Sopra Steria shares rise after guidance upgrade on strong AI and defence demand

Sopra Steria SA

29/07/2026 09:22

** French IT services group Sopra Steria SOPR.PA rises 15% after raising its full-year revenue growth target, driven by stronger-than-expected demand for AI, cybersecurity and defence-related technology
** The company now expects 2026 organic revenue growth of 2.0% to 2.5%, up from a previous forecast of 1.0% to 2.0%, after second-quarter organic growth accelerated to 5.3% from 4.4% in the first quarter, with first-half revenue rising 4.1% to €2.96 billion and operating margin improving to 9.6% from 9.2%
** Defence, security and space revenue rises 10% in the first half, while aeronautics grows 12%, with France posting organic growth of 7.1% supported by public services and strategic infrastructure spending
** BNP Paribas notes that second-quarter sales and operating profit came in 3% above expectations and that heavy short positioning in the stock is amplifying the move higher

(Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk)
((leo.marchandon@thomsonreuters.com))