Japan's Wasa Holdings <2499> announced its consolidated financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024 on the 13th. Revenue was 3.427 billion yen, a 3.1% increase from the same period last year, operating profit was 0.295 billion yen, a 24.7% increase, ordinary profit was 0.264 billion yen, a 31.9% increase, and net income attributable to shareholders was 0.159 billion yen, a 58.4% increase.

Additionally, considering the current performance and other factors, it was announced that the year-end dividends estimate for the fiscal year ending December 2024 was increased from 4.00 yen per share to 5.00 yen, an increase of 1.00 yen. This means the total annual dividends will be 14.00 yen per share.

During the cumulative period of the third quarter, there were many applications for the free kimono dressing class aimed at new customers, which was held for the first time this spring as a 'Trial 3 Times Free Dressing Experience Course.' As a result, the number of participants who progressed to the main course (consisting of five sessions) after the experience exceeded that of the previous year. After completion, students were provided with further education to improve their skills through a continuation class, and a new class on 'Dressing in Yukata and Tying Half-width Obi' was launched in preparation for summer, offering opportunities to deeply learn the charm of kimono. As a result, the number of continuing participants in the class increased compared to the same period last year, and the total number of participants in the new customer sales event held in spring was 113% year-on-year. Furthermore, the number of spring participants who attended large events for existing customers after September was about 170% compared to the previous year, and the revenue associated with this also showed stable growth. Additionally, for nationwide events aimed at existing customers (graduates), efforts continued to focus on providing premium and high-value tours and events, following the second quarter. Especially, both the revenue from the 'Summer Floral City Tour' conducted in July and the enhanced 'Oshoi!! Hakata Gion Yamakasa Tour' showed stable trends. Moreover, at the annual traditional kimono appearance contest 'Kimono Brilliance National Championship' held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in August, more than 1,000 graduates participated and it was well received. As a result, while selling costs increased due to factors like rising selling expenses and general administrative expenses, various measures were effective, leading to increased revenue and profits.

Regarding new businesses, a new e-commerce site 'KAERUWA' was opened this term. Based on two main contents, "Kimono Meguri" focusing on affordable products such as washable kimonos and obi that have not been handled by the company's group before, and "Komono Meguri" focusing on trinkets, seasonal campaigns were implemented.

For the consolidated financial performance forecast for the full year ending December 2024, revenue is estimated to be between 4.6 billion yen and 4.7 billion yen, indicating an increase of 2.1% to 4.4% compared to the previous period. Operating profit is projected to be between 0.4 billion yen and 0.452 billion yen, showing an increase of 1.6% to 14.8%. Ordinary profit is expected to be between 0.358 billion yen and 0.406 billion yen, reflecting an increase of 1.9% to 15.3%, and net income attributable to shareholders is projected to be between 0.22 billion yen and 0.254 billion yen, representing an increase of 27.8% to 47.0%. The initial plan remains unchanged.