Storytel reported a 12% increase in net sales for the second quarter and updated its full-year 2026 earnings outlook upward on Tuesday. The company said adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter widened to 19.2% from 16.8% in the same period a year earlier.
Second-quarter revenue was SEK 1.07 billion, while adjusted EBITDA amounted to SEK 205 million. On the back of the quarterly results, Storytel raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to SEK 900 million from SEK 870 million.
The company identified its publishing division as the primary growth driver, with publishing net sales climbing 16% year-over-year and outpacing the streaming business. Storytel stated that the increase in publishing sales was supported by the acquisition of Overamstel, which closed in May.
On an organic basis, net sales growth reached 10.7% year-over-year when measured in constant exchange rates. Storytel also reported an improvement in its gross margin to 46.3% from 45.3% in the prior-year quarter.
Additional profitability metrics disclosed for the quarter included gross profit of SEK 495 million and EBITDA of SEK 198 million. Basic earnings per share for the period were SEK 1.19.
Operational snapshot
- Net sales growth: 12% year-over-year in Q2.
- Q2 revenue: SEK 1.07 billion.
- Adjusted EBITDA (Q2): SEK 205 million; adjusted EBITDA margin: 19.2% (up from 16.8% a year earlier).
- Q2 gross profit: SEK 495 million; EBITDA: SEK 198 million; basic EPS: SEK 1.19.
- Full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to SEK 900 million from SEK 870 million.
Context on growth drivers
Storytel highlighted the publishing segment as the key contributor to the quarter's revenue increase, noting a 16% year-over-year rise in net sales for that segment. The company attributed part of this uplift to the acquisition of Overamstel, finalized in May, and reported organic net sales growth of 10.7% in constant exchange rates.
Margins and profitability
Gross margin improved to 46.3% from 45.3% compared with the prior-year period, and the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 19.2% from 16.8%. These movements were reflected in the companys decision to raise its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026.
This report presents the companys published financial metrics and guidance as released for the second quarter and fiscal-year outlook. It does not add or infer information beyond the figures and statements provided by the company.