Aerospace and defense company Textron (TXT -0.08%)announced its third-quarter 2024 earnings on October 24. The release showed mixed results, with overall earnings per share (EPS) falling short of management's forecasts primarily due to ongoing labor issues in the Textron Aviation segment. Reported EPS was $1.18, down from $1.35 in Q3 2023. Total revenues of $3.427 billion were slightly underperforming amid operational setbacks but aligned with the broader expectations after external interruptions. Despite these challenges, the Bell segment demonstrated strong performance fueled by military demand and strategic contracts. However, the company revised its full-year guidance downward, reflecting the significant impact of the labor disputes.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change YoY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Per Share | $1.18 | $1.35 | -12.6% |
| Total Revenue | $3.427 billion | $3.424 billion | 0.1% |
| Net Cash from Operations | $208 million | $270 million | -23.0% |
Source: Expectations based on management's guidance, as provided in 2024-07-18 earnings report.
About Textron
Textron is a multi-industry company known for its products across six segments, namely Aviation, Bell, Systems, Industrial, eAviation, and Finance. It holds a diverse portfolio, enabling risk mitigation through market fluctuations and achieving breadth in capabilities. Textron’s strategic focus has been diversifying its segments, maintaining a strong governmental contract presence, and fostering advancements in sustainable aviation technologies.
Recently, Textron has been placing significant emphasis on meeting government regulatory standards, expanding its portfolio of innovative aircraft like the Beechcraft Denali and Citation Ascend, and boosting its backlog.
Quarterly Highlights
The quarter depicted a mixed state for Textron, influenced by both external and internal factors. Labor disruptions in the aviation sector reduced earnings, where a $50 million revenue shortfall and a $30 million profit decline were directly linked to strike activities. Compared to the previous year, Textron Aviation's revenues of $1.339 billion were substantially impacted.
Despite challenges in Textron Aviation, the company's Bell segment exhibited positive trajectories. Revenues reached $929 million, marking an increase of $175 million, buoyed by military volume particularly related to the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The backlog for Bell rose significantly, climbing by $2.3 billion to $6.5 billion, underscoring the segment's robust demand.
On the downside, the Textron eAviation segment's negligible $6 million revenue reflecting a segment loss of $18 million, up from ayear ago. Both the Industrial and Systems segments saw downturns, largely tied to lower volumes which affected profits, evidenced by the Industrial segment's revenue shortfall of $82 million compared to last year.
Overall, labor disputes notably impacted Textron's financial output, with operating cash flow slipping to $208 million from $270 million in the previous year’s quarter. The company revised its annual guidance in light of these disruptions.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, management expressed caution owing to continued labor challenges while adjusting its financial outlook. The revised full-year guidance now projects an adjusted EPS of $5.40 - $5.60, a downward revision from an earlier range of $6.20 - $6.40. This adjustment underscores pressing issues within the Aviation segment.
Nonetheless, robust demand for Textron's military contracts in the Bell segment signals optimism. As Textron resolves current challenges, the focus remains on strengthening its diversified portfolio for sustained future growth.
