Thales Boosts Sales Forecasts as Defense, Aerospace Orders Surge

By Mauro Orru

Thales lifted its sales projections for the year as orders at its defense and aerospace units surged in the first nine months.

The French aerospace-and-defense group had expected sales this year to grow between 6% and 7% organically, a closely watched rate that shows performance at constant scope and exchange rates. Thales said Thursday that growth should be in the upper end of that range, and potentially above.

The rosier forecasts came as Thales posted nine-month sales of 16.42 billion euros, equivalent to $18.44 billion, up 7.6% in reported terms and 8.1% organically. Analysts had forecast sales of 16.33 billion euros, according to a market consensus provided by the company.

The group reported orders of 19.12 billion euros, up 14% in reported terms and 15% organically. Analysts had forecast orders of 18.58 billion euros, according to the consensus. Thales's defense business, which remains the largest contributor to orders, brought in nearly 11.32 billion euros in bookings, up 14% both in reported terms and organically.

The company said it continued to expect an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes margin between 12.6% and 12.8% this year.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 22, 2026 01:21 ET (05:21 GMT)