Dassault Aviation shares climbed after the French aerospace group posted a strong set of sales and earnings for the first half of the year despite booking sharply lower orders. Sales grew to 4.16 billion euros ($4.75 billion) from 2.85 billion euros a year earlier. Analysts had forecast 3.33 billion euros in sales, according to Visible Alpha.

Meanwhile, operating profit increased to 330 million euros from 180 million euros, also well above analysts’ forecast of 243 million euros. Figures are adjusted for gains and losses from hedging instruments, foreign exchange derivatives and other items. Shares in Paris gained over 8% in Thursday morning trade. The stock is up nearly 20% over the past 12 months, underscoring appetite for its Rafale fighter and Falcon business jets.

Berenberg analyst George Mc Whirter wrote in a note to clients that the company had a stellar performance in the first half, making its annual guidance more achievable. The group is targeting sales of roughly 8.5 billion euros this year, with deliveries of 40 Falcon and 28 Rafale jets. Orders fell to 2.88 billion euros from nearly 8.08 billion euros a year earlier. Clients didn’t place any bookings for the Rafale as expected, but ordered 23 Falcon jets.