Stockchase Opinions

Stockchase InsightsCAE IncCAE.TOBUYJun 03, 2024

Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

 We would say CAE's major competitors are other large aerospace/defense players who all have some varying degree of involvement in the aircraft simulation space. Companies like LHX, LMT, BA, and GD all have varying involvements in the simulations space. We think CAE's moat is still wide as the civil business has been strong over the long-term. The obvious mistake that can be point towards is the acquisition of the defense segment which has mainly created problems. The company has struggled to clear legacy contracts associated with this segment off its books for a while now causing margin pressure. Once the legacy contracts are cleared, CAE should see nice growth and margin improvements in defence but management stated that this could take six-to-eight quarters to occur in recent earnings. This was the major reason for removing CAE from the model portfolios. Additionally, in our flash report from Feb 2023 we noted its outlook was quite strong, but in our most recent report, guidance on margins started to wane, and this caused us to take a more cautious approach. Selling CAE also provided us with the opportunity to reduce our already high exposure to industrials and add to a smaller sector exposure, materials

At the time of report writing we felt a B+ was still warranted on the strength of the civil segement and that the defense segement had room for improvement this year. In light of recent earnings, we would like to see how defense performs this year and a potential downgrade is on the table.
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Stock price when the opinion was issued

$36.25

As of Aug 14, 2026. Market Open.

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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 03/25, Up 3%)

Management changes. Checks all the boxes except paying a dividend, still holding. Long-term contracts provide stable revenue. In an environment where valuations are so high, it's nice to be able to buy a name like this with confidence.

WATCH

Somewhat of a train wreck recently. Core business of training pilots hasn't gone away. New CEO is trying to pivot company to higher-growth sectors, such as defense -- if that's your thesis, then this might be one to look at.

He'd wait for more of an indication that the turnaround is secure.

WAIT

Technical structure looks muted. Stock's below 200-day MA, which has started to move lower. Trades at 30x PE, for 13% growth -- a more than 2x PEG ratio. Bit expensive for him. 2027 guidance is modest, in single digits. 

TOP PICK

Worries of jet fuel prices spiking because of the US-Iran war, but new aircraft roll-outs remain strong which demands new pilot training. Also, the business jet market remains strong. Plus, CAE continues to win defence projects. Recent guidance, though, disappointed investors. Free cash flow should restore the dividend.

(Analysts’ price target is $43.34)
TOP PICK

Doesn't pay a dividend. Shares traded down along with the airlines, given rising oil prices. CAE trains pilots and pilots need training, the airlines have a pilot shortage. Is defensive.

(Analysts’ price target is $48.30)
HOLD

A lot of the aerospace companies have had tremendous runs. Commercial aircraft growth plus increase in defense spending contributed to the gains.

Don't worry about short-term volatility. More important to focus on what's to come. Aerospace sector has huge demand moving forward, as we're seeing countries around the world increase defense spending.

BUY

Broke resistance from 2021, and that's great to see. Breakouts are great -- they mean that all the sellers around the breakout point are gone. Now stock can move on to newer highs, which it's doing. Good-looking chart.

TOP PICK

One of only 2 names they own that doesn't have a dividend, so they have to be extra-convicted on the stock price. Its 2 sectors should work in investors' favour over the long run. Flight simulators for pilots amidst a pilot shortage. Defense side has been suffering, but PM Carney has announced significant increase in defense spending. 

Secular growth should outpace any short-term weakness in the economy. No dividend.

(Analysts’ price target is $43.96)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 05/24, Up 34%)

Earnings good, guidance disappointed. But she takes a long-term view. One of the few stocks she owns with no dividend. Checked the boxes of recurring revenues, stable business. Still a pilot shortage in NA, geopolitical risks favour the defense segment.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 05/24, Up 33%)

Management did exactly what it said it was going to. Increased margins on the defense side from about 4% to 8%. All the geopolitical risk doesn't hurt. Both civil and defense segments now doing well.

BUY

They make simulators for both commercial planes and fighter jets. That's how he's playing increased defence spending in Canada.

SELL
Underwater -- hold or sell?

He models 22% growth at 23x PE. Normally he'd like it, but it's had too big of a move from the fall. Not convinced it'll hit target numbers. Less exposed to tariffs.

HOLD

World leader in flight simulation business. Strong company with recent performance in the stock market. Latest quarter has had a bit of a slowdown on sales, but overall the business is strong. Evolution of new pilots that will require new training will be good for business. Expecting high single digit revenue growth. Would recommend holding. 

DON'T BUY
Negative impact from US tariffs.

The names on this list are plenty. Start with the industrials, for instance. He's a big fan of BBD.B, but they make everything here in Canada.

An aerospace name like CAE, the rails, auto components like LNR and MG.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 05/24, Up 35%)

Stock was down so much due to defense margins, it was like getting that part of the business for free. Q4 defense earnings showed a lot of improvement, and stock took off. Given the world today, likes exposure to defense.