The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price is falling heavily on Tuesday morning. This comes after the shipbuilder released its full-year results for the 2021 financial year.
At the time of writing, Austal shares are down 13.55% to $2.17. It's worth noting the Austal share price touched a four-month high of $2.51 last Friday.
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Austal share price plummets on disappointing revenue hit
The Austal share price is sinking today following the company's FY21 results for the 12 months ending 30 June, 2021. Here are some of the key results:
- Total revenue of $1,572 million, down 24.6% on the prior corresponding period (FY20 $2,086 million);
- Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $114.6 million, down 12.1% (FY20 $130.4 million);
- Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $81.1 million, up 9.7% (FY20 $89 million); and
- Unfranked final dividend of 4 cents per share, bringing full-year dividend to 8 cents apiece.
What happened to Austal in FY21?
Austal advised that its financial results, predominantly revenue and EBIT, were in line with previous guidance estimates.
The company's numbers were affected by an appreciation of the United States dollar, which translated into a negative impact for EBIT. In addition, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program decline, COVID-19-related border closures and travel restrictions, and resourcing challenges also weighed in.
Nonetheless, the EBIT, despite the fall, was driven by enhanced shipbuilding margins, particularly in the US and Australasia operations.
This led Austal to achieve its second-highest NPAT in its history. Furthermore, 19 ships were delivered to customers, a record amount in a year. However, this didn't stop the Austal share price from plunging this morning.
What did management say?
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg commented on the milestone achievement, saying:
I'm very pleased that Austal has delivered strong profit and earnings, as we strengthen our position to unlock significant long-term opportunities in the shipbuilding industry and broader defence sector.
…This is a testament to the durability of our operations and our ability to maintain a robust financial base, even amidst the challenges of a COVID-19 impacted environment in FY2021.
Importantly, the momentum we have generated by continuing to successfully deliver for key customers, despite COVID impacts, will enable the company to transition towards the next phase of business growth as our Littoral Combat Ship construction program winds down over the next three years.
What's next for Austal in FY22?
Looking ahead, Austal expects market conditions for FY22 to remain similar to FY21, with the pandemic having a mixed impact.
Consequently, the company refrained from providing EBIT guidance for FY22. It anticipates the next market update will be given to shareholders at its annual general meeting later this year.
It will be interesting to see what effect that has on the Austal share price.
So far, Austal holds a current order book of $2.5 billion, running through until FY25.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg also went on to talk about the wind-down of the LCS program for the next 3 years, adding:
Fortunately, we are progressing through this transition period from a position of strength with a healthy balance sheet; opportunities that are real and already visible; and a supportive US Government which is directly investing in the future of our facilities.
