REVENUE FORECAST: According to the same consensus, the aerospace giant’s revenue is estimated at 12.05 billion euros, compared to 10.46 billion euros a year ago.

ADJUSTED EBIT FORECAST: Airbus’ closely watched adjusted profit before interest and tax is expected to be 719 million euros. Last year, the company posted an adjusted EBIT of 694 million euros.

WHAT TO WATCH:

–PRODUCTION: Investors can look for updates on production. A fresh set of numbers will help gauge whether the aircraft maker is catching up after challenges in the previous quarter, which included rising coronavirus infection rates and weak engine shipments from Pratt & Whitney, said Jefferies analyst Chloe Lemarie in a research note. Airbus could share information on its progress regarding the discussions it is having with its suppliers to increase production rates for its family of narrow-body A320 aircraft. The company previously said it would increase production to 65 per month by summer 2023 while studying a potential increase to 75 per month by 2025.

–FREE CASH FLOW: Airbus’ excess cash for payouts such as dividends and share buybacks will also be a focus for investors and analysts. The company’s free cash flow in the first quarter of 2021 was €1.16 billion. However, last year’s figure included about $1 billion in working capital gains from inventory reduction, Citi analyst Charles J. Armitage said in a note, adding that the bank estimates that Airbus’ free cash flow is between 100 and 200 million euros. Ms. Lemarie de Jefferies said the limited increase in inventory in the first quarter compared to typical Airbus phasing should result in a good FCF performance at 300 million euros.

Write to Maitane Sardon at [email protected]