Thales reported a 44% increase in consolidated net profit for 2018, at €982m, on sales of €15.9bn (+5.3% at constant scope and currency). EBIT jumped 25%, to €1.7bn, as the company exceeded all its objectives for the year. EBIT margin improved in all operating segments.

Sales growth was driven by strong momentum in Transport (+17.9% on an organic basis) and Defence & Security (up +5.6% on an organic basis).

Order intake increased 9%, to slightly more than €16bn. The year end order book stood at €32.3bn (+1%). Orders in emerging markets slipped 23%, to €3.2bn, while mature markets rose 19%, to 12.8bn.

Orders in the Aerospace segment increased by 2%. The avionics and IFE after an exceptional 2017, while the Space business showed signs of recovery after a weak 2017.

Order intake in the Defence & Security segment, at €8.8bn, was 12% up on the previous year, thanks to robust bookings in equipment for ships, fighter aircraft, ATM, military communications and cybersecurity. The order book in this segment, exceeded €20bn for the first time.

The company's medium-term targets for the 2018-2021 period include average organic sales growth of 3-5% and an EBIT margin of 11-11.5% by 2021.