News reported during the morning session while the market was closed included the expansion of INGS' September ramen business sales, the downward revision to Nihon Shikizai Laboratories' full-year forecast, the decline in Ikka Holdings' September same-store sales, the drop in Happiness and D's same-store sales and strong performance by its Vintage business, the expansion of Link-U's overseas operations, and the increase in Tokyo Electron's target price.
INGS' September same-store sales in its ramen business rose 3.4% year on year, while sales across all stores rose 24.7% on higher customer numbers and average spend per customer. Same-store sales in its restaurant business also rose 7.5%, with customer numbers up 5.3% and average spend per customer up 2.1%; at month-end, it had 47 ramen restaurants and 37 restaurants in its other business.
Nihon Shikizai Kogyo Laboratories revised down its consolidated operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending February 2027 from ¥390 million to ¥260 million, and its first-half forecast from ¥90 million to ¥50 million. The impact of sluggish orders from domestic cosmetics manufacturers and higher raw material prices was cited as significant.
Ikka Holdings' same-store sales across all brands in September fell 6.0% year on year, while customer numbers fell 8.9% and average spend per customer rose 3.1%. The number of stores at month-end was 88, reflecting the impact of new store openings and temporarily closed stores.
Happiness and D's September same-store sales fell 15.7% year on year. Trends in gross profit, units sold and average spend per customer were also reported, while sales in its Vintage business rose 79.1%.
Link-U Group expanded Crunchyroll Manga's overseas operations and began distributing the English-language edition in 11 countries in addition to the United States and Canada. It said the service would be available for more than 250 titles in countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.
SBI Securities raised its target price for Tokyo Electron to ¥23,900, reportedly reflecting an improved business environment and the effects of more appropriate equipment pricing.