Safran reports full-year 2022 results

Paris, February 17, 2023
 

FY 2022 adjusted data

• Revenue: €19,035 million, +24.8%; +15.8% organic 
• Recurring operating income: €2,408 million (12.6% of sales, +80bps)
• Free cash flow: €2,666 million. Net cash positive
• Dividend per share €1.35, subject to shareholders’ approval
   

FY 2022 consolidated data

• Revenue: €19,523 million
• Recurring operating income: €2,493 million
• Profit from operations: €2,043 million
• Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent: €(2,459) million
• Free cash flow: €2,666 million
   

FY 2023 outlook (adjusted data)

• Revenue: at least €23.0 billion
• Recurring operating income: c.€3.0 billion
• Free cash flow: at least €2.5 billion

 

The Board of Directors of Safran (Euronext Paris: SAF), under the Chairmanship of Ross McInnes, at their meeting in Paris on February 16, 2023, adopted and authorized the publication of Safran’s financial statements and adjusted income statement for the full-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Foreword 

• All figures in this press release represent adjusted data, except where noted. Please refer to the definitions and reconciliation between full-year 2022 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement. Please refer to the definitions contained in the footnotes and in the Notes on page 10 of this press statement.
• Organic variations exclude changes in scope and currency impacts for the period.

CEO Olivier Andriès said: “Following the continued recovery in air traffic, Safran delivered outstanding results as we successfully maneuver through a challenging operating environment with supply chain constraints and inflationary pressure. Our teams delivered strong sales and profit growth while also generating free cash flow that exceeded our expectations. 
While we expect industry-wide challenges to continue near-term, 2023 is set to be a strong year for customer demand. We expect continuing positive trends in global air traffic with China reopening gradually, a good catalyst for our aftermarket businesses at a time when airlines are catching up on maintenance. Increase in Defense budgets, particularly in France, will provide opportunities for growth. Through our focus on operational excellence and our priorities of decarbonization and sovereignty, we are on track to deliver on our 2025 commitments.”

 

Full-year 2022 results

 

Revenue

The global narrowbody capacity increased throughout the year in all geographies except China. In 2022, narrowbody ASK were at 82% (on average) of 2019, with Q4-22 at 86% of Q4-19.
2022 revenue amounted to €19,035 million, up 24.8% compared to 2021, 15.8% organic. Change in scope was €(9) million¹. Currency impact of €1,382 million reflects a positive translation impact of USD revenues, with an average €/$ spot rate of 1.05 in 2022 (1.18 in 2021). €/$ hedge rate was at 1.15 (1.16 in 2021). Q4-22 sales increased by 21.1% at €5,626 million (11.8% organic) compared to Q4-21.

On an organic basis, 2022 revenue increased by 15.8%:

• Propulsion increased by 18.3% driven by a solid civil aftermarket activity (+29.3% in USD) highlighting strong spare parts sales for CFM56 and high thrust engines. Service activities for civil engines posted modest growth in the year. OE revenue was supported by higher deliveries with combined shipments of CFM engines reaching 1,196 units (1,136 LEAP and 60 CFM56), compared with 952 in 2021. Military engine activities recorded a slight growth in services but were down due to lower M88 deliveries. Helicopter turbines registered a lower OE activity and stable services (supply chain issues offset by higher pricing and support-by-the-hour contracts).
  Q4-22 sales increased by 10.0% mainly due to higher civil engine deliveries. Civil aftermarket revenue was up 4.3% compared to Q4-21 (as a reminder +53% in Q1, +41% in Q2 and +36% in Q3);
   
• Equipment & Defense was up 10.6% driven by aftermarket services across all activities. OE sales were up mainly thanks to nacelles (A330neo and LEAP-1A powered A320neo) and to a lesser extent safety systems (evacuation slides for A320neo) as well as fuel and fluid systems. Electronics & Defense revenue registered a slight increase with growing avionic activities (FADEC for LEAP and inertial navigation systems), higher deliveries of JIM binoculars but lower deliveries of guidance systems. The widebody market remained low during the first part of the year, notably on the 787 program impacting wiring, power and landing gear activities.
  Q4-22 sales increased by 12.0% compared to Q4-21 with strength in nacelles, Aerosystems and Electronic & Defense activities. MRO activities for landing gear activities were slightly impacted by supply chain constraints at the end of the year;
   
• Aircraft Interiors revenue recorded a solid 25.1% growth primarily driven by services for all activities. OE Cabin (toilets for A320neo, A350, 737 MAX and galleys) and Passenger Innovation (IFE) activities performed well during the year. Seats OE activities were impacted by lower volumes on business class seats.
  Q4-22 sales increased by 21.2% compared to Q4-21 thanks to Cabin and Passenger Innovation activities both in OE and services

^{1  Divestment of EVAC in June 2021, Safran Ventilation Systems Oklahoma (Enviro Systems) in November 2021, Pioneer Aerospace in April 2022 and Arresting Systems in June 2022. Acquisition of Orolia in July 2022.}

 

Research & Development

Total R&D, including R&D sold to customers, reached €1,540 million, compared with €1,430 million in 2021. 
Self-funded R&D expenses before tax credits were up 10.3% at €1,019 million in 2022 including:

• Development expenses at €548 million (€532 million in 2021);
   
• Research & Technology (R&T) self-funded expenses at €471 million (€392 million in 2021). Efforts are mainly directed towards decarbonization through RISE, a 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 fuels.

The impact on recurring operating income of expensed R&D was €826 million, down (0.1) point of margin compared to 2021, with lower capitalized R&D and higher amortization and depreciation related to R&D programs. It represents 4.3% of sales, consistent with a mid-term target of 4.5% on average for 2021-2025.

 

Recurring operating income

2022 recurring operating income² reached €2,408 million, +33.4% compared to 2021 (+28.0% organic) mainly driven by service activities for Propulsion and Equipment & Defense. It includes scope changes of €4 million and a currency impact of €94 million. The Group registered an increase of profit-sharing³ as well as a higher R&D impact in P&L. The operating margin stood at 12.6% of sales compared with 11.8% in the year ago period.

On an organic basis, recurring operating income improved by 28.0%:

• Propulsion recurring operating income was up by 23.1% due to a strong civil aftermarket activity which was driven by higher spare parts sales for CFM56 and high thrust engines. Military services also supported the positive trend seen in 2022. The CFM56/LEAP transition was a negative contribution with lower CFM56 deliveries and higher LEAP deliveries at negative margin. M88 OE deliveries as well as helicopter turbine activities had a negative impact compared to 2021;
   
• Equipment & Defense recurring operating income increased by 25.1% driven by growth in services notably landing gear, carbon brakes, aerosystems and nacelles. OE nacelles had a positive contribution thanks to A330neo and A320neo programs. Electronics & Defense was flat with higher avionics and optronics activities compensating lower guiding and navigation systems;
   
• Aircraft Interiors posted a recurring operating loss of €(140) million, an improvement of €48 million in organic from 2021. Cabin activities reached breakeven in Q4-22 thanks to a strong growth in services and to a lesser extent to OE deliveries. Seats reported a positive contribution from services but a loss from OE activities. Seats is facing supply chain issues and cost-overruns in engineering and production. Strong efforts are deployed to stem these losses going forward.

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

^{3 The over-performance recorded in 2022 allowed an increase in the optional profit-sharing (“Intéressement”) paid to French employees.} 

 

Adjusted net income

In 2022, non-cash one-off items were €(450) million including an impairment charges for several programs of which €(105) million related to Russia as well as €(319) million of goodwill impairment in Aircraft Interiors and a capital gain on disposals of €63 million.

Adjusted net income – Group share was €1,178 million in 2022 (basic EPS of €2.76 and diluted EPS of €2.68) compared with €760 million in 2021 (basic EPS of €1.78 and diluted EPS of €1.73). 

It includes:

• Net adjusted financial expense of €(186) million, including €(56) million of cost of debt, €(95) million exchange revaluation of positions in the balance sheet and €(48) million impairment of financial assets in Russia (notably non-consolidated investments);
   
• An adjusted tax expense of €(557) million (31.4% apparent tax rate).

The reconciliation between 2022 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement is provided and commented in the Notes on page 11.

 

Free cash flow

Free cash flow⁴ of €2,666 million benefited from advance payments. Safran resumed its investments in production capacity and low carbon initiatives with capital expenditures (tangibles and intangibles) increasing to €(879) million (€(756) million in 2021).
 
The favorable working capital evolution (€729 million) reflects significant customer advance payments as well as strong deferred income from rate per flight hour service contracts offsetting a significant increase in inventories to ensure minimal disruption of deliveries to customers.

^{4 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 December 31, 2022, Safran’s balance sheet exhibits a €14 million net cash position (vs. net debt of €1,544 million as at December 31, 2021), as a result of a strong free cash flow generation.

Cash and cash equivalent stood at €6,687 million, up from €5,247 million at the end of December 2021.

In 2022 Safran continued to optimize its debt profile with key financing transactions:

• Reimbursement at maturity date in February 2022 of $540 million senior unsecured USPP notes issued in 2012; refinanced with €500 million EIB’s bank loan (linked to a decarbonization research program) signed in March 2021 and fully drawn in February 2022;
   
• ESG Financing (refinancing of the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility): €2 billion undrawn sustainability-linked revolving credit facility available until May 2027 (with two one-year extension options). Cost indexed on reaching 2 ESG annual objectives.

On December 2, S&P upgraded Safran’s long-term credit rating to A- with a stable outlook.

 

Shareholder returns

• Dividend
  For fiscal year 2022, a dividend⁵ payment of €1.35 per share will be proposed to the shareholders’ vote at the Annual General Meeting on May 25, 2023, representing a 40% payout ratio on a restated⁶ net income (vs. €0.50 in 2021). 
   
• Liability management transaction (2027 OCEANEs)
  Purchase of up to 9.4 million shares announced on October 28, 2022 in order to hedge the potential dilution of 2027 convertible bonds⁷:
  • First tranche completed at 2022 year end: c.2.4 million shares (€275 million cash-out);
  • At February 9: c.4 million shares purchased (€492 million cash-out) cumulative.
  • Ongoing second tranche expected to be completed by March 31, 2023; 

Those shares will be delivered to 2027 OCEANEs’ holders if and when they exercise their conversion right.

^{5 Ex-date: May 30, 2023; Record date: May 31, 2023; Dividend payment: June 1, 2023.}

^{6 Excluding the contribution from the French government in the form of short time working, the contribution of employees in 2022 (“Abondement”) and the goodwill depreciation of Aircraft Interiors.}

^{7 c.9.24 million convertible bonds maturing in May 2027 (2027 OCEANEs) for a total nominal value of €1,000M and a unit par value of €108.23. Conversion ratio currently set at 1.009. Current conversion price of €107.26 with a potential dilution of 2.18% 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.139€). Refer to the Terms and Conditions of the 2027 OCEANEs available on Safran website.}

 

Full-year 2023 outlook

Safran expects to achieve for full-year 2023 (at current perimeter, adjusted data, €/$ spot rate of 1.05 and hedge rate of 1.13):

• Revenue of at least €23.0 billion; 
• Recurring operating income of c.€.3.0 billion; 
• Free Cash Flow of at least €2.5bn, subject to payment schedule of some advance payments.
   

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

• No further disruption to the world economy;
• Air traffic: narrowbody ASK back to 2019 level in the course of 2023; 
• LEAP engine deliveries: increase by c.50%;
• Civil aftermarket revenue: up in the low twenties (in USD).

The main risk factor remains the supply chain production capabilities.

 

Currency hedges

The hedge book amounts to $52.6 billion in January 2023, compared to $50.1 billion in September 2022. 
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: $6.6 billion hedged out of an estimated net exposure of $14.0 billion.

 

Portfolio management

Safran continues to execute its targeted divestment program:

• Pioneer Aerospace Corporation, safety control systems as well as parachute release and launch platforms: closed on April 15th, 2022;
• Safran Aerosystems Arresting Systems, military aircraft arresting systems: closed on June 30th, 2022; 
• Cargo and catering activities: agreement signed, closing expected in Q2-23.
   

Safran has executed in several bolt-on acquisitions:

• Orolia, Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions: closed on July 7th, 2022; 
• Cilas (63% with MBDA), laser and optronics solutions: closed on November 2nd, 2022;
• Syrlinks, earth-space communications equipment: closed in November 4th, 2022;
• Aubert & Duval, the share purchase agreement was signed with Airbus and Tikehau Ace Capital on June 21^st, 2022: closing expected in Q1-23;
• Thales Electrical Systems activities, electrical systems: closing expected in Q2-23.

All in all, divestments represent approximately €400 million of cash-in and acquisitions approximately €650 million of cash out for transactions closed in 2022 and those already committed for 2023. 

 

Climate strategy

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated Safran’s GHG emissions reduction targets to be in conformance with its Criteria and Recommendations. SBTi has determined that Safran’s scope 1 and 2 target ambition is in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.
Safran’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets: 

• Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2030 vs. 2018⁸;
• Reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from the use of sold products⁹ by 42.5% per Available Seat Kilometer by 2035 vs. 2018^{8 10}.

^{8 The target boundary includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.} 

^{9 Direct and indirect use-phase emissions}

^{10 Non-CO₂ effects which may also contribute to aviation induced warming are not included in this target. Safran commits to report publicly on its collaboration with stakeholders to improve understanding of opportunities to mitigate the non-CO2e impacts of aviation annually over is target timeframe.}

 

* * * *

 

Agenda

• Q1 2023 revenue: April 26, 2023
• Annual General Meeting: May 25, 2023
• H1 2023 results: July 27, 2023
• Q3 2023 revenue: October 27, 2023
• FY 2023 results: February 15, 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/bzxspyzp 
   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/BI61b2ecb0bdbe4da7aeb03af5d0b73f0e 

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 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.

FY 2022 reconciliation between consolidated income statement and adjusted consolidated income statement: