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FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woodward, Inc. WWD today reported financial results for its fiscal year 2024 and fourth quarter ending September 30, 2024. All amounts are presented on an as reported (U.S. GAAP) basis unless otherwise indicated. All per share amounts are presented on a fully diluted basis. All comparisons are made to the same period of the prior year unless otherwise stated. All references to years are references to the Company's fiscal year unless otherwise stated. Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Overview Fourth Quarter 2024 Fiscal Year 2024 Net sales $855M, +10% $3.3B, +14% Earnings per share (EPS) $1.36, +2% $6.01, +59% Adjusted EPS 1 $1.41, +6% $6.11, +45% Cash from operations $142M, -7% $439M, +42% Free cash flow 1 $118M, -12% $343M, +48% "We delivered record sales in fiscal 2024 with Woodward revenue exceeding $3 billion for the first time. Robust end market demand along with contributions from operational excellence fueled significant sales growth and earnings expansion," said Chip Blankenship, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In Aerospace, both commercial and defense OEM sales increased due to capacity improvements to meet customer demand, and commercial and defense aftermarket sales increased due to continued high aircraft utilization. Our Industrial business benefitted from increased sales in power generation and transportation. Our performance over the last year reflects the hard work and dedication of Woodward members to deliver on our value proposition and fulfill our purpose. We enter fiscal 2025 with strong momentum. In Aerospace, we anticipate increasing revenue and margin expansion driven by continued strength in commercial markets and increased defense activity. In Industrial, we expect broad-based market strength in power generation and marine transportation, offset by a significant decline in sales related to China on-highway natural gas trucks. We remain focused on growth, operational excellence and innovation to drive shareholder value." Fiscal 2024 Key Highlights Completed $55 million, multi-year transformation of Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Loves Park, Illinois, to prepare for aftermarket growth Signed three MRO agreements: To continue servicing Woodward-manufactured components for Lufthansa Technik To be exclusive Thrust Reverser Actuation System (TRAS) MRO contractor for CF34-10E powered fleet for Australia-based Alliance Airlines For Turkish Technic to join Woodward's global licensed asset management provider network, in support of the growing LEAP fleet Expanded participation in next generation aircraft development and demonstrator projects: Selected as rotary actuation technology provider for the NASA and Boeing Transonic Truss-braced Wing X-66A aircraft demonstrator Selected to provide Trim Control Module for JetZero Blended Wing Body Demonstrator Broke ground on Glatten, Germany, expansion to add capacity to support power generation and transportation growth Continued progress in automation and operational excellence through the installation of additional industrial robots and cobots Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Company Results Total Company Results Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, Dollars in millions, except per share amounts 2024 2023 Year over Year 2024 2023 Year over Year Income Statement Total Sales $ 855 $ 777 10 % $ 3,324 $ 2,915 14 % Net Earnings 83 83 1 % 373 232 61 % Adjusted Net Earnings 1 86 83 5 % 379 259 47 % EPS $ 1.36 $ 1.33 2 % $ 6.01 $ 3.78 59 % Adjusted EPS 1 $ 1.41 $ 1.33 6 % $ 6.11 $ 4.21 45 % EBIT 1 113 108 4 % 495 321 54 % Adjusted EBIT 1 117 108 8 % 504 356 42 % Effective Tax Rate 18.0 % 15.7 % 230 bps 17.8 % 15.7 % 210 bps Adjusted Effective Tax Rate 1 18.4 % 15.7 % 270 bps 18.0 % 16.8 % 120 bps Cash Flow and Financial Position Cash from operating activities $ 142 $ 153 -7 % $ 439 $ 309 42 % Free cash flow 118 134 -12 % 343 232 48 % Adjusted free cash flow 1 118 135 -13 % 348 238 46 % Dividends Paid 15 13 12 % 58 51 14 % Share Repurchases 86 100 -14 391 126 209 % Total Debt 872 722 21 % Debt to EBITDA 1 Leverage 1.4x 1.5x Segment Results Aerospace Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, Dollars in millions 2024 2023 Year over Year 2024 2023 Year over Year Commercial OEM $ 194 $ 167 16 % $ 738 $ 651 13 % Commercial Aftermarket 174 142 22 % 641 548 17 % Defense OEM 126 90 40 % 407 369 10 % Defense Aftermarket 59 56 7 % 243 201 21 % Revenue 553 455 22 % 2,029 1,768 15 % Segment Earnings 106 78 35 % 385 290 33 % Segment Margin % 19.2 % 17.2 % 200 bps 19.0 % 16.4 % 260 bps The increase in segment earnings in the fourth quarter was primarily a result of price realization and higher volume, partially offset by inflation. The increase in segment earnings for the year was a result of price realization and higher volume, partially offset by inflation. Industrial Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, Dollars in millions 2024 2023 Year over Year 2024 2023 Year over Year Transportation $ 131 $ 162 -19 % $ 642 $ 527 22 % Power generation 109 106 4 % 424 383 11 % Oil and gas 62 55 12 % 230 236 -3 % Revenue 302 322 -6 % 1,296 1,146 13 % Segment Earnings 38 54 -30 % 230 162 42 % Segment Margin % 12.6 % 16.9 % -430 bps 17.7 % 14.1 % 360 bps The decrease in segment earnings in the fourth quarter was primarily a result of lower volume and unfavorable mix, partially offset by price realization. The increase in segment earnings for the year was a result of price realization and higher volume, partially offset by unfavorable mix. Nonsegment Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, Dollars in millions 2024 2023 Year over Year 2024 2023 Year over Year Nonsegment Expenses $ (31 ) $ (24 ) 28 % $ (120 ) $ (131 ) -8 % Adjusted Nonsegment Expenses (27 ) (24 ) 10 % (112 ) (96 ) 16 % Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance Woodward's fiscal 2025 guidance includes a continued strong demand environment and improving operational performance throughout the year. The Aerospace segment guidance includes increasing revenue and margin expansion driven by continued strength in commercial markets and increased defense activity. The Industrial segment guidance includes broad-based market strength in power generation and marine transportation, offset by a significant decline in sales related to China on-highway natural gas trucks. Our fiscal year 2025 guidance includes $40 million in sales related to China on-highway natural gas trucks, which would be a year-over-year decline of approximately $175 million. Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries Total Company Sales $3.30 billion - $3.50 billion Effective Tax Rate ~20% Capital Expenditures ~$115 million EPS $5.75 - $6.25 Free Cash Flow $350 million - $400 million Diluted shares outstanding ~61.5 million Segment Data Aerospace Sales up 6% - 13% Segment Earnings (% of Sales) 20% - 21% Industrial Sales down 7% - 11% Segment Earnings (% of Sales) 13% - 14% Conference Call Woodward will hold an investor conference call at 5:00 p.m. EST, November 25, 2024, to provide an overview of the financial performance for its fiscal year 2024 and fourth quarter ending September 30, 2024, business highlights, and outlook for fiscal 2025. You are invited to listen to the live webcast of our conference call, or a recording, and view or download accompanying presentation slides at our website, www.woodward.com 2 . You may also listen to the call by dialing 1-800-715-9871 (domestic) or 1-646-307-1963 (international). Participants should call prior to the start time to allow for registration; the Conference ID is 4675940. The call and presentation will be available on the website by selecting "Investors/Events & Presentations" from the menu and will remain accessible on the company's website for one year. About Woodward, Inc. Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Our purpose is to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world's harshest environments. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com . Cautionary Statement Information in this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, anticipated continued strong demand, continued improvements in our operational performance, the results of our ongoing focus on growth, operational excellence and innovation, including whether such focus ultimately leads to long-term term success and enhanced shareholder value, and statements regarding our business and guidance for fiscal year 2025, including our guidance for sales, segment sales as compared to the prior fiscal year, earnings per share, segment earnings margin, effective tax rate, free cash flow, capital expenditures, and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as well as our assumptions regarding our guidance, anticipated trends in our business and markets, including increased revenue and margin expansion in our Aerospace segment, strength in commercial aerospace markets, defense activity in our Aerospace segment, broad-based market strength in power generation and marine transportation in our Industrial segment, anticipated weakness in the China on-highway natural gas truck market, including our assumptions regarding sales and demand in fiscal 2025. Factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) global economic uncertainty and instability, including in the financial markets that affect Woodward, its customers, and its supply chain; (2) risks related to constraints and disruptions in the global supply chain and labor markets; (3) Woodward's long sales cycle; (4) risks related to Woodward's concentration of revenue among a relatively small number of customers; (5) Woodward's ability to implement and realize the intended effects of any restructuring efforts; (6) Woodward's ability to successfully manage competitive factors including expenses and fluctuations in sales; (7) changes and consolidations in the aerospace market; (8) Woodward's financial obligations including debt obligations and tax expenses and exposures; (9) risks related to Woodward's U.S. government contracting activities including potential changes in government spending patterns; (10) Woodward's ability to protect its intellectual property rights and avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (11) changes in the estimates of fair value of reporting units or of long-lived assets; (12) environmental risks; (13) Woodward's continued access to a stable workforce and favorable labor relations with its employees; (14) Woodward's ability to manage various regulatory and legal matters; (15) risks from operating internationally; (16) cybersecurity and other technological risks; and other risk factors and risks described in Woodward's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024, which we expect to file shortly, and other risks described in Woodward's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Woodward assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by applicable law. Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited - in thousands except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net sales $ 854,488 $ 777,070 $ 3,324,249 $ 2,914,566 Costs and expenses: Cost of goods sold 646,733 587,510 2,447,770 2,236,983 Selling, general and administrative expenses 77,729 65,944 307,499 269,692 Research and development costs 34,689 32,061 140,676 132,095 Restructuring charges - - - 5,172 Interest expense 13,477 11,736 47,959 47,898 Interest income (1,964 ) (1,361 ) (6,458 ) (2,751 ) Other (income) expense, net (17,707 ) (16,860 ) (67,168 ) (50,291 ) Total costs and expenses 752,957 679,030 2,870,278 2,638,798 Earnings before income taxes 101,531 98,040 453,971 275,768 Income taxes 18,235 15,388 81,000 43,400 Net earnings $ 83,296 $ 82,652 $ 372,971 $ 232,368 Earnings per share amounts: Basic earnings per share $ 1.40 $ 1.38 $ 6.21 $ 3.88 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.36 $ 1.33 $ 6.01 $ 3.78 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 59,437 60,103 60,076 59,908 Diluted 61,385 62,039 62,084 61,482 Cash dividends paid per share $ 0.2500 $ 0.2200 $ 0.9700 $ 0.8500 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited - in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 282,270 $ 137,447 Accounts receivable 770,066 749,859 Inventories 609,092 517,843 Income taxes receivable 22,016 14,120 Other current assets 60,167 50,183 Total current assets 1,743,611 1,469,452 Property, plant, and equipment, net 940,715 913,094 Goodwill 806,643 791,468 Intangible assets, net 440,419 452,363 Deferred income tax assets 84,392 58,550 Other assets 353,135 325,276 Total assets $ 4,368,915 $ 4,010,203 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities: Short term borrowings 217,000 - Current portion of long term debt 85,719 75,817 Accounts payable 287,457 234,328 Income taxes payable 40,692 44,435 Accrued liabilities 292,642 262,616 Total current liabilities 923,510 617,196 Long-term debt, less current portion 569,751 645,709 Deferred income tax liabilities 121,858 132,819 Other liabilities 577,380 543,490 Total liabilities 2,192,499 1,939,214 Stockholders' equity 2,176,416 2,070,989 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 4,368,915 $ 4,010,203 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited - in thousands) For the Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 439,089 $ 308,543 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for purchase of property, plant, and equipment (96,280 ) (76,500 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 2,292 488 Proceeds from business divestiture 1,800 - Payments for business acquisition, net of cash acquired - 878 Proceeds from sales of short-term investments 9,738 7,692 Payments for purchases of short-term investments (6,767 ) (6,109 ) Net cash used in investing activities (89,217 ) (73,551 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Cash dividends paid (58,286 ) (51,027 ) Proceeds from sales of treasury stock 89,875 50,749 Payments for repurchases of common stock (390,819 ) (126,380 ) Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings 2,962,800 2,323,500 Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings (2,745,800 ) (2,390,300 ) Payments of debt financing costs - (2,236 ) Payments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations (75,817 ) (779 ) Net cash used in financing activities (218,047 ) (196,473 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 12,998 (8,916 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 144,823 29,603 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 137,447 107,844 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 282,270 $ 137,447 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries SEGMENT NET SALES AND EARNINGS (Unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net sales: Aerospace $ 552,790 $ 454,870 $ 2,028,618 $ 1,768,103 Industrial 301,698 322,200 1,295,631 1,146,463 Total consolidated net sales $ 854,488 $ 777,070 $ 3,324,249 $ 2,914,566 Segment earnings*: Aerospace $ 106,065 $ 78,281 $ 385,360 $ 290,104 As a percent of segment net sales 19.2 % 17.2 % 19.0 % 16.4 % Industrial 38,015 54,451 229,857 161,622 As a percent of segment net sales 12.6 % 16.9 % 17.7 % 14.1 % Total segment earnings 144,080 132,732 615,217 451,726 Nonsegment expenses (31,036 ) (24,317 ) (119,745 ) (130,811 ) EBIT 113,044 108,415 495,472 320,915 Interest expense, net (11,513 ) (10,375 ) (41,501 ) (45,147 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 101,531 $ 98,040 $ 453,971 $ 275,768 *This schedule reconciles segment earnings, which exclude certain costs, to consolidated earnings before taxes. Payments for property, plant and equipment $ 24,087 $ 19,358 $ 96,280 $ 76,500 Depreciation expense $ 21,084 $ 20,942 $ 82,578 $ 82,154 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS 1 (Unaudited - in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Before Income Tax Net of Income Tax Per Share, Net of Income Tax Before Income Tax Net of Income Tax Per Share, Net of Income Tax Net Earnings (U.S. GAAP) $ 101,531 $ 83,296 $ 1.36 $ 98,040 $ 82,652 $ 1.33 Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments: Non-recurring gain related to a previous acquisition - - - - - - Business development activities - - - - - - Non-recurring charge related to a previous acquisition 4,378 3,129 0.05 - - - Certain non-restructuring separation costs - - - - - - Specific charge for excess and obsolete inventory - - - - - - Product rationalization - - - - - - Non-recurring charge related to customer collections - - - - - - Restructuring charges - - - - - - Total non-U.S. GAAP adjustments 4,378 3,129 0.05 - - - Adjusted net earnings (Non-U.S. GAAP) $ 105,909 $ 86,425 $ 1.41 $ 98,040 $ 82,652 $ 1.33 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS 1 (Unaudited - in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended September 30, 2024 Year Ended September 30, 2023 Before Income Tax Net of Income Tax Per Share, Net of Income Tax Before Income Tax Net of Income Tax Per Share, Net of Income Tax Net Earnings (U.S. GAAP) $ 453,971 $ 372,971 $ 6.01 $ 275,768 $ 232,368 $ 3.78 Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments: Non-recurring gain related to a previous acquisition (4,803 ) (3,433 ) (0.06 ) - - - Business development activities 5,902 4,456 0.07 - - - Non-recurring charge related to a previous acquisition 4,378 3,129 0.05 - - - Certain non-restructuring separation costs 2,666 2,013 0.04 2,208 1,661 0.03 Specific charge for excess and obsolete inventory - - - 11,995 9,016 0.15 Product rationalization - - - 10,504 7,896 0.13 Non-recurring charge related to customer collections - - - 4,997 3,761 0.06 Restructuring charges - - - 5,172 3,874 0.06 Total non-U.S. GAAP adjustments 8,143 6,165 0.10 34,876 26,208 0.43 Adjusted net earnings (Non-U.S. GAAP) $ 462,114 $ 379,136 $ 6.11 $ 310,644 $ 258,576 $ 4.21 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO EBIT 1 AND ADJUSTED EBIT 1 (Unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net earnings (U.S. GAAP) $ 83,296 $ 82,652 $ 372,971 $ 232,368 Income taxes 18,235 15,388 81,000 43,400 Interest expense 13,477 11,736 47,959 47,898 Interest income (1,964 ) (1,361 ) (6,458 ) (2,751 ) EBIT (Non-U.S. GAAP) 113,044 108,415 495,472 320,915 Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments* 4,378 - 8,143 34,876 Adjusted EBIT (Non-U.S. GAAP) $ 117,422 $ 108,415 $ 503,615 $ 355,791 *See Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted Net Earnings 1 tables above for the list of Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments made in the applicable periods. Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO EBITDA 1 AND ADJUSTED EBITDA 1 (Unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net earnings (U.S. GAAP) $ 83,296 $ 82,652 $ 372,971 $ 232,368 Income taxes 18,235 15,388 81,000 43,400 Interest expense 13,477 11,736 47,959 47,898 Interest income (1,964 ) (1,361 ) (6,458 ) (2,751 ) Amortization of intangible assets 8,244 9,500 33,592 37,589 Depreciation expense 21,084 20,942 82,578 82,154 EBITDA (Non-U.S. GAAP) 142,372 138,857 611,642 440,658 Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments* 4,378 - 8,143 34,876 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-U.S. GAAP) $ 146,750 $ 138,857 $ 619,785 $ 475,534 *See Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted Net Earnings 1 tables above for the list of Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments made in the applicable periods. Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF NONSEGMENT EXPENSES TO ADJUSTED NONSEGMENT EXPENSES 1 (Unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Nonsegment expenses (U.S. GAAP) $ 31,036 $ 24,317 $ 119,745 $ 130,811 Non-recurring gain related to a previous acquisition - - 4,803 - Business development activities - - (5,902 ) - Non-recurring charge related to a previous acquisition (4,378 ) - (4,378 ) - Certain non-restructuring separation costs - - (2,666 ) (2,208 ) Specific charge for excess and obsolete inventory - - - (11,995 ) Product rationalization - - - (10,504 ) Restructuring charges - - - (5,172 ) Non-recurring charge related to customer collections - - - (4,997 ) Adjusted nonsegment expenses (Non-U.S. GAAP) $ 26,658 $ 24,317 $ 111,602 $ 95,935 Woodward, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILATION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW 1 AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW 1 (Unaudited - in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities (U.S. GAAP) $ 141,760 $ 152,913 $ 439,089 $ 308,543 Payments for property, plant and equipment (24,087 ) (19,358 ) (96,280 ) (76,500 ) Free cash flow (Non-U.S. GAAP) 117,673 133,555 342,809 232,043 Cash received for a non-recurring matter related to a previous acquisition - - (4,803 ) - Cash paid for business development activities - - 5,902 - Cash paid for non-recurring matter unrelated to the ongoing operations of the businesses - - 2,725 - Cash paid for certain non-restructuring separation costs - - 985 977 Cash paid for restructuring charges - 1,613 - 5,207 Adjusted free cash flow (Non-U.S. GAAP) 117,673 135,168 347,618 238,227 1 Adjusted and Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures : Adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted effective tax rate, and adjusted nonsegment expenses exclude, as applicable, (i) a non-recurring gain related to a previous acquisition, (ii) costs related to business development activities, (iii) non-recurring charge related to a previous acquisition, (iv) certain non-restructuring separation costs, (v) a specific charge for excess and obsolete inventory, (vi) product rationalization, (vii) a non-recurring charge related to customer collections, and (viii) restructuring charges. The product rationalization adjustment pertains to a non-recurring write-off of inventory and assets related to the elimination of certain product lines. The specific charge for excess and obsolete inventory pertains to a non-recurring process change that resulted in the identification and write down of certain excess inventory unrelated to product rationalization. The non-recurring charge related to customer collections pertains to a discrete process issue that was identified and corrected. The Company believes that these excluded items are short‐term in nature, not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business, and therefore, the exclusion of them illustrates more clearly how the underlying business of Woodward is performing. Adjusted free cash flow is free cash flow (defined below) minus cash received for a non-recurring matter related to a previous acquisition, plus cash paid for (i) business development activities, (ii) a non-recurring matter unrelated to the ongoing operations of the business, (iii) certain non-restructuring separation costs and (iv) restructuring charges. Management believes these adjustments to free cash flow better portray Woodward's operating performance. EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes), EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted effective tax rate, and adjusted nonsegment expenses are financial measures not prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Management uses EBIT and adjusted EBIT to evaluate Woodward's operating performance without the impacts of financing and tax related considerations. Management uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in evaluating Woodward's operating performance, making business decisions, including developing budgets, managing expenditures, forecasting future periods, and evaluating capital structure impacts of various strategic scenarios. Management also uses free cash flow, which is derived from net cash provided by or used in operating activities less payments for property, plant, and equipment, as well as adjusted free cash flow (as described above), in reviewing the financial performance of Woodward's various business segments and evaluating cash generation levels. Securities analysts, investors, and others frequently use EBIT, EBITDA and free cash flow in their evaluation of companies, particularly those with significant property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets that are subject to amortization. The use of any of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBIT, and adjusted EBITDA exclude certain financial information compared with net earnings, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the information that is excluded. Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow do not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Woodward's calculations of EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted nonsegment expenses, free cash flow, and adjusted free cash flow may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. 2 Website, Facebook, X : Woodward has used, and intends to continue to use, its Investor Relations website, LinkedIn page, Facebook page, and X handle as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Contact: Dan Provaznik Director, Investor Relations 970-498-3849 Dan.Provaznik@woodward.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Leisure Capital Management increased its position in shares of Apple Inc. ( NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report ) by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 81,242 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 716 shares during the quarter. Apple accounts for 8.1% of Leisure Capital Management’s investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Leisure Capital Management’s holdings in Apple were worth $18,929,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Hershey Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Apple in the second quarter valued at $42,000. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc grew its position in shares of Apple by 88.9% in the third quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 306 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the period. Hoese & Co LLP grew its position in shares of Apple by 6.7% in the second quarter. Hoese & Co LLP now owns 912 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $175,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the period. Sage Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Apple in the second quarter valued at $206,000. Finally, Benchmark Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Apple in the second quarter valued at $208,000. 60.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on AAPL shares. Wedbush reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of Apple in a research report on Friday, November 29th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Apple to $185.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Needham & Company LLC reissued a “buy” rating and set a $260.00 price target on shares of Apple in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Bank of America boosted their price target on Apple to $256.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group reissued a “neutral” rating and set a $236.00 price target on shares of Apple in a research report on Monday, December 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, twenty-two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $235.68. Insider Buying and Selling at Apple In other news, insider Chris Kondo sold 4,130 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.87, for a total transaction of $945,233.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 15,419 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,528,946.53. This represents a 21.13 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, SVP Katherine L. Adams sold 61,019 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.20, for a total value of $13,802,497.80. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 187,043 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $42,309,126.60. This trade represents a 24.60 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 408,170 shares of company stock worth $92,007,745 over the last quarter. 0.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Apple Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of NASDAQ AAPL opened at $242.84 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $230.53 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $221.62. Apple Inc. has a 52-week low of $164.07 and a 52-week high of $244.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.67 trillion, a P/E ratio of 39.94, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. Apple ( NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The iPhone maker reported $1.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.60 by $0.04. Apple had a return on equity of 152.94% and a net margin of 23.97%. The firm had revenue of $94.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $94.52 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.46 earnings per share. Apple’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Apple Inc. will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Apple Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 11th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 8th. Apple’s payout ratio is currently 16.45%. Apple Company Profile ( Free Report ) Apple Inc designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide. The company offers iPhone, a line of smartphones; Mac, a line of personal computers; iPad, a line of multi-purpose tablets; and wearables, home, and accessories comprising AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, and HomePod. Read More Five stocks we like better than Apple 10 Best Airline Stocks to Buy Fast-Growing Companies That Are Still Undervalued How to Effectively Use the MarketBeat Ratings Screener Top Cybersecurity Stock Picks for 2025 Financial Services Stocks Investing Archer or Joby: Which Aviation Company Might Rise Fastest? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AAPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apple Inc. ( NASDAQ:AAPL – Free Report ). 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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s GOP-dominated legislature passed tax cuts on personal and corporate income on Friday in exchange for a statewide sales tax increase, a mixed bag of success for Gov. Jeff Landry, whose original tax revision plans faced mounting resistance from lawmakers and lobbyists amid hard fiscal realities . The final passage of the bulk of Landry's proposed measures winds down a special legislative session called Nov. 6 by the governor and his allies. They said their purpose was to make the state’s tax code more business friendly, bring jobs and reverse trends of outward migration from the state. It was the third special legislative session called by Landry, a Republican, since he assumed office in January. The package of legislation includes a permanent $2,000 raise for teachers and doubles standard deductions for residents aged 65 and older. It raises the state sales tax to 5%, while granting Landry’s wish for lower personal and corporate income tax rates. It repeals the 0.275% corporate franchise tax, a levy on businesses operating on the state worth more than $500 million in annual revenue. The state's new corporate income tax rate will be a flat 5.5%, reducing the highest tier from 7.5%. Landry had wanted a 3.5% flat rate. Lawmakers approved a flat 3% individual income tax rate and nearly tripled the standard deduction for individuals. Previously, the personal income tax rate had stood at 4.25% for individuals earning $50,000 or more. “What I’m very confident in is that everyone’s going to have more money in their pocket at the end of the day with the personal income tax reductions,” said Republican Rep. Julie Emerson, who spearheaded legislation to flatten the income tax rate. With the personal income tax reductions reducing annual revenue by $1.3 billion, Landry’s original plan had called for applying sales taxes to dozens of services like car-washing, dog-grooming and lobbying. He also sought to eliminate large tax incentives for the restoration of historic buildings and the film industry. Those proposals were defeated, leading to a bigger sales tax hike than Landry initially proposed. Louisiana already had the highest combined state and average local sales tax in the country at 9.56%, according to the Tax Foundation, a think tank favored by conservatives. Associated Press writer Kevin McGill contributed to this report. _____ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Preview: Liverpool Women vs. Arsenal Women - prediction, team news, lineups

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Alejandro scored 25 points as UAB beat Louisiana 98-86 on Monday. Vasquez shot 8 for 19 (2 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 7 from the free-throw line for the Blazers (4-4). Yaxel Lendeborg added 20 points while shooting 9 for 12, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc while he also had six rebounds. Christian Coleman had 16 points and shot 7 of 13 from the field. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil led the way for the Ragin' Cajuns (1-6) with 19 points. Christian Wright added 15 points and six assists for Louisiana. Koron Davis also put up 14 points. Coleman scored 10 points in the first half and UAB went into the break trailing 44-42. Vasquez scored 17 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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