The Stockholm Stock Exchange saw broad gains on Wednesday, though momentum eased somewhat toward the close. The OMXS30 index once again set a new intraday record. Among companies reporting earnings, Handelsbanken and Stora Enso were met with approval for their results, while Husqvarna received a much colder reception.
At the close, the OMXS30 index was up 0.99 percent at 3,117.93. Shares worth approximately SEK 41.3 billion were traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
The best performing major industrial sector was consumer goods, up 3.3 percent. At the other end, technology lagged behind with a decline of 1.6 percent.
Among the leading stocks included in the OMXS30 index, Nibe B rose 5.5 percent, while SCA B was up 4.7 percent. The worst performer was Saab B, down 4.2 percent, while Hexagon B fell 3.1 percent.
Handelsbanken’s operating profit for the fourth quarter came in 10 percent higher than analysts had expected. However, this deviation was explained by the volatile trading net, while the more important metrics of income and net interest were in line with consensus. The board is again proposing an extra dividend this year, resulting in a surprisingly high total dividend of SEK 17.50 per share. The stock rose 2.4 percent.
Forestry and garden products company Husqvarna reported a fourth-quarter operating loss that was higher than analysts had feared. Revenue also came in slightly below consensus. However, the board is proposing an increased dividend. The year-end report was poorly received, with the share price dropping 8.4 percent.
Security company Securitas reported EBITA that was slightly above expectations, while revenue was in line with consensus. The dividend is being raised by nearly 18 percent, coming in higher than expected. The stock rose 7.5 percent.
Forest industry company Stora Enso’s adjusted operating profit and revenue matched analysts’ expectations. The dividend remains unchanged. The company continues to prepare for a spin-off of its forest assets, expected to take place in the first half of 2027. There is also an ongoing strategic review of sawmills in Central Europe and the construction solutions business, where a divestment is possible. The stock climbed 8.3 percent.
Cash handling company Loomis exceeded analysts’ expectations on profit. The board is proposing an extra dividend, resulting in a total dividend of SEK 20 per share. The stock increased by 9.9 percent.
Life science company Addlife saw both revenue and adjusted EBITA decline in the fourth quarter, while operating profit improved significantly. The board is proposing to double the dividend. The stock advanced 15 percent.
Construction company Peab’s revenue, operating profit, and dividend all came in higher than analysts had expected. The stock increased by 3.1 percent.
Confectionery manufacturer Cloetta posted a clear increase in operating profit, even as revenue declined slightly. The board is proposing a substantial dividend increase. The stock rose 2.3 percent.
Eyetracking company Tobii’s fourth quarter was weighed down by various write-downs. Revenue fell, and organic growth was minus 10 percent. The stock dropped 30 percent.
Sleep analysis company Sleep Cycle reported lower revenue and a clear deterioration in results for the fourth quarter. The proposed dividend is to be significantly reduced. The stock was cut by 19 percent.
Among the smaller reporting companies, Svedbergs rose 9.9 percent, while Powercell fell 19 percent.
Alfa Laval rose 0.8 percent after Nordea upgraded its recommendation to “buy” from “hold”.