Investing.com -- MTU Aero Engines (ETR:MTXGn) shares fell more than 5% on Wednesday following the company's financial results, which posted a shortfall in free cash flow for 2024.
Despite sales and adjusted EBIT figures coming in slightly ahead of consensus estimates, analysts at Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) pointed to weaker-than-expected cash flow as the primary driver of market uncertainty.
MTU’s 2024 free cash flow came in 28% below expectations, a shortfall largely attributed to ongoing challenges with the company’s Geared Turbofan fleet management plan and continued supply chain volatility.
This disappointing cash flow figure overshadowed an otherwise solid operational performance, where revenue in the commercial engine and maintenance, repair, and overhaul segments exceeded expectations.
While MTU management raised guidance for 2025, driven by a revised foreign exchange assumption—adjusting its USD/EUR outlook from 1.10 to 1.05.
The company now expects sales for the upcoming year to be between €8.7 billion and €8.9 billion, representing a 5% increase from previous projections.
Adjusted EBIT is forecast to grow in the mid-teens percentage range, aligning with consensus estimates.
However, the free cash flow outlook remains unchanged at a low triple-digit million-euro range, falling short of broader market expectations.
Analysts noted that while the revised 2025 outlook may provide some reassurance to investors, the immediate pressure on free cash flow continues to weigh on sentiment.
With uncertainties around GTF-related costs and supply chain stability, investors appear cautious despite the company’s optimistic projections for the next fiscal year.