Spirit AeroSystems says layoffs, furloughs may be needed
Nov 05, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- In a new filing with the government, Spirit AeroSystems says there is "substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern." It also says a plan to improve liquidity could include layoffs and more furloughs.
"The Company will require additional liquidity to continue its operations over the next 12 months," Spirit said in a quarterly form it filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday.
The SEC form includes financial data detailing Spirit's net losses over several years.
Time periodNet lossesCash used in operating activitiesJanuary-September 2024$1,508.9 million$1,257.5 million2023$616.2 million$225.8 million2022$545.7 million$394.6 million2021$540.8 million$63.2 million
Spirit says as of Sept. 26, its debt balance was $4,402.6 million, including $426.2 million of debt classified as short-term, and its cash and cash equivalents were $217.6 million.
In the SEC filing, Spirit AeroSystems blames several factors, including:
Higher levels of inventory and contract assets,
Lower operational cash flows due to a decrease in expected deliveries to Boeing,
Higher factory costs to maintain rate readiness,
Boeing no longer allows for traveled work on the 737 fuselage to its factories,
The strike at Boeing and
The limitations on Boeing increasing production rates.
In October, Spirit furloughed approximately 700 employees who work on the 767 and 777 programs because of the impact of the Machinists' strike at Boeing. After the Machinists accepted Boeing's latest contract offer on Monday, Spirit announced the furlough would end Nov. 18.
Spirit AeroSystems responds after Boeing strike ends
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. said it has developed a plan to improve its situation, but it will depend on things, including the outcome of its merger agreement with Boeing, its dealings with Airbus, and achieving anticipated 737 deliveries.
The company is also considering additional strategies, including customer advances, issuing securities or debt financing subject to any contract conditions, and restructuring operations to increase efficiency and decrease costs. That may include layoffs or additional furloughs.
KSN News contacted Spirit AeroSystems for a comment.
“We retain a range of options and levers to address our financial and spacing constraints and are working with our customers on these matters," Joe Buccino, Spirit spokesperson, said.