Royal Philips NV's stock surged 5.44% during pre-market trading following the release of its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, which significantly exceeded analyst expectations across key metrics.
The Dutch health-technology company reported a 7% increase in comparable sales for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of 4.9%. The performance was driven by growth across all business segments, with Personal Health leading at 14% growth, followed by Connected Care at 7% and Diagnosis & Treatment at 4%. More importantly, the company's adjusted EBITA margin expanded strongly to 15.1%, well above the expected 13.5%, as higher sales from profitable innovations and productivity measures more than offset tariff impacts.
The positive market reaction was further fueled by the company's 2026 guidance and mid-term targets. Philips expects comparable sales growth of 3% to 4.5% this year with an adjusted EBITA margin of 12.5% to 13%. Additionally, the company set new financial targets for 2026-2028, including mid-single-digit comparable sales growth and a mid-teens adjusted EBITA margin by 2028, which analysts view as providing upside to consensus estimates. The proposed reappointment of CEO Roy Jakobs also signaled confidence in the company's leadership and strategic direction as it enters a new phase of driving profitable growth.