Nissan Returns to Profit in Q1 of FY2026

Nissan Motor released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 in early August 2026. During the reporting period, the company reported consolidated revenue of JPY 2.96 trillion, an increase of JPY 257 billion year-over-year; operating profit of JPY 77.9 billion, up by JPY 157 billion year-over-year; and net profit of JPY 3.8 billion, a significant improvement from the same quarter last year, which saw a net loss—marking a return to profitability with a year-over-year gain of JPY 1,195 billion. The earnings improvement was primarily attributed to the ongoing implementation of the Re:Nissan Revival Plan, which is expected to deliver JPY 60 billion in cost reductions and is already showing initial results. Specific measures include consolidating vehicle development platforms, reducing utilization rates at underperforming plants, and optimizing workforce structures. Favorable foreign exchange movements and improved retail sales also contributed positively to the results. As of June 2026, Nissan held JPY 3.4 trillion in liquid assets, comprising JPY 2.1 trillion in cash and cash equivalents and JPY 1.3 trillion in sales finance receivables, along with JPY 2.2 trillion in undrawn credit facilities. In terms of sales volume, Nissan sold 701,000 vehicles globally during the quarter. Retail sales in the U.S. market grew for the 16th consecutive month, rising nearly 10% in the quarter. In Japan, orders for the all-new Kicks and Elgrand reached 11,000 and 8,000 units, respectively. Due to intensifying competition in the Chinese market and other factors, Nissan revised its full-year global sales target for FY2026 downward from 3.3 million to 3.15 million vehicles, while maintaining its full-year targets of JPY 200 billion in operating profit and JPY 20 billion in net profit. In China, Nissan is accelerating its electrification strategy. In the first half of 2026, Dongfeng Nissan’s N-Series new energy vehicles delivered over 100,000 units, with new energy models accounting for 30% of the brand’s total sales in June. The SUV NX8 surpassed 10,000 cumulative deliveries since its launch. Nissan plans to introduce five new energy vehicle models in China within one year, spanning BEV, PHEV, and pickup segments. On the export front, 900 units of the Frontier Pro were shipped from Shanghai Port to Latin America in the first quarter, and the N7 is slated for export to Latin America and Southeast Asia. At the June Philippine International Motor Show, Nissan showcased China-made models including the Navara PHEV pickup and the Primera BEV sedan. Technologically, Nissan is applying energy management and rear-wheel-drive tuning expertise gained from its participation in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to mass-produced models such as the NX8, and plans to remain actively involved in the series through 2030.