H&M reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings, its second straight profit beat. Net sales reached 57 billion kronor ($5.3 billion), while operating profit rose to 4.9 billion kronor ($456 million), well above forecasts of 3.7 billion kronor. Gross margin was 52.9%, with an operating margin of 8.6%. The company credited improved margins, tighter cost controls, and higher marketing investment for driving consumer traffic despite macroeconomic headwinds. H&M expects September sales to be flat YoY, following an 11% surge last year. Shares jumped over 10% after the results, which analysts see as confirmation that CEO Daniel Erver’s strategy is steering the firm to recovery.