Swedish fashion retailer H&M has reported stronger-than-expected profit growth for the third quarter, with operating earnings surging 40% to 4.9 billion Swedish kronor (€440 million). The company's net profit reached 3.2 billion kronor, up from 2.3 billion kronor in the same period last year, indicating that its strategic shift toward focusing on its core brand is beginning to yield results. The positive earnings surprise sent H&M's shares climbing 12% at market opening.

The profit improvement came despite a slight decline in revenue, which fell from 59 billion to 57 billion kronor. The company attributed the revenue contraction primarily to negative currency effects, with exchange rate movements accounting for approximately five percentage points of the decline. Additionally, H&M reduced its store count by 4% during the period. On a currency-adjusted basis, the retailer actually achieved a modest 2% sales increase, which management suggested was supported by enhanced marketing efforts.

Inventory management showed significant improvement, with available merchandise declining by 9%, pointing to more efficient supply chain operations. The company also reported that its autumn collection has been well-received by customers so far. For September, H&M anticipates currency-adjusted sales to be in line with the previous year's level, though it noted this comparison is against a particularly strong September 2022 when cold weather drove an 11% sales increase.

The positive results from H&M follow recent encouraging signals from the broader fashion retail sector. Earlier this month, Inditex, the Spanish parent company of rival Zara, reported a stronger-than-expected start to the autumn season. The Spanish retailer has consistently outperformed H&M in growth metrics in recent years, benefiting from its lean supply chain and faster fashion cycle. H&M's latest performance suggests the Swedish company may be closing the competitive gap through its renewed focus on brand strength and operational efficiency.

TGS, the Oslo-based energy data provider, has been awarded a significant ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition contract in the Gulf of Mexico, marking another strategic win in one of the company's core markets. The 4D monitor survey is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will span approximately four and a half months. This contract represents continued confidence in TGS's capabilities from the international oil company client, though the specific customer identity remains undisclosed.

The contract was notably absent from TGS's booked position disclosed in the company's second quarter 2025 presentation, indicating a recent acquisition for the seismic data specialist. The Gulf of Mexico remains a critical region for offshore energy production, and 4D seismic monitoring plays an essential role in optimizing reservoir management and production efficiency for major operators in the region.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, emphasized the significance of securing business from repeat customers, stating that the client values TGS's OBN technology and proven track record of project execution. "The client is confident we will deliver high-quality data and insights to optimize production from one of their highest producing facilities in the Gulf of Mexico," Johansen commented, highlighting the operational importance of the project for the customer's production optimization efforts.

TGS's expertise in OBN technology positions the company as a trusted partner for international oil companies seeking to maximize recovery from existing assets. The 4D seismic approach allows operators to monitor reservoir changes over time, providing critical data for production optimization decisions. This latest contract win reinforces TGS's strong position in the Gulf of Mexico market and demonstrates the ongoing demand for advanced seismic monitoring solutions in mature offshore basins.