Author: admin

  • From an interstellar comet to alien worlds, these are the biggest, weirdest space discoveries of 2025

    From an interstellar comet to alien worlds, these are the biggest, weirdest space discoveries of 2025

    The year 2025 was a vintage one for astronomy. In January, we were hooked on reports of a building-sized asteroid – 2024 YR4 – on course to collide with Earth.

    The risk was quickly downgraded from worrying to virtually non-existent, but it…

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  • Direct Pakistan-Bangladesh flights to resume after 14 years

    Direct Pakistan-Bangladesh flights to resume after 14 years

    Scheduled for Jan 29, with bi-weekly services, restoring Pakistan-Bangladesh air link

    Pakistan and Bangladesh are to resume direct flights after more than…

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  • Can Asthma Apps Help Fix NHS Care Gaps? – Medscape

    1. Can Asthma Apps Help Fix NHS Care Gaps?  Medscape
    2. Digital tools approved to support asthma patients  HSJ | Health Service Journal
    3. AI could boost GP accuracy in lung condition diagnosis, says NICE  GPonline
    4. Nurses welcome NICE recommendation on…

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  • Terrorists using BYC’s platform to induct Balochistan’s youth into their networks: CTD official – Dawn

    1. Terrorists using BYC’s platform to induct Balochistan’s youth into their networks: CTD official  Dawn
    2. Former university teacher arrested in Panjgur over links to banned organisation  The Express Tribune
    3. Educated alleged terrorist arrested in…

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  • National Grid shares updated plans for proposed subsea electricity cable between Suffolk and The Netherlands

    National Grid Ventures (NGV), responsible for building and operating LionLink as part of the commercial arm of National Grid, has published its refined proposals for LionLink, a new subsea and underground electricity cable – known as an interconnector – which will connect an offshore wind farm to Great Britain’s and the Netherlands’ electricity grids.

    NGV is inviting feedback on its latest proposals through an eight-week public consultation, running from Tuesday 13 January to Tuesday 10 March 2026. The consultation will give members of the community an opportunity to see how their comments have been considered since the previous consultations and provide further feedback on the plans, prior to NGV applying for development consent from the Planning Inspectorate.

    LionLink is set to be one of the first projects of its kind, helping to shape the future of offshore renewable energy by combining wind generation and cross border interconnection in a single, integrated project. At present, offshore wind farms and international interconnectors operate independently, each requiring their own separate connection to land. LionLink reduces the number of individual shore landings, cuts infrastructure costs, and supports a more resilient, flexible energy system.

    Supplying up to two gigawatts of cleaner electricity – enough to power approximately 2.5 million British homes, LionLink will play an important role in maximising the use of offshore wind and supporting the UK government’s objectives to create a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for consumers.

    Gareth Burden, Project Director for LionLink, commented: Our plans for LionLink have moved on significantly since we first announced the project. We’ve worked hard to ensure our approach will deliver real, lasting benefits to the economy with as little disruption as possible. Everyone who took the time to comment on our initial proposals since the 2022 and 2023 non-statutory consultations has helped us to refine our plans and consider the concerns of the community. We are coordinating with other developers in Suffolk on a regular basis so that where possible, we can work together to ensure construction is carried out in manageable sections, and we can avoid long term disruption in any one area.

    NGV has over 40 years of experience in constructing, developing, and operating interconnectors, with six in operation, enabling the flow of energy between Great Britain and partners in Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Norway. In each of these developments, NGV has sought to work closely with its partners, ensuring the benefits are felt by those affected by any work. In Suffolk, collaboration with other local developers is well-underway through regulator led meetings and the sharing of infrastructure plans. While commitments to support the local area are being delivered through partnerships with both National Energy Action and Catch22.

    As part of its ongoing commitment to engage with the community following previous consultations on LionLink in 2022 and 2023, NGV announced that the subsea cable for LionLink will be located onshore at Walberswick, a decision made following an assessment of the environment and local residents’ concerns around access constraints and traffic impacts. An alternative underground HVDC cable corridor to the north of Southwold was discounted following the consultations. NGV is also working closely with local authorities to ensure no construction takes place on the beach, and there is no visible infrastructure once the project is complete. 84% of the UK section of the LionLink cable will be offshore, and all onshore sections will be buried underground.

    NGV is holding a series of public information events at venues close to the proposed cable route. At each event, attendees can view the proposals, speak to members of the project team and read printed copies of all consultation materials. The event schedule is as follows:

    Date Time Location
    Saturday 24 January 2026 11 am – 4 pm Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1AL
    Saturday 31 January 2026 11am – 4pm Walberswick Village Hall, The Street, Southwold, IP18 6TZ
    Friday 06 February 2026 2 – 7 pm High Lodge Leisure, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham, Suffolk, IP17 3QT
    Saturday 21 February 2026 11 am – 4 pm Westleton Village Hall, The Street, Westleton, Saxmundham IP17 3AD
    Saturday 28 February 2026 11 am – 4 pm Yoxford Village Hall, Old High Road, Yoxford, IP17 3HN

    NGV will also be presenting on its proposals and taking questions during the consultation period through two live online webinars, which the public can register to attend via the www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink. The webinars will include a British Sign Language interpreter.

    Date Time
    Wednesday 4 February 2026 6pm-7.30pm
    Tuesday 3 March 2026 6pm-7.30pm

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors

    All of the consultation documents prepared for the public consultation will be available on the project website, www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink, on Tuesday 13 January 2026, including the full Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). Additionally, the documents listed will be available to view at the following venues.

    • Project overview document
    • Project overview document – quick read
    • Consultation leaflet
    • Feedback form and freepost envelopes
    • Statement of community consultation*
    • Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) non-technical summary*
    • Options siting and routeing report*
    • Plans and drawings*
    • Guide to using the consultation plans and drawings*

    * Reference copies available only.

    Location Address Opening Hours
    Saxmundham Library Block B, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL
    • Tuesday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Wednesday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Friday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Saturday: 10 am – 1 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
    Saxmundham Town Council The Town House, Station Approach, Saxmundham, IP17 1BW
    • Monday: 9am – 4 pm
    • Tuesday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Wednesday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Thursday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Friday: 9 am – 4 pm
    Southwold Library Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold, IP18 6LD
    • Tuesday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Wednesday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Thursday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Friday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Saturday: 9:30 am – 1 pm, 2 – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
    Halesworth Library Bridge Street, Halesworth, IP19 8AD
    • Monday: 9 am – 1 pm
    • Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
    Leiston Library Main Street, Leiston, IP16 4ER
    • Tuesday: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
    • Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
    • Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm 2 – 5 pm
    • Saturday: 9:30 am – 1 pm, 2 – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
       

    To learn more about the consultation and how to get involved, members of the public can:  

    The deadline for feedback is 11:59pm on the 10 March 2026.

    Members of the public who prefer to respond to the consultation via post can receive a printed copy of the feedback form and freepost envelope by contacting [email protected]. Postal responses will be accepted until 16 March 2026.

    The construction of LionLink requires the granting of a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is a special type of planning application for nationally significant infrastructure projects, where an independent panel of inspectors is appointed to review the plans. The inspectors will issue a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who will make the final decision. NGV anticipates submitting a DCO application for LionLink in 2026, expecting to be operational in 2032.  

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  • National Grid shares updated plans for proposed subsea electricity cable between Suffolk and The Netherlands

    National Grid Ventures (NGV), responsible for building and operating LionLink as part of the commercial arm of National Grid, has published its refined proposals for LionLink, a new subsea and underground electricity cable – known as an interconnector – which will connect an offshore wind farm to Great Britain’s and the Netherlands’ electricity grids.

    NGV is inviting feedback on its latest proposals through an eight-week public consultation, running from Tuesday 13 January to Tuesday 10 March 2026. The consultation will give members of the community an opportunity to see how their comments have been considered since the previous consultations and provide further feedback on the plans, prior to NGV applying for development consent from the Planning Inspectorate.

    LionLink is set to be one of the first projects of its kind, helping to shape the future of offshore renewable energy by combining wind generation and cross border interconnection in a single, integrated project. At present, offshore wind farms and international interconnectors operate independently, each requiring their own separate connection to land. LionLink reduces the number of individual shore landings, cuts infrastructure costs, and supports a more resilient, flexible energy system.

    Supplying up to two gigawatts of cleaner electricity – enough to power approximately 2.5 million British homes, LionLink will play an important role in maximising the use of offshore wind and supporting the UK government’s objectives to create a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for consumers.

    Gareth Burden, Project Director for LionLink, commented: Our plans for LionLink have moved on significantly since we first announced the project. We’ve worked hard to ensure our approach will deliver real, lasting benefits to the economy with as little disruption as possible. Everyone who took the time to comment on our initial proposals since the 2022 and 2023 non-statutory consultations has helped us to refine our plans and consider the concerns of the community. We are coordinating with other developers in Suffolk on a regular basis so that where possible, we can work together to ensure construction is carried out in manageable sections, and we can avoid long term disruption in any one area.

    NGV has over 40 years of experience in constructing, developing, and operating interconnectors, with six in operation, enabling the flow of energy between Great Britain and partners in Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Norway. In each of these developments, NGV has sought to work closely with its partners, ensuring the benefits are felt by those affected by any work. In Suffolk, collaboration with other local developers is well-underway through regulator led meetings and the sharing of infrastructure plans. While commitments to support the local area are being delivered through partnerships with both National Energy Action and Catch22.

    As part of its ongoing commitment to engage with the community following previous consultations on LionLink in 2022 and 2023, NGV announced that the subsea cable for LionLink will be located onshore at Walberswick, a decision made following an assessment of the environment and local residents’ concerns around access constraints and traffic impacts. An alternative underground HVDC cable corridor to the north of Southwold was discounted following the consultations. NGV is also working closely with local authorities to ensure no construction takes place on the beach, and there is no visible infrastructure once the project is complete. 84% of the UK section of the LionLink cable will be offshore, and all onshore sections will be buried underground.

    NGV is holding a series of public information events at venues close to the proposed cable route. At each event, attendees can view the proposals, speak to members of the project team and read printed copies of all consultation materials. The event schedule is as follows:

    Date Time Location
    Saturday 24 January 2026 11 am – 4 pm Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1AL
    Saturday 31 January 2026 11am – 4pm Walberswick Village Hall, The Street, Southwold, IP18 6TZ
    Friday 06 February 2026 2 – 7 pm High Lodge Leisure, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham, Suffolk, IP17 3QT
    Saturday 21 February 2026 11 am – 4 pm Westleton Village Hall, The Street, Westleton, Saxmundham IP17 3AD
    Saturday 28 February 2026 11 am – 4 pm Yoxford Village Hall, Old High Road, Yoxford, IP17 3HN

    NGV will also be presenting on its proposals and taking questions during the consultation period through two live online webinars, which the public can register to attend via the www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink. The webinars will include a British Sign Language interpreter.

    Date Time
    Wednesday 4 February 2026 6pm-7.30pm
    Tuesday 3 March 2026 6pm-7.30pm

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors

    All of the consultation documents prepared for the public consultation will be available on the project website, www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink, on Tuesday 13 January 2026, including the full Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). Additionally, the documents listed will be available to view at the following venues.

    • Project overview document
    • Project overview document – quick read
    • Consultation leaflet
    • Feedback form and freepost envelopes
    • Statement of community consultation*
    • Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) non-technical summary*
    • Options siting and routeing report*
    • Plans and drawings*
    • Guide to using the consultation plans and drawings*

    * Reference copies available only.

    Location Address Opening Hours
    Saxmundham Library Block B, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL
    • Tuesday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Wednesday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Friday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
    • Saturday: 10 am – 1 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
    Saxmundham Town Council The Town House, Station Approach, Saxmundham, IP17 1BW
    • Monday: 9am – 4 pm
    • Tuesday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Wednesday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Thursday: 9 am – 4 pm
    • Friday: 9 am – 4 pm
    Southwold Library Old Hospital Hub, Field Stile Road, Southwold, IP18 6LD
    • Tuesday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Wednesday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Thursday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Friday: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm
    • Saturday: 9:30 am – 1 pm, 2 – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
    Halesworth Library Bridge Street, Halesworth, IP19 8AD
    • Monday: 9 am – 1 pm
    • Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
    Leiston Library Main Street, Leiston, IP16 4ER
    • Tuesday: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
    • Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
    • Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm 2 – 5 pm
    • Saturday: 9:30 am – 1 pm, 2 – 5 pm
    • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
       

    To learn more about the consultation and how to get involved, members of the public can:  

    The deadline for feedback is 11:59pm on the 10 March 2026.

    Members of the public who prefer to respond to the consultation via post can receive a printed copy of the feedback form and freepost envelope by contacting [email protected]. Postal responses will be accepted until 16 March 2026.

    The construction of LionLink requires the granting of a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is a special type of planning application for nationally significant infrastructure projects, where an independent panel of inspectors is appointed to review the plans. The inspectors will issue a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who will make the final decision. NGV anticipates submitting a DCO application for LionLink in 2026, expecting to be operational in 2032.  

    Continue Reading

  • Field Marshal Asim Munir visits Lahore Garrison, reviews operational preparedness

    Field Marshal Asim Munir visits Lahore Garrison, reviews operational preparedness

    CDF reiterated the army’s zero-tolerance policy towards threats to national security

    Field Marshal Asim Munir at Lahore Garrison observes specialised field training exercise Photo: ISPR

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  • HPV Vaccine for Cervical Cancer Prevention: Price, Side Effects, Doses and Where to Get It

    HPV Vaccine for Cervical Cancer Prevention: Price, Side Effects, Doses and Where to Get It

    January is globally observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder of how preventable this disease can be with the right combination of vaccination and regular screening. Cervical cancer develops slowly and is most commonly caused…

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  • Results Summary for FY2026 1Q (Three Months to November 2025)

    Results Summary for FY2026 1Q (Three Months to November 2025)

    Last Updated: 2026.01.08

    Results Summary for FY2026 1Q (Three Months to November 2025)

    FAST RETAILING CO., LTD.
    (211KB)
    to Japanese page
    to Chinese page

    Consolidated Business Performance

    Performance by Group Operation

    Fiscal 2026 First-quarter Performance Highlights

    ■Consolidated results: Fast Retailing reports record performance on significantly increased revenue and profit

    • In the first quarter of FY2026, consolidated revenue rose to 1.0277 trillion yen (+14.8% year on year), business profit increased to 205.6 billion yen (+31.0%) and profit attributable to owners of the Parent expanded to 147.4 billion yen (+11.7%).
    • UNIQLO business in all regions performed strongly, reporting revenue and profit gains across the board. High-quality store openings and strategic information dissemination contributed considerably to our branding. We also improved the organization of inter-season business, enabling Fall products and year-round products to drive sales during that period.

    ■UNIQLO Japan: Reports considerable revenue and profit gains

    • Revenue: 299.0 billion yen (+12.2%), business profit: 62.4 billion yen (+20.2%).
    • Same-store sales expanded 11.0%, with sales of Fall products and year-round products proving especially strong.
    • Gross profit margin contracted by 0.5p on the rise in cost of sales caused by a weakening in yen forward contract rates. SG&A ratio improved by 1.9p due to lower personnel costs and store rent cost ratios.

    ■UNIQLO International: Significant increases in both revenue and profit

    • Revenue: 603.8 billion yen (+20.3%), business profit: 117.3 billion yen (+38.0%). The business profit margin improved by 2.4p following improvements in gross profit margins and SG&A ratios from all component operations.
    • Strong first-quarter performance was driven by the successful development and marketing of products that captured customer demand, as well as the continued opening of high-quality stores worldwide.
    • The Greater China markets reported an increase in revenue and double-digit profit growth. UNIQLO business in South Korea, the Southeast Asia, Australia, and India region, Europe, and North America all generated double-digit revenue and profit growth.

    ■GU: Slight increase in revenue, large increase in profit

    • Revenue: 91.3 billion yen (+0.8%), business profit: 11.4 billion yen (+20.0%).
    • Same-store sales decreased slightly year on year. While soft sheer T-shirts, warm casual innerwear, and some other products sold well, overall sales failed to gain momentum due to a lack of sufficient products that captured mass fashion trends.
    • The gross profit margin improved by 2.0p due to fewer product shortages and improved discounting rates.

    ■Global Brands: Revenue and profit both contract

    • Revenue: 33.0 billion yen (−7.6%), business profit: 1.7 billion yen (−14.8%).
    • Revenue and profit from the Theory operation declined due to lackluster sales from Theory business in USA. PLST performed well, reporting higher year-on-year revenue and profit. The combined Comptoir des Cotonniers and Princesse tam.tam business reported a decline in revenue but also a contraction in overall losses.

    ■FY2026 consolidated estimates: Consolidated estimates revised up

    • FY2026 consolidated revenue: 3.8000 trillion yen (+11.7%), consolidated business profit: 650.0 billion yen (+17.9%), consolidated operating profit: 650.0 billion yen (+15.2%), and profit attributable to owners of the Parent: 450.0 billion yen (+3.9%).
    • These estimates include upward revisions of 50.0 billion yen for revenue, 40.0 billion yen for both business profit and operating profit, and 15.0 billion yen for profit attributable to owners of the Parent.
    • We forecast an annual dividend in FY2026 of 540 yen per share, split equally between interim and year-end dividends of 270 yen each. That would represent an increase in the annual dividend of 40 yen, compared to FY2025.

     

    Fiscal 2026 1Q Performance in Focus

    ■UNIQLO Japan: Reports considerable revenue and profit gains

    UNIQLO Japan reported considerably higher revenue and profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenue totaling 299.0 billion yen (+12.2% year on year) and business profit totaling 62.4 billion yen (+20.2%). First-quarter same-store sales (including e-commerce) expanded by an impressive 11.0%. This expansion was driven by strong sales throughout the quarter of Fall products such as sweatpants/shirts and jeans, buoyant sales of HEATTECH innerwear, PUFFTECH, and other Winter items once the weather turned cold in October, and strong Thank You Festival sales. The gross profit margin contracted by 0.5 point due to a rise in cost of sales caused by a weakening in yen exchange rates on the forward contracts we use for procurement purposes. The selling, general and administrative expense ratio improved by 1.9 points as strong sales reduced personnel and store rent cost ratios.

    ■UNIQLO International: Significant increases in both revenue and profit

    UNIQLO International reported significant increases in both revenue and profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenue rising to 603.8 billion yen (+20.3%) and business profit expanding to 117.3 billion yen (+38.0%). This strong performance was underpinned by our ability to develop products that captured customer demand as well as successful marketing strategies. UNIQLO brand recognition and customer trust is also expanding worldwide thanks to the continued strong opening of high-quality stores, centered around flagship stores. The business profit margin improved by 2.4 points as a result of improving gross profit margins and selling, general and administrative expense ratios in all regions.

    Breaking down the UNIQLO International performance into individual regions and markets, the Mainland China market reported a rise in revenue and double-digit year-on-year profit growth. Several factors contributed to that increase in revenue, including the onset of cold weather from the latter part of October, marketing that successfully conveyed the value of UNIQLO products, and an increase in new customers attracted by our launch of a collaborative business with JD.com. The Hong Kong market reported revenue and profit gains following strong sales of Fall/Winter ranges. The Taiwan market reported a rise in first-quarter revenue and a contraction in first-quarter profit. However, if we exclude the impact of higher royalty expenses, profit from that market increased year-on-year.

    UNIQLO South Korea achieved double-digit growth in both revenue and profit in the first quarter, as a result of marketing efforts that proactively conveyed the value of UNIQLO products and our corporate stance. UNIQLO operations in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia reported double-digit growth in both revenue and profit. Contributing factors included strong sales of HEATTECH, PUFFTECH, and other core Winter ranges after we strategically expanded inventory of those items to satisfy travel demand. Strong sales of new Fall ranges also contributed to the buoyant sales performance.

    Meanwhile, UNIQLO North America and UNIQLO Europe both generated double-digit growth in first-quarter revenue and profit. UNIQLO’s visibility and customer base continue to expand thanks to hugely successful new store openings and enhanced efforts to promote the value of UNIQLO products. In Europe, the extremely successful opening of new stores in new cities, from Glasgow and Birmingham in the UK to Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, kept UNIQLO firmly in the news throughout the quarter. The reopening of the UNIQLO Meir flagship store in Belgium, which was relocated to a magnificent heritage building, also attracted significant attention.

    ■GU: Slight increase in revenue, large increase in profit

    GU reported a slight increase in revenue and a large expansion in profits in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenue rising to 91.3 billion yen (+0.8%) and business profit reaching 11.4 billion yen (+20.0%). While soft sheer T-shirts, warm casual innerwear, and sweatpants/shirts sold well, first-quarter GU same-store sales contracted slightly year-on-year after sales struggled to gain momentum due to a lack of products that encapsulated mass fashion trends. On the profit front, the gross profit margin improved by 2.0 points, resulting in a significant increase in profits. This improvement owed to more accurate volume planning, and consequently fewer product shortages and better discounting rates, which was a result of our efforts to narrow GU product offerings and concentrate inventory and marketing on strong-selling items.

    ■Global Brands: Revenue and profit both contract

    Global Brands reported a decline in revenue and profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenue declining to 33.0 billion yen (−7.6%) and business profit contracting to 1.7 billion yen (−14.8%). Though operating profit for the segment increased to 1.8 billion yen (+1.0%), this is the result of a simple comparison with the previous year when we recorded several hundred million yen in impairment losses and other costs associated with the restructuring of Comptoir des Cotonniers business. No such losses were recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Looking at individual labels within the Global Brands segment, Theory reported a decline in revenue and profit in the first quarter, primarily due to a decline in revenue and profit from Theory USA in the face of lackluster sales. Meanwhile, our PLST business performed strongly, reporting higher revenue and profit in the first quarter thanks to enhanced styling suggestions and product marketing, which helped boost sales of coats, knitwear, and shirts. Finally, our combined Comptoir des Cotonniers and Princesse tam.tam business reported a decline in revenue following store closures as part of overall restructuring efforts. These store closures have, however, helped improve cost structure efficiency, resulting in an improvement in the selling, general and administrative expense ratio and – by extension – a contraction in overall losses.

    ■FY2026 consolidated estimates: Consolidated estimates revised up

    In fiscal 2026, the Fast Retailing Group expects to achieve a record performance from consolidated revenue of 3.8000 trillion yen (+11.7%), business profit of 650.0 billion yen (+17.9%), operating profit of 650.0 billion yen (+15.2%), and profit attributable to owners of the Parent of 450.0 billion yen (+3.9%). Compared to our initial estimates announced in October 2025, these new forecasts include an upward revision of 50.0 billion yen for revenue and 40.0 billion yen for both business and operating profit. These revisions incorporate not only the significantly stronger-than-expected first-quarter performance, but also the subsequent slowdown primarily in UNIQLO sales in the Japan and the Mainland China market caused by the persistently warm weather in December. We have not changed our initial earnings forecasts for the second half of fiscal 2026.

    In addition to the above revisions, we have also revised up our full-year estimate for profit attributable to owners of the Parent by 15.0 billion yen, to reflect revisions to anticipated net finance income. Meanwhile, we have increased our expected annual dividend per share for fiscal 2026 by 20 yen, to 540 yen, which comprises interim and year-end dividends of 270 yen each. That would represent an increase in the full-year dividend of 40 yen per share, compared to the previous year.

    In terms of individual business segments, we forecast double-digit sales and profit growth for UNIQLO International as a whole in the first and second half of fiscal 2026, and the full fiscal year. Within that segment, the Greater China markets are expected to report year-on-year increases in revenue and profit in both the first and second half of the year, and for fiscal 2026 as a whole. The full-year business profit margin is forecast to improve. UNIQLO operations in South Korea, the Southeast Asia, India and Australia region, North America, and Europe are all expected to continue to perform strongly and generate double-digit revenue and profit growth in the first half, second half, and full business year. At UNIQLO Japan, second-quarter revenue is expected to remain flat year-on-year and business profit to contract following the slowdown in demand and drop in sales in December caused by persistently warm weather. However, we do expect UNIQLO Japan will achieve year-on-year increases in both revenue and profit for the first half as a whole, while in the second half, we expect a slight increase in revenue and steady business profit. For the full business year, we expect UNIQLO Japan to report increased revenue and profit. Meanwhile, GU is expected to report higher revenue and slight profit growth in the first half, with higher revenue and profit in the second half and for fiscal 2026 as a whole. Finally, we anticipate Global Brands will generate a slight increase in revenue and profit for fiscal 2026 as a whole.

    Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. discloses business results data and offers a variety of press releases on its IR website https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/ir/.

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  • PIA announces resumption of Lahore-London flights from March 30 – Dawn

    1. PIA announces resumption of Lahore-London flights from March 30  Dawn
    2. Good News for UK-Based Pakistanis as New Direct Flight Services Approved  8171ip.com.pk
    3. PIA resumes Lahore to London flights, expand UK service  The Express Tribune
    4. PIA to restart…

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