EADS reaffirms guidance for 2012; Airbus to deliver 580 commerical aircraft

EADS reaffirmed (08-Nov-2012) its guidance for 2012, as its results for the first nine-months of the year "confirm its growth and improvement trend". The company expects Airbus will deliver around 580 commercial aircraft, including 30 targeted A380 deliveries. Gross orders at Airbus "should be above the number of deliveries, in the range of 600 to 650 aircraft". EADS expects 2012 revenues should grow in excess of 10%, based on the assumption of EUR1=USD1.30. Estimated profit before one-offs is expected to be around EYUR1.95, compared to EUR1.39 in 2011. EBIT and EPS performance of EADS will be "dependent on the Group's ability to execute on its complex programmes such as military helicopters, A400M, A380 and A350 XWB, in line with the commitments made to customers" as well as exchange rate fluctuations. EADS aims to be free cash flow breakeven after customer financing and before acquisitions, based on the targeted 30 A380 deliveries and assuming no change in government payment behaviour. EADS expects the world economy and air traffic to grow in line with prevailing independent forecasts and assumes no major disruption due to the current euro crisis. [more - original PR]