On Wednesday, VSE Corporation (NASDAQ:VSEC) saw its price target increased by an analyst at Jefferies from $100.00 to $110.00, while the firm retained a Buy rating on the stock. The company had announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement to acquire Kellstrom Aerospace for $200 million. The deal, which is a mix of $185 million in cash and $15 million in VSE shares, values Kellstrom at approximately 1.1 times its trailing twelve months (TTM) sales and around 10 times its EBITDA. The acquisition is anticipated to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2024.
VSE Corporation financed the acquisition partly through a secondary offering, which raised $142.5 million by offering 1.17 million shares at a price of $87 per share. This offering represents a strategic move to support the funding of the Kellstrom purchase.
The analyst from Jefferies provided insights into the financial impact of the acquisition, estimating that the transaction could be 6% accretive to VSE's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) next year, even after accounting for the dilutive effect of the new shares issued.
The acquisition of Kellstrom Aerospace is expected to enhance VSE's capabilities in the aerospace sector. Kellstrom Aerospace is a provider of aftermarket parts and services for the aviation industry, and its integration into VSE's operations is projected to create additional value for the company's shareholders.
VSE Corporation's strategic move to acquire Kellstrom Aerospace and the subsequent price target increase by Jefferies reflect the company's growth-oriented approach and potential for increased profitability in the coming year. The market will be watching closely as the acquisition moves towards completion in the last quarter of 2024.
In other recent news, VSE Corporation has announced a series of significant developments. The company has agreed to acquire Kellstrom Aerospace for approximately $200 million, an acquisition expected to broaden VSE's service offering and open up new market opportunities. To finance this purchase, VSE has initiated a secondary equity offering, jointly managed by Jefferies and RBC Capital Markets.
Truist Securities has subsequently raised its price target for VSE Corporation to $115.00, up from the previous $97.00, maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The firm's revision comes in response to the Kellstrom acquisition and VSE's preliminary third-quarter results for 2024.
These preliminary results reveal revenues ranging from $268 to $275 million and operating income between $22 and $24 million. Also worth noting is VSE's second-quarter performance, which saw a 30% increase in revenue, largely driven by the Aviation segment's record revenue and profitability.
Jefferies has initiated coverage on the company with a Buy rating, highlighting VSE's potential for above-market growth, product and service differentiation, and successful mergers and acquisitions strategy. These recent developments underscore VSE Corporation's strategic focus on integrating acquisitions, expanding its services within the aerospace sector, and generating solid free cash flow.
InvestingPro Insights
VSE Corporation's strategic acquisition of Kellstrom Aerospace aligns well with its growth trajectory, as evidenced by recent InvestingPro data. The company's revenue growth of 32.87% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 demonstrates its strong market position. This growth is further supported by an InvestingPro Tip indicating that analysts anticipate continued sales growth in the current year.
The company's financial health appears robust, with an adjusted P/E ratio of 22.14, suggesting a reasonable valuation considering its growth prospects. Additionally, VSE's liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations, as highlighted by another InvestingPro Tip, indicates a solid financial foundation to support the Kellstrom acquisition.
VSE's stock performance has been impressive, with a one-year price total return of 66.06%. This aligns with the InvestingPro Tip noting the company's high return over the last year. The stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, which could reflect investor confidence in the company's strategic decisions, including the recent acquisition.
For investors seeking more comprehensive insights, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips for VSE Corporation, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial position and market outlook.
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