Bombardier Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results, Announces Sale of Non-Core Assets and Strategic Actions to Streamline the Company and Drive Productivity
Earnings(1) up 48% year over year to $271M on $3.6B revenues Free cash flow usage(2) improved by $125M, 25% year over year ~$900M net proceeds expected mainly from the sale of non-core assets: Q Series program and Business Aircrafts flight and technical training activities(3) Global 7500(4) certified by Transport Canada and the FAA; on track for entry into service before year end Enterprise-wide productivity initiatives launched, expected to generate $250M in annual recurring savings by 2021(3) 2018 guidance(3) updated: Revenues ~$16.5B; EBIT(1) ~$1B; and free cash flow(2) breakeven ±$150M, including net proceeds from Downsview sale 2019 guidance(3) provided: Revenues targeted to grow by ~10%; EBIT(1) targeted to increase by ~20% with improved cash generation
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today reported its third quarter 2018 results marked by strong earnings growth. The Company also announced a number of strategic actions, including the launch of an enterprise-wide productivity program. This program is expected to generate annual savings of $250 million at full run rate, which we expect by 2021. Bombardier reached definitive agreements for the sale of non-core assets and the monetization of royalties, which is expected to generate approximately $900 million in net proceeds, increasing financial flexibility as the Company approaches the final deleveraging phase of its turnaround plan. Other highlights in the quarter include the certification of the Global 7500 business jet, paving the way for the aircrafts entry into service in December 2018, and marking the end of the Companys heavy investment cycle.
With our heavy investment cycle now completed, we continue to make solid progress executing our turnaround plan, said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. With todays announcements we have set in motion the next round of actions necessary to unleash the full potential of the Bombardier portfolio. During the earnings and cash flow building phase of our turnaround, we will continue to be proactive in focusing and streamlining the organization, and disciplined in the allocation of capital. I am very proud of what we have accomplished, and very excited about our future.
For the quarter, Bombardiers revenues reached $3.6 billion, representing 3% organic growth year over year, from Transportation, Business Aircraft and Aerostructures, as the Company deconsolidated revenues from the C Series program following the closing of the Airbus partnership. For the full year, Bombardier expects revenues of approximately $16.5 billion, at the low end of its guidance range.
The Company delivered strong profitability in the third quarter, achieving its best quarterly performance in years. EBIT before special items(2) grew 48% year over year to $271 million, and the Company remains on track to reach the top end of its guidance for the full year of approximately $1.0 billion. Over the same period, EBIT margin before special items(2) increased by 260 basis points to 7.4%, as margins(5) continued to trend above 8% at Transportation, Business Aircraft and Aerostructures. At Commercial Aircraft, EBIT before special items was near the breakeven point due to the deconsolidation of C Series losses net of the associated equity pick-up.
Free cash flow usage for the quarter was $370 million, an improvement of 25% year over year. Cash usage in the third quarter was driven by working capital build-up at Transportation, as the Company continues to work through the intense delivery phase. This will carry through the fourth quarter, and is targeted to largely recover in 2019. As a result, Bombardier is adjusting its free cash flow guidance for 2018 to include the Downsview proceeds. With this, the Company still expects reported free cash flow for the full year to be breakeven plus or minus $150 million.
Focusing the Portfolio, Divesting Non-Core Assets
Bombardier also announced today the sale of a number of non-core assets, in line with its strategy of focusing on growth opportunities in its Transportation, Business Aircraft and Aerostructures segments. The Company entered into definitive agreements for (i) the sale of the Q Series aircraft program and de Havilland trademark to a wholly owned subsidiary of Longview Aviation Capital Corp. for approximately $300 million; and (ii) the sale of Business Aircrafts flight and technical training activities to CAE and the monetization of royalties for approximately $800 million.
Both transactions are expected to close by the second half of 2019, following the usual regulatory approvals. Net proceeds from the transactions are expected to be approximately $900 million after the assumption of certain liabilities, fees, and closing adjustments.
Streamlining the Organization
Bombardier also launched a new enterprise-wide productivity program to further streamline, lean out and simplify the Company. The initiative includes two actions. First, with the heavy aerospace investment phase successfully completed, Bombardier will right-size and redeploy its central aerospace engineering team. Key engineering team members will be redeployed to the business segments, with the largest group moving to Business Aircraft, to ensure they have all the necessary capabilities for future business jet development programs.
Bombardier will also establish a new Advanced Technologies Office (ATO), which will be led by François Caza, who has been appointed Bombardiers Chief Technology Officer. The ATO will focus on systems design and engineering, including applying experience from Bombardiers aerospace programs to its rail transportation business.
In addition to right-sizing and redeploying central engineering, Bombardier has launched a company-wide restructuring initiative focused on optimizing production and management processes, flattening management structures and further reducing indirect costs.
Collectively, these actions will result in a reduction of approximately 5,000 positions across the organization over the next 12 to 18 months, leading to annualized savings of approximately $250 million at full run rate, which we expect by 2021. Bombardier anticipates recording a restructuring charge in 2019 of approximately the same amount as special items.(3)
In parallel, the Company continued to strengthen its leadership team, with the appointment of Sam Abdelmalek as Chief Transformation and Supply Chain Officer in October. Bombardier also announced today that Danny Di Perna has been appointed President, Aerostructures and Engineering Services (BAES), effective immediately. Michael Ryan will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer for BAES. Together, they will focus on accelerating productivity, achieving world-class financial and operational performance, and delivering on the Companys growth potential.
Introducing 2019 Guidance
With the numerous portfolio announcements made today, Bombardier introduced its guidance for the 2019 fiscal year. Revenues are targeted to grow by approximately 10% to $18 billion or more, as deliveries of the Global 7500 business jet accelerate. Profitability is anticipated to grow at a faster pace, with EBIT before special items targeted to grow by approximately 20% to a range of $1.15 billion to $1.25 billion, and EBITDA before special items(2) anticipated to increase by approximately 30% to a range of $1.65 billion to $1.8 billion.
Bombardier is targeting to achieve free cash flow generation in the range of $250 million to $500 million, which is anticipated to be offset by the $250 million restructuring charge mentioned above, as well as a $250 million contingency to reflect the working capital volatility as the Company progresses through its intense growth phase at Business Aircraft and Transportation. Accordingly, free cash flow guidance for 2019 is targeting breakeven plus or minus $250 million.
Bombardier is also reaffirming its 2020 financial targets, even after the divestiture of the Q Series program and Business Aircrafts flight and technical training activities. Further details on the Companys financial performance and growth opportunities will be provided at Bombardiers Investor Day on Thursday, December 6, 2018.
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