Essity Q3 Profit Falls 12% to SEK 2.35 Billion Despite Sales Growth

Essity AB (ESSITY-B.ST) reported a 12% decline in third-quarter net income to SEK 2.35 billion from SEK 3.36 billion a year earlier, as cost pressures weighed on the hygiene and health company's results. Earnings per share fell to SEK 3.47 from SEK 4.86, while EBITA dropped to SEK 3.64 billion from SEK 5.15 billion. Operating profit declined 31% to SEK 3.37 billion from SEK 4.91 billion. Net sales rose to SEK 36.06 billion from SEK 34.64 billion, though sales growth remained below target. The company said stable volumes, strong cash flow and cost savings kept it profitable despite intensifying cost pressures. Essity closed trading on Wednesday down 0.07% at SEK 276.50 on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.