Life Corporation (TSE: 8194), which runs food supermarkets across the Kanto and Kinki metropolitan areas, reported results for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending February 2027 — the three months from March 1 to May 31, 2026. Operating revenue rose 3.2% to ¥223,296m, but operating profit fell 6.9% to ¥7,230m, ordinary profit fell 6.1% to ¥7,484m and net profit attributable to owners fell 9.0% to ¥5,081m. Quarterly EPS was ¥58.73, down from ¥64.51.
Revenue rises but costs weigh on profit
Sales growth came from new store openings, existing-store remodelling, expansion of the net-supermarket business, and stronger private-brand products such as the organic-focused "BIO-RAL" line. Net sales rose 3.2% to ¥215,015m and operating income (tenant and other revenue) rose 3.5% to ¥8,280m. However, selling and administrative expenses climbed on higher rents and property costs from new stores, together with increased personnel costs from a third consecutive year of pay rises above 5% and the expansion of annual paid holidays to 120 days. Productivity gains from the company's "Kaizen" cost-optimisation drive were not enough to absorb the increases, pushing profit lower. Comprehensive income fell 10.6% to ¥4,932m.
Retail segment and department sales
The core retail business posted operating revenue of ¥223,182m (+3.2%) and segment profit of ¥7,344m (−6.5%). By department, fresh food sales rose 3.4% to ¥94,270m, general food rose 2.3% to ¥97,052m, household goods rose 5.8% to ¥17,836m and clothing rose 8.1% to ¥5,856m. The financial-services unit added operating revenue of ¥744m (+2.9%) and segment profit of ¥139m (+22.7%).
Balance sheet and dividend
Total assets stood at ¥337,467m, up ¥2,220m from the previous year-end, while net assets rose to ¥157,606m, lifting the equity ratio to 46.7% from 46.4%. Net assets per share were ¥1,821.67. The company left its dividend plan unchanged, guiding a year-end payout of ¥35.00 for a full-year total of ¥70.00.
Full-year outlook unchanged
Life kept the full-year forecast it issued on April 9, 2026 intact, guiding operating revenue of ¥922,500m (+4.7%), operating profit of ¥27,000m (+3.8%), ordinary profit of ¥28,000m (+3.4%) and net profit of ¥19,000m (+0.9%), for EPS of ¥219.61. The first-quarter result represents about 24% of the operating-revenue target and 27% of the operating-profit target.
| Metric | Q1 FY2/27 | Q1 FY2/26 | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating revenue (¥m) | 223,296 | 216,285 | +3.2% |
| Net sales (¥m) | 215,015 | 208,280 | +3.2% |
| Operating profit (¥m) | 7,230 | 7,768 | −6.9% |
| Ordinary profit (¥m) | 7,484 | 7,972 | −6.1% |
| Net profit attrib. (¥m) | 5,081 | 5,581 | −9.0% |
| EPS (¥) | 58.73 | 64.51 | −9.0% |
| Equity ratio | 46.7% | 46.4% | +0.3pp |
JapanStockPulse provides informational content only and does not constitute investment advice. Figures are taken from the company's published earnings short report and may be subject to subsequent revision.