Kikkoman boosts dividend, projects growth, overhauls leadership

** Kikkoman Corporation (TSE:2801) is set to increase its year-end dividend to ¥25 per share, comprised of ¥13 for ordinary dividends and a ¥2 special dividend, owing to its 12-year streak of record profits. This decision was made at the company's board meeting on April 28, a motion to be formally brought up for a vote at the company's June 24 shareholder meeting. Furthermore, Kikkoman projects revenue will hit ¥744.5 billion and profit attributable to owners of the parent will reach ¥59.6 billion, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. As it looks toward the future, Kikkoman has initiated a plan for a share buyback with up to 16 million shares, and up to JPY 20 billion, to be used in a highly agile equity capital policy. To further its long-term strategic goals, there are significant shifts in Kikkoman's corporate structure, including the planned elections of Arthur M. Mitchell and Hiroko Kuniya as Outside Directors, Yuko Miyazaki as an Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member, and Kenichi Kanbe as a Substitute Audit & Supervisory Board Member. Current executives Takao Kamiyama, Yoshiaki Asami and Yasuhiro Hoshino will transition to advisory roles. The accounting auditor will also change from Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC, used since 1996, to KPMG AZSA LLC.