• Kobelco kept its fiscal 2026 outlook unchanged, projecting ordinary profit of JPY 120 billion, profit attributable to owners of parent of JPY 100 billion.
• Forecast assumes demand stays sluggish from Q2, especially in automotive, construction, civil engineering; ROIC seen at about 5.5%.
• Middle East-driven crude oil cost pressures seen cutting annual earnings by JPY 12 billion, worsening by JPY 2 billion versus the prior forecast.
• Free cash flow forecast cut to JPY 0, citing weaker ordinary profit excluding inventory valuation despite higher inventory valuation gains.
• Guidance follows Q1 ordinary profit of JPY 22.6 billion, down JPY 6 billion year on year; net sales were JPY 578.3 billion.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Kobelco - Kobe Steel Ltd. published the original content used to generate this news brief on August 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.