Fast Retailing stock trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9983.T), and also forms part of the Nikkei 225 index.
The company has operations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. In 1984, the firm opened its first Uniqlo store in Japan. The parent company then changed its name to Fast Retailing in 1991 before listing on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1992.
Fast Retailing Co Ltd Shares Today (9983.T)
YOUR CAPITAL IS AT RISK
Retail Industry Comparison
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. is a Japanese retail company best known for its flagship brand, Uniqlo. Headquartered in Yamaguchi, Japan, the company was founded in 1963 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest apparel retailers. Fast Retailing operates several other brands, including GU, Theory, Comptoir des Cotonniers, and Helmut Lang. Known for its minimalist, high-quality, and affordable clothing, Uniqlo has become a global giant.
Fast Retailing Co Ltd EPS and Revenue Breakdown 2020-2023
| Year | EPS | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.80 | $18.90 billion |
| 2021 | $5.67 | $19.44 billion |
| 2022 | $6.66 | $18.41 billion |
| 2023 | $6.45 | $20.12 billion |
Fast Retailing Co Ltd Price & Dividend Yield
Fast Retailing’s stock has shown significant growth over the years, driven by global expansion and strong brand positioning. While the pandemic initially impacted the company’s share price significantly, it has managed to surge since 2022, reclaiming those earlier losses and more. Despite recent concerns over slower consumer spending, the shares are still trading near their all-time highs, despite a slight pullback.
The company offers modest dividend payments, focusing more on growth and international expansion.
Dividend Yield: 0.8%
YOUR CAPITAL IS AT RISK
Fast Retailing Co Ltd Share Price Forecast
Analysts hold mixed views on Fast Retailing’s future, reflecting both its strong market position and challenges from weaker global consumer demand. Out of 15 analysts, seven rate the stock as a Buy, while eight see it as a Hold.
A View From The Bulls: Fast Retailing’s rating was upgraded from Equal-Weight to Overweight by Morgan Stanley in September, with the bank also increasing its target for the stock to JPY 55,000 from JPY 43,000. Morgan Stanley highlighted Fast Retailing’s diversified overseas growth potential via its “Fourth Frontier” strategy. The bank feels the strategy will leverage markets in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, making them key drivers of operating profit gains. Furthermore, Fast Retailing’s Greater China operations are expected to stabilise, while the bank also noted that the Japanese market remains robust. Morgan Stanley said at the time that the outlook was not reflected in Fast Retailing’s stock price.
A View From The Bears: While Morgan Stanley is bullish on the stock, CLSA analysts took a more bearish view, downgrading Fast Retailing to Hold from Outperform in October. The firm explained that despite the company’s recent upbeat results and the fact it has raised its price target for the stock to JPY 51,853 from JPY 50,153, the potential for the stock price to continue rising is limited, especially given its significant rise in 2024. (+44% at the time of writing).
Average Analyst Consensus 12-Month Price Target: JPY 46,090
Our View: Fast Retailing offers significant long-term potential, driven by its expansion strategy and strong brands (primarily Uniqlo. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer trends, along with its diversified portfolio of brands, makes it a reliable player in the retail sector. However, as mentioned by CLSA, the recent rise in its stock price may make investors wary, while the company also faces significant competition. Even so, over the long term, Fast Retailing has managed the various risks well and is an attractive stock for potential investors.
Who Should Buy Fast Retailing Co Ltd Shares?
Fast Retailing shares are suitable for long-term investors seeking exposure to the global retail industry. The company’s innovative product lines and ability to adapt to ever-changing consumer trends have helped its stock price rally.
Investors looking for growth potential may find Fast Retailing attractive, given its global expansion strategy and strong brand loyalty. However, the stock’s relatively high valuation and exposure to macroeconomic risks may deter those seeking lower-risk investments or immediate returns.
Overall, Fast Retailing offers a mix of innovation, brand strength, and sustainable practices, making it a solid option for investors with a long-term investment horizon and a willingness to ride out short-term volatility.
