Record-Breaking Net Sales and Growth
Net sales for Q2 reached JPY 109.6 billion, an increase of JPY 11.2 billion over the previous year, representing 111.4% of the previous year's sales. This was JPY 3.6 billion higher than the forecast announced 6 months prior.
U.S. Business Performance
Significant earnings contribution from the U.S. business with sales on a local currency basis reaching 130% of the previous year's level in H1 and a forecast of 127% for H2.
Strong Performance in Frozen Desserts
Frozen Desserts outperformed the market with a growth of 114.2% compared to the market's 111.8% from April to September. Ita Choco Ice shipments were 141% of the previous year's shipments.
Confectionery Segment Success
Morinaga Biscuits brand achieved record sales in September with a market growth of 124.4%, significantly higher than the overall market growth of 103.6%.
HI-CHEW Market Expansion
HI-CHEW achieved record total brand sales with a market growth of 129% compared to the year before the previous year. The rollout of HI-CHEW Day in August was well received.
Revised Positive Earnings Forecast
Revised net sales forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2024 is JPY 210 billion, an increase of JPY 15.7 billion over the previous year, with operating income expected to increase by JPY 3.5 billion.
Increase in Operating Margin
Operating income was JPY 14.1 billion, an increase of JPY 3.9 billion from the previous year, with an operating margin improvement of 2.5 percentage points to 12.9%.
Successful Strategic Initiatives
Company's strategic initiatives in DX, human resources, and advertising have contributed to the overall growth and are expected to continue supporting future business expansion.