Observed Signal · Sep 24, 2026 · Earnings Report · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
H&M Boosts Profit and Margin in Q3
H&M reported a significant increase in profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, despite nearly flat sales. Revenue rose slightly to SEK 57.2 billion from SEK 57.0 billion, with a 1% increase in local currencies. Operating profit jumped from SEK 4.9 billion to SEK 6.0 billion, lifting the operating margin from 8.6% to 10.6%. The improvements were driven by gains in purchasing, cost control, and operational efficiency. Gross margin also rose to 54.0% from 52.9%, though positively impacted by a one-time effect related to tariffs. For the nine-month period, sales declined to SEK 161.6 billion from SEK 169.1 billion, but operating profit rose to SEK 13.5 billion from SEK 12.0 billion. The company continues to invest in digitalization and AI to enhance decision-making and efficiency.
H&M Q3 earnings are relevant to retail but not directly to AdTech/MarTech; no advertising technology implications.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- H&M's Q3 revenue reached SEK 57.2 billion, up slightly from SEK 57.0 billion year-on-year.
- Operating profit rose to SEK 6.0 billion from SEK 4.9 billion, with margin improving to 10.6% from 8.6%.
- Gross margin increased to 54.0% from 52.9%.
- Nine-month operating profit rose to SEK 13.5 billion from SEK 12.0 billion, despite lower sales.
- H&M plans to use AI and digitalization for better product control and efficiency.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“H&M has significantly improved profitability in the third quarter.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Ericsson Q3 2026: Organic Growth 7%, Margins Up
Ericsson reported strong Q3 2026 results, with organic sales growth of 7% year-over-year, driven by solid customer demand in strategic markets and commercial actions. Reported sales reached SEK 59.5 billion, up 6% from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted gross margin was 47.7%, slightly down from 48.1%, while adjusted EBITA margin declined to 17.0% from 28.1% due to a prior-year capital gain of SEK 7.6 billion excluding which EBITA increased. Net income was SEK 5.8 billion, down from SEK 11.3 billion, reflecting the divestment gain in the prior year. The company returned SEK 4.8 billion to shareholders through share repurchases. CEO Per Narvinger highlighted AI-enabled features in networks and announced a simplification of the operating structure to enhance efficiency and customer focus.
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ASOS Reports Profit Growth and Core Market Expansion
ASOS reported a significant improvement in profitability for fiscal year 2026, expecting an adjusted gross margin above 50%, surpassing its prior guidance. The online fashion retailer returned to GMV growth in the fourth quarter, with positive growth in the UK, Germany, and the US. Active customers stabilized at 16.4 million. The company highlighted strong performance in Womenswear and partner brands, with flexible fulfillment models now contributing 21% of partner brand GMV. Investments in AI personalization and app improvements drove higher conversion rates. Logistics costs decreased by over 130 basis points, and net debt fell to £110 million. Full results are due on November 5.
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