StandardAero Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings

Growth Driven By Solid Execution & Strength Across End Markets

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- StandardAero (NYSE: SARO) announced results today for its third quarter ended September 30, 2024 (“Third Quarter 2024”).

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Revenue increased 13.2% year-over-year to $1,244.6 million
• Net Income was $16.4 million; Net Income Margin was 1.3%
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 26.0% year-over-year to $168.4 million
• Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 13.5%, an increase of 137 basis points compared to the prior year’s quarter
• Capital expenditures were $25.3 million, reflecting continued investment in growth initiatives including the LEAP-1A/-1B program and the CFM56 Center of Excellence greenfield facility in Dallas
• Acquired Aero Turbine Inc. (“ATI”) to expand component repair capabilities and add complementary military platforms

Post-Quarter Highlights

• Completed $1.7 billion initial public offering (“IPO”), with $1.2 billion net primary proceeds used to pay down debt and significantly de-lever the business
• Refinanced capital structure with new term loan and revolving credit facility that increase liquidity, extend maturities, and are expected to result in over $130 million in annual interest savings compared to pre-IPO levels

“We are very pleased to report strong results following our recent initial public offering. Our quarterly performance reflects strong growth from higher volumes and solid execution, particularly within the commercial aerospace and business aviation markets where we continue to see robust demand,” said Russell Ford, StandardAero’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Furthermore, following our successful IPO, we significantly delevered the balance sheet, providing increased financial flexibility as we pursue our strategic initiatives. With a clear leadership position in the aerospace engine aftermarket, strong team, and a winning strategy to create value for our stakeholders, we are confident in our ability to continue to grow and execute in the years to come.”

Third Quarter 2024 Consolidated Results

StandardAero reported Third Quarter 2024 revenue of $1,244.6 million, an increase of 13.2% compared to $1,099.4 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by both the Engine Services and Component Repair Services segments, with particular strength in the commercial aerospace and business aviation end markets, which increased 20% and 15%, respectively, compared to the prior year period. This growth was partially offset by a 3% decline in the military and helicopter end market, primarily attributable to the temporary grounding of the US Navy’s V-22 Osprey fleet earlier this year, which has since returned to service.

Net income was $16.4 million for the Third Quarter 2024, as compared to net loss of $17.9 million for the prior year period. Net income for the quarter remained impacted by the Company’s higher leverage and interest expense associated with its pre-IPO capital structure, as well as expenses associated with the Company’s IPO, the acquisition of ATI during the quarter, and other non-recurring activities. Net income margin was 1.3%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points compared to (1.6)% for the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 26.0% to $168.4 million for the Third Quarter 2024, as compared to $133.7 million for the prior year period. The increase reflects revenue growth in both segments and continued margin expansion from operating leverage, positive mix, and pricing and cost initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 137 basis points to 13.5%, as compared to 12.2% for the prior year period.

Capital expenditures were $25.3 million, or 2.0% of revenue, for the Third Quarter 2024, as compared to $13.9 million for the prior year period. The increase reflects continued investments in growth initiatives, including the LEAP-1A/-1B program and the new CFM56 Center of Excellence greenfield facility in Dallas, Texas, which collectively accounted for $14.8 million of capital expenditures during the quarter.

Third Quarter 2024 Segment Results

Engine Services Segment

Engine Services segment revenue increased $124.9 million, or 12.9%, to $1,090.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Revenue generated from our commercial aerospace end market increased 20%, primarily driven by higher engine maintenance demand. Revenue generated from our business aviation end market increased 15%, primarily attributable to the demand on the platforms that we service. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in our military and helicopter end market of 7% primarily attributable to the temporary grounding of the US Navy’s V-22 Osprey fleet.

Engine Services Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $24.9 million, or 20%, to $147.4 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $122.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by increases in revenue and positive mix benefit from higher margin work scopes on the engines that we serviced.

Component Repair Services Segment

Component Repair Services segment revenue increased $20.4 million, or 15.2%, to $154.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Revenue generated from our commercial aerospace end market increased 13%, primarily driven by the increases in engine maintenance and higher component usage. Revenue generated in our military and helicopter and other end markets increased 19%, primarily attributable to increased demand for component repairs as well as the acquisition of ATI.

Component Repair Services Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $7.1 million, or 21%, to $40.8 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $33.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase is primarily due to increased revenue and improved productivity.

Year-to-Date Results

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $3,827.5 million, an increase of 12.4% compared to $3,405.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by both the Engine Services and Component Repair Services segments. The commercial aerospace and business aviation end markets increased 21% and 7%, respectively, compared to the prior year period, which were partially offset by a decrease in the military and helicopter end market of 2%, primarily attributable to the temporary grounding of the US Navy’s V-22 Osprey fleet, partially offset by the acquisition of ATI.

Net income was $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to net loss of $30.5 million for the prior year period. Net income for the year-to-date period was impacted by the Company’s higher leverage and interest expense associated with its pre-IPO capital structure, as well as expenses associated with the Company’s IPO, the acquisition of ATI during the quarter, and other non-recurring activities. Net income margin was 0.7%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to (0.9)% for the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $504.4 million, an increase of 18.6% as compared to $425.4 million for the prior year period. The increase reflects strong revenue growth in both segments and continued margin expansion from operating leverage, positive mix, pricing and cost initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 69 basis points to 13.2%, as compared to 12.5% for the prior year period.

Acquisition Activities

On August 23, 2024, StandardAero announced the acquisition of Aero Turbine, Inc. (“ATI”), a provider of engine component repair and other value-added engine aftermarket services for U.S. and international customers, for a total purchase price of up to $141.0 million, consisting of $120.0 million of upfront purchase price and up to $21.0 million of contingent consideration payable based on the achievement of certain earnings targets through year-end 2026. The acquisition was funded with borrowings under the Company’s ABL Credit Facility, which was repaid on September 6, 2024, with incremental borrowings from the 2024 Term Loan B-1 Facility and the 2024 Term Loan B-2 Facility.

“We are very excited to acquire a highly reputable and differentiated business in Aero Turbine,” said Russell Ford. “ATI brings coveted component repair capabilities and military Source Approval Request expertise, an attractive and complementary suite of military engine platform positions and customer relationships, and compelling synergy opportunities. We look forward to continuing to deliver the highest level of service performance to ATI’s customer base while collaborating to accelerate growth at both businesses.”

ATI will be reported as part of StandardAero’s Component Repair Services segment and is expected to contribute $25 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2025.

IPO and Capital Structure Update

On October 2, 2024, the Company completed its IPO of common stock at a public offering price of $24.00 per share. The offering included 69 million shares of common stock, of which the Company issued and sold 53.25 million shares and the selling stockholders sold 15.75 million shares. The IPO generated net proceeds to the Company of approximately $1,202.8 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $67.1 million and estimated offering expenses of approximately $8.1 million, which were used to repay all of StandardAero’s $475.5 million of outstanding 10.0% Senior Notes, plus accrued interest, and repay $726.1 million of StandardAero’s outstanding 2024 Term Loan Facilities, plus accrued interest.

Additionally, on October 31, 2024, the Company refinanced its remaining debt, entering into a new credit agreement providing for $2,250.0 million of new term loan facilities due October 31, 2031, bearing interest at Term SOFR + 2.25% and a new $750.0 million 2024 revolving credit facility due October 31, 2029, bearing interest at Term SOFR + 2.00%. The applicable margins on the new facilities are subject to adjustment based on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the new credit agreement) as of the preceding fiscal quarter end. The Company used the proceeds raised from the new term loan facilities and the new revolving credit facility, net of fees, to repay in full and terminate its existing debt facilities.

The interest rate of the new term loan facilities reflects a 1.25% reduction from our previous interest rate and the interest rate of the new revolving credit facility reflects a 1.50% reduction from our previous interest rate, in each case, prior to our IPO. Combined, the IPO and the refinancing transactions result in a significantly de-leveraged capital structure and improved cash flow profile, with annual interest savings of greater than $130 million as compared to pre-IPO levels under current interest rates.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

StandardAero management will host a conference call today, November 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET, to discuss its results in more detail. The conference call will be broadcast live via webcast, and the webcast and accompanying slide presentation can be accessed by visiting the Events section on StandardAero’s investor relations website at https://ir.standardaero.com/news-events/events. The conference call may also be accessed by dialing (877) 407-9762 or (201) 689-8538 for telephone access to the live call. Please click here for international toll-free access numbers.

For those unable to listen to the live conference call, a replay will be available after the call through the archived webcast in the Events section of the StandardAero’s investor relations website or by dialing (877) 660-6853 or (201) 612-7415. The access code for the replay is 13749758. The replay will be available until 11:59 PM ET on November 27, 2024.

About StandardAero

StandardAero is a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, serving the commercial, military and business aviation end markets. StandardAero provides a comprehensive suite of critical, value-added aftermarket solutions, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, on-wing and field service support, asset management and engineering solutions. StandardAero is majority owned by global investment firm Carlyle (Nasdaq: CG).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foreseeable,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or “would” and/or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, the industry in which we operate and other information that is not historical information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this presentation, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements included in this press release include, among others: factors that adversely affect the commercial and business aviation industries, including U.S. and global macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, financial market disruptions, credit markets, the airline environment and increases in energy costs; decreases in budget, spending or outsourcing by our military end-users; future outbreaks and infectious diseases; supply chain disruptions or loss of key suppliers for our aftermarket services operations; competitive conditions in the markets we serve; damage to our reputation or the reputation of other parties in the aerospace industry; our reliance on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue; reliance on certain customers for a significant portion of our revenue; the loss of an original equipment manufacturers authorization or license could negatively impact our ability to service an engine platform and damage our competitive advantage; lack of volume commitments with many of our customers; failure to offset any declining revenue from engine platforms that are mature or for which the installed base is flat or declining; unexpected cost variations or lead times under our fixed price contracts; physical condition of our facilities; capital and operational risks from implementing new or expanded platforms; integration and other risks related to any future acquisitions, joint ventures, business combinations and inorganic investments; our ability to remediate effectively the material weaknesses identified in our internal control over financial reporting; continued availability of financing on terms acceptable to us; our ability to protect our information technology infrastructure and other capabilities from cyber-attacks and other business disruptions; compliance with laws relating to handling information about individuals; failure to protect or enforce our rights in our technology, brands or intellectual property; the ability to obtain and maintain our regulatory approvals; foreign exchange rates, market and monetary fluctuations and other risks related to our operations outside of North America; compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to address environmental, social and governance matters; ongoing or future litigation, regulatory proceedings or liability claims; our ability to attract or retain qualified senior management and employees; labor shortages or increased labor costs; failing to comply with the requirements and costs of being a public company; our indebtedness and any future indebtedness, including the restrictions and covenants in our debt agreements; our success at managing the risks of the foregoing, and the other factors described in our final prospectus for our initial public offering, dated October 1, 2024, and our other filings with the SEC.

As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. We operate in a competitive and rapidly changing environment. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict the impact of all of these factors on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives, plans or cost savings in any specified time frame or at all. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes “non-GAAP financial measures,” which are financial measures that either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our business operations,

The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release are supplemental measures of our performance that we believe help investors understand our financial condition and operating results and assess our future prospects. We believe that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to the corresponding GAAP financial measures, are important supplemental measures that exclude non-cash or other items that may not be indicative of or are unrelated to our core operating results and the overall health of our company. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors greater transparency to the information used by management for its operational decision-making and allow investors to see our results “through the eyes of management.” We further believe that providing this information assists our investors in understanding our operating performance and the methodology used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. When read in conjunction with our GAAP results, these non-GAAP financial measures provide a baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses and can be used by management as one basis for financial, operational and planning decisions. Finally, these measures are often used by analysts and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.

Management recognizes that these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, including that they may be calculated differently by other companies or may be used under different circumstances or for different purposes, thereby affecting their comparability from company to company. In order to compensate for these and the other limitations discussed below, management does not consider these measures in isolation from or as alternatives to the comparable financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Readers should review the reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measures included in this press release and should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, further adjusted for certain non-cash items that we may record each period, as well as non-recurring items such as acquisition costs, integration and severance costs, refinance fees, business transformation costs and other discrete expenses, when applicable. We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are important metrics for management and investors as they remove the impact of items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating results or the overall health of our company and allows for consistent comparison of our operating results over time and relative to our peers.

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Investor Relations Contact
Investors@StandardAero.com
480-377-3142

Alex Trapp
Alex.Trapp@StandardAero.com

Source: StandardAero

Released November 13, 2024