Ajinomoto announces share repurchase, Q2 FY2026 earnings

Ajinomoto Co. reported a slight decline in consolidated sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, with sales decreasing by 5.3 billion yen (0.7%) to 738.8 billion yen, primarily due to currency translation effects. Business profit also saw a minor decrease of 0.1 billion yen (0.2%) to 86.7 billion yen, largely influenced by lower profit in frozen foods despite gains in healthcare and other segments. Profit attributable to owners of the parent company, however, increased by 1.0 billion yen (2.0%) to 51.2 billion yen, driven by the realization of exchange differences from the sale of Ajinomoto Althea, Inc.

The company's total assets increased by 23.4 billion yen to 1,744.6 billion yen, mainly due to an increase in inventories. Total equity decreased by 29.3 billion yen to 783.9 billion yen, primarily due to treasury stock purchases and dividend payments. In a strategic move to boost shareholder returns and capital efficiency, Ajinomoto's board authorized the repurchase of up to 30 million common shares, representing 3.09% of outstanding shares, for a maximum of 80 billion yen, to be executed between December 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026. All repurchased shares will be retired.