Nokia Is Not Gone, AI Business Soars and Partners with Indosat, What Is the Fate of Its Legendary Phones?
Nokia reported Q3 2026 net sales of €5.15B, up 10% YoY, driven by AI and cloud demand. Net profit rose 95% to €156M. The company, now focused on telecom networks and AI, partnered with NVIDIA for AI-RAN tech and with Indosat for AI and 5G in Indonesia. Nokia no longer produces smartphones, with HMD Global licensing the brand for basic phones. Nokia maintains 2026 adjusted profit guidance of €2.1B-€2.6B.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The earnings beat and guidance suggest a potential rally in Nokia shares and may influence peers like Ericsson.
Market read
Nokia's strong Q3 results and AI focus could lift telecom equipment stocks and signal broader AI‑network demand.
What to watch
Higher operating costs from restructuring could pressure margins despite revenue growth.
Background
Nokia, once a dominant phone maker, has shifted to network, AI, and data‑center infrastructure, partnering with NVIDIA and Indosat.
Ticker impact
Nokia reported Q3 2026 net sales of €5.15 bn, profit up 95% and kept FY operating profit guidance at €2.1‑2.6 bn.
likely upward pressure as investors price in higher growth and guidance
Quarterly results exceed prior year and guidance remains bullish, which typically drives buying.
Market effects
Highlights accelerating demand for AI‑enabled network infrastructure across telecom sector.
Boosts outlook for European telecom equipment makers and related suppliers.
Reinforces trend of AI integration in 5G networks worldwide.
Counterpoint
If AI‑RAN rollout faces delays, the earnings boost may be short‑lived.
Key entities
- CompanyNokia Corp
Finnish telecom equipment and AI infrastructure provider.
- CompanyNVIDIA Corp
Partner providing AI compute for Nokia's AI‑RAN.
- CompanyIndosat Ooredoo Hutchison
Indonesian telecom operator collaborating on AI‑RAN projects.
