JR East raises forecasts and dividends for fiscal 2026

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has revised its consolidated financial forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, upward. Operating revenues are now projected to be JPY3,058,000 million, up from JPY3,023,000 million, with operating income increasing to JPY405,000 million from JPY387,000 million. Profit attributable to owners of parent is also expected to rise to JPY237,000 million from JPY227,000 million, driven by increased passenger revenues.

In line with the improved outlook, JR East also announced an increase in its interim and year-end dividends. The 2nd quarter-end dividend will be JPY35 per share, up from the previously forecasted JPY31 per share. The year-end dividend forecast is also revised to JPY35 per share, resulting in an annual dividend of JPY70 per share, an increase from the prior forecast of JPY62 per share. This aligns with the company's "To the Next Stage" 2034 vision to gradually raise the dividend payout ratio to 40% by fiscal year 2028.3.

JR East also disclosed a revision to its retirement benefit plan, transitioning from a lump-sum to a defined contribution plan effective April 1, 2026. Additionally, an extraordinary loss of JPY3,366 million was recognized as "contributions for local transport operations" due to a change in transportation mode on the Tsugaru Line.