HEI Q2 Earnings Call: HEICO Reports Revenue Growth, Margins Beat Expectations, Active Acquisition Strategy

Aerospace and defense company HEICO (NSYE:HEI) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales rose 14.9% year on year to $1.10 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.31 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

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StockStory’s Take

HEICO’s second quarter results reflected continued growth across its core aerospace and defense businesses, with management pointing to robust demand for aftermarket parts, specialty defense products, and expanded repair and overhaul capabilities. Co-CEO Eric Mendelson explained that the company’s decentralized approach and increased collaboration with recent acquisitions, such as Wencor, enabled HEICO to capture market share and drive double-digit organic growth. Management highlighted meaningful contributions from component repair, distribution, and specialty product lines, while also noting margin enhancement due to a favorable product mix and ongoing supply chain management. The strong quarter was attributed to both organic growth and the successful integration of acquisitions, with Co-CEO Victor Mendelson stating that “accelerated market acceptance of our product, accelerated market share, and continued development of new products in adjacent white spaces” were key drivers.

Looking forward, HEICO’s management expects continued momentum in both its Flight Support and Electronic Technologies Groups, underpinned by strong demand in commercial aviation, defense, and space markets. The company is prioritizing disciplined capital deployment towards organic initiatives and complementary acquisitions, while actively managing ongoing supply chain challenges and monitoring the impact of tariffs. CFO Carlos Macau indicated that operating margins are expected to stabilize in the high end of their historical range, supported by ongoing cost efficiencies and favorable product mix, although he cautioned that this strong performance may not guarantee further significant expansion beyond this range. Management remains optimistic about the backlog in defense and aerospace markets, and Co-CEO Victor Mendelson emphasized HEICO’s readiness to pursue further growth opportunities, stating, “Acquisition opportunities within both segments continue to be highly active, supported by a strong pipeline of potential targets.”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed second quarter revenue growth to increased market share in aftermarket aerospace parts, strong demand in defense specialty products, and successful integration of acquisitions, while also noting that ongoing supply constraints shaped the quarter’s outcomes.

• Aftermarket parts outperformance: Increased demand for both HEICO and Wencor’s FAA-approved replacement parts (PMA) and repair services contributed to notable share gains, with management citing accelerated customer adoption and expanded product offerings across airlines.
• Specialty defense backlog: The company reported significant growth in missile defense manufacturing and a firm backlog for defense-related specialty products, highlighting strong demand including from international markets and its support for U.S. and allied governments, as well as rising international military spending.
• Acquisition contributions: Recent acquisitions, such as Rosen Aviation in the Electronic Technologies Group (ETG), are expected to contribute to future growth and be accretive to earnings. Management described ongoing integration activities with various acquisitions as a source of operational synergies and expanded capabilities, especially in in-flight entertainment and aerospace electronics.
• Supply chain dynamics: Despite continued supply constraints for certain components, management described dual-sourcing strategies and decentralized operations as helping to mitigate delays and maintain production levels, with particular success in improving inventory turns and supplier relationships.
• Pricing discipline and customer loyalty: While original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increased aftermarket parts prices, HEICO maintained pricing discipline. Management emphasized a commitment to being customer-friendly, particularly with long-term loyal customers by primarily passing through cost increases, while noting that pricing strategy could differ for customers not in long-term relationships. Management believes this approach supports customer loyalty and sustained margin performance.

Drivers of Future Performance

HEICO expects ongoing organic growth and margin stability, supported by strong demand in aerospace and defense, with particular optimism noted for defense and international markets, and continued acquisition activity, though management notes supply chain and macroeconomic factors remain potential headwinds.

• Robust defense and aerospace demand: Management anticipates sustained growth in both U.S. and international defense markets, citing strong order backlogs and increased government spending as ongoing drivers for both the Flight Support and Electronic Technologies Groups.
• Active M&A pipeline: The company is focused on identifying and integrating acquisitions that are financially accretive and strategically aligned. Management noted ongoing competition for targets but remains confident in HEICO’s opportunistic approach, including pursuing adjacent opportunities, ability to deploy capital effectively and enhance long-term shareholder value.
• Supply chain and tariff management: While supply constraints are expected to persist, HEICO’s decentralized sourcing and inventory strategies aim to mitigate disruption. Management also noted that anticipated tariffs are not expected to have a material impact but continues to monitor potential cost pass-through to customers.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Based on management's discussion, potential catalysts in the upcoming quarters include the continued execution of cross-sell opportunities and realization of synergies from recent acquisitions, particularly with Wencor. Sustained backlog growth and order conversion in defense and international aerospace markets, driven by ongoing demand, will be important. Additionally, HEICO's ability to maintain margin discipline and navigate persistent supply chain constraints and industry cost pressures will be key indicators of performance, alongside progress in developing new products and expanding into adjacent markets.

HEICO currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 63.3×. Should you double down or take your chips? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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