According to the Deloitte study dedicated to the performance of the Aerospace and Defense sector - Global Aerospace and Defense Industry Financial Performance Study 2017 - in 2016 the A&D sector grew by 2,4% (and stands at a total value of 674,4 billion $) exceeding, albeit slightly, the growth of world GDP. The study fits into the background of the International Air Show of Le Bourget, in Paris, one of the most important events in the sector, where European companies exhibit, to an audience of insiders, the novelties in terms of new products and technologies .
The 100 top companies analyzed in the Deloitte study mark an overall increase in revenues of $15,7 billion: a growth driven mainly by the European commercial sector and by military investments decided by the US Department of Defense. In terms of revenue growth by segment, the major equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electronics-related segments were the largest contributors, contributing $3,4 billion and $3,7 billion, respectively.
In commercial aerospace, aircraft deliveries were up 8,3% in Europe, while the United States recorded a marginal decline of 1,8 percentage points. While commercial aircraft deliveries declined slightly in the United States, the industry recorded another record 1.436 aircraft placed on the market worldwide.
The defense segment globally continues to grow. Following a recovery that began as early as 2015, revenues in 2016 grew by 2,1% ($7,2 billion) to $351,3 billion. This increase was driven, in particular, by expenditure approved by the US Department of Defense.
Gianluca Di Cicco, Aerospace & Defense Leader for Deloitte in Italy declares: “Globally there is a growth in military spending which drives another positive year for the Defense sector. Above all, the 3,1% growth in revenues from the US sector contributed, directly linked to the 3,6% increase in investments by the US Department of Defense”.
As for Italy, Leonardo ranks 12th in the world ranking of the top 20 A&D, losing one position compared to last year, with a turnover of $13.287 billion in 2016 (compared to $14.439 billion in 2015 ). The contraction in revenues is mainly related to the rotary wing business.
As far as financial performance indicators are concerned, Leonardo ranks 18th in the ranking of the top 20 A&Ds for operating profit, down 3 positions compared to last year.
