‘Robust’ tackle sales as Shimano raises profit forecast

Fishing tackle giant Shimano has raised its profit forecast for the year to 54,300 million yen from 49,000m after delivering a 6.9% increase in sales for the nine months ended September 30.

This included a 14.4% increase in net sales to 96,572m from its fishing tackle division compared to the same period last year and a 72.9% increase in operating income to 11,079m. Group sales, which included a 4.6% increase in sales to 278,361m from its much larger bicycle components business, totalled 375,248m (2025: 351,020m).

Shimano told investors that during the first nine months of the year the global economy maintained a solid footing, supported by expanding capital investment in semi-conductors and AI alongside a ‘robust’ employment environment. It added: “However, the economic outlook remained uncertain due to factors such as trends in the trade, the monetary policies of various nations and rising energy prices against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East.”

The company reported that interest in fishing tackle remained ‘firm’ with robust sales and an inventory that maintained appropriate levels overall. Despite poor weather in its home market of Japan, Shimano said sales showed signs of a recovery while adjustments of market inventories made progress.

Overseas, the North American market delivered strong sales, underpinned by favourable fishing conditions on both the west and east coasts.

In Europe, sales performed strongly overall despite market inventories remaining somewhat high due to the effect of poor weather conditions in certain regions.

Despite the Chinese market being affected by typhoons, sales in Asia remained strong, mainly for high-priced reels. Revenue in Australia was similarly robust following favourable fishing conditions mainly on the east coast.

Shimano added: “Under these conditions, the new baitcasting Calcutta Conquest BFS and Vanquish CE reels were well received by anglers. In addition, order taking was also brisk for products that included the Stradic reel.