Orange raises 2026 profit outlook as markets outside France power growth

French telecoms group Orange lifted its 2026 core profit growth target to above 4.5% on Tuesday, citing strength in Africa, Poland and Spain.

The raised profit outlook, which compares to a previous goal of above 4%, rests on growth outside France. Third-quarter revenue rose 14.2% in Africa and the Middle East and 7.9% in Poland, against 0.5% at home. Orange is counting on that growth to fund cash returns and the planned SFR takeover while its home market barely grows.