ESCO Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) reported strong Q3 2024 results with notable growth in orders and sales. Key highlights include:

- Q3 orders increased 46% to $312 million (book-to-bill of 1.20x)
- Q3 sales grew 5% to $261 million
- Q3 GAAP EPS rose 5% to $1.13
- Q3 Adjusted EPS increased 6% to $1.16

The company saw strength across all three segments, with significant order growth in Navy, aerospace, and utility markets. ESCO updated its full-year 2024 guidance, expecting Adjusted EPS in the range of $4.10 to $4.20 (11-14% growth) and sales between $1.02-$1.03 billion (7-8% growth). The company also announced a strategic review of its VACCO Space business and the addition of two new independent directors to its board.

Positive

• Q3 orders increased 46% to $312 million, resulting in a record backlog of $889 million
• Q3 sales grew 5% to $261 million, with organic growth of 4%
• Q3 Adjusted EPS increased 6% to $1.16
• Aerospace & Defense segment sales increased 10.6% to $114.5 million
• Utility Solutions Group EBIT increased 9% to $22.2 million
• RF Test & Measurement segment EBIT margin improved to 16.6%
• Full-year 2024 guidance raised, expecting 11-14% Adjusted EPS growth

Negative

• VACCO Space business facing profitability erosion, potentially impacting Q4 2024 earnings by $0.15-$0.21 per share
• RF Test & Measurement organic sales decreased, offset by acquisition revenue
• Aerospace & Defense segment EBIT decreased slightly due to margin erosion on space development programs

Insights

Financial Analyst

ESCO Technologies' Q3 2024 results show solid growth and positive momentum across key metrics. The company reported a 5% increase in sales to $260.8 million, driven by 4% organic growth and 1% from the MPE acquisition. Notably, orders surged 46% to $311.7 million, resulting in a strong book-to-bill ratio of 1.20x and a record backlog of $889 million.

The 6% increase in Adjusted EPS to $1.16 and the 60 basis points expansion in Adjusted EBITDA margin are particularly encouraging. The company's financial position remains strong, with a low leverage ratio of 0.73x and $571 million in liquidity. These results, combined with the positive outlook for Q4, suggest ESCO is well-positioned for continued growth.

Industry Analyst

ESCO's performance reflects robust demand across its key markets. The Aerospace & Defense segment saw a 10.6% sales increase, driven by strength in Navy, commercial aerospace and defense programs. The Utility Solutions Group maintained steady growth, while the Test segment showed signs of recovery with a 41% increase in orders.

The planned acquisition of SM&P for $550 million is a strategic move to expand ESCO's Navy business and enter new markets. However, the ongoing review of strategic alternatives for the Space business at VACCO indicates potential portfolio optimization. Investors should monitor these developments closely, as they could significantly impact ESCO's future growth trajectory and market positioning.

Corporate Governance Expert

The addition of two new independent directors, Penelope M. Conner and David A. Campbell, to ESCO's Board of Directors is a positive development for corporate governance. Both bring extensive industry experience and diverse perspectives, which can enhance strategic decision-making and oversight.

Conner's 38 years in the utility sector and Campbell's leadership at Evergy align well with ESCO's core businesses. Their appointments to key committees (Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit and Finance, respectively) suggest a commitment to strengthening board expertise in critical areas. This move may improve ESCO's governance profile and potentially attract investors focused on ESG factors.

- Q3 Orders increase 46% to $312 million / Book-to-Bill of 1.20x - Q3 Sales increase 5% to $261 million - Q3 GAAP EPS increases 5% to $1.13 - Q3 Adjusted EPS increases 6% to $1.16 -

St. Louis, Aug. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) (ESCO, or the Company) today reported its operating results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Q3 2024).

Operating Highlights

• Q3 2024 Sales increased $12.1 million (5 percent) to $260.8 million compared to $248.7 million in Q3 2023. Q3 organic sales increased $8.7 million (4 percent) and the MPE acquisition contributed $3.4 million (1 percent) of revenue in the quarter.   
• Q3 2024 GAAP EPS increased 5 percent to $1.13 per share compared to $1.08 per share in Q3 2023. Q3 2024 Adjusted EPS increased 6 percent to $1.16 per share compared to $1.09 per share in Q3 2023.
• Q3 2024 Entered Orders increased $98.4 million (46 percent) compared to the prior year period to $311.7 million (book-to-bill of 1.20x), resulting in record ending backlog of $889 million.
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $55 million YTD, an increase of $26 million compared to the prior year period.
• Net debt (total borrowings less cash on hand) was $110 million, resulting in a 0.73x leverage ratio and $571 million in liquidity as of June 30, 2024.
  
  

Bryan Sayler, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, “Q3 was highlighted by over $300 million in orders, with strength across all three segments. The increase was driven by large Navy orders, continuing strength in aerospace and electric utility orders, and importantly a rebound in both Test and renewables orders. Revenue grew 5 percent in the quarter and Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 60 basis points, driving a 6 percent increase in Adjusted EPS compared to the prior year quarter. Overall, it was a solid quarter as we continue to see favorable momentum across our aerospace, Navy and utility end markets.”

Segment Performance

Aerospace & Defense (A&D)

• Sales increased $11.0 million (10.6 percent) to $114.5 million in Q3 2024 from $103.5 million in Q3 2023.   Sales growth was driven by strength across Navy, commercial aerospace, and defense aerospace programs.
• Q3 2024 EBIT decreased $0.3 million to $21.4 million from $21.7 million in Q3 2023. Adjusted EBIT decreased $0.2 million in Q3 2024 to $21.5 million (18.7 percent margin) from $21.7 million (20.9 percent margin) in Q3 2023. Profitability in the quarter was negatively impacted by margin erosion on space development programs at VACCO. Additionally, unfavorable revenue mix and inflationary pressures were offset by leverage on higher volume and price increases.  
• Entered Orders increased $65 million (79 percent) to $147 million in Q3 2024 compared to $82 million in Q3 2023.   The increase was primarily driven by strength in Navy (Virginia Class Block V QARMS and Ejection System development), and a strong quarter for commercial and defense aerospace aftermarket orders. The orders in the quarter resulted in a segment book-to-bill of 1.28x and record ending backlog of $595 million.
  
  

Utility Solutions Group (USG)

• Sales increased $0.3 million (0.3 percent) to $90.3 million in Q3 2024 from $90.0 million in Q3 2023. As expected, USG revenue growth moderated in Q3 after 13 percent growth in the first half of the year. Revenue grew sequentially and is up 8 percent Q3 YTD, which remains in line with our expectations for the year. Doble’s Q3 2024 sales increased by $0.4 million (0.5 percent), driven by higher services revenue offset by lower protection testing sales. NRG sales were flat compared to strong results in the prior year period.  
• EBIT increased $1.8 million (9 percent) in Q3 2024 to $22.2 million from $20.4 million in Q3 2023.   Adjusted EBIT increased $1.7 million in Q3 2024 to $22.2 million (24.6 percent margin) from $20.5 million (22.8 percent margin) in Q3 2023. Margin improvement was driven by mix related to increased services revenue and price increases, partially offset by inflationary pressures.  
• Entered Orders increased $15 million (17 percent) to $100 million in Q3 2024. Doble orders increased $19 million (30 percent) on continuing strength in services and our lease pool business as utilities focus on keeping substations operational while coping with long lead times on new transformers. NRG’S orders were $19 million in the quarter. While down $4 million compared to the record prior year quarter, this represents the second highest orders quarter in NRG history and was in line with our expectations for a rebound in renewables orders as the market moves beyond last year’s elevated activity related to the initial Inflation Reduction Act spending.   The segment book-to-bill was 1.11x in the quarter, resulting in ending backlog of $129 million.
  
  

RF Test & Measurement (Test)

• Sales increased $0.8 million (1.3 percent) to $56.1 million in Q3 2024 from $55.3 million in Q3 2023. Organic sales decreased $2.6 million primarily related to lower wireless and US filters volume. This was more than offset by $3.4 million of revenue related to the MPE acquisition which was completed in Q1 2024.   While Test’s revenues continue to be somewhat soft, they delivered significant sequential revenue growth of 19 percent in the quarter.
• EBIT and Adjusted EBIT both increased $0.7 million in Q3 2024 to $9.3 million (16.6 percent margin) from $8.6 million (15.6 percent margin) in Q3 2023. Margin improvement was driven by higher margin MPE content, cost reduction actions and price increases, partially offset by inflationary pressures and mix related to lower wireless and US filters volume.  
• Entered Orders increased $19 million (41 percent) to $65 million in Q3 2024. The rebound in Test orders was primarily driven by the booking of a large industrial project and a strong quarter for US T&M orders. The segment book-to-bill was 1.16x in the quarter, resulting in ending backlog of $165 million.
  
  

SM&P Acquisition
As announced on July 8, 2024, ESCO has agreed to acquire the Signature Management & Power (SM&P) business of Ultra Maritime for a purchase price of $550 million. The required filings have been submitted and we are awaiting regulatory approval, with an anticipation of a Q1 fiscal 2025 closing.   SM&P’s sole source product offerings will add significant scale to the ESCO Navy business, providing increased content on domestic Navy submarine and surface ship programs and expansion into vital UK and AUKUS navy platforms.

Business Outlook – 2024
Management’s expectation is for Q4 Adjusted EPS in the range of $1.38 to $1.48 (10 to 18 percent growth). This results in full year guidance in the range of $4.10 to $4.20 (11 to 14 percent growth), which represents ESCO’s third consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth. This outlook is based on sales in the range of $1.02 to $1.03 billion (7 to 8 percent annual growth) and excludes further profitability erosion on Space programs at VACCO, which could range from $5 to $7 million ($0.15 - $0.21) in Q4 2024.

VACCO Space Business Strategic Review
The Company is undertaking a process to review strategic alternatives for the Space business at VACCO. These alternatives could include, among others, possible joint ventures, strategic partnerships, or a sale of the business. The intent is to optimize ESCO’s portfolio of businesses and create value for ESCO shareholders. This decision was made as part of our continual strategic portfolio analysis, which is focused on positioning the Company to serve high-growth markets that have high margin potential. As we undertake this review, the Company remains committed to executing on our current Space programs and serving the needs of our customers.

There is no deadline or definitive timetable for completion of the strategic alternatives review process and there can be no assurance that this process will result in the Company pursuing a transaction or any other strategic outcome. ESCO does not intend to make any further public comment regarding the review of strategic alternatives for the Space business at VACCO until it has been completed or the Company determines that a disclosure is required or otherwise deemed appropriate.

Share Repurchase Program
During Q3 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 8,000 shares for $0.8 million.

Dividend Payment
The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share will be paid on October 16, 2024 to stockholders of record on October 2, 2024.

Board of Directors
Effective August 1, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the addition of two independent directors, Penelope M. Conner and David A. Campbell, which shall become effective upon the requisite approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of such positions and satisfaction of any and all other regulatory requirements.  

Ms. Conner was named to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Mr. Campbell was named to the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, subject to and effective upon the commencement of their respective terms as directors.

Penelope M. Conner
With 38 years of experience in the electric and gas utility sector, since 2002 Ms. Conner has held executive positions with Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES), a utility holding company based in Medfield, Massachusetts, most recently (since 2021) as Eversource’s Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and Energy Strategy. She is currently responsible for ensuring that Eversource’s 4 million electric and gas customers experience high-quality customer service while driving Eversource’s energy strategy development and capital allocation throughout the enterprise. Prior to joining Eversource, Ms. Conner held positions of increasing responsibility from 1986 to 2002 at Tampa Electric Company and then Duke Energy Corporation, culminating in a position as Duke Energy’s General Manager for Process Integration.

Ms. Conner graduated from North Carolina State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, summa cum laude. She is a registered professional engineer in North and South Carolina.

David A. Campbell
Since 2021 Mr. Campbell has been the President and Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member of Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVRG), a public utility holding company incorporated in 2017 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. He previously held executive positions at a number of electric and integrated energy companies in Texas as well as at an independent energy resource and investment company, following nine years (four as a partner) in the Dallas office of McKinsey & Company, a leading global management consulting firm providing strategic and operational counsel to top management of diverse global corporations and institutions.

Mr. Campbell holds degrees from Harvard Law School (J.D. degree magna cum laude, 1995), Oxford University (M.Phil. International Relations, 1992), and Yale University (B.A. summa cum laude with Distinction in History, 1990).

Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call today, August 7, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, to discuss the Company’s Q3 2024 results.   A live audio webcast and an accompanying slide presentation will be available in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website. For those unable to participate, a webcast replay will be available after the call in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding Management’s intentions, expectations and guidance for fiscal 2024, including restructuring and cost reduction actions, sales, orders, revenues, margin, earnings, Adjusted EPS, and any other statements which are not strictly historical, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. 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, 2023 and the following: the timing and outcome, if any, of the Company’s strategic alternatives review for the Space business at VACCO; the impacts of climate change and related regulation of greenhouse gases; the impacts of labor disputes, civil disorder, wars, elections, political changes, tariffs and trade disputes, terrorist activities, cyberattacks or natural disasters on the Company’s operations and those of the Company’s customers and suppliers; disruptions in manufacturing or delivery arrangements due to shortages or unavailability of materials or components or supply chain disruptions; inability to access work sites; the timing and content of future contract awards or customer orders; the timely 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 or data breaches; the availability of acquisitions; 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; material changes in the cost of credit; changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and taxation; changes in interest, inflation and employment 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 and performance of acquired businesses.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The financial measures EBIT, Adjusted EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EPS are presented in this press release. The Company defines “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 in the attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, and “Adjusted EPS” as GAAP earnings per share excluding the net impact of the items described and reconciled in the attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

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 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 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 is a global provider of highly engineered products and solutions serving diverse end-markets. It manufactures filtration and fluid control products for the aviation, Navy, space, and process markets worldwide and composite-based products and solutions for Navy, defense, and industrial customers. ESCO is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing RF test and measurement products and systems; and provides diagnostic instruments, software and services to industrial power users and the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, ESCO and its subsidiaries have offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. For more information on ESCO and its subsidiaries, visit 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, 2024				Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Net Sales					$	260,783				248,749
Cost and Expenses:
		Cost of sales				157,435				147,274
		Selling, general and administrative expenses				54,955				55,376
		Amortization of intangible assets				8,145				7,132
		Interest expense				3,335				2,495
		Other expenses (income), net				(259	)			966
			Total costs and expenses			223,611				213,243
Earnings before income taxes						37,172				35,506
Income tax expense						7,942				7,563
			Net earnings		$	29,230				27,943
			Earnings Per Share (EPS)
				Diluted - GAAP	$	1.13				1.08
				Diluted - As Adjusted Basis	$	1.16		(1	)	1.09	(2	)
				Diluted average common shares O/S:		25,840				25,827
(1	)	Q3 2024 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.03 per share of after-tax charges consisting mainly of: $0.02 of Corporate acquisition related costs and $0.01 of restructuring charges (primarily severance) within the A&D and USG segments.
(2	)	Q3 2023 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.01 per share of after-tax charges consisting mainly of Corporate acquisition related costs.

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
						Nine Months Ended June 30, 2024			Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023
Net Sales					$	728,226			683,386
Cost and Expenses:
		Cost of sales				443,933			415,953
		Selling, general and administrative expenses				164,020			160,555
		Amortization of intangible assets				24,585			21,023
		Interest expense				9,228			6,422
		Other expenses (income), net				613			1,678
			Total costs and expenses			642,379			605,631
Earnings before income taxes						85,847			77,755
Income tax expense						18,229			17,207
			Net earnings		$	67,618			60,548
			Earnings Per Share (EPS)
				Diluted - GAAP	$	2.62			2.34
				Diluted - As Adjusted Basis	$	2.72	(1	)	2.45	(2	)
				Diluted average common shares O/S:		25,844			25,890
(1	)	YTD Q3 2024 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.10 per share of after-tax charges consisting of: $0.04 of MPE acquisition backlog and inventory step-up charges, $0.03 of restructuring charges (primarily severance) within the Test, A&D and USG segments, and $0.03 of Corporate acquisition related costs.
(2	)	YTD Q3 2023 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.11 per share of after-tax charges consisting of: $0.06 of executive management transition costs at Corporate, $0.02 of CMT acquisition inventory step-up charges, $0.02 of restructuring charges within the A&D segment, and $0.01 of Corporate acquisition related costs.

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				GAAP						As Adjusted
				Q3 2024			Q3 2023			Q3 2024			Q3 2023
Net Sales
	Aerospace & Defense		$	114,450			103,469			114,450			103,469
	USG			90,277			89,966			90,277			89,966
	Test			56,056			55,314			56,056			55,314
		Totals	$	260,783			248,749			260,783			248,749
EBIT
	Aerospace & Defense		$	21,356			21,665			21,444			21,665
	USG			22,155			20,351			22,230			20,481
	Test			9,292			8,643			9,297			8,643
	Corporate			(12,296	)		(12,658	)		(11,566	)		(12,438	)
		Consolidated EBIT		40,507			38,001			41,405			38,351
		Less: Interest expense		(3,335	)		(2,495	)		(3,335	)		(2,495	)
		Less: Income tax expense		(7,942	)		(7,563	)		(8,149	)		(7,643	)
		Net earnings	$	29,230			27,943			29,921			28,213
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings were $29.9 million in Q3 2024 which excludes $0.03 per share of after-tax charges consisting mainly of $0.02 of Corporate acquisition related costs and $0.01 of restructuring charges (primarily severance) within the A&D and USG segments.
Note 2: Adjusted net earnings were $28.2 million in Q3 2023 which excludes $0.01 per share of after-tax charges consisting mainly of Corporate acquisition related costs.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings:										Q3 2024 -			Q3 2023 -
				Q3 2024			Q3 2023			As Adjusted			As Adjusted
Consolidated EBITDA			$	54,310			50,790			55,208			51,140
Less: Depr & Amort				(13,803	)		(12,789	)		(13,803	)		(12,789	)
Consolidated EBIT				40,507			38,001			41,405			38,351
Less: Interest expense				(3,335	)		(2,495	)		(3,335	)		(2,495	)
Less: Income tax expense				(7,942	)		(7,563	)		(8,149	)		(7,643	)
Net earnings			$	29,230			27,943			29,921			28,213

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				GAAP						As Adjusted
				YTD			YTD			YTD			YTD
				Q3 2024			Q3 2023			Q3 2024			Q3 2023
Net Sales
	Aerospace & Defense		$	323,884			285,434			323,884			285,434
	USG			260,570			240,172			260,570			240,172
	Test			143,772			157,780			143,772			157,780
		Totals	$	728,226			683,386			728,226			683,386
EBIT
	Aerospace & Defense		$	61,396			52,996			61,747			53,995
	USG			57,355			50,543			57,550			50,673
	Test			16,614			21,280			17,095			21,280
	Corporate			(40,290	)		(40,642	)		(38,124	)		(38,129	)
		Consolidated EBIT		95,075			84,177			98,268			87,819
		Less: Interest expense		(9,228	)		(6,422	)		(9,228	)		(6,422	)
		Less: Income tax expense		(18,229	)		(17,207	)		(18,963	)		(18,045	)
		Net earnings	$	67,618			60,548			70,077			63,352
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings were $70.1 million in YTD Q3 2024 which excludes $0.10 per share of after-tax charges consisting of $0.04 of MPE acquisition backlog and inventory step-up charges, $0.03 of restructuring charges (primarily severance) within the Test, A&D and USG segments, and $0.03 of Corporate acquisition related costs.
Note 2: Adjusted net earnings were $63.4 million in YTD Q3 2023 which excludes $0.11 per share of after-tax charges consisting of $0.06 of executive management transition costs at Corporate, $0.02 of CMT acquisition inventory step-up charges, $0.02 of restructuring charges within the A&D segment, and $0.01 of Corporate acquisition related costs.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings:										YTD			YTD
				YTD			YTD			Q3 2024 -			Q3 2023 -
				Q3 2024			Q3 2023			As Adjusted			As Adjusted
Consolidated EBITDA			$	136,433			121,876			138,790			125,518
Less: Depr & Amort				(41,358	)		(37,699	)		(40,522	)		(37,699	)
Consolidated EBIT				95,075			84,177			98,268			87,819
Less: Interest expense				(9,228	)		(6,422	)		(9,228	)		(6,422	)
Less: Income tax expense				(18,229	)		(17,207	)		(18,963	)		(18,045	)
Net earnings			$	67,618			60,548			70,077			63,352

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				June 30, 2024		September 30, 2023
Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	63,042		41,866
	Accounts receivable, net			213,592		198,557
	Contract assets			134,637		138,633
	Inventories			219,312		184,067
	Other current assets			22,312		17,972
		Total current assets		652,895		581,095
	Property, plant and equipment, net			164,749		155,484
	Intangible assets, net			408,981		392,124
	Goodwill			535,372		503,177
	Operating lease assets			37,716		39,839
	Other assets			11,342		11,495
			$	1,811,055		1,683,214
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current maturities of long-term debt		$	20,000		20,000
	Accounts payable			83,411		86,973
	Contract liabilities			113,653		112,277
	Other current liabilities			94,143		95,401
		Total current liabilities		311,207		314,651
	Deferred tax liabilities			77,570		75,531
	Non-current operating lease liabilities			35,148		36,554
	Other liabilities			40,444		43,336
	Long-term debt			153,000		82,000
	Shareholders' equity			1,193,686		1,131,142
			$	1,811,055		1,683,214

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2024			Nine Months Ended June 30, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	67,618			60,548
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		41,358			37,699
Stock compensation expense		6,369			7,007
Changes in assets and liabilities		(53,839	)		(72,346	)
Effect of deferred taxes		(6,052	)		(3,706	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		55,454			29,202
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		(56,383	)		(17,694	)
Capital expenditures		(24,949	)		(16,993	)
Additions to capitalized software		(8,556	)		(9,263	)
Net cash used by investing activities		(89,888	)		(43,950	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		193,000			88,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings		(122,000	)		(93,000	)
Dividends paid		(6,185	)		(6,189	)
Purchases of common stock into treasury		(7,998	)		(12,401	)
Other		(1,516	)		(2,557	)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		55,301			(26,147	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		309			(777	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		21,176			(41,672	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		41,866			97,724
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	63,042			56,052

    
    

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Other Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Backlog And Entered Orders - Q3 2024				A&D			USG			Test			Total
	Beginning Backlog - 4/1/24		$	562,302			119,155			156,254			837,711
	Entered Orders			146,890			100,012			64,829			311,731
	Sales			(114,450	)		(90,277	)		(56,056	)		(260,783	)
	Ending Backlog - 6/30/24		$	594,742			128,890			165,027			888,659
Backlog And Entered Orders - YTD Q3 2024				A&D			USG			Test			Total
	Beginning Backlog - 10/1/23		$	484,069			133,459			154,834			772,362
	Entered Orders			434,557			256,001			153,965			844,523
	Sales			(323,884	)		(260,570	)		(143,772	)		(728,226	)
	Ending Backlog - 6/30/24		$	594,742			128,890			165,027			888,659

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
EPS – Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – Q3 2024
	EPS – GAAP Basis – Q3 2024	$	1.13
	Adjustments (defined below)		0.03
	EPS – As Adjusted Basis – Q3 2024	$	1.16
	Adjustments exclude $0.03 per share consisting mainly of Corporate acquisition related costs and restructuring charges (primarily severance) in the third quarter of 2024.
	The $0.03 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $898K of pre-tax charges offset by $207K of tax benefit for net impact of $691K.
EPS – Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – YTD Q3 2024
	EPS – GAAP Basis – YTD Q3 2024	$	2.62
	Adjustments (defined below)		0.10
	EPS – As Adjusted Basis – YTD Q3 2024	$	2.72
	Adjustments exclude $0.10 per share consisting of MPE acquisition backlog and inventory step-up charges, restructuring charges (primarily severance) within the Test, A&D and USG segments, and Corporate acquisition related costs.
	The $0.10 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $3,193K of pre-tax charges offset by $734K of tax benefit for net impact of $2,459K.
EPS – Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – Q3 2023
	EPS – GAAP Basis – Q3 2023	$	1.08
	Adjustments (defined below)		0.01
	EPS – As Adjusted Basis – Q3 2023	$	1.09
	Adjustments exclude $0.01 per share consisting mainly of Corporate acquisition related costs in the third quarter of 2023.
	The $0.01 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $350K of pre-tax charges offset by $80K of tax benefit for net impact of $270K.
EPS – Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – YTD Q3 2023
	EPS – GAAP Basis – YTD Q3 2023	$	2.34
	Adjustments (defined below)		0.11
	EPS – As Adjusted Basis – YTD Q3 2023	$	2.45
	Adjustments exclude $0.11 per share consisting of executive management transition costs at Corporate, CMT acquisition inventory step-up charges and restructuring charges within the A&D segment, and Corporate acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2023.
	The $0.11 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $3,642K of pre-tax charges offset by $838K of tax benefit for net impact of $2,804K.

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

FAQ

What was ESCO Technologies' (ESE) Q3 2024 revenue?

ESCO Technologies (ESE) reported Q3 2024 revenue of $260.8 million, a 5% increase from $248.7 million in Q3 2023.

How much did ESCO Technologies' (ESE) Q3 2024 orders increase?

ESCO Technologies' (ESE) Q3 2024 orders increased by 46% to $311.7 million compared to the prior year period, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.20x.

What is ESCO Technologies' (ESE) full-year 2024 earnings guidance?

ESCO Technologies (ESE) updated its full-year 2024 guidance, expecting Adjusted EPS in the range of $4.10 to $4.20, representing 11-14% growth.

What strategic actions is ESCO Technologies (ESE) considering for its VACCO Space business?

ESCO Technologies (ESE) is reviewing strategic alternatives for its VACCO Space business, including potential joint ventures, strategic partnerships, or a sale of the business.