Hankyu Hanshin Holdings boosts dividend, sets new payout target

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings announced a revised shareholder return policy, effective fiscal year 2026, increasing its target total payout ratio to 50% from the current 30%. The company also projected a ¥100 annual dividend for the next fiscal year, up from the current ¥60, split evenly between interim and final payments of ¥50 each. This represents a substantial 66.7% increase in the annual dividend per share. The company cited its new long-term management plan, focused on sustained growth and balance sheet efficiency, as the driver behind the changes. Share buybacks will continue as part of the overall shareholder return strategy, implemented flexibly based on cash flow and with the 50% total payout ratio as a guideline. The buyback amount will be determined based on fiscal 2025 profits and executed in fiscal 2026.