% and 45%, Respectively ROSELAND, N.J., Feb. 3
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Curtiss-Wright Corporation
(NYSE:CWNYSE:CW.B) today reports financial results for the full
year and quarter ended December 31, 2004. The highlights are as
follows: Fourth Quarter 2004 Operating Highlights * Net sales for
the fourth quarter of 2004 increased 45% to $281.1 million from
$193.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Acquisitions made in
the fourth quarter of 2003 and in 2004 contributed $52.8 million in
incremental sales in the fourth quarter of 2004. * Operating income
in the fourth quarter of 2004 increased 49% to $38.8 million from
$26.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Acquisitions made in
the fourth quarter of 2003 and in 2004 contributed $3.6 million in
incremental operating income in the fourth quarter of 2004. The
increase in operating income was achieved despite absorbing
approximately $0.8 million of costs in the quarter related to
compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404. * Net earnings for the
fourth quarter of 2004 increased 56% to $23.1 million, or $1.06 per
diluted share, from $14.8 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, in
the fourth quarter of 2003 (adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock split in
December 2003). The net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2004
included nonrecurring tax benefits of $1.2 million (approximately
$0.06 per diluted share) resulting from a favorable IRS appeals
settlement and research and development tax credits. In addition,
the increase in net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2004 was
achieved despite the absorption of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs
(approximately $0.02 per diluted share). * New orders received in
the fourth quarter of 2004 were $315.7 million, up 40% compared to
the fourth quarter of 2003. Full Year 2004 Operating Highlights *
Net sales for the full year 2004 increased 28% to $955.0 million
from $746.1 million in 2003. Acquisitions made in 2003 and 2004
contributed $154.2 million in incremental sales in 2004 as compared
to 2003. * Operating income in 2004 increased 29% to $115.1 million
from $89.3 million in 2003. Acquisitions made in 2003 and 2004
contributed $11.0 million in incremental operating income in 2004
as compared to 2003. The increase in operating income was achieved
despite a $2.1 million decrease in pension income and approximately
$2.5 million of incremental costs related to compliance with
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 in 2004 as compared to 2003. * Net
earnings in 2004 increased 30% to $67.7 million, or $3.14 per
diluted share, from $52.3 million, or $2.50 per diluted share, in
2003 (adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock split in December 2003). The
net earnings for 2004 included nonrecurring tax benefits of $3.4
million (approximately $0.16 per diluted share). In addition, the
increase in 2004 net earnings was achieved despite a decrease in
pension income (approximately $0.06 per diluted share) and
incremental Sarbanes-Oxley costs (approximately $0.07 per diluted
share). * New orders received in 2004 were $998.9 million, up 34%
compared to 2003. Backlog increased 24% to a new record high of
$627.7 million at December 31, 2004 from $505.5 million at December
31, 2003. "We are pleased to report our ninth consecutive year of
revenue growth along with higher operating income and earnings in
2004," commented Martin R. Benante, Chairman and CEO of
Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "Over the last five years
Curtiss-Wright has delivered a compounded annual growth rate in
sales of 27%, operating income of 22% and earnings per share of
20%. During this same time, our total shareholder return was 28%,
which is much better than the relative indices and at the top of
the aerospace and defense industries. Achievement of these results
during a time frame during which we acquired over 30 businesses is
a strong indication of our ability to integrate acquisitions
quickly and profitably. Our diversification strategy has provided
growth in 2004 for both our defense markets, which grew 30%, and
commercial and industrial markets, which grew 26%, over the prior
year period. We also experienced strong organic sales growth of 21%
from our Metal Treatment segment, and strong organic operating
income growth in our Metal Treatment and Motion Control segments,
which grew 55% and 22%, respectively, in 2004." Sales Sales growth
in 2004 for the fourth quarter and full year as compared to 2003
was driven by contributions from acquisitions and organic growth in
some of our base businesses. Acquisitions made in 2003 and 2004
have contributed $52.8 million and $154.2 million in incremental
sales for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004,
respectively, over the comparable periods in 2003. The remaining
base businesses experienced organic growth of 18% and 7% for the
quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004, respectively, over
the prior year periods. The organic sales growth in the fourth
quarter of 2004 was driven by our Flow Control and Metal Treatment
segments, which experienced organic growth of 29% and 19%,
respectively, compared to the prior year period. Our Motion Control
segment grew 6% organically in fourth quarter of 2004 as compared
to the prior year period. In our base businesses, higher sales from
our Metal Treatment segment of global shot peening services, higher
sales from our Flow Control segment to the commercial power
generation and oil and gas markets, and higher domestic military
aerospace and global commercial aerospace aftermarket sales from
our Motion Control segment, all contributed to the organic growth.
In addition, foreign currency translation favorably impacted sales
by $3.9 million and $15.8 million for the quarter and full year
ended December 31, 2004, respectively, compared to the prior year
periods. Operating Income Operating income in 2004 for the fourth
quarter and full year increased 48% and 29%, respectively, over the
2003 prior year periods. The increases were due to higher sales
volumes, favorable sales mix, reduction in certain reserve
requirements, and previously implemented cost control initiatives.
Overall, organic operating income growth was 32% and 19% for the
quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004, respectively,
compared to the prior year periods. The strong quarterly operating
income performance was lead by our Flow Control segment, which
produced organic growth of 42%, while the Metal Treatment and
Motion Control segments grew organically by 20% and 18%,
respectively, as compared to the prior year period. The segment
operating income growth was achieved despite the absorption of
costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley Rule 404 compliance. The
higher segment operating income was partially offset by lower
pension income of $0.2 million and $2.1 million for the quarter and
full year ended December 31, 2004, respectively, over the
comparable prior year periods. In addition, foreign currency
translation favorably impacted operating income by $0.9 million and
$2.9 million for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004,
respectively, compared to the prior year periods. On a consolidated
basis, our operating margin was 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2004
versus 13.5% in the prior year. Our full year operating margin was
12.1% for 2004 and 12.0% for 2003. Our operating margins continue
to be adversely affected by higher amortization expense due to our
robust acquisition activity over the past couple of years. Net
Earnings Net earnings increased 56% and 30% for the quarter and
full year ended December 31, 2004, respectively, over the
comparable prior year periods. This was achieved as a result of
strong operating income from our business segments, which increased
$11.7 million and $28.4 million for the quarter and full year ended
December 31, 2004, respectively, over the prior year periods. Net
earnings for 2004 includes nonrecurring tax benefits totaling $3.4
million. These improvements were offset by higher interest expense
associated with the debt incurred to fund our acquisition program
and from higher interest rates. Segment Performance Flow Control --
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 were $118.3 million, up 51%
over the comparable period last year, principally due to strong
organic growth of 29% in the base businesses, and from the
contributions from the 2004 acquisitions. Higher sales of flow
control and electronic products to the U.S. Navy, higher sales of
valves, pumps, other electromechanical products, and field services
to the commercial power generation market, and higher sales of
valves to the oil and gas market, all contributed to the organic
growth in 2004. Sales of this business segment also benefited from
favorable foreign currency translation of $0.5 million in the
fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year period.
Operating income for this segment increased 58% in the fourth
quarter of 2004 compared to the prior year period. The improvement
was due to strong organic growth of 42%, lead by higher sales
volume of our U.S. Navy, commercial power generation, and oil and
gas products, favorable sales mix, and previously implemented cost
reduction initiatives. The organic operating income increase is
also due to inventory write-offs in 2003 that did not reoccur in
2004. Motion Control -- Sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 of
$115.9 million increased 49% over last year, principally due to the
contributions from the 2003 and 2004 acquisitions, which
contributed $33.1 million of incremental sales in the fourth
quarter of 2004. Sales from the base businesses increased 6% in the
fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year period. This
organic growth increase was due to higher electronic military
aerospace sales and higher commercial aerospace aftermarket sales
from our repair and overhaul and integrated sensors businesses.
This improvement was partially offset by lower ground defense sales
associated with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and lower commercial
aerospace OEM sales. Sales of this business segment also benefited
from favorable foreign currency translation of $1.9 million in the
fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year period.
Operating income for this segment increased 40% for the fourth
quarter of 2004 compared to the prior year period. The improvement
was driven by higher sales volume previously mentioned, favorable
sales mix, and previously implemented cost control initiatives.
This segment also benefited from reductions in reserve requirements
at its European integrated sensors business. Metal Treatment --
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 of $46.8 million were 24%
higher than the comparable period last year. The improvement was
mainly due to organic growth of 19% driven by higher overall shot
peening revenues to the European aerospace and automotive markets,
and the contributions from the 2004 acquisitions. This segment also
experienced organic growth in the coatings and heat treating
businesses. Favorable foreign currency translation positively
impacted sales by $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 as
compared to the prior year period. Operating income increased 23%
for the fourth quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year
period. Operating income improved in our shot peening businesses
primarily as a result of higher sales volume, especially for our
higher margin laser peening business. In addition, favorable sales
mix, cost reduction programs, and favorable foreign currency
translation also contributed to the higher operating income. 2005
Management Guidance For the full year 2005, management expects to
achieve revenues in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.10 billion,
operating income in the range of $130 - $138 million, which
includes $2 million of pension expense from the Curtiss-Wright
pension plan, and earnings per share in the range of $3.24 to $3.45
per share. This guidance reflects our expectations of 10-15% growth
in revenue, 15-20% growth in operating income, and 10 - 15% growth
in EPS, excluding $0.16 per share of nonrecurring tax benefits
reported in 2004. Full year free cash flow (defined as cash flow
from operating activities less capital expenditures) is expected to
be between $55 and $60 million for 2005. EPS guidance is based on
an estimated fully diluted shares outstanding of 22 million shares
for the full year 2005. 2005 guidance includes an estimate for
costs associated with the continuation of Sarbanes-Oxley
compliance, but it does not include estimates for compliance with
the new accounting rules for the expensing of equity-based
compensation costs and it does not assume any acquisitions which
may be completed in 2005. Mr. Benante concluded, "In 2004, we
continued to demonstrate our ability to generate long-term
shareholder value by growing our sales and earnings. Over the past
several years our operating income has been growing faster than our
sales while we executed a very active, yet disciplined, acquisition
program. Our strong performance in 2004 once again demonstrates our
ability to execute our strategy and achieve our financial targets.
Our successful growth is the result of our diversification and
ability to deliver the high performance, technologically advanced
products for which Curtiss-Wright is world renowned. We continue to
experience increasing demand for our new technologies, many of
which are only at the beginning of their life cycles, which should
continue to provide superior returns to our shareholders into the
future. Our diversification strategy, the continued successful
integration of our acquisitions, and ongoing emphasis on technology
will continue to generate growth opportunities in each of our three
business segments in 2005 and beyond." The Company will host a
conference call to discuss the 2004 results at 10:00 EST Friday,
February 4, 2005. A live webcast of the call can be heard on the
Internet by visiting the company's website at
http://www.curtisswright.com/ and clicking on the investor
information page or by visiting other websites that provide links
to corporate webcasts. CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In thousands, except per share
data) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December
31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 Net sales $281,104 $193,663 $955,039
$746,071 Cost of sales 180,067 125,476 624,536 505,153 Gross profit
101,037 68,187 330,503 240,918 Research & development expenses
9,416 5,617 33,825 22,111 Selling expenses 16,888 9,929 61,648
38,816 General and administrative expenses 35,455 25,529 118,526
90,849 Environmental remediation and administrative expenses, net
394 1,043 885 1,423 Pension expense (income), net 123 (31) 500
(1,611) Operating income 38,761 26,100 115,119 89,330 Other income
(expenses), net 76 207 65 389 Interest expense (3,613) (2,757)
(12,031) (5,663) Earnings before income taxes 35,224 23,550 103,153
84,056 Provision for income taxes 12,171 8,796 35,447 31,788 Net
earnings $23,053 $14,754 $67,706 $52,268 Basic earnings per share
$1.08 $0.71 $3.19 $2.53 Diluted earnings per share $1.06 $0.70
$3.14 $2.50 Dividends per share $0.09 $0.09 $0.36 $0.32 Weighted
average shares outstanding: Basic 21,418 20,735 21,196 20,640
Diluted 21,762 21,064 21,547 20,887 Three Months Twelve Months
Change Change $ % $ % Net sales $87,441 45.15% $208,968 28.01% Cost
of sales 54,591 43.51% 119,383 23.63% Gross profit 32,850 48.18%
89,585 37.18% Research & development expenses 3,799 67.63%
11,714 52.98% Selling expenses 6,959 70.09% 22,832 58.82% General
and administrative expenses 9,926 38.88% 27,677 30.46%
Environmental remediation and administrative expenses, net (649)
N/A (538) N/A Pension expense (income), net 154 -496.77% 2,111
-131.04% Operating income 12,661 48.51% 25,789 28.87% Other income
(expenses), net (131) -63.29% (324) -83.29% Interest expense (856)
31.05% (6,368) 112.45% Earnings before income taxes 11,674 49.57%
19,097 22.72% Provision for income taxes 3,375 38.37% 3,659 11.51%
Net earnings $8,299 56.25% $15,438 29.54% Share and per share
amounts have been restated to reflect the Corporation's 2-for-1
stock split on December 17, 2003. CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and
SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) December
31, December 31, Change 2004 2003 $ % Assets Current Assets: Cash
and cash equivalents $41,038 $98,672 $(57,634) -58.4% Receivables,
net 214,084 143,362 70,722 49.3% Inventories, net 115,979 97,880
18,099 18.5% Deferred income taxes 25,693 23,630 2,063 8.7% Other
current assets 12,460 10,979 1,481 13.5% Total current assets
409,254 374,523 34,731 9.3% Property, plant, and equipment, net
265,243 238,139 27,104 11.4% Prepaid pension costs 77,802 77,877
(75) -0.1% Goodwill, net 364,313 220,058 144,255 65.6% Other
intangible assets, net 140,369 48,268 92,101 190.8% Other assets
21,459 14,800 6,659 45.0% Total Assets $1,278,440 $973,665 $304,775
31.3% Liabilities Current Liabilities: Short-term debt $1,630 $997
$633 63.5% Accounts payable 65,364 43,776 21,588 49.3% Accrued
expenses 63,413 44,938 18,475 41.1% Income taxes payable 13,895
6,748 7,147 105.9% Other current liabilities 52,793 39,424 13,369
33.9% Total current liabilities 197,095 135,883 61,212 45.0%
Long-term debt 340,860 224,151 116,709 52.1% Deferred income taxes
41,803 21,798 20,005 91.8% Accrued pension & other
postretirement benefit costs 80,612 75,633 4,979 6.6% Long-term
portion of environmental reserves 18,956 21,083 (2,127) -10.1%
Other liabilities 20,860 16,236 4,624 28.5% Total Liabilities
700,186 494,784 205,402 41.5% Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $1
par value 16,646 16,611 35 0.2% Class B common stock, $1 par value
8,765 8,765 0 0.0% Capital surplus 55,885 52,998 2,887 5.4%
Retained earnings 603,710 543,670 60,040 11.0% Unearned portion of
restricted stock (34) (55) 21 -38.2% Accumulated other
comprehensive income 36,797 22,634 14,163 62.6% 721,769 644,623
77,146 12.0% Less: cost of treasury stock 143,515 165,742 (22,227)
-13.4% Total Stockholders' Equity 578,254 478,881 99,373 20.8%
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $1,278,440 $973,665
$304,775 31.3% CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES SEGMENT
INFORMATION (In thousands) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31, % % 2004 2003 Change 2004 2003 Change
Sales: Flow Control $118,335 $78,146 51.4% $388,139 $341,271 13.7%
Motion Control 115,927 77,724 49.2% 388,576 265,905 46.1% Metal
Treatment 46,842 37,793 23.9% 178,324 138,895 28.4% Total Sales
$281,104 $193,663 45.2% $955,039 $746,071 28.0% Operating Income:
Flow Control $15,529 $9,815 58.2% $44,651 $39,991 11.7% Motion
Control 16,203 11,616 39.5% 44,903 30,350 48.0% Metal Treatment
7,308 5,953 22.8% 28,279 19,055 48.4% Total Segments 39,040 27,384
42.6% 117,833 89,396 31.8% Pension (Expense) /Income (123) 31
-496.8% (500) 1,611 -131.0% Corporate & Other (156) (1,315)
-88.1% (2,214) (1,677) 32.0% Total Operating Income $38,761 $26,100
48.5% $115,119 $89,330 28.9% Operating Margins: Flow Control 13.1%
12.6% 11.5% 11.7% Motion Control 14.0% 14.9% 11.6% 11.4% Metal
Treatment 15.6% 15.8% 15.9% 13.7% Total Curtiss-Wright 13.8% 13.5%
12.1% 12.0% About Curtiss-Wright Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a
diversified company headquartered in Roseland, New Jersey. The
Company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for motion
control and flow control applications and provides a variety of
metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 5,600
people. More information on Curtiss-Wright can be found at
http://www.curtisswright.com/. Forward-looking statements in this
release are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, which speak
only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to: a reduction in anticipated orders; an
economic downturn; changes in competitive marketplace and/or
customer requirements; a change in government spending; an
inability to perform customer contracts at anticipated cost levels;
and other factors that generally affect the business of aerospace,
defense contracting, electronics, marine, and industrial companies.
Please refer to the Company's current SEC filings under the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for further
information. This press release and additional information is
available at http://www.curtisswright.com/. DATASOURCE:
Curtiss-Wright Corporation CONTACT: Alexandra M. Deignan of
Curtiss-Wright Corporation, +1-973-597-4734, or Web site:
http://www.curtisswright.com/
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