Unicharm (UNCHF) Q2 2025 Earnings Report

The earnings call highlighted strong performance in Japan and North America, along with strategic shareholder returns. However, significant challenges in Asia, particularly China, and a downward revision of forecasts indicate a cautious outlook.

In the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, Unicharm Corporation reported consolidated sales of JPY464.2 billion, a decline of 4.8%, and a core operating income of JPY57 billion, down 22% compared to the previous year. The decline was attributed to the reaction to record-high profits from the same period last year and reputational incidents affecting feminine care sales in China. Strategic marketing investments in Asia and rising logistics and DX-related costs in Japan also pressured earnings. Interim income attributable to owners increased due to JPY5.3 billion in insurance income from India and the utilization of tax loss carryforwards. In Japan, net sales increased by 4.1% and core operating income by 2.9%, driven by the penetration of the value shift in wellness care and pet care. In contrast, Asia saw a significant decline in net sales by 14.5% and core operating income by 69.4%, primarily due to challenges in China, Indonesia, and Thailand. For the rest of the world, net sales increased by 2.3%, and core operating income rose by 12.7%, with a strong performance in North America's pet care business and the Middle East. The company revised its earnings forecast downward, citing slower-than-expected recovery in Asia, ongoing challenges in China, and demographic shifts affecting the baby care market. Unicharm aims for a total return ratio of 50% or more for shareholders, planning to increase dividends and acquire additional treasury stock.