Nokian Tyres reported first-half 2026 sales of about $751.9 million and operating profit of $19.4 million, as higher volumes, pricing and lower manufacturing and material costs strengthened results.

Nokian Tyres’ North American sales increased 5.6% in comparable currencies during the first half of 2026, while the company estimates that the region’s passenger car and light truck replacement tire market declined 5%.

The Finland-based tiremaker generated North American sales of approximately $171.7 million during the first six months of the year, compared with $172.1 million during the same period in 2025. On a reported basis, sales in the region declined 0.3%.

During the second quarter, Nokian’s North American sales totaled approximately $94.3 million, up 0.5% from $93.7 million during the prior-year period. Sales increased 3.7% in comparable currencies.

Globally, Nokian posted first-half net sales of approximately $751.9 million, up 7.6% from $699 million during the first half of 2025. The company says sales grew in all regions and outperformed the market.

Nokian generated segment operating profit of approximately $46.4 million during the first half, compared with $8.9 million during the same period in 2025. Operating profit reached $19.4 million, compared with an operating loss of approximately $24.1 million a year earlier.

The increases were driven by higher sales and lower manufacturing and material costs, according to Nokian officials. The company reported a first-half loss of approximately 2 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of approximately 31 cents per share during the first half of 2025.

Strong second quarter

Nokian’s performance accelerated during the second quarter, when net sales increased 10.6% to approximately $433.1 million, up from $391.8 million during the same period last year.

Segment operating profit climbed 71% to $51.3 million, compared with $30 million during the second quarter of 2025. Segment operating profit represented 11.8% of net sales, up from 7.7% a year earlier.

Operating profit more than doubled to approximately $39.7 million from $16.9 million.

Higher sales volumes, price increases and lower manufacturing and material costs supported the improvement. Central and Southern Europe led regional growth, with second-quarter sales increasing 31.3% to approximately $113.4 million.

Passenger tires lead growth

Passenger car tires were the primary driver of Nokian’s improved first-half results.

The business unit generated first-half sales of approximately $480.3 million, up 10.8% from $433.7 million a year earlier. Its operating profit reached approximately $33.7 million, compared with an operating loss of $21.2 million during the first half of 2025.

Heavy tires posted sales of approximately $139.1 million, a 4.6% increase from $132.9 million. Operating profit rose from approximately $15.2 million to $21.3 million.

Vianor’s first-half sales increased 3.4% to approximately $184.5 million from $178.4 million. However, the retail unit’s operating loss widened from approximately $9.5 million to $13.6 million. Nokian attributed the decline in Vianor’s profitability to cost inflation and an early start to the spring season.

CEO commentary

“In April-June 2026, we delivered a strong quarter in line with our strategic ambition,” says Paolo Pompei, president and CEO of Nokian Tyres. “Operating profit increased by 136%, driven by higher sales volumes and enhanced pricing.”

Pompei says the company continued to strengthen its premium positioning while implementing efficiency initiatives throughout the organization.

“Passenger car tires was the main driver of our improved performance, with both sales and profitability increasing during the quarter,” he says. “Heavy tires returned to sales growth, while maintaining good profitability despite challenging market conditions.”

Products introduced during recent quarters also supported sales, according to Pompei. Winter tires remained Nokian’s largest product category by sales value, while all-season tire sales continued to grow. The company also reported a positive initial customer response to its new Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 winter tire.

“Geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty are likely to persist, but our priorities remain clear,” says Pompei. “We continue to focus on executing our strategy, strengthening our premium positioning and improving profitability.”

Full-year guidance

Nokian has maintained its full-year 2026 guidance.

The company expects net sales to grow compared with 2025 and projects that segment operating profit will equal 8% to 10% of net sales.

Nokian expects tire demand in its markets to remain flat during 2026. The company says global economic conditions and geopolitical, trade and tariff uncertainties could create volatility, while new products, pricing and product-mix improvements and efficiency initiatives are expected to support profitability.