MTU Aero Engines beats profit forecasts in first quarter (updated)

MTU Aero Engines AG

30/04/2026 07:22

Adds shares, details, context, CEO quote in paragraphs 3-8

By Emanuele  Berro

April 30 (Reuters) - German engine maker MTU Aero Engines MTXGn.DE posted a first-quarter operating profit that was above expectations on Thursday, benefiting from strong military demand.

The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 320 million euros ($373 million), above a company-provided average analyst consensus of 310 million euros.

Shares in MTU were down 0.8% at 0706 GMT, in line with the broader market.

The Munich-based firm also reported a slight increase in quarterly adjusted revenue, boosted by a strong military business (+25% year-on-year).

MTU has been looking to build up its defence business, as higher military spending in Europe lifts demand for engines and related technologies, while reducing reliance on the commercial aviation cycle over the longer term.

It acquired Cologne‑based drone engine startup AeroDesignWorks GmbH earlier in April, marking its entry into drone propulsion and strengthening its military footprint.

Revenue from the commercial maintenance business, where contracts are largely dollar‑denominated, rose 8% year-on-year, supported by a stronger currency.

"Despite rising uncertainty in light of the situation in Iran, we remain confident that we will reach our targets for 2026,” CEO Johannes Bussmann said.

MTU pointed to its substantial order backlog, unaffected growth of military programs and steady shop‑visit demand in maintaining its full-year outlook.

($1 = 0.8576 euros)

 (Reporting by Emanuele Berro, editing by Friederike Heine and Matt Scuffham)

 ((Emanuele.Berro@thomsonreuters.com; +48 587696510))