Unicharm profits fall 22% despite dividend increase

Unicharm Corporation reported core operating income fell 22.0% to ¥57,014 million for the six months ended June 30, despite net sales rising to ¥464,170 million. The decline was attributed to strategic investments in Asia.

The company revised its full-year core operating income forecast down 13.3% to ¥120,000 million, citing slower Asian recovery and higher e-commerce costs. Unicharm increased its annual dividend to ¥18 per share and plans ¥10 billion in treasury stock purchases.