LISI: 2024 annual results

Press Release

Paris, February 26, 2025

The LISI Group has posted organic growth of over 10% for the third consecutive year with significant progress in its financial indicators, in line with its objectives

•       Revenue reached a record level of €1,794.0 M, up 10.0% on 2023, reflecting in particular the strong momentum of all segments of the aeronautics market;

•       EBIT stands at €115.0 M, exceeding that of 2023 by €24.3 M. The current operating margin improved by + 0.8 points to 6.4%;

•       Operating Free Cash Flow is largely positive across the Group's three divisions and stands at €57.7 M;

•       The Group strengthens its financial position to 2.3x EBITDA and reduces its net debt by €12.6 M compared to 2023 post the Public Share Buyback Offer.

Future outlook:

•       The sustained growth expected in the aeronautics industry should mitigate the consequences of certain possible jolts in the automotive industry;

•       Objective: continued improvement of the reference financial indicators based on constant macroeconomic assumptions.

The LISI Board of Directors, meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. Jean-Philippe KOHLER on February 26, 2025, reviewed the final audited accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. They will be submitted for approval to the Ordinary General Meeting on April 25, 2025.

Key figures as of December 31

Net debt                                                                          €M            488.5            501.1               - €12.6 M

Net debt-to-equity ratio                                                      %              48.6              53.4                 - 4.8 pts

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* Free Operating Cash Flow: net operating cash flow minus net CAPEX and changes in working capital requirements

The LISI Group posts organic growth of over 10% for the third consecutive year

Consolidated revenue for 2024 reaches a record level of €1,794.0 M, up + 10.0% on 2023.

In line with the objective of maintaining positive organic growth in 2024, the increase in revenue adjusted for currency fluctuations and excluding scope effects stands at + 10.2% for the full year.

Evolution of quarterly reported sales (in €M)

                                            ∆ like for like* = on a like-for-like and constant exchange rate basis                                                                         

Comments on Q4 activity

Adjusted for currency fluctuations and excluding scope effects, Q4 revenue increased by + 13.7% on the same period of the previous financial year. It benefits from the continued strong increases in production across all segments of the aeronautics market.

Business analysis by division

LISI AEROSPACE

The LISI AEROSPACE division's annual revenue exceeds €1 Bn for the first time since 2017 and reaches €1,030.1 M, up + 22.8% on 2023.

Q4 2024 represents the twelfth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth and stands at €287.9 M (+ 28.4% on the same period of the previous financial year). 

For the 2024 financial year, the “Fasteners” segment in Europe (+ 26.9%) will benefit the most from the ramp-ups of single-aisle aircraft and aeronautical activity in general. Its sales revenue has increased by more than 20.0% per year over the past three years. The “Fasteners” segment in North America also confirms a good trend (+ 25.5%).

The “Structural Components” segment has doubled its growth in two years, displaying an increase of + 16.0% in 2024 on 2023. The difficulties in sourcing raw materials and the problems of recruitment in certain employment areas are easing without disappearing completely.

Adjusted for currency effects and excluding scope effects, the LISI AEROSPACE division's revenue increased by + 28.0% in Q4, representing organic growth of + 22.8% for the whole of 2024.

LISI AUTOMOTIVE

The LISI AUTOMOTIVE division's annual revenue stands at €579.7 M, down - 5.0% on 2023. It is suffering from the effects of contractions in global production of its main customers (- 7.5% on 2023) which began at the end of Q2 2024 and worsened in the last months of the year (- 9.3% in H2). Against this backdrop, the division nevertheless maintains very good momentum in taking orders for new products, which amount to approximately €71.0 M over the whole of 2024, or 12.4% of sales revenue (€73.0 M in 2023). These orders are particularly well oriented in the “Clipped Solutions” segment in Europe and the United States and in the “Safety Mechanical Components” segment in the field of braking in particular. This reflects the portfolio's refocusing on products with higher added value undertaken by the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division for many years, as demonstrated by the planned sale of its French subsidiary LISI AUTOMOTIVE Nomel SAS. Specializing in the manufacture of nuts by cold heading and washers by vertical cutting, the company, which posted sales of €35.2 M in 2024, is slated to join the ZerobaseInvest GmbH group at the 28^th of February 2025. The subsidiary's income statement was consolidated for the entire financial year 2024 and the balance sheet was treated as of December 31, 2024 as a non-current asset held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5.

Q4 2024 revenue stands at €132.5 M (- 6.5% on the same period of the previous financial year). 

Adjusted for currency effects and excluding scope effects, the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division's revenue decreased by - 6.7% in Q4, representing a - 4.7% reduction for the whole of 2024. 

LISI MEDICAL

The LISI MEDICAL division's revenue is up + 1.8% on 2023, after two years of increases of more than 20%, and stands at €185.3 M. Added to this high comparison base are difficulties obtaining supplies of raw materials which disrupted production throughout the year.

The sales growth momentum (+ 51.9% in three years) is driven by new products launched by the division, whether in orthopedic reconstruction or in the field of minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Adjusted for currency effects and excluding scope effects, the LISI MEDICAL division's revenue increased by + 7.6% in Q4, representing organic growth of + 1.7% for the whole of 2024.

Financial indicators have progressed in line with objectives

The EBITDA margin reached 11.8%, a 0.9-point increase on 2023. In the LISI AEROSPACE division, it benefited from the improvement in industrial productivity thanks to the training efforts of the numerous recruits in 2023 and 2024. It also reflects the finalization of negotiations aimed at reflecting inflation in sales prices. Added to this is the work of adjusting fixed costs kicked off in the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division. All of these factors allow to display an EBITDA margin of 12.7% in Q4 2024.

Net provision reversals amount to €7.5 M (€13.4 M in 2023). These provision reversals do not improve the bottom line, they are linked to some operating expenses for the period.

EBIT increased by + €24.3 M on 2023 and stood at €115.0 M.

The current operating margin increased by + 0.8 point to 6.4%.  

Non-recurring operating income and expenses, which amount to - €23.1 M (- €4.3 M in 2023), consist mainly of costs linked to the industrial reorganizations of the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division. 

The financial loss stands at - €15.9 M (- €25.6 M in 2023); this is mainly due to the following factors:

•       the effects linked to the revaluation of debts and receivables in foreign currencies and the change in the fair value of hedging instruments (+ €11.2 M versus - €6.9 M in 2023),

•       financial expenses, which represent the cost of long-term net debt, amounted to - €31.1 M (- €20.4 M in 2023). In particular, they were increased by the cost of financing the Public Share Buyback Offer conducted in May 2023 (€6.8 M in 2023; €11.3 M in 2024). Gains on current treasury investments are €4.0 M, higher than those of 2023 (€1.7 M).

Net financial expenses compared to debt excluding IFRS 16 represent 5.8% (4.1% in 2023).

The tax expense, calculated on the basis of the corporate tax and compared to net profit before tax, reflects an average effective tax rate of 26.1%, close to that of 2023 (25.9%).

Consequently, the group share of net profit increased by + 49.2% and stood at €56.0 M (i.e. 3.1% of sales), compared to €37.5 M (2.3% of sales) in 2023. Earnings per share stood at €1.23 (+ 48.2%).

Free Cash Flow is positive across all three divisions of the Group thanks to working capital requirements being under control. 

The financial balances remain robust with operational cash flow at €170.0 M (9.5% of sales) which finances, in compliance with the criteria set by the global CSR plan, slightly higher CAPEX of €100.4 M (5.6% of sales). 

LISI AEROSPACE invested €54.4 M in 2024 to increase its production capacity in order to support the ramp-up of its customers and continue the modernization of its equipment, in particular with: 

•       the increase in manufacturing capacities for the screw, collar and hydraulic fitting product lines for the “Fasteners” segment, and forged parts and air intake lips for the “Structural Components” segment;

•       the extension of the Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône site (France) in the “Fasteners” segment;

•       the continuation of the relocation of the Bologne site to Chaumont in the “Structural Components” segment.

Actions to improve performance and modernize production resources were continued, particularly in the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division (€29.4 M of capex). 

Examples include:

•       orders for machining and testing equipment for the Čejč site (Czech Republic) for the of production of a new generation of mechanical components intended for next-generation advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS);

•       the transformation and re-establishment of the Lake Zurich site (United States) as per the Group's best industrial standards with the creation of a logistics hub and a development center for future clipped fasteners for the North American market;

•       the implementation of a new capacity tranche in Monterrey (Mexico) and Tangier (Morocco) to produce electrical cable channel and vehicle lightweight solutions. 

CAPEX also remained high for LISI MEDICAL (€16.6 M) and focused on the extension of the Big Lake plant to cope with future growth and on increasing production capacities for new products such as: 

•       harmonic scalpels; 

•       developments in the minimally invasive surgery segment.

The level of working capital requirements is down in number of days for the third consecutive year despite the increase in work-in-progress inventories and the maintenance of strategic inventories of raw materials to meet uncertain supply times and secure the long-term increase in production levels in the LISI AEROSPACE division. It stands at 72 days of sales (75 days in 2023) with inventories in number of days of sales also falling (103 days in 2024 compared to 105 days in 2023).

Taking these aspects into account and in accordance with the objectives, the operating Free Cash Flow is definitely positive and stands at €57.7 M (3.2% of sales).

Debt reduction cycle resumed after the Public Share Buyback Offer

Net debt stands at €488.5 M and includes €185.0 M in financing linked to the 2023 Public Share Buyback Offer and €111.0 M in debt relating to IFRS 16. It is down by €12.6 M and represents 48.6% of equity (53.4% as of December 31, 2023). Compared to EBITDA, the net debt ratio stands at 2.3x (2.8x as of December 31, 2023), well below the covenant authorized by the banking partners (3.5x).

The return on capital employed before taxes stands at 7.7%, an improvement compared to that of 2023 (6.3%).

The annual impairment tests have not revealed any loss of value. 

The Board of Directors will propose for approval by the Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders to set the dividend at €0.39 per share for the 2024 financial year (€0.31 in 2023).

LISI AEROSPACE

•       Record sales of €1,030.1 M (2023: €838.9 M) supported by strong activity across all segments of the aeronautics market;

•       EBIT at €85.7 M (2023: €50.2 M), up for the third consecutive year, driven by the improvement in industrial productivity after the phase of strong recruitment and the impact of inflation on sales prices;

•       Free Cash Flow tripled compared to 2023 (€20.8 M in 2024 compared to €7.0 M in 2023) in a context of significant growth and persistent difficulties in the raw materials supply chain.

Key figures as of December 31

LISI AUTOMOTIVE

•      The division's revenue amounts to €579.7 M, down - 5.0% on 2023, penalized by the drop in global production of the division's main customers (- 7.5%);

•      The current operating margin is holding up and stands at 3.0% of sales, benefiting from actions to reduce fixed costs and the refocusing of the portfolio towards products with higher added value; 

•      Free Cash Flow is positive for the ninth consecutive year, the division once again demonstrating its ability to quickly adapt working capital requirements to activity levels.

Key figures as of December 31

LISI MEDICAL

•       Revenue consolidates in 2024 at €185.3 M (+ 1.8% on 2023) after two years of growth of over 20%;

•       EBIT at €16.3 M is down compared to 2023, penalized by one-off items;

•       For the second consecutive year, the level of Free Cash Flow reached one of its highest historical levels (€6.7 M) with CAPEX expenses remaining high.

Key figures as of December 31

Sustainability

The LISI Group is deploying a CSR strategy across all levels of the company. Since 2022, this approach has responded to the LISI Group's purpose: “shape and share sustainable links”. It is thus structured around the 3Ps - People, Planet, Profit - and the three programs of the LISI System: LEAP (LISI Excellence Achievement Program), E-HSE, COS (Controlling Operating System).

In 2024, the Group made significant progress in sustainability under the theme of “Acting with impact”.

In line with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the sustainability report now includes an in-depth analysis of double materiality and a precise assessment of gaps on key data points. The Group is thus prepared to anticipate and respond to new regulatory expectations.

Main highlights of the year:

•       The Group has been recognized with several awards: the Grand Laureate of the Year award at the "Future of Finance" with the People, Planet and Profit project and winner of the Best Managed Companies label awarded by the Deloitte firm for the 3^rd consecutive year, proving the consistency and excellence of its management; 

•       Improved ESG ratings for the 4^th consecutive year;

•       Installation of photovoltaic panels on 5 sites in 5 countries, significantly reducing their energy footprint; 

•       Carbon emission reduction of - 39% compared to 2019 on Scopes 1, 2 and partial 3;

•       Increase in the share of women in management bodies to 20% in 2024 (10% in 2019);

•       Mobilization of an additional €32.5 M in impact financing in 2024, bringing the total to €82.5 M backed by the achievement of sustainability criteria.

Future outlook

LISI AEROSPACE  

Demand is still strong in civil aeronautics and particularly in the Airbus ecosystem. It benefits from the dynamism of the maintenance market linked to the high level of traffic in the commercial aircraft fleet and a book-to-bill ratio (order / sales values) which remains significantly higher than 1. All other market segments - apart from Boeing - including helicopters and the military (15% of LISI AEROSPACE's sales), are also very dynamic and well-oriented over the long term. 

The LISI AEROSPACE division is therefore approaching the 2025 financial year with strong visibility on its order books. It will benefit from a revised sales price base after the finalization in 2024 of the last negotiations aimed at reflecting the effects of inflation in sales prices. 

The points of attention will focus on: 

•       the adaptation to possible variations in Boeing demand due to inventory adjustments following the strike in H2 2024;

•       the implementation of capacity resources (“Fasteners” segment) and improvements in industrial productivity (“Structural Components” segment) to keep up with the overall acceleration in demand;

•       the continued decline in inventory levels initiated in H2 2024;

•       the securing of supplies of strategic raw materials.

LISI AUTOMOTIVE

The slowdown in activity observed by the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division among its main customers is expected to continue during H1 of the 2025 financial year in a market experiencing profound technological and geographical changes. 

The division has many assets that will enable it to adapt and continue to develop despite an uncertain environment. Examples include:

•       the sustained pace of order taking for new high added-value products which confirms the division's positioning in electromobility and its ability to quickly adapt its product ranges;

•       the low residual exposure to combustion engines;

•       global coverage both in terms of sales (70% of the LISI AUTOMOTIVE division's sales are intended for global equipment manufacturers) and geographical location (Europe, China, United States, Mexico or Morocco). 

LISI MEDICAL

The long-term growth outlook for minimally invasive robotic surgery and orthopedic reconstruction remains positive. The division enjoys consistently strong order books. Priority will be given to the continued development of new products and the increase of production volumes by relying on the Big Lake site (United States), the extension of which has been completed. The resolution of operational difficulties linked to material supply problems should provide support for the improvement of margins.

LISI CONSOLIDATED

The aeronautical development plan will drive the Group's growth with excellent long-term visibility. Medium-term uncertainties related to the evolution of the global automobile market or, in the shorter term, to the consequences of the strike in H2 2024 at Boeing in the United States could weigh on the dynamics of improving LISI's performance.

The Group carefully monitors the application of customs duties, not only upon entry into the United States, but also in other geographies where it operates. At this stage, the vast majority of activity would not be affected, but it could be penalized if certain exemption systems previously in force were to disappear.

In an environment where inflationary pressures are dwindling and assuming a constant exchange rate and a limited impact of customs duties implemented by the United States, the Group aims to improve its benchmark financial indicators for the third consecutive financial year, including EBIT, and to resume generating positive Free Cash Flow.

Income statement

(in thousands of euros)

                                                                                                                                                                       12/31/2024                              12/31/2023

OPERATING PROFIT                                                                                                                                                                                                                          91 940                                       86 371

PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD                                                                                                                                                                                                 55 424                                       36 667

 Internal Public

Statement of comprehensive income

(in thousands of euros)

Elements that can subsequently be recycled as a result

TOTAL OTHER PORTIONS OF GLOBAL EARNINGS FOR THE PERIOD, AFTER TAXES                                                                                                               24 129                                 -10 943

 Internal Public

Statement of financial position ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 Internal Public

Consolidated cash flow statement

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH PROVIDED BY OR USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A)                                                                                                                                   186 841                            136 916

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

CASH PROVIDED BY OR USED FOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (B)                                                                                                                              (105 796)                           (99 774)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

CASH PROVIDED BY OR USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES (C)                                                                                                                                    (43 808)                           (61 220)

CLOSING CASH POSITION                                                                                                                                                                                                   152 270                            117 353

# Internal Public

Statement of changes in equity

                                                                                                                                           Other elements                           Group s share

# Internal Public