MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - May 3, 2018) - Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A)(TSX:BBD.B)(OTCQX:BDRBF) today reported its first quarter 2018 results, marked by strong top-line growth. Consolidated revenues reached $4.0 billion, a 12% increase over the same period last year, mainly driven by the ramping up of major projects at Transportation and improving market conditions at Business Aircraft.
"We continue to deliver on our financial commitments and make solid progress executing our growth programs and strategic initiatives," said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. "We've successfully reached the halfway point of our turnaround plan with a strengthened balance sheet and a clear focus on execution and growth."
Steady order momentum at Transportation led to a book-to-bill ratio(4) of 1.0 for the quarter, while this segment's backlog grew to $35.7 billion. Business Aircraft's order backlog also increased to $14.3 billion in the first quarter. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Commercial Aircraft announced that it has signed purchase agreements with Ethiopian Airlines for up to 15 Q400 aircraft and with American Airlines for up to 30 CRJ900 aircraft, increasing the CRJ Series and Q400 backlogs to over 50 aircraft each.
Bombardier's EBIT margin rose by 80 basis points to reach 5% for the first time since the launch of the Company's turnaround plan. This expansion was driven by strong revenue growth, including growth in aftermarket activities, and by operational improvements. EBITDA and EBIT before special items stood respectively at $265 million and $201 million for the quarter, reflecting strong earnings power.
Free cash flow usage of $721 million was in line with Bombardier's plan, as major rail projects continue to ramp up and the Global 7000 prepares for certification and entry in service later this year. Investments in working capital during the first quarter amounted to $594 million, mostly attributable to inventories and contract assets as we prepare for an acceleration of deliveries later this year. The Company remains on track to achieve free cash flow breakeven for the full year.
Bombardier also announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Downsview property for gross proceeds of approximately $635 million to the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018, increasing cash by more than $550 million net of transaction and other associated costs. Additionally, pursuant to a lease agreement with PSP Investments, Bombardier will continue to operate from Downsview for a period of up to three years following closing, with two optional one-year extension periods.
In parallel, Bombardier also entered into a letter of agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) for a long-term lease of approximately 38 acres of property at Toronto Pearson International Airport on which Bombardier is planning to open a new centre of excellence and final assembly plant for its Global business jets. Details on this new leased facility will be provided at a future date.
"As part of Bombardier's five-year turnaround plan, we have been reviewing our facilities worldwide to ensure we have the most efficient and cost effective operations necessary to support our growth objectives," said Mr. Bellemare. "Today, we only use about 10 percent of a 370-acre site at Downsview and bear the entire cost of operating a 7,000-foot runway. So, we are very pleased to have reached agreements with PSP Investments and the GTAA. Together, they allow us to monetize an underutilized asset, further streamline and optimize our business aircraft operations, and will support further economic development and job growth in the Greater Toronto area."
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