Spirit AeroSystems Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

Core Viewpoint - Spirit AeroSystems reported a challenging fourth quarter for 2024, with significant operating losses and a decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, primarily due to the impacts of the Boeing Memorandum of Agreement and production challenges. The company is preparing for its anticipated acquisition by Boeing in mid-2025, focusing on operational improvements and transition plans to ensure long-term success. Financial Performance - Spirit's revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.65 billion, a decrease of 9% from $1.81 billion in the same period of 2023 [27] - The operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $577 million, compared to an operating income of $215 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 [27] - The net loss for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $631 million, translating to a loss per share of $(5.38), compared to a profit of $75 million and earnings per share of $0.66 in the same period of 2023 [27][7] Operational Highlights - Deliveries increased significantly in the fourth quarter, with Boeing 737 deliveries up 133% compared to the previous quarter, A220 deliveries up 37%, and A350 deliveries up 15% [2] - Spirit's backlog at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately $47 billion, encompassing work packages on all commercial platforms in the Airbus and Boeing backlog [4] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash provided by operations improved to $137 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from $113 million in the same period of 2023 [28] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $91 million, compared to a negative cash flow of $1.27 billion in the previous year [28] - The company received advance payments from Boeing of up to $350 million and from Airbus of $107 million, with $200 million and $70 million received by the end of the fourth quarter, respectively [9] Segment Performance - The Commercial segment revenue decreased by 16.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to the Boeing MOA impacts, with an operating loss of $468.3 million [30] - The Defense & Space segment revenue increased by 30.9% year-over-year, driven by higher activity on specific programs, although it recorded net forward losses of $30 million [20] - The Aftermarket segment revenue increased by 29.8% compared to the previous year, primarily due to higher spare part sales, but the operating margin decreased due to sales mix [22] Acquisition and Future Outlook - The anticipated acquisition by Boeing is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions [13] - Management is focused on improving liquidity and operational efficiency, with plans dependent on various factors including customer advance repayments and production forecasts [11]