Consolidated operating result rises from ?34 million to ?87 million ? an increase of ?53 million Margin more than doubles to 6.2% after 2.5% in same quarter of previous year Operating free cash flow improves by ?129 million to ?-59 million Earnings per share almost quadruple from ?0.30 to ?1.14 Outlook for 2021 confirmed and adjusted to new reporting structure The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG started fiscal 2021 with sales growth and significantly improved earnings in the first three months. In terms of sales, Rheinmetall benefited in the first quarter from the continuing economic recovery of the automotive industry and from ammunition deliveries that had originally been expected in the second quarter of 2021 but were moved forward by the customers. In addition to the sales growth, the increase in earnings resulted particularly from the cost reduction measures initiated in 2020 in response to the production declines in the automotive industry due to the pandemic.