Q2 2026 GN Store Nord AS Earnings Call

August 20, 2026

Speaker #1: Hello, everyone, and welcome to GN's conference call in relation to our Q2 report announced yesterday. Participating in today's call are Group CEO Peter Karlstromer, Group CFO Søren Jelert, and myself, Rune Sandager, Head of Investor Relations.

Rune Sandager: Hello everyone, and welcome to GN's conference call in relation to our Q2 report announced yesterday. Participating in today's call is Group CEO, Peter Karlstromer, Group CFO, Søren Jelert, and myself, Rune Sandager, Head of Investor Relations. The presentation is expected to last around 20 minutes, after which we will turn to the Q&A session. The presentation is already uploaded on gn.com. With that, I am happy to hand over to Peter for some opening remarks.

Speaker #1: The presentation is expected to last around 20 minutes, after which we'll turn to the Q&A session. The presentation is already uploaded on gn.com, and with that, I'm happy to hand over to Peter for some opening remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Rune. And thank you all for joining us today.

Peter Karlstromer: Thank you, Rune, and thank you all for joining us today. Before going into the business performance during the quarter, I would like to spend a few minutes on the development around the hearing transaction and the hearing business. To remind everyone, we took the decision in March to sell our hearing business to Amplifon to create the global leader in hearing care. The carve-out process is well underway, and closing of the sale to Amplifon remains expected towards the end of this year. Let me also remind you about a few items that we shared in connection with our Q1 report in May. The proceeds of the transaction are DKK 12.6 billion in cash and 56 million Amplifon shares. As part of the process, we will make a carve-out of our continuing activities, which will be taxable.

Speaker #1: Before going into the business performance during the quarter, I would like to spend a few minutes on the developments around the hearing transaction and the hearing business.

Speaker #1: To remind everyone, we took the decision in March to sell our hearing business to Amplifon to create the global leader in hearing care. The carve-out process is well underway, and the closing of the sale to Amplifon remains expected towards the end of this year.

Speaker #1: Let me also remind you about the few items that we shared in connection with our Q1 report in May. The proceeds of the transaction are DKK 12.6 billion in cash and 56 million Amplifon shares.

Speaker #1: As part of the process, we will make a carve-out of our continuing activities, which will be taxable. We estimate this upfront tax payment to be between DKK 1.5 billion and DKK 2 billion.

Peter Karlstromer: We are estimating this upfront tax payment to be between DKK 1.5 billion to DKK 2 billion. However, we will also get an equal size tax asset that we can use for tax reductions in the coming years. The estimated total one-off cash costs related to the transaction is DKK 750 million. This includes transaction costs, carve-out costs, and right-sizing costs for the continuing GN. We announced in Q1 a cost reduction program that will reduce the running cost of the continuing GN of around DKK 200 million compared to the realized level in 2026. These cost actions have now been executed during the second quarter and will positively impact our margins in 2027 and beyond. As for the proceed and capital allocation going forward, we are targeting a leverage between 1x and 1.5x in the short term.

Speaker #1: However, we will also get an equal-sized tax asset that we can use for tax reductions in the coming years. The estimated total one-off cash costs related to the transaction is DKK 750 million. This includes transaction costs, carve-out costs, and right-sizing costs for the continuing GN.

Speaker #1: We announced in Q1 a cost reduction program that will reduce the running cost of the continuing GN by around DKK 200 million compared to the realized level in 2026.

Speaker #1: These cost actions have now been executed during the second quarter and will positively impact our margins in '27 and beyond. As for the proceeds and capital allocation going forward, we are targeting leverage between 1 and 1.5 times in the short term.

Speaker #1: We are not planning to do any major acquisitions. The excess cash will be distributed through share buybacks and dividends in the best ways for our shareholders.

Peter Karlstromer: We are not planning to do any major acquisitions. The excess cash will be distributed through share buybacks and dividends in the best ways for our shareholders. These shareholder distributions will begin as fast as practically possible after the closing of the transaction. Let's now move to next slide and our latest hearing aid we have launched. We have just launched ReSound Sensia, which is the world's smallest AI hearing aid, powered by a new AI platform that adjusts automatically to the listening environment with unmatched efficiency. The product is built around three core technological strengths, the AcoustIQ technology that delivers the most accurate real-time sound sensing, the narrowest four-microphone beam forming deliver even better speech clarity and noise, and the best automatic DNN denoising that lifts conversation in shallow listening environments with less effort.

Speaker #1: These shareholder distributions will begin as fast as practically possible after the closing of the transaction. Let's now move to the next slide. And our latest hearing aid we have launched.

Speaker #1: We have just launched ReSound Sensia, which is the world's smallest AI hearing aid, powered by a new AI platform that adjusts automatically to the listening environment with unmatched efficiency.

Speaker #1: The product is built around three core technological strengths: the Acoustic IQ technology that delivers the most accurate real-time sound sensing; the narrowest four-microphone beamforming, delivering even better speech clarity and noise control; and the best automatic DNN denoising that lifts conversation in challenging listening environments with less effort.

Speaker #1: Sensia further strengthens GN Hearing’s portfolio and will help our patients to hear even better in noisy environments, which we continue to believe is the most important area to innovate around.

Peter Karlstromer: Sensia further strengthens GN Hearing's portfolio and will help our patients to hear even better in noisy environments, which we continue to believe is the most important area to innovate around. We have made these great improvements while keeping the small appreciated form factor and a full-day battery life. The new family of product will be launching in US, Germany, and Austria as of today, with more markets to follow in the coming months. While it's early to date, our initial customer interactions, actual pre-orders, as well as the number of customers signed up for sales events during the coming periods are looking very encouraging. With that, let us turn to the group and divisional highlights for the continuing business in Q2. Let me summarize the key highlights for Enterprise and Gaming in Q2.

Speaker #1: We have made these great improvements while keeping the smaller, appreciated form factor and a full-day battery life. The new family of products will be launching in the US, Germany, and Austria as of today, with more markets to follow in the coming months.

Speaker #1: While it's early days, our initial customer interactions—actually pre-orders as well as a number of customers signed up for sales events during the coming periods—are looking very encouraging.

Speaker #1: With that, let us turn to the group and division highlights for the continuing business in the second quarter. Let me summarize the key highlights for Enterprise and Gaming in the second quarter.

Speaker #1: In summary, we are building momentum, setting us up for growth and modern expansion in the second half of the year. In Enterprise, we continue to see healthy growth in North America and APAC.

Peter Karlstromer: In summary, we are building momentum, setting us up for growth and margin expansion in the H2 of the year. In Enterprise, we continue to see healthy growth in North America and APAC. In EMEA, we saw continued decline, but importantly, with signs of improvements compared to Q1. Total organic revenue growth came in at -7%, with the demanding comparison base in FalCom being a significant factor. Excluding FalCom, the organic growth was -3%. The Evolve3 platform continues to resonate strongly with customers, with a double-digit sellout growth in the premium headsets and well into double digits, demonstrating that the products are in strong demand among customers. We also saw a healthy improvement of our gross margins in the quarter while we executed channel investments to support the launch of further Evolve3.

Speaker #1: In EMEA, we saw continued decline but, importantly, with signs of improvement compared to the first quarter. Total organic revenue growth came in at negative 7%, with the demand in comparison base in Falcon being a significant factor.

Speaker #1: Excluding Falcon, organic growth was negative 3%. The whole free platform continues to resonate strongly with customers, with double-digit sell-out growth in premium headsets, and well into double digits.

Speaker #1: This demonstrates that the products are in strong demand among customers. We also saw a healthy improvement in our gross margins in the quarter, while we executed channel investments to support the launch of further ALL-FREE.

Speaker #1: As already announced in July, more products are coming now in the second half of the year. In Gaming, we delivered 5% organic revenue growth despite continued muted consumer sentiment, supported by headset market share gains driven by Nova Pro Omni.

Peter Karlstromer: As already announced in July, more products are coming now in the H2 of the year. In gaming, we delivered 5% organic revenue growth despite continued muted consumer sentiment, supported by headset market share gains driven by Arctis Nova Pro Omni. Margin progression was strong in the quarter, driven by pricing discipline, success of new products, a lower tariff level, and a minor provision release. Looking ahead to the H2, we see significant growth opportunities supported by the upcoming mice and keyboard launches and continued headset momentum. Let's move to the next slide with a bit of further detail on Enterprise. In Q2, Enterprise delivered organic revenue growth of -7% in total, or -3% if we exclude FalCom. On a regional basis, we continued to see strong growth in North America and APAC.

Speaker #1: Margin progression was strong in the quarter, driven by pricing discipline, success of new products, a lower tariff level, and a minor provision release. Looking ahead to the second half, we see significant growth opportunity supported by the upcoming mice and keyboard launches and continued headset momentum.

Speaker #1: Let's move to the next slide with a bit of further detail on Enterprise. In the second quarter, Enterprise delivered organic revenue growth of negative 7% in total, or negative 3% if we exclude Falcon.

Speaker #1: On a regional basis, we continue to see strong growth in North America and APAC. In EMEA, we saw a decline, but with signs of improvement compared to the first quarter.

Peter Karlstromer: In EMEA, we saw a decline, but with signs of improvements compared to Q1, driven by the positive reception of Evolve3 and a gradually improving EMEA market. Within the product portfolio, the headset business showed improving development, and the meeting room and frontline worker segment delivered both healthy growth. FalCom advanced its project pipeline, but with limited revenue contribution as expected in the quarter. On the financial side, gross profits were DKK 891 million, translating into a gross margin of 57.2%, compared to 56.1% in Q2 2025. Divisional profit was DKK 483 million, translating into divisional profit margin of 31%, compared to 34% in Q2 2025. The year-on-year development reflects the channel investments we are making to prepare for further Evolve3 launches in the H2. Overall, Enterprise continues to progress in line with our plans.

Speaker #1: Driven by the positive reception of the all-free and a gradually improving EMEA market. Within the product portfolio, the headset business showed improving development, and the meeting room and frontline worker segments delivered both healthy growth.

Speaker #1: Falcon advanced its project pipeline, but with limited revenue contribution as expected in the quarter. On the financial side, gross profits were 891 million Danish kroner, translating into a gross margin of 57.2%, compared to 56.1% in the second quarter of '25.

Speaker #1: Division of profit was 483 million Danish kroner, translating into a division of profit margin of 31%, compared to 34% in the second quarter of '25.

Speaker #1: The year-on-year development reflects the channel investments we are making to prepare for further Evolve-free launches in the second half. Overall, Enterprise continues to progress in line with our plans.

Speaker #1: Let's move to the Evolve Free portfolio on slide nine. On the first of July, we announced three important additions to the All Free portfolio: the Evolve Free 65 Flex, 65, and 45.

Peter Karlstromer: Let us move to the Evolve3 portfolio on slide 9. In July, we announced three important additions to the Evolve3 portfolio: the Evolve3 65 Flex, 65, and 45. The Evolve3 85 and 75 were launched on 26 March and have already demonstrated strong commercial traction with solid double-digit sell-in growth in the premium Bluetooth category, which I will return to in a bit more detail. The next wave of the portfolio, the Evolve3 65 Flex, and 45, is planned for launch on 26 September. This launch is significant to us and addresses 35% of our enterprise business. That means that together with Evolve3 85 and 75, we will address 50% of the enterprise business with a fully refreshed portfolio that is set up for growth. The Evolve3 65 Flex is tailored for users who move between locations.

Speaker #1: The Evolve-Free 85 and 75 were launched on March 26 and have already demonstrated strong commercial traction, with solid double-digit sell-out growth in the premium Bluetooth category, which I will return to in a bit more detail.

Speaker #1: The next wave of the portfolio—the Evolve Free 65, 65 Flex, and 45—is planned for launch in September ’26. This launch is significant to us and addresses 35% of our enterprise business.

Speaker #1: That means that we, together with Evolve-Free 85 and 75, will address 50% of the enterprise business with a fully refreshed portfolio that is set up for growth.

Speaker #1: The Evolve Free 65 Flex is tailored for users who move between locations. It comes without the boom arm in a small form factor, with better outdoor voice pickup and wind-adaptable ANC.

Peter Karlstromer: It comes without the boom arm in a small form factor with better auto voice pickup and a wind-adaptable ANC, designed for professionals who need performance on the go in a very compelling small form factor. The Evolve3 65 brings the core Evolve3 experience into the mid-tier segment. With better sound, a four-microphone adaptive ANC system, a very strong product for everyday modern work. The Evolve3 45 takes the concept into the entry-level segment. It is the lightest model in the portfolio with best-in-class office voice pickup and ANC, making it ideal for large-scale deployments and frontline workers where price is key, but voice performance still cannot be compromised. With the addition of these three products, Evolve3 is no longer a premium-only offering. It is a portfolio spanning from premium to entry-level with more products still to come.

Speaker #1: Designed for professionals who need performance on the go in a very compelling small form factor, the Evolve Free 65 brings the core Evolve Free experience into the mid-tier segment.

Speaker #1: With better sound, a four-microphone adaptive ANC system, it's a very strong product for everyday modern work. The Evolve Free 45 takes the concept into the entry-level segment.

Speaker #1: It is the lightest model in the portfolio, with best-in-class office voice pickup and ANC, making it ideal for large-scale deployments and frontline workers, where price is key but voice performance still cannot be compromised.

Speaker #1: With the addition of these three products, Evolve Free is no longer a premium-only offering. It is a portfolio spanning from premium to entry-level, with more products still to come.

Speaker #1: This portfolio expansion sets the stage for a return to growth in the second half of '26. Let us look at the rest—sorry, let us look at the recent financial performance driven by Evolve-free products.

Peter Karlstromer: This portfolio expansion sets the stage for returning to growth in the H2 2026. Let us look at the recent financial performance driven by our Evolve3 products. As we mentioned in Q1, our premium Bluetooth category is roughly 15% of total enterprise. In this category, we experienced a very strong sell-in growth during Q1, driven by the initial stocking effects of Evolve3. Now a quarter later, it is encouraging to see that we are also seeing solid double-digit sell-out growth in the category, which underpinned the strong customer reception of the flagship products. On top of the strong sell-out, we have continued to see a very strong sell-in growth in Q2 as well. Taking it together, on the right side of the slide is shown the conceptual revenue buildup of our headset segment.

Speaker #1: As we mentioned in Q1, our premium Bluetooth category is roughly 15% of total enterprise. In this category, we experienced very strong sell-in growth during Q1, driven by the initial stocking effects of Evolve Free.

Speaker #1: Now, a quarter later, it is encouraging to see that we are also seeing solid double-digit sell-out growth in the category, which underpinned the strong customer reception of the flagship products.

Speaker #1: On top of the strong sell-out, we have continued to see very strong sales growth in Q2 as well. Taking it together, on the right side of the slide, you can see the conceptual revenue build-up of our headset segment.

Speaker #1: In the first half of this year, we have seen strong growth in North America and APAC, but continued weakness and channel reductions in EMEA.

Peter Karlstromer: In the H1 of this year, we have seen strong growth in North America and APAC, but continued weakness and channel reductions in EMEA. That has weighed on the top line due to EMEA being the major revenue contributor. While there is still some uncertainties around channel inventories, we expect this effect to be smaller in the H2 of the year. Also, as we move into the H2, we will begin to see the new free product starting to ramp up as well. This means that a larger part of our headset segment will be supported by new products. These effects together set us up for a healthy H2 with significant revenue generation and profitability improvements. This year, we expect a bit of unusual seasonality driven by the strong set of launches we have, which is in line with what we also shared in our Q1 results.

Speaker #1: That has weighed on the top line, due to EMEA being the major revenue contributor. While there's still some uncertainty around channel inventories, we expect this effect to be smaller in the second half of the year.

Speaker #1: Also, as we begin to see the new three products starting to ramp up as well, this means that a larger part of our headset segment will be supported by new products.

Speaker #1: These effects together set us up for a healthy second half, with significant revenue generation and profitability improvements. This year, we expect a bit of unusual seasonality driven by the strong set of launches we have, which is in line with what we also shared in our Q1 results.

Peter Karlstromer: These effects together set us up for a healthy H2 with significant revenue generation and profitability improvements. This year, we expect a bit of unusual seasonality driven by the strong set of launches we have, which is in line with what we also shared in our Q1 results. Let us move to the next slide and talk about gaming. In the Q2, gaming delivered revenue of DKK 630 million, corresponding to 5% organic revenue growth in a market held back by muted consumer confidence. We saw strong growth and market share gains in headsets and keyboards, while mice had a more difficult quarter, predominantly due to an aging product portfolio.

Speaker #1: Let's move to the next slide and talk about Gaming. In the second quarter, Gaming delivered revenue of DKK 613 million, corresponding to 5% organic revenue growth in a market held back by muted consumer confidence.

Peter Karlstromer: Let us move to the next slide and talk about gaming. In the Q2, gaming delivered revenue of DKK 630 million, corresponding to 5% organic revenue growth in a market held back by muted consumer confidence. We saw strong growth and market share gains in headsets and keyboards, while mice had a more difficult quarter, predominantly due to an aging product portfolio. Regionally, North America continued to grow well, whereas EMEA and APAC were more challenged due to the market conditions. Gross margins came in at 39.2% compared to 34% last year, driven by pricing discipline, success of new products, and a minor provision release. Divisional profit margin ended at 15% compared to 12.2% last year, driven by continued cost focus combined with some of the target channeled investments we do to support growth opportunities in the H2 of this year. Let us move to the next slide.

Speaker #1: We saw strong growth and market share gains in headsets and keyboards, while mice had a more difficult quarter, predominantly due to an aging product portfolio.

Speaker #1: Regionally, North America continued to grow well, whereas EMEA and APAC were more challenged due to market conditions. Gross margins came in at 39.2% compared to 34% last year, driven by pricing discipline, success of new products, and a minor provision release.

Peter Karlstromer: Regionally, North America continued to grow well, whereas EMEA and APAC were more challenged due to the market conditions. Gross margins came in at 39.2% compared to 34% last year, driven by pricing discipline, success of new products, and a minor provision release. Divisional profit margin ended at 15% compared to 12.2% last year, driven by continued cost focus combined with some of the target channeled investments we do to support growth opportunities in the H2 of this year. Let us move to the next slide.

Speaker #1: Division of profit margin ended at 15%, compared to 12.2% last year, driven by continued cost focus combined with some of the target channel investment we do to support growth opportunities in the second half of this year.

Speaker #1: Let's move to the next slide. This highlights a milestone we are very proud of—SteelSeries is now the number one brand globally in gaming headsets.

Peter Karlstromer: This highlights a milestone we are very proud of. SteelSeries is now the number 1 brand globally in gaming headsets. This is the result of a consistent and relentless innovation over many years. Looking at our market share development from 2017 to today, the trajectory is clear. Each product generation has expanded our position. From the original Arctis headset line through the Arctis 9, Arctis 7+, Arctis Nova Pro, the GameBuds, the Nova Elite, and now the Arctis Nova Pro Omni. The Arctis Nova Pro Omni has received outstanding reviews from leading gaming media, including IGN, T3, GamesRadar+, and PC Gamer. Descriptions like, "The best headset on the market," and, "The most well-rounded gaming headsets available," speak to the quality and product differentiation we have achieved.

Speaker #1: This is the result of consistent and relentless innovation over many years. Looking at our market share development from 2017 to today, the trajectory is clear.

Speaker #1: Each product generation has expanded our position, from the original Arctis headset line through the Arctis 9, Arctis 7 Plus, Arctis Nova Pro, the GameBuds, the Nova Elite, and now the Arctis Nova Pro Omnia.

Speaker #1: The Arctis Nova Pro Omnia has received outstanding reviews from leading gaming media, including IGN, T3, GamesRadar, and PC Gamer. Descriptions like "the best headset on the market" and "the most well-rounded gaming headsets available" speak to the quality and product differentiation we have achieved.

Speaker #1: This market leadership position gives us a strong commercial foundation as we head into the second half of the year, where we expect continued headset momentum combined with contributions from new launches across mice and keyboards.

Peter Karlstromer: This market leadership position gives us a strong commercial foundation as we head into the H2 of the year, where we expect continued headset momentum combined with the contribution from new launches across mice and keyboards. That concludes the deep dive into our divisions. Let me now hand over to Søren for the group financials and guidance.

Speaker #1: That concludes the deep dive into our divisions. Let me now hand over to Soren for the group financials and guidance. Thank you, Peter. Let's have a look at the group financials for the second quarter.

Søren Jelert: Thank you, Peter. Let us have a look at the group financials for Q2. In the quarter, GN's continuing operations delivered organic revenue growth of -4%. As expected, the gross margin improved strongly following the temporary weak gross margin in Q1. Adjusted EBITA ended at DKK 110 million, corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of 5%. The development reflects the targeted investments to support growth in H2 2026. Total incurred one-off costs in the quarter were DKK 74 million, all of them cash costs mainly related to the carve-out of the hearing and preparations for the new GN structure. Free cash flow excluding M&A ended at DKK -616 million, reflecting insourcing of activities in the supply chain driven a temporary increase in working capital, which is expected to normalize during the rest of the year.

Speaker #1: In the quarter, GN's continuing operations delivered organic revenue growth of minus 4%. As expected, the gross margin improved strongly following the temporary weak gross margin in Q1.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA ended at DKK 110 million, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5%. The development reflected targeted investments to support growth in the second half of 2026.

Speaker #1: Total incurred one-off costs in the quarter were DKK 74 million, all of them cash costs, mainly related to the carve-out of Hearing and preparations for the new GN structure.

Speaker #1: Free cash flow excluding M&A ended at minus DKK 616 million, reflecting the insourcing of activities in the supply chain, which drove a temporary increase in working capital. This is expected to normalize during the rest of the year.

Speaker #1: This insourcing is related to our distribution of products across Enterprise and Gaming. Net interest-bearing debt ended at DKK 9.6 billion, but let me just remind you that the coming proceeds from the transaction will result in a net positive cash position at closing.

Søren Jelert: This insourcing is related to our distribution of products across enterprise and gaming. Net interest-bearing debt ended at DKK 9.6 billion, but let me just remind you that the coming proceeds from the transaction will resolve in a net positive cash position at closing. With that, let us move to the financial guidance for 2026 on slide 15. Our group-wide financial performance in Q2 has been in line with the assumptions put out in May. We are seeing the underlying improvements in our growth development and, at the same time, the strong development on our EBITA margin, which improved strongly compared to Q1. As we communicated yesterday evening, we are upgrading our margin outlook for the year and narrowing the revenue assumptions. We have had a healthy development of our gross margins in Q2 and feel good about the trajectory for the year.

Speaker #1: With that, let us move to the financial guidance for '26 on slide 15. Our group-wide financial performance in the second quarter has been in line with the assumptions put out in May.

Speaker #1: We are seeing the underlying improvements in our growth development and, at the same time, a strong development in our EBITDA margin, which improved significantly compared to the first quarter.

Speaker #1: As we communicated yesterday evening, we are upgrading our margin outlook for the year and narrowing the revenue assumptions. We have seen a healthy development of our gross margins in Q2 and feel good about the trajectory for the year.

Søren Jelert: We have had a healthy development of our gross margins in Q2 and feel good about the trajectory for the year. OpEx-wise, we are making growth-related investments as we planned. This, together with an assumption of DKK 100 million to DKK 150 million of tariff refunds, led us to upgrade our adjusted EBITA margin guidance for the year. Revenue-wise, we will be within our initial guidance, but given the continued muted market development as well as some earlier upside scenarios that is not deemed realistic, we are narrowing the range towards the lower half of our earlier guidance.

Speaker #1: OPEX-wise, we are making growth-related investments as we planned. This, together with an assured assumption of DKK 100 to 150 million of tariff refunds, led us to upgrade our adjusted EBITDA margin guidance for the year.

Søren Jelert: OpEx-wise, we are making growth-related investments as we planned. This, together with an assumption of DKK 100 million to DKK 150 million of tariff refunds, led us to upgrade our adjusted EBITA margin guidance for the year. Revenue-wise, we will be within our initial guidance, but given the continued muted market development as well as some earlier upside scenarios that is not deemed realistic, we are narrowing the range towards the lower half of our earlier guidance. In summary, we are making healthy progress for the year and encouragingly are set up to finish the year in a good H2 momentum, which will carry with us into 2027. Let us look at the margin expectations for H2 of the year in a slightly more illustrative form.

Speaker #1: Revenue-wise, we will be within our initial guidance, but given the continued muted market development, as well as some earlier upside scenarios that are now not deemed realistic, we are narrowing the range toward the lower half of our earlier guidance.

Speaker #1: In summary, we are making healthy progress for the year and, encouragingly, are set up to finish the year with a good second half—momentum which we will carry with us into '27.

Søren Jelert: In summary, we are making healthy progress for the year and encouragingly are set up to finish the year in a good H2 momentum, which will carry with us into 2027. Let us look at the margin expectations for H2 of the year in a slightly more illustrative form. The traditional seasonality in gaming as well as successful Evolve3 rollout will be a key turning point for the revenue development and thereby growth aspects in H2 of the year. As we have mentioned throughout the year, we have assumed the year to be slightly more back-end loaded than normal.

Speaker #1: Let's look at the margin expectations for the second half of the year in a slightly more illustrative form. The traditional seasonality in gaming, as well as successful all three rollouts, will be a key turning point for the revenue development and, thereby, growth aspects in the second half of the year.

Søren Jelert: The traditional seasonality in gaming as well as successful Evolve3 rollout will be a key turning point for the revenue development and thereby growth aspects in H2 of the year. As we have mentioned throughout the year, we have assumed the year to be slightly more back-end loaded than normal. This also impacts our sequential growth outlook, but we remain convinced that Q3 will be a turning point with a return to positive group organic revenue growth and then likely improving sequentially into Q4 when we have a full quarter of launch products. As mentioned earlier, gross margin improved strongly in Q2 and was mainly driven by underlying improvements. We are therefore assuming that these current levels should continue into H2 on roughly the same strong levels. On top of this, you will of course see the impact from the expected tariff refunds.

Speaker #1: As we have mentioned, throughout the year, we have assumed the year to be slightly more back-end loaded than normal. This also impacts our sequential growth outlook, but we remain convinced that Q3 will be a turning point, with a return to positive group organic revenue growth and then likely improving sequentially into Q4, when we have a full quarter of launched products.

Søren Jelert: This also impacts our sequential growth outlook, but we remain convinced that Q3 will be a turning point with a return to positive group organic revenue growth and then likely improving sequentially into Q4 when we have a full quarter of launch products. As mentioned earlier, gross margin improved strongly in Q2 and was mainly driven by underlying improvements. We are therefore assuming that these current levels should continue into H2 on roughly the same strong levels. On top of this, you will of course see the impact from the expected tariff refunds.

Speaker #1: As mentioned earlier, gross margin improved strongly in Q2 and was mainly driven by underlying improvements. We are therefore assuming that these current levels should continue into the second half, at roughly the same strong levels on top of this.

Speaker #1: You will, of course, see the impact from the expected tariff refunds. We have good control on OPEX, and while there might be quarterly fluctuations, you should expect more operating leverage as we progress during the rest of the year.

Søren Jelert: We have good control on OpEx, and while there might be quarterly fluctuations, you should expect more operating leverage as we are progressing during the rest of the year. When you combine these elements, revenue seasonality, gross margin improvements, tariff refunds, and a fairly stable OpEx, the path to the full-year margin guidance of 9% to 10% is clear. In addition, the structural cost initiatives executed in Q2 will significantly further improve our margins expansions for 2027. With that, I am handing you back to Rune.

Speaker #1: When you combine these elements—revenue seasonality, gross margin improvements, tariff refunds, and a fairly stable OPEX—the path to the full-year margin guidance of 9 to 10% is clear.

Speaker #1: In addition, the structural cost initiatives executed in the second quarter will significantly further improve our margin expansion for '27. And with that, I'm handing you back to Rune.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Peter and Soren. That concludes our prepared remarks and the presentation for today. I will now hand over to the operator for the Q&A session.

Rune Sandager: Thank you, Peter and Søren. That concludes our prepared remarks and the presentation for today. I will now hand over to the operator for the Q&A session. Please limit your questions to two at a time, please.

Speaker #1: Please limit your questions to two at a time, please.

Operator 2: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then 1 on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then 2. We will pause for a moment to assemble the queue. The first question we have is from Martin Parkhøi of SEB. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then 1 on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then 2. We will pause for a moment to assemble the queue. The first question we have is from Martin Parkhøi of SEB. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one, on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #3: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If, at any time, your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star and then two.

Speaker #3: We will pause a moment to assemble the queue. The first question we have is from Martin Brockway of SEB. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Yes, Martin Parker, SEB. Firstly, I hope my sound goes through clearly because I'm on the Jabra Evolve 3. My questions are also relating to the enterprise business.

Martin Parkhøi: Yes. Martin Parkhøi, SEB. Firstly, I hope my sound goes through clearly because I am on the Jabra Evolve3. My questions are also relating to the enterprise business firstly. First, of course, I think that you have made quite clear that there are significant growth opportunities on the Evolve3 launch plan for the rest of the year. If you consider your guidance, what are the risks to the remaining 20% of enterprise that lies outside of your core business? Because in the past, that has destroyed the growth picture sometimes. Also on the tariffs refunding, now it is completely out in the open. Could you talk about the risk of this affecting pricing? I know it is a third question, but it is at least within enterprise. At Q1, you mentioned that you had seen some share loss to a Chinese competitor.

Speaker #1: Firstly, of course, I think that you have made it quite clear that there are significant growth opportunities on the Evolve 3 launch plan for the rest of the year.

Speaker #1: But if you consider your guidance, what are the risks to the remaining 20% of Enterprise that lies outside of your core, hazardous business? Because in the past, that has been a little bit—destroyed the growth picture sometimes.

Speaker #1: And then also on the tariffs refunding, now it's completely out in the open. Could you talk about the risk of this affecting pricing? And then, yeah, I know it's a third question, but at least it's within Enterprise.

Martin Parkhøi: Also on the tariffs refunding, now it is completely out in the open. Could you talk about the risk of this affecting pricing? I know it is a third question, but it is at least within enterprise. At Q1, you mentioned that you had seen some share loss to a Chinese competitor. This specific competitor has seen accelerating growth in Q2. How significant effect do you see from this company on a global scale in the coming years?

Speaker #1: At Q1, you mentioned that you had seen some challenges from a Chinese competitor. This specific competitor has seen accelerating growth in the second quarter.

Martin Parkhøi: This specific competitor has seen accelerating growth in Q2. How significant effect do you see from this company on a global scale in the coming years?

Speaker #1: How significant an effect do you see from this company on a global scale in the coming years?

Speaker #4: Thanks a lot, Martin, and happy to confirm that we hear you loud and clear. Let me start here, and Soren will help me out on some of the tariffs.

Peter Karlstromer: Thanks a lot, Martin, and happy to confirm that we hear you loud and clear. Let me start here, and Søren will help me out on some of the tariffs here. First, as I said here in the opening, the Evolve3 products we are launching now are addressing essentially half of the enterprise business. We, of course, feel very confident about these new great products will confirm good growth in the market. If you look on the other part, there are, of course, a few different things in there. If I start with the rest of the headsets, you have then more corded products and some deck products and so on. I think it is true that these products are done still on the old portfolio, and this is something you should expect us to address over the coming year, into next year.

Speaker #4: First, as I said in the opening, the Evolve 3 products we are launching now are addressing essentially half of the enterprise business.

Speaker #4: And we, of course, feel very confident that these new great products will confirm—yeah, I mean, confirm good growth in the market. If we look at the other part, there are, of course, a few different things in there.

Speaker #4: If I start with the rest of the headsets—I mean, you have then more corded products and some DECT products and so on. I think it's true that these products are then still on the old portfolio.

Peter Karlstromer: I think it is true that these products are done still on the old portfolio, and this is something you should expect us to address over the coming year, into next year. We certainly will refresh this part of the portfolio also. I think they are performing okay. The growth momentum from the new products should be stronger than any kind of smaller declines from this part of the portfolio. We, of course, also have video. We have launched new products in video also, perhaps talked a little bit less about them given that revenue is less, but these products are also confirming very well. We had actually a very good video quarter also the last quarter.

Speaker #4: And this is something you should expect us to address over the coming year and into next year. So we certainly will refresh this part of the portfolio as well.

Peter Karlstromer: We certainly will refresh this part of the portfolio also. I think they are performing okay. The growth momentum from the new products should be stronger than any kind of smaller declines from this part of the portfolio. We, of course, also have video. We have launched new products in video also, perhaps talked a little bit less about them given that revenue is less, but these products are also confirming very well. We had actually a very good video quarter also the last quarter. We have frontline worker, where we also had a good quarter. So feel confident that this will continue into the H2 also. The final piece, which you know we report into Enterprise is FalCom, but that we have called out. I think that is hopefully clear to everyone.

Speaker #4: I think they are performing okay. So the growth momentum from the new products should be stronger than any kind of smaller declines from this part of the portfolio.

Speaker #4: And then we, of course, also have video. We have launched new products in video also, perhaps talked a little bit less about them given that revenue is less.

Speaker #4: But these products are also performing very well. So we actually had a very good video quarter last quarter. And then we have frontline worker, where we also had a good quarter.

Peter Karlstromer: We have frontline worker, where we also had a good quarter. So feel confident that this will continue into the H2 also. The final piece, which you know we report into Enterprise is FalCom, but that we have called out. I think that is hopefully clear to everyone. In totality, when we weigh this together, we believe that we are set up for good growth in Q3 as well as in Q4, so growing the H2. Then if I perhaps take the third question and then leave the second for Søren. We did speak before that we have seen some kind of share pressure, in particular in low end of the market.

Speaker #4: So, feel confident that this will continue into the second half also. And then the final piece, which, you know, we report into enterprise, is Falcon, but that we have called out.

Speaker #4: So I think that's hopefully clear to everyone. But in totality, when we weigh this together, we believe that we are set up for good growth in Q3 as well as in Q4.

Peter Karlstromer: In totality, when we weigh this together, we believe that we are set up for good growth in Q3 as well as in Q4, so growing the H2. Then if I perhaps take the third question and then leave the second for Søren. We did speak before that we have seen some kind of share pressure, in particular in low end of the market. We called out a few different companies. I do not think it was only one company, but a few different companies. If we look now on the market share for us, they are stable here in the last quarter. We are not losing any share in this period. We also believe that with the new products we are launching here that address the broader set of market, we actually have a good opportunity to gain back some market share.

Speaker #4: So, growing a second half. Then, if I perhaps take the third question and then leave the second for Soren—yeah, we did speak before that we have seen some kind of share pressure, in particular in the low end of the market.

Speaker #4: We called out a few different companies. I don't think it was only one company, but a few different companies. If we look now at the market share for us, it is stable here in the last quarter.

Peter Karlstromer: We called out a few different companies. I do not think it was only one company, but a few different companies. If we look now on the market share for us, they are stable here in the last quarter. We are not losing any share in this period. We also believe that with the new products we are launching here that address the broader set of market, we actually have a good opportunity to gain back some market share.

Speaker #4: We are not losing any share in this period. We also believe that with the new products we're launching here, targeting the broader set of the market, we actually have a good opportunity to gain back some market share.

Speaker #4: So your question is more about—I think you're talking about Chinese competition. For the long term, I think we need to see how this develops.

Peter Karlstromer: Then your question more about, I think you are talking about Chinese competition for the long term. I think we need to see how this develops. There has of course been changes in the competitive landscape over the last few years also. Some competitors are winning and some losing, so that is not new to us. I think we will see. We are very focused on having a portfolio that is well-differentiated and having a portfolio that spans from the premium, where I think we are the strongest, but also strengthening up quite a lot in the mid and entry level products to essentially be well set up to satisfy different type of customer requirements.

Speaker #4: There's, of course, been changes in the competitive landscape over the last few years also. Some competitors are winning and some are losing. So that is not new to us.

Speaker #4: So I think we will see. We are very focused on having a portfolio that is well differentiated and having a portfolio that spans from the premium, where I think we are the strongest, but also strengthening quite a lot in the mid and entry-level products to essentially be well set up to satisfy different types of customer requirements.

Speaker #4: Yeah. And then Martin, to your tariff question – I mean, first and foremost, of course, we are pleased to see now that we have a very strong belief that we are getting in the repayments from the US government here in the second half of the year.

Søren Jelert: Yeah. Then, Martin, to your tariff question. First and foremost, of course, we are pleased to see now that we have a very strong belief that we are getting in the repayments from the US government here in the H2 of the year. To your underlying question on price, I think what we also communicated last year was that we would close the gap also when we are launching new products and also in terms of our pricing. That is still our plan and also what we are doing. As Peter spoke to, it is a significant part of our portfolio that has actually been refreshed, and as such, is not linked to old tariffs in that matter. In that sense, we do not expect that what the refunds is impacting current pricing of what we see.

Speaker #4: And to your underlying question on price, I think what we also communicated last year was that we would close the gap also when we are launching new products, also in terms of our pricing.

Speaker #4: So that is still our plan, and also what we are doing. And as Peter spoke to, it's a significant part of our portfolio that's actually been refreshed and, as such, it's not linked to old tariffs in that manner.

Speaker #4: So in that sense, we do not expect that what the refunds are impacting is the current pricing of what we see.

Speaker #2: The next question we have is from Angela Bozinovic of BNPP. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question we have is from Andjela Bozinovic of BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question we have is from Andjela Bozinovic of BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning from my side as well, and thank you for taking my question. I will have the first one on Enterprise. I just wanted to understand the new guidance in particular; what has changed from May until now, and what are you seeing in EMEA specifically?

Andjela Bozinovic: Hi, good morning from my side as well, and thank you for taking my question. I will have the first one on Enterprise. I just wanted to understand the new guidance, in particular, what has changed from May until now, and what are you seeing in EMEA specifically? What is embedded in the guide for EMEA region, and for FalCom as well? The second question is just on the profitability in the quarter. If we adjust for the gaming provision, we reach the adjusted EBITA margin of 4.6%. Can you help us understand better the performance in the quarter and what gives you the confidence that profitability can significantly improve from here? Thank you.

Speaker #5: What is embedded in the guide for the EMEA region? And for Falcon as well? And the second question is just on the profitability in the quarter.

Speaker #5: So, if we adjust for the gaming provision, we reach an adjusted EBITDA margin of 4.6%. Can you help us better understand the performance in the quarter, and what gives you confidence that profitability can significantly improve from here?

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you so much. Let me start, and then I'll hand it to Soren for the margin question. If we look at enterprise, the new guidance—and I think we wrote that out also in the communication yesterday.

Peter Karlstromer: Thank you so much. Let me start and then I hand it to Søren for the margin question. If you look on Enterprise, the new guidance, I think we wrote that out also in the communication yesterday, it is mostly the significant upside scenarios for part of our portfolio that we now see will not realize this year. Quite a bit of it is related to our defense business, FalCom. This is project-based business with very large orders, and we do believe on FalCom that this year will be similar to last year. I think we have said that before, but we also had some upside scenarios to that that could have come in and which reflected in the upper end of the guidance. Those scenarios are still there, but will likely be more an opportunity for 2027 as it looks like now.

Speaker #4: It's mostly the significant upside scenarios for part of our portfolio that we now see will not be realized this year. Quite a bit of it is related to our defense business, Falcon.

Speaker #4: This is a project-based business with very large orders. And we do believe on Falcon that this year will be similar to last year. And I think we have said that before, but we also had some upside scenarios to that that could have come in.

Peter Karlstromer: This is project-based business with very large orders, and we do believe on FalCom that this year will be similar to last year. I think we have said that before, but we also had some upside scenarios to that that could have come in and which reflected in the upper end of the guidance. Those scenarios are still there, but will likely be more an opportunity for 2027 as it looks like now.

Speaker #4: And which is reflected in the upper end of the guidance. Those scenarios are still there, but it will likely be more an opportunity for '27, as it looks like now.

Speaker #4: And then on EMEA, we and maybe I take a step back across all regions. As we have said before, I mean, the US and APAC has been growing in a good way over a longer period of time.

Peter Karlstromer: On EMEA, maybe I take a step back across all regions. As we have said before, the US and APAC has been growing in a good way over a longer period of time. We actually expect that to continue into the H2. On EMEA, what we expect there is to grow, turn into some level of low growth, is probably the way to see it, in the H2. That is what we have embedded here. I think it is of course about the region, but it is largely driven by the products we are launching. It is not so much that we are sitting and hoping for the market to recover. It is more like when we are launching all these products, it will support EMEA in a way where EMEA also turn into growth.

Speaker #4: We actually expect that to continue. Into the second half on EMEA, what we expect there is for it to grow—I mean, to turn into some level of low growth is probably the way to see it.

Speaker #4: In the second half, so that's what we have embedded here. And I think it's of course about the region, but it is largely driven by the products we are launching.

Speaker #4: So it's not so much that we're sitting and hoping for the market to recover. It's more like when we're launching all these products, it will support EMEA in a way where EMEA also turns into growth.

Speaker #4: I also mentioned the channel reductions here in my introduction, and that has been a headwind on the EMEA business for a while. While we, of course, cannot be sure about those exactly over time, they have now come down.

Peter Karlstromer: I also mentioned the channel reductions here in my introduction, and that has been a headwind on the EMEA business for a while. While we can, of course, not be sure about those exactly over time, they have now come down, and also with the new products we are launching, our base assumption is that they will be more in balance over the H2. That is the way I think you can build it together in terms of the enterprise guidance we have given. If I leave it to you, Søren, for the modeling question.

Speaker #4: And also, with the new products we're launching, our base assumption is that there will be more imbalance over the second half. So that's the way I think you can build it together in terms of the enterprise guidance we have given.

Speaker #4: So, if I leave it to you, Søren, for the margin question.

Speaker #1: Yeah, and I think, of course, the way you deduct the group margins is absolutely fair. For us—and we called it out after the first quarter also—that especially the gross profit was an area where we had good insight and comfort that it would actually improve in the second quarter.

Søren Jelert: Yeah. I think, of course, the way you deduct the group margins is absolutely fair. For us, and we called it out after the Q1 also, that especially the gross profit was an area where we had good insight and comfort in that it would actually improve in the Q2. I think that is exactly what has happened, and especially also on the enterprise, also with the positive impact of the portfolio refresh we are doing right now, that is yielding gross margins at levels that we also historically have seen. It is more a question of that this quarter is a testimony true that the Q1 was probably more one-off, and this is back to a normal gross profitability of the enterprise business and also what we can see going forward.

Speaker #1: And I think that is exactly what has happened. And especially also on the enterprise side, with the positive impact of the portfolio refresh we are doing right now, that's yielding gross margins at levels that we have also historically seen.

Speaker #1: So, it's more a question of that this quarter is a testimony to that—that Q1 was probably more one-off, and this is back to a normal gross profitability of the enterprise business, and also what we can see going forward.

Speaker #1: On gaming, we have also here been on the clear path to deliver between these 35 to 40. And here also, we can see a positive impact on the mix within the gaming with still of the opinion that a good gross margin for gaming is within this area of 35 to 40%.

Søren Jelert: On gaming, we have also here been on the clear path to deliver between 35% to 40%, and here also we can see a positive impact on the mix within the gaming. We still have the opinion that a good gross margin for gaming is within this area of 35% to 40%. In that light, of course, even deducting 1% in the gross margin in gaming, 38% is definitely approved, and we expect that these levels can continue up in this part of the 35% to 40%. That is really the core and very fundamental belief of the margin, both in Q2, but actually also for the full year. Then in addition to that, you get the top-line growth, and you get an OpEx stability in the H2 of the year. That is what we are planning with.

Speaker #1: And in that light, of course, even deducting 1% in the gross margin in gaming, 38 is definitely approved. And we expect that these levels can continue up in this part of the 35 to 40%.

Speaker #1: And that is really the core and very fundamental belief of the margin, both in the second quarter, but actually also for the full year.

Speaker #1: And then, in addition to that, you get the top-line growth, and you get OPEX stability in the second half of the year.

Speaker #1: That's what we are planning with.

Speaker #2: Our next question is from Veronica Dubajova of Citi. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Veronika Dubajova of Citi. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question is from Veronika Dubajova of Citi. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi guys, good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. I'm going to keep it to two, please. The first one is just on gaming and the reduction in the outlook there.

Veronika Dubajova: Hi, guys. Good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. I am going to keep it to two, please. The first one is just on gaming and the reduction in the outlook there. Just curious of your rationale around that, especially given the GTA 6 launch now being confirmed for the end of the year, and whether there is anything to read into in that reduction of guidance in terms of what are some of the selling trends or early signs of demand that you are seeing on that front? That would be my first one.

Speaker #5: Just curious about your rationale around that, especially given the GTA 6 launch now being confirmed for the end of the year. Is there anything to read into that reduction of guidance in terms of what some of the selling trends are, or at least signs of demand that you're seeing on that front?

Speaker #5: That would be my first one. And then, the second one is just—I know, Peter, you addressed this a little bit in your prepared remarks, but can you give us a little bit more flavor for how much more work there is left to do in terms of the carve-out of the Hearing business, and whether you see any risks to the timeline there slipping at all?

Veronika Dubajova: Then the second one is just, I know, Peter, you addressed this a little bit in your prepared remarks, but give us a little bit more flavor for how much more work there is left to do in terms of the carve-out of the hearing business and whether you see any risks to the timeline there slipping at all. Thank you, guys.

Speaker #5: Thank you guys.

Speaker #4: Thanks a lot, Veronica. Let me take these. And on gaming, we feel very good about our progress. We feel good about what we've done in the first half.

Peter Karlstromer: Thanks a lot, Veronika. Let me take these. On gaming, we feel very good about our progress. We feel good about what we have done in the H1, and feel good about what we have lined up for the H2. If we look on taking down the guidance, the low end, it is more market-related. We actually believe in a fairly constructive market in the H2 due to the GTA, as you highlight. It looks like it will launch on time now, and it will support the market. As you also can see in our numbers, we actually have the implied guidance for the H2 gaming growth is a very constructive growth. I think it is a little bit more the ground we lost in the H1 due to quite the muted market environment that makes it to make this adjustment.

Speaker #4: I feel good about what we have lined up for the second half. I mean, if we look at taking down the guidance to the low end, it's more market-related.

Speaker #4: And we actually believe in a fairly constructive market in the second half due to the GTA, as you highlight. I mean, it looks like it will launch on time now.

Speaker #4: And it will support the market. But as you also can see in our numbers, we actually have, the implied guidance for the second half gaming growth is a very constructive growth.

Speaker #4: So I think it's a little bit more the ground we lost in the first half, due to a quite muted market environment, that makes us need to make this adjustment.

Peter Karlstromer: I think it is a little bit more the ground we lost in the H1 due to quite the muted market environment that makes it to make this adjustment. We do believe in a good H2. A little bit better market-wise, but in particular also with the great launches which we have planned. On the carve-out, I think it is more on the closing estimate. You know that there are two things that need to happen. One is to carve out the business. That is something we and GN are responsible for, and I think very much in control. I think that is progressing well, and very much is in line.

Speaker #4: So, we do believe in a good second half—a little bit better market-wise, but in particular also with great launches, which we have planned.

Peter Karlstromer: We do believe in a good H2. A little bit better market-wise, but in particular also with the great launches which we have planned. On the carve-out, I think it is more on the closing estimate. You know that there are two things that need to happen. One is to carve out the business. That is something we and GN are responsible for, and I think very much in control. I think that is progressing well, and very much is in line. We will be able to complete this towards the end of the year. On the regulatory side, the evidence we have until today is that that also point to a successful kind of closing of the transaction towards the end of this year. Nothing has really changed. I think we are progressing with this timeline and feel good about it.

Speaker #4: And then on the carve-out—and I think it's more on the closing estimate—you know that there are two things that need to happen.

Speaker #4: One is to carve out the business. That is something we in GE are responsible for. And I think very much in control. I think that is progressing well.

Speaker #4: And very much is in line with being able to complete this towards the end of the year. On the regulatory side, the evidence we have until today is that that also point to a successful kind of closing of the transaction towards the end of this year.

Peter Karlstromer: We will be able to complete this towards the end of the year. On the regulatory side, the evidence we have until today is that that also point to a successful kind of closing of the transaction towards the end of this year. Nothing has really changed. I think we are progressing with this timeline and feel good about it. We will, of course, update you all if something would change, but there is nothing we see at this point in time.

Speaker #4: So nothing has really changed. So I think we are progressing with this timeline and feel good about it. And we'll, of course, update you all if something does change.

Peter Karlstromer: We will, of course, update you all if something would change, but there is nothing we see at this point in time.

Speaker #4: But there is nothing we see at this point in time.

Speaker #2: The next question we have is from Kjartan Lønborg Madsen of Danske Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question we have is from Carsten Madsen of Danske Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question we have is from Carsten Madsen of Danske Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much. Two questions here. First, this supply chain internalization that hits working capital quite hard this quarter—could you try to describe what you are doing?

Carsten Madsen: Thank you very much. Two questions here. First, this supply chain internalization that hits working capital quite hard this quarter. Could you try to describe what are you doing, why are you doing it now, and will this lead to cost savings down the road? Secondly, in terms of your EBITA guide for the year, obviously, you need quite a strong lift in the second part of the year. But how do you see the trajectory? Are we talking about sort of sequential, so improvement Q3 versus Q2 and then Q4 versus Q3? Or is it more of a Q4 thing when all sort of revenue lift comes through and margins improve?

Speaker #1: Why are you doing it now? And will this lead to cost savings down the road? And then secondly, in terms of your EBITDA guide for the year, obviously you need quite a strong lift in the second part of the year.

Speaker #1: But how do you see the trajectory? Are we talking about sort of sequential—as in improvement in Q3 versus Q2, and then Q4 versus Q3? Or is it more of a Q4 thing, when all the revenue lift comes through and margins improve?

Speaker #4: Thanks a lot. Let me start, and then Søren will continue. As some of you know who have looked into our operations in more detail, we've been having an outsourced model for operations in Enterprise and Gaming.

Peter Karlstromer: Thanks a lot. Let me start and then Søren will continue. As some of you know, that have looked into our operations more in detail, we have been having an outsourced model for operations in enterprise and gaming. We still very much believe in that to have an outsourced manufacturing. But we have over time, revisited some of that when it comes to the logistics. So what we are insourcing is essentially our logistics and distribution, and we now would like to be in full control of that ourself. I think it is for a few reasons. We think we can do it more cost-efficient than we can in an outsourced model. We also think that there are significant automations and even AI opportunities to do this better, that we better can control and deliver on if we have it in-house.

Speaker #4: We still very much believe in that to have an outsourced manufacturing but we have over time I mean, revisited some of that when it comes to the logistics.

Speaker #4: So, what we are insourcing is essentially our logistics and distribution. We now would like to be in full control of that ourselves. I think it's for a few reasons.

Peter Karlstromer: I think it is for a few reasons. We think we can do it more cost-efficient than we can in an outsourced model. We also think that there are significant automations and even AI opportunities to do this better, that we better can control and deliver on if we have it in-house. That is why we, from a strategic point of view, would like to have this as own controlled. Then now when we are moving it in, there are some effects on the working capital in this transition.

Speaker #4: We think we can do it more cost-efficiently than what we can in an outsourced model. We also think that there are significant automations and even AI opportunities to do this better.

Speaker #4: That we can better control and deliver on if we have it in-house. So that's why, from a strategic point of view, we would like to have this as GE and controlled.

Peter Karlstromer: That is why we, from a strategic point of view, would like to have this as own controlled. Then now when we are moving it in, there are some effects on the working capital in this transition. There are essentially two things happening. We need to then pay out cash to get it in, but then also we will have good payment terms with our major suppliers, so we will get back some of that. We have just not been able to time it in the same quarter. So you essentially see quite a hit on our cash flow in this quarter, but we will catch up that in the second half, and we believe that the change we do in the supply chain will be very beneficial over time for us.

Speaker #4: And then now, when we're moving it in, there are some effects on the working capital in this transition. I mean, there are essentially two things happening.

Peter Karlstromer: There are essentially two things happening. We need to then pay out cash to get it in, but then also we will have good payment terms with our major suppliers, so we will get back some of that. We have just not been able to time it in the same quarter. So you essentially see quite a hit on our cash flow in this quarter, but we will catch up that in the second half, and we believe that the change we do in the supply chain will be very beneficial over time for us.

Speaker #4: We need to then pay out cash to get it in, but then also, we will have good payment terms with our major suppliers. We will get back some of that.

Speaker #4: We have just not been able to time it in the same quarter, so you essentially see quite a hit on our cash flow in this quarter.

Speaker #4: But we will catch up on that in the second half. And we believe that the changes we're making in the supply chain will be very beneficial over time for us.

Carsten Madsen: Okay.

Speaker #4: And then, when it comes to the EBITDA, I think here, importantly, of course to remember is that the way our top line sort of is balanced in Q3 and Q4 will also impact, of course, the profitability of our business.

Søren Jelert: Then when it comes to the EBITA, I think here importantly, of course, to remember is that the way our top line sort of is balanced in Q3 and Q4 will also impact, of course, the profitability of our business. So in that sense, it will be a gradual improvement where you will see an improvement in the third quarter and of course, a significant improvement in the fourth quarter. In addition to that, of course, bear in mind that the tariff that we now called out for now will of course also be spiking Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #4: So in that sense, it will be a gradual improvement, where you will see an improvement in the third quarter and, of course, a significant improvement in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #4: In addition to that, of course, bear in mind that the tariff that we now called out for will, of course, also be spiking in Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #4: We think that it's balanced between the two quarters, the way we look at it at least. But it will, of course, further improve Q3 and Q4, but also, in totality, is supporting why we have a higher expectation for the second half of the year, as we are assuming these 100 to 150 million to come in in the second half of the year.

Søren Jelert: We think that it is balanced between the two quarters, the way we look at it at least, but it will, of course, further improve in Q3 and Q4, but also in totality is supporting why we have a high expectation for the H2 of the year as we are assuming these 100 to 150 million to come in the H2 of the year.

Speaker #2: Our next question is from Nils Granholm Leith of DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Our next question is from Niels Granholm-Leth of DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question is from Niels Granholm-Leth of DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Now that you expect a return to positive growth in both divisions in the second half, could you talk about the performance that you have seen so far in the two divisions going into Q3?

Niels Granholm-Leth: Thank you. Now that you expect a return to positive growth in both divisions in the H2, could you talk about the performance that you have seen so far in the two divisions going into Q3? Then I have a second question on the competitive situation in enterprise. Could you talk about to what extent that you are seeing bundling of electrical office products, headsets, keyboards, mice, screens, monitors, et cetera, from some of your key competitors? Thank you.

Speaker #1: And then I have a second question on the competitive situation in enterprise. So, could you talk about to what extent you're seeing bundling of electrical office products—headsets, keyboards, mice, screens, monitors, etc.?

Speaker #1: from some of your key competitors? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thanks a lot. Let me take this. I mean, in Q3, we do not have the perfect data yet. Across the business, it is more than for the first month here.

Peter Karlstromer: Thanks a lot. Let me take this. In the Q3, we have not the perfect data yet across the businesses more than for the first month here. I think it is a little bit, yeah, not enough to share to be able to draw the conclusions you would like to see. I think that what is more encouraging for us are the kind of distribution conversations we are having around the new product portfolio in enterprise. They, of course, have all now seen the product. We are starting to have discussions on how to pick those up, stock them, roll them out. While that work is not finished, the initial indications are positive and support essentially our growth outlook here. I think also for enterprise, I think it is very important to take some kind of comfort also in the performance of the products we already launched.

Speaker #4: So I think it's a little bit—yeah, not enough to share to be able to draw the conclusions you would like to see. I think that what's more encouraging for us are the kind of distribution conversations we're having around the new product portfolio in enterprise.

Speaker #4: They, of course, have all now seen the product. We are starting to have discussions on how to pick those up, stock them, and roll them out.

Peter Karlstromer: We are starting to have discussions on how to pick those up, stock them, roll them out. While that work is not finished, the initial indications are positive and support essentially our growth outlook here. I think also for enterprise, I think it is very important to take some kind of comfort also in the performance of the products we already launched.

Speaker #4: While that work is not finished, I mean, the initial indications are positive and essentially support our growth outlook here. I think also for Enterprise, it's very important to take some comfort in the performance of the products we have already launched.

Speaker #4: I said some here in the opening, but let me just reiterate that and talk a bit more about it. I mean, the Evolve2 85 and 75 that we launched in the premium segment—those are all free.

Peter Karlstromer: I said some here in the opening, but let me just reiterate that to talk a bit more about it. The Evolve3 85 and 75 that we launched in the premium segment, we did communicate last quarter that the sell-in for premium grew 50%. Now in Q2, it grew well into double digit in Q2 as well. So it continues to grow. It is not only an initial stocking. And that is essentially driven because the products are selling out very well. They sold out very strongly in Q1 and have continued to sell out very strongly in Q2. So our distributors and resellers need to replenish the stock. So I think the combination of these factors is what creates the confidence for us in believing in that the further launches of enterprise product will further support the business.

Speaker #4: We did communicate last quarter that the selling for premium grew 50%. I mean, now in Q2, it grew, I mean, well into double digits in Q2 as well.

Speaker #4: So, it continues to grow. It's not only an initial stocking, and that is essentially driven because the products are selling out very well. They sold out very strongly in Q1.

Speaker #4: And I've continued to sell out very strongly in Q2, so our distributors and resellers need to replenish the stock. So I think the combination of these factors is what, I mean, creates the confidence for us in believing that the further launches of enterprise products will further support the business.

Speaker #4: Then in Gaming, here we have a performance. I think Q1 was a slow start due to very significant comparisons. In Q2, I think we did well, in particular in headsets and keyboards.

Peter Karlstromer: In gaming, here we have performed, I think Q1 was a slow start due to very significant comparisons. Q2, I think we did well, in particular in headsets and keyboards. And now if we look on H2, we believe that the headset momentum will continue in Q3 and Q4. We also have further launches coming in both mice and keyboards that we think will support the H2 in a really good way. Also for Q4, many of you know this very well, Q4 a year ago was not a great quarter. It was a weak quarter, so the comparison base in Q4, I think for us and probably for quite some of our peers also, I think it is very manageable. So I think this together is helpful to have when you think about growth in H2.

Speaker #4: And now if we look on the second half, we believe that the headset momentum will continue in Q3 and Q4. We also have further launches coming in both mice and keyboards that we think will support the second half in a really good way.

Speaker #4: And also, for Q4—I mean, many of you know us very well—Q4 a year ago was not a great quarter; it was a weak quarter.

Speaker #4: So the comparison based in Q4, I think for us, and probably for quite a few of our peers also, is very manageable.

Speaker #4: So, I think this together is helpful to have when you think about growth in the second half. And then, if I move to the other question about bundling and enterprise, I mean, that is a phenomenon—I think it's been something that's been in enterprise for a long time.

Peter Karlstromer: If I move to the other question about bundling and enterprise, that is a phenomena. I think it has been something that has been in enterprise for a long time, and you can in particular see it for the largest customers in the world. Think about as the Fortune 500 companies, where they are being sold to direct from a salesforce trying to create these type of bundles. And it can be across different categories. It can be between laptops and headsets, or laptop and keyboards, and so on. So we have seen that a longer period of time. It is not our observation that this is increasing. It is something that is there, and I think it is key that this is, of course, something we, compared to others, can do less of. To counter that though, I think that we are 100% channel-led and having a great support of the channel.

Speaker #4: And you can, in particular, see it for the largest customers in the world. Think about it as the Fortune 500 companies, where they are being sold to directly from a Salesforce trying to create these types of bundles.

Speaker #4: And it can be across different categories. It can be between laptops and headsets, or laptops and keyboards, and so on. So we've seen that over a longer period of time.

Speaker #4: It's not our observation that this is increasing. It's something that's there. And I think it's key that this is, of course, something we, compared to others, can do less of.

Peter Karlstromer: It is something that is there, and I think it is key that this is, of course, something we, compared to others, can do less of. To counter that though, I think that we are 100% channel-led and having a great support of the channel. So we are really getting the support from the channel to try to do, sometimes helping us to do this bundling, but also perhaps growing in other parts of the market where we can see some headwind in these type of deals. So net-net, this is something that has been in the market a longer period of time, and don't think it is something changes that would create any kind of headwinds for us.

Speaker #4: To counter that though, I think that we are 100% channel-led and have great support from the channel. So we are really getting the support from the channel to try to do, sometimes, helping us to do these bundlings.

Peter Karlstromer: So we are really getting the support from the channel to try to do, sometimes helping us to do this bundling, but also perhaps growing in other parts of the market where we can see some headwind in these type of deals. So net-net, this is something that has been in the market a longer period of time, and don't think it is something changes that would create any kind of headwinds for us.

Speaker #4: But also perhaps growing in other parts of the market while we can see some headwinds in these types of deals. So net net, this is something that has been in the market for a longer period of time, and I don't think it's something that will create any kind of headwinds for us.

Speaker #2: The next question we have is from David Edlington of JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question we have is from David Adlington of J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question we have is from David Adlington of J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Yeah, good morning. Thanks for the question. I'm going to first repeat a little bit, if that's okay. You had a big slowdown from, I think, 9% in the first quarter to minus 2%.

David Adlington: Yeah, good morning, guys. Thanks for the question. I am going to first on hearing, if that is okay. You had a big slowdown from, I think, 9% in Q1 to -2%. You sort of mentioned a more difficult comp, but I just wondered if there was anything in there due to the transaction on the transition towards Amplifon. Are you seeing customers waiting for the new or anything, any sort of further color there? And on the new launch, I just wondered how incentivized you are to invest in that launch, given obviously the change in own by the end of the year. Thanks.

Speaker #3: You sort of mentioned more difficult comp, but I just wondered if there was anything in there due to the transaction or the transition towards Amplifon.

Speaker #3: Are you seeing customers waiting for the new launch? Any further color there? And then also, on the new launch, I just wondered how incentivized you are to invest in that launch, given obviously the change in ownership by the end of the year.

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Speaker #4: Oh, thank you. We're still caring about hearing—I think that's the main message. I believe we said it already when we were setting out the year: that we expect a fairly strong Q1 due to a relatively easy comparison base.

Peter Karlstromer: Thank you. We are still caring about hearing. I think it is the main message. I believe we said it already when we were setting out the year that we expect a fairly strong Q1 due to a relatively easy comparison base. Then we did say that we thought Q2 would be the weakest quarter, and that we would have a good Q3 and Q4. I think it is very much how it plays out. We knew that Q2 would be weaker due to comparisons, but predominantly also due to that we have a launch now in Q3 that many of our customers have known about, and then slowing down a little bit the purchasing of the generation before. So I think that is what we are experiencing.

Speaker #4: Then we did say that we thought Q2 would be the weakest quarter, and that we would have a good Q3 and Q4. And I think that's very much how it's playing out.

Speaker #4: We knew that Q2 would be weaker due to comparisons but predominantly also due to that we have a launch now in Q3 that many of our customers have known about and then slowing down a little bit the purchasing of the generation before.

Speaker #4: So I think that's what we're experiencing. We also had a quite significant headwind in the large US retailer that we all know has taken the decision to go from three to four suppliers, and now seems to be on the way to go to five.

Peter Karlstromer: We also had a quite significant headwind in the large US retailer, that we all know has taken the decision to go from 3 to 4 suppliers and now seem to be on the way to go to 5. So this is creating quite a bit of a headwind for us of actually several percent of growth for the hearing business. So I think it is. We are not overly worried because we are excited about ReSound Sensia. It is a very strong hearing aid, and we are certainly very motivated to invest in the launch of this. Everything is progressing, and everything works that has been doing with the ReSound Vivia launch before and launches before that. So we do expect a kind of bounce back here already in Q3 and also a very healthy Q4.

Speaker #4: So, it is creating quite a bit of a headwind for us—actually several percent of growth—for the hearing business. So, I think it is.

Speaker #4: We’re not overly worried because we’re excited about Sensia. It’s a very strong hearing aid, and we’re certainly very motivated to invest in the launch of this.

Speaker #4: And so everything is progressing, and everything works that has been done with the Vivia launch before and launches before that. So, we do expect a kind of bounce back here already in Q3.

Speaker #4: And also a very healthy Q4.

Speaker #3: Understood. And is there anything contractually between yourselves and Amplifon in terms of the amount that you're investing in the launch?

David Adlington: Understood. Is there anything contractually between yourself and Amplifon in terms of the amount that you are investing in the launch?

Peter Karlstromer: Not more than that we are committing to run the business as we normally would, which is exactly what we are also doing.

Speaker #4: Not more than that—we are committing to run the business as we normally would, which is exactly what we are also doing.

Speaker #2: The next question we have is from Susanna Ludwig of Bernstein. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question we have is from Susannah Ludwig of Bernstein. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question we have is from Susannah Ludwig of Bernstein. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good morning, and thanks for taking my questions. I have two, please—one is a follow-up on hearing, and the other on enterprise. So, I guess on hearing, in terms of the U.S. retail, where you're facing headwinds—

Susannah Ludwig: Good morning, and thanks for taking my questions. I have two, please. One is a follow-up on Hearing, and the other on Enterprise. I guess on Hearing, in terms of the US retailer where you are facing headwinds, can you talk about why that pressure has stepped up from Q1 to Q2? Is this because you had stocking last Q2 related to Vivia, or are you seeing more pressure from other players in that channel and that increasing? Then on Enterprise, I guess, can you talk in terms of what the price uplift is for Evolve3 in the lower categories like 65 and 45? Do you think there is a similar price elasticity of demand in that mid-segment as in the premium end?

Speaker #5: Can you talk about why that pressure has increased from Q1 to Q2? Is this because you had stocking last Q2 related to Vivia, or are you seeing more pressure from other players in that channel, and is that increasing?

Speaker #5: And then on Enterprise, I guess, can you talk in terms of what the price uplift is for Evolve 3 in the lower categories, like 65 and 45?

Speaker #5: And do you think there’s sort of a similar price elasticity of demand in that mid-segment as in the premium end?

Speaker #4: Thank you. Taking them in the order you asked them, I think you more or less gave the answer in the question. A year ago, we had the Vivia launch, and we had the benefit of some very large orders with this large US retailer.

Peter Karlstromer: Thank you. Taking them in the order you asked them. I think you more or less gave the answer in the question. A year ago, we had the ReSound Vivia launched, and we had the benefit also of some very large order with this large US retailer. I think that's the primary reason behind now the year-over-year kind of headwind there. Then I think that there is, of course, been a longer period where they have introduced more partners, which we respect. I think we have a very good relationship with Costco, and that is still in place. But of course, it naturally puts some pressure over quarters for us, as you still have a little bit of that in there also. Then if you look on the new portfolio, I think there are a few effects on the pricing.

Speaker #4: I think that's the primary reason behind the year-over-year kind of headwind there. Then, I think that there has, of course, been a longer period where they have introduced more partners, which we respect.

Speaker #4: I think we have a very good relationship with Costco, so that is still in place. But of course, it's natural that it puts some pressure over the quarters for us, as you still have a little bit of that in there also.

Speaker #4: And then, if you look at the new portfolio, I mean, I think a few effects on the pricing: one is the prices we are launching the products at, and you cannot compare them completely one-to-one because we're launching the portfolio in a slightly different setup than the existing portfolio.

Peter Karlstromer: One is the prices we are launching the products, and you cannot compare them completely one-to-one because we're launching a portfolio in a slightly different setup than the existing portfolio. But in general, we believe that the Evolve3 relaunch should have a positive ASP effect for us, and it goes for the premium products and also for the mid-tier entry-level products. So if you look like on the portfolio effect, that is what we're setting ourselves out to do. I also think that there's an effect that with a completely refreshed portfolio, we have an easier way to compete, and when you have that, it's also usually easier to price well. So I think that the new portfolio will certainly support both growth and support margins over time.

Speaker #4: But in general, we believe that the Evolve 3 launch should have a positive ASP effect for us. And that goes for the premium products as well as for the mid-tier and entry-level products.

Speaker #4: So if you look at the portfolio effect, that is what we're setting ourselves out to do. I also think that there's an effect that with a completely refreshed portfolio, we have an easier way to compete, and when you have that, it's also usually easier to price well.

Speaker #4: So I think that the new portfolio will certainly support both growth and support margins over time.

Speaker #2: We have a follow-up question from Angela Posinovic of BNPP. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: We have a follow-up question from Andjela Bozinovic of BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Operator: We have a follow-up question from Andjela Bozinovic of BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hi. Thank you for taking my follow-up. I just wanted to understand the phasing of the enterprise into H2, namely your comment on what you've seen in Q3.

Andjela Bozinovic: Hi. Thank you for taking my follow-up. I just wanted to understand the phasing on the enterprise into H2, namely your comment on what you've seen in Q3. Does it mean that we are still on the table to see some growth in Q3, or that's mostly reserved for Q4? Thank you.

Speaker #6: Does it mean that we are still on the table to see some growth in Q3, or is that mostly reserved for Q4? Thank you.

Speaker #4: No, no. Thank you. No, our base assumption is that we will see some level of growth already in Q3.

Peter Karlstromer: No, thank you. No, our base assumption is that we will see some level of growth already in Q3.

Speaker #2: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our question and answer session. I would now like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks.

Operator 2: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our question and answer session, and I would like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our question and answer session, and I would like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks.

Speaker #4: Thank you very much, Alberta. And thank you, everybody on the call, for your time and interest in GN. As always, if you have follow-ups, please reach out to the IR team.

Peter Karlstromer: Thank you very much, operator, and thank you everybody on the call for your time and interest in GN. As always, if you have follow-ups, please reach out to the IR team. Have a nice day.

Speaker #4: Have a nice day.

Operator 2: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

Peter Karlstromer: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

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