Storytel Boosts 2026 Profit Outlook After Strong Q2 Margin Expansion

Swedish audiobook and publishing firm Storytel raised its full-year 2026 earnings forecast on Tuesday after reporting strong second-quarter results driven by expanding profit margins and sales growth. The company's performance was bolstered by its publishing segment, which outpaced its core streaming business.

Quarterly Highlights

Storytel announced a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales for the second quarter, reaching SEK 1.07 billion. The company demonstrated improved operational efficiency, with its adjusted EBITDA margin expanding to 19.2% from 16.8% in the same period last year.

Key financial metrics reported for the quarter include:

• Adjusted EBITDA: SEK 205 million
• Gross Profit: SEK 495 million
• Gross Margin: 46.3%, up from 45.3% year-over-year
• Basic Earnings Per Share: SEK 1.19

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The company also noted that organic net sales grew by 10.7% in constant exchange rates. Growth in the publishing division, which saw a 16% rise in net sales, was supported by the acquisition of Overamstel, which closed in May.

Upgraded Full-Year Guidance

Reflecting its strong quarterly performance and confidence in its profitability, Storytel increased its financial outlook for the full year. The company now expects to achieve an adjusted EBITDA of SEK 900 million for 2026.

This represents an upward revision from its previous guidance of SEK 870 million. The improved forecast signals to investors that management anticipates the positive momentum in operational efficiency and margin growth to continue through the remainder of the year.