Woodward(US:WWD)2025-11-24 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual revenue exceeded $3.5 billion for the first time, marking a 7% increase year-over-year [5][16] - Fourth quarter net sales totaled $995 million, a 16% increase [16] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $2.09, up from $1.41, while full-year adjusted earnings per share were $6.89 compared to $6.11 [16][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace segment sales increased 20% in the fourth quarter to $661 million, with commercial services sales up 40% [17] - Industrial segment sales for the fourth quarter were $334 million, an 11% increase, with core industrial sales growing 15% [20][21] - Aerospace segment earnings for the fourth quarter were $162 million, with margins expanding 520 basis points to 24.4% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace sales for the full year reached $2.3 billion, a 14% increase, driven by strong demand in commercial services and defense OEM [17][19] - Industrial segment sales for 2025 were $1.25 billion, a 3% decrease, but core industrial sales increased 10% [22][23] - Marine transportation grew 9%, driven by elevated ship build rates [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth, operational excellence, and innovation, with strategic investments in automation and new facilities [9][11][15] - A new facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is under construction to support advanced manufacturing [10][11] - The company aims to capture growth in aerospace and industrial markets while expanding capabilities in regional repair and overhaul [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued strong demand in aerospace and industrial markets, with a focus on operational excellence [14][15] - The guidance for 2026 reflects confidence in growth across segments, with net sales growth expected between 7% and 12% [26][28] - Anticipated challenges include muted top-line growth in commercial services due to advanced purchases in 2025 [14][28] Other Important Information - The company returned over $238 million to shareholders in 2025, including $173 million in share repurchases [24][25] - A new three-year share repurchase program has been authorized for up to $1.8 billion [25] - Capital expenditures for 2025 were $131 million, with expectations for approximately $290 million in 2026 [24][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What growth is expected for legacy narrowbody engine aftermarket in 2026? - Management expects single-digit growth rates for legacy narrowbody engines in 2026, with some price increases anticipated [40][41] Question: Does the EPS guide include any benefit from the recent share repurchase authorization? - Yes, the EPS guidance includes the expected benefits from the share repurchase authorization [42] Question: How much current power generation revenue is tied to Caterpillar? - Management noted healthy growth from power generation customers, including Caterpillar, but did not specify exact revenue figures [44][45] Question: What are the assumptions for OE de-stocking? - Management anticipates de-stocking could occur by the second quarter of fiscal 2026 if airframe and engine customers meet forecasted rates [69] Question: How should shareholders expect the return of capital to be distributed? - The plan is to spread the return of capital evenly throughout the year [84] Question: Will Q1 margins be below the rest of the year? - Historically, Q1 margins are lower, with expectations for sequential growth throughout the year [85]