Nissan H1 FY2026 results: Operating profit surges to 80 billion yen amid mixed regional fortunes

Nissan has reported its financial results for the first half of the 2026 financial year, covering the six months ended 30 September 2026. The latest figures show a significant improvement in operating profitability, supported by cost reductions under its Re:Nissan recovery plan.

The company has maintained its full-year financial guidance, although it has lowered its global sales forecast due to continued challenges in China.

Financial performance

Nissan sold 1.41 million vehicles globally during the first half of FY2026. Net revenue reached 6.072 trillion yen (approximately RM 155.19 billion), an increase of 493.3 billion yen (around RM 12.61 billion) compared with the same period last year.

Operating profit improved by 107.7 billion yen (approximately RM 27.53 billion) year on year, reaching 80 billion yen (around RM 20.45 billion). Its operating margin stood at 1.3%. Net loss also narrowed significantly to 39.7 billion yen (around RM 10.15 billion).

For reference, Nissan had recorded an operating loss of 27.7 billion yen (approximately RM 7.08 billion) in the same period last year.

Nissan's automotive business held net cash of approximately 800 billion yen (RM 20.45 billion). Cash and cash equivalents across the company totalled 2.2 trillion yen (around RM 56.23 billion).

Regional market performance

The US and Japan delivered relatively strong results, prompting Nissan to raise its sales expectations for both markets.

In the US, demand for locally built models such as the Rogue, Frontier and Pathfinder helped support sales and improve the quality of earnings. In Japan, the new Elgrand and Kicks also received a positive response.

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China remains Nissan's biggest challenge. Weak demand, a faster-than-expected shift towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intensifying competition have put pressure on the business.

Nissan is adjusting petrol vehicle production and dealer inventory in response. It is also accelerating the expansion of its N-series NEV line-up and increasing exports from China.

The challenges in China have also prompted Nissan to revise its global sales forecast for FY2026. The company now expects to sell between 2.97 million and 3 million vehicles, down from its previous target of 3.15 million.

Re:Nissan plan delivers further cost savings

Nissan's Re:Nissan recovery plan generated an additional 110 billion yen in cost savings during the first half of FY2026. The savings form part of its efforts to streamline operations and improve its underlying cost structure.

The company is also preparing a series of new model launches across key markets. Upcoming models include the Rogue Hybrid in the US, the Elgrand and Kicks in Japan, the Frontier Pro PHEV in Mexico, and a new all-electric model called the Pixo for Europe.

Further launches are planned, including the Skyline and Patrol, as well as a new Juke EV for Europe.

Nissan Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa said the company had seen encouraging momentum in key markets such as the US and Japan during the first half of the financial year. China remained its most significant challenge, requiring the company to stay agile.

He also pointed to opportunities in Mexico during the second half of the year and the upcoming wave of EV launches in Europe. Nissan's focus, he said, would remain on strengthening the business fundamentals and responding decisively to changing market conditions.

Nissan also confirmed that it will unveil a new mid-term business plan in February 2027, setting out the company's direction for its next phase of development.

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