Nokia Q2 profit surges 18% as AI data-center demand boosts sales
Orders from AI and cloud customers more than doubled year-on-year.
1Nokia's strong quarter
Nokia outperformed analyst expectations in Q2 2026, with comparable operating profit rising 18% to €434mn. Net sales grew 8%, driven by demand for network infrastructure to support AI data centers. The company's results highlight its successful pivot toward high-growth segments.
2Network Infrastructure leads growth
Nokia's Network Infrastructure division delivered 12% sales growth to €2.04bn. Optical Networks and IP Networks saw particularly strong performance (up 20% and 16% respectively), as hyperscalers invested in connecting AI clusters across data centers. New orders significantly outpaced shipments.
3AI and cloud boom
Sales to AI and cloud customers more than doubled year-on-year to €446mn, with €2.8bn in new orders booked during the quarter. While demand remains robust, supply chain constraints continue to challenge the industry, prompting customers to place longer-term orders to secure capacity.
4Steady mobile infrastructure performance
The Mobile Infrastructure unit grew 6% to €2.68bn, showing stabilization after years of slowing 5G investments. However, this segment remains exposed to rising memory chip prices and can't match the double-digit growth Nokia is seeing from its cloud and AI-focused businesses.
5Restructuring costs weigh
Nokia expects €800mn in restructuring charges through 2026, including €350mn for integrating Chinese operations and €200mn for European restructuring. Despite these costs, the company maintained its quarterly dividend at €0.04 per share, signaling confidence in its cash position.
6Raised full-year guidance
Nokia increased its full-year comparable operating profit outlook to €2.1bn-€2.6bn. Achieving the upper end of this range would require nearly €1.9bn in H2 profit - an ambitious target that depends on converting its €2.8bn AI/cloud order book into delivered revenue and maintaining margins.
Original article: The Next Web — Nokia'nın kârı yapay zeka veri merkezi talebiyle yükseldi