Europe's largest aerospace group posted higher than expected revenue of 45.8 billion euros, up 7 percent, in 2010 and operating profit of 1.231 billion euros, in line with market forecasts and led by a rebound in commercial aviation demand.

The Franco-German-led group restored a dividend of 22 euro cents after posting a net profit of 553 million euros.

Analysts were expecting EADS operating profit of 1.236 billion euros on revenue of 44.681 billion euros and net profit of 500 million euros, a Reuter’s poll found.