Tokyo. Fast Retailing, the Japanese apparel group behind Uniqlo, reported record revenue and profit for a fifth consecutive year in fiscal 2026, as strong growth in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia helped offset slower expansion in Greater China.

Revenue for the year ended Aug. 31 rose 16.6% from a year earlier to ¥3.96 trillion ($25 billion), while business profit jumped 30.4% to ¥718.4 billion, the company said on Thursday. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent climbed 25.3% to ¥542.5 billion, while pretax profit increased 23.4% to ¥802.5 billion.

"Fast Retailing expects the momentum to continue in fiscal 2027, forecasting revenue growth of 12.3% to ¥4.45 trillion and a 15.5% increase in business profit to ¥830 billion. Net profit is projected to rise 3.2% to ¥560 billion," the company said.

The company plans to raise its annual dividend to ¥900 per share, up from ¥850 in fiscal 2026.

Uniqlo International was the main growth driver, with revenue surging 26.2% to ¥2.41 trillion and business profit rising 44.1% to ¥439.8 billion. All regions in the segment recorded double-digit revenue and profit growth, according to the company.

Europe and North America delivered the strongest regional gains. Uniqlo Europe's revenue rose 38.7% to ¥512.6 billion, while business profit increased 69% to ¥91.7 billion. In North America, revenue grew 34.6% to ¥364.9 billion and business profit climbed 53.3% to ¥67.9 billion.

For the first time, combined sales in Europe and North America exceeded those in Greater China, showing the growing importance of Western markets to the group's expansion.

Greater China, which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, recorded revenue growth of 11.3% to ¥724 billion and a 24.6% increase in business profit to ¥112 billion.

In mainland China, Fast Retailing said operational reforms were progressing, with early signs of a recovery. Revenue rose about 3% in local currency terms during the fiscal year, while business profit increased roughly 18%.

The group’s South Korea and Southeast Asia, India, and Australia businesses together generated ¥809.4 billion in revenue, up 30.7% year on year. Business profit rose 44% to ¥168.3 billion, making the region another major contributor to growth.

In Japan, Uniqlo posted record results, with revenue increasing 5.7% to ¥1.08 trillion and business profit rising 8.1% to ¥196 billion. Same-store sales grew 5.1%, supported by demand for functional clothing, including Ultra Stretch Pants and UV Protection items, as well as trend-driven products such as Barrel Pants.

The group's GU brand also reported higher revenue and profit, with sales rising 1.8% to ¥336.7 billion and business profit increasing 11% to ¥31.5 billion. Its Global Brands segment, however, saw revenue decline 2.3% to ¥128.5 billion, although business profit rose 6.8% to ¥2.8 billion.

Fast Retailing said it would continue investing in high-quality stores, product development, and brand-building, particularly at Uniqlo International, as it seeks to become the world's leading apparel retailer. The company also reiterated its focus on its LifeWear concept.

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