Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q2 2025 reached $877 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by strong organic growth of 9% [5][6] - Operating income increased by 20% year-over-year, leading to a 130 basis points expansion in overall operating margin [5][6] - Diluted earnings per share rose by 21% year-over-year, slightly exceeding expectations [6] - Free cash flow was $117 million, reflecting a 17% year-over-year improvement and nearly 100% cash conversion [6][9] - The company raised its full-year sales growth guidance to 9% to 10% and expects diluted EPS growth of 16% to 19% [9][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Aerospace and Industrial**: Sales increased by 3%, with solid OEM sales growth in commercial aerospace and modest increases in defense markets [10][11] - **Defense Electronics**: Sales grew by 11%, driven by increased sales of embedded computing equipment and tactical communications revenues [12] - **Naval and Power**: Sales surged by 19%, primarily due to higher naval defense revenues, particularly from the Columbia Class submarine program [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall backlog increased by 12% year-to-date, reaching a record of over $3.8 billion [7] - Book-to-bill ratio across Aerospace and Defense markets was 1.2 times, indicating strong demand [6] - Direct foreign military sales are expected to grow by approximately 20% in 2025, reflecting increased demand from NATO and allied countries [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a "pivot to growth" strategy, emphasizing operational excellence and collaboration on R&D projects [4] - Key growth areas identified include defense and commercial nuclear sectors, with expectations for significant long-term opportunities [27][36] - The company plans to leverage advancements in AI and machine learning to enhance its defense applications [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strong financial performance in 2025, supported by a robust order book and favorable market conditions [9][37] - The company anticipates continued growth in defense spending and a strategic shift towards nuclear power, driven by global energy demands [27][31] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy while pursuing growth opportunities [37] Other Important Information - The Board approved a $400 million increase in share repurchase authorization and a 14% increase in the quarterly dividend, marking nine consecutive years of dividend growth [8] - The company expects to generate free cash flow in the range of $520 million to $535 million, reflecting an improved conversion rate of approximately 108% [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving growth acceleration in commercial aerospace? - Management noted a conservative position entering the year, with mixed signals from customers but overall positive trends expected in the second half [40][42] Question: What applications are the new GPU chips finding use cases for? - The company highlighted applications in defensive systems and command and control, emphasizing the importance of quick decision-making in modern warfare [44][46] Question: How sustainable is the margin performance in Defense Electronics? - Management indicated ongoing restructuring and operational excellence initiatives are driving margin improvements, with further opportunities for growth [50][52] Question: What is the outlook for the M&A pipeline? - The company is actively looking for acquisition opportunities but remains disciplined in its approach, prioritizing strategic fits [64][66] Question: How much of the Defense Electronics decline in Q3 is visible based on backlog? - Management reported a book-to-bill ratio of 0.9 in Defense Electronics, with expectations for a strong finish in Q4 as backlog issues are resolved [69][72]

Q2 2025 Highlights - Sales reached $877 million, a 12% increase overall, with 9% organic growth[6] - Operating Income increased by 20% to $160 million, resulting in a 130 bps year-over-year margin expansion to 183%[6] - Diluted EPS increased by 21% to $323[6] - Free Cash Flow increased by 17% to $117 million[6] - New Orders totaled $1 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio greater than 11x, and backlog increased by 12% year-to-date[6] Full-Year 2025 Guidance - Total Sales growth is projected to increase by 9% - 10% due to strengthening A&D market growth[6] - Operating Income growth is targeted at 15% - 18%, with an Operating Margin of 185% - 187%, up 100 - 120 bps year-over-year[6] - The company is on track to deliver high-teens EPS growth (up 16% - 19%) and strong FCF generation (~108% conversion)[6] End Market Sales Growth Guidance - Aerospace Defense is expected to grow by 7% - 9%, contributing to 19% of sales[10] - Naval Defense is expected to grow by 7% - 9%, contributing to 26% of sales[10] - Commercial Aerospace is expected to grow by 13% - 15%, contributing to 13% of sales[10] - Power & Process is expected to grow by 16% - 18%, contributing to 19% of sales[10]

Core Viewpoint - Curtiss-Wright Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings, with adjusted EPS of $2.82, exceeding estimates and reflecting significant year-over-year growth in both sales and earnings [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - The company achieved net sales of $805.6 million, a 13% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $767 million by 5% [3]. - Adjusted operating income was reported at $134 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 17.9% [3]. Backlog and Orders - Total backlog at the end of Q1 was $3.7 billion, an 8.8% increase from the end of 2024, driven by demand in aerospace, defense, and commercial markets [4]. - New orders reached $1 billion, up 13% year over year, supported by strong demand in naval defense, commercial aerospace, and commercial nuclear sectors [4]. Segment Performance - **Aerospace & Industrial**: Sales increased 4% to $227 million, driven by higher commercial aerospace sales and defense market revenues [5]. Adjusted operating income improved 15% to $50 million, with a margin expansion of 140 bps to 13.9% [6]. - **Defense Electronics**: Sales rose 16% to $245 million, fueled by ground and naval defense market revenues [7]. Operating income increased 40% to $67 million, with a margin expansion of 480 bps to 27.5% [8]. - **Naval & Power**: Sales grew 18% to $333 million, driven by demand for submarine programs and commercial nuclear products [9][10]. Adjusted operating income increased 28% to $45 million, with a margin expansion of 100 bps to 12.6% [11]. Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $226.5 million, down from $385 million at the end of 2024 [12]. Long-term debt remained flat at $0.96 billion [12]. - Net cash outflow from operating activities was $38.8 million, an improvement from $45.6 million in the prior year [12]. Adjusted free cash outflow was $54.5 million, compared to $57.7 million a year ago [12]. 2025 Guidance - The company raised its 2025 guidance for adjusted earnings to a range of $12.45-$12.80 per share, up from $12.10-$12.40 [13]. - Sales guidance was also increased to $3.37-$3.42 billion, compared to the previous range of $3.34-$3.39 billion [14]. - Free cash flow guidance was raised to $495-$515 million, up from $485-$505 million [14].