Airbus stock holds 2026 targets after stronger nine-month revenue

Airbus reported stronger revenue and adjusted operating profit for the first nine months of 2026, while a softer third quarter kept delivery execution in focus. The results cover the period ended September 30 and were released on Wednesday, October 28. The company published the figures in its Airbus press release.

Revenue increased 7 percent year over year to EUR 50.6 billion. Adjusted EBIT rose 8 percent to EUR 4.495 billion, while reported EBIT advanced 35 percent to EUR 4.550 billion. Net income climbed 36 percent to EUR 3.587 billion, with reported earnings per share at EUR 4.54.

Quarterly pressure meets annual targets

The quarterly picture was more mixed. Third-quarter revenue declined 2 percent to EUR 17.469 billion, and adjusted EBIT fell 9 percent to EUR 1.768 billion. Airbus attributed the weaker operating result mainly to lower commercial-aircraft deliveries, an unfavourable mix and the integration of former Spirit AeroSystems work packages, partly offset by stronger performance in Defence and Space.

Commercial aircraft deliveries reached 547 in the first nine months, compared with 507 a year earlier. Gross commercial orders rose to 1,174 from 610, while net orders after cancellations reached 1,105 versus 514. The commercial backlog stood at 9,310 aircraft at the end of September.

Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said Airbus was focused on delivery while maintaining a firm focus on quality. That emphasis matters because the company retained its target of around 870 commercial-aircraft deliveries in 2026, implying a heavily weighted final quarter.

Cash flow remains an execution test

Free cash flow before customer financing was negative EUR 1.268 billion, compared with negative EUR 914 million in the prior-year period. Airbus linked the outflow to working-capital changes, inventory accumulated ahead of deliveries and the planned production ramp-up. Net cash stood at EUR 7.0 billion at the end of September, down from EUR 12.2 billion at the end of 2025.

The company kept its 2026 targets unchanged: adjusted EBIT of around EUR 7.5 billion and free cash flow before customer financing of around EUR 4.5 billion, alongside the delivery goal. The outlook assumes no additional disruption to trade, air traffic, supply chains or Airbus operations, includes currently applicable tariffs and excludes mergers and acquisitions.

Airbus stock stays tied to delivery pace

Airbus stock traded at 194.38 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 10:40 CET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Airbus stock on the company page.

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Further operating updates, delivery developments and investor analysis are available in More news and analyses on Airbus stock.