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EADS (stock exchange symbol: EAD), a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services, exceeded its financial targets for the sixth consecutive year in 2005. Its Net Income rose sharply by 39 percent to euro1.68 billion. EADS recently presented the results 2005 and gave a promising prediction for 2006.
"EADS achieved its best results ever and will push for further growth as a global leader in the industry. Looking forward, we intend to further strengthen EADS' profitability and expand in tomorrow's growth markets," said EADS CEOs Thomas Enders and Noël Forgeard on the occasion of the publication of EADS 2005 results.
"The cyclical upturn is lifting our earnings, and we believe the record order book and vibrant customer demand point to sustained high deliveries at AIRBUS. Profitability at EUROCOPTER, and at our combined defence and space businesses is also on a clear upward trend. We must, however, remain mindful of the challenges ahead: the weak dollar, the revived competition in the commercial aircraft arena, the ramp-up of new programmes, and stretched resources. Hence we will keep a strong focus on operations to ensure that our businesses deliver the ambitious results shareholders and markets expect."
High turnovers - also in defence business secure top results
In 2005, EADS clearly outperformed its previous record year. The outstanding result is mainly due to the continued strong revenues and earnings of AIRBUS as well as of the Group's space and defence businesses.
Revenues grew by eight percent to euro34.2 billion (FY 2004: euro31.8 billion). Increases were achieved at AIRBUS, EUROCOPTER, Space and Defence & Security Systems Divisions. Combined revenues from EADS defence businesses remained at euro7.7 billion (2004: euro7.7 billion), due to a shift of internal revenue recognition on the A400M programme to the first quarter of 2006.
EADS' Net Income rose sharply by 39 percent to euro1.68 billion (FY 2004: euro1.20 billion), or euro2.11 per share (FY 2004: euro1.50).
EADS' net cash position was boosted 39 percent to euro5.5 billion (2004: euro4.0 billion). EADS' active cash management policies are prudent and provide flexibility for further business development.
"EADS has delivered its strongest financial year ever and our shareholders shall substantially benefit. The outstanding 2005 performance enables us to move our dividend to a higher level. Looking forward,...