Quarterlytics / Industrials / Aerospace & Defense / Woodward / FY2016 Annual Report

Woodward
Annual Report 2016

WWD · NASDAQ Industrials
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Ticker WWD
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Aerospace & Defense
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Woodward
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BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

WOODWARD IS AN 

OUR AEROSPACE systems and components 

optimize the performance of fi xed wing and 

INDEPENDENT DESIGNER, 

rotorcraft platforms in commercial, business 

and military aircraft, ground vehicles and other 

MANUFACTURER, AND 

equipment. OUR INDUSTRIAL systems and 

components enhance the performance of gas and 

SERVICE PROVIDER OF 

steam turbines, reciprocating engines, compressors, 

wind turbines, electrical grids and other energy 

CONTROL SOLUTIONS 

related industrial equipment. The company’s 

innovative fl uid energy, combustion control,  

FOR THE AEROSPACE AND 

electrical energy, and motion control systems help 

customers offer cleaner, more reliable and more 

INDUSTRIAL MARKETS.

effi cient equipment. OUR CUSTOMERS include 

leading original equipment manufacturers and end 

users of their products.

W
O
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2016

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

1081 Woodward Way

PO Box 1519

Fort Collins, Colorado 80522-1519 USA

970-482-5811

WWW.WOODWARD.COM

Always Innovating for a Better Future

 
 
 
 
 
DEAR
SHAREHOLDERS

We delivered solid fi scal year results against the headwinds 

of a challenging global industrial market. 

In 2016, we began our strong cash generation cycle. 
Our large research and development investments 
in new Aerospace programs, as well as emissions-
friendly natural gas, diesel, and renewable power 
applications are nearing completion. Our capital 
investments in new facilities and equipment were 
fi	nished	on	time	and	on	budget,	and	are	ready	to	
support our share gains and new program wins as 
they enter production. Highlights for 2016 include:

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION IS STRONG

We continue to invest in our customer partnerships, 
industry leading technology and system solutions. 
We are well positioned with the industry leaders 
in each of our markets and are driving innovative 
business relationships such as our Convergence Fuel 
Systems JV with GE which was launched during the 
fi	scal	year.	These	partnering	relationships	are	key	to	
driving	long	term	growth	and	profi	tability.

Earnings per share of $2.85, increase 
of	4%,	on	fl	at	sales

Free	cash	fl	ow	of	$105	million†

$152 million returned to shareholders 
through dividends and share repurchases

OUR MARKETS REMAIN ATTRACTIVE

The aerospace market is healthy, driven by record 
commercial order backlogs, growing passenger and 
freight	traffi	c,	and	solid	defense	programs.	The	active	
commercial	and	military	fl	eets	continue	to	grow	and	
drive	signifi	cant	demand	for	replacement	parts	and	
overhaul services. 

On the industrial side, the long term dynamics 
of our markets continue to be attractive as the 
demand	for	lower	emission,	higher	effi	ciency	
turbines, engines, and renewable power is 
projected to substantially increase over the next 
decade. Our large installed base of industrial 
equipment has supported us through market cycles 
and is a long term growth driver for the business. 
We have taken decisive actions to align our business 
and cost structure with current market conditions, 
and position us for the anticipated market recovery. 

FY 2017 - MARKET SHARE GAINS 
POISED TO DELIVER GROWTH

We	have	been	awarded	signifi	cant	share	gains	
over	the	last	fi	ve	years	on	new	aerospace	and	
industrial programs. For the coming year, we 
anticipate strong sales growth as a result of our 
signifi	cantly	higher	content	on	the	Boeing	737	
MAX	and	the	Airbus	A320neo	as	production	rates	
increase for both aircraft. We also believe we are 
at the bottom of the industrial cycle and expect 
industrial sales to stabilize and segment margins 
to improve as a result of the alignment actions we 
have taken. Our high level of investments over the 
last several years in new product development and 
facilities is moderating, and we are now entering 
a cycle of strong cash generation—On Course to 
deliver exceptional shareholder value.

Finally, we could not succeed without the 
dedication and contributions of our members 
and the leadership and direction provided by 
our	Board	of	Directors.	I	want	to	thank	them	
for their ongoing contributions.
for their ongoing contributions.
for their ongoing contributions.

Thomas A. Gendron
Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer and President

’16

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’14

’13

’12

’16
’15

’14

’13
’12

’16
’15

’14

’13

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NET SALES
Dollars in Billions

$2.0

$2.0

$2.0

$1.9

$1.9

FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS

in thousands except Per Share amounts 
and	Other	Year-End	Data

Operating Results

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Year	Ended	September	30,

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Diluted

  Net sales

$ 2,023,078 $	2,038,303 $ 2,001,240 $	1,935,976 $	1,865,627

2.85
2.75

2.45

2.10
2.01

$105†

FREE CASH FLOW
Dollars in Millions

$ 9

  Net earnings

180,838

181,452

165,844

145,942

141,589

	 Basic	per	share	amount

	 Diluted	per	share	amount

Cash Dividends Per Share

Year-End Financial Position

2.92

2.85

0.43

2.81

2.75

0.38

2.50

2.45

0.32

2.13

2.10

0.32

2.06

2.01

0.31

  Working capital

463,811

579,211

627,981

498,757

583,607

  Total assets

2,642,362

2,512,404

2,358,603

2,171,539

1,815,758

$66

$90

$83

 Long-term debt 
(less current portion)

577,153

848,488

708,110

449,152

382,969

†  Excluding the after-tax proceeds from the 
formation of the joint venture with GE

  Stockholders equity

1,212,595

1,153,104

1,160,944

1,142,545

1,008,115

Other Year-End Data

  Members (employees)

6,852

6,955

6,701

6,736

6,650

COMPARISON OF 10-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN††

Among Woodward, Inc., the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the S&P Industrial Machinery Index

$450

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

$405

$305

$239

Woodward, Inc.

S&P Industrial Machinery

S&P Midcap 400

‘06	

‘07	

‘08	

‘09	

‘10	

‘11	

‘12	

‘13	

‘14	

‘15	

‘16

††   $100	invested	on	09/30/06	in	stock	or	index,	including	reinvestment	of	dividends.	

Fiscal	year	ending	September	30.

  Copyright© 2016 Standard & Poor’s, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.

(L)  Tom Gendron

Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer and President

(R)		Bob	Weber

Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Offi cer and Treasurer

2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

1

 
	
AEROSPACE

The aerospace industry remains robust with record 

order backlogs driven by the demand for more fuel 

effi cient aircraft and increasing passenger travel. 

We have been investing in technology for more than a 
decade to develop innovative fuel control and motion 
control systems to help our customers meet or exceed their 
requirements. As a result, we have substantially increased 
our content on the new aircraft that have launched—such as 
the	Boeing	787,	Airbus	A320neo,	and	Bombardier	CSeries—
and new aircraft that will be launching in the near future, 
for	example—the	Boeing	737	MAX	and	Airbus	A330neo.	
In	addition,	we	have	won	signifi	cant	content	on	the	KC-46	
tanker and Joint Strike Fighter.

These market share gains led to the need for additional 
production capacity which drove unusually high capital 
expenditures over the last few years and constrained free 
cash	fl	ow.	The	new	facilities	were	designed	using	lean	
principles and are now complete, on time and budget. 

We are now entering our growth and investment return 
cycle. As new aerospace programs continue to launch 
with two to three times more Woodward content than 
the previous versions, and the high investment in both 
product development and capital is complete, our 
Aerospace segment is ON COURSE to deliver strong 
earnings, cash generation and shareholder value.

S E G M E N T   R E V E N U E S

A I R C R A F T   I N
S E RV I C E  W I T H
WO O DWA R D
C O N T E N T

G LO BA L
A I R
T R A F F I C
G R O W T H

2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

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INDUSTRIAL

Our Industrial segment is strategically 

well positioned in our markets. We are 

seeing the bottom of the recent global 

industrial recession and are poised to 

grow as our markets recover.

For the markets where we play—power generation, 
transportation, and oil and gas—the fundamental drivers 
remain unchanged and continue to make our markets 
very attractive. These drivers are:

	 	Fuel	fl	exibility	–	the	ability	to	use	multiple	

fuel types such as diesel or natural gas

	 	Lower	emissions	–	global	regulations	
mandating the use of cleaner fuels 
and renewable power

	 	Reliability	and	effi	ciency	–	users	demanding	

greater availability and fuel economy

	 	Global	growth	–	population	and	wealth	
growth driving higher power demand

In partnership with our customers, we have developed 
innovative technologies to meet many of these market 
needs and have been rewarded with higher content on 
the new generations of gas and steam turbines, 
reciprocating engines, and wind turbines.

Over	the	last	several	years,	we	have	also	made	signifi	cant	
investments in system testing capabilities to meet the 
demanding performance requirements, and facilities and 
equipment to drive lean production techniques for 
improved quality and cost.

As the industrial recession subsides and our markets 
recover, we believe we are ON COURSE to deliver 
above-industry	sales	growth	and	world	class	profi	tability	
and cash generation. 

SEGMENT REVENUES

I N   G LO BA L   N AT U R A L   GA S
C O N S U M P T I O N   B Y   2 0 4 0

A N N UA L   I N V E S T M E N T   I N
G LO BA L   E N E R G Y   S E C TO R

2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

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OUR COMMITMENT TO
SUSTAINABILITY

Woodward’s dedication to 

sustainability and corporate 

social responsibility is 

fundamental to our identity.

From	our	beginnings	in	1870	with	the	invention	
of a governor for waterwheels, Woodward has 
grown into a company that sets the global standard 
for energy control and optimization, providing 
sustainable	solutions	that	improve	effi	ciency	
and lower emissions. Woodward applies the 
three interdependent pillars of sustainability—
environmental stewardship, social responsibility 
and structure and processes—as guiding principles 
for the promotion of responsible progress. Our 
commitment to sustainability as part of responsible 
progress is encapsulated in the message that is at 
the core of our corporate brand: Always innovating 
for a better future. 

You	can	fi	nd	the	complete	text	of	our	Sustainability	
Report on our website:

www.woodward.com/socialresponsibility.aspx 

FORM 10-K 2016

Always Innovating for a Better Future

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(cid:55) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or
(cid:133) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission file number 000-08408

WOODWARD, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

36-1984010

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1081 Woodward Way, Fort Collins, Colorado

(Address of principal executive offices)

80524

(Zip Code)

(970) 482-5811

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common stock, par value $.001455 per share

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes (cid:55) No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:133) No (cid:55)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) 
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes (cid:55) No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive 

Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes (cid:55) No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 

contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the 
Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  (cid:55) Accelerated filer   (cid:133) Non-accelerated filer (cid:133) Smaller reporting company (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes (cid:133) No (cid:55)

Aggregate market value of registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of a share of 

the registrant’s common stock on March 31, 2016 as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date:  $2,321,670,771.  For 
purposes of this calculation, shares of common stock held by (i) persons holding more than 5% of the outstanding shares of stock, (ii) officers 
and directors of the registrant, and (iii) the Woodward Governor Company Profit Sharing Trust, Woodward Governor Company Deferred 
Shares Trust, or the Woodward Charitable Trust, as of March 31, 2016, are excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  
This determination is not necessarily conclusive of affiliate status.  

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 14, 2016: 61,625,138.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of our proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017, are incorporated by reference into 

Parts II and III of this Form 10-K, to the extent indicated.

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Forward Looking Statements

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Market Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity
Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Item 8.

Item 9.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.

Other Information

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

PART III

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder 
Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Signatures

Page

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Forward Looking Statements

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 

of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results within the meaning of the 
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that are 
deemed forward-looking statements.  These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections 
about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of management.  Words such as “anticipate,” 
“believe,” “estimate,” “seek,” “goal,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “continue,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” 
“strive,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended 
to identify such forward-looking statements.  In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial 
performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characteristics of future events or circumstances 
are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements relating to:
future sales, earnings, cash flow, uses of cash, and other measures of financial performance;
descriptions of our plans and expectations for future operations;
plans and expectations relating to the performance of our joint venture with General Electric Company;
investments in new campuses, business sites and related business developments;
the effect of economic trends or growth;
the expected level of activity in particular industries or markets and the effects of those changes;
the scope, nature, or impact of acquisition activity and integration of such acquisition into our business;
the research, development, production, and support of new products and services;
new business opportunities;
restructuring and alignment costs and savings;
our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to business opportunities that may be available to us;
our liquidity, including our ability to meet capital spending requirements and operations;
future repurchases of common stock;
future levels of indebtedness and capital spending; 
the stability of financial institutions, including those lending to us; and
pension and other postretirement plan assumptions and future contributions.

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Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, 

and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including:

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a decline in business with, or financial distress of, our significant customers;
global economic uncertainty and instability in the financial markets;
our ability to manage product liability claims, product recalls or other liabilities associated with the products and 
services that we provide;
our ability to obtain financing, on acceptable terms or at all, to implement our business plans, complete acquisitions, 
or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to business pressures;
the long sales cycle, customer evaluation process, and implementation period of some of our products and services;
our ability to implement and realize the intended effects of any restructuring and alignment efforts;
our ability to successfully manage competitive factors, including prices, promotional incentives, competitor product 
development, industry consolidation, and commodity and other input cost increases;
our ability to manage our expenses and product mix while responding to sales increases or decreases;
the ability of our subcontractors to perform contractual obligations and our suppliers to provide us with materials of 
sufficient quality or quantity required to meet our production needs at favorable prices or at all;
our ability to monitor our technological expertise and the success of, and/or costs associated with, our product 
development activities;
consolidation in the aerospace market and our participation in a strategic joint venture with General Electric 
Company may make it more difficult to secure long-term sales in certain aerospace markets; 
our debt obligations, our debt service requirements, and our ability to operate our business, pursue business 
strategies and incur additional debt in light of covenants contained in our outstanding debt agreements;
our ability to manage additional tax expense and exposures;
risks related to our U.S. Government contracting activities, including liabilities resulting from legal and regulatory 
proceedings, inquiries, or investigations related to such activities;
the potential of a significant reduction in defense sales due to decreases in the amount of U.S. Federal defense 
spending or other specific budget cuts impacting defense programs in which we participate;
changes in government spending patterns, priorities, subsidy programs and/or regulatory requirements;

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future impairment charges resulting from changes in the estimates of fair value of reporting units or of long-lived 
assets;
future results of our subsidiaries;
environmental liabilities related to manufacturing activities and/or real estate acquisitions;
our continued access to a stable workforce and favorable labor relations with our employees;
physical and other risks related to our operations and suppliers, including natural disasters, which could disrupt 
production;
our ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax, and legal matters (including the adequacy of amounts accrued for 
contingencies, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and product liability, patent, and intellectual property 
matters);
risks related to our common stock, including changes in prices and trading volumes;
risks from operating internationally, including the impact on reported earnings from fluctuations in foreign currency 
exchange rates, and compliance with and changes in the legal and regulatory environments of the United States and 
the countries in which we operate; 
risks associated with political and economic uncertainty in the European Union;
fair value of defined benefit plan assets and assumptions used in determining our retirement pension and other 
postretirement benefit obligations and related expenses including, among others, discount rates and investment return 
on pension assets; 
industry risks, including changes in commodity prices for oil, natural gas, and other minerals, unforeseen events that 
may reduce commercial aviation, and changing emissions standards;
our operations may be adversely affected by information systems interruptions or intrusions; and 
certain provisions of our charter documents and Delaware law that could discourage or prevent others from 
acquiring our company. 

These factors are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results 

to differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in our forward-looking statements.  Other factors are discussed under 
the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 
2016 (this “Form 10-K”).  We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Unless we have indicated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this Form 10-K to “Woodward,” “the 

Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Woodward, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  

Except where we have otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, amounts presented in this Form 10-K are in 

thousands, except per share amounts.

3

Item 1. 

General

Business

Woodward enhances the global quality of life, creating innovative energy control solutions that optimize the performance, 

efficiency and emissions of our customers’ products. We are an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of 
energy control and optimization solutions.  We design, produce and service reliable, efficient, low-emission, and high-
performance energy control products for diverse applications in challenging environments.  We have production and assembly 
facilities in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America, and promote our products and services through our worldwide 
locations.  

Our strategic focus is providing energy control and optimization solutions for the aerospace, industrial and energy markets. 

The precise and efficient control of energy, including fluid and electrical energy, combustion, and motion, is a growing 
requirement in the markets we serve.  Our customers look to us to optimize the efficiency, emissions and operation of power 
equipment in both commercial and defense operations.  Our core technologies leverage well across our markets and customer 
applications, enabling us to develop and integrate cost-effective and state-of-the-art fuel, combustion, fluid, actuation and 
electronic systems.  We focus primarily on serving original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and equipment packagers, 
partnering with them to bring superior component and system solutions to their demanding applications.  We also provide 
aftermarket repair, replacement and other service support for our installed products. 

Our components and integrated systems optimize performance of commercial aircraft, defense aircraft, ground vehicles 
and other equipment, gas and steam turbines, wind turbines, including converters and power grid related equipment, industrial 
diesel, gas, alternative and dual fuel reciprocating engines, and electrical power systems.  Our innovative fluid energy, 
combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help our customers offer more cost-effective, cleaner, and
more reliable equipment.  

Woodward was established in 1870, incorporated in 1902, and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.  The mailing 

address of our world headquarters is 1081 Woodward Way, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.  Our telephone number at that 
location is (970) 482-5811, and our website is www.woodward.com.  None of the information contained on our website is 
incorporated into this document by reference. 

Markets and Principal Lines of Business

We serve the aerospace, industrial and energy markets through our two reportable segments – Aerospace and Industrial. In 

the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we changed the name of our Energy segment to Industrial.  The term “energy” is largely
viewed as “oil and gas” and therefore was not representative of the broader markets we serve in this segment. Our customers 
require technological solutions to meet their needs for performance, efficiency, and reliability, and to reduce their costs of
operation.

Within the aerospace market, we provide systems, components and solutions for both commercial and defense 

applications.  Our key focus areas within this market are:

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Propulsion and combustion control solutions for turbine powered aircrafts; and

Fluid and motion control solutions for critical aerospace and defense applications.

Within the industrial and energy markets, our key focus areas are:

(cid:120) Applications and control solutions for machines that produce electricity utilizing conventional or renewable 

energy sources; and

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Fluid, motion, and combustion control solutions for complex oil and gas, industrial, and transportation 
applications.

Additional information about our operations in fiscal year 2016 and outlook for the future, including certain segment 

information, is included in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations.”  Additional information about our business segments and certain geographical information is included in Note 20,
Segment information and Note 21, Supplemental quarterly financial data (Unaudited), to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 

Products, Services and Applications

Aerospace 

Our Aerospace segment designs, manufactures and services systems and products for the management of fuel, air, 
combustion and motion control.  These products include main fuel pumps, metering units, actuators, air valves, specialty 
valves, fuel nozzles, and thrust reverser actuation systems for turbine engines and nacelles, as well as flight deck controls, 

4

actuators, servocontrols, motors and sensors for aircraft.  These products are used on commercial and private aircrafts and 
helicopters, as well as in military fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, weapons and defense systems.

We have significant content on a wide variety of commercial aircraft, rotorcraft and business jet platforms, including the 
Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and 787, Bell 429 and Gulfstream G650.  We also have significant content on defense applications 
such as the Blackhawk and Apache helicopters, F-18 and F-35 fighter jets, and guided tactical weapons (for example, the Joint 
Direct Attack Munition (“JDAM”)).

Revenues from the Aerospace segment are generated by sales to OEMs, tier-one suppliers, and prime contractors, and 

through aftermarket sales of components, such as provisioning spares or replacements, and spare parts.  We also provide 
aftermarket repair, overhaul and other services to commercial airlines, turbine OEM repair facilities, military depots, third 
party repair shops, and other end users.  

Industrial

Our Industrial segment designs, produces and services systems and products for the management of fuel, air, fluids, gases, 

electricity, motion, and combustion.  These products include actuators, valves, pumps, injectors, solenoids, ignition systems, 
speed controls, electronics and software, power converters, and devices that measure, communicate and protect electrical 
distribution systems.  Our products are used on industrial gas turbines (including heavy frame and aeroderivative turbines), 
steam turbines, reciprocating engines, electric power generation and power distribution systems, wind turbines, and 
compressors.  The equipment on which our products are found is used to extract and distribute fossil and renewable fuels; in 
the mining of other commodities; to generate and distribute power; and to convert fuel to work in marine, mobile, and 
industrial equipment applications.  

Revenues from our Industrial segment are generated primarily by sales to OEMs and by providing aftermarket products 

and other related services to our OEM customers.  Our Industrial segment also sells products through an independent network 
of distributors and, in some cases, directly to end users.

Customers 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, approximately 42% of our consolidated net sales were made to our five 
largest customers.  Sales to our five largest customers represented approximately 40% of our consolidated net sales for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and approximately 39% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended September 
30, 2014.

Sales to our largest customer, General Electric, accounted for approximately 17% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2016, 18% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, and 15% of our 
consolidated net sales in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.  Our accounts receivable from General Electric represented 
approximately 14% of total accounts receivable as of September 30, 2016 and 15% as of September 30, 2015. During fiscal 
year 2016 we entered into a strategic joint venture (“JV”) with General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE 
Aviation business unit.  The JV sells fuel systems for GE’s large engine programs.  Fuel systems for GE large engine programs
that we previously sold directly to GE are now sold to the JV, which in turn sells them to GE.  No other customer represented 
greater than 10% of our total accounts receivable.  We believe General Electric and our other significant customers are 
creditworthy and will be able to satisfy their credit obligations to us. 

The following customers account for approximately 10% or more of sales to each of our reporting segments for the fiscal 

year ended September 30, 2016.

Aerospace
Industrial

Competitive Environment

Customer
Boeing, United Technologies
General Electric

Our products and product support services are sold worldwide into a variety of markets.  In all markets, we compete on the 

basis of differentiated technology and design, product performance and conformity with customer specifications.  Additional 
factors are customer service and support, including on-time delivery and customer partnering, product quality, price, reputation 
and local presence.  Both of our segments operate in uniquely competitive environments.

We believe that new competitors face significant barriers to entry into many of our markets, including various government 

mandated certification requirements to compete in the aerospace markets in which we participate.

Aerospace industry safety regulations and manufacturing standards demand significant product certification requirements, 

which form a basis for competition as well as a barrier to entry.  Technological innovation and design, product performance 
and conformity with customer specifications, and product quality and reliability are of utmost importance in the aerospace and

5

defense industry.  In addition, on-time delivery, pricing, and joint development capabilities with customers are points of 
competition within this market. 

Our customers include airframe and aircraft engine OEM manufacturers and suppliers to these manufacturers.  We supply 
these customers with technologically innovative system and component solutions and align our technology roadmaps with our 
customers.  We focus on responding to needs for reduced cost and weight, emission control and reliability improvements. 

We compete with numerous companies around the world that specialize in fuel and air management, combustion, 
electronic control, aircraft motion control, flight deck control, and thrust reverser products.  Our competitors in aerospace
include divisions of Eaton, Honeywell, Moog, and Parker Hannifin, and United Technologies Corporation Aerospace Systems 
(“UTC Aerospace Systems”) and its subsidiaries.  In addition, some of our OEM customers are capable of developing and 
manufacturing similar products internally.  Several competitors are also customers for our products, such as Honeywell, Parker 
Hannifin, and UTC Aerospace Systems.

Our products achieve high levels of field reliability, which offers end users an advantage in life-cycle cost.  We address 

competition in aftermarket service through responsiveness to our customers’ needs, providing short turnaround times, greater 
performance such as longer time between repairs, and maintaining a global presence. 

Some of our customers are affiliated with our competitors through ownership or joint venture agreements.  We compete in 

part by establishing relationships with our customers’ engineering organizations, and by offering innovative technical and 
commercial solutions to meet their market requirements.  As discussed above, during fiscal year 2016 we entered into a 
strategic joint venture with GE, acting through its GE Aviation business unit.  The JV sells fuel systems for GE’s large engine 
programs. 

Industrial operates in the global markets for industrial turbines, industrial reciprocating engines, electric power generation 

systems, power distribution networks, and wind turbines.

We compete with numerous companies that specialize in various engine, turbine, and power management products, and 
our OEM customers are often capable of developing and manufacturing similiar products internally.  Many of our customers 
are large global OEMs that require suppliers to support them around the world and to meet increasingly higher requirements in
terms of safety, quality, delivery, reliability and cost. 

Competitors include ABB, Emerson, Heinzmann GmbH & Co., Hoerbiger, Invensys, L’Orange GmbH, Meggitt, Robert 

Bosch AG, and Schweitzer Electric.  OEM customers with internal capabilities for similar products include Caterpillar,
Cummins, General Electric, Siemens and Wartsila.

We believe we are a market leader in providing our customers advanced technology and superior product performance at a 
competitive price.  We focus on developing and maintaining close relationships with our OEM customers’ engineering teams.  
Competitive success is based on the development of innovative components and systems that are aligned with the OEMs’ 
technology roadmaps to achieve future reliability, emission, efficiency, and fuel flexibility targets.

Government Contracts and Regulation

Portions of our business, particularly in our Aerospace segment, are heavily regulated.  We contract with numerous U.S. 

Government agencies and entities, including all of the branches of the U.S. military, the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (“NASA”), and the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation.  We also contract with 
similar government authorities outside the United States.

The U.S. Government, and potentially other governments, may terminate any of our government contracts, or any 
government contracts under which we are a subcontractor, at their convenience, as well as for default based on specified 
performance measurements.  If any of our U.S. government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, we generally 
would be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs.  If any of our U.S. 
government contracts were to be terminated for our default, the U.S. Government generally would pay only for the work 
accepted, and could require us to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract 
items, net of the work accepted from the original contract.  The U.S. Government could also hold us liable for damages 
resulting from the default.

We must comply with, and are affected by, laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance 

of U.S. Government contracts.  These laws and regulations, among other things:

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require accurate, complete and current disclosure and certification of cost and pricing data in connection with certain 
contracts; 
impose specific and unique cost accounting practices that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), and therefore require robust systems to reconcile;
impose regulations that define allowable and unallowable costs and otherwise govern our right to reimbursement 
under certain cost-based U.S. Government contracts; 

6

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impose manufacturing specifications and other quality standards that may be more restrictive than for non-government 
business activities; and
restrict the use and dissemination of information classified for national security purposes due to the regulations of the 
U.S. Government and foreign governments pertaining to the export of certain products and technical data.

Sales made directly to U.S. Government agencies and entities, or indirectly through third party manufacturers utilizing 
Woodward parts and subassemblies, collectively represented 21% of our sales for fiscal year 2016, 18% of our sales for fiscal 
year 2015, and 17% of our sales for fiscal year 2014.  The level of U.S. spending for defense, alternative energy and other 
programs, and the mix of programs to which such funding is allocated, is subject to periodic congressional appropriation 
actions, and is subject to change, including elimination, at any time. 

U.S. Government related sales from our reporting segments for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

Direct U.S. 
Government Sales

Indirect U.S. 
Government Sales

Commercial Sales

Total

Year ended September 30, 2016
Aerospace

Industrial

Total net external sales

Percentage of total net sales

Year ended September 30, 2015

Aerospace

Industrial

Total net external sales

Percentage of total net sales

Year ended September 30, 2014

Aerospace

Industrial

Total net external sales

Percentage of total net sales

Seasonality

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

103,026

6,550

109,576

5%

92,322

4,836

97,158

5%

76,982

2,517

79,499

4%

$

$

$

$

$

$

310,952

9,845

320,797

16%

258,391

8,839

267,230

13%

254,806

5,588

260,394

13%

819,198

773,507

1,592,705

79%

810,170

863,745

1,673,915

82%

752,237

909,110

1,661,347

83%

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,233,176

789,902

2,023,078

100%

1,160,883

877,420

2,038,303

100%

1,084,025

917,215

2,001,240

100%

We do not believe our sales, in total or in either business segment, are subject to significant seasonal variation.  However,

our sales have generally been lower in the first quarter of our fiscal year as compared to the immediately preceding quarter due 
to fewer working days resulting from the observance of various holidays and scheduled plant shutdowns for annual 
maintenance. 

Sales Order Backlog

Our backlog of unshipped sales orders by segment as of October 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

Aerospace

Industrial

October 31, 2016

% Expected to be filled 
by September 30, 2017

October 31, 2015

$

$

685,792

189,397

875,189

77%

96%

81%

$

$

571,329

208,347

779,676

Our current estimate of the sales order backlog is based on unshipped sales orders that are open in our order entry systems.  

Unshipped orders are not necessarily an indicator of future sales levels because of variations in lead times and customer 
production schedules. 

Manufacturing

We operate manufacturing and assembly plants in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.  Our products 

consist of mechanical, electronic and electromechanical systems and components. 

Aluminum, iron and steel are primary raw materials used to produce our mechanical components.  Other commodities, 
such as gold, copper and nickel, are also used in the manufacture of our products, although in much smaller quantities.  We 

7

purchase various goods, including component parts and services used in production, logistics and product development 
processes from third parties. Generally there are numerous sources for the raw materials and components used in our products, 
which we believe are sufficiently available to meet current requirements.

We maintain global strategic sourcing models to meet our global facilities' production needs while building long-term 
supplier relationships and efficiently managing our overall supply costs.  We expect our suppliers to maintain adequate levels 
of quality raw materials and component parts, and to deliver such parts on a timely basis to support production of our various 
products. We use a variety of agreements with suppliers intended to protect our intellectual property and processes and to 
monitor and mitigate risks of disruption in our supply base that could cause a business disruption to our production schedules 
or to our customers. The risks monitored include supplier financial viability, business continuity, quality, delivery and 
protection of our intellectual property and processes.

Our customers expect us to maintain adequate levels of certain finished goods and certain component parts to support our 

warranty commitments and sales to our aftermarket customers, and to deliver such parts on a timely basis to support our 
customers’ standard and customary needs.  We carry certain finished goods and component parts in inventory to meet these 
rapid delivery requirements of our customers. 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted disclosure rules for companies that use tantalum, tin, tungsten, 

and gold or their derivatives (collectively referred to as “conflict minerals”) in their products, with substantial supply chain 
verification requirements in the event the conflict minerals come or may come from the Democratic Republic of Congo or 
adjoining countries.  The European Union is considering the imposition of similar reporting obligations.  Our conflict minerals 
report for calendar year 2015 was filed with the SEC on May 31, 2016.  We may face reputational challenges with our 
customers, stockholders and other stakeholders if we use and/or are unable to sufficiently verify the origins of the conflict
minerals used in our products.  Further, due to the complexity of our supply chain, the implementation of the existing U.S. 
requirements and any additional European requirements could affect the sourcing and availability of metals used in the 
manufacture of a number of parts contained in our products.  Regardless, we have and will continue to incur costs associated 
with compliance, including time-consuming and costly efforts to determine the source of conflict minerals that may be used in 
our products.

Research and Development

We finance our research and development activities with our own independent research and development funds.  Our 
research and development costs include basic research, applied research, component and systems development, and other 
concept formulation studies.  

Company funded expenditures related to new product development activities are expensed as incurred and are separately 

reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings.  Across both of our segments, research and development 
costs totaled $126,170 in fiscal year 2016, $134,485 in fiscal year 2015, and $138,005 in fiscal year 2014.  Research and 
development costs were 6.2% of consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2016 compared to 6.6% in fiscal year 2015 and 6.9% in 
fiscal year 2014.  See “Research and development costs” in Note 1, Operations and summary of significant accounting policies, 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 

Aerospace is focused on developing systems and components that we believe will be instrumental in helping our 

customers achieve their objectives of lower fuel consumption, lighter weight, more efficient performance, reduced emissions, 
and improved operating economics.  Our development efforts support technology for a wide range of:

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aerospace turbine engine applications, which include commercial, business and military turbofan engines of various 
thrust classes, turboshaft engines and turboprop engines;
electromechanical and hydraulic actuation systems for flight deck-to-flight surface control of fixed-wing aircraft and 
rotorcraft, and turbine engine nacelles, as well as guidance for weapon systems; and 

(cid:120) motion control components for integration into comprehensive actuation systems.

The aerospace industry is moving toward more electric (“fly-by-wire”), lighter weight aircraft, while demanding increased 

reliability and redundancy.  In response, we are developing an expanded family of intelligent flight deck control products 
(including throttle and rudder controls) with both conventional and fly-by-wire technology, as well as motor driven actuation 
systems.

We collaborate closely with our customers as they develop their technology plans, which leads to new product concepts.  

We believe this collaboration allows us to develop technology that is aligned with our customers’ needs and therefore, 
increases the likelihood that our systems and components will be selected for inclusion in the platforms developed by our 
customers.  Further, we believe our close collaboration with our customers during preliminary design stages allows us to 
provide products that deliver the component and system performance necessary for our customers’ products.  

Most technology development programs begin years before an expected entry to service, such as those for the next

generation of commercial aircraft engines.  Other development programs result in nearer-term product launches associated with 

8

new OEM offerings, product upgrades, or product replacements on existing programs.  Some of the major projects/programs 
we are developing are listed below.

We developed the fuel system, air management, and actuation hardware for CFM International’s LEAP engine program, 
and actuation system, combustion system and oil system components for Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower engine program.  These 
programs target applications in the single aisle and regional aircraft markets with expected entry into service in the 2016 to 
2018 timeframe.  Both the LEAP engine and the PurePower engine have been selected by Airbus as options to power its 
A320neo aircraft, which entered service in 2016.  In addition, the LEAP engine has been selected exclusively by Boeing for its 
737 MAX and by Comac for its C919 aircraft.  The PurePower engine has been selected exclusively by Bombardier for its 
CSeries aircraft, which also entered service in 2016, by Embraer for its EJets E2 aircraft family, and by Irkut for the MS-21
aircraft.  

During fiscal year 2016 we entered into a JV with GE, acting through its GE Aviation business unit.  The JV sells fuel 
systems for GE’s large engine programs.  The JV is developing the fuel system for the GE9X engine (which will power the 
Boeing 777X).  We have been selected as the JV’s supplier of this fuel system.

We are the selected supplier for the thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”) for the Boeing 737 MAX and the CFM 
LEAP-engined Airbus A320neo.  We are developing TRAS programs for the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A330neo.  The 
A330neo is scheduled to enter service in 2018, and the 777X in 2020.

We are currently developing the fuel system, air management, and actuation hardware for the Passport engine program, as 

well as TRAS for the integrated propulsion system.  Passport is the next generation GE Aviation engine for the large business
aviation market, and has been selected by Bombardier to power its Global 7000 and 8000 long-range business aircraft, 
expected to enter into service in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

In addition, we developed sensor solutions for the Airbus A350 high lift system, an actuation sub-system for the Boeing 
787-9 that improves fuel burn, flight deck components for the Bombardier CSeries and control and sensing solutions for the 
Boeing KC-46A refueling tanker boom subsystem. We are currently developing flight deck components for the Bombardier 
Global 7000 and 8000 aircraft.

Industrial is focused on developing improved technologies, including integrated control systems and system components, 

that will enable our OEM customers to cost-effectively meet mandated emissions regulations and fuel efficiency demands, 
allow for usage of a wider range of fuel sources, increase reliability, reduce total cost of ownership, support global 
infrastructure growth, and safely distribute power on the electrical grid.  

Our efforts include research and development of technologies and products that improve combustion processes and 
provide the more precise flow of various fuels and gases in our customers’ gas turbines and industrial reciprocating engines.  
We also develop electronic devices and software that provide improved control and protection of reciprocating engines, gas 
turbines, steam turbines, wind turbines, and engine- and turbine-powered equipment.  Major development projects include high 
pressure common rail diesel fuel injection systems, comprehensive gas engine control systems, fuel flow control valves and 
actuators, and various other technologies.  Our technologies help our OEM customers’ engines, turbines, power generation, 
power distribution, compressor and other powered equipment operate more efficiently and more reliably.  

Employees

As of October 31, 2016, we employed approximately 6,800 full-time employees of which approximately 1,700 were 

located outside of the United States.  We believe that our relationships with our employees are good.

Approximately 17% of our total full-time workforce were union employees as of October 31, 2016, all of whom work for 
our Aerospace segment and are located in the United States.  The collective bargaining agreements with our union employees 
are generally renewed through contract renegotiation near the contract expiration dates.  The MPC Employees Representative 
Union contract, which covers 483 employees as of October 31, 2016, expires September 30, 2017.  The Local Lodge 727-N
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers agreement, which covers 416 employees as of October 31, 
2016, expires April 21, 2017.  The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of 
America and Local No. 509 agreement, which covers 223 employees as of October 31, 2016, expires June 3, 2017.  We believe
that our relationships with our union employees and the representative unions are good.

Almost all of our other employees in the United States were at-will employees as of October 31, 2016, and therefore, not 

subject to any type of employment contract or agreement.  Our executive officers each have change-in-control agreements 
which have been filed with the SEC.

Outside of the United States, we enter into employment contracts and agreements in those countries in which such 
relationships are mandatory or customary.  The provisions of these agreements correspond in each case with the required or 
customary terms in the subject jurisdiction.

9

Patents, Intellectual Property, and Licensing

We own numerous patents and have licenses for the use of patents owned by others, which relate to our products and their 
manufacture.  In addition to owning a large portfolio of intellectual property, we also license intellectual property to and from 
third parties.  For example, the U.S. Government has certain rights in our patents and other intellectual property developed in 
performance of certain government contracts, and it may use or authorize others to use the inventions covered by such patents
for government purposes as allowed by law.  

Some of our intellectual property is not covered by patents (or patent applications) and includes trade secrets and other 
technological know-how that is not patentable or for which we have elected not to seek patent protection, including intellectual 
property relating to our manufacturing processes and engineering designs.  Such unpatented technology, including research, 
development and engineering technical skills and know-how, as well as unpatented software, is important to our overall 
business and to the operations of each of our segments.  

While our intellectual property assets taken together are important, we do not believe our business or either of our 
segments would be materially affected by the expiration of any particular intellectual property right or termination of any 
particular intellectual property patent license agreement. 

As of September 30, 2016, our Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $197,650 of net intangible assets.  This value 
represents the carrying values, net of amortization, of certain assets acquired in various business acquisitions and does not 
purport to represent the fair value of our intellectual property as of September 30, 2016.

U.S. GAAP requires that research and development costs be expensed as incurred; therefore, as we develop new 
intellectual property in the normal course of business, the costs of developing such assets are expensed as incurred, with no
corresponding intangible asset recorded. 

Environmental Matters and Climate Change

The Company is regulated by federal, state and international environmental laws governing our use, transport and disposal 

of substances and control of emissions.  Compliance with these existing laws has not had a material impact on our capital 
expenditures, earnings or global competitive position.

We use hazardous materials and/or regulated materials in our manufacturing operations.  We also own, operate, and may 

acquire facilities that were formerly owned and operated by others that used such materials.  We believe that the risk that a 
significant release of regulated materials has occurred in the past or will occur in the future cannot be completely eliminated or 
prevented.  We are engaged in environmental remedial activities, generally in coordination with other companies, pursuant to 
federal and state laws.  In addition, we may be exposed to other environmental costs including participation in superfund sites 
or other similar jurisdictional initiatives.  When it is reasonably probable we will pay remediation costs at a site, and those 
costs can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for such future costs with a related charge against our earnings.  In
formulating that estimate and recognizing those costs, we do not consider amounts expected to be recovered from insurance
companies, or others, until such recovery is assured.  Our accrued liability for environmental remediation costs is not 
significant and is included in the line item “Accrued liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Item 8 – Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data.”

We generally cannot reasonably estimate costs at sites in the early stages of remediation.  Currently, we have one site 
undergoing remediation.  There is no more than a remote chance that remediation costs at any individual site, or at all sites in 
the aggregate, will be material.

Our manufacturing facilities generally do not produce significant volumes or quantities of byproducts, including 
greenhouse gases, that would be considered hazardous waste or otherwise harmful to the environment.  We do not expect 
legislation currently pending or expected in the next several years to have a significant negative impact on our operations in
any of our segments. 

Domestic and foreign legislative initiatives on emissions control, renewable energy, and climate change tend to favorably 
impact the sale of our energy control products.  For example, our Industrial segment produces inverters for wind turbines and 
energy control products that help our customers maximize engine efficiency and minimize wasteful emissions, including 
greenhouse gases. 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information about our executive officers is provided below.  There are no family relationships between any of the 

executive officers listed below.

Thomas A. Gendron, Age 55. Chairman of the Board since January 2008; Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director 

since July 2005; Chief Operating Officer and President September 2002 through June 2005; Vice President and General 
Manager of Industrial Controls June 2001 through September 2002; Vice President of Industrial Controls April 2000 through 
May 2001; Director of Global Marketing and Industrial Controls’ Business Development February 1999 through March 2000. 

10

Robert F. Weber, Jr., Age 62.  Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 2011, and Chief 

Financial Officer and Treasurer since August 2005.  Prior to August 2005, Mr. Weber was employed at Motorola, Inc. for 17 
years, where he held various positions, including Corporate Vice President and General Manager - EMEA Auto.  Prior to this 
role, Mr. Weber served in a variety of financial positions at both a corporate and operating unit level with Motorola. 

Martin V. Glass, Age 59.  President, Airframe Systems since April 2011; President, Turbine Systems October 2009 
through April 2011; Group Vice President, Turbine Systems September 2007 through September 2009; Vice President of the 
Aircraft Engine Systems Customer Business Segment December 2002 through August 2007; Director of Sales, Marketing, and 
Engineering February 2000 through December 2002.

Sagar Patel, Age 50.  President, Aircraft Turbine Systems since June 2011.  Prior to this role, Mr. Patel was employed at 

General Electric for 18 years, most recently serving as President, Mechanical Systems, GE Aviation, from March 2009 through 
June 2010.  He served as President, Aerostructures, GE Aviation from July 2008 through July 2009 and as President and 
General Manager, MRS Systems, Inc., GE Aircraft Engines, from October 2005 through June 2008.  

Chad R. Preiss, Age 51.  President, Industrial Systems since November 2016, President, Engine Systems October 2009
through November 2016; Group Vice President, Engine Systems October 2008 through September 2009; Vice President, Sales, 
Service, and Marketing, Engine Systems December 2007 through September 2008; and Vice President, Industrial Controls 
September 2004 through December 2007.  Prior to this role, Mr. Preiss served in a variety of engineering and marketing/sales 
management roles, including Director of Business Development, since joining Woodward in 1988.  

A. Christopher Fawzy, Age 47.  Corporate Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance 
Officer since October 2009; Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary June 2007 through September 2009.  
Mr. Fawzy became the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer in August 2009.  Prior to joining Woodward, Mr. Fawzy was 
employed by Mentor Corporation, a global medical device company.  He joined Mentor in 2001 and served as Corporate 
Counsel, then was promoted to General Counsel in 2003, and was appointed Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 
2004. 

Other Corporate Officers of the Registrant

Information about our other corporate officers is provided below. There are no family relationships between any of the 
corporate officers listed below or between any of the corporate officers listed below and the aforementioned executive officers.

James D. Rudolph, Age 55.  Corporate Vice President since November 2016, President, Industrial Turbomachinery 
Systems April 2011 through November 2016; Corporate Vice President, Global Sourcing October 2009 through April 2011; 
Vice President, Global Sourcing April 2009 through October 2009; Director of Global Sourcing April 2005 through April 
2009; Director of Engineering for Industrial Controls March 2000 through April 2005.  Prior to March 2000, Mr. Rudolph 
served in a variety of engineering, operations and sales roles since joining Woodward in 1984.

Steven J. Meyer, Age 56. Corporate Vice President, Human Resources since October 2009; Vice President, Human 
Resources November 2006 through September 2009; Director, Global Human Resources November 2002 through October 
2006; Director, Human Resources for Industrial Controls July 1997 through October 2002.  Prior to joining Woodward, Mr. 
Meyer was employed by PG&E Corporation and Nortel in a variety of roles in human resources.

Matthew F. Taylor, Age 54. Corporate Vice President, Supply Chain since February 2011; Vice President, Engine Fluid 
Systems and Controls Center of Excellence (“CoE”) October 2009 through February 2011; General Manager, Fluid Systems 
and Controls CoE December 2006 through October 2009; Director of Operations, Fluid Systems and Controls June 2005 
through December 2006.  Prior to joining Woodward in June 2005, Mr. Taylor was the Vice President and General Manager, 
Warner Electric and served in a variety of general management roles at Eaton Corporation from February 1998 through August 
2003.

Matt R. Cook, Age 45. Corporate Vice President, Information Technology since January 2014; Director, Global Business 

Systems July 2012 through January 2014.  Prior to joining Woodward, Mr. Cook was employed by Satcon Corporation as Vice 
President, Global Information Technology.  Prior to Satcon, Mr. Cook served in a variety of senior roles in information 
technology and business development.

Information available on Woodward’s Website and Social Media

Through a link on the Investor Information section of our website, www.woodward.com, we make available, free of 
charge, the following filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the SEC: our 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements on Schedule 
14A, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934.  The SEC also maintains a website that contains our SEC filings.  The address of the site is www.sec.gov.  Further, a
copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, 
D.C. 20549.  Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-
0330.  We provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, 

11

investor events, press and earnings releases as part of our investor relations website.  We have used, and intend to continue to 
use, our investor relations website, as well as the following as of the date of this filing, as means of disclosing material non-
public information and for complying with the disclosure obligations under Regulation FD:

Twitter: @woodward_inc
Facebook: Facebook.com/woodwardinc
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/woodward

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(cid:120) Google Plus: +WoodwardInc
(cid:120) YouTube: YouTube.com/user/woodwardinc
(cid:120) Goldenline (Poland): http://www.goldenline.pl/firma/woodward
(cid:120) XING (Germany): https://www.xing.com/companies/woodwardinc.

None of the information contained on our website, or the above-mentioned social media sites, is incorporated into this 

document by reference. 

Stockholders may obtain, without charge, a single copy of Woodward’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K upon written 

request to the Corporate Secretary, Woodward, Inc., 1081 Woodward Way, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Investment in our securities involves risk.  An investor or potential investor should consider the risks summarized in this 

section when making investment decisions regarding our securities.

Important factors that could individually, or together with one or more other factors, affect our business, results of 

operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows include, but are not limited to, the following:

Company Risks 

A decline in business with, or financial distress of, our significant customers could decrease our consolidated net sales or 
impair our ability to collect amounts due and payable and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

We have fewer customers than many companies with similar sales volumes.  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 
2016, approximately 42% of our consolidated net sales were made to our five largest customers.  Sales to our five largest 
customers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 represented approximately 40% of our consolidated net sales.  Sales to 
our largest customer, General Electric, accounted for approximately 17% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal year ended 
September 30, 2016, 18% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and 15% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
Accounts receivable from General Electric represented approximately 14% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 and 
15% at September 30, 2015.  Sales to our next largest customer accounted for approximately 8% of our consolidated net sales 
in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and 7% in each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 
2014. If any of our significant customers were to change suppliers, in-source production, institute significant restructuring or 
cost-cutting measures, or experience financial distress, these significant customers may substantially reduce, or otherwise be 
unable to pay for, purchases from us.  Accordingly, our consolidated net sales could decrease significantly or we may 
experience difficulty collecting, or be unable to collect, amounts due and payable, which could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Instability in the financial markets and global economic uncertainty could have a material adverse effect on the ability 
of our customers to perform their obligations to us and on their demand for our products and services.

Over the last six to eight years, there has been widespread concern over the instability in the financial markets and their 
influence on the global economy.  As a result of the extreme volatility in the credit and capital markets and global economic
uncertainty, our current or potential customers may experience cash flow problems and, as a result, may modify, delay or 
cancel plans to purchase our products.  Additionally, if our customers face financial distress or are unable to secure necessary 
financing, they may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, accounts receivable that are owed to us.  Any inability of 
current or potential customers to pay us for our products may adversely affect our earnings and cash flows.  

In addition, the general economic environment significantly affects demand for our products and services. Periods of 

slowing economic activity, for example the global industrial recession currently impacting many of our markets, may cause 
global or regional slowdowns in spending on infrastructure development in the markets in which we operate, and customers 
may reduce their purchases of our products and services.

There can be no assurance that any market and economic uncertainty in the United States or internationally would not have 

a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 

12

Our profitability may suffer if we are unable to manage our expenses due to sales increases, sales decreases, or impacts 
of capital expansion projects, or if we experience change in product mix.

Some of our expenses are relatively fixed in relation to changes in sales volume and are difficult to adjust in the short term.  

Expenses driven by business activity other than sales level and other long-term expenditures, such as fixed manufacturing 
overhead, capital expenditures and research and development costs, may be difficult to reduce in a timely manner in response 
to a reduction in sales.  Expenses such as depreciation or amortization, which are the result of past capital expenditures or
business acquisitions, are generally fixed regardless of sales levels.  In addition, the achievement of manufacturing efficiencies 
associated with capital expansion projects may not meet management’s current expectations.  Due to our long sales cycle, in 
periods of sales increases it may be difficult to rapidly increase our production of finished goods, particularly if such sales 
increases are unanticipated.  An increase in the production of our finished goods requires increases in both the purchases of raw 
materials and components and in the size of our workforce.  If a sudden, unanticipated need for raw materials, components and 
labor arises in order to meet unexpected sales demand, we could experience difficulties in sourcing raw materials, components
and labor at a favorable cost or to meet our production needs.  These factors could result in delays in fulfilling customer sales 
contracts, damage to our reputation and relationships with our customers, an inability to meet the demands of the markets that
we serve, which in turn could prevent us from taking advantage of business opportunities or responding to competitive 
pressures, and result in an increase in variable and fixed costs leading to a decrease in net earnings or even net losses.  In
addition, we sell products that have varying profit margins, and increases or decreases in sales of our various products may 
change the mix of products that we sell during any period.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 

The long sales cycle, customer evaluation process and implementation period of our products and services may increase 
the costs of obtaining orders and reduce the predictability of sales cycles and our inventory requirements.

Our products and services are technologically complex.  Prospective customers generally must commit significant 

resources to test and evaluate our products and to install and integrate them into larger systems.  Orders expected in one quarter 
may shift to another quarter or be cancelled with little advance notice as a result of customers’ budgetary constraints, internal 
acceptance reviews and other factors affecting the timing of customers’ purchase decisions.  In addition, customers often 
require a significant number of product presentations and demonstrations before reaching a sufficient level of confidence in the 
product’s performance and compatibility with the approvals that typically accompany capital expenditure approval processes.  
The difficulty in forecasting demand increases the challenge in anticipating sales cycles and our inventory requirements, which 
may cause us to over-produce finished goods and could result in inventory write-offs, or could cause us to under-produce 
finished goods.  Any such over-production or under-production could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our product development activities may not be successful, may be more costly than currently anticipated, or we may 
not be able to produce newly developed products at a cost that meets the anticipated product cost structure.

Our business involves a significant level of product development activities, generally in connection with our customers’ 

development activities.  Industry standards, customer expectations, or other products may emerge that could render one or 
more of our products or services less desirable or obsolete.  Maintaining our market position requires continued investment in 
research and development.  During an economic downturn or a subsequent recovery, we may need to maintain our investment 
in research and development, which may limit our ability to reduce these expenses in proportion to a sales shortfall.  In 
addition, increased investments in research and development may divert resources from other potential investments in our 
business, such as acquisitions or investments in our facilities, processes and operations.  If these activities are not as successful 
as currently anticipated, are not completed on a timely basis, or are more costly than currently anticipated, or if we are not able 
to produce newly developed products at a cost that meets the anticipated product cost structure, then our future sales, margins 
and/or earnings could be lower than expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations, and cash flows.

Our business may be adversely affected by government contracting risks.

Sales made directly to U.S. Government agencies and entities were 5% of total net sales during fiscal year 2016, 5%
during fiscal year 2015, and 4% during fiscal year 2014, primarily in the aerospace market.  Sales made directly to U.S. 
Government agencies and entities, or indirectly through third party manufacturers, such as tier-one prime contractors, utilizing 
Woodward parts and subassemblies, accounted for approximately 21% of total sales in fiscal year 2016, 18% in fiscal year 
2015, and 17% in fiscal year 2014.  Our contracts with the U.S. Government are subject to certain unique risks, including the 
risks set forth below, some of which are beyond our control, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.  

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The level of U.S. defense spending is subject to periodic congressional appropriation actions and is subject to change 
at any time.  The mix of programs to which such funding is allocated is also uncertain, and we can provide no 
assurance that an increase in defense spending will be allocated to programs that would benefit our business.  If the 
amount of spending were to decrease, or there were a shift from certain aerospace and defense programs on which we 

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have content to other programs on which we do not, our sales could decrease.  In addition, one or more of the 
aerospace or defense programs that we currently support could be phased-out or terminated.  Any such reductions in 
U.S. Government needs under these existing aerospace and defense programs, unless offset by other aerospace and 
defense programs and opportunities, could have a material adverse effect on our sales. 

(cid:120) Our U.S. Government contracts and the U.S. Government contracts of our customers are subject to modification, 

curtailment or termination by the government, either for the convenience of the government or for default as a result 
of a failure by us or our customers to perform under the applicable contract.  If any of our contracts are terminated by 
the U.S. Government, our backlog would be reduced, in accordance with contract terms, by the expected value of the 
remaining work under such contracts.  In addition, we are not the prime contractor on most of our contracts for supply 
to the U.S. Government, and the U.S. Government could terminate a prime contract under which we are a 
subcontractor, irrespective of the quality of our products and services as a subcontractor.

(cid:120) We must comply with procurement laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of 
our U.S. Government contracts and the U.S. Government contracts of our customers.  The U.S. Government may 
change procurement laws and regulations from time to time.  A violation of U.S. Government procurement laws or 
regulations, a change in U.S. Government procurement laws and regulations, or a termination arising out of our 
default could expose us to liability, debarment, or suspension and could have an adverse effect on our ability to 
compete for future contracts and orders. 

(cid:120) We are subject to government inquiries, audits and investigations due to our business relationships with the U.S. 

Government and the heavily regulated industries in which we do business.  In addition, our contract costs are subject 
to audits by the U.S. Government.  U.S. Government agencies, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the 
Defense Contract Management Agency, routinely audit government contractors and subcontractors.  These agencies 
review our performance under contracts, cost structure and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and 
standards, as well as the adequacy of and our compliance with our internal control systems and policies.  Any costs 
found to be misclassified or inaccurately allocated to a specific contract would be deemed non-reimbursable, and to 
the extent already reimbursed, would be refunded.  Any inadequacies in our systems and policies could result in 
withholds on billed receivables, penalties and reduced future business.  Any inquiries or investigations, including 
those related to our contract pricing, could potentially result in civil and criminal penalties and administrative 
sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines, suspension, and/or 
debarment from participating in future business opportunities with the U.S. Government.  Such actions could harm our 
reputation, even if such allegations are later determined to be unfounded, and could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.    

Product liability claims, product recalls or other liabilities associated with the products and services we provide may 
force us to pay substantial damage awards and other expenses that could exceed our accruals and insurance coverage. 

The manufacture and sale of our products and the services we provide expose us to risks of product liability and other tort 

claims.  We currently have and have had in the past product liability claims relating to our products, and we will likely be 
subject to additional product liability claims in the future for both past and current products.  Some of these claims may have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  We also provide certain 
services to our customers and are subject to claims with respect to the services provided.  In providing such services, we may
rely on subcontractors to perform all or a portion of the contracted services.  It is possible that we could be liable to our 
customers for work performed by a subcontractor.  Regardless of the outcome, product liability claims can be expensive to 
defend, can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods of time, and can cause reputational 
damage.  While we believe that we have appropriate insurance coverage available to us related to any such claims, our 
insurance may not cover all liabilities or be available in the future at a cost acceptable to us.  An unsuccessful result in 
connection with a product liability claim, where the liabilities are not covered by insurance or for which indemnification or
other recovery is not available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, 
and cash flows.  

Suppliers may be unable to provide us with materials of sufficient quality or quantity required to meet our production 
needs at favorable prices or at all.

We are dependent upon suppliers for parts and raw materials used in the manufacture of components that we sell to our 

customers, and our raw material costs are subject to commodity market fluctuations.  We may experience an increase in costs 
for parts or raw materials that we source from our suppliers, or we may experience a shortage of parts or raw materials for 
various reasons, such as the loss of a significant supplier, high overall demand creating shortages in parts and supplies we use, 
financial distress, work stoppages, natural disasters, fluctuations in commodity prices, or production difficulties that may affect 
one or more of our suppliers.  In particular, current or future global economic uncertainty may affect the financial stability of 
our key suppliers or their access to financing, which may in turn affect their ability to perform their obligations to us.  Our 
customers rely on us to provide on-time delivery and have certain rights if our delivery standards are not maintained.  A 
significant increase in our supply costs, including for raw materials that are subject to commodity price fluctuations, or a 

14

protracted interruption of supplies for any reason, could result in the delay of one or more of our customer contracts or could 
damage our reputation and relationships with customers.  In addition, quality and sourcing issues that our suppliers may 
experience can also adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of our products and services and may result in liability or
reputational harm to us.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results 
of operations, and cash flows.

Subcontractors may fail to perform contractual obligations, which would adversely affect our ability to meet our 
obligations to our customers.

We frequently subcontract portions of work due under contracts with our customers and are dependent on the continued 
availability and satisfactory performance by these subcontractors.  Nonperformance or underperformance by subcontractors 
could materially impact our ability to perform obligations to our customers.  A subcontractor’s failure to perform could result 
in a customer terminating our contract for default, expose us to liability, substantially impair our ability to compete for future 
contracts and orders, and limit our ability to enforce fully all of our rights under these agreements, including any rights to 
indemnification.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.

We have engaged in restructuring and alignment activities from time to time and may need to implement further 
restructurings or alignments in the future, and there can be no assurance that our restructuring or alignment efforts 
will have the intended effects.

From time to time, we have responded to changes in our industry and the markets we serve by restructuring or aligning our 

operations.  Our restructuring activities have included workforce management and other restructuring charges related to our
recently acquired businesses, including, among others, changes associated with integrating similar operations, managing our 
workforce, vacating or consolidating certain facilities and cancelling certain contracts.  Based on cost reduction measures or 
changes in the industry and markets in which we compete, we may decide to implement restructuring or alignment activities in 
the future, such as closing plants, moving production lines, or making additions, reductions or other changes to our 
management or workforce.  These restructuring and/or alignment activities generally result in charges and expenditures that 
may adversely affect our financial results for one or more periods.

Restructuring and/or alignment activities can create unanticipated consequences, such as instability or distraction among 

our workforce, and we cannot be sure that any restructuring or alignment efforts that we undertake will be successful.  A
variety of risks could cause us not to realize expected cost savings, including, among others, the following:

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higher than expected severance costs related to staff reductions;
higher than expected retention costs for employees that will be retained;
higher than expected stand-alone overhead expenses;
delays in the anticipated timing of activities related to our cost-saving plan; and
other unexpected costs associated with operating the business.

If we are unable to structure our operations in the light of evolving market conditions, it could have a material adverse 

effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Consolidation in the aerospace market and our participation in a strategic joint venture with GE may make it more 
difficult to secure long-term sales in certain aerospace markets 

In January 2016, Woodward and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE Aviation business unit, 
consummated the formation of a strategic joint venture between Woodward and GE (the “JV”).  The JV agreement does not 
restrict Woodward from entering into any market, however, consolidation in the aircraft engine market is increasingly 
prevalent, resulting in fewer engine manufacturers, and thus it may become more difficult for Woodward to secure new 
business with GE competitors on similar product applications both within and outside the specific JV market space.  
Additionally, if GE fails to win new content in the market space covered by the JV, Woodward may be prevented from 
expanding content on future commercial aircraft engines in those markets.  

We may not be able to obtain financing, on acceptable terms or at all, to implement our business plans, complete 
acquisitions, or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.

During the last several years, global financial markets, including the credit and debt and equity capital markets, and 
economic conditions have been volatile.  These issues, along with significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-
pricing of credit risk, and the global economic uncertainty, have in the past made, and may in the future make, it difficult to 
obtain financing.  In addition, as a result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of
counterparties specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets may increase as many lenders and institutional 
investors have or may increase interest rates, enact tighter lending standards, refuse to refinance existing debt at maturity either 
at all or on terms similar to existing debt, and reduce and, in some cases, cease to provide financing to borrowers.  Due to these 
factors, we cannot be certain that financing, to the extent needed, will be available on acceptable terms or at all.  If financing is 
not available when needed, or is available only on unacceptable terms, we may be unable to implement our business plans, 

15

complete acquisitions, fund significant capital expenditures, or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond
to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.

Our debt obligations and the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our debt could limit our ability to 
operate our business or pursue our business strategies, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results 
of operations, and cash flows, and could significantly reduce stockholder benefits from a change of control event.

As of September 30, 2016, our total debt was $729,244, including $156,700 of borrowings on our revolving credit facility,

of which $150,000 was classified as current, $393,000 in unsecured notes denominated in U.S. Dollars issued in private 
placements, and $179,544 of unsecured notes denominated in Euros issued in private placements.  Our debt obligations could 
require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, reducing the availability of 
our cash flow for other purposes, including business development efforts and mergers and acquisitions.  We are contractually 
obligated under the agreements governing our long-term debt to make principal payments of $0 in fiscal year 2017, $0 in fiscal 
year 2018, $143,000 in fiscal year 2019, $0 in fiscal year 2020, $100,000 in fiscal year 2021, and the remaining $329,544 is 
due in subsequent fiscal years.  Interest on our long-term notes is payable semi-annually, with the exception of the Series J 
Notes which is payable quarterly, each year until all principal is paid.  Our debt obligations could make us more vulnerable to 
general adverse economic and industry conditions and could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our 
business and the industries in which we operate, thereby placing us at a disadvantage to our competitors that have less 
indebtedness.

Our existing revolving credit facility and note purchase agreements impose financial covenants on us and our subsidiaries 
that require us to maintain certain leverage ratios and minimum levels of consolidated net worth.  Certain of these agreements 
require us to repay outstanding borrowings with portions of the proceeds we receive from certain sales of property or assets and 
specified future debt offerings. 

These financial covenants place certain restrictions on our business that may affect our ability to execute our business 
strategy successfully or take other actions that we believe would be in the best interests of our Company.  These restrictions
include limitations or restrictions, among other things, on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:

incur additional indebtedness;  
pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or certain other restricted payments or investments;  
purchase or redeem stock;  
issue stock of our subsidiaries;  

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(cid:120) make domestic and foreign investments and extend credit;  
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engage in transactions with affiliates;  
transfer and sell assets;  
effect a consolidation or merger or sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and
create liens on our assets to secure debt.

These agreements contain certain customary events of default, including certain cross-default provisions related to other 
outstanding debt arrangements.  Any breach of the covenants under these agreements or other event of default could cause a 
default under these agreements and/or a cross-default under our other debt arrangements, which could restrict our ability to 
borrow under our revolving credit facility. If there were an event of default under certain provisions of our debt arrangements 
that was not cured or waived, the holders of the defaulted debt may be able to cause all amounts outstanding with respect to the 
debt instrument, plus any required settlement costs, to be due and payable immediately.  Our assets and cash flow may not be 
sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments if accelerated upon an event of default. If we are 
unable to repay, refinance, or restructure our indebtedness as required, or amend the covenants contained in these agreements, 
the lenders or note holders may be entitled to obtain a lien or institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets. Any of these 
events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 

The Company, at its option, is permitted at any time to prepay all or any part of the then-outstanding principal amount of 

any series of our private placement notes, together with interest accrued on such amount to be prepaid to the date of 
prepayment, plus any applicable prepayment compensation amount. The prepayment compensation amount for the Euro 
denominated private placement notes includes any net gain or loss realized by the lenders on swap transactions entered into by
the lenders under which the lenders would receive payment in U.S. dollars in exchange for scheduled Euro payments of 
principal and interest on the Euro denominated private placement notes by Company to the lenders, adjusted for theoretical 
lender returns foregone on hypothetical reinvestments in U.S. Treasury securities. However, in the case of an event of default 
as defined in the loan documents, including a change in control event, the prepayment compensation amount will not be less 
than zero. Depending on the movement of foreign exchange rates over the terms of the Euro denominated private placement 
notes, such payments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash 
flows and could significantly reduce stockholder benefits from a change of control event. 

16

Additional tax expense or additional tax exposures could affect our future profitability.

In fiscal year 2016, approximately 23% of our earnings before income taxes was earned in jurisdictions outside the United 

States.  Accordingly, we are subject to income taxes in both the United States and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. Our tax 
liabilities are dependent upon the distribution mix of operating income among these different jurisdictions.  Our tax expense
includes estimates of additional tax that may be incurred and reflects various estimates, projections, and assumptions that could 
impact the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Our future operating results could be adversely affected by
changes in the effective tax rate, including:

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changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates; 
changes in our overall profitability; 
changes in tax legislation and tax rates; 
changes in tax incentives;
changes in U.S. GAAP; 
changes in the projected realization of deferred tax assets and liabilities; 
changes in management’s assessment of the amount of earnings indefinitely reinvested offshore; and 
the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of our tax 
exposures.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from non-U.S. sales and are subject to the risks inherent in doing 
business in other countries.

In 2016, approximately 45% of our total sales were made to customers in jurisdictions outside of the United States 
(including products manufactured in the United States and sold outside the United States as well as products manufactured in 
international locations), including approximately 8% of our total sales to Brazil, Russia, India and China, known as the “BRIC”
countries. 

Accordingly, our business and results of operations are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, 

including:

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fluctuations in foreign exchange rates;
limitations on repatriation of earnings;
transportation delays and interruptions;
political, social and economic instability and disruptions;
government embargos or trade restrictions;
the imposition of duties and tariffs and other trade barriers;
import and export controls;
changes in labor conditions;
changes in regulatory environments;
the potential for nationalization of enterprises;
difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations;
limitations on the Company’s ability to enforce legal rights and remedies, including protection of intellectual property;
difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems;
acts of terrorism or war;
potentially adverse tax consequences; and
difficulties in implementing restructuring actions on a timely basis.

We are also subject to U.S. laws prohibiting companies from doing business in certain countries, or restricting the type of 

business that may be conducted in these countries.  The cost of compliance with increasingly complex and often conflicting 
regulations governing various matters worldwide, including foreign investment, employment, import, export, business 
acquisitions, environmental and taxation matters, land use rights, property, and other matters, can also impair our flexibility in 
modifying product, marketing, pricing or other strategies for growing our businesses, as well as our ability to improve 
productivity and maintain acceptable operating margins.  We must also comply with restrictions on exports imposed under the 
U.S. Export Control Laws and Sanctions Programs.  These laws and regulations change from time to time and may restrict 
foreign sales. 

In 2016, approximately 3% of our total sales were recorded in the Peoples’ Republic of China (“China”) and we have 
significant operations in China.  Certain of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit documentation related to 
their audit report included in this annual report may be located in the China.  The Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (“PCAOB”) currently cannot inspect audit documentation located in China and, as such, prevents the PCAOB from 
regularly evaluating audit work of any auditors that was performed in China, including that performed by our independent 
auditors in China.  As a result, investors may be deprived of the full benefits of PCAOB oversight of our global audits via their 
inspections.  The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of audit work performed in China makes it more difficult to 

17

evaluate the effectiveness of our Chinese independent auditor’s audit procedures as compared to auditors in other jurisdictions 
that are subject to PCAOB inspections on all of their work.

Sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the 

U.S. dollar.  These exposures may change over time as our business and business practices evolve, and they could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar could increase the 
real cost to our customers of our products in those markets outside the United States where we sell in U.S. dollars, and a 
weakened U.S. dollar could increase the cost of local operating expenses and procurement of raw materials to the extent that 
we must purchase components in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is reduced through several means, 
including the maintenance of local production facilities in the markets served, invoicing of customers in the same currency as
the source of the products, and prompt settlement of inter-company balances utilizing a global netting system. While we 
monitor our exchange rate exposures and seek to reduce the risk of volatility, our actions may not be successful in significantly 
mitigating such volatility.

Of the $81,090 of cash and cash equivalents held at September 30, 2016, $80,745 was held by our foreign locations.  We 

are not presently aware of any significant restrictions on the repatriation of these funds, although a portion is considered 
indefinitely reinvested in these foreign subsidiaries.  If these funds were needed to fund our operations or satisfy obligations in 
the United States, then they could be repatriated and their repatriation into the U.S. may cause us to incur additional U.S. 
income taxes or foreign withholding taxes.  Any additional U.S. taxes could be offset, in whole or in part, by foreign tax 
credits.  The amount of such taxes and application of tax credits would be dependent on the income tax laws and other 
circumstances at the time these amounts are repatriated.  Based on these variables, it is impractical to determine the income tax 
liability that might be incurred if these funds were to be repatriated. 

In addition, uncertain global economic conditions arising from circumstances such as slowing growth in emerging regions 

could result in reduced customer confidence and decreased demand for our products and services, disruption in payment 
patterns and higher default rates, a tightening of credit markets, increased risk regarding supplier performance, increased 
counterparty risk with respect to the financial institutions with which we do business, and exchange rate fluctuations.  While 
we employ comprehensive controls regarding global cash management to guard against cash or investment loss and to ensure 
our ability to fund our operations and commitments, a material disruption to the financial institutions with whom we transact 
business could have a material adverse effect on our international operations or on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.

Political and economic uncertainty in the European Union could adversely impact our business, results of operations, 
financial condition and prospects.

Credit rating downgrades in certain European countries and/or speculation regarding changes to the composition or 
viability of the European Union (“EU”) create uncertain global economic conditions.  On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom 
(“UK”) voted to leave the EU.  The UK’s voluntary exit from the EU, generally referred to as the “Brexit,” triggered short-term 
financial volatility, including a decline in the value of the Great Britain Pound (“GBP”) in comparison to both the U.S. dollar 
(“USD”) and the European Union countries’ Euro (“EUR”).  In addition, a process of negotiation will be required to determine 
the future terms of the UK’s relationship with the EU, and the uncertainty before, during and after the period of negotiation
could have a negative economic impact and result in further volatility in the markets for several years.  The impact of the 
Brexit referendum and such ongoing uncertainty may result in various economic and financial consequences for businesses 
operating in the UK, the EU and beyond. 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from non-U.S. sales and are subject to the risks inherent in doing business 

in other countries, including the UK.  During fiscal year 2016, approximately 3% of our consolidated net sales were invoiced to 
customers in the UK through both our Aerospace and our Industrial reportable segments.  Approximately 27% of our 
consolidated net sales were invoiced to customers in Europe overall.  Woodward and its various subsidiaries hold financial 
assets and liabilities denominated in GBP and EUR, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, postretirement 
defined benefit pension plan assets and liabilities, and accounts payable, and the future impacts of the Brexit and the continued 
uncertainty surrounding the EU could have a material impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows. 

Changes in the estimates of fair value of reporting units or of long-lived assets, particularly goodwill, may result in 
future impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows.

Over time, the fair values of long-lived assets change.  At September 30, 2016, we had $555,684 of goodwill, representing 

21% of our total assets.  We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an 
event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its 
carrying amount.  Based on the relevant U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance, we aggregate components of a single operating 
segment into a reporting unit, if appropriate.  Future goodwill impairment charges may occur if estimates of fair values 
decrease, which would reduce future earnings.  We also test property, plant, and equipment and other intangibles for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  Future 

18

asset impairment charges may occur if asset utilization declines, if customer demand decreases, or for a number of other 
reasons, which would reduce future earnings.  Any such impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.  Impairment charges would also reduce our consolidated 
stockholders’ equity and increase our debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, which could negatively impact our credit rating and 
access to the debt and equity markets.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test during the quarter ended September 30, 2016. In performing the 
annual goodwill impairment test, we determined it was appropriate to aggregate certain components of the same operating 
segment into a single reporting unit.  The identification of reporting units and consideration of aggregation criteria requires 
management’s judgment.  Further, we use the income approach based on a discounted cash flow method that incorporates 
various estimates and assumptions.  The results of our fiscal year 2016 annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 
31, 2016 indicated the estimated fair values of each of our reporting units were in excess of their carrying amounts, and 
accordingly, no impairment existed.  There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions of the fair value of our 
reporting units, the current economic environment, or the other inputs used in forecasting the present value of forecasted cash 
flows used to estimate the fair value of our reporting units will prove to be accurate projections of future performance.

As part of our ongoing monitoring efforts, we will continue to consider the global economic environment and its potential 

impact on our businesses, as well as other factors, in assessing goodwill and long-lived assets for possible indications of 
impairment.

Our manufacturing activities may result in future environmental costs or liabilities.

We use hazardous materials and/or regulated materials in our manufacturing operations.  We also own, operate, and may 
acquire facilities that were formerly owned and operated by others that used such materials.  The risk that a significant release 
of regulated materials has occurred in the past or will occur in the future cannot be completely eliminated or prevented.  As a
result, we are subject to a substantial number of costly regulations.  In particular, we are required to comply with increasingly 
stringent requirements of federal, state, and local environmental, occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the
United States, the European Union, and other territories, including those governing emissions to air, discharges to water, noise 
and odor emissions, the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials, and the 
cleanup of contaminated properties and human health and safety.  Compliance with these laws and regulations results in 
ongoing costs.  We cannot be certain that we have been, or will at all times be, in complete compliance with all environmental
requirements, or that we will not incur additional material costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements.  In 
addition, we may be exposed to other environmental costs such as participation in superfund sites or other similar jurisdictional 
initiatives.  

As a result, we may incur material costs or liabilities or be required to undertake future environmental remediation 
activities that could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.

Our financial and operating performance depends on continued access to a stable workforce and on favorable labor 
relations with our employees. 

Certain of our operations in the United States and internationally involve different employee/employer relationships and 
the existence of works’ councils.  In addition, a portion of our workforce in the United States is unionized and is expected to 
remain unionized for the foreseeable future.  Competition for technical personnel in the industries in which we compete is 
intense.  Our future success depends in part on our continued ability to hire, train, assimilate, and retain qualified personnel.  
There is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in recruiting qualified employees in the future.  Any significant
increases in labor costs, deterioration of employee relations, including any conflicts with works’ councils or unions, or 
slowdowns or work stoppages at any of our locations, whether due to employee turnover, changes in availability of qualified 
technical personnel, or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, our relationships with customers, and 
our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our operations and suppliers may be subject to physical and other risks, including natural disasters that could disrupt 
production and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Our operations include principal facilities in the United States, China, Germany, and Poland. In addition, we operate sales 
and service facilities in Brazil, Bulgaria, India, Japan, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United Kingdom. 
We also have suppliers for materials and parts inside and outside the United States. Our operations and sources of supply could 
be disrupted by unforeseen events, including fires, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other forms of 
severe weather in countries in which we operate or in which our suppliers are located, any of which could adversely affect our 
operations and financial performance. Natural disasters, public health concerns, war, political unrest, terrorist activity, 
equipment failures, power outages, or other unforeseen events could result in physical damage to, and complete or partial 
closure of, one or more of our manufacturing facilities, or could cause temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of 
component products from some local and international suppliers, disruption in the transport of our products and significant 
delays in the shipment of products and the provision of services, which could in turn cause the loss of sales and 

19

customers.  Existing insurance arrangements may not provide protection for all of the costs that may arise from such 
events. Accordingly, disruption of our operations or the operations of a significant supplier could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 

Our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to protect all our products or technologies.

Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain patents or rights to patents, protect trade secrets and know-how, and 

prevent others from infringing on our patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights.  Some of our intellectual 
property is not covered by patents (or patent applications) and includes trade secrets and other know-how that is not patentable 
or for which we have elected not to seek patent protection, including intellectual property relating to our manufacturing 
processes and engineering designs.  We will be able to protect our intellectual property from unauthorized use by third parties 
only to the extent that it is covered by valid and enforceable patents, trademarks, or licenses.  Patent protection generally 
involves complex legal and factual questions and, therefore, enforceability of patent rights cannot be predicted with certainty; 
thus, any patents that we own or license from others may not provide us with adequate protection against competitors.  
Moreover, the laws of certain foreign countries do not recognize intellectual property rights or protect them to the same extent 
as do the laws of the United States.  Additionally, our commercial success depends significantly on our ability to operate 
without infringing upon the patent and other proprietary rights of others.  Our current or future technologies may, regardless of 
our intent, infringe upon the patents or violate other proprietary rights of third parties.  In the event of such infringement or 
violation, we may face expensive litigation or indemnification obligations and may be prevented from selling existing products
and pursuing product development or commercialization.  If we are unable to sufficiently protect our patent and other 
proprietary rights or if we infringe on the patent or proprietary rights of others, our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Amounts accrued for contingencies may be inadequate to cover the amount of loss when the matters are ultimately 
resolved.

In addition to intellectual property and product liability matters, we are currently involved or may become involved in 

claims, pending or threatened litigation or other legal proceedings, investigations or regulatory proceedings regarding 
employment or other regulatory, legal, or contractual matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  There is no certainty 
that the results of these matters will be favorable to the Company.  We accrue for known individual matters if we believe it is 
probable that the matter will result in a loss when ultimately resolved using estimates of the most likely amount of loss.  There 
may be additional losses that have not been accrued, or liabilities may exceed our estimates, which could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-
bribery laws and regulations.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and similar anti-bribery laws and regulations in other jurisdictions 
generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. government officials for 
the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing an improper business advantage.  Our policies mandate compliance 
with these anti-bribery laws.  However, we operate in many parts of the world and sell to industries that have experienced 
corruption to some degree.  If we are found to be liable for FCPA or other similar anti-bribery law or regulatory violations, 
whether due to our or others’ actions or inadvertence, we could be subject to civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions that 
could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Our net postretirement benefit obligation liabilities may increase, and the fair value of our pension plan assets may 
decrease, which could require us to make additional and/or unexpected cash contributions to our pension plans, 
increase the amount of postretirement benefit expenses, affect our liquidity or affect our ability to comply with the 
terms of our outstanding debt arrangements.

Accounting for retirement, pension and postretirement benefit obligations and related expense requires the use of 

assumptions, including a weighted-average discount rate, an expected long-term rate of return on assets, a net healthcare cost 
trend rate, and projected mortality rates, among others.  Benefit obligations and benefit costs are sensitive to changes in these 
assumptions.  As a result, assumption changes could result in increases in our obligation amounts and expenses.  If interest 
rates decline, the present value of our postretirement benefit plan liabilities may increase faster than the value of plan assets, 
resulting in significantly higher unfunded positions in some of our pension plans.  As of September 30, 2016, we had $208,812
in invested pension plan assets.  Investment losses may result in decreases to our pension plan assets. 

Funding estimates are based on certain assumptions, including discount rates, interest rates, mortality, fair value of assets 

and expected return on plan assets and are subject to changes in government regulations in the countries in which our 
employees work.  Volatility in the financial markets may impact future discount and interest rate assumptions.  Significant 
changes in investment performance or a change in the portfolio mix of invested assets can result in increases or decreases in the 
valuation of plan assets or in a change of the expected rate of return on plan assets.  Also, new accounting standards on fair 
value measurement may impact the calculation of future funding levels.  We periodically review our assumptions, and any such 
revision can significantly change the present value of future benefits, and in turn, the funded status of our pension plans and the 

20

resulting periodic pension expense.  Changes in our pension benefit obligations and the related net periodic costs or credits may 
occur as a result of variances of actual results from our assumptions, and we may be required to make additional cash 
contributions in the future beyond those which have been estimated. 

In addition, our existing revolving credit facility and note purchase agreements contain continuing covenants and events of 
default regarding our pension plans, including provisions regarding the unfunded liabilities related to those pension plans.  See 
the discussion above concerning “Our debt obligations and the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our debt 
could limit our ability to operate our business or pursue our business strategies, and could adversely affect our business, 
financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.”  

To the extent that the present values of benefits incurred for pension obligations are greater than values of the assets 
supporting those obligations or if we are required to make additional or unexpected contributions to our pension plans for any
reason, our ability to comply with the terms of our outstanding debt arrangements, and our business, financial condition, results 
of operations, and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Our business operations may be adversely affected by information systems interruptions or intrusion. 

We are dependent on various information systems throughout our company to administer, store and support multiple 
business activities.  If these systems are damaged, cease to function properly or are subject to cybersecurity attacks, such as 
unauthorized access, malicious software and other violations, we could experience production downtimes, operational delays, 
other detrimental impacts on our operations or ability to provide products and services to our customers, the compromising of
confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or 
improper use of our systems or networks, financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability, and/or 
damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.  While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including technical 
security controls, employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and 
protective systems, our systems, networks, products, solutions and services remain potentially vulnerable to additional known 
or unknown threats.  

Industry Risks

Unforeseen events may occur that significantly reduce commercial aviation, which could adversely affect our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

A significant portion of our business is related to commercial aviation.  Global economic downturn and uncertainty in the 
marketplace typically lead to a general reduction in demand for air transportation services, leading some airlines to withdraw 
aircraft from service, which negatively affects sales of our aerospace components and services.  These economic conditions can
similarly affect our sales of systems and components for new business jet aircraft.  The commercial airline industry tends to be 
cyclical and capital spending by airlines and aircraft manufacturers may be influenced by a variety of factors, including current 
and future traffic levels, aircraft fuel pricing, labor issues, competition, the retirement of older aircraft, regulatory changes, 
terrorism and related safety concerns, general economic conditions, worldwide airline profits and backlog levels.  In the event 
these or other economic indicators stagnate or worsen, market demand for our components and systems could be negatively 
affected by renewed reductions in demand for air transportation services or commercial airlines’ financial difficulties, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The U.S. Government may change acquisition priorities and/or reduce spending, which could adversely affect our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

The U.S. Government participates in a wide variety of operations, including homeland defense, counterinsurgency, 

counterterrorism, and other defense-related operations that employ our products and services.  U.S. defense spending has 
historically been cyclical in nature, and defense budgets tend to rise when perceived threats to national security increase the 
level of concern over the country’s safety.  The U.S. Government continues to adjust its funding priorities in response to 
changes in the perceived threat environment.  In addition, defense spending currently faces pressures due to the overall 
economic and political environment, budget deficits, and competing budget priorities.  A decrease in U.S. Government defense 
spending or changes in the spending allocation could result in one or more of our programs being reduced, delayed, or 
terminated.  

Shifts in domestic and international spending and tax policy, changes in security, defense, and intelligence priorities, 
changes in government budget appropriations, general and political economic conditions and developments, and other factors 
may affect a decision to fund, or the level of funding for, existing or proposed programs.  If the priorities of the U.S. 
Government change and/or defense spending is reduced, this may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.

21

Increasing emission standards that drive certain product sales may be eased or delayed, which could reduce our 
competitive advantage.

We sell components and systems that have been designed to meet strict emission standards, including standards that have 
not yet been implemented but are expected to be implemented soon.  If these emission standards are eased, developed products 
may become unnecessary and/or our future sales could be lower as potential customers select alternative products or delay 
adoption of our products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, 
and cash flows.  

Natural gas prices may increase significantly and disproportionately to other sources of fuels used for power 
generation, which could reduce our sales and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.

Commercial producers of electricity use many of our components and systems, most predominately in their power plants 

that use natural gas as their fuel source.  Commercial producers of electricity are often in a position to manage the use of 
different power plant facilities and make decisions based on operating costs.  Compared to other sources of fuels used for 
power generation, natural gas prices have increased slower than fuel oil, but about the same as coal.  This increase in natural 
gas prices and any future increases, whether in absolute dollars or relative to other fuel costs such as oil, could impact the sales 
mix of our components and systems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations, and cash flows.  

Long-term reduced commodity prices for oil, natural gas, and other minerals may depress the markets for certain of 
our products and services, particularly those from our Industrial segment.

Many of our Industrial segment OEM and aftermarket customers and our Aerospace segment rotorcraft product lines’ 

customers provide goods and services that support various industrial extraction activities, including mining, oil and gas 
exploration and extraction, and transportation of raw materials from extraction sites to refineries and/or processing facilities.  
Long-term lower prices for commodities such as oil, natural gas, gold, tin, and various other minerals could reduce exploration 
activities and place downward pressure on demand for Woodward’s goods and services that support exploration and extraction 
activities. 

Changes in government subsidy programs and regulatory requirements may result in decreased demand for our 
products.

The U.S. Government, as well as various foreign governments, provide for various stimulus programs or subsidies, such as 

grants, loan guarantees and tax incentives, relating to renewable energy, alternative energy, energy efficiency and electric 
power infrastructure.  Some of these programs have expired, which may affect the economic feasibility or timing of future 
projects.  Additionally, while a significant amount of stimulus funds and subsidies are available to support various projects, we 
cannot predict the timing and scope of any investments to be made by our customers under stimulus funding and subsidies or 
whether stimulus funding and subsidies will result in increased demand for our products.  Investments for renewable energy, 
alternative energy and electric power infrastructure under stimulus programs and subsidies may not occur, may be less than 
anticipated or may be delayed, any of which would negatively impact demand for our products.

Other current and potential regulatory initiatives may not result in increased demand for our products.  It is not certain 
whether existing regulatory requirements will create sufficient incentives for new projects, when or if proposed regulatory 
requirements will be enacted, or whether any potentially beneficial provisions will be included in the regulatory requirement.

Uncertainty with respect to government subsidy programs and regulatory requirements could cause decreased demand for 
our products as investments are delayed or become economically unfeasible, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.  

We operate in a highly competitive industry and, if we are unable to compete effectively in one or more of our markets, 
our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We face intense competition from a number of established competitors in the United States and abroad, some of which are 

larger in size or are divisions of large diversified companies with substantially greater financial resources.  In addition, global 
competition continues to increase.  Companies compete on the basis of providing products that meet the needs of customers, as 
well as on the basis of price, quality, and customer service.  Changes in competitive conditions, including the availability of 
new products and services, the introduction of new channels of distribution, and changes in OEM and aftermarket pricing, 
could impact our relationships with our customers and may adversely affect future sales, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Further, the markets in which we operate experience rapidly changing technologies and frequent introductions of new 

products and services.  The technological expertise we have developed and maintained could become less valuable if a 
competitor were to develop a breakthrough technology that would allow it to match or exceed the performance of existing 

22

technologies at a lower cost.  If we are unable to develop competitive technologies, future sales or earnings could be lower than 
expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 

Industry consolidation trends could reduce our sales opportunities, decrease sales prices, and drive down demand for 
our products. 

There has been consolidation and there may be further consolidation in the aerospace, power, and process industries.  The 
consolidation in these industries has resulted in customers with vertically integrated operations, including increased in-sourcing 
capabilities, which may result in economies of scale for those companies.  If our customers continue to seek to control more 
aspects of vertically integrated projects, cost pressures resulting in further integration or industry consolidation could reduce 
our sales opportunities, decrease sales prices, and drive down demand for our products, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Investment Risks

The historic market price of our common stock may not be indicative of future market prices.

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated over time.  Stock markets in general have experienced extreme price 

and volume volatility particularly over the past few years.  The trading price of our common stock ranged from a high of 
$63.98 per share to a low of $39.68 per share during the twelve months ended September 30, 2016.  The following factors, 
among others, could cause the price of our common stock in the public market to fluctuate significantly:

(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)

general economic conditions, particularly in the aerospace, power generation and process and transportation 
industries;
variations in our quarterly results of operation;
a change in sentiment in the market regarding our operations or business prospects;
the addition or departure of key personnel; and 
announcements by us or our competitors of new business, acquisitions or joint ventures.

Fluctuations in our stock price often occur without regard to specific operating performance.  The price of our common 
stock could fluctuate based upon the above factors or other factors, including those that have little to do with our company, and 
these fluctuations could be material.

The typical daily trading volume of our common stock may affect an investor’s ability to sell significant stock holdings 
in the future without negatively affecting stock price.

As of September 30, 2016, we had 72,960 shares of common stock issued, of which 11,374 shares were held as treasury 

shares.  In addition, stockholders who each own 5% or greater of our shares hold a total of approximately 20% of the 
outstanding shares of our common stock.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, the average daily trading volume of our 
stock was approximately 221 shares.  While the level of trading activity will vary each day, our typical daily trading volume is 
relatively low and represents only a small percentage of total shares of stock outstanding.  As a result, a stockholder who sells a 
significant number of shares of stock in a short period of time could negatively affect our share price.

Certain anti-takeover provisions of our charter documents and under Delaware law could discourage or prevent others 
from acquiring our company.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that:

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)

provide for a classified board;
provide that directors may be removed only for cause by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of 
common stock;
authorize our board of directors to fill vacant directorships or to increase or decrease the size of our board of directors;
permit us to issue, without stockholder approval, up to 10,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series and, 
with respect to each series, to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of the series; 
require special meetings of stockholders to be called by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of 
common stock; 
prohibit stockholders from acting by written consent; 
require advance notice for stockholder proposals and nominations for election to the board of directors to be acted 
upon at meetings of stockholders; and
require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our common stock for amendments to our 
certificate of incorporation and certain business combinations, including mergers, consolidations, sales of all or 
substantially all of our assets or dissolution.

In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law limits business combinations with owners of more than 
15% of our stock that have not been approved by the board of directors.  These provisions and other similar provisions make it 
more difficult for a third party to acquire us without negotiation.  Our board of directors could choose not to negotiate a 

23

potential acquisition that it does not believe to be in our best interest.  Accordingly, the potential acquirer could be discouraged 
from offering to acquire us, or could be prevented by the anti-takeover measures, from successfully completing a hostile 
acquisition.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.

Properties

Our principal plants are as follows:

United States

Duarte, California – Aerospace segment manufacturing and engineering

Fort Collins, Colorado (two plants) – Corporate headquarters and Industrial segment manufacturing and engineering

Greenville, South Carolina (leased) –Industrial segment manufacturing and Aerospace and Industrial segments engineering

Loveland, Colorado –Industrial segment manufacturing and Aerospace and Industrial segments engineering 

Niles, Illinois – Aerospace segment manufacturing and Aerospace and Industrial segments engineering

Rockford, Illinois (two plants) – Aerospace segment manufacturing and engineering

Santa Clarita, California – Aerospace segment manufacturing and engineering

Zeeland, Michigan – Aerospace segment manufacturing and engineering

Other Countries

Aken, Germany (leased) –Industrial segment manufacturing and engineering

Kempen, Germany –Industrial segment manufacturing and engineering

Krakow, Poland –Industrial segment manufacturing and Aerospace and Industrial segments engineering

Tianjin, Peoples’ Republic of China (leased) –Industrial segment assembly

In addition to the principal plants listed above, we own or lease other facilities used primarily for sales, service activities,
assembly, and/or engineering activities in Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Japan, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Russia, 
the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

In fiscal year 2016, we completed construction of a manufacturing building for our Industrial segment and a corporate 
headquarters building on a second campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.  This campus is intended to support the future growth of 
our Industrial segment by supplementing our existing Colorado manufacturing facilities.

Our remaining principal plants are suitable and adequate for the manufacturing and other activities performed at those 

plants, and we believe our utilization levels are generally high.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Woodward is currently involved in claims, pending or threatened litigation or other legal proceedings, investigations 
and/or regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including, among others, those relating to product 
liability claims, employment matters, worker’s compensation claims, contractual disputes, product warranty claims and alleged 
violations of various laws and regulations.  We accrue for known individual matters where we believe that it is probable the 
matter will result in a loss when ultimately resolved using estimates of the most likely amount of loss.  

While the outcome of pending claims, legal and regulatory proceedings, and investigations cannot be predicted with 
certainty, management believes that any liabilities that may result from these claims, proceedings and investigations will not 
have a material effect on Woodward's liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations. 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market and is traded under the symbol “WWD.”  At 

November 10, 2016, there were approximately 1,000 holders of record.

24

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock and dividends paid for the periods 

indicated. 

High

51.34
53.50
59.60
63.98

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

Performance Graph

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

2016

Low

Cash 
Dividends

High

2015

Low

Cash 
Dividends

39.68
41.24
50.70
56.00

$
$
$
$

0.10
0.11
0.11
0.11

$
$
$
$

53.13
51.43
56.55
55.59

$
$
$
$

44.79
41.01
46.37
39.82

$
$
$
$

0.08
0.10
0.10
0.10

The following graph compares the cumulative 10-year total return to stockholders on our common stock relative to the 

cumulative total returns of the S&P Midcap 400 index and the S&P Industrial Machinery index.  The graph shows total 
stockholder return assuming an investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) was made on September 30, 2006 in 
our common stock and in each of the two indexes and tracks relative performance through September 30, 2016.  We have 
used a period of 10 years as we believe that our stock performance should be reviewed over a period that is reflective of our 
long-term business cycle.  

9/06

9/07

9/08

9/09

9/10

9/11

9/12

9/13

9/14

9/15

9/16

$

100.00 $

187.76 $

213.44 $

148.49 $

200.20 $

170.58 $

213.20 $

258.37 $

303.52 $

261.42 $

404.68

S&P Industrial Machinery

100.00

132.90

100.00

118.76

98.95

98.09

95.87

96.62

112.92

111.47

143.29

182.95

204.56

207.42

239.21

123.65

108.58

158.47

217.68

239.49

228.12

305.38

Woodward, Inc.

S&P Midcap 400

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

25

Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(In thousands, except for shares and per share amounts)

Total Number of 
Shares 
Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced 
Plans or 
Programs (1) 

Maximum 
Number (or 
Approximate 
Dollar Value) of 
Shares that may 
yet be Purchased 
under the Plans or 
Programs at 
Period End (1)

Total Number of 
Shares 
Purchased 

Weighted Average 
Price Paid Per 
Share

July 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016 (2)

August 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016 (2)

September 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016

$

342

274

-

58.54

62.72

-

- $

-

-

50,000

50,000

50,000

(1) In  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  year  2015, our  Board  of  Directors  authorized  a  program  for  the  repurchase  of  up  to 
$300,000 of our outstanding shares of common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions over a 
three-year period that will end in 2018.  

(2) Under  a  trust  established  for  the  purposes  of  administering  the  Woodward  Executive  Benefit  Plan,  342  shares  of 
common stock were acquired in July 2016 on the open market related to the deferral of compensation by certain eligible 
members of Woodward’s management who irrevocably elected to invest some or all of their deferred compensation in 
Woodward common stock.  In addition, 274 shares of common stock were acquired on the open market related to the 
reinvestment of dividends for shares of treasury stock held for deferred compensation in August 2016.  Shares owned 
by the trust, which is a separate legal entity, are included in "Treasury stock held for deferred compensation" in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related 

notes which appear in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Net sales (1)

Net earnings (1)(2)(3)(4)

Earnings per share: 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

Cash dividends per share

Income taxes (4)

Interest expense

Interest income

Depreciation expense

Amortization expense

Capital expenditures

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

Basic shares outstanding

Diluted shares outstanding

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

(In thousands except per share amounts)

$ 2,023,078 $ 2,038,303 $ 2,001,240 $ 1,935,976 $ 1,865,627

180,838

181,452

165,844

145,942

141,589

2.92

2.85

0.43

45,648

26,776

2,025

41,550

27,486

2.81

2.75

0.38

59,497

24,864

787

45,994

29,241

2.50

2.45

0.32

61,400

22,804

271

43,773

33,580

2.13

2.10

0.32

53,629

26,703

273

37,254

36,979

175,692

286,612

207,106

141,600

61,893

63,556

64,684

66,056

66,432

67,776

68,392

69,602

2.06

2.01

0.31

56,218

26,003

542

35,808

32,809

64,900

68,880

70,307

26

Working capital (5)

Total assets (5)

Long-term debt, less current portion (5)

Total debt (5)

Total liabilities (5)(6)

Stockholders’ equity

Full-time worker members

At September 30,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

(Dollars in thousands)

$ 463,811 $

579,211 $

627,981 $

498,757 $

583,607

2,642,362

2,512,404

2,358,603

2,171,539

1,815,758

577,153

727,153

848,488

850,918

708,110

708,110

449,152

549,152

1,429,767

1,359,300

1,197,659

1,028,994

382,969

390,798

807,643

1,212,595

1,153,104

1,160,944

1,142,545

1,008,115

6,852

6,955

6,701

6,736

6,650

Notes:
1. On December 28, 2012, Woodward acquired from GE Aviation Systems LLC (the “Seller”) substantially all of the assets and certain 

liabilities of the Seller's thrust reverser actuation systems business located in Duarte, California (the “Duarte Business”).  

2.

3.

4.

5.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward recorded special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related to its efforts to 
consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.  

In the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, Woodward recorded a specific charge of $15,707 related to the alignment of its renewable power 
business to the economic environment and then foreseeable future.   
In fiscal year 2016, Woodward recognized a tax benefit of $6,500, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, related to the retroactive impact of 
the permanent reinstatement of the U.S. research and experimentation credit (“R&E Credit”) pertaining to fiscal year 2015.  In fiscal year 
2015, Woodward recognized a tax benefit of $5,818, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, related to the retroactive impact of the 
reinstatement of the R&E Credit pertaining to fiscal year 2014.  In fiscal year 2013, Woodward recognized a tax benefit of $4,911, or 
$0.07 per basic and diluted share, related to the retroactive impact of the reinstatement of the R&E Credit pertaining to fiscal year 2012.  

In fiscal year 2016, Woodward adopted the following Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Updates 
(“ASU”):  ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance 
Costs,” and ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit 
Arrangements.” Retrospective adoption was required for these ASUs and therefore fiscal years 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been 
restated to reflect the adoption of these ASUs.  See Note 2, New accounting standards in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in “Item8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information about these ASUs.

6. On January 4, 2016, Woodward and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE Aviation business unit, consummated the 
formation of a strategic joint venture between Woodward and GE (the “JV”).  Woodward determined that the JV formation was not the 
culmination of an earnings event because Woodward has significant performance obligations to support the future operations of the JV.  
Therefore, Woodward recorded the $250,000 consideration received from GE for its purchase of a 50% equity interest in the JV as 
deferred income.  The $250,000 deferred income will be recognized as an increase to net sales in proportion to revenue realized on sales 
of applicable fuel systems within the scope of the JV in a particular period as a percentage of total revenue expected to be realized by 
Woodward over the estimated remaining lives of the underlying commercial aircraft engine programs assigned to the JV.  As of September 
30, 2016, accrued liabilities include $6,552 and other liabilities include $238,187 of unamortized deferred income realized upon the JV
formation.      

Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

OVERVIEW

Woodward enhances the global quality of life and sustainability by optimizing energy use through improved efficiency and 

lower emissions.  We are an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of energy control and optimization 
solutions.  We design, produce and service reliable, efficient, low-emission, and high-performance energy control products for 
diverse applications in challenging environments.  We have production and assembly facilities in the United States, Europe,
Asia and South America, and promote our products and services through our worldwide locations.  

Our strategic focus is providing control solutions for the aerospace, industrial and energy markets.  The precise and 

efficient control of energy, including fluid and electrical energy, combustion, and motion, is a growing requirement in the 
markets we serve.  Our customers look to us to optimize the efficiency, emissions and operation of power equipment in both 
commercial and defense operations.  Our core technologies can be leveraged well across our markets and customer 
applications, enabling us to develop and integrate cost-effective and state-of-the-art fuel, combustion, fluid, actuation and 
electronic systems.  We focus primarily on serving OEMs and equipment packagers, partnering with them to bring superior 
component and system solutions to their demanding applications.  We also provide aftermarket repair, replacement and other 
service support for our installed products. 

Our components and integrated systems optimize performance of commercial aircraft, defense aircraft, ground vehicles 

and other equipment, gas and steam turbines, wind turbines, including converters and power grid related equipment, industrial
diesel, gas, alternative and dual fuel reciprocating engines, and electrical power systems.  Our innovative fluid energy, 

27

combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help our customers offer more cost-effective, cleaner, and 
more reliable equipment.  

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 
included in this report.  Dollar and number of share amounts contained in this discussion and elsewhere in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K are in thousands, except per share amounts.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND TRENDS 

We serve the aerospace, industrial and energy markets.  

Aerospace Markets 

Our aerospace products and systems are primarily used to provide propulsion, actuation and motion control in both 

commercial and defense fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, as well as in other defense systems. 

Commercial and Civil Aircraft – In the commercial aerospace markets, global air traffic continued to grow in fiscal year 

2016.  Commercial aircraft production has increased with the introduction of new aircraft models and as aircraft operators 
continue to take delivery of more fuel efficient aircraft and retire older and less efficient aircraft.  This trend toward more fuel 
efficient aircraft favors our product offerings because we have more content on the newer generation of aircraft that have 
recently entered service or are scheduled to go into production over the next several years. Business and General Aviation 
market demand – including business jets, turboprops and helicopters – declined in 2016 as a result of global economic 
conditions and continuing low oil prices.

We have been awarded content on the Airbus A320neo and A330neo, Bell 429, Boeing 737 MAX, 787, 747-8 and 777X, 
Bombardier CSeries, Comac C919, Irkut MS-21 and a variety of business jet platforms, among others.  We continue to explore 
opportunities on new engine and aircraft programs that are under consideration or have been recently announced.

Defense – The defense industry continues under the minimal-growth regime of the Budget Control Act of 2011 and related 
procurement reductions and delays.  Our involvement with a wide variety of defense programs in fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft 
and weapons systems has provided relative stability for our defense market sales, as some newer programs increase (e.g. F-35
Lightning II and KC-46A Tanker) while some legacy programs are reduced (e.g. F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and V-22
Osprey). Others are relatively steady (e.g. UH-60 Black Hawk and A-64 Apache helicopter programs). We have significant 
motion control system content for the refueling boom on the KC-46A, which enters low rate production in 2017. Weapons 
programs for which we have significant sales include the Joint Direct Attack Munition (“JDAM”), Small Diameter Bomb 
(“SDB”) and AIM-9X guided tactical weapon systems.

Aftermarket – U.S. government sustainment funds continue to be prioritized to defense aircraft platforms on which we 
have content, among others.  Accordingly, our defense aftermarket has shown improvement in fiscal year 2016, but we expect
it to be variable in future periods, as it has been in the past.  Variability is generally attributable to the cycling of various 
upgrade programs, as well as actual usage.  Our commercial aftermarket business has increased as our products have been 
selected for new aerospace platforms and our content has increased across existing platforms.  We have experienced the 
strongest gains in commercial aftermarket related to programs like Airbus A320 and Boeing 777.  While some legacy programs 
have been negatively impacted by the availability of surplus hardware from aircraft retirements (and subsequent disassembly 
for parts re-use), combined with increasingly tight budget control by airline maintenance departments, we saw moderate 
growth in fiscal year 2016.

Industrial Markets

Our industrial and energy products are used worldwide in various types of turbine- and reciprocating engine-powered 
equipment, including electric power generation and distribution systems, ships, locomotives, compressors, pumps, and other 
mobile and industrial machines. 

Industrial Turbines – The turbine market for new capacity, which consists mainly of heavy frames, aero derivatives and 
steam, was down in fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015.  Demand continues for turbine aftermarket products and 
services driven by maintenance and performance requirements.  Start reliability, fuel flexibility, and part-load efficiency are all 
key drivers of the turbine market as the conversion from coal to gas usage continues, and we believe Woodward is well 
positioned to meet these market needs on the next generation turbines.  Though the increasing demand for energy supports 
long-term growth for turbines, we expect market softness to continue in fiscal year 2017 due to global economic industrial 
weakness and low oil and gas prices.  However, customer share gains and increased scope on the latest generation turbines, as 
well as continued demand for aftermarket products and services, are anticipated to lessen the impact of market softness in fiscal 
year 2017.

Reciprocating Engines – Woodward’s key markets for engine control technologies are power generation, natural gas 
fueled trucks and buses in China, mining, construction, oil and gas, and shipping industries.  Most of these markets remained
soft or depressed in 2016 due to global economic weakness and low oil and gas prices. In China, government incentives, 

28

natural gas supplies, and other factors have reduced the demand for natural gas-fueled trucks and buses in China and other key 
markets, which also reduced demand for our control systems used in these applications.  We expect customer share gains and 
increased scope on the latest generation reciprocating engines, as well as continued demand for aftermarket products and 
services, to have a favorable impact on Woodward in fiscal year 2017.  Government emissions requirements across many 
regions and new engine applications are driving demand for more sophisticated control systems, as is customer demand for 
improved engine efficiencies and increased reliability.  Energy policies in some countries encourage the use of natural gas and 
other alternative fuels over carbon-rich petroleum fuels, which we expect will drive increased demand for our alternative fuel 
clean engine control technologies. 

Renewable Power – The renewable power industry connected a record 63 gigawatts (“GW”) to the grid in calendar year 

2015.  This is expected to decelerate in calendar year 2016 to 52.8 GW and grow at a much more modest and stable pace 
through the next decade.  Uncertainty regarding government renewable mandates is subsiding, thereby reducing market 
volatility in the renewable power industry.  In many regions of the world, such as Brazil and India, new renewable generation
will be limited by grid connectivity constraints.  The updated German Renewable Energy Sources Act 
(Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz – EEG) is moving away from a feed-in-tariff scheme, to a more sustainable “corridor targets 
scheme” (2500 MW annually for onshore wind).  Currently, capital investment and operating costs for onshore wind continue 
to substantially decline, driving the levelized cost of energy (“LCOE”) toward parity with most fossil fuel energy sources.  In 
the medium to longer term, we anticipate this trend to continue in the onshore market and emerge in the offshore wind market.
The trend for larger turbines (+3 MW onshore and +6 MW offshore) will continue to transform OEM product portfolios and 
fuel industry consolidation, as weaker companies will not be able to invest rapidly enough to maintain pace with the larger 
competitors, further reducing the LCOE.  Looking forward, we anticipate that integration of renewable energy sources into the 
grid and increased global energy demand will drive new opportunities for our advanced control and protection solutions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Joint Venture

On January 4, 2016, Woodward and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE Aviation business unit, 
consummated the formation of a strategic joint venture between Woodward and GE.  The JV designs, develops and sources the 
fuel system for specified existing and all future GE commercial aircraft engines that produce thrust in excess of fifty thousand 
pounds.

As part of the JV formation, Woodward contributed to the JV certain contractual rights and intellectual property applicable 

to the existing GE commercial aircraft engine programs within the scope of the JV.  Woodward has no initial cost basis in the 
JV because Woodward had no cost basis in the contractual rights and intellectual property contributed to the JV.  GE purchased
from Woodward a 50% ownership interest in the JV for a $250,000 cash payment to Woodward.  In addition, GE will pay 
contingent consideration to Woodward consisting of fifteen annual payments of approximately $4,894 each year beginning 
January 4, 2017 subject to certain claw-back conditions.  Neither Woodward nor GE contributed any tangible assets to the JV.

Woodward determined that the JV formation was not the culmination of an earnings event because Woodward has 
significant performance obligations to support the future operations of the JV.  Therefore, Woodward recorded the $250,000 
consideration received from GE for its purchase of a 50% equity interest in the JV as deferred income.  The $250,000 deferred
income will be recognized as an increase to net sales in proportion to revenue realized on sales of applicable fuel systems 
within the scope of the JV in a particular period as a percentage of total revenue expected to be realized by Woodward over the 
estimated remaining lives of the underlying commercial aircraft engine programs assigned to the JV. 

Woodward and GE jointly manage the JV, and any significant decisions and/or actions of the JV require the mutual 
consent of both Woodward and GE.  Neither Woodward nor GE has a controlling financial interest in the JV, but Woodward 
does have the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial decisions of the JV.  Therefore, Woodward is 
accounting for its remaining 50% ownership interest in the JV using the equity method of accounting.  Other income includes 
$6,204 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 related to Woodward’s equity interest in the earnings of the JV.  During 
nine-months ended September 30, 2016, Woodward net sales include $46,973 of sales to the JV and a reduction to sales of 
$21,391 related to royalties paid to the JV by Woodward on sales by Woodward directly to third party aftermarket customers. 

Operational Highlights

Net sales for fiscal year 2016 were $2,023,078, a decrease of 0.7% from $2,038,303 for the prior fiscal year.  Net sales for 

fiscal year 2016 were negatively impacted by $14,885 related to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates 
compared to the prior fiscal year. Aerospace segment sales for fiscal year 2016 were up 6.2% to $1,233,176, compared to 
$1,160,883 for the prior fiscal year.  Industrial segment sales for fiscal year 2016 were down 10.0% to $789,902, compared to 
$877,420 for the prior fiscal year.

Net earnings for fiscal year 2016 were $180,838, or $2.85 per diluted share, compared to $181,452, or $2.75 per diluted 

share, for fiscal year 2015. Net earnings for fiscal year 2016 included approximately $16,100 of special charges related to our 
efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions, which was equal to approximately $9,900

29

net of tax.  Net earnings for fiscal year 2016 were also negatively impacted by approximately $3,000, or $2,000 net of tax, 
related to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to fiscal year 2015.

The effective tax rate in fiscal year 2016 was 20.2% compared to 24.7% for the prior fiscal year. 

Earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) for fiscal year 2016 was $251,237, down 5.2% from $265,026 in fiscal year 

2015. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for fiscal year 2016 was $320,273, down
5.9% from $340,261 for fiscal year 2015. EBIT and EBITDA for fiscal year 2016 include the special charges of approximately 
$16,100 discussed above.  EBIT and EBITDA for fiscal year 2016 were negatively impacted by approximately $3,000 related 
to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the prior fiscal year.

Aerospace segment earnings as a percent of segment net sales increased to 18.8% in fiscal year 2016 from 16.2% in the 
prior fiscal year.  Industrial segment earnings as a percent of segment net sales decreased to 10.4% in fiscal year 2016 from 
14.4% in the prior fiscal year. 

Liquidity Highlights

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2016 was $435,379, compared to $295,990 for fiscal year 2015.

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to the after-tax proceeds related to the 
formation of the JV between Woodward and GE (“JV Proceeds”).

For fiscal year 2016, adjusted free cash flow, which we define as net cash flows provided by operating activities less 
payments for property, plant and equipment and less the JV Proceeds, was $104,687, compared to $9,378 for fiscal year 2015.  
The increase is primarily attributable to lower payments for property, plant and equipment in fiscal year 2016 as compared to 
fiscal year 2015.

On September 23, 2016, Woodward and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries each entered into a series of note purchase 
agreements (the “2016 Note Purchase Agreements”) relating to the sale by Woodward and its wholly owned subsidiary of an 
aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of its unsecured notes to various third parties in a series of private placement 
transactions.  We used the net proceeds from the issuance of these notes to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving 
credit agreement.   

At September 30, 2016, we held $81,090 in cash and cash equivalents, and had total outstanding debt of $729,244 with 
additional borrowing availability of $835,470, net of outstanding letters of credit, under our revolving credit agreement.  There 
was additional borrowing capacity of $44,001 under various foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Other Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth selected consolidated statements of earnings data as a percentage of net sales for each period

indicated:

Net sales

Costs and expenses:

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general, and administrative expenses 

Research and development costs

Amortization of intangible assets

Interest expense

Interest income

Other (income) expense, net

Total costs and expenses

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net earnings

Year Ended September 30,

2016

% of Net 
Sales

2015

% of Net 
Sales

2014

% of Net 
Sales

$ 2,023,078

100 % $ 2,038,303

100 % $ 2,001,240

100 %

1,475,540

72.9

1,453,718

71.3

1,425,839

71.2

154,951

126,170

27,486

26,776

(2,025)

(12,306)

1,796,592

226,486

45,648

$

180,838

7.7

6.2

1.4

1.3

(0.1)

(0.6)

88.8

11.2

2.3

8.9

156,995

134,485

29,241

24,864

(787)

(1,162)

1,797,354

240,949

59,497

$

181,452

7.7

6.6

1.4

1.2

(0.0)

(0.1)

88.2

11.8

2.9

8.9

155,339

138,005

33,580

22,804

(271)

(1,300)

1,773,996

227,244

61,400

$

165,844

7.8

6.9

1.7

1.1

(0.0)

(0.1)

88.6

11.4

3.1

8.3

30

Other selected financial data:

September 30,

2016

September 30,

2015

Working capital 

$

463,811

$

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt

Total debt 

Total stockholders' equity 

Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures

150,000

727,153

1,212,595

579,211

2,430

850,918

1,153,104

EBIT, EBITDA, free cash flow, and adjusted free cash flow are financial measures not prepared and presented in 
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  However, we 
believe these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures provide additional information that enables readers to evaluate our business 
from the perspective of management.

Earnings based non-U.S. GAAP financial measures

Management uses EBIT to evaluate Woodward’s performance without financing and tax related considerations, as these 

elements may not fluctuate with operating results.  Management uses 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.  Securities analysts, investors and others frequently use 
EBIT and EBITDA in their evaluation of companies, particularly those with significant property, plant, and equipment, and 
intangible assets subject to amortization.

EBIT and EBITDA for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, September 30, 2015, and September 30, 2014 were as 

follows:

Net earnings (U.S. GAAP)

$

180,838

$

181,452

$

165,844

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Income taxes

Interest expense

Interest income

EBIT (Non-U.S. GAAP)

Amortization of intangible assets

Depreciation expense

EBITDA (Non-U.S. GAAP)

45,648

26,776

(2,025)

251,237

27,486

41,550

59,497

24,864

(787)

265,026

29,241

45,994

61,400

22,804

(271)

249,777

33,580

43,773

$

320,273

$

340,261

$

327,130

The use 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.  As EBIT and 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.  Our calculations of EBIT and EBITDA may differ from 
similarly titled measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. 

Cash flow-based non-U.S. GAAP financial measures

Management uses free cash flow, which is defined by the Company as net cash flows provided by operating activities less 
payments for property, plant and equipment, as well as adjusted free cash flow, which is defined by the Company as free cash 
flow less the JV Proceeds, in reviewing the financial performance of Woodward’s various business groups and evaluating cash 
levels. In addition, securities analysts, investors, and others frequently use free cash flow in their evaluation of companies.  
The use of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation of, or as substitutes for, the 
financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Neither free cash flow nor adjusted free cash 
flow necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use, and neither is necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our 
cash needs.  In particular, the net proceeds received in connection with the formation of the JV was a discrete positive cash 
flow event not expected to recur.  Our calculations of free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow may differ from similarly 
titled measures used by other companies, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

31

Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, September 30, 2015, and 

September 30, 2014 were as follows:

Net cash provided by operating activities (U.S. GAAP)

Payments for property, plant and equipment 

Free cash flow (Non-U.S. GAAP)

Less:   Gross proceeds from formation of joint venture

Tax payments related to formation of joint venture

Net after-tax proceeds from formation of joint venture

Adjusted free cash flow (Non-U.S. GAAP)

2016 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2016 Sales Compared to 2015

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

435,379

(175,692)

259,687

250,000

(95,000)

155,000

$

$

295,990

(286,612)

9,378

$

$

273,570

(207,106)

66,464

-

-

-

-

-

-

104,687

$

9,378

$

66,464

$

$

$

Consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2016 decreased 0.7% to $2,023,078 from $2,038,303 in fiscal year 2015.  Details of 

the changes in consolidated net sales are as follows:

Consolidated net sales for the period ended September 30, 2015

Aerospace volume

Industrial volume 

Effects of changes in price and sales mix 

Effects of changes in foreign currency rates 

Consolidated net sales for the period ended September 30, 2016

$

$

2,038,303

58,399

(66,568)

7,829

(14,885)

2,023,078

The decrease in net sales for fiscal year 2016 was primarily attributable to continued weakness across nearly all our 
Industrial segment markets, partially offset by increased commercial aftermarket and defense sales in the Aerospace segment 
markets.

Our net sales were negatively impacted by $14,885 in fiscal year 2016 by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates 

compared to fiscal year 2015.  Nearly all of the foreign currency impact to our net sales was realized through our Industrial 
segment, primarily due to changes in the EUR.

Our worldwide sales activities are primarily denominated in USD, EUR, GBP, Japanese Yen (“JPY”), Brazilian Real 

(“BRL”), and Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”).  As the USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, BRL and RMB fluctuate against each other and 
other currencies, we are exposed to gains or losses on sales transactions.  For additional information on foreign currency 
exchange rate risk, please refer to the risk factor titled “We derive a significant portion of our revenues from non-U.S. sales and 
are subject to the risks inherent in doing business in other countries” set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 
1A of this Form 10-K and Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,”

2016 Costs and Expenses Compared to 2015

Costs and expenses for fiscal year 2016 include special charges, recorded in the first quarter, totaling approximately 
$16,100 ($13,300 included in cost of goods sold, $1,700 included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and $1,100 
included in research and development costs) related to our efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current
market conditions.  Cost savings realized during fiscal year 2016 related to these charges generally offset the expenses 
recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016.  

Cost of goods sold increased by $21,822 to $1,475,540, or 72.9% of net sales, for fiscal year 2016 from $1,453,718, or 
71.3% of net sales, for fiscal year 2015. The increase in cost of goods sold is primarily attributable to the inclusion in fiscal 
year 2016 of approximately $13,300 of special charges recorded in the first quarter, as described above.  In addition, cost of 
goods sold increased due to increased sales in our Aerospace segment and planned new facility start-up expenses for our new 
Rockford-area and Colorado facilities, partially offset by the effects of lower sales volume in our Industrial segment.

Gross margin (as measured by net sales less cost of goods sold, divided by net sales) was 27.1% for fiscal year 2016,
compared to 28.7% for fiscal year 2015.  Gross margin for fiscal year 2016 was lower compared to fiscal year 2015, primarily 
related to the inclusion in cost of goods sold of approximately $13,300 of special charges in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, 
as well as planned new facility start-up expenses for our new Rockford-area and Colorado facilities.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased by $2,044, or 1.3%, to $154,951 for fiscal year 2016 as 

compared to $156,995 for fiscal year 2015.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 7.7% 
for both fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2016 
was due to the inclusion in fiscal year 2015 of expenses associated with our negotiations to enter into the JV agreement with 
GE for which there is no equivalent expense in fiscal year 2016, as well as normal variability in costs.  In fiscal year 2016,
these decreases were partially offset by the special charges of $1,700 described above. 

Research and development costs decreased by $8,315, or 6.2%, to $126,170 for fiscal year 2016, as compared to $134,485 

for fiscal year 2015.  Research and development costs decreased as a percentage of net sales to 6.2% for fiscal year 2016 as 
compared to 6.6% for fiscal year 2015. Research and development costs in fiscal year 2016 were impacted by variability in the 
timing of projects and expenses.  In addition, fiscal year 2016 includes the special charges of $1,100 described above.  Our 
research and development activities extend across almost all of our customer base, and we anticipate ongoing variability in 
research and development due to the timing of customer business needs on current and future programs

Amortization of intangible assets decreased to $27,486 for fiscal year 2016, compared to $29,241 for fiscal year 2015.  As 

a percentage of net sales, amortization of intangible assets were 1.4% for both fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015. The 
decrease in amortization expense was primarily related to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized during fiscal year 
2015.

Interest expense increased to $26,776, or 1.3% of net sales, for fiscal year 2016, compared to $24,864, or 1.2% of net 
sales, for fiscal year 2015. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower amounts of capitalized interest 
in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015, as capital projects have been completed.

Income taxes were provided at an effective rate on earnings before income taxes of 20.2% for fiscal year 2016, compared 
to 24.7% for fiscal year 2015.  The changes in components of our effective tax rate (as a percentage of earnings before income 
taxes) were attributable to the following:

Effective tax rate at September 30, 2015

Research and experimentation credit

Adjustment of prior period tax items

Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation

Other

Effective tax rate at September 30, 2016

24.7 %

(3.5)

1.9

(2.6)

(0.3)

20.2 %

The decrease in the year-over-year effective tax rate for fiscal year 2016 is primarily attributable to the permanent 
extension, in fiscal year 2016, of the U.S. research and experimentation credit (“R&E Credit”) and the recognition through 
earnings of a net excess income tax benefit from stock compensation due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 (see Note 2, Recent 
accounting pronouncements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data”). Additionally, there were fewer favorable resolutions, reviews of tax matters, and lapses of applicable statutes of 
limitation in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015.

The total amount of the gross liability for worldwide unrecognized tax benefits reported in other liabilities in the 

Consolidated Balance Sheets was $23,526 at September 30, 2016 and $21,469 at September 30, 2015.  At September 30, 2016,
the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact Woodward’s effective tax rate, if recognized, was $11,426.  At this 
time, we estimate it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $8,433 in 
the next twelve months due to a number of factors including the completion of reviews by tax authorities and the expiration of 
certain statutes of limitations.  We accrue for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax 
expense.  Woodward had accrued interest and penalties of $1,273 as of September 30, 2016 and $859 as of September 30, 
2015.

Woodward’s tax returns are subject to audits by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities, and these audits are at 
various stages of completion at any given time.  Reviews of tax matters by authorities and lapses of the applicable statutes of 
limitation may result in changes to tax expense.  Fiscal years remaining open to examination in significant foreign jurisdictions 
include 2008 and thereafter, and for the United States include fiscal years 2013 and thereafter.  Woodward is currently under 
examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. Woodward is generally subject to U.S. 
state income tax examinations for fiscal years 2012 and the periods thereafter.

33

SEGMENT RESULTS 

Woodward serves the aerospace, industrial and energy markets through its two reportable segments – Aerospace and 
Industrial.  Our reportable segments are aggregations of our operating segments.  See Note 20, Segment information, in the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our segments.  The following table presents 
sales by segment:

2016

2015

2014

Year Ended September 30, 

Net sales:

Aerospace

Industrial

Consolidated net sales

$

$

1,233,176

789,902

61.0%

39.0

2,023,078

100.0 %

$

$

1,160,883

57.0 %

877,420

43.0

2,038,303

100.0 %

$

$

1,084,025

54.2 %

917,215

45.8

2,001,240

100.0 %

The following table presents earnings by segment:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total segment earnings 

Nonsegment expenses

Interest expense, net 

Consolidated earnings before income taxes 

Income tax expense 

Consolidated net earnings 

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

232,166

$

187,747

$

82,237

314,403

(63,166)

(24,751)

226,486

45,648

126,641

314,388

(49,362)

(24,077)

240,949

59,497

180,838

$

181,452

$

159,200

134,278

293,478

(43,701)

(22,533)

227,244

61,400

165,844

The following table presents earnings by segment as a percent of segment net sales:

Aerospace 

Industrial 

2016 Segment Results Compared to 2015

Aerospace 

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

18.8 %

10.4

16.2 %

14.4

14.7 %

14.6

Aerospace segment net sales were $1,233,176 for fiscal year 2016, up 6.2% compared to $1,160,883 for fiscal year 2015.  

The increase in segment net sales for fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was driven primarily by increased 
defense sales for aftermarket and orginal equipment manufacturer (“OEM”), and increased commercial aftermarket sales, 
partially offset by slightly weaker commercial OEM sales.

U.S. government funds continue to be prioritized for defense platforms on which we have content.  Defense sales, for both 

aftermarket and OEM, continued to increase in fiscal year 2016, primarily related to conflicts in the Middle East.  Sales of 
smart weapons were particularly strong in fiscal year 2016, as end-customers replenish their stock.

Commercial aftermarket sales were up in fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015, as global passenger traffic growth 

continues to drive aircraft utilization and our market share continues to grow.  

Commercial OEM sales were down slightly for fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 due to lower rotorcraft 

OEM sales, primarily related to lower extraction demands due to depressed oil prices, as well as variability in business jet 
demand.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in large transport OEM sales as aircraft deliveries of narrow-body 
and wide-body aircraft have continued to increase based on steady airline demand and new product introductions.  

34

Aerospace segment earnings increased by $44,419, or 23.7%, to $232,166 for fiscal year 2016, compared to $187,747 for 

fiscal year 2015. The net increase in Aerospace segment earnings for fiscal year 2016 was due to the following:

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2015

Sales volume 

Price, sales mix and productivity

Joint venture earnings

Other, net

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2016

$

$

187,747

26,775

13,274

6,204

(1,834)

232,166

Aerospace segment earnings as a percentage of sales were 18.8% for fiscal year 2016, compared to 16.2% for fiscal year 

2015. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales volume, which included more high-margin aftermarket sales.

Industrial

Industrial segment net sales decreased by 10.0% to $789,902 for fiscal year 2016, compared to $877,420 for fiscal year 
2015. The decrease in segment net sales for fiscal year 2016, as compared to fiscal year 2015 was driven by ongoing weakness 
across many of our Industrial segment markets.  In particular, further deterioration of the natural gas truck market in China and 
continued weakness in reciprocating engine power generation and other OEM large capital equipment projects.  This weakness 
was primarily due to delayed maintenance and capital infrastructure investments due to slowing economic growth in China and 
other global markets, as well as continued depressed oil and gas pricing.  In addition, the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 had 
unusually strong sales in the natural gas truck market in Asia, which was not repeated in fiscal year 2016.  This weakness was 
partially offset in fiscal year 2016 by strength in industrial turbomachinery aftermarket sales.  

Foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on sales of approximately $13,000 for fiscal year 2016 

compared to fiscal year 2015.  

Industrial segment earnings decreased by $44,404, or 35.1%, to $82,237 for fiscal year 2016, compared to $126,641 for 

fiscal year 2015.  The decrease in Industrial segment earnings for fiscal year 2016 was due to the following:

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2015

Sales volume 

Price, sales mix and productivity

Decrease in research and development expenses

New facility start-up costs

Effects of changes in foreign currency rates

Other, net

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2016

$

$

126,641

(33,509)

(4,322)

6,989

(5,868)

(3,169)

(4,525)

82,237

Industrial segment earnings as a percentage of sales were 10.4% for fiscal year 2016, compared to 14.4% for fiscal year 
2015.  The decrease in segment earnings for year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 was driven by the impact of lower sales 
volume, unfavorable product mix, and costs associated with our new facility in Colorado.  In addition, foreign currency 
exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $3,169 for fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015. 

Nonsegment expenses

Nonsegment expenses increased to $63,166 for fiscal year 2016, compared to $49,362 for fiscal year 2015.  As a percent 

of sales, nonsegment expenses increased to 3.1% of net sales for fiscal year 2016, compared to 2.4% of net sales for fiscal year 
2015.  The increase in nonsegment expenses in fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 is due to special charges taken 
in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 totaling approximately $16,100 related to our efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce 
costs and address market conditions.  

35

2015 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2015 Sales Compared to 2014

Consolidated net sales in fiscal year 2015 increased 1.9% to $2,038,303 from $2,001,240 in fiscal year 2014.  Details of 

the changes in consolidated net sales are as follows:

Consolidated net sales for the period ended September 30, 2014

$

2,001,240

Aerospace volume

Industrial volume 

Effects of changes in price and sales mix 

Effects of changes in foreign currency rates 

60,065

25,300

17,271

(65,573)

Consolidated net sales for the period ended September 30, 2015

$

2,038,303

The increase in net sales for fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to improvements in many of our markets in both 

the Aerospace and Industrial segments, partially offset by the negative impacts of unfavorable changes in foreign currency 
exchange rates compared to fiscal year 2014. In Aerospace, we saw improvements in fiscal year 2015 across all markets over 
fiscal year 2014.  In Industrial, we saw increased sales volume of industrial gas turbine systems and wind turbine converters, 
partially offset by lower sales of natural gas truck systems in Asia.

Changes in selling prices and sales mix were driven primarily by our Aerospace segment markets.  

During fiscal year 2015, our net sales were negatively impacted by $65,573 due to unfavorable impacts of fluctuations in 
foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same period of fiscal year 2014. Nearly all of the negative foreign currency 
impact to our net sales was realized through our Industrial segment.

2015 Costs and Expenses Compared to 2014

Cost of goods sold increased by $27,879 to $1,453,718, or 71.3% of net sales, for fiscal year 2015 from $1,425,839, or 
71.2% of net sales, for fiscal year 2014.  The increase in cost of goods sold was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes 
and planned start-up costs related to our new Aerospace segment facilities, partially offset by the favorable cost impact of 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates compared to fiscal year 2014.  

Gross margin (as measured by net sales less cost of goods sold, divided by net sales) was 28.7% for fiscal year 2015, 
compared to 28.8% for fiscal year 2014.  Gross margin for fiscal year 2015 was consistent with fiscal year 2014 as fixed cost 
leverage on increases in sales offset planned start-up costs related to our new Aerospace segment facilities.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $1,656, or 1.1%, to $156,995 for fiscal year 2015 as compared 

to $155,339 for fiscal year 2014.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 7.7% 
for fiscal year 2015 as compared to 7.8% for fiscal year 2014.  The slight increase in selling, general, and administrative 
expenses in fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to normal variability in costs as well as costs associated with the completion of 
the joint venture agreement between Woodward and GE, partially offset by the favorable cost impact of fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates compared to the same period of fiscal year 2014.

Research and development costs decreased by $3,520, or 2.6%, to $134,485 for fiscal year 2015, as compared to $138,005 

for fiscal year 2014.  Research and development costs decreased as a percentage of net sales to 6.6% for fiscal year 2015 as 
compared to 6.9% for fiscal year 2014.  The decrease in research and development costs for fiscal year 2015 as compared to 
fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to the favorable cost impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 
the same period of fiscal year 2014 in addition to the variability in the timing of projects and related milestones.

Amortization of intangible assets decreased to $29,241 for fiscal year 2015, compared to $33,580 for fiscal year 2014. As 

a percentage of net sales, amortization of intangible assets decreased to 1.4% for fiscal year 2015, as compared to 1.7% for 
fiscal year 2014.  The decrease in amortization expense was primarily related to some intangible assets becoming fully 
amortized during fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

Interest expense increased to $24,864, or 1.2% of net sales, for fiscal year 2015, compared to $22,804, or 1.1% of net 
sales, for fiscal year 2014.  The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to additional interest expense on higher 
levels of debt in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014, partially offset by increased capitalized interest in fiscal year 
2015 related primarily to interest capitalized to our three significant facility expansion projects. 

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes were provided for at an effective rate on earnings before income taxes of 24.7% for fiscal year 2015, 
compared to 27.0% for fiscal year 2014.  The changes in components of our effective tax rate (as a percentage of earnings 
before income taxes) were attributable to the following:

Effective tax rate at September 30, 2014

Research and experimentation credit

Retroactive extension of research and experimentation credit

Adjustment of prior period tax items

Taxes on international activities

Other

Effective tax rate at September 30, 2015

27.0 %

(0.1)

(2.4)

0.8

(0.1)

(0.5)

24.7 %

The decrease in the year-over-year effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to the retroactive 
impact of the reinstatement of the U.S. research and experimentation credit through December 31, 2014 in fiscal year 2015.  In
addition, there were fewer favorable resolutions, reviews of tax matters, and lapses of applicable statutes of limitations in fiscal 
year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014.

2015 Segment Results Compared to 2014

Aerospace 

Aerospace segment net sales were $1,160,883 for fiscal year 2015, up 7.1% compared to $1,084,025 for fiscal year 2014.  

Increases in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 were driven primarily by increased sales volumes in all of our 
markets, with the highest increase in commercial OEM and defense aftermarket sales.

Commercial OEM aircraft deliveries of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft continued to increase in fiscal year 2015 
based on steady airline demand and new product introductions.  Business aviation sales increased primarily due to new aircraft
introductions.  The commercial aftermarket showed some quarterly variability but was up in fiscal year 2015 compared to 
fiscal year 2014, as global passenger traffic growth continued to drive aircraft utilization and Woodward’s market share 
continued to grow.

U.S. government sustainment funds continue to be prioritized to defense aircraft platforms on which we have content and 

continued to see significant utilization for military operations.  Defense sales, for both aftermarket and OEM, increased in 
fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014, primarily related to conflicts in the Middle East.

Aerospace segment earnings increased by $28,547, or 17.9%, to $187,747 for fiscal year 2015, compared to $159,200 for 

fiscal year 2014.  The net increase in Aerospace segment earnings for fiscal year 2015 was due to the following:

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2014

Sales volume 

Price, sales mix and productivity

Increases in manufacturing expenses

Other, net

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2015

$

$

159,200

28,287

13,548

(15,478)

2,190

187,747

Aerospace segment earnings as a percentage of sales were 16.2% for fiscal year 2015, compared to 14.7% for fiscal year 

2014.  The increase was primarily attributable to increased sales, partially offset by increased manufacturing expenses 
primarily related to planned start-up costs related to our new facilities.

Industrial

Industrial segment net sales decreased 4.3% to $877,420 for fiscal year 2015, compared to $917,215 for fiscal year 2014.  
The decrease in segment net sales for fiscal year 2015 as compared to the same period of fiscal year 2014 was driven primarily 
by the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $63,700.  If foreign currency 
exchange rates had remained constant between fiscal year 2015 and 2014, sales would have increased in fiscal year 2015 as 
compared to fiscal year 2014 primarily related to increased sales volume of industrial gas turbine systems and wind turbine 
converters, partially offset by lower sales of natural gas truck systems in Asia.  

37

Industrial segment earnings decreased by $7,637, or 5.7%, to $126,641 for fiscal year 2015, compared to $134,278 for 

fiscal year 2014.  The net decrease in Industrial segment earnings for fiscal year 2015 was due to the following:

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2014

Sales volume 

Price, sales mix and productivity

Effects of changes in foreign currency rates

Other, net

Earnings for the period ended September 30, 2015

$

$

134,278

9,909

(3,619)

(15,480)

1,553

126,641

Industrial segment earnings as a percentage of sales were 14.4% for fiscal year 2015, compared to 14.6% for fiscal year 
2014.  The slight decrease in segment earnings for fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was primarily attributable
to the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the effects of increased sales 
volume.  

Nonsegment expenses

Nonsegment expenses increased to $49,362 for fiscal year 2015, compared to $43,701 for fiscal year 2014.  As a percent 

of sales, nonsegment expenses increased to 2.4% of net sales for fiscal year 2015, compared to 2.2% of net sales for fiscal year 
2014.  The increase in nonsegment expenses in fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to normal variability in costs, as well as 
costs associated with the completion of the joint venture agreement between Woodward and GE of approximately $2,000.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historically, we have satisfied our working capital needs, as well as capital expenditures, product development and other 

liquidity requirements associated with our operations, with cash flow provided by operating activities and borrowings under 
our credit facilities.  Historically, we have also issued debt to supplement our cash needs or repay our other indebtedness.  We 
expect that cash generated from our operating activities, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be 
sufficient to fund our continuing operating needs, including capital expansion funding for the foreseeable future.

Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents were $81,090 at September 30, 2016 and $82,202 at September 30, 2015, and our 

working capital was $463,811 at September 30, 2016 and $579,211 at September 30, 2015.  Of the $81,090 of cash and cash 
equivalents held at September 30, 2016, $80,745 was held by our foreign locations.  We are not presently aware of any 
significant restrictions on the repatriation of these funds, although a portion is considered indefinitely reinvested in these 
foreign subsidiaries.  If these funds were needed to fund our operations or satisfy obligations in the United States, then they 
could be repatriated and their repatriation into the United States may cause us to incur additional U.S. income taxes or foreign 
withholding taxes.  Any additional U.S. taxes could be offset, in part or in whole, by foreign tax credits.  The amount of such 
taxes and application of tax credits would be dependent on the income tax laws and other circumstances at the time these 
amounts are repatriated.  Based on these variables, it is impractical to determine the income tax liability that might be incurred 
if these funds were to be repatriated. 

On September 23, 2016, Woodward and a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward entered into the 2016 Note Purchase 
Agreements relating to the sale of an aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series of private 
placement transactions.  The notes issued under the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements have not been registered under the 
Securities Act of 1933, or elsewhere, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an 
applicable exemption from registration requirements.  Holders of the notes under the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements are not 
entitled to any registration rights.  For further discussion of the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements, see Note 12, Credit facilities, 
short-term borrowings and long-term debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data.”  We used the net proceeds from the issuance of the notes to repay amounts outstanding 
under our revolving credit agreement.   

Our revolving credit facility matures in April 2020 and provides a borrowing capacity of up to $1,000,000 with the option 

to increase total available borrowings to up to $1,200,000, subject to lenders’ participation.  We can borrow against our 
$1,000,000 revolving credit facility as long as we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants.  Historically, we have used 
borrowings under our revolving credit facilities to meet certain short-term working capital needs, as well as for strategic uses, 
including repurchases of our common stock, payments of dividends, acquisitions, and facilities expansions.  In addition, we 
have various foreign credit facilities, some of which are tied to net amounts on deposit at certain foreign financial institutions.  
These foreign credit facilities are reviewed annually for renewal.  We use borrowings under these foreign credit facilities to 
finance certain local operations on a periodic basis.  For further discussion of our $1,000,000 revolving credit facility and our 
other credit facilities, see Note 12, Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

38

On October 1, 2015, Woodward paid the entire principal balance of $50,000 on the Series C notes, and on April 4, 2016, 

Woodward paid the entire principal balance of $57,000 on the Series E notes. The Series C notes and the Series E notes are 
described at Note 12, Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  These payments were made using borrowings on our 
revolving credit facility.

At September 30, 2016, we had total outstanding debt of $729,244 consisting of outstanding amounts under our revolving 

credit facility and various series of unsecured notes due between 2018 and 2031, with additional borrowing availability of 
$835,470 under our revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit, and additional borrowing availability of 
$44,001 under various foreign credit facilities. For further discussion of our indebtedness and our additional borrowing 
capacity, see Note 12, Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

At September 30, 2016, we had $156,700 of borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, of which 
$150,000 was classified as short-term and the remainder was classified as long-term. Revolving credit facility and short-term 
borrowing activity during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 were as follows:

Maximum daily balance during the period 

Average daily balance during the period 

Weighted average interest rate on average daily balance

$

$

555,000

463,028

1.59%

We believe we were in compliance with all our debt covenants at September 30, 2016.  See Note 12, Credit facilities, 
short-term borrowings and long-term debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data” for more information about our covenants.

In addition to utilizing our cash resources to fund the working capital needs of our business, we evaluate additional 

strategic uses of our funds, including the repurchase of our common stock, payment of dividends, significant capital 
expenditures, consideration of strategic acquisitions and other potential uses of cash. 

Our ability to service our long-term debt, to remain in compliance with the various restrictions and covenants contained in 

our debt agreements, and to fund working capital, capital expenditures and product development efforts will depend on our 
ability to generate cash from operating activities, which in turn is subject to, among other things, future operating performance 
as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other conditions, some of which may be beyond 
our control.

On January 4, 2016, we consummated the formation of a strategic joint venture between Woodward and GE.  GE 
purchased from Woodward a 50% ownership interest in the JV for a $250,000 cash payment to Woodward.  In addition, GE 
will pay contingent consideration to Woodward consisting of fifteen annual payments of $4,894 per year beginning January 4, 
2017 subject to certain claw-back conditions.  The $250,000 cash consideration received from GE on January 4, 2016 is 
taxable in the U.S. upon receipt.  The taxes of approximately $95,000 associated with this cash consideration were paid 
through estimated payments made during fiscal year 2016.  

As previously announced, we completed $125,000 of share repurchases through an accelerated stock repurchase program 
in second half of fiscal year 2015.  This was part of a previously announced $250,000 stock repurchase initiative.  In the first 
quarter of fiscal year 2016, we executed a 10b5-1 plan to repurchase up to $125,000 of our common stock for a period that 
ended on April 20, 2016.  During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, we purchased 2,635 shares of our common stock 
for $125,000 under the 10b5-1 plan, using a portion of the $250,000 received from GE.  

For our Aerospace segment, in fiscal year 2015 we completed construction of a manufacturing and office building on a 

second campus in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area and have since occupied the new facility in anticipation of beginning 
serial production of new narrow-body product lines beginning in fiscal year 2017.  This campus is intended to support the 
expected growth in our Aerospace segment over the next ten years and beyond, as a result of our being awarded a substantial 
number of new system platforms, particularly on narrow-body aircraft.  We have been purchasing production equipment for the 
second campus and anticipate continuing such purchases as new aircraft platforms ramp up to full production volumes. 

We completed construction of a new campus at our corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado to support the future 
growth of our Industrial segment by supplementing our existing Colorado manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters. 
We began occupying the new manufacturing facility during the second quarter of fiscal year 2016 and we continue to purchase 
production equipment for this new campus.  

We believe that cash flows from operations, along with our contractually committed borrowings and other borrowing 

capability, will continue to be sufficient to fund anticipated capital spending requirements and our operations for the 
foreseeable future.  However, we could be adversely affected if the financial institutions providing our capital requirements
refuse to honor their contractual commitments, cease lending, or declare bankruptcy.  We believe the lending institutions 
participating in our credit arrangements are financially stable.

39

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Year Ended

September 30,

2016

2015

$

435,379

$

295,990

$

(173,946)

(260,993)

(1,552)

(1,112)

82,202

(284,083)

(34,006)

(10,986)

(33,085)

115,287

2014

273,570

(205,829)

3,990

(5,000)

66,731

48,556

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

81,090

$

82,202

$

115,287

2016 Cash Flows Compared to 2015

Net cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2016 was $435,379, compared to $295,990 in fiscal year 

2015. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to the after-tax proceeds related to the 
formation of the JV between Woodward and GE.  

Net cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal year 2016 was $173,946, compared to $284,083 in fiscal year 2015.

The decrease in cash used in investing activities compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year is due to decreased 
payments for capital expenditures.  Payments for property, plant and equipment decreased by $110,920 to $175,692 in fiscal 
year 2016 as compared to $286,612 in fiscal year 2015 related mainly to the development of a second campus in the greater-
Rockford, Illinois area, the new facility in Niles, Illinois, and the new campus at our Fort Collins, Colorado headquarters. The 
manufacturing and office building in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area and the new facility in Niles, Illinois were both 
completed in fiscal year 2015.  Our Fort Collins campus was completed in fiscal year 2016.

Net cash flows used in financing activities for fiscal year 2016 was $260,993, compared to $34,006 in fiscal year 2015.
During fiscal year 2016, we had net debt payments of $123,875 compared to net debt borrowings of $143,361 in fiscal year 
2015.  We utilized $125,000 to repurchase 2,635 shares of our common stock in fiscal year 2016 under our existing stock 
repurchase program, compared to $157,160 to repurchase 3,128 shares of our common stock in fiscal year 2015.

2015 Cash Flows Compared to 2014

Net cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2015 was $295,990, compared to $273,570 in fiscal year 

2014.  The increase is primarily attributable to increased earnings in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014.  

Net cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal year 2015 was $284,083, compared to $205,829 in fiscal year 2014.  

The increase in cash used in investing activities in fiscal year 2015 as compared to fiscal year 2014 was due to increases in
capital expenditures.  Payments for property, plant and equipment increased by $79,506 to $286,612 in fiscal year 2015 as 
compared to $207,106 in fiscal year 2014 related mainly to the development of a second campus in the greater-Rockford, 
Illinois area, the new facility in Niles, Illinois, and the new campus at our Fort Collins, Colorado headquarters.

Net cash flows used in financing activities for fiscal year 2015 was $34,006, compared to net cash flows provided by 
financing activities of $3,990 in fiscal year 2014.  During fiscal year 2015, we had net debt borrowings of $143,361 compared 
to net debt borrowings of $160,002 in fiscal year 2014.  We utilized $157,160 to repurchase 3,128 shares of our common stock 
in fiscal year 2015 under our existing stock repurchase program, compared to $141,488 to repurchase 3,272 shares of our 
common stock in fiscal year 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of 
Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial 
condition, changes in our financial condition, revenues, or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or 
capital resources, that are material to investors. 

40

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our consolidated contractual obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2016 is as follows:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Year Ending September 30,

(in thousands)

Long-term debt principal

$

- $

- $

143,000

$

- $

100,000

$

329,544

Interest on debt obligations (1)

Operating leases

Capital leases

Purchase obligations (2)

Other (3)

Total

21,224

4,755

404

303,567

-

21,224

3,150

423

14,642

-

13,091

2,175

444

685

-

11,290

2,003

113

639

-

8,978

1,899

-

93

-

37,314

1,630

-

10

23,526

$

329,950

$

39,439

$

159,395

$

14,045

$

110,970

$

392,024

(1) Interest obligations on floating rate debt instruments are calculated for future periods using interest rates in effect as of 
September 30, 2016.  See Note 12, Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt, to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details on our long-term 
debt.

(2) Purchase obligations include amounts committed under legally enforceable contracts or purchase orders for goods and 

services with defined terms as to price, quantity, delivery, and termination liability.

(3) The $23,526 included in other obligations in the “Thereafter” column represents our best reasonable estimate for 

uncertain tax positions at this time and may change in future periods, as the timing of the payments and whether such 
payments will actually be required cannot be reasonably estimated.

The above table does not reflect the following items:

(cid:120) As of September 30, 2016, there were $156,700 of outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility, of 

which $150,000 were classified as short-term based on our intent and ability to pay this amount in the next twelve 
months. Our revolving credit facility matures in April 2020.

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Contributions to our retirement pension benefit plans, which we estimate will total approximately $713 in fiscal 
year 2017.  As of September 30, 2016 our pension plans were underfunded by $24,137 based on projected benefit 
obligations.  Statutory pension contributions in future fiscal years will vary as a result of a number of factors, 
including actual plan asset returns and interest rates.

Contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans, which we estimate will total $4,039 in fiscal year 2017.
Other postretirement contributions are made on a “pay-as-you-go” basis as payments are made to healthcare 
providers, and such contributions will vary as a result of changes in the future cost of postretirement healthcare 
benefits provided for covered retirees.  As of September 30, 2016, our other postretirement benefit plans were
underfunded by $35,630 based on projected benefit obligations. 

Business commitments made to certain customers to perform under long-term product development projects, 
some of which may result in near-term financial losses.  Such losses, if any, are recognized when they become
likely to occur.

In connection with the sale of the Fuel & Pneumatics product line during fiscal year 2009, Woodward assigned to a 
subsidiary of the purchaser its rights and responsibilities related to certain contracts with the U.S. Government.  Woodward
provided to the U.S. Government a customary guarantee of the purchaser’s subsidiary’s obligations under the contracts.  The 
purchaser and its affiliates have agreed to indemnify Woodward for any liability incurred with respect to the guarantee. 

Guarantees and letters of credit totaling approximately $8,073 were outstanding as of September 30, 2016, some of which 

were secured by parent guarantees from Woodward or by Woodward line of credit facilities.  

In the event of a change in control of Woodward, as defined in change-in-control agreements with our current corporate 

officers, we may be required to pay termination benefits to such officers.

New Accounting Standards

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standards-setting bodies issue new 
accounting pronouncements.  Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification are communicated through issuance of 
an Accounting Standards Update.  Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued guidance, whether 

41

adopted or to be adopted in the future, is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements upon 
adoption.

To understand the impact of recently issued guidance, whether adopted or to be adopted, please review the information 
provided in our Note 2, New accounting standards, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make 

judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
accompanying notes.  Note 1, Operations and summary of significant accounting policies, to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.  The estimates and assumptions described below are those that we consider to be most critical to an understanding 
of our financial statements because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties.  All of these estimates reflect our best 
judgment about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions and their effects based on information 
available as of the date of these financial statements.  As estimates are updated or actual amounts are known, our critical 
accounting estimates are revised, and operating results may be affected by the revised estimates.  Actual results may differ 
from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  

Our management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit 

Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosures in this Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis.

Revenue recognition

Woodward recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: 

1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 

2) delivery of the product has occurred or services have been rendered, 

3) price is fixed or determinable, and 

4) collectability is reasonably assured.  

In implementing the four criteria stated above, we have found that determining when the risks and rewards of ownership 

have passed to the customer, which determines whether persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and if delivery has 
occurred, may require judgment.  The passage of title indicates transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership from Woodward 
to the customer; however, contract- and customer-specific circumstances are reviewed by management to ensure that transfer 
of title constitutes the transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership.  

Examples of situations requiring management review and judgment, with respect to the passage of the risks and rewards of 

ownership, include: interpretation of customer-specific contract terms, situations where substantive performance obligations 
exist, such as completion of product testing that remain after product delivery to the customer, situations that require customer 
acceptance (or in some instances regulatory acceptance) of the product, and situations in countries whose laws provide for 
retention of some form of title by sellers such that Woodward is able to recover goods in the event a customer defaults on 
payment.  

Based on management’s determination, if the risks and rewards of ownership have not passed to the customer, revenue is 

deferred until this requirement is met.

Inventory 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Inventory cost is determined using methods that 
approximate the first-in, first-out basis.  We include product costs, labor and related fixed and variable overhead in the cost of 
inventories.  

Inventory net realizable values are determined by giving substantial consideration to the expected product selling price.  

We estimate expected selling prices based on our historical recovery rates, general economic and market conditions, the 
expected channel of disposition, and current customer contracts and preferences.  Actual results may differ from our estimates 
due to changes in resale or market value and the mix of these factors.  Management monitors inventory for events or 
circumstances, such as negative margins, recent sales history suggesting lower sales value, or changes in customer preferences, 
which would indicate the net realizable value of inventory is less than the carrying value of inventory, and management records 
adjustments as necessary.  When inventory is written down below cost, such reduced amount is considered the cost for 
subsequent accounting purposes.  Our recording of inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value has not historically
required material adjustments once initially established.

42

The carrying value of inventory was $461,683 at September 30, 2016 and $447,664 at September 30, 2015.  If economic 
conditions, customer product requirements, or other factors significantly reduce future customer demand for our products from
forecast levels, then future adjustments to the carrying value of inventory may become necessary.  We attempt to maintain 
inventory quantities at levels considered necessary to fill expected orders in a reasonable time frame, which we believe 
mitigates our exposure to future inventory carrying cost adjustments.

Depreciation and amortization

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment was $876,350 at September 30, 2016 and $756,100 at September 30, 

2015.  Depreciation expense was $41,550 in fiscal year 2016, $45,994 in fiscal year 2015 and $43,773 in fiscal year 2014.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is generally computed using the straight-line method, which requires estimates 
of asset useful lives and ultimate salvage value. 

In fiscal year 2015, we completed construction of a manufacturing and office building for our Aerospace segment on a 
second campus in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area and began occupying the new facility.  This campus is intended to support 
the expected growth in our Aerospace segment over the next ten years and beyond, necessitated as a result of our being 
awarded a substantial number of new system platforms, particularly on narrow-body aircraft.  In addition, in fiscal year 2015, 
we completed an addition to and renovation of a building in Niles, Illinois that we had acquired in September 2013.  Most of 
our operations that formerly resided in nearby Skokie, Illinois, were relocated to this new facility in fiscal year 2015.  

We completed construction of a manufacturing building for our Industrial segment and a corporate headquarters building 
on a second campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.  This campus is intended to support the future growth of our Industrial segment 
by supplementing our existing Colorado manufacturing facilities.  We began occupying the new campus in our second quarter 
of fiscal year 2016.

Concurrent with and in relation to our significant investment in three new campuses and related equipment, Woodward 
initiated a comprehensive review of its depreciation lives as required by U.S. GAAP to evaluate the estimates of the useful 
lives of Woodward assets.  This review resulted in estimates of the useful lives of both existing and new assets generally in
excess of those utilized prior to fiscal year 2016.  The revised estimates were used in fiscal year 2016 and will be used going 
forward and resulted in a downward adjustment of depreciation on existing assets of approximately $12,000 for fiscal year 
2016.

The carrying value of intangible assets was $197,650 at September 30, 2016 and $225,138 at September 30, 2015.

Amortization expense was $27,486 in fiscal year 2016, $29,241 in fiscal year 2015 and $33,580 in fiscal year 2014.
Amortization of intangible assets is generally computed using patterns that reflect the periods over which the economic 
benefits of the assets are expected to be realized.  Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible is 
both not estimated to be recoverable and exceeds it fair value. 

Reviews for impairment of goodwill 

At September 30, 2016, we had $555,684 of goodwill, representing 21% of our total assets.  At September 30, 2015, we 

had $556,977 of goodwill, representing 22% of our total assets.  The change in the value of goodwill is due to changes in 
foreign currency exchanges rates between September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2016.  Goodwill is tested for impairment at 
the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely 
than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Based on the relevant U.S. GAAP authoritative 
guidance, we aggregate components of a single operating segment into a reporting unit, if appropriate.  For purposes of 
performing the impairment tests, we identify reporting units in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The identification of reporting 
units and consideration of aggregation criteria requires management judgment.  The impairment tests consist of comparing the 
fair value of reporting units, determined using discounted cash flows, with their carrying amount including goodwill.  If the
carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying 
amount.  If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be 
recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its implied fair value.  Woodward has not recorded any impairment charges.

Woodward completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2016 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
during the fourth quarter.  At that date, Woodward determined it was appropriate to aggregate certain components of the same 
operating segment into a single reporting unit.  The fair value of each of Woodward’s reporting units was determined using an 
income approach based on a discounted cash flow method.  This method represents a Level 3 input and incorporates various 
estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, future tax rates and the 
present value, based on an estimated weighted-average cost of capital (or the discount rate) and terminal growth rate, of 
forecasted cash flows.  Management projects revenue growth rates, earnings margins and cash flows based on each reporting 
unit’s current operational results, expected performance and operational strategies over a ten-year period.  These projections 
are adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and demand for certain products, and require considerable management 
judgment.

43

Forecasted cash flows used in the July 31, 2016 impairment test were discounted using weighted-average cost of capital 

assumptions ranging from 8.91% to 11.49%.  The terminal values of the forecasted cash flows were calculated using the 
Gordon Growth Model and assumed an annual compound growth rate after ten years of 3.71%.  These inputs, which are 
unobservable in the market, represent management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in determining the 
present value of the Company’s forecasted cash flows.  Changes in these estimates and assumptions can have a significant 
impact on the fair value of forecasted cash flows.  Woodward evaluated the reasonableness of the reporting units resulting fair 
values utilizing a market multiple method.

The results of Woodward’s annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 31, 2016, indicated the estimated fair 

value of each reporting unit was significantly in excess of its carrying value, and accordingly, no impairment existed.  
Increasing the discount rate by 20%, decreasing the growth rate by 20%, or decreasing forecasted cash flow by 20%, would 
also not have resulted in an impairment charge at July 31, 2016.

As part of the Company’s ongoing monitoring efforts to assess goodwill for possible indications of impairment, we will 
continue to consider a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to the global economic environment and its potential 
impact on Woodward’s business.  There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions regarding forecasted cash 
flows of certain reporting units, the current economic environment, or the other inputs used in forecasting the present value of 
forecasted cash flows will prove to be accurate projections of future performance.

Postretirement benefits

The Company provides various benefits to certain employees through defined benefit pension plans and other 

postretirement benefit plans.  A September 30 measurement date is used to value plan assets and obligations for all Woodward 
defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.  For financial reporting purposes, net periodic benefits expense 
and related obligations are calculated using a number of significant actuarial assumptions, including anticipated discount rates, 
rates of compensation increases, long-term return on defined benefit plan investments, and anticipated healthcare cost 
increases.  Based on these actuarial assumptions, at September 30, 2016, our recorded assets and liabilities included a net 
liability of $24,137 for our defined benefit pension plans and a net liability of $35,630 for other postretirement benefit plans.  
Changes in net periodic expense or the amounts of recorded assets and liabilities may occur in the future due to changes in 
these assumptions.   

Estimates of the value of postretirement benefit obligations, and related net periodic benefits expense, are dependent on 
actuarial assumptions, including future interest rates, compensation rates, mortality trends, healthcare cost trends, and returns 
on defined benefit plan investments.

It should be noted that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously, and the effects 

of changes in assumptions are not necessarily linear due to factors such as the 10% corridor applied to the larger of the 
postretirement benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets used to determine the amortization of actuarial net
gains or losses.  

During fiscal year 2015, the SEC staff expressed its acceptance for companies applying an alternative accounting approach 

for using discount rates to measure the components of net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefit plan obligations. 
Specifically, the SEC staff stated that it would not object to companies’ use of an alternative approach that focuses on 
measuring the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by using individual spot rates derived from 
a high-quality corporate bond yield curve and matched with separate cash flows for each future year instead of a single 
weighted-average discount rate approach.  Further, the SEC staff stated it would not object to companies treating the change in 
approach as a change in estimate.  We elected to change our estimate in the determination of discount rate assumptions to 
determine periodic benefit costs effective for fiscal year 2016 and years thereafter for our defined benefit pension plans in the 
United Kingdom and Japan, and the other postretirement plan in the United Kingdom.  This change in estimate had an
insignificant impact on the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal year 2016.

Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of the broad 
population and modified for projected longevity trends.  The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of September 
30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was based on the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) RP-2014 Mortality Tables Report projected 
back to 2006 using the SOA’s Mortality Improvement Scale MP-2014 (“MP-2014”) and projected forward using a custom 
projection scale based on MP-2014 with a 10-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%.  As of September 30, 
2016 and September 30, 2015, mortality assumptions in Japan were based on the Standard rates 2014, and mortality 
assumptions for the United Kingdom were based on the Self-administered pension scheme (“SAPS”) S2 “all” tables with a 
projected 1.5% annual improvement rate. 

Primary actuarial assumptions for our defined benefit pension plans were determined as follows:

(cid:120)

The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the retirement benefits could be effectively settled 
based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments.  

44

In the United States, Woodward uses a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds 
rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.  

In the United Kingdom and Japan, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate 
cash flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in 
each jurisdiction.  For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service 
cost and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-
quality corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2015 benefit obligation matched with separate 
cash flows for each future year.  Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic 
benefit costs for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 was based on a single rate equivalent.

These rates are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Defined benefit pension benefits:

2017 Net Periodic Benefit Cost

2017 Projected Service and Interest Costs

Accumulated Post Retirement Benefit Obligation as of Sept. 30, 2016

Change In Discount Rate

1% increase

1% decrease

$

(1,166)

$

677

(30,945)

1,614

(1,036)

38,324

(cid:120)

Compensation increase assumptions, where applicable, are based upon historical experience and anticipated future 
management actions.  An increase in the rate would increase our obligation and expense. 

(cid:120) Mortality trends assumptions are based on published actuarial data and are sometimes modified to reflect projected 

longevity trends.  Increases in life expectancy of participants greater than assumed would increase our obligation and 
expense.

(cid:120)

In determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, we consider the asset investment mix for each plan.  For 
example, fixed-income securities generally have a lower rate of return than equity securities.  We assume that the 
historical long-term compound growth rates of similar equity and fixed-income securities will predict the future 
returns of investments in the various plan portfolios.  We consider the potential impacts of changes in general market 
conditions, but because our assumptions are based on long-term rates of return, short-term market conditions generally 
have an insignificant effect on our assumptions.  Changes in asset allocations are managed on a plan-by-plan basis, 
taking into consideration factors such as the average age of the plan participants and the projected timing of future 
benefit payments.   

Defined benefit pension benefits:

2017 Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Change In Rate of Return on Plan 
Assets

0.5% increase

0.5% decrease

$

(1,024)

$

1,024

(cid:120)

If, as of the beginning of the year, the net plan gain or loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 
exceeds 10% of the greater of the plan projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, the 
amortization out of accumulated other comprehensive income into current period expense is that excess divided by the 
average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.

Primary actuarial assumptions for our other postretirement benefit plans were determined as follows:

(cid:120)

The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the postretirement benefits could be effectively 
settled based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments.  

In the United States, Woodward uses a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds 
rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.  

In the United Kingdom, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows 
to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each 
jurisdiction.  For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost 
and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality 
corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2015 benefit obligation matched with separate cash 

45

flows for each future year.  Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit 
costs for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 was based on a single rate equivalent.

These rates are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Other postretirement benefits:

2017 Net Periodic Benefit Cost

2017 Projected Service and Interest Costs

Accumulated Post Retirement Benefit Obligation as of Sept. 30, 2016

Change In Discount Rate

1% increase

1% decrease

$

$

121

204

(2,975)

27

(250)

3,464

(cid:120) Mortality trends assumptions are based on published actuarial data and are sometimes modified to reflect projected 

longevity trends.  Increases in life expectancy of participants greater than assumed would increase our obligation and 
expense.

(cid:120)

The assumed health care trend rate represents the rate at which health care costs are assumed to increase and is based 
on historical and expected experience.  Changes in our projections of future health care costs due to general economic 
conditions and those specific to health care (e.g., technology driven cost changes) will impact this trend rate.

Effect on projected fiscal year 2017 service and interest cost

Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 
2016

Change In Health Care Cost Trend Rate

1% increase

1% decrease

$

126

$

(110)

3,415

(2,993)

(cid:120)

If, as of the beginning of the year, the net plan gain or loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 
exceeds 10% of the plan accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, the amortization out of accumulated other 
comprehensive income into current period expense is that excess divided by the average remaining service period of 
employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.

Variances from our fiscal year end estimates for these variables could materially affect our recognized postretirement 
benefit obligation liabilities.  On a near-term basis, such changes are unlikely to have a material impact on reported earnings, 
since such adjustments are recorded to other comprehensive earnings and recognized into expense over a number of years.  
Significant changes in estimates could, however, materially affect the carrying amounts of benefit obligation liabilities, 
including accumulated benefit obligations, which could affect compliance with the provisions of our debt arrangements and 
future borrowing capacity. 

Income taxes 

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions.  Significant judgment is required 

in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes.

During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax 

determination is uncertain.  We establish reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to 
which, additional taxes will be due.  The reserves are established when we believe that certain positions are likely to be 
challenged and may not be fully sustained on review by tax authorities.  We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and 
circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or refinement of an estimate.  Although we believe our reserves are 
reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will be consistent with what is reflected in our 
historical income tax provisions and accruals.  To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the 
amounts recorded, such differences will impact the current provision for income taxes.  The provision for income taxes 
includes the impact of reserve positions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.  As of September 30, 2016 and 
September 30, 2015, unrecognized gross tax benefits for which recognition has been deferred were $23,526 and $21,469, 
respectively.

Significant judgment is also required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets.  The 
determination of the amount of valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding 
the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax
planning strategies.  A valuation allowance is established to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, 
it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  In assessing the need for a valuation 
allowance, we consider all available evidence including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the 
feasibility of tax planning strategies.  Changes in the relevant facts can significantly impact the judgment or need for valuation 

46

allowances.   In the event we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will 
adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such 
determination is made.  Our valuation allowance was $3,317 as of September 30, 2016 and $6,804 as of September 30, 2015.

Our effective tax rates differ from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the tax impact of foreign operations, adjustments

of valuation allowances, research tax credits, state taxes, and tax audit settlements.  In addition to potential local country tax 
law and policy changes that could impact the provision for income taxes, management’s judgment about and intentions 
concerning the repatriation of foreign earnings could also significantly impact the provision for income taxes. Management 
reassesses its judgment regularly, taking into consideration the potential tax impacts of these judgments and intentions. 

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be affected by earnings that are different than those 
anticipated in countries which have lower or higher tax rates; by transfer pricing adjustments; and/or changes in tax laws, 
regulations, and accounting principles, including accounting for uncertain tax positions, or interpretations thereof.  There can 
be no assurance that these items will remain stable over time.  Additionally, with the adoption of ASU 2016-09 (see Note 2, 
New accounting standards, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data”), Woodward will record through income tax expense all future excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies from stock 
options exercised.  This new guidance creates unpredictable volatility in the effective tax rate because the additional expense or 
benefit recognized each quarter is based on the timing of the employee’s election to exercise any vested stock options 
outstanding, which is outside Woodward’s control, and the market price of Woodward’s shares at the time of exercise, which is
subject to market volatility.

In addition, we are subject to examination of our income tax returns by the relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions in 
which we are subject to taxes.  We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to 
determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.  There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these 
examinations will not have a significant effect on our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the normal course of business, we have exposures to interest rate risk from our long-term and short-term debt, and our 

postretirement benefit plans, and foreign currency exchange rate risk related to our foreign operations and foreign currency 
transactions. 

Interest Rate Risk

We use derivative instruments as risk management tools that involve little complexity, and are not used for trading or 
speculative purposes.  In June 2013, in connection with Woodward’s expected refinancing of current maturities on its existing
long-term debt, Woodward entered into a treasury lock agreement with a notional amount of $25,000 that qualified as a cash 
flow hedge under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”  The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the 
risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate over a seven-year period 
related to the future interest payments on a portion of anticipated future debt issuances.  

A portion of our long and short-term debt is sensitive to changes in interest rates.  As of September 30, 2016 our Series J 

Notes of $50,000 and advances on our revolving credit facility are at interest rates that fluctuate with market rates.  A 
hypothetical 1% increase in the assumed effective interest rates that apply to the variable rate loan outstanding as of September 
30, 2016 and the average borrowings on our revolving credit facility in fiscal year 2016 would cause our annual interest 
expense to increase approximately $5,129.  A hypothetical 0.6% decrease in interest rates that apply to the variable rate loan 
outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and the average borrowings on our revolving credit facility, which would effectively 
reduce the variable component of the applicable interest rates to 0%, and would decrease our annual interest expense by 
approximately $2,840.

The discount rate and future return on plan asset assumptions used to calculate the funding status of our retirement benefit 

plans are also sensitive to changes in interest rates.  The weighted average discount rate assumption used to value the defined 
benefit pension plans as of September 30, 2016 was 3.65% in the United States, 2.28% in the United Kingdom, and 0.46% in 
Japan.  The weighted average discount rate assumption used to value the other postretirement benefit plans was 3.63%. 

In the United States, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit costs for the year ending September 30, 2017 

is consistent with the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of September 30, 2016, or 3.65%.  Woodward 
derives this discount rate from a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds rated AA or 
better that have at least $50 million outstanding. 

In the United Kingdom and Japan, Woodward utilizes the spot rate approach to calculate the service cost and interest cost 

components for determining benefit costs for the year ending September 30, 2017.  The weighted average discount rate 
assumption used to value the service costs for the defined benefit pension plans will be 2.33% in the United Kingdom, and 
0.59% in Japan.  The weighted average discount rate assumption used to value the interest costs for the defined benefit pension 
plans will be 2.24% in the United Kingdom, and 0.45% in Japan.  

47

The weighted average discount rate assumption used to value the periodic benefits costs for the other postretirement plans 

in for the year ending September 30, 2017 is consistent with the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of
September 30, 2016, or 3.65% for the United States and 1.43% for the United Kingdom. 

The following information illustrates the sensitivity of the net periodic benefit cost and the projected accumulated benefit 

obligation to a change in the discount rate assumed.  Amounts relating to foreign plans are translated at the spot rate on 
September 30, 2016.  It should be noted that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously 
and the effects of changes in assumptions are not necessarily linear due to factors such as the 10% corridor applied to the larger 
of the postretirement benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets when determining amortization of actuarial net 
gains or losses.

Assumption

Defined benefit pension benefits:

Change in discount rate

Other postretirement benefits:

Change in discount rate

Increase/(Decrease) In

2017 Net 
Periodic Benefit 
Cost

2017 Projected 
Service and 
Interest Costs

Accumulated Post 
Retirement Benefit 
Obligation as of 
Sept. 30, 2016

$

(1,166) $

1,614

121

27

677

$

(1,036)

204

(250)

(30,945)

38,324

(2,975)

3,464

Change

1% increase

1% decrease

1% increase

1% decrease

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Related Hedging Activities

We are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates when we sell product in currencies different from the 
currency in which product and manufacturing costs were incurred.  The functional currencies and our purchasing and sales 
activities primarily include USD, EUR, RMB, JPY, GBP and BRL.  We may also be impacted by changes in the relative 
buying power of our customers, which may impact sales volumes either positively or negatively.  As these currencies fluctuate
against each other, and other currencies, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk on sales, purchasing 
transactions, and labor.  Foreign currency exchange rate risk is reduced through the maintenance of local production facilities 
in the markets we serve, which we believe creates a natural hedge to our foreign currency exchange rate exposure.  For the year 
ended September 30, 2016, the percentages of our net sales denominated in a currency other than the USD were as follows:

Percentage of Net Sales

For the Year Ended September 30, 2016

Functional currency:

EUR

RMB

JPY

GBP

BRL

All other foreign currencies

12.7%

2.4%

3.1%

1.7%

1.0%

1.3%

22.2%

Currency exchange rates vary daily and often one currency strengthens against the USD while another currency weakens.  

Because of the complex interrelationship of our worldwide supply chains and distribution channels, it is difficult to quantify
the impact of a particular change in exchange rates. 

From time to time, we will enter into a foreign currency exchange rate contract to hedge against changes in foreign 
currency exchange rates on liabilities expected to be settled at a future date.  Market risk arises from the potential adverse 
effects on the value of derivative instruments that result from a change in foreign currency exchange rates.  We minimize this
market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types of, and degree to which we enter into, derivative 
instruments.  We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only.  We do not enter into or issue 
derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.  As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, we had no open foreign currency 
exchange rate contracts and all previous derivative instruments were settled or terminated.  

On September 23, 2016, Woodward and Woodward International Holding B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward 
organized under the laws of The Netherlands (the “BV Subsidiary”), entered into the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements relating 
to the sale by Woodward and the BV Subsidiary of an aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a 

48

series of private placement transactions.  Woodward issued €40,000 aggregate principal amount of Woodward’s Series M 
Senior Notes due September 23, 2026.  Woodward designated the €40,000 Series M Notes as a hedge of a foreign currency 
exposure of Woodward’s net investment in its EUR denominated functional currency subsidiaries.  A foreign exchange loss on 
the Series M Notes of $47 is included in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

In June 2015, Woodward designated an intercompany loan of 160,000 RMB between two wholly owned subsidiaries as a 
hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender.  In June 2016, the intercompany loan
was repaid, resulting in a realized gain of $1,484 that was recognized within total comprehensive earnings, of which $912 was 
recognized in fiscal year 2016 and $572 was recognized in fiscal year 2015.

In July 2016, Woodward designated a new intercompany loan of 160,000 RMB between the same two wholly owned 
subsidiaries as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender.  A foreign exchange 
loss on the loan of $73 is included in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive earnings for the 
fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

For more information on derivative instruments, see Note 6, Derivative instruments and hedging activities, to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Our reported financial results of operations, including the reported value of our assets and liabilities, are also impacted by
changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  The assets and liabilities of substantially all of our subsidiaries outside the United 
States are translated at period end rates of exchange for each reporting period.  Earnings and cash flow statements are translated 
at weighted-average rates of exchange.  Although these translation changes have no immediate cash impact, the translation 
changes may impact future borrowing capacity, debt covenants, and the overall value of our net assets.  In addition, we also 
have assets and liabilities, specifically accounts receivable, accounts payable and current inter-company receivables and 
payables, whose carrying amounts approximate their fair value, which are denominated in currencies other than their relevant 
functional currencies.  Foreign currency exchange rate risk is reduced through several means, including the invoicing of 
customers in the same currency as the source of the products, and the prompt settlement of inter-company balances utilizing a 
global netting system.  We recognized a net foreign currency gain of $701 in fiscal year 2016 and net foreign currency losses
of $1,721 in fiscal year 2015 and $1,089 in fiscal year 2014 in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” of our 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings related to these assets and liabilities.

49

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Woodward, Inc.
Fort Collins, Colorado

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Woodward, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 

September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive earnings, stockholders' 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016.  Our audits also included the 
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15.  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the 
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and 
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
Woodward, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for 
each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on the criteria established in 
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission and our report dated November 16, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
November 16, 2016

50

WOODWARD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales

Costs and expenses:

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and development costs

Amortization of intangible assets

Interest expense

Interest income

Other (income) expense, net (Note 15)

Total costs and expenses

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net earnings

Earnings per share (Note 3):

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

2,023,078

$

2,038,303

$

2,001,240

1,475,540

1,453,718

1,425,839

154,951

126,170

27,486

26,776

(2,025)

(12,306)

1,796,592

226,486

45,648

156,995

134,485

29,241

24,864

(787)

(1,162)

155,339

138,005

33,580

22,804

(271)

(1,300)

1,797,354

1,773,996

240,949

59,497

227,244

61,400

165,844

180,838

$

181,452

$

2.92

2.85

$

$

2.81

2.75

$

$

2.50

2.45

$

$

$

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Note 3):

Basic

Diluted

61,893

63,556

64,684

66,056

Cash dividends per share paid to Woodward common stockholders

$

0.43

$

0.38

$

66,432

67,776

0.32

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

51

 
WOODWARD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(In thousands)

Net earnings

Other comprehensive earnings:

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

180,838

$

181,452

$

165,844

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(6,615)

(34,989)

(16,003)

Net gain on foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investments 
in a foreign subsidiaries

Taxes on changes on foreign currency translation adjustments

Reclassification of realized losses on derivatives to earnings

Taxes on changes on derivative transactions

Minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments (Note 17):

Net gain (loss) arising during the period

Prior service cost arising during the period

Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period

Amortization of:

Prior service benefit

Net loss

Foreign currency exchange rate changes on minimum retirement benefit 
liabilities

Taxes on changes on minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments

792

1,462

572

1,988

(4,361)

(32,429)

21

(8)

13

99

(38)

61

(19,718)

(26,866)

-

47

226

1,694

2,239

5,613

(9,899)

-

-

225

513

867

9,704

(15,557)

-

1,080

(14,923)

99

(37)

62

3,746

(3,355)

(7,539)

(66)

785

104

2,538

(3,787)

Total comprehensive earnings 

$

166,591

$

133,527

$

147,196

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

52

WOODWARD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Current assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible amounts of $2,540 and $3,841, respectively
Inventories
Income taxes receivable
Other current assets
Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Deferred income tax assets
Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Accrued liabilities 
Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current portion
Deferred income tax liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders' equity:

Preferred stock, par value $0.003 per share, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
Common stock, par value $0.001455 per share, 150,000 shares authorized, 72,960 shares issued
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive losses
Deferred compensation
Retained earnings

Treasury stock at cost, 11,374 shares and 9,763 shares, respectively
Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, at cost, 157 shares and 173 shares, respectively
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

(a)  Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 2, New accounting standards

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

September 30,
2016

September 30,
2015
(a)

$

$

$

$

81,090
343,768
461,683
20,358
37,525
944,424
876,350
555,684
197,650
20,194
48,060
2,642,362

150,000
169,439
4,547
156,627
480,613
577,153
3,777
368,224
1,429,767

-
106
141,570
(65,705)
5,089
1,649,506
1,730,566
(512,882)
(5,089)
1,212,595
2,642,362

$

$

$

$

82,202
322,215
447,664
21,838
43,500
917,419
756,100
556,977
225,138
13,105
43,665
2,512,404

2,430
173,287
6,555
155,936
338,208
848,488
56,414
116,190
1,359,300

-
106
131,231
(51,458)
4,322
1,495,274
1,579,475
(422,049)
(4,322)
1,153,104
2,512,404

53

WOODWARD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings

Year Ended September 30,
2015

2016

2014

$

180,838

$

(a)
181,452

$

(a)
165,844

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

Depreciation and amortization

69,036

75,235

Loss (gain) due to settlements or curtailments of postretirement plan (Note 17)
Impairment of long-lived asset held for sale (Note 9)

Net (gain) loss on sales of assets
Stock-based compensation

Deferred income taxes
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into 

i

Proceeds from formation of joint venture (Note 4)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current income taxes

Retirement benefit obligations
Other

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant, and equipment
Net proceeds from sale of assets

Purchases of short-term investments

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid 

Proceeds from sales of treasury stock 
Payments for repurchases of common stock 

Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

Payments of debt financing costs

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

47
-

(4,431)
15,122

(52,744)
21

250,000

(9,190)
(17,658)

17,461
(834)

(3,416)
(8,873)

-
-

(626)
14,255

15,504
99

-

14,845
(8,824)

3,029
(7,487)

(4,537)
13,045

77,353

(7,539)
3,138

166
11,241

(6,704)
99

-

30,880
(27,788)

25,804
9,378

(2,788)
(5,514)

435,379

295,990

273,570

(175,692)
6,664

(4,918)
(173,946)

(26,606)

15,892
(125,541)

695,000
(890,896)

179,308
(107,287)

(863)
(260,993)

(1,552)
(1,112)

82,202
81,090

$

$

(286,612)
2,529

-
(284,083)

(24,646)

8,400
(158,762)

999,971
(856,610)

-
-

(2,359)
(34,006)

(10,986)
(33,085)

115,287
82,202

$

(207,106)
1,277

-
(205,829)

(21,263)

9,772
(143,224)

431,071
(221,069)

250,000
(300,000)

(1,297)
3,990

(5,000)
66,731

48,556
115,287

(a)  Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 2, New accounting standards

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

54

Balances as of October 1, 2013
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Cash dividends ($0.32 per share)
Purchases of treasury stock
Sales of treasury stock
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit 
plans
Tax benefit attributable to stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation
Purchase of stock by deferred compensation plan
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan
Balances as of September 30, 2014

Net earnings 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Cash dividends paid ($0.38 per share)

Purchases of treasury stock 

Sales of treasury stock 
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit 
plans

Tax benefit attributable to stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation 

Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan 

Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan

Balances as of September 30, 2015

Net earnings 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Cash dividends paid ($0.43 per share)

Purchases of treasury stock

Sales of treasury stock 
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit 
plans

Tax benefit attributable to stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation 

Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan

Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan 

Balances as of September 30, 2016

Preferred 
stock

Common 
stock
72,960
-
-
-
-
-

Treasury 
stock
(4,883)
-
-
-
(3,336)
562

-
-
-
-
-
-

-

260

-
-
-
-
72,960

-
-
-
-
(7,397)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,193)

568

259

-

-

-

-

-

-
-
-
-
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

WOODWARD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)

Number of shares

Stockholders' equity

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings

Treasury 
stock held for 
deferred 
compensation

Common 
stock

Additional 
paid-in 
capital
106$ 101,147$

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
adjustments

Unrealized 
derivative 
gains 
(losses)

Minimum 
retirement 
benefit 
liability 
adjustments

Total 
accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
(loss) earnings

Deferred 
compensation

Treasury 
stock at 
cost

Treasury 
stock held for 
deferred 
compensation

Retained 
earnings

Total stockholders' 
equity

(232)$

-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
(8)
42
(198)$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(18)

43

-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
(6,217)

2,837

3,483
11,241
-
-

25,742 $

-
(14,923)
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

106$ 112,491$

10,819 $

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(6,817)

4,490

6,812

14,255

-

-

-

(32,429)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

43$
-
62
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
105$

-

61

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(10,670) $

15,115 $

4,007$ 1,193,887$ (167,710)$

(4,007)$

-
(3,787)
-
-
-

-
(18,648)
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

(14,457) $

(3,533) $

-

-

(15,557)

(47,925)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
-
-
-
-

-

165,844
-
(21,263)

-
-
-
- (144,510)
17,276
-

-

8,356

-
-
370
(462)
3,915$1,338,468 $(286,588) $

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

893

(486)

181,452

-

(24,646)

-

-

-

- (160,294)

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,749

8,084

-

-

-

-

-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
(370)
462
(3,915)$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(893)

486

72,960

(9,763)

(173)$

106$ 131,231$

(21,610) $

166$

(30,014) $

(51,458) $

4,322$ 1,495,274$ (422,049)$

(4,322)$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,660)

732

317

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(25)

41

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(10,137)

5,319

35

15,122

-

-

-

(4,361)

-

13

-

-

(9,899)

(14,247)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,269

(502)

180,838

-

(26,606)

-

-

-

- (126,295)

-

-

-

-

-

-

26,782

8,680

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,269)

502

72,960 (11,374)

(157)$

106$ 141,570$

(25,971) $

179$

(39,913) $

(65,705) $

5,089$ 1,649,506$ (512,882)$

(5,089)$

1,212,595

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

55

1,142,545
165,844
(18,648)
(21,263)
(144,510)
11,059

11,193

3,483
11,241
-
-
1,160,944

181,452

(47,925)

(24,646)

(160,294)

9,932

12,574

6,812

14,255

-

-

1,153,104

180,838

(14,247)

(26,606)

(126,295)

16,645

13,999

35

15,122

-

-

WOODWARD, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Note 1.  Operations and summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 

United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of Woodward, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively 
“Woodward” or “the Company”).  Dollar amounts contained in these Consolidated Financial Statements are in thousands, 
except per share amounts.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward changed the name of its Energy segment to Industrial.  The term 
“energy” is largely viewed as “oil and gas” and therefore was not representative of the broader markets Woodward serves in 
this segment.

Nature of operations

Woodward enhances the global quality of life, creating innovative energy control solutions that optimize the 

performance, efficiency and emissions of its customers’ products.  Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and 
service provider of energy control and optimization solutions.  Woodward designs, produces and services reliable, efficient, 
low-emission, and high-performance energy control products for diverse applications in challenging environments.  
Woodward has significant production and assembly facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia, and promotes its 
products and services through its worldwide locations.  

Woodward’s strategic focus is providing energy control and optimization solutions for the aerospace, industrial and 
energy markets.  The precise and efficient control of energy, including fluid and electrical energy, combustion, and motion, is 
a growing requirement in the markets it serves.  Woodward’s customers look to it to optimize the efficiency, emissions and 
operation of power equipment in both commercial and defense operations.  Woodward’s core technologies leverage well 
across its markets and customer applications, enabling it to develop and integrate cost-effective and state-of-the-art fuel, 
combustion, fluid, actuation and electronic systems.  Woodward focuses its solutions and services primarily on serving 
original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and equipment packagers, partnering with them to bring superior component 
and system solutions to their demanding applications.  Woodward also provides aftermarket repair, replacement and other
service support for its installed products. 

Woodward’s components and integrated systems optimize performance of commercial aircraft, defense aircraft, ground 
vehicles and other equipment, gas and steam turbines, wind turbines, including converters and power grid related equipment, 
industrial diesel, gas, alternative and dual fuel reciprocating engines, and electrical power systems.  Woodward’s innovative
fluid energy, combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help its customers offer more cost-effective, 
cleaner, and more reliable equipment.

Summary of significant accounting policies

Principles of consolidation: These Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and 

include the accounts of Woodward and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries.  Transactions within and between these 
companies are eliminated.

Use of estimates: The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make use of 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and 
the reported revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period, and certain financial statement disclosures.  
Significant estimates include allowances for uncollectible amounts, net realizable value of inventories, customer rebates 
earned, useful lives of property and identifiable intangible assets, the evaluation of impairments of property, identifiable 
intangible assets and goodwill, the provision for income tax and related valuation reserves, the valuation of assets and 
liabilities acquired in business combinations, assumptions used in the determination of the funded status and annual expense 
of pension and postretirement employee benefit plans, the valuation of stock compensation instruments granted to employees, 
and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign currency exchange rates: The assets and liabilities of substantially all subsidiaries outside the United States 

are translated at fiscal year-end rates of exchange, and earnings and cash flow statements are translated at weighted-average 
rates of exchange.  Translation adjustments are accumulated with other comprehensive (loss) earnings as a separate 
component of stockholders’ equity and are presented net of tax effects in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ 
Equity.  The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on loans between consolidated subsidiaries that are
considered permanent in nature are also accumulated with other comprehensive earnings, net of tax.

56

The Company is exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates because some sales 

transactions, and certain of the assets and liabilities of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, are denominated in foreign 
currencies.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses include a net foreign currency gain of $701 in fiscal year 2016 and
net foreign currency losses of $1,721 in fiscal year 2015 and $1,089 in fiscal year 2014.

Revenue recognition: Woodward recognizes revenue upon shipment or delivery of products or services and when 
collectability is reasonably assured.  Delivery is upon completion of manufacturing, customer acceptance, and the transfer of
the risks and rewards of ownership.  In countries whose laws provide for retention of some form of title by sellers, enabling 
recovery of goods in the event of customer default on payment, product delivery is considered to have occurred when the 
customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the products.

Occasionally, Woodward transfers title of product to customers, but retains substantive performance obligations such as 

completion of product testing, customer acceptance or in some instances regulatory acceptance.  In addition, occasionally 
customers pay Woodward for products or services prior to Woodward satisfying its performance obligation.  Under these 
circumstances, revenue is deferred until the performance obligations are satisfied.  In addition, service revenue is also 
recognized upon completion of applicable performance obligations.

Certain Woodward products include incidental software or firmware essential to the performance of the product as 

designed, which are treated as units of accounting associated with the related tangible product with which the software is 
included.  Woodward does not sell software on a standalone basis, although software upgrades, if any, are generally paid for 
by the customer.

Product freight costs are included in cost of goods sold.  Freight costs charged to customers are included in net sales.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from revenue and are recorded as 

liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate U.S. or foreign government authority.

Net sales from service activities were less than 10% of total net sales for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Customer payments: Woodward occasionally agrees to make payments to certain customers in order to participate in 
anticipated sales activity.  Payments made to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless they are made in 
exchange for identifiable goods or services with fair values that can be reasonably estimated.  Reductions in revenue 
associated with these customer payments are recognized immediately to the extent that the payments cannot be attributed to 
anticipated future sales, and are recognized in future periods to the extent that the payments relate to anticipated future sales.  
Such determinations are based on the facts and circumstances underlying each payment.

Stock-based compensation: Compensation cost relating to stock-based payment awards made to employees and 
directors is recognized in the financial statements using a fair value method.  Non-qualified stock option awards and 
restricted stock awards are issued under Woodward’s stock-based compensation plans.  The cost of such awards, measured at 
the grant date, is based on the estimated fair value of the award.

Forfeitures are estimated at the time of each grant in order to estimate the portion of the award that will ultimately vest. 
The estimate is based on Woodward’s historical rates of forfeitures and is updated periodically.  The portion of the award that 
is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods, which is generally the vesting 
period of the awards.

Research and development costs:  Company funded expenditures related to new product development, and significant 

product enhancement and/or upgrade activities are expensed as incurred and are separately reported in the Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings. 

Income taxes: Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis 
and the tax basis of Woodward’s assets, liabilities, and certain unrecognized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive (losses) earnings.  Woodward provides for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas 
subsidiaries were to be remitted to the United States, except for those earnings that it considers to be indefinitely invested.

Cash equivalents: Highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered 

to be cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions.  Generally, these deposits may be 

redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit 
risk.  Woodward holds cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of amounts covered by the Federal 
Depository Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds or other highly liquid 
investments not insured by the FDIC, and holds cash and cash equivalents outside the United States that are not insured by 
the FDIC.

57

Accounts receivable: Almost all of Woodward’s sales are made on credit and result in accounts receivable, which are 

recorded at the amount invoiced and are generally not collateralized.  In the normal course of business, not all accounts 
receivable are collected and, therefore, an allowance for uncollectible amounts is provided equal to the amount that 
Woodward believes ultimately will not be collected.  In establishing the amount of the allowance related to the credit risk of 
accounts receivable, customer-specific information is considered related to delinquent accounts, past loss experience, 
bankruptcy filings, deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and current economic conditions. 
Accounts receivable losses are deducted from the allowance, and the related accounts receivable balances are written off 
when the receivables are deemed uncollectible.  Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recognized 
when received.  In addition, an allowance associated with anticipated future sales returns is also established and is included in 
the allowance for uncollectible amounts.

Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined using 

methods that approximate a first-in, first-out basis.

Short-term investments: From time to time, certain of Woodward’s foreign subsidiaries will invest excess cash in short-

term time deposits with a fixed maturity date of longer than three months but less than one year from the date the deposit.
Woodward believes that the investments are with creditworthy financial institutions.  Amounts with maturities of less than 
365 days are classified as “Other current assets.” 

Property, plant, and equipment: Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets.  Assets are generally depreciated using the straight-line method.  Assets are tested for 
recoverability whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Estimated lives over which fixed assets are generally depreciated at September 30, 2016 were as follows:

Land improvements

Buildings and improvements

Leasehold improvements

Machinery and production equipment

Computer equipment and software

Office furniture and equipment

Other

3

3

1

3

3

3

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20

40

10

20

10

13

13

years

years

years

years

years

years

years

Included in computer equipment and software are Woodward’s enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) systems, which 

have an estimated useful life of 10 years.  All other computer equipment and software is generally depreciated over three to 
five years.

Concurrent with and in relation to Woodward’s significant investment in three new campuses and related equipment in 
the greater-Rockford, Illinois area, a new campus at its corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, and a new campus 
in Niles, Illinois, Woodward initiated a comprehensive review of its depreciation lives as required by U.S. GAAP to evaluate 
the estimates of the useful lives of Woodward assets.  This review resulted in estimates of the useful lives of both existing
and new assets generally in excess of those utilized prior to fiscal year 2016.  The revised estimates were used in fiscal year 
2016 and will be used going forward and resulted in a downward adjustment of depreciation on existing assets of 
approximately $12,000 for fiscal year 2016.

Goodwill: Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an 

event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its 
carrying amount.  Based on the relevant U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance, Woodward sometimes aggregates components of 
a single operating segment into a reporting unit, if appropriate.   The impairment tests consist of comparing the implied fair
value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount that includes goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit 
exceeds its implied fair value, Woodward compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the recorded carrying amount of 
goodwill.  If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be 
recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its implied fair value.  Based on the results of Woodward’s goodwill impairment 
testing it has recorded no impairment charges.

Other intangibles: Other intangibles are recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises 
from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and 
sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset, or 
liability.  All of Woodward’s intangibles have an estimated useful life and are being amortized using patterns that reflect the 
periods over which the economic benefits of the assets are expected to be realized.  Impairment losses are recognized if the 
carrying amount of an intangible is both not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. 

58

Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2016 were as follows:

Customer relationships

Intellectual property

Process technology

Other

9

10

8

7

-

-

-

-

30

17

30

15

years

years

years

years

Impairment of long-lived assets: Woodward reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets or asset groups to be 
used in operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be 
recoverable.  Factors that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant adverse change in the extent or 
manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the
value of the asset, or a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, among others. 

If such facts indicate a potential impairment, the Company would assess the recoverability of an asset group by 

determining if the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to 
result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets over the remaining economic life of the primary asset in the asset
group.  If the recoverability test indicates that the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable, the Company will 
estimate the fair value of the asset group using appropriate valuation methodologies, which would typically include an 
estimate of discounted cash flows.  Any impairment would be measured as the difference between the asset groups carrying 
amount and its estimated fair value. There were no impairment charges recorded in fiscal years 2016 or 2015. There was an 
impairment charge of $3,138 recorded in fiscal year 2014 related to a write down to fair value of assets held for sale.  

Investment in marketable equity securities:  Woodward holds marketable equity securities related to its deferred 

compensation program.  Based on Woodward’s intentions regarding these instruments, marketable equity securities are 
classified as trading securities.  The trading securities are reported at fair value, with realized gains and losses recognized in 
“Other (income) expense, net.” The trading securities are included in “Other assets.”  The associated obligation to provide 
benefits is included in “Other liabilities.”

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries: Investments in, and operating results of, entities in which Woodward does 
not have a controlling financial interest or the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations are included in the 
financial statements using the cost method of accounting.  Investments and operating results of entities in which Woodward 
does not have a controlling interest but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operations are included in 
the financial statements using the equity method of accounting.

Deferred compensation: The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan, or “rabbi trust,” as part of its overall 

compensation package for certain employees. 

Deferred compensation obligations will be settled either by delivery of a fixed number of shares of Woodward’s 
common stock (in accordance with certain eligible members’ irrevocable elections) or in cash.  Woodward has contributed 
shares of its common stock into a trust established for the future settlement of deferred compensation obligations that are 
payable in shares of Woodward’s common stock.  Common stock held by the trust is reflected in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet as “Treasury stock held for deferred compensation” and the related deferred compensation obligation is reflected as a 
separate component of equity in amounts equal to the fair value of the common stock at the dates of contribution.  These 
accounts are not adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the common stock.  Deferred compensation obligations 
that will be settled in cash are accounted for on an accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the underlying contract and
are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Other liabilities.” 

Derivatives: The Company is exposed to various market risks that arise from transactions entered into in the normal 
course of business.  The Company has historically utilized derivative instruments, such as treasury lock agreements to lock in
fixed rates on future debt issuances, which qualify as cash flow or fair value hedges to mitigate the risk of variability in cash 
flows related to future interest payments attributable to changes in the designated benchmark rate.  The Company records all 
such interest rate hedge instruments on the balance sheet at fair value.  Cash flows related to the instrument designated as a 
qualifying hedge are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same categories as the 
cash flows from the items being hedged.  Accordingly, cash flows relating to the settlement of interest rate derivatives 
hedging the forecasted future interest payments on debt have been reflected upon settlement as a component of financing 
cash flows.  The resulting gain or loss from such settlement is deferred to other comprehensive income and reclassified to 
interest expense over the term of the underlying debt.  This reclassification of the deferred gains and losses impacts the 
interest expense recognized on the underlying debt that was hedged and is therefore reflected as a component of operating 
cash flows in periods subsequent to settlement.  The periodic settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging outstanding 
variable rate debt is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash 
flows.

59

From time to time, in order to hedge against foreign currency exposure, Woodward designates certain non-derivative 
financial instrument loans as net investment hedges.  Foreign exchange gains or losses on the loans are recognized in foreign 
currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings. Further information on net investment hedges
can be found at Note 6, Derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Financial instruments: The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term 

investments, investments in the deferred compensation program, notes receivable from municipalities, investments in term 
deposits and debt.  Because of their short-term maturity, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and short-term 
debt approximate fair value.  The fair value of investments in the deferred compensation program are adjusted to fair value 
based on the quoted market prices for the investments in the various mutual funds owned.  The fair value of the long-term 
notes from municipalities are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at 
interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similarly rated municipality notes of similar maturity.  The 
fair value of term deposits are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at 
interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar term deposits with the same maturity in the same 
jurisdictions. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest 
payments at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar debt with the same maturity.  Further 
information on the fair value of financial instruments can be found at Note 5, Financial instruments and fair value 
measurements.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair 

value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into the following levels:

Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement 
date.  

Level 2: Quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; 
quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are 
observable and can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing 
the asset or liability at the measurement date.  The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the valuation 
of the instruments.

Postretirement benefits: The Company provides various benefits to certain current and former employees through 
defined benefit pension and postretirement plans.  For financial reporting purposes, net periodic benefits expense and related 
obligations are calculated using a number of significant actuarial assumptions.  Changes in net periodic expense and funding 
status may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions.  The funded status of defined pension and postretirement 
plans recognized in the statement of financial position is measured as the difference between the fair market value of the plan 
assets and the benefit obligation.  For a defined benefit pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation; 
for any other defined benefit postretirement plan, such as a retiree health care plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated 
benefit obligation.  Any over-funded status is recognized as an asset and any underfunded status is recognized as a liability. 

Projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all benefits attributed by the plan

benefit formula to employee service rendered before the measurement date using assumptions as to future compensation 
levels if the plan benefit formula is based on those future compensation levels.  Accumulated benefit obligation is the 
actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed by the plan benefit formula to employee service 
rendered before the measurement date and based on employee service and compensation, if applicable, prior to that date.  
Accumulated benefit obligation differs from projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future 
compensation levels.

Note 2.  New accounting standards

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standards setting bodies issue new 
accounting pronouncements.  Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) are communicated through 
issuance of an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”).

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets 
Other than Inventory.”  The purpose of ASU 2016-16 is to eliminate the exception, other than for inventory transfers, under 
current U.S. GAAP under which the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers (intercompany sales) are deferred until the 
transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use.  Upon adoption of ASU 2016-16, Woodward will 
recognize the tax expense from the sale of that asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the 
pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation.  Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction 
would also be recognized at the time of the transfer.  ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 

60

2017 (fiscal year 2019 for Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption.  Early adoption is allowed only 
in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 or the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.  Modified retrospective adoption is required with 
any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption.  The 
cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, would consist of the net impact from (1) the write-off of any unamortized tax expense 
previously deferred and (2) recognition of any previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, net of any necessary valuation 
allowances.  Woodward is currently assessing the impact this guidance may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash flows (Topic 230).”  ASU 2016-15 is designed to 
reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows.  As permitted, Woodward 
adopted ASU 2016-15 as of September 30, 2016, using the retrospective transition method, as required and made an 
accounting policy election upon adoption to use the cumulative earnings approach to classify distributions received from 
equity method investments. Woodward received no distributions from equity method investments in fiscal years 2016, 2015 
and 2014.  The adoption of ASU 2016-15 had no impact on the reported cash flows of the company for any period presented. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”  ASU 2016-13

adds a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) impairment model to U.S. GAAP that is based on expected losses rather than 
incurred losses.  ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal year 2021 for 
Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption.  Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning 
after December 15, 2018 (fiscal year 2020 for Woodward), including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Woodward 
has not determined in which period it will adopt the new guidance but does not expect the application of the CECL 
impairment model to have a significant impact on Woodward’s allowance for uncollectible amounts for accounts receivable 
and notes receivable from municipalities.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to 

simplify financial reporting of the income tax impacts of share-based compensation arrangements.  As early adoption is
allowed, Woodward adopted ASU 2016-09 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2016.  Under ASU 2016-09 Woodward 
classifies the excess income tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements as a discrete item within income tax 
expense, rather than recognizing such excess income tax benefits in additional paid-in capital.  As required by ASU 2016-09, 
Woodward applied this classification guidance effective as of October 1, 2015.

Under ASU 2016-09, excess income tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements are classified as cash 
flow from operations, rather than as cash flow from financing activities.  In addition, when Woodward withholds shares from 
an employee’s exercise of stock options to fund payment by Woodward of the employee’s taxes, the payment is classified as 
a financing activity.  Woodward has elected to apply the cash flow classification guidance of ASU 2016-09 retrospectively to 
all prior periods presented. 

Woodward has elected to continue to estimate the number of stock-based awards expected to vest, as permitted by ASU 

2016-09, rather than electing to account for forfeitures as they occur. 

61

The following table shows the impact of retrospectively applying this guidance to the Condensed Consolidated 
Statement of Earnings and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three-months ended December 31, 
2015.

Three-Months Ended December 31, 2015

As previously 
reported

Adjustment

As recast

Statement of Earnings:

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net earnings

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic 

Diluted

Statement of Cash Flows:

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

27,956

2,345

25,611

0.41

0.40

63,054

64,373

37,112

$

(31,279)

(1,131)

(2,482)

2,220

$

-

$

(209)

209

$

$

$

-

-

-

79

248

$

-

(248)

-

-

$

27,956

2,136

25,820

0.41

0.40

63,054

64,452

37,360

(31,279)

(1,379)

(2,482)

2,220

The following tables shows the impact of retrospectively applying this guidance to the Consolidated Statements of Cash 

Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

Statement of Cash Flows:

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Statement of Cash Flows:

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015

As previously 
reported

Adjustment

As recast

$

$

$

$

287,429

$

8,561

$

(284,083)

(25,445)

(10,986)

(33,085)

$

-

(8,561)

-

-

$

295,990

(284,083)

(34,006)

(10,986)

(33,085)

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2014

As previously 
reported

Adjustment

As recast

268,083

$

(205,829)

9,477

(5,000)

66,731

$

5,487   $
- 
(5,487) 
- 
-  $

273,570

(205,829)

3,990

(5,000)

66,731

62

 
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).”  The purpose of ASU 2016-02 is to increase 
transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and
disclosing key information about leasing arrangements.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 
15, 2018 (fiscal year 2020 for Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption.  In transition, Woodward 
will be required to recognize and measure leases beginning in the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective 
approach; therefore, Woodward anticipates restating its Consolidated Financial Statements for the two fiscal years prior to 
the year of adoption.  Early adoption is permitted.  Woodward has not determined in which period it will adopt the new 
guidance and is currently assessing the impact this guidance may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, including 
which of its existing operating leases will be impacted by the new guidance.  Rent expense for all operating leases, none of 
which was recognized on the balance sheet, was $7,359 in fiscal year 2016, $7,299 in fiscal year 2015, and $10,897 in fiscal 
year 2014.  Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases, none of which were recognized on the balance 
sheet, were $15,612 as of September 30, 2016.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” to simplify 
financial reporting and more closely conform U.S. GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  Under 
ASU 2015-17, Woodward will classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities by taxing jurisdiction, along with any related 
valuation allowances, as either a single non-current asset or liability on the balance sheet.  ASU 2015-17 is effective for fiscal 
(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)
As early adoption is allowed, Woodward adopted ASU 2015-17 during its second quarter of fiscal year 2016, and 
retrospectively applied the guidance to its deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2015.  The table below shows 
the impact of retrospectively applying this guidance to the Consolidated Balance Sheet deferred tax assets and liabilities as of 
September 30, 2015.  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.”  Under ASU 
2015-03, Woodward will present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a reduction from the related debt liability rather 
than as an asset.  Amortization of such costs will continue to be reported as interest expense.  ASU 2015-03 is effective for 
(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)
Woodward).  Early adoption is allowed.  

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs 

Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements.”  ASU 2015-15 supplements the requirements of ASU 2015-03 by allowing 
an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs related to a line of credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortize 
the deferred costs ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement.  As early adoption is allowed, Woodward adopted 
ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 during its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, and retrospectively applied the guidance to its 
unamortized debt issuance costs as of September 30, 2015.  As permitted by ASU 2015-15, Woodward will continue to 
present debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset on its balance sheet.

63

The table below shows the impact of retrospectively applying ASU 2015-17 and ASU 2015-03 to the Consolidated 

Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2015.  

September 30, 2015

As previously 
reported

Adjustment for 
ASU 2015-17

Adjustment for 
ASU 2015-03

As recast

Current deferred income tax assets

$

29,766

$

(29,766) $

- $

Other current assets

Total current assets

Noncurrent deferred income tax assets

Other assets

Total assets

Current deferred income tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current portion

Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

43,791

947,476

9,388

44,886

2,539,965

14

338,222

850,000

82,449

1,386,861

2,539,965

- 
(29,766)

3,717
- 
(26,049)

(14)

(14)
- 
(26,035)

(26,049)

(26,049)

(291) 
(291)

-
(1,221) 
(1,512)

-

-
(1,512) 
-

(1,512)

(1,512)

-

43,500

917,419

13,105

43,665

2,512,404

-

338,208

848,488

56,414

1,359,300

2,512,404

Net deferred tax liabilities

43,309

-

-

43,309

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” 

in response to stakeholders’ concerns about current accounting for consolidation of certain legal entities and changes the 
analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate such legal entities.  ASU 2015-02 is 
(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:237)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
December 15, 2015, but early adoption is allowed.  Woodward adopted ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016, concurrent with 
the consummation of the joint venture formation described in Note 4, “Joint ventures”. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 had 
no impact on Woodward’s conclusion that the joint venture described in Note 4 should not be consolidated following the 
guidance of ASC 810, Consolidation.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and has subsequently issued 

several supplemental and/or clarifying ASUs (collectively “ASC 606”).  ASC 606 prescribes a single common revenue 
standard that replaces most existing U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance.  ASC 606 outlines a five-step model, under 
which Woodward will recognize revenue when performance obligations within a customer contract are satisfied.  ASC 606 is 
intended to provide more consistent interpretation and application of the principles outlined in the standard across filers in 
multiple industries and within the same industries compared to current practices, which should improve comparability.  
Adoption of ASC 606 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal year 2019 for 
Woodward), including interim periods within the reporting period.  Woodward may elect to adopt ASC 606 in fiscal year 
2018, but does not expect to do so.  Upon adoption, Woodward must elect to adopt either retrospectively to each prior 
reporting period presented or using the cumulative effect transition method with the cumulative effect of initial adoption 
recognized at the date of initial application.  Woodward has not determined what transition method it will use.  Woodward is 
currently assessing the impact that the future adoption of ASC 606 may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements by 
analyzing its current portfolio of customer contracts, including a review of historical accounting policies and practices to 
identify potential differences in applying the guidance of ASC 606.

Note 3.  Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-

average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.

Diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted-average number of shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive 

effect of stock options and restricted stock.

64

The following is a reconciliation of net earnings to basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share:

Numerator:

Net earnings

Denominator:

Basic shares outstanding

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

Diluted shares outstanding

Income per common share:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Year Ended September 30, 

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

180,838

$

181,452

$

165,844

61,893

1,663

63,556

64,684

1,372

66,056

2.92

2.85

$

$

2.81

2.75

$

$

66,432

1,344

67,776

2.50

2.45

On June 2, 2015, Woodward entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) with 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman”) under which Woodward repurchased shares of its common stock for an aggregate 
purchase price of $125,000.  Upon execution of the ASR Agreement, Goldman initially delivered to Woodward 2,048 shares 
of common stock.  Goldman completed the ASR Agreement on September 3, 2015 and delivered 458 additional shares to 
Woodward.  The final number of shares delivered to Woodward was based generally on the average daily volume-weighted 
average price of Woodward stock during the term of the ASR Agreement of $49.89. The 2,506 shares of common stock 
delivered by Goldman to Woodward related to the ASR Agreement are reflected in the calculation of basic shares 
outstanding used in the calculation of earnings per share. 

The following stock option grants were outstanding during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 
but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Options 

Weighted-average option price 

$

Year Ended September 30, 

2016

2015

2014

-

n/a

$

697

46.55

$

12

44.04

The weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share included the 

weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations of the following:

Year Ended September 30, 

2016

2015

2014

Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation 
obligations

171

190

216

Note 4.  Joint ventures 

On January 4, 2016, Woodward and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE Aviation business unit, 
consummated the formation of a strategic joint venture between Woodward and GE (the “JV”).  The JV designs, develops 
and sources the fuel system for specified existing and all future GE commercial aircraft engines that produce thrust in excess 
of fifty thousand pounds. 

As part of the JV formation, Woodward contributed to the JV certain contractual rights and intellectual property 

applicable to the existing GE commercial aircraft engine programs within the scope of the JV.  Woodward has no initial cost 
basis in the JV because Woodward had no cost basis in the contractual rights and intellectual property contributed to the JV.
GE purchased from Woodward a 50% ownership interest in the JV for a $250,000 cash payment to Woodward.  In addition, 
GE will pay contingent consideration to Woodward consisting of fifteen annual payments of $4,894 per year beginning 
January 4, 2017 subject to certain claw-back conditions.  Neither Woodward nor GE contributed any tangible assets to the 
JV. 

Woodward determined that the JV formation was not the culmination of an earnings event because Woodward has 
significant performance obligations to support the future operations of the JV.  Therefore, Woodward recorded the $250,000
consideration received from GE for its purchase of a 50% equity interest in the JV as deferred income.  The $250,000 

65

deferred income will be recognized as an increase to net sales in proportion to revenue realized on sales of applicable fuel 
systems within the scope of the JV in a particular period as a percentage of total revenue expected to be realized by 
Woodward over the estimated remaining lives of the underlying commercial aircraft engine programs assigned to the JV.  As 
of September 30, 2016, accrued liabilities include $6,552 and other liabilities include $238,187 of unamortized deferred 
income realized upon the JV formation.  Amortization of the deferred income recognized as an increase to sales was $5,261
for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016. 

The $250,000 cash consideration received from GE on January 4, 2016 is taxable upon receipt for income tax purposes 

but not currently recognized in earnings for book purposes.  Therefore, during the three month period ended March 31, 2016, 
Woodward recorded a deferred tax asset of $94,125.    

Woodward and GE jointly manage the JV and any significant decisions and/or actions of the JV require the mutual 
consent of both parties.  Neither Woodward nor GE has a controlling financial interest in the JV, but both Woodward and GE
do have the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial decisions of the JV.  Therefore, Woodward is 
accounting for its 50% ownership interest in the JV using the equity method of accounting.  The JV is a related party to 
Woodward.  Other income includes $6,204 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 related to Woodward’s equity 
interest in the earnings of the JV.  During the nine-months ended September 30, 2016, Woodward received no cash 
distributions from the JV and therefore, Woodward’s net investment in the JV was $6,204 as of September 30, 2016. 

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2016, Woodward’s net sales include $46,973 of sales to the JV and a 
reduction to sales of $21,391 related to royalties paid to the JV by Woodward on sales by Woodward directly to third party 
aftermarket customers.  The Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016, included “Accounts receivable” of $5,326
related to amounts the JV owed Woodward and included “Accounts payable” of $3,926 related to amounts Woodward owed 
the JV.

Note 5.  Financial instruments and fair value measurements

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair 

value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP.

The table below presents information about Woodward’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring 

basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques Woodward utilized to determine such fair value.  
Woodward had no financial liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 or 
September 30, 2015.

At September 30, 2016

At September 30, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Financial assets:

Cash

Investments in money market funds

Investments in reverse repurchase agreements

Investments in Brazilian certificates of deposit

Equity securities

Total financial assets

$ 80,959 $

- $

- $ 80,959 $ 79,517 $

- $

- $ 79,517

48

83

7,136

12,491

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

48

83

7,136

12,491

20

2,665

-

9,883

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20

2,665

-

9,883

$ 100,717 $

- $

- $ 100,717 $ 92,085 $

- $

- $ 92,085

Investments in money market funds: Woodward sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds not insured by the 
Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  Woodward believes that the investments in money market funds are on 
deposit with creditworthy financial institutions and that the funds are highly liquid.  The investments in money market funds 
are reported in “Cash and cash equivalents” at fair value, with realized gains from interest income recognized in earnings.
The fair values of Woodward’s investments in money market funds are based on the quoted market prices for the net asset 
value of the various money market funds.

Investments in reverse repurchase agreements: Woodward sometimes invests excess cash in reverse repurchase 
agreements.  Under the terms of Woodward’s reverse repurchase agreements, Woodward purchases an interest in a pool of 
securities and is granted a security interest in those securities by the counterparty to the reverse repurchase agreement.  At an 
agreed upon date, generally the next business day, the counterparty repurchases Woodward’s interest in the pool of securities 
at a price equal to what Woodward paid to the counterparty plus a rate of return determined daily per the terms of the reverse
repurchase agreement.  Woodward believes that the investments in these reverse repurchase agreements are with 
creditworthy financial institutions and that the funds invested are highly liquid.  The investments in reverse repurchase 
agreements are reported at fair value, with realized gains from interest income recognized in earnings, and are included in 

66

“Cash and cash equivalents.”  Since the investments are generally overnight, the carrying value is considered to be equal to 
the fair value as the amount is deemed to be a cash deposit with no risk of change in value as of the end of each fiscal quarter.

Investments in Brazilian certificates of deposit: Woodward’s Brazilian subsidiary sometimes invests excess cash in 
Brazilian certificates of deposit insured by the Brazilian Credit Guarantee Fund. Woodward’s investments in Brazilian 
certificates of deposit can be entered into a pre-determined fixed or floating interest rate but, unlike certificates of deposit in 
the United States, can be withdrawn at any time, after 30 days, with notice given to the financial institution holding the 
deposit.  Woodward believes that the investments in Brazilian certificates of deposit are with creditworthy financial 
institutions and that the funds are highly liquid.  The investments in Brazilian certificates of deposit are reported in “Cash and 
cash equivalents” at fair value, with realized gains from interest income recognized in earnings.  The carrying value of 
Woodward’s investments in Brazilian certificates of deposit are considered to be equal to the fair value given the highly 
liquid nature of the investments.

Equity securities: Woodward holds marketable equity securities, through investments in various mutual funds, related to 

its deferred compensation program.  Based on Woodward’s intentions regarding these instruments, marketable equity 
securities are classified as trading securities.  The trading securities are reported at fair value, with realized gains and losses 
recognized in “Other (income) expense, net.”  The trading securities are included in “Other assets.”  The fair values of 
Woodward’s trading securities are based on the quoted market prices for the net asset value of the various mutual funds.

Accounts receivable, accounts payable, the current portion of long-term debt, and short-term debt are not remeasured to 
fair value, as the carrying cost of each approximates its respective fair value.  The estimated fair values and carrying costs of 
other financial instruments that are not required to be remeasured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as 
follows:

At September 30, 2016

At September 30, 2015

Fair Value 
Hierarchy 
Level

Estimated Fair 
Value

Carrying Cost

Estimated Fair 
Value

Carrying Cost

Assets:

Notes receivable from municipalities

Investments in short-term time deposits

Liabilities:

Short-term borrowings 

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

2

2

2

2

$

17,501

$

15,849

$

16,112

$

15,638

4,882

4,918

-

-

(150,000)

(150,000)

(2,430)

(2,430)

$

(617,857) $

(579,244) $

(873,734) $

(850,000)

In fiscal years 2014 and 2013, Woodward received long-term notes from municipalities within the states of Illinois and 

Colorado in connection with certain economic incentives related to Woodward’s development of a second campus in the 
greater-Rockford, Illinois area for its Aerospace segment and Woodward’s development of a new campus at its corporate 
headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado. The fair value of the long-term notes was estimated based on a model that discounted 
future principal and interest payments received at an interest rate available to the Company at the end of the period for 
similarly rated municipal notes of similar maturity, which is a level 2 input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy.  
The interest rates used to estimate the fair value of the long-term notes were 2.2% at September 30, 2016 and 3.0% at 
September 30, 2015. 

From time to time, certain of Woodward’s foreign subsidiaries will invest excess cash in short-term time deposits with a 

fixed maturity date of longer than three months but less than one year from the date of the deposit. Woodward believes that 
the investments are with creditworthy financial institutions. The fair value of the investments in short-term time deposits was 
estimated based on a model that discounted future principal and interest payments to be received at an interest rate available 
to the foreign subsidiary entering into the investment for similar short-term time deposits of similar maturity.  This is 
determined to be a level 2 input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy.  The interest rate used to estimate the fair 
value of the short-term time deposits was 6.9% at September 30, 2016.  There were no investments in short-term time 
deposits at September 30, 2015.

The fair value of long-term debt was estimated based on a model that discounted future principal and interest payments 

at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar debt of the same maturity, which is a level 2 
input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy.  The weighted-average interest rates used to estimate the fair value 
of long-term debt were 1.9% at September 30, 2016 and 2.8% at September 30, 2015.

67

Note 6.  Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Woodward has exposures related to global market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates, foreign currency 

exchange rates, changes in certain commodity prices and fluctuations in various producer indices.  From time to time, 
Woodward enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as 
accounting hedges and/or those utilized as economic hedges.  Woodward uses interest rate related derivative instruments to 
manage its exposure to fluctuations of interest rates.  Woodward does not enter into or issue derivatives for trading or 
speculative purposes.

By using derivative and/or hedging instruments to manage its risk exposure, Woodward is subject, from time to time, to 
credit risk and market risk on those derivative instruments.  Credit risk arises from the potential failure of the counterparty to 
perform under the terms of the derivative and/or hedging instrument.  When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, 
the counterparty owes Woodward, which creates credit risk for Woodward.  Woodward mitigates this credit risk by entering 
into transactions with only creditworthy counterparties.  Market risk arises from the potential adverse effects on the value of 
derivative and/or hedging instruments that result from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or foreign currency 
exchange rates.  Woodward minimizes this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and 
degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

Other than the cash flow hedges and net investment hedges discussed below, Woodward did not enter into any 

derivatives or hedging transactions during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, September 30, 2015 and September 30, 
2014.

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

In June 2013, in connection with Woodward’s expected refinancing of current maturities on its existing long-term debt, 

Woodward entered into a treasury lock agreement with a notional amount of $25,000 that qualified as a cash flow hedge 
under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”  The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of 
variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate over a seven-year period related to 
the future interest payments on a portion of anticipated future debt issuances.  The treasury lock agreement was settled in 
August 2013 and the resulting gain of $507 is being recognized as a reduction of interest expense over a seven-year period.  
The unrecognized portion of the gain is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings, net of tax.

In March 2009, Woodward entered into LIBOR lock agreements that qualified as cash flow hedges under authoritative 
guidance for derivatives and hedging.  The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of variability in cash 
flows over a seven-year period related to future interest payments of a portion of anticipated future debt issuances attributable 
to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate associated with the then expected issuance of long-term debt to acquire 
HR Textron Inc. (“HRT”).  The discontinuance of the LIBOR lock agreements resulted in a loss that was being recognized as 
an increase of interest expense over a seven-year period on the hedged Series E and F Notes, which were issued on April 3, 
2009, using the effective interest method.  The unrecognized portion of the loss was recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive (losses) earnings, net of tax. The unrecognized portion of the loss was fully amortized to interest expense 
during the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, and as of September 30, 2016 there was no unrecognized loss associated with 
this cash flow hedge in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In September 2008, the Company entered into treasury lock agreements that qualified as cash flow hedges under 
authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging.  The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of 
variability in cash flows related to future interest payments of a portion of the anticipated future debt issuances attributable to 
changes in the designated benchmark interest rate associated with the expected issuance of long-term debt to acquire Techni-
Core, Inc. (“Techni-Core”) and MPC Products Corporation (“MPC Products” and, together with Techni-Core, “MPC”).  The 
discontinuance of these treasury lock agreements resulted in a gain that was being recognized as a reduction of interest 
expense over a seven-year period on the hedged Series C and D Notes, which were issued on October 1, 2008, using the 
effective interest method.  The unrecognized portion of the gain was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses)
earnings, net of tax. The unrecognized portion of the gain was fully amortized to interest expense during the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2015, and as of September 30, 2015 there was no unrecognized gain associated with this cash flow hedge in 
Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The remaining unrecognized gains and losses in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with derivative 

instruments that were previously entered into by Woodward, which are classified in accumulated other comprehensive 
(losses) earnings (“accumulated OCI”), were net gains of $290 as of September 30, 2016 and $269 as of September 30, 2015.

68

The following table discloses the impact of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on Woodward’s 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings, recognized in interest expense:

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Amount of (income) expense recognized in earnings on derivative

$

21 $

99 $

Amount of (gain) loss recognized in accumulated OCI on derivative

Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings

-

21

-

99

99

-

99

Based on the carrying value of the realized but unrecognized gains on terminated derivative instruments designated as 
cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2016, Woodward expects to reclassify $72 of net unrecognized gains on terminated 
derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings to earnings during the next twelve months.

Net investment hedges

On September 23, 2016, Woodward and Woodward International Holding B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of 

Woodward organized under the laws of The Netherlands (the “BV Subsidiary”), each entered into a note purchase agreement 
(the “2016 Note Purchase Agreements”) relating to the sale by Woodward and the BV Subsidiary of an aggregate principal 
amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series of private placement transactions.  Woodward issued €40,000 
aggregate principal amount of Woodward’s Series M Senior Notes due September 23, 2026.  Woodward designated the 
€40,000 Series M Notes as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of Woodward’s net investment in its Euro denominated 
functional currency subsidiaries.  A foreign exchange loss on the Series M Notes of $47 is included in foreign currency 
translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

In June 2015, Woodward designated an intercompany loan of 160,000 Renminbi (“RMB”) between two wholly owned 
subsidiaries as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender.  In June 2016, the
intercompany loan was repaid, resulting in a realized gain of $1,484 that was recognized within total comprehensive (losses) 
earnings, of which $912 was recognized in fiscal year 2016 and $572 was recognized in fiscal year 2015. 

In July 2016, Woodward designated a new intercompany loan of 160,000 RMB between two wholly owned subsidiaries 
as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender.  Foreign exchange losses on the 
loan of $73 for the three-months ended September 30, 2016 are included in foreign currency translation adjustments within 
total comprehensive (losses) earnings.  

Note 7.  Supplemental statement of cash flows information

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

$

34,500

$

32,608

$

Income taxes paid 

Income tax refunds received 

Non-cash activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account 

Property, plant and equipment acquired by capital lease

Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit plan obligations 
(Note 18)

Notes receivable from municipalities for economic development initiatives

Cashless exercise of stock options

99,468

2,350

10,705

1,653

13,999

-

753

51,218

689

23,966

-

12,574

-

1,532

27,922

66,477

2,303

13,437

-

11,193

6,596

1,286

69

Note 8.  Inventories

Raw materials 

Work in progress 

Component parts (1)

Finished goods 

September 30,

September 30,

2016

2015

$

$

54,246

$

109,756

249,307

48,374

461,683

$

63,896

91,501

248,047

44,220

447,664

(1) Component parts include items that can be sold separately as finished goods or included in the manufacture of other 

products.

Note 9.  Property, plant, and equipment

Land and land improvements

Buildings and building improvements 

Leasehold improvements

Machinery and production equipment 

Computer equipment and software 

Office furniture and equipment 

Other 

Construction in progress 

Less accumulated depreciation 

Property, plant and equipment, net 

September 30,

2016

September 30,

2015

$

$

87,696

$

527,704

15,213

484,315

117,984

29,344

18,969

88,909

1,370,134

(493,784)

876,350

$

79,311

372,160

16,907

365,040

118,154

20,939

18,325

252,763

1,243,599

(487,499)

756,100

Included in “Land and land improvements” and “Buildings and improvements” are assets held for sale of $681 at 
September 30, 2015 related to Woodward’s Industrial segment.  The sale of these assets was completed on April 15, 2016.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, Woodward recorded an impairment charge of $3,138, which is included 
in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, related to the write down to fair value of certain assets held 
for sale.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, Woodward completed the sale of these assets.

At September 30, 2016, included in “Office furniture and equipment” and “Other” is $1,653 of gross assets acquired on 

capital leases, and accumulated depreciation included $322 of amortization associated with the capital lease assets.

In fiscal year 2015, Woodward completed and placed into service a manufacturing and office building on a second 
campus in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area and has occupied the new facility in anticipation of beginning serial production 
of new narrow-body product lines beginning in fiscal year 2017 for its Aerospace segment.  This campus is intended to 
support Woodward’s expected growth in its Aerospace segment over the next ten years and beyond, required as a result of 
Woodward being awarded a substantial number of new system platforms, particularly on narrow-body aircraft.  Included in 
“Construction in progress” are costs of $26,741 at September 30, 2016 and $47,629 at September 30, 2015 associated with 
new equipment purchases for the second campus, including capitalized interest of $341 at September 30, 2016 and $499 at 
September 30, 2015.  

During fiscal year 2016, Woodward completed and placed into service a new campus at its corporate headquarters in 

Fort Collins, Colorado to support the future growth of its Industrial segment by supplementing its existing Colorado 
manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters.  Woodward began occupying the new campus during its second quarter 
of fiscal year 2016.  Approximately $160,000 of assets were placed in service during the nine-months ended September 30, 
2016, and were recorded to “Buildings and building improvements.”  Included in “Construction in progress” are $247 at 

70

September 30, 2016 and $151,669 at September 30, 2015 associated with the construction of the new campus and related new 
equipment purchases, including capitalized interest of $0 at September 30, 2016 and $5,205 at September 30, 2015.  

Concurrent with and in relation to Woodward’s significant investment in three new campuses and related equipment in 

the greater-Rockford, Illinois area, the new campus at its corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado (both discussed 
above), and the new campus in Niles, Illinois that was completed in fiscal year 2015, Woodward initiated a comprehensive 
review of its depreciation lives as required by U.S. GAAP to evaluate the estimates of the useful lives of Woodward assets.  
This review resulted in estimates of the useful lives of both existing and new assets generally in excess of those utilized prior 
to fiscal year 2016.  The revised estimates were used in fiscal year 2016 and will be used going forward and result in a 
downward adjustment of depreciation on existing assets of approximately $12,000 for fiscal year 2016.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Woodward had depreciation expense as follows:

Depreciation expense 

$

41,550

$

45,994

$

43,773

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Woodward capitalized interest that would have 

otherwise been included in interest expense of the following:

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Capitalized interest 

Note 10.  Goodwill

Aerospace

Industrial

Consolidated

Aerospace 

Industrial

Consolidated

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

5,455

$

8,995

$

7,282

September 30, 2015

Effects of Foreign 
Currency Translation

September 30, 2016

455,423

101,554

556,977

$

$

-

(1,293)

(1,293)

September 30, 2014

Effects of Foreign 
Currency Translation

455,423

104,301

559,724

$

$

-

(2,747)

(2,747)

$

$

$

$

455,423

100,261

555,684

September 30, 2015

455,423

101,554

556,977

$

$

$

$

$

Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs 
or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. 
Woodward completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2016 during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.
At that date, Woodward determined it was appropriate to aggregate certain components of the same operating segment into a 
single reporting unit.  The fair value of each of Woodward’s reporting units was determined using a discounted cash flow 
method.  This method represents a level 3 input and incorporates various estimates and assumptions, the most significant 
being projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, future tax rates, and the present value, based on an estimated 
weighted-average cost of capital (or the discount rate) and terminal growth rate, of forecasted cash flows.  Management 
projects revenue growth rates, earnings margins and cash flows based on each reporting unit’s current operational results, 
expected performance and operational strategies over a ten-year period.  These projections are adjusted to reflect current 
economic conditions and demand for certain products, and require considerable management judgment.

Forecasted cash flows used in the July 31, 2016 impairment test were discounted using weighted-average cost of capital 

assumptions ranging from 8.91% to 11.49%.  The terminal values of the forecasted cash flows were calculated using the 
Gordon Growth Model and assumed an annual compound growth rate after ten years of 3.71%.  These inputs, which are 
unobservable in the market, represent management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in determining the
present value of the Company’s forecasted cash flows.  Changes in these estimates and assumptions can have a significant 
impact on the fair value of forecasted cash flows.  Woodward evaluated the reasonableness of the reporting units’ resulting 
fair values utilizing a market multiple method.

The results of Woodward’s goodwill impairment tests performed as of July 31, 2016 did not indicate impairment of any 

of Woodward’s reporting units.

71

Note 11.  Intangible assets, net

Customer relationships and contracts:

Aerospace

Industrial

Total

Intellectual property:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total

Process technology:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total

Other intangibles:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total

Total intangibles:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Consolidated Total

September 30, 2016

September 30, 2015

Gross 
Carrying 
Value

Accumulated 
Amortization

Net Carrying 
Amount

Gross 
Carrying 
Value

Accumulated 
Amortization

Net Carrying 
Amount

282,225 $

(134,158) $

148,067 $

282,225 $

(116,232) $

165,993

40,969

(33,509)

7,460

41,409

(32,891)

8,518

323,194 $

(167,667) $

155,527 $

323,634 $

(149,123) $

174,511

- $

- $

- $

- $

- $

19,435

(17,876)

1,559

19,445

(16,921)

19,435

$

(17,876) $

1,559 $

19,445 $

(16,921) $

76,605

$

(43,229) $

33,376

$

76,605 $

(37,411) $

22,965

(16,200)

6,765

22,924

(14,621)

99,570

$

(59,429) $

40,141

$

99,529 $

(52,032) $

- $

- $

- $

1,400 $

(1,300) $

1,246

(823)

1,246 $

(823) $

423

423

1,248

(742)

$

2,648 $

(2,042) $

-

2,524

2,524

39,194

8,303

47,497

100

506

606

358,830 $

(177,387) $

181,443 $

360,230 $

(154,943) $

205,287

84,615

(68,408)

16,207

85,026

(65,175)

19,851

443,445 $

(245,795) $

197,650 $

445,256 $

(220,118) $

225,138

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, September 30, 2015, and September 30, 2014, Woodward recorded 

amortization expense associated with intangibles of the following:

Amortization expense

$

27,486

$

29,241

$

33,580

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Future amortization expense associated with intangibles is expected to be:

Year Ending September 30:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter 

$

$

25,808

24,984

23,148

20,360

18,399

84,951

197,650

72

Note 12.  Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt

As of September 30, 2016, Woodward’s short-term borrowings and availability under its various short-term credit 
facilities follows:

Revolving credit facility

Foreign lines of credit and overdraft facilities

Foreign performance guarantee facilities

Revolving credit facility

Total availability

Outstanding 
letters of credit 
and guarantees

Outstanding 
borrowings

Remaining 
availability

$

$

1,000,000

$

(7,830) $

(156,700) $

44,001

8,567

-

(243)

-

-

1,052,568

$

(8,073) $

(156,700) $

835,470

44,001

8,324

887,795

Woodward maintains a $1,000,000 revolving credit facility established under a revolving credit agreement among 

Woodward, a syndicate of lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (the “Revolving 
Credit Agreement”).  The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for the option to increase available borrowings to up to 
$1,200,000, subject to lenders’ participation.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement generally bear interest at 
LIBOR plus 0.85% to 1.65%.  The Revolving Credit Agreement matures in April 2020.  Under the Revolving Credit 
Agreement, there were $156,700 in principal amount of borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2016, at an effective 
interest rate of 1.77%.  Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, there were $350,000 in principal amount of borrowings 
outstanding as of September 30, 2015, at an effective interest rate of 1.44%.  As of September 30, 2016, $150,000 of the 
borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were classified as short-term based on Woodward’s intent and ability to 
pay this amount in the next twelve months.  As of September 30, 2015, the entire outstanding balance on the Revolving
Credit Agreement was classified as long-term debt.

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants customary with such agreements, which are generally 
consistent with the covenants applicable to Woodward’s long-term debt agreements, and contains customary events of 
default, including certain cross default provisions related to Woodward’s other outstanding debt arrangements in excess of 
$60,000, the occurrence of which would permit the lenders to accelerate the amounts due thereunder.  In addition, the 
Revolving Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum permitted leverage ratio of 
consolidated net debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, stock-based compensation, and 
amortization, plus any usual non-cash charges to the extent deducted in computing net income minus any usual non-cash 
gains to the extent added in computing net income (“Leverage Ratio”) for Woodward and its consolidated subsidiaries of 3.5
to 1.0, which ratio, subject to certain restrictions, may increase to 4.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter (and the immediately 
following fiscal quarter) during which a permitted acquisition occurs and to 3.75 to 1.0 for the following two succeeding 
fiscal quarters, and (ii) a minimum consolidated net worth of $800,000 plus (a) 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for 
the prior fiscal year and (b) 50% of Woodward’s net cash proceeds resulting from certain issuances of stock, subject to 
certain adjustments.

Woodward’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Woodward FST, Inc., Woodward 

MPC, Inc., and Woodward HRT, Inc., each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward.  

Short-term borrowings

A Chinese subsidiary of Woodward has a local uncommitted credit facility with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking 

Company under which it has the ability to borrow up to either $22,700, or the local currency equivalent of $22,700.  Any 
cash borrowings under the local Chinese credit facility are secured by a parent guarantee from Woodward.  The Chinese 
subsidiary may utilize the local facility for cash borrowings to support its operating cash needs.  Local currency borrowings
on the Chinese credit facility are charged interest at the prevailing interest rate offered by the People’s Bank of China on the 
date of borrowing, plus a margin equal to 15% of that prevailing rate.  U.S. dollar borrowings on the credit facility are 
charged interest at the lender’s cost of borrowing rate at the date of borrowing, plus 3%.  The local credit facility expires in 
November 2016.  The Chinese subsidiary had no outstanding cash borrowings against the local credit facility at September 
30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

A Brazilian subsidiary of Woodward has a local uncommitted credit facility with the Banco J.P. Morgan S.A. under 
which it has the ability to borrow up to 52,000 Brazilian Real.  Any cash borrowings under the local Brazilian credit facility 
are secured by a parent guarantee from Woodward.  The Brazilian subsidiary may utilize the local facility to support its 
operating cash needs.  Local currency borrowings on the Brazilian credit facility are charged interest at the lender’s cost of 
borrowing rate at the date of borrowing, plus 1.75%.  The local credit facility expires on January 16, 2017.  The Brazilian 

73

subsidiary had no outstanding cash borrowings at September 30, 2016 and $2,430 of outstanding cash borrowings at 
September 30, 2015 against the local credit facility.

Woodward also has other foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities at various financial institutions, which are 

generally reviewed annually for renewal and are subject to the usual terms and conditions applied by the financial 
institutions.  Pursuant to the terms of the related facility agreements, Woodward’s foreign performance guarantee facilities 
are limited in use to providing performance guarantees to third parties.  There were no borrowings outstanding as of 
September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 on Woodward’s other foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities.

Long-term debt

September 30,

September 30,

2016

2015

Revolving credit facility - Floating rate (LIBOR plus 0.85% - 1.65%), due April 2020, unsecured

$

156,700

$

Series C notes – 5.92%, due October 2015; unsecured

Series D notes – 6.39%, due October 2018; unsecured

Series E notes – 7.81%, due April 2016; unsecured

Series F notes – 8.24%, due April 2019; unsecured

Series G notes – 3.42%, due November 2020; unsecured

Series H notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured

Series I notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured

Series J notes – Floating rate (LIBOR plus 1.25%), due November 2020; unsecured

Series K notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured

Series L notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured

Series M notes – 1.12% due September 2026; unsecured

Series N notes – 1.31% due September 2028; unsecured

Series O notes – 1.57% due September 2031; unsecured

Total debt

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

          Unamortized debt issuance costs

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

The Notes

-

100,000

-

43,000

50,000

25,000

25,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

44,886

86,406

48,252

729,244

(150,000)

(2,091)

$

577,153

$

350,000

50,000

100,000

57,000

43,000

50,000

25,000

25,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

-

-

-

850,000

-

(1,512)

848,488

In October 2008, Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the Series C and D Notes (the “2008 

Notes”).  In April 2009, Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the Series E and F Notes (the “2009 
Notes”).

On October 1, 2013, Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the sale by Woodward of an 
aggregate principal amount of $250,000 of its senior unsecured notes in a series of private placement transactions.  

Woodward issued the Series G, H and I Notes (the “First Closing Notes”) on October 1, 2013.  Woodward issued the 
Series J, K and L Notes (the “Second Closing Notes”, and together with the 2008 Notes, 2009 Notes and the First Closing 
Notes, the “USD Notes”) on November 15, 2013.

On September 23, 2016, Woodward and the BV Subsidiary, each entered into note purchase agreements relating to the 

sale by Woodward and the BV Subsidiary of an aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series 
of private placement transactions.  Woodward issued €40,000 aggregate principal amount of Woodward’s Series M Senior 
Notes (the “Series M Notes”).  The BV Subsidiary issued (a) €77,000 aggregate principal amount of the BV Subsidiary’s 
Series N Senior Notes (the “Series N Notes”) and (b) €43,000 aggregate principal amount of the BV Subsidiary’s Series O 
Senior Notes (the “Series O Notes” and together with the Series M Notes and the Series N Notes, the “2016 Notes”, and 
together with the USD Notes, collectively, the “Notes”).  

Interest on the 2008 Notes, the First Closing Notes, and the Series K and L Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 
and October 1 of each year until all principal is paid.  Interest on the 2009 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 15 and 
October 15 of each year until all principal is paid.  Interest on the 2016 Notes will be payable semi-annually on March 23 and 
September 23 of each year, commencing on March 23, 2017, until all principal is paid.  Interest on the Series J Notes is 

74

payable quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year until all principal is paid.  As of September 30, 
2016, the Series J Notes bore interest at an effective rate of 2.06%.

On October 1, 2015, Woodward paid the entire principal balance of $50,000 on the Series C notes using borrowings 
under the Revolving Credit Agreement.  On April 4, 2016, Woodward paid the entire principal balance of $57,000 on the 
Series E notes using borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement. 

None of the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and they may not be offered or sold in the United 

States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.  Holders of the Notes do not have any 
registration rights.  

All of the issued Notes are held by multiple institutions.

Woodward’s obligations under the Notes are guaranteed by (i) Woodward FST, Inc., Woodward MPC, Inc., and 

Woodward HRT, Inc., each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward, and (ii) in the case of the BV Subsidiary’s 
Series N and O Notes, by Woodward.  Woodward’s obligations under the Notes rank equal in right of payment with all of 
Woodward’s other unsecured unsubordinated debt, including its outstanding debt under its revolving credit facility.

The USD Notes and the 2016 Notes contain covenants customary for such financings, including, among other things, 

covenants that place limits on Woodward’s ability to incur liens on assets, incur additional debt (including a leverage or 
coverage based maintenance test), transfer or sell Woodward’s assets, merge or consolidate with other persons and enter into 
material transactions with affiliates.  Under the financial covenants contained in the note purchase agreement governing the 
USD Notes, Woodward’s priority debt may not exceed, at any time, 25% of its consolidated net worth.  Woodward’s 
Leverage Ratio cannot exceed 4.0 to 1.0 during any material acquisition period, or 3.5 to 1.0 at any other time on a rolling 
four quarter basis. In the event that Woodward’s Leverage Ratio exceeds 3.5 to 1.0 during any material acquisition period, 
the interest rate on each series of Notes will increase.  Further for the USD Notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must 
at all times equal or exceed $800,000, plus 50% of Woodward’s consolidated net earnings for each fiscal year beginning with 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 and for the 2016 Notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times 
equal or exceed $1,046,619 plus 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.

Woodward, at its option, is permitted at any time to prepay all, or any part of the then-outstanding principal amount of 

any series of the Notes at 100% of the principal amount of the series of Notes to be prepaid (but, in the case of partial 
prepayment, not less than $1,000 for the USD Notes and not less than €1,000 for the 2016 Notes), together with interest 
accrued on such amount to be prepaid to the date of payment, plus any applicable prepayment compensation amount. The 
prepayment compensation amount, as to the USD Notes other than the Series J Notes, is computed by discounting the 
remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the USD Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 
50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of
the USD Notes being prepaid. The prepayment compensation amount, as to the Series J Notes, generally is computed as a 
percentage of the principal amount of the Series J Notes equal to (a) 2%, on or prior to November 15, 2014, (b) 1%, after 
November 15, 2014 and on or prior to November 15, 2015, and (c) 0% after November 15, 2015. The prepayment 
compensation amount as to the 2016 Notes that is not subject to a swap agreement is computed by discounting the remaining 
scheduled payments of interest and principal of such notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points 
and the yield to maturity of the German Bund having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the 2016 Notes being 
prepaid.  The prepayment compensation amount as to a 2016 Note that is subject to a swap agreement entered into by the 
holder of such note under which the holder will receive payment in U.S. dollars in exchange for scheduled Euro payments of 
principal and interest on the Euro denominated 2016 Notes, adjusted for theoretical holder returns foregone on hypothetical 
reinvestments in U.S. Treasury securities (the “Swapped Notes”) is equal to the excess of an amount equal to the remaining 
scheduled payments to be paid in respect of such called principal under such swap agreement discounted at a rate equal to 50 
basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the 
Swapped Notes being prepaid over the amount of payments in U.S. dollars that would be paid to the holder of the Swapped 
Note in respect of the called principal under the swap agreement, which amount will be increased or reduced, as applicable, 
in an amount equal to any net gain or loss realized by the holder of such Swapped Note on swap transactions under such 
swap agreement as a result of such prepayment.

75

Required future principal payments of the Notes as of September 30, 2016 are as follows:

Year Ending September 30:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

$

$

-

-

143,000

-

100,000

329,544

572,544

Certain financial and other covenants under Woodward's debt agreements contain customary restrictions on the operation 

of its business.  Management believes that Woodward was in compliance with the covenants under the long-term debt 
agreements at September 30, 2016.

Debt Issuance Costs

In connection with the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements, in fiscal year 2016, Woodward incurred $863 in financing costs, 

which are deferred and will be amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreement.

In connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement, in fiscal year 2015, Woodward incurred $2,359 in financing costs, 

which are deferred and are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreement.  As of April 28, 
2015, Woodward also had $2,014 remaining of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the prior revolving credit 
agreement, which have been combined with the financing costs associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement and are 
being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the Revolving Credit Agreement.

In connection with the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement, in fiscal year 2014, Woodward incurred $1,297 in financing 

costs, which are deferred and will be amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreement.

Amounts recognized as interest expense from the amortization of debt issuance costs were $1,165 in fiscal year 2016, 

$1,114 in fiscal year 2015, and $1,014 in fiscal year 2014.  Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the 2016 Notes 
and USD Notes of $2,091 as of September 30, 2016 and $1,512 as of September 30, 2015 have been recorded as a reduction 
in “Long-term debt, less current portion” at the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated 
with the Revolving Credit Agreement of $3,134 as of September 30, 2016 and $4,009 as of September 30, 2015 have been 
recorded as “Other assets” at the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in operating 
activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Note 13.  Accrued liabilities

Salaries and other member benefits

Warranties 

Interest payable

Current portion of acquired performance obligations and unfavorable contracts (1)

Accrued retirement benefits 

Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments

Current portion of deferred income from JV formation (Note 4)

Deferred revenues 

Taxes, other than income 

Other

At September 30,

2016

2015

$

87,197

$

15,993

9,071

2,910

2,505

1,840

6,552

5,779

14,580

10,200

$

156,627

$

90,472

13,741

12,526

6,651

2,481

-

-

10,004

8,723

11,338

155,936

(1) In connection with Woodward’s acquisition of GE Aviation Systems LLC’s (the “Seller”) thrust reverser actuation 
systems business located in Duarte, California (the “Duarte Acquisition”) in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed 
current and long-term performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future 
economic losses.  In addition, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for services to be 

76

provided to the Seller and others, partially offset by current and long-term assets related to contractual payments due 
from the Seller.  The current portion of both obligations is included in Accrued liabilities.

Warranties

Provisions of Woodward’s sales agreements include product warranties customary to these types of agreements.  
Accruals are established for specifically identified warranty issues that are probable to result in future costs.  Warranty costs 
are accrued on a non-specific basis whenever past experience indicates a normal and predictable pattern exists.  Changes in 
accrued product warranties were as follows:

Warranties, beginning of period

Expense, net of recoveries

Reductions for settling warranties

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Warranties, end of period

Twelve-Months Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

13,741

$

16,916

$

9,902

(7,802)

152

10,117

(12,416)

(876)

15,993

$

13,741

$

15,224

10,700

(8,448)

(560)

16,916

Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments

In connection with the construction of a new production facility in Niles, Illinois, Woodward vacated a leased facility in 

Skokie, Illinois.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 Woodward fully vacated the Skokie facility and therefore 
recorded a charge of $8,165 to recognize a loss reserve against the estimated remaining contractual lease commitments, less 
anticipated sublease income.

The summary for the activity in the loss reserve during the twelve-months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, beginning of period

Additions

Reductions

Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, end of period

Twelve-Months Ended September 30, 

2016

2015

$

$

2,464

$

8,165

(1,387)

9,242

$

3,212

39

(787)

2,464

Other liabilities included $7,402 of accrued loss reserve on contractual lease commitments that are not expected to be 

settled or paid within twelve months as of September 30, 2016.

77

Note 14.  Other liabilities

Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities

$

70,479

$

At September 30,

2016

2015

Noncurrent portion of deferred income from JV formation (1)

Total unrecognized tax benefits, net of offsetting adjustments

Acquired unfavorable contracts (2)

Deferred economic incentives (3)

Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments (4)

Other

238,187

17,239

3,148

16,196

7,402

15,573

55,259

-

15,394

4,656

19,163

2,464

19,254

$

368,224

$

116,190

(1) See Note 4, Joint venture for more information on the deferred income from JV formation.

(2) In connection with the Duarte business acquisition in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed current and long-term 

performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future economic losses.  The 
long-term portion of the acquired unfavorable contracts is included in Other liabilities.

(3) Woodward receives certain economic incentives from various state and local authorities related to capital expansion 

projects.  Such amounts are initially recorded as deferred credits and are being recognized as a reduction to pre-tax 
expense over the economic lives of the related capital expansion projects. 

(4) See Note 13, Accrued liabilites for more information on the loss reserve on contractual lease commitments.

Note 15.  Other (income) expense, net  

Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 4)

Net (gain) loss on sales of assets

Rent income

Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program

Other

Note 16.  Income taxes 

Income taxes consisted of the following:

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

(6,204) $

- $

(4,431)

(315)

(1,062)

(294)

(626)

(485)

33

(84)

-

166

(565)

(794)

(107)

(12,306) $

(1,162) $

(1,300)

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

81,127

$

23,923

$

6,067

9,689

(40,801)

(9,054)

(1,380)

3,108

18,343

19,236

751

(5,864)

$

45,648

$

59,497

$

48,327

5,752

16,594

(4,378)

(2,966)

(1,929)

61,400

78

Earnings before income taxes by geographical area consisted of the following:

United States 

Other countries

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

175,146

51,340

226,486

$

$

172,315

68,634

240,949

$

$

148,837

78,407

227,244

Significant components of deferred income taxes presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to the 

following:

Deferred tax assets:

Defined benefit plans, other postretirement

Foreign net operating loss carryforwards

Inventory

Deferred and stock-based compensation

Defined benefit plans, pension

Deferred revenue

Other reserves

Tax credits and incentives

Other

Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

Goodwill and intangibles - net

Property, plant and equipment

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

At September 30, 

2016

2015

$

13,017

$

5,255

27,332

34,388

8,955

92,213

13,968

7,744

7,411

(3,317)

206,966

(99,030)

(88,986)

(2,533)

(190,549)

$

16,417

$

12,878

6,537

21,651

31,310

4,217

-

9,289

9,162

5,963

(6,804)

94,203

(98,906)

(34,625)

(3,981)

(137,512)

(43,309)

Woodward has recorded a net operating loss (“NOL”) deferred tax asset of $5,255 as of September 30, 2016 and $6,537

as of September 30, 2015.  A portion of these carryforwards will start to expire in 2018 and are currently offset by a valuation 
allowance, while the remaining portion has an indefinite carryforward period and has no valuation allowance against it.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely 

than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Both positive and negative evidence are 
considered in forming Woodward’s judgment as to whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, and more weight is given to 
evidence that can be objectively verified.  Valuation allowances are reassessed whenever there are changes in circumstances 
that may cause a change in judgment.  The change in the valuation allowance was primarily the result of current year 
earnings and projected future earnings in a wholly-owned subsidiary that had net operating losses that are no longer subject 
to a full valuation allowance.

At September 30, 2016, Woodward has not provided for taxes on undistributed foreign earnings of $335,881 that it 
considered indefinitely reinvested.  These earnings could become subject to income taxes if they are remitted as dividends, 
are loaned to Woodward or any of Woodward’s subsidiaries located in the United States, or if Woodward sells its stock in the 
foreign subsidiaries.  Any additional U.S. taxes could be offset, in part or in whole, by foreign tax credits.  The amount of
such taxes and application of tax credits would be dependent on the income tax laws and other circumstances at the time 
these amounts are repatriated.  Based on these variables, it is impractical to determine the income tax liability that might be 
incurred if these funds were to be repatriated.

79

On October 14, 2016, the U.S. Treasury issued final regulations that could potentially affect the classification of debt and 

equity investments within a controlled group of companies (referred to as the Section 385 Regulations).  At this time, 
Woodward does not anticipate that these rules will have a significant impact on Woodward’s tax rate. 

The following is a reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent to Woodward’s effective income tax 

rate:

Percent of pretax earnings

Statutory tax rate

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

Taxes on international activities

Research credit

Retroactive extension of research credit

Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation

Domestic production activities deduction

Adjustments of prior period tax items 

Other items, net

Effective tax rate

Year Ending September 30,

2016

35.0 %

2015

35.0 %

2014

35.0 %

0.4

(2.2)

(3.6)

(3.2)

(2.6)

(2.1)

(0.2)

(1.3)

1.2

(3.8)

(0.8)

(2.4)

-

(1.6)

(2.1)

(0.8)

1.3

(3.7)

(0.7)

-

-

(1.3)

(2.9)

(0.7)

20.2 %

24.7 %

27.0 %

In determining the tax amounts in Woodward’s financial statements, estimates are sometimes used that are subsequently 
adjusted in the actual filing of tax returns or by updated calculations.  In addition, Woodward occasionally has resolutions of 
tax items with tax authorities related to prior years due to the conclusion of audits and the lapse of applicable statutes of 
limitations.  Such adjustments are included in the “Adjustments of prior period tax items” line in the above table.  The 
majority of these adjustments are related to the conclusion of audits, effective settlement, and lapse of applicable statutes of 
limitations in various tax jurisdictions.  

On December 18, 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 was enacted, which permanently 

extended the R&E Credit.  As a result, income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2016 included a net benefit related to 
the retroactive impact from the last three quarters of fiscal year 2015 of the R&E Credit pursuant to the Protecting Americans
from Tax Hikes Act.  In addition, income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2016 included a net benefit related to the 
full year impact of fiscal year 2016 of the R&E Credit.

On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 was enacted, which retroactively extended the R&E 

Credit through December 31, 2014.  As a result, income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2015 included a net benefit 
related to the retroactive impact from the last three quarters of fiscal year 2014 of the R&E Credit pursuant to the Tax
Increase Prevention Act.  

As disclosed in Note 2, New accounting standards, Woodward adopted ASU 2016-09 in its second quarter of fiscal year 

2016 resulting in the recognition through earnings of a net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows:

Beginning balance

Additions to current year tax positions

Reductions to prior year tax positions

Additions to prior year tax positions

Lapse of applicable statute of limitations
Ending balance

Year Ending September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

21,469

$

22,687

$

3,588

(2,292)

761

-
23,526

$

2,234

(7,785)

5,124

(791)
21,469

$

$

22,694

8,830

(9,684)

1,844

(997)
22,687

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits were $11,426 as of September 30, 2016 and $10,494 as of 

September 30, 2015 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  At this time, Woodward estimates 
that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $8,433 in the next 
twelve months due to the completion of reviews by tax authorities, lapses of statutes, and the settlement of tax positions.  
Woodward accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits and all other interest and penalties 

80

related to tax payments in tax expense.  Woodward had accrued gross interest and penalties of $1,273 as of September 30, 
2016 and $859 as of September 30, 2015.

Woodward’s tax returns are subject to audits by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities, and these audits are at 
various stages of completion at any given time.  Reviews of tax matters by authorities and lapses of the applicable statutes of 
limitations may result in changes to tax expense.  Fiscal years remaining open to examination in significant foreign 
jurisdictions include 2008 and forward.  Woodward’s fiscal years remaining open to examination in the United States include 
fiscal years 2013 and thereafter. Woodward is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2014.  Woodward has concluded U.S. federal income tax examinations through fiscal year 2012.  
Woodward is generally subject to U.S. state income tax examinations for fiscal years 2012 and the periods thereafter.

Note 17.  Retirement benefits

Woodward provides various retirement benefits to eligible members of the Company, including contributions to various 

defined contribution plans, pension benefits associated with defined benefit plans, postretirement medical benefits and 
postretirement life insurance benefits.  Eligibility requirements and benefit levels vary depending on employee location.

Defined contribution plans

Most of the Company’s U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the U.S. defined contribution plan.  The U.S. 
defined contribution plan allows employees to defer part of their annual income for income tax purposes into their personal 
401(k) accounts.  The Company makes matching contributions to eligible employee accounts, which are also deferred for 
employee personal income tax purposes.  Certain foreign employees are also eligible to participate in foreign plans.

Most of Woodward’s U.S. employees with at least two years of service receive an annual contribution of Woodward 
stock, equal to 5% of their eligible prior year wages, to their personal Woodward Retirement Savings Plan accounts.  In the 
second quarter of fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, Woodward fulfilled its annual Woodward stock contribution obligation 
using shares held in treasury stock by issuing 317 shares of common stock for a total value of $13,999 in fiscal year 2016,
259 shares of common stock for a total value of $12,574 in fiscal year 2015, and 260 shares of common stock for a total 
value of $11,193 in fiscal year 2014. The Woodward Retirement Savings Plan (the “WRS Plan”) held 4,488 shares of 
Woodward stock as of September 30, 2016 and 4,887 shares as of September 30, 2015.  The shares held in the WRS Plan 
participate in dividends and are considered issued and outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per 
share.  Accrued liabilities included obligations to contribute shares of Woodward common stock to the WRS Plan of $11,314 
as of September 30, 2016 and $11,342 as of September 30, 2015.

The amount of expense associated with defined contribution plans was as follows:

Company costs

Defined benefit plans

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

31,893

$

30,933

$

24,921

Woodward has defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for certain retired employees in the United States, the 

United Kingdom, and Japan.  Woodward also provides other postretirement benefits to its employees including
postretirement medical benefits and life insurance benefits.  Postretirement medical benefits are provided to certain current
and retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries in the United States and the United Kingdom.  Life
insurance benefits are provided to certain retirees in the United States under frozen plans, which are no longer available to 
current employees.  A September 30 measurement date is utilized to value plan assets and obligations for all of Woodward’s 
defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward opened a lump-sum buy-out window for certain former U.S. 
employees and/or their dependents eligible to receive postretirement defined benefit pension payments for past employment 
services to the Company.  Eligible pension plan participants may elect to receive a one-time lump-sum payment or an 
immediate annuity in lieu of future pension benefit payments.  Pension benefit payments under the lump-sum buy-out options 
were $5,008 during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.  Woodward estimates that pension benefit payments under the 
lump-sum buy-out options may be up to approximately $700 during fiscal year 2017.  Such lump-sum payments will be paid 
from available pension plan assets.

Effective June 30, 2015, the Company terminated the defined benefit pension plan for employees at its Duarte, California 

manufacturing facility (the “Duarte Pension Plan”).  The plan, which was established in fiscal year 2013 in connection with 
the December 2012 acquisition of the Duarte business, was amended in fiscal year 2013 to cease all future benefit accruals 

81

under the plan and was at that time closed to new entrants.  Regulatory approval of the plan termination was received in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.  In exchange for the freeze and termination of the plan, which were agreed upon through 
negotiations with the applicable employee union, the employees were provided replacement benefits through full 
participation in the Woodward U.S. defined contribution plan. Woodward recorded settlement costs of $47 in fiscal year 
2016 in connection with cash payouts to the beneficiaries of the plan and associated termination costs.  As of September 30, 
2016 Woodward had no liability associated with the Duarte Pension Plan.

In addition to the Duarte Pension Plan, excluding the Woodward HRT Plan, the defined benefit plans in the United 
States were frozen in fiscal year 2007 and no additional employees may participate in the U.S. plans and no additional service 
costs will be incurred.

Pension plans

The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of retirement pension 

benefits were as follows:

United States:

2016

2015

2014

Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at 
September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for 
years ended September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

3.65 %

n/a

4.39

n/a

7.62

4.39 %

n/a

4.40

n/a

7.62

4.40 %

3.50

5.15

3.50

7.62

The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the retirement benefits could be effectively settled 

based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments. 

In the United States, Woodward uses a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds 

rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.  

United Kingdom:

Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at 
September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for 
years ended September 30:

Discount rate - service cost

Discount rate - interest cost

Rate of compensation increase

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

2016

2015

2014

2.28 %

3.40

3.86

3.63

3.40

5.00

3.75 %

3.40

4.10

4.10

3.50

5.50

4.10 %

3.50

4.50

4.50

3.50

5.50

82

Japan:

Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at 
September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for 
years ended September 30:

Discount rate - service cost

Discount rate - interest cost

Rate of compensation increase

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

2016

2015

2014

0.46 %

2.02

1.27

0.59

2.00

3.00

0.97 %

2.00

1.10

1.10

2.00

3.00

1.10 %

2.00

1.25

1.25

2.00

3.00

In the United Kingdom and Japan, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash 

flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each 
jurisdiction. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and 
interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate 
bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2015 benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each 
future year. Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit costs for the years ending 
September 30, 2015 and 2014 was based on a single rate equivalent.

2016

2015

2014

Switzerland:
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at 
September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for 
years ended September 30:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Long-term rate of return on plan assets 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.25 %

2.00

2.25

In Switzerland, Woodward used high quality swap rates plus a credit spread of 0.20% in fiscal year 2013 as high quality 
swaps are available in Switzerland at various durations and trade at higher volumes than bonds.  Woodward’s assumed rate in 
Switzerland did not differ significantly from this benchmark.  As of September 30, 2014 Woodward no longer sponsors a 
defined benefit plan is Switzerland.

Compensation increase assumptions, where applicable, are based upon historical experience and anticipated future 

management actions.

In determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, Woodward assumes that the historical long-term compound 
growth rates of equity and fixed-income securities will predict the future returns of similar investments in the plan portfolio.  
Investment management and other fees paid out of the plan assets are factored into the determination of asset return 
assumptions.

Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of the 

broad population and modified for projected longevity trends.  The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of 
September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 were based on the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) RP-2014 Mortality Tables 
Report projected back to 2006 using the SOA’s Mortality Improvement Scale MP-2014 (“MP-2014”) and projected forward 
using a custom projection scale based on MP-2014 with a 10-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%.  As of 
September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, mortality assumptions in Japan were based on the Standard rates 2014, and
mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom pension scheme were based on the Self-administered pension scheme 
(“SAPS”) S2 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate. 

83

Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated 

Statements of Earnings:

United States

Other Countries

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

2016

Total

2015

2014

Service cost

Interest cost

$

1,695 $

2,018 $ 3,516 $

749 $

784 $

988 $

2,444 $

2,802 $

4,504

5,236

5,956

6,382

1,637

2,128

2,410

6,873

8,084

8,792

Expected return on plan assets

(10,140)

(10,647)

(9,813)

(2,659)

(3,032)

(3,070)

(12,799)

(13,679)

(12,883)

Amortization of:

Net losses

Net prior service (benefit) cost

Settlement loss

Curtailment gain

1,292

384

47

-

396

383

-

-

330

97

-

(6,624)

246

190

655

1,538

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4)

-

(915)

384

47

-

586

383

-

-

985

93

-

(7,539)

Net periodic (benefit) cost

$ (1,486) $ (1,894) $ (6,112) $

(27) $

70 $

64 $ (1,513) $ (1,824) $ (6,048)

The settlement loss in “United States” in the year ended September 30, 2016 pertained to cash payouts to the 

beneficiaries of the Duarte Pension Plan and associated termination costs.

The curtailment gain in “United States” in the year ended September 30, 2014 pertained to amendments made to one of 

Woodward’s plans that resulted in a freeze to the benefits of certain U.S. employees in California.

The curtailment gain in “Other Countries” in the year ended September 30, 2014 pertained to workforce reductions 
related to the closure of Woodward’s Swiss facility in connection with the realignment of the renewable power business that 
occurred in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

84

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the projected benefit obligation and fair value of assets 

for the defined benefit pension plans:

Changes in projected benefit obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

$145,870 $137,740 $ 62,231 $ 63,535 $ 208,101 $ 201,275

At or for the Year Ended September 30,

United States

Other Countries

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Service cost

Interest cost

Net actuarial losses

Contribution by participants

Benefits paid

Settlements

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

Changes in fair value of plan assets:

1,695

5,236

17,786

47

2,018

5,956

4,206

28

749

1,637

17,190

20

784

2,128

2,715

23

2,444

6,873

34,976

67

2,802

8,084

6,921

51

(9,789)

(4,078)

(2,656)

(2,424)

(12,445)

(6,502)

47

-

-

-

-

-

47

-

(7,114)

(4,530)

(7,114)

(4,530)

$160,892 $ 145,870 $ 72,057 $ 62,231 $ 232,949 $ 208,101

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$135,590 $ 142,090 $ 60,663 $ 63,071 $ 196,253 $ 205,161

Actual return (loss) on plan assets

Contributions by the Company

Contributions by plan participants

Benefits paid

Settlements

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

19,859

(2,535)

10,202

226

47

85

28

773

20

2,975

1,483

23

30,061

999

67

440

1,568

51

(9,789)

(4,078)

(2,656)

(2,424)

(12,445)

(6,502)

(47)

-

-

-

-

-

(47)

-

(6,076)

(4,465)

(6,076)

(4,465)

$145,886 $ 135,590 $ 62,926 $ 60,663 $ 208,812 $ 196,253

Net underfunded status at end of year

$ (15,006) $ (10,280) $ (9,131) $ (1,568) $ (24,137) $ (11,848)

At September 30, 2016, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom represented $59,896 of the 
total projected benefit obligation and in Japan represented $12,161 of the total projected benefit obligation.  At September 30, 
2016, the United Kingdom represented $50,914 of the total fair value of plan assets and Japan represented $12,012 of the 
total fair value of plan assets. 

The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at September 30, 2016 was 

$160,892 in the United States and $68,801 in Other Countries, and at September 30, 2015 was $145,870 in the United States 
and $59,742 in Other Countries.

Projected benefit obligation 

Accumulated benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Plans with accumulated 
benefit obligation in 
excess of plan assets

Plans with accumulated 
benefit obligation less 
than plan assets

At September 30,

At September 30,

2016

2015

2016

2015

$ (220,788) $ (198,165) $ (12,161) $

(9,936)

(218,769)

(196,694)

(10,924)

196,800

185,623

12,012

(8,918)

10,630

85

The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other 

comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension plans:

Amounts recognized in statement of financial position 
consist of:

Other non-current assets

Other non-current liabilities 

At or for the Year Ended September 30,

United States

Other Countries

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

- $

- $

- $

694 $

- $

694

(15,006)

(10,280)

(9,131)

(2,262)

(24,137)

(12,542)

Net underfunded status at end of year

$ (15,006) $ (10,280) $ (9,131) $ (1,568) $ (24,137) $ (11,848)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other 
comprehensive losses consist of:

Unrecognized net prior service cost 

$

3,857 $

4,241 $

- $

- $

3,857 $

4,241

Unrecognized net losses

Total amounts recognized

Deferred taxes

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive losses

33,682

37,539

26,861

31,102

20,795

20,795

13,618

13,618

54,477

58,334

40,479

44,720

(14,305)

(11,890)
$ 23,234 $ 19,212 $ 13,492 $

(7,303)

(4,817)
(16,707)
(21,608)
8,801 $ 36,726 $ 28,013

The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension 

plans:

Year Ended September 30,

United States

Other Countries

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year

$ 31,102 $ 14,491 $ 13,618 $ 11,902 $ 44,720 $ 26,393

Net loss 

8,160

17,390

9,646

2,771

17,806

20,161

Loss due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period

(47)

-

-

-

(47)

-

Amortization of:

Net losses 

Prior service cost 

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

(1,292)

(384)

-

(396)

(383)

(246)

(190)

(1,538)

-

-

(384)

-

(2,223)

(865)

(2,223)

(586)

(383)

(865)

Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year

$ 37,539 $ 31,102 $ 20,795 $ 13,618 $ 58,334 $ 44,720

The amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive losses and reported as a component of net 

periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2017 are as follows:

Prior service cost

Net actuarial losses

United States

Other Countries

Total

$

383

$

1,854

-

$

533

383

2,387

Pension benefit payments are made from the assets of the pension plans.  Using foreign exchange rates as of September 

30, 2016 and expected future service assumptions, it is anticipated that the future benefit payments will be as follows:

Year Ending September 30,

United States

Other Countries

Total

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 – 2026

$

$

6,344

6,319

6,980

7,589

8,127

46,705

$

2,315

2,249

2,847

2,311

2,442

12,791

8,659

8,568

9,827

9,900

10,569

59,496

86

Woodward expects its pension plan contributions in fiscal year 2017 will be $425 in the United Kingdom and $288 in 

Japan. Woodward expects to have no pension plan contributions in fiscal year 2017 in the United States.

Pension plan assets

The overall investment objective of the pension plan assets is to earn a rate of return over time which, when combined 
with Company contributions, satisfies the benefit obligations of the pension plans and maintains sufficient liquidity to pay 
benefits. 

As the timing and nature of the plan obligations varies for each Company sponsored pension plan, investment strategies 
have been individually designed for each pension plan with a common focus on maintaining diversified investment portfolios 
that provide for long-term growth while minimizing the risk to principal associated with short-term market behavior.  The 
strategy for each of the plans balances the requirements to generate returns, using investments expected to produce higher 
returns, such as equity securities, with the need to control risk within the pension plans using less volatile investment assets, 
such as debt securities.  A strategy of more equity-oriented allocation is adopted for those plans which have a longer-term 
investment plan based on the timing of the associated benefit obligations.  

A pension oversight committee is assigned by the Company to each pension plan.  Among other responsibilities, each 
committee is responsible for all asset class allocation decisions.  Asset class allocations, which are reviewed by the respective 
pension committee on at least an annual basis, are designed to meet or exceed certain market benchmarks and align with each 
plan’s investment objectives.  In evaluating the asset allocation choices, consideration is given to the proper long-term level 
of risk for each plan, particularly with respect to the long-term nature of each plan’s liabilities, the impact of asset allocation 
on investment results and the corresponding impact on the volatility and magnitude of plan contributions and expense and the 
impact certain actuarial techniques may have on the plans’ recognition of investment experience.  From time to time, the 
plans may move outside the prescribed asset class allocation in order to meet significant liabilities with respect to one or 
more individuals approaching retirement.  

Risks associated with the plan assets include interest rate fluctuation risk, market fluctuation risk, risk of default by debt 

issuers and liquidity risk.  To manage these risks, the assets are managed by established, professional investment firms and 
performance is evaluated regularly by the Company’s pension oversight committee against specific benchmarks and each 
plan’s investment objectives.  Liability management and asset class diversification are central to the Company’s risk 
management approach and overall investment strategy. 

The assets of the U.S. plans are invested in actively managed mutual funds.  The assets of the plans in Japan and the plan 

in the United Kingdom are invested in actively managed pooled investment funds.  Each individual mutual fund or pooled
investment fund has been selected based on the investment strategy of the related plan, which mirrors a specific asset class 
within the associated target allocation.  Pension plan assets at September 30, 2016 and 2015 do not include any direct 
investment in Woodward’s common stock.

87

The asset allocations are monitored and rebalanced regularly by investment managers assigned to the individual pension 

plans.  The actual allocations of pension plan assets and target allocation ranges by asset class, are as follows:

At September 30,

2016

2015

Percentage of 
Plan Assets

Target Allocation 
Ranges

Percentage of 
Plan Assets

Target Allocation 
Ranges

United States:

Asset Class

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Other

United Kingdom:

Asset Class

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Other

Japan:

Asset Class

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Other

56.4%

39.0%

4.6%

100.0%

34.7%

65.2%

0.1%

100.0%

40.0%

59.1%

0.9%

100.0%

40.8% -

80.8%

29.2% -

49.2%

0.0%

25.0% -

45.0%

40.0% -

80.0%

0.0%

36.0% -

44.0%

55.0% -

63.0%

0.0% -

2.0%

58.2%

41.5%

0.3%

100.0%

36.0%

63.8%

0.2%

100.0%

38.6%

60.4%

1.0%

100.0%

40.7% -

80.7%

29.3% -

49.3%

0.0%

40.0% -

70.0%

35.0% -

65.0%

0.0%

36.0% -

44.0%

55.0% -

63.0%

0.0% -

2.0%

Actual allocations to each asset class can vary from target allocations due to periodic market value fluctuations, 

investment strategy changes, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. 

88

The following table presents Woodward’s pension plan assets using the fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP 

as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

Asset Category:

Cash and cash equivalents

Mutual funds:

U.S. corporate bond fund

U.S. equity large cap fund

International equity large cap growth fund

Pooled funds:

Japanese equity securities

International equity securities

Japanese fixed income securities

International fixed income securities

Index linked U.K. equity fund

Index linked international equity fund

Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund

Index linked U.K.  government securities fund

Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund

At September 30, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

United 
States

Other 
Countries

United 
States

Other 
Countries

United 
States

Other 

Countries Total

$

6,741 $

163 $

- $

- $

- $

- $

6,904

56,813

48,506

33,834

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,536

2,258

5,321

1,777

7,982

9,694

16,180

5,009

11,998

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

56,813

48,506

33,834

2,536

2,258

5,321

1,777

7,982

9,694

16,180

5,009

11,998

Total assets

$145,894 $

163 $

- $ 62,755 $

- $

- $208,812

Asset Category:

Cash and cash equivalents

Mutual funds:

U.S. corporate bond fund

U.S. equity large cap fund

International equity large cap growth fund

Pooled funds:

Japanese equity securities

International equity securities

Japanese fixed income securities

International fixed income securities

Index linked U.K. equity fund

Index linked international equity fund

Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund

Index linked U.K.  government securities fund

Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund

At September 30, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

United 
States

Other 
Countries

United 
States

Other 
Countries

United 
States

Other 

Countries Total

$

467 $

201 $

- $

- $

- $

- $

668

56,210

47,517

31,396

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,116

1,982

4,805

1,624

8,687

9,336

16,613

4,716

10,583

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

56,210

47,517

31,396

2,116

1,982

4,805

1,624

8,687

9,336

16,613

4,716

10,583

Total assets

$135,590 $

201 $

- $ 60,462 $

- $

- $196,253

89

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company's pension plans are held on deposit with 

creditworthy financial institutions.  The fair value of the cash and cash equivalents are based on the quoted market price of 
the respective currency in which the cash is maintained.

Pension assets invested in mutual funds: The assets of the Company’s U.S. pension plans are invested in various mutual 
funds which invest in both equity and debt securities.  The fair value of the mutual funds is determined based on the quoted 
market price of each fund.

Pension assets invested in pooled funds: The assets of the Company’s Japan and United Kingdom pension plans are 

invested in pooled investment funds, which include both equity and debt securities.  The assets of the United Kingdom 
pension plan are invested in index-linked pooled funds which aim to replicate the movements of an underlying market index 
to which the fund is linked.  Fair value of the pooled funds is based on the net asset value of shares held by the plan as 
reported by the fund sponsors.  All pooled funds held by plans outside of the United States are considered to be invested in 
international equity and debt securities.  Although the underlying securities may be largely domestic to the plan holding the
investment assets, the underlying assets are considered international from the perspective of the Company. 

There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 assets in fiscal years 2016 or 2015.

Other postretirement benefit plans

Woodward provides other postretirement benefits to its employees including postretirement medical benefits and life 

insurance benefits.  Postretirement medical benefits are provided to certain current and retired employees and their covered 
dependents and beneficiaries in the United States and the United Kingdom.  Benefits include the option to elect company 
provided medical insurance coverage to age 65 and a Medicare supplemental plan after age 65.  Life insurance benefits are 
provided to certain retirees in the United States under frozen plans which are no longer available to current employees.  A 
September 30 measurement date is utilized to value plan assets and obligations for Woodward’s other postretirement benefit 
plans.  

The postretirement medical benefit plans, other than the plan assumed in an acquisition in fiscal year 2009, were frozen 
in fiscal year 2006 and no additional employees may participate in the plans.  Generally, employees who had attained age 55
and had rendered 10 or more years of service before the plans were frozen were eligible for these postretirement medical 
benefits. 

Certain participating retirees are required to contribute to the plans in order to maintain coverage.  The plans provide 
postretirement medical benefits for approximately 800 retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries and 
may provide future benefits to approximately 20 active employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries, upon 
retirement, if the employees elect to participate.  All the postretirement medical plans are fully insured for retirees who have 
attained age 65.

The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of postretirement benefits 

were as follows:

2016

2015

2014

Weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligation at 
September 30
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit 
cost for years ended September 30

3.63 %

4.01

4.01 %

4.40

4.40 %

5.14

The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the postretirement benefits could be effectively 

settled based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments.  

In the United States, Woodward used a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds 

rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.  

In the United Kingdom, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows to 

develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each jurisdiction. For 
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and interest cost 
components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate bond yield 
curve used to determine the September 30, 2015 benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each future year.
Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit costs for the years ending September 
30, 2015 and 2014 was based on a single rate equivalent.

Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of the 

broad population and modified for projected longevity trends.  The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of 
September 30, 2016 and September 2015 was based on the SOA’s RP-2014 Mortality Tables Report projected back to 2006 

90

using the SOA’s MP-2014 and projected forward using a custom projection scale based on MP-2014 with a 10-year 
convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%.  As of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, mortality 
assumptions for the United Kingdom postretirement medical plan were based on the SAPS S2 “all” tables with a projected 
1.5% annual improvement rate.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates at September 30, were as follows:

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 

(the ultimate trend rate)

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

2016

7.00 %

5.00 %

2025

2015

7.00 %

5.00 %

2024

Healthcare costs have generally trended upward in recent years, sometimes by amounts greater than 5%.  Assumed 

health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for postretirement medical plans.  A one-
percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

Effect on projected fiscal year 2017 service and interest cost

Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 
2016

Change In Health Care Cost Trend Rate

1% increase

1% decrease

$

126

$

(110)

3,415

(2,993)

Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated 

Statements of Earnings:

Service cost

Interest cost

Amortization of:

Net (gains) losses

Net prior service benefit

Net periodic cost

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

22

$

1,048

30

$

1,233

156

(158)

(73)

(158)

1,068

$

1,032

$

47

1,432

(200)

(158)

1,121

$

$

91

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and fair 

value of assets for the postretirement benefits for the fiscal years ended September 30:

Changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year 

$

34,927

$

29,225

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

Service cost

Interest cost

Premiums paid by plan participants

Net actuarial losses

Benefits paid

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year 

Changes in fair value of plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Contributions by the Company

Premiums paid by plan participants

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Net underfunded status at end of year 

22

1,048

1,299

1,912

(3,503)

(75)

30

1,233

1,613

6,705

(3,848)

(31)

$

$

$

$

35,630

$

34,927

- $

2,204

1,299

(3,503)

- $

-

2,235

1,613

(3,848)

-

(35,630) $

(34,927)

The Company’s postretirement medical plan in the United Kingdom represents $467 of the total benefit obligation at 

September 30, 2016.  The Company paid $14 in medical benefits to participants of the United Kingdom postretirement 
medical plan in fiscal year 2016.

The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other 

comprehensive losses for the postretirement plans:

Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:

Accrued liabilities 

Other non-current liabilities 

Funded status at end of year 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive losses consist of:

Unrecognized net prior service benefit 

Unrecognized net losses 

Total amounts recognized 

Deferred taxes 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive losses

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

(2,505) $

(33,125)

(35,630) $

(2,481)

(32,446)

(34,927)

(318) $

5,484

5,166

(1,979)

(477)

3,745

3,268

(1,267)

3,187

$

2,001

$

$

$

$

Woodward pays plan benefits from its general funds; therefore, there are no segregated plan assets as of September 30, 

2016 or September 30, 2015.

The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s postretirement plans were $35,630 at September 30, 2016 and 

$34,927 at September 30, 2015.

92

The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses (earnings) for the other 

postretirement benefit plans:

Accumulated other comprehensive losses (earnings) at beginning of year

Net (gain) loss 

Amortization of:

Net gains (losses) 

Prior service benefit (cost) 

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

  $

3,268

$

1,912

(3,666)

6,705

(156)

158

(16)

73

158

(2)

Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year

$

5,166

$

3,268

Using foreign currency exchange rates as of September 30, 2016 and expected future service, it is anticipated that the 

future Company contributions to pay benefits, excluding participate contributions, will be as follows:

Year Ending September 30,

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 – 2026

Multiemployer defined benefit plans

$

4,039

4,066

4,096

4,080

4,060

19,306

Woodward operates two multiemployer defined benefit plans for certain employees in the Netherlands and Japan.  The 

amounts of contributions associated with the multiemployer plans were as follows:

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Company contributions

$

475

$

600

$

728

The plan in the Netherlands is a quasi-mandatory plan that covers all of Woodward’s employees in the Netherlands and 

is part of the Dutch national pension system.

The Company may elect to withdraw from its multiemployer plan in Japan, although it has no plans to do so.  If the 

Company elects to withdraw from the Japanese plan, it would incur an immaterial one-time contribution cost.  Changes in 
Japanese regulations could trigger reorganization of or abolishment of the Japanese multiemployer plan, which could impact 
future funding levels.

Note 18.  Stockholders’ equity

Common Stock

Holders of Woodward’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by Woodward’s Board of 

Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring stockholder approval.

Dividends declared and paid during the 2016, 2015 and 2014 fiscal years were:

Dividends declared and paid

Dividend per share amount

Stock repurchase program

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

26,606

$

24,646

$

0.43

0.38

21,263

0.32

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, Woodward’s Board of Directors terminated the Company’s prior stock 
repurchase program and replaced it with a new program for the repurchase of up to $300,000 of Woodward’s outstanding 

93

shares of common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions over a three-year period that will end in 
2018 (the “2015 Authorization”).  

In the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, Woodward entered into an ASR Agreement with Goldman under which 

Woodward repurchased shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000.  A total of 2,506 shares of 
common stock were repurchased pursuant to the ASR Agreement under the 2015 Authorization.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward executed a 10b5-1 plan to repurchase up to $125,000 of its common 
stock for a period that ended on April 20, 2016.  During fiscal year 2016, Woodward purchased 2,635 shares of its common 
stock for $125,000 pursuant to the 10b5-1 plan under the 2015 Authorization.

Stock-based compensation

Non-qualified stock option awards and restricted stock awards are granted to key management members and directors of 
the Company.  The grant date for these awards is used for the measurement date.  Vesting would be accelerated in the event 
of retirement, disability, or death of a participant, or change in control of the Company, as defined in the individual stock 
option agreements.  These awards are valued as of the measurement date and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
requisite vesting period for all awards, including awards with graded vesting.  Stock for exercised stock options and for 
restricted stock awards is issued from treasury stock shares.  

Provisions governing outstanding stock option awards are included in the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2006 
Plan”) and the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”).  The 2002 Plan provided that no further grants would be made after 
December 31, 2006.  The 2006 Plan, which was approved by stockholders and became effective January 25, 2006, expired in 
fiscal year 2016.  No further grants will be made under either the 2002 Plan or the 2006 Plan.  A proposal for a successor 
plan to the 2006 Plan will be submitted by the Company for stockholder approval at the January 25, 2017 Annual 
Stockholder Meeting. 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized was as follows:

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

Employee stock-based compensation expense 

$

15,122

$

14,255

$

11,241

Stock options

Woodward’s 2006 Plan, which was approved by Woodward’s stockholders, provided for the grant of up to 7,410 shares 

of Woodward’s common stock, including in the form of stock options to its employees and directors.  Equity awards under 
the 2006 Plan include grants of stock options to Woodward employees and directors.  Woodward believes that these stock 
options align the interests of its employees and directors with those of its stockholders.  Stock option awards are granted with 
an exercise price equal to the market price of Woodward’s stock at the date of grant, a ten-year term, and generally a four-
year vesting schedule at a rate of 25% per year.

The fair value of options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-valuation 
model using the assumptions in the following table.  Woodward calculates the expected term, which represents the period of 
time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding, based upon historical experience of plan participants.  
Expected volatility is based on historical volatility using daily stock price observations.  The estimated dividend yield is 
based upon Woodward’s historical dividend practice and the market value of its common stock.  The risk-free rate is based 
on the U.S. treasury yield curve, for periods within the contractual life of the stock option, at the time of grant.

Expected term (years)

Estimated volatility 

Estimated dividend yield 

Risk-free interest rate 

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

6.3

-

8.7

6.2

-

8.8

5.8

-

8.6

34.5% -

35.1%

1.0%

36.5%

0.7%

38.5%

0.8%

1.7%

-

2.0%

2.0%

-

2.3%

1.7%

-

2.5%

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted follows:

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options 

$

94

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

13.39

$

17.02

$

15.63

The following is a summary of the activity for stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016:

Balance at September 30, 2015

Options granted 

Options exercised 

Options forfeited 

Balance at September 30, 2016

Number

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price

$

4,641

1,055

(732)

(20)

4,944

32.28

40.26

22.74

42.75

35.35

Exercise prices of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2016 range from $18.49 to $46.55.

Changes in non-vested stock options during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 were as follows:

Balance at September 30, 2015

Options granted 

Options vested 

Options forfeited 

Balance at September 30, 2016

Number

Weighted-Average Grant 
Date Fair Value

$

1,724

1,055

(684)

(20)

2,075

15.92

13.39

15.15

15.08

14.90

Information about stock options that have vested, or are expected to vest, and are exercisable at September 30, 2016 was 

as follows:

Options outstanding 

Options vested and exercisable

Options vested and expected to vest 

Other information follows:

Total fair value of stock options vested 

Total intrinsic value of options exercised 

Cash received from exercises of stock options 

Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 

Restricted Stock

Weighted-
Average Exercise 
Price

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining Life 
in Years

$

35.35

30.87

35.23

6.1

4.6

6.0

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value

$

134,129

90,702

132,321

Number

4,944

2,869

4,856

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

10,374

$

9,656

$

23,178

15,892

6,472

18,876

8,400

6,959

9,459

14,549

9,772

3,751

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, Woodward granted an award of 24 shares of restricted stock to its Chief Executive 
Officer and President, Thomas A. Gendron.  Subject to Mr. Gendron’s continued employment by the Company, these shares 
of restricted stock will vest 100% following the end of the Company’s fiscal year 2017 if a specified cumulative earnings per 
share (“EPS”) target is met or exceeded for fiscal years 2014 through 2017.  If this EPS target is not met, all shares of 
restricted stock will be forfeited by Mr. Gendron.  

The shares of restricted stock were awarded to Mr. Gendron pursuant to a form restricted stock agreement approved by 

Woodward’s Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors.  The restricted stock agreement 
generally provides that: if the recipient of a restricted stock award is terminated from the Company for any reason other than
death or disability during the restricted period, all shares of restricted stock will be immediately forfeited; if the recipient dies 
or becomes permanently disabled prior to the recipient’s termination and during the restricted period, all restrictions will 
lapse and the shares of restricted stock will fully vest immediately; similarly, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined 
in the form of restricted stock agreement) of the Company during the restricted period and prior to the recipient’s termination 

95

for any reason, all restrictions will lapse and the shares of restricted stock will fully vest immediately; during the restricted 
period, a recipient may exercise full voting rights with respect to the shares of restricted stock; dividends on the shares of
restricted stock will accrue, but will not be paid, during the restricted period; and all dividends accrued during the restricted 
period will be paid upon any vesting of the shares of restricted stock, without payment of interest, provided that if the shares 
of restricted stock are forfeited for any reason, all accrued dividends will likewise be forfeited.  The form of restricted stock 
agreement also includes adjustment provisions in the event the Company engages in certain recapitalization or similar 
transactions or in the event of a change of law or regulation.  Upon vesting, shares become freely transferrable.

A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 follows:

Balance at September 30, 2015

Shares granted

Shares vested

Shares forfeited

Balance at September 30, 2016

Number

Fair Value per Share

24

$

-

-

-

24

39.43

n/a

n/a

n/a

39.43

Woodward recognizes stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Pursuant to 

the form stock option agreements, the requisite service period can be less than the four-year vesting period due to grantee’s 
retirement eligibility.  As such, the recognition of stock-based compensation expense associated with some stock option 
grants can be accelerated to a period of less than four years, including immediate recognition of stock-based compensation on 
the date of grant.

At September 30, 2016, there was approximately $8,067 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested 

stock-based compensation arrangements, both stock options and restricted stock awards, granted under the 2002 Plan and the 
2006 Plan (for which no further grants will be made under either plan).  The pre-vesting forfeiture rates for purposes of 
determining stock-based compensation cost recognized were estimated to be 0% for members of Woodward’s board of 
directors and 9% for all others.  The remaining unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a 
weighted-average period of approximately 2.1 years.

Note 19.  Commitments and contingencies

Woodward has entered into operating leases for certain facilities and equipment with terms in excess of one year under 
agreements that expire at various dates.  Some leases require the payment of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs 
in addition to rental payments.  Woodward has also entered into capital leases for equipment with terms in excess of one year 
under agreements that expire at various dates.  Future minimum payments required under these leases, excluding available 
option renewals, are as follows:

Year Ending September 30,

Operating Leases

Capital Leases

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Total 

Rent expense for all operating leases totaled:

$

$

$

4,755

3,150

2,175

2,003

1,899

1,630

15,612

$

404

423

444

113

-

-

1,384

Year Ended September 30, 

2016

2015

2014

Rent expense 

$

7,359

$

7,299

$

10,897

Woodward enters into unconditional purchase obligation arrangements (i.e. issuance of purchase orders, obligations to 
transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-

96

pay" contracts) in the normal course of business to ensure that adequate levels of sourced product are available to Woodward.
Future minimum unconditional purchase obligations are as follows:

Year Ending September 30,

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Total 

$

$

303,567

14,642

685

639

93

10

319,636

The U.S. Government, and other governments, may terminate any of Woodward’s government contracts (and, in general, 

subcontracts) at their convenience, as well as for default based on specified performance measurements.  If any of 
Woodward’s government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, the Company generally would be entitled to 
receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs.  If any of Woodward’s government 
contracts were to be terminated for Woodward’s default, the U.S. Government generally would pay only for the work 
accepted, and could require Woodward to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the 
contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract.  The U.S. Government could also hold Woodward liable 
for damages resulting from the default.

Woodward is currently involved in claims, pending or threatened litigation or other legal proceedings, investigations 
and/or regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including, among others, those relating to product 
liability claims, employment matters, worker’s compensation claims, contractual disputes, product warranty claims and 
alleged violations of various laws and regulations.  Woodward accrues for known individual matters where it believes that it 
is probable the matter will result in a loss when ultimately resolved using estimates of the most likely amount of loss.

Legal costs are expensed as incurred and are classified in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Woodward is partially self-insured in the United States for healthcare and worker’s compensation up to predetermined 
amounts, above which third party insurance applies.  Management regularly reviews the probable outcome of these claims 
and proceedings, the expenses expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the insurance coverage, and the 
established accruals for liabilities. 

While the outcome of pending claims, legal and regulatory proceedings, and investigations cannot be predicted with 
certainty, management believes that any liabilities that may result from these claims, proceedings and investigations will not 
have a material effect on Woodward's liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations.

In the event of a change in control of Woodward, as defined in change-in-control agreements with its current corporate 

officers, Woodward may be required to pay termination benefits to such officers.

Note 20.  Segment information

Woodward serves the aerospace, industrial and energy markets through its two reportable segments - Aerospace and 

Industrial.  Woodward’s reportable segments are aggregations of Woodward’s operating segments.  Woodward uses 
operating segment information internally to manage its business, including the assessment of operating segment performance 
and decisions for the allocation of resources between operating segments.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward changed the name of its Energy segment to Industrial.  The term 
“energy” is largely viewed as “oil and gas” and therefore was not representative of the broader markets Woodward serves in 
this segment.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those of the Company.  Woodward evaluates segment 

profit or loss based on internal performance measures for each segment in a given period.  In connection with that 
assessment, Woodward excludes matters such as certain charges for restructuring costs, interest income and expense, certain 
gains and losses from asset dispositions, or other non-recurring and/or non-operationally related expenses.  

97

A summary of consolidated net sales and earnings by segment follows:

Segment external net sales:

Aerospace

Industrial

Total consolidated net sales

Segment earnings:

Aerospace

Industrial

Total segment earnings

Nonsegment expenses

Interest expense, net

Consolidated earnings before income taxes

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,233,176

789,902

2,023,078

232,166

82,237

314,403

(63,166)

(24,751)

$

$

$

1,160,883

877,420

2,038,303

187,747

126,641

314,388

(49,362)

(24,077)

226,486

$

240,949

$

1,084,025

917,215

2,001,240

159,200

134,278

293,478

(43,701)

(22,533)

227,244

Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant, and equipment, net, goodwill, and other 
intangibles, net.  A summary of consolidated total assets, consolidated depreciation and amortization and consolidated capital
expenditures follows:

Segment assets:

Aerospace

Industrial

Total segment assets

Unallocated corporate property, plant and equipment, net

Other unallocated assets

Consolidated total assets

Segment depreciation and amortization:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total segment depreciation and amortization

Unallocated corporate amounts

Consolidated depreciation and amortization

Segment capital expenditures:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total segment capital expenditures

Unallocated corporate amounts

Consolidated capital expenditures

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

1,637,522

$

1,566,421

$

705,169

2,342,691

89,988

209,683

653,848

2,220,269

85,834

206,301

1,440,355

610,345

2,050,700

72,992

234,911

2,642,362

$

2,512,404

$

2,358,603

40,825

$

46,488

$

20,412

61,237

7,799

20,768

67,256

7,979

69,036

$

75,235

$

90,749

$

150,021

$

62,065

152,814

22,878

113,292

263,313

23,299

175,692

$

286,612

$

46,895

22,672

69,567

7,786

77,353

134,307

55,780

190,087

17,019

207,106

$

$

$

$

$

$

Sales to General Electric were made by both of Woodward’s reportable segments and totaled approximately 17% of net 
sales in fiscal year 2016, 18% of net sales in fiscal year 2015, and 15% of net sales in fiscal year 2014.  Accounts receivable 
from General Electric totaled approximately 14% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 and 15% of accounts 
receivable at September 30, 2015.

98

U.S. Government related sales from Woodward’s reportable segments were as follows:

Year ended September 30, 2016

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total net external sales 

Percentage of total net sales 

Year ended September 30, 2015

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total net external sales 

Percentage of total net sales 

Year ended September 30, 2014

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total net external sales 

Percentage of total net sales 

Direct U.S. 
Government Sales

Indirect U.S. 
Government Sales

Total U.S. 
Government Related 
Sales

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

103,026

6,550

109,576

5%

92,322

4,836

97,158

5%

76,982

2,517

79,499

4%

$

$

$

$

$

$

310,952

9,845

320,797

16%

258,391

8,839

267,230

13%

254,806

5,588

260,394

13%

413,978

16,395

430,373

21%

350,713

13,675

364,388

18%

331,788

8,105

339,893

17%

Accounts receivable from the U.S. Government totaled approximately 2% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 

and 3% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2015.

The customers who account for approximately 10% or more of sales to each of Woodward’s reportable segments for the 

fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 follow:

Aerospace

Industrial

Customer
Boeing, United Technologies
General Electric

Net sales by geographical area, as determined by the location of the customer invoiced, were as follows:

United States 

Europe (1)

Asia

Other countries 

Consolidated net sales

Year Ended September 30,

2016

2015

2014

1,118,833

$

1,054,895

$

1,025,149

537,901

228,683

137,661

569,322

241,875

172,211

519,721

299,755

156,615

2,023,078

$

2,038,303

$

2,001,240

$

$

(1) As a percentage of consolidated net sales, net sales to customers in Germany accounted for 10% for the year ended 

September 30, 2016, 10% for the year ended September 30, 2015 and 9% for the year ended September 30, 2014.

99

Property, plant, and equipment, net by geographical area, as determined by the physical location of the assets, were as 

follows:

United States 

Germany 

Other countries 

Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net

At September 30,

2016

2015

$

$

826,225

$

24,468

25,657

876,350

$

704,686

25,634

25,780

756,100

Note 21.  Supplemental quarterly financial data (Unaudited)

Quarterly results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 follow:

Net sales 

Gross margin (2)  

Earnings before income taxes  

Net earnings

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cash dividends per share 

Net sales 

Gross margin (2)  

Earnings before income taxes  

Net earnings

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cash dividends per share 

Notes:

2016 Fiscal Quarters

First (1)

Second

Third

Fourth

$

445,110

$

479,382

$

507,664

$

111,733

27,956

25,820

0.41

0.40

0.10

133,243

54,366

40,824

0.66

0.65

0.11

136,942

63,408

51,047

0.83

0.81

0.11

590,922

165,620

80,756

63,147

1.03

0.99

0.11

2015 Fiscal Quarters

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

487,646

$

493,222

$

494,810

$

143,886

57,072

43,784

0.67

0.66

0.08

137,620

57,591

43,855

0.67

0.66

0.10

143,389

57,559

43,753

0.68

0.66

0.10

562,625

159,690

68,727

50,060

0.79

0.77

0.10

1. Results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 include special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related 

to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.  

2. Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold excluding amortization expense.

100

Quarterly results by segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 follow:

Segment external net sales:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total 

Segment earnings:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total 

Earnings reconciliation:

Total segment earnings 

Nonsegment expenses (1)

Interest expense, net 

Consolidated earnings before income taxes 

Segment external net sales:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total 

Segment earnings:

Aerospace 

Industrial

Total 

Earnings reconciliation:

Total segment earnings 

Nonsegment expenses 

Interest expense, net 

Consolidated earnings before income taxes 

Notes:

2016 Fiscal Quarters

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

$

$

$

$

268,599

176,511

445,110

43,486

21,551

65,037

65,037

(30,620)

(6,461)

$

$

$

$

$

290,690

188,692

479,382

50,578

19,469

70,047

70,047

(9,888)

(5,793)

$

$

$

$

$

308,582

199,082

507,664

57,726

21,963

79,689

79,689

(10,369)

(5,912)

27,956

$

54,366

$

63,408

$

365,305

225,617

590,922

80,376

19,254

99,630

99,630

(12,289)

(6,585)

80,756

2015 Fiscal Quarters

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

$

$

$

$

255,770

231,876

487,646

35,793

39,268

75,061

75,061

(12,167)

(5,822)

$

$

$

$

$

281,426

211,796

493,222

45,628

27,224

72,852

72,852

(10,153)

(5,108)

$

$

$

$

$

288,480

206,330

494,810

46,362

30,619

76,981

76,981

(13,564)

(5,858)

57,072

$

57,591

$

57,559

$

335,207

227,418

562,625

59,964

29,530

89,494

89,494

(13,478)

(7,289)

68,727

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1. The results for Nonsegement expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 include special charges totaling 

approximately $16,100 related to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current 
market conditions.  

101

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There have been no disagreements or any reportable events requiring disclosure under Item 304(b) of Regulation S-K.

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be 

disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) is recorded, processed, 
summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  These disclosure controls and 
procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed 
in the reports that we file or submit under the Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Principal 
Executive Officer (Thomas A. Gendron, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President) and Principal 
Financial and Accounting Officer (Robert F. Weber, Jr., Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer), as 
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Thomas A. Gendron and Robert F. Weber, Jr., evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of 
the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K.  Based on their evaluations, they concluded that our disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  

We have evaluated the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting using the criteria established in Internal 
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(COSO) and, based on that evaluation, have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was 
effective as of September 30, 2016, the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal year.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, conducted an audit of Woodward’s internal 

control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, as stated in their report included in “Item 9A. – Controls and 
Procedures.”  

Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and 

principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our Board of Directors, management, 
and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of 
our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Internal control 
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the Company;

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or 
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter ended 

September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting.

102

  
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Woodward, Inc.
Fort Collins, Colorado

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Woodward, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 
September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control 
over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial 
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and 
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's 
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's 
board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of 
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company 
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the 
company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or 
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on 
a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
September 30, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended September 30, 2016 of the
Company and our report dated November 16, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and 
financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Denver, Colorado
November 16, 2016

103

Item 9B.

Other Information

None.

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

PART III

The information required by this item relating to our directors and nominees, regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of 

the Securities Act of 1934, and regarding our Audit Committee is included under the captions “Board of Directors,” “Board 
Meetings and Committees – Audit Committee” (including information with respect to audit committee financial experts), 
“Stock Ownership of Management,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy 
Statement related to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017 and is incorporated herein by reference.  
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of
directors.

The information required by this item relating to the identities and background of our executive officers and other 

corporate officers is included under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 1 of this report.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer and our 

principal financial and accounting officer.  This code of ethics is posted on our Website.  The Internet address for our 
Website is www.woodward.com, and the code of ethics may be found from our main Web page by clicking first on 
“Investors” and then on “Corporate Governance,” and then on “Woodward Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics.” 

We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver 
from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information to our Website, at the address and location specified 
above.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Information regarding executive compensation is under the captions “Board Meetings and Committees – Director 
Compensation,” “Board Meetings and Committees – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” 
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report on Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” 
“Executive Compensation” and “Board Meetings and Committees – Compensation Committee – Risk Assessment” in our 
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017, and is incorporated herein by 
reference, except the section captioned “Compensation Committee Report on Compensation Discussion and Analysis” is 
hereby “furnished” and not “filed” with this Form 10-K.

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters 
is under the tables captioned “Stock Ownership of Management,” “Persons Owning More Than Five Percent of Woodward 
Stock,” and “Executive Compensation – Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information set forth under “Board Meetings and Committees – Related Person Transaction Policies and 

Procedures,” “Board of Directors” and “Audit Committee Report to Stockholders” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual 
Meeting of the Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference except the section captioned 
“Audit Committee Report” is hereby “furnished” and not “filed” with this Form 10-K. 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is under the captions “Audit Committee Report to 
Stockholders – Audit Committee’s Policy on Pre-Approval of Services Provided by Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm” and “Audit Committee Report to Stockholders – Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 25, 2017, and is incorporated herein 
by reference.

104

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

PART IV

(a) 

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 
2015, and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings for the fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 
2016, 2015, and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a) 

(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule:

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Page Number in 
Form 10-K

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

110

Financial statements and schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not 

applicable, are not required, or the information is included in the financial statements or the footnotes.

(a) 

‡

‡

‡

‡

(3)

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

Exhibits Filed as Part of This Report:

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended October 3, 2007, filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to 
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 20, 2008

Bylaws of Woodward, Inc., as amended and restated on November 10, 2015, filed as Exhibit 
3.2 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 12, 2015

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, dated January 23, 2008, filed as 
Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 20, 2008 

Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated January 26, 2011, 
filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2011

†‡

10.1

Long-Term Management Incentive Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed December 22, 2000 

*†‡

10.2

Summary Description of the Woodward Variable Incentive Plan

†‡

10.3

†‡

10.4

†‡

10.5

2002 Stock Option Plan, effective January 1, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10(iii) to Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2002 

Form of Outside Director Stock Purchase Agreement with James L. Rulseh, filed as Exhibit 10(j) 
to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed December 9, 2002 

2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, effective January 25, 2006, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registration 
Statement on Form S-8 filed April 28, 2006

105

 
 
†‡

10.6

†‡

10.7

†‡

10.8

†‡

10.9

†‡

10.10

†‡

10.11

‡

‡

10.12

10.13

Amendment No. 1 to the Woodward, Inc. 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, effective as of January 
26, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 16, 2011

Material Definitive Agreement with A. Christopher Fawzy, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed July 25, 2007

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed November 21, 2007

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Annual Report on 
Form 10-K filed November 15, 2012

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Annual Report on 
Form 10-K filed November 14, 2013

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed January 22, 2014

Credit Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2013, by and among the Company, the foreign subsidiary 
borrowers party thereto, the institutions party thereto as lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as administrative agent, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
July 16, 2013

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated April 28, 2015, and the conformed Credit 
Agreement by and among the Company, certain foreign subsidiary borrowers of the Company 
from time to time parties thereto, the institutions from time to time parties thereto, as lenders, 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 20, 2015

†‡

10.14

Chad Preiss Promotion Letter dated October 1, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Annual Report on 
Form 10-K filed November 20, 2008

‡

‡

‡

‡

‡

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

*‡

10.20

*‡

10.21

‡

10.22

Note Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, by and among the Company and the 
purchasers named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 7, 
2008

Amendment No. 1 to 2008 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013, by and 
among the Company and the noteholders named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed October 4, 2013 

Note Purchase Agreement, dated April 3, 2009, by and among the Company and the purchasers 
named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 8, 2009

Amendment No. 1 to 2009 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013, by and 
among the Company and the noteholders named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed October 4, 2013

Note Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2013, by and among the Company and the 
purchasers named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 4, 
2013

Note Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2016, by and among the Company and the 
purchasers named therein

Note Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2016, by and among Woodward International 
Holding B.V. and the purchasers named therein

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2012, by and among the Company, 
Woodward HRT, Inc. GE Aviation Systems LLC and General Electric Company, filed as 
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 28, 2012

106

†‡

10.23

†‡

10.24

†‡

10.25

†‡

10.26

†‡

10.27

†‡

10.28

†‡

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

‡

‡

‡

‡

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Form of Change in Control Agreement for the Company’s principal executive officer and other 
executive officers other than the Company’s principal financial officer, filed as Exhibit 10.25 to 
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 12, 2014

Form of Change in Control Agreement for the Company’s principal financial officer, filed as 
Exhibit 10.26 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 12, 2014

Executive Benefit Plan, as amended and restated as of September 18, 2013, filed as Exhibit 
10.31 to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed November 14, 2013 

James D. Rudolph Promotion Letter, dated February 10, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed April 27, 2011

Mr. Martin V. Glass employment letter, dated April 27, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed July 26, 2011

Sagar Patel employment letter, dated June 17, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed July 26, 2011 

Woodward Retirement Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2016, 
filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed February 9, 2016

Purchase and Sale Agreement between Woodward, Inc. and General Electric Company dated 
January 4, 2016 filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2016

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Convergence Fuel Systems,
LLC, dated January 4, 2016 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 
2016

Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) Master Confirmation Agreement dated June 2, 2015, filed 
as Exhibit 10.3 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 20, 2015

Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) Supplemental Confirmation Agreement dated June 2, 
2015, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 20, 2015

Subsidiaries

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Thomas A. Gendron

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Robert F. Weber, Jr.

Section 1350 certifications

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

107

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following materials from Woodward, Inc.’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting 
Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 
Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

†

‡

*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Report (file number 000-08408, unless otherwise 
indicated).

Filed as an exhibit to this Report.

108

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused 
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Date:  November 16, 2016

/s/ THOMAS A. GENDRON

WOODWARD, INC.

Thomas A. Gendron
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, 
and President
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:  November 16, 2016

/s/ ROBERT F. WEBER, JR.

Robert F. Weber, Jr.
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and 
Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature

/s/ John D. Cohn
John D. Cohn

/s/ Paul Donovan
Paul Donovan

/s/ Thomas A. Gendron
Thomas A. Gendron

/s/ John A. Halbrook
John A. Halbrook

/s/ Mary L. Petrovich
Mary L. Petrovich

/s/ Larry E. Rittenberg
Larry E. Rittenberg

/s/ James R. Rulseh
James R. Rulseh

/s/ Ronald M. Sega
Ronald M. Sega

/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack

Gregg C. Sengstack

/s/ Jonathan W. Thayer
Jonathan W. Thayer

Date

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

November 16, 2016

Title

Director

Director

Chairman of the Board 
and Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

109

WOODWARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014

(in thousands)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Additions

Column D

Column E

Description

Fiscal year 2016

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Year

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses

Charged to 
Other Accounts 
(a)

Deductions (b)

Balance at End 
of Year

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

$

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

$

3,841

6,804

Fiscal year 2015

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Fiscal year 2014

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Notes:

7,078

9,486

8,872

11,783

255

53

364

209

1,283

271

(a)

Includes recoveries of accounts previously written off. 

$

233

$

(1,789) $

-

(3,540)

487

-

916

-

(4,088)

(2,891)

(3,993)

(2,568)

2,540

3,317

3,841

6,804

7,078

9,486

(b) Represents accounts receivable written off against the allowance for collectible accounts and releases of 

valuation reserves to income tax expense.  Also included are foreign currency exchange rate adjustments.  
Currency translation adjustments resulted in an increase in the reserves of $77 in fiscal year 2016, a decrease in 
the reserve of $934 in fiscal year 2015, and a decrease in the reserve of $704 in fiscal year 2014. 

110

CORPORATE INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JOHN D. COHN
Senior Vice President 
	 Asia	Business	Planning	and	Execution	 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.

JOHN A. HALBROOK
Retired Chairman  
	 and	Chief	Executive	Officer 
Woodward, Inc.

PAUL DONOVAN
Retired Executive Vice President  
	 and	Chief	Financial	Officer	 
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

THOMAS A. GENDRON
Chairman,	Chief	Executive	Officer	 
  and President  
Woodward, Inc.

MARY L. PETROVICH
Senior	Advisor	–	Private	Equity 
Carlyle Group and American  
Security Partners

LARRY E. RITTENBERG
Professor Emeritus 
University of Wisconsin

JAMES R. RULSEH
President 
JRR & Associates, LLC

RONALD M. SEGA
Director	–	Systems	Engineering 

 Programs and Special Assistant to  
the Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives

Colorado State University

GREGG C. SENGSTACK
Chairman	of	the	Board	 
	 and	Chief	Executive	Officer 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

JONATHAN W. THAYER
Senior Executive Vice President  
	 and	Chief	Financial	Officer 
Exelon Corporation

OFFICERS

THOMAS A. GENDRON
Chairman,	Chief	Executive	Officer 
  and President

ROBERT F. WEBER, JR.
Vice	Chairman,	Chief	Financial	Officer 
  and Treasurer

MARTIN V. GLASS
President, Airframe Systems

INVESTOR INFORMATION

WOODWARD, INC.
Corporate Headquarters 
1081 Woodward Way 
Fort Collins, CO 80524 
1-970-482-5811 
www.woodward.com

INVESTOR INFORMATION
Investor.Relations@woodward.com 
1-815-639-2340

TRANSFER AGENT  
AND REGISTRAR
American Stock Transfer  
& Trust Company 
Shareholder Services 
6201 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn,	NY	11219 
1-800-937-5449 
www.amstock.com

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SAGAR A. PATEL
President, Aircraft Turbine Systems

CHAD R. PREISS
President, Industrial Systems

A. CHRISTOPHER FAWZY
Corporate Vice President, General  
  Counsel, Corporate Secretary  
	 and	Chief	Compliance	Officer

JAMES D. RUDOLPH
Corporate Vice President

STEVEN J. MEYER
Corporate Vice President, 
Human Resources

MATTHEW F. TAYLOR
Corporate Vice President,  
Supply Chain

MATT R. COOK
Corporate Vice President, 
Information Technology

STOCKHOLDER ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
Stockholders who wish to change the 
address or ownership of stock, report  
lost	certificates,	eliminate	duplicate	
mailings, or for other account registration 
procedures and assistance, should contact 
the Transfer Agent at the address or phone 
number listed.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN  
AND DIRECT DEPOSIT OF DIVIDENDS
Woodward offers stockholders of record 
a	convenient	Dividend	Reinvestment	
and	Direct	Stock	Purchase	and	Sale	Plan.	
Through this Plan, shareholders have 
options to purchase or sell shares of 
Woodward stock, have their dividends 
automatically reinvested in Woodward, 
and to make periodic supplemental cash 
payments to purchase additional shares.

For further information and an 
authorization form, contact the Transfer 
Agent at the address or phone number  
on this page.

ANNUAL MEETING
January	25,	2017,	at	8:00	a.m.	MST 
Embassy Suites Loveland 
4705	Clydesdale	Parkway 
Loveland,	CO	80538

STOCK EXCHANGE
NASDAQ	Global	Select	Market 
Ticker	Symbol:	WWD

SEC	filings	are	available	on	our	 
website at www.woodward.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  
EMPLOYER STATEMENT
It is Woodward’s policy to provide equal 
employment	opportunity	for	all	qualified	
members and applicants without regard  
to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender 
identity, national origin, disability, 
veteran’s or marital status, genetic 
information, or other protected class,  
and to base all employment decisions 
so as to further this principle of equal 
employment opportunity.

 
	
	
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

WOODWARD IS AN 

OUR AEROSPACE systems and components 

optimize the performance of fi xed wing and 

INDEPENDENT DESIGNER, 

rotorcraft platforms in commercial, business 

and military aircraft, ground vehicles and other 

MANUFACTURER, AND 

equipment. OUR INDUSTRIAL systems and 

components enhance the performance of gas and 

SERVICE PROVIDER OF 

steam turbines, reciprocating engines, compressors, 

wind turbines, electrical grids and other energy 

CONTROL SOLUTIONS 

related industrial equipment. The company’s 

innovative fl uid energy, combustion control,  

FOR THE AEROSPACE AND 

electrical energy, and motion control systems help 

customers offer cleaner, more reliable and more 

INDUSTRIAL MARKETS.

effi cient equipment. OUR CUSTOMERS include 

leading original equipment manufacturers and end 

users of their products.

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2016

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

1081 Woodward Way

PO Box 1519

Fort Collins, Colorado 80522-1519 USA

970-482-5811

WWW.WOODWARD.COM

Always Innovating for a Better Future