Japanese convenience store retailer Lawson Inc today (14 April) booked an expected slump in annual profits as the scandal at its ticket sales unit hit the company’s bottom line.

The company posted net profit of JPY12.56bn (US$134.3m) for the 12 months to the end of February, a drop of over 47% on the year.

Lawson warned investors last month that its annual earnings would come in lower after the company uncovered that executives at its Lawson Entermedia unit had made payments for billions of yen without approval from the board.

Lawson has since announced changes to its business practices, after the “misappropriation” of JPY14.4bn. The company also made Lawson Entermedia a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Lawson’s annual sales climbed 33.7% to JPY467.19bn; operating profit rose 2.2% to JPY50.28bn.

The retailer, however, was downbeat on the prospect for trading conditions in the year ahead.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We expect to see a recovery in the Japanese economy as overseas economies improve and emergency economic measures take effect, there is a risk that factors such as worsening employment and deflation will continue to hold the economy back,” the company said.

“We also believe that a full-fledged rebound in consumer spending is unlikely. Furthermore, amid the increasingly competitive convenience store industry, we anticipate continued severe conditions.”