Kura Sushi reports Q3 profit decline despite sales growth

For the nine months ended July 31, 2025, Kura Sushi reported net sales of JPY 181,677 million, a 4.5% increase year-over-year. However, operating profit decreased by 18.4% to JPY 5,189 million, and profit attributable to owners of parent fell by 22.1% to JPY 3,461 million. Basic earnings per share were JPY 87.10. Total assets rose to JPY 153,404 million from JPY 139,446 million as of October 31, 2024, driven by increases in accounts receivable, property, plant, and equipment, and investment securities.

The company opened 20 new stores, including 7 in Japan, 12 in North America, and 1 in Asia, bringing the total to 687 directly operated stores. Strategic initiatives included the launch of "Mutenzō Nakameguro" and the opening of the large-scale "Osaka/Kansai Expo store," which offers dishes from 70 countries. These expansion and promotional activities contributed to sales growth but impacted profitability.

For the full fiscal year ending October 31, 2025, Kura Sushi maintains its forecast with expected net sales of JPY 243,000 million (up 3.4%), operating profit of JPY 5,000 million (down 12.3%), and profit attributable to owners of parent of JPY 3,400 million (up 5.4%). The forecast for the year-end dividend remains at JPY 20.00.