Orkla Q4 profit tops forecast, shares rise 2.9%
12/02/2026 11:35
OSLO, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Norwegian consumer goods group Orkla ORK.OL on Thursday reported stronger than expected fourth-quarter earnings and said it aimed for higher volume growth this year, lifting its share price 2.9% by 1132 GMT. The maker of food, snacks, detergents and other consumer products reported adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of 1.98 billion Norwegian crowns ($208.65 million) for the October-December period, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Analysts had on average expected an EBIT of 1.71 billion crowns for the quarter, according to an LSEG poll. Orkla said its rolling 12-month EBIT margin improved to 10.6% at the end of the fourth quarter from 10.1% a year earlier, placing it within a 2026 target range of 10.5%-11%. "Heading into 2026, achieving stronger volume growth and cost efficiencies will be key areas for improvement," Orkla CEO Nils Selte said in a statement. The board proposed a total annual dividend of 6.00 crowns per share for 2025, of which 4 crowns were ordinary dividend and 2 crowns an additional payment reflecting divestments. Analysts had on average expected a dividend of 4.90 crowns, according to the LSEG poll. ($1 = 9.4894 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Johan Bryner, editing by Terje Solsvik) ((terje.solsvik@thomsonreuters.com; +47 918 666 70;))