Military sales cut CAE’s cyclical risk

Article Excerpt

CAE INC. $7.03 (Toronto symbol CAE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 255.1 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; SI Rating: Average) makes flight simulators and operates pilot-training facilities. CAE trains over 75,000 pilots a year at 75 sites in 20 countries. CAE gets about half of its revenue and earnings from highly cyclical commercial airlines. However, the remaining half comes from military clients, which cuts its risk. As well, steady revenue from long-term training contracts helps offset its reliance on new-simulator sales, which have slowed recently. CAE’s revenue rose 68.6%, from $986.2 million in 2005 to $1.7 billion in 2009 (CAE’s fiscal year ends March 31). Earnings soared from $0.19 a share (or a total of $46.9 million) in 2005 to $0.79 a share (or $200.5 million) in 2009. The gain was largely due to a successful restructuring plan, including the sale of its non-aviation businesses. Research spending a hidden asset The company continues to spend about…