Safran S.A.
TypeSociété Anonyme
EuronextSAF
CAC 40 Component
IndustryAerospace
Defense
PredecessorSnecma, Sagem
Founded2005; 19 years ago (2005)
Headquarters,
Key people
Olivier Andriès [fr] (CEO)
Ross McInnes (Chairman)
ProductsAircraft engines, equipment, and interiors, defence electronics, avionics, navigation system, communications systems, satellites
RevenueIncrease 24.64 billion (2019)
Increase €3.82 billion (2019)
Increase €2.44 billion (2019)
Total assetsIncrease €40.62 billion (end 2018)
Total equityIncrease €12.30 billion (End 2018)
Number of employees
81,000 (2020)
SubsidiariesOEMServices
Safran Aero Boosters
Safran Aerosystems
Safran Aircraft Engines
Safran Cabin
Safran Ceramics
Safran Electrical & Power
Safran Electronics & Defense
Safran Helicopter Engines
Safran Landing Systems
Safran Nacelles
Safran Passenger Solutions
Safran Seats
Safran Transmission Systems
ArianeGroup (50% ownership)
Website

Safran is committed to catalyzing aviation safety and sustainability with innovative solutions.[1]

The company is renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Operating across aircraft propulsion, aircraft equipment, and defense segments, Safran delivers cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the aviation and defense industries worldwide. With a strong focus on research and development, the company continuously pushes the boundaries of technology, striving to enhance the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of its products while fostering collaborative industry partnerships to drive progress in these domains.[1]

Operations

Company history[2]

  • 1896: Maurice Mallet, Antonino Mélandri, and Paul Simard de Pitray found "Mallet, Mélandri et de Pitray," later merged with Zodiac in 2018.
  • 1905: The Seguin brothers establish "Société des moteurs Gnome" for rotary airplane engines, leading to the merger with "Société des moteurs Le Rhône" in 1915, thus forming "Société des Moteurs Gnome & Rhône."
  • 1911: Hispano-Suiza settles in Levallois, France, producing automobiles and later venturing into aircraft engine manufacturing.
  • 1920: Messier Automobiles is founded, evolving into SFMA and later Messier, specializing in aircraft landing gear.
  • 1930: Messier achieves a major milestone by developing the world's first automatic aircraft brake.
  • 1938: Joseph Szydlowski establishes Turbomeca, specializing in aircraft engine compressors.
  • 1945: Gnome & Rhône is nationalized and renamed Snecma (Société Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation), consolidating most French aero-engine manufacturers.
  • 1955: Turbomeca's "Artouste" engine powers the Alouette II, the world's first mass-produced turbine helicopter.
  • 1961: Sagem achieves a significant milestone with the successful flight of the first French satellite, guided by their innovative inertial reference system.
  • 1968: Hispano-Suiza joins Snecma, adding its expertise in aircraft equipment manufacturing, and shortly after, Messier also becomes part of Snecma.
  • 1974: Snecma enters the commercial aviation engine market by partnering with General Electric Aircraft Engines to develop the CFM56 turbofan engine, one of the best-selling aircraft engines globally.
  • 2005: The merger of Snecma and Sagem gives birth to Safran, a major aerospace, defense, and security group, unifying their strengths and expertise to provide innovative solutions to the industry.

What's the mission of the company?

Safran's purpose is to design, build, and support high-tech solutions that contribute to a safer, more sustainable world. They strive to make air transport environmentally friendly, comfortable, and accessible while addressing critical needs like defense and space exploration.[3]

Offerings

Safran's core offerings are centered around two primary segments: (1) Aerospace Propulsion and (2) Electronics & Defense.[4]

Aerospace Propulsion

The Aerospace Propulsion segment includes the production of aircraft engines, propulsion systems, landing gear, avionics systems, and aircraft interiors, along with providing after-sales services and aircraft electrical systems. Here we will present the different civil engines:

LEAP 1A.png
CFM56

The CFM International CFM56 series, hailed as the world's best-selling engine in aviation history, also known as the F108 in the U.S. military, represents a collaborative family of high-bypass turbofan aircraft engines produced by CFM International (CFMI). These engines offer a versatile thrust range, spanning from 18,500 to 34,000 lbf (82 to 150 kN), making them suitable for a wide array of aviation applications.[5]

LEAP ("Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion")
CFM-56.png

The CFM International LEAP is a cutting-edge high-bypass turbofan engine manufactured by CFM International, which is a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aviation from the United States and Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly Snecma) from France. As an evolutionary successor to the CFM56 engine, the LEAP engine directly competes with the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G to provide powerful propulsion options for narrow-body aircraft. With its advanced technology and design, the LEAP engine offers exceptional performance and efficiency, positioning itself as a leading choice for modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of commercial aircraft.[5]

LEAP-X & CFM56-5/7 comparison [6]

The LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) series engine, an upgraded version of the CFM56-5/7 series. This engine is designed to provide power for the next generation of single-aisle commercial jets.

Engine series LEAP-X CFM56-5/7
Fan 18 blades 36 blades
LPC 3 stages 4/3 stages
HPC 10 stages 9 stages
Combustor Twin Annular Premixing Swirler (TAPS II) conventional
HPT 2 stages 1 stage
LPT 7/5 stages 4 stages
Total core stages 22 stages 18 stages
Model Application Thrust range In service
LEAP-1A Airbus A320 neo family 24,500-35,000 lbf (109-156 kN) Aug 2016
LEAP-1B Boeing 737 MAX family 23,000-28,000 lbf (100-120 kN) May 2017
LEAP-1C COMAC C919 27,980-31,000 lbf (124.5-137.9 kN) 2020/2021
Model Fan diameter Bypass ratio Weight (wet) Thrust to weight (wet) ratio
LEAP-1A 78 in (198 cm) 11:1 6.632 lb (3.008 kg) 5.3
LEAP-1B 69.4 in (176 cm) 9:1 6.128 lb (2780 kg) 4.5
LEAP-1C 78 in (198 cm) 11:1 6.632 lb (3.008 kg) 4.6
Rival comparison[6]

The primary competitor engines of the LEAP is the Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G (also known as the PurePower PW1000G) series. The PW1000G engine is part of Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan (GTF) technology, which aims to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower noise levels. Both the LEAP and PW1000G engines are designed to power the next generation of single-aisle commercial aircraft and are competitors in the market for narrow-body jet engines.

Engine series LEAP-X PW1000G
Fan 18 blades 20 blades (PW1100G)
Fan gear - The reduction gear box (5 planetary gears)
LPC 3 stages 3/2 stages
HPC 10 stages 8 stages
Combustor Twin Annular Premixing Swirler (TAPS II) Lean-burn (TalonX)
HPT 2 stages 2 stages
LPT 7/5 stages 3 stages
Total core stages 22 stages 16 stages
Criteria LEAP-X Engine PW1000G Engine
Propulsive Efficiency Larger fan diameter allows higher bypass ratio, leading to improved propulsive efficiency and fuel savings. Gear system optimizes fan and LP spool rotation, potentially enhancing propulsive efficiency.
Thermal Efficiency New generation combustion system and advanced materials increase thermal efficiency. Higher operating temperatures require additional cooling systems and materials. New generation combustion system and advanced materials improve thermal efficiency. Higher operating temperatures necessitate additional cooling systems and materials.
Noise Reduction Designed with noise reduction in mind. Centrifugal FOD ejection system helps protect against debris-induced noise. Gear system allows for lower fan rotation speeds, contributing to noise reduction.

Electronics[1]

Avionics and Flight Control Systems: Safran leads in avionics development, offering advanced flight control systems, fly-by-wire technology, and cockpit displays for commercial and military aircraft. Their systems ensure precise control, enhancing safety and pilot awareness. Renowned flight management systems optimize paths, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs for airlines.

Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems: Safran excels in electro-optics and infrared systems, enabling day and night vision for defense and security applications. These systems support surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition, providing critical data in challenging environments. Widely used in UAVs, Safran's technology enhances intelligence gathering.

Communication and Data Security: In the Electronics & Defense sector, Safran offers secure communication and data solutions for military and government entities. Encrypted systems protect sensitive information, guarding against cyber threats. Safran's commitment to data security ensures critical military communications are safeguarded in an interconnected world.

Defense[1]

Navigation and Identification Systems: Safran's defense solutions encompass advanced navigation systems that provide accurate and reliable positioning for military platforms, ensuring precise mission execution and effective deployment of resources. Additionally, their identification systems play a pivotal role in friend-or-foe recognition, minimizing the risk of friendly fire incidents during operations and enhancing overall combat safety.

Optronics and Targeting Systems: Safran's optronics solutions are deployed across various military platforms, offering superior target acquisition and tracking capabilities. These systems, integrated into armored vehicles, helicopters, and UAVs, provide enhanced situational awareness and increased accuracy for precision strikes, thus bolstering the effectiveness of military missions.

Drone Solutions: Safran's drone technologies cater to both military and civilian applications. Their unmanned aerial systems (UAS) offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for defense operations, providing real-time data and enhancing the tactical decision-making process. Safran's expertise in drone technology makes them a key player in the rapidly evolving field of unmanned systems.

Research and development

Open rotor

Open rotor.png

Safran's commitment to research and development is exemplified by its groundbreaking work on the Open Rotor, an innovative aircraft engine design. The Open Rotor project, featuring two counter-rotating propellers and no thrust reversers, represents a transformative approach to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. By pushing the boundaries of technology and collaborating with industry partners, Safran has demonstrated the feasibility of the Open Rotor concept through successful testing and research, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation solutions.[7]


Safran's dedication to the Open Rotor project underscores its vision for the future of aviation, striving to meet the industry's environmental challenges head-on. As the company continues to explore and develop this revolutionary engine architecture, Safran's R&D efforts highlight its commitment to driving innovation and shaping a greener, more sustainable aviation landscape for generations to come.

Hydrogen engine

Hydrogen.png

CFM International, in collaboration with Airbus, is at the forefront of pioneering hydrogen combustion technology in the aviation industry. The joint effort aims to ground and flight test a hydrogen-fueled direct combustion engine, with the ultimate goal of developing a zero-emission aircraft for commercial service by 2035. By modifying the GE PassportTM turbofan engine to run on hydrogen and using an A380 flying testbed equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks, the partnership showcases a commitment to environmental sustainability and making significant strides towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation.[8]


The groundbreaking collaboration between CFM International and Airbus represents a crucial step in ushering in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight. With both companies' expertise and resources combined, they form an ideal team to successfully demonstrate hydrogen propulsion capabilities, reaffirming the aviation industry's dedication to environmentally friendly solutions. This ambitious project not only aligns with Airbus' commitment to net-zero carbon emissions but also highlights the industry's collective efforts to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen technology for a greener and more sustainable aviation future.

ESG Performance and Sustainability Analysis

Sustainalytics conducts sustainability assessments for listed companies, evaluating their environmental, social, and governance performance. The assigned rating is derived from an ESG risk assessment, where the lowest score signifies the best extra-financial performance.

ESG Risk Assessment (Environment, Social, and Governance)[9]
Total ESG Risk Score 23 (Medium risk)
Environmental Risk Score 6.9
Social Risk Score 10.2
Governance Risk Score 5.8

In the "Aerospace & Defense" sector, Safran has achieved an impressive rank, securing the 3rd position out of 89 companies. Notably, among companies with a market capitalization between $51 and $103 billion, Safran holds the 1st rank. This progress signifies an improvement from 2019, when Safran was ranked 6th out of 82 companies in the same sector.[10]

Market

Total Addressable Market

The Total Addressable Market (TAM) for Safran SA is defined as the global aerospace and defense market. According to industry reports, the global aerospace and defense market was valued at $855.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1076.56 billion by 2027, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.[11]

Serviceable Available Market

The Serviceable Available Market (SAM) for Safran SA is focused on the commercial aviation segment within the global aerospace and defense market. The Commercial Aviation Market is anticipated to experience significant growth, projected to increase from $218.97 billion in 2023 to $271.96 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.43% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2028.[12]

Serviceable Obtainable Market

The Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) for Safran SA is focused on the commercial aviation engine market, which represents a significant segment within the broader commercial aviation industry. The global aircraft engine market size is projected to hit USD 112.61 billion by 2029, with a forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.87% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2028. The market size stood at USD 54.70 billion in 2022.[13]

Competition

Competitors[14]

Safran Aircraft Engines
Safran aircraft.png
Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems.png
GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace.png
Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney.png
AECC Aviation Power
AECC Aviation Power.png
Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly known as Snecma Moteurs) is a company that designs, develops, produces and markets engines for civil and military aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems is a manufacturer and supplier of aerostructures for commercial and defense aerospace programs. GE Aerospace (formerly known as GE Aviation, Smiths Aerospace, General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE), also known as GE Aviation Systems) is a manufacturer and service provider of jet engines. Pratt & Whitney is a company that specializes in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units AECC Aviation Power (中国航发动力股份有限公司, formerly known as AVIC Aviation Engine (中国航发西安航空发动机有限公司)) is an aerospace company that develops, produces, and repairs large, medium and small military and civilian aviation engines, and gas turbine power units for large ships.
Founding Date 1997 2005 1917 1925 1993
Type Subsidiary Public Subsidiary Subsidiary Public
Tags Manufacturing & Industrial Manufacturing & Industrial Manufacturing & Industrial Manufacturing & Industrial Manufacturing & Industrial
aerospace aerospace aerospace aerospace aerospace
aviation aviation aviation aviation aviation
engines defense engines engines engines
distribution mechanical components machinery
engines solar
mechanical components
Locations Paris, FR (HQ) Wichita, US (HQ) Evendale, US (HQ) East Hartford, US (HQ) Xi'an, CN (HQ)
Zaventem, BE Montoir De Bretagne, FR Bromont, CA Enfield, CA
Chengdu, CN Subang, MY Suzhou, CN Longueuil, CA
Guiyang, CN Casablanca, MA Prague Letnany, CZ Mirabel, CA
Shanghai, CN Belfast, GB Veresegyház, HU Mississauga, CA
Suzhou, CN Prestwick, GB Seoul, KR Ottawa, CA
Tianjin, CN Dallas, US Dzierzoniow, PL Beijing, CN
Employees 12,306 18,235 29,476 19,865 34,195

Competitive advantage

Safran's competitive advantages lie in its technological expertise, diverse product portfolio, global presence, strong partnerships, sustainability focus, and financial stability, positioning the company as a leading aerospace and defense solutions provider.

Team

Board of Directors

Olivier.jpg

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Olivier Andriès' illustrious career has seen him play significant roles in prominent companies, encompassing distinguished positions at the French Ministry of Finance's Treasury department and the prestigious Lagardère group. In the year 2000, he embarked on a transformative journey when he joined Airbus as Vice President, subsequently elevating to the position of Executive Vice President of Strategy. His strategic vision and exceptional performance caught the industry's attention, propelling him further along the path of success.

In 2008, Olivier Andriès set his sights on new horizons, making a strategic move to Safran, where he assumed the crucial role of Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development. His leadership prowess was undeniable, leading to his subsequent appointment as CEO of Turbomeca and Safran Aircraft Engines, solidifying his status as a key decision-maker within the organization. Recognized for his unparalleled acumen and transformative approach, Andriès was the natural choice to be appointed as Safran's next CEO in 2019, with his tenure set to begin on January 1st, 2021.[15]


Ross.jpg

Chairman of the Board

Ross McInnes, born in 1954, holds the distinction of having dual French and Australian nationality. His distinguished career has seen him play significant roles in prominent companies, making valuable contributions in various executive positions. After Oxford University, he started his career in 1977 at Kleinwort Benson, gaining valuable experience in London and Rio de Janeiro. In 1980, he joined Continental Bank (now Bank of America), contributing significantly in corporate finance in Chicago and Paris.

Ross McInnes joined Eridania Beghin-Say in 1989, becoming CFO in 1991 and a Board member in 1999. He later joined Thomson-CSF (now Thales) in 2000 as EVP and CFO, playing a crucial role in the group's transformation.

Having demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, Ross McInnes joined Safran in March 2009 as Executive Vice President for Economic and Financial Affairs. His outstanding performance led to his appointment as a member of the Executive Board from July 2009 to April 2011 and later as Deputy Chief Executive Officer until April 2015. On April 23, 2015, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Safran.[15]

Financials

Historic

Most recent year

In fiscal year 2022, Safran reported a significant increase in revenue, reaching €19.52 billion, which represents a remarkable growth of approximately 29% compared to the previous year's revenue of €15.13 billion. However, despite the revenue surge, the company also incurred a net loss of €2.46 billion during the same period.

Previous Four Years

Over the past four years, Safran's revenue has fluctuated, starting at $25.1 billion in 2019 and reaching $19.52 billion in 2022. During this period, the net income varied significantly, from $2.45 billion to a loss of $2.46 billion. These fluctuations reflect the challenges and changes in the aerospace industry.

Risks

Market Risk

Demand Fluctuations: Changes in demand for commercial aircraft, defense equipment, and services due to economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements.

Cyclical Nature: Variations in sales and profits as the aerospace and defense industry experiences ups and downs in the economic cycle.

Regulatory and Political Risk

Export Control Regulations: Compliance with export controls and potential restrictions on selling certain technologies and equipment to specific countries.

Political Instability: Geopolitical tensions, conflicts, or changes in government policies in regions where Safran operates affecting business operations.

Environmental Regulations: Compliance with environmental regulations that may lead to additional costs for Safran and its operations.

Operational Risk

Supply Chain Disruptions: Risks associated with the complexity of Safran's supply chain for aerospace and defense products, leading to potential disruptions or delays.

Project Execution: Challenges in executing large-scale projects that could result in cost overruns and delays.

Safety Incidents: Risks associated with any safety-related incidents involving Safran's products or services, potentially leading to reputational damage and legal liabilities.

Technological and Competitive Risk

Rapid Technological Changes: The need to adapt to new technologies and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced aerospace and defense industry.

Intense Competition: Facing competition from both established and emerging companies in the aerospace and defense industry.

Cybersecurity Risk: Vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies in aerospace and defense.

Valuation

What's the Current Value of Safran

As of 26th July 2023, the stock of Safran closed at 144.82€ per share, demonstrating a steady recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The current stock price is approaching its historical peak value of 148.45€, which was recorded in November 2019, indicating positive momentum in the market.

Safran Current Valuation - July 2023
Share Price (@30/06) [€] 144.82
Shares Outstanding [#M] 426.5
Equity Value [€B] 61.77
Add:

Net Debt at Dec. 31, 2022

[€M] 14
Enterprise Value [€B] 61.78

In our analysis of Safran's valuation, we employed three distinct methods:

  1. Discounted Cashflow:
  2. Trading Comps: The negative income and EBITDA figures made it impractical to apply the P/E or EV/EBITDA ratios in this case.
  3. Dividend Discount Model: In 2019, Safran encountered challenges that led to the inability to pay dividends. However, the company has demonstrated a consistent track record of paying fair dividends in the preceding years. To assess Safran's valuation, we utilized the Gordon Growth Model (GGM) by projecting the past dividend growth rate to estimate the 2023 dividend. The GGM valuation resulted in a per-share value of 19.67€. Assuming market efficiency, i.e. the current share price is correct, the adequate cost of equity of Safran would be 2.64%.

Appendix

Financial statements

Income Statement (In €)

Year end date TTM 12/31/2022 12/31/2021 12/31/2020 12/31/2019
Total Revenue 17,039,000 19,523,000 15,133,000 16,631,000 25,098,000
Cost of Revenue 8,628,000 10,145,000 7,855,000 9,016,000 13,581,000
Gross Profit 8,411,000 9,378,000 7,278,000 7,615,000 11,517,000
Operating Expense 6,456,000 6,663,000 6,098,000 6,193,000 7,943,000
Operating Income 1,955,000 2,715,000 1,180,000 1,422,000 3,574,000
Net Non Operating Interest Income Expense -80,000 -39,000 -103,000 -2,000 -19,000
Pretax Income -5,722,000 -3,120,000 268,000 570,000 3,474,000
Tax Provision -1,356,000 -694,000 200,000 184,000 962,000
Net Income Common Stockholders -4,393,000 -2,459,000 43,000 352,000 2,447,000
Diluted NI Available to Com Stockholders -4,393,000 -2,459,000 43,000 352,000 2,447,000
Basic EPS - -5.76 0.10 0.83 5.69
Diluted EPS - -5.76 0.10 0.80 5.63
Basic Average Shares - 426,681 426,650 426,036 429,723
Diluted Average Shares - 440,160 440,087 440,460 434,977
Total Operating Income as Reported 1,584,000 - 864,000 927,000 3,837,000
Total Expenses 15,084,000 16,808,000 13,953,000 15,209,000 21,524,000
Net Income from Continuing & Discontinued Operation -4,393,000 -2,459,000 43,000 352,000 2,447,000
Normalized Income 804,692 -1,833,568 304,660 787,440 2,421,692
Interest Income 20,000 67,000 15,000 22,000 48,000
Interest Expense 85,000 94,000 109,000 108,000 120,000
Net Interest Income -80,000 -39,000 -103,000 -2,000 -19,000
EBIT -5,637,000 -3,026,000 377,000 678,000 3,594,000
EBITDA -3,771,000 - - - -
Reconciled Cost of Revenue 8,628,000 10,145,000 7,855,000 9,016,000 13,581,000
Reconciled Depreciation 1,866,000 1,615,000 1,642,000 1,565,000 1,589,000
Net Income from Continuing Operation Net Minority Interest -4,393,000 -2,459,000 43,000 352,000 2,447,000
Total Unusual Items Excluding Goodwill -6,812,000 -804,000 -356,000 -643,000 35,000
Total Unusual Items -6,812,000 -804,000 -356,000 -643,000 35,000
Normalized EBITDA 3,041,000 -607,000 2,375,000 2,886,000 5,148,000
Tax Rate for Calcs 0 0 0 0 0
Tax Effect of Unusual Items -1,614,308 -178,568 -94,340 -207,560 9,692

Balance Sheet (In €)

Year end date 12/31/2022 12/31/2021 12/31/2020 12/31/2019
Total Assets 46,828,000 41,716,000 39,531,000 42,808,000
Total Liabilities Net Minority Interest 35,962,000 28,446,000 26,781,000 30,060,000
Total Equity Gross Minority Interest 10,866,000 13,270,000 12,750,000 12,748,000
Total Capitalization 15,610,000 17,750,000 16,363,000 15,507,000
Common Stock Equity 10,411,000 12,841,000 12,349,000 12,371,000
Capital Lease Obligations 587,000 609,000 608,000 729,000
Net Tangible Assets -2,679,000 -609,000 -1,387,000 -2,307,000
Working Capital -2,479,000 755,000 -838,000 -2,804,000
Invested Capital 16,781,000 19,373,000 18,758,000 18,926,000
Tangible Book Value -2,679,000 -609,000 -1,387,000 -2,307,000
Total Debt 6,957,000 7,141,000 7,017,000 7,284,000
Net Debt - 1,285,000 2,662,000 3,923,000
Share Issued 427,246 427,242 427,236 427,234
Ordinary Shares Number 424,559 426,786 426,917 424,684
Treasury Shares Number 2,687 456.165 319.284 2,550

Cash Flow (In €)

Year end date TTM 12/31/2022 12/31/2021 12/31/2020 12/31/2019
Operating Cash Flow 3,478,000 3,545,000 2,436,000 1,866,000 3,145,000
Investing Cash Flow -870,000 -1,288,000 -738,000 -799,000 -1,105,000
Financing Cash Flow -368,000 -815,000 -268,000 68,000 -1,740,000
End Cash Position 6,167,000 6,687,000 5,247,000 3,747,000 2,632,000
Changes in Cash 2,240,000 1,442,000 1,430,000 1,135,000 300,000
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes 41,000 2,000 70,000 -20,000 2,000
Beginning Cash Position 3,927,000 5,247,000 3,747,000 2,632,000 2,330,000
Other Cash Adjustment Outside Change in Cash -4,000 -4,000 - - -
Capital Expenditure -834,000 -879,000 -756,000 -793,000 -1,162,000
Issuance of Capital Stock 0 0 1,000 - -
Issuance of Debt 509,000 510,000 2,146,000 1,595,000 24,000
Repayment of Debt -613,000 -671,000 -1,367,000 -778,000 -875,000
Repurchase of Capital Stock 0 -270,000 -73,000 - -
Free Cash Flow 2,644,000 2,666,000 1,680,000 1,073,000 1,983,000

Dividend Discount Model (DDM)

Equity valuation

In the following table, we present the key values used in a DDM (Dividend Discount Model) analysis, including the CAPM model, risk-free rate of return, beta, market rate of return, and the corresponding cost of equity.

CAPM model Values
Risk-free rate of return (Euro short-term rate (€STR)) 3.41%
Beta (5Y Monthly, levered) 1.35
Market rate of return (European Stocks Portfolio) 7.31%
Cost of equity 8.7%

The graphical representation below illustrates the dividend history of Safran over the past years, showcasing the annual dividends paid, including the notable occurrence of zero dividends in the year 2019.

Dividends.png





Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Dividend per share 0.62 0.96 1.12 1.20 1.38 1.52 1.60 1.82 0.00 0.43 0.50 1.35

To evaluate Safran's valuation, we applied the Gordon Growth Model (GGM), projecting the historical dividend growth rate from 2011 to 2018 to estimate the current growth rate starting from 2022. By doing so, we can make an estimation of the 2023 dividend.

Period / 2011-

2012

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018
Dividend Growth Rate / 0.55 0.17 0.07 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.14
Average Growth Rate 0.18
CAGR 0.14
Constant growth rate 0.017

The DDM value of 19.67 € suggests that, according to the model's assumptions, the stock is overvalued relative to its intrinsic worth. On the other hand, the market value of 144.82 € reflects the collective perception of investors in the open market, which may be influenced by a variety of short-term and long-term factors.

Value per Share (DDM)                   19.67 €
Market value per share                 144.82 €

Inverse problem

In this section, our objective is to calculate the necessary growth rate of Safran's stock to achieve its market value, assuming market efficiency. To achieve this, we will simply reverse the GGM formula to derive the cost of equity.

Inverse problem
Market value per share 144.82 €
Expected dividend per share 1.37 €
Dividend growth rate 1.70%
Cost of equity 2.64%

The cost of equity of 2.64% for Safran represents the expected return or required rate of return that investors demand for holding the company's stock. A low cost of equity, such as 2.64%, indicates that investors perceive Safran as a relatively safe and stable investment.

Reference