Core Viewpoint - Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to sell its facility and businesses in Subang, Malaysia to Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd for $95.2 million, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals [1]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale price for the Subang facility is $95,200,000, subject to customary adjustments [1]. - The transaction is part of a broader strategy following a merger agreement with Boeing and a definitive agreement with Airbus [1]. - The closing of the transaction is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals and other closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Business Operations - The Subang facility is a significant engineering and manufacturing operation, covering 45 acres with a 400,000 square-foot manufacturing footprint and employing over 1,000 staff [2]. - The facility specializes in aerostructures assembly and services, providing an integrated supply chain with access to regional material sourcing and skilled labor [2]. Group 3: Supplier Relationships - Following the acquisition, CTRM will become a key supplier for Airbus's A220, A320, and A350 programs, as well as for Boeing's 737 and 787 programs [3]. - This acquisition is expected to strengthen the supply chain for both Airbus and Boeing, enhancing their production capabilities [3]. Group 4: Company Background - Spirit AeroSystems is one of the largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft, with expertise in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing [4]. - The company operates globally with facilities in the U.S., U.K., France, Malaysia, and Morocco, focusing on innovative and reliable supply solutions for military and commercial aerospace [4]. Group 5: CTRM Overview - Composites Technology Research Malaysia is recognized as a Tier 2 advanced aerospace composite supplier, specializing in the development and production of composite sub-assemblies for Tier 1 global aerospace suppliers [5]. - CTRM's expertise includes designing and manufacturing composite components for both aerospace and non-aerospace applications, along with offering support services such as testing and supplier management [5].

Core Insights - Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) has shown consistent margin expansion, with adjusted EBITDA margins increasing from 26.5% in Q3 2024 to 28.7% in Q2 2025, reflecting a 300 basis point year-over-year improvement [1][8] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, HWM's cost of goods sold rose by 6.1% year-over-year, but a significant 8.2% reduction in SG&A expenses helped maintain profitability [2] - The adjusted EBITDA margins for HWM's segments were as follows: Engine Products (up 200 basis points), Fastening Systems (up 360 basis points), and Engineered Structures (up 690 basis points), driven by manufacturing optimization and improved product mix [2] - HWM has raised its 2025 adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to a range of 28.5% to 28.6%, up from the previous estimate of 27.8% to 28.2%, indicating strong confidence in sustained performance [4] Market Dynamics - Strong demand in both commercial and defense aerospace markets is positively impacting HWM's performance, particularly with robust orders for F-35 engine spares and aerospace fastening systems [3] Peer Comparison - RTX Corporation's total costs increased by 6.4% year-over-year to $19.48 billion in Q2 2025, with an adjusted operating profit of $2.79 billion [5] - GE Aerospace experienced a 22.8% surge in cost of sales year-over-year in Q2 2025, but its adjusted operating profit rose by 23% [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - HWM's shares have increased by 95.1% over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry average growth of 16% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 45.59X, which is above the industry average of 27.64X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWM's earnings has been rising over the past 60 days, with current estimates for the current quarter at $0.90 and for the next year at $4.28 [12]

Financial Performance - Textron's Q2 2025 revenues reached $3.7 billion, an increase from $3.5 billion in Q2 2024[4] - Segment profit slightly increased to $346 million in Q2 2025 from $343 million in Q2 2024[4] - Earnings per share (EPS) remained constant at $1.35 in both Q2 2025 and Q2 2024[4] - Adjusted EPS increased marginally to $1.55 in Q2 2025 from $1.54 in Q2 2024[4] - Manufacturing cash flow before pension contributions rose to $336 million in Q2 2025 from $320 million in Q2 2024[4] Revenue Growth by Segment - Bell experienced significant revenue growth of 28.0% organically[6] - Textron Aviation saw organic revenue growth of 2.8%[6] - Textron Systems experienced a slight organic revenue decrease of 0.6%[6] - Industrial segment's revenue decreased by 8.2%, but after accounting for divestiture impact of 3.6%, the organic decrease was 4.6%[6] - Textron eAviation's revenue decreased by 11.1%[6] Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA was $468 million in Q2 2025, slightly lower than the $473 million in Q2 2024[8]

Financial Performance - The company reported record quarterly revenue of $202.3 million, a 3% increase year-over-year[16] - Net income increased by 63% to $12.6 million, representing 6.2% of revenue[16] - Adjusted EBITDA reached an all-time high of $32.4 million, or 16% of revenue, up 80 bps year-over-year[16] - GAAP Operating Income was $17.2 million, while Adjusted Operating Income was $20 million, a 1% increase year-over-year[16] - GAAP EPS was $0.82, and Adjusted EPS was $0.88[16] Backlog and Bookings - The company's backlog stands at $1,018 million[18] - Bookings for Q2 2025 were $141 million[18] - The book-to-bill ratio for Q2 2025 is 0.7[19] Segment Performance - Structural Systems segment revenue was $92.0 million, a decrease of 3.7% year-over-year[28] - Electronic Systems segment revenue was $110.2 million, an increase of 8.7% year-over-year[34] - Electronic Systems operating margin was 19.0%, an increase of 250 bps[34] Outlook and Strategy - The company is on track to meet VISION 2027 targets, with revenue between $950 million and $1,000 million and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 18%[13, 14] - The company reiterates its 2025 full-year revenue outlook, expecting mid-single-digit growth[21, 22] - Tariffs are not expected to have a significant impact on 2025 performance, with the majority of manufacturing in the USA (85%) and sales primarily in the USA (>95%)[25, 26]

Core Viewpoint - Boeing's defense business is becoming increasingly vital as the company faces challenges in commercial airplane production, highlighted by a recent strike involving over 3,200 workers at its St. Louis defense factories [1][3]. Group 1: Importance of Defense Business - The IAM Union members are crucial in building and maintaining military aircraft and defense systems, such as the F-15EX and MQ-25 Stingray [2]. - Historically, commercial airplane sales have been the primary revenue source for Boeing, but recent quality control issues and production setbacks have shifted the revenue mix, making the defense, space, and security (BDS) division the largest contributor in 2024 [5][6]. - The BDS division's revenue has increased significantly since 2017, with total revenue in 2024 projected at $66.5 billion, of which BDS is expected to contribute $20 billion [7][8]. Group 2: Recent Developments and Financial Performance - Boeing's stock has risen 25% this year, indicating investor confidence in the company's turnaround plan, although a prolonged strike could hinder recovery efforts [3]. - In Q2 2025, the BDS division generated $6.6 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of Boeing's overall quarterly revenue, while commercial airplane sales made up 48% [8]. - Boeing has secured significant contracts, including a $2.8 billion deal with the U.S. Space Force for satellite development and a contract to build the next-generation F-47 fighter jet [10][11]. Group 3: Historical Context and Current Position - A previous strike in September 2022 cost Boeing an estimated $5.5 billion in lost earnings, but the company is now in a stronger position with a healthier balance sheet and expectations of positive free cash flow by Q4 2023 [12][14]. - The company has ramped up commercial airplane production, with deliveries increasing by 63% in Q2 compared to the previous year, and commercial revenue comprising 45% of total first-half revenue [14][15]. - The CEO expressed confidence in managing the current strike's impact, suggesting that the scale of this disruption is significantly less than previous strikes [15].

Financial Performance - Spirit AeroSystems reported second quarter 2025 revenue of $1.635 billion, a 10% increase from $1.492 billion in the same period of 2024 [23] - The operating loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $481 million, compared to a loss of $331 million in the same period of 2024, representing a 45% increase in losses [23] - The net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $631 million, a 52% increase from $415 million in the second quarter of 2024 [23] Earnings and Cash Flow - The second quarter 2025 EPS was $(5.36), compared to $(3.56) in the same period of 2024, indicating a 51% decline [6][23] - Cash used in operations improved to $144 million in the second quarter of 2025 from $566 million in the same period of 2024, a 75% improvement [23] - Free cash flow usage decreased to $190 million in the second quarter of 2025 from $597 million in the same period of 2024, a 68% improvement [23] Backlog and Deliveries - Spirit's backlog at the end of the second quarter of 2025 was approximately $51 billion, encompassing work packages on all commercial platforms in the Airbus and Boeing backlog [3] - Total deliveries in the second quarter of 2025 increased significantly, with Boeing 737 deliveries rising to 113 from 27 year-over-year [24] Segment Performance - The Commercial segment revenue increased to $1.266 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up 8.6% from $1.166 billion in the same period of 2024 [23] - The Defense & Space segment revenue rose to $266 million, an 18.5% increase from $224 million in the second quarter of 2024 [23] - The Aftermarket segment revenue increased slightly to $102.8 million, up 1.7% from $101.1 million in the same period of 2024 [23] Strategic Developments - The company entered into a merger agreement with Boeing, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions [10] - Spirit has received a request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission as part of the regulatory review process for the merger [10] Recent Legislation Impact - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025, includes business tax reform provisions, but is not expected to have a material impact on Spirit's financial statements or cash taxes in 2025 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA margin of 54.4% for Q3, supported by growth in the commercial aftermarket and effective operating strategies [11] - Operating cash flow for Q3 exceeded $630 million, with a cash balance of nearly $2.8 billion at the end of the quarter [11] - Full fiscal year 2025 sales guidance was decreased by $60 million to a midpoint of $8.79 billion, while EBITDA guidance was increased by $40 million to a midpoint of $4.725 billion, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year [12][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial OEM revenues decreased by 7% year-over-year in Q3, attributed to lower production rates at Boeing and Airbus [22][23] - Commercial aftermarket revenue increased by approximately 6% compared to the prior year, with growth across all submarkets [25] - Defense market revenue grew by approximately 13% year-over-year, with healthy bookings supporting continued growth expectations [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial OEM market is expected to see revenue growth in the flat to low single-digit percentage range, a decrease from previous expectations [14] - The commercial aftermarket and defense markets are projected to grow in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range, with no changes to previous guidance [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to provide private equity-like returns with public market liquidity, focusing on proprietary aerospace businesses with significant aftermarket content [6][7] - Recent acquisitions, including Servotronics and Simmons Precision, align with the company's strategy to enhance its portfolio and drive growth [18][19] - The company maintains a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing reinvestment in businesses, accretive M&A, and returning capital to shareholders [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the commercial OEM market, despite current challenges, and expects a return to positive growth in Q4 [58] - The company remains vigilant regarding supply chain improvements, noting that while challenges persist, conditions are better than in previous years [71] - Management anticipates continued growth in the commercial aftermarket, supported by stable airline demand and operational excellence [15][25] Other Important Information - The company announced key leadership changes, with Mike Lisman set to become CEO following Kevin Stein's retirement [4][5][34] - The company is actively monitoring credit markets and assessing opportunities for leverage to support future acquisitions and shareholder returns [20][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the aftermarket performance and future growth - Management indicated that the commercial aftermarket growth aligns with expectations, and they feel confident about achieving the guidance for the year [42][44] Question: Visibility into fourth quarter growth rates - Management noted that they expect a significant acceleration in aftermarket growth in Q4, driven by improved production rates and easier comparisons [56][58] Question: Supply chain improvements and potential headwinds - Management reported ongoing improvements in the supply chain, though some bottlenecks remain, and they are hopeful for a quick resolution to any disruptions [71][72] Question: Defense business bookings and growth - Defense bookings were strong, with growth evenly distributed across operating units, supporting positive outlooks for the upcoming fiscal year [88][90] Question: Competitive landscape and second sourcing - Management stated that there have been no significant changes in the competitive landscape regarding second sourcing or PMA competition [96][97]

Core Points - Boeing's St. Louis defense factories faced a strike initiated by approximately 3,200 workers after rejecting a contract offer that included a 20% wage increase [1][2] - The strike marks the first walkout at Boeing's St. Louis defense hub since 1996, highlighting significant labor unrest within the company [1][4] - The union representing the workers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, indicated that the previous contract proposal did not adequately address the workforce's priorities and sacrifices [2][3] Company Background - The last strike at Boeing's St. Louis facilities occurred in 1996, involving over 6,000 workers and lasting 99 days [4] - Boeing experienced a larger machinist strike in 2022, with around 33,000 workers in Washington factories walking off the job for 53 days, resulting in a contract that secured a 38% raise over four years [4] Current Challenges - Boeing is currently under regulatory pressure due to safety concerns, particularly following an incident involving a 737 MAX 9 aircraft [5] - The company reported $22.7 billion in earnings for the second quarter of 2025, marking its highest earnings since 2019, and delivered 150 commercial airplanes, a significant increase from 92 in the same period of 2024 [6] - Boeing's losses for the quarter were halved to $612 million compared to $1.2 billion in the same quarter the previous year, indicating a notable improvement in financial performance [6]

Core Points - Approximately 3,200 workers at Boeing facilities in Missouri and Illinois are set to strike due to a contract dispute, involving plants that manufacture military aircraft and missile technologies [1][2] - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union has stated that the strike follows the failure to reach a four-year contract agreement before the previous terms expired [2] - Boeing has expressed disappointment over the union's rejection of an offer that included an average wage growth of 40% and addressed alternative work schedules [3] Company Operations - Boeing's St. Louis facility is a key site for military aircraft manufacturing and is expected to play a significant role in the production of the new sixth-generation F-47 fighter [2] - The company has prepared contingency plans to maintain operations with non-union staff during the strike [3] Industry Context - The current strike is smaller in scale compared to a previous strike involving 30,000 machinists in the northwestern US, which lasted seven weeks [7] - Boeing's CEO has downplayed the potential impact of the strike, indicating that it is "much, much less" significant than last year's strike [7][8] - The strike adds to Boeing's challenges as the company works to improve its reputation following past incidents involving the 737 Max and other aircraft [8][9]

Core Points - Union members at Boeing's St. Louis facility rejected the latest contract offer and will strike starting midnight on Monday [1] - Boeing is prepared for the strike and has implemented a contingency plan [2] - The original contract proposal from Boeing included a 20% wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus, which the union deemed insufficient [4] - A new contract offer was sent to the union with minor compensation changes benefiting senior members, while maintaining current overtime policies [5] - Boeing's defense division is expanding manufacturing facilities in St. Louis for the new F-47A fighter jet, following a recent contract win [6][7] - The upcoming strike involves 3,200 employees, significantly smaller than the previous strike involving 33,000 machinists last fall [6]