Kongsberg shares surge after Q4 profit beat

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Kongsberg Gruppen surged on Friday after the Norwegian defence contractor reported better-than-expected operating profits in the fourth quarter.

Earnings before interest and tax rose by 42% to 2.46bn Norwegian crowns in the three months to December on an annualised basis, beating the NOK 2.07bn forecast in a poll of analysts. Shares in the company were up almost 15% on Friday.

Defence companies have experienced an upsurge in orders as European governments ramp up military spending amid increased geopolitical tensions as US President Donald Trump pressures Nato members to shoulder more of the burden.

"We are experiencing high demand for our solutions in a world undergoing significant change, and we have established a robust foundation for the continued development," said chief executive Geir Haoy.

Kongsberg increased its order backlog to NOK 157.4bn at the end of 2025 from 142.3bn in the previous quarter.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com