Curtiss-Wright(US:CW)2026-02-12 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall sales for Q4 2025 reached $947 million, a 15% increase year-over-year, driven by 11% organic growth and contributions from the INC Solutions acquisition [4][5] - Operating income increased by 14%, with an operating margin of 19.7% [5][6] - Diluted earnings per share grew by 16% year-over-year, primarily due to higher A&D sales [5][6] - Free cash flow was strong at $315 million, up 13%, reflecting a 224% conversion rate [6] - For the full year 2025, diluted earnings per share increased by 21%, and adjusted free cash flow reached a record $554 million [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) markets saw a 16% growth, with commercial aerospace sales increasing over 20% [5][6] - The defense electronics segment experienced a 17% sales growth, driven by increased demand for tactical communications equipment [12][14] - The naval and power segment's sales increased by 21%, supported by strong revenue growth in naval defense and aftermarket revenues [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall order book reached a record $4.1 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with a book-to-bill ratio of nearly 1.2 times [8][10] - New orders in Q4 increased by 18%, reflecting solid demand in naval defense and commercial nuclear markets [6][10] - Commercial nuclear sales showed tremendous growth, driven by strong demand for aftermarket equipment and advancements in SMR designs [9][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its "Pivot to Growth" strategy, focusing on operational and commercial excellence to drive sales and profitability [4][10] - Investments in research and development are being accelerated to support future organic growth, with a commitment to grow R&D faster than sales over time [7][10] - The company is positioned to benefit from increased global defense spending and the U.S. government's focus on nuclear energy dominance [32][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future, projecting organic sales growth of 6%-8% for 2026, with operating income growth expected to outpace sales growth [10][11] - The company anticipates another year of record free cash flow generation, with a target of $575 million-$595 million for 2026 [29][30] - Management acknowledged challenges in the defense market due to timing delays but remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities [8][10] Other Important Information - The company executed a record $465 million in share repurchases in 2025 and increased its annual dividend for the ninth consecutive year [10] - Capital expenditures are projected to increase by more than 25% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing investments to support growth [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to missile programs and growth opportunities - Management indicated that while there is some exposure to missile telemetry and flight test instrumentation, the primary focus remains on broader defense capabilities aligned with U.S. military priorities [43][44] Question: Clarification on expected AP1000 orders - Management stated that the first orders could come from either European customers or the U.S., with ongoing discussions with Westinghouse regarding production ramp scenarios [46][47] Question: Free cash flow guidance and working capital dynamics - Management highlighted improvements in working capital management, with a target of approximately 18% working capital as a percentage of sales for 2026 [55][57] Question: C-17 order timing and defense electronics bookings - Management confirmed that the C-17 order was booked in Q1, and noted that delayed bookings in defense electronics were due to various timing issues [60][61] Question: Operational and commercial excellence initiatives - Management emphasized that operational excellence remains a core focus, with ongoing initiatives expected to contribute positively to margins in 2026 [68][72]