Item 1. Business
General Development of Business
Esterline, a Delaware corporation formed in 1967, is a leading specialized manufacturing company principally serving aerospace and defense customers. We design, manufacture and market highly engineered products and systems for application within the industries we serve.
Our strategy is to maintain a leadership position in niche markets for the development and manufacture of highly engineered products that are essential to our customers. We are concentrating our efforts to expand selectively our capabilities in these markets, to anticipate the global needs of our customers and to respond to such needs with comprehensive solutions. Our current business and strategic growth plan focuses on the continuous development of these products in three key technology segments: Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems, and Advanced Materials, including thermally engineered components and specialized high-performance elastomers and other complex materials, principally for aerospace and defense markets. Our products are often mission-critical equipment, which have been designed into particular military and commercial platforms and in certain cases can only be replaced by products of other manufacturers following a formal certification process. As part of our implementation of this growth plan, we focus on, among other things, expansion of our capabilities as a more comprehensive supplier to our customers. Such expansion included the July 26, 2011, acquisition of the Souriau Group (Souriau), which is a leading global supplier of highly engineered connection technologies for harsh environments; the December 30, 2010, acquisition of Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse), which develops and manufactures embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications; and the October 15, 2010, execution of a license agreement with L-3 Avionics Systems, Inc. for the SmartDeck® integrated cockpit technologies to enhance our integrated cockpit capabilities for both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and retrofit opportunities. We also divested a non-core business operating as Pressure Systems, Inc. in 2010. These acquisitions and divestitures are described in more detail in the “Overview” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations contained in Item 7 of this report.
Our products have a long history in the aerospace and defense industry and are found on most military and commercial aircraft, helicopters, and land-based systems. For example, our products are used on the majority of active and in-production U.S. military aircraft and on every Boeing commercial aircraft platform manufactured in the past 75 years. In addition, our products are supplied to Airbus, all of the major regional and business jet manufacturers, and the major aircraft engine manufacturers. We differentiate ourselves through our engineering and manufacturing capabilities and our reputation for safety, quality, on-time delivery, reliability, and innovation - all embodied in the Esterline Performance System, our way of approaching business that helps ensure all employees are focused on continuous improvement. Safety of our operations is a critical factor in our business, and accordingly, we incorporate applicable regulatory guidance in the design of our facilities and the training of our employees using a behavior-based approach that focuses on safety-designed work habits and on-going safety audits. We work closely with OEMs on new, highly engineered product designs which often results in our products being designed into their platforms; this integration often results in sole-source positions for OEM production and aftermarket business. We broadly categorize our commercial and military aerospace aftermarket sales as refitting, repair services, and spare parts. Spare parts alone made up approximately 10% of total sales in fiscal 2012. Refitting and repair services, which represent 5% of total sales, carry higher margins than OEM sales but lower margins than spare parts sales. In many cases, our aftermarket sales span the entire life of an aircraft.
Our sales are diversified across three broad markets: defense, commercial aerospace, and general industrial. For fiscal 2012, approximately 40% of our sales were from the defense market, 40% from the commercial aerospace market, and 20% from the general industrial market.
Financial Information About Industry Segments
A summary of net sales to unaffiliated customers, operating earnings and identifiable assets attributable to our business segments for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 is reported in Note 17 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012, and appears in Item 8 of this report.
Narrative Description of Business
Avionics & Controls
Our Avionics & Controls business segment includes avionics systems, control systems, interface technologies and communication systems capabilities. Avionics systems designs and develops cockpit systems integration and avionics subsystems for commercial and military applications. Control systems designs and manufactures technology interface systems for military and commercial aircraft and land-based as well as sea-based military vehicles. Interface technologies manufactures and develops custom control panels and input systems for medical, industrial, military and casino gaming industries. Communication systems designs and manufactures military audio and data products for severe battlefield environments, embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications, as well as communication control systems to enhance security and aural clarity in military applications. We are a market leader in global positioning systems (GPS), head-up displays, enhanced vision systems, and electronic flight management systems that are used in a broad variety of control and display applications. In addition, we develop, manufacture and market sophisticated, highly reliable technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft. These products include lighted push-button and rotary switches, keyboards, lighted indicators, panels and displays. Over the years, our products have been integrated into many existing aircraft designs, including every Boeing commercial aircraft platform currently in production. Our large installed base provides us with a significant spare parts and retrofit business. We are a Tier 1 supplier on the B-787 program to design and manufacture all of the cockpit overhead panels and embedded software for these systems. We manufacture control sticks, grips and wheels, as well as specialized switching systems. In this area, we primarily serve commercial and military aviation, and airborne and ground-based military equipment manufacturing customers. For example, we are a leading manufacturer of pilot control grips for most types of military fighter jets and helicopters. Additionally, our software engineering center supports our customers’ needs with such applications as primary flight displays, flight management systems, air data computers and engine control systems.
Our proprietary products meet critical operational requirements and provide customers with significant technological advantages in such areas as night vision compatibility and active-matrix liquid-crystal displays (a technology enabling pilots to read display screens in a variety of light conditions as well as from extreme angles). Our products are incorporated in a wide variety of platforms ranging from military helicopters, fighters and transports, to commercial wide- and narrow-body, regional and business jets. In fiscal 2012, some of our largest customers for these products included BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Canadian Commercial Corp., Eurocopter, Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Sikorsky, and Thales.
We also manufacture a full line of keyboard, switch and input technologies for specialized medical equipment, communication systems and comparable equipment for military applications. These products include custom keyboards, keypads, and input devices that integrate cursor control devices, barcode scanners, displays, video, and voice activation. We also produce instruments that are used for point-of-use and point-of-care diagnostics. We have developed a wide variety of technologies, including plastic and vinyl membranes that protect high-use switches and fully depressible buttons, and backlit elastomer switch coverings that are resistant to exposure from harsh chemicals. These technologies now serve as the foundation for a small but growing portion of our product line. In fiscal 2012, some of our largest customers for these products included Alere, Dictaphone, General Electric, Jabil Circuit, Philips, Quidel, Roche, Siemens, and WMS.
In addition, we design and manufacture ruggedized military personal communication equipment, primarily headsets. We are the sole supplier of Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets to the British Army’s tracked and wheeled vehicle fleets under the Bowman communication system program. In the U.S., we supply ANR headsets to the U.S. Army’s tracked and wheeled vehicle fleets under the Vehicle Intercom System (VIS) and VIS-X programs comprising over 200,000 vehicles, and we are the sole supplier to the U.S. Marine Corps for their MRAP fleet. We are also the sole ANR headset supplier to the Canadian Army. We have a long-standing relationship with armies around the world, including forces in Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. We design and manufacture signal intelligence and communications intelligence (SIGINT/COMINT) receiver hardware for the airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) market. These products incorporate modern, open-architecture software/firmware configurable designs, are deployed on a wide range of U.S. and foreign manned airborne platforms, and on such next generation unmanned platforms as the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk and General Atomics Reaper and Predator. In fiscal 2012, some of our largest customers for these products included The Boeing Company, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Simex Defence.
Sensors & Systems
Our Sensors & Systems business segment includes power systems, connection technologies and advanced sensors capabilities. We develop and manufacture high-precision temperature, pressure and speed sensors principally for aerospace customers, electrical interconnection systems for severe environments for aerospace, defense, geophysics & marine, and nuclear customers, as well as electrical power switching, control and data communication devices, and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers. We are the sole-source supplier of temperature probes for use on all versions of the General Electric/Snecma CFM-56 jet engine. The CFM-56 jet engine has an installed base of 23,500, is standard equipment on the current generation B-737 aircraft and was selected as the engine for approximately 60% of all Airbus single-aisle aircraft delivered to date. We have a contract to design and manufacture the B-787’s sensors for the environmental control system, and provide the primary power distribution assembly for the Airbus A400M military transport. Additionally, we have secured a Tier 1 position with Rolls-Royce for the complete suite of sensors for the engines that will power the A400M and A350. We design and manufacture micro packaging, planet probe interconnectors, launcher umbilicals, and composite connectors for the B-787. Unique electrical interconnection products account for about 75% of our connection technologies sales, and standard products qualified to customer standards or military specifications account for 25% of sales. The principal customers for our products in this business segment are jet engine manufacturers, airframe and industrial manufacturers. In fiscal 2012, some of our largest customers for these products included Astrium, The Boeing Company, Bombardier, Dassault, Flame, General Electric, Honeywell, Labinal, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, SAFRAN, and Sercel.
Advanced Materials
Our Advanced Materials business segment includes engineered materials and defense technologies capabilities. We develop and manufacture high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace, space, and military applications, and highly engineered thermal components for commercial aerospace and industrial applications. We also develop and manufacture combustible ordnance and countermeasures for military applications.
Specialized High-Performance Applications. We specialize in the development of proprietary formulations for silicone rubber and other elastomer products. Our elastomer products are engineered to address specific customer requirements where superior performance in high temperature, high pressure, caustic, abrasive and other difficult environments is critical. These products include clamping devices, thermal fire barrier insulation products, sealing systems, tubing and coverings designed in custom-molded shapes. Some of the products include proprietary elastomers that are specifically designed for use on or near a jet engine. We are a leading U.S. supplier of high-performance elastomer products to the aerospace industry, with our primary customers for these products being jet and rocket engine manufacturers, commercial and military airframe manufacturers, as well as commercial airlines. In fiscal 2012, some of the largest customers for these products included The Boeing Company, Goodrich, KAPCO, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pattonair, and Spirit AeroSystems. We also develop and manufacture high temperature lightweight metallic insulation systems for aerospace and marine applications. Our commercial aerospace programs include the B-737, A320, and A380 series aircraft and the V2500 and BR710 engines. Our insulation material is used on diesel engine manifolds for earthmoving and agricultural applications. In addition, we specialize in the development of thermal protection for fire, nuclear, and petro-chemical industries. We design and manufacture high temperature components for industrial and marine markets. Our manufacturing processes consist of cutting, pressing, and welding stainless steel, inconel and titanium fabrications. In fiscal 2012, some of the largest customers of these products included Airbus, The Boeing Company, B/E Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Goodrich, KAPCO, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and Spirit AeroSystems.
Ordnance and Countermeasure Applications. We develop and manufacture combustible ordnance and warfare countermeasure devices for military customers. We manufacture molded fiber cartridge cases, mortar increments, igniter tubes and other combustible ordnance components primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense. Safety of our operations is a critical factor in manufacturing ordnance and countermeasures, and accordingly, we incorporate applicable regulatory guidance in the design of our facilities and in the training of our employees. As part of our behavior-based approach to training, employees learn safety-designed work habits and perform on-going safety audits. We also monitor safety metrics to ensure compliance. We are currently the sole supplier of combustible casings utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces. Sales are made either directly to the U.S. Department of Defense or through prime contractors, Alliant Techsystems and General Dynamics. These products include the combustible case for the U.S. Army’s new generation 155mm Modular Artillery Charge System, the 120mm combustible case used with the main armament system on the U.S. Army and Marine Corps’ M1-A1/2 tanks, and the 60mm, 81mm and 120mm combustible mortar increments. We are one of two suppliers to the U.S.
Army of infrared decoy flares used by aircraft to help protect against radar and infrared guided missiles. Additionally, we are a supplier of infrared decoy flares to the MoD and other international defense agencies. We are currently the only supplier of radar countermeasures to the U.S. Army.
A summary of product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 is reported in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this report.
Marketing and Distribution
We believe that a key to continued success is our ability to meet customer requirements both domestically and internationally. We have and will continue to improve our world-wide sales and distribution channels in order to provide wider market coverage and to improve the effectiveness of our customers’ supply chain. For example, our medical device assembly operation in Shanghai, China, serves our global medical customers, our service center in Singapore improves our capabilities in Asia for our temperature sensor customers, our marketing representative office in Bangalore, India, facilitates marketing opportunities in India, and our marketing representative office in Beijing, China, facilitates marketing opportunities in China. Other enhancements include combining sales and marketing forces of our operating units where appropriate, cross-training our sales representatives on multiple product lines, and cross-stocking our spares and components.
In the technical and highly engineered product segments in which we compete, relationship selling is particularly appropriate in targeted marketing segments where customer and supplier design and engineering inputs need to be tightly integrated. Participation in industry trade shows is an effective method of meeting customers, introducing new products, and exchanging technical specifications. In addition to technical and industry conferences, our products are supported through direct internal international sales efforts, as well as through manufacturer representatives and selected distributors. As of October 26, 2012, 383 sales people, 323 representatives, and 365 distributors supported our operations internationally.
Backlog
Backlog was $1.3 billion at October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011. We estimate that approximately $408.0 million of backlog is scheduled to be shipped after fiscal 2013.
Backlog is subject to cancellation until delivered, and therefore, we cannot assure that our backlog will be converted into revenue in any particular period or at all. Backlog does not include the total contract value of cost-plus reimbursable contracts, which are funded as we incur the costs. Except for the released portion, backlog also does not include fixed-price multi-year contracts.
Competition
Our products and services are affected by varying degrees of competition. We compete with other companies in most markets we serve, many of which have far greater sales volumes and financial resources. Some of our competitors are also our customers on certain programs. The principal competitive factors in the commercial markets in which we participate are product performance, on-time delivery, service and price. Part of product performance requires expenditures in research and development that lead to product improvement. The market for many of our products may be affected by rapid and significant technological changes and new product introductions. Our principal competitors include Astronautics, BAE, Bose, Eaton, Elbit, EMS, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, IAI, L-3, Otto Controls, RAFI, Rockwell Collins, SELEX, Telephonics, Thales, Ultra Electronics, Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, and Zodiac in our Avionics & Controls segment; Ametek, Amphenol, Eaton, Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand, Meggitt, MPC Products, STPI-Deutsch, Tyco, and Zodiac in our Sensors & Systems segment; and Chemring, Doncasters, Hi-Temp, J&M, JPR Hutchinson, Kmass, Meggitt (including Dunlop Standard Aerospace Group), Rheinmetall, Trelleborg, ULVA, and UMPCO in our Advanced Materials segment.
Research and Development
Our product development and design programs utilize an extensive base of professional engineers, technicians and support personnel, supplemented by outside engineering and consulting firms when needed. In fiscal 2012, we expended approximately $107.7 million for research, development and engineering, compared with $94.5 million in fiscal 2011 and $69.8 million in fiscal 2010. Research and development expense has averaged 5.2% of sales for the three years ended October 26, 2012. We believe continued product development is key to our long-term growth, and consequently, we consistently invest in research and development. Examples include research and development projects relating to advanced
vision systems, SmartDeck® integrated flight control and display system, avionics control panels, A350 engine sensors, high temperature, low observable material for military applications, and spectral countermeasure flares for military applications. We actively participate in customer-funded research and development programs, including applications on C-130 cockpit upgrades, P-8 aircraft and power systems for the HH-47 Chinook helicopter and A400M.
Foreign Operations
Our foreign operations consist of manufacturing facilities located in Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Morocco, and the United Kingdom, and include sales and service operations located in Brazil, China, and Singapore. For further information regarding foreign operations, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this report.
U.S. Government Contracts and Subcontracts
As a contractor and subcontractor to the U.S. government (primarily the U.S. Department of Defense), we are subject to various laws and regulations that are more restrictive than those applicable to private sector contractors. Approximately 7% of our sales were made directly to the U.S. government in fiscal 2012. In addition, we estimate that our subcontracting activities to contractors for the U.S. government accounted for approximately 19% of sales during fiscal 2012. In total, we estimate that approximately 26% of our sales during the fiscal year were subject to U.S. government contracting regulations. Such contracts may be subject to termination, reduction or modification in the event of changes in government requirements, reductions in federal spending, and other factors.
Historically, our U.S. government contracts and subcontracts have been predominately fixed-price contracts. Generally, fixed-price contracts offer higher margins than cost-plus contracts in return for accepting the risk that increased or unexpected costs may reduce anticipated profits or cause us to sustain losses on the contracts. The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. government under both cost-plus and fixed-price contracts are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. The contracts and subcontracts to which we are a party are also subject to profit and cost controls and standard provisions for termination at the convenience of the U.S. government. Upon termination, other than for our default, we will normally be entitled to reimbursement for allowable costs and to an allowance for profit. To date, none of our material fixed-price contracts have been terminated.
Patents and Licenses
Although we hold a number of patents and licenses, we do not believe that our operations are dependent on our patents and licenses. In general, we rely on technical superiority, continual product improvement, exclusive product features, lean manufacturing and operational excellence, including superior lead-time, on-time delivery performance and quality, and customer relationships to maintain competitive advantage.
Seasonality
The timing of our revenues is impacted by the purchasing patterns of our customers and as a result we do not generate revenues evenly throughout the year. Moreover, our first fiscal quarter, November through January, includes significant holiday vacation periods in both Europe and North America. This leads to decreased order and shipment activity; consequently, first quarter results are typically weaker than other quarters and not necessarily indicative of our performance in subsequent quarters.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials and Components
The sources and availability of certain raw materials and components are not as critical as they would be for manufacturers of a single product line, due to our vertical integration and diversification. However, certain components, supplies and raw materials for our operations are purchased from single sources. In such instances, we strive to develop alternative sources and design modifications to minimize the effect of business interruptions.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous waste, and (ii) impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from, sites or past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances.
At various times we have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), and analogous state environmental laws, for the cleanup of contamination resulting from past disposals of hazardous wastes at certain sites to which we, among others, sent wastes in the past. CERCLA requires potentially responsible persons to pay for cleanup of sites from which there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances. Courts have interpreted CERCLA to impose strict, joint and several liability on all persons liable for cleanup costs. As a practical matter, however, at sites where there are multiple potentially responsible persons, the costs of cleanup typically are allocated among the parties according to a volumetric or other standard.
We have accrued liabilities for environmental remediation costs expected to be incurred by our operating facilities. Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered reasonably probable and estimable.
Employees
We had 12,185 employees at October 26, 2012, of which 5,224 were based in the United States, 4,127 in Europe, 1,043 in Canada, 714 in Mexico, 468 in Asia, 468 in Morocco and 141 in the Dominican Republic. Approximately 12% of the U.S.-based employees were represented by a labor union. Our European operations are subject to national trade union agreements and to local regulations governing employment.
Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
See risk factor below entitled “Political and economic changes in foreign countries and markets, including foreign currency fluctuations, may have a material effect on our operating results” under Item 1A
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Our Business and Our Industry
Reductions in defense spending could adversely affect our business.
Approximately 40% of our business is dependent on defense spending. The defense industry is dependent upon the level of equipment expenditures by the armed forces of countries throughout the world, and especially those of the United States, which represents a significant portion of world-wide defense expenditures. In August 2011, Congress enacted the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA), which requires spending caps and certain reductions in security spending over a ten-year period through 2021. Without additional congressional action, further budget cuts (or sequestration) as set forth in the BCA will be implemented on January 3, 2013. While the impact of sequestration is yet to be fully determined, significant additional reductions to defense spending over the next decade could occur.
In the event the sequestration is implemented in January 2013 as currently mandated, there could be a significant adverse impact to our company and to the defense industry in general. Approximately 26% of our fiscal year 2012 sales were to the U.S. government, including sales for which we are the prime or a subcontractor to the prime. While congressional leadership is considering a variety of options to avoid sequestration, it remains uncertain as to whether the government will be able to do so.
Additionally, the war on terror has increased the level of equipment expenditures by the U.S. armed forces. This level of spending may not be sustainable in light of government spending priorities by the U.S. and the winding down of U.S. armed forces operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A global recession may adversely affect our business operations, capital, and cost of capital.
If a recession occurs, our future cost of debt and equity capital could be adversely affected. Any inability to obtain adequate financing from debt and equity sources could force us to self fund strategic initiatives or even forgo some opportunities, potentially harming our financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.
Economic conditions may impair our customers’ business and markets, which could adversely affect our business operations.
In the event a global recession occurs in the United States and other parts of the world, customers may choose to delay or postpone purchases from us until the economy and their businesses strengthen. Decisions by current or future customers to forgo or defer purchases and/or our customers’ inability to pay us for our products may adversely affect our earnings and cash flow.
Implementing our acquisition strategy involves risks, and our failure to successfully implement this strategy could have a material adverse effect on our business.
One of our key strategies is to grow our business by selectively pursuing acquisitions. Since 1996 we have completed over 30 acquisitions, and we are continuing to actively pursue additional acquisition opportunities, some of which may be material to our business and financial performance. Although we have been successful with this strategy in the past, we may not be able to grow our business in the future through acquisitions for a number of reasons, including:
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Acquisition financing not being available on acceptable terms or at all;
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Encountering difficulties identifying and executing acquisitions;
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Increased competition for targets, which may increase acquisition costs;
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Consolidation in our industry reducing the number of acquisition targets; and
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Competition laws and regulations preventing us from making certain acquisitions.
In addition, there are potential risks associated with growing our business through acquisitions, including the failure to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits of an acquisition. For example, with any past or future acquisition, there is the possibility that:
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The business culture of the acquired business may not match well with our culture;
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Technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions may not occur as expected;
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Management may be distracted from overseeing existing operations by the need to integrate acquired businesses;
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We may acquire or assume unexpected liabilities;
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Unforeseen difficulties may arise in integrating operations and systems;
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We may fail to retain and assimilate employees of the acquired business;
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We may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases; and
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Problems may arise in entering new markets in which we may have little or no experience.
Failure to continue implementing our acquisition strategy, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our future financial results could be adversely impacted by asset impairment charges.
We are required to test both acquired goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis based upon a fair value approach, rather than amortizing them over time. We have chosen to perform our annual impairment reviews of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We also are required to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce our enterprise fair value below its book value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, including a significant sustained decline in an entity’s market value, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, or other factors. If the fair market value is less than the book value of goodwill, we could be required to record an impairment charge. The valuation of reporting units requires judgment in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and estimated product life cycles. In making these judgments, we evaluate the financial health of the business, including such factors as industry performance, changes in technology and operating cash flows.
As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $1.1 billion of goodwill, and have $47.9 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets, out of total assets of $3.2 billion at October 26, 2012. As a result, the amount of any annual or interim impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken. During the third fiscal quarter of 2012, management performed a Step One impairment test for Racal Acoustics, Inc. (Racal Acoustics) upon identification of an indicator of impairment, since Racal Acoustics’ third quarter forecast projected an operating loss for fiscal 2012. Additionally, management determined that requirements for hearing protection devices for the U.S. Army would not recover in our five-year planning horizon in light of the cancellation of Humvee retrofits, delays in VIS-X and the slowdown in operational tempo of the U.S. armed forces as well as a global slowdown in defense spending. As required under U.S. GAAP, a Step Two impairment test was required because the current fair value of the business using a discounted cash flow and market approach was less than its carrying amount of the business. Under the Step Two impairment test, all assets and liabilities were assessed at fair value. The excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill resulted in an impairment charge of $52.2 million.
We performed our annual impairment review for fiscal 2012 as of July 28, 2012, and our Step One analysis indicates that no impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived assets exists at any of our other reporting units. Our Souriau reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was approximately 5%, mainly reflecting lower market valuation assumptions in 2012. Management expects that continued improvements in operations will result in favorable actual results compared with our original plan. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $328.0 million at Souriau may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of other assets has been impaired. These other assets include trade names of $36.2 million and intangible assets of $186.6 million. Our CMC Electronics Incorporated (CMC) reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was about 10%, mainly reflecting lower forecast operating results due to the delay in booking new cockpit integration retrofits for military transport aircraft. Management expects that new opportunities for cockpit integration will result in favorable actual results compared to our original plan. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $239.0 million at CMC may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of other assets has been impaired. These other assets include trade names of $27.4 million and intangible assets of $73.9 million. Our Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse) reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was about 14%, mainly reflecting lower forecast operating results due to uncertainty over defense spending beginning in fiscal 2014. Management expects new opportunities for embedded communication intercept signal intelligence applications will result in more favorable results compared to our current forecast. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $67.4 million at Eclipse may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of intangible assets of up to $42.9 million has been impaired.
A long-lived asset to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not deemed recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows. As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $561.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets. As a result, the amount of any annual or interim impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.
The amount of debt we have outstanding, as well as any debt we may incur in the future, could have an adverse effect on our operational and financial flexibility.
As of October 26, 2012, we had approximately $848.7 billion of debt outstanding, which is long-term debt. Under our existing secured credit facility, we have a $460 million revolving line of credit and a 62.0 million term loan (Euro Term Loan). Up to $100.0 million in letters of credit may be drawn in U.K. pounds or euros in addition to U.S. dollars. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and interest is based on standard inter-bank offering rates. In addition, we have unsecured foreign currency credit facilities that have been extended by foreign banks for up to $67.8 million. Available credit under the above credit facilities was $256.2 million at October 26, 2012, reflecting bank borrowings of $240.0 million and letters of credit of $31.7 million.
We also have outstanding $175.0 million 6.625% senior notes due in March 2017 and $250.0 million 7.0% senior notes due in August 2020. The indentures governing those notes and other debt agreements limit, but do not prohibit, us from incurring additional debt in the future. Our level of debt could have significant consequences to our business, including the following:
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Depending on interest rates and debt maturities, a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations could be dedicated to paying principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for our acquisition strategy, capital expenditures or other purposes;
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A significant amount of debt could make us more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions or increases in prevailing interest rates;
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Our ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures or for other purposes could be impaired;
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The increase in the amount of debt we have outstanding increases the risk of non-compliance with some of the covenants in our debt agreements which require us to maintain specified financial ratios; and
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We may be more leveraged than some of our competitors, which may result in a competitive disadvantage.
The loss of a significant customer or defense program could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Some of our operations are dependent on a relatively small number of customers and aerospace and defense programs, which change from time to time. Significant customers in fiscal 2012 included The Boeing Company, Flame, General Electric, Hawker Beechcraft, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, Sikorsky, and the U.S. Department of Defense. There can be no assurance that our current significant customers will continue to buy our products at current levels. The loss of a significant customer or the cancellation of orders related to a sole-source defense program could have a material adverse effect on our operating results if we were unable to replace the related sales.
Our revenues are subject to fluctuations that may cause our operating results to decline.
Our business is susceptible to seasonality and economic cycles, and as a result, our operating results have fluctuated widely in the past and are likely to continue to do so. Our revenue tends to fluctuate based on a number of factors, including domestic and foreign economic conditions and developments affecting the specific industries and customers we serve. For example, it is possible that a global recession could occur and result in a more severe downturn in commercial aviation and defense.
It is also possible that in the future our operating results in a particular quarter or quarters will not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, causing the market price of our common stock or senior notes to decline. We believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance and should not be relied upon to predict our future performance.
Political and economic changes in foreign countries and markets, including foreign currency fluctuations, may have a material effect on our operating results.
Foreign sales originating from non-U.S. locations were approximately 49% of our total sales in fiscal 2012, and we have manufacturing facilities in a number of foreign countries. A substantial portion of our Avionics & Controls operations is based in Canada and the U.K., and a substantial portion of our Sensors & Systems operations is based in the U.K. and France. We also have manufacturing operations in China, the Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Mexico, and Morocco. Doing business in foreign countries is subject to numerous risks, including political and economic instability, restrictive trade policies of foreign governments, economic conditions in local markets, health concerns, inconsistent product regulation or unexpected changes in regulatory and other legal requirements by foreign agencies or governments, the imposition of product tariffs and the burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export laws and differing regulatory requirements. To the extent that foreign sales are transacted in a foreign currency, we are subject to the risk of losses due to foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, we have substantial assets denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar, U.K. pound and euro, that are not offset by liabilities denominated in those foreign currencies. These net foreign currency investments are subject to material changes in the event of fluctuations in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.
We are subject to numerous regulatory requirements, which could adversely affect our business.
Among other things, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and the U.K. Bribery Act which generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from bribing foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. In particular, we may be held liable for actions taken by our strategic or local partners even though our partners are not subject to the FCPA or the U.K. Bribery Act. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA or the U.K. Bribery Act could result in sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are also subject to a variety of international laws, as well as U.S. export laws and regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which generally restrict the export of defense products, technical data and defense services. We have filed voluntary disclosure reports in fiscal 2012 at certain U.S. operating units and voluntarily reported certain technical violations of U.S. export laws and regulations. We continue to enhance our internal and external auditing compliance program. While management believes that this increased oversight is adequate to address the technical violations, the impact of filing these voluntary disclosure statements covering technical violations, as well as compliance with these laws and regulations and any changes thereto, are difficult to predict. The costs to maintain compliance with these regulations, or failure to comply with these regulations could result in penalties, loss, or suspension of contracts or other consequences, any of which could adversely affect our operations or financial condition in the future.
A downturn in the aircraft market could adversely affect our business.
The aerospace industry is cyclical in nature and affected by periodic downturns that are beyond our control. The principal customers for manufacturers of commercial aircraft are the commercial and regional airlines, which can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including a recession, increasing fuel and labor costs, intense price competition, outbreak of infectious disease and terrorist attacks, as well as economic cycles, all of which can be unpredictable and are outside our control. Any decrease in demand resulting from a downturn in the market could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to compete effectively.
Our products and services are affected by varying degrees of competition. We compete with other companies and divisions and units of larger companies in most markets we serve, many of which have greater sales volumes or financial, technological or marketing resources than we do. Our principal competitors include: Astronautics, BAE, Bose, Eaton, ECE, Elbit, EMS, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, IAI, L-3, Otto Controls, RAFI, Rockwell Collins, SELEX, Telephonics, Thales, Ultra Electronics, and Universal Avionics Systems Corporation in our Avionics & Controls segment; Ametek, Amphenol, Eaton, ECE, Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand, MPC Products, Meggitt, STPI-Deutsch, and Tyco in our Sensors & Systems segment; and Chemring, Doncasters, Hitemp, J&M, JPR Hutchinson, Kmass, Meggitt (including Dunlop Standard Aerospace Group), Rheinmetall, Trelleborg, ULVA, and UMPCO in our Advanced Materials segment. The principal competitive factors in the commercial markets in which we participate are product performance, service and price. Maintaining product performance requires expenditures in research and development that lead to product improvement and new product introduction. Companies with more substantial financial resources may have a better ability to make such expenditures. We cannot assure that we will be able to continue to successfully compete in our markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our backlog is subject to modification or termination, which may reduce our sales in future periods.
We currently have a backlog of orders based on our contracts with customers. Under many of our contracts, our customers may unilaterally modify or terminate their orders at any time. In addition, the maximum contract value specified under a government contract awarded to us is not necessarily indicative of the sales that we will realize under that contract. For example, we are a sole-source prime contractor for many different military programs with the U.S. Department of Defense. We depend heavily on the government contracts underlying these programs. Over its lifetime, a program may be implemented by the award of many different individual contracts and subcontracts. The funding of government programs is subject to congressional appropriation.
Changes in defense procurement models may make it more difficult for us to successfully bid on projects as a prime contractor and limit sole-source opportunities available to us.
In recent years, the trend in combat system design and development appears to be evolving toward the technological integration of various battlefield components, including combat vehicles, command and control network communications, advanced technology artillery systems and robotics. If the U.S. military procurement approach continues to require this kind of overall battlefield combat system integration, we expect to be subject to increased competition from aerospace and defense companies which have significantly greater resources than we do.
We may lose money or generate less than expected profits on our fixed-price contracts.
Our customers set demanding specifications for product performance, reliability and cost. Some of our government contracts and subcontracts provide for a predetermined, fixed price for the products we make regardless of the costs we incur. Therefore, we must absorb cost overruns, notwithstanding the difficulty of estimating all of the costs we will incur in performing these contracts and in projecting the ultimate level of sales that we may achieve. Our failure to anticipate technical problems, estimate costs accurately, integrate technical processes effectively or control costs during performance of a fixed-price contract may reduce the profitability of a fixed-price contract or cause a loss. While we believe that we have recorded adequate provisions in our financial statements for losses on our fixed-price contracts as required under GAAP, we cannot assure that our contract loss provisions will be adequate to cover all actual future losses. Therefore, we may incur losses on fixed-price contracts that we had expected to be profitable, or such contracts may be less profitable than expected.
The market for our products may be affected by our ability to adapt to technological change.
The rapid change of technology is a key feature of all of the markets in which our businesses operate. To succeed in the future, we will need to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market, and support new products and enhancements to our existing products in a timely and cost-effective manner. Historically, our technology has been developed through internal research and development expenditures, as well as customer-sponsored research and development programs. There is no guarantee that we will continue to maintain, or benefit from, comparable levels of research and development in the future. In addition, our competitors may develop technologies and products that are more effective than those we develop or that render our technology and products obsolete or noncompetitive. Furthermore, our products could become unmarketable if new industry standards emerge. We cannot assure that our existing products will not require significant modifications in the future to remain competitive or that new products we introduce will be accepted by our customers, nor can we assure that we will successfully identify new opportunities and continue to have the needed financial resources to develop new products in a timely or cost-effective manner.
Our business is subject to government contracting regulations, and our failure to comply with such laws and regulations could harm our operating results and prospects.
We estimate that approximately 26% of our sales in fiscal 2012 were attributable to contracts in which we were either the prime contractor to, or a subcontractor to a prime contractor to, the U.S. government. As a contractor and subcontractor to the U.S. government, we must comply with laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of federal government contracts that affect how we do business with our customers and may impose added costs to our business. For example, these regulations and laws include provisions that contracts we have been awarded are subject to:
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Protest or challenge by unsuccessful bidders; and
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Unilateral termination, reduction or modification in the event of changes in government requirements.
The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. government under both cost-plus and fixed-price contracts are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. Responding to governmental audits, inquiries or investigations may involve significant expense and divert management attention. Our failure to comply with these or other laws and regulations could result in contract termination, suspension or debarment from contracting with the federal government, civil fines and damages, and criminal prosecution and penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
A significant portion of our business depends on U.S. government contracts, which are often subject to competitive bidding, and a failure to compete effectively or accurately anticipate the success of future projects could adversely affect our business.
We obtain many of our U.S. government contracts through a competitive bidding process that subjects us to risks associated with:
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The frequent need to bid on programs in advance of the completion of their design, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and/or cost overruns;
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The substantial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities, required to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us; and
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The design complexity and rapid rate of technological advancement of defense-related products.
In addition, in order to win the award of developmental programs, we must be able to align our research and development and product offerings with the government’s changing concepts of national defense and defense systems. The government’s termination of, or failure to fully fund, one or more of the contracts for our programs would have a negative impact on our operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, we serve as a subcontractor on several military programs that, in large part, involve the same risks as prime contracts.
Overall, we rely on key contracts with U.S. government entities for a significant portion of our sales and business. A substantial reduction in these contracts would materially adversely affect our operating results and financial position.
The airline industry is heavily regulated and if we fail to comply with applicable requirements, our results of operations could suffer.
Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, or the FAA, prescribe standards and qualification requirements for aircraft components, including virtually all commercial airline and general aviation products, as well as regulations regarding the repair and overhaul of aircraft engines. Specific regulations vary from country to country, although compliance with FAA requirements generally satisfies regulatory requirements in other countries. We include, with the replacement parts that we sell to our customers, documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries. In order to sell our products, we and the products we manufacture must also be certified by our individual OEM customers. If any of the material authorizations or approvals qualifying us to supply our products is revoked or suspended, then the sale of the subject product would be prohibited by law, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, the FAA or equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries propose new regulations or changes to existing regulations, which are usually more stringent than existing regulations. If these proposed regulations are adopted and enacted, we may incur significant additional costs to achieve compliance, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on the continued contributions of our executive officers and other key management, each of whom would be difficult to replace.
Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our senior management and our ability to attract and retain other highly qualified management personnel. We face competition for management from other companies and organizations. Therefore, we may not be able to retain our existing management personnel or fill new management positions or vacancies created by expansion or turnover at our existing compensation levels. Although we have entered into change of control agreements with members of senior management, we do not have employment contracts with our key executives, nor have we purchased “key-person” insurance on the lives of any of our key officers or management personnel to reduce the impact to our company that the loss of any of them would cause. Specifically, the loss of any of our executive officers would disrupt our operations and divert the time and attention of our remaining officers. Additionally, failure to attract and retain highly qualified management personnel would damage our business prospects.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights adequately, the value of our products could be diminished.
Our success is dependent in part on obtaining, maintaining and enforcing our proprietary rights and our ability to avoid infringing on the proprietary rights of others. While we take precautionary steps to protect our technological advantages and intellectual property and rely in part on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws, we cannot assure that the precautionary steps we have taken will completely protect our intellectual property rights. Because patent applications in the United States are maintained in secrecy until either the patent application is published or a patent is issued, we may not be aware of third-party patents, patent applications and other intellectual property relevant to our products that may block our use of our intellectual property or may be used in third-party products that compete with our products and processes. In the event a competitor successfully challenges our products, processes, patents or licenses or claims that we have infringed upon their intellectual property, we could incur substantial litigation costs defending against such claims, be required to pay royalties, license fees or other damages or be barred from using the intellectual property at issue, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
In addition to our patent rights, we also rely on unpatented technology, trade secrets and confidential information. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques or otherwise gain access to or disclose our technology. We may not be able to protect our rights in unpatented technology, trade secrets and confidential information effectively. We require each of our employees and consultants to execute a confidentiality agreement at the commencement of an employment or consulting relationship with us. However, these agreements may not provide effective protection of our information or, in the event of unauthorized use of disclosure, they may not provide adequate remedies.
Future asbestos claims could harm our business.
We are subject to potential liabilities relating to certain products we manufactured containing asbestos. To date, our insurance has covered claims against us relating to those products. Commencing November 1, 2003, insurance coverage for asbestos claims has been unavailable. However, we continue to have some insurance coverage for exposure to asbestos contained in our products prior to that date.
As a result of the termination of the NASA Space Shuttle program, manufacturing of rocket engine insulation material containing asbestos ceased in July 2010. In December 2011, we dismantled our facility used to manufacture the asbestos-based insulation for the Space Shuttle program. We have an agreement with the customer for indemnification for certain losses we may incur as a result of asbestos claims relating to a product we previously manufactured, but we cannot assure that this indemnification agreement will fully protect us from losses arising from asbestos claims.
To the extent we are not insured or indemnified for losses from asbestos claims relating to our products, asbestos claims could adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition.
Environmental laws and regulations may subject us to significant liability.
Our business and our facilities are subject to a number of federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances governing, among other things, the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and certain waste products. Among these environmental laws are rules by which a current or previous owner or operator of land may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous materials at such property. In addition, these laws typically impose liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of any hazardous materials. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous materials may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of such substances at the disposal or treatment site, regardless of whether the affected site is owned or operated by them.
Because we own and operate a number of facilities that use, manufacture, store, handle or arrange for the disposal of various hazardous materials, we may incur costs for investigation, removal and remediation, as well as capital costs, associated with compliance with environmental laws. At the time of our asset acquisition of the Electronic Warfare Passive Expendables Division of BAE Systems North America (BAE), certain environmental remedial activities were required under a Part B Permit issued to the infrared decoy flare facility by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Part B Permit was transferred to our subsidiary, Armtec, along with the remedial obligations. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, BAE Systems agreed to perform and
pay for these remedial obligations at the infrared decoy flare facility up to a maximum amount of $25.0 million. BAE is currently conducting monitoring activities as required under the asset purchase agreement. Although environmental costs have not been material in the past, we cannot assure that these matters, or any similar liabilities that arise in the future, will not exceed our resources, nor can we completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials.
An accident at our combustible ordnance or flare countermeasure operations could harm our business.
We are subject to potential liabilities in the event of an accident at our combustible ordnance and flare countermeasure operations. Our products are highly flammable during certain phases of the manufacturing process. Accordingly, our facilities are designed to isolate these operations from direct contact with employees. Our overall safety infrastructure is compliant with regulatory guidelines. In addition, we utilize hazard detection and intervention systems. Our employees receive safety training and participate in internal safety demonstrations. We continuously track safety effectiveness in relation to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OSHA, and the HSE in the U.K. to help ensure performance is within industry standards. In addition, we perform on-going process safety hazard analyses, which are conducted by trained safety teams to identify risk areas that arise. We monitor progress through review of safety action reports that are produced as part of our operations. Although we believe our safety programs are robust and our compliance with our programs is high, it is possible for an accident to occur. For example, an explosion occurred in 2006 at our Wallop facility in the U.K. (causing a fatality, several minor injuries, and extensive damage to the facility). We are insured in excess of our deductible on losses from property, loss of business, and for personal liability claims from an accident; however, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. Significant losses not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may be required to defend lawsuits or pay damages in connection with the alleged or actual harm caused by our products.
We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in harm to others or to property. For example, our operations expose us to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that has been designed, manufactured or serviced by us. We may incur significant liability if product liability lawsuits against us are successful. While we believe our current general liability and product liability insurance is adequate to protect us from future product liability claims, we cannot assure that coverage will be adequate to cover all claims that may arise. Additionally, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. Significant losses not covered by insurance or for which third-party indemnification is not available could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The following table summarizes our properties that are greater than 100,000 square feet or related to a principal operation, including identification of the business segment, as of October 26, 2012:
* The building is located on a parcel of land covering 16.1 acres that is leased by the Company.
In total, we own approximately 2,300,000 square feet and lease approximately 2,000,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities and properties.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe we have adequately reserved for these liabilities and that there is no litigation pending that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Price of Esterline Common Stock
In Dollars
Principal Market - New York Stock Exchange
At the end of fiscal 2012, there were approximately 327 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. On December 18, 2012, there were 325 holders of record of our common stock.
No cash dividends were paid during fiscal 2012 and 2011. We are restricted from paying dividends under our current secured credit facility, and we do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
The following graph shows the performance of the Company’s common stock compared to the S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and the S&P 400 Aerospace & Defense Index for a $100 investment made on October 26, 2007.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Selected Financial Data
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
Selected Financial Data
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
Operating results reflect the segregation of continuing operations from discontinued operations. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating results include the acquisitions of Souriau in July 2011, Eclipse in December 2010, Racal Acoustics in January 2009, and NMC Group, Inc. (NMC) in December 2008. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Excludes the goodwill impairment in 2012 of $52.2 million. Investors, financial analysts, and others in the aerospace and defense industry find it useful to exclude goodwill impairments, because the resulting information is more representative of ongoing operations.
EBITDA from continuing operations is a measurement not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA from continuing operations as operating earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of debt issuance costs). We do not intend EBITDA from continuing operations to represent cash
flows from continuing operations or any other items calculated in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of Esterline’s operating performance. Our definition of EBITDA from continuing operations may not be comparable with EBITDA from continuing operations as defined by other companies. We believe EBITDA is commonly used by financial analysts and others in the aerospace and defense industries and thus provides useful information to investors. Our management and certain financial creditors use EBITDA as one measure of our leverage capacity and debt servicing ability, and is shown here with respect to Esterline for comparative purposes. EBITDA is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available for discretionary uses by us. The following table reconciles operating earnings from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations:
In Thousands
Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $8,139, $28,202, and $7,981 in fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
We define the ratio of debt to EBITDA as total debt divided by EBITDA.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes in Item 8 of this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in Item 1 of this report and the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A of this report.
OVERVIEW
We operate our businesses in three segments: Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials. Our segments are structured around our technical capabilities. Sales in all segments include domestic, international, defense and commercial customers.
The Avionics & Controls segment includes avionics systems, control systems, interface technologies and communication systems capabilities. Avionics systems designs and develops cockpit systems integration and avionics solutions for commercial and military applications. Control systems designs and manufactures technology interface systems for military and commercial aircraft and land- and sea-based military vehicles. Interface technologies manufactures and develops custom control panels and input systems for medical, industrial, military and casino gaming industries. Communication systems designs and manufactures military audio and data products for severe battlefield environments, embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications, as well as communication control systems to enhance security and aural clarity in military applications.
The Sensors & Systems segment includes power systems, connection technologies and advanced sensors capabilities. Power systems develops and manufactures electrical power switching and other related systems, principally for aerospace and defense customers. Connection technologies develops and manufactures highly engineered connectors for harsh environments and serves the aerospace, defense & space, power generation, rail and industrial equipment markets. Advanced sensors develops and manufactures high precision temperature and pressure sensors for aerospace and defense customers.
The Advanced Materials segment includes engineered materials and defense technologies capabilities. Engineered materials develops and manufactures thermally engineered components and high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications. Defense technologies develops and manufactures combustible ordnance components and warfare countermeasure devices for military customers.
Our business and strategic plan focuses on the continued development of our products principally for aerospace and defense markets. We are concentrating our efforts to expand our capabilities in these markets and to anticipate the global needs of our customers and respond to such needs with comprehensive solutions. These efforts focus on continuous research and new product development, acquisitions and strategic realignments of operations to expand our capabilities as a more comprehensive supplier to our customers across our entire product offering.
On July 26, 2011, we acquired the Souriau Group (Souriau). Souriau is a leading global supplier of highly engineered connection technologies for harsh environments. Souriau is included in our Sensors & Systems segment.
On December 30, 2010, we acquired Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse). Eclipse is a designer and manufacturer of embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications. Eclipse is included in our Avionics & Controls segment.
On September 8, 2010, we sold Pressure Systems, Inc. for approximately $25.0 million, which was included in our Sensors & Systems segment.
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012, net income was $61.7 million, or $1.97 per diluted share, compared with $19.4 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. Segment earnings (operating earnings excluding corporate expenses and other income or expense) totaled $90.3 million, or 17.0% of sales, compared with $45.1 million, or 9% of sales, in the prior-year period. The increase in segment earnings reflected improved operating earnings from Avionics & Controls and Advanced Materials. Operating earnings of Sensors & Systems increased due to incremental earnings from the Souriau acquisition and the fiscal 2011 effect of acquisition-related expenses incurred, as well as improved results of advanced sensors and a recovery of non-recurring engineering expenses from a customer in fiscal 2012. Avionics & Controls results benefited from solid earnings from our avionics software testing business compared to an
operating loss in the prior-year period. Avionics & Controls results also benefited from foreign currency exchange gains on embedded derivatives and monetary assets and lower research, development and engineering for avionics systems. Advanced Materials benefited from shipping previously delayed international shipments of flare countermeasure devices in the fourth quarter. The income tax rate for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 was 13.0% compared to 11.8% in the prior-year period. Our income tax rate in the fourth quarter was favorably impacted by a $1.4 million release of valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits as a result of a tax examination.
During fiscal 2012, net income was $112.5 million, or $3.60 per diluted share, compared with $133.0 million, or $4.27 per diluted share, during fiscal 2011. The decrease in net income reflected a $52.2 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, impairment charge against goodwill of Racal Acoustics, our military headset business, which is included in our Avionics & Controls segment.
Excluding the impairment charge, segment earnings totaled $271.5 million, or 13.6% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $240.0 million, or 14% of sales, in fiscal 2011, reflecting weaker sales and earnings from Avionics & Controls and strong results from Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials. Sales and earnings in the fourth quarter increased over the fourth quarter of the prior year. This compared with weaker sales and earnings in each of the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2012 against the respective corresponding quarters in 2011. Avionics & Controls full year results were impacted by lower sales and earnings of the T-6B military trainer and retrofits of military transport aircraft. Sensors & Systems sales and earnings benefited principally due to the inclusion of full-year results from Souriau. This business was acquired in July 2011, and the inventory fair value adjustment was principally recorded in the prior-year period. Sensors & Systems sales and earnings also benefited from improved sales and earnings of advanced sensors and power systems. The increase in Advanced Materials mainly reflected strong sales and earnings from higher sales of engineered materials.
The income tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 20.9% compared with 15.7% for fiscal 2011.
Cash flows from operating activities were $194.2 million in fiscal 2012 compared to $192.4 million in the prior-year period. We paid down our revolving credit facility and Euro Term Loan by $193.1 million during fiscal 2012.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2012 Compared with Fiscal 2011
Sales for fiscal 2012 increased 16.0% over the prior year. Sales by segment were as follows:
The $51.9 million, or (6.2)% decrease, in Avionics & Controls mainly reflected decreased sales volumes of avionics systems of $64 million and communication systems offset by an increase in sales volumes of control systems. The decrease in avionics systems was principally due to lower cockpit integration sales volumes for the T-6B military trainer and retrofits for military transport aircraft. The decrease in sales for the T-6B was due the bankruptcy filing of Hawker Beechcraft. The decrease in segment sales also reflected a $16 million decrease in sales of hearing protection headsets due to reduced demand and order delays, of which about 50% was offset by higher sales of communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications. The increase in control systems sales was mainly due to higher sales to OEM customers. The prior-year period benefited from a $4.4 million retroactive price settlement due to product scope changes.
The $287.8 million, or 69.4% increase, in Sensors & Systems principally reflected incremental sales from the Souriau acquisition of $250 million and increased sales volume of advanced sensors and power systems of $36 million. About 60% of the increase in advanced sensors and power systems sales reflected increased sales of power systems due to higher demand for commercial aviation products. The increase in advanced sensors reflected higher OEM sales and strong aftermarket demand for aerospace and industrial customers. Sales in fiscal 2012 reflected a weaker euro relative to the U.S. dollar compared with the prior-year period.
The $38.5 million, or 8.3% increase, in sales of Advanced Materials principally reflected increased sales volumes of engineered materials of $40 million, partially offset by decreased sales volumes of defense technologies. The increase in engineered materials primarily reflected strong demand for elastomer and insulation materials for commercial aviation products. The decrease in defense technologies principally reflected a decrease in sales of non-U.S. countermeasure flares due to reduced demand and order delays as well as lower demand for combustible ordnance.
Foreign sales originating from non-U.S. locations, including export sales by domestic operations, totaled $1.2 billion and $971.0 million, and accounted for 59.2% and 56.5% of our sales in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Overall, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 36.1% and 34.3% in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Gross profit was $719.0 million and $589.7 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Avionics & Controls segment gross margin was 39.5% and 38.8% for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Segment gross profit was $311.7 million compared to $326.5 million in the prior-year period. The decrease in gross profit was mainly due to lower sales volumes for the T-6B military trainer cockpit and retrofits of military aircraft, partially offset by increased gross profit of our avionics software testing business.
Sensors & Systems segment gross margin was 34.8% and 28.3% for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Segment gross profit was $244.6 million and $117.4 million for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Approximately 10% of the increase in gross profit reflected strong demand for power systems for commercial aviation applications. Approximately 85% of the increase in gross profit was due to incremental gross profit from the Souriau acquisition. Souriau’s gross profit was impacted by a $12 million charge in the first fiscal quarter of 2012 due to recording Souriau’s acquired inventory at its fair value. The prior-year period included a $27.9 million inventory fair value adjustment, recognized principally in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011.
Advanced Materials segment gross margin was 32.5% and 31.6% for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Segment gross profit was $162.7 million and $145.8 million for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in gross profit was principally due to higher sales of elastomer materials and insulation materials primarily for commercial aviation applications. Gross profit on defense technologies increased slightly, principally reflecting an increase in gross profit and margin on flare countermeasures, partially offset by lower gross profit on combustible ordnance due to decreased sales volumes.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (which include corporate expenses) increased to $382.9 million, or 19.2% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $304.2 million, or 17.7% of sales, in fiscal 2011. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense principally reflected a $65.1 million increase in selling, general and administrative expense at our Sensors & Systems segment due to incremental selling, general and administrative expense from the Souriau acquisition. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $19.4 million at Avionics & Controls and Advanced Materials. This increase reflects a $2.8 million increase in bad debt due to the bankruptcy filing of Hawker Beechcraft, $5 million in incremental selling, general and administrative expense from the Eclipse acquisition, and $4.3 million in severance costs. Corporate expense decreased $5.8 million from fiscal 2011, principally reflecting lower acquisition-related expenses.
Research, development and related engineering spending increased to $107.7 million, or 5.4% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $94.5 million, or 5.5% of sales, in fiscal 2011. The $13.2 million increase in research, development and related engineering expense principally reflects the incremental spending of $9 million on connection technologies reflecting a full-year impact due to the acquisition of Souriau and $6 million on power systems.
Segment earnings for fiscal 2012 were $219.4 million, or 11.0% of sales, compared with $240.0 million, or 14.0% of sales, for fiscal 2011. The decrease in segment earnings reflects the $52.2 million impairment charge against goodwill of Racal Acoustics. If the impairment charge is excluded, segment earnings totaled $271.5 million, or 13.6% of sales, for fiscal 2012.
Avionics & Controls segment earnings were $54.9 million, or 7.0% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $135.2 million, or 16.1% of sales, in fiscal 2011. Excluding the $52.2 million impairment charge, segment earnings were $107.1 million, or 13.6% of sales, in fiscal 2012. The decrease in segment earnings from the prior-year period reflects a $22 million decrease in avionics systems earnings and a $5 million decrease in control systems earnings. Avionics systems earnings were impacted by decreased gross profit and a $2.3 million bad debt expense due to the bankruptcy of Hawker Beechcraft, partially offset by a decrease in spending on research, development and engineering. Control systems earnings were impacted by an increase in research, development and engineering expense. Additionally, the second fiscal quarter of 2011 benefited from a $1.1 million recovery of non-recurring engineering expense upon settlement with a customer of control systems.
Sensors & Systems segment earnings were $70.9 million, or 10.1% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $22.5 million, or 5.4% of sales, in fiscal 2011, principally reflecting $40 million in incremental earnings from the Souriau acquisition and increases in sales in both power systems and advanced sensors. Souriau incurred an operating loss of $22.4 million in fiscal 2011 principally reflecting the inventory fair value adjustment referenced above. Power systems benefited from increased gross profits, partially offset by higher research, development and engineering spending. Advanced sensors benefited from increased gross profits mainly due to higher aftermarket demand and a $1.9 million recovery of non-recurring engineering and higher French tax credits on research, development and engineering expense.
Advanced Materials segment earnings were $93.5 million, or 18.7% of sales, in fiscal 2012 compared with $82.3 million, or 17.8% of sales, in fiscal 2011, primarily reflecting increased earnings from sales of engineered materials of $9 million and improved earnings from sales of defense technologies. The increase in engineered materials earnings reflected the increase in gross profit. The prior-year period benefited from a $3.2 million gain on sale of a facility, partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in an estimated liability for an environmental issue, which was paid in fiscal 2012. The improvement in results for defense technologies principally reflected an increase in earnings for countermeasures operations partially offset by decreased earnings of combustible ordnance of $3 million.
Prior to our March 2007 acquisition of CMC, CMC was involved in a transaction in which CMC shareholders had a limited amount of time in which to tender their shares in exchange for cash. In May 2008, after the prescribed time period had expired, CAD $11.8 million remained unclaimed. As a result, the paying agent returned the unclaimed amount to CMC in accordance with Canadian law. In December 2008, CMC’s former parent company instituted a legal action against the paying agent, alleging negligence and breached contract terms by returning the funds to CMC. The plaintiff lost at trial and appealed. In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, CMC received notice that the plaintiff abandoned its appeal. In addition, CMC and the paying agent settled all remaining issues. Management concluded that all contingencies relating to this matter were resolved, and accordingly, the Company recorded a gain of approximately CAD $11.8 million or $11.9 million, or $9.5 million after tax, in the second fiscal quarter of 2012.
Interest expense increased to $46.2 million during fiscal 2012 compared with $40.2 million in the prior year, reflecting higher borrowings.
The income tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 20.9% compared with 15.7% in fiscal 2011. The tax rate was lower than the statutory rate, as both years benefited from various tax credits and certain foreign interest expense deductions. During fiscal 2012, we recognized $8.7 million of discrete income tax benefits as a result of the following items: The first item was a $2.3 million tax benefit due to a change in French tax laws associated with the holding company structure and the financing of the Souriau acquisition. The second item was a $2.9 million reduction of the U.K. statutory income tax rate. The third item was a $2.1 million tax benefit as a result of reconciling the prior year’s income tax return to the U.S. income tax provision and settlement of tax examinations. The fourth item was a $1.4 million release of valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits as a result of a tax examination.
In fiscal 2011, we recognized $11.4 million of discrete income tax benefits as result of the following items. The first item was $3.1 million of income tax benefits due to the retroactive extension of the U.S. federal research and experimentation credits and the release of a valuation allowance related to a net operating loss of an acquired subsidiary. The second item was $5.6 million of income tax benefits associated with net operating losses of an acquired subsidiary as a result of concluding a tax examination. The third item was $3.5 million of net reduction of deferred income tax liabilities as a result of a reduction in the U.K. statutory income tax rate. The fourth item was $0.8 million of income tax expense as a result of reconciling the prior-year’s income tax returns to the prior year’s provision for income tax. We expect the income tax rate to be approximately 23% in fiscal 2013.
It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months approximately $8.5 million of tax benefits associated with research and experimentation tax credits, capital and operating losses that are currently unrecognized could be recognized as a result of settlement of examinations and/or the expiration of a statute of limitations. If these tax benefits were to be recognized during fiscal 2013, fiscal 2013 expected income tax rate could decrease to approximately 21%
To the extent that sales are transacted in a currency other than the functional currency of the operating unit, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risk.
We use forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these hedges qualify under U.S. GAAP, the amount of gain or loss is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) until the related sale occurs. Also, we are subject to foreign currency gains or losses from embedded derivatives on backlog denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our operating companies or its customers. Gains and losses on forward
contracts, embedded derivatives, and revaluation of assets and liabilities denominated in currency other than the functional currency of the Company for fiscal 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
New orders for fiscal 2012 were $2.1 billion compared with $1.9 billion for fiscal 2011. Orders increased across all of our segments. Backlog at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 was $1.3 billion. Approximately $408.0 million is scheduled to be delivered after fiscal 2013. Backlog is subject to cancellation until delivery.
Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010
Sales for fiscal 2011 increased 12.5% over the prior year. Sales by segment were as follows:
The $51.9 million, or 6.6% increase, in Avionics & Controls mainly reflected increased sales volumes of avionics systems of $25 million, control systems of $25 million, and communication systems of $6 million, mostly offset by decreased sales volumes of interface technologies systems. The increase in avionics systems principally reflected strong sales volumes of avionics products of $18.2 million. The increase in control systems reflected strong OEM and after-market sales and a $4.4 million retroactive price settlement due to product scope changes. The first six months of fiscal 2011 benefited from higher demand for after-market spares due to restocking of depleted inventory by our customers. During the second six months, demand levels for spares declined and more closely reflected the underlying activity of the flying fleet. The increased sales of communication systems principally reflected $37.6 million in incremental sales from the Eclipse acquisition completed in the first fiscal quarter of 2011, partially offset by decreased sales of hearing protection headset devices due to uncertainty over the U.S. and U.K. military budgets.
The $116.1 million, or 38.9% increase, in Sensors & Systems mainly reflected incremental sales from the Souriau acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 of $78 million and increased sales volumes of advanced sensors of $16 million and power systems of $22 million. The increase in advanced sensors sales mainly reflected strong aftermarket demand for temperature and pressure sensors. The increase in power systems mainly reflected higher OEM and retrofit sales for commercial aviation. Segment sales in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011 reflected a stronger pound sterling and euro compared to the U.S. dollar compared to the prior-year period, while sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 reflected a weaker pound sterling and euro relative to the U.S. dollar relative to the prior-year period.
The $23.4 million, or 5.3%, increase in sales of Advanced Materials principally reflected a $33 million decrease in sales volumes of defense technologies and a $54 million increase in sales of engineered materials. The decrease in sales of defense technologies mainly reflected lower sales volumes of countermeasures, principally due to lower requirements from our non-U.S. customers. The increase in sales of engineered materials reflected strong demand for elastomer and insulation materials for commercial aerospace applications.
Foreign sales, including export sales by domestic operations, totaled $971.0 million and $860.0 million, and accounted for 56.5% and 56.3% of our sales in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Overall, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 34.3% and 33.8% in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Gross profit was $589.7 million and $516.2 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Avionics & Controls segment gross margin was 38.8% and 35.7% for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Segment gross profit was $326.5 million compared to $282.4 million in the prior-year period. About 70% of the net $44 million increase in segment gross profit was due to strong sales volume and improved gross margin on avionics systems. This reflects increased sales volumes of aviation products and higher gross margin on cockpit integration sales. Nearly 35% of the increase in segment gross profit reflected robust sales of control systems due to strong aftermarket demand and the $4.4 million retroactive price increase referenced above. Control systems gross profit was impacted by a $2.0 million charge in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011 for engineering costs not probable of recovery from the customer. Eclipse’s gross profit was impacted by purchase accounting requirements resulting in a $5.4 million inventory fair value adjustment and recognizing the adjustment as expense over the first inventory turn; approximately $2.0 million was recorded as an expense in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011. Interface technologies gross profit decreased by approximately $3.5 million, principally due to lower demand and gross margin for interface devices for casino gaming applications.
Sensors & Systems segment gross margin was 28.3% and 34.6% for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Segment gross profit was $117.4 million and $103.2 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Connection technologies reported only minimal gross profit, net of a $27.9 million inventory fair value adjustment, principally recognized in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011. An additional $12.6 million in fair value adjustments was recognized in the first fiscal quarter of 2012. Approximately 55% of the increase in segment gross profit was due to increased sales volumes of pressure sensors for OEM and aftermarket requirements. About 45% of the increase in segment gross profit was due to improved gross margin on power systems from increased retrofit and OEM sales.
Advanced Materials segment gross margin was 31.6% and 29.8% for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Segment gross profit was $145.8 million and $130.6 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. A $26 million increase in engineered materials gross profit was partially offset by a decrease in gross profit at our defense technologies operations. The increase in engineered materials gross profit was principally due to increased sales volumes of elastomer and insulation material for commercial aerospace applications. The decrease in gross profit of defense technologies mainly reflected lower sales volumes of countermeasures.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (which include corporate expenses) increased to $304.2 million in fiscal 2011 compared with $258.3 million in fiscal 2010. The $45.9 million increase reflected increases of $9 million of corporate expense, $14 million in our Avionics & Controls segment, and $23 million in our Sensors & Systems segment. The $9 million increase at corporate primarily reflects Souriau acquisition-related expenses, of which approximately $1.4 million was incurred in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011. The $14 million increase in Avionics & Controls reflects $8 million in incremental selling, general and administrative expenses related to the Eclipse acquisition. The $23 million increase in Sensors & Systems reflects $20 million in incremental selling, general and administrative expenses related to the Souriau acquisition. Selling, general and administrative expenses in Advanced Materials increased slightly compared to the prior-year period reflecting $1.9 million for an estimated liability for an environmental issue, $2.0 million in severance at our defense technologies operations and a $1.3 million expense principally related to the write-off of accounts receivable. These increases were principally offset by a $3.2 million gain on a sale of a facility and an insurance recovery in fiscal 2010.
Research, development and related engineering spending increased to $94.5 million, or 5.5% of sales, in fiscal 2011 compared with $69.8 million, or 4.6% of sales, in fiscal 2010. The $24.8 million increase in research, development and related engineering expense principally reflects $14 million in higher spending on avionics systems, $4 million on control systems and $4 million on communication systems.
In fiscal 2011 we benefited from $6.3 million in foreign currency exchange gains associated with funding the acquisition of Souriau.
Segment earnings (operating earnings excluding corporate expenses and other income or expense) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were $45.1 million, or 9.0% of sales, compared with $83.2 million, or 19.3% of sales, for the prior-year period. The $38.1 million decrease in earnings mainly reflected the operating loss of Souriau of $21.6 million, principally due to the fair value inventory adjustment noted above and partially offset by incremental earnings of Eclipse of $2.3 million. The decrease also reflected weaker operating earnings at our avionics systems and communications headset operations totaling $15 million and defense technologies countermeasure operations totaling $8 million, partially offset by stronger operating results at our engineered materials operations of $11 million. Avionics systems earnings in the fourth quarter were impacted by higher research and development expense and lower shipments of the integrated cockpit for the T-6B military trainer compared to the same periods last year. The decrease at communication systems and defense technologies was due to lower demand for headsets and flare countermeasures, respectively, which reflect slower than expected order releases from our defense customers. Engineered materials operations benefited from strong demand for elastomer and insulation materials for commercial aerospace. The decrease in segment earnings also reflected a $2.0 million write-off of engineering costs at controls systems, a $1.1 million inventory and accounts receivable write-off at advanced sensors, a $2.0 million write-off of accounts receivable and inventory at defense technologies, and a $0.6 million late delivery penalty at engineering materials, partially offset by a $3.2 million gain on the sale of an engineered materials facility.
Segment earnings for fiscal 2011 were $240.0 million, or 14.0% of sales, compared with $228.6 million, or 15.0% of sales, for fiscal 2010. Avionics & Controls segment earnings were $135.2 million, or 16.1% of sales, in fiscal 2011 compared with $125.9 million, or 15.9% of sales, in fiscal 2010, mainly reflecting a $12 million increase in earnings from sales of avionics systems, a $9 million increase in earnings from sales of control systems, partially offset by a $10.0 million decrease in earnings from sales of communication systems, and a $2 million decrease in earnings from sales of interface technologies. Avionics systems benefited from strong gross profit, partially offset by a $14 million increase in research, development and engineering expense and a $5.0 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, reflecting increased bid and proposal expense and incentive compensation. Control systems benefited from increased gross profit, partially offset by a $4 million increase in research, engineering and development expense, net of a $1.1 million recovery of non-recurring engineering expense upon settlement with the customer. The decrease in communication systems earnings mainly reflected decreased gross profit from lower sales of certain communication systems for audio and data products for severe battlefield environments, resulting in a $14 million decrease in communication systems earnings, partially offset by incremental income from the Eclipse acquisition.
Sensors & Systems segment earnings were $22.5 million, or 5.4% of sales, in fiscal 2011 compared with $33.9 million, or 11.4% of sales, in fiscal 2010, principally reflecting a $6.6 million increase in advanced sensors and a $4.5 million increase in power systems, both operations benefiting from increased gross profit. Souriau incurred an operating loss of $22.4 million, principally reflecting the inventory fair value adjustment referenced above.
Advanced Materials segment earnings were $82.3 million, or 17.8% of sales, in fiscal 2011 compared with $68.8 million, or 15.7% of sales, in fiscal 2010, primarily reflecting increased earnings from sales of engineered materials, partially offset by a $15 million decrease in defense technologies. The increase in engineered materials principally reflected the increase in gross profit, a $3.2 million gain on sale of a facility, partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in an estimated liability for an environmental issue. Defense technologies principally reflected a $19 million decrease in earnings for countermeasures operations and increased earnings from combustible ordnance. The decrease in earnings for countermeasures mainly reflected the decrease in gross profit and certain charges in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011 totaling $2.0 million, consisting principally of a write-off of an accounts receivable of $0.8 million and $0.5 million in inventory. Also, $2.0 million in severance was recorded in the third fiscal quarter of 2011.
Interest expense increased to $40.2 million during fiscal 2011 compared with $33.2 million in the prior year, reflecting higher borrowings.
The income tax rate for fiscal 2011 was 15.7% compared with 15.8% in fiscal 2010. The tax rate was lower than the statutory rate, as both years benefited from various tax credits and certain foreign interest expense deductions. During fiscal 2011, we recognized $11.4 million of discrete income tax benefits as a result of the following items: $3.1 million of income tax benefits due to the retroactive extension of the U.S. federal research and experimentation credits and the release of a valuation allowance related to a net operating loss of an acquired subsidiary; $5.6 million of income tax benefits associated with net operating losses of an acquired subsidiary as a result of concluding a tax examination; $3.5 million of net reduction of deferred income tax liabilities as a result of enactment of income tax laws reducing the U.K. statutory income tax rate; and $0.8 million of income tax expense as a result of reconciling the prior-year’s income tax returns to the prior year’s provision for income tax.
In fiscal 2010, we recognized $11.0 million in net discrete tax benefits. The $11.0 million discrete tax benefits were the result of four events. The first event was a $7.6 million benefit as a result of the release of tax reserves for uncertain tax positions mainly associated with losses on the disposition of assets. This release of tax reserves resulted from the expiration of a statute of limitations. The second event was a $1.7 million net reduction in deferred income tax liabilities, which was the result of the enactment of tax laws reducing the U.K. statutory income tax rate. The third event was a $0.8 million tax expense related to tax liabilities associated with an examination of the U.S. federal and state income tax returns. The fourth event was a $2.5 million reduction of valuation allowances related to acquired net operating losses and foreign tax credits that were generated in prior years.
To the extent that sales are transacted in a currency other than the functional currency of the operating unit, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risk.
We use forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these hedges qualify under U.S. GAAP, the amount of gain or loss is deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) until the related sale occurs. Also, we are subject to foreign currency gains or losses from embedded derivatives on backlog denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our operating companies or its customers. Gains and losses on forward contracts, embedded derivatives, and revaluation of assets and liabilities denominated in currency other than the functional currency of the Company for fiscal 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
New orders for fiscal 2011 were $1.9 billion compared with $1.6 billion for fiscal 2010. Orders increased across all of our segments, principally reflecting the acquired backlog of Eclipse and Souriau and partially offset by order declines for avionics systems, certain communication systems and defense technologies. Backlog at the end of fiscal 2011 was $1.3 billion compared with $1.1 billion at the end of the prior year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital and Statement of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2012 totaled $160.7 million, a decrease of $24.4 million from the prior year. Net working capital increased to $639.3 million at the end of fiscal 2012 from $621.0 million at the end of the prior year.
Cash flows from operating activities were $194.2 million and $192.4 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Sources of cash flows from operating activities principally consist of cash received from the sale of products offset by cash payments for material, labor and operating expenses.
Cash flows used by investing activities were $48.5 million and $869.0 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Cash flows used by investing activities in fiscal 2012 principally reflected the use of cash for the purchase of capital assets of $49.4 million. Cash flows used by investing activities in fiscal 2011 principally reflected the use of cash for acquisition of businesses of $814.9 million and capital assets of $49.5 million.
Cash flows used by financing activities were $167.8 million in fiscal 2012 and cash flows provided by financing activities were $436.4 million in fiscal 2011. Cash flows used by financing activities in fiscal 2012 primarily reflected cash repayments of our long-term debt and credit facilities of $193.1 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities in fiscal 2011 primarily reflected a $400.0 million increase in our credit facility, $176.9 million in proceeds for the issuance of long-term debt and $164.9 million in cash repayments of long-term debt.
Capital Expenditures
Net property, plant and equipment was $356.4 million at the end of fiscal 2012 compared with $368.4 million at the end of the prior year. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 and 2011 were $49.4 million and $49.5 million, respectively (excluding acquisitions) and included facilities, machinery, equipment and enhancements to information technology systems. Capital expenditures are anticipated to approximate $80.0 million for fiscal 2013, which includes plant expansions, as well as deferred capital spending from 2011 and 2012. We will continue to support expansion through investments in infrastructure including machinery, equipment, and information systems.
Acquisitions
On July 26, 2011, the Company acquired the Souriau Group (Souriau) for approximately $726.7 million, net of acquired cash. Souriau is a leading global supplier of highly engineered connection technologies for harsh environments. Souriau is included in our Sensors & Systems segment.
On December 30, 2010, the Company acquired Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse) for $123.8 million. Eclipse is a designer and manufacturer of embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications. Eclipse is included in our Avionics & Controls segment.
Debt Financing
Total debt decreased $188.0 million from the prior year to approximately $848.7 million at the end of fiscal 2012. Total debt outstanding at the end of fiscal 2012 consisted of $250.0 million Senior Notes due in 2020, $175.0 million of Senior Notes due in 2017, $80.2 million (62.0 million) under our Euro Term Loan, $240.0 million in borrowings under our secured credit facility, $44.9 million under capital lease obligations, $51.8 million government refundable advances, and $6.8 million in various foreign currency debt agreements and other debt agreements.
In July 2011, we amended the secured credit facility to provide for a new 125.0 million term loan (Euro Term Loan). The interest rate on the Euro Term Loan ranges from Euro LIBOR plus 1.5% to Euro LIBOR plus 2.25% depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn. At October 26, 2012, the Company had 62.0 million outstanding or $80.2 million under the Euro Term Loan at an interest rate of Euro LIBOR plus 1.75% or 1.82%. The loan amortizes at 1.25% of the original principal balance quarterly through March 2016, with the remaining balance due in July 2016.
In March 2011, we entered into a secured credit facility for $460.0 million made available through a group of banks. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and interest is based on standard inter-bank offering rates. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 1.5% to LIBOR plus 2.25% depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn. At October 26, 2012, we had $240.0 million outstanding under the secured credit facility at an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% or 1.97%.
On August 2, 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million in 7% Senior Notes due 2020 requiring semi-annual interest payments in March and September of each year until maturity. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes, after deducting $4.4 million of debt issuance cost, were $245.6 million. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior basis, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary,” and those foreign subsidiaries that executed related subsidiary guarantees under the indenture covering the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company at any time prior to August 1, 2015, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued interest to the date of redemption and a make-whole provision. In addition, before August 1, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount at 107.000% plus accrued interest with proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings. The Senior Notes are also subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after August 1, 2015, at redemption prices starting at 103.500% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning August 1, 2015, and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on or after August 1, 2018.
The Company also has $175.0 million outstanding of Senior Notes due in 2017, with an interest rate of 6.625%. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. In 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange the fixed interest rates on the Senior Notes due in 2017 for variable interest rates. The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior basis, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary,” and those foreign subsidiaries that executed related subsidiary guarantees under the indenture covering the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are also subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after March 1, 2012, at redemption prices starting at 103.3125% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning March 1, 2007, and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on or after March 1, 2015.
We believe cash on hand, funds generated from operations and other available debt facilities are sufficient to fund operating cash requirements and capital expenditures through fiscal 2013. Current conditions in the capital markets are uncertain; however, we believe we will have adequate access to capital markets to fund future acquisitions.
Permanent Investment of Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
Our non-U.S. subsidiaries have $138.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at October 26, 2012. Cash and cash equivalents at our U.S. parent and subsidiaries aggregated $21.9 million at October 26, 2012, and cash flow from these operations is sufficient to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt repayments of our domestic operations. We have available credit to our U.S. parent and subsidiaries of $220.0 million on our U.S. secured credit facility. The earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely invested, and accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries is not practical to determine because of the complexities regarding the calculation of unremitted earnings and the potential for tax credits.
Government Refundable Advances
Government refundable advances consist of payments received from the Canadian government to assist in research and development related to commercial aviation. These advances totaled $51.8 million and $34.5 million at October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, respectively. The repayment of the advances is based on year-over-year commercial aviation revenue growth at CMC beginning in 2014. Imputed interest on the advances was 5.03% at October 26, 2012.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations
Our pension plans principally include a U.S. pension plan maintained by Esterline and non-U.S. plans maintained by CMC. Our principal post-retirement plans include non-U.S. plans maintained by CMC, which are non-contributory health care and life insurance plans.
We account for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as our measurement date and we make actuarially computed contributions to our pension plans as necessary to adequately fund benefits. Our funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. In fiscal 2012 and 2011, operating cash flow included $27.3 million and $32.5 million, respectively, of cash funding to these pension plans. We expect pension funding requirements for the plans maintained by Esterline and CMC to be approximately $16.3 million and $10.8 million, respectively, in fiscal 2013. The rate of increase in future compensation levels is consistent with our historical experience and salary administration policies. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on long-term target asset allocations of 70% equity and 30% fixed income. We periodically review allocations of plan assets by investment type and evaluate external sources of information regarding long-term historical returns and expected future returns for each investment type, and accordingly, believe a 6.5% to 7.0% assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is appropriate for both the Esterline and CMC plans. Current allocations are consistent with the long-term targets.
We made the following assumptions with respect to our Esterline pension obligation in 2012 and 2011:
We made the following assumptions with respect to our CMC pension obligation in 2012 and 2011:
We use a discount rate for expected returns that is a spot rate developed from a yield curve established from high-quality corporate bonds and matched to plan-specific projected benefit payments. Although future changes to the discount rate are unknown, had the discount rate increased or decreased by 25 basis points in 2012, pension liabilities in total would have decreased $12.0 million or increased $12.8 million, respectively. If all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2012 pension expense from a hypothetical 25 basis points increase or decrease in both the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would not have a material effect on our pension expense.
We made the following assumptions with respect to our Esterline post-retirement obligation in 2012 and 2011:
We made the following assumptions with respect to our CMC post-retirement obligation in 2012 and 2011:
The assumed health care trend rate has a significant impact on our post-retirement benefit obligations. Our health care trend rate was based on the experience of our plan and expectations for the future. A 100 basis points increase in the health care trend rate would increase our post-retirement benefit obligation by $1.1 million at October 26, 2012. A 100 basis points decrease in the health care trend rate would decrease our post-retirement benefit obligation by $0.9 million at October 26, 2012. Assuming all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2012 post-retirement benefit expense from a hypothetical 100 basis points increase or decrease in the health care trend rate would not have a material effect on our post-retirement benefit expense.
Research and Development Expense
For the three years ended October 26, 2012, research and development expense has averaged 5.2% of sales. We estimate that research and development expense in fiscal 2013 will be about 5% to 5.5% of sales for the full year.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our outstanding contractual obligations as of fiscal year end. Liabilities for income taxes were excluded from the table, as we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of related future payments.
In Thousands
Includes $69.7 million representing interest on capital lease obligations.
Seasonality
The timing of our revenues is impacted by the purchasing patterns of our customers and, as a result, we do not generate revenues evenly throughout the year. Moreover, our first fiscal quarter, November through January, includes significant holiday vacation periods in both Europe and North America. This leads to decreased order and shipment activity; consequently, first quarter results are typically weaker than other quarters and not necessarily indicative of our performance in subsequent quarters.
Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risks
Our debt includes fixed rate and variable rate obligations at October 26, 2012. We are not subject to interest rate risk on the fixed rate obligations. We are subject to interest rate risk on the Euro Term Loan, interest rate swap agreements, and U.S. credit facility. For long-term debt, the table presents principal cash flows and the related weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturities.
A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in average market rates would not have a material effect on our pretax income.
In Thousands
Borrowings under the Euro Term Loan facility bear interest at a rate equal to either: (a) the LIBOR rate plus 1.75% or (b) the “Base Rate” (defined as the higher of Wachovia Bank, National Association’s prime rate and the Federal funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 0.75%.
In Thousands
The average pay rate is LIBOR plus 4.865%.
In Thousands
The average pay rate is LIBOR plus 4.47%.
Currency Risks
We own significant operations in Canada, France and the United Kingdom. To the extent that sales are transacted in a foreign currency, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risk. Furthermore, we have assets denominated in foreign currencies that are not offset by liabilities in such foreign currencies. At October 26, 2012, we had the following monetary assets subject to foreign currency fluctuation risk: U.S. dollar-denominated backlog with customers whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar; U.S. dollar-denominated accounts receivable and payable; and certain forward contracts, which are not accounted for as a cash flow hedge. The foreign exchange rate for the dollar relative to the euro increased to 0.773 at October 26, 2012, from 0.707 at October 28, 2011; the dollar relative to the U.K. pound increased to 0.621 from 0.620; and the dollar relative to the Canadian dollar increased to 0.997 from 0.992. Foreign currency transactions affecting monetary assets and forward contracts resulted in a $2.9 million loss in fiscal 2012, a $13.8 million gain in fiscal 2011, and a $6.1 million gain in fiscal 2010. The $13.8 million gain in fiscal 2011 included a $6.3 million gain due to our holding euros to fund the Souriau acquisition.
Our policy is to hedge a portion of our forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts with maturities up to 45 months. The Company does not enter into any forward contracts for trading purposes. At October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, the notional value of foreign currency forward contracts was $359.3 million and $431.2 million, respectively. The net fair value of these contracts was a $2.5 million asset and a $5.7 million asset at October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, respectively. If the U.S. dollar increased by a hypothetical 5%, the effect on the fair value of the foreign currency contracts would be an increase of $19.2 million. If the U.S. dollar decreased by a hypothetical 5%, the effect on the fair value of the foreign currency contracts would be a decrease of $16.0 million.
The following tables provide information about our significant derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward exchange agreements and certain firmly committed sales transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency at October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011. The information about certain firmly committed sales contracts and derivative financial instruments is in U.S. dollar equivalents. For forward foreign currency exchange agreements, the following tables present the notional amounts at the current exchange rate and weighted-average contractual foreign currency exchange rates by contractual maturity dates.
Firmly Committed Sales Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 26, 2012
Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 26, 2012
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for Euro
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2014.
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 26, 2012
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for U.K. Pound
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2016.
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 26, 2012
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for Canadian Dollar
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2014.
Firmly Committed Sales Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 28, 2011
Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 28, 2011
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency) 1
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for Euro
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2013.
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 28, 2011
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency) 1
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for U.K. Pound
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2013.
Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
At October 28, 2011
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency) 1
Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for Canadian Dollar
The Company has no derivative contracts maturing after fiscal 2013.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from estimates under different assumptions or conditions. These estimates and assumptions are affected by our application of accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies include revenue recognition, accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, accounting for inventories, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, accounting for legal contingencies, accounting for pension benefits, and accounting for income taxes.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectibility is reasonably assured. We recognize product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale. Sales are net of returns and allowances. Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.
Revenues and profits on fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the achievement of contractual milestones and the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to total estimated costs for each contract (cost-to-cost method). We review cost performance and estimates to complete on our ongoing contracts at least quarterly. The impact of revisions of profit estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are made. Provisions for anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in the period they become evident. When change orders have been approved by both the company and the customer for both scope and price and realization is deemed probable, the original contract price is adjusted and revenues are recognized on contract performance (as determined by the achievement of contractual milestones and the cost-to-cost method). For partially approved change orders, costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of the contract performance in the period the costs are incurred. Claims are also recognized as contract revenue when approved by both the company and the customer, based on contract performance.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for losses expected to be incurred on accounts receivable balances. Judgment is required in estimation of the allowance and is based upon specific identification, collection history and creditworthiness of the debtor.
Inventories
We account for inventories on a first-in, first-out or average cost method of accounting at the lower of its cost or market. The determination of market requires judgment in estimating future demand, selling prices and cost of disposal. Judgment is required when determining inventory cost adjustments. Inventory cost adjustments are recorded when inventory is considered to be excess or obsolete based upon an analysis of actual on-hand quantities on a part-level basis to forecasted product demand and historical usage.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment at least annually. We are also required to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce our enterprise fair value below its book value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, including a significant sustained decline in an entity’s market value, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, or other factors.
Goodwill is tested for impairment in a two-step process. The first step (Step One) of the goodwill impairment test involves estimating the fair value of a reporting unit. Fair value (Fair Value) is defined as “the amount at which an asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced liquidation sale.” A reporting unit is generally defined at the operating segment level or at the component level one level below the operating segment, if said component constitutes a business. The Fair Value of a reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value, which is defined as the book basis of total assets less total liabilities. In the event a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated Fair Value, evidence of potential impairment exists. In such a case, the second step (Step Two) of the impairment test is required, which involves allocating the Fair Value of the reporting unit
to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of Fair Value over allocated net assets representing the Fair Value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the estimated Fair Value of goodwill.
As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $1.1 billion of goodwill and $47.9 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets out of total assets of $3.2 billion at October 26, 2012. The amount of any annual or interim impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken. During the third fiscal quarter of 2012, management performed a Step One impairment test for Racal Acoustics upon identification of an indicator of impairment, since Racal Acoustics’ third quarter forecast projected an operating loss for fiscal 2012. Additionally, management determined that requirements for hearing protection devices for the U.S. Army would not recover in our five-year planning horizon in light of the cancellation of Humvee retrofits, delays in VIS-X and the slowdown in operational tempo of the U.S. armed forces as well as a global slowdown in defense spending. The excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill resulted in an impairment charge of $52.2 million.
We performed our annual impairment review for fiscal 2012 as of July 28, 2012, and our Step One analysis indicates that no impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived assets exists at any of our other reporting units. Our Souriau reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was about 5%, mainly reflecting lower market valuation assumptions in 2012. Management expects that continued improvements in operations will result in favorable actual results compared to our original plan. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $328.0 million at Souriau may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of other assets has been impaired. These other assets include trade names of $36.2 million and intangible assets of $186.6 million. Our CMC reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was about 10%, mainly reflecting lower forecast operating results due to the delay in booking new cockpit integration retrofits for military transport aircraft. Management expects that new opportunities for cockpit integration will result in favorable actual results compared to our original plan. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $239.0 million at CMC may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of other assets has been impaired. These other assets include trade names of $27.4 million and intangible assets of $73.9 million. Our Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse) reporting unit’s margin in passing the Step One analysis was about 14%, mainly reflecting lower forecast operating results due to uncertainty over defense spending beginning in fiscal 2014. Management expects new opportunities for embedded communication intercept signal intelligence applications will result in more favorable results compared to our current forecast. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of $67.4 million at Eclipse may be considered impaired. We also may be required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reasons, we determined the value of intangible assets of up to $42.9 million has been impaired.
The valuation of reporting units requires judgment in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and estimated product life cycles. In making these judgments, we evaluate the financial health of the business, including such factors as industry performance, changes in technology and operating cash flows.
We used available market data and a discounted cash flow analysis in completing our 2012 annual impairment test. We believe that our cash flow estimates are reasonable based upon the historical cash flows and future operating and strategic plans of our reporting units. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions. Except for Souriau and CMC, the fair value of all our reporting units exceeds its book value by greater than 30%. A 0.5% change in the discount rate used in the cash flow analysis would result in a change in the fair value of our other reporting units of approximately $71.8 million. A 0.5% change in the growth rate assumed in the calculation of the terminal value of cash flows would result in a change in the fair value of our other reporting units by $53.0 million. None of these changes would have resulted in any of our other reporting units to be impaired.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of are required to be reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. The first step (Step One) of an impairment test of long-lived assets is to determine the amount of future undiscounted cash flow of the long-lived asset. In the event the undiscounted future cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset, a second step is required (Step Two), and the long-lived asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.
As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $561.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets. The amount of any annual or interim impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.
Contingencies
We are party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and have contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business. We are covered by insurance for general liability, product liability, workers’ compensation and certain environmental exposures, subject to certain deductible limits. We are self-insured for amounts less than our deductible and where no insurance is available. An estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
We account for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as our measurement date. We select appropriate assumptions including discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation levels and assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected annual increases in costs of medical and other health care benefits in regard to our post-retirement benefit obligations. Our assumptions are based upon historical results, the current economic environment and reasonable expectations of future events. Actual results which vary from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods, and accordingly, are recognized in expense in these periods. Significant differences between our assumptions and actual experience or significant changes in assumptions could impact the pension costs and the pension obligation.
Income Taxes
The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income (OCI), requiring presentation of comprehensive income in either a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or on separate but consecutive statements, the statement of operations and the statement of OCI. The amendment is effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal year 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacts the presentation of OCI on the financial statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under the section “Disclosures About Market Risk” under Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Statement of Operations
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
In Thousands
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling Interest, and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1: Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Company) designs, manufactures and markets highly engineered products. The Company serves the aerospace and defense industry, primarily in the United States and Europe. The Company also serves the industrial/commercial and medical markets.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Classifications have been changed for certain amounts in prior periods to conform with the current year’s presentation. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Friday of October.
Management Estimates
To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Risks
The Company’s products are principally focused on the aerospace and defense industry, which includes military and commercial aircraft original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, commercial airlines, and the United States and foreign governments. Sales directly to the U.S. government aggregated 7% and 10% of sales in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accordingly, the Company’s current and future financial performance is dependent on the economic condition of the aerospace and defense industry. The commercial aerospace market has historically been subject to cyclical downturns during periods of weak economic conditions or material changes arising from domestic or international events. Management believes that the Company’s sales are fairly well balanced across its customer base, which includes not only aerospace and defense customers but also medical and industrial commercial customers. However, material changes in the economic conditions of the aerospace industry could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale. Sales are net of returns and allowances. Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.
Revenues and profits on fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the achievement of contractual milestones and the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to total estimated costs for each contract (cost-to-cost method). Types of milestones include design review and prototype completion. The Company reviews cost performance and estimates to complete on its ongoing contracts at least quarterly. The impact of revisions of profit estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are made. Provisions for anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in the period they become evident. When change orders have been approved by both the company and the customer for both scope and price and realization is deemed probable, the original contract price is adjusted and revenues are recognized on contract performance (as determined by the achievement of contractual milestones and the cost-to-cost method). For partially approved change orders, costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of the contract performance in the period the costs are incurred. Claims are also recognized as contract revenue when approved by both the company and the customer, based on contract performance.
Research and Development
Expenditures for internally-funded research and development are expensed as incurred. Customer-funded research and development projects performed under contracts are accounted for as work in process as work is performed and recognized as cost of sales and sales under the proportional performance method. Research and development expenditures are net of government assistance and tax subsidies, which are not contingent upon paying income tax. In addition, government assistance for research and development is recorded as a reduction of research and development expense when repayment royalties are contingent upon sales generated directly from the funded research and development. If reimbursement is not tied directly to sales generated from the funded research and development, the assistance is accounted for as a loan until the criteria for forgiveness has been met.
Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swap agreements. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values because of the short-term maturities or expected settlement dates of these instruments. The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings was estimated at $882.5 million and $1.0 billion at fiscal year end 2012 and 2011, respectively. These estimates were derived using discounted cash flows with interest rates currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
The Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates from the sale of products in currencies other than its functional currency. Furthermore, the Company has assets denominated in foreign currencies that are not offset by liabilities in such foreign currencies. The Company has significant operations in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, and accordingly, we may experience gains or losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
The Company’s policy is to hedge a portion of its forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts, with maturities up to 23 months. These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The portion of the net gain or loss on a derivative instrument that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining net gain or loss on the derivative in excess of the present value of the expected cash flows of the hedged transaction is recorded in earnings immediately. If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, or a portion of the hedge is deemed ineffective, the change in fair value is recorded in earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness has not been material in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 26, 2012. At October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, the notional value of foreign currency forward contracts accounted for as a cash flow hedge was $260.7 million and $288.9 million, respectively. The fair value of these contracts was $1.5 million and $4.6 million at October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, respectively. The Company does not enter into any forward contracts for trading purposes.
In July 2011, the Company entered into a Euro Term Loan for 125.0 million under the secured credit facility. The Company designated the Euro Term Loan a hedge of the investment in a certain French business unit. The foreign currency gain or loss that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. To the extent that this hedge is ineffective, the foreign currency gain or loss is recorded in earnings. There was no ineffectiveness in 2012 and 2011. The gain or loss included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income will remain until the underlying investment in a certain French business unit is liquidated. The amount of foreign currency translation included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income was a gain of $19.8 million at October 26, 2012.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the fixed interest rates on notes payable to variable interest rates or terminate any swap agreements in place. These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges. Accordingly, a gain or loss on swap agreements as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged portion of notes payable are recognized in interest expense during the period of the change in fair values. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions which are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement.
In December 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $75.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate on the $75.0 million of the principal amount outstanding. The variable interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus 4.47% and was 4.78% at October 26, 2012.
In November 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $100.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate on the $100.0 million of the principal amount outstanding. The variable interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus 4.87% and was 5.18% at October 26, 2012.
Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the variable interest rates on notes payable to fixed interest rates. These swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges and the fair market value of the hedge instrument is included in Other Comprehensive Income.
The fair market value of the interest rate swaps was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using quoted market interest rates.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents based on year-end exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates. Aggregate exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income. Accumulated gain on foreign currency translation adjustment was $12.3 million, $68.6 million and $58.8 million as of the fiscal years ended October 26, 2012, October 28, 2011, and October 29, 2010, respectively.
Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations and are primarily the result of revaluing assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, gains and losses on forward exchange contracts and the change in value of foreign currency embedded derivatives in backlog. These foreign currency transactions resulted in a $2.9 million loss in fiscal 2012, a $13.8 million gain in fiscal 2011, and a $6.1 million gain in fiscal 2010.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value. Cash equivalents included $29.3 million in cash associated with a letter of credit at October 28, 2011.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoice price for sales billed to customers. Accounts receivable are considered past due when outstanding more than normal trade terms allow. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established when losses are expected to be incurred. Accounts receivable are written off to the allowance for doubtful accounts when the balance is considered to be uncollectible.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method. Inventory cost includes material, labor and factory overhead. The Company defers pre-production engineering costs as work-in-process inventory in connection with long-term supply arrangements that include contractual guarantees for reimbursement from the customer. Inventory cost adjustments are recorded when inventory is considered to be excess or obsolete based upon an analysis of actual on-hand quantities on a part level basis to forecasted product demand and historical usage.
Property, Plant and Equipment, and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and includes expenditures for major improvements. Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 30 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Depreciation expense was $52.4 million, $42.5 million, and $39.5 million for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Assets under capital leases were $38.8 million at October 26, 2012, and $38.1 million at October 28, 2011. Amortization expense of assets accounted for as capital leases is included with depreciation expense. The fair value of liabilities related to the retirement of property is recorded when there is a legal or contractual obligation to incur asset retirement costs and the costs can be estimated. The Company records the asset retirement cost by increasing the carrying cost of the underlying property by the amount of the asset retirement obligation. The asset retirement cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying property.
Debt Issuance Costs
Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method.
Long-lived Asset Impairments
The carrying amount of long-lived assets is reviewed periodically for impairment. An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not deemed recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangibles
Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or when circumstances require. A reporting unit is generally defined at the operating segment level or at the component level one level below the operating segment, if said component constitutes a business. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based upon the purchase price of the acquired unit, the valuation of acquired tangible and intangible assets, and liabilities assumed. When a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment test is required. This test involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of fair value over allocated net assets representing the fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of goodwill.
Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from 2 to 20 years. Amortization expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that an impairment exists.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (other than goodwill) are tested annually for impairment or more frequently on an interim basis if circumstances require.
Environmental
Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered probable and reasonably estimable. No provision has been recorded for environmental remediation costs which could result from changes in laws or other circumstances currently not known by the Company. Costs provided for future expenditures on environmental remediation are not discounted to present value.
Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligations
The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date. Management selects appropriate assumptions including discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation levels and assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected annual increases in costs of medical and other health care benefits in regard to the Company’s post-retirement benefit obligations. These assumptions are based upon historical results, the current economic environment and reasonable expectations of future events. Actual results which vary from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods, and accordingly, are recognized in expense in these periods. Significant differences between our assumptions and actual experience or significant changes in assumptions could impact the pension costs and the pension obligation.
Legal Expenses
The Company recognizes legal costs related to loss contingencies when the expense is incurred.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Product Warranties
Estimated product warranty expenses are recorded when the covered products are shipped to customers and recognized as revenue. Product warranty expense is estimated based upon the terms of the warranty program.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of stock options. Common shares issuable from stock options that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive were 627,475, 331,300, and 50,984 for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share was 30,749,000, 30,509,000, and 29,973,000 for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share was 31,282,000, 31,154,000, and 30,477,000 for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were issued.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income (OCI), requiring presentation of comprehensive income in either a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or on separate but consecutive statements, the statement of operations and the statement of OCI. The amendment is effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal year 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacts the presentation of OCI on the financial statements.
NOTE 2: Discontinued Operations
On September 8, 2010, the Company sold Pressure Systems, Inc., which was included in the Sensors & Systems segment, for approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an after tax gain of $10.4 million. As a result, the consolidated income statement presents Pressure Systems, Inc. as discontinued operations. There were no discontinued operations in 2012.
The operating results of the discontinued operations for fiscal years 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
NOTE 3: Inventories
Inventories at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:
NOTE 4: Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by segment for fiscal 2012 and 2011:
During the third fiscal quarter of 2012, management performed a Step One impairment test for Racal Acoustics upon identification of an indicator of impairment. Racal Acoustics’ third quarter forecast projected an operating loss for fiscal 2012. Additionally, management determined that requirements for hearing protection devices for the U.S. Army would not recover in the five-year planning horizon in light of the cancellation of certain programs that include Racal Acoustics’ products, and the expected decline in demand for Racal Acoustics’ products from the U.S. armed forces. As required under U.S. GAAP, a Step Two impairment test was required because the current fair value of the business using a discounted cash flow and market approach was less than its carrying amount of the business. Under Step Two, the fair value of all Racal Acoustics’ assets and liabilities were estimated, including tangible assets, existing technology, and trade names, for the purpose of deriving an estimate of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the goodwill was then compared to the recorded goodwill to determine the amount of the impairment. Assumptions used in measuring the value of these assets and liabilities included the discount rates, royalty rates, and obsolescence rates used in valuing the intangible assets, and pricing of comparable transactions in the market in valuing the tangible assets. The excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill resulted in an impairment charge of $52.2 million.
NOTE 5: Intangible Assets
Intangible assets at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
Programs represent the valuation of systems or components sold under long-term supply agreements with aerospace companies, military contractors, and OEM manufacturers using similar technology. The valuation of the program includes the values of the program-specific technology, the backlog of contracts, and the relationship with customers which lead to potential future contracts. The valuation of the program is based upon its discounted cash flow at a market-based discount rate.
Amortization of intangible assets was $53,523,000, $40,539,000, and $30,705,000 in fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:
In Thousands
NOTE 6: Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:
Accrued liabilities are recorded to reflect the Company’s contractual obligations relating to warranty commitments to customers. Warranty coverage of various lengths and terms is provided to customers depending on standard offerings and negotiated contractual agreements. An estimate for warranty expense is recorded at the time of sale based on the length of the warranty and historical warranty return rates and repair costs.
Changes in the carrying amount of accrued product warranty costs are summarized as follows:
NOTE 7: Retirement Benefits
Approximately 40% of U.S. employees have a defined benefit earned under the Esterline pension plan.
Under the Esterline plan, pension benefits are based on years of service and five-year average compensation or the highest five consecutive years’ compensation during the last ten years of employment. Esterline amended its defined benefit plan to add the cash balance formula with annual pay credits ranging from 2% to 6% effective January 1, 2003. Participants elected either to continue earning benefits under the current plan formula or to earn benefits under the cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2003, all new participants are enrolled in the cash balance formula. Esterline also has an unfunded supplemental retirement plan for key executives providing for periodic payments upon retirement.
CMC sponsors defined benefit pension plans and other retirement benefit plans for its non-U.S. employees. Pension benefits are based upon years of service and final average salary. Other retirement benefit plans are non-contributory health care and life insurance plans.
The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date. In addition, the Company makes actuarially computed contributions to these plans as necessary to adequately fund benefits. The Company’s funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the Esterline plans are $283,057,000 and $292,183,000, respectively, with plan assets of $217,035,000 as of October 26, 2012. The underfunded status for the Esterline plans is $75,148,000 at
October 26, 2012. Contributions to the Esterline plans totaled $17,097,000 and $24,556,000 in fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively. The expected funding requirement for fiscal 2013 for the U.S. pension plans maintained by Esterline is $16,304,000. The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the CMC plans are $139,904,000 and $141,575,000, respectively, with plan assets of $113,883,000 as of October 26, 2012. The underfunded status for these CMC plans is $27,692,000 at October 26, 2012. Contributions to the CMC plans totaled $10,241,000 and $7,906,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. The expected funding requirement for fiscal 2013 for the CMC plans is $10,847,000.
Principal assumptions of the Esterline and CMC plans are as follows:
The Company uses a discount rate for expected returns that is a spot rate developed from a yield curve established from high-quality corporate bonds and matched to plan-specific projected benefit payments. Although future changes to the discount rate are unknown, had the discount rate increased or decreased by 25 basis points, pension liabilities in total would have decreased $12.0 million or increased $12.8 million, respectively. If all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2012 pension expense from a hypothetical 25 basis points increase or decrease in both the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would not have a material effect on our pension expense. Management is not aware of any legislative or other initiatives or circumstances that will significantly impact the Company’s pension obligations in fiscal 2013.
The assumed health care trend rate has a significant impact on the Company’s post-retirement benefit obligations. The Company’s health care trend rate was based on the experience of its plan and expectations for the future. A 100 basis points increase in the health care trend rate would increase the post-retirement benefit obligation by $1.1 million. A 100 basis points decrease in the health care trend rate would decrease the post-retirement benefit obligation by $0.9 million. Assuming all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2012 post-retirement benefit expense from a hypothetical 100 basis points increase or decrease in the health care trend rate would not have a material effect on our post-retirement benefit expense.
Plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities, consisting primarily of common stocks, bonds and government securities. The objective of these investments is to maintain sufficient liquidity to fund current benefit payments and achieve targeted risk-adjusted returns. Management periodically reviews allocations of plan assets by investment type and evaluates external sources of information regarding the long-term historical returns and expected future returns for each investment type, and accordingly, the 6.5% to 7.0% assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is considered to be appropriate. Allocations by investment type are as follows:
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 26, 2012, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 8.
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 28, 2011, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 8.
Valuation Techniques
Level 1 Equity Securities are actively traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges and are either valued using the market approach at quoted market prices on the measurement date or at the net asset value of the shares held by the plan on the measurement date based on quoted market prices.
Level 1 fixed income securities are primarily valued using the market approach at either quoted market prices, pricing models that use observable market data, or bids provided by independent investment brokerage firms.
Level 2 primarily consists of commingled trust funds that are primarily valued at the net asset value provided by the fund manager. Net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash which is used to pay benefits and cash invested in a short-term investment fund that holds securities with values based on quoted market prices, but for which the funds are not valued on quoted market basis.
Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans at the end of each fiscal year consisted of the following:
The funded status of the defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $442,165,000 at October 26, 2012, and $387,378,000 at October 28, 2011.
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plan or from the Company’s assets are as follows:
In Thousands
Employees may participate in certain defined contribution plans. The Company’s contribution expense under these plans totaled $8,900,000, $8,203,000, and $7,533,000 in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 8: Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy of fair value measurements is described below:
•
Level 1 - Valuations are based on quoted prices that the Company has the ability to obtain in actively traded markets for identical assets and liabilities. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market or exchange traded market, a valuation of these instruments does not require a significant degree of judgment.
•
Level 2 - Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
•
Level 3 - Valuations are based on model-based techniques for which some or all of the assumptions are obtained from indirect market information that is significant to the overall fair value measurement and which require a significant degree of management judgment.
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011:
The Company’s embedded derivatives are the result of entering into sales or purchase contracts that are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency or the supplier’s or customer’s functional currency. The fair value is determined by calculating the difference between quoted exchange rates at the time the contract was entered into and the period-end exchange rate. These contracts are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company’s derivative contracts consist of foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements. These derivative contracts are over the counter and their fair value is determined using modeling techniques that include market inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, and currency exchange rates. These contracts are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company’s contingent purchase obligation consists of additional consideration in connection with the acquisition of Eclipse. The contingent consideration will be paid to the seller if certain performance objectives are met over the three-year period from the date of acquisition. The value recorded on the balance sheet was derived from the estimated probability that the performance objective will be met by the end of the three-year period. The contingent purchase obligation is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company paid $5.0 million of the contingent purchase consideration in the second fiscal quarter of 2012. The Company recorded an additional $0.7 million of contingent purchase obligation in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012.
NOTE 9: Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap contracts for the purpose of minimizing exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on business transactions and interest rates, respectively. The Company’s policy is to execute such instruments with banks the Company believes to be credit worthy and not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. These derivative financial instruments do not subject the Company to undue risk, as gains and losses on these instruments generally offset gains and losses on the underlying assets, liabilities, or anticipated transactions that are being hedged.
All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For a derivative that has not been designated as an accounting hedge, the change in the fair value is recognized immediately through earnings. For a derivative that has been designated as an accounting hedge of an existing asset or liability (a fair value hedge), the change in the fair value of both the derivative and underlying asset or liability is recognized immediately through earnings. For a derivative designated as an accounting hedge of an anticipated transaction (a cash flow hedge), the change in the fair value is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) to the extent the derivative is effective in mitigating the exposure related to the anticipated transaction. The change in the fair value related to the ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. The amount recorded within AOCI is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings.
The fair values of derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis, as the Company does not have any derivative contracts which are subject to master netting arrangements. The Company does not have any derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features or that required the posting of collateral as of October 26, 2012. The cash flows from derivative contracts are recorded in operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
The Company transacts business in various foreign currencies which subjects the Company’s cash flows and earnings to exposure related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These exposures arise primarily from purchases or sales of products and services from third parties. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies at specified future dates at specified exchange rates and are used to offset changes in the fair value of certain assets or liabilities or forecasted cash flows resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies. As of October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts principally to sell U.S. dollars with notional amounts of $358.4 million and $431.2 million, respectively. These notional values consist primarily of contracts for the European euro, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar, and are stated in U.S. dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt, which over time should moderate the costs of debt financing. When considered necessary, the Company may use financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to help meet this objective. In November 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $100.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate on the $100.0 million of the principal amount outstanding. The variable interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus 4.865% and was 5.178% at October 26, 2012. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $2.2 million asset at October 26, 2012, and was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using market interest rates. The Company records interest receivable and interest payable on interest rate swaps on a net basis. In December 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $75.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate on the $75.0 million of the principal amount outstanding. The variable interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus 4.47% and was 4.783% at October 26, 2012. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $1.9 million asset at October 26, 2012, and was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using market interest rates. The Company recognized a net interest receivable on the swaps of $0.5 million at October 26, 2012.
Embedded Derivative Instruments
The Company’s embedded derivatives are the result of entering into sales or purchase contracts that are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency or the supplier’s or customer’s functional currency.
Net Investment Hedge
In July 2011, the Company entered into a Euro Term Loan for 125.0 million under the secured credit facility. The Company designated the Euro Term Loan a hedge of the investment in a certain French business unit. The foreign currency gain or loss that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. To the extent that this hedge is ineffective, the foreign currency gain or loss is recorded in earnings. There has been no ineffectiveness since inception of the hedge.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair values of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of:
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of:
During fiscal years 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded losses of $1.7 million and $0.3 million on foreign currency forward exchange contracts that have not been designated as an accounting hedge, respectively. These foreign currency exchange gains are included in selling, general and administrative expense.
There was no significant impact to the Company’s earnings related to the ineffective portion of any hedging instruments during fiscal years 2012 and 2011. In addition, there was no significant impact to the Company’s earnings when a hedged firm commitment no longer qualified as a fair value hedge or when a hedged forecasted transaction no longer qualified as a cash flow hedge during fiscal years 2012 and 2011.
Amounts included in AOCI are reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction settles. The Company expects to reclassify approximately $0.7 million of net gain into earnings over the next 12 months. The maximum duration of a foreign currency cash flow hedge contract at October 26, 2012, is 23 months.
NOTE 10: Income Taxes
Income tax expense from continuing operations for each of the fiscal years consisted of:
U.S. and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the fiscal years were:
Primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at the end of the fiscal year resulted from temporary tax differences associated with the following:
The tax credit carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely.
The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by various U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions for various tax periods. Additionally, the Company has retained tax liabilities and the rights to tax refunds in connection with various acquisitions and divestitures of businesses in prior years. The Company’s income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company does business. Due to the subjectivity and complexity of the interpretations of the tax laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in the tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, the Company’s estimates of income tax liabilities and assets may differ from actual payments, assessments or refunds.
Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the current and long-term deferred tax assets as a result of future taxable income. Significant factors management considered in determining the probability of the realization of the deferred tax assets include expected future earnings, the Company’s historical operating results and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded on the deferred tax assets other than certain net operating losses.
The U.S. and various state and foreign income tax returns are open to examination and presently several foreign income tax returns are under examination. Such examinations could result in challenges to tax positions taken, and accordingly, the Company may record adjustments to provisions based on the outcomes of such matters. However, the Company believes that the resolution of these matters, after considering amounts accrued, will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
The incremental tax benefit received by the Company upon exercise of non-qualified employee stock options was $0.4 million, $1.8 million, and $3.5 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each of the fiscal years was as follows:
No provision for federal income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, since such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested. The amount of undistributed foreign earnings which are considered to be indefinitely reinvested at October 26, 2012, is approximately $400.0 million. Furthermore, the Company determined it was not practical to estimate the deferred taxes on these earnings. The amount of deferred income taxes is not practical to compute due to the complexity of the Company’s international holding company structure, layers of regulatory requirements that have to be evaluated to determine the amount of allowable dividends, numerous potential repatriation scenarios that could be created to facilitate the repatriation of earnings to the U.S., and the complexity of computing foreign tax credits.
The Company adopted the provisions related to accounting for business combination transactions at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that approximately $8.5 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits related to operating losses and tax credits could decrease as a result of settlement of examinations and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major tax jurisdictions as follows:
NOTE 11: Debt
Long-term debt at the end of fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:
Long-term debt
In July 2011, the Company amended the secured credit facility to provide for a 125.0 million term loan (Euro Term Loan). The interest rate on the Euro Term Loan will range from Euro LIBOR plus 1.5% to Euro LIBOR plus 2.25% depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn. At October 26, 2012, the Company had 62.0 million outstanding or $80.2 million under the Euro Term Loan at an interest rate of Euro LIBOR plus 1.75% or 1.82%. The loan amortizes at 1.25% of the original principal balance quarterly through March 2016, with the remaining balance due in July 2016.
In March 2011, the Company entered into a secured credit facility for $460 million made available through a group of banks. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and interest is based on standard inter-bank offering rates. The credit facility expires in July 2016. The interest rate will range from LIBOR plus 1.5% to LIBOR plus 2.25% depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn. At October 26, 2012, the Company had $240.0 million outstanding under the secured credit facility at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% or 1.97%. An additional $67.8 million of unsecured foreign currency credit facilities have been extended by foreign banks for a total of $527.8 million available companywide. Available credit under the above credit facilities was $256.2 million at fiscal 2012 year end, when reduced by outstanding borrowings of $240.0 million and letters of credit of $31.7 million.
On August 2, 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million in 7% Senior Notes due 2020 and requiring semi-annual interest payments in March and September of each year until maturity. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes, after deducting $4.4 million of debt issuance cost, were $245.6 million. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior basis, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary,” and those foreign subsidiaries that executed related subsidiary guarantees under the indenture covering the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company at any time prior to August 1, 2015, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued interest to the date of redemption and a make-whole provision. In addition, before August 1, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount at 107.000% plus accrued interest with proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings. The Senior Notes are also subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after August 1, 2015, at redemption prices starting at 103.500% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning August 1, 2015, and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on or after August 1, 2018.
On March 1, 2007, the Company issued $175.0 million in 6.625% Senior Notes due March 1, 2017, and requiring semi-annual interest payments in March and September of each year until maturity. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. The Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior basis, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary,” and those foreign subsidiaries that executed related subsidiary guarantees under the indenture covering the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes were also subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after March 1, 2012, at redemption prices starting at 103.3125% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning March 1, 2007, and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on or after March 1, 2015.
Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Company’s $250.0 million 7.0% Senior Notes due August 2020 was $277.5 million and $263.1 million as of October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s $175.0 million 6.625% Senior Notes due March 2017 was $181.3 million and $175.0 million as of October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2011, respectively. The carrying amounts of the secured credit facility and Euro Term Loan due 2016 approximate fair value. Estimates of fair value for the Senior Notes are based on Level 2 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.
Government refundable advances consist of payments received from the Canadian government to assist in research and development related to commercial aviation. The repayment of this advance is based on year-over-year commercial aviation revenue growth at CMC beginning in 2014. Imputed interest on the advance was 5.03% at October 26, 2012.
In December 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $75.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate, LIBOR plus 4.47%. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $1.9 million asset at October 26, 2012.
In November 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $100.0 million on the $175.0 million Senior Notes due in 2017. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate, LIBOR plus 4.865%. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $2.2 million asset at October 26, 2012.
On August 2, 2010, the Company repurchased approximately $157.6 million of the Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013 under a cash tender offer. The remaining $17.4 million of Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013 were redeemed on September 9, 2010. A loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million was recorded, which includes recognizing previously recorded deferred gains on terminated interest rate swaps of $3.7 million.
Capital leases
In fiscal 2009, the Company amended the building lease for an interface technologies facility to extend the term of the lease to 2027. At October 26, 2012, the amount recorded as a capitalized lease obligation is $12.1 million. The imputed interest rate is 6.4%.
In fiscal 2008, the Company entered into a land and building lease for a 216,000 square-foot manufacturing facility for a control systems operation. The land and building lease has a fixed term of 30 years and includes an option to purchase the building at fair market value five years after construction is complete. The expected minimum lease payments include a 2% minimum annual rent increase. At October 26, 2012, the amount recorded as a capitalized lease obligation is $32.1 million. The imputed interest rate is 8.2%.
As of October 26, 2012, aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt and future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations were as follows:
A number of underlying agreements contain various covenant restrictions which include maintenance of net worth, payment of dividends, interest coverage, and limitations on additional borrowings. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at October 26, 2012.
Subsequent to year end, the Company has paid down $15,000,000 on the U.S. credit facility and $19,440,000 on the Euro Term Loan.
NOTE 12: Commitments and Contingencies
Rental expense for operating leases for engineering, selling, administrative and manufacturing totaled $17,603,000, $14,208,000 and $14,498,000 in fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
At October 26, 2012, the Company’s rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with a duration in excess of one year were as follows:
The Company is subject to purchase obligations for goods and services. The purchase obligations include amounts under legally enforceable agreements for goods and services with defined terms as to quantity, price and timing of delivery. As of October 26, 2012, the Company’s purchase obligations were as follows:
In Thousands
The Company is a party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and has contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company believes that it has made appropriate and adequate provisions for contingent liabilities.
Prior to the March 2007 acquisition of CMC, CMC was involved in a transaction in which CMC shareholders had a limited amount of time in which to tender their shares in exchange for cash. In May 2008, after the prescribed time period had expired, CAD $11.8 million remained unclaimed. As a result, the paying agent returned the unclaimed amount to CMC in accordance with Canadian law. In December 2008, CMC’s former parent company instituted a legal action against the paying agent, alleging negligence and breached contract terms by returning the funds to CMC. The plaintiff lost at trial and appealed. In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, CMC received notice that the plaintiff abandoned its appeal. In addition, CMC and the paying agent settled all remaining issues. Management concluded that all contingencies relating to this matter were resolved, and accordingly, the Company recorded a gain of approximately CAD $11.8 million or $11.9 million or $9.5 million after tax, in the second fiscal quarter of 2012.
Approximately 579 U.S.-based employees or 12% of total U.S.-based employees were represented by various labor unions. The Company’s European operations are subject to national trade union agreements and to local regulations governing employment.
NOTE 13: Employee Stock Plans
The Company has three share-based compensation plans, which are described below. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for those plans for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $9.5 million, $7.9 million, and $7.1 million, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for the share-based compensation arrangement for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $2.9 million, $2.7 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company offers an employee stock purchase plan to its employees. The plan qualifies as a noncompensatory employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees are eligible to participate through payroll deductions subject to certain limitations.
The plan is as a safe harbor design where shares are purchased by participants at 95% of the fair market value on the purchase date and, therefore, compensation cost is not recorded. During fiscal 2012, employees purchased 32,238 shares at a fair market value price of $57.10 per share. At the end of fiscal 2012, the Company had reserved 73,794 shares for issuance under its employee share-save scheme for U.K. employees, leaving a balance of 682,119 shares available for issuance in the future. As of October 26, 2012, deductions aggregating $703,875 were accrued for the purchase of shares on December 15, 2012.
Employee Share-Save Scheme
In 2009, the Company began offering shares under its employee share-save scheme for U.K. employees. This plan allows participants the option to purchase shares at 95% of the market price of the stock as of the beginning of the offering period. The term of these options is three years. The share-save scheme is not a “safe-harbor” design, and, therefore, compensation cost is recognized on this plan.
Under the employee share-save scheme, option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company granted 45,063, 9,956 and 10,133 options in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2012 was $19.85 per share. During fiscal 2012, 150,769 options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $19.85.
The fair value of the awards under the employee share-save scheme was estimated using a Black-Scholes pricing model which uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate for the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues in effect the time of grant.
Equity Incentive Plan
The Company also provides an equity incentive plan for officers and key employees. At the end of fiscal 2012, the Company had 2,696,775 shares reserved for issuance to officers and key employees, of which 572,475 shares were available to be granted in the future.
The Board of Directors authorized the Compensation Committee to administer awards granted under the equity incentive plan and to establish the terms of such awards. Awards under the equity incentive plan may be granted to eligible employees of the Company over the 10-year period ending March 3, 2014. Options granted become exercisable ratably over a period of four years following the date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant. Option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted in fiscal 2012 and 2011 was $24.61 per share and $32.51 per share, respectively.
The fair value of each option granted by the Company was estimated using a Black-Scholes pricing model which uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The Company uses historical data to estimate volatility of the Company’s common stock and option exercise and employee termination assumptions. The range of the expected term reflects the results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different behavior. The risk-free rate for the periods within the contractual life of the grant is based upon the U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues in effect at the time of the grant.
The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding options granted under the Company’s stock option plans:
The aggregate intrinsic value of the option shares outstanding and exercisable at October 26, 2012, was $25.4 million and $19.1 million, respectively.
The number of option shares vested or that are expected to vest at October 26, 2012, was 2.0 million and the aggregate intrinsic value was $24.5 million. The weighted average exercise price and weighted average remaining contractual term of option shares vested or that are expected to vest at October 26, 2012, was $45.87 and 6.0 years, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of option shares currently exercisable is 4.7 years as of October 26, 2012.
The table below presents stock activity related to stock options exercised in fiscal 2012 and 2011:
Total unrecognized compensation expense for options that have not vested as of October 26, 2012, is $7.2 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. The total fair value of option shares vested during the year ended October 26, 2012, was $7.5 million.
The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at October 26, 2012:
In December 2012, the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee approved restricted stock unit awards under the equity incentive plan that will fully vest on the three-year anniversary on the date of grant. Upon vesting, each recipient will receive one share of the Company’s common stock for each restricted stock unit. There were no restricted stock units issued in fiscal 2012.
NOTE 14: Capital Stock
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 25,000 shares of preferred stock ($100 par value), 475,000 shares of serial preferred stock ($1.00 par value), each issuable in series, and 60,000,000 shares of common stock ($.20 par value). At the end of fiscal 2012, there were no shares of preferred stock or serial preferred stock outstanding.
NOTE 15: Acquisitions
On July 26, 2011, the Company acquired the Souriau Group (Souriau) for approximately $726.7 million, including cash on hand of $17.8 million. Souriau is a leading global supplier of highly engineered connectors for harsh environments serving aerospace, defense & space, power generation, rail, and industrial equipment markets. Souriau is included in the Sensors & Systems segment.
The following summarizes the allocation of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The fair value adjustment for inventory was $41.7 million, which has been recognized as cost of goods sold over 4.5 months, the estimated inventory turnover. Acquisition-related costs of $9.2 million have been recognized as selling, general and administrative expense in fiscal 2011. The purchase price includes the value of future development of existing technologies, the introduction of new technologies, and the addition of new customers. These factors resulted in recording goodwill of $378.3 million. The amount allocated to goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
In Thousands
As of July 26, 2011
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following pro forma financial information shows the results of continuing operations for the year ended October 28, 2011, as though the acquisition of Souriau had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year. The pro forma financial information includes, where applicable, adjustments for: (i) the amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) additional interest expense on acquisition-related borrowings and (iii) the income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments. The pro forma financial information below is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved had the acquisition been completed as of the date indicated above or the results that may be obtained in the future.
On December 30, 2010, the Company acquired Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse) for $123.8 million. The purchase price includes cash of $14.0 million in contingent consideration, which was deposited in an escrow account and will be paid to the seller if certain performance objectives are met over the three-year period. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was $13.4 million at the date of acquisition. On February 2, 2012, the Company paid the initial $5.0 million of three installments totaling $14.0 million of contingent consideration. As of October 26, 2012, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was $9.0 million. Eclipse is a designer and manufacturer of embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications. Eclipse is included in the Avionics & Controls segment.
The following summarizes the allocation of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price includes the value of future development of existing technologies, the introduction of new technologies, and the addition of new customers. These factors resulted in recording goodwill of $67.4 million. The amount allocated to goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
In Thousands
As of December 30, 2010
The above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations were included from the effective date of each acquisition.
NOTE 16: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
NOTE 17: Business Segment Information
The Company’s businesses are organized and managed in three reporting segments: Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials. Operating segments within each reporting segment are aggregated. Operations within the Avionics & Controls segment focus on integrated cockpit systems, technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft, and similar devices for land- and sea-based military vehicles, secure communication systems, military audio and data products, embedded communication intercept receivers, specialized medical equipment and other industrial applications. Sensors & Systems includes operations that produce high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, electrical power switching, electrical interconnection systems, and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers. The Advanced Materials segment focuses on thermally engineered components for critical aerospace applications, high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications, and combustible ordnance and warfare countermeasure devices. All segments include sales to domestic, international, defense and commercial customers.
Geographic sales information is based on product origin. The Company evaluates these segments based on segment profits prior to net interest, other income/expense, corporate expenses and federal/foreign income taxes.
Details of the Company’s operations by business segment for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Fiscal 2012 includes a $52.2 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics’ goodwill.
Primarily cash and deferred tax assets (see Note 10).
Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $8,139 in fiscal 2010.
The Company’s operations by geographic area for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
Before corporate expense, shown on page 72.
Excludes corporate, shown on page 72.
The Company’s foreign operations consist of manufacturing facilities located in Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Morocco, and the United Kingdom, and include sales and service operations located in Brazil, China, and Singapore. Intercompany sales are at prices comparable with sales to unaffiliated customers. U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 19.4% and 5.4%, respectively, in fiscal 2012 and 7.0% of consolidated sales. In fiscal 2011, the U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 19.9% and 3.8%, respectively, and 7.0% of consolidated sales. In fiscal 2010, U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 25.2% and 5.9%, respectively, and 10.0% of consolidated sales.
Product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales in any of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
NOTE 18: Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:
Included a $1.4 million release of valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits as a result of finalizing a tax examination.
Included a $52.2 million goodwill impairment charge related to Racal Acoustics.
Included a $2.9 million reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities as a result of the enactment of tax laws reducing the U.K. statutory income tax rate.
Included a $1.7 million tax benefit as a result of reconciling the prior year’s U.S. income tax return to the U.S. income tax provision and settlement of tax examinations.
Included a $9.5 million gain on settlement of a contingency, net of tax.
Included $2.3 million of discrete tax benefits due to a change in French tax laws associated with the holding company structure and the financing of the Souriau acquisition.
Included a $2.0 million gain on sale of an engineered materials facility, net of tax.
Included $16.4 million in acquisition-related accounting charges, net of tax. The operating loss at Souriau accounted for $14.3 million, net of tax, and was principally due to the adjustment of inventory to fair value. Approximately $1.3 million, net of tax, was due to the adjustment of Eclipse inventory to fair value. Approximately $0.9 million, net of tax, was due to Souriau acquisition-related expenses.
Included a $2.6 million charge for contract assertions, net of tax. Approximately $1.3 million, net of tax, was due to a charge at control systems for engineering costs not probable of recovery from the customer. Approximately $1.0 million, net of tax, was principally due to the write off of accounts receivable related to a manufacturing license at defense technologies. Approximately $0.4 million, net of tax, was due to a late delivery penalty at engineered materials.
Included $1.2 million in working capital charges, net of tax. Approximately $0.7 million, net of tax, was due to an inventory and trade accounts receivable write off at advanced sensors. Approximately $0.5 million, net of tax, was due to an inventory write off at defense technologies.
Included a $5.2 million benefit as a result of the release of tax reserves for uncertain tax positions associated with losses on the disposition of assets. This release resulted from the expiration of a statute of limitations.
Included a $3.1 million reduction of valuation allowances related to net operating losses and foreign tax credits that were generated in prior years.
The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.
NOTE 19: Guarantors
The following schedules set forth condensed consolidating financial information as required by Rule 3-10 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 for (a) Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Parent); (b) on a combined basis, the current subsidiary guarantors (Guarantor Subsidiaries) of the secured credit facility, Senior Notes due 2017, and Senior Notes due 2020; and (c) on a combined basis, the subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the secured credit facility, Senior Notes due 2017, and Senior Notes due 2020 (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries). The Guarantor Subsidiaries previously guaranteed the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 that were repurchased or otherwise redeemed in August 2010. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Esterline Technologies Corporation and have fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed the secured credit facility, the Senior Notes due 2017, and the Senior Notes due 2020.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 26, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 28, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2010
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2010
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2010
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Esterline Technologies Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Esterline Technologies Corporation as of October 26, 2012 and October 28, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), noncontrolling interests and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 26, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Esterline Technologies Corporation at October 26, 2012 and October 28, 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 26, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements, in 2010 the Company changed its method of accounting for business combination transactions upon the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 805.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Esterline Technologies Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 26, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 21, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Seattle, Washington
December 21, 2012
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Esterline Technologies Corporation
We have audited Esterline Technologies Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 26, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Esterline Technologies Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Esterline Technologies Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 26, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated balances sheets of Esterline Technologies Corporation as of October 26, 2012 and October 28, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), noncontrolling interests and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 26, 2012 of Esterline Technologies Corporation and our report dated December 21, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Seattle, Washington
December 21, 2012
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive and financial officers evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of October 26, 2012. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded as of October 26, 2012, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, our principal executive and financial officers concluded as of October 26, 2012, that our disclosure controls and procedures are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system over financial reporting is designed by, or under the supervision of, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and is effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the assets of the company;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and that transactions are made only in accordance with the authorization of our management and directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized transactions that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in condition, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of Esterline’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 26, 2012. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 26, 2012.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 88.
/s/ R. Bradley Lawrence
R. Bradley Lawrence
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Robert D. George
Robert D. George
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and
Corporate Development
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Gary J. Posner
Gary J. Posner
Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended October 26, 2012, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Code of Ethics,” “Other Information as to Directors - Board and Board Committees,” and “Other Information as to Directors - Director Nominations and Qualifications” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 6, 2013.
Information regarding our executive officers required by this item appears in Item 1 of this report under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Other Information as to Directors - Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 6, 2013.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 6, 2013.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Other Information as to Directors - Board and Board Committees” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 6, 2013.
Item 14.
Item 14. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 6, 2013.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are as set forth under Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company is included as follows:
ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In Thousands)
Acquisition-related addition.
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
(a)(3) Exhibits.
See Exhibit Index on pages 95-99.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: December 21, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.