NKT A/S reported first-quarter results that combined a softer top line with stronger-than-anticipated operating profitability, the Danish cable specialist said on Wednesday. Revenue at standard metal prices totaled €610 million, falling short of the €626 million analyst consensus as project activity slowed and the scope of subcontracted work was reduced.
The company recorded a 4% decline in organic revenue for the quarter, a steeper drop than the 1.5% contraction analysts had expected. Management attributed the weaker organic performance primarily to the ramp-down of projects and a smaller subcontracted workload.
On the earnings front, operational EBITDA reached €97 million, comfortably above the €84 million consensus estimate. That result translated into an EBITDA margin of 15.9%, roughly 240 basis points higher than market expectations.
Performance by business unit
Across NKT's segments, results were mixed. The Transmission segment reported revenue that came in 3% below estimates and declined 8% on an organic basis as project ramp-downs and reduced subcontracted scope took effect. Although Transmission EBITDA landed about 5% below forecasts, margin performance improved due to effective project execution and higher utilization rates.
Grid Solutions & Accessories posted revenue that was 10% under consensus, yet achieved 2% organic growth supported by demand for high and medium voltage accessories. This segment outperformed on profitability, with EBITDA beating estimates by 24% and margins running approximately 450 basis points ahead of expectations.
Distribution was the bright spot on top-line metrics, exceeding revenue estimates by 5% and delivering 2% organic growth. That strength was driven by robust demand for power distribution products alongside stable low-voltage construction activity. Distribution EBITDA also topped forecasts by 7%, reflecting medium-voltage growth and operational efficiencies.
Orders, cash flow and capital program
NKT reported that its high-voltage order backlog expanded to €13.5 billion from €10.2 billion in the prior quarter, a change the company said reflected the EGL3 contract win and the SSE conversion. The stated backlog figure does not include booking commitments that exceed €2.5 billion.
Free cash flow fell short of expectations in the quarter, pressured by capital expenditure and working capital outflows. NKT reiterated that its capacity expansion program is proceeding as planned, with new facilities scheduled to ramp up in Denmark during the first half and in Portugal by the end of the year.
Guidance and analyst consensus
The company maintained its 2026 revenue guidance at €2.63 billion to €2.78 billion at standard metal prices and kept its operational EBITDA outlook at €360 million to €410 million. By comparison, analyst consensus sits at €2.74 billion for revenue and €399 million for operational EBITDA.
The quarter therefore combined a top-line miss with stronger margin delivery and an expanded high-voltage backlog, while working capital and capex consumption weighed on free cash flow. Management preserved its full-year targets despite the mixed quarterly dynamics.