Nokian Posts First Quarter Results

Nokian Tyres recorded $327.5 million in net sales during the first quarter of 2026, a year-over-year increase of 4.9%.

The company expects to increase its overall sales in 2026, with segment operating profit as a percentage of net sales in the 8% to 10% range.

CEO comments

Commenting on first quarter results, Paolo Pompei, Nokian's president and CEO, said 1Q 2026 "marked the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement in both sales and operating profit, demonstrating that our disciplined strategy execution is delivering tangible results. At the same time, we are continuously strengthening our premium positioning in the market and improving efficiency through multiple initiatives across our operations and manufacturing sites."

Pompei says passenger tire sales were Nokian's main sales driver during the first three months of 2026. "The most exciting highlight of the quarter was the launch of the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01. This product represents not only our latest technological breakthrough, but also one of the most significant
innovations in winter tire technology in decades. With this launch, we are raising the bar for the entire industry by introducing the studded winter tire that automatically adapts to temperature changes.

"Together with other flagship products released in the first quarter, such as Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P, it highlights our strong innovation capability in premium winter tires and further strengthens our leadership in a segment that is central to our heritage and core business.

"With the significant investment phase now behind us, our focus in 2026 and the years ahead is on sustainable, value-driven growth," he says. "The updated strategy and financial targets launched in February provide a clear direction through 2029. By then, as communicated at the Capital Markets Day in February, we aim to improve profitability by more than EUR 200 million ($234 million) through commercial actions and efficiency improvement initiatives. At the same time, cash flow is improving and capital expenditure is
returning to normalized levels, enhancing our financial flexibility going forward.

"Looking ahead, market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are likely to persist. We are closely monitoring developments and evaluating multiple scenarios."

Demand outlook

Nokian believes tire demand in its markets will remail flat in 2026.

"Development of (the) global economy, as well as geopolitical, trade and tariff uncertainties, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, may cause volatility to the company’s business environment," say Nokian officials.