Food manufacturer ウェルディッシュ announced on the 21st that it had changed the year-end dividend for the fiscal year ending August 2026 to zero and would abolish its shareholder benefit program. In response, its share price briefly plunged to ¥87, down ¥32 from the previous day’s close.
ウェルディッシュ announced on the 21st that it had changed the year-end dividend for the fiscal year ending August 2026 from ¥4 per share to zero and would abolish its shareholder benefit program after the August-end record date. Shares fell sharply in reaction to the announcement made after the previous day’s close, briefly trading below ¥100. The closing price was ¥87, down ¥32 from the previous day.
The company explained that an independent investigation committee was investigating improper transactions involving its former representative director and that the accounting auditor’s mid-year resignation meant that the financial statement audit was still ongoing. It said that it would prioritize stabilizing its financial base and improving its internal control system.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange designated the company as a Security on Special Alert effective 29 September. The company plans to submit a draft improvement plan in mid-November and make a timely disclosure in late December. It also stated that it may revise its earnings forecast when it discloses results for the fiscal year ending August 2026.
The table shows changes involving the discontinuation of the previously planned year-end dividend and shareholder benefits, as well as the designation as a Security on Special Alert. The discontinuation of the dividend and benefits is believed to have affected individual investors’ willingness to hold the shares.
The share price fell sharply after the announcement, with trading below ¥100 at times. Submission of the improvement plan and disclosure of financial results will be key areas of focus.