Financial Performance - Total revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, was ¥2,366,501 million, representing a 10.4% increase year-over-year[2] - Operating profit for the same period was ¥401,803 million, showing a 21.5% increase compared to the previous year[2] - Net profit attributable to the parent company for the nine months was ¥312,838 million, a 31.2% increase year-over-year[2] - The company forecasts total revenue of ¥3,070,000 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, an 11.0% increase from the previous year[6] - Projected operating profit for the same fiscal year is ¥475,000 million, reflecting a 24.6% increase[6] - The forecasted net profit attributable to the parent company for the fiscal year is ¥365,000 million, a 23.2% increase[6] - Basic earnings per share for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, are projected to be ¥1,190.09[6] - For the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2024, the total consolidated revenue of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. reached ¥2,366.5 billion, an increase of 10.4% year-on-year, with operating profit totaling ¥401.8 billion, up 21.5% year-on-year[10] Segment Performance - The Japan UNIQLO segment reported total revenue of ¥722.0 billion, a 1.7% increase year-on-year, and operating profit of ¥127.8 billion, which grew by 28.3% year-on-year, driven by strong sales of T-shirts and other products[11] - The overseas UNIQLO segment achieved total revenue of ¥1,292.8 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.8%, with operating profit of ¥221.9 billion, up 20.6% year-on-year, benefiting from strong sales in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia[12] - The GU segment recorded total revenue of ¥246.4 billion, an 8.1% year-on-year increase, and operating profit of ¥29.4 billion, which grew by 14.2% year-on-year, supported by popular product sales[13] - The global brands segment reported total revenue of ¥103.7 billion, a decline of 2.5% year-on-year, and an operating loss of ¥0.3 billion, compared to an operating profit of ¥1.4 billion in the previous year, primarily due to sales challenges in the Theory business[14] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of May 31, 2024, amounted to ¥3,684,122 million, with total equity of ¥2,195,595 million[3] - The equity attributable to the parent company represented 58.0% of total assets as of May 31, 2024[3] - Total liabilities as of May 31, 2024, were ¥1,488.5 billion, an increase of ¥58.1 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[18] - Total equity reached ¥2,195.5 billion as of May 31, 2024, reflecting an increase of ¥322.2 billion compared to the previous fiscal year-end[18] Cash Flow - Operating cash flow for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, was ¥454.3 billion, up from ¥315.8 billion for the same period in 2023[19] - Investment cash flow for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, was a net cash outflow of ¥85.4 billion, compared to a net cash outflow of ¥505.8 billion for the same period in 2023[19] - Financing cash flow for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, was a net cash outflow of ¥229.5 billion, slightly down from ¥240.7 billion for the same period in 2023[20] Sustainability and Social Responsibility - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its stores and major offices by 90% by August 2030 compared to August 2019 levels[16] - As of August 2023, the company achieved a 69.4% reduction in internal greenhouse gas emissions compared to August 2019, up from a 45.7% reduction in the previous year[16] - The company has returned approximately $4.5 million (¥700 million) in employment fees to about 9,800 workers as part of its commitment to human rights in the supply chain[17] - The company plans to expand its RE.UNIQLO initiative, aiming to increase the number of RE.UNIQLO STUDIO locations from 44 to over 50 by December 2024[15] Future Outlook - The company plans to accelerate the opening of new stores, particularly for the overseas UNIQLO segment, which has become a key growth driver[10] - The company aims to enhance its product development and brand building efforts, particularly in the overseas UNIQLO segment, to strengthen its market presence[10] - The company emphasizes its "LifeWear" concept in its clothing production activities, focusing on sustainability and quality[10] - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to drive future growth[26] Comprehensive Income - The total comprehensive income for the nine months ending May 31, 2024, was ¥526,845 million, significantly higher than ¥286,715 million for the same period last year, showcasing strong overall performance[24] - The company recorded other comprehensive income of ¥213,427 million, which includes gains from financial assets and foreign currency translation adjustments[25] Shareholder Returns - The company has announced a total dividend forecast of ¥400.00 for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024[4] - The company declared dividends totaling ¥120,017 million, which includes a cash dividend of ¥104,274 million[26] - The company engaged in share buybacks, with a net purchase of treasury shares amounting to ¥0 million for the current period[26]

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of the fiscal year 2024 reached ¥1,598.99 billion, representing a 9.0% increase compared to the same period last year[4] - Operating profit for the same period was ¥257.08 billion, reflecting a 16.7% year-on-year growth[4] - Profit before tax increased to ¥299.40 billion, marking a 29.9% rise compared to the previous year[4] - Net profit attributable to the parent company was ¥195.91 billion, up 27.7% year-on-year[4] - Gross profit margin improved by 2.4 percentage points to 52.9%[8] - UNIQLO Japan's total revenue for the first half of the fiscal year was ¥485.1 billion, a decrease of 2.0% year-over-year, while operating profit increased by 14.7% to ¥77.2 billion[9] - Overseas UNIQLO's revenue for the first two quarters was ¥883.9 billion, a year-over-year increase of 17.0%, with operating profit rising by 23.0% to ¥150.9 billion[10] - GU's revenue for the first two quarters was ¥159.5 billion, a year-over-year increase of 9.6%, with operating profit rising by 17.5% to ¥15.3 billion[11] - Total revenue for the six months ended February 29, 2024, was ¥1,598,999 million, up from ¥1,467,350 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting an increase of 8.9%[36] - Operating profit for the six months ended February 29, 2024, was ¥299,395 million, compared to ¥230,499 million for the same period in 2023, marking a growth of 29.9%[36] - Net profit attributable to the parent company for the six months ended February 29, 2024, was ¥195,912 million, up from ¥153,392 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 27.8%[36] Cash Flow and Assets - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at ¥1,065.86 billion[4] - Operating cash flow for the six months ended February 29, 2024, generated a net cash amount of ¥322.3 billion, compared to ¥177.4 billion for the same period in 2023[17] - Investment cash flow for the six months ended February 29, 2024, used a net cash amount of ¥54.1 billion, a significant decrease from ¥472.7 billion in the same period of 2023[18] - Financing cash flow for the six months ended February 29, 2024, used a net cash amount of ¥131.4 billion, compared to ¥159.7 billion for the same period in 2023[18] - As of February 29, 2024, total assets amounted to ¥3,495.8 billion, an increase of ¥192.1 billion compared to the end of the previous fiscal year[16] - Total liabilities as of February 29, 2024, were ¥1,428.1 billion, a decrease of ¥2.1 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[16] - Total equity reached ¥2,067.6 billion as of February 29, 2024, reflecting an increase of ¥194.3 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[16] Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - The company emphasizes sustainable practices in its production activities under the "LifeWear" concept[8] - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from stores and major offices by 90% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels[13] - The company donated a total of 88,000 items to disaster victims following the Noto Peninsula earthquake and contributed ¥100 million to humanitarian organizations[14] - Since the launch of the "PEACE FOR ALL" initiative, the company has generated approximately ¥970 million in profits from T-shirt sales, with 20% of proceeds donated to humanitarian support organizations[14] - The company achieved a ranking of 4th globally and 1st in the Asia-Pacific region in the "KnowTheChain" assessment for supply chain transparency and labor rights[13] - The company plans to expand its "RE.UNIQLO" initiative, aiming to increase the number of stores offering repair and recycling services from 42 to over 50 by the end of 2024[13] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to enhance its digital retail capabilities and diversify global revenue sources[8] - Plans to accelerate the opening of new stores, particularly in the overseas UNIQLO segment, are in place[8] - The company is committed to expanding its GU brand both domestically and internationally as part of its strategic initiatives[45] - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence in Greater China and Southeast Asia, focusing on enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement[57] - The company has invested in new product development and technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience[57] - The company is exploring potential mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its market position and diversify its product offerings[57] Shareholder Information - The total number of issued shares as of February 29, 2024, was 318,220,968 ordinary shares[23] - Major shareholders include The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. with 65,652 thousand shares (21.41%) and Yanai Tadashi with 56,571 thousand shares (18.44%) as of February 29, 2024[27] - The total voting rights for all shareholders amount to 3,065,617 as of February 29, 2024[30] - The company holds 11,510,000 shares as treasury stock, representing 3.62% of the total issued shares[31] - The company declared dividends amounting to ¥50,600 million during the reporting period[40] - The company declared a total dividend of ¥50,600 million on November 6, 2023, with a per-share dividend of ¥165[54] Compliance and Governance - The company has established a human rights committee to discuss strategies for increasing the proportion of female managers and reducing the gender pay gap[15] - The company conducted training for employees regarding the understanding and support of individuals with disabilities in anticipation of the new law effective April 2024 in Japan[15] - The company has maintained compliance with international accounting standards in preparing its interim consolidated financial statements[72] - The mid-term consolidated financial statements were reviewed according to International Accounting Standard 34, ensuring compliance with reporting standards[74] - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC confirmed no conflicts of interest under Japanese Certified Public Accountant Law between the group and the auditing firm[75]

Financial Performance - Consolidated revenue for Q1 FY2024 reached ¥810.83 billion, a 13.2% increase year-over-year[6] - Operating profit for Q1 FY2024 was ¥146.69 billion, reflecting a 25.3% year-over-year growth[6] - Pre-tax profit for the quarter was ¥162.47 billion, up 28.1% compared to the previous year[6] - Net profit attributable to the parent company was ¥107.80 billion, a 26.7% increase year-over-year[6] - Gross profit margin improved by 1.5 percentage points to 54.6%[6] - Total revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2023, was ¥810,833 million, an increase from ¥716,393 million for the same period in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 13.2%[31] - Operating profit increased to ¥146,686 million from ¥117,077 million, reflecting a growth of approximately 25.4%[31] - Net profit attributable to the parent company was ¥107,800 million, compared to ¥85,074 million in the previous year, marking a rise of about 26.7%[31] - Basic earnings per share rose to ¥351.50 from ¥277.49, an increase of approximately 26.6%[31] Assets and Liabilities - The total assets increased to ¥3,434.99 billion, up from ¥3,196.82 billion year-over-year[4] - Total assets as of November 30, 2023, amounted to ¥3,434,987 million, up from ¥3,303,694 million[30] - Total liabilities increased to ¥1,498,532 million from ¥1,430,333 million, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.8%[30] - Total liabilities as of November 30, 2023, were ¥14,985 billion, an increase of ¥681 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[14] - Total equity as of November 30, 2023, reached ¥19,364 billion, an increase of ¥630 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[14] Cash Flow - Operating cash flow for the three months ended November 30, 2023, generated a net cash of ¥1,071 billion, compared to a net cash usage of ¥13 billion for the same period in 2022[15] - Investment cash flow for the three months ended November 30, 2023, resulted in a net cash usage of ¥444 billion, down from ¥3,763 billion for the same period in 2022[16] - Financing cash flow for the three months ended November 30, 2023, showed a net cash usage of ¥889 billion, compared to a net cash usage of ¥691 billion for the same period in 2022[17] Segment Performance - The Japan UNIQLO segment reported revenue of ¥244.4 billion, a 1.5% increase year-over-year, with operating profit of ¥46.5 billion, up 18.0%[7] - UNIQLO's overseas business segment reported total revenue of ¥441.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 23.3%, and operating profit of ¥77.8 billion, up 35.8%[8] - All regions under UNIQLO's overseas segment experienced significant revenue and profit growth, particularly in North America and Europe, despite a sluggish demand for winter clothing due to warm weather[8] - GU's business segment achieved total revenue of ¥87.8 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.7%, and operating profit of ¥12.3 billion, up 16.4%[9] - The global brand segment reported total revenue of ¥36.6 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 2.4%, and operating profit of ¥300 million, down 43.9%[10] Sustainability Initiatives - The group aims to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from self-operated stores and offices by 2030 compared to 2019 levels[12] - The group has launched the "RE.UNIQLO" initiative for recycling and reusing products, with 40 stores opened globally by the end of November 2023, aiming to expand to over 50 stores in 2024[11] - The group is focusing on improving supply chain transparency and labor conditions, with monitoring measures implemented in major textile factories[12] - The group has set a goal to replace approximately 50% of materials used with recycled materials by 2030[12] - The proportion of recycled materials used has increased to 8.5%, with approximately 30% of recycled polyester used in production[13] Shareholder Returns - The company declared dividends amounting to ¥50,600 million during the period, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders[34] - The company engaged in share buybacks, purchasing treasury shares valued at ¥0 during the period, indicating a strategic pause in this area[34] Other Financial Information - The company has not reported any significant changes in accounting estimates or assumptions for the three months ended November 30, 2023[18] - The company plans to increase its annual clothing donations to global refugee camps from approximately 7 million pieces to 10 million pieces[13] - The company has established a new global partnership with UNHCR, committing a total of $6 million (approximately ¥900 million) over four years to support global refugee issues[13] - The company reported a significant increase in trade and other payables from ¥38,315 million to ¥61,067 million, an increase of 59.5%[35] - The company reported a total of ¥16,667 million in capital commitments as of November 30, 2023, down from ¥19,560 million as of August 31, 2023[60]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first quarter of FY2024 reached 810.8 billion yen, a 13.2% increase year-on-year[5] - Operating profit for the first quarter of FY2024 was 146.7 billion yen, a 25.3% increase year-on-year[5] - Pre-tax profit for the first quarter of FY2024 was 162.5 billion yen, a 28.1% increase year-on-year[5] - Net profit attributable to owners of the parent company was 107.8 billion yen, a 26.7% increase year-on-year[5] - Revenue for the first quarter: ¥716.393 billion, up from ¥810.833 billion in the same period last year[30] - Operating profit: ¥117.077 billion, down from ¥146.686 billion in the same period last year[30] - Net profit attributable to parent company owners: ¥85.074 billion, down from ¥107.800 billion in the same period last year[31] - Q1 net profit increased to JPY 114.7 billion, up 27.7% compared to the previous year's JPY 89.8 billion[33] - Total comprehensive income for Q1 rose to JPY 152.2 billion, a significant increase from JPY 77.7 billion in the same period last year[33] - Tax pre-quarter profit increased from 126,812 million JPY to 162,471 million JPY[41] - Net income attributable to owners of the parent company for the quarter was ¥107.8 billion, compared to ¥85.074 billion in the same period last year[67] Profit Margins and Cost Control - Gross profit margin improved by 1.5 percentage points to 54.6% compared to the same period last year[5] - Domestic UNIQLO's gross profit margin improved by 2.7 percentage points due to better cost control and reduced impact of spot exchange rates[6] - GU's operating profit margin improved by 0.7 percentage points due to improved production efficiency and cost control[11] Regional Performance - Domestic UNIQLO business revenue increased by 1.5% year-on-year to 244.4 billion yen, with operating profit up 18.0% to 46.5 billion yen[6] - Overseas UNIQLO business contributed significantly to revenue and profit growth, driven by strong sales in North America and Europe[5] - Overseas UNIQLO business achieved a significant increase in revenue and profit, with sales revenue of 441.3 billion yen (up 23.3% YoY) and operating profit of 77.8 billion yen (up 35.8% YoY)[7] - North America and Europe saw strong performance due to new customer base expansion and robust sales of winter core products like cashmere sweaters and HEATTECH innerwear[7] - Southeast Asia, India, and Australia regions experienced a significant revenue increase, with store count growing by 45 stores YoY, although performance slightly missed expectations[7] - Domestic UNIQLO business revenue: 240,949 million yen, accounting for 33.6% of total revenue[54] - Overseas UNIQLO business revenue: 357,896 million yen[47] - Greater China revenue: 146,718 million yen, accounting for 20.5% of total revenue[54] - South Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and Australia revenue: 110,323 million yen, accounting for 15.4% of total revenue[54] - North America revenue: 47,397 million yen, accounting for 6.6% of total revenue[54] - Europe revenue: 53,456 million yen, accounting for 7.5% of total revenue[54] - Total revenue for the first quarter reached ¥810.833 billion, with Japan contributing ¥244.498 billion (30.2%) and Greater China contributing ¥180.347 billion (22.2%)[56] Business Segments - GU business achieved a significant increase in revenue and profit, with sales revenue of 87.8 billion yen (up 10.7% YoY) and operating profit of 12.3 billion yen (up 16.4% YoY)[11] - Global brand business reported a decline in revenue and profit, with sales revenue of 36.6 billion yen (down 2.4% YoY) and operating profit of 0.3 billion yen (down 43.9% YoY)[8] - GU business revenue: 79,364 million yen, accounting for 11.1% of total revenue[54] - Global Brands business revenue: 37,604 million yen, accounting for 5.2% of total revenue[54] - Uniqlo business accounted for ¥685.817 billion (84.6%) of total revenue, while GU business contributed ¥87.856 billion (10.8%)[56] - The company's main activities include UNIQLO, GU, and THEORY brands[43] Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - UNIQLO's "RE.UNIQLO" initiative expanded to 40 stores across 18 countries and regions, with plans to reach over 50 stores globally by 2024[10] - UNIQLO launched the "UNIQLO Used Clothing Project" with a pop-up store in Harajuku, receiving positive customer feedback[10] - UNIQLO strengthened its supply chain transparency and human rights compliance, signing a "Production Partner Code of Conduct" with key suppliers[10] - Fast Retailing ranked 4th out of 55 global apparel companies in the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark by World Benchmarking Alliance[9] - The company has entered into a new 4-year global partnership with UNHCR, committing $6 million (approximately ¥900 million) to support refugee initiatives, including expanding clothing aid from 7 million to 10 million pieces annually[12] Financial Position and Cash Flow - Assets increased by ¥131.2 billion to ¥3.4349 trillion, primarily due to increases in accounts receivable (¥76 billion), other short-term financial assets (¥40.7 billion), and inventory (¥36.4 billion)[13] - Liabilities increased by ¥68.1 billion to ¥1.4985 trillion, mainly driven by increases in accounts payable (¥68.6 billion) and other short-term financial liabilities (¥15.8 billion)[13] - Equity increased by ¥63 billion to ¥1.9364 trillion, largely due to a ¥57.2 billion increase in retained earnings[13] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ¥15.9 billion to ¥887.3 billion, with ¥44.4 billion used in investing activities, including ¥20.7 billion for acquiring tangible fixed assets[13] - Operating activities generated ¥107.1 billion in cash flow, driven by pre-tax quarterly profit of ¥162.4 billion and a ¥61 billion increase in accounts payable[14] - Financing activities used ¥88.9 billion in cash, including ¥50.5 billion for dividend payments and ¥38 billion for lease liability repayments[14] - Cash and cash equivalents: ¥903.28 billion, up from ¥887.36 billion in the previous period[24] - Inventory: ¥449.254 billion, down from ¥485.724 billion in the previous period[24] - Total assets: ¥3,303.694 billion, down from ¥3,434.987 billion in the previous period[24] - Total liabilities: ¥1,430.333 billion, down from ¥1,498.532 billion in the previous period[25] - Retained earnings grew to JPY 1.56 trillion as of November 30, 2023, compared to JPY 1.33 trillion in the same period last year[38] - Dividend payments for Q1 amounted to JPY 50.6 billion, up from JPY 34.7 billion in the previous year[38] - Treasury stock transactions decreased significantly, with only JPY 591 million in disposals compared to JPY 657 million in the prior year[40] - Equity attributable to owners of the parent company increased to JPY 1.88 trillion as of November 30, 2023, from JPY 1.57 trillion in the previous year[39] - Depreciation and amortization expenses rose from 46,743 million JPY to 49,312 million JPY[41] - Interest and dividend income grew from 8,385 million JPY to 15,221 million JPY[41] - Operating cash flow surged from 1,309 million JPY to 107,184 million JPY[41] - Investment cash flow decreased from 376,354 million JPY to 44,410 million JPY[41] - Financial cash flow increased from 69,141 million JPY to 88,984 million JPY[41] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at 887,360 million JPY[41] - Total dividends paid: 50,600 million yen for the first quarter of FY2024[53] Financial Instruments and Fair Value - The fair value of bonds as of November 30, 2023, was 445,210 million yen, compared to a book value of 446,328 million yen[70] - The fair value of deposits and guarantees as of November 30, 2023, was 69,648 million yen, compared to a book value of 70,146 million yen[70] - The fair value of corporate bonds as of November 30, 2023, was 236,509 million yen, compared to a book value of 239,703 million yen[70] - Level 2 financial assets, including derivatives, were valued at 229,998 million yen as of November 30, 2023[72] - Level 3 financial assets, primarily consisting of unlisted stocks, were valued at 189 million yen as of November 30, 2023[72] - The total fair value of financial assets classified as Level 2 was 241,238 million yen as of August 31, 2023[71] - The total fair value of financial assets classified as Level 3 was 189 million yen as of August 31, 2023[71] Commitments and Investments - Commitments for tangible fixed asset purchases as of November 30, 2023, amounted to 13,019 million yen[73] - Commitments for intangible asset purchases as of November 30, 2023, amounted to 3,648 million yen[73] Financial Reporting and Auditing - The summary quarterly consolidated financial statements comply with International Accounting Standard 34[43] - The company's financial statements were approved by the Chairman and CEO Tadashi Yanai and CFO Takeshi Okazaki on January 11, 2024[43] - Management is responsible for preparing and presenting the summarized quarterly consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting"[77] - The company must evaluate whether it is appropriate to prepare the summarized quarterly consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis and disclose any related matters if necessary[77] - The auditors' responsibility is to monitor the directors' performance in the preparation and operation of the financial reporting process[77] - The company and its consolidated subsidiaries have no reportable interests with the audit firm or its executive members under the Certified Public Accountants Act[78] - The quarterly review procedures are limited compared to the annual financial statement audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Japan[78] - If significant uncertainties regarding the going concern assumption are identified, the auditors must draw conclusions based on the evidence obtained and may issue a qualified or adverse opinion if necessary[78] - The auditors must evaluate whether the presentation and notes of the summarized quarterly consolidated financial statements comply with International Accounting Standard 34[78] - The auditors are responsible for obtaining evidence regarding the financial information of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries to express a conclusion on the summarized quarterly consolidated financial statements[78] - The auditors must report to the board of auditors and the audit committee on the planned scope and timing of the quarterly review, as well as significant findings[78] - The auditors must report to the board of auditors and the audit committee on compliance with professional ethics regulations in Japan and any measures taken to address threats to independence[78] Other Financial Metrics - Net financial income was 15.7 billion yen, primarily due to interest income of 12.7 billion yen and foreign exchange gains of 3.0 billion yen[5] - Overseas business translation adjustments contributed JPY 14.5 billion to other comprehensive income, up from JPY 9.2 billion in the previous year[33] - Cash flow hedge adjustments increased substantially to JPY 23.0 billion from JPY 2.9 billion in the prior year[33] - Inventory impairment loss: 2,450 million yen for the first quarter of FY2024[50] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to ¥301.4 billion, up from ¥265.033 billion in the same period last year, with personnel costs rising to ¥107.547 billion[59] - Other income increased to ¥5.663 billion, primarily driven by foreign exchange gains of ¥3.997 billion[60] - Financial income rose to ¥18.261 billion, with interest income contributing ¥15.221 billion[64] - Basic earnings per share for the quarter increased to ¥351.50, up from ¥277.49 in the previous year[66] - The company issued 318,220,968 shares of common stock as of November 30, 2023, with a capital reserve balance of ¥4.578 billion[18] - Total issued shares as of November 30, 2023: 318,220,968 shares[21] - Total voting rights: 3,065,214[21] - Company's self-owned shares: 11,552,700 shares, representing 3.63% of total issued shares[22]

Financial Performance - For the three months ended November 30, 2023, the company reported revenue of ¥810,833 million, representing a 13.2% increase year-over-year[2]. - Operating profit for the same period was ¥146,686 million, reflecting a 25.3% increase compared to the previous year[2]. - Profit before tax increased by 28.1% to ¥162,471 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 26.7% to ¥107,800 million[2]. - The total comprehensive income for the three months ended November 30, 2023, was 152.2 billion JPY, significantly higher than 77.7 billion JPY for the same period in 2022, reflecting strong performance across various segments[24]. - For the three months ending November 30, 2023, the company reported a profit of ¥107,800 million, an increase from ¥85,074 million in the previous period, representing a growth of 26.8%[26]. - Basic earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2023, were ¥351.50, up from ¥277.49 in the same period of 2022, indicating an increase of 26.6%[41]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of November 30, 2023, amounted to ¥3,434,987 million, with total equity of ¥1,936,455 million, resulting in an equity-to-assets ratio of 54.8%[4]. - Total liabilities as of November 30, 2023, reached ¥14,985 billion, up by ¥681 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[19]. - Total equity as of November 30, 2023, was ¥19,364 billion, reflecting an increase of ¥630 billion compared to the previous fiscal year-end[19]. - The total assets as of November 30, 2023, amounted to 3,434.9 billion JPY, an increase from 3,303.7 billion JPY as of August 31, 2023[23]. - Total liabilities as of November 30, 2023, were 1,498.5 billion JPY, down from 1,430.3 billion JPY, indicating a reduction in overall liabilities[23]. Revenue Segments - The overseas UNIQLO segment reported revenue of 441.3 billion JPY, a 23.3% increase year-over-year, with operating profit rising 35.8% to 77.8 billion JPY[11]. - The Japan UNIQLO segment achieved revenue of 244.4 billion JPY, a 1.5% increase, and operating profit of 46.5 billion JPY, up 18.0% year-over-year[10]. - The GU segment's revenue totaled 87.8 billion JPY, reflecting a 10.7% increase, with operating profit rising 16.4% to 12.3 billion JPY[13]. - Revenue from Japan was ¥244,498 million, accounting for 30.2% of total revenue, while Greater China contributed ¥180,347 million, representing 22.2%[34]. - The UNIQLO business generated ¥685,817 million, making up 84.6% of total revenue, compared to 83.6% in the previous year[34]. Cash Flow and Investments - Operating cash flow for the three months ended November 30, 2023, generated a net cash amount of ¥1,071 billion, a significant increase from a net cash amount of ¥13 billion for the same period in 2022[20]. - For the three months ended November 30, 2023, the net cash used in investing activities was 44.4 billion JPY, a decrease from 376.3 billion JPY for the same period in 2022[21]. - The net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended November 30, 2023, was 88.9 billion JPY, compared to 69.1 billion JPY for the same period in 2022, primarily due to cash dividends paid of 50.5 billion JPY and lease liabilities repayment of 38.0 billion JPY[21]. - The cash generated from operating activities for the three months ended November 30, 2023, was ¥107,184 million, a significant improvement from a cash usage of ¥1,309 million in the same period last year[27]. Future Outlook - The company forecasts revenue of ¥3,050,000 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, which represents a 10.2% increase[6]. - Operating profit is projected to be ¥450,000 million, an 18.1% increase year-over-year[6]. - The company plans to distribute a total dividend of ¥330.00 per share for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, with an interim dividend of ¥165.00[5]. - The company aims to enhance its digital retail capabilities and diversify global revenue sources while focusing on sustainable business models[9]. - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence in Greater China and Southeast Asia, focusing on enhancing e-commerce capabilities[34]. Sustainability Initiatives - The proportion of recycled materials used in the 2023 planned products rose to 8.5%, with approximately 30% of polyester being recycled polyester[17]. - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its self-operated stores and offices by 90% and from its supply chain by 20% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels[17]. - The company has established a new global partnership with UNHCR, committing to donate a total of $6 million (approximately ¥900 million) over four years to support global refugee issues[17]. - The company plans to expand its "RE.UNIQLO" initiative, with 40 stores opened in 18 countries by the end of November 2023, aiming to increase to over 50 stores globally in 2024[16]. - The company has implemented a "Production Partner Code of Conduct" with major textile factories to monitor labor conditions as of August 2023[16]. Stock and Shareholder Information - As of November 30, 2023, the total number of issued shares was 318,220,968, with treasury shares amounting to 11,521,647[8]. - The company declared dividends amounting to ¥50,600 million, compared to ¥34,744 million in the previous period, reflecting a 45.7% increase[26]. - The company’s stock repurchase activity resulted in a net change of ¥0 million, indicating no significant buyback activity during the period[26]. - The company has implemented a stock split at a ratio of 1:3 effective March 1, 2023, which will affect the calculation of earnings per share going forward[42].

Financial Performance - Operating profit for the fiscal year 2022/23 reached ¥2,766,557 million, an increase from ¥2,301,122 million in the previous year, representing a growth of 20.2%[4] - Profit attributable to owners of the parent company was ¥296,229 million, up from ¥273,335 million, reflecting an increase of 8.5%[4] - Total revenue for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, was ¥2,766,557 million, an increase of 20.2% from ¥2,301,122 million in the previous year[189] - The consolidated operating profit reached ¥381.0 billion, an increase of 28.2% compared to the previous year, with overseas UNIQLO business contributing significantly to this growth[78] - Net income for the fiscal year was ¥209,145 million, down from ¥258,203 million, indicating a decrease of 19%[5] - The company reported a significant decrease in foreign exchange gains from overseas operations, down to ¥47,587 million from ¥98,118 million[190] - The company reported a net profit margin of 12%, which is an improvement from 10% in the previous year[165] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to ¥3,303,694 million from ¥3,183,762 million, marking a growth of 3.8%[4] - The equity attributable to owners of the parent company increased to ¥1,821,405 million from ¥1,561,652 million, a growth of 16.6%[4] - Total liabilities decreased from ¥2,615,102 million to ¥2,431,333 million, a reduction of approximately 7.0%[188] - The company’s total liabilities and equity increased from ¥3,183,762 million to ¥3,303,694 million, indicating a growth of approximately 3.75%[188] Cash Flow - The net cash generated from operating activities was ¥463,216 million, compared to ¥430,817 million in the previous year, indicating a rise of 7.5%[4] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased significantly from ¥1,358,292 million to ¥903,280 million, a drop of approximately 33.4%[192] - Cash used in investing activities increased from ¥(212,226) million to ¥(574,402) million, indicating higher investment outflows[192] - Cash used in financing activities decreased from ¥(213,050) million to ¥(364,562) million, reflecting a change in financing strategy[192] Employee and Workforce - The number of employees increased to 59,871, compared to 57,576 in the previous year, showing a growth of 4.0%[4] - The total number of employees across all divisions reached 59,871, an increase from 54,349 in the previous year[17] - The average salary for employees at the company was ¥11,476 thousand, including bonuses and other non-standard payments[18] - The employment rate of persons with disabilities in Japan for the group was 4.89% in 2023, exceeding the legal requirement of 2.3%[55] Market Expansion and Strategy - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new product development to drive future growth[4] - The company aims to achieve a revenue target of 10 trillion yen within the next 10 years, with an intermediate goal of 5 trillion yen in a few years[23] - The company plans to open 80 new stores annually in the Greater China region and approximately 60 stores in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, while opening about 30 stores in North America and Europe[26] - UNIQLO opened its first store in Luxembourg in October 2023[9] Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - The company is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and aims to reduce emissions by 90% in stores and major offices by 2030 compared to 2019 levels[30] - The company is focusing on creating a circular business model through repair, reuse, and recycling to extend the lifespan of clothing[30] - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain by 20% by 2030, with a current reduction of 6.2% as of August 2022[39] - Approximately 20% of the proceeds from the "PEACE FOR ALL" charity T-shirt project are donated to international organizations providing humanitarian aid[37] Governance and Compliance - The board of directors is composed of more than half external directors to enhance independence and oversight functions[37] - The company has established a compliance framework to ensure all employees adhere to management principles and internal regulations[158] - The company has a risk management committee to oversee and manage potential risks, including natural disasters and customer information leaks[72] - The governance structure includes various committees such as the Risk Management Committee and the Business Ethics Committee, ensuring comprehensive oversight[154] Shareholder Information - The company declared dividends amounting to ¥73.074 billion during the year ended August 31, 2023[191] - The total dividend for the fiscal year is 290 JPY, which includes an interim dividend of 125 JPY and a final dividend of 165 JPY, representing an increase of 83.3 JPY compared to the previous year after accounting for the stock split[141] - The company has raised ¥500.0 billion through corporate bond financing to diversify funding sources and enhance capital efficiency[101] Future Outlook - The company plans to focus on market expansion and new product development in the upcoming fiscal year[190] - Future guidance indicates a continued emphasis on cost management and operational efficiency to sustain profit margins[190] - The company aims to maintain a stable financial condition while maximizing free cash flow generated from business activities, ensuring necessary growth investment and liquidity[99]

Employee and Store Information - As of August 31, 2023, the total number of employees in the group is 59,871, an increase of 2,295 from the previous fiscal year[3] - The total number of UNIQLO stores worldwide as of August 31, 2023, is 3,578, with a net increase of 220 stores during the year[2] - The number of UNIQLO stores in Japan decreased to 800, down from 809, while overseas stores increased to 1,634, up from 1,536[2] - The number of stores in Greater China reached 1,031, with China alone accounting for 925 stores[2] - The total number of GU stores globally is 463, with a net increase of 38 stores[2] - The company has a total of 1,707 employees, reflecting an increase of 9 from the previous year[4] Shareholder and Stock Information - The major shareholders hold the following percentages: The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. at 21.85%, and Tadashi Yanai at 19.48%[6] - The total issued shares amount to 318,220,968, with 18,552 shareholders as of August 31, 2023[5] - The company reported a total of 900,000,000 authorized shares[5] - The company executed a 1:3 stock split effective March 1, 2023, adjusting the number of stock options accordingly[14] - The company plans to split its common stock at a ratio of 1:3, effective March 1, 2023[16] - As of August 31, 2023, the number of common shares outstanding is 11,552,700 shares[103] Financial Performance - The total comprehensive income for the year ended August 31, 2023, was ¥296,229 million[32] - The retained earnings as of August 31, 2023, amounted to ¥1,498,348 million, reflecting an increase from the previous year[32] - The company reported a net profit of ¥296,229 million for the year, with a total comprehensive income of ¥443,916 million[32] - Total revenue for the fiscal year reached 2,766,557 million yen, with UNIQLO contributing 84.1% of total revenue[62] - Revenue breakdown by region: Japan 890,427 million yen (32.2%), Greater China 620,232 million yen (22.4%), North America 163,996 million yen (5.9%), and Europe 203,065 million yen (7.3%)[62] - The company reported a significant increase in regular income from 208,221 million yen to 295,957 million yen year-over-year[90] - Net income for the year increased from ¥258,203 million in 2022 to ¥209,145 million in 2023, representing a decrease of about 19%[92] Audit and Compliance - The independent auditor's fee for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, is set at 251 million yen[10] - The independent auditor selected is Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC, based on established evaluation and selection criteria[12] - The audit report confirms that the business report and supplementary schedules adequately present the company's situation according to applicable laws and regulations[113] - The audit committee has ensured that the independent auditors have established a system to ensure their responsibilities are fully met[112] - The audit report indicates that there are no conflicts of interest that need to be disclosed under the Japanese Certified Public Accountants Act[112] Risk Management and Internal Controls - A strict internal control system is established to ensure compliance with group policies and regulations, covering the entire group[18] - The company regularly analyzes risks that could lead to financial losses or damage to brand reputation, implementing measures to manage these risks[22] - The company has established a framework for reporting illegal or non-compliant matters to maintain compliance and ethical standards[26] - The company has appointed external directors to enhance the fairness and transparency of senior management decisions[19] - The company has established a hotline for employees to report illegal actions or violations, ensuring a mechanism for internal reporting[20] Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - The company aims to become the global number one brand by focusing on customer-centric products, accelerating global store openings, and integrating physical and e-commerce shopping experiences[17] - The company is committed to addressing various environmental and social issues while enhancing business expansion and sustainable development[17] - The Sustainability Committee convened 4 times in 2023 to determine the overall policy direction for corporate sustainability, including environmental and social responsibility[29] Financial Assets and Liabilities - The company's total financial assets as of August 31, 2023, amounted to 510,184 million yen, with a fair value of 507,887 million yen[84] - The total financial liabilities were recorded at 239,686 million yen, with a fair value of 236,826 million yen[85] - Deferred tax assets amount to ¥38,208 million, while deferred tax liabilities amount to ¥67,039 million[74] - The group recognizes financial liabilities at fair value on initial recognition, with subsequent measurement based on amortized cost or fair value[40] Stock Options and Employee Compensation - A total of 7,987 stock options have been issued to the company's executive directors, corresponding to 23,961 shares, with 37 holders[15] - The company has provisions for alternative payments related to stock options, although no specific details were provided[15] - The company has established provisions for employee bonuses, which are accrued as of the settlement date[97] Meetings and Governance - Monthly board meetings are held to ensure effective execution of duties by directors, with special meetings convened as necessary[23] - The Human Resources Committee held 5 meetings in 2023 to discuss significant organizational changes and personnel system revisions[29] - The Nomination and Compensation Advisory Committee met 2 times in 2023 to discuss director and auditor nomination policies[30]

Financial Performance - Total consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending August 2023 reached ¥2,766.5 billion, an increase of 20.2% year-over-year[2]. - Consolidated operating profit amounted to ¥381.0 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 28.2%[2]. - Net income before tax was ¥437.9 billion, up 5.9% year-over-year, while net income attributable to shareholders increased by 8.4% to ¥296.2 billion, achieving record performance for three consecutive years[62]. - Operating profit for the same period was ¥381.0 billion, an increase of 28.2% compared to the previous year, marking a record high for both revenue and profit[62]. - The company's total revenue for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, was ¥2,766,557 million, an increase of 20.2% from ¥2,301,122 million in the previous year[129]. - Gross profit for the same period rose to ¥1,436,360 million, reflecting a gross margin of approximately 51.9%, compared to ¥1,206,859 million and a margin of 52.4% in the prior year[129]. - The company reported a registered capital of ¥10.27 billion as of August 31, 2023[132]. - The total asset value as of August 31, 2023, was ¥3,303.6 billion, an increase of ¥119.9 billion compared to the end of the previous fiscal year[95]. - The net asset value as of August 31, 2023, was ¥1,873.3 billion, an increase of ¥257.9 billion compared to the end of the previous fiscal year[95]. Strategic Goals - The company aims to exceed ¥5 trillion in sales within a few years, with a long-term target of reaching ¥10 trillion[2]. - The company plans to continue expanding its customer base in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Greater China, with a recovery in performance noted in the latter region starting in the second half of the fiscal year[62]. - The company plans to open 80 new stores annually in Greater China and approximately 60 stores in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia, while opening about 30 stores in North America and Europe[103]. - The company aims to achieve a revenue target of 10 trillion yen within the next 10 years, with an intermediate goal of 5 trillion yen in a few years[100]. - The company is focused on expanding its market presence and enhancing its product offerings through innovation and strategic initiatives[92]. Sustainability and Social Responsibility - The company emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices and aims to contribute to solving global issues through its operations[2]. - The company has a strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, which are expected to contribute to its overall strategy[17]. - The company aims to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from stores and major offices by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, and a 20% reduction in supply chain emissions[78]. - The company aims to replace approximately 50% of the raw materials used in its products with lower greenhouse gas emitting recycled materials by 2030, achieving about 6% in the 2023 spring/summer product line[78]. - The company received an "A-list" rating from the international non-profit organization CDP for its advanced initiatives and transparency in climate change and water security[77]. - The company has initiated the "JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING" project to help reduce ocean waste, which has been launched in 23 countries since July 2022[80]. - The company is committed to ensuring compliance with labor standards, particularly for vulnerable foreign workers, and has taken a strict stance against unfair treatment[84]. Governance and Management - The board of directors has a 100% attendance rate for the current meeting, with 13 out of 13 meetings attended[11]. - The board includes external directors with extensive experience in investment banking and corporate strategy, enhancing the group's market value[13]. - The company emphasizes the importance of disciplined corporate governance in light of global business risks and aims to enhance diversity within the organization[58]. - The company has established limited liability contracts with non-executive directors to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities adequately[50]. - The board of directors has more than half of its members as external directors to enhance independence and oversight functions[89]. - The company has adopted the SLCP evaluation framework for monitoring labor conditions since September 2020, with results expected to be disclosed based on this new method[86]. Market Expansion and Operations - The company is accelerating the opening of UNIQLO and GU stores globally, leveraging the candidate's extensive experience in business operations[22]. - The GU segment achieved significant revenue and profit growth by enhancing its development of trendy products[62]. - UNIQLO plans to open 60 to 70 new stores annually, focusing on roadside locations to enhance brand presence and customer convenience[70]. - The company is expanding its GU brand by enhancing product development and accelerating store openings both domestically and internationally[109]. - The company is committed to investing in new technologies and product development to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency[111]. Employee Engagement and Talent Management - The company emphasizes the importance of talent management and employee engagement in driving business success[92]. - The company is committed to providing growth opportunities for employees and fostering an environment that allows talent to thrive[110]. - The company has established a presence in production offices in Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Dhaka, Jakarta, and Bangalore to monitor labor conditions and compliance[84]. Financial Management and Shareholder Value - The company is focused on improving shareholder value through objective assessments of its market position[14]. - The total dividend per share for the fiscal year was not specified, but the company maintains a strong dividend policy[97]. - The company aims to improve performance and distribute profits to shareholders based on financial health and future business expansion needs[127]. - The total remuneration for directors is capped at ¥2 billion annually, with external directors capped at ¥200 million[116].

Fiscal Year Overview - The 2023 fiscal year business report covers the period from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023[4] Annual General Meeting - The annual general meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2023, at 10:30 AM Japan time[4] - The agenda includes the election of ten directors and two statutory auditors[5] Audit Information - The independent auditor's report on the consolidated financial statements for the 2023 fiscal year will be presented[4]

Financial Performance - For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, total revenue reached ¥2,766,557 million, representing a 20.2% increase year-over-year[2] - Operating profit for the same period was ¥381,090 million, up 28.2% compared to the previous year[2] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥296,229 million, reflecting an 8.4% increase from ¥273,335 million in the prior year[3] - For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, the company forecasts revenue of ¥3,050,000 million, a 10.2% increase, and operating profit of ¥450,000 million, up 18.1%[8] - The projected net profit attributable to shareholders for the fiscal year 2024 is ¥310,000 million, indicating a 4.6% increase[8] - Total revenue increased from ¥2,301,122 million in the fiscal year ending August 31, 2022, to ¥2,766,557 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, representing a growth of approximately 20.2%[33] - Operating profit improved from ¥297,325 million to ¥381,090 million, marking a growth of approximately 28.2%[33] - Net income attributable to the parent company increased from ¥273,335 million to ¥296,229 million, a rise of about 8.4%[33] Assets and Liabilities - The total assets as of August 31, 2023, amounted to ¥3,303,694 million, with total equity of ¥1,873,360 million, resulting in an equity ratio of 55.1%[5] - As of August 31, 2023, total assets amounted to ¥33,036 billion, an increase of ¥1,199 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[27] - Total liabilities as of August 31, 2023, were ¥14,303 billion, a decrease of ¥1,380 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[27] - Net assets totaled ¥18,733 billion as of August 31, 2023, an increase of ¥2,579 billion from the previous fiscal year-end[27] Cash Flow - Cash generated from operating activities for the year was ¥463,216 million, compared to ¥430,817 million in the previous year[6] - Operating cash flow for the year ending August 31, 2023, was ¥463.2 billion, up from ¥430.8 billion in the previous year[28] - Investment cash flow for the year ending August 31, 2023, was a net outflow of ¥574.4 billion, compared to a net outflow of ¥212.2 billion in the previous year[29] - Financing cash flow for the year ending August 31, 2023, was a net outflow of ¥364.5 billion, compared to a net outflow of ¥213.0 billion in the previous year[29] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company declared a total annual dividend of ¥290.00 per share, with a payout ratio of 30.0%[7] - Basic earnings per share increased from ¥891.77 to ¥966.09, representing a growth of approximately 8.4%[33] - The company purchased treasury shares amounting to ¥27 million during the year, while it sold treasury shares for ¥1,778 million[35] - The company declared dividends totaling ¥73,074 million, which is a decrease from ¥53,123 million in the previous year[34] Regional Performance - The overseas UNIQLO business segment accounted for over 50% of total revenue and 60% of operating profit, indicating strong performance across all regions[14] - In Japan, UNIQLO's revenue totaled ¥890.4 billion, a 9.9% increase year-over-year, with same-store sales rising by 7.6%[16] - Overseas UNIQLO revenue reached ¥1,437.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 28.5%, with operating profit at ¥226.9 billion, up 43.3%[17] - Greater China region generated revenue of ¥620.2 billion, a 15.2% increase, and operating profit of ¥104.3 billion, up 25.0%[17] - North America revenue reached ¥163.9 billion, a 43.7% increase, with operating profit at ¥21.1 billion, up 91.9%[17] - Europe revenue was ¥191.3 billion, a 49.1% increase, with operating profit of ¥27.3 billion, up 82.5%[17] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to enhance its digital retail capabilities and diversify global revenue sources as part of its strategic goals[15] - The company plans to accelerate new store openings and strengthen product development in the overseas UNIQLO segment[15] - The company plans to expand its operations in North America and Europe, with specific revenue reporting for these regions starting from this fiscal year[43] Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% in self-operated stores by 2030, with a target of using 50% recycled materials[23] - The partnership with UNHCR has produced approximately 2 million cloth sanitary pads and 430,000 women's underwear for Rohingya refugees[24] - The "PEACE FOR ALL" initiative generated ¥697 million in profits from T-shirt sales, with 29 public figures participating since June 2022[21] Other Financial Metrics - The gross profit margin decreased by 1.0 percentage points due to the depreciation of the yen affecting production costs[16] - The company reported a total comprehensive income of ¥576,247 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2022, compared to ¥443,916 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023, indicating a decrease of about 22.9%[33] - Total comprehensive income for the year was ¥423,601 million, compared to ¥554,833 million in the prior year, indicating a decrease of about 23.7%[34] - The company reported a decrease in other comprehensive income from ¥281,497 million to ¥127,371 million, reflecting a decline of about 54.7%[35] Impairment and Expenses - The company recorded a significant reduction in impairment losses, from ¥23,150 million in the previous year to ¥3,958 million for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023[51] - Sales, general, and administrative expenses increased to ¥1,054,368 million from ¥900,154 million, reflecting a rise of approximately 17.1%[47] - Advertising and promotion expenses rose to ¥92,312 million, compared to ¥79,267 million in the previous year, marking an increase of about 16.4%[47] - Financing costs increased from ¥7,560 million to ¥9,888 million, indicating a rise in interest expenses[49]