Onward holdings reports strong half-year results, announces share buyback

Onward Holdings reported consolidated net sales of 112,636 million yen for the six months ended August 31, 2025, an 18.4% increase year-on-year, with operating profit rising 9.1% to 5,736 million yen. Profit attributable to owners of parent reached 4,822 million yen, up 17.4%. The company attributed this performance to strengthened product lineups, new store openings, and the successful integration of WEGO Co., Ltd. EBITDA for the period increased by 9.3% to 8,408 million yen.

The company reaffirmed its full-year forecast, targeting 230,000 million yen in net sales and 10,000 million yen in net profit, expecting to achieve its Medium-term Management Plan target one year ahead of schedule. Concurrent with these strong results, Onward Holdings announced an interim dividend of 14 yen per share, maintaining its full-year dividend forecast of 30 yen per share. Additionally, the Board of Directors resolved to cancel 16 million shares of treasury stock (10.13% of total shares outstanding) on October 16, 2025, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns.

Onward Holdings also outlined its growth strategy for the J. Press business in the U.S., aiming to increase sales tenfold to $100 million by FY2030, through expansion to 20 stores and significant e-commerce growth. This will be led by new creative director and president, Jack Carlson, and will involve new collections, collaborations, and digital marketing.