Woodward(US:WWD)2025-11-24 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual revenue exceeded $3.5 billion for the first time, marking a record performance [5] - Fourth quarter net sales totaled $995 million, an increase of 16%, while total net sales for 2025 were $3.6 billion, up 7% [17] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $2.09, compared to $1.41, and for 2025, earnings per share were $7.19, up from $6.01 [17][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% [18] - Industrial segment sales for the fourth quarter were $334 million, up 11%, with core industrial sales growing 15% [20] - Aerospace segment earnings for the fourth quarter were $162 million, with margins expanding 520 basis points to 24.4% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace sales growth was driven by strong demand in defense OEM, which increased 27%, while commercial OEM sales were flat [18] - Industrial sales growth included 15% in transportation and 13% in oil and gas, while power generation grew only 6% due to a divestiture [21] - Core industrial margins expanded 330 basis points to 15.2% of core industrial sales, driven by price realization [23] 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] - A new facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is under construction to support advanced manufacturing and increased capacity [10] - The company aims to capture growth in aerospace and industrial markets, with expectations for increased OEM orders and sustained demand [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory across segments, with guidance for 2026 reflecting continued strong demand [26] - Aerospace segment earnings are expected to be 22%-23% of segment sales, while industrial segment earnings are projected at 14.5%-15.5% [27] - The company anticipates a modest adjustment to cumulative free cash flow targets due to increased capital allocation towards high-return growth investments [16][25] Other Important Information - The company returned over $238 million to shareholders in 2025, including $173 million in share repurchases [24] - A new three-year share repurchase program has been authorized for up to $1.8 billion, reflecting confidence in the company's strategy [25] - Capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be approximately $290 million, including investments in automation and the Spartanburg facility [28] 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 [42][44] Question: How much of the current power generation revenue is tied to Caterpillar? - Management indicated healthy growth from power generation customers, including Caterpillar, but did not specify revenue tied to individual customers [47][49] Question: What are the assumptions for OE de-stocking? - Management expects de-stocking to occur around the second quarter of the fiscal year if airframe and engine customers meet forecasted rates [81][82] Question: Will capital expenditures normalize after the A350 build-out? - Management indicated that the Spartanburg investment is causing a peak in capital expenditures, with future investments being evaluated [90] Question: How should shareholders expect the return of capital to be distributed? - Management plans to spread the return of capital evenly throughout the year [111]