Dassault Aviation Posts Drop In 2014 Profit

reported a 38% drop in its net profit for 2014. Dassault Aviation's net profit for the year slipped to 282.87 million euros ($302.7 million) from 459.45 million euros, while adjusted net income declined to 398 million euros in 2014 from 487 million euros in 2013. Its sales dropped to 3.68 billion euros, versus 4.59 billion euros. Consolidated order intake increased to 4.64 billion euros from 4.17 billion euros. Operating margin narrowed to 9.6% of net sales from 10.9% in 2013. At 31 December 2014, consolidated backlog was EUR 8,217 million, versus EUR 7,379 million at 31 December 2013. Dassault Aviation's board would recommend a dividend of 10 euros per share for 2015.