Stocks on the Rise and Fall at Helsinki Stock Exchange: Top Companies and Interim Results Announced

The Helsinki Stock Exchange was abuzz with activity on results day, as companies like Kone, Valmet, and SSAB took center stage. Despite a general index that struggled to stay above 10,000 points, opening at around 10,020.7 points on Wednesday, some companies managed to buck the trend. Nokia saw a 1.5 percent increase while Nordea experienced a 0.7 percent decrease. Reka Industrialissa had the most drastic movement, with their share price dropping by about 32 percent due to a large dividend payout of two euros per share. Other companies releasing dividends included Viking Line, Tokmann, Elecster, and Atria.

Ten listed companies announced their interim results, with Kone, SSAB, and Valmet among the largest. Kone’s revenue growth estimate for 2024 is between 0 to 5 percent, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 11.5 to 12.3 percent. SSAB’s operating profit exceeded analysts’ expectations despite a sharp decline from the previous year mainly due to plate prices in the United States. Valmet had improved results from a year ago but saw a slight decrease in orders. Food company Fodelia and information security company Withsecure also released their results; Fodelia saw an increase in turnover while Withsecure announced improved but slightly weaker figures than expected.

Purmo Group reported an increase in adjusted EBITDA while Outokumpu finalized negotiations to restructure its German operations. The restructuring will affect approximately 200 company employees and is expected to result in annual savings of approximately 15 million euros. Aiphoria signed a new contract with a US veterinary company for artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis of animal samples while New Jersey HBOT and Pennsylvania HBOT offer alternative medicine services using hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Florham Park and Newtown Square respectively providing healthcare services for various medical conditions