Primed For Growth Our Conclusion
EIF reported solid Q1 results and maintained its guidance for 2024. The
company is positioned well for continued growth with the recent upsizing of
its credit facility bringing its total liquidity to ~$1.1B. We expect EIF to
execute on its strong pipeline of opportunities, whether it be M&A targets or
contracts up for bid, to drive continued growth for the company. We maintain
our Outperformer rating and $61.50 price target.
Key Points
Ready To Execute On M&A: EIF finished the quarter with ~$913MM in
liquidity, and its leverage ratio at ~2.6x, well within its covenant of 4.0x. On
May 6 the company increased the capacity on its credit facility, resulting in
total available liquidity of $1.1B. Combining this with EIF’s commentary that
there are a number of M&A opportunities and/or contracts available for bid,
leads us to believe that EIF is likely to execute on M&A opportunities within
the near-term.
Strong Pipeline Of Growth Opportunities: EIF highlighted that it is seeing
acquisition opportunities in both the manufacturing and aerospace & aviation
segments. In terms of contractual opportunities, EIF is awaiting the resolution
of a number of submitted bids. EIF has submitted its proposal to the U.K.
Home Office for the continuation and expansion of the services it is currently
performing. EIF has also submitted a proposal for the Newfoundland
medevac contract, for which it hopes to hear the result for in Q2. EIF noted it
is seeing strong interest for its aerospace services, seeing large
opportunities in Australia, Europe and expanded opportunities in Canada.
Regarding its Air Canada contract, EIF expects to increase the number of
aircraft from four to six by the end of the year, and is evaluating flying cross-
border routes to the Northern U.S. out of Halifax under the contract. On the
Manufacturing side, the pipeline remains solid for various tuck-in
acquisitions, and EIF noted that it is actively looking at expanding its matting
capabilities into the eastern half of the U.S.
Solid Quarter For Aerospace & Aviation: EIF’s aerospace & aviation
division posted solid Q1 results that benefited from higher average load
factors and expanded routes on the east coast, including routes flown for Air
Canada. EIF’s medevac business revenue also grew, largely resulting from
the beginning of the Manitoba contract during the quarter and expanded
scope under the new BCEHS contract. EIF’s aircraft sales and leasing
business also had a positive quarter, as leasing activity continued to
improve, with run rates continuing to approach pre-COVID levels. Aerospace
revenue rose from the U.K. Home Office contract, which was awarded in
May last year, partially offset by lower training business revenue.