Nokia’s third-quarter profit beats expectations amid booming AI sales
Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia reported a bigger than expected rise in quarterly earnings on Thursday and maintained its full-year financial outlook.
Comparable operating profit rose to 605 million euros ($680.20 million) in the third quarter of 2026 from a year-ago 448 million euros, above the average estimate of 453 million euros in a company -provided poll.
Comparable net sales rose 10% to 5.15 billion euros in the quarter, versus a company -provided consensus of 5.05 billion euros.
Demand from AI and cloud customers has become an increasingly important growth driver for Nokia.
AI and cloud order intake grew 118% year-on-year to 1.5 billion euros.
“We expect our combined Optical and IP Networks businesses to grow between 25% and 30% in 2027,” CEO Justin Hotard said in a statement.
“Overall, growth is accelerating, operating leverage is becoming more visible and I’m confident in the long -term shareholder value Team Nokia is creating,” CEO Justin Hotard said in a statement.
Nokia’s share price is up 48% year-to-date.
