Alstom, the world's second-largest train manufacturer after China's state-owned CRRC, on Wednesday reported an adjusted first-half operating profit above expectations, citing a solid commercial performance and robust demand.

The TGV maker's first-half adjusted operating profit came in at €515 million, above analysts' expectations of €507 million.

Half-year sales rose by 5.6% on an organic basis to 8.78 billion euros, in line with the consensus of 8.77 billion euros.

The group, which at the beginning of the year experienced cash flow problems partly linked to the acquisition of Bombardier's rail activities in 2021, has fully executed its debt reduction plan unveiled last May, including a capital increase of around 1 billion euros.

"Demand remains robust, underpinned by green mobility policies, and is proving resilient in the face of geopolitical tensions, and we delivered a solid commercial performance in the first half," CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge said in a statement.

The group also said it was concentrating on ramping up a number of projects in the start-up phase, with planned production of 4,400 to 4,600 cars for the fiscal year, despite difficulties encountered in the supply chain.

Alstom's order book stood at €94.37 billion at September 30, against a consensus of €10.65 billion.

The Group also confirmed its outlook for fiscal year 2024/2025.

(Written by Diana Mandiá, edited by Augustin Turpin)