MONTREAL, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - (NYSE: CAE) (TSX: CAE) – Today, global aviation training leader CAE officially inaugurated its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe, CAE Vienna. The new centre has been in operation since April and is now offering customers pilot training on four aircraft types: Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500 and Bombardier Global 6000. An Embraer Phenom 100/300 full-flight simulator (FFS), part of the Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) joint venture is ...

Core Insights - CAE, a global leader in flight training and simulation, experienced a stock decline despite a 9.5% increase since the last report, which is slightly worse than the S&P 500's performance [1] Company Overview - CAE operates in the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors, focusing on discovering investment opportunities within these industries [1] - The company provides data-informed analysis to contextualize developments that may impact investment theses [1] Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by an individual with a background in aerospace engineering, emphasizing the complex growth prospects of the industry [1] - The investing group associated with the analysis offers direct access to data analytics monitors, enhancing investment decision-making [1]

Group 1: Director Election Results - CAE announced the election results from its 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, with 13 nominees elected as Directors [1] - Ayman Antoun received the highest approval with 99.92% of votes for, while Patrick M. Shanahan had the lowest approval at 91.82% [1] - The total votes against for the nominees ranged from 0.05% to 8.35%, indicating strong support for most candidates [1] Group 2: Company Overview - CAE focuses on making the world safer by providing training, simulation, and critical operations solutions for aviation and defense [2] - The company employs approximately 13,000 people across around 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries [2] - CAE has been a leader in innovation for nearly 80 years, emphasizing high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions while prioritizing sustainability [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CAE reported record revenue of $4.7 billion, an increase of 10% from the previous year [30] - Adjusted segment operating income reached $732 million, up 33% from $550 million in fiscal 2024 [30] - Free cash flow was $814 million, reflecting disciplined capital management [30] - Adjusted backlog increased to $20.1 billion, up 66%, indicating strong visibility and long-term stability [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil aviation revenue was $2.7 billion, up 11%, with adjusted segment operating income of $581.5 million, an increase of 6% [31] - Civil adjusted backlog reached a record $8.8 billion, reinforcing CAE's position as the leading training provider [31] - Defense segment revenue was $2 billion, up 8%, with significant improvements in adjusted segment operating income [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global fleet of aircraft is expected to nearly double over the next two decades, with a demand for 300,000 new pilots in the next ten years [31] - Canada is set to reach 2% of GDP on defense spending this year, five years ahead of schedule, with a commitment to 5% by 2030 [34] - NATO is discussing defense spending targets as high as 5% in response to security concerns [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CAE aims to focus on long-term strategy, disciplined capital allocation, and creating sustainable value for shareholders [4] - The company is well-positioned to lead in defense and security markets, leveraging government contracts and modernization initiatives [34] - CAE plans to prioritize disciplined capital deployment and reduce leverage while generating strong free cash flow [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of customer relationships and the commitment to safety and performance as core values [41] - The fundamentals of civil aviation and defense spending remain strong, providing a solid foundation for future growth [39] - The new CEO emphasized the potential to leverage advanced defense technologies across CAE's portfolio [50] Other Important Information - The company underwent a leadership transition, with Matthew Bromberg appointed as the new president and CEO [6] - The adjusted backlog in defense doubled to $11.3 billion, reflecting strong market momentum [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Role of the Executive Chair and collaboration with the new CEO - The Executive Chair will focus on long-term strategy and capital allocation while the CEO manages daily operations, ensuring a close working relationship [55][56] Question: Impact of American tariffs on CAE - CAE is well-positioned regarding tariffs, with approximately 70% of work done in-country and key products exempt under USMCA [59][60] Question: Timing of defense opportunities translating into revenue - Revenue from defense contracts is already being realized, although the procurement process can take time [62] Question: Profitability differences between civil and defense segments - Defense contracts often have limitations on profitability due to government regulations, but they provide stable long-term revenue streams [67][69] Question: Credit rating concerns despite stable business - The company has achieved deleveraging targets and is confident that credit agencies will recognize this progress [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CAE reported record revenue of $4.7 billion, an increase of 10% from the previous year [31] - Adjusted segment operating income reached $732 million, up 33% from $550 million in fiscal 2024 [31] - Free cash flow was $814 million, reflecting disciplined capital management [31] - Adjusted backlog increased to $20.1 billion, up 66%, indicating strong visibility and long-term stability [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil aviation revenue was $2.7 billion, up 11%, with adjusted segment operating income of $581.5 million, an increase of 6% [32] - Civil adjusted backlog reached a record $8.8 billion, reinforcing CAE's position as a leading training provider [32] - Defense and security segment revenue was $2 billion, up 8%, with significant improvements in adjusted segment operating income [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global fleet is expected to nearly double over the next two decades, with a demand for 300,000 new pilots in the next ten years [32] - Canada is set to reach 2% of GDP on defense spending this year, five years ahead of schedule, with a commitment to 5% by 2030 [34] - NATO is discussing targets as high as 5% in response to increased security concerns, indicating a growing defense market [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CAE aims to focus on long-term strategy, disciplined capital allocation, and creating sustainable value for shareholders [4] - The company plans to leverage advanced defense technologies across its portfolio, including commercial aviation [50] - CAE will prioritize operational efficiency and capital allocation to generate strong cash flow and support strategic investments [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted strong fundamentals in both civil aviation and defense, with enduring demand and growth opportunities [40] - The company is well-positioned to deliver integrated training solutions that support modernization across multiple domains [40] - Management expressed confidence in achieving deleveraging targets and improving credit ratings in the future [81] Other Important Information - The leadership transition to Matthew Bromberg as the new CEO is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continued growth [6][46] - The company has a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and maintaining high standards of quality and safety [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the role of the Executive Chair and collaboration with the new CEO? - The Executive Chair will focus on long-term strategy and capital allocation while the CEO manages daily operations, ensuring a strong partnership [56][58] Question: How will American tariffs on Canada impact CAE? - CAE is well-positioned as approximately 70% of its work is domestic and key products are exempt under USMCA [61][62] Question: When will defense opportunities translate into revenue for CAE? - Revenue from defense contracts is already being realized, although the procurement process can take time [64][66] Question: Why is defense profitability lower compared to civil? - Defense contracts often have profit limitations due to government regulations, but they provide stable long-term revenue streams [72][74] Question: Why is CAE's credit rating not stronger despite stable business? - The company is focused on achieving deleveraging targets, which should positively influence credit ratings in the future [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q1 2026 was $1,100,000,000, a 2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [35] - Adjusted segment operating income rose 10% to $147,800,000 from $134,200,000 in Q1 2025 [35] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) remained stable at $0.21, consistent with Q1 2025 [35] - Net finance expense increased to $54,600,000 from $49,500,000 due to additional lease financing costs [36] - Free cash flow was negative $36,200,000, worsening from negative $25,300,000 in Q1 2025, primarily due to higher investment in noncash working capital [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil revenue grew 3% year over year to $607,700,000, with adjusted operating income rising 1% to $107,600,000, resulting in a 17.7% margin [39] - Defense revenue remained stable at $490,900,000, while adjusted segment operating income increased 45% to $40,200,000, delivering an 8.2% margin [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial aviation market is expected to see a recovery in pilot training demand, with a forecast of 300,000 new pilots needed globally over the next decade [16] - Business aviation remains strong, supported by robust aircraft OEM backlogs and a growing population of high net worth individuals [17] - The defense sector is experiencing a generational upcycle driven by rising geopolitical tensions and increased spending across NATO and the EU [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through deleveraging, targeting a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 2.5x by fiscal year-end [9] - Focus on operational excellence, capital allocation, and improving free cash flow conversion to drive stronger returns on invested capital [8][18] - CAE plans to leverage its defense technologies across its commercial aviation business to create scalable solutions [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of the fiscal year, anticipating a rebound in pilot training demand as airlines resume hiring [70][72] - The company is cautiously optimistic about the recovery in commercial training solutions, expecting a positive inflection in the second half of the fiscal year [19][22] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning with national priorities in defense to capitalize on growth opportunities [10][18] Other Important Information - The company opened a new dedicated training center in Central Europe, reflecting its commitment to supporting customers closer to their operations [24] - CAE's defense business is expected to provide a predictable revenue stream, complementing the growth in civil aviation [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on operational efficiency and margin improvement - Management acknowledged significant investments made in capabilities and sees opportunities for optimization in the civil side of the business [55][56] - The focus will be on leveraging investments to drive earnings growth [56] Question: Impact of transient headwinds on near-term CapEx spending - Management confirmed that CapEx is expected to be slightly lower year over year, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital deployment [63][64] Question: Indicators for a rebound in airline pilot training - Management noted that increased hiring activity is expected as airlines resume operations and aircraft deliveries normalize [74] Question: Executive compensation alignment with operational efficiency goals - Management is assessing various metrics for executive compensation, including return on capital and free cash flow [80][81] Question: Defense margin performance and outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing their strategy and maintaining guidance for the defense segment, with a focus on improving margins [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the first quarter was $1,100 million, a 2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [36] - Adjusted segment operating income rose to $147.8 million, up 10% from $134.2 million in the previous year [36] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) remained stable at $0.21, consistent with the first quarter last year [36] - Net finance expense increased to $54.6 million from $49.5 million, primarily due to additional lease financing costs [36] - Free cash flow was negative $36.2 million, compared to negative $25.3 million in the first quarter last year [38] - Net debt position at the end of the quarter was approximately $3.2 billion, with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.75 times [39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the civil segment, revenue grew 3% year over year to $607.7 million, while adjusted operating income rose 1% to $107.6 million, resulting in a 17.7% margin [41] - The defense segment's revenue remained stable at $490.9 million, with adjusted segment operating income increasing 45% to $40.2 million, delivering an 8.2% margin [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The civil aviation market is expected to see a recovery in demand for commercial training solutions, with a positive inflection anticipated in the second half of the fiscal year [19][22] - The defense market is experiencing a generational upcycle driven by rising geopolitical tensions and increased spending across NATO, the EU, and Canada [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through deleveraging the balance sheet, targeting a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 2.5 times by fiscal year-end [7] - Focus on operational excellence, capital allocation, and improving free cash flow conversion to drive stronger returns on invested capital [6][47] - The company is positioning itself as a strategic partner in defense, engaging with government leaders and aligning with national priorities [9][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the next three to five years, citing strong market fundamentals and a clear path to delivering stronger returns [14][15] - The company anticipates a recovery in pilot hiring and training demand, with encouraging signs of stabilization in the commercial aviation sector [21][22] - The defense business is expected to provide a predictable revenue stream and balance the portfolio, complementing growth in civil aviation [18] Other Important Information - The company opened its first dedicated training center in Central Europe, reflecting its commitment to supporting customers closer to their operations [23] - The company has a buyback program in place and may consider reinstating dividends at the appropriate time [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities for improving margins and cash flow conversion - Management acknowledged significant investments made in capabilities and sees potential for optimization in operational efficiency [52][56] Question: Impact of transient headwinds on near-term CapEx spending - Management confirmed that CapEx is expected to be slightly lower year over year, with a disciplined approach to capital deployment [63] Question: Indicators for a rebound in airline pilot training demand - Management noted that increased hiring activity is expected as airlines resume hiring, supported by improved aircraft deliveries [70][74] Question: Executive compensation alignment with operational efficiency goals - Management indicated that they are assessing various metrics for executive compensation, including return on capital and free cash flow [78][81] Question: Defense margin guidance and contract mix - Management expressed confidence in executing their strategy and maintaining margins, with a focus on replacing lower-margin contracts with more accretive ones [84][86] Question: CAE's positioning in the US defense market - Management highlighted the unique growth opportunities in the US defense market and CAE's potential to leverage its capabilities across its portfolio [90]

Core Insights - CAE reported revenue of $793.98 million for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.3% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) remained unchanged at $0.15 compared to the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $810.12 million, resulting in a surprise of -1.99% [1] - The company did not deliver an EPS surprise, as the consensus EPS estimate was also $0.15 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - CAE's shares have returned -2.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3] Civil Aviation Segment Performance - Simulator equivalent units (SEU) reported at 298, slightly below the average estimate of 300 by seven analysts [4] - Full Flight Simulator (FFS) deliveries were 8, exceeding the average estimate of 7 by six analysts [4] - The utilization rate for Civil Aviation was 71%, lower than the average estimate of 75.6% based on five analysts [4] - FFSs in CAE's network totaled 367, slightly above the average estimate of 364 by three analysts [4]

Group 1: Earnings Performance - CAE reported quarterly earnings of $0.15 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and consistent with earnings from the previous year [1] - The company posted revenues of $793.98 million for the quarter ended June 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.99%, but showing an increase from $783.87 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, CAE has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2][3] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - CAE shares have increased approximately 13.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.4% [3] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the trends in earnings estimate revisions [3][4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.18 on revenues of $852.69 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.97 on revenues of $3.56 billion [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, to which CAE belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact CAE's stock performance [5][6]

Core Insights - CAE Inc. reported solid first-quarter results for fiscal 2026, with double-digit income growth and margin expansion in both Defense and Civil sectors, driven by strong demand in civil aviation and increased defense spending across NATO [2][4][6] Financial Performance - First quarter fiscal 2026 revenue was $1,098.6 million, a 2% increase from $1,072.5 million in the same quarter last year [4][6] - Operating income rose to $133.8 million (12.2% of revenue), up 23% from $108.6 million (10.1% of revenue) in the previous year [5][6] - Net income attributable to equity holders was $57.2 million, an 18% increase from $48.3 million in the prior year [6] - Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations increased to $0.18, a 20% rise from $0.15 last year [6] Civil Aviation Segment - Civil revenue reached $607.7 million, a 3% increase from $587.6 million in the previous year [7][10] - Operating income for the Civil segment was $99.4 million (16.4% of revenue), compared to $89.8 million (15.3% of revenue) last year [10] - Civil signed training solutions contracts valued at $511.4 million during the quarter, with an adjusted backlog of $8.4 billion [8][10] Defense and Security Segment - Defense revenue was $490.9 million, a slight increase from $484.9 million in the previous year [11][13] - Operating income in the Defense segment improved significantly to $34.4 million (7.0% of revenue), compared to $18.8 million (3.9% of revenue) last year [11][13] - The adjusted backlog for Defense was $11.1 billion, reflecting strong demand driven by rising defense budgets across NATO [12][13] Management Changes - Matthew Bromberg was appointed as the new President and CEO, succeeding Marc Parent, effective after the AGM on August 13, 2025 [2][3] Sustainability Initiatives - CAE maintained stable carbon emissions despite a 10% increase in business activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of its decarbonization strategy [20][21] - The company received recognition for its sustainability efforts, including being named one of the World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 by TIME magazine [22] Outlook - The Civil business is expected to benefit from strong fundamentals and regulatory requirements for pilot training, with anticipated mid-single-digit percentage growth in adjusted segment operating income for fiscal 2026 [24][25] - The Defense segment is positioned for long-term growth, with expectations of low-double-digit percentage annual growth in adjusted segment operating income [26][27]