Safran reports first-half 2023 results

Paris, July 27, 2023

H1 2023 adjusted data

• Revenue €10,945 million, +28%; +26% organic 
• Recurring operating income €1,397 million (12.8% of sales, +0.6pt)
• Free cash flow €1,463 million

H1 2023 consolidated data

• Revenue €11,129 million
• Recurring operating income €1,406 million
• Free cash flow €1,463 million

The Board of Directors of Safran (Euronext Paris: SAF), under the Chairmanship of Ross McInnes, at their meeting in Paris on July 26, 2023, adopted and authorized the publication of Safran’s financial statements and adjusted income statement for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023.

Foreword 

• All figures in this press release represent adjusted data, except where noted. Please refer to the definitions and reconciliation between first half 2023 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement. Please refer to the definitions contained in the footnotes and in the Notes on page 9 of this press statement.
• Organic variations exclude changes in scope and currency impacts for the period.

CEO Olivier Andriès said: “Since the start of this year, many new orders have been announced and narrowbody air traffic is now trending above its 2019 level, fueling a strong demand for spare parts and aftermarket services. In this dynamic commercial environment, Safran is fully focused on the production ramp up. We are on track to meet our delivery commitments despite continuing industry-wide supply chain challenges. In the light of a strong performance in H1, we are raising our profit and cash guidance for the year. 
In line with its strategy, Safran demonstrates its ability to shape its portfolio of activities through targeted acquisitions, while investing in organic growth and ensuring an attractive return to shareholders.”

Half-year 2023 results

Revenue

The global narrowbody capacity increased throughout the first part of the year. In H1 2023, narrowbody ASK were at 102% (on average) of 2019, with Q2 2023 at 104% of Q2 2019.

H1 2023 revenue amounted to €10,945 million, up 27.9% compared to H1 2022, 25.9% organic. Change in scope was €28 million¹. Currency impact of €136 million reflects a positive translation impact of USD revenues, with an average €/$ spot rate of 1.08 in H1 2023 (1.09 in H1 2022). €/$ hedge rate was at 1.13 (1.15 in H1 2022). Q2 2023 sales increased by 26.5% at €5,679 million (27.1% organic) compared to Q2 2022.

On an organic basis, H1 2023 revenue increased by 25.9%: 

• Propulsion increased by 34.1% supported by a solid civil aftermarket activity (+36.5% in USD) driven by strong spare parts sales for CFM56 as well as service activities. LEAP deliveries reached 785 units (465 in H1 2022), representing a 69% annual growth. Military engine activities benefitted from higher M88 deliveries in France. Helicopter turbines registered a slight growth with both OE and services activities impacted by supply chain issues;  
• Equipment & Defense was up 14.4% mainly driven by aftermarket services across all activities, especially in Nacelles. OE sales were slightly up, impacted by industry-wide supply chain difficulties (landing gears, avionics) and by revised demand; 
• Aircraft Interiors revenue recorded a 33.8% growth primarily driven by services for all activities. OE Cabin and Passenger Innovation (IFE) activities performed well during the first part of the year. OE Seats revenue was flattish with a fall in volumes on business class seats.

¹ Divestment of Pioneer Aerospace in April 2022, Arresting Systems in June 2022 and Cargo & Catering in May 2023. Acquisition of Orolia in July 2022.

Research & Development

Total R&D, including R&D sold to customers, reached €862 million, compared with €719 million in H1 2022. 

Self-funded R&D expenses before tax credits were up 24% at €575 million in H1 2023 including:

• Development expenses at €313 million (€259 million in H1 2022);
• Research & Technology (R&T) self-funded expenses at €262 million (€206 million in H1 2022). Efforts are mainly directed towards decarbonization through RISE, a disruptive technology program that lays the foundations for developing a future engine that is 20% more fuel-efficient than the latest-generation LEAP engine, and 100% compatible with sustainable aviation fuels.

The impact on recurring operating income of expensed R&D was €473 million, up 0.1 point of sales compared to H1 2022, with both higher capitalized R&D and amortization related to R&D programs. It represents 4.3% of sales, a consistent level with a mid-term target of 4.5% on average for 2021-2025. 

Recurring operating income

H1 2023 recurring operating income² reached €1,397 million, +33.4% compared to H1 2022 (+27.3% organic). It includes scope changes of €(6) million and a currency impact of €70 million.

Recurring operating margin improved by 0.6pt at 12.8% of sales (12.2% in H1 2022): 

• Propulsion recurring operating margin was up by 1.2pt due to a strong civil aftermarket activity which was driven by higher spare parts sales for CFM56. The higher proportion of LEAP spare engine deliveries in H1 had also a positive contribution to the division. Helicopter turbine activities as well as M88 OE deliveries had a negative impact compared to H1 2022;
• Equipment & Defense recurring operating margin decreased by 0.3pt. Despite strong growth in services across all activities, the margin was impacted by inflation, higher R&D expenses and supply chain difficulties, notably in landing gear activity and in Electronics & Defense;
• Aircraft Interiors posted a recurring operating loss of €(100) million, including €(33) million depreciation of operating assets (obsolete inventory and development costs on two programs) for Seats. Cabin recovery is on track with a target of being in a positive territory for full year. Seats continues to face cost-overruns in engineering and industrialization on new programs development.

² Operating income before capital gains or losses on disposals / impact of changes of control, impairment charges, transaction and integration costs and other items.

Adjusted net income

In H1 2023, non-cash one-off items were €(57) million resulting from R&D impairments in Aircraft Interiors and restructuring costs.

Adjusted net income – Group share was €1,043 million (+95%) in H1 2023 (basic EPS of €2.48 and diluted EPS of €2.40) compared with €536 million in H1 2022 (basic EPS of €1.26 and diluted EPS of €1.22). 

It includes:

• Net financial income of €63 million, including reduction of cost of debt at €42 million (returns on cash investments exceed cost of debt) and €21 million exchange revaluation of positions in the balance sheet;
• A tax expense of €(318) million (22.7% apparent tax rate).

The reconciliation between H1 2023 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement is provided and commented in the Notes on page 10.

Free cash flow 

Free cash flow³ of €1,463 million benefited from significant advance payments, notably from Rafale export customers. Safran continued to increase its investments in production capacity and low carbon initiatives with capital expenditures up to €(448) million (€(272) million in H1 2022).

The favorable working capital evolution (€81 million) reflects significant customer advance payments as well as strong deferred income from rate per flight hour service contracts offsetting increasing inventories.

³ This non-accounting indicator (non-audited) is equal to cash flow from operating activities less change in working capital and acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

Net debt and financing

As of June 30, 2023, Safran’s balance sheet exhibits a €263 million net debt position (vs. net cash of €14 million as at December 31, 2022), including the dividend payment (€564 million to shareholders of the parent company) and the share repurchase program (€947 million).

Cash and cash equivalent stood at €6,147 million, down from €6,687 million at the end of December 2022.

In March 2023 Safran reimbursed at maturity a €180 million 7-year Euro private placement loan format.

Share repurchase programs

2027 OCEANEs 

As of May 24, 2023, Safran completed the purchase of 9.4 million shares announced on October 28, 2022 in order to hedge the potential dilution of 2027 convertible bonds (2027 OCEANEs)⁴. 

These treasury stocks will be delivered to 2027 OCEANEs’ holders if and when they exercise their conversion right.

⁴ c.9.24 million convertible bonds maturing in May 2027 for a total nominal value of €1,000M and a unit par value of €108.23. Conversion ratio currently set at 1.019. Current conversion price of €106.21 with a potential dilution of 2.20% of capital. Redemption at maturity or early redemption at Safran’s discretion from June 2024 if the stock price exceeds 130% of conversion price (currently c.138€). Refer to the Terms and Conditions of the 2027 OCEANEs available on Safran website.

2028 OCEANEs 

Safran launches a liability management transaction aimed at eliminating the dilution risk related to the 2028 convertible bonds (2028 OCEANEs)⁵. Safran will thus repurchase up to approximately 4.0 million of its own shares, representing approximately 0.95% of capital. The 2028 OCEANEs have a nominal value of €180.89.

⁵ c.4.04 million convertible bonds maturing in April 2028 for a total nominal value of €730M and a unit par value of €180.89. Conversion ratio currently set at 1.003. Current conversion price of €180.34 with a potential dilution of 0.95% of capital. Redemption at maturity or early redemption at Safran’s discretion from April 2025 if the stock price exceeds 130% of conversion price (currently c.234€). Refer to the Terms and Conditions of the 2028 OCEANEs available on Safran website.

Share buyback program for share cancellation

Safran launches a share repurchase program for the purpose of subsequent share cancellation. This program of up to €1 billion is due to be completed by end 2025.

Full-year 2023 outlook

Safran raises its full-year 2023 outlook (adjusted data):

• Revenue of at least €23.0 billion (unchanged); 
• Recurring operating income of c.€3.1 billion (versus c.€3.0 billion previously); 
• Free Cash Flow of at least €2.7 billion (versus at least €2.5 billion previously).

This outlook is based notably, but not exclusively, on the following assumptions:

• No further disruption to the world economy (unchanged);
• Air traffic: narrowbody ASK above 2019 level in 2023 (versus back to 2019 level in the course of 2023 previously); 
• LEAP engine deliveries: increase by c.50% (unchanged);
• Civil aftermarket revenue (in USD): up mid to high twenties (versus up in the low twenties previously);
• €/$ spot rate of 1.10 (versus 1.05 previously); 
• €/$ hedge rate of 1.13 (unchanged).

The main risk factor remains the supply chain production capabilities.

Currency hedges

The hedge book amounts to $50.7 billion in June 2023, down from $53.7 billion in April 2023. 
2023 is hedged: targeted hedge rate of $1.13, for an estimated net exposure of $10.0 billion.
2024 is hedged: targeted hedge rate between $1.13 and 1.15, for an estimated net exposure of $11.0 billion.
2025 and 2026 are hedged: targeted hedge rate between $1.12 and 1.14, for a respective estimated net exposure of $12.0 billion and $13.0 billion. 
2027 is partially hedged: $9.6 billion hedged out of an estimated net exposure of $14.0 billion.

Portfolio management

Safran continues to manage actively its asset portfolio in line with strategic priorities:

• Acquisition of Aubert & Duval (with Airbus and Tikehau Capital) closed on April 28th, 2023. The consolidation (equity method) within Safran Propulsion division starts from May 2023.
• Divestment of Cargo and Catering activities (within Safran Cabin perimeter) closed on May 31st, 2023.
• Acquisition of Thales electrical systems activities expected to close end of Q3 2023.
• Exclusive negotiations with Air Liquide to acquire its aeronautical oxygen and nitrogen activities announced on June 1st, 2023. The closing is expected in Q1 2024.
• On July 21st, 2023, Safran announced the contemplated acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s actuation and flight control business for $1.8 billion. The closing is expected in H2 2024.

Agenda

• Q3 2023 revenue : October 27, 2023
• FY 2023 results : February 15, 2024
• Q1 2024 revenue : April 26, 2024                
• Annual General Meeting : May 23, 2024
• H1 2024 results : July 31, 2024

Safran will host today a webcast for analysts and investors at 8.30 am CET. 

1. If you only want to follow the webcast and listen the conference call, please register using the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hbrvcniq
   Use this same link for the replay which will be available 2 hours after the event concludes and remains accessible for 90 days. 
    
2. If you want to participate in the Q&A session at the end of the conference, please pre-register using the link below in order to receive by email the connection details (dial-in numbers and personal passcode):
   https://register.vevent.com/register/BI9bf93e749f114b34a25bd50564af07a1

Registration links are also available on Safran’s website under the Finance home page as well as in the "Publications and Results" and "Calendar" sub-sections.

Press release, consolidated financial statements and presentation are available on Safran’s website at https://www.safran-group.com/ (Finance section).

Key figures

1. Adjusted income statement, balance sheet and cash flow

2. Segment breakdown

3. Number of products delivered on major aerospace programs

4. Research & Development

Notes

Adjusted revenue:
To reflect the Group’s actual economic performance and enable it to be monitored and benchmarked against competitors, Safran prepares an adjusted income statement in addition to its consolidated financial statements.

Readers are reminded that Safran:

• is the result of the May 11, 2005 merger of Sagem SA and Snecma, accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3, “Business Combinations” in its consolidated financial statements;
• recognizes, as of July 1, 2005, all changes in the fair value of its foreign currency derivatives in “Financial income (loss)”, in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 9 applicable to transactions not qualifying for hedge accounting (see Note 3.f of the Universal Registration Document).

Safran’s consolidated income statement has been adjusted for the impact of:

• purchase price allocations with respect to business combinations. Since 2005, this restatement concerns the amortization charged against intangible assets relating to aircraft programs remeasured at the time of the Sagem-Snecma merger. With effect from the first-half 2010 interim financial statements, the Group decided to restate:
  • the impact of purchase price allocations for business combinations, particularly amortization and depreciation charged against intangible assets and property, plant and equipment recognized or remeasured at the time of the transaction and amortized or depreciated over extended periods due to the length of the Group’s business cycles, and the impact of remeasuring inventories, as well as
  • gains on remeasuring any previously held equity interests in the event of step acquisitions or asset contributions to joint ventures;
     
• the mark-to-market of foreign currency derivatives, in order to better reflect the economic substance of the Group’s overall foreign currency risk hedging strategy:
  • revenue net of purchases denominated in foreign currencies is measured using the effective hedged rate, i.e., including the costs of the hedging strategy,
  • all mark-to-market changes on instruments hedging future cash flows are neutralized.

The resulting changes in deferred tax have also been adjusted.

H1 2023 reconciliation between consolidated income statement and adjusted consolidated income statement: