Investing.com -- Thales (EPA:TCFP) reported stronger-than-expected nine-month sales and order intake on Thursday, driven by sustained defence demand, and said full-year organic sales growth was now expected toward the upper end of its guidance range.
Sales rose 8.1% organically to €16.42 billion in the first nine months of 2026, beating analysts' expectations for 7.4% growth and revenue of €16.33 billion, according to a company-compiled consensus cited by Reuters. Order intake increased 15% organically to €19.12 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of €18.58 billion.
Third-quarter sales reached €5.47 billion, up 8.7% organically year-on-year, as the group continued to benefit from increased spending on defence equipment.
Thales' defence division remained the main growth engine, with nine-month sales rising 13% organically to €9.36 billion, ahead of analysts' expectations for 12.4% growth.
Order intake in the division increased 14% organically to €11.32 billion, reflecting sustained demand for military equipment, including naval systems, effectors and air defence.
Aerospace order intake rose 29% organically to €5.01 billion, supported by space activities and institutional customers. Cyber & Digital sales edged up 0.2% organically, as a recovery in cybersecurity offset continued weakness in digital activities.
"Thales confirms all its financial targets for 2026, thanks to a unique positioning in its markets and a favorable outlook," Chief Executive Patrice Caine said.
Thales now expects organic sales growth toward the upper end of its previous 6% to 7% target range, and potentially beyond, assuming no new macroeconomic or geopolitical disruptions. The company maintained its other 2026 targets.
The improved sales outlook reflects continued demand across its defence and aerospace markets, although the company cautioned that its expectations depend on the absence of further external disruptions.
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