Pound's Brexit collapse '˜will boost profits at Rolls Royce'

The aircraft engine maker said in a trading update that it will benefit from overseas dollar sales once they are translated back into the Brexit-battered British currency.

“If rates remain unchanged from those seen recently, the impact of the average year-on-year movement on the translation of our overseas subsidiaries results would improve full- year reported revenues by around £400 million and improve reported profit before tax by around £50 million,” the company said.

The pound has plummeted since the Brexit vote against the dollar and euro, boosting British exporters and hurting importers.

It comes after dire results for 2016, which showed Rolls plunging into the red with pre-tax losses of £4.64 billion after being hit by a £4.4 billion writedown, as well as a £671 million penalty to settle bribery allegations.

But Rolls said 2017 has started well, with all businesses performing in line with expectations.

Its estimates for first-half revenue, profit and free cash flow remain unchanged.

Boss Warren East said: “2017 has started well, although we have a great deal more to do to deliver the full year. As expected, near-term cash flow performance remains challenging as we continue to invest in transforming and growing the business to benefit future years.

“News updates around events such as the Paris Air Show are increasingly expected to reflect our transition from a period of above-trend order book growth to one of operational delivery.

“Our ramp up in large engine production is progressing well, reflecting the significant investments in manufacturing capability in recent years.”

Under Mr East, the group is on track to make annual savings of around £200 million by the end of the year.