FAST RETAILING CO., LTD. <9983> rebounded sharply and hit a new year-to-date high. After the close of trading on the 9th, the company revised upward its consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending August 2026, raising net sales from \3,800 billion to \3,900 billion (up 14.7% year-on-year), operating profit from \650 billion to \700 billion (up 24.1%), and net profit from \450 billion to \480 billion (up 10.9%). The company also raised its dividend forecast from \540 per share (\270 interim and \270 year-end) to \640 per share (\320 interim and \320 year-end), compared to \500 in the previous fiscal year. These revisions were well received by investors.

The upward revisions were driven by solid performance of the Uniqlo business both domestically and internationally, as well as a review of second-half earnings forecasts based on recent sales trends. The company also revised its assumed exchange rates to reflect the recent trend of yen depreciation. Regarding the Middle East situation, while the company has factored in impacts currently anticipated, such as increased transportation costs in some countries, it stated that there would be no major impact on production or logistics for this fiscal year, as product manufacturing is already underway and transportation countermeasures have been implemented.

For the interim period ending February, the company reported net sales of \2,055.2 billion (up 14.8% year-on-year), operating profit of \400.66 billion (up 31.7%), and net profit of \279.29 billion (up 19.6%). The company achieved greater sales growth than ever before, centered on the Uniqlo business both domestically and internationally, by breaking away from dependence on winter products and building a business foundation with year-round products that provide new value to customers. The GU business also contributed significantly with substantial profit growth as a result of business structural reforms.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

*Translated by generative AI. Click here for the original article.