Airbus SE is a leading European aerospace and defense manufacturer, headquartered in Leiden (legal) and Toulouse (operational). As the world’s #1 commercial aircraft maker (by deliveries) and a top-tier global player in helicopters, defense & space systems, Airbus designs, manufactures, and services:
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Commercial Aircraft (A220, A320neos, A330/350, A380)
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Helicopters (civil & military)
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Defense & Space systems (transport, satellites, drones)
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Significant aftermarket services, maintenance, and training.
Founded in 2000 (as EADS), it employs ~157,000 people across 100+ sites in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond
📊 2024 Financial Highlights
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Revenue: €69.2 b (+5.8% YoY)
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Adjusted EBIT: €5.35 b (down from €5.84 b due to supply-chain and space charges)
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Net Income: €4.23 b (+12%)
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Free Cash Flow (FCF): €4.46 b (+9%)
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Dividends: €2.00 ordinary + €1.00 special (€3 total)
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Deliveries: 766 commercial aircraft (target was ~770)
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Order Backlog: €629 b, a 14% increase; book-to-bill >1 in all segments
Segments Breakdown:
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Commercial aircraft = ~72% revenue
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Defense & Space = ~17%
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Helicopters = ~11%
🚀 Pitch Deck: Why Invest in Airbus
1. Executive Summary
Airbus (AIR) is a cornerstone in global aviation and aerospace, showing resilient demand, solid financials, strong cash flow, attractive dividends, and significant defense/space exposure.
2. Core Strengths & Market Position
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Commercial Aircraft Leader: Highest global deliveries; supply constrained—not demand.
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High Barriers to Entry: Significant technical, regulatory, and production hurdles for new competitors.
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Division Diversification: Buffer from civil cycles via helicopters and defense & space.
3. Financial Strength & Returns
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Robust FY 2024: €69 b revenue, €4.46 b FCF, full dividend and special payout.
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FCF yield and dividend yield are strong, with repeat shareholder returns.
4. Risk Factors & Mitigation
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Delays | Backlog >€600 b, production ramp-up in progress, acquiring Spirit AeroSystems assets |
| Space Division Losses | €1.3 b charges in 2024, restructuring underway |
| Macroeconomic & Tariffs | Diversification across defense, helicopters, and global footprint helps cushion cycles. |
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Production ramp-up: Targeting 820 aircraft deliveries in 2025 (€7 b EBIT target).
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Expanding backlog: 14% rise reinforces workload visibility.
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Defense & Space rebound: Pipeline modernization + consolidation appeal.
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India & sustainability initiatives: Assembly lines, SAF, supply chain expansion.
6. Valuation & Entry Strategy
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Trading at mid-teens P/E (~28.4 per global market data).
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Strong FCF supports valuation; attractive entry on broader industry dips or macro volatility.
7. Recommendation
Buy / Core Industrial Holding
Build a ~5–7% portfolio position. Increase in temporary share underperformance due to supply-chain delays or cycle dips.
8. Key Upcoming Catalysts
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2025 delivery updates & EBIT execution
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Supply-chain progress and integration of Spirit assets
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Defense/space turnaround strategy
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India expansion and SAF initiatives