[Weekend Money] "It Took Off in the U.S." Operating Profit Up 74%... This Company Now Equips 'AI Smart Glasses'

VC Records 2.1 Billion Won in Q2 Operating Profit

"Global Sales Gain Momentum"

U.S. Sales Jump 144%

Boosted by Expanding Golf Tech Demand

Voice-Based Rangefinder App for AI Smart Glasses to Launch This Year

VC, a company specializing in golf rangefinders and wearable devices, posted a significant improvement in its results for the second quarter of this year. The rapid rise in overseas sales, led by the United States, as well as the expansion of its product portfolio to include rangefinders, running watches, and swing sticks, drove this robust performance. Additionally, an artificial intelligence (AI) smart glass application currently under development by the company has drawn attention as a potential new growth engine.

According to Briars Insight on August 16, VC’s second-quarter revenue for this year reached 17.4 billion won, a 41.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Operating profit climbed to 2.1 billion won, up 74.4%. The operating margin also improved by 2.3 percentage points to 12.0% compared to the same period last year. This marked a significant improvement, especially as operating profit was initially forecast to be near breakeven in the second quarter.

The improvement in performance was driven by the overseas business. Domestic sales reached 9.4 billion won, a 16.0% increase over the same period last year, bolstered by increased sales of new products such as rangefinders, running watches, and swing sticks. Overseas sales surged to 8.0 billion won, up by 90.0%.

Growth in U.S. sales was particularly notable. Revenue from the U.S. soared to 6.6 billion won, a 144.0% increase compared to the same period last year. This was attributable to rising demand in the U.S. golf tech market, increased sales of products such as launch monitors, and the addition of some original design manufacturing (ODM) sales to the figures.

Choi Jaeho, a researcher at Briars Insight, commented, “Performance has improved as products with several competitive advantages have gained market share and as global sales recognition ramps up. Through global expansion, the company is entering a second heyday.”

VC is preparing AI smart glasses as its next growth engine. Briars Insight projects that the global AI smart glass market will grow from USD 13.18 billion in 2026 to USD 62.64 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.5%.

There is analysis suggesting that within the golf sector, wearable devices currently centered on smartwatches could expand to AI smart glasses. The advantages include the ability to receive real-time AI coaching via voice, conduct hands-free shooting and analysis during play, access course information, and make calls without using hands.

VC is currently developing and testing a voice-based rangefinder application for integration into AI smart glasses produced by leading global companies, with plans to launch in the second half of this year. The company’s strategy is to combine new hardware with software, simultaneously boosting product sales and profitability.

The growth momentum is expected to accelerate further next year. Briars Insight forecasts that VC’s operating profit will exceed 4 billion won this year. By 2027, with the addition of new U.S.-bound ODM orders worth approximately 15 billion won, expanded application of APL (Auto Pin Location) technology in U.S. golf courses, and deployment of AI smart glass applications, operating profit is expected to significantly surpass 8 billion won.

Researcher Choi stated, “In 2027, new ODM orders for the U.S., broader implementation of APL technology at U.S. courses, and integration of AI smart glass applications will drive growth. As the company continues to demonstrate rapid performance improvement, its undervaluation is also expected to be gradually resolved.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.