Thales Books Strong Orders as Defense, Aerospace Businesses Keep Growing

By Mauro Orru

Thales logged higher orders in the first half, with strong growth at its defense and aerospace units as demand for military equipment and satellite systems remained high.

The French aerospace-and-defense company reported an order intake of 12.47 billion euros ($14.23 billion), up 21% in reported terms and 22% organically, a closely watched rate that shows performance at constant scope and exchange rates. Analysts had forecast orders of 10.48 billion euros, according to a market consensus provided by the company.

Sales increased 6.7% in reported terms and 7.8% organically to 10.95 billion euros against analysts' estimate of 10.96 billion euros.

Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes grew to 1.37 billion euros from 1.25 billion euros, generating a 12.5% margin. Net profit fell 27% to 485 million euros. On an adjusted basis, net profit increased 13% to 990 million euros. Free operating cash flow came in at nearly 1.87 billion euros.

Analysts had forecast adjusted EBIT of 1.32 billion euros, an adjusted EBIT margin of 12.1%, adjusted net profit of 908 million euros and free operating cash flow of 470 million euros, according to the consensus.

For the year, Thales said it continued to expect organic sales growth between 6% and 7%, with an adjusted EBIT margin between 12.6% and 12.8%.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 23, 2026 01:21 ET (05:21 GMT)