Several major companies announced earnings and policies in the afternoon session. Nifco reported first-half operating profit up 6.7% year on year, while its full-year forecast was unchanged. LIXIL's first-half operating profit declined but exceeded market consensus. Harima Chemicals Group raised its full-year operating profit forecast and indicated that it would increase its dividend. Janome announced a share buyback and a dividend increase, while Kyoei Steel lowered its full-year outlook.
Nifco reported consolidated first-half operating profit of ¥26.8 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2027, up 6.7% year on year, helped by business expansion in Japan and overseas and lower expenses. Its full-year operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 was left unchanged at ¥50.8 billion, up 5.7% from the previous fiscal year.
LIXIL reported consolidated first-half operating profit of ¥6.37 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2027, down 44.1% year on year but above the market consensus of ¥3.46 billion. Although revenue increased, lower profit in the Housing Technology and Living segments weighed on results, while buying has led the market.
Harima Chemicals Group raised its full-year consolidated operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 from ¥3.5 billion to ¥5.8 billion. First-half operating profit was ¥3.63 billion, 2.2 times the year-earlier figure, helped by strong performance in resins and chemicals and electronic materials. The annual dividend was also raised from ¥42 to ¥50, comprising an ordinary dividend of ¥46 and a special dividend of ¥4.
Janome set a share buyback authorization for the fiscal year ending March 2027 with limits of 1 million shares and ¥1.0 billion. The acquisition period is from 9 November 2026 to 8 November 2027, and the buyback represents 5.98% of total shares outstanding. At the same time, the annual dividend forecast was raised from ¥60 to ¥75, and the year-end dividend was increased to ¥55.
Kyoei Steel lowered its full-year operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 from ¥15.5 billion to ¥9.5 billion. First-half operating profit was ¥6.11 billion, down 33.6% year on year, affected by weak domestic demand and production problems at overseas facilities.