SAN-A <2659> surged in the afternoon session. At 3:00 PM on the 7th, the company announced a share buyback program capped at 7 million shares (11.32% of total outstanding shares, excluding treasury stock) with a total repurchase value of up to \15 billion. Buying accelerated on expectations of a favorable impact on supply-demand dynamics. The repurchase window runs from the 8th through February 26, 2027, with shares to be acquired via open market purchases on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Concurrently, the company released its earnings guidance for the fiscal year ending February 2027, projecting net sales of \257.27 billion, up 4.8% year-on-year, and net income of \11.025 billion, up 3.3%. Regarding the year-end dividend for the fiscal year ended February 2026, the company finalized a payout of \125 per share, comprising the previously announced \100 plus a special commemorative dividend of \25 to mark the 25th anniversary of its stock exchange listing. The company is guiding for a year-end dividend of \110 per share for the current fiscal year.

Weathernews <4825> rebounded after an early session decline. Third-quarter cumulative results (June 2025 ? February 2026), released after the close on the 6th, showed net sales of \18.265 billion (up 4.8% year-on-year) and operating profit of \3.776 billion (up 20.4% year-on-year). The announcement of a commemorative dividend marking the company's 40th anniversary was well received, drawing buying interest. Within the corporate segment, the "Sea Domain" division ? supporting long-haul voyages for large vessels ? held steady year-on-year despite some contract losses, offset by new client acquisitions and upselling to existing customers. The "Sky Domain" division, providing aviation weather services to airlines and the helicopter market, delivered strong performance, while the "Land Domain" division serving infrastructure operators such as railways also posted growth. The consumer-facing "Internet Domain" division continued its steady trajectory, driven by growth in weather app users and advertising revenue.

Kohnan Shoji <7516> extended its winning streak to six consecutive sessions. The company released its March monthly sales data (consolidated) on the 6th. Same-store sales rose 3.6% year-on-year, surpassing prior-year levels for the first time in two months ? a result that appears to have been well received by the market. Same-store customer traffic edged up 0.2%, while average spend per customer increased 3.3%, both contributing to the top-line performance. Sales of interior construction-related products and large-capacity detergents remained robust, and favorable weather conditions drove strong demand for gardening products, including weed control items and fertilizers.

FIXER <5129> surged for a second consecutive session. Microsoft announced on the 3rd a \1.6 trillion ($10 billion) investment in Japan spanning 2026 to 2029. The company also announced it has begun exploring the joint development of AI infrastructure solutions in Japan in partnership with SAKURA internet <3778> and others, a development that has continued to propel SAKURA internet's share price higher. With respect to FIXER, the company reached a preliminary agreement with SAKURA internet in 2024 to offer "GaiXer on SAKURA Cloud" ? a fully domestic service running its generative AI platform "GaiXer" on SAKURA internet's cloud infrastructure. Speculation that Microsoft's domestic investment will positively impact FIXER's business pipeline via its SAKURA internet partnership has sustained inflows from investment funds throughout the week.

JINS Holdings <3046> rose for a fifth consecutive session. After the close on the 6th, the company released its March monthly sales report (preliminary). Same-store sales at domestic eyewear stores climbed 7.6% year-on-year, marking 38 consecutive months of revenue growth ? a result that attracted buying interest. Seasonal product offerings drove sales, while ongoing promotional campaigns and in-store customer service enhancements lifted the average purchase price per customer. Total store sales increased 11.0% year-on-year.

INTERMESTIC <262A> posted a sharp gain for a second consecutive session. After the close on the 6th, the company released its domestic monthly sales report for March. Same-store sales in the Zoff business surged 12.7% year-on-year, sustaining its growth momentum and attracting favorable buying. Various initiatives, including the "25th Anniversary Fair" launched the prior month, proved successful, and a collaboration with the popular character "Chiikawa" resonated well with consumers. Total store sales in the Zoff business rose 16.8% year-on-year.

*This report may contain unverified information. All investment decisions should be made at your own discretion and risk.

Source: MINKABU PRESS