Consolidated net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 were $114.4 million, up 34.3% vs. the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The year-over-year growth was driven by increased sales in both Applied Technology and Engineered Films. In Applied Technology, demand for its precision ag technology remained robust, leading to strong year-over-year growth despite global supply chain constraints. In Engineered Films, the division experienced growth across all end-markets, led by construction, agriculture and geomembrane (including the energy sub-market), as market conditions continued to improve throughout the quarter. Aerostar's growth in core stratospheric and radar platforms was offset by the conclusion of Loon activity and a decrease in aerostat sales due to timing of contracts.

Consolidated operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was $8.3 million, vs. operating income of $6.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Included in the results for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was $5.2 million of investment in research and development and selling expenses to advance Raven Autonomy, compared to $4.0 million in the prior year. The second quarter of fiscal 2022 results also included $4.9 million of expenses associated with the proposed acquisition by CNH Industrial N.V. The Company generated significant year-over-year operating income growth within its core businesses driven by increased sales volume and corresponding operating leverage.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was $6.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $5.8 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in last year's second quarter. The Company's strategic investment in Raven Autonomy reduced net income attributable to Raven by $4.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $3.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the prior year. Expenses related to the proposed acquisition by CNH Industrial reduced net income attributable to Raven by $3.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share in the current year's second quarter.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2022, cash and cash equivalents totaled $13.1 million, decreasing $4.7 million versus the previous quarter. The sequential decrease in cash was driven by an increase in working capital needs as the Company fulfills substantial demand in Applied Technology and Engineered Films. Total liquidity at the end of the second quarter totaled $113.1 million.

Applied Technology Division

Net sales for Applied Technology in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 were $44.6 million, increasing $9.1 million or 25.6% vs. the second quarter of the prior year. Demand across the division's product portfolio remained very strong in the second quarter as favorable ag market conditions continued. These market conditions, combined with the division's industry-leading technology portfolio, led to year-over-year revenue growth in both the OEM and aftermarket channels.

Division operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was $8.5 million, up $2 million or 30.6% vs. the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Included in the results was investment in research and development and selling expenses to advance Raven Autonomy of $5.2 million on a pre-tax basis, an increase of $1.2 million vs. the prior year. Division operating income in the second quarter was adversely impacted by increased input costs associated with challenging supply chain conditions and material shortages.

Raven Industries Acquisition by CNH Industrial

On June 20, 2021, the Company entered into a merger agreement with CNH Industrial N.V. Under the terms of the agreement, CNH Industrial will acquire 100% of the capital stock of Raven Industries, Inc. for $58.00 per share, representing a $2.1 billion enterprise value. Closing is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of calendar 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval of Raven shareholders and receipt of regulatory approvals.

"Our Board and management team is excited about the partnership with CNH Industrial," said Dan Rykhus, president and CEO. "This partnership will further accelerate our ability to advance ag technology while also maximizing shareholder value. The process of completing the transaction is going well, and we remain on track to close during the fourth quarter of the current year."

Year-to-Date Performance

"I am very proud of our performance in the first half of fiscal 2022. Our team in Applied Technology has done an outstanding job navigating significant supply chain challenges to drive year-over-year revenue growth both domestically and internationally through our OEM and aftermarket channels. In addition, we have taken key steps in our Raven Autonomy strategy through advancing the technology and commercializing the initial use case of the OMNiDRIVE solution. In Engineered Films, volatility in resin pricing has created challenges, but we have executed extremely well in capitalizing on the economic rebound to drive substantial revenue growth across all of our end-markets. In Aerostar, we successfully executed multiple flight campaigns for our Department of Defense customers as we continue to showcase the capabilities of our industry-leading technology," concluded Rykhus.