Nokian Tyres reports a third quarter in which sales grow moderately and profit rises sharply. The Nasdaq Helsinki-listed tire maker puts net sales for July through September 2026 at 359.1 million euros, up 4.4% from 344.1 million euros a year earlier, or 2.9% in comparable currencies. Operating profit is 37.9 million euros, up 73.5% from 21.8 million euros. The company also moves its 2026 profitability outlook to the higher end of its earlier range.
Third quarter results
Segments operating profit, the company's adjusted measure, rises 45.3% to 47.0 million euros from 32.4 million euros. Nokian Tyres says the increase comes from price repositioning and lower manufacturing and material costs. Earnings per share are 0.17 euros, compared with 0.04 euros in the third quarter of 2025.
President and CEO Paolo Pompei describes the quarter as a continuation of recent progress:
Our strong performance continued in the third quarter. Operating profit increased by 73%, and year to date earnings per share turned positive for the first time since 2021, marking an important milestone in our transformation journey.
Paolo Pompei, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres
Pompei says the Passenger Car Tyres business led the improvement, with higher sales and a segment operating profit margin of 20.5%. Heavy Tyres also increased sales despite what he calls challenging market conditions, and its segment operating profit margin reached 15.3%.
North America
For the first nine months, Nokian Tyres says its sales growth outperformed the market in Central and Southern Europe and in North America. The regional breakdown comes from the full interim report, which the company attaches to its release, and the figures there are in euros. In the third quarter, North American net sales are 82.5 million euros, up 5.3% from 78.4 million euros, and the increase is also 5.3% in comparable currencies. For January through September, North American net sales are 233.1 million euros, up 1.6% from 229.4 million euros, or 5.5% in comparable currencies.
Nine-month results
Net sales for January through September are 1,018.7 million euros, up 6.4% from 957.3 million euros, or 5.9% in comparable currencies. Operating profit is 54.9 million euros, compared with 0.7 million euros a year earlier. Segments operating profit more than doubles, rising 118.2% to 87.7 million euros from 40.2 million euros, which Nokian Tyres attributes to higher sales and lower manufacturing and material costs. Earnings per share are 0.15 euros, compared with a loss of 0.23 euros.
Outlook moves to the higher end of the range
Nokian Tyres now expects segments operating profit for 2026 to land at the higher end of a 9% to 10% share of net sales. Its previous guidance, given on July 17, 2026, was 8% to 10%. The company still expects net sales to grow from 2025. Its assumptions include flat tire demand in its markets this year, and it cites geopolitical, trade and tariff uncertainty as a source of volatility.
New winter tires reach consumers
Pompei points to new products as a driver of the company's premium positioning:
New products remain a key driver of our premium positioning and profitable growth. During the quarter, our latest winter tire innovations became available to consumers in their target markets: Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 mainly for the Nordics and North America, and Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P for Central and Southern Europe.
Paolo Pompei, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres
He adds that both tires did well in tests by leading automotive magazines. He also says the multi-year investment phase is complete, so capital spending will be lower this year. Nokian Tyres plans to publish its financial statement release for 2026 on Feb. 9, 2027.
More about the company is available from Nokian Tyres, Nokian Tires in North America and the Nokian Tyres company and investor site.
