VTech Announces FY2026 Annual Results
Higher gross profit margin despite lower revenue and profit
- Group revenue declined 6.9% to
US$2,027.5 million - Gross profit margin improved from 31.5% to 32.7%
- Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company decreased 14.5% to
US$134.1 million - Final dividend of US36.0 cents per ordinary share, which brings the full-year dividend to US53.0 cents per ordinary share, representing a dividend payout ratio of 100%
- Strong financial position with net cash and no bank borrowing
"VTech reported a decrease in revenue in the financial year 2026. Changes in US tariff policies and depressed consumer sentiment, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, resulted in lower revenue across electronic learning products, telecommunication products and contract manufacturing services. Consequently, despite continued improvements in the gross profit margin, Group profit declined," said Mr.
Results and Dividend
Group revenue for the year ended
Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company decreased by 14.5% to
Basic earnings per share decreased by 14.7% to US52.9 cents, compared to US62.0 cents in the financial year 2025.
The Board of Directors has proposed a final dividend of US36.0 cents per ordinary share, providing a full-year dividend of US53.0 cents per ordinary share, a 13.1% decrease from the US61.0 cents declared in the previous financial year. This represents a dividend payout ratio of 100%.
Costs
The Group's gross profit margin in the financial year 2026 rose to 32.7%, as compared with 31.5% in the financial year 2025. This was mainly attributable to lower cost of materials, as material prices decreased. A more favourable product mix, increases in product prices, the strength of European currencies against the US dollar and lower freight charges also contributed to the improvement in margin. The gains were partially offset by additional tariffs imposed on the US-bound products and higher direct labour costs as a percentage of Group revenue.
Segment Results
Group revenue in
ELPs revenue in
Standalone products saw sales decrease, with declines across all key product categories. This was mainly due to the lower shipment to the US in the first half of the financial year 2026 following the change in US tariff policy. Core learning products and key product lines all posted sales decreases, for both the VTech and LeapFrog brands. Despite this, seven VTech and LeapFrog products ranked among the top 20 best-selling infant and toddler toys in the US during the calendar year 2025. Notably, VTech's First Steps®
Platform products sales grew, driven by new product launches. The LeapFrog brand was boosted by the launch of the exciting new motion-based learning system LeapMove™, which performed well during the holiday seasons. This offset lower sales of children's educational tablets. Sales of Magic Adventures® Globe and the interactive reading system, meanwhile, held steady. By contrast, VTech branded platform products reported a sales decline, mainly because of lower sales of KidiZoom® Smartwatch and Touch & Learn Activity Desk™. Subscriptions to LeapFrog Academy™ were stable.
The Group gained eight awards from trusted parenting websites, toy industry experts, toy advisory boards and major retailers in
TEL products revenue in
Sales of residential phones fell amid the ongoing contraction of the US market. Despite these headwinds, the Group continued to introduce new products and retain its popularity with consumers. The AT&T DLP73290 residential phone saw particularly strong sales throughout the financial year 2026, complemented by a good reception for the new AT&T BL108 cordless phone, which hit US shelves in
Commercial phone revenue also experienced a decline, as higher sales of hotel phones were insufficient to offset weakness in SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phones, multi-line analogue phones and headsets. Growth in the hotel phone category was driven by increasing sales of the "Next Gen" product line. SIP phones, however, recorded fewer sales owing to decreased orders from a customer, though the new Snom D8 series of SIP desktop phones launched successfully in the US and was well received by the market. Multi-line analogue phones posted a decline as the products reached the end of their life cycle, while headset sales were lower due to reduced orders from a customer.
Other telecommunication products reported a sales decrease, as higher sales of IoT (Internet of Things) products were offset by lower sales of baby monitors and CareLine® residential phones. IoT products posted higher sales of thermostats for hotel channels. However, this was offset by lower sales of baby monitors due to increasing competition. In addition, CareLine residential phones experienced lower orders owing to weak end-user demand. During the financial year 2026, VTech maintained its position as the number one baby monitor brand in the US and
CMS revenue in
Orders at the Group's facility in
Group revenue in
ELPs revenue in
In the standalone category, sales of LeapFrog were higher, led by infant products, the Magic Adventures line and eco-friendly toys. VTech saw lower sales, as an increase in preschool products, electronic learning aids and the Kidi® line failed to offset declines in infant and toddler products, KidiZoom cameras, Switch & Go Dinos®, Marble Rush® and eco-friendly toys.
Platform products saw higher sales, with growth in LeapFrog products offsetting a decline for VTech. The increase at LeapFrog was driven by the launch of LeapMove, higher sales of the interactive reading system and Magic Adventures Globe. For VTech, sales of KidiZoom Smartwatch, children's educational tablets, Touch & Learn Activity Desk and KidiCom™ all declined.
The Group continued to win accolades across the continent during the financial year 2026. LeapMove and Story'Clock - Ma conteuse-réveil (Sleep & Wake Storyteller™) were both named in
Revenue from TEL products in
In residential phones, growth was mainly driven by increasing sales of the Gigaset product lines. The launch of new Gigaset models, including entry-level products such as the AD100, Basic 100 and Essential 300 series boosted growth. These were joined by the Comfort 600 SIM which offers consumers the convenience of a home phone without the need for a landline. Sales performed especially well in
Sales of commercial phones and smartphones also increased. This resulted from higher orders from a customer, as well as rising sales of Snom branded SIP phones and Gigaset smartphones. An existing customer has relocated its IP (Internet Protocol) phone production to Gigaset's facilities in
Sales of other telecommunication products in
CMS revenue in
Despite stable demand for smart meters, sales of IoT products declined as orders for internet connected thermostat and air-conditioning controls were affected by a customer's over-inventory as it faced more competition. Automotive products sales trended lower, as orders for electric vehicle chargers declined. Sales of smart energy storage systems were negatively affected by the removal of subsidies by the Swedish government. By contrast, new product launches and market share gains by customers drove professional audio equipment sales higher, while communication products benefitted from higher orders for Wi-Fi routers following new product launches and a reduction in customer inventory. Medical and health products sales were stable, as lower orders for hair removal products were balanced by rising orders for hearing aids.
During the financial year 2026, VTech CMS won four supplier awards in
Group revenue in
Revenue from ELPs in
In
TEL products revenue in
CMS revenue in
Other Regions
Group revenue in Other Regions, comprising
ELPs revenue in Other Regions increased by 8.6% to
TEL products revenue in Other Regions fell by 15.2% to
CMS revenue in Other Regions was immaterial in the financial year 2026.
50th Anniversary
"This year marks a major milestone: VTech's 50th anniversary,"
"The journey has never been easy. Along the way, we have overcome some extraordinary challenges, from global recession and financial crises to the COVID pandemic. Above all, our success is testament to our dedicated employees and the steadfast support of our business partners. We have built a vibrant culture of innovation that empowers talented people to create the innovative products that consumers want, year after year. Looking to the future, with our exceptional team, I am confident VTech will not only grow in the decades ahead but also continue to contribute to the well-being of people around the world."
Outlook
The US tariff situation appears to have stabilised somewhat, lending more certainty to purchase decisions. The conflict in the
Despite this challenging picture, Group revenue is expected to grow in the financial year 2027, with sales of ELPs and TEL products forecast to trend higher, and CMS revenue to hold steady year-on-year. Gross profit margin is projected to decline because of surging material costs.
ELPs revenue for the financial year 2027 is projected to increase, driven by solid anticipated performance across both standalone and platform products. The Group boasts a robust product line-up for the calendar year 2026 that has already garnered good support from retailers.
Sales of standalone products are expected to rebound, fuelled by an expanded range of infant, toddler and preschool offerings. Revenue will be further bolstered by two new additions to the popular Kidi Star™ musical toy line, Rockstar Guitar™ and DJ Mixer Pro™. These will launch alongside a growing portfolio of licensed products featuring popular characters such as Toy Story, Bluey, PAW Patrol, and Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Notably, the highly anticipated global launch of LeapFrog's Toy Story 5 Explore & Learn Lilypad is expected to deliver good results. Regionally,
TEL product sales are forecast to increase in the financial year 2027, supported by a solid pipeline of new releases. Residential phone sales will benefit from new LTE (long-term evolution) home devices in the US and
Commercial phones and smartphones will also grow through expanded ranges and product innovation. Key launches include the CrewPTT push-to-talk solution for the multi-cell DECT system, new Wi-Fi phones for the Gigaset Pro range and new Snom SIP desktop models. The next generation of Gigaset smartphones, GX30 and GX50, will add to the momentum. Both models feature rugged designs and replaceable batteries, making them ideal for outdoor and industrial use. Growth will be further supported by the ongoing transfer of the customer's IP phone production to Gigaset's German facilities, alongside upcoming Gigaset headsets currently under development.
Rounding out the TEL products portfolio, innovation continues across the other telecommunication product category, highlighted by the rollout of a new AI-enabled baby monitor in
CMS revenue is projected to remain steady in the financial year 2027, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Although customers continue to manage operations with lean inventory levels, overall business confidence has shown signs of improvement. Consequently, sales across key product categories, including professional audio equipment and hearables, are expected to remain broadly stable. Alongside this solid foundation, CMS will continue to develop its ODM business.
To meet future demand, the facility expansion in
"While the global landscape remains uncertain, VTech's core strengths continue to provide stability. Our solid balance sheet, diversified manufacturing capabilities, strong brand portfolio and innovative global product offerings form an enduring foundation for long-term success," said
Notes:
[1] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service. Ranking based on total retail sales of VTech and LeapFrog products in the combined toy categories of Early Electronic Learning, Toddler Figures/Playsets & Accessories, Preschool Electronic Learning, Electronic Entertainment (excluding Tablets) and Walkers for the 12 months ended
[2] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, January –
[3] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, Cordless Phone, Dollars and Units,
[4] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US & CA, Baby Monitors, Units,
[5] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, January –
[6] GfK Retail and Technology UK Limited, EU7,
[7] Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service. Ranking based on total retail sales of VTech and LeapFrog products in the combined toy categories of Early Electronic Learning, Toddler Figures/Playsets & Accessories, Preschool Electronic Learning, Electronic Entertainment (excluding Tablets) and Walkers for the 12 months ended
About VTech
VTech is the global leader in electronic learning products from infancy through toddler and preschool and the world's largest supplier of residential phones. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Its culture of integrity, accountability and innovation guides the company towards a sustainable future.
Established in 1976, VTech has been the pioneer in the electronic learning toy category and its products incorporate advanced educational expertise and cutting-edge innovation. The Group's telecommunication products elevate home and business users' experience through the latest in technology and design. As a leading electronic manufacturing service provider, VTech offers full turnkey services in facilities that are moving towards Industry 4.0 manufacturing.
With a global workforce of approximately 20,000 employees in 19 countries and regions, VTech maintains R&D centres, manufacturing operations and sales subsidiaries across the
Shares of VTech Holdings Limited are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKSE: 303).
Note: Starting from 22:00,
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SOURCE VTech
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