Airbus Posts Higher Q3 Operating Profit

Airbus Group NV

reported a rise in its third-quarter operating profit. Its operating profit gained 14% to 744 million euros. However, analysts were projecting a 1.7% rise in operating profit. Airbus posted quarterly net income of EUR264 million, down 41% from EUR445 million, in the year-ago period. Its sales came in unchanged at EUR13.3 billion. The company's nine-month operating earnings, before one-off items, surged to 2.6 billion euros (3.23 billion USD), while revenue rose 4%. The company also stuck to its forecast for the full year. Airbus shares fell 0.90% to close at $14.83 yesterday.