SMC posts strong first half profit but trims full-year outlook

SMC Corp reported stronger profit and revenue in the first half of financial year 2026, despite persistent global headwinds and uneven demand across key automation sectors.

The Tokyo-based industrial automation company said attributable profit for the six months ended September 30 rose 1.3% to JPY79.19 billion, approximately USD511.2 million, from JPY78.19 billion a year earlier.

Basic earnings per share increased to JPY2,245.60 from JPY1,219.46.

Net sales grew 1.3% to JPY400.27 billion from JPY395.06 billion in the same period last year. Selling, general and administrative expenses climbed 4.9% to JPY90.26 billion from JPY86.04 billion.

Operating profit fell 8.8% to JPY90.78 billion from JPY99.50 billion.

Looking ahead, SMC narrowed its full-year forecast, projecting attributable profit of JPY153.00 billion, down from its earlier estimate of JPY167.00 billion and below last year's JPY156.34 billion.

It now expects net sales of JPY816.00 billion, revised from JPY850.00 billion but still above the prior year's result of JPY792.11 billion.