Stock Markets April 27, 2026 09:25 PM

Nissan Raises Full-Year Operating Profit Forecast, Shares React Positively

Automaker cites regulatory windfall, cost cuts and currency tailwinds as it narrows losses and projects stronger cash position

By Ajmal Hussain
Nissan Raises Full-Year Operating Profit Forecast, Shares React Positively

Nissan Motor Co updated its fiscal outlook, reversing a prior forecast for an operating loss to now expect a 50 billion yen operating profit for the year ending March 2026. The company said the improvement reflects a one-off benefit from changes to U.S. emissions regulations, ongoing cost reductions and favorable foreign exchange movements. Shares in Tokyo jumped on the news while Nissan also raised revenue guidance, trimmed its projected net loss and reaffirmed expectations for positive automotive free cash flow in the second half of the fiscal year.

Key Points

  • Nissan revised its full-year operating forecast to a 50 billion yen profit from a previously projected 60 billion yen loss, prompting a jump in Tokyo-listed shares.
  • The upgrade was attributed primarily to a one-off benefit from U.S. emissions regulation changes, along with cost-cutting measures and positive foreign exchange effects; revenue guidance was raised to 12 trillion yen.
  • Management expects automotive free cash flow to be positive in the second half and forecasts automotive net cash will top 1 trillion yen by the end of the fiscal year; full-year results are scheduled for May 13.

Shares of Nissan Motor Co (TYO:7201) climbed after the automaker revised its full-year operating outlook from a previously announced loss to a profit. On Monday the company said it now expects operating profit of 50 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2026, an improvement from a 60 billion yen operating loss forecast issued in February.

Tokyo-listed stock moved higher on the update, at one point gaining as much as 6.5% to 373.7 yen. By 01:20 GMT the shares were trading 4% above the prior close at 364.9 yen.

Nissan attributed the upward revision largely to a one-off benefit resulting from changes to U.S. emissions regulations. Management also cited ongoing cost reduction efforts and favorable foreign exchange movements as contributors to the improved outlook.

The company modestly increased its revenue projection to 12 trillion yen from 11.9 trillion yen, noting currency tailwinds as a supporting factor. Nissan said it now expects its net loss for the year to narrow to 550 billion yen, down from a prior estimate of 650 billion yen.

On the cash flow front, Nissan maintained guidance that automotive free cash flow should turn positive in the second half of the fiscal year. The firm also projected that automotive net cash would exceed 1 trillion yen by year-end, signaling an anticipated strengthening of the balance sheet.

Nissan is slated to publish its full-year results on May 13. The company has provided these forward-looking figures as part of its updated fiscal guidance.


Contextual notes

  • The operating profit forecast of 50 billion yen replaces a February estimate of a 60 billion yen operating loss.
  • Share movement: intraday high of 373.7 yen (up 6.5%), last noted at 364.9 yen (up 4%) as of 01:20 GMT.
  • Revenue guidance raised to 12 trillion yen from 11.9 trillion yen; net loss guidance reduced to 550 billion yen from 650 billion yen.
  • Key drivers cited by the company include a one-off regulatory benefit in the U.S., cost reductions, and favorable currency movements.
  • Automotive free cash flow expected to turn positive in H2; automotive net cash forecast to exceed 1 trillion yen by year-end.

Risks

  • The upgraded outlook relies in part on a one-off regulatory benefit from U.S. emissions changes - if similar regulatory tailwinds do not recur, results could be less favorable. (Impacts: automotive manufacturers, regulatory-sensitive suppliers)
  • Projections for automotive free cash flow turning positive in the second half are forward-looking estimates and carry execution risk; failing to achieve this would affect the companys cash position. (Impacts: automotive finance, credit markets)
  • Although net loss guidance was narrowed, Nissan still projects a substantial net loss (550 billion yen), indicating continued earnings challenges through the fiscal year. (Impacts: equity investors, bondholders)

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