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Curtiss-Wright

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FY2008 Annual Report · Curtiss-Wright
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Strength • Performance • Diversification

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

2008 Annual Report

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | FC1

Forward-Looking Statements

This brochure contains not only historical 
information, but also forward-looking 
statements regarding expectations of 
future performance of the Corporation. 
Forward-looking statements involve risk 
and uncertainty. Please refer to the 
Corporation’s 2008 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for a discussion relating to 
forward-looking statements contained in 
this brochure, and risk factors that  
could cause future results to differ  
from current expectations.

IFC2 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Curtiss-Wright blends technological strength and high 
performance with a market diversification strategy to deliver 
profound customer value and long-term shareholder growth. 
In the defense market, we have balanced participation on 
naval, aerospace and ground platforms in support of current 
and future programs. In the commercial market, we leverage 
our expertise in critical performance requirements for vital 
energy and aerospace operations. And, our product solutions 
extend to specialized industrial applications where the 
innovative, reliable and safe solutions that Curtiss-Wright 
provides are essential.

Table of Contents
2 
Strength 
4 
Performance  
6 
Diversification 
8 
Letter to Shareholders  
12 
Key Investment Considerations  
14 
Segment Information 
16 
Auditor’s Opinion  
17 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
18 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  19 
20
Shareholder Information 

Strength. Performance. Diversification.

Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 1

 
Strength

computing technology, we are at the 
forefront of platforms such as the 
Global Hawk, for which we provide 
the sensor and mission management 
system that essentially serves as 
the brains operating this unmanned 
aerial vehicle. On military helicopters, 
such as the Apache, Black Hawk and 
Chinook, we provide radar warning 
receiver systems, air data computers 
and flight recorders. In addition, 
numerous highly stressed components 
on fighter aircraft and military 
helicopters are protected from fatigue 
and corrosion by our engineered metal 
treatment services.

On the ground, our embedded 
computing products and systems are 
critical to the performance of the 
Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Abrams 
Tank, Stryker Mobile Gun System and 
similar vehicles worldwide. We are 
actively supporting the U.S. Army’s 
Future Combat Systems program, 
designed to create an interlinked, 
wireless network of unmanned air 
and ground vehicles. Curtiss-Wright 
embedded electronic subsystems 
provide real-time technology for 
performing mission-critical operations 
and communication functions.

From upgrading the performance 
of older platforms to bringing the 
capabilities of future programs to 
reality, Curtiss-Wright’s innovative 
products and technologies add strength 
to all facets of the defense market.

From stabilizing the weapons systems on armored tanks, 
to controlling the lift, flight and landing of aircraft and 
managing the critical flow of liquids on nuclear-powered 
submarines and aircraft carriers, Curtiss-Wright has the 
advanced technologies and engineering strength to support 
vital defense programs.

At sea, our products perform mission-critical functions that are at the very center 
of the U.S. Navy’s current and future submarine, aircraft carrier and surface ship 
platforms. Curtiss-Wright is the preferred supplier of sealed valves and critical function 
pumps used in the nuclear propulsion system of U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft 
carriers. We also supply the main generators that power the U.S. nuclear fleet, which 
are the Navy’s largest electric components. And Curtiss-Wright embedded computing 
electronics perform critical monitoring and control functions on-board every nuclear 
submarine and aircraft carrier commissioned by the U.S. Navy. 

For aircraft carriers, we have expanded our offerings to include advanced 
systems for aircraft launch and landing operations. Our arresting gear system 
accommodates a wider array of current and future aircraft, and our electro-
magnetic launching technology provides a more efficient alternative to currently 
employed launch systems. On destroyers and other surface ships, our helicopter 
landing systems enable the safe launch, recovery and maneuvering of ship-borne 
helicopters in the most demanding sea-state conditions.

In the air, our advanced technology is used in an array of platforms covering fighter 
aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Curtiss-Wright provides the critical actuation systems to open and close the F-22 
Raptor weapons bay doors to help maintain the aircraft’s stealth capability during 
weapons deployment. We also supply the entire leading-edge flap actuation and 
drive systems, which enable safe take-offs and landings. Our actuation equipment 
for the Ordnance Hoist System (OHS) and Ordnance Quick Latch System (OQLS), 
as well as embedded computing electronics and sensors, contribute to the 
advanced avionics and firepower of the F-35 Lightning II. Through our embedded 

2 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 3

Performance

Curtiss-Wright’s proprietary engineering and innovative 
products achieve the demanding performance levels required 
for ensuring optimal safety, efficiency and reliability in the 
harsh operating conditions found in energy applications.

For more than 50 years, the commercial nuclear power industry has drawn from our 
innovations, demonstrating a remarkable track record of product performance. Our 
product offerings span plant operations, ranging from critical-duty motors, pumps, 
valves and specialized containment equipment to broader scope solutions such 
as plant performance services, all with the goal of improving safety and efficiency 
and reducing personnel exposure to hazardous environments. In addition, our 
engineering, analysis, manufacturing and testing capabilities are able to extend the 
life and increase the power output of existing plants while our shot peening services 
optimize the performance of long-endurance components. And we maintained, and 
then expanded, our certifications to provide advanced technologies that meet the 
stringent qualifications demanded by nuclear power regulators. 

Today, we are playing an integral role in the emerging commercial nuclear power 
revival. Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) will be used 
in the AP1000 Generation III+ nuclear power plants, which will signify a new 
generation of construction. These pumps—the largest canned motor pumps ever 
designed and manufactured by Curtiss-Wright—will be part of AP1000 plants to be 
built in China and the United States. 

Within the oil and gas market, our solutions for advanced, secondary processing 
techniques, such as delayed coking, enable processing of heavier grades of crude 
oil and enhanced extraction. Our DeltaGuard® coke-drum unheading device is an 
automated, inherently safe alternative to traditionally dangerous manual processes. 
Beyond improving safety, this innovative product yields significant economic 
advantages by minimizing operation and maintenance costs, and enables refiners to 
process less expensive grades of crude oil. Building on our initial success, we added 
water-jet coke cutting tools, isolation valves and automation systems to provide a 
total system solution for customers. Moreover, we improve reliability and efficiency in 
the catalytic cracking process with our large reactors and vessels, combined with our 

4 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

valve and actuator systems and process 
control technology.

For pipelines and other critical 
equipment, Curtiss-Wright pressure-relief 
valves help prevent over pressurization. 
Our digital valve controllers with 
embedded sensors remotely monitor 
and control operating conditions of 
valves and actuators to achieve optimum 
performance. Our hermetically sealed 
valves eliminate fugitive emissions that 
are hazardous to personnel and the 
environment, and our process safety 
management software ensures plant 
safety systems are properly designed 
and maintained. Our shot peening of 
oil exploration equipment helps prevent 
fatigue of highly stressed areas, and our 
coatings are preventing the corrosion of 
equipment used on offshore platforms.

Elsewhere, Curtiss-Wright is advancing 
oil and gas production systems. Through 
an adaptation of our reliable canned 
motor technology, we have developed 
a state-of-the-art submerged canned 
electric motor and pumping system for 
deep-sea oil recovery, and our high-speed 
compressor motors provide a compact 
and cost-effective solution on land or 
in subsea applications. With renewable 
energy sources becoming an important 
part of the energy mix, we are supporting 
numerous initiatives, such as geothermal 
power generation and wind turbines.

Wherever there are innovation and high-
performance requirements, Curtiss-Wright 
will continue to fuel the development 
of technologies needed to keep energy 
producers operating at peak performance.

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 5

Diversification

Consistent with our strategy of market diversification, 
Curtiss-Wright brings highly engineered technologies to a 
variety of high-performance commercial markets.

We apply the same design expertise, specialized manufacturing and stringent 
quality standards to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers in 
commercial aerospace, automotive, construction, industrial equipment and 
various entertainment markets.

In aerospace, Curtiss-Wright provides an expansive array of products and services 
to commercial airliners, business jets and helicopters. Our actuation systems 
extend and retract a wing’s leading-edge and trailing-edge flaps, enabling the 
aircraft to take off and land at lower speeds, thus reducing runway requirements. 
We help ensure passenger safety with sensors and data recording products that 
monitor flight operations and communicate vital data on conditions within and 
surrounding an aircraft. Our integrated fire protection systems and smoke detection 
and suppression controls are instrumental in maintaining aircraft safety, while our 
rotor ice protection system senses and removes ice from helicopter blades. And our 
cockpit pilot controls support the safe operation of aircraft.

With our advanced laser peening and shot peening services, we improve the 
fatigue life of turbine engine components and form the complex aerodynamic 
shapes of commercial aircraft wing skins. We lubricate and protect structural 
fasteners through the application of our specialty coatings and enhance the 
integrity of aluminum airframe structural parts with our heat treating processes.

Through these services, we also enhance the performance and extend the life 
of critical components by helping to prevent structural fatigue and corrosion 
failures. Whether it is applying shot peening or specialty coatings to protect 
highly stressed engine and transmission components in automotive, construction 
and recreational vehicles, or heat treating fabricated metal parts to improve 
their overall strength and ductility, our capabilities are an integral part of the 
manufacturing process for thousands of engineered products.

Curtiss-Wright products extend to a diverse range of commercial and industrial 
applications. Our position sensors are utilized for vehicle steering, suspension, 

6 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

gearbox and accelerator controls, and 
in production assembly and material 
handling functions. Our sensors and 
joystick controllers guide construction 
and other off-highway vehicles. Our 
specialty fuel valves are used on large-
bore diesel engines for container ships. 
Customers in HVAC, processing, power 
generation, mining and transportation 
industries benefit from our motor 
and machine control and protection 
products. Moreover, our stress analysis 
technology signals the need for early 
maintenance and helps diagnose the 
root cause of a mechanical failure 
in applications ranging from electric 
motors in industrial plants to propulsion 
systems of commercial ships.

As with our participation in the 
defense and energy markets,  
Curtiss-Wright not only satisfies 
customer requirements on current 
projects, but is also involved with 
future programs. For example, we 
are developing and supplying linear 
drive motors, controls and a guidance 
system for the demonstration phase 
of a new transportation shuttle that 
blends the strengths of the trucking 
and railroad industry to move 
containerized freight. 

The performance and quality of 
Curtiss-Wright’s highly engineered 
and innovative solutions enables us 
to compete in a multitude of markets 
around the world. Our portfolio 
diversification supports growth in robust 
markets and lends stability to our 
operations during unpredictable industry 
cycles and varying economic climates.

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 7

Dear Shareholders:

Martin R. Benante
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

renaissance, while defense and 
commercial aerospace markets 
continue to be solid. The U.S. Navy, 
our largest defense customer, initiated 
its procurement in 2008 for the next 
Virginia-class submarines, and we 
expect additional orders in 2009 
to support the Navy’s accelerating 
shipbuilding program.

In 2008, we executed key strategies 
by reinvesting in our technologies, 
including more than $60 million in 
facility expansions, and by making 
select acquisitions of Parylene Coating 
Services, Mechetronics and VMETRO 
to enhance our portfolio.

As we close the books on 2008, the 
strength of Curtiss-Wright’s balance 
sheet and cash flow cannot be 
underestimated. Together, they enable 
the company to continue to achieve 
growth and profitability in varying 
economic environments. Our balance 
sheet remains strong with a net 
debt to book capitalization of 34%, 
including $350 million of private 
senior notes and a $425 million 
revolving credit facility. Our free 
cash flow, defined as cash flow from 
operations less capital expenditures, 
was $76 million for the year, equating 
to a 70% cash conversion. Our 
cash flow included growth capital 
expenditures of approximately $40 
million specifically related to the 
manufacturing facility expansion in 
Cheswick, PA.

In times of uncertainty, balance sheet 
liquidity and cash flow generation are 

As I look back on 2008, the year brought us an astounding 
combination of historic events that will reshape the future 
of the global economy and our markets. From the dramatic 
speed of the financial market decline to the unprecedented 
reversal of global energy prices and demand, the economic 
upheaval is far from settled. A new President in the White 
House and a shifting of the geopolitical landscape add to 
the climate of uncertainty.

As a 30-year veteran of this great company, it is clear to me that such an 
environment yields great challenges yet significant opportunities. As we approach 
the celebration of our 80th year as a publicly traded company, I like to remember 
that our listing on the New York Stock Exchange is not the earliest milestone 
in our history. Many of our businesses took root from innovations in the 19th 
century, such as naval pumps, and the emergence of the aviation market. 
While our technologies and markets have evolved through significant changes, 
our management approach remains the same: focus on the customer, develop 
innovative technologies and deliver unprecedented results.

Commitment to Financial Strength
In 2008, Curtiss-Wright delivered another year of strong growth and profitability, 
once again demonstrating our commitment to generating shareholder value. In 
particular, we delivered $1.8 billion in sales in 2008, which represents 15% 
growth over 2007. Our performance is underpinned by strong organic growth of 
6%, a result of robust demand for our unique and highly engineered products 
and services across diversified markets. Operating income increased 10% to 
$197 million and our net earnings rose 5% to $109 million, or $2.41 per 
diluted share.

During 2008, we booked new orders of $2.2 billion, an increase of 19% over 
the prior year, and our year-end backlog reached $1.7 billion. Our strong backlog 
reflects the early stages of the commercial nuclear power new construction 

8 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

critical. This fundamental strength 
cannot be generated in an instant. 
It is the result of relentless focus on 
strategic capital deployment, lean 
yet efficient operations, dedicated 
employees and, most importantly, 
satisfied customers. Producing 
innovative, highly engineered, 
mission-critical products requires the 
utmost precision in planning, and a 
similar commitment to our financial 
strength is why we are confident in 
our future performance.

Engineering Superior 
Performance
Innovation, engineering expertise 
and unparalleled performance are 
the hallmarks of the advanced 
technologies we strive to deliver. 
Whether it is an advanced radar 
warning system or a canned motor 
pump, our products are vital to 
critical operations and we never 
forget the unyielding criteria of our 
customers—reliability.

In our Flow Control segment, we 
have designed nuclear technologies 
since their earliest use by the U.S. 
Navy. Today, our designs are at the 
forefront of the commercial nuclear 
power resurgence. In an industry 
that has retrenched over the past 
30 years, Curtiss-Wright supported 
not only the existing infrastructure, 
but also provided the industry with 
substantial research and development 
for advanced reactor designs. The 
result was the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission’s approval of the 
Westinghouse AP1000 Generation 
III+ design in 2007, which coincided 
with the demand for increasing 
sources of clean energy. In 2008, we 
signed a landmark agreement with 
Westinghouse Electric Company, the 
largest commercial power order in 
Curtiss-Wright’s history, to provide 
reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) for 
up to four AP1000 Generation III+ 
commercial nuclear power plants. 

As we evaluate opportunities in 2009 and beyond, 
our strategy will remain committed to:

  •  Maintaining a strong financial foundation that 

supports growth in any environment;

  •  Fostering innovation and expertise that yields 

superior operational performance; and 

 •   Leveraging diversification that affords talent 

development and leadership opportunities for  
our employees.

This agreement, representing orders 
in excess of $300 million, came on 
the heels of our 2007 award of $293 
million to equip two AP1000 nuclear 
plants in China. To better support 
the technology development, we 
implemented a $62 million expansion 
of our facility in Cheswick, PA where 
we will manufacture RCPs in a state-
of-the-art facility beginning in 2009.

In our Motion Control segment, 
we have taken a leadership role in 
developing embedded computing 
products for current and future 
defense programs. These products 
integrate the simplicity of commercial-
grade architecture with the high 
operational standards required by 
rugged environments, ultimately 
delivering the maximum performance 
that is essential in critical military 
applications. In 2008, our embedded 
computing portfolio generated 
our highest growth in the defense 
market. We were awarded contracts 
totaling nearly $50 million on 
the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, by 
providing technology insertions 
and repairs. In addition, we were 
awarded approximately $15 million 
in development contracts for the 
support of the U.S. Army’s Future 
Combat Systems (FCS) program. In 
May, we opened our Motion Control 
facility in Ottawa, Canada, to the 

investment community to highlight the 
substantial design wins and vast range 
of applications as well as the robust 
capabilities of our technologies. 

In our Metal Treatment segment, more 
than 60 years of metal treatment 
expertise, kindled with advanced laser 
designs, enabled us to develop our 
laser peening technology in the early 
part of the decade. Establishing the 
technology’s applications in such high 
performance markets as commercial 
aerospace took a high level of effort, 
and in 2008 we were rewarded with a 
contract from Boeing to provide laser 
peen forming services to shape the 
complex curvatures of wing sections 
on one of Boeing’s newest aircraft 
designs, the 747-8. Our laser peening 
technology will help Boeing achieve 
the improved aerodynamics of this 
aircraft design. This award represents 
a significant milestone in bringing our 
proprietary laser peening technology 
to market.

Diversification Enables Growth
One of Curtiss-Wright’s strengths 
resides in its diversified markets, 
spanning defense, energy, commercial 
and general industry. While we focus 
on common themes of innovative 
technology and mission-critical 
performance, diversification of our 
markets provides a foundation of 

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 9

stability and opportunities for growth 
in varying economic climates. With 
approximately one-third of our 
portfolio in defense, one-third in 
energy and one-third in commercial 
aerospace and industrial markets, 
we’ve only begun to tap the depth of 
our product reach.

Defense
Strong defense spending by the 
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 
has been headline news since the 
beginning of the decade, and yet it  
is the breadth of programs  
Curtiss-Wright participates in  
which define a healthy outlook. 

Naval defense represents the largest 
portion of our defense revenues. 
While the shipbuilding industry has 
experienced limited growth in recent 
years, we expect improved growth 
in the future. Curtiss-Wright has 
offset reduced procurements with 
improved technologies on submarine 
and aircraft carrier programs and 
increased content on newer platforms 
such as the next-generation destroyer. 
Our investments in innovation and 
continuous improvement programs 
have assisted the U.S. Navy in 
their operational efficiencies and 
cost reduction goals. As a result, in 
2008 our Flow Control segment was 
awarded contracts in excess of $114 
million to provide critical pumps 
and valves for the U.S. Navy’s next 
several Virginia-class submarines and 
second Ford-class aircraft carrier. As 
the U.S. Navy strives to accelerate 
its build program, it is a particularly 
noteworthy growth opportunity for 
Curtiss-Wright in a market known for 
its long-term stability.

Due to our role as primarily an 
original equipment manufacturer 
for aerospace defense programs, 
Curtiss-Wright’s planned ramp up 
of new programs, such as the U.S. 
Army’s Future Combat Systems, 
has been reduced as funds were 

10 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Annualized Five-Year Return

$250

200

150

100

50

’03

’04

’05

’06

’07

’08

Curtiss-Wright 

S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense 

S&P SmallCap 

Russell 2000

diverted to essential operations and 
maintenance spending. While we 
continue to support every fighter jet 
in production and in development, 
we expanded our participation in the 
development of future programs such 
as the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial 
Vehicle and the P-8 Maritime Multi- 
Mission Aircraft. Going forward, these 
programs will represent a new frontier 
in our military aerospace involvement.

Ground defense, which represents the 
smallest but fastest growing portion 
of our defense market, has provided 
substantial growth due to the success 
of our embedded computing products 
and engineered actuation systems. 
Here again, postponement of the 
Future Combat Systems stalled one 
growth lever, but the ingenuity of 
our technology solutions yielded a 
significant new market in upgrading 
current forces such as the Bradley 
Fighting Vehicle, the Stryker Mobile 
Gun System and the Abrams Tank. 

Internationally, we continue to 
expand the markets for our military 

technologies. We were selected to 
provide ship-borne helicopter landing 
systems for both the Italian  
Navy’s FREMM frigate program and 
Japan’s new Maritime Self-Defense 
Force 19DD destroyer platform. 
Currently in operation with the  
U.S., Australian, Canadian, Italian, 
Japanese and Turkish navies, our  
most recent innovations enable 
improved functionality with reduced 
size and weight. In addition,  
Curtiss-Wright received a $39 million 
phased contract to supply the turret 
drive system and mortar and missile 
launcher actuation systems for the 
South African Army’s new infantry 
combat vehicles.

Energy
While the energy market supply 
and demand dynamics appear to be 
more volatile than ever as we begin 
2009, the larger picture remains 
the same. Demand will continue to 
increase, but efforts to address both 
environmental concerns and domestic 

independence will result in new 
market dynamics. Curtiss-Wright will 
benefit from its focus on intrinsically 
safe, automated technologies, which 
increase operational efficiencies and 
limit emissions.

Nuclear power is increasingly 
recognized as a clean, reliable and 
economic source of electricity that 
will help build energy independence. 
As a significant supplier in this 
market for over 50 years, recently we 
have witnessed strong signals that 
nuclear power will be a major player 
in meeting the growing demand for 
electricity, as evidenced by our recent 
awards domestically and in China. 
Additionally, as operating power 
plants apply for plant life extensions, 
they are incorporating Curtiss-Wright’s 
new technologies to increase their 
power output.

And in refineries, Curtiss-Wright 
continues to experience strong 
demand for industry-leading designs 
that provide unparalleled safety, 
reduced cycle times, increased 
throughput and minimized 
maintenance costs. Taking people out 
of harm’s way, providing the utmost 
reliability and reducing environmental 
emissions are profound value drivers 
for our products in global oil and 
gas production, refining, chemical, 
petrochemical, industrial gas and 
pharmaceutical markets.

Commercial & Industrial
Activity in our commercial aerospace 
and industrial markets during 2008 
was the most directly impacted by 
the financial crisis that roiled global 
markets. In commercial aerospace, 
solid bookings and strong demand 
for more efficient planes set healthy 
expectations, but the aggregate effect 
of the Boeing strike and continued 
delays on new programs dampened 
full-year results. Fortunately,  
Curtiss-Wright is accustomed to swings 
in any one market. Redeployment of 

resources to other programs mitigated 
the ultimate impact on our financial 
performance, while enabling us to 
continue to support our customers 
in a timely fashion. The automotive 
market was similarly affected by 
strikes at supply chain vendors and 
by the sharp economic downturn at 
the close of the year. While we expect 
a restructuring of this market to 
invigorate demand, we will continue 
to pursue growth in ancillary markets 
such as transportation, construction 
and medical equipment. In particular, 
the new Administration’s economic 
stimulus package could provide new 
opportunities for growth.

Advancing Leadership
It is with great confidence that we 
announce well-deserved promotions 
of two seasoned executives with 
strong records of accomplishment. 
David C. Adams and David J. Linton 
were promoted to the newly created 
positions of Co-Chief Operating 
Officers. These appointments are 
part of a new organizational structure 
designed to drive future growth in the 
high-performance energy, defense and 
aerospace markets that Curtiss-Wright 
serves. As part of the realignment, Mr. 
Adams also will assume responsibility 
for the company’s Metal Treatment 
segment. We are very pleased to 
establish these executive positions 
as it also lays the groundwork for the 
development of key leadership across 
the company.

It is with great appreciation that we 
extend our best wishes to Ed Bloom 
as he retires from his position of 
President of our Metal Treatment 
segment in April 2009. Mr. Bloom 
joined Curtiss-Wright in 1973, 
participated in its growth to become 
the world leader in shot peening, and 
guided the expansion of our metal 
treatment services portfolio and its 
geographic reach. It is a testament 
to his leadership that the business 

performed solidly under dynamic 
market conditions to consistently 
achieve its strategic goals. It is never 
easy to accept the departure of 
such an exceptional colleague and 
friend, but we are thankful for his 
contributions and wish him well in his 
personal endeavors.

As we look to 2009, Curtiss-Wright 
is well positioned in all of our 
markets. We are a key contributor 
to the emerging commercial new 
build nuclear power plant market 
and hold substantive positions on 
long-term defense programs, some 
of which are just entering new 
procurement cycles. We continue to 
invest in a number of military and 
commercial development programs 
in order to remain at the forefront 
of technology development and 
provide future growth opportunities. 
Add to this a strong backlog, 
which indicates the success of our 
employees, products and programs, 
and it is clear Curtiss-Wright heads 
into 2009 with great momentum.

Sincerely,

Martin R. Benante
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 11

Key Investment Considerations

Sales by Market

Net Sales
Dollars in millions

’08

’07

’06

’05

’04

Defense [36%]

Commercial & Industrial [29%]

Energy [35%]

0

500

1,830

1,592

1,282

1,131

955

1,000

1,500

2,000

Operating Income
Dollars in millions

’08

’07

’06

’05

’04

0

40

80

197

179

141

138

110

120

160

200

Net Income
Dollars in millions

’08

’07

’06

’05

’04

109

104

81

75

65

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Curtiss-Wright is proud of 
our track record of financial 
performance and confident 
in our ability to deliver 
shareholder value. 

Our balanced diversification 
between defense, energy and 
commercial markets provides 
stability for our investors 
and opportunities for growth. 
High-level planning and 
attention to detail produce 
the innovative, highly 
engineered, mission-critical 
products synonymous with 
Curtiss-Wright. We apply a 
similar level of commitment 
to our financial strength, 
which is why we are confident 
in our future performance. 

12 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Historical Financial Performance
11 Year Review
For the years ended December 31, (In millions, except per share data; unaudited)

Performance
Net sales

Earnings before interest, taxes, 
    depreciation & amortization 

Net earnings

Cash flow from operations

Earnings per share (1)

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1,830

1,592

1,282

1,131

955

746

513

343

330

293

249

272

109

180

244

104

139

191

81

144

186

75

105

152

65

105

121

52

84

90

45

90

118

63

61

82

41

24

78

39

81

58

29

25

    Basic

    Diluted

 $2.45 

 $2.35 

 $1.84 

 $1.74 

 $1.53 

 $1.27 

 $1.11 

 $1.56 

 $1.03 

 $0.97 

$0.71 

 $2.41 

 $2.32 

 $1.82 

 $1.72 

 $1.51 

 $1.25 

 $1.08 

 $1.54 

 $1.61 

 $0.96 

$0.71 

Dividends per share (1)

 $0.32 

 $0.28 

 $0.24 

 $0.20 

 $0.18 

 $0.16 

 $0.15 

 $0.14 

 $0.13 

 $0.13 

$0.13 

Return on sales

6.0%

6.6%

Return on invested capital (2)

9.5% 10.3%

6.3%

9.9%

6.7%

9.6%

New orders

Backlog at year-end

2,232

1,679

1,870

1,304

1,333

1,261

876

806

6.8%

9.8%

999

628

7.0%

9.9%

743

506

8.8% 18.3% 12.5% 13.3% 11.7%

9.0%

8.8% 10.9% 11.4%

9.1%

478

479

327

242

299

183

296

213

232

198

Year-end financial position
Working capital

Current ratio

Total assets

Total debt

Stockholders’ equity

350

360

331

269

212

239

137

149

150

124

131

1.8 to 1 1.9 to 1 2.1 to 1 2.2 to 1 2.1 to 1 2.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 3.0 to 1 3.9 to 1 3.2 to 1 2.9 to 1

2,042

1,986

1,592

1,400

1,278

517

867

512

915

365

762

365

638

343

576

974

225

479

810

152

411

500

21

350

409

30

290

387

38

258

353

41

230

Stockholders’ equity per share (1)

$19.23  $20.51  $17.31  $14.68  $13.43  $11.52  $10.01 

$8.68 

$7.24 

$6.43 

$5.63 

Other year-end data
Depreciation & amortization

Capital expenditures

Shares of stock outstanding at 
December 31 (1) (3)

Number of registered 
shareholders

Number of employees

74

104

63

54

51

40

48

42

41

33

31

33

19

35

15

19

14

10

13

20

10

11

45,065 44,593 44,023 43,492 42,876 41,572 41,090 40,300 40,068 40,160 40,764

6,193

7,968

6,331

7,471

6,762

6,233

7,069

5,892

7,460

5,599

7,768

4,655

8,034

4,244

9,898

2,625

3,602

2,286

3,854

2,267

3,926

2,052

Note: Amounts may not sum to the total due to rounding.
(1)  Per share data for all years have been adjusted to reflect a 2-for-1 stock split on April 21, 2006 and December 17, 2003. CW Class B shares, which were 

converted to CW common shares in May 2005, have the same split and dividend history as the CW common shares.

(2) Return on invested capital is net operating profit after-tax over average net debt plus equity.
(3) In 2001 CW issued Class B common stock, which was converted to common stock in 2005.

Stock Price Range

Dividends Per Share

2008

2007

Common

Common

High

Low

High

Low

First quarter

First quarter

$50.16

$37.65

$40.44 $32.79

Second quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

52.96

56.07

45.37

41.30

41.62

24.80

48.46

50.26

56.79

37.77

42.55

47.15

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

2008

$0.08

0.08

0.08

0.08

2007

$0.06

0.06

0.08

0.08

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 13

Segment Information

Sales by Market

Motion Control 
Embedded Computing
Ruggedized custom and commercial-off-the-shelf electronic boards and 
subsystems for high-density data processing, as well as custom software design 
and hardware manufacturing for aerospace, ground and naval defense markets.

Engineered Systems
Flight control actuation components and systems; weapons handling systems; 
utility actuation; military vehicle turret aiming and stabilization; suspension 
systems for military vehicles and high-speed trains; shipboard helicopter 
handling systems; rotary sensors; pilot controls for defense, commercial and 
industrial markets.

Integrated Sensing
Position, pressure and temperature sensors; smoke and ice detection sensors; 
solenoids and solenoid valves; air data computers; flight data recorders; joysticks 
for defense aerospace, commercial aerospace and industrial markets.

Naval Defense [14%]

Aerospace Defense [29%]

Ground Defense [23%]

Commercial  
Aerospace [25%]

General Industrial  [9%]

Sales by Market

Defense [10%]

Power Generation [5%]

Oil & Gas [7%]

Commercial  
Aerospace [38%]

General Industrial  [40%]

Metal Treatment
Shot Peening
Process for enhancing the durability and reliability of critical metal components 
such as aircraft landing gear, turbine engine airfoils, automotive suspension 
and transmission parts, critical fasteners and welded structural supports. Also 
used to shape the aerodynamic curvatures of the wing skins of commercial and 
business aircraft.

Laser Peening
Advanced peening process that utilizes a high-energy laser to impart a beneficial 
layer of compressive stress on metal surfaces that is four times deeper than can 
be achieved by traditional metal treatment processes to extend the service life of 
high-value critical components. It also is proving to be a complementary service 
to shot peening.

Specialty Coatings
Solid film lubricant and zinc rich coating services for sliding wear, anti-seizing 
and corrosion resistance in automotive/transportation, commercial aerospace 
and defense markets. Parylene coating services for providing lubricity; moisture 
barrier resistance and biocompatibility in medical device and electronic markets.

Heat Treating
Precision thermal processing that subjects metal objects to extreme heat and/
or cold temperatures, improving overall strength, ductility and hardness of 
components utilized in automotive/transportation, commercial aerospace, oil and gas, 
power generation and defense markets.

14 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Sales by Market

Naval Defense [22%]

Oil & Gas [33%]

Power Generation [31%]

General Industrial [14%]

Flow Control
Electro-Mechanical Systems
Highly engineered pumps, motors, generators, power conditioning electronics and 
electronic control integration and protection solutions for defense, power generation, 
oil and gas, and general industrial markets.

Commercial Power & Services
Design, manufacture, distribution and qualification of critical components and 
related services for new build and operating commercial nuclear power plants, fossil 
fuel plants, hydroelectric energy producers and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Oil & Gas Systems
Design and manufacture of valves, vessel products, valve automation and control 
systems, coke de-heading systems and fluidic catalytic cracking unit components for 
the oil and gas refining market.

Valve Systems
High-performance specialized valve solutions and web-enabled software that control 
the flow of liquids and gases and prevent over-pressurization of vessels, pipelines and 
equipment for defense, power generation, process and general industrial markets.

Control Systems
Specialized electronic instrumentation and control equipment, including custom 
and commercial-off-the-shelf electronic circuit boards and systems for defense and 
processing markets.

Segment Information

Twelve months ended December 31, (In millions)

2008

2007

  % Change

Sales:
    Flow Control

    Motion Control

    Metal Treatment

Total Sales

Operating Income:
    Flow Control

    Motion Control

    Metal Treatment

Total Segments

Corporate & Other

Total Operating Income

Operating Margins:
    Flow Control

    Motion Control

    Metal Treatment

Total Segments

Consolidated Margin

Note:  Amounts may not sum to the total due to rounding. 

Margins shown as basis point change.

928.0

638.1

264.0

1830.1

97.2

65.5

52.1

214.9

(18.3)

196.6

10.5%

10.3%

19.7%

11.7%

10.7%

746.3

591.0

254.8

1592.1

73.5

64.8

50.9

189.2

(10.0)

179.2

9.8%

11.0%

20.0%

11.9%

11.3%

24%

8%

4%

15%

32%

1%

2%

14%

(83%)

10%

63

bps

(69) bps

(23) bps

(14) bps

(52) bps

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 15

 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Report of Independent  
Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of  
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Parsippany, New Jersey

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of  
Curtiss-Wright Corporation and subsidiaries (the 
“Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the 
related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended December 31, 2008. Such consolidated 
financial statements and our report thereon dated March 2, 
2009, expressing an unqualified opinion and includes an 
explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption 
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 
158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension 
and Other Postretirement Plans—an Amendment of FASB 
Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) and has adopted 
FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in 
Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 
109 on January 1, 2007 (which are not included herein) 

appear under Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The 
accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements 
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on such condensed 
consolidated financial statements in relation to the 
complete consolidated financial statements.

In our opinion, the information set forth in the 
accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of 
December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related condensed 
consolidated statements of earnings and of cash flows for 
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2008, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation 
to the consolidated financial statements from which it has 
been derived.

Parsippany, New Jersey 
March 2, 2009

16 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

For the years ended December 31, (In thousands, except per share data)

2008

2007

2006

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Research and development costs

Selling expenses

General and administrative expenses

Operating income

Interest expense

Other income (expense), net

Earnings before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

    Net earnings

Net earnings per share:

    Basic earnings per share

    Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    Basic

    Diluted

Shares and per share amounts have been adjusted for the April 21, 2006 2-for-1 stock split. 

 $ 1,830,140

 $ 1,592,124

 $ 1,282,155

   1,214,061

   1,068,500

    851,076

    616,079

    523,624

    431,079

(49,615)

    (107,308)

(47,929)

(92,129)

(38,841)

(76,547)

    (262,594)

    (204,382)

    (175,063)

    196,562

    179,184

    140,628

(29,045)

1,585

(27,382)

(22,894)

2,369

(112)

    169,102

    154,171

    117,622

(59,712)

(49,843)

(37,053)

 $  109,390

 $  104,328

 $  80,569

 $ 

 $ 

2.45

2.41

 $ 

 $ 

2.35

2.32

 $ 

 $ 

1.84

1.82

44,716

45,374

    44,313

    43,826

    44,979

    44,334

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 17

 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

At December 31, (In thousands, except share data)

2008

2007

Assets:

Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents

    Receivables, net

    Inventories, net

    Deferred tax assets, net

    Other current assets

        Total current assets

Property, plant, and equipment, net

Prepaid pension costs

Goodwill

Other intangible assets, net

Deferred tax assets, net

Other assets

        Total assets

Liabilities:

Current liabilities:

    Short-term debt

    Accounts payable

    Accrued expenses

    Income taxes payable

    Deferred revenue

    Other current liabilities

        Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Deferred tax liabilities, net

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs

Long-term portion of environmental reserves

Other liabilities

        Total Liabilities

Contingencies and Commitments:

Stockholders’ Equity:

Common stock, $1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2008 and 2007; 
47,903,187 and 47,714,719 shares issued at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively; 
outstanding shares were 45,064,839 at December 31, 2008 and 44,593,011 at December 31, 2007 

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Less:  Common treasury stock, at cost (2,838,348 shares at December 31, 2008 and 3,121,708 

shares at December 31, 2007)

        Total stockholders’ equity

        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

18 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

 $ 

60,705

 $  66,520

    395,659

    392,918

    281,508

    241,728

37,314

26,833

    30,208

    26,807

    802,019

    758,181

    364,032

    329,657

—

    73,947

    608,898

    570,419

    234,596

    240,842

23,128

526

9,357

    11,988

 $ 2,042,030

 $ 1,985,560

 $ 

3,249

 $ 

923

    140,954

    137,401

    103,973

    103,207

8,213

    13,260

    138,753

    105,421

56,542

    38,403

    451,684

    398,615

    513,460

    510,981

26,850

    62,416

    125,762

    39,501

20,377

37,135

    20,856

    38,406

   1,175,268

   1,070,775

47,903

94,500

    47,715

    79,550

    899,928

    807,413

(72,551)

    93,327

    969,780

   1,028,005

    (103,018)

    (113,220)

    866,762

    914,785

 $ 2,042,030

 $ 1,985,560

 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, (In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

2008

2007

2006

Net Earnings

 $  109,390

 $  104,328

 $  80,569

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    Depreciation and amortization

    Net loss on sales and disposals of long-lived assets

    Deferred income taxes

    Share-based compensation

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired and disposed of:

        Increase in receivables

        Increase in inventories

        Increase (decrease) in progress payments

        Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

        Increase in deferred revenue

        (Decrease) increase in income taxes payable

        Increase in net pension and postretirement liabilities

        Decrease (increase) in other current and long-term assets

        (Decrease) increase in other current and long-term liabilities

        Total adjustments

        Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sales and disposals of long-lived assets

Acquisitions of intangible assets

Additions to property, plant, and equipment

Acquisition of new businesses, net of cash acquired

    Net cash used for investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Borrowings of debt

Principal payments on debt

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Dividends paid

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Supplemental disclosure of investing activities:

74,251

    62,699

    50,791

804

(6,370)

388

486

(8,144)

(11,419)

13,663

    10,912

6,621

(20,230)

(46,564)

8,227

8,582

(63,998)

(50,290)

(2,274)

(20,489)

(11,245)

(7,024)

    31,078

    15,643

33,332

    53,065

    32,647

(4,044)

11,416

2,250

(4,886)

(6,020)

5,540

(2,668)

4,520

1,207

2,982

(2,667)

5,769

70,431

    34,808

    63,302

    179,821

    139,136

    143,871

8,143

(311)

    (103,657)

174

(3,722)

(54,433)

(48,557)

    (289,348)

    (144,382)

    (347,329)

776

(1,664)

(40,202)

(39,522)

(80,612)

    598,000

    751,500

    240,000

    (622,580)

    (604,560)

    (240,058)

9,905

(14,381)

1,544

(13,742)

(5,815)

9,661

8,616

(12,440)

(10,538)

2,590

3,445

1,885

(95)

2,332

(57,997)

    65,496

66,520

    124,517

    59,021

 $ 

60,705

 $  66,520

 $  124,517

    Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

(27,512)

    146,751

    Fair value of assets acquired from current year acquisitions

 $  133,159

 $  315,842

 $  42,417

    Additional consideration (received) paid on prior year acquisitions

    Liabilities assumed from current year acquisitions

    Cash acquired

(1,447)

(75,156)

(7,999)

9,433

(35,706)

(221)

4,546

(7,424)

(17)

        Acquisition of new businesses, net of cash acquired

 $ 

48,557

 $  289,348

 $  39,522

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | 19

 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Shareholder Information

Corporate Headquarters
10 Waterview Boulevard, 2nd Floor 
Parsippany, New Jersey  07054  
www.curtisswright.com 
Tel: (973) 541-3700

Annual Meeting
The 2009 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on May 8, 
2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel, 199 Smith 
Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

Stock Exchange Listing
The Corporation’s common stock is listed and traded on the New 
York Stock Exchange under the symbol CW.

Common Shareholders
As of December 31, 2008, the approximate number of holders 
of record of common stock, par value of $1.00 per share of the 
Corporation was 6,193.

Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar
For services such as changes of address, replacement of lost 
certificates or dividend checks, and changes in registered 
ownership, or for inquiries as to account status, write to American 
Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 59 Maiden Lane, New 
York, New York 10038. Please include your name, address, 
and telephone number with all correspondence. Telephone 
inquiries may be made to (800) 937-5449 or (212) 936-5100 
internationally. Internet inquiries should be directed to  
www.amstock.com. Hearing-impaired shareholders are invited to 
log on to the website and select the Live Chat option.

Directors
Martin R. Benante
Chairman of the Board of 
Directors

S. Marce Fuller
Former President and  
Chief Executive Officer of  
Mirant Corporation, Inc. (formerly 
known as Southern Energy, Inc.) 
Director, Earthlink, Inc.

Dr. Allen A. Kozinski 
Former Vice President of Global 
Refining of British Petroleum PLC

Carl G. Miller
Former Chief Financial Officer 
of TRW, Inc.

William B. Mitchell
Trustee, Mitre Corporation 
Former Vice Chairman of Texas 
Instruments Inc.

John R. Myers
Former Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer of  
Tru-Circle Corporation 
Management Consultant 
Former Chairman of the Board 
of Garrett Aviation Services

John B. Nathman
Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Dr. William W. Sihler
Ronald E. Trzcinski Professor of 
Business Administration 
Darden Graduate School of 
Business Administration  
University of Virginia

Albert E. Smith
Chairman of Tetra Tech., Inc.  
Former Executive Vice President 
and Officer of Lockheed Martin 
Corporation

20 | Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report

Direct Stock Purchase Plan/Dividend Reinvestment Plan
A plan is available to purchase or sell shares of Curtiss-Wright 
common stock. The plan provides a low-cost alternative to the 
traditional methods of buying, holding, and selling stock. The plan 
also provides for the automatic reinvestment of Curtiss-Wright 
dividends. For more information, contact our transfer agent, American 
Stock Transfer & Trust Company toll free at (877) 854-0844.

Investor Information
Investors, stockbrokers, security analysts and others seeking 
information about Curtiss-Wright Corporation should contact 
Alexandra M. Deignan, Director of Investor Relations, at the 
Corporate Headquarters listed above.

Shareholder Communications
Any stockholder wishing to communicate directly with our 
Board of Directors should write to Dr. William W. Sihler 
at Southeastern Consultants Group, LTD, P.O. Box 5645, 
Charlottesville, Virginia 22905.

Financial Reports
This brochure includes some of the periodic financial information 
required to be on file with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. The Corporation also files an Annual Report on Form 
10-K, a copy of which may be obtained free of charge. These 
reports, as well as additional financial documents such as quarterly 
shareholder reports, proxy statements, and quarterly reports on 
Form 10-Q, may be obtained by written request to Alexandra 
M. Deignan, Director of Investor Relations, at the Corporate 
Headquarters, or at the Corporation’s website  
www.curtisswright.com.

Officers
Martin R. Benante
Chief Executive Officer

David C. Adams
Co-Chief Operating Officer

David J. Linton
Co-Chief Operating Officer

Edward Bloom
Vice President

Glenn E. Tynan
Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

Michael J. Denton
Vice President, 
General Counsel and  
Corporate Secretary

Harry Jakubowitz
Vice President and  
Treasurer

Glenn Coleman
Vice President and  
Corporate Controller

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Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | IBC1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Curtiss-Wright Corporation 
10 Waterview Boulevard 
Parsippany, New Jersey  07054

www.curtisswright.com

Curtiss-Wright 2008 Annual Report | BC1