Finmeccanica Press Conference - 15 June 2009
Summary of statements by Chairman-CEO of Finmeccanica, Pierfrancesco Guarguaglini
- Since 2002, our results have been in line with expectations, that of building up an international group based on three domestic markets: Italy, as Finmeccanica's primary market; the UK as a major European defence market; the USA, as the world's leading defence market. In terms of geographical diversification, Finmeccanica is also present in several key countries around the world.
- Results were also in line with 2002 strategies: consolidated revenues were up from 7.8 bln euros in 2002 to 15 bln euros in 2008; the Group's profitability rose from 6.5% in 2002 to 8.7% in 2008; net profit per share, after taxation and extraordinary items, increased from 0.30 euros per share in 2002 to 1.39 euros per share in 2008
- Now that DRS Technologies has joined the Group, Finmeccanica has consolidated its role as an international leader for supplying integrated defence and security systems, achieving a front-rank position on the US market. Orders acquired by DRS Technologies as of 31 May 2009 amounted to 2 billion dollars – proving the success of the strategy.
- After consolidating its domestic markets, Finmeccanica's next objectives are: expanding the Finmeccanica Group in the USA through DRS Technologies, a channel for supplying defence and security electronic systems to the US Defense Department and other government bodies; supporting DRS on international markets; consolidating Finmeccanica's position as a leader in the defence and security field.
- In recent years, Finmeccanica's workforce has become more and more international, and the numbers are five times what they were in 2004. Out of 73,146 employees in 2008, more than 40% work abroad.
- Finmeccanica is managing to weather the economic crisis – except for sectors like helicopters and civil aeronautics – and there have been no signs of a significant downturn in activities.
- Finmeccanica is negotiating for the remaining share of STM (3.2%) which could take place by the end of the year.
Summary of statement by the Chief Operating Officer of Finmeccanica, Giorgio Zappa
- Finmeccanica continued to expand on world markets by setting up important agreements. For instance, in the United Arab Emirates, a high-tech partnership agreement was signed in October with the Mubadala investment fund, leading to the start-up of negotiations in February for the acquisition of 48 advanced trainers M-346. In India, Agusta Westland and Tata Sons signed a Memorandum of Understanding this year for setting up a joint venture for final assembly of the AW119. In Russia, a deal was signed in April for acquiring 25% (plus one share) of SCAC for the production of the Superjet 100.
- In this week, there should be good news about the agreement with the Italian Armed Forces for the M346 trainer aircraft produced by Alenia Aermacchi.
- Considering the massive scale of investment, Finmeccanica expects strong industrial returns from the JSF project To be fully satisfactory, there must be real appreciation of our technology and not just our maintenance capabilities.
SCAC - Superjet International Press Conference - 16 June 2009
Summary of statements by the Chief Executive Officer of Superjet International Alessandro Franzoni
- After the sign of a Letter of Intent between Superjet International and Hungarian carrier Malev for the purchase of Thirty Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, during the Press Conference Alessandro Franzoni annunced the sign of a Letter of Intent with Spanish airline Gadair for the purchase of two Sukhoi Superjet 100 with an option for two more aircraft.
Eurofighter press breakfast - 17 June 2009
Summary of statements by the Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter Enzo Casolini
- Mr. Casolini showed trust for the closing of the contract regarding the first phase of Eurofighter third tranche. the countries involved in the programme are Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- There are presently some other contacts with India, Japan, Switzerland, Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria and Croatia
- He highlighted the importance of the aircraft export. For the Eurofighter - he said- it must be taken into account the long term investment profitability without regarding only to the costs. He concluded wishing the necessary political support by the governments involved.
Finmeccanica Presentation of Strategic Situation Centre - 17 June 2009
Summary of statements by Chairman-CEO of Finmeccanica, Pierfrancesco Guarguaglini
- The Strategic Situation Centre groups together a variety of products and systems – sensors, platforms, complex subsystems and large systems – made by Finmeccanica, the only aerospace and defence player that can offer integrated solutions at all levels.
- The world is becoming increasingly interconnected and, consequently, ever more complex. Technological progress brings us new, interrelated options that are gradually making individual products less important and integrated solutions and systems more attractive. At the same time, new security requirements are reshaping our approach to projects: these days it is no longer possible to design critical infrastructure without taking security into account.