Dentsu Group — Japan performs well, international tougher

Dentsu’s Q225 performance was a little below management expectations, with conditions remaining challenging outside Japan. Group operating margins were controlled for H125 at 12.0%. With a further goodwill write-down of ¥86.0bn, Dentsu reported a statutory loss for H125 and is not now paying an interim dividend. A decision on the full year will be made later, and our model assumes dividends resume for FY26. Our FY25 forecasts have been realigned to match revised guidance, with a slightly more cautious stance on growth for FY26. Management’s target for operating margins of 16–17% by FY27 remains in place, predicated on the targeted cost reductions in the mid-term management plan.