Step Co. posts steady first-half gains and lifts dividend outlook

Step Co., Ltd. ( (JP:9795) ) has provided an update.

Step Co., Ltd. reported modest growth for the six months ended March 31, 2026, with net sales up 2.4% year on year to ¥8,356 million and operating profit rising 1.2% to ¥2,380 million, while profit increased 2.7% to ¥1,697 million, lifting basic earnings per share to ¥108.55. The company’s financial position remains solid, with total assets of ¥30,618 million, an equity-to-asset ratio of 90.6%, an increased interim dividend of ¥44 per share versus ¥40 a year earlier, and a full-year forecast calling for 4.1% sales growth and higher profits, underscoring steady expansion and continued shareholder returns.

Step is signaling confidence in its earnings outlook by maintaining guidance for the year ending September 30, 2026, targeting net sales of ¥16,494 million and profit of ¥2,754 million, which would translate into profit per share of ¥176.51. The planned annual dividend of ¥88 per share, up from ¥85 in the previous fiscal year, indicates a commitment to incremental dividend growth, while the increase in treasury shares points to ongoing capital management measures that can support shareholder value.

More about Step Co., Ltd.

Step Co., Ltd., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under securities code 9795, operates in the Japanese education services sector, focusing on cram schools and related tutoring services for students. The company generates revenue primarily from tuition and educational programs, and it maintains a strong equity base with a high equity-to-asset ratio, reflecting a conservative financial structure and stable operations in its domestic market.

Average Trading Volume: 16,408

Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy

Current Market Cap: Yen39.7B

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