RUAG increases profits despite difficult year

Despite some extraordinary obstacles such as the appreciation of the Swiss franc and export embargoes, RUAG increased its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) substantially in 2015, bringing the total to CHF 137m (previous year: CHF 113m). All five divisions operated profitably and contributed to the positive Group result. Owing to the strong Swiss franc, the international technology group’s sales decreased slightly to CHF 1,744m (CHF 1,781m). In local currencies, sales growth of 2.5% was achieved. Civil business accounted for 55% of net sales, while the foreign component of sales came to 62%. Cash flow from operating activities came to CHF 145m in 2015 (CHF 135m). Free cash flow increased to a respectable CHF 64m (CHF 57m). Both order intake, at CHF 1,828m (CHF 1,785m), and the order backlog, at CHF 1,378m (CHF 1,370m), posted gains compared with the previous year, allowing the Group to go into 2016 with a confident outlook.