Fast Retailing Reports Record H1 Profit, Raises Outlook

Fast Retailing Co., the Japanese operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, reported record first-half profits on Thursday and raised its full-year earnings forecast, fueled by robust international sales growth in North America and Europe despite rising costs from the Middle East conflict.

For the six months ended February 28, the company posted an operating profit of 400.67 billion yen, a 31.7 percent increase from the previous year, on sales of 2.06 trillion yen, up 14.8 percent. Net profit reached 279.29 billion yen, marking a 19.6 percent rise. These results exceeded analyst expectations, with the three-month period through February alone delivering an operating profit of 190 billion yen, surpassing projections of 161 billion yen.

The performance was driven by strong demand for Uniqlo's core products, including winter clothing and year-round lines, as well as new store openings that boosted brand recognition. Overseas operations saw operating profit surge 38.9 percent to 234.1 billion yen, with double-digit sales growth in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia outside China. In Japan, operating profit rose 14.1 percent to 111.4 billion yen, supported by steady winter sales...