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home / news releases / ESE - ESCO Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results


ESE - ESCO Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results

St. Louis, Aug. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) (ESCO, or the Company) today reported its operating results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2023 (Q3 2023).

Operating Highlight s

  • Q3 2023 GAAP EPS increased 21 percent to $1.08 per share compared to $0.89 per share in Q3 2022.   Q3 2023 Adjusted EPS increased 22 percent to $1.09 per share compared to $0.89 per share in Q3 2022.
  • Q3 2023 Sales increased $29.6 million (13.5 percent) to $248.7 million compared to $219.1 million in Q3 2022.
  • Q3 2023 Entered Orders decreased $41.6 million (16 percent) versus the prior year period to $213.3 million (book-to-bill of 0.86x), resulting in ending backlog of $705 million.   Continuing strength in commercial aerospace, utilities and renewables orders were more than offset by timing related to a few large orders in Q3 2022 that did not repeat.
  • Net cash provided by operating activities was $29 million YTD 2023. Cash flow improved in the quarter but was negatively impacted by higher working capital requirements (higher accounts receivable related to increased sales and higher inventory related to timing and supply chain issues), along with higher interest and tax payments compared to the prior year.
  • Net debt (total borrowings less cash on hand) was $92 million, resulting in a 0.71x leverage ratio and $595 million in liquidity at June 30, 2023.

Bryan Sayler, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, “Q3 was another strong quarter with a number of positive developments. Sales increased 14 percent on the strength of continuing momentum in our aerospace, utility, and renewables end-markets. A&D and USG both again delivered double digit revenue growth and our Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EPS both increased over 20 percent compared to the prior year. We delivered 130 basis points of Adjusted EBIT margin improvement, driven by leverage on aerospace and USG revenue growth, and at Test where we did a great job delivering higher margins on lower sales.

“My transition to the CEO role has gone very well. The quality of our businesses continues to shine and it’s a pleasure to work with such a talented team. We have a committed group of employees that work diligently to drive growth and deliver solid operating results for our company and our shareholders. I want to thank our employees for their dedication as we all work and grow together as a team.”

Segment Performance

A erospace & D efense (A&D)

  • Sales increased $10.9 million (12 percent) to $103.5 million in Q3 2023 from $92.6 million in Q3 2022. Sales growth was driven by commercial and defense aerospace, partially offset by lower Navy and space sales in the quarter. Commercial aerospace increased $7.6 million (24 percent) and defense aerospace increased $6.7 million (54 percent) in the quarter.
  • Q3 2023 EBIT increased $1.0 million to $21.7 million (20.9 percent margin) from $20.7 million (22.4 percent margin) in Q3 2022. There were no adjustments to earnings in either period.   The Q3 margin was negatively impacted by lower space and Navy volume and margin erosion on certain space development contracts, which more than offset leverage on aerospace growth in the quarter.
  • Entered Orders decreased $28 million (26 percent) to $82 million in Q3 2023 compared to $110 million in Q3 2022.   The decrease was primarily driven by a $30 million space order (SLS long lead material) that occurred in Q3 2022. Aerospace order strength continued but was mostly offset by a shift in the timing of Virginia Class submarine orders to later in the year. Ending backlog of $414 million has increased $5 million compared to the prior year end.

U tility Solutions Group (USG)

  • Sales increased $22.8 million (34 percent) to $90.0 million in Q3 2023 from $67.2 million in Q3 2022. Doble’s sales increased by $17.6 million (32 percent) driven by a strong quarter for services, offline testing, protection testing and condition monitoring.   NRG sales increased $5.2 million (45 percent) on continued broad strength across the renewables end-market.
  • EBIT increased $7.3 million in Q3 2023 to $20.4 million from $13.1 million in Q3 2022. Adjusted EBIT increased $7.4 million (56 percent) in Q3 2023 to $20.5 million (22.8 percent margin) from $13.1 million (19.5 percent margin) in Q3 2022. Margins were favorably impacted by leverage on higher revenue and price increases, partially offset by the impacts of wage and material cost inflation and increased commissions, travel, and tradeshow expenses.
  • Entered Orders increased $11 million (15 percent) to $86 million in Q3 2023. Doble orders increased by $2 million (3 percent) and NRG orders increased by $9 million (67 percent). The strength in renewables orders was driven by continuing momentum in wind and solar project pipelines. Ending backlog of $138 million has increased $10 million compared to the prior year end.

Test

  • Sales decreased $4.0 million (7 percent) to $55.3 million in Q3 2023 from $59.3 million in Q3 2022. Lower test and measurement volume in China and the U.S and lower filter sales domestically were partially offset by a strong quarter in EMEA and increased service revenue.
  • EBIT increased $0.2 million in Q3 2023 to $8.6 million (15.6 percent margin) from $8.4 million (14.1 percent margin) in Q3 2022.   There were no adjustments in either period. The Q3 margin improvement was driven by price increases and cost reduction efforts, which more than offset the impact of lower volume and wage and material cost inflation.
  • Entered Orders decreased $24.4 million to $45.9 million in Q3 2023 compared to $70.3 million in Q3 2022. The decrease was primarily due to several large test and measurement orders booked in Q3 2022, and lower test and measurement orders in China related to the resurgence of COVID earlier this year. Ending backlog of $153 million has decreased $5 million compared to the prior year end.

Share Repurchase Program
During Q3 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 2,000 shares for $0.2 million. Year-to-date, the company has repurchased approximately 140,000 shares for $12.4 million.

Dividend Payment
The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share will be paid on October 17, 2023 to stockholders of record on October 3, 2023.

Business Outlook – 202 3
On the strength of our results year-to-date and our expectations for the fourth quarter, we are again raising our full year earnings guidance. We expect Q4 Adjusted EPS in the range of $1.17 to $1.23 which results in Adjusted 2023 EPS in the range of $3.62 to $3.68 (13 to 15 percent growth). This is based on sales in a range of $940 to $950 million (10 to 11 percent annual growth).

C onference Call
The Company will host a conference call today, August 8, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, to discuss the Company’s Q3 2023 results. A live audio webcast and an accompanying slide presentation will be available on ESCO’s investor website at https://investor.escotechnologies.com . For those unable to participate, a webcast replay will be available after the call on ESCO’s investor website.

F orward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding Management’s expectations for fiscal 2023, the effects of continuing inflationary pressures, higher interest rates, pressures related to supply chain performance and labor shortages; our expectations and guidance for 2023 including sales and sales trends; revenues and revenue growth, earnings and Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA margin; the effects of acquisitions; 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, 2022; the effects of a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the emergence of another pandemic, including labor shortages, facility closures, shelter in place policies or quarantines, material shortages, transportation delays, termination or delays of Company contracts, and the inability of our suppliers or customers to perform; the impacts of climate change and related regulation of greenhouse gases; the impacts of natural disasters on the Company’s operations and those of the Company’s customers and suppliers; the timing and content of future contract awards or customer orders; the 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; the success of the Company’s acquisition efforts; delivery delays or defaults by customers; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; changes in the costs and availability of certain raw materials; labor disputes; changes in U.S. tax laws and regulations; other changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and foreign taxation; changes in interest 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 of recently 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 (EPS) 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 and EBITDA are also 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.

About ESCO Technologies
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 the industry leader in RF shielding and EMC test products; 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, 2023
Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2022
Net Sales
$
248,749
219,066
Cost and Expenses:
Cost of sales
147,274
134,454
Selling, general and administrative expenses
55,376
47,479
Amortization of intangible assets
7,132
6,406
Interest expense
2,495
1,331
Other expenses (income), net
966
(106
)
Total costs and expenses
213,243
189,564
Earnings before income taxes
35,506
29,502
Income tax expense
7,563
6,329
Net earnings
$
27,943
23,173
Diluted - GAAP
$
1.08
0.89
Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
$
1.09
(1
)
0.89
Diluted average common shares O/S:
25,827
25,950
(1
)
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, 2023
Nine Months
Ended
June 30, 2022
Net Sales
$
683,386
601,004
Cost and Expenses:
Cost of sales
415,953
371,134
Selling, general and administrative expenses
160,555
142,073
Amortization of intangible assets
21,023
19,383
Interest expense
6,422
3,084
Other expenses (income), net
1,678
(677
)
Total costs and expenses
605,631
534,997
Earnings before income taxes
77,755
66,007
Income tax expense
17,207
14,727
Net earnings
$
60,548
51,280
Diluted - GAAP
$
2.34
1.97
Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
$
2.45
(1
)
2.00
(2
)
Diluted average common shares O/S:
25,890
26,050
(1
)
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.
(2
)
YTD Q3 2022 Adjusted EPS excludes $0.03 per share of after-tax charges associated with the Altanova & NEco acquisition inventory step-up charges and Corporate acquisition related costs.


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
GAAP
As Adjusted
Q3 2023
Q3 2022
Q3 2023
Q3 2022
Net Sales
Aerospace & Defense
$
103,469
92,606
103,469
92,606
USG
89,966
67,201
89,966
67,201
Test
55,314
59,259
55,314
59,259
Totals
$
248,749
219,066
248,749
219,066
EBIT
Aerospace & Defense
$
21,665
20,738
21,665
20,738
USG
20,351
13,135
20,481
13,135
Test
8,643
8,354
8,643
8,354
Corporate
(12,658
)
(11,394
)
(12,438
)
(11,394
)
Consolidated EBIT
38,001
30,833
38,351
30,833
Less: Interest expense
(2,495
)
(1,331
)
(2,495
)
(1,331
)
Less: Income tax expense
(7,563
)
(6,329
)
(7,643
)
(6,329
)
Net earnings
$
27,943
23,173
28,213
23,173
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings of $28.2 million in Q3 2023 exclude $0.01 per share of after-tax charges consisting mainly of Corporate acquisition related costs.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings:
Q3 2023 -
Q3 2022 -
Q3 2023
Q3 2022
As Adj
As Adj
Consolidated EBITDA
$
50,790
42,788
51,140
42,788
Less: Depr & Amort
(12,789
)
(11,955
)
(12,789
)
(11,955
)
Consolidated EBIT
38,001
30,833
38,351
30,833
Less: Interest expense
(2,495
)
(1,331
)
(2,495
)
(1,331
)
Less: Income tax expense
(7,563
)
(6,329
)
(7,643
)
(6,329
)
Net earnings
$
27,943
23,173
28,213
23,173


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
GAAP
As Adjusted
YTD
Q3 2023
YTD
Q3 2022
YTD
Q3 2023
YTD
Q3 2022
Net Sales
Aerospace & Defense
$
285,434
247,671
285,434
247,671
USG
240,172
194,877
240,172
194,877
Test
157,780
158,456
157,780
158,456
Totals
$
683,386
601,004
683,386
601,004
EBIT
Aerospace & Defense
$
52,996
45,042
53,995
45,377
USG
50,543
37,840
50,673
38,307
Test
21,280
20,813
21,280
20,813
Corporate
(40,642
)
(34,604
)
(38,129
)
(34,299
)
Consolidated EBIT
84,177
69,091
87,819
70,198
Less: Interest expense
(6,422
)
(3,084
)
(6,422
)
(3,084
)
Less: Income tax expense
(17,207
)
(14,727
)
(18,045
)
(14,982
)
Net earnings
$
60,548
51,280
63,352
52,132
Note 1: Adjusted net earnings of $63.4 million in YTD Q3 2023 exclude $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.
Note 2: Adjusted net earnings of $52.1 million in YTD Q3 2022 exclude $0.03 per share of after-tax charges associated with the Altanova & NEco acquisition inventory step-up charges and Corporate acquisition related costs.
EBITDA Reconciliation to Net earnings:
YTD
Q3 2023
YTD
Q3 2022
YTD Q3
2023-As Adj
YTD Q3
2022-As Adj
Consolidated EBITDA
$
121,876
105,338
125,518
106,445
Less: Depr & Amort
(37,699
)
(36,247
)
(37,699
)
(36,247
)
Consolidated EBIT
84,177
69,091
87,819
70,198
Less: Interest expense
(6,422
)
(3,084
)
(6,422
)
(3,084
)
Less: Income tax expense
(17,207
)
(14,727
)
(18,045
)
(14,982
)
Net earnings
$
60,548
51,280
63,352
52,132


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30,
2023
September 30,
2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
56,052
97,724
Accounts receivable, net
192,146
164,645
Contract assets
128,284
125,154
Inventories
192,493
162,403
Other current assets
24,847
22,696
Total current assets
593,822
572,622
Property, plant and equipment, net
155,337
155,973
Intangible assets, net
398,418
394,464
Goodwill
505,590
492,709
Operating lease assets
40,314
29,150
Other assets
10,028
9,538
$
1,703,509
1,654,456
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
20,000
20,000
Accounts payable
76,761
78,746
Contract liabilities
122,526
125,009
Other current liabilities
89,664
94,374
Total current liabilities
308,951
318,129
Deferred tax liabilities
78,585
82,023
Non-current operating lease liabilities
36,815
24,853
Other liabilities
44,115
48,294
Long-term debt
128,000
133,000
Shareholders' equity
1,107,043
1,048,157
$
1,703,509
1,654,456


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine Months
Ended
June 30, 2023
Nine Months
Ended
June 30, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings
$
60,548
51,280
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
(used) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
37,699
36,247
Stock compensation expense
7,007
5,318
Changes in assets and liabilities
(72,346
)
(60,172
)
Effect of deferred taxes
(3,706
)
9,020
Net cash provided by operating activities
29,202
41,693
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(17,694
)
(15,592
)
Capital expenditures
(16,993
)
(25,893
)
Additions to capitalized software
(9,263
)
(9,359
)
Net cash used by investing activities
(43,950
)
(50,844
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt
88,000
111,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings
(93,000
)
(64,000
)
Dividends paid
(6,189
)
(6,219
)
Purchases of common stock into treasury
(12,401
)
(19,878
)
Other
(2,557
)
(2,787
)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
(26,147
)
18,116
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(777
)
(4,178
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(41,672
)
4,787
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
97,724
56,232
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
56,052
61,019


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Other Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Backlog And Entered Orders - Q3 2023
Aerospace & Defense
USG
Test
Total
Beginning Backlog - 4/1/23
$
435,246
142,696
162,919
740,861
Entered Orders
81,936
85,510
45,851
213,297
Sales
(103,469
)
(89,966
)
(55,314
)
(248,749
)
Ending Backlog - 6/30/23
$
413,713
138,240
153,456
705,409
Backlog And Entered Orders - YTD Q3 2023
Aerospace & Defense
USG
Test
Total
Beginning Backlog - 10/1/22
$
408,269
128,156
158,597
695,022
Entered Orders
290,878
250,256
152,639
693,773
Sales
(285,434
)
(240,172
)
(157,780
)
(683,386
)
Ending Backlog - 6/30/23
$
413,713
138,240
153,456
705,409


ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
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.
EPS – Adjusted Basis Reconciliation – YTD Q3 2022
EPS – GAAP Basis – YTD Q3 2022
$
1.97
Adjustments (defined below)
0.03
EPS – As Adjusted Basis – YTD Q3 2022
$
2.00
Adjustments exclude $0.03 per share consisting of Altanova & NEco acquisition inventory
step-up charges and Corporate related acquisition costs in the first nine months of 2022.
The $0.03 of EPS adjustments per share consists of $1,107K of pre-tax charges
offset by $255K of tax benefit for net impact of $852K.



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


Stock Information

Company Name: ESCO Technologies Inc.
Stock Symbol: ESE
Market: NYSE
Website: escotechnologies.com

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