#Norway #Oslo #Opera Limited #MiniPay #Browser Connector

Opera Limited Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Opera Limited, listed on NASDAQ under the ticker OPRA, recently announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, showcasing impressive growth metrics that surpassed both revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance ranges.

Financial Highlights

The quarter ending March 31, 2026, marked a significant milestone for Opera as it recorded revenues reaching $175.8 million, which reflects a robust growth of 23% year-over-year. This growth is attributed to strong performances across advertising and query revenues. Notably, adjusted EBITDA also saw a 30% year-over-year increase, amounting to $42.0 million, illustrating a sustainable profit margin of 24%.

Lin Song, the company's CEO, expressed confidence in Opera's trajectory, stating, “We are off to a very strong start in 2026, with both revenue and adjusted EBITDA exceeding the high-end of our guidance.” This optimism is supported by innovative product launches that place Opera at the forefront of blending traditional web browsing with advanced AI functionalities.

Product Developments

Significant strides were made in product innovation in the first quarter, particularly with the launch of Browser Connector, which transforms the conventional browser into an interactive AI layer. This advancement permits users' AI platforms to access and comprehend webpage content, track open tabs, and even capture screenshots for analysis, thereby enhancing user choices in a technology-driven market. Furthermore, MiniPay continues on a growth trajectory, reaching 15 million cumulative activated wallets in March, indicating its growing influence in emerging markets.

The company's forward-looking guidance remains positive. For the second quarter of 2026, Opera anticipates a revenue increase of 23% to 25%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin sustaining around 23%. For the full year, the revenue guidance has also been elevated to between $727 million and $740 million, alongside an expected adjusted EBITDA range of $170 million to $174 million.

User Engagement Metrics

Opera's user engagement has also positively impacted overall metrics, showcasing 288 million average monthly active users (MAUs) during the quarter. This represents a significant milestone, marking an increase of 4 million users over the previous quarter, bolstered by the introduction of the innovative Opera One R3 browser featuring built-in AI tools.

The e-commerce sector continues to drive substantial advertising revenue, contributing 67% to total revenues with a year-over-year growth of 24%. Query revenue similarly expanded by 23%, reiterating the effectiveness of Opera's strategic advertising partnerships.

Financial Outlook and Strategic Insights

As Opera moves forward, the focus will remain on capitalizing on its digital monetization strategies while maintaining strict cost discipline. CFO Frode Jacobsen reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Our first quarter performance reflects our strong momentum in the business, which drives incremental revenue growth.” He also highlighted the importance of continued investment in core areas, alongside entertaining shares buyback programs and dividends to boost shareholder value.

Conclusion

Overall, Opera Limited's remarkable first quarter 2026 performance serves as a testament to its robust business model and strategic foresight. With ongoing innovations and a dedication to improving user experience, the company is well-equipped to navigate the evolving technology landscape. As Opera keeps expanding its presence through effective marketing strategies and upgraded product offerings, stakeholders can expect sustained growth and profitability in the upcoming quarters.