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Leonardo SpA (FINMF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Growth in Orders and Revenue ...

In This Article:

  • New Orders: Increased by 7.8% to EUR14.8 billion.

  • Revenue: Grew by 12.4% to EUR12.1 billion.

  • EBITA: Increased by 15% to EUR766 million.

  • Return on Sales: Improved to 6.3%.

  • Free Operating Cash Flow: Absorption of EUR550 million.

  • Net Debt: Reduced to EUR3.1 billion from EUR3.9 billion.

  • Helicopters Revenue: Increased by 13% to EUR3.6 billion.

  • Defense Electronics Europe EBITA: Increased by 23% to EUR381 million.

  • Leonardo DRS Revenue: Increased by 18% to over $2.2 billion.

  • Cyber Orders: Increased by over 20% to EUR586 million.

  • Aircraft EBITA: Increased by 1.7% to EUR246 million.

  • Aerostructures EBITA: Loss of EUR129 million.

  • Space Division Revenue: Increased to EUR527 million.

  • Ordinary Net Income: EUR364 million.

  • Net Result: EUR730 million, benefiting from capital gain on Tele Pacc consolidation.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Leonardo SpA (FINMF) reported a strong financial performance with new orders growing by almost 8% and revenues increasing by nearly 12% year-over-year.

  • EBITA grew by approximately 15%, reaching EUR 766 million, indicating improved operational efficiency.

  • The company successfully reduced its net debt by 19%, showcasing effective financial management.

  • The cybersecurity division experienced significant growth, with a 21% increase in orders and an 11% rise in revenues, reflecting successful strategic shifts.

  • Leonardo SpA (FINMF) is actively pursuing international alliances, such as the joint venture with Rheinmetall, to enhance its position in the global defense market.

Negative Points

  • The aerostructures division continues to face challenges, with a reported loss of EUR 129 million in the first nine months, exacerbated by the Boeing production slowdown.

  • The space division, particularly the Telco satellite segment, is experiencing difficulties, impacting overall profitability.

  • There are delays in some key aircraft programs, affecting the timing of order intake and revenue recognition.

  • The company faces geopolitical uncertainties, such as potential changes in defense spending priorities due to political shifts in the US and Europe.

  • Leonardo SpA (FINMF) is dealing with supply chain constraints, which could impact its ability to meet demand and maintain operational efficiency.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Now that you have closed the joint venture with Rheinmetall, could you update us on your capital allocation priorities and thoughts in the defense business, specifically on Iveco Defense? A: We have negotiated with Iveco Defense to act as subcontractors for the joint venture, potentially allocating 10% of the workload to them. This synergy could maximize productivity. We are open to discussing mergers or acquisitions, but for now, involving Iveco Defense as a subcontractor is the simplest solution.