Nikon reports lower metal AM revenue, revises outlook for 2026
Nikon Corporation, headquartered Tokyo, Japan, has reported that in the first nine months of the year ending March 31, 2026, revenue in its Digital Manufacturing Business segment was ¥16.6 billion (US$106 million), a slight fall compared with the prior period of ¥18.2 billion (US$116 million). The consolidated revenue for the nine-month period for the whole Nikon group was reported to be ¥483.9 billion ($3.1 billion), down from ¥512.6 billion ($3.26 billion) in the prior period.
Revenue in Nikon’s Digital Manufacturing Business was down due to reduced sales of its large-format Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) metal Additive Manufacturing machines. Operating losses widened further following the recognition of impairment losses totalling ¥90.6 billion ($577 million), mainly for goodwill and intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of Nikon SLM Solutions.
In recognition of these impairment losses, Nikon revised its forward-looking plan for the overall Digital Manufacturing Business segment. Nikon cited a “lower future growth rate in the metal 3D printer market” alongside “increased competition, including the emergence of Chinese makers” as key drivers behind the revision.
According to Nikon, “Chinese makers have emerged and are gaining share in general industries mainly in China and Southeast Asia.” It also recognised “other select competitors are also performing well, and competition is intensifying in the defence and space segments, too.”
Despite this, Nikon said that “demand for large-format metal 3D printers, mainly for defence and space segments, is expected to grow.”
Future course of action
Nikon said it plans to “implement structural reforms and lower the breakeven point (leaner organisation, reduced expenses, etc).” In regard to research and development, the company said it will “rein in R&D costs for DED systems and focus on PBF systems.”
It added that the company will “aim to capture mid-to-long-term growth targeting mainly the defence and space segments in regions such as the US and Europe.”
For the full year ending March 31, 2026, Nikon has revised its Digital Manufacturing revenue forecast to ¥25.0 billion ($159 million) and now expects an operating loss of ¥105.0 billion ($669 million) for the segment. Year on year, revenue is now expected to be up ¥1.7 billion ($10.8 million), with operating profit down ¥89.8 billion ($572 million).
