Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
SkyWest, Inc. has reported its preliminary financial figures for the year ending 31 December 2009.
Operating revenues for the year were $2.61 billion, compared to $3.50 billion for the year ended 31 December 2008. SkyWest reported net income of $83.7 million or $1.47 per diluted share, for the year ended 31 December 2009, compared with $112.9 million of net income, or $1.93 per diluted share for the previous year.
At 31 December 2009, SkyWest had approximately $732.4 million in cash and marketable securities, compared to $705.2 million as of 31 December 2008. SkyWest's long-term debt was $1.82 billion as of 31 December 2009, compared to $1.68 billion at 31 December 2008. The increase in SkyWest's long-term debt was primarily the result of acquiring 14 new Bombardier CRJ700s and one CRJ900 that were financed with long-term debt, partially offset by SkyWest's payment of normal recurring debt obligations. SkyWest has significant long-term lease obligations that are recorded as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on SkyWest's consolidated balance sheets. At a 5.8% discount rate, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $2.1 billion as of 31 December 2009.
At the end of 2009, SkyWest's fleet totalled 449 aircraft, consisting of 398 regional jets (246 assigned to Delta Air Lines, 147 assigned to United, two assigned to AirTran and three assigned to SkyWest), 51 Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias (40 assigned to United and 11 assigned to Delta).
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.