Business
Rapala VMC Corporation’s Business Review Q1/2026: Positive start driven by new product introductions and strong fill rates for seasonal load orders
Rapala VMC Corporation’s Business Review Q1/2026: Positive start driven by new product introductions and strong fill rates for seasonal load
About this update from Rapala Vmc Oyj
RAPALA VMC CORPORATION, Company release, May 13, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. EESTJanuary-March (Q1) in briefNet sales were 69.5 MEUR, up 6% from previous year (65.3).With comparable exchange rates sales were 13% up from previous year.Comparable operating profit* was 7.8 MEUR (5.6).Cash flow from operations was -3.8 MEUR (-9.3).Inventories were 82.5 MEUR (84.9).Short-term outlook: The Group expects 2026 full year comparable operating profit* to increase from 2025. President and CEO Cyrille Viellard: “A positive start to 2026 with 13% sales growth at comparable exchange rates, supported by exciting new product introductions and efficient supply chain execution, enabled an encouraging performance despite continued global market uncertainty. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire Rapala VMC team for their dedication to deliver this solid Q1 in turbulent conditions. Under our flagship Rapala brand, key new products—including CrushCity Mooch Minnow, Claptail, Harvest Shad and Snare—have been very well received by the market. Our Sufix fishing lines division, a leader across braids, nylon monofilaments, and fluorocarbon lines, continued to deliver strong momentum, further supported by the launch of the Sufix Defcon fluorocarbon range. Growth in Rapala CrushCity soft baits continues to fuel demand for our innovative VMC jigs. The VMC Minnow Shaker, awarded “Best Terminal Tackle” at ICAST last year, has successfully translated into strong commercial performance. Overall, all brands benefited from positive momentum across the portfolio, underlining the strength of our innovation-driven strategy backed by our portfolio of trusted brands. In the Northern Hemisphere, where the majority of our sales are generated, Q1 is a critical period as retailers prepare for the open water season and replenish inventory. Careful planning and timely ordering resulted in early deliveries and high fill rates, while simultaneously reducing inventory levels. The positive sales development, combined with continued cost discipline, resulted in improved profitability in line with expectations, with comparable operating profit increasing by 39% year-on-year. Looking ahead, we remain cautious given geopolitical volatility and inflationary pressures driven by rising oil prices, that is impacting raw materials such as plastics and could affect end consumer demand. Nevertheless, we rema...