Curtiss-Wright Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Increases Full-Year 2024 Guidance for Sales, Operating Income and EPS

Rhea-AI Summary

Curtiss-Wright (NYSE: CW) reported strong first-quarter 2024 financial results with sales of $713 million, up 13%, operating income of $100 million, up 27%, and diluted EPS of $1.99. The company raised its full-year 2024 guidance, increasing sales growth to 5-7%, operating income to 5-8%, and diluted EPS to $10.10-$10.40, up 8-11%. Curtiss-Wright also maintained its free cash flow range of $415-$435 million.

Positive

• Reported sales increased by 13% to $713 million in Q1 2024.

• Operating income grew by 27% to $100 million in Q1 2024.

• Diluted EPS rose to $1.99, up 30% year-over-year in Q1 2024.

• New orders increased by 26% to $901 million in Q1 2024 with a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 1.25x.

• Curtiss-Wright raised full-year 2024 guidance, expecting sales growth of 5-7% and diluted EPS growth of 8-11%.

Negative

• Reduced profitability in the Naval & Power segment due to a naval contract adjustment impacted the outlook for the first quarter and full-year 2024.

• Adjusted operating income for Naval & Power decreased by 13% in Q1 2024.

• Adjusted operating margin for Naval & Power decreased by 280 basis points to 12.5% in Q1 2024.

• Reported free cash flow increased by $45 million due to higher cash earnings and timing of tax payments, as well as a $10 million legal settlement payment made in the prior year.

• Adjusted free cash flow conversion was negative, showing a decrease of 82 percentage points from the prior year.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The first quarter results for Curtiss-Wright Corporation present a robust financial performance with reported sales at $713 million, a 13% increase year-over-year. This is complemented by a significant 27% rise in operating income to $100 million and a 30% growth in diluted EPS at $1.99. The company's upward revision of its full-year guidance, with sales growth projections raised to 5% to 7% and diluted EPS to between $10.10 to $10.40, indicates a confident outlook. Given the nearly 110% free cash flow conversion and the increased operating margins, the financial health of the company appears strong. This positions Curtiss-Wright well for potential capital allocation towards growth investments or shareholder returns. The 26% rise in new orders, particularly from the Aerospace & Defense markets, underscores growing demand in key sectors, which could signal sustained growth potential.

Market Research Analyst

The surge in Curtiss-Wright's Defense Electronics sales, up 31%, with an operating margin expansion of 830 basis points to 22.7%, is indicative of a sector outperforming within the company's portfolio. This segment's remarkable 106% increase in operating income suggests effective cost control and enhanced productivity, which is critical for investor confidence. On a less positive note, the Naval & Power segment's adjusted operating income decreased by 13%, with a margin reduction of 280 basis points. This downturn, primarily due to a naval contract adjustment, may raise concerns about segment-specific risks. However, the overall backlog growth of 7% signals a healthy pipeline for future revenue.

Investment Analyst

Considering the share repurchase of around 52,612 shares for approximately $12 million and the steady quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, Curtiss-Wright is demonstrating its commitment to shareholder value. The stock's attractiveness is further enhanced by the company's increased full-year financial guidance, likely a result of the strategic 'Pivot to Growth' initiative. Investors should note the strong start to the year and a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 1.25x, which could infer continued revenue inflow exceeding the company's deliveries. The company's alignment with favorable secular growth trends in their end markets, especially in Aerospace & Defense, is promising for sustained value creation.

DAVIDSON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) reports financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Highlights:

• Reported sales of $713 million, up 13%, operating income of $100 million, up 27%, operating margin of 14.0%, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.99;
• Adjusted operating income of $100 million, up 23%;
• Adjusted operating margin of 14.0%, up 110 basis points;
• Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.99, up 30%; and
• New orders of $901 million, up 26%, reflected a book-to-bill that exceeded 1.25x driven by strong demand within our Aerospace & Defense (A&D) markets.

Raised Full-Year 2024 Financial Guidance:

• Sales increased to new range of 5% to 7% growth (previously 4% to 6%) and continues to reflect growth in all A&D and Commercial end markets;
• Operating income increased to new range of 5% to 8% growth (previously 4% to 7%);
• Maintained operating margin range of 17.4% to 17.6%, up 0 to 20 basis points compared with the prior year;
• Diluted EPS increased to new range of $10.10 to $10.40, up 8% to 11% (previously $10.00 to $10.30, up 7% to 10%); and
• Maintained free cash flow range of $415 to $435 million, which continues to reflect nearly 110% FCF conversion.

“Curtiss-Wright delivered strong first quarter 2024 results, exceeding our overall expectations, highlighted by significant growth in sales and operating income, continued operating margin expansion, and diluted EPS of $1.99, which increased 30% year-over-year,” said Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “Our results included a very strong performance in the Defense Electronics segment, which was partially offset by reduced profitability in the Naval & Power segment, principally related to a naval contract adjustment that impacted both the first quarter and full-year outlook for this segment.”

“Based upon our strong overall start to the year and the continued strength in our order book, we have increased our full-year 2024 sales, operating income and diluted EPS guidance as we continue to successfully execute on our Pivot to Growth strategy. We now expect to deliver total sales growth of 5% to 7%, including the contribution from our recent commercial nuclear acquisition of WSC, Inc., continued operating margin expansion while increasing R&D investments, and diluted EPS growth of 8% to 11%, while we maintain our outlook for strong free cash flow conversion well in excess of 100%. We look forward to discussing our alignment with the favorable secular growth trends driving our end markets and our new long-term financial targets at our upcoming investor day on May 21st.”

First Quarter 2024 Operating Results

(In millions)	Q1-2024			Q1-2023			Change
Reported
Sales	$	713		$	631		13	%
Operating income	$	100		$	79		27	%
Operating margin		14.0	%		12.5	%	150 bps
Adjusted (1)
Sales	$	713		$	631		13	%
Operating income	$	100		$	81		23	%
Operating margin		14.0	%		12.9	%	110 bps
(1) Reconciliations of Reported to Adjusted operating results are available in the Appendix.

• Sales of $713 million, up $82 million, or 13% compared with the prior year;
• Total A&D market sales increased 20%, while total Commercial market sales were essentially flat;
• In our A&D markets, we experienced higher sales in the defense markets principally driven by continued strong demand for our defense electronics products, as well as strong growth in OEM sales in the commercial aerospace market;
• In our Commercial markets, we experienced solid growth in the power & process markets, while sales in the general industrial market declined modestly; and
• Adjusted operating income of $100 million increased 23%, while Adjusted operating margin increased 110 basis points to 14.0%, principally driven by favorable overhead absorption and mix on higher revenues in the Defense Electronics segment, partially offset by an unfavorable naval contract adjustment in the Naval & Power segment.

First Quarter 2024 Segment Performance

Aerospace & Industrial

(In millions)	Q1-2024			Q1-2023			Change
Reported
Sales	$	219		$	202		8	%
Operating income	$	27		$	27		3	%
Operating margin		12.5	%		13.1	%	(60 bps)
Adjusted (1)
Sales	$	219		$	202		8	%
Operating income	$	27		$	27		3	%
Operating margin		12.5	%		13.1	%	(60 bps)
(1) Note: There were no adjustments to segment operating results.

• Sales of $219 million, up $17 million, or 8%;
• Strong revenue growth in the commercial aerospace market reflected higher OEM sales of actuation and sensors products, as well as surface treatment services, on narrowbody and widebody platforms;
• Higher sales in the aerospace defense market reflected increased actuation development on various fighter jet programs;
• General industrial market revenues declined modestly, as the benefit of new product introductions supporting the electrification of vehicles was more than offset by reduced sales of industrial vehicle products on off-highway vehicle platforms, and lower sales of industrial automation and services; and
• Operating income was $27 million, up 3% from the prior year, while operating margin decreased 60 basis points to 12.5%, as favorable absorption on higher sales was offset by unfavorable mix and the timing of development programs.

Defense Electronics

(In millions)	Q1-2024			Q1-2023			Change
Reported
Sales	$	212		$	162		31	%
Operating income	$	48		$	23		106	%
Operating margin		22.7	%		14.4	%	830 bps
Adjusted (1)
Sales	$	212		$	162		31	%
Operating income	$	48		$	23		106	%
Operating margin		22.7	%		14.4	%	830 bps
(1) Note: There were no adjustments to segment operating results.

• Sales of $212 million, up $50 million, or 31%;
• Higher revenue in the aerospace defense market was principally driven by increased sales of our embedded computing equipment on various fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicle and helicopter programs;
• Strong revenue growth in the ground defense market reflected the robust demand and higher sales of tactical battlefield communications equipment;
• Higher commercial aerospace market revenue reflected increased OEM sales of avionics and electronics on various platforms; and
• Operating income was $48 million, up 106% from the prior year, while operating margin increased 830 basis points to 22.7%, mainly reflecting improved absorption and mix on higher revenues.

Naval & Power

(In millions)	Q1-2024			Q1-2023			Change
Reported
Sales	$	282		$	266		6	%
Operating income	$	35		$	38		(7	%)
Operating margin		12.5	%		14.3	%	(180 bps)
Adjusted (1)
Sales	$	282		$	266		6	%
Operating income	$	35		$	41		(13	%)
Operating margin		12.5	%		15.3	%	(280 bps)
(1) Reconciliations of Reported to Adjusted operating results are available in the Appendix.

• Sales of $282 million, up $16 million, or 6%;
• Higher revenue in the aerospace defense market was primarily driven by increased sales of our arresting systems equipment supporting various domestic and international customers;
• Naval defense market revenue increases principally reflected higher revenues on the Columbia-class submarine, partially offset by timing of revenues on the Virginia-class submarine and CVN-80 aircraft carrier programs;
• Higher power & process market revenues mainly reflected increased commercial nuclear aftermarket sales supporting the maintenance of operating reactors in the U.S. and Canada; and
• Adjusted operating income was $35 million, down 13% from the prior year, while adjusted operating margin decreased 280 basis points to 12.5%, as favorable absorption on higher revenues was more than offset by an unfavorable naval contract adjustment. 

Free Cash Flow

(In millions)	Q1-2024			Q1-2023			Change
Net cash used for operating activities	$	(46	)	$	(92	)	50	%
Capital expenditures		(12	)		(11	)	(13	%)
Reported free cash flow	$	(58	)	$	(102	)	44	%
Adjusted free cash flow (1)	$	(58	)	$	(92	)	37	%
(1) A reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted free cash flow is available in the Appendix.

• Reported free cash flow of ($58) million increased $45 million, primarily due to higher cash earnings and the timing of tax payments, as well as a $10 million legal settlement payment made in the prior year;
• Adjusted free cash flow of ($58) million increased $35 million;
• Capital expenditures increased $1 million compared with the prior year period, primarily due to higher growth investments in the Defense Electronics segment.

New Orders and Backlog

• New orders of $901 million increased 26% compared with the prior year and generated an overall book-to-bill that exceeded 1.25x, principally driven by strong demand for defense electronics and naval defense products within our A&D markets; and
• Backlog of $3.1 billion, up 7% from December 31, 2023, reflects higher demand in both our A&D and Commercial markets.

Share Repurchase and Dividends

• During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 52,612 shares of its common stock for approximately $12 million; and
• The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 a share.

Full-Year 2024 Guidance

The Company is increasing its full-year 2024 Adjusted financial guidance ⁽¹⁾ as follows:

($ In millions, except EPS)	2024 Adjusted Non-GAAP Guidance (Prior)	2024 Adjusted Non-GAAP Guidance (Current)	Change vs 2023 Adjusted (Current)
Total Sales	$2,960 - $3,010	$2,985 - $3,035	Up 5% - 7%
Operating Income	$514 - $528	$518 - $533	Up 5% - 8%
Operating Margin	17.4% - 17.6%	17.4% - 17.6%	Up 0 - 20 bps
Diluted EPS	$10.00 - $10.30	$10.10 - $10.40	Up 8% - 11%
Free Cash Flow	$415 - $435	$415 - $435	Up 0% - 5%
(1) Reconciliations of Reported to Adjusted 2023 operating results and 2024 financial guidance are available in the Appendix.

**********

A more detailed breakdown of the Company’s 2024 financial guidance by segment and by market, as well as all reconciliations of Reported GAAP amounts to Adjusted non-GAAP amounts, can be found in the accompanying schedules. Historical financial results are available in the Investor Relations section of Curtiss-Wright’s website.

Conference Call & Webcast Information

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 2, 2024. A live webcast of the call and the accompanying financial presentation, as well as a webcast replay of the call, will be made available on the internet by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.curtisswright.com.

(Tables to Follow)

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
($'s in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
Product sales	$	595,704			$	524,881
Service sales		117,463				105,979
Total net sales		713,167				630,860
Cost of product sales		389,477				343,757
Cost of service sales		69,935				65,695
Total cost of sales		459,412				409,452
Gross profit		253,755				221,408
Research and development expenses		22,980				22,024
Selling expenses		36,765				32,425
General and administrative expenses		94,049				88,344
Operating income		99,961				78,615
Interest expense		10,570				12,944
Other income, net		9,608				7,767
Earnings before income taxes		98,999				73,438
Provision for income taxes		(22,504	)			(16,592	)
Net earnings	$	76,495			$	56,846
Net earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$	2.00			$	1.48
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.99			$	1.48
Dividends per share	$	0.20			$	0.19
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		38,254				38,303
Diluted		38,431				38,516

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
($'s in thousands, except par value)
	March 31,				December 31,
		2024				2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	338,034			$	406,867
Receivables, net		776,662				732,678
Inventories, net		553,037				510,033
Other current assets		69,483				67,502
Total current assets		1,737,216				1,717,080
Property, plant, and equipment, net		329,347				332,796
Goodwill		1,552,343				1,558,826
Other intangible assets, net		542,335				557,612
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		133,846				141,435
Prepaid pension asset		267,334				261,869
Other assets		49,661				51,351
Total assets	$	4,612,082			$	4,620,969
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	90,000			$	—
Accounts payable		233,818				243,833
Accrued expenses		158,089				188,039
Deferred revenue		297,545				303,872
Other current liabilities		78,823				70,800
Total current liabilities		858,275				806,544
Long-term debt, net		960,009				1,050,362
Deferred tax liabilities		128,000				132,319
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs		67,446				66,875
Long-term operating lease liability		111,981				118,611
Long-term portion of environmental reserves		13,439				12,784
Other liabilities		92,753				105,061
Total liabilities	$	2,231,903			$	2,292,556
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $1 par value	$	49,187			$	49,187
Additional paid in capital		133,166				140,182
Retained earnings		3,556,572				3,487,751
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(228,255	)			(213,223	)
Less: cost of treasury stock		(1,130,491	)			(1,135,484	)
Total stockholders' equity		2,380,179				2,328,413
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	4,612,082			$	4,620,969

Use and Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Information (Unaudited)

The Corporation supplements its financial information determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial information. Curtiss-Wright believes that these Adjusted (non-GAAP) measures provide investors with improved transparency in order to better measure Curtiss-Wright’s ongoing operating and financial performance and better comparisons of our key financial metrics to our peers. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and other companies may define such measures differently. Curtiss-Wright encourages investors to review its financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Reconciliations of “Reported” GAAP amounts to “Adjusted” non-GAAP amounts are furnished within this release.

The following definitions are provided:

Adjusted Sales, Operating Income, Operating Margin, Net Earnings and Diluted EPS

These Adjusted financials are defined as Reported Sales, Operating Income, Operating Margin, Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share under GAAP excluding: (i) the impact of first year purchase accounting costs associated with acquisitions, specifically one-time inventory step-up, backlog amortization, deferred revenue adjustments and transaction costs; and (ii) the sale or divestiture of a business or product line, as applicable.

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF AS REPORTED TO ADJUSTED (UNAUDITED)
($'s in thousands)
	Three Months Ended											Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2024											March 31, 2023											% Change
	As Reported				Adjustments			Adjusted				As Reported				Adjustments			Adjusted				Reported			Adjusted
Sales:
Aerospace & Industrial	$	219,325			$	—		$	219,325			$	202,447			$	—		$	202,447			8	%		8	%
Defense Electronics		211,741				—			211,741				162,154				—			162,154			31	%		31	%
Naval & Power		282,101				—			282,101				266,259				—			266,259			6	%		6	%
Total sales	$	713,167			$	—		$	713,167			$	630,860			$	—		$	630,860			13	%		13	%
Operating income (expense):
Aerospace & Industrial	$	27,466			$	—		$	27,466			$	26,545			$	—		$	26,545			3	%		3	%
Defense Electronics		48,081				—			48,081				23,368				—			23,368			106	%		106	%
Naval & Power (1)		35,191				—			35,191				37,937				2,676			40,613			(7	)%		(13	)%
Total segments	$	110,738			$	—		$	110,738			$	87,850			$	2,676		$	90,526			26	%		22	%
Corporate and other		(10,777	)			—			(10,777	)			(9,235	)			—			(9,235	)		(17	)%		(17	)%
Total operating income	$	99,961			$	—		$	99,961			$	78,615			$	2,676		$	81,291			27	%		23	%
Operating margins:	As Reported							Adjusted				As Reported							Adjusted				Reported			Adjusted
Aerospace & Industrial		12.5	%						12.5	%			13.1	%						13.1	%		(60 bps)			(60 bps)
Defense Electronics		22.7	%						22.7	%			14.4	%						14.4	%		830 bps			830 bps
Naval & Power		12.5	%						12.5	%			14.3	%						15.3	%		(180 bps)			(280 bps)
Total Curtiss-Wright		14.0	%						14.0	%			12.5	%						12.9	%		150 bps			110 bps
Segment margins		15.5	%						15.5	%			13.9	%						14.3	%		160 bps			120 bps
(1) Excludes first year purchase accounting adjustments.

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF AS REPORTED SALES TO ADJUSTED SALES BY END MARKET (UNAUDITED)
($'s in thousands)
		Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2024									March 31, 2023									2024 vs. 2023
		Reported Sales			Adjustments			Adjusted Sales			Reported Sales			Adjustments			Adjusted Sales			Change in Reported Sales		Change in Adjusted Sales
Aerospace & Defense markets:
Aerospace Defense		$	132,074		$	—		$	132,074		$	99,879		$	—		$	99,879		32	%	32	%
Ground Defense			90,760			—			90,760			66,256			—			66,256		37	%	37	%
Naval Defense			177,647			—			177,647			171,956			—			171,956		3	%	3	%
Commercial Aerospace			89,775			—			89,775			70,490			—			70,490		27	%	27	%
Total Aerospace & Defense		$	490,256		$	—		$	490,256		$	408,581		$	—		$	408,581		20	%	20	%
Commercial markets:
Power & Process			124,039			—			124,039			120,339			—			120,339		3	%	3	%
General Industrial			98,872			—			98,872			101,940			—			101,940		(3	%)	(3	%)
Total Commercial		$	222,911		$	—		$	222,911		$	222,279		$	—		$	222,279		0	%	0	%
Total Curtiss-Wright		$	713,167		$	—		$	713,167		$	630,860		$	—		$	630,860		13	%	13	%

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF AS REPORTED TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Diluted earnings per share - As Reported	$	1.99			$	1.48
First year purchase accounting adjustments		—				0.05
Diluted earnings per share - Adjusted (1)	$	1.99			$	1.53
(1) All adjustments are presented net of income taxes.

Organic Sales and Organic Operating Income

The Corporation discloses organic sales and organic operating income because the Corporation believes it provides investors with insight as to the Company’s ongoing business performance. Organic sales and organic operating income are defined as sales and operating income, excluding contributions from acquisitions and results of operations from divested businesses or product lines during the last twelve months, and foreign currency fluctuations.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024 vs. 2023
	Aerospace & Industrial				Defense Electronics				Naval & Power				Total Curtiss-Wright
	Sales		Operating income		Sales		Operating income		Sales		Operating income		Sales		Operating income
As Reported	8%		3%		31%		106%		6%		(7%)		13%		27%
Less: Acquisitions	0%		0%		0%		0%		0%		0%		0%		0%
Foreign Currency	0%		2%		(1%)		0%		0%		0%		0%		1%
Organic	8%		5%		30%		106%		6%		(7%)		13%		28%

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion

The Corporation discloses free cash flow because it measures cash flow available for investing and financing activities. Free cash flow represents cash available to repay outstanding debt, invest in the business, acquire businesses, return capital to shareholders and make other strategic investments. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Adjusted free cash flow excludes: (i) payments associated with the Westinghouse legal settlement in the prior year period. The Corporation discloses adjusted free cash flow conversion because it measures the proportion of net earnings converted into free cash flow and is defined as adjusted free cash flow divided by adjusted net earnings.

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
($'s in thousands)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
Net cash used for operating activities	$	(45,633	)		$	(91,599	)
Capital expenditures		(12,055	)			(10,661	)
Free cash flow	$	(57,688	)		$	(102,260	)
Westinghouse legal settlement		—				10,000
Adjusted free cash flow	$	(57,688	)		$	(92,260	)
Adjusted free cash flow conversion		(75	%)			(157	%)

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION
2024 Guidance
As of May 1, 2024
($'s in millions, except per share data)
	2023 Reported (GAAP)				2023 Adjustments (Non-GAAP)(1,2)				2023 Adjusted (Non-GAAP)(1)				2024 Reported Guidance (GAAP)							2024 Adjustments (Non-GAAP)			2024 Adjusted Guidance (Non-GAAP)
													Low			High							Low			High				Chg vs 2023 Adjusted
Sales:
Aerospace & Industrial	$	887			$	—			$	887			$	915		$	930			$	—		$	915		$	930			3 - 5%
Defense Electronics		816				—				816				882			897				—			882			897			8 - 10%
Naval & Power		1,142				—				1,142				1,188			1,208				—			1,188			1,208			4 - 6%
Total sales	$	2,845			$	—			$	2,845			$	2,985		$	3,035			$	—		$	2,985		$	3,035			5 to 7%
Operating income:
Aerospace & Industrial	$	145			$	—			$	145			$	152		$	156			$	—		$	152		$	156			5 - 8%
Defense Electronics		192				—				192				212			218				—			212			218			11 - 13%
Naval & Power		189				9				198				192			197				—			192			197			(3) - (1)%
Total segments		526				9				535				556			571				—			556			571
Corporate and other		(42	)			—				(42	)			(38	)		(39	)			—			(38	)		(39	)
Total operating income	$	485			$	9			$	494			$	518		$	533			$	—		$	518		$	533			5 to 8%
Interest expense	$	(51	)		$	—			$	(51	)		$	(44	)	$	(45	)		$	—		$	(44	)	$	(45	)
Other income, net		30				—				30				34			35				—			34			35
Earnings before income taxes		463				9				472				508			524				—			508			524
Provision for income taxes		(109	)			(2	)			(111	)			(119	)		(123	)			—			(119	)		(123	)
Net earnings	$	355			$	6			$	361			$	389		$	400			$	—		$	389		$	400
Diluted earnings per share	$	9.20			$	0.18			$	9.38			$	10.10		$	10.40			$	—		$	10.10		$	10.40			8 to 11%
Diluted shares outstanding		38.5								38.5				38.5			38.5							38.5			38.5
Effective tax rate		23.4	%							23.4	%			23.5	%		23.5	%						23.5	%		23.5	%
Operating margins:
Aerospace & Industrial		16.4	%							16.4	%			16.6	%		16.8	%						16.6	%		16.8	%		20 to 40 bps
Defense Electronics		23.5	%							23.5	%			24.0	%		24.2	%						24.0	%		24.2	%		50 to 70 bps
Naval & Power		16.6	%							17.4	%			16.1	%		16.3	%						16.1	%		16.3	%		(110 to 130 bps)
Total operating margin		17.0	%							17.4	%			17.4	%		17.6	%						17.4	%		17.6	%		0 to 20 bps
Free cash flow	$	403			$	10			$	413			$	415		$	435			$	—		$	415		$	435			0 to 5%
Notes: Full year amounts may not add due to rounding.
(1) 2023 Adjusted financials exclude the impact of first year purchase accounting adjustments.
(2) Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. 2023 Adjusted Free Cash Flow excluded a legal settlement payment of $10 million.

CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION
2024 Sales Growth Guidance by End Market
As of May 1, 2024
	2024 % Change vs. 2023 Adjusted
	Prior		Current		% Total Sales
Aerospace & Defense Markets
Aerospace Defense	5 - 7%		6 - 8%		20%
Ground Defense	4 - 6%		10 - 12%		11%
Naval Defense	3 - 5%		3 - 5%		25%
Commercial Aerospace	10 - 12%		10 - 12%		12%
Total Aerospace & Defense	5 - 7%		6 - 8%		68%
Commercial Markets
Power & Process	3 - 5%		4 - 6%		18%
General Industrial	1 - 3%		1 - 3%		15%
Total Commercial	2 - 4%		2 - 4%		32%
Total Curtiss-Wright Sales	4 - 6%		5 - 7%		100%
Note: Sales percentages may not add due to rounding.

About Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding Commercial Power, Process and Industrial markets. We leverage a workforce of approximately 8,600 highly skilled employees who develop, design and build what we believe are the best engineered solutions to the markets we serve. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing innovative solutions through trusted customer relationships. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.

Certain statements made in this press release, including statements about future revenue, financial performance guidance, quarterly and annual revenue, net income, operating income growth, future business opportunities, cost saving initiatives, the successful integration of the Company’s acquisitions, and future cash flow from operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements present management's expectations, beliefs, plans and objectives regarding future financial performance, and assumptions or judgments concerning such performance. Any discussions contained in this press release, except to the extent that they contain historical facts, are forward-looking and accordingly involve estimates, assumptions, judgments, and uncertainties. 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 the 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. Such factors are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release and additional information are available at www.curtisswright.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501724028/en/

Jim Ryan

(704) 869-4621

Jim.Ryan@curtisswright.com

Source: Curtiss-Wright Corporation

FAQ

What were the reported sales for Curtiss-Wright in Q1 2024?

Curtiss-Wright reported sales of $713 million in Q1 2024, up 13% from the previous year.

How much did operating income increase in Q1 2024 for Curtiss-Wright?

Operating income for Curtiss-Wright increased by 27% to $100 million in Q1 2024.

What is the new range for diluted EPS for Curtiss-Wright in full-year 2024?

Curtiss-Wright's diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $10.10 to $10.40, up 8-11% from the previous year.

What is the book-to-bill ratio for new orders in Q1 2024?

Curtiss-Wright had a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 1.25x for new orders in Q1 2024.

What segment experienced reduced profitability in Q1 2024?

The Naval & Power segment saw reduced profitability in Q1 2024, mainly due to a naval contract adjustment.

How much did adjusted operating income decrease for Naval & Power in Q1 2024?

Adjusted operating income for Naval & Power decreased by 13% in Q1 2024.

What was the adjusted free cash flow conversion for Curtiss-Wright in Q1 2024?

The adjusted free cash flow conversion was negative, showing a decrease of 82 percentage points from the prior year.

What was the reason behind the increase in reported free cash flow in Q1 2024?

Reported free cash flow increased by $45 million due to higher cash earnings and timing of tax payments, as well as a $10 million legal settlement payment made in the prior year.