Ten Years of Growth (2000 - 2009)

In 2000, EADS’ predecessor companies joined forces, merging European industrial assets and capabilities to create a powerful competitor on the global aerospace and defence market. Ten years since its creation, EADS is already making its mark globally and can point to impressive advances, at least one for every year.

• Top-line growth

In the ten years since its formation, EADS business activity has steadily grown, reflecting the robustness of its underlying business. In 2009, Group revenues at € 42.8 billion were up 77% from their 2000 level at € 24.2 billion.

EADS GROUP REVENUES
(in € billion)

• Long-term stability

A strong order book provides a platform for long-term business stability. Already in 2000, the Group order book was at an impressive € 131.9 billion. By 2009, the figure had nearly trebled to € 389.1 billion.

EADS GROUP ORDER BOOK
(in € billion)

• Financial flexibility

Cash management is a clear priority for EADS. Solid liquidity is an asset in times of economic crisis allowing continued investment in future programmes. At the end of 2009, EADS’ net cash at € 9.8 billion was at almost eight times its 2000 level of € 1.3 billion.

EADS GROUP NET CASH POSITION
(in € billion)

• Commitment to innovation

Throughout its ten years, EADS has maintained a clear focus on innovation. The Group has filed more than 7,000 new patents since 2000 and leads the aerospace industry in this field. In the same period, EADS has established offerings in five new market segments with UAVs, Global Security solutions, the Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, the A400M and the A380.

• Commercial momentum

Through vigilant management and effective matching of production rates to demand, business at Airbus and Eurocopter has grown steadily over the past decade, in spite of economic downturns. In 2009, Airbus’ commercial deliveries at 498 aircraft were up 60% on the 2000 level (311 aircraft). Over the same period, Eurocopter deliveries almost doubled from 289 in 2000 to 558 helicopters in 2009 (up 93%).

• Commercial resilience

Airbus’ attractive and competitive range of aircraft continues to meet the evolving demands of its customers. Over the past ten years Airbus’ commercial order book has grown 115% from 1,626 aircraft in 2000 to 3,488 in 2009, representing six years of full production.

• Broad portfolio growth

With investment in ongoing programmes as well as development of new areas of activity, business at the Cassidian, Astrium and Eurocopter Divisions has grown substantially over the past ten years. Combined revenues of non-Airbus activities rose over the period, from € 10.1 billion in 2000 to € 15.8 billion in 2009.

• Profitability in Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter Divisions

Careful nurturing of core programmes as well as successfully executed turnaround initiatives have contributed to a significant improvement in performance at the defence, space and helicopter Divisions. The combined EBIT of non-Airbus activities of € 994 million in 2009 represents an almost four-fold increase on the 2000 figure of € 253 million.

• High-tech footprint

EADS has continued to invest in qualified know-how in Europe and beyond. 15,000 high-tech jobs have been created since 2000.

• Currency protection

Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009, the US dollar lost 30% in value against the euro. EADS has minimised the impact on its profits through strategic hedging and US dollar sourcing. EADS hedge book grew from US$ 21.5 billion to US$ 60.8 billion at the end of 2009. At Airbus, dollar sourcing has increased with each new programme launch. At early 2010 exchange rates, the US dollar content of the A350 represents roughly three quarters of the total cost, far above the level of previous Airbus models.