Groupe SEB shares surged 11% after the French appliance maker reported full-year 2025 profitability that topped market expectations. The company posted sales of €8.17 billion, slightly above consensus, while like-for-like sales rose 0.3% year over year. Operating result from activity reached €601 million, well above the €569 million consensus and at the top end of guidance.

Profitability was the key driver, with the ORfA margin at 7.4% compared to the 7.0% consensus. UBS analysts noted that investors would be reassured by the stronger-than-expected results. Fourth-quarter performance also beat expectations, with Q4 ORfA of €334 million versus €300 million expected, though like-for-like growth of 0.9% slightly missed consensus.

The company's net debt rose to €2.34 billion, taking leverage to 2.7x, but management maintained the dividend at €2.80 per share. Groupe SEB expects ORfA growth in 2026 with more normalized free cash flow generation and targets reducing financial leverage toward 2x by 2027.