INVESTOR NEWS

ESCO Announces Second Quarter 2015 Results

ST. LOUIS, May 5, 2015 - ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) (ESCO or the "Company") today reported its operating results for the second quarter ended March 31, 2015 (Q2 2015).

The 2014 results are presented on a Continuing Operations - As Adjusted basis as described in previous releases. All references to Continuing Operations exclude Aclara Technologies LLC, which was divested on March 28, 2014. Aclara's 2014 results are presented as Discontinued Operations.

EPS Summary

EPS from Continuing Operations for Q2 2015 was $0.33 per share, compared to Q2 2014 EPS from Continuing Operations - As Adjusted of $0.36 per share. The Q2 2014 GAAP EPS loss was ($1.26), reflecting the sale of Aclara in 2014.

Management previously provided Q2 2015 EPS guidance in the range of $0.27 to $0.32 per share, which anticipated a 34 percent tax rate. The actual Q2 2015 tax rate increased to 37.3 percent, as described below it negatively impacted the current quarter's reported EPS by approximately ($0.02) per share.

Continuing Operations Highlights

• Q2 2015 sales increased $4 million, or 3 percent to $129 million compared to $125 million in Q2 2014. Utility Solutions Group (USG, or Doble) sales increased $3 million (12 percent), Filtration sales increased slightly despite the previously described decrease in expected Space program sales at VACCO, and Test sales increased $1 million (3 percent) during the Quarter;
• Q2 2015 gross margin percentage was consistent with Q2 2014 at 38 percent. Filtration margins increased significantly, which offset lower gross margins in Test and USG which were driven by variations in sales mix;
• SG&A increased $1 million in Q2 2015, which includes incremental professional fees incurred to complete the ENOSERV acquisition, and additional international sales and marketing expenses at Doble;
• The effective tax rate in Q2 2015 was 37.3 percent (versus the expected 34 percent) compared to 29.9 percent in Q2 2014. The Q2 2015 tax rate was unfavorably impacted by the timing and composition of pretax earnings generated domestically versus internationally, where foreign tax rates are lower than the U.S. rates. Compared to Q2 Guidance, the higher tax rate in Q2 2015 reduced EPS by ($0.02);
• Q2 2015 Orders were $142 million (book-to-bill of 1.10x) resulting in an order backlog of $348 million at March 31, 2015, reflecting a $13 million increase during the quarter;
• Q2 2015 Filtration orders were $70 million (book-to-bill of 1.20x) and included additional orders from KAZ, and significant commercial aerospace (A-350, etc.) and Space orders at PTI and VACCO, respectively. Doble's orders were $32 million (book-to-bill of 1.11x) and included additional services business in the Middle East and solid domestic product bookings. Test orders were $40 million (book-to-bill of 0.96x) and were more normalized after the large Q1 2015 orders;
• YTD 2015 orders were $295 million (book-to-bill of 1.18x) reflecting a $45 million, or 15 percent, increase in backlog during the fiscal year;
• Net debt at March 31, 2015 was $38 million ($35 million of cash and $73 million of borrowings) and reflects the cash flow impact of the ENOSERV acquisition and stock repurchases;
• During Q2 2015, the Company returned $5.6 million to shareholders through dividends ($2.1 million) and share repurchases ($3.5 million, and 101,000 shares).

Chairman's Commentary

Vic Richey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The Q2 2015 results came in better than previously expected, led by the continued strong performances from Filtration and Doble, as both groups exceeded their EBIT expectations during the Quarter. Despite some EPS headwind from the higher tax rate and Test's lower than expected sales and profit, we beat our Q2 operating plan and continue to see more opportunities developing going forward. For the first six months of the year, we are ahead of our internal targets on EBIT, EPS, cash flow and orders, and I feel confident that we can achieve our goals for the balance of the year.

"Doble continued to outperform in Q2 as sales increased 12 percent and EBIT was better than expected. As a reminder, Doble's Q2 2015 EBIT was impacted by the timing of their annual world-wide "Doble Client Conference" which was held in March this year, versus April last year, thereby impacting the quarterly SG&A cost profile. Attendance this year was at a record level, and the ENOSERV team's participation was enthusiastically received by our customers. The positive feedback I received about ENOSERV's product offerings and outstanding service further validated my excitement about the acquisition. We continue to gain momentum on Doble's prospects in international markets as validated by the addition of the Marafiq Power win, as well as with its new products, services and software offerings.

"Filtration's YTD EBIT is well ahead of expectations led by the strength of PTI's commercial aerospace business. The public communications surrounding the growth in new OEM aircraft is creating an exciting outlook for the foreseeable future. As we entered the year, Filtration sales and EBIT were projected to be lower in the first half compared to last year, resulting from the previously communicated delays on the SLS program at VACCO and the KAZ program at TEQ. As we enter the back half of the year, we expect to see additional sales and EBIT momentum resulting from our substantial increase in entered orders and the conversion of these orders into profitable sales. We remain on track to meet or exceed our commitments in Filtration.

"The Test business came in lower than expected during the Quarter on both sales and EBIT due to continued timing issues as several projects were not completed as scheduled. We remain positive that we can catch-up on the majority of these projects during the course of the year. The $101 million in YTD orders clearly bodes well for our future and validates our global leadership position. We continue to work aggressively on the cost side of the business to ensure we are maximizing our EBIT opportunities.

"As announced earlier, we completed the ENOSERV acquisition in January, which is complementary to Doble, and serves a growing utility market segment. We continue to review additional opportunities and we are confident we will be successful in adding to our existing portfolio. Acquisitions are key to supplementing our growth, and we will remain disciplined in this area to ensure we can generate an attractive return on these investments.

"During the first six months of the year, we continued to opportunistically repurchase our shares and we remain committed to our defined Capital Allocation Strategy.

"We continue to have a favorable view of our future and our goal remains the same - to increase long-term shareholder value."

Discontinued Operations

The Company completed the Aclara divestiture on March 28, 2014 and used the proceeds to significantly pay down its outstanding debt. The results of operations for Aclara are reflected in the financial statements as Discontinued Operations. The Company and the buyer have not yet reached agreement on the final working capital adjustment, and as a result, the Company recorded $0.4 million of after-tax costs, or ($0.01) per share, in Q2 2015 for professional fees incurred. The process is expected to be resolved through independent arbitration prior to the end of FY 2015.

Share Repurchase

During the six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company spent $9.9 million to repurchase 283,000 of its outstanding shares on the open market. The Company's current share repurchase authorization extends through September 30, 2015.

Dividend Payment

The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share will be paid on July 16, 2015 to stockholders of record on July 2, 2015.

Business Outlook - Fiscal Year 2015 (and 3 Year)

Management's expectations for the balance of 2015 are consistent with the guidance presented in the February 9, 2015 release.

Management expects the remainder of 2015 revenues and EPS to reflect a profile similar to 2014, including EPS being more second half weighted.

Q3 2015 EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.38 to $0.42 per share, and reflects an expected tax rate of 34 percent. The Q3 2014 EPS as adjusted was $0.44, and was favorably impacted by an effective tax rate of 24 percent, which resulted from discrete tax benefits recognized in the prior year Quarter.

Q3 2015 sales are expected to increase approximately five percent, and EBIT dollars are expected to increase approximately 10 percent over Q3 2014, led by strong year-over-year comparisons in Filtration and at Doble.

In April 2015, Management conducted its regular mid-year planning meetings at each of the operating segments and reviewed the updated financial plans for the Company. Management continues to see solid, tangible growth opportunities in sales, EBIT, and EPS across each of the business segments consistent with the three-year expectations communicated in the Company's September 9, 2014 Analyst Day Presentation (included on the Company's website).

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call today, May 5, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, to discuss the Company's second quarter 2015 results. A live audio webcast will be available on the Company's website at www.escotechnologies.com. Please access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the conference call will be available for seven days on the Company's website noted above or by phone (dial 1-888-843-7419 and enter the pass code 39347417).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the Company's expected 2015 and beyond revenue and sales growth, EBIT, corporate costs, the timing of Test projects, effective tax rates, EPS, the Company's ability to increase shareholder value, the success of acquisition efforts, the success of new products and solutions, the size, number and timing of growth opportunities in the future, the specific actions initiated as a result of the Capital Allocation Strategy including but not limited to the declaration of dividends and share repurchases, the long-term success of the Company, and any other statements which are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update them except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations.

The Company's actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment including, but not limited to those described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors", of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, and the following: the success of the Company's competitors; site readiness issues with Test segment customers; weakening of economic conditions in served markets; changes in customer demands or customer insolvencies; competition; intellectual property rights; technical difficulties; unforeseen charges impacting corporate operating expenses; delivery delays or defaults by customers; the performance of the Company's international operations; material changes in the costs and availability of certain raw materials; the appropriation and allocation of Government funds; the termination for convenience of Government and other customer contracts; the timing and content of future contract awards or customer orders; containment of engineering and development costs; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; labor disputes; the impacts of natural disasters on the Company's operations and those of the Company's customers and suppliers; changes in laws and regulations, including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements; costs relating to environmental matters arising from current or former facilities; financial exposure in connection with Company guarantees of certain Aclara contracts; the availability of selected acquisitions; uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of current disputes, claims, litigation or arbitration; and the Company's successful execution of profit improvement initiatives and restructuring activities.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The financial measures EBIT, EBIT margin, EPS - "As Adjusted" and EPS - from Continuing Operations "As Adjusted" are presented in this press release. The Company defines EBIT as earnings before interest and taxes from continuing operations, EBIT margin as a percent of net sales, EPS - "As Adjusted" and EPS - from Continuing Operations "As Adjusted" as GAAP EPS less the Filtration segment restructuring charges (representing $0.01 per share during the second quarter of 2014). EBIT, EBIT margin, EPS - "As Adjusted" and EPS - from Continuing Operations "As Adjusted" are not recognized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, Management believes that EBIT and EBIT margin are useful in assessing the operational profitability of the Company's business segments because they exclude interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire Company on a consolidated basis. EBIT is also one of the measures used by Management in determining resource allocations within the Company as well as incentive compensation. The Company believes that the presentation of EBIT, EBIT margin, EPS - "As Adjusted" and EPS - from Continuing Operations "As Adjusted" provides important supplemental information to investors by facilitating comparisons with other companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. The use of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to replace any measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP.

ESCO, headquartered in St. Louis, provides engineered filtration products to the aviation, space and process markets worldwide and is the industry leader in RF shielding and EMC test products. In addition, the Company provides diagnostic instruments, services and the world's premier library of statistically significant apparatus test results for the benefit of energy generation, transmission, and delivery companies and industrial power users worldwide. Further information regarding ESCO and its subsidiaries is available on the Company's website at www.escotechnologies.com.
  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Net Sales					128,941			124,762
Cost and Expenses:
	Cost of sales				80,140			77,436
	Selling, general and administrative expenses				32,931			31,818
	Amortization of intangible assets				2,220			1,679
	Interest expense				213			654
	Other (income) expenses, net				(354)			(39)
		Total costs and expenses			115,150			111,548
Earnings before income taxes					13,791			13,214
Income taxes					5,144			3,950
		Net earnings from continuing operations			8,647			9,264
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
	(benefit) expense of $(201) and $4,407, respectively				(372)			7,501
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
	benefit of $9,499							(50,442)
		Net loss from discontinued operations			(372)			(42,941)
		Net earnings		$	8,275			(33,677)
Earnings per share:
		Diluted - GAAP
			Continuing operations		0.33			0.35
			Discontinued operations		(0.01)			(1.61)
			Net earnings	$	0.32			(1.26)
		Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
			Continuing operations	$	0.33			0.36	(1)
Average common shares O/S:
		Diluted			26,179			26,713
(1)	Adjusted basis includes $0.3 million (or $0.01 per share) of add back adjustments
	for restructuring charges incurred at Crissair during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
					Six Months Ended March 31, 2015			Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
Net Sales					249,488			249,212
Cost and Expenses:
	Cost of sales				150,560			151,717
	Selling, general and administrative expenses				66,435			65,690
	Amortization of intangible assets				4,093			3,365
	Interest expense				408			1,346
	Other (income) expenses, net				(575)			140
		Total costs and expenses			220,921			222,258
Earnings before income taxes					28,567			26,954
Income taxes					9,092			8,858
		Net earnings from continuing operations			19,475			18,096
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
	(benefit) expense of $(201) and $5,713, respectively				(372)			9,858
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
	benefit of $9,499							(50,442)
		Net loss from discontinued operations			(372)			(40,584)
		Net earnings		$	19,103			(22,488)
Earnings per share:
		Diluted - GAAP
			Continuing operations		0.74			0.68
			Discontinued operations		(0.01)			(1.52)
			Net earnings	$	0.73			(0.84)
		Diluted - As Adjusted Basis
			Continuing operations	$	0.74			0.70	(1)
Average common shares O/S:
		Diluted			26,302			26,749
(1)	Adjusted basis includes $0.5 million (or $0.02 per share) of add back adjustments
	for restructuring charges incurred at Crissair during the first six months of fiscal 2014.

  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				Three Months Ended March 31, GAAP				Adjustments				Three Months Ended March 31, As Adjusted
				2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Net  Sales
	Filtration		$	58,428		58,397						58,428		58,397
	Test			42,084		41,025						42,084		41,025
	Utility Solutions Group			28,429		25,340						28,429		25,340
		Totals	$	128,941		124,762		0		0		128,941		124,762
EBIT
	Filtration		$	12,051		10,100				306	(1)	12,051		10,406
	Test			3,467		3,533						3,467		3,533
	Utility Solutions Group			4,855		5,518						4,855		5,518
	Corporate			(6,369)		(5,283)						(6,369)		(5,283)
		Consolidated EBIT		14,004		13,868		0		306		14,004		14,174
		Less: Interest expense		(213)		(654)						(213)		(654)
		Less: Income tax expense		(5,144)		(3,950)						(5,144)		(3,950)
		Net earnings from
		Continuing Operations	$	8,647		9,264		0		306		8,647		9,570
Note:		The above table is presented on a continuing operations basis.
Note:		Depreciation and amortization expense was $4.6 million and $4.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(1)		Includes $0.3 million (or $0.01 per share) of restructuring charges at Crissair during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				Six Months Ended March 31, GAAP				Adjustments				Six Months Ended March 31, As Adjusted
				2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Net  Sales
	Filtration		$	105,940		113,875						105,940		113,875
	Test			81,504		80,503						81,504		80,503
	Utility Solutions Group			62,044		54,834						62,044		54,834
		Totals	$	249,488		249,212		0		0		249,488		249,212
EBIT
	Filtration		$	19,127		19,584				507	(1)	19,127		20,091
	Test			7,262		7,108						7,262		7,108
	Utility Solutions Group			14,833		13,165						14,833		13,165
	Corporate			(12,247)		(11,557)						(12,247)		(11,557)
		Consolidated EBIT		28,975		28,300		0		507		28,975		28,807
		Less: Interest expense		(408)		(1,346)						(408)		(1,346)
		Less: Income tax expense		(9,092)		(8,858)						(9,092)		(8,858)
		Net earnings from
		Continuing Operations	$	19,475		18,096		0		507		19,475		18,603
Note:		The above table is presented on a continuing operations basis.
Note:		Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.9 million and $8.1 million for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(1)		Includes $0.5 million (or $0.02 per share) of restructuring charges at Crissair during the first six months of fiscal 2014.

  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
				March 31, 2015		September 30, 2014
Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	34,719		35,131
	Accounts receivable, net			95,334		105,449
	Costs and estimated earnings on
		long-term contracts		23,030		27,798
	Inventories			107,550		94,292
	Current portion of deferred tax assets			19,097		19,946
	Other current assets			12,330		13,337
		Total current assets		292,060		295,953
	Property, plant and equipment, net			77,682		76,465
	Intangible assets, net			191,638		182,063
	Goodwill			290,784		282,337
	Other assets			9,020		9,088
			$	861,184		845,906
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current maturities of long-term debt		$	20,000		20,000
	Accounts payable			27,706		40,328
	Current portion of deferred revenue			21,444		19,895
	Other current liabilities			59,159		66,877
		Total current liabilities		128,309		147,100
	Deferred tax liabilities			76,929		77,440
	Other liabilities			20,998		21,195
	Long-term debt			53,000		20,000
	Shareholders' equity			581,948		580,171
			$	861,184		845,906

   
   

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
		Six Months Ended March 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	19,103
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		372
Depreciation and amortization		8,898
Stock compensation expense		2,569
Changes in current assets and liabilities		(16,140)
Change in deferred revenue and costs, net		689
Other		1,368
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations		16,859
Net cash used by operating activities - discontinued operations		(372)
Net cash provided by operating activities		16,487
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business		(20,500)
Capital expenditures		(7,606)
Additions to capitalized software		(3,034)
Net cash used by investing activities		(31,140)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		77,000
Principal payments on long-term debt		(44,000)
Dividends paid		(4,195)
Purchases of common stock into treasury		(9,882)
Other		(338)
Net cash provided by financing activities		18,585
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(4,344)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(412)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		35,131
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	34,719

  
  

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Other Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Backlog And Entered Orders - Q2 FY 2015				USG		Test		Filtration		Total
	Beginning Backlog - 1/1/15		$	27,268		111,690		195,621		334,579
	Entered Orders			31,697		40,350		70,330		142,377
	Sales			(28,429)		(42,084)		(58,428)		(128,941)
	Ending Backlog - 3/31/15		$	30,536		109,956		207,523		348,015
Backlog And Entered Orders - YTD Q2 FY 2015				USG		Test		Filtration		Total
	Beginning Backlog - 10/1/14		$	33,093		90,739		179,063		302,895
	Entered Orders			59,487		100,721		134,400		294,608
	Sales			(62,044)		(81,504)		(105,940)		(249,488)
	Ending Backlog - 3/31/15		$	30,536		109,956		207,523		348,015

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