Huhtamaki stock posts Q3 growth as North America weighs on margins

Published on 11/04/2026 at 03:21 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Huhtamaki stock faces a mixed earnings picture after stronger packaging growth offset weak North American demand. Management kept its 2026 outlook unchanged.

Q3 Results Show Uneven Momentum

Comparable net sales grew in the third quarter despite muted demand conditions.
Flexible Packaging and Fiber Packaging supported profitability, while North America remained under pressure.
Management kept its 2026 outlook unchanged and is pursuing recovery measures in weaker businesses.

Huhtamaki, FI0009000459, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Huhtamaki reported stronger third-quarter operating performance on October 29, 2026, as comparable net sales grew despite uneven demand. The Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange release said net sales increased 5 percent to EUR 1,017.8 million, while comparable net sales growth reached 4 percent.

Growth Meets Regional Pressure

Adjusted EBIT rose 10 percent to EUR 110.5 million, lifting the adjusted EBIT margin to 10.9 percent from 10.3 percent a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share increased to EUR 0.68 from EUR 0.62. The company said Flexible Packaging and Fiber Packaging delivered strong performance, supported by volume growth, execution and efficiency measures.

North America remained the main weakness. Comparable sales in the segment fell 9 percent, while its adjusted EBIT margin declined to 4.3 percent from 10.3 percent. Huhtamaki cited weak demand, higher transportation and energy costs, and operational challenges at several sites. Foodservice Packaging also faced muted underlying demand, although a concluded European smooth molded fiber contract contributed EUR 23 million to revenue and adjusted EBIT in the quarter.

Outlook Remains Unchanged

For the first nine months, group net sales were broadly stable at EUR 2,973.6 million, while comparable growth reached 2 percent. Adjusted EBIT increased 2 percent to EUR 308.7 million, and adjusted earnings per share rose to EUR 1.88 from EUR 1.83. Free cash flow declined to EUR 79.0 million from EUR 136.9 million.

Huhtamaki said trading conditions are expected to remain relatively stable during 2026. The company is targeting recovery through commercial execution, procurement and cost-out initiatives, particularly in North America and Foodservice Packaging.

Global Packaging Specialist

According to Huhtamaki investor information, the company develops sustainable packaging for food and beverages, personal care products and everyday consumer use. Its main offerings cover food-on-the-go, food-on-the-shelf, Flexible Packaging, Fiber Packaging and Foodservice Packaging. Huhtamaki is headquartered in Espoo, Finland, and operates globally through more than 100 locations in 35 countries.