MINISTOP held an earnings briefing for the first half of the fiscal year ending February 2027. Consolidated revenue increased year on year, but the company reported losses including an operating loss. The main factors were the delayed recovery following the suspension of handmade rice ball sales and higher raw material costs, and the company presented measures to improve performance in the second half.
At its earnings briefing for the first half of the fiscal year ending February 2027, held on 9 October 2026, MINISTOP CO.,LTD. reported consolidated operating revenue of ¥51.073 billion, up year on year, but an operating loss of ¥2.836 billion, an ordinary loss of ¥2.611 billion and an interim net loss attributable to owners of the parent of ¥3.995 billion.
The main factor behind the deterioration was the delayed recovery from the temporary suspension of handmade rice ball sales at the standalone company, which began in August 2025. Although the company expanded its range of substitute products and pursued promotional measures, sales of ready-to-eat products and hot snacks fell short of plan. The decline in gross margin and higher personnel expenses led to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Vietnam business achieved an operating profit in the second quarter, while the number of workplace business locations also increased and progress was made toward profitability.
For the second half, the company outlined a policy of targeting a return to operating profitability through reform of CBS products, improvements in the value offered by ready-to-eat products and fast food, expanded sales of handmade rice balls, and stronger delivery operations. Investors are expected to focus on the pace at which stores resume handmade rice ball sales, the sustainability of profitability in the Vietnam business, and progress in reducing company-operated stores and optimizing head-office costs.