Seven & I Holdings Raises Profit Outlook for Year Through February 2027

Seven & I Holdings raised its full-year operating-profit forecast to ¥425 billion ($2.6 billion) and its revenue forecast to ¥10.4 trillion for the period ending February 2027. The new targets surpass the company's earlier projections of ¥405 billion in operating profit and ¥9.5 trillion in revenue. They also exceed analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The company is shifting focus to its convenience-store operations after divesting noncore retail businesses in Japan last year. Those divestitures followed an unsuccessful takeover attempt by Alimentation Couche-Tard, which ended a year ago.

First-quarter operating profit more than doubled on an adjusted basis, supported by higher spending per shopper in Japan and improved fuel margins in North America. "The first quarter showed steady progress, driven by the disciplined execution of our strategy to transform the company," the chief executive said in a statement.

Japan's 7-Eleven stores continue to see uneven customer traffic, while the North American business shows softer merchandise momentum.