CAE winds down legacy deals

CAE INC. $30 is still a buy. The company (Toronto symbol CAE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 318.6 million; Market cap: $9.6 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.0; Dividend suspended in March 2020; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.cae.com) is a leading maker of flight simulators for commercial and military aircraft. It also operates pilot-training schools in over 40 countries.

CAE continues to wind down unfavourable fixed-cost legacy contracts at its defence business. These legacy deals prevent it from passing along its rising costs for labour and raw materials. The company expects to complete remaining contracts over the next two years.

Excluding unusual items, CAE’s earnings in its fiscal 2025 second quarter, which ended September 30, 2024, fell 10.6%, to $76.2 million from $85.2 million. Earnings per share declined at a slower rate of 7.7%, to $0.24 from $0.26, on fewer shares outstanding. However, revenue rose 8.2%, to $1.14 billion from $1.05 billion.

CAE has also agreed to increase its 50% stake in the SIMCOM Aviation Training joint venture, which operates pilot training facilities in Florida. It will pay $230 million U.S., which will give it an undisclosed controlling stake in this business. The deal should immediately add to its earnings.

CAE remains a buy.

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