Airbus Reports Strong Q4 Growth Amid Order Intake Challenges

Airbus SE Q4 Earnings Overview

Airbus SE (NASDAQ: EADSY) has announced its fourth-quarter earnings, revealing a remarkable 8% year-over-year increase in revenue, amounting to 24.716 billion euros. This figure surpasses analyst expectations, which centered around 24.567 billion euros.

Significant EBIT Increase

During the quarter, the company reported an adjusted EBIT increase of 16%. This surge can be attributed to the higher number of commercial aircraft deliveries, reduced research and development costs, and strong performance in the Airbus Helicopters segment.

Earnings Per Share Surpasses Expectations

The earnings per share for Airbus rose impressively to 3.07 euros, up from 1.85 euros year-over-year, beating the market consensus of 2.43 euros, showcasing the company's operational efficiency.

Segment Performance in Q4

Regarding quarterly sales by segments, Airbus reported 17.767 billion euros from its core business, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. Airbus Helicopters delivered 3.066 billion euros, up 15%, while Airbus Defence and Space contributed 4.473 billion euros, reflecting a 3% increase.

Order Intake and Future Projections

While order intake for the year declined to 103.5 billion euros from 186.5 billion euros the previous year, the order book has grown significantly, reaching 629 billion euros compared to 554 billion euros in 2023. This performance is influenced by a robust book-to-bill ratio greater than 1 and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

CEO Remarks on Strong Demand

Guillaume Faury, the Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, expressed confidence in the company’s performance, stating, "We achieved strong order intake across all businesses, confirming the solid demand for our products and services. Despite the challenges in 2024, we have successfully delivered on our guidance."

Overall Financial Performance for Fiscal Year

For the fiscal year, consolidated revenue rose by 6% to 69.2 billion euros, primarily driven by an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries, which reached 766 units, up from 735 the previous year. This segment saw a 6% rise in revenue to 50.6 billion euros.

Additional Segment Growth

In terms of other segments, Airbus Helicopters recorded an 8% increase in revenue to 7.9 billion euros with 361 deliveries, slightly up from 346 the previous year. Airbus Defence and Space also saw a positive trend with a 5% hike in revenue to 12.1 billion euros, supported by significant Air Power deliveries.

Production Targets and Challenges

Airbus is ramping up production for the A320 Family, targeting 75 aircraft per month by 2027. Additionally, production for the A330 is stabilizing at four aircraft per month. However, there are ongoing supply chain challenges, particularly with Spirit AeroSystems, affecting the A350 and A220 production plans.

Future Production Plans

The company aims to achieve A350 production of 12 per month by 2028, with an expected freighter variant launch in the second half of 2027. Meanwhile, production targets for the A220 have been set at 14 aircraft per month by 2026.

Dividend Proposal and Expectations

In terms of shareholder returns, Airbus’ Board has recommended a regular dividend of 2.00 euros per share alongside a one-time special dividend of 1.00 euro for 2024, with payments anticipated on April 24, 2025, pending approval.

Outlook for 2025

Looking towards 2025, Airbus is setting ambitious targets with an expected ~820 commercial aircraft deliveries, ~7.0 billion euros in EBIT Adjusted, and around 4.5 billion euros in Free Cash Flow before customer financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Airbus' key financial outcomes for Q4?

Airbus reported a revenue rise of 8% year-over-year, totaling 24.716 billion euros, with adjusted EBIT increasing by 16%.

How did earnings per share compare to expectations?

Earnings per share reached 3.07 euros, far surpassing the anticipated 2.43 euros, reflecting strong operational performance.

What were the challenges faced by Airbus in 2024?

Challenges include a decline in order intake and ongoing supply chain issues impacting production rates for key aircraft models.

What is the expected dividend for Airbus shareholders?

Airbus has proposed a regular dividend of 2.00 euros per share and a 1.00 euro special dividend for 2024.

What are Airbus' projections for future aircraft deliveries?

Airbus aims to deliver approximately 820 commercial aircraft in 2025, reflecting ongoing demand and operational efficiency.

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