Rheinmetall AG (RNMBF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Robust Sales Growth and Strategic ...

In This Article:

  • Sales Growth: 40% increase to EUR2.5 billion in Q3.

  • Operating Result: EUR302 million, a 52% increase.

  • Operating Margin: Increased to 12.3%.

  • Order Intake: EUR6.1 billion in Q3.

  • Order Backlog: Grew by 41% to nearly EUR52 billion.

  • Defence Segment Growth: 55% increase in sales.

  • Defence Profitability: 15.3% EBIT margin.

  • CapEx: 7.4% of sales.

  • Operating Free Cash Flow: EUR118 million in Q3, an improvement of EUR221 million.

  • Vehicle Systems Revenue: 88% increase to over EUR1.2 billion.

  • Vehicle Systems Operating Margin: 13.1% in Q3.

  • Weapons and Ammunition Margin: 26.5%, including a special effect.

  • Cash Position: Close to EUR0.5 billion.

  • Net Debt to EBITDA Ratio: Below one.

  • Full Year Sales Guidance: Around EUR10 billion.

  • Full Year Operational Margin Guidance: Around 15%.

  • Operational Free Cash Flow Guidance: More than 40%.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Rheinmetall AG (RNMBF) reported a 40% increase in sales for Q3, driven by significant truck deliveries and a strong performance in vehicle systems.

  • The company's operating result improved by over 50%, reaching EUR302 million, with an operating margin increase to 12.3%.

  • Rheinmetall AG (RNMBF) secured a substantial order intake of EUR6.1 billion in Q3, with significant contributions from vehicle systems and weapon and ammunition sectors.

  • The order backlog grew by 41% to nearly EUR52 billion, indicating strong future revenue potential.

  • The company is expanding its international presence through strategic alliances, such as the joint venture with Leonardo in Italy and collaboration with Honeywell in the US.

Negative Points

  • There are potential delays of four to eight weeks in some order intakes due to political uncertainties in Germany.

  • The civilian business showed no growth, with profitability significantly lower than the defense segment.

  • Rheinmetall AG (RNMBF) faces challenges in the power systems segment, with declining sales and operating results.

  • The company is undergoing an IT transformation process, which is increasing costs and impacting the 'other' line in financial results.

  • There is uncertainty regarding the timing of large contracts, with some expected to be booked in early 2025 instead of 2024, potentially affecting short-term financial performance.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Mr. Papperger, you mentioned the German debt break might fall swiftly. Do you think the CDU will give up its opposition, and will the AFD and BSW support a 2/3 approval rate in the Bundeswehr for dropping it? A: Armin Papperger, CEO: I believe they will have to do it due to the high pressure to invest in Germany's security. There are mechanisms that allow for investment without needing a 2/3 majority, similar to the EUR100 billion budget setup.