Rheinmetall continued on its profitable growth trajectory and closed fiscal 2021 with record figures, the company announced in the scope of its press conference on annual results. New record highs were set for both the operating result and operating free cash flow. Thanks to high-volume major orders from military customers and because international automotive manufacturers were awarding more contracts again, the order backlog is also at an all-time high. Consolidated sales increased mainly in the civilian business, which was characterised in 2021 by increasing demand in the global automotive industry.

Rheinmetall forecasts continuing sales and earnings growth for fiscal 2022. In the altered security policy situation, the group considers itself to be in an auspicious position to play an important role in the imminent increase in defence capabilities with military products in Germany and partner countries.

Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG, said: “Rheinmetall is on a very good course. Thanks to the strategy programme concluded in 2021, we have completed the development into an integrated technology group in organisational terms. This is now paying off: For the first time, we have generated a record operating margin of more than half a billion. We are very proud of this achievement, which is based on all five of our divisions.”