Core Insights - CAE, a leader in flight training and simulation, has promising growth prospects driven by mid- to long-term demand in the commercial aviation and defense sectors [2]. Company Overview - CAE is recognized as a global leader in flight training and simulation, indicating a strong position within the aerospace and defense industries [2]. - The stock performance of CAE has remained flat since the last report, suggesting potential stagnation despite positive growth indicators [2]. Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by Dhierin-Perkash Bechai, an aerospace, defense, and airline analyst with a background in aerospace engineering, providing informed insights into the industry [2]. - The investing group, The Aerospace Forum, aims to identify investment opportunities within the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors, utilizing data-driven analysis [2].

Core Insights - CAE is positioned for growth due to strong mid- to long-term demand in the commercial aviation and defense sectors [2] Company Overview - CAE is recognized as a global leader in flight training and simulation [2] - The stock performance has been flat since the last report, indicating a potential stagnation despite positive industry outlook [2] Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by an aerospace, defense, and airline analyst with a background in aerospace engineering, providing context to industry developments [2] - The analyst's focus is on identifying investment opportunities within the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $1.24 billion, a 9% increase compared to the same quarter last year [10] - Adjusted segment operating income rose to $155.3 million, up 4% from $149 million in the previous year [10] - Adjusted EPS decreased to $0.23 from $0.24 year-over-year [10] - Net finance expense increased to $56.9 million from $52.9 million, primarily due to additional financing costs related to acquisitions and lease expenses [10] - Net cash from operating activities increased to $214 million from $162.1 million [11] - Free cash flow rose by 44% to $201 million compared to $140 million in the same quarter last year [11] - Capital expenditures totaled $87.6 million, with approximately 85% allocated to growth initiatives [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil segment revenue grew 5% year-over-year to $670 million, but adjusted segment operating income decreased 6% to $108.7 million, resulting in a margin of 16.2% [14] - Defense segment revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $566.6 million, with adjusted segment operating income rising 41% to $46.6 million, achieving an 8.2% margin [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil training center utilization dropped to 64% from 70% in the prior year [14] - The civil adjusted backlog increased by 27% year-over-year to $8.5 billion, indicating a strong foundation for future growth [37] - The defense adjusted backlog reached $11.2 billion, with a robust pipeline of $6.1 billion in pending orders [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a transformation plan that includes sharpening its portfolio, disciplined capital management, and operational excellence [5][8] - The defense business is highlighted as a key growth area, especially with increased government spending on defense [7] - The company aims to leverage its technology and customer relationships to improve cash flow and return on assets [17] - Organizational changes have been made to streamline operations and enhance performance [24][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategic advantages and the potential for growth in both civil aviation and defense markets [16][43] - The outlook remains strong, with expectations for improved performance as market conditions normalize [43] - The company is committed to disciplined execution and operational efficiency as it advances its transformation [43] Other Important Information - The company is reducing capital expenditures by approximately 10% year-over-year, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [12][61] - The leadership team is focused on aligning the organization for better performance and accountability [31][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in capital approval thresholds - Management indicated that the threshold for capital approval has become more disciplined, reflecting current market conditions and performance expectations [51][52] Question: Surprises encountered during the transition - Management noted positive surprises in organizational energy and customer relevancy, emphasizing the depth of technology available [56] Question: CapEx reduction drivers - The reduction in CapEx is driven by market conditions and a disciplined approach, with a significant portion allocated to maintenance and growth [61] Question: Return on invested capital outlook - Management is focused on maximizing returns on current investments and is evaluating how to improve future capital allocation [62][80] Question: Timeline for margin and free cash flow improvement - Management stated that some initiatives will yield immediate results while others may take longer, with guidance expected at the end of the year [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $1.24 billion, a 9% increase compared to the same quarter last year [10] - Adjusted segment operating income rose to $155.3 million, up 4% from $149 million in the previous year [10] - Adjusted EPS decreased to $0.23 from $0.24 year-over-year [10] - Net finance expense increased to $56.9 million from $52.9 million, primarily due to additional financing costs related to acquisitions and lease expenses [10] - Free cash flow increased by 44% to $201 million compared to $140 million in the same quarter last year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the civil segment, revenue grew 5% year-over-year to $670 million, but adjusted segment operating income decreased 6% to $108.7 million, resulting in a margin of 16.2% [14] - In the defense segment, revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $566.6 million, with adjusted segment operating income rising 41% to $46.6 million, achieving an 8.2% margin [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Civil training center utilization dropped to 64% from 70% in the prior year [14] - The civil adjusted backlog increased by 27% year-over-year to $8.5 billion, indicating a strong foundation for future growth [37] - The defense adjusted backlog reached $11.2 billion, with a book-to-sales ratio of 0.98 times for the quarter [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a transformation plan that includes sharpening its portfolio, disciplined capital management, and improved operational performance [5][8] - The defense business is highlighted as a key component for future growth, especially with increased government spending on defense [7] - The company aims to leverage its technology and customer relationships to enhance cash flow and return on assets [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong position within the civil aviation and defense markets, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and free cash flow generation [43][44] - The outlook remains strong, with expectations for improved performance as market conditions normalize [43] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing significant organizational changes to streamline operations and improve execution [22][24] - Leadership changes include the retirement of the COO and consolidation of defense operations into two segments [23][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in capital approval thresholds - Management indicated that the threshold for capital approval has become more disciplined, focusing on current market conditions and optimizing existing investments [51][52] Question: Surprises encountered during the transition - Management noted positive surprises in organizational energy and customer relevancy, as well as the depth of technology available [56] Question: CapEx reduction and its drivers - The company announced a 10% reduction in CapEx, with two-thirds of that being growth-related, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [61] Question: Long-term ROIC potential - Management acknowledged the goal of returning to double-digit ROIC but emphasized the need for careful evaluation of past investments and future capital allocation [52] Question: Timeline for margin and cash flow improvements - Management stated that some initiatives will yield immediate results while others may take longer, with more guidance expected in future financial outlooks [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was $1.24 billion, a 9% increase compared to the same quarter last year [8] - Adjusted segment operating income rose to $155.3 million, up 4% from $149 million in the previous year [8] - Adjusted EPS was $0.23, slightly down from $0.24 in the same quarter last year [8] - Net finance expense increased to $56.9 million from $52.9 million, primarily due to additional financing costs related to acquisitions and lease expenses [8] - Net cash from operating activities increased to $214 million from $162.1 million year-over-year [9] - Free cash flow rose by 44% to $201 million compared to $140 million in the previous year [9] - Capital expenditures totaled $87.6 million, with approximately 85% allocated to growth initiatives [10] - Net debt position was approximately $3.2 billion, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.66 times [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the civil segment, revenue grew 5% year-over-year to $670 million, but adjusted segment operating income decreased by 6% to $108.7 million, resulting in a margin of 16.2% [11] - Training center utilization dropped to 64% from 70% in the prior year, reflecting a seasonal slowdown [11] - In the defense segment, revenue increased by 14% year-over-year to $566.6 million, with adjusted segment operating income rising 41% to $46.6 million, achieving an 8.2% margin [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The civil adjusted backlog increased by 27% year-over-year to $8.5 billion, indicating a strong foundation for future growth [34] - The defense adjusted backlog reached $11.2 billion, supported by a robust pipeline of $6.1 billion in pending orders [37] - The civil book-to-sales ratio was 0.88 times for the quarter, while the trailing 12-month ratio remained above 1 at 1.22 times [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a transformation plan that includes sharpening its portfolio, disciplined capital management, and operational excellence [4][6] - The defense business is highlighted as a key growth area, particularly with Canada's increased defense spending projected at CAD 81.8 billion over the next five years [5] - The transformation plan aims to enhance cash flow and return on assets while leveraging existing technology and customer relationships [14][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategic advantages and the potential for growth in both civil aviation and defense markets [13][40] - The outlook for civil aviation remains strong despite near-term challenges, with expectations for a recovery in pilot hiring and simulator sales [36][40] - In defense, momentum is building with higher-value contracts and modernization programs, maintaining a positive full-year outlook [37][40] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing significant organizational changes to streamline operations and improve performance [19][23] - Leadership changes include the retirement of the Chief Operating Officer and the consolidation of defense operations into two segments [19][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in capital approval thresholds - Management indicated that the threshold for capital approval has been tightened, focusing on ensuring investments align with current market conditions and performance expectations [44][45] Question: Surprises encountered during the transition - The CEO noted positive surprises in organizational energy and customer relevance, confirming the company's strong position [47] Question: Potential for margin improvement and free cash flow - Management stated that some initiatives will yield immediate results, while others may take longer to realize benefits [60] Question: Opportunities for optimizing capital employed - The CEO acknowledged the need to optimize capital employed in the civil segment, particularly given the current utilization rates [53][54] Question: Insights from the Canadian Aerospace Summit - The CEO emphasized the opportunity for CAE to participate in the growth of Canada's defense industrial base, highlighting the importance of training and mission readiness [56][57]

for the three months ended September 30, 2025 1. HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2026 Table of Contents Management's Discussion and Analys i s | 1. | Hig | hlig | h | t | s | 1 | 2. | In | t | r | o | d | u | c | tio | n | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- ...

Core Insights - CAE reported revenue of $897.99 million for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.8% and a surprise of +9.1% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $823.11 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.17, slightly down from $0.18 in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +21.43% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.14 [1] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 7.8% year-over-year to $897.99 million [1] - EPS decreased to $0.17 from $0.18 year-over-year [1] - Revenue exceeded Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.1% [1] - EPS surpassed consensus estimate by 21.43% [1] Market Performance - CAE shares returned -1.6% over the past month, underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which increased by +4.4% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance in the near term [3] Civil Aviation Metrics - Simulator equivalent units (SEU) reported at 297, slightly below the estimated 300 [4] - Full Flight Simulator (FFS) deliveries were 12, compared to the estimated 13 [4] - Utilization rate for Civil Aviation was 64%, below the average estimate of 68.7% [4] - FFSs in CAE's network matched the average estimate of 369 [4]

Core Insights - CAE reported quarterly earnings of $0.17 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.14 per share, but down from $0.18 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +21.43% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $897.99 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.10% and up from $833.2 million year-over-year [2] - CAE has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters and topped consensus revenue estimates two times in the same period [2] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.25 on revenues of $918.4 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.93 on revenues of $3.52 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for CAE was unfavorable prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - CAE operates within the Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, which is currently ranked in the bottom 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stock performance [8] - The performance of CAE's stock may be influenced by the overall outlook for the industry, as research indicates that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [8]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $1,236.6 million, a 9% increase from $1,136.6 million in the prior year [8][10] - Earnings per share (EPS) rose to $0.23 from $0.16, reflecting a 44% increase year-over-year [8][10] - Adjusted EPS decreased slightly to $0.23 from $0.24 in the previous year [8][10] - Operating income increased by 31% to $155.3 million, representing 12.6% of revenue, compared to $118.1 million (10.4% of revenue) last year [9][10] Civil Aviation Segment - Civil revenue was $670.0 million, up 5% from $640.7 million in the same quarter last year [12][14] - Operating income for Civil was $108.7 million (16.2% of revenue), compared to $94.7 million (14.8% of revenue) last year [12][14] - Civil signed training solutions contracts valued at $592.8 million during the quarter, including 12 full-flight simulator deliveries [13][14] Defense Segment - Defense revenue increased to $566.6 million from $495.9 million, a 14% rise year-over-year [15][17] - Operating income for Defense was $46.6 million (8.2% of revenue), compared to $23.4 million (4.7% of revenue) last year [15][17] - The adjusted backlog for Defense at the end of the quarter was $11.2 billion, with a strong demand environment reflected in $6.1 billion of pending bids and proposals [16][29] Organizational Changes - CAE announced a transformation plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and capital discipline, including a streamlined organizational structure [2][3] - The Chief Operating Officer role will be eliminated, and leadership has been consolidated to improve execution and customer experience [4][5][6] - A new Senior Vice President of Operations position has been created to drive synergies between Civil and Defense businesses [6] Cash Flow and Debt Management - Net cash provided by operating activities was $214.0 million, up from $162.1 million in the prior year [20] - Free cash flow increased to $201.0 million from $140.0 million, a 44% rise year-over-year [20] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was $3,186.5 million, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.66 times [21]

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