Leonardo raises 2026 order guidance after strong 9-mth performance

Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo has raised its 2026 order guidance following a robust performance in the first nine months of the year. The company reported a 27.8% increase in new orders to 23.3 billion euros for the period, which ended on September 30. Revenue also grew by 14.2% to 15.35 billion euros, while adjusted net profit surged 74.2% to 812 million euros. Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortisation (EBITA) improved by 37.7% to 1.30 billion euros, raising the operating margin to 8.5% from 7.0%.

Leonardo's order backlog expanded to 60.4 billion euros, providing more than two and a half years of production coverage. The company has raised its 2026 new orders forecast to approximately 29.5 billion euros from the previous estimate of 28.2 billion euros. The guidance for revenue remains at 22.1 billion euros, while the EBITA target is 2.21 billion euros. Free operating cash flow improved to a negative 68 million euros, a significant improvement from the previous year's negative 426 million euros.

Leonardo attributes its strong performance to broad-based demand and improving operational performance across its various businesses, including defence electronics, helicopters, and military aircraft.