Japan Post Insurance boosts forecasts, announces JPY45bn share buyback

Japan Post Insurance has revised its consolidated financial results forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, with ordinary income projected to increase by JPY100,000 million to JPY5,740,000 million. Ordinary profit is expected to rise by JPY20,000 million to JPY260,000 million, and net income attributable to Japan Post Insurance is set to increase by JPY23,000 million to JPY159,000 million. This upward revision is attributed to improved investment income and reduced operating expenses. The annual dividend forecast remains unchanged at JPY124 per share.

Concurrently, the company announced a treasury stock acquisition program, planning to buy back up to 20,000,000 shares (5.4% of total shares outstanding, excluding treasury stock) for a maximum of JPY45,000,000,000. The acquisition period runs from November 17, 2025, to March 31, 2026, utilizing the ToSTNeT-3 system and the Tokyo Stock Exchange auction market.

This buyback aligns with the company's shareholder return policies, targeting a medium-term average total payout ratio of 40-50% and approximately 55% for the current fiscal year, aiming to enhance capital efficiency. Japan Post Holdings, the parent company, plans to sell 5,424,300 shares, maintaining its voting rights ratio at or below 50% after the acquisition, and the acquired shares will be canceled.