Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technologies for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training and combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
4Q Results. Revenue for the fourth quarter was $283.1 million, an increase from $273.8 million last year but slightly below our $290 million estimate. Gross margin was 24.7% compared to 26.3%. Net income was $3.9 million, or $0.03/sh, from $2.4 million, or $0.02/sh, last year. We estimated net income of $2.5 million or $0.02/sh. Adjusted EPS was $0.13 from $0.12 last year and our $0.10 estimate. Adjusted EBITDA was $25.2 million from $29.1 million last year and our $24 million estimate.
New Joint Venture. Alongside the results was the announcement of a new joint venture with the Company and RAFAEL. The roughly 50/50 partnership is to establish a U.S.-based merchant supplier of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and other energetics named Prometheus Energetics. Up to $175 million in capital is committed between the two companies, with the venture currently forecasted an annual base case revenue of several $100 million a year once at rate production. In our view, the venture can represent a substantial value-creation driver and could potentially drive top and bottom-line growth once up and running.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., today announced an approximate 50/50 partnership for the establishment of a U.S.-based merchant supplier of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and other energetics. The new joint venture, named Prometheus Energetics (“Prometheus”), is set to be headquartered on an approximate 500-acre site near the United States Navy and Army facility in Crane, Indiana.
Kratos and RAFAEL (through its U.S. based subsidiary RAFAEL USA) have jointly committed up to $175 million in capital for the establishment of Prometheus and required property, plant, equipment and personnel needed for the new, state-of-the-art energetics manufacturing campus and facilities. After construction of the plant and once RAFAEL’s technology transfer is completed and certified for operations, Prometheus is projected to begin production in 2027 of SRMs.
RAFAEL is the developer and manufacturer of unique, world-renowned systems such as the Iron Dome and the TROPHY APS which are in service in the Israeli Defense Forces as well as the David’s Sling which provides the middle layer of air defense for the state of Israel. The company, originally established as the IDF Science Corps, has developed groundbreaking technologies like high energy laser solutions like the Iron Beam which are expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The company functions through a vertical integration structure that enables a unique ability to meet the demands and overcome the challenges of the global market and supply chain. RAFAEL offers a diverse portfolio from new space to the ground battlespace with battle-proven technologies.
Kratos is a leader in hypersonic or advanced systems, strategic systems, ballistic missile targets, sub-orbital research vehicles, sounding rockets, and solid rocket motors. Kratos has served the U.S. advanced systems and missile defense communities for decades, delivering numerous novel systems and vehicle flight tests. Kratos is the only company today delivering both propulsion and advanced flight systems, with Kratos advanced systems including the low-cost Erinyes Glide Vehicle, Dark Fury, Zeus and Oriole Solid Rocket Motors, and other Kratos systems and technologies. Kratos provides unmatched innovation, disruptive capabilities, mission responsiveness and affordability to our customers across our portfolio of systems.
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Defense, said, “We believe Prometheus, once up and running at full rate production, will be a step function catalyst in value creation for Kratos’ stakeholders and the U.S. defense industrial base, similar to Kratos’ recent MACH-TB contract award—the largest single-award contract in Kratos history. Like other major Kratos investments such as Oriole, Zeus, and Erinyes, Prometheus responds to a critical need to strengthen the U.S. Industrial Base and will also provide tens of thousands of SRMs and casted warheads supporting both America’s most reliable partner in the Middle East and United States national security related demand from a true SRM and energetics merchant supplier.”
Kratos will reflect Prometheus in its consolidated financial statements on the Equity Method of Accounting, under which Kratos will record approximately 50 percent of Prometheus Net Income on a single line “Net Income from Prometheus Energetics” in its income statement, and Kratos will annually receive approximately 50 percent of the Free Cash Flow generated from Prometheus. Kratos intends to continue to report Kratos Operating Income, Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and other financial matrices separate from the Prometheus results, in order for all Kratos stakeholders to be able to follow the progress of each Company, the investment made in Prometheus and the future return on Kratos’ investment in Prometheus.
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., one of Israel’s largest defense contractors, develops, manufactures, and sustains combat-proven technologies, products, and systems-of-systems for air, land, naval, space and digital applications. RAFAEL’s delivery of combat-proven systems is supported by vertically integrated facilities and engineering teams servicing the development and production of SRMs and warhead (WH) products that play a critical role in Israel’s Iron Dome, the world’s premier air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, artillery shells, UAVs, and other aerial threats. This vertical integration has made RAFAEL a leading expert in SRMs and WH development and production, allowing it to continuously expand capabilities and push the envelope in technology, performance, and fielding of effective systems. RAFAEL’s multi-dimensional portfolio and unique innovative capabilities have enabled the development of world-leading technologies across all spheres.
Yoav Tourgeman, President and CEO of RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., said: “The establishment of Prometheus Energetics is a strategic leap forward, reinforcing RAFAEL’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base while ensuring our allies and partners have access to the most advanced, combat-proven energetics solutions. This step constitutes a strategic vector that combines business considerations in the American market with the increasing demand for energetic products, while significantly enhancing our ability to deliver resilient and reliable supply solutions to our customers. Through this joint venture, we are deepening our longstanding partnership with the United States, strengthening supply chain independence, and bolstering the critical capabilities needed to address evolving national security challenges.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, advanced vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
About RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Established in 1948, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. develops, manufactures, and sustains combat-proven technologies, products, and systems-of-systems for air, land, naval, space and digital applications. As the developer of two integral layers of Israel’s multi-layered air defense array and the developer of the world’s only operation active protection system TROPHY APS, the company offers innovative and proven solutions for the global market. RAFAEL’s air defense portfolio has achieved international recognition from Iron Dome to David’s Sling and is expected to provide the first ever operational high-energy laser weapon system to the IDF by 2025. The company has bolstered its international standing as a top-tier defense manufacturer by through an innovative approach of vertical integration enabling seamless technology transfer and local production, making it a trusted partner for defense solutions in global markets, particularly in the U.S. where its systems strengthen national security priorities. Leveraging its technological ingenuity, operational experience, and unparalleled understanding of evolving combat requirements, RAFAEL provides global warfighters with today’s most advanced technologies and life-saving defense solutions that ensure operational superiority. RAFAEL’s strategy includes strategic international partnerships and localization to ensure customer sovereignty. For more information on RAFAEL, please visit https://www.rafael.co.il/
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 29, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
RESTON, Va., Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X (NYSE: VVX) Inc., announces its award of a $100 million contract to provide aviation maintenance and support services for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Critical Incident Response Group. Under this contract, V2X will deliver mission-critical aviation resources that enable the FBI to conduct intelligence gathering, investigate operations, and law-enforcement activities.
V2X will support the FBI’s specialized aviation fleet by providing field-level maintenance, special mission equipment sustainment, training, and administrative services. These capabilities ensure that FBI aircraft remain fully mission-ready to meet evolving operational demands.
“This contract underscores V2X’s expertise in delivering agile aviation solutions in support of national security,” said Vinny Caputo, Senior Vice President of Aerospace Systems at V2X. “We are proud to provide the FBI with the aviation resources needed to execute their mission anytime, anywhere—ensuring operational readiness when it matters most.”
The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract includes a five-year ordering period, with four 12-month options. V2X will operate at multiple locations across the United States, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering agile, global aviation support in service of national security.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations IR@goV2X.com 719-637-5773
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 571-338-5195
For more than 70 years, Vectrus has provided critical mission support for our customers’ toughest operational challenges. As a high-performing organization with exceptional talent, deep domain knowledge, a history of long-term customer relationships, and groundbreaking technical expertise, we deliver innovative, mission-matched solutions for our military and government customers worldwide. Whether it’s base operations support, supply chain and logistics, IT mission support, engineering and digital integration, security, or maintenance, repair and overhaul, our customers count on us for on-target solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve readiness, and strengthen national security. Vectrus is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., and includes about 8,100 employees spanning 205 locations in 28 countries. In 2021, Vectrus generated sales of $1.8 billion. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vectrus.com or connect with Vectrus on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Records. Driven by on-contract growth and new awards, V2X posted record quarterly revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and cash flow. Full year contract wins of $5.5 billion were another record. With capabilities aligned with the Trump Administration’s goals and a large addressable market, we believe V2X is well positioned to capture additional growth going forward.
4Q Results. Revenue grew 11.4% to $1.158 billion from $1.04 billion in 4Q23. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $86.2 million, up from $82 million last year. V2X reported adjusted EPS of $1.33 in 4Q24, up from $1.22 a year ago. Adjusted OCF hit $168 million compared to $76 million in the year ago period.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Indo-Pacific revenue growth of 27% y/y driven by increased demand
Book-to-bill of 1.2x in the quarter and total backlog of $12.5 billion as of December 31, 2024
Record net income of $25.0 million; Adjusted net income1 of $42.7 million, up 10% y/y
Grew adjusted EBITDA1 $4.1 million y/y to $86.2 million, with a margin of 7.4%
Diluted EPS of $0.78; Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.33, up 9% y/y
Strong year-to-date cash flow from operations of $254 million
Achieved net debt reduction of $210 million and 2.6x net leverage ratio1
RESTON, Va., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) announced fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results.
“Our growth momentum continued into the fourth quarter with revenue increasing 11% year-over-year, driven by solid growth in all geographies and underscored by 27% growth in the Indo-Pacific region, as the DoD continues to focus on enhancing readiness and deterrence,” said Jeremy Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The combination of our unique mission insight, comprehensive full lifecycle capabilities, and 80-year reputation as a trusted partner is yielding results through expansion in key theaters, exceptional financial performance, and recent awards, which achieved a book-to-bill of 1.2x. The leading indicators in our business remain strong with a $12.5 billion backlog, limited recompetes, and a robust pipeline of new opportunities.”
Mr. Wensinger continued, “Looking ahead, we are excited about the future. We believe our track record of enhancing outcomes and increasing value for customers through innovation, modernization, and improved operational performance can enable the DoD to solve its very real challenge of having to be prepared for today while planning for the threats of tomorrow.”
Mr. Wensinger concluded, “I’d like to recognize the 16,000 plus V2X employees for all their contributions and performance throughout the year and in particular during the fourth quarter. We thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our nation and our company.”
Fourth Quarter 2024 Results
“V2X reported record revenue of $1.16 billion in the quarter, which represents 11% year-over-year growth,” said Shawn Mural, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We closed the year with strong performance across all financial metrics, driven by double digit topline growth and excellent cash generation.”
“For the quarter, the Company reported operating income of $51.6 million and adjusted operating income1 of $80.6 million. V2X delivered record adjusted EBITDA1 of $86.2 million, with a margin of 7.4%. Fourth quarter GAAP diluted EPS was $0.78. Adjusted diluted EPS1 for the quarter increased 9% year-over-year to $1.33.”
“Fourth quarter net cash provided by operating activities was $223.1 million. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities1 increased 122% year-over-year to $168.2 million.”
“Our continued focus on cash generation and debt reduction yielded notable results with net debt improving $210 million dollars year-over-year. At the end of the fourth quarter, net debt for V2X was $874 million. Our commitment to achieve a net leverage ratio at or below 3.0x was a company-wide priority. I’m pleased to report that we demonstrated excellent performance on this front, delivering a net leverage ratio1 of 2.6x at the end of the fourth quarter, which represents a 0.7x improvement year-over-year.”
“Total backlog as of December 31, 2024, was $12.5 billion. Funded backlog was $2.3 billion. Book-to-bill in the quarter was approximately 1.2x.”
Full-Year 2024 Results
“Full-year revenue was $4.32 billion, up 9% year-over-year. The Company reported full-year operating income of $159.2 million and adjusted operating income1 of $286.2 million. Full-year adjusted EBITDA1 was $310.2 million with a margin of 7.2%. Full-year GAAP diluted EPS was $1.08. Adjusted diluted EPS1 for 2024 was $4.34, increasing 16% year-over-year. On a year-to-date basis, net cash provided by operating activities was $254.2 million. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities1 was $161.0 million.”
2025 Guidance
Mr. Mural concluded, “The trends in our business remain positive and we believe our strategy to deliver full lifecycle solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, modernize capabilities, improve readiness, and strengthen national security provides substantial opportunities for future growth and value creation. For 2025 we are setting the mid-point of our guidance for revenue and Adjusted EBITDA1 at $4.44 billion and $313 million, respectively. This assumes revenue and adjusted EBITDA to be weighted more heavily in the second half of the year. Revenue guidance at the mid-point assumes approximately 4% contribution from recompetes.”
Guidance for 2025 is as follows:
$ millions, except for per share amounts
2025 Guidance
2025 Mid-Point
Revenue
$4,375
$4,500
$4,438
Adjusted EBITDA1
$305
$320
$313
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share1
$4.45
$4.85
$4.65
Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities1
$150
$170
$160
The Company is not providing a quantitative reconciliation with respect to the foregoing forward-looking non-GAAP measures in reliance on the “unreasonable efforts” exception set forth in SEC rules because certain financial information, the probable significance of which cannot be determined, is not available and cannot be reasonably estimated. For example, unusual, one-time, non-ordinary, or non-recurring costs, which relate to M&A, integration and related activities cannot be reasonably estimated. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested here, including those factors set forth in the Safe Harbor Statement below.
Fourth Quarter Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 24, 2025. U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-300-8521, while international participants may dial 412-317-6026. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available here: https://app.webinar.net/W6kmnm4z8V9
A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through March 10, 2025, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 10195666.
Presentation slides that will be used in conjunction with the conference call will also be made available online in advance on the “investors” section of the company’s website at https://gov2x.com. V2X recognizes its website as a key channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information to comply with its obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation FD.
1
See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for descriptions and reconciliations.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Safe Harbor Statement Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”): Certain material presented herein includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Act. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all the statements and items listed under “2025 Guidance” above and other assumptions contained therein for purposes of such guidance, other statements about our 2025 performance outlook, revenue, contract opportunities, and any discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements in this press release, include, but are not limited to our future performance and capabilities; our expectations regarding the pipeline of new opportunities; our belief in our ability to achieve budget efficiencies; future net leverage ratio; and our belief in our ability to achieve our total year guidance.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside our management’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
RESTON, Va., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X Inc., (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded a $21 million firm-fixed-price contract to continue sustaining critical avionics and electronic warfare systems for the U.S. Air Force. The contract supports the repair and maintenance of AN/ALQ-172 and AN/ALQ-161 components, ensuring the continued operational effectiveness of the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-1B, and C-130 fleet.
As global forces continue to refine their electronic warfare capabilities, V2X’s work ensures that U.S. aircraft remain protected in contested environments. The AN/ALQ-172 self-protection integrated RF subsystem provides multi-threat countermeasures, defending against pulse, continuous wave, pulse Doppler, and monopulse radar threats. Similarly, the AN/ALQ-161system, has been continuously upgraded to detect and counter evolving electronic threats, extending its life and improving its capability from its initial fielding in the 1980s.
V2X’s expertise in sustaining and enhancing these complex avionics plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan and effectiveness of legacy aircraft and their mission systems.
“Our mission is twofold: enhancing the capabilities of legacy systems with cost effective and technology driven solutions, and more importantly, ensuring the safety of B-52, B-1, and C-130 aircrews in an ever-evolving threat environment,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. “This contract reinforces our commitment to delivering and sustaining cutting-edge battlefield solutions that protect warfighters and maintain combat readiness.”
Work under this contract will be performed at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia and Indianapolis, Indiana, with an expected completion date in 2029. The contract underscores V2X’s trusted expertise in electronic warfare sustainment.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations IR@goV2X.com 719-637-5773
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 571-338-5195
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, announced today that Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services (DRSS) supported the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in a successful flight of Kratos’ Erinyes™ Hypersonic Test Bed, in January 2025, from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia. This successful flight of Erinyes™ expanded the vehicle’s performance envelope and demonstrated the utility of the platform as a low-cost, rapidly configurable test bed for hypersonic experimentation supporting U.S. Department of Defense initiatives.
The exercise, designated Hypersonic Test Bed-2 (HTB-2), demonstrated new onboard technologies and enabled valuable data collection that will be used for design validation and evaluation of current and future technologies.
“Kratos is leading the way in U.S. hypersonic research by affordably and repeatably providing real flight test opportunities to researchers, allowing them to gain valuable experience in relevant conditions and push the Technology Readiness Levels of their products higher. Our low-cost ErinyesTM hypersonic vehicle enables incremental high-speed testing of advanced technologies for next generation weapon systems and interceptors without adding unnecessary risk to programs of record,” stated Dave Carter, President of Kratos DRSS. “The Kratos team is proud to continue lending our expertise to providing innovative hypersonic products and flight-testing to advance technologies in support of our nation and our warfighters.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “The Kratos ErinyesTM low-cost hypersonic vehicle had another successful flight with our long-time MDA and Navy partners. Our successes have proven the thesis that hypersonic capabilities can be affordable and rapidly developed and deployed, advancing U.S. readiness. The MDA and United States Navy truly lean forward with ready to fly today systems, technologies and relevant capabilities, and Kratos sincerely values our relationship and the focus on affordability and moving fast for the benefit of our country’s National Security.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it will publish financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 after the close of market on Wednesday, February 26th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).
The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Key Points: – Triumph Group to be acquired for $3 billion by Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners – Deal offers 123% premium to shareholders – Transaction expected to close in second half of 2025 – Company will become privately held, focusing on aerospace component innovation
Triumph Group, a leading aerospace components manufacturer, has agreed to be acquired by affiliates of Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3 billion. The deal, which will take the company private, represents a substantial premium of 123% over Triumph’s unaffected stock price and signals significant confidence in the aerospace industry’s future.
Under the terms of the agreement, Triumph shareholders will receive $26.00 per share in cash, a premium that demonstrates the strong strategic value perceived by the private equity firms. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.
Dan Crowley, Triumph’s chairman, president, and CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal, noting that it will provide the company with enhanced capabilities to meet evolving customer needs. The transaction comes after years of portfolio optimization and building a world-class team of aerospace engineering professionals.
Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners bring extensive experience in the aerospace and defense sectors. Dan Zamlong from Warburg Pincus emphasized the firms’ deep investment history in aerospace platforms, expressing excitement about partnering with Triumph’s global team to capture growing demand for high-quality aerospace components.
The acquisition reflects the ongoing consolidation and strategic repositioning within the aerospace industry. Triumph, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, designs, develops, manufactures, and repairs aerospace and defense systems and components for both original equipment manufacturers and military and commercial aircraft operators.
Blake Gottesman of Berkshire Partners highlighted Triumph’s critical role in the aerospace and defense industry, noting the firm’s history of partnering with market-leading aerospace companies. The transaction is not contingent on financing, underscoring the financial strength of the acquiring partners.
Warburg Pincus brings significant financial muscle to the deal, with over $86 billion in assets under management and a diverse portfolio of over 230 companies. Berkshire Partners, a 100% employee-owned investor, is currently investing from its Fund XI, which closed in 2024 with approximately $7.8 billion in commitments.
The transaction will result in Triumph becoming a privately held company, delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. The company plans to continue its scheduled financial reporting, with third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings expected to be released by February 10, 2025.
Key Points: – Planet secures $230 million contract for Pelican satellite constellation – Company plans to deploy up to 32 advanced satellites with AI capabilities – Stock has more than doubled in past 12 months, indicating growing market confidence
The satellite imagery and data analysis company Planet has made a significant stride in the commercial space sector, announcing a landmark $230 million contract for its next-generation Pelican satellite constellation. This deal represents not just a financial milestone for the company, but also signals the growing potential of space-based technologies and services in the global market.
Planet’s CEO Will Marshall described the contract as the company’s biggest deal ever, involving the construction of dedicated satellites for an undisclosed customer in the Asia-Pacific region. The multi-year agreement spans satellite construction and a five-year operational period, highlighting the increasing commercial demand for specialized satellite services.
The Pelican satellite project represents a strategic evolution for Planet, which currently operates over 200 satellites in orbit. The new constellation aims to deploy up to 32 high-powered satellites, featuring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities through Nvidia’s Jetson edge platform. This technological leap underscores the rapid innovation happening in the commercial space industry, where data processing and imagery capabilities are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Investors have taken notice of Planet’s potential, with the company’s stock more than doubling over the past 12 months. Despite the challenges faced by space companies following the SPAC boom of 2021, Planet has demonstrated resilience and strategic positioning in a competitive market. The recent contract, coupled with a multiyear agreement with the European Space Agency, suggests growing confidence in the company’s technological capabilities and market potential.
The broader space industry continues to attract significant investment and attention, with private companies pushing the boundaries of satellite technology, earth observation, and data analytics. Planet’s approach of offering dedicated satellite services represents a novel business model that could reshape how organizations access and utilize space-based technologies.
The company’s strategy extends beyond simply launching satellites, focusing on creating adaptable spacecraft that can be tailored to specific customer needs. This approach has already been tested with the Tanager satellite product line, demonstrating Planet’s ability to deliver customized solutions for various sectors, including environmental monitoring and research.
Technological advancements are driving the space industry’s growth, with artificial intelligence, miniaturization, and improved data processing capabilities making satellite services more accessible and valuable. The Pelican satellites, featuring advanced AI integration, exemplify this trend of increasingly intelligent and responsive space technologies.
For investors and industry observers, Planet’s latest contract represents more than a single business deal. It symbolizes the expanding commercial potential of space technologies, the increasing value of earth observation data, and the continued innovation in a sector that promises to transform multiple industries from agriculture and environmental monitoring to defense and telecommunications.
Key Points: – Elliott Management holds a major stake in Honeywell, urging a split into Aerospace and Automation segments. – Elliott projects a 75% stock price boost within two years if Honeywell proceeds with the split. – Reflecting a broader trend, Elliott argues for simplification to enhance focus and unlock value.
Activist investor Elliott Management has acquired a $5 billion stake in Honeywell International and is calling for the industrial conglomerate to split into two separate companies. Elliott’s proposal would see Honeywell divide along its two main business lines: Aerospace, which supplies critical technology to military and commercial clients, and Automation, a major supplier of sensors and control systems for industrial applications. Elliott’s managing partner, Jesse Cohn, and partner Marc Steinberg believe that a breakup would unlock significant shareholder value, projecting a 75% increase in Honeywell’s stock price within two years if their recommendations are followed.
In a letter addressed to Honeywell’s board, Cohn and Steinberg argue that the company’s current conglomerate structure has become a drag on its growth. They point to underperformance since 2019, attributing it to an unwieldy corporate structure and ineffective investor communication. Elliott, however, did not direct criticism at Honeywell’s CEO, Vimal Kapur, who took the reins in 2023 and has pursued an aggressive M&A strategy to enhance Honeywell’s portfolio. Nevertheless, Elliott contends that Honeywell would achieve better performance by focusing on core areas, which could be achieved more effectively through a separation.
Honeywell’s Aerospace division, which Elliott calls the company’s “crown jewel,” has been a consistent source of revenue, yet has received only 10% of the M&A investment allocated by Honeywell in the past 20 years. Elliott suggests that by reallocating resources and focusing exclusively on high-performing units, both Aerospace and Automation could realize their full potential independently. Additionally, Elliott argues that Honeywell’s back-office operations—such as legal, IT, and HR—are largely divided between the two units, making a split more feasible than in typical conglomerates.
Honeywell responded to Elliott’s recommendations by stating its openness to shareholder perspectives and welcoming further engagement with the activist investor. Despite this, Honeywell’s board was reportedly unaware of Elliott’s involvement prior to the public release of the letter. In keeping with its careful approach to activism, Elliott consulted extensively with industry experts and former employees to understand the company’s operational and strategic options, even enlisting investment bankers and consultants to aid in its analysis.
Elliott’s push for a breakup reflects a growing trend across industrial conglomerates, many of which have embraced separations in recent years. General Electric, for example, completed a long-awaited division into distinct units, which has driven significant stock gains in 2024. Similarly, 3M and Johnson Controls have shed divisions in favor of streamlined operations. Elliott argues that such moves allow companies to focus on core competencies, attract dedicated investor interest, and ultimately improve shareholder value—a transformation it believes Honeywell would benefit from.
Elliott’s recommendation proposes that the split would yield two businesses each valued at over $100 billion if taken public independently. They also suggest that Honeywell divest some additional non-core segments, such as its personal protective equipment and Advanced Materials units, a step Kapur has already considered. Cohn and Steinberg emphasized that their proposed path for Honeywell is not unprecedented, pointing out that investor sentiment has moved away from conglomerates in favor of more focused companies.
As Honeywell’s board weighs Elliott’s recommendations, the company’s future remains uncertain, but Elliott’s pressure may catalyze significant changes to its longstanding structure. With this move, Elliott hopes to add Honeywell to its track record of successful activist campaigns, having previously advocated for similar strategic breakups in companies like Marathon Petroleum and Alcoa.
Key Points: – Boeing reported a $6.17 billion net loss for Q3, with total losses in 2024 nearing $8 billion. – The company secured $10 billion in supplemental credit and filed for up to $25 billion in new debt and stock offerings. – A critical labor vote by Boeing’s largest union is expected, which may end the ongoing strike
Boeing reported a significant financial loss for the third quarter of 2024, revealing the challenges the company continues to face as it navigates through production delays, labor unrest, and rising operational costs. The aerospace giant announced a net loss of $6.17 billion, bringing its total losses for the year so far to nearly $8 billion. This quarterly performance is particularly concerning, as it follows multiple setbacks in both its commercial and defense divisions. The company’s revenue for the quarter was $17.8 billion, a slight decrease of about 1% compared to the same period in 2023.
One of the critical factors contributing to Boeing’s disappointing performance is the slowdown in deliveries, especially for its widebody jets. Delays in the production and delivery of the 737 Max and 777X jets have compounded the company’s struggles, affecting both cash flow and revenue. In the third quarter, Boeing’s operating cash flow was at a negative $1.34 billion, a stark contrast to the positive $22 million reported in the same period last year.
The company anticipates further cash flow challenges in the fourth quarter, warning that it expects to burn more cash and face negative free cash flow for the full year of 2025. These projections have spooked investors, as Boeing had initially set more optimistic targets for its production and financial recovery. The company also disclosed that its previous delivery target for the 737 Max will likely be delayed, contributing to the financial strain.
In an effort to address its financial difficulties, Boeing has taken several measures, including securing $10 billion in supplemental credit from a consortium of banks. The company also filed a mixed shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer up to $25 billion in debt and stock offerings. This includes potential new debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, and other share options as Boeing seeks to shore up its liquidity.
Despite the grim financials, Boeing still boasts a significant backlog of $511 billion, which includes over 5,400 commercial airplanes. While this backlog represents future potential revenue, it is not enough to offset the immediate financial challenges the company faces. The delays in production, coupled with the ongoing labor dispute, have further strained Boeing’s ability to capitalize on its order book.
The company’s troubles extend beyond its financial performance. Boeing is currently engaged in a labor dispute with the International Association of Machinists (IAM), its largest labor union, which represents 30,000 workers. The union went on strike in September, demanding better terms in a new contract proposal. The ongoing strike has been costly for both Boeing and its workforce, with one estimate suggesting the total financial impact has reached nearly $5 billion.
Boeing’s leadership is working to resolve the strike, as the company faces significant pressure to cut costs and streamline operations. In addition to the strike, Boeing plans to lay off 10% of its workforce, totaling around 17,000 employees, in an effort to reduce expenses. The layoffs, expected to occur in the coming months, will affect multiple divisions within the company as it aims to create a leaner, more focused organization.
As Boeing navigates these turbulent times, the company’s future hinges on its ability to resolve its labor issues, deliver on production targets, and regain investor confidence.
In a significant move that’s reshaping the aerospace industry, Boeing has announced its decision to acquire Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock deal valued at $4.7 billion. This strategic maneuver, which brings Spirit’s equity value to $8.3 billion including debt, marks a pivotal moment in Boeing’s efforts to streamline its supply chain and address ongoing quality control issues.
The acquisition comes at a critical juncture for Boeing, following a series of setbacks that have dented its reputation and financial performance. The company’s stock has plummeted by over 30% this year, underscoring the urgency for transformative action. By bringing Spirit AeroSystems back into the fold, Boeing aims to regain control over a crucial segment of its production process, potentially mitigating the quality concerns that have plagued its operations.
Spirit AeroSystems, which was spun off from Boeing in 2005, has been a key supplier for the aerospace giant, accounting for approximately 70% of its revenue. The company manufactures critical components for Boeing’s aircraft, including fuselages for the 737 and sections of the 787 Dreamliner. However, both companies have struggled with manufacturing flaws, most notably highlighted by the recent mid-flight door panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9.
From an investor’s perspective, this acquisition presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, the deal could lead to improved quality control and streamlined production processes, potentially reducing costly delays and enhancing Boeing’s ability to meet delivery targets. This integration may also result in significant cost synergies and operational efficiencies, which could bolster Boeing’s profitability in the long term.
However, the transaction also carries risks. Boeing’s decision to take on additional debt at a time when it’s facing financial pressures could strain its balance sheet. The company has already warned of negative cash flow in the first half of 2024, and integrating Spirit’s operations will require substantial resources and management attention.
The market reaction to this deal will be closely watched. While Boeing’s stock has been under pressure, the potential for improved operational performance could lead to a positive reassessment by investors. Conversely, Spirit AeroSystems’ shareholders stand to benefit from the premium offered in the all-stock transaction, with the $37.25 per share offer representing a significant uplift from recent trading levels.
This acquisition also has broader implications for the aerospace supply chain. By bringing a major supplier in-house, Boeing is signaling a shift towards greater vertical integration. This move could prompt other aerospace manufacturers to reevaluate their supply chain strategies, potentially leading to further consolidation in the industry.
For Airbus, Boeing’s main rival, the deal presents both challenges and opportunities. While Airbus will lose access to Spirit’s manufacturing capabilities, it will receive a $559 million compensation package and gain control over key production lines. This could allow Airbus to streamline its own supply chain and potentially gain a competitive edge in certain aircraft programs.
Investors should also consider the regulatory implications of this deal. Given the critical nature of aerospace manufacturing and its importance to national security, the transaction will likely face scrutiny from regulators. The timeline for closing, projected for mid-2025, reflects the complex approval process ahead.
Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems represents a significant shift in the aerospace manufacturing landscape. For investors, it offers a potential turnaround story for Boeing, albeit with considerable execution risks. The deal’s success will hinge on Boeing’s ability to effectively integrate Spirit’s operations, improve quality control, and restore confidence in its production capabilities. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, this acquisition may well be remembered as a defining moment in Boeing’s efforts to regain its position as a leader in commercial aviation.
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