2025 revenue grows to €19.5 billion, dividend of €0.63
Ukraine is set to soon implement the first phase of Leonardo’s AI-powered air defense system. The operational launch of the ‘Michelangelo Dome’ shield – designed to intercept, track, and neutralize threats – was confirmed by Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani.
The development of Michelangelo Dome is a key component of the group’s updated industrial plan for the 2026-2030 period. The plan forecasts at least €6 billion in business opportunities over the next five years related to the integrated defense system, capable of “neutralizing a ballistic missile 75 km from its target.”
The plan, presented in Rome, reflects the recent conflict in Iran and the significant increase in global security spending. Global investment is projected to rise from approximately $0.4 trillion in 2020 to $1 trillion annually by 2030. “The situation is dramatic,” Cingolani stated, “with more than 60 conflicts currently ongoing worldwide. There is enormous demand for defense systems, particularly in light of recent developments in Iran and the Gulf, primarily for aerial defense against missiles and drone swarms – a trend that originated in Ukraine.” The CEO also confirmed a request from Italy’s Defense Minister Crosetto for “urgent” support for Gulf countries with “platforms, radar, and weapons.”
Leonardo’s updated plan addresses threats such as hypersonic missiles, ballistic vectors, drones, and cyberattacks, providing security systems for defense, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and financial services. The plan anticipates order growth to €32 billion by 2030, a doubling of the Ebita margin (from €1.75 billion in 2025 to approximately €3.6 billion in 2030), and a 53% increase in revenue (from €19.5 billion last year to €30 billion in 2030). To meet the growing demand in the defense market, the plan includes 28,000 new hires over the next five years.
A double-digit contribution to revenue and margin growth is expected from the Cyber division, the Space division (through agreements with Thales and Airbus), and the Aerostructures division (which is expected to reach break-even in 2028). The plan is also built on growth within Leonardo’s three core businesses: helicopters (+6.4% Ebita), defense electronics through Leonardo DRS and stakes in MBDA and Hensoldt (+12.1% Ebita), and aircraft (+7.6% Ebita). Leonardo’s shareholders, whose stock jumped 5.6% at market close, are expected to receive approximately €1.3 billion in dividends over the 2026-2028 period. “If things go well in the future, we could have a payout of 30-40% of adjusted profit,” Cingolani confirmed. The company’s board of directors approved a dividend of €0.63 per share (+21% compared to 2024), with the ex-dividend date set for June 22. Leonardo reported €19.5 billion in revenue (+11%) and a net profit of €1.3 billion (+15%) for 2025. The group expects to finalize the acquisition of Iveco Defense (tanks and military vehicles) in the coming weeks. (REPRODUCTION RESERVED)
