At its earnings briefing for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending November 2026, アステナホールディングス reported a significant increase in operating profit driven by the rapid expansion of its chemical products business, while first-half profit substantially exceeded expectations. Uncertainty is expected to increase in the second half due to the impact of risks in the Middle East.
At its earnings briefing for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending November 2026, アステナホールディングス reported revenue of ¥34.566 billion, up 14.8% year on year, and operating profit of ¥2.294 billion, up 3.2%. The final increase in profit was limited to ¥72 million for operating profit, but the rapid expansion of the chemical products business absorbed declines in other businesses.
The chemical products business recorded sales of ¥5.989 billion and operating profit of ¥606 million, both substantial increases. The operating margin rose from 4.2% to 10.1%. Factors cited included the acquisition of new customers in China, increased investment related to generative AI, and strong sales of chemicals for electronic components and semiconductors. The surface treatment equipment division also benefited from higher sales to major customers and growth in repair and maintenance revenue, but the second-quarter depreciation rate deteriorated as raw material prices rose due to the situation in the Middle East.
By segment, the Fine Chemicals, HBC and Food, and Pharmaceuticals businesses all posted declines in profit. Fine Chemicals was particularly affected by lower demand in the Ecosystem division and higher expenses. HBC and Food recorded higher sales partly due to contributions from the Ikeda Bussan Group, but profit was weighed down. Pharmaceuticals was affected by soaring raw material costs.
The first-half forecast achievement rates were high, at 105% for revenue, 143% for operating profit, 139% for ordinary profit, and 123% for interim net profit, and full-year guidance was left unchanged. The company explained that unstable procurement and price trends resulting from the situation in the Middle East could affect second-half profit, and indicated that it would assess the full-year outlook cautiously. Greater focus on the cosmetics business and the creation of synergies with the Ikeda Bussan Group are expected to form the pillars of its growth strategy.