As the Nikkei Average fell for a third straight day, Fast Retailing’s results were broadly in line with expectations. Semiconductor-related RORZE reported substantial profit growth, and its share price was bought up to the daily limit.
The Nikkei Average fell for a third straight day in today’s market, while some technology stocks came under selling pressure amid turbulence in US markets. IT and consulting-related stocks, as well as gaming and entertainment stocks, were generally firm, while shipping, food, electric power and gas stocks also ranked among the market’s leading advancers.
Fast Retailing was reported to have posted operating profit for the fiscal year ending August 2026 broadly in line with market expectations and indicated that it expected growth in the following fiscal year, but its share price came under notable selling pressure. Growth in the overseas UNIQLO business was still seen as the main driver, and plans to increase the dividend were also reported.
RORZE reported first-half operating profit of ¥23.1 billion, up 42.4% from the same period a year earlier, and raised its full-year forecast to ¥53.1 billion. Order intake reached a record high, at 3.2 times the year-earlier level and up 87% from the previous quarter. The share price remained pinned at the daily limit-up level. The move was attributed in part to expectations of increased capital investment in semiconductor equipment.