The Finnish sports equipment and clothing group Amer Sports has reported a significant increase in sales for the first quarter of 2026.
The group behind sports and outdoor brands such as Arc’teryx, Salomon and Peak Performance was able to increase sales by 32 percent to 1.95 billion US dollars (1.68 billion euros) compared to the previous year. On a currency-adjusted basis, sales grew by 26 percent.
The development was led by the technical clothing segment and outdoor performance brands. Management then raised its financial forecast for the full year.
Operating profit grew by 50 percent to $321 million. This resulted in an operating margin of 16.5 percent. Net income attributable to shareholders increased 22 percent to $165 million.
Segment performance driven by technical apparel and outdoor growth
The technical apparel division, which includes the Arc’teryx brand, reported a 33 percent increase in sales to $885 million. On a currency-adjusted basis, this corresponds to 28 percent. The segment achieved comparable omnichannel growth of 19 percent.
Sales in the outdoor performance segment grew 42 percent to $714 million. This corresponds to an increase of 33 percent on a currency-adjusted basis. The growth was mainly driven by Salomon soft goods.
The ball and racket sports division recorded a sales increase of 13 percent to $347 million. On a currency-adjusted basis, this corresponds to ten percent.
James Zheng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amer Sports, stated that the momentum continued across all segments, regions and sales channels in the first quarter of 2026. Zheng emphasized that the unique portfolio of technical sports and outdoor brands is successfully gaining market share worldwide.
Raised financial forecast for the full year 2026
Following first-quarter results, Amer Sports Chief Financial Officer Andrew Page announced that the group had raised its full-year revenue, margin and earnings per share forecasts. Page highlighted the extraordinary trends at the three biggest growth drivers: Arc’teryx, Salomon-Softgoods and Wilson Tennis 360.
For the full year ending December 31, 2026, Amer Sports now expects reported sales growth of between 20 and 22 percent. This forecast includes an expected benefit of 200 to 250 basis points from favorable exchange rate effects. The adjusted gross margin is forecast at 59.0 to 59.5 percent. The adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 13.4 and 13.7 percent.
For the second quarter, which runs through June 30, the group is forecasting reported sales growth of 22 to 24 percent. The adjusted gross margin for the second quarter is expected to be around 59.5 percent. The adjusted operating margin should be between six and seven percent.
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