ESCO Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ESCO Technologies reported Q3 2021 GAAP EPS of $0.57 and Adjusted EPS of $0.67, with year-to-date GAAP EPS at $1.65, a decline from $1.87 in 2020. The company experienced $75 million in cash flow from operations and Q3 orders surpassed $200 million with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.12. Despite ongoing COVID-19 challenges, sales increased by 5% to $181 million in Q3. A new $200 million stock repurchase program and a dividend of $0.08 per share were announced. Guidance for Q4 suggests Adjusted EPS between $0.73 and $0.78.

Positive

• Q3 2021 GAAP EPS at $0.57, Adjusted EPS at $0.67.
• Q3 orders up 29%, exceeding $200 million.
• Sales increased 5% to $181 million in Q3 2021.
• New $200 million stock repurchase program announced.
• Expecting Q4 Adjusted EPS in the range of $0.73 to $0.78.

Negative

• YTD GAAP EPS decreased to $1.65 from $1.87 in 2020.
• Challenges in Westland Technologies affecting production quality.
• Sales decreased by 3% YTD to $510 million compared to $525 million in 2020.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 18.2% from 20.3% in the prior year.

- Q3 GAAP EPS $0.57 and Adjusted EPS $0.67 - YTD 2021 GAAP EPS $1.65 and Adjusted EPS $1.75 (versus $1.87 YTD 2020) - $75 Million YTD Cash Flow from Operations - Q3 Orders Over $200 Million - Book-to-bill of 1.12 -

St. Louis, Aug. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) (ESCO, or the Company) today reported its operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2021 (Q3 2021 and YTD 2021) compared to the third quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2020 (Q3 2020 and YTD 2020).

Vic Richey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our dedicated team continues to successfully manage through the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Our liquidity and end-market diversity have helped provide stability in our operating results as we have navigated through this challenging time. Our commitment to improving working capital management, cost reduction activities, and new product development has us well-positioned for profitable growth as our end-markets continue to recover.

“At the beginning of this fiscal year, we stated that with the strength of the first half of fiscal 2020 (pre-COVID), we projected the first half of fiscal 2021 to be slightly lower in comparison to 2020, and that we expected the second half of 2021 to be a favorable comparison to the prior year given our expectation of tangible elements of recovery.   Due to our focus on effective cost management and program execution, our first half Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA exceeded the prior year on lower revenue (as presented in our May 4, 2021 earnings release for Q2 and the first half of 2021).   In Q3, we began to see positive signs of the start of longer term recovery across our end-markets most affected by COVID. Q3 entered orders were up $46 million (29 percent) over the prior year Q3 to over $200 million, with growth in commercial and military aerospace, Navy, space, electric utility and renewable energy. Sales increased 5 percent over the prior year with all three business segments posting higher sales for the quarter. We will continue our focus on optimizing our cost structure, driving working capital improvement, and investing in the business to deliver profitable growth going forward.”

Discrete Items

During Q3 2021, the Company incurred $2.7 million ($0.10 per share) consisting of after-tax charges at Corporate due to one-time compensation costs related to management transition and acquisition costs ($0.09 per share), and charges related to the USG (Morgan Schaffer) facility move ($0.01 per share). These costs are excluded from the calculation of Q3 2021 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS.

YTD 2021, the Company has incurred $2.8 million ($0.10 per share) consisting of after-tax charges at Corporate due to one-time compensation and acquisition costs ($0.10 per share), an ATM acquisition inventory step-up charge ($.01 per share), and charges related to USG (Manta and Morgan Schaffer) facility consolidations ($0.05 per share), partially offset by the final settlement from the sale of the Doble Watertown facility ($0.06 gain per share). These costs are excluded from the calculation of Q3 2021 YTD Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS.

During Q3 2020, the Company incurred $0.9 million ($0.04 per share) of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19. These costs are excluded from the calculation of Q3 2020 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS.

In the first nine months of 2020, the Company incurred $1.5 million ($0.06 per share) of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19 ($0.04 per share) and charges related to the move of the Doble headquarters facility ($.02 per share). In addition, during Q1 2020, the company completed the sale of its Technical Packaging segment which resulted in gross cash proceeds of $191 million and a net gain on the sale of $77 million, or $2.91 per share, which is recorded as discontinued operations.

The financial results presented include certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted SG&A, EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, as defined within the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described below. Any non-GAAP financial measures presented are reconciled to their respective GAAP equivalents.   Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in assessing the ongoing operational profitability of the Company’s business segments, and therefore, allow shareholders better visibility into the Company’s underlying operations. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described below.

Earnings Summary

Q3 2021 GAAP EPS was $0.57 per share (GAAP net earnings of $14.9 million) and included the net earnings impact of the Q3 2021 Discrete Items described above. Excluding the net earnings impact of the Discrete Items, Q3 2021 Adjusted EPS was $0.67 per share. In the third quarter, the Company’s P&L was negatively impacted by approximately $2.1 million driven by new product development challenges, increased production costs, and product quality issues at our Westland Technologies subsidiary, within our A&D segment. We have already taken a number of steps to correct production issues and reduce costs throughout the operation. Westland will continue to be an important part of the overall A&D group and we are actively exploring additional opportunities for synergies with our Globe operating unit.

YTD 2021 GAAP EPS was $1.65 per share (GAAP net earnings of $43.1 million) and included the net earnings impact of the YTD 2021 Discrete Items described above. Excluding the net earnings impact of the Discrete Items, YTD 2021 Adjusted EPS was $1.75 per share. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company identified $2.3 million out of period pretax adjustments to our previously reported YTD P&L related to the Westland operating issues described above. Of this amount, $1.1 million and $1.2 million related to the first and second quarters of 2021, respectively. We have restated our discussion of GAAP and As Adjusted results for YTD 2021 to reflect the correction of these items in the proper periods. On a prospective basis, interim period consolidated financial statements will be updated to reflect these corrections and we have provided disclosures for these items in our interim financial statements.

Q3 2020 GAAP EPS was $0.72 per share (GAAP net earnings of $18.7 million) and included $0.04 per share from the Discrete Items noted above. Excluding the net earnings impact of the Discrete Items, Q3 2020 Adjusted EPS was $0.76 per share.

YTD 2020 GAAP EPS from Continuing Operations was $1.81 per share (GAAP net earnings from Continuing Operations of $47.3 million) and included $0.06 per share from the Discrete Items noted above. Excluding the net earnings impact of the Discrete Items, YTD 2020 Adjusted EPS from Continuing Operations was $1.87 per share.

Operating Highlights – Q3 & YTD

• Sales increased $8 million (5 percent) to $181 million in Q3 2021, compared to $173 million in Q3 2020.   YTD 2021 sales decreased $15 million (3 percent) to $510 million, compared to $525 million YTD 2020.
• Gross margin percentage decreased to 37.4 percent in Q3 2021 from 37.6 percent in Q3 2020, due to the previously discussed issues at Westland, largely offset by the implementation of cost reduction actions across the company. YTD 2021 gross margin percentage increased to 37.9 percent from 37.6 percent in YTD 2020.
• Adjusted SG&A expenses increased by $4.2 million in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020 due to overall lower operating expenses in the prior year related to COVID and the moderate return of travel and other expenses in 2021.   Adjusted YTD 2021 SG&A expenses increased by $1.5 million compared to YTD 2020 due to the above, partially offset by lower spending (headcount, travel and pension) in the first half of the year.
• Interest expense decreased $1.0 million in Q3 2021 and $3.8 million YTD 2021 compared to the prior year due to lower debt outstanding and lower average interest rates.
• The effective income tax rate increased to 21.3 percent in Q3 2021 from 14.3 percent in Q3 2020. The significantly lower tax rate in Q3 2020 reflected the favorable impact ($0.06 per share) of certain one-time tax strategies implemented in the prior year which were not repeated.
• Q3 2021 Entered orders were $204 million (book-to-bill of 1.12x). YTD entered orders are $538 million (book-to-bill of 1.05x), and backlog has increased in all three business segments year-to-date.
• YTD 2021 net cash provided by operating activities was $75 million, resulting in a net cash position (total cash on hand, less total borrowings) of $30 million and a 0.43x leverage ratio at June 30, 2021.
  
  

Segment Performance

A&D

• Sales increased $2 million (2 percent) to $86 million in Q3 2021 from $84 million in Q3 2020, due to higher Navy sales partially offset by lower commercial aerospace sales. While commercial aerospace weakness is continuing, increased U.S domestic passenger boardings and recent orders for new planes by major airlines are encouraging signs for 2022.
• Adjusted EBIT decreased $1.5 million in Q3 2021 to $16.7 million from $18.2 million in Q3 2020, with a 20 percent Adjusted EBIT margin, as the Westland issues and continued softness in the commercial aerospace market were partially offset by higher contribution from Navy programs.
• Entered Orders were $95 million in Q3 2021 (book-to-bill of 1.11) compared to $66 million in Q3 2020. With continued strength in Navy and space, and solid order growth in commercial aerospace, overall A&D orders increased $29 million (44 percent) in Q3.
  
  

USG

• Sales increased $5 million (12 percent) to $48 million in Q3 2021 from $43 million in Q3 2020. Doble sales increased $3 million (8 percent), driven by growth from utility customers, although overall demand has not returned to pre-COVID levels. NRG sales increased $2 million (37 percent) with significant momentum in both wind and solar.
• Adjusted EBIT increased $2.4 million in Q3 2021 to $8.7 million from $6.3 million in Q3 2020, with an 18 percent EBIT margin versus 15 percent in the prior year.   The profitability increase was driven by leverage on sales growth and favorable impacts from prior cost reductions.
• Entered Orders were $55 million in Q3 2021 (book-to-bill of 1.16) compared to $50 million in Q3 2020.   Despite some continued deferrals of maintenance and test equipment purchases, electric utility orders were up $2 million (5 percent) and renewables orders were up $3 million (49 percent) over the prior year with significant growth in both solar and wind.
  
  

Test

• Sales increased $2 million (5 percent) to $48 million in Q3 2021 from $46 million in Q3 2020, due to strength in the Americas and Europe partially offset by lower sales in Asia.
• EBIT decreased $0.4 million in Q3 2021 to $6.8 million (compared to $7.2 million in Q3 2020), with a 14 percent EBIT margin. A strong quarter of sales with favorable mix in Asia drove the higher margin in the prior year.
• Entered Orders were $53 million in Q3 2021 (book-to-bill of 1.11) compared to $41 million in Q3 2020. The $12 million (28 percent) increase was primarily driven by strength in Asia and sets a strong backlog for Q4 and fiscal 2022.
  
  

Summary Commentary

Despite the continuing COVID related challenges, our Q3 sales and entered orders increased both sequentially and year-over-year across all three business segments.   From a margin perspective, Q3 Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 18.2 percent from 20.3 percent in the prior year, primarily related to the Westland issues in the quarter, the return of travel and other spending in 2021, and lower operating expenses in 2020 related to COVID.   Due to our persistent focus on cost management, YTD Adjusted EBITDA margins are in line with both 2020 and pre-COVID 2019 levels, giving us confidence in our ability to drive margin improvement as long-term revenue growth returns in our more challenged end-markets.

Driven by our continuing focus on working capital management and cash conversion, our cash flow from operations is up $22 million YTD over the prior year. With a leverage ratio of .43x and almost $700 million in liquidity, we remain well-positioned to fund capital investments, new product development, and the pursuit of acquisition opportunities. We continue to evaluate a solid pipeline of M&A opportunities with the intent to further expand our product portfolio by adding complimentary businesses that increase shareholder value.

Vic Richey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I want to thank our entire team for their continuing commitment and efforts during the unprecedented challenges of 2020 and 2021. Despite the challenges of the quarter and the lingering effects of COVID in the aerospace and electric utility markets, we delivered revenue growth and solid profitability and cash flow in the quarter. I am confident that we have positioned the company for profitable growth as our end-markets return to a more normal operating environment moving into 2022.”

New Share Repurchase Program

On August 5, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a new stock repurchase program, replacing the previous program which was adopted in 2012 and was scheduled to expire September 30, 2021.  Under the new program, which is similar to the previous one, Management may repurchase shares of its outstanding stock in the open market and otherwise throughout the period ending September 30, 2024. The total value authorized is $200 million.

Dividend Payment

The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share will be paid on October 15, 2021 to stockholders of record on October 1, 2021.

Business Outlook – 2021

Throughout the first nine months of 2021, our Navy, defense aerospace, space and Test segment end-markets have remained solid and now we are beginning to see recovery in our core markets most affected by the pandemic. We are encouraged by the growing strength of our entered orders across the commercial aerospace, electric utility and renewable energy end-markets and our Q3 revenue growth in all three business segments. While there is still uncertainty as to the timing and pace of the recovery in the commercial aerospace and electric utility markets, we believe we now have a clearer picture of the near term and will resume issuing quarterly guidance.

While we did see good order input and sales growth for all three segments in Q3, the level of activity is somewhat lower than anticipated in the commercial aerospace and utility markets. Backlog is building to support significant improvement in fiscal 2022. Our expectation is for solid Q4 growth in sales, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EPS as compared to Q3 2021. However, with the recovery of commercial aerospace still in the early stages, we do not anticipate the level of revenue strength we typically see in our fourth quarter. Our expectation is for Q4 Adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.73 to $0.78 per share. This outlook excludes the impact from acquisitions that have closed in Q4. Please see the separate press release issued today for information regarding two acquisitions that were closed in the USG business segment.   These acquisitions are expected to provide an additional boost to core growth in 2022.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call today, August 9, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, to discuss the Company’s Q3 2021 results. A live audio webcast will be available on the Company’s website at www.escotechnologies.com. Please access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website noted above or by phone (dial 1-855-859-2056 and enter the pass code 2782855).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the timing and magnitude of recovery in the Company’s end markets, the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on the Company’s results, sales, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, cash flow, results of cost reduction efforts, margins, growth, the financial success of the Company, the strength of its end markets, the outlook for the A&D, Test and USG segments, the ability to increase shareholder value, the timing and success of acquisition efforts, internal investments in new products and solutions, the correction of production issues, the effect of certain changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors on the effectiveness of its internal controls, the long-term success of the Company, and any other statements which are not strictly historical are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws.

Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update them except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations. The Company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s operations and business environment including but not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020; the availability and acceptance of viable COVID-19 vaccines by enough of the U.S. and world’s population to curtail the pandemic; the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of known or unknown COVID-19 variants including labor shortages, facility closures, shelter in place policies or quarantines, material shortages, transportation delays, termination or delays of Company contracts, and the inability of our suppliers or customers to perform; the impacts of natural disasters on the Company’s operations and those of the Company’s customers and suppliers; the timing and content of future contract awards or customer orders; the appropriation, allocation and availability of Government funds; the termination for convenience of Government and other customer contracts or orders; weakening of economic conditions in served markets; the success of the Company’s competitors; changes in customer demands or customer insolvencies; competition; intellectual property rights; technical difficulties; the success of the Company’s acquisition efforts; delivery delays or defaults by customers; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; material changes in the costs and availability of certain raw materials; labor disputes; changes in U.S. tax laws and regulations; other changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and foreign taxation; changes in interest rates; costs relating to environmental matters arising from current or former facilities; uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of current disputes, claims, litigation or arbitration; and the integration of recently acquired businesses.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The financial measures Adjusted SG&A, EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS are presented in this press release. The Company defines “Adjusted SG&A” as the corresponding GAAP amounts excluding the net impact of the items described above in Discrete Items and reconciled in the attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, “EBIT” as earnings before interest and taxes, “EBITDA” as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, “Adjusted EBIT” and “Adjusted EBITDA” as excluding the net impact of the items described above in Discrete Items, and “Adjusted EPS” as GAAP earnings per share (EPS) excluding the net impact of the items described above which were ($0.10) per share in Q3 2021.

Adjusted SG&A, EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS are not recognized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, Management believes that Adjusted SG&A is useful in assessing the operational profitability of the Company as it excludes certain one-time charges. Management believes EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful in assessing the operational profitability of the Company’s business segments because they exclude interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which are generally accounted for across the entire Company on a consolidated basis. EBIT is also one of the measures used by Management in determining resource allocations within the Company as well as incentive compensation. The presentation of Adjusted SG&A, EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS provides important supplemental information to investors by facilitating comparisons with other companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. The use of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to replace any measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP.

ESCO, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri: Manufactures highly-engineered filtration and fluid control products for the aviation, Navy, space and process markets worldwide, as well as composite-based products and solutions for Navy, defense and industrial customers; is the industry leader in RF shielding and EMC test products; and provides diagnostic instruments, software and services for the benefit of industrial power users and the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Further information regarding ESCO and its subsidiaries is available on the Company’s website at www.escotechnologies.com.   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021			Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Net Sales					$	181,394			172,665
Cost and Expenses:
		Cost of sales				113,610			107,686
		Selling, general and administrative expenses				42,882			36,936
		Amortization of intangible assets				4,864			5,535
		Interest expense				480			1,523
		Other (income) expenses, net				615			(824	)
			Total costs and expenses			162,451			150,856
Earnings before income taxes						18,943			21,809
Income tax expense						4,034			3,122
			Net earnings		$	14,909			18,687
			Diluted EPS:
			Diluted - GAAP
				Net earnings	$	0.57			0.72
			Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
				Continuing operations	$	0.67	(1	)	0.76		(2	)
			Diluted average common shares O/S:			26,214			26,134
(1	)	Q3 2021 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.10 per share consisting of after-tax charges incurred at Corporate due to one-time compensation costs related to management transition and acquisition costs, and charges related to the USG (Morgan Schaffer) facility move.
(2	)	Q3 2020 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.04 per share of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19.

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
						Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021				Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Net Sales					$	509,962				524,885
Cost and Expenses:
		Cost of sales				316,785				327,655
		Selling, general and administrative expenses				122,628				119,023
		Amortization of intangible assets				14,729				16,565
		Interest expense				1,453				5,264
		Other (income) expenses, net				(1,265	)			174
			Total costs and expenses			454,330				468,681
Earnings before income taxes						55,632				56,204
Income tax expense						12,501				8,931
			Earnings from continuing operations			43,131				47,273
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
		expense of $269				-				(601	)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of
		tax expense of $23,734				-				76,614
			Earnings from discontinued operations			-				76,013
			Net earnings		$	43,131				123,286
			Diluted EPS:
			Diluted - GAAP
				Continuing operations	$	1.65				1.81
				Discontinued operations		0.00				2.91
				Net earnings	$	1.65				4.72
			Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
				Continuing operations	$	1.75		(1	)	1.87		(2	)
			Diluted average common shares O/S:			26,199				26,130
(1	)	YTD Q3 2021 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.10 per share consisting of after-tax charges incurred at Corporate due to one-time compensation costs related to management transition and acquisition costs, an ATM acquisition inventory step-up charge, and charges related to the USG (Doble Manta & Morgan Schaffer) facility consolidations, partially offset by the final settlement from the sale of the Doble Watertown facility.
(2	)	YTD Q3 2020 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.06 per share of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19 and charges related to the move of the Doble headquarters facility.

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				GAAP						As Adjusted
				Q3 2021			Q3 2020			Q3 2021			Q3 2020
Net Sales
	Aerospace & Defense		$	85,576			84,072			85,576			84,072
	USG			47,704			42,577			47,704			42,577
	Test			48,114			46,016			48,114			46,016
		Totals	$	181,394			172,665			181,394			172,665
EBIT
	Aerospace & Defense		$	16,714			17,409			16,739			18,224
	USG			8,227			6,156			8,710			6,316
	Test			6,751			7,177			6,751			7,246
	Corporate			(12,269	)		(7,410	)		(9,246	)		(7,219	)
		Consolidated EBIT		19,423			23,332			22,954			24,567
		Less: Interest expense		(480	)		(1,523	)		(480	)		(1,523	)
		Less: Income tax expense		(4,034	)		(3,122	)		(4,846	)		(3,418	)
		Net earnings from cont ops	$	14,909			18,687			17,628			19,626
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings were $17.6 million in Q3 2021 which excluded $0.10 per share consisting of after-tax charges incurred at Corporate due to one-time compensation costs related to management transition and acquisition costs, and charges related to the USG (Morgan Schaffer) facility move.
Note 2: Adjusted net earnings were $19.6 million in Q3 2020 which excluded $0.04 per share primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings from continuing operations:
										Adjusted			Adjusted
				Q3 2021			Q3 2020			Q3 2021			Q3 2020
Consolidated EBITDA			$	29,567			33,815			33,098			35,050
Less: Depr & Amort				(10,144	)		(10,483	)		(10,144	)		(10,483	)
Consolidated EBIT				19,423			23,332			22,954			24,567
Less: Interest expense				(480	)		(1,523	)		(480	)		(1,523	)
Less: Income tax expense				(4,034	)		(3,122	)		(4,846	)		(3,418	)
Net earnings from cont ops			$	14,909			18,687			17,628			19,626

      

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				GAAP						As Adjusted
				YTD Q3			YTD Q3			YTD Q3			YTD Q3
				2021			2020			2021			2020
Net Sales
	Aerospace & Defense		$	234,720			256,707			234,720			256,707
	USG			141,799			139,179			141,799			139,179
	Test			133,443			128,999			133,443			128,999
		Totals	$	509,962			524,885			509,962			524,885
EBIT
	Aerospace & Defense		$	41,980			51,658			42,365			52,543
	USG			27,683			20,310			27,552			21,090
	Test			17,781			17,483			17,781			17,552
	Corporate			(30,359	)		(27,983	)		(26,986	)		(27,792	)
		Consolidated EBIT		57,085			61,468			60,712			63,393
		Less: Interest expense		(1,453	)		(5,264	)		(1,453	)		(5,264	)
		Less: Income tax		(12,501	)		(8,931	)		(13,335	)		(9,393	)
		Net earnings from cont ops	$	43,131			47,273			45,924			48,736
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings were $45.9 million YTD Q3 2021 which excluded $0.10 per share consisting of after-tax charges incurred at Corporate due to one-time compensation costs related to management transition and acquisition costs, an ATM acquisition inventory step-up charge, and charges related to USG (Manta and Morgan Schaffer) facility consolidations, partially offset by the final settlement from the sale of the Doble Watertown facility.
Note 2: Adjusted net earnings were $48.7 million in YTD Q3 2020 which excluded $0.06 per share primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19 and charges related to the move of the Doble headquarters facility.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings from continuing operations:
										Adjusted			Adjusted
				YTD Q3			YTD Q3			YTD Q3			YTD Q3
				2021			2020			2021			2020
Consolidated EBITDA			$	87,344			92,534			90,971			94,459
Less: Depr & Amort				(30,259	)		(31,066	)		(30,259	)		(31,066	)
Consolidated EBIT				57,085			61,468			60,712			63,393
Less: Interest expense				(1,453	)		(5,264	)		(1,453	)		(5,264	)
Less: Income tax expense				(12,501	)		(8,931	)		(13,335	)		(9,393	)
Net earnings from cont ops			$	43,131			47,273			45,924			48,736

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	78,359		52,560
	Accounts receivable, net			135,343		144,082
	Contract assets			94,768		94,302
	Inventories			141,113		135,296
	Other current assets			21,282		17,053
		Total current assets		470,865		443,293
	Property, plant and equipment, net			141,967		139,870
	Intangible assets, net			343,346		346,632
	Goodwill			411,732		408,063
	Operating lease assets			30,426		21,390
	Other assets			10,347		10,938
			$	1,408,683		1,370,186
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current maturities of long-term debt & short-term borrowings		$	20,000		22,368
	Accounts payable			50,921		50,525
	Contract liabilities			105,822		100,551
	Other current liabilities			76,649		82,585
		Total current liabilities		253,392		256,029
	Deferred tax liabilities			56,992		60,170
	Non-current operating lease liabilities			26,458		16,785
	Other liabilities			38,987		38,176
	Long-term debt			28,000		40,000
	Shareholders' equity			1,004,854		959,026
			$	1,408,683		1,370,186

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021			Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	43,131			123,286
Earnings from discontinued operations		-			(76,013	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		30,259			31,066
Stock compensation expense		5,386			4,184
Changes in assets and liabilities		2,520			(20,926	)
Gain on sale of building and land		(1,950	)		-
Effect of deferred taxes		(3,946	)		2,155
Pension contributions related to terminated pension plan		-			(10,000	)
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations		75,400			53,752
Net cash used by operating activities - discontinued operations		-			(14,737	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		75,400			39,015
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		(6,684	)		-
Proceeds from sale of building and land		1,950			-
Capital expenditures		(17,887	)		(28,291	)
Additions to capitalized software		(6,500	)		(6,564	)
Net cash used by investing activities - continuing operations		(29,121	)		(34,855	)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations		-			183,812
Capital expenditures - discontinued operations		-			(1,728	)
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations		-			182,084
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities		(29,121	)		147,229
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt and short-term borrowings		80,000			11,577
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings		(94,368	)		(145,000	)
Dividends paid		(6,249	)		(6,240	)
Other		(1,674	)		(3,127	)
Net cash used by financing activities - continuing operations		(22,291	)		(142,790	)
Net cash used by financing activities - discontinued operations		-			(2,140	)
Net cash used by financing activities		(22,291	)		(144,930	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		1,811			1,617
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		25,799			42,931
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		52,560			61,808
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	78,359			104,739

   

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Other Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Backlog And Entered Orders - Q3 2021				Aerospace & Defense			USG			Test			Total
	Beginning Backlog - 4/1/21		$	349,165			48,943			118,424			516,532
	Entered Orders			95,145			55,476			53,228			203,849
	Sales			(85,576	)		(47,704	)		(48,114	)		(181,394	)
	Ending Backlog - 6/30/21		$	358,734			56,715			123,538			538,987
Backlog And Entered Orders - YTD Q3 2021				Aerospace & Defense			USG			Test			Total
	Beginning Backlog - 10/1/20		$	344,661			50,688			115,854			511,203
	Entered Orders			248,793			147,826			141,127			537,746
	Sales			(234,720	)		(141,799	)		(133,443	)		(509,962	)
	Ending Backlog - 6/30/21		$	358,734			56,715			123,538			538,987

   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
Adjusted Basis Reconciliation - Q3 2021			SG&A			EPS
	GAAP Basis		42,882			$	0.57
	Adjustments
	Management Transition & Acquisition Costs		(3,023	)		$	0.09
	USG (Morgan Schaffer) Facility Move		-			$	0.01
	Total Adjustments		(3,023	)		$	0.10
	As Adjusted Basis		39,859			$	0.67
	The $0.10 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $3.5 million of pre-tax charges offset by $0.8 million of tax benefit for a net impact of $2.7 million.
Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – YTD Q3 2021			SG&A			EPS
	GAAP Basis		122,628			$	1.65
	Adjustments
	Management Transition & Acquisition Costs		(3,373	)		$	0.10
	ATM Acquisition Inventory Step-up Charge					$	0.01
	USG (Manta & Morgan Schaffer) Facility Consol		-			$	0.05
	Settlement from Doble Watertown Facility Sale		-			($	0.06	)
	Total Adjustments		(3,373	)		$	0.10
	As Adjusted Basis		119,255			$	1.75
	The $0.10 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $3.6 million of pre-tax charges offset by $0.8 million of tax benefit for a net impact of $2.8 million.
Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – Q3 2020			SG&A			EPS
	EPS from Continuing Ops – GAAP Basis		36,936			$	0.72
	Adjustments (defined below)		(1,235	)		$	0.04
	EPS from Continuing Ops – As Adjusted Basis		35,701			$	0.76
	Adjustments exclude $0.04 per share of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19 in the third quarter of 2020. The $0.04 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $1.2 million of pre-tax charges offset by $.3 million of tax benefit for a net impact of $0.9 million.
Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – YTD Q3 2020			SG&A			EPS
	EPS from Continuing Ops – GAAP Basis		119,023			$	1.81
	Adjustments (defined below)		(1,235	)		$	0.06
	EPS from Continuing Ops – As Adjusted Basis		117,788			$	1.87
	Adjustments exclude $0.06 per share of after-tax charges primarily related to incremental costs associated with COVID-19 and charges related to the move of the Doble headquarters facility in the first nine months of 2020. The $0.06 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $1.9 million of pre-tax charges offset by $.4 million of tax benefit for a net impact of $1.5 million.

    
SOURCE ESCO Technologies Inc.
Kate Lowrey, Director of Investor Relations, (314) 213-7277

FAQ

What were ESCO Technologies' Q3 2021 earnings results?

ESCO Technologies reported Q3 2021 GAAP EPS of $0.57 and Adjusted EPS of $0.67.

How did Q3 orders for ESCO Technologies perform?

Q3 orders surpassed $200 million, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous year.

What is the business outlook for ESCO Technologies in Q4 2021?

ESCO expects Adjusted EPS in the range of $0.73 to $0.78 for Q4 2021.

What is the significance of the new share repurchase program for ESE?

The new $200 million stock repurchase program indicates management's confidence in the company's financial health.

How have ESCO Technologies' sales trends changed in 2021?

Sales increased by 5% to $181 million in Q3 2021, although YTD sales decreased by 3%.