OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings says in a new report that the sector outlook for EMEA aerospace and defence remains robust with the strong dynamics evident in commercial aerospace complementing an expected medium-term rise in defence spending.

The Rating Outlook generally remains Stable for EMEA aerospace and defence companies, reflecting company-specific factors such as cash deployment, programme execution and strategy.

The report follows Fitch's recent roundtable and one-on-one discussions with investors and addresses the following key questions raised by investors.

-What effect will the Brexit vote have on (i) the sector in the UK; (ii) UK defence spending; and (iii) joint ventures involving UK and non-UK based shareholders?

-What factors are likely to drive rating actions in the A&D sector in the short term?

-What is the outlook for defence spending in Europe? Will defence budgets rise in the near term in view of the changed security landscape in the region over the past two years?

-Are you concerned that the announced production increases by the large commercial aircraft (LCA) manufacturers over the coming four years are too aggressive given that new orders have slowed materially this year?

-How do you assess the strength of the LCA backlog given that some indicators are pointing towards a more challenging period for the industry?

-Would Rolls-Royce's rating be strengthened by the company shedding some of its under-performing assets? What is the timeline in which the presently Negative Outlook will be resolved?

-What is the outlook for M&A activity by European companies over the coming 12 months?

-Why does Airbus keep so much cash on its balance sheet? How significant for the rating is it and how does Fitch treat the cash in its ratio calculations?

-How does Fitch approach pension liabilities in its key ratio calculations? Are the widening deficits affecting ratings?

-Not a single company has a Positive Outlook but which one has the most rating headroom at present?