Story
Airbus Targets Near-Doubling of Profit by 2029, Launches €5 Billion Buyback
Summary
The European planemaker set an adjusted operating profit goal of up to €13 billion for 2029 and unveiled a significant share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its production ramp-up.
Airbus has set an ambitious target to nearly double its adjusted operating profit by 2029 and announced a €5 billion share buyback program, signaling strong confidence in its long-term growth and production capabilities.
Ambitious Financial Targets
The world's largest planemaker is targeting an adjusted operating profit of €12 billion to €13 billion ($13.69 billion to $14.83 billion) by 2029, according to a company announcement on Tuesday. This long-term goal represents a significant increase from the €7.13 billion in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reported for 2025.
The company's guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at €7.5 billion. According to presentation materials, Airbus specified that its core commercial aircraft division is projected to contribute approximately €10 billion to the operating profit total in 2029.
Strategy and Production Ramp-Up
The optimistic forecast is underpinned by Airbus's strategy to significantly ramp up aircraft production to meet robust global demand from airlines. This plan comes as the entire aerospace industry continues to navigate persistent supply-chain disruptions and engine shortages that have constrained output.
AdThe introduction of a medium-term profit target marks a shift from the company's previous business update a year ago, which did not include such a forecast, indicating renewed visibility into its operational outlook.
Shareholder Returns and Market View
In a direct move to return capital to shareholders, Airbus also unveiled the substantial €5 billion share repurchase program. Such buybacks are often interpreted by investors as a sign of management's confidence in future cash flow generation and a belief that the company's shares may be undervalued.
While the targets are ambitious, some market observers held similar expectations. Citing a recent analyst note, J.P. Morgan suggested the commercial aircraft division could reach the €10 billion profit level within three years, sooner than the company's new 2029 timeline.
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