On February 28th, 2023, SATS announced its acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a leading provider of airport ground handling and cargo services. This SATS acquisition is expected to significantly enhance its global presence, operational capabilities, and customer offerings in the airport ground handling and cargo services markets.
The airline industry has seen significant changes in recent years, with increased competition and changing customer demands. In response, many airlines have been looking for ways to diversify their businesses and offer a broader range of services to their customers. The acquisition of WFS is part of this trend, and is aimed at expanding the airline’s offerings in the airport ground handling and cargo services markets.
However, is it a good acquisition? A well thought out one?
Let’s find out.
SATS acquiring WFS benefits
The benefits of the acquisition are clear.
1. The expanded global presence of SATS
By adding more than 175 locations across five continents, SATS will be able to offer a wider range of services to customers in key markets around the world. This will make SATS become the largest global air cargo handler with an unmatched footprint and ability to service customers on a global scale.
2. Enhanced operational capabilities
WFS’s operational expertise in airport ground handling and cargo services will complement SATS’s existing capabilities, enabling the company to offer a more comprehensive range of services to its customers. If SATS are able to fully optimise and synergise the operational capabilities of both air cargo handling, there will be tremendous cost savings for her in the long run. This, in turn, will enhance SATS’s ability to provide a seamless travel experience to its customers.
3. Improved customer offerings
The acquisition of WFS will enable SATS to offer a broader range of services to its customers, including cargo handling, baggage handling, and other ground services.
Furthermore, SATS will be able to combine insights and capabilities across a larger network. This includes new technology deployment – Automated Vehicles, Interest of Things for tracking pallet location/availability. She will also have deeper knowledge as they establish end-to-end visibility and traceability for the combined cargo network.
SATS acquiring WFS drawbacks
However, there are also some potential challenges to the acquisition.
1. Significant Debt
Without a doubt, it is clear that SATS will have a much higher interest burden. This is mainly due to her taking on WFS’ debt of about S$1.7 billion and will not be reducing the debt via additional equity.
Of course, the debt will be reduced over time from the cash flow provided. However, the hopes of SATS being a stable flow of dividend should not be expected this coming few years.
SATS acquiring WFS risks
1. Integration risk
Integrating WFS’s operations with SATS’s existing business may present some challenges, particularly in terms of technology and culture. Both companies may be using many legacy systems and integration risks are definitely one of the key risks when 2 big companies are involved in a merger and acquisition deal.
2. Regulatory risk
The acquisition may also face regulatory hurdles, particularly in countries where SATS and WFS have a significant market presence. This could be seen as monopolistic behaviors and disrupt many smaller players from competing with them.
3. Increased Competition
Inversely, the acquisition may lead to increased competition in the airport ground handling and cargo services markets. This is because other players seek to compete with the expanded SATS/WFS entity. Hence, other companies may start to acquire one and other. This will result in a market where “The winners take all”.
Our Stand
Despite these challenges, the SATS acquisition of WFS makes sense. It offers significant benefits in terms of expanded global presence, enhanced operational capabilities, and improved customer offerings. While there may be some integration and regulatory challenges, these are outweighed by the potential for growth and increased competitiveness in the airport ground handling and cargo services markets.
The acquisition is a smart strategic move for SATS, and will probably position the company for continued success in the coming years.
Disclosure: This might be a good opportunity to add some shares, as the price of SATS have dropped over 30%. We personally do not own any SATS shares at the moment.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by LearnToInvest serves as an educational piece and is not intended to be personalized investment advice. ​Readers should always do their own due diligence and consider their financial goals before investing in any stock.