Financial Performance - The company reported a 35% increase in top-line sales and a 380 basis point expansion in adjusted EBIT margin, resulting in a 73% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share to a record $1.64 for Q1 [1][11] - Orders booked in the first quarter exceeded $550 million, marking a 143% increase compared to the previous year, with all segments experiencing double-digit growth [2][10] - Adjusted EBIT margins improved to 19.4%, with adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA dollars more than doubling from the previous year's first quarter [11][12] Segment Highlights - The aerospace and defense segment saw orders over $380 million, a significant increase from $75 million in the prior year, driven by strong demand from commercial and military aircraft customers [11][12] - The utility solutions group experienced a 10% increase in orders, primarily from strong performance at Doble, although overall sales growth was modest at 1% due to declines in the renewables business [13][14] - The test business had a robust start with orders up over 17% and sales up nearly 27%, benefiting from strong market activity in various sectors [8][14] Guidance and Outlook - The company raised its full-year sales guidance by $20 million, now projecting sales between $1.29 billion and $1.33 billion, primarily driven by the test business [16][17] - Adjusted earnings per share for the full year are now expected to be in the range of $7.90 to $8.15, reflecting a growth of 31% to 35% compared to the previous year [17] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects in its markets, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors, despite some near-term challenges in renewables [7][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company booked over $550 million in orders in Q1 2026, an increase of 143% year-over-year [4] - Top line sales growth was 35%, with adjusted EBIT margin expanding by 380 basis points, leading to a 73% increase in adjusted earnings per share to a record $1.64 [5][12] - Operating cash flow more than doubled to $68.9 million on a continuing operations basis [16] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense segment saw orders over $380 million, compared to $75 million in the prior year, with sales up 76% driven by strong demand [12][6] - Utility Solutions Group orders increased by 10%, but sales were up only 1% due to declines in the renewables business [14] - The Test business had orders up over 17% and sales up nearly 27%, with adjusted EBIT margins improving to 13.8% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong order flow for services and condition monitoring in the Utility Solutions Group, but faced headwinds in the renewables market [7][8] - The aerospace market is experiencing increasing build rates for commercial aerospace OEMs, contributing to the positive outlook [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is raising its full-year sales and earnings guidance due to strong Q1 results and record backlog [10] - Focus remains on strategic acquisitions in utility, aircraft components, and Navy segments to drive long-term growth [49] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term demand across markets, particularly in Navy programs, despite short-term lumpiness in orders [25] - The renewables market is expected to stabilize in the second half of 2026 as developers complete current projects [40] Other Important Information - The company is actively rebuilding a pipeline of M&A opportunities and is focused on strategic acquisitions [48] - Full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance has been increased to a range of $7.90-$8.15, representing growth of 31%-35% compared to 2025 [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on A&D orders and ship set content - Management indicated long-term demand is strong, but specifics on platforms are not available due to the nature of contracts [25][26] Question: Revenue guidance appears conservative - Management expects Q1 to be the strongest growth quarter, with solid growth tapering down through the year [34] Question: Strength in the test business - The test business saw a return to strong orders, particularly in electromagnetic compatibility and medical shielding [38] Question: Military business outside Navy - Management highlighted broad-based strength in military aircraft, including significant orders for F-15EX fighters and ongoing programs for F-35 [52] Question: Capital allocation and M&A opportunities - The company is focused on strategic acquisitions in utility and Navy segments, with a healthy pipeline of opportunities [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company booked over $550 million in orders in Q1, representing a 143% increase year-over-year [4] - Top line sales growth was 35%, with adjusted earnings per share increasing by 73% to a record $1.64 per share [5][12] - Adjusted EBIT margin expanded by 380 basis points to 19.4% [12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense segment saw orders over $380 million, up from $75 million in the prior year, with sales increasing by 76% [12][6] - Utility Solutions Group orders were up 10%, but sales only increased by 1%, primarily due to lower demand in the renewables business [14][8] - Test business had orders up 17% and revenue up 27%, with adjusted EBIT margins improving to 13.8% [16][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong order flow in the aerospace and defense markets, particularly from US and UK Navy programs [5][6] - The renewables market is currently recalibrating, affecting short-term investments, but long-term prospects remain positive [8][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is raising its full-year sales and earnings guidance due to strong Q1 results and record backlog [10][18] - Focus on strategic acquisitions in utility, aircraft components, and Navy segments to drive long-term growth [49] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term demand across markets, particularly in Navy and aerospace sectors [26] - The company anticipates a return to normal growth in the renewables sector by late 2026 [41] Other Important Information - Operating cash flow in Q1 was strong, more than doubling to $68.9 million [16] - Full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance increased to a range of $7.90 to $8.15, reflecting a growth of 31% to 35% compared to 2025 [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on A&D orders and ship set content - Management noted long-term demand is strong, but order activity can be lumpy, particularly for Navy contracts [26] Question: Revenue guidance appears conservative - Management expects Q1 to be the strongest growth quarter, with solid growth tapering down through the year [35] Question: Strength in Test business - The Test segment saw a return of traditional core markets, with strong orders in electromagnetic compatibility and medical shielding [38] Question: Military business outside Navy - Management highlighted broad-based strength in military aircraft, including significant orders for F-15EX fighters [52] Question: Capital allocation and M&A opportunities - The company is actively rebuilding a pipeline of M&A opportunities, focusing on strategic acquisitions in key segments [49]

Core Insights - ESCO Technologies Inc. reported a strong start to fiscal year 2026 with significant increases in sales, orders, and earnings per share, reflecting favorable market conditions and effective execution by the team [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - Q1 2026 sales increased by 35% to $290 million compared to $215 million in Q1 2025 [6]. - Entered orders surged by 143% to $557 million, resulting in a record backlog of $1.4 billion [6][32]. - GAAP EPS from continuing operations rose by 40.5% to $1.11 per share, while adjusted EPS increased by 72.6% to $1.64 per share [6][34]. Segment Performance - Aerospace & Defense (A&D) segment sales increased by 75.7% to $144 million, driven by strong Navy and aerospace performance [7]. - Utility Solutions Group (USG) sales remained stable at $87 million, with a slight increase from the previous year [8]. - Test & Measurement segment sales grew by 26.7% to $58 million, supported by higher demand in U.S. and European markets [12]. Operational Highlights - The company achieved a 320 basis points expansion in adjusted EBITDA margin, reflecting operational efficiency [3]. - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $69 million, an increase of $40 million compared to the prior year [6]. Business Outlook - Full year revenue guidance for FY 2026 has been increased by $20 million, now expected to be in the range of $1.29 to $1.33 billion, indicating 18 to 21% growth over the prior year [10]. - Adjusted EPS guidance for the full year is raised to a range of $7.90 to $8.15 per share, reflecting a midpoint increase of $0.38 from previous guidance [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 30% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations, reaching a record $2.32 per share [4][10] - Adjusted EBIT margin expanded by 100 basis points to 23.9% [10] - Sales for the quarter were $353 million, representing a 29% growth, with organic growth at 8% [10][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment saw orders grow by 60% on a reported basis and 12% organically, with sales increasing by 72% to just over $170 million [11] - Utility Solutions Group experienced 17% growth in orders, driven by Doble, while sales growth was muted at 2% [13] - The test business reported a 10% revenue growth, ending the year with a backlog of $187 million, up nearly 20% compared to the previous year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales for the Navy market increased by 53% in the quarter and 24% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand for submarines [6] - Aerospace revenue was up over 10% in the quarter and 14% year-over-year, driven by increased production rates from Boeing [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the aerospace and Navy end markets, which present durable, long-term growth opportunities [5] - The successful acquisition of Maritime and divestiture of VACO are pivotal steps in the evolution of the company's portfolio [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the long-term outlook for both aircraft and Navy markets, expecting increasing production rates to drive growth [6] - The company anticipates another strong financial year in 2026, with reported sales growth projected in the range of 16%-20% [17] Other Important Information - The company achieved record performance in 2025 across all key metrics, with orders exceeding $1.5 billion, a growth of over 56% [15] - Operating cash flow for the year was just over $200 million, significantly up from nearly $122 million in the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on growth rates and margin trends at the segment level - Management provided guidance of 6%-8% growth for A&D, 6%-8% for Doble, and 3%-5% for test, with expected margin improvements across all segments [21] Question: Update on the integration of SM&T - The integration is on plan, with the Maritime business performing ahead of expectations, and positive new order activity noted [22] Question: Details on $200 million in ESCO maritime orders - The orders are associated with U.K. submarine-related programs, expected to generate revenue over two years [27][29] Question: Headwinds from canceled flights affecting aerospace - Management indicated no significant impact from recent shutdowns, with strong growth expected in aircraft manufacturing [30] Question: Insights on the energy business and potential inflection points - Management noted a potential downturn in the renewables market due to expiring tax credits but expects a return to normal growth rates in 2027 [39][41] Question: Capital allocation priorities moving forward - The company is focused on M&A opportunities within aerospace, navy, or utility markets, emphasizing disciplined investment strategies [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 30% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations, reaching a record $2.32 per share [4][10] - Adjusted EBIT margin expanded by 100 basis points to 23.9% [10] - Sales for the quarter were $353 million, representing a 29% growth, with organic growth at 8% [10][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment saw orders grow by 60% on a reported basis and 12% organically, with sales increasing by 72% to just over $170 million [11] - Utility Solutions Group experienced 17% growth in orders, while sales growth was muted at 2% [13] - The test business reported a 10% revenue growth, ending the year with a backlog up nearly 20% compared to the previous year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales for the Navy market increased by 53% in the quarter and 24% year-over-year [6] - The aerospace market saw revenue up over 10% in the quarter and 14% year-over-year, driven by increased production rates from Boeing [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the aerospace and Navy end markets, which present durable, long-term growth opportunities [5] - The successful acquisition of Maritime and divestiture of VACO are pivotal steps in the evolution of the company's portfolio [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the long-term outlook for both the aircraft and Navy markets, expecting increasing production rates to drive growth [6] - The company anticipates another strong financial year in 2026, with reported sales growth projected in the range of 16%-20% [17] Other Important Information - The company achieved record performance in 2025 across all key metrics, with orders finishing in excess of $1.5 billion, a growth of over 56% [15] - Operating cash flow from continuing operations exceeded $200 million, a significant increase from nearly $122 million in the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on growth rates and margin trends at the segment level - Management provided guidance for A&D business growth at 6%-8%, with expected margin improvements across all segments [21] Question: Update on the integration of SM&T - The integration is on plan, with the Maritime business performing ahead of expectations and positive new order activity noted [22] Question: Details on $200 million in ESCO maritime orders - The orders are associated with U.K. submarine-related programs, expected to generate revenue over two years [27][29] Question: Impact of canceled flights on aerospace - Management indicated no significant impact from shutdowns, with strong growth expected in aircraft manufacturing [30] Question: Thoughts on capital allocation moving forward - The company is actively looking at M&A opportunities, focusing on businesses that fit into aerospace, navy, or utility end markets [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 30% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations to a record $2.32 per share [4][10] - Adjusted EBIT margin improved by 100 basis points to 23.9% [10] - Sales for the quarter were $353 million, representing a 29% growth, with organic growth at 8% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment saw orders grow by 60% on a reported basis and organic growth of 12%, with sales up 72% on a reported basis [11] - Utility Solutions Group experienced 17% growth in orders, while sales growth was muted at 2% [12] - The test business had a 10% revenue growth, ending the year with a backlog up nearly 20% compared to the previous year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales for the Navy market were up 53% in the quarter and 24% year-over-year [6] - The U.S. and U.K. customer bases are focused on increasing build rates for submarines, positively impacting sales and order rates [6] - The renewables market is currently facing headwinds, but long-term growth drivers remain in place [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Maritime and divestiture of VACO are pivotal steps in the evolution of the company's portfolio, enhancing its presence in the Navy market [4][5] - The company aims to focus on aerospace and Navy end markets, which present durable, long-term growth opportunities [5] - The company is actively looking for M&A opportunities that fit into its aerospace, navy, or utility end markets, which are expected to have long-term growth characteristics [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the long-term outlook for both aircraft and Navy markets, expecting increasing production rates to drive growth [6] - The company anticipates another strong financial year in 2026, with reported sales growth expected in the range of 16%-20% [17] - Management acknowledges challenges in the renewables market but believes the business is well-managed and positioned for normalized growth in the future [39] Other Important Information - The company achieved record performance in 2025 across all key metrics, with orders finishing in excess of $1.5 billion, a growth of over 56% [15] - Operating cash flow for the year was just over $200 million, significantly up from nearly $122 million in the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on growth rates and margin trends at the segment level - Management provided guidance for A&D business growth at 6%-8%, with similar expectations for Doble and 3%-5% for test [21][22] Question: Update on the integration of SM&T - Integration is on plan, with the Maritime business performing ahead of expectations and positive new order activity noted [23] Question: Details on $200 million in ESCO maritime orders - Orders are associated with U.K. submarine-related programs, expected to generate revenue over two years [28][29] Question: Impact of canceled flights on aerospace - Management did not see significant impact from recent shutdowns and expects continued growth in aircraft manufacturing [30] Question: Thoughts on capital allocation moving forward - The company is focused on disciplined M&A in aerospace, navy, or utility markets, leveraging a strong balance sheet [41]

Core Insights - ESCO Technologies Inc. reported a strong performance in Q4 2025 and FY 2025, with significant increases in sales, orders, and earnings per share, driven by strong market demand and strategic acquisitions [1][4][6] Financial Performance - Q4 2025 sales increased by 29% to $353 million, with entered orders rising by 30% to $321 million [1][7] - FY 2025 sales grew by 19% to $1.1 billion, with entered orders increasing by 57% to $1.6 billion [1][7] - Q4 2025 GAAP EPS from continuing operations rose by 14% to $1.73, while adjusted EPS increased by 30% to $2.32 [1][7] - For FY 2025, GAAP EPS from continuing operations increased by 13% to $4.49, and adjusted EPS rose by 26% to $6.03 [1][7] Segment Performance - Aerospace & Defense (A&D) segment saw Q4 2025 sales increase by 71.6% to $170 million, with organic sales up by 13.1% and Maritime contributing $58 million [6][30] - For FY 2025, A&D sales increased by 40.4% to $478 million, with organic sales up by 12.5% [6][34] - Utility Solutions Group (USG) reported Q4 2025 sales of $110 million, a slight increase of 1.6%, while FY 2025 sales rose by 3% to $380 million [10][34] - Test segment sales in Q4 2025 increased by 9.6% to $72 million, with FY 2025 sales up by 13.2% to $237 million [10][34] Operational Highlights - The company completed the divestiture of VACCO Industries, recognizing an after-tax gain of $173 million [12] - Management expects double-digit growth in sales, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EPS for FY 2026 [13][18] - The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share is scheduled for January 16, 2026 [13] Business Outlook - For FY 2026, sales are expected to grow by 16% to 20%, with A&D projected to grow by 33% to 38% [18] - Adjusted EBIT is anticipated to increase by approximately 21% to 25%, with margins improving to 20.9% to 21.5% [18] - Adjusted EPS for FY 2026 is expected to rise by 24% to 29%, reaching a range of $7.50 to $7.80 per share [18]

Core Insights - ESCO Technologies Inc. reported a 27% increase in Q3 sales to $296 million, while GAAP EPS from continuing operations decreased by 13% to $0.96. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations increased by 25% to $1.60 [1][4][5] - The company raised its FY 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $5.75 to $5.90, reflecting a growth of 21% to 24% [1][10][11] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 sales increased by $62.7 million (27%) compared to Q3 2024, with organic sales (excluding Maritime sales) increasing by $25.6 million (11%) [5][6] - Entered orders surged by 194% to $749 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 2.53x and a record backlog of $1.17 billion [1][5][7] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $88 million YTD, an increase of $25 million compared to the prior year [5] Segment Performance - Aerospace & Defense (A&D) segment sales increased by $49.1 million (56%) to $136.3 million, driven by a 200% increase in Navy sales [6][29] - Utility Solutions Group (USG) sales increased by $2.1 million (2%) to $92.4 million, with Doble's sales up by 1% and NRG sales up by 8% [12][29] - Test & Measurement segment sales increased by $11.6 million (21%) to $67.7 million, with EBIT and adjusted EBIT increasing to $10.7 million [12][29] Business Outlook - The company expects FY 2025 revenue from continuing operations to be in the range of $1.075 to $1.105 billion, reflecting a 17% to 20% increase over the prior year [10][11] - Q4 adjusted EPS from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $2.04 to $2.19, representing a growth of 14% to 22% over Q4 2024 [13] Dividend Information - The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share is scheduled for payment on October 16, 2025, to stockholders of record on October 2, 2025 [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders increased by nearly 22% in the quarter, resulting in a record backlog of $932 million [15] - Sales rose by 6.6% in the quarter, with all three segments contributing to the growth [15] - Adjusted EBIT margins were at 18%, with incremental margins on sales growth at 56%, leading to adjusted earnings per share of $1.35, a 24% increase year-over-year [15][21] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Aerospace and Defense**: Orders were up 5% with nearly 8% sales growth, driven by commercial aerospace and Navy orders. Adjusted EBIT margins increased by 400 basis points, with EBIT dollars up 28% due to favorable pricing and mix [16][17] - **Utility Solutions Group**: Orders grew nearly 17%, with sales growth of 4%. Adjusted EBIT margins improved to 23%, up 290 basis points year-over-year [18] - **Test Business**: Orders surged by 75%, with sales up 9%. Margins improved to 12.4%, benefiting from volume leverage and price increases [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace and defense market is expected to continue growing despite macro uncertainties, with strong demand for commercial and defense aircraft [8] - The utility market is experiencing a favorable business cycle, driven by increased electricity demand and aging infrastructure [11] - The renewable energy market is recalibrating, but order activity is improving compared to the previous year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed a major acquisition of SMMP, rebranding it as ESCO Maritime Solutions, which is expected to enhance margins and growth [10] - The strategic planning process assessed end markets and strategies to achieve above-market growth [7] - The company remains focused on navigating macroeconomic challenges while leveraging its diverse business mix [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic challenges and highlighted strong operational performance [5][25] - The outlook for the aerospace and defense markets remains positive, with expectations for continued growth despite recent order moderation [8] - Management acknowledged potential impacts from tariffs but emphasized proactive measures to mitigate risks [34] Other Important Information - The company updated its earnings guidance for 2025, projecting adjusted earnings per share in the range of $5.85 to $6.15 [23] - The acquisition of ESCO Maritime Solutions is expected to contribute adjusted earnings per share of $0.20 to $0.30 for the remainder of the fiscal year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the sale of VACCO - Management indicated ongoing interest in the sale process, with a decision expected by May [28] Question: Performance of the underlying business - Management noted improvements in overall business performance, with stabilization observed compared to previous years [30] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - The estimated tariff impact of $2 million to $4 million is a net figure, factoring in pricing adjustments and operational changes [34] Question: Cash generation from Maritime Solutions - Management expects strong cash flow benefits from the Maritime acquisition, with ongoing assessments as integration progresses [42] Question: Thoughts on shipbuilding budgets and orders - Management expressed confidence in the shipbuilding budget and order flow, particularly for Navy programs [45][76] Question: Insights on commercial aircraft orders - Management noted a moderation in commercial aircraft orders but remains optimistic about future demand normalization [72] Question: Pro forma capital structure and leverage profile - Management indicated a leverage ratio of just over 2.2 at closing, with expectations to reduce it below 2 as debt is paid down [81]