OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings says in its EMEA 1Q16 Aerospace and Defence dashboard that the sector's results were within the agency's expectations, highlighting the improved performance of defence segments and the stability of commercial aerospace.

Funds from operations margins were down slightly but collective free cash flows were no longer negative in 2015 due to lesser working capital outflows and lower capex and despite rising dividend payouts. Neverthless, free cash flow levels are still weak for most companies given their ratings.

Fitch also said it will be watching the sector's cash deployment, especially to shareholders as well as possibly rising M&A activity in 2016

A complete review of these topics including a review of the dashboard is available at www.fitchratings.com or by clicking the link above.

The EMEA Aerospace and Defence Dashboard is published regularly focusing on various sector themes.