OREANDA-NEWS. May 26, 2016. HEICO CORPORATION (NYSE:HEI.A) (NYSE:HEI) today reported that net income increased 17% to a record \\$38.7 million, or 57 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$33.1 million, or 49 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  In the first six months of fiscal 2016, net income increased 15% to \\$69.9 million, or \\$1.03 per diluted share (after a \\$.03 reduction related to nonrecurring acquisition costs incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2016), up from \\$60.7 million, or 90 cents per diluted share, in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Operating income increased 20% to \\$66.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$55.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  In the first six months of fiscal 2016, operating income increased 17% to \\$119.4 million, up from \\$102.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

The Company's consolidated operating margin was 19.0% and 19.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The Company's consolidated operating margin was 18.2% and 18.3% in the first six months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s consolidated operating income and consolidated operating margin in the first six months of fiscal 2016 reflect a \\$3.1 million and .5% reduction, respectively, for nonrecurring expenses related to a first quarter 2016 acquisition.

Net sales increased 20% to a record \\$350.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$291.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  In the first six months of fiscal 2016, net sales increased 17% to \\$656.9 million, up from \\$559.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Consolidated Results

Laurans A. Mendelson, HEICO’s Chairman and CEO, commented on the Company's second quarter results stating, "We are very pleased to report record quarterly results in consolidated net sales and net income driven by record net sales at both operating segments and record operating income at the Electronic Technologies Group.  Our outstanding performance reflects profitable contributions to earnings from the fiscal 2015 and 2016 acquisitions, strong quarterly organic growth within the Electronic Technologies Group and continued increased demand within our Flight Support Group's aftermarket replacement parts and specialty products lines.

Cash flow provided by operating activities was very strong, increasing 58% to \\$102.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2016, representing 147% of net income, as compared to \\$64.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Our net debt to shareholders' equity ratio was 53.8% as of April 30, 2016, with net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) of \\$526.1 million principally incurred to fund acquisitions in fiscal 2016 and 2015.  We have no significant debt maturities until fiscal 2019 and plan to utilize our financial flexibility to aggressively pursue high quality acquisition opportunities to accelerate growth and maximize shareholder returns.

As we look ahead to the remainder of fiscal 2016, we anticipate organic growth within our aftermarket replacement parts and specialty products product lines that serve the commercial aviation markets moderated by softer demand for certain component repairs and overhauls.  We expect organic growth within the Electronic Technologies Group reflecting increased demand for the majority of our products.  During the remainder of fiscal 2016, we plan to continue our focus on new product development, further market penetration, executing our acquisition strategies and maintaining our financial strength.

Based on our current economic visibility, we are increasing our estimated consolidated fiscal 2016 year-over-year growth in net sales to 15% - 17% and net income to 12% - 14%, up from prior growth estimates in net sales of 14% - 16% and growth in net income of 10% - 13%.  Additionally, we anticipate our consolidated full year operating margin to approximate 18.5% - 19.0%, depreciation and amortization expense of approximately \\$62 million, capital expenditures to approximate \\$32 million and cash flow from operations to approximate \\$220 million."

Flight Support Group

Eric A. Mendelson, HEICO's Co-President and President of HEICO's Flight Support Group, commented on the Flight Support Group's second quarter results stating, "Our record quarterly results in net sales and continued year-over-year improvement in operating income principally reflect strong contributions from our fiscal 2015 acquisitions and organic growth in our aftermarket replacement parts and specialty products product lines.

The Flight Support Group's net sales increased 9% to a record \\$220.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$202.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  The Flight Support Group's net sales increased 10% to \\$424.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from \\$384.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 mostly reflects net sales contributed by our fiscal 2015 acquisitions as well as organic growth of 4% and 3%, respectively.  The organic growth in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 is principally attributed to increased demand and new product offerings within our aftermarket replacement parts and specialty products product lines.  Additionally, these increases were partially offset by lower net sales from our repair and overhaul parts and services product line principally resulting from softness in demand from our South American markets.  Excluding our repair and overhaul parts and services product line, the Flight Support Group experienced organic revenue growth of 7% and 6% in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016, respectively.

The Flight Support Group's operating income increased 10% to \\$41.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$37.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.  The Flight Support Group's operating income increased 13% to \\$76.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from \\$68.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 is mainly attributed to the previously mentioned net sales growth and the gross profit margin impact from favorable net sales volumes and product mix within our aftermarket replacement parts and specialty products product lines.  These increases were partially offset by the impact from the previously mentioned decrease in net sales within the repair and overhaul parts and services product line, changes in the estimated fair value of accrued contingent consideration associated with a prior year acquisition and higher performance-based compensation expense.  Additionally, the first six months of fiscal 2016 reflects an increase in amortization expense of intangible assets.

The Flight Support Group's operating margin increased to 18.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from 18.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  The Flight Support Group's operating margin increased to 18.1% in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from 17.7% in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 principally reflects the previously mentioned improved gross profit margin partially offset by the changes in the estimated fair value of accrued contingent consideration and higher performance-based compensation expense.  Additionally, the first six months of fiscal 2016 reflects the previously mentioned increase in amortization expense of intangible assets.

With respect to the remainder of fiscal 2016, we continue to estimate the Flight Support Group’s full year net sales growth to be between 8% - 10% and the full year Flight Support Group operating margin to approximate that of fiscal year 2015.”

Electronic Technologies Group

Victor H. Mendelson, HEICO's Co-President and President of HEICO’s Electronic Technologies Group, commented on the Electronic Technologies Group's second quarter results stating, "Our record quarterly results in net sales and operating income were driven principally by strong financial contributions from our fiscal 2015 and 2016 acquisitions and increased customer demand for certain defense and space products.

The Electronic Technologies Group's net sales increased 46% to a record \\$132.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$91.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  The Electronic Technologies Group's net sales increased 31% to \\$236.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from \\$180.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 reflects net sales contributed by our fiscal 2016 and 2015 acquisitions, as well as organic growth of 12% and 8%, respectively.  The organic growth in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 mainly resulted from increased demand for certain defense and space products.

The Electronic Technologies Group's operating income increased 50% to a record \\$33.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from \\$22.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  The Electronic Technologies Group's operating income increased 34% to \\$55.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from \\$41.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 is mainly attributed to the previously mentioned net sales growth and favorable product mix for certain defense and space products, partially offset by an increase in amortization expense of intangible assets and higher performance-based compensation expense.  Additionally, the first six months of fiscal 2016 reflects the \\$3.1 million in acquisition costs associated with the first quarter of fiscal 2016 acquisition.

The Electronic Technologies Group's operating margin improved to 25.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, up from 24.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  The Electronic Technologies Group's operating margin improved to 23.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2016, up from 23.1% in the first six months of fiscal 2015.  The increase in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2016 principally reflects the previously mentioned net sales growth and favorable product mix partially offset by the increase in amortization expense of intangible assets and higher performance-based compensation expense.  Additionally, the first six months of fiscal 2016 reflects the previously mentioned acquisition costs which reduced the Electronic Technologies Group’s operating margin by 1.3%.

With respect to the remainder of fiscal 2016, we are increasing our estimate for the Electronic Technologies Group’s full year net sales growth to be between 29% - 32%, up from 27% - 30%.  We continue to estimate the full year operating margin to approximate 24%.”

(NOTE:  HEICO has two classes of common stock traded on the NYSE.  Both classes, the Class A Common Stock (HEI.A) and the Common Stock (HEI), are virtually identical in all economic respects.  The only difference between the share classes is the voting rights.  The Class A Common Stock (HEI.A) has 1/10 vote per share and the Common Stock (HEI) has one vote per share.)

There are currently approximately 40.1 million shares of HEICO's Class A Common Stock (HEI.A) outstanding and 27.0 million shares of HEICO's Common Stock (HEI) outstanding.  The stock symbols for HEICO’s two classes of common stock on most websites are HEI.A and HEI.  However, some websites change HEICO's Class A Common Stock trading symbol (HEI.A) to HEI/A or HEIa.

As previously announced, HEICO will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss its second quarter results.  Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial:  U.S. and Canada (877) 586-4323, International (706) 679-0934, wait for the conference operator and provide the operator with the Conference ID 6216840.  A digital replay will be available two hours after the completion of the conference for 14 days.  To access, dial:  (404) 537-3406, and enter the Conference ID 6216840.

HEICO Corporation is engaged primarily in the design, production, servicing and distribution of products and services to certain niche segments of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunications and electronics industries through its Hollywood, Florida-based Flight Support Group and its Miami, Florida-based Electronic Technologies Group.  HEICO's customers include a majority of the world's airlines and overhaul shops, as well as numerous defense and space contractors and military agencies worldwide, in addition to medical, telecommunications and electronics equipment manufacturers.  For more information about HEICO, please visit our website at http://www.heico.com. 

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and contingencies.  HEICO's actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements as a result of factors including: lower demand for commercial air travel or airline fleet changes or airline purchasing decisions, which could cause lower demand for our goods and services; product specification costs and requirements, which could cause an increase to our costs to complete contracts; governmental and regulatory demands, export policies and restrictions, reductions in defense, space or homeland security spending by U.S. and/or foreign customers or competition from existing and new competitors, which could reduce our sales; our ability to introduce new products and services at profitable pricing levels, which could reduce our sales or sales growth; product development or manufacturing difficulties, which could increase our product development costs and delay sales; our ability to make acquisitions and achieve operating synergies from acquired businesses; customer credit risk; interest, foreign currency exchange and income tax rates; economic conditions within and outside of the aviation, defense, space, medical, telecommunications and electronics industries, which could negatively impact our costs and revenues; and defense budget cuts, which could reduce our defense-related revenue.  Parties receiving this material are encouraged to review all of HEICO's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to filings on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

HEICO CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

 Three Months Ended April 30, 
 2016 2015 
Net sales\\$350,648   \\$291,421   
Cost of sales 216,619    185,927   
Selling, general and administrative expenses 67,235    49,706   
Operating income 66,794    55,788   
Interest expense (2,333)   (1,146)  
Other income 568    362   
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests 65,029    55,004   
Income tax expense 21,300    16,500   
Net income from consolidated operations 43,729    38,504   
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 5,072    5,399   
Net income attributable to HEICO\\$38,657   \\$33,105   
     
Net income per share attributable to HEICO shareholders:    
  Basic \\$.58    \\$.50   
  Diluted \\$.57    \\$.49   
     
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:    
  Basic 66,923    66,711   
  Diluted 68,028    67,801   
     
 Three Months Ended April 30, 
 2016 2015 
Operating segment information:    
Net sales:    
Flight Support Group\\$220,290   \\$202,775   
Electronic Technologies Group 132,566    90,995   
Intersegment sales (2,208)   (2,349)   
 \\$350,648   \\$291,421   
     
Operating income:    
Flight Support Group\\$41,308   \\$37,545   
Electronic Technologies Group 33,402    22,206   
Other, primarily corporate (7,916)   (3,963)
  
 \\$66,794   \\$55,788   
           

HEICO CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

 Six Months Ended April 30,
  
  2016     2015   
Net sales\\$656,875   \\$559,606   
Cost of sales 410,650    360,315   
Selling, general and administrative expenses 126,810    97,097   
Operating income 119,415 (a)  102,194   
Interest expense (3,900)   (2,258)  
Other income 138    559   
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests 115,653    100,495   
Income tax expense 36,000    29,900   
Net income from consolidated operations 79,653    70,595   
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 9,725    9,850   
Net income attributable to HEICO\\$69,928 (a) \\$60,745   
            
Net income per share attributable to HEICO shareholders:    
  Basic\\$1.05 (a)  \\$.91   
  Diluted\\$1.03 (a)  \\$.90   
     
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:    
  Basic 66,899    66,653   
  Diluted 67,984    67,735   
     
 Six Months Ended April 30,
  
  2016     2015   
Operating segment information:           
Net sales:    
Flight Support Group\\$424,866   \\$384,832   
Electronic Technologies Group 236,718    180,216   
Intersegment sales (4,709)   (5,442)  
 \\$656,875   \\$559,606   
            
Operating income:           
Flight Support Group\\$76,788   \\$68,248   
Electronic Technologies Group 55,671    41,624   
Other, primarily corporate (13,044)   (7,678)  
 \\$119,415   \\$102,194   
           

HEICO CORPORATION
Footnotes to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
                                   

(a) During the first six months of fiscal 2016, the Company incurred \\$3.1 million of acquisition costs in connection with a fiscal 2016 acquisition.  These are one-time nonrecurring costs.  These expenses, net of tax, decreased net income attributable to HEICO by \\$2.0 million, or \\$.03 per basic and diluted share.

HEICO CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands)

 April 30, 2016
   October 31, 2015
  
Cash and cash equivalents\\$36,789   \\$33,603  
Accounts receivable, net 179,207    181,593  
Inventories, net 282,140    243,517  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 47,862    44,899  
Total current assets 545,998    503,612  
Property, plant and equipment, net 117,663    105,670  
Goodwill 868,569    766,639  
Intangible assets, net 386,651    272,593  
Other assets 98,231    87,873  
Total assets\\$2,017,112   \\$1,736,387  
          
Current maturities of long-term debt\\$355   \\$357  
Other current liabilities 161,473    168,030  
Total current liabilities 161,828    168,387  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities 562,575    367,241  
Deferred income taxes 109,778    110,588  
Other long-term liabilities 116,110    105,618  
Total liabilities 950,291    751,834  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 88,380    91,282  
Shareholders’ equity 978,441    893,271  
Total liabilities and equity\\$2,017,112   \\$1,736,387  
          

HEICO CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(in thousands)

 Six Months Ended April 30,
 2016 2015
Operating Activities:   
Net income from consolidated operations\\$79,653   \\$70,595  
Depreciation and amortization 29,183    23,141  
Share-based compensation expense 3,286    2,778  
Employer contributions to HEICO Savings and Investment Plan 3,266    2,596  
Foreign currency transaction adjustments, net 2,186    (2,247) 
Increase (decrease) in accrued contingent consideration 1,679    (1,058)
 
Deferred income tax benefit (1,168)   (1,851) 
Tax benefit from stock option exercises 870    1,405  
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises (870)   (1,405) 
Decrease in accounts receivable 7,875    2,039  
Increase in inventories (9,855)   (4,962) 
Decrease in current liabilities (9,595)   (19,826) 
Other (3,805)   (6,400) 
Net cash provided by operating activities 102,705    64,805  
    
Investing Activities:   
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (263,811)   (49,482) 
Capital expenditures (15,546)   (9,460) 
Other (3,241)   86  
Net cash used in investing activities (282,598)   (58,856) 
    
Financing Activities:   
Borrowings on revolving credit facility, net 194,000    696  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (5,507)   (4,733) 
Cash dividends paid (5,350)   (4,666) 
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests (3,599)   —  
Proceeds from stock option exercises 1,471    2,954  
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises 870    1,405  
Other (181)   (206) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 181,704    (4,550) 
    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1,375    (949) 
    
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,186    450  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 33,603    20,229  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period\\$36,789   \\$20,679