Saizeriya increases dividend forecast amid expansion plans

Saizeriya (TSE:7581) has announced an increase to its dividend forecast for the fiscal year ending August 2025, raising the dividend per share to JPY 30, up JPY 5 from the previous forecast. This decision, reached at a board meeting, reflects the company's commitment to shareholder returns and its positive assessment of current performance and future business prospects. The company reported strong consolidated financial results for the nine months ended May 31, 2025, with revenue up 15.4% to JPY 188,339 million and profit attributable to owners of the parent increasing by 50.4% to JPY 7,784 million. In addition to the dividend increase, Saizeriya is expanding its operations with the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Wuhan Saizeriya, in Wuhan, China. This new entity will focus on developing the Saizeriya restaurant chain within Wuhan City, marking a further step in the company's overseas expansion strategy. Saizeriya indicated that the impact on financial results for the fiscal year ending August 2025 is expected to be minor with this new entity.