WHITE PLAINS, NY - Loar Holdings Inc (NYSE:LOAR), a diversified manufacturer and supplier in the aerospace and defense sectors, has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Applied Avionics, Inc. for $385 million in cash. The transaction is anticipated to close following regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Applied Avionics, known for its avionics interface solutions under the VIVISUN® and NEXSYS® brands, has been a significant player in the market since 1968. The company's products are integral to various commercial and military aerospace platforms. With a workforce of over 80 at its Fort Worth, Texas facility, Applied Avionics is projected to generate sales of $40 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $21 million by the end of 2024.
Loar's acquisition is strategically aimed at enhancing its niche capabilities and proprietary product offerings. Notably, over three-quarters of Applied Avionics' sales come from aftermarket sources, aligning with Loar's strategic focus on strengthening its aftermarket presence.
Loar CEO Dirkson Charles expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing its fit within the company's strategic initiatives and the potential to bolster its suite of customer solutions.
The purchase will be financed through additional borrowings under Loar's existing credit agreement and cash on hand. Loar also expects to receive tax benefits estimated at $45 million from the transaction, effectively reducing the purchase price multiple to approximately 16 times Applied Avionics' 2024 adjusted EBITDA.
This move is part of Loar's broader strategy to pursue acquisitions that complement its business model, focused almost exclusively on the aerospace and defense industry. The company has highlighted its reliance on certain customers and the inherent risks associated with its acquisition strategy in its forward-looking statements.
Investors are advised that the information is based on a press release statement, and actual results may vary due to various factors, including those beyond the company's control. The forward-looking statements in the press release are qualified by cautionary statements and risk factors outlined in Loar's regulatory filings, including its latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
In other recent news, Loar Holdings has been in the spotlight with several prominent financial firms initiating coverage on the company. Jefferies started coverage with a Buy rating, emphasizing the company's strong performance in the Commercial Aftermarket segment and its potential to generate around $200 million in free cash flow in 2025 and 2026.
Citi also initiated coverage with a Buy rating, highlighting Loar Holdings' strategic focus on proprietary products and efficient operations, along with its potential for both organic and inorganic growth.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage with an Equalweight rating, recognizing Loar Holdings' strategic focus on proprietary content and aftermarket services. The firm's price target of $55.00 reflects a balance between the company's appealing business model and its recent stock performance.
Meanwhile, RBC Capital initiated coverage with an Outperform rating, citing the company's significant aftermarket profits and potential for steady margin growth.
These recent developments underscore the financial industry's positive outlook on Loar Holdings' growth trajectory and financial strategy. Analysts from Jefferies, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and RBC Capital all project a promising future for the company, highlighting its robust performance and potential for both organic and inorganic growth.
InvestingPro Insights
As Loar Holdings Inc (NYSE:LOAR) moves to expand its market presence with the acquisition of Applied Avionics, the financial metrics provided by InvestingPro offer a deeper understanding of the company's current valuation and performance.
Loar's market capitalization stands at approximately $4.98 billion, indicating its significant size within the aerospace and defense sector. Despite a high P/E ratio of 1025.96, which typically suggests investor optimism about future growth, the company's adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 shows a more moderate figure at 507.16.
The company's strong gross profit margin at 48.54% for the same period reflects its ability to maintain a competitive edge and profitability in its operations. This aligns with the InvestingPro Tip highlighting Loar's impressive gross profit margins, which could be a key factor in successfully integrating Applied Avionics and leveraging its niche capabilities.
Moreover, the firm's price/book ratio as of the last twelve months ending Q1 2024 is 11.85, which is on the higher side, indicating that the market values the company's assets quite favorably relative to its book value. This correlates with another InvestingPro Tip that Loar is trading at a high Price/Book multiple, which investors might consider when assessing the company's stock value in relation to its net assets.
For investors looking to delve further into Loar Holdings' financials and future prospects, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, such as the company's expected net income growth this year and its moderate level of debt, which could influence investment decisions. To access these insights, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/LOAR. And remember, using the coupon code PRONEWS24 can get you up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.
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