アスマーク is strengthening sales of qualitative and offline research, increasing staffing and promoting investment in its data analytics business. It revised its full-year forecast at its third-quarter earnings briefing.
アスマーク indicated that it plans to increase the weighting of qualitative and offline research this fiscal year. Revenue from the research business increased year on year, while operating profit declined against a backdrop of higher outsourcing and personnel costs. With a view to growth from the next fiscal year onward, it has welcomed Lean Nishikata into the group and assigned 4 people to dedicated sales roles to strengthen its sales capabilities.
The third-quarter earnings summary presented revised full-year forecasts of ¥4.5 billion in revenue, ¥70 million in operating profit, ¥80 million in ordinary profit and ¥35 million in net income. The higher outsourcing ratio was cited as one factor weighing on profit, and the company explained that investment in personnel for the next fiscal year had also had an impact.
By business segment, marketing research revenue increased slightly year on year, while HR tech revenue continued to grow. Overseas global research revenue declined year on year, although the decline narrowed, and the company aims to increase revenue across the research business.
The shareholder return policy remains unchanged, with a total payout ratio of at least 30% as a guideline. The company plans to maintain annual dividends at ¥78, including interim and year-end dividends. It will continue capital allocation aimed at restoring profit from the next fiscal year onward while taking into account the revision to its full-year forecast for the current fiscal year.