Zeria Pharmaceutical's first-half profit plunges on lower sales, higher expenses

Zeria Pharmaceutical reported a notable downturn in consolidated financial results for the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Net sales decreased by 5.8% to JPY 39,960 million compared to the same period last year. Operating profit plunged by 43.6% to JPY 3,641 million, while ordinary profit saw an even steeper decline of 66.6% to JPY 2,656 million. Profit attributable to owners of parent fell by 71.3% to JPY 1,737 million. The company cited decreased sales, increased expenses related to core system investments in overseas subsidiaries, and a shift from foreign exchange gains to losses as key factors.

The ethical pharmaceuticals business segment experienced an 8.2% drop in net sales to JPY 26,208 million, impacted by NHI drug price revisions, competing products, and production facility issues for Asacol. Conversely, the consumer healthcare business saw a slight decrease of 0.9% in net sales to JPY 13,675 million, with Hepalyse range sales increasing by 9.4% but other products declining.

Total assets at the end of the semi-annual period were JPY 158,736 million, a slight decrease from the previous fiscal year-end. The equity ratio improved to 57.8%. The company's full-year consolidated financial forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, remains unchanged, with an expected total annual dividend of JPY 48.00 per share.