Aviation Segment Reports Quarter-over-Quarter Revenue Growth, Driven by New Business Wins

New Landing Gear Initiative Accelerated by $100 million Aviation Distribution Contract Award

Positive Net Income and Free Cash Flow from Operations; Second Consecutive Quarter of Debt Reduction

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC, “VSE”, or the “Company”), a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for land, sea and air transportation assets for government and commercial markets, today announced results for the third quarter 2020.

THIRD QUARTER 2020 RESULTS
(as compared to the third quarter 2019)

• Total Revenues of $165.5 million declined 16.5%
• Total Revenues, excluding divestitures, declined 12.0% (1)
• GAAP Net Income of $8.1 million declined $2.4 million
• Adjusted Net Income of $6.8 million declined $4.1 million
• Total Adjusted EBITDA of $18.0 million declined $6.5 million
• GAAP EPS (Diluted) of $0.73/share declined $0.22/share
• Adjusted EPS (Diluted) of $0.62/share declined $0.37/share
• Operating Cash Flow of $12.4 million during the third quarter 2020
• Free Cash Flow of $11.3 million during the third quarter 2020 (2)
• Total Debt reduced by $10.4 million during the third quarter 2020

(1) Excludes the previously announced divestitures of Prime Turbines and CT Aerospace
(2) Cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported total revenue of $165.5 million, versus $198.3 million for the same period ended 2019. The Company reported adjusted net income of $6.8 million or $0.62 per adjusted diluted share, compared to $10.9 million or $0.99 per adjusted diluted share in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA declined to $18.0 million in the third quarter 2020, versus $24.5 million for the same period in 2019. The Company generated $11.3 million in free cash flow during the third quarter 2020. VSE reduced total debt outstanding by $10.4 million during the third quarter 2020.

Aviation segment revenue, excluding the previously announced divestiture of Prime Turbines and CT Aerospace assets, declined 26.0% on a year-over-year basis in the third quarter 2020, as lower revenue passenger miles at major airline customers resulted in reduced commercial MRO activity. On a sequential quarter basis, excluding Prime Turbines and CT Aerospace, Aviation segment revenue increased 16.1%, supported by market share gains in our distribution business, and early indications of stabilization within the business and general aviation market customers. Federal & Defense segment revenue declined 21.7% on a year-over-year basis primarily due to the completion of a DoD program during the first quarter 2020. Fleet segment revenue increased 15.1% on a year-over-year basis due to growth within the commercial fleet business, together with a non-recurring order for personal protective equipment (PPE) from a government customer.

STRATEGY UPDATE

VSE continued to execute on a multi-year business transformation strategy during the third quarter, one that includes improved organizational design, rebranding and consolidation of business entities, new business development initiatives, the introduction of new products and services, and a continued focus on disciplined balance sheet management.

• New business development. Within the Aviation segment, VSE announced an exclusive distribution agreement with a leading global manufacturer of hydraulic landing gear components. The agreement, which is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2021, has a total estimated value of approximately $100 million over five years. The Federal & Defense segment won both new contracts and recompete awards during the third quarter. Within this segment, the total number of contract bids increased by more than 46% during the first nine months of 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019. The Fleet segment grew commercial sales by 107.3% in the third quarter, when compared to the prior-year period.

• Aviation product and service line expansion. Earlier this year, VSE launched an Aviation Landing Gear initiative. The Company is developing a comprehensive landing gear solution suite for global airline and MRO customers that includes services such as gear sales, exchanges and repair management, together with the distribution of proprietary and specialty products, kitting, 24/7 AOG service and other just-in-time value added services. This solution suite, coupled with the newly announced OEM product partnership, simplifies the sourcing process, while reducing working capital requirements for customers.

• Balance sheet discipline. VSE is committed to maintaining sufficient liquidity to support the long-term growth of the business, while continuing to support a quarterly cash dividend and conservative net leverage profile. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $190 million in cash and excess availability under its line of credit. During the third quarter, VSE reduced total debt outstanding by $10.4 million, due to free cash flow generated from operations in the period.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“During the third quarter, we further advanced a multi-year business transformation plan in support of our long-term strategy, while effectively navigating the near-term, pandemic-related disruption to the global aviation market,” stated John Cuomo, President and CEO of VSE Corporation. “In recent months, we streamlined our organizational structure, improved systems and processes to support business expansion, won multiple new customer awards and recompetes, introduced new product and service lines within underserved niche markets, and removed fixed overhead from operations, consistent with cost reductions announced earlier this year.”

“Our Aviation, Federal & Defense and Fleet segments each reported sequential revenue growth in the third quarter, as compared to the second quarter, excluding the previously announced divestitures and a non-recurring PPE order from a government customer,” continued Cuomo. “We generated positive free cash flow from operations for the third consecutive quarter, supporting a $10.4 million reduction in our debt outstanding. With more than $190 million in cash and excess availability on our credit facilities, we believe we are well-capitalized to support the growth of the business.”

“While our team is intensely focused on repositioning the business for long-term growth, we’ve continued to execute against near-term performance objectives, as reflected by our strong third quarter results. Fleet segment commercial sales increased by more than 100% on a year-over-year basis in the third quarter, providing further validation for our commercial market expansion strategy, while in the Federal & Defense segment, we won new contracts and recompete awards, supported by increased bidding and business development activities.”

“Within our Aviation segment, the introduction of new product and service lines in niche markets remains an integral part of our long-term organic growth strategy,” continued Cuomo. “We launched a landing gear solution pilot program for global airline and MRO customers earlier this year, and we enhanced this offering with a recently announced five-year exclusive distribution agreement with a leading global manufacturer of landing gear parts and components. The agreement, which is scheduled to commence during the first quarter of 2021, has a total estimated value of approximately $100 million over five years. We look forward to this new partnership and to providing a full solution suite of landing gear products and service solutions for our global customers.”

“Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, we expect to generate sequential revenue growth within our Aviation segment, as continued market share gains and a continued gradual recovery within our business and general aviation markets serve to offset lower repair activity with commercial airline customers,” continued Cuomo. “During a period of market disruption and uncertainty, our aviation customers continue to focus on reducing fixed overhead and working capital requirements. As a trusted, well-capitalized partner with proven global supply chain and MRO solutions, customers are turning to VSE to help them better compete with next-level operating efficiency. Looking forward, our aviation team remains focused on achieving margin expansion and above-market organic growth through targeted share gains.”

“In October, we announced the appointment of two new senior executives to our leadership team,” continued Cuomo. “We are excited to welcome Steve Griffin, our incoming CFO, and Ben Thomas, our new President of the Aviation segment, as they join a world-class team committed to building market-leading positions in both new and existing markets.”

SEGMENT RESULTS

AVIATION
Distribution & MRO Services

VSE’s Aviation segment provides aftermarket MRO and distribution services to commercial, cargo, business and general aviation, military/defense and rotorcraft customers globally. Core services include parts distribution, component and engine accessory MRO services, rotable exchange and supply chain services.

Aviation segment revenue, less contributions from divested Prime Turbines and CT Aerospace businesses, decreased 26% year-over-year to $36.2 million in the third quarter 2020. The year-over-year revenue decline was attributable to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial air traffic, resulting in lower customer demand. On a sequential basis, Aviation segment revenue, less contributions from Prime Turbines and CT Aerospace, increased 16.1%, when compared to the second quarter 2020. The Aviation segment recorded operating income of $1.6 million in the third quarter, versus operating income of $6.6 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 75.9% to $2.4 million in the third quarter 2020. On a sequential basis, Aviation segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 102%.

FLEET
Distribution & Fleet Services

VSE's Fleet segment provides parts, inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment, logistics, supply chain support and other services to support the commercial aftermarket medium- and heavy-duty truck market, the United States Postal Service (USPS), and the United States Department of Defense. Core services include parts distribution, sourcing, IT solutions, customized fleet logistics, warehousing, kitting, just-in-time supply chain management, alternative product sourcing, engineering and technical support.

Fleet segment revenue increased 15.1% year-over-year to $63.7 million in the third quarter 2020. Revenues included pass-through sales of approximately $7.1 million for the completion of a non-recurring $26.6 million order for COVID-19 PPE supplies.

Revenues from commercial customers increased approximately $6.5 million or 107.3%, driven by growth in the e-commerce fulfillment business. Operating income declined 16.0% year-over-year to $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 due to customer and product mix for the quarter. Fleet segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 15.0% year-over-year in the third quarter 2020 to $9.0 million.

FEDERAL & DEFENSE
Logistics & Sustainment Services

VSE's Federal & Defense segment provides aftermarket MRO and logistics services to improve operational readiness and to extend the life cycle of military vehicles, ships and aircraft for the U.S. Armed Forces, federal agencies and international defense customers. Core services include base operations support, procurement, supply chain management, vehicle, maritime and aircraft sustainment services, IT services and energy consulting.

Federal & Defense segment revenue declined 21.7% year-over-year to $65.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 primarily due to the completion of a DoD program during the first quarter 2020. Operating income increased 49.1% year-over-year to $6.7 million in the third quarter. Federal & Defense segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 40.6% year-over-year to $7.4 million in the third quarter.

Federal & Defense segment third quarter bookings increased 23.9% year-over-year to $83 million. Funded backlog declined 29.8% year-over-year to $177 million. The decline in funded backlog was attributable to the expiration of a contract in the first quarter 2020 and the delay of new business awards. The Company continues to be focused on revitalizing this business, with an emphasis on growing backlog and developing a channel of new customer activity.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $190 million in cash and unused commitment availability under its $350 million revolving credit facility maturing in 2023. The Company’s existing credit facility includes a $100 million accordion provision, subject to customary lender commitment approvals. As of September 30, 2020, VSE had total net debt outstanding of $250 million and $81 million of trailing-twelve months Adjusted EBITDA.

CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call will be held Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. ET to review the Company’s financial results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer session.

A webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of VSE’s website at https://ir.vsecorp.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

To participate in the live teleconference:

Domestic Live: (877) 407-0789
International Live: (201) 689-8562
Audio Webcast: http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=141402

To listen to a replay of the teleconference through November 12, 2020:

Domestic Replay: (844) 512-2921
International Replay: (412) 317-6671
Replay PIN Number: 13709168

THIRD QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS

The following is a summary of revenues and operating income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019:

The Company reported $1.1 million and $3.0 million of total capital expenditures for three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this earnings release also contains Non-GAAP financial measures. The reasons why we believe these measures provide useful information to investors and a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures and other information relating to these Non-GAAP measures are included in the supplemental schedules attached.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS to Net Income (Loss)

Reconciliation of Consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)

Reconciliation of Segment EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Loss)

The non-GAAP Financial Information set forth in this document is not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") under SEC Regulation G. We consider Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EPS (Diluted), EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, trailing-twelve months Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow as non-GAAP financial measures and important indicators of performance and useful metrics for management and investors to evaluate our business' ongoing operating performance on a consistent basis across reporting periods. These non-GAAP financial measures, however, should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted Net Income represents Net Income adjusted for executive succession costs, 1st Choice Aerospace acquisition-related costs including any earn-out adjustments, loss on sale of a business entity and certain assets, gain on sale of property, and related tax impact. Adjusted EPS (Diluted) is computed by dividing net income, adjusted for the discrete items as identified above and the related tax impacts, by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding. EBITDA represents net income before interest expense, income taxes, amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and other amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA (as defined above) adjusted for discrete items as identified above, and trailing-twelve months Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent twelve (12) month period ending September 30, 2020. Free cash flow represents operating cash flow less capital expenditures.

ABOUT VSE CORPORATION

VSE is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services for land, sea and air transportation assets for government and commercial markets. Core services include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, parts distribution, supply chain management and logistics, engineering support, and consulting and training services for global commercial, federal, military and defense customers. VSE also provides information technology and energy consulting services. For additional information regarding VSE’s services and products, visit us at www.vsecorp.com.

Please refer to the Form 10-Q that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on or about September 30, 2020 for more details on our third quarter 2020 results. Also, refer to VSE’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further information and analysis of VSE’s financial condition and results of operations. VSE encourages investors and others to review the detailed reporting and disclosures contained in VSE’s public filings for additional discussion about the status of customer programs and contract awards, risks, revenue sources and funding, dependence on material customers, and management’s discussion of short- and long-term business challenges and opportunities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause VSE’s actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this document.

INVESTOR CONTACT
Noel Ryan
(720) 778-2415
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