Q1 2026 LY Corp Earnings Call

August 3, 2026

Speaker #1: Thank you very much for joining us today. For this briefing, we will be using the presentation materials available on the LY Corporation website. Attending today's briefing is LY Corporation President and Representative Director, CEO Takeshi Idezawa.

Operator: For this briefing, we will be using the presentation materials available on the LY Corporation website. Attending today's briefing is LY Corporation President and Representative Director, CEO, Takeshi Idezawa, Director and Chief Financial Officer, Ryosuke Sakaue, Executive Corporate Officer, Media Search Domain Lead, Hiroshi Kataoka, Executive Corporate Officer, Commerce Domain Lead, Makoto Hide, Executive Corporate Officer, Corporate Business Domain Lead, Yuki Ikehata, are in attendance.

Speaker #1: Director and Chief Financial Officer, Ryosuke Sakaue. Executive Corporate Officer, Media Search Domain Lead, Hiroshi Kataoka. Executive Corporate Officer, Commerce Domain Lead, Makoto Hide. Executive Corporate Officer, Corporate Business Domain Lead, Yuki Ikehata.

Speaker #1: Are in attendance. First, Sakaue will present the financial results for Q1 of fiscal year 2026. This will be followed by a Q&A session.

Operator: First, Sakaue will present the financial results for the Q1 of fiscal year 2026. This will be followed by a Q&A session. The briefing is expected to last approximately 1 hour. Please take note that this briefing is also being live-streamed. We will now start the briefing.

Operator: First, Sakaue will present the financial results for the Q1 of fiscal year 2026. This will be followed by a Q&A session. The briefing is expected to last approximately one hour. Please take note that this briefing is also being live-streamed. We will now start the briefing.

Speaker #1: The briefing is expected to last approximately one hour. Please take note that this briefing is also being live-streamed. We will now start the briefing.

Speaker #2: This is Sakaue of LY Corporation. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us at the FY2026 Q1 financial results briefing.

Ryosuke Sakaue: This is Sakaue of LY Corporation. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us at FY 2026 Q1 financial results briefing. Let me explain the summary of the financial results. There are three topics. First of all, this is about consolidated business results. The LY Corporation's gross profit grew, with performance exceeding the internal projections. More specifically, the consolidated revenue was JPY 553.9 billion, up 13.1% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA JPY 154.8 billion, up 23.1% year-on-year. Strong growth was achieved. The second point is that the Agent i's domain agents expanded to 25 domains. DAU expanded to 12 million. We are seeing good progress in terms of the shift to AI agent. The third is tender offer for Kakaku.com, Inc. We aim to create synergies by combining user touchpoints, products, data, and payment platform of two companies.

Speaker #2: Let me explain the summary of the financial results. There are three topics. First of all, it is about consolidated business results. The LY Corporation’s gross profit grew, with performance exceeding the internal projections.

Speaker #2: More specifically, consolidated revenue was ¥553.9 billion, up 13.1% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was ¥154.8 billion, up 23.1% year-on-year—strong growth was achieved. The second point is that the agentized domain agents expanded to 25 domains, and DAU expanded to 12 million, so we are seeing good progress in terms of the shift to AI agent.

Ryosuke Sakaue: More specifically, the consolidated revenue was JPY 553.9 billion, up 13.1% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA JPY 154.8 billion, up 23.1% year-on-year. Strong growth was achieved. The second point is that the Agent i's domain agents expanded to 25 domains. DAU expanded to 12 million. We are seeing good progress in terms of the shift to AI agent. The third is tender offer for Kakaku.com, Inc. We aim to create synergies by combining user touchpoints, products, data, and payment platform of two companies.

Speaker #2: The third is the tender offer for Kakaku.com, Inc. We aim to create synergies by combining the user touchpoints, product data, and payment platforms of the two companies.

Speaker #2: Please go to the next slide. This is the agenda that I followed. First of all, about the Q1 consolidated results: both revenue and profit made steady progress toward achieving the full-year guidance.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Please go to the next slide. This is the agenda that I would follow. First of all, about the Q1 consolidated results. Both revenue and the profit made steady progress toward achieving the full-year guidance. In media and strategic revenue, the progress was below the 25% of the guidance. This is due to the seasonality, basically. We assume that the revenue will concentrate in the H2. We believe that the final results are in line with our expectations. Once again, this is the trend of the overall results, where revenue grew 13.1% year-on-year. The speed of the growth has accelerated. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 23.1% year-on-year, significant growth. Margin improved to 28%, the major improvement. The level of profitability is increasing.

Speaker #2: In media and strategic revenue, the progress was below 25% of the guidance. This is due to seasonality, basically, and we assume that the revenue will concentrate in the second half, so we believe that the final results are in line with expectations.

Speaker #2: And once again, this is the trend of the overall results. Revenue grew 13.1% year-on-year; the speed of the growth has accelerated. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 23.1% year-on-year—significant growth.

Speaker #2: Margin improved to 28%, the major improvement, so the level of profitability is increasing. Pay-paid consolidation expanded the profit, and this has been the case in the past, but in addition, the higher gross profit of LY Corporation contributed to overall profit growth.

Ryosuke Sakaue: PayPay consolidation expanded the profit, this has been the case in the past, in addition, the higher gross profit of LY Corporation contributed to overall profit growth. This was the major characteristic of our Q1 results. Looking at the individual businesses, the Media, Commerce, and Strategic gross profit grew in all segments. In Media segment, the cost management was successful and that led to the EBITDA increase of JPY 14.8 billion. On the right-hand side, there were newly consolidated subsidiaries in the last fiscal year that offset the negative impact coming from ASKUL. Adjusted EBITDA grew as much as 23.1% year-on-year. Next page. What we are focused upon is the shift to Agent i, user navigation enhancement between LINE and Yahoo! Japan, and also additional feature of the long-term memory of the user preference. Those are driving greater everyday usage.

Speaker #2: So this was the major characteristic of Q1 results. Looking at the individual businesses, the media, commerce, and strategic gross profit grew in all segments.

Speaker #2: In addition, in the media segment, cost management was successful, which led to an EBITDA increase of ¥14.8 billion. On the right-hand side, there were newly consolidated subsidiaries in the last fiscal year that offset the negative impact coming from ASCO.

Speaker #2: So, adjusted EBITDA grew as much as 23.1% year-on-year. Next page. What we are focused on is the shift to agent AI, user navigation enhancement between LINE and Yahoo Japan, and also the additional feature of long-term memory of user preferences.

Speaker #2: Those are driving greater everyday usage. Also, the Agent I agent has expanded to 25, and we are improving the usability. Through those initiatives, Agent I users grew to 12 million DAU.

Ryosuke Sakaue: The Agent i agent has expanded to 25, we are improving the usability. Through those initiatives, the Agent i user grew to the 12 million DAU. Next page. This is about the collaboration with 7-Eleven. Last week we made announcement, once again, LINE Yahoo has over 100 million digital customers. 7-Eleven has about 20 million per-day physical customer. As you can see in the middle, we have our LYP Premium, official account, and mini app. We would like to align them. For the LYP Premium members, we provide a higher rewards rate, the coupons that can be utilized in the 7-Eleven stores. We plan to enhance the membership value as well as referrals.

Speaker #2: Next page. This is about the collaboration with 7-Eleven. Last week, we made an announcement. Once again, LINE Yahoo has over 100 million digital customers, and 7-Eleven has about 20 million physical customers per day. As you can see in the middle, we have LYP Premium, an official account, and a mini app related to align them.

Speaker #2: For the LYP Premium members, we provide a higher rewards rate and also provide coupons that can be utilized in 7-Eleven stores. We plan to enhance the membership value as well as referrals.

Speaker #2: As for the official account and mini app, through the expansion of digital touchpoints such as digital membership and mobile order, we would like to improve the convenience and rewarding shopping experience.

Ryosuke Sakaue: As for the official account and mini app, through the expansion of the digital touchpoint, such as digital membership, and mobile order, we would like to improve the convenient and rewarding shopping experience. Next is by segment. Looking at the Media business, the shift in the revenue mix progressed, the revenue grew steadily by 2.6% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was 14.2% year-on-year, achieving the double-digit growth. The margin increased to 4.2 points, expanded to 41.8%. Now we have a new level of the margin. This is the analysis of the Media business. The portfolio transformation of this segment is progressing, the search and display ads were down year-on-year. However, the account ads continued to show the high growth. LYP Premium, the user number increased. User subscription, including the LYP Premium, this is a new perspective, has also grew, contributed to the revenue.

Speaker #2: Next is by segment. Looking at the Media Business, the shift in the revenue mix progressed, and the revenue grew steadily by 2.6% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was up 14.2% year-on-year, achieving double-digit growth.

Speaker #2: The margin increased to 4.2 points and expanded to 41.8%. Now we have a new level of the margin. This is the analysis of the media business.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Now we have a new level of the margin. This is the analysis of the Media business. The portfolio transformation of this segment is progressing, the search and display ads were down year-on-year. However, the account ads continued to show the high growth. LYP Premium, the user number increased. User subscription, including the LYP Premium, this is a new perspective, has also grew, contributed to the revenue. Adjusted EBITDA with the higher revenue of the account had an LYP Premium, the gross profit improved.

Speaker #2: The portfolio transformation of this segment is progressing. The search and display ads were down year-on-year; however, the account ads continue to show high growth.

Speaker #2: Also, LYP Premium user numbers increased, so user subscriptions, including LYP Premium—this is a new perspective—have also grown and contributed to the revenue.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA improved with higher revenue from Account Ad and LYP Premium, leading to an increase in gross profit. By using AI, productivity improved and SG&A expenses were reduced, resulting in a 14% growth in adjusted EBITDA.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Adjusted EBITDA with the higher revenue of the account

Ryosuke Sakaue: Had an LYP Premium, the gross profit improved. By using AI, the productivity improved and the SG&A expenses was reduced, the adjusted EBITDA grew by 14%. Next. The number of the paid accounts has been growing. Total is right now 500,000, and we exceeded that level. As for the revenue, it's expanding in line with our plan. Next. As for the mini apps, in Q1, the number has reached 35,000 MAU 22.18 million, higher than 50% growth continued. It's growing very rapidly. DX transformation solutions for stores and CRM is another initiative. In June, we began offering restaurant options, a digital transformation service for restaurants, and started to monetize. The service is off to a strong start. We also plan to launch this service for hair and beauty salons during Q2.

Ryosuke Sakaue: By using AI, the productivity improved and the SG&A expenses was reduced, the adjusted EBITDA grew by 14%. Next. The number of the paid accounts has been growing. Total is right now 500,000, and we exceeded that level. As for the revenue, it's expanding in line with our plan. Next. As for the mini apps, in Q1, the number has reached 35,000 MAU 22.18 million, higher than 50% growth continued. It's growing very rapidly.

Speaker #2: Next, the number of paid accounts has been growing. The total is right now 500,000, and we have exceeded that level. As for the revenue, it is expanding in line with our plan.

Speaker #2: Next, as for the mini apps, in Q1 the number has reached 35,000, with MAU of 22.18 million. Growth over 50% has continued, so it's growing very rapidly.

Ryosuke Sakaue: DX transformation solutions for stores and CRM is another initiative. In June, we began offering restaurant options, a digital transformation service for restaurants, and started to monetize. The service is off to a strong start. We also plan to launch this service for hair and beauty salons during Q2.

Speaker #1: DX transformation solutions for stores and CRM is another initiative. In June, we began offering restaurant options—a digital transformation service for restaurants—and started to monetize the service. It is off to a strong start.

Speaker #1: We also plan to launch this service for hair and beauty salons during the second quarter. Additionally, the CRM options, which enable more advanced management of LINE Official Accounts, were launched in June for a monthly fee of ¥5,000.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Additionally, the CRM option, which enables more advanced management of LINE official accounts, was launched in June for a monthly fee of JPY 5,000. It supports centralized management of customer information and communication optimized for each user. Through these monetization enhancements, we aim to achieve sustainable revenue growth of account advertising. Please turn to the next page. This is on LYP Premium. The number of direct members, excluding free users through mobile phone carrier benefits, has steadily increased to 6.82 million, up 36.8% year on year. Going forward, we aim to reach 10 million subscribers, including new plan users. As part of our new plan offerings, we launched the lower priced light plan Enjoy Pack in July and plan to introduce the LINE MUSIC new plan in the fall or later.

Speaker #1: It supports centralized management of customer information and communication, optimized for each user. Through these monetization enhancements, we aim to achieve sustainable revenue growth of account advertising.

Speaker #1: Please turn to the next page. This is on LYP Premium. The number of direct members, excluding free users through mobile phone carrier benefits, has steadily increased to 6.82 million, up 36.8% year-on-year.

Speaker #1: Going forward, we aim to reach 10 million subscribers, including new plan users. As part of our new plan offerings, we launched the lower-priced Like Plan Enjoy Pack in July, and plan to introduce the LINE Music new plan in the fall or later.

Speaker #1: Going forward, we talked about the benefits with the 7-Eleven offline benefits, and we intend to further strengthen the benefits and establish the media business as a key driver of earnings.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Going forward, we talked about the benefits, with the 7-Eleven offline benefits, we intend to further strengthen the benefits and establish the media business as a key driver of earnings. Next page, please. This is commerce business. Revenue increased by 12.5% year on year, achieving double digit growth. Adjusted EBITDA also rose 10.2% year on year, achieving double digit growth. After ASKUL's pressure, we now were able to come back to the profitable level. The adjusted EBITDA margin improved significantly to 17.3%, a level close to the previous fiscal year. Next page. This is on commerce business performance. LINE Yahoo's revenue grew 11.2% year over year, excluding the consolidation effects of BEENOS and LINE MAN, driven by strong performance in shopping and reuse. Adjusted EBITDA posted double digit growth driven by revenue growth at LINE Yahoo and the contribution from the consolidation of subsidiaries, despite the impact of ASKUL.

Speaker #1: Next page, please. The Commerce business revenue increased by 12.5% year-on-year, achieving double-digit growth. Adjusted EBITDA also rose 10.2% year-on-year, achieving double-digit growth. After ASK goals pressure, we were able to come back to a profitable level.

Speaker #1: The adjusted EBITDA margin improved significantly to 17.3%, a level close to the previous fiscal year. Next page. This is on commerce business performance. LINE Yahoo's revenue grew 11.2% year over year, excluding the consolidation effects of Venos and LINE MAN, driven by strong performance in shopping and Reuse.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA posted double-digit growth, driven by revenue growth at LINE Yahoo and the contribution from the consolidation of subsidiaries, despite the impact of ASCO.

Speaker #1: This is on transaction value. Starting this fiscal year, the disclosure classification for commerce transaction value has been revised to align with that of the P&L.

Ryosuke Sakaue: This is on transaction value. Starting this fiscal year, the disclosure classification for commerce transaction value has been revised to align with that of the P&L. As a result, transaction value no longer includes media or equity method affiliates, providing a clearer view of each service's growth. For details, please see page 24 of the supplementary materials. Shopping transaction value, this is mostly Yahoo! Shopping, grew 9.1% year on year, continuing its growth trend. Reuse transaction value also performed strongly, up 18.4% year on year. Service transaction value also maintained double digit growth. Please see next page. This is on shopping and reuse business. Yahoo! Shopping posted strong performance with a transaction value up 8.6% year on year, driven by the time limited PayPay Points promotions, the strengthening of product categories such as gourmet food, and the enhancement of AI-powered features.

Speaker #1: As a result, transaction value no longer includes media or equity-method affiliates, providing a clearer view of each service's growth. For details, please see page 24 of the supplementary materials.

Speaker #1: Shopping transaction value, which is mostly Yahoo! Shopping, grew 9.1% year-on-year, continuing its growth trend. Reuse transaction value also performed strongly, up 18.4% year-on-year. Service transaction value also maintained double-digit growth.

Speaker #1: Please see the next page. This section is on shopping and the reuse business. Yahoo! Shopping posted strong performance, with transaction value up 8.6% year-on-year, driven by the time-limited PayPay Points promotions.

Speaker #1: The strengthening of product categories such as gourmet food and the enhancement of AI-powered features. In the reuse business, the entertainment market expanded. Measures such as shipping fee refunds and coupon distributions proved successful, driving double-digit percentage growth in transaction value.

Ryosuke Sakaue: In the reuse business, the entertainment market expanded, and measures such as shipping fee refunds and coupon distributions proved successful, driving double-digit percentage growth in transaction value. Please see next page. This is on strategic businesses. Revenue grew 34.9% year-on-year, maintaining strong growth. Adjusted EBITDA also reached JPY 35 billion, an increase of nearly JPY 14 billion year-on-year. Along with the revenue increase, the margin expanded to 26.9%, continuing strong top line growth and improved profitability. Please see next page. Revenue maintained strong with the revenue of PayPay consolidated, up 28.4% year-on-year. Other fintech saw significant growth of 81.7% year-on-year, driven by the impact of the new consolidation of LINE Bank Taiwan and the growth of LINE Fintech. Adjusted EBITDA rose significantly by 64.4% year-on-year as the substantial increase in revenue offset higher SG&A expenses and other costs.

Speaker #1: Please see the next page. This section is about strategic businesses. Revenue grew 34.9% year-on-year, maintaining strong growth. Adjusted EBITDA also reached ¥35 billion, an increase of nearly ¥14 billion year-on-year.

Speaker #1: Along with the revenue increase, the margin expanded to 26.9%, continuing strong top-line growth and improved profitability. Please see the next page. Revenue remained strong, with the revenue of PayPay consolidated, up 28.4% year-on-year.

Speaker #1: Other fintechs saw significant growth of 81.7% year-on-year, driven by the impact of the new consolidation of LINE Bank Taiwan and the growth of LINE Fintech.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA rose significantly by 64.4% year-on-year, as the substantial increase in revenue offset higher SG&A expenses and other costs. Please see next page.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Please see next page. This is some PayPay consolidated business overview. The number of registered users expanded to over 74 million, and GMV maintained strong growth, up 23% year-on-year. Driven by increases in online payment GMV and interest income, revenue grew by 27.4% year-over-year, exceeding the growth rate of GMV, while EBITDA also saw strong growth of 59.1% year-over-year, thanks to high take rate. Furthermore, the acquisition of T&D Financial Life Insurance announced in June will accelerate the offering of comprehensive financial services. Lastly, we will explain the scheduled tender offer for Kakaku.com. Overview is shown here. The tender offer price will be determined based on whether Kakaku.com acquires treasury shares from KDDI or not. The total acquisition cost is expected to be approximately JPY 690 billion in either case.

Speaker #1: This is on PayPay consolidated, a business overview. The number of registered users expanded to over 74 million, and GMV maintained strong growth, up 23% year-on-year, driven by increases in online payment GMV and interest income.

Speaker #1: Revenue grew by 27.4% year over year, exceeding the growth rate of GMV, while EBITDA also saw strong growth of 59.1% year over year. Thanks to a high tech rate, furthermore, the acquisition of D&D Financial Life Insurance, announced in June, will accelerate the offering of comprehensive financial services.

Speaker #1: Lastly, we will explain the scheduled tender offer for Kakaku.com. The overview is shown here. The tender offer price will be determined based on whether Kakaku.com acquires treasury shares from KDDI or not.

Speaker #1: The total acquisition cost is expected to be approximately ¥690 billion in either case. This is a joint proposal with Bain Capital, and we aim to enhance Kakaku.com’s long-term corporate value by combining the strengths of both companies.

Ryosuke Sakaue: This is a joint proposal with Bain Capital, and we aim to enhance Kakaku.com's long-term corporate value by combining the strength of both companies. The economic ownership ratio is expected to be 50.1% for Bain Capital and 49.9% for LY Corporation. Please see next page. When this transaction is completed, we will leverage LINE Yahoo's extensive user touch point data and payment infrastructure to drive synergies. There are four specific points shown here. We will drive user traffic to Kakaku.com's media platform and integrate Kakaku.com with Agent i and payment experiences, and we aim to deepen and expand DX solutions for the restaurants and HR domain. This deal is yet to be closed, so I will not go into the details. However, when this transaction is finalized, further details will be provided separately. Please see next page. This concludes the summary of our first quarter financial results.

Speaker #1: The economic ownership ratio is expected to be 50.1% for Bain Capital and 49.9% for LY Corporation. Please see the next page. When this transaction is completed, we will leverage LINE Yahoo's extensive user touchpoints.

Speaker #1: Data and payment infrastructure to drive synergies. There are four specific points shown here. We will drive user traffic to Kakaku.com’s media platform and integrate Kakaku.com with Agent I and payment experiences, and we aim to deepen and expand the X solutions for the restaurants and HR domain.

Speaker #1: This deal is yet to be closed, so I will not go into the details. However, when this transaction is finalized, further details will be provided separately.

Speaker #1: Please see the next page. This concludes the summary of our first quarter financial results. Thank you very much.

Operator: Thank you very much. Now I would like to take questions. If you have any questions, please use raise hand function of Zoom. When it is time for you to ask questions and when the moderator calls your name, please unmute and ask your questions. Once again, if you have any questions, please use raise hand function of Zoom. When the moderator calls your name, please start asking your question. We would like to limit the number of the questions to two questions per person, and ask one question at a time. If there are any questions in English, the English questions need to be translated consecutively, so it will take time. The answer from Japanese to English will be given to you simultaneously. So now we are open for questions. Please raise your hand if you have any questions. First, Okasan Securities.

Speaker #2: Now we'd like to take questions. If you have any questions, please use the Raise Hand function of Zoom. When it is time for you to ask your question and the moderator calls your name, please unmute and ask your question.

Operator: Now I would like to take questions. If you have any questions, please use raise hand function of Zoom. When it is time for you to ask questions and when the moderator calls your name, please unmute and ask your questions. Once again, if you have any questions, please use raise hand function of Zoom. When the moderator calls your name, please start asking your question. We would like to limit the number of the questions to two questions per person, and ask one question at a time. If there are any questions in English, the English questions need to be translated consecutively, so it will take time. The answer from Japanese to English will be given to you simultaneously. So now we are open for questions. Please raise your hand if you have any questions. First, Okasan Securities.

Speaker #2: Once again, if you have any questions, please use the 'Raise Hand' function in Zoom. When the moderator calls your name, please start asking your question.

Speaker #2: We would like to limit the number of questions to two per person, and ask one question at a time. If there are any questions in English, the English questions will need to be translated consecutively, so it will take some time.

Speaker #2: The answer from Japanese to English will be given to you simultaneously. So now, we are open for questions. Please raise your hand if you have any questions.

Speaker #2: First, Okasan Shogen. Okumura-san, please unmute and ask your question. Thank you. Okumura speaking. Can you hear me? Yes. Thank you. I have two questions.

Operator: Okumura-san, please unmute and ask your question.

[Analyst] (Okasan Securities): Thank you. Yusuke speaking. Can you hear me?

Yusuke Okumura: Thank you. Yusuke speaking. Can you hear me?

Operator: Yes.

[Analyst] (Okasan Securities): Thank you. I have two questions, please. First, about the Kakaku.com scheduled TOB. Based upon the current conditions, basically it is 4% to 5% yield. For you, the IRR, 10%, I think, is the standard for you. The difference or the gap, how do you plan to fill that? What is the strongest conviction for this offer? You mentioned the synergy on page 25, but I am sure that there are things which are not yet final. What are your expectations and what would be the impact that you expect from this? If you can elaborate on that. Thank you.

Yusuke Okumura: Thank you. I have two questions, please. First, about the Kakaku.com scheduled TOB. Based upon the current conditions, basically it is 4% to 5% yield. For you, the IRR, 10%, I think, is the standard for you. The difference or the gap, how do you plan to fill that? What is the strongest conviction for this offer? You mentioned the synergy on page 25, but I am sure that there are things which are not yet final. What are your expectations and what would be the impact that you expect from this? If you can elaborate on that. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Please first, about the Kakaku.com TOB schedule. TOB based upon the current conditions, the basically it's four to five percent yield. So for you, the IRR 10%, I think is the standard for you.

Speaker #2: So, the difference, or the gap—how do you plan to fill that? What is the strongest conviction for this offer? You mentioned the synergy on page 25, but I'm sure that there are things which are not yet final.

Speaker #2: So, what are your expectations and what would be the impact that you expect from this? If you can elaborate on that, thank you. Thank you very much, Okumura-san, for your questions.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Thank you very much, Yusuke-san, for your questions. Let me answer first, and then Idezawa-san might make some additional comments. IRR 10%, the criteria, yes, that is correct. For us, the biggest synergy that we have in our expectation is Tabelog. Using Tabelog official account area, we want to develop such area. That is the area that we would like to work on the most. This is something that we must do. This is the most important domain. We have the highest expectation from that. In addition, the next priority is Kakaku.com's services, and they have various, for example, product data and word-of-mouth data, and those can be utilized for our Agent i so that the Agent i can provide a better navigation for the shoppers. The Agent i can become smarter. That is how we plan to utilize this. Yes. That is the answer to your first question.

Speaker #2: Let me answer first, and then Idezawa-san might make some additional comments. IRR: 10%—the criteria, yes, that's correct. And for us, the biggest synergy that we have, in our expectation, is Tabelog using the Tabelog Official Account area.

Speaker #2: We want to develop that area. That is the area that we would like to work on the most. This is something that we must do.

Speaker #2: This is the most important domain, so we have the highest expectation for that. In addition, the next priority is Kakaku.com's services, and they have various— for example, product data.

Speaker #2: And the word-of-mouth data. And those can be utilized for our Agent I, so that Agent I can provide better navigation for the shoppers.

Speaker #2: The Agent AI can become smarter, so that's how we plan to utilize this. Yes, that's the answer to your first question.

Speaker #2: One follow-up question, if I may. So, the own impact on the dividend, and also, would there be an impact in terms of the buyback?

[Analyst] (Okasan Securities): One follow-up question, if I may.

Yusuke Okumura: One follow-up question, if I may. The impact on the dividend, and also, would there be an impact in terms of the buyback?

Ryosuke Sakaue: The impact on the dividend, and also, would there be an impact in terms of the buyback? As of now, the dividend that we announced, the increase of the dividend payment, we do not expect any impact on those. The capital allocation for three years basically will not be changed based on the current assumptions. Thank you. My second question is about the media business and the results and the forecast. Search ad, I think you mentioned that the downward trend might stop. On page six, you mentioned the differences, the fluctuations and the gross profit, JPY 5.4 billion up, and the gross profit increase is higher than the profit increase. This is because of the fact that the search is down, the profitability per product. Are there any positive impact from it?

Speaker #2: As of now, regarding the dividend, we announced the increase of the dividend payment. We do not expect any impact on those. The capital allocation for three years basically will not be changed based on current assumptions.

Ryosuke Sakaue: As of now, the dividend that we announced, the increase of the dividend payment, we do not expect any impact on those. The capital allocation for three years basically will not be changed based on the current assumptions.

Speaker #2: Thank you. My second question is about the media business and the results and the forecast. So, search—I think you mentioned that the downward trend might stop.

Yusuke Okumura: Thank you. My second question is about the media business and the results and the forecast. Search ad, I think you mentioned that the downward trend might stop. On page six, you mentioned the differences, the fluctuations and the gross profit, JPY 5.4 billion up, and the gross profit increase is higher than the profit increase. This is because of the fact that the search is down, the profitability per product. Are there any positive impact from it? What is the current status as well as the outlook, if you can comment?

Speaker #2: And on page six, you mentioned the differences, the fluctuations. And the gross profit—$5.4 billion—up, and the gross profit increase is higher than the profit increase.

Speaker #2: So, because this is due to the fact that the search is down, the profitability per product—would there be a, are there any positive impacts from it?

Speaker #2: What is the current status as well as the outlook, if you can comment? Yes, Sakaue, I would like to answer that question. First of all, about the stopping of the decline of the search—yes, that is starting to happen, and that's what we see internally.

[Analyst] (Okasan Securities): What is the current status as well as the outlook, if you can comment? Yes, Sakaue, I would like to answer to that question. First of all, about the stopping of the decline of the search. Yes, that is starting to happen, and that's what we see internally. Search ads, when we look at the efficiency and power of monetization, I think we are seeing the improvements. Through that, the decline of the revenue is something that we are seeing. As for the gross profit improvement, on page 11, if you refer to that, as you pointed out correctly, the low profit margin is declined and the high profit product increased. Due to the improvement of the mix, that led to the higher number. That is the biggest part, was the search advertising, as you correctly mentioned. Yes. Thank you.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Yes, Sakaue, I would like to answer to that question. First of all, about the stopping of the decline of the search. Yes, that is starting to happen, and that's what we see internally. Search ads, when we look at the efficiency and power of monetization, I think we are seeing the improvements. Through that, the decline of the revenue is something that we are seeing. As for the gross profit improvement, on page 11, if you refer to that, as you pointed out correctly, the low profit margin is declined and the high profit product increased. Due to the improvement of the mix, that led to the higher number. That is the biggest part, was the search advertising, as you correctly mentioned. Yes. Thank you.

Speaker #2: So search ads, when we look at the efficiency and power of monetization, I think we are seeing the improvements. So through that, the decline of the revenue is something that we are seeing.

Speaker #2: And as for the gross profit improvement, on page 11—if you refer to that—as you pointed out correctly, the low profit margin products declined and the high profit products increased.

Speaker #2: So, due to the improvement of the mix, that led to the higher number. The biggest part was the search advertising, as you correctly mentioned.

Speaker #2: Yes, thank you. So it's a product mix, and the productivity—sorry, the profitability—of each product hasn't changed. Yes, we have four now. So for each product, the productivity of each product remains the same.

[Analyst] (Okasan Securities): It's a product mix and the productivity, sorry, the profitability of each product hasn't changed. Yes, we have four now. For each product, the productivity of each product remains the same. Okay. Thank you very much for your thorough explanation. That's all.

Yusuke Okumura: It's a product mix and the productivity, sorry, the profitability of each product hasn't changed. Yes, we have four now. For each product, the productivity of each product remains the same. Okay. Thank you very much for your thorough explanation. That's all.

Speaker #2: Okay, thank you very much for your thorough explanation. That's all.

Speaker #1: We would like to take a question from Sato-san of Jefferies Securities. Please unmute and ask your question. This is Sato of Jefferies. Can you hear my voice?

Operator: We would like to take question from Sato-san of Jefferies Group. Please unmute and ask your question. This is Sato of Jefferies. Can you hear my voice? Yes, we can. I have two questions as well. My question is similar to the previous question. I am also asking about the Kakaku.com. Why this is important to you? I think you explained on that topic, so I was listening and nodding to the explanation, but frankly speaking, Tabelog, from LY Corporation's perspective, is the most attractive asset, Kakaku.com business. I think that you can also do that through using AI. Why this is most important to you? If the deal with Kakaku.com is unsuccessful, what are you going to do? That is my first question.

Speaker #1: Yes, we can. I have two questions as well. My question is similar to the previous question. I'm also asking about Kakaku.com. Why is this important to you?

Speaker #1: I think you explained on that topic, so I was listening and nodding to the explanation. But frankly speaking, Tabelog, from LY Corporation's perspective, is the most attractive asset in Kakaku.com's business.

Speaker #1: I think you can also do that through using AI. But why is this most important to you? If the deal with Kakaku.com is unsuccessful, what are you going to do?

Speaker #1: That is my first question. Thank you for the question. Why is this important to us? The strategic significance is that when we look at the AI era, the broad touchpoints with users and the three AI services that Kakaku.com has are highly specialized data and customer platforms.

Takeshi Idezawa: Thank you for the question. Why this is important to us? The strategic significance is that when we look at AI era, the broad touchpoint with users and AI, three services that Kakaku.com has highly specialized data and customer platforms. Combining them would be very important in the era of AI rather than click type conversion, and reservation has to be made before we can receive payment from the users and monetize. I said Tabelog is high priority and also Kakaku.com. The purchase action can be completed using AI, so from that perspective, it is very important asset. And Kyujin Box, the job posting box, once conversion is achieved, then the service can be monetized. Simple posting of the job ads, that will no longer be a valuable service in the era of AI.

Speaker #1: So, combining them would be very important in the era of AI, rather than click-type conversion, and reservations have to be made before we can receive payment from the users and monetize. So I said Tabelog is high priority, and also Kakaku.com.

Speaker #1: The purchase action can be completed using AI, so from that asset and recruiting box, the job posting box, once conversion is achieved, then the service can be monetized.

Speaker #1: Simple posting of the job ads will no longer be a valuable service in the era of AI. So, these three assets—although I talked about our priority—we believe all three are important. There were raisings of prices, as I have said. Ten percent IRR is our financial discipline, and it's possible that there may be further developments, but we will continue to look into that.

Takeshi Idezawa: These three assets, although I talked about our priority, we believe all three are important. There were a raising of prices, as I have said, 10% of IRR is our financial discipline, and it is possible that there may be further development, but we will continue to look into that. The second question, what happens if this deal fails? Especially restaurant-related areas and purchase AI agent or procurement AI agent, this is a must-have domain for us. The changes through AI happens and expands

Speaker #1: The second question: What happens if this deal fails? Especially for restaurant-related areas and the purchase AI agent, or procurement AI agent; this is a must-have domain for us.

Speaker #1: The changes through AI happen and expand in a very speedy manner in the next several months in order to expand our market share in this domain.

Takeshi Idezawa: In a very speedy manner in the next several months. In order to expand our market share in this domain, we can change the partners or using the synergy of SoftBank Group like we did for PayPay. We shall make investment in large amount to start up in an organic manner. That is the backup plan we have. This is a domain where business environment rapidly changes. Several years later, do we try to acquire Kakaku.com again? At that time, it will be too late. We believe this time around will be the last opportunity. If we miss this opportunity, we will change our strategy, including organic development, backup plan. This concept of IRR take 10% remains the same, that is, they must achieve requirement. Anything? This is Hidetosa speaking. First, in terms of the importance and priority, Kakaku.com has three businesses, and it also does incubation.

Speaker #1: We can change the partners or, using the synergy of the SB Group like we did for PayPay, we shall make a large investment in a startup in an organic manner.

Speaker #1: So that is the backup plan we have. This is a domain where the business environment rapidly changes. Several years later, do we try to acquire Kakaku.com again?

Speaker #1: At that time, it will be too late. So we believe that this time around will be the last opportunity. If we miss this opportunity, we will change our strategy, including the organic development backup plan. The concept of IRR taking 10% remains the same.

Speaker #1: So that is the must-achieve requirement. Anything else? This is it for our speaking. First, in terms of the importance and priority, Kakaku.com has three businesses, and it also does incubation.

Speaker #1: The characteristic is that they all have high-quality conversion points and they were networked. In the era of AI, AI agents will connect various services.

Takeshi Idezawa: The characteristic is that they all have high-quality conversion points, and they were networked. In the era of AI agent will connect various services. AI is highly capable, but across Japan, the reservation of restaurants or product information or human talent registration, that is a very difficult area for AI to achieve. If there is a concentration of such a data somewhere and being networked, that will become very important. This company that we are targeting has very attractive services. That is why we are proposing. What happens if we cannot buy? The speed is very important at this juncture, that is the reason why we are proposing that we collaborate and work together. If this fails, we need to consider the backup plan on a speedy manner. We already have a backup plan, and we will look into that.

Speaker #1: AI is highly capable, but across Japan, areas such as restaurant reservations, product information, or human talent registration are still very difficult for AI to achieve.

Speaker #1: But the if there is a concentration of such a data somewhere and net being network, that will become very important and this company that we are targeting has a very attractive services so that is why we are proposing what happens if we cannot buy the speed is very important at this juncture.

Speaker #1: So that is the reason why we are proposing that we collaborate and work together. If this fails, we need to consider the backup plan in a speedy manner.

Speaker #1: We already have a backup plan, and we will look into that. My point is that their services—the monetization, charging, and settlement services—how can you attach those so that end-to-end service can be provided?

[Analyst] (Jefferies): My point is that their services, the monetization and charging and settlement services, how can you attach those so that the end-to-end service can be provided? Whether that opportunity is remaining, strengthen that area and convert to mini app and develop as a LY Corporation service. Right. If you cannot also acquire the backup plan, you have other things in mind, right? My second point, overall, the Q1 financial results were fairly good. Margin improved more than I thought, adjusted EBITDA is growing in each segment. This momentum, do you think it's going to continue in Q2 and beyond? You have a tendency to be slow in spending costs in the beginning of the year. Cost-cutting, cost-saving worked quite well in the Q1. Is that the reason for the higher margin? What about maintaining this momentum from Q2 and onward?

Hiroko Sato: My point is that their services, the monetization and charging and settlement services, how can you attach those so that the end-to-end service can be provided? Whether that opportunity is remaining, strengthen that area and convert to mini app and develop as a LY Corporation service. Right. If you cannot also acquire the backup plan, you have other things in mind, right? My second point, overall, the Q1 financial results were fairly good. Margin improved more than I thought, adjusted EBITDA is growing in each segment. This momentum, do you think it's going to continue in Q2 and beyond? You have a tendency to be slow in spending costs in the beginning of the year. Cost-cutting, cost-saving worked quite well in the Q1. Is that the reason for the higher margin? What about maintaining this momentum from Q2 and onward?

Speaker #1: Whether that opportunity remains, strengthen that area and convert it to a mini app and develop it as an LY Corporation service. Right. If you cannot also acquire, the backup plan—then you have other things in mind, right?

Speaker #1: My second point overall: the first quarter financial results were fairly good. Margin improved more than I thought, and adjusted EBITDA is growing in each segment.

Speaker #1: Do you think this momentum is going to continue in Q2 and beyond, or do you have a tendency to be slow in spending costs at the beginning of the year?

Speaker #1: So, cost cutting and cost saving worked quite well in the first quarter. So, is that the reason for the higher margin? What about the sustainability of maintaining it?

Speaker #1: What about maintaining this momentum from the second quarter and onward? As indicated in the topics, this performance surpassed our internal plan, so the profit was better than our expectation in terms of the gross margin in Q2 and onward.

Ryosuke Sakaue: As indicated in the topics, this performance surpassed internal plans, it was better. The profit was better than our expectation. In terms of the gross margin, Q2 and onward, in terms of the growth rate, we don't see major risks. As you say, SG&A, we were slow starter in spending, that is actually true. For Q1 in Commerce business, we planned to do promotion, we were able to achieve GMV without spending for promotion. That happened in Commerce. In the Q2, the hometown tax scheme, due to the change in that and seasonality, there may be some change in the Q2. Media, the mix of the revenue direction-wise will remain the same, Display ad will continue to be tough. Account ad, we have recurring business, we expect to add on gradually. SG&A will start to normalize from the Q2.

Speaker #1: In terms of the growth rate, we don't see major risks. As you said, SG&A—we were slow starters in spending, and that is actually true.

Speaker #1: For Q1 in commerce business, we planned to do promotions, but we were able to achieve GMV without spending on promotion, so that happened in commerce.

Speaker #1: In the second quarter, due to changes in the hometown tax payment scheme and seasonality, there may be some changes in the second quarter.

Speaker #1: The mix of the revenue direction-wise will remain the same, and display ads will continue to be tough, but account ads, and we have recurring business, so we expect to add on gradually.

Speaker #1: SG&A will start to normalize from the second quarter, so the profit growth may not be as high as the first quarter. But for the full year total, the guidance we have—we have the confidence to surpass the full year guidance.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): The profit growth may not be as high as the Q1, full-year total, the guidance, we have the confidence to surpass the full-year guidance. I do understand that the high hurdle was there, thanks to the hometown tax payment scheme. As much as you can comment Was campaigns or major launch festival or any major event that you are planning in the Q2 that you did not do last year?

Hiroko Sato: The profit growth may not be as high as the Q1, full-year total, the guidance, we have the confidence to surpass the full-year guidance. I do understand that the high hurdle was there, thanks to the hometown tax payment scheme. As much as you can comment Was campaigns or major launch festival or any major event that you are planning in the Q2 that you did not do last year?

Speaker #1: I do understand that the high hurdle was there thanks to the hometown tax payment scheme, but as much as you can comment, were there any campaigns, major launch festivals, or any major event that you are planning in the second quarter that you did not do last year?

Speaker #1: So far, no, no plan of anything new and major. That's all. Thank you.

Ryosuke Sakaue: So far, no. No plan of anything new and major.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): That's all. Thank you.

Hiroko Sato: That's all. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much. Next, from Goldman Sachs, Minakata-san. Please unmute and ask your questions. This is Minakata of Goldman Sachs. I hope you can hear me.

Operator: Thank you very much. Next, from Goldman Sachs, Minami-san, please unmute and ask your questions. This is Minami of Goldman Sachs. I hope you can hear me. Yes. Thank you. The search ads, I have one question on that and also another question on commerce. About the search ads, in the supplementary information, I was looking at it, and the number of the search is down and the demand is slowing down, and that was offset by the improvement of the part of the products, I understand. Right now, the slowing down of the ad business and the number of search being reduced, I think that's one of the points that in the stock market, drawing a lot of question. Is this within your expectation? I want to check on that. About the product improvement, I think that the unit price is coming up.

Speaker #2: Yes, thank you. Regarding the search ads, I have one question about that and also another question on commerce. About the search ads, in the supplementary information, I was looking at it and saw that the number of searches is down and the demand is slowing down. That was offset by improvements in part of the products and the stand.

Speaker #2: So right now, the slowing down of the ad business and the number of searches being reduced—I think that's one of the points that the industrial market is drawing a lot of questions about.

Speaker #2: So, is this within your expectation? I want to check on that. And about the product improvement, I think that the unit price is coming up.

Speaker #2: So, what are the items that contributed, or which are the initiatives which contributed specifically? That's my first question. Yes, let me answer. Regarding the number of searches, yes, since last year, with AI, quick responses can be given.

Ryosuke Sakaue: What are the items who contributed, or which are the initiatives which contributed specifically? That's my first question. Yes, let me answer. About the number of search, yes, since last year with AI, a quick response can be given, so re-query is not likely to occur. The total number of the search, I think naturally will continue to face some difficulties, and this is something that we expected. We ourselves, the response of the AI, the percentage is being increased, so the number of the search is not likely to increase, and that's going to continue. As for the unit price, higher unit price and offsetting the lower search number, yes, what we have as a data, we would use it through the search, and then by doing so, that led to the higher unit price per click.

Speaker #2: So re-query is not likely to occur. So, the total number of searches, I think, naturally will continue to face some difficulties, and this is something that we expected.

Speaker #2: We ourselves—the response of the AI, the percentage is being increased. So the number of the search is not likely to increase, and that's going to continue.

Speaker #2: As for the unit price, higher unit price and offsetting the lower search number, yes, what we data what we have as a data, we would use it through the search and then by doing so, the that led to the higher unit price per click.

Speaker #2: So we are trying to offset the lower number of the searches like that. I see. Thank you very much. So, as for Q1, I think basically it's in line.

Ryosuke Sakaue: We are trying to offset the lower number of the searches like that. I see. Thank you very much. As Q1, I think basically it's in line when you look at the search as alone. Yes, that's correct. My second question is on commerce. The shopping and reuse, the growth rate have been quite steady and strong, in my view. Especially, what were the effective ones? In your presentation, you mentioned that AI function, navigation, so improvement of the functions, are you getting the good reaction from it? In September onwards, there will be some change to the opening of the store plan in Yahoo! Japan Shopping. By minimizing the negative impact and to have a smooth operation, what are the initiatives that you plan to have? Yahoo!

Speaker #2: When you look at search alone, yes, that's correct. So, my second question is on commerce. The shopping and reuse growth rate has been quite steady and strong, in my view.

Speaker #2: So, especially, what were the effective ones? In your presentation, you mentioned the AI function navigation, so improvement of the functions—are you getting a good reaction from it?

Speaker #2: And in September onwards, there will be some change to the opening of the store plan in Yahoo Japan shopping. So by minimizing the negative impact and to have a smooth operation, what are the initiatives that you plan to have?

Speaker #2: On Yahoo Japan Shopping, there are many things, but PayPay Points are related to a time-limited provision of the points. I think it's been a year and a half already.

Makoto Hide: Japan Shopping, there are many things, PayPay Points related, time-limited provision of the points, I think it's been a year and a half already, and for users, I don't know whether that's a good thing, but I think that has been effective in building the ecosystem because the points that we provide can be utilized within the ecosystem. It's more than a year, and it's impacting the GMV in a healthy manner. What I didn't mention is that the profit of the Yahoo! Japan Shopping is improving. The outsourcing, the fees and so forth, we could improve the efficiency of the cost side, and that was effective in Q1.

Speaker #2: And for users, I don't know whether that's a good thing, but I think that has been effective in building the ecosystem, because the points that we provide can be utilized within the ecosystem.

Speaker #2: So, it's more than a year, and it's impacting the GMV in a healthy manner. And what I didn't mention is that the profit of Yahoo! Japan Shopping is improving.

Speaker #2: The outsourcing and the fees and so forth—we could improve the efficiency of the cost side, and that was effective in Q1. As for reuse, I think that the entertainment market is a growing area, and in that part, I think that we are providing sales promotion and other features and so forth.

Makoto Hide: As for reuse, I think that the entertainment market growing area and that part, I think that we are providing the sales promotion and other features and so forth, especially weaker yen in relation to FX and also the prices are increasing in general. Maybe Yahoo! Japan Shopping would be difficult and maybe DS is selling better. With the rising prices, I think the reuse is doing better than the Yahoo! Japan Shopping in general. As for the revision of the shopping plan, this is something that we already talked about, and there were some impact, especially the small stores or the stores with the small revenue churned, but that did not have any major negative impact.

Speaker #2: Especially, the weaker yen in relation to effects, and also, prices are increasing in general. And maybe Yahoo Japan Shopping would be difficult, and maybe DS is setting better.

Speaker #2: So so with the rising prices, I think the reuse is doing better than the Yahoo Japan shopping in general. As for the revision of the shopping plan, this is something that we already talked about and there were some impact, but especially the small stores or the stores with the small revenue, churned about that were did not have any major negative impact.

Speaker #2: And I think that had a positive impact. For example, having cleaner search results, and we changed the monetization or billing so that it led to some benefits.

[Analyst] (Goldman Sachs): I think that had the positive impact, for example, having the cleaner search results, and we changed the monetization or billing, it led to some benefits as well. Thank you very much. Yahoo! Japan Shopping. We are doing well in containing users. The frequency of use of the users is increasing, rather users coming from others. Rather, the frequency of the usage is increasing. Is that the better expression? We have heavy, middle, and other users. The heavy users or frequent users, I think they make even more frequent purchases in the Yahoo! Japan Shopping. Thank you.

Minami Munakata: I think that had the positive impact, for example, having the cleaner search results, and we changed the monetization or billing, it led to some benefits as well. Thank you very much. Yahoo! Japan Shopping. We are doing well in containing users. The frequency of use of the users is increasing, rather users coming from others. Rather, the frequency of the usage is increasing. Is that the better expression? We have heavy, middle, and other users. The heavy users or frequent users, I think they make even more frequent purchases in the Yahoo! Japan Shopping. Thank you.

Speaker #2: As well, thank you very much. So for Yahoo Japan Shopping, we are doing well in retaining users. The frequency of use by our users is increasing. So, rather than gaining new users from other sources, it is the frequency of usage that is increasing.

Speaker #2: Is that a better expression? We have heavy, middle, and other users, and the heavy users—or frequent users—I think they make even more frequent purchases in the Yahoo! Japan shopping.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Speaker #1: We would like to ask Harahata-san of Nomura Securities to ask your questions. Thank you for the opportunity. I'm Harahata. I have two questions. First question, Seven & i Holdings partnership.

[Analyst] (Nomura Securities): We would like to ask Harahata-san of Nomura Securities to ask your questions. Thank you for the opportunity. I'm Harahata. I have two questions. First question, Seven & i Holdings partnership in the short term and medium term, what kind of impact do you expect to which KPI, LYP Premium or account add, any expectations in those areas? That is my first question.

Ryohei Harahata: We would like to ask Harahata-san of Nomura Securities to ask your questions. Thank you for the opportunity. I'm Harahata. I have two questions. First question, Seven & i Holdings partnership in the short term and medium term, what kind of impact do you expect to which KPI, LYP Premium or account add, any expectations in those areas? That is my first question.

Speaker #1: In the short term and medium term, what kind of impact do you expect to see on which KPIs, LYP premium, or account adds? Any expectations in those areas?

Speaker #1: That is my first question. Idezawa, we'll answer your question. The partnership with seven seven and eye seven eleven the there are two initiatives that the we have announced one is for LYP premium members basically digital rewards are provided seven and eye holdings with seven eleven we have collaborated in stores in physical stores coupons can be used and such a coupon will be added from that perspective we can expect the members number of members of LYP premium will likely to increase.

Takeshi Idezawa: Idezawa will answer your question. The partnership with Seven & i, 7-Eleven, there are two initiatives that we have announced. One is for LYP Premium members. Basically, digital rewards are provided. Seven & i Holdings, with 7-Eleven, we have collaborated in stores, in physical stores, coupons can be used, and such a coupon will be added. From that perspective, we can expect the number of members of LYP Premium will likely to increase. Also official app, mini app, will be jointly developed in order to increase the digital touch point. 7-Eleven has 20 million daily customers, and we have 100 million. We both have a maximum user count. By joining forces, we can enhance the mini app. That is the KPI that we expect to improve the LINE official account and LINE mini app. We are going to further discuss on other initiatives going forward.

Speaker #1: An official app mini app will also be jointly developed in order to increase digital touchpoints. Seven-Eleven has 20 million daily customers and we have 100 million, so we both have a maximum user count, and by joining forces, we can enhance the mini app.

Speaker #1: So that is the KPI that we expect to improve for the LINE Official Account and LINE Mini App. We are going to further discuss other initiatives going forward as soon as we have concrete plans.

Takeshi Idezawa: As soon as we have concrete plans, we are going to share with you.

Speaker #1: We are going to share with you. Thank you very much. My second question is on media. The search in display and our competitive environment in those areas, and the war in Iran is continuing.

[Analyst] (Nomura Securities): Thank you very much. My second question is on media, the search and display, and competitive environment of those areas. The war in Ukraine is continuing. What would be the environment in the advertising market? What are the challenges of your company's advertising media?

Ryohei Harahata: Thank you very much. My second question is on media, the search and display, and competitive environment of those areas. The war in Ukraine is continuing. What would be the environment in the advertising market? What are the challenges of your company's advertising media?

Speaker #1: What would be the environment in the advertising market? What are the challenges of your company's advertising media? The market-related question will be answered by Ike Hata, and on AI recommend, I will answer.

Takeshi Idezawa: The market-related question will be answered by Ikehata, on AI recommend, I will answer.

Speaker #1: Thank you for the question. I am Ike Hata. Regarding advertisers' perception of the market and trends, as much as we know, let me comment.

Yuki Ikehata: Thank you for the question. I am Ikehata. The advertisers' perception of the market and trend, as much as we know, let me comment. AI and various changes are happening. Advertisers, more than before, are looking for the return on investment. They are stricter. In part of the sector, they are becoming more selective in advertising investments. The global environment is impacting, we do not believe that is the major impact for the first quarter of our performance. The advertisers are judging the advertising methods very strictly and judging based on that. That is the overall industry trend. We are to improve the advertising effectiveness and media space improvement so that we can collaborate with advertisers to improve their investment return. Related to AI, compared to other companies, our company have media data, click data, and we're working on utilizing such data to advertising.

Speaker #1: AI and various changes are happening, and advertisers, more than before, are looking for the return on investment. They are stricter in part of the sector.

Speaker #1: They are becoming more selective in advertising investments. The global environment is impacting, but we do not believe that that is the major impact for the first quarter of our performance.

Speaker #1: The advertisers are judging the advertising methods very strictly, and judging based on that—that is the overall industry trend. And we are to improve the advertising effectiveness and media space improvement so that we can collaborate with the advertisers to improve their investment return.

Speaker #1: Related to AI, compared to other companies, our company has media data and click data, and we're working on utilizing such data for advertising. We have many media properties with a lot of text, so even when we use AI, the market itself is tough.

Yuki Ikehata: The text, we have many media that is just with a lot of text. Even when we use AI, the market itself is tough. That is because there is a shift to video. The video media, the video inventory is insufficient. That is a structural issue that is remaining. Text type of advertising display ad is improving thanks to the use of AI. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: That is because there is a shift to video. The video media—the video inventory—is insufficient. That is a structural issue that is remaining, and text-type advertising, display ads, is improving thanks to the use of AI.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much. Next is SMBC Nikko Securities, Maeda-san. Please unmute and ask your questions. Thank you, Maeda from SMBC Nikko. I have two questions.

Operator: Thank you very much. Next is SMBC Nikko Securities, Maeda-san. Please unmute and ask your questions. Thank you, Maeda from SMBC Nikko. I have two questions. I have two questions. Earlier, the Agent i, the DAU, 12 million DAU. How to interpret this number? I think that this is a cumulative number with different things added. Is it strong or weak? How have you monetized based on this? The AI-driven growth is what you talk about, and how should we understand this number of DAU? This is a strategic question, Idezawa-san will answer. Yes. First of all, the definition of the number, what we are disclosing right now, 12 million DAU. The Agent i, Yahoo! Finance, Agent i, the average DUV, and LINE chat rooms overall average, those two are added together.

Speaker #2: So, I have two questions. Earlier, the agent AI—the 12 million DAU—how should I interpret this number? I think that this is a cumulative number, with different things added.

Speaker #2: So, is it strong or weak? And how have you monetized based on this? The AI-driven growth is what you talk about, and how should we understand this number of DAU?

Speaker #2: This is a strategic question, so Idezawa-san will answer. Yes. First of all, the definition of the number—what we are disclosing right now. Of million DAU: the agent, Yahoo Finance agent AI, the average DAU, and LINE talk room overall average.

Speaker #2: Those two are added together. And so, as a beginning, I think it's a pretty good number. Our target is 100 million users using Agent I, so that's what we aim for.

Takeshi Idezawa: At the beginning, I think it's a pretty good number, and our target is 100 million users using Agent i. That's what we aim for. In that sense, this is something that we need to grow further. At the beginning, I think it's a pretty good number. As for monetization, in the previous meeting, I think we talked about the direction, and we are currently validating, verifying that. Specific monetization, we have not yet specifically started. I cannot really say much. We are making preparations for it. As for the direction, the user subscription is one thing, and for the companies using the official account or mini apps, providing AI functions to those companies, and also AI advertising is another thing. You can buy via Agent i in e-commerce. Then we can get the advertising fee from companies.

Speaker #2: So in that sense, this is something that we need to grow further. So, at the beginning, I think it's a pretty good number. As for monetization, in the previous meeting I think we talked about the direction, and we are currently validating and verifying that.

Speaker #2: And, specifically, monetization has not yet specifically started, so I cannot really say much. We are making preparations for it—that's the direction.

Speaker #2: The user subscription is one thing, and for the companies using the official account or mini app, now we're providing AI functions to those companies. Also, AI advertising is another thing.

Speaker #2: So you can buy via agent in e-commerce, so then we can get the advertising fee from the company. So we have multiple things that are being validated right now.

[Analyst] (SMBC Nikko Securities): We have multiple things that are being validated right now. Thank you. Thank you. My second question is also about the Kakaku.com. IRR 10%, is it including synergy or without the synergy? Use of the debt, is that something that you can try to achieve? Depending on the different way of thinking, the view on capital allocation and also the market or the view on the price will change. How to have the leverage with debt or is that something that you're not thinking about? Once again, IRR 10%, do you think that you can achieve it without synergy? Sorry to say many things, but if you can talk about that. We are working on the details and debt leverage. Yes, that is something that we have in our assumptions. As for synergies, there are different patterns, the more likely ones and the not likely ones.

Eiji Maeda: We have multiple things that are being validated right now. Thank you. Thank you. My second question is also about the Kakaku.com. IRR 10%, is it including synergy or without the synergy? Use of the debt, is that something that you can try to achieve? Depending on the different way of thinking, the view on capital allocation and also the market or the view on the price will change. How to have the leverage with debt or is that something that you're not thinking about? Once again, IRR 10%, do you think that you can achieve it without synergy? Sorry to say many things, but if you can talk about that. We are working on the details and debt leverage. Yes, that is something that we have in our assumptions. As for synergies, there are different patterns, the more likely ones and the not likely ones.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Thank you. My second question is also about Kakaku.com. The IRR, 10%—is that including synergy or without the synergy? And regarding the use of debt, is that something that you can try to achieve?

Speaker #2: So, depending on the different way of thinking, the view on capital allocation and also the market, or the view on the price, will change.

Speaker #2: So, how do you have the leverage with debt, or is that something that you're not thinking about? So once again, IRR 10% — do you think that you can achieve it without synergy?

Speaker #2: Sorry to say many things, but if you can talk about that. We are working on the details, and debt leverage—yes, that is something that we have in assumptions.

Speaker #2: As for synergies, there are different patterns—the more likely ones and the not likely ones. The ones that can be achieved easily, and including all that, the IRR of 10% is what we are thinking about.

Ryosuke Sakaue: Something that can be achieved easily and including all that, the IRR of 10% is what we are thinking about. Use of Agent i, we are making plans for the Agent i, but rather looking at the cost side and the more certain ones, including the synergy, we think that the 10% is our standard. I see. Thank you very much. Next, we will take question from Hosoi-san of SBI Securities.

Speaker #2: So, use of Agent I — we are making plans for Agent I, but rather looking at the cost side and more certain ones. Including the synergy, we think that the 10% is our standard.

Speaker #2: I see. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: Next, we will take a question from Hosui-san of SBI Securities. I'm Hosui from SBI Securities. Thank you for this opportunity. My first question is on media, and my second question is on reuse.

[Analyst] (SBI Securities): I'm Hosoi from SBI Securities. Thank you for this opportunity. My first question is on media. My second question is on reuse. The media revenue is my first question. In the initial guidance, search and display total was flat year-on-year. That is the annual forecast. What is the background and outlook of the decline of the revenue of display? User charging grew by 13% other than LYP. What is growing and is it sustainable?

Yukari Housui: I'm Hosoi from SBI Securities. Thank you for this opportunity. My first question is on media. My second question is on reuse. The media revenue is my first question. In the initial guidance, search and display total was flat year-on-year. That is the annual forecast. What is the background and outlook of the decline of the revenue of display? User charging grew by 13% other than LYP. What is growing and is it sustainable?

Speaker #1: The media revenue is my first question. In the initial guidance, search and display total was flat year-on-year. That is the annual forecast.

Speaker #1: What is the background and outlook for the decline in display revenue? Also, users are being charged by 13%, other than LYP. What is growing, and is it sustainable?

Speaker #1: On display ads, as of now, in total we want to keep it flat. The guidance is not revised. We still have eight months.

Ryosuke Sakaue: On display ad, as of now, in total, we want to keep it at flat. The guidance is not revised. We still have 8 months, we will make effort to realize the guidance. For display ad

Speaker #1: So, we will make effort to realize the guidance for display ad. We will integrate LINE and the formal Yahoo advertising platform, and we are preparing for the launch of LINE Home in the first half. We expect things to continue to be tough in the second half. We are hoping to implement measures to achieve recovery.

Ryosuke Sakaue: We will integrate former LINE and former Yahoo! advertising platform, and we are preparing for the launch of LINE Home. In H1, we expect things to continue to be tough. In H2, we are hoping to implement measures to achieve recovery, and that strategy remains the same. Media, the monetization, charging users, and other growth. In addition to LYP Premium, stamps, those were very good and make up a large portion, but the majority is LYP Premium. Thank you very much. The Q1 gross margin, the start of the year, you made a good start. Hypothetically, even if your search revenue declines, you can still achieve the guidance, and that is the understanding of the Q1. Well, it is up to the H2, but the media segment was able to accumulate good profit, and we have, in a way, a savings for that.

Speaker #1: And that strategy remains the same. Media, the monetization, charging users, and other growth. In addition to LINE Premium, stamps—those were very good and make up a large portion, but the majority is LINE Premium.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much. The first quarter gross margin—the start of the year—you made a good start, and hypothetically, even if your search revenue declines, you can still achieve the guidance. That is the understanding of the first quarter.

Speaker #1: Well, it's up to the second half, but the media segment was able to accumulate good profit, and we have, in a way, a savings for that.

Speaker #1: So I think that is achievable. Thank you very much. My second question is on reuse. You talked about the growth of entertainment. Is it overseas through Venos, or mostly domestic?

[Analyst] (SBI Securities): I think that is achievable. Thank you very much. My second question is on Reuse. You talked about the growth of entertainment. Is it overseas through BEENOS or mostly domestic? What are the items that are selling well? In terms of KPI, the unit price, frequency of transaction, and MAU, what kind of KPI is growing? Hide will answer your question. This is Hide. I will answer your question. The growth in Reuse is coming from entertainment. Both domestic and international businesses are growing. Service-wise, we have Yahoo! Flea Market and Yahoo! Auction, both are growing. Entertainment products are growing in both platforms, and the market itself is growing in that area. KPI-wise, overall, the number of sellers and buyers both are growing, and purchasers and conversion rates, those are also growing. Overall, we are seeing growth.

Yukari Housui: I think that is achievable. Thank you very much. My second question is on Reuse. You talked about the growth of entertainment. Is it overseas through BEENOS or mostly domestic? What are the items that are selling well? In terms of KPI, the unit price, frequency of transaction, and MAU, what kind of KPI is growing? Hide will answer your question. This is Hide. I will answer your question. The growth in Reuse is coming from entertainment. Both domestic and international businesses are growing. Service-wise, we have Yahoo! Flea Market and Yahoo! Auction, both are growing. Entertainment products are growing in both platforms, and the market itself is growing in that area. KPI-wise, overall, the number of sellers and buyers both are growing, and purchasers and conversion rates, those are also growing. Overall, we are seeing growth.

Speaker #1: What are the items that are selling well? In terms of KPIs, the unit price, frequency of transactions, and MAU, what kind of KPI is growing?

Speaker #1: Hide will answer your question. This is Hide. I will answer your question. The growth in reuse is coming from entertainment. Both domestic and international businesses are growing.

Speaker #1: Service-wise, we have Yahoo Flea Market and Yahoo Auction. Both are growing. Entertainment products are growing on both platforms, and the market itself is also growing in that area.

Speaker #1: KPI-wise, overall, the number of sellers and buyers are both growing, and purchasers and conversion rates are also increasing. So, overall, we are seeing growth. Among entertainment products, trading cards— that category is growing, and there are high-ticket items, so the average prices are also increasing.

Operator: Among entertainment products, trading cards, that category is growing, and they are high-ticket items, so the average prices are also growing. That was my reply. Thank you very much for the detail. Thank you very much. We are taking questions. If you have any questions, please use raise hand function of Zoom. Seems that there are no other questions, so we would like to end Q&A session. Finally, I would like to invite Sakaue-san to say the last words. Thank you very much for taking the time to join us. As a beginning of the fiscal 2026, I think we made a good start. The full year guidance, I think especially about the consolidated numbers, we are more confident that we can achieve them. In the shorter term, maybe we can exceed the guidance.

Speaker #1: So that was my reply. Thank you very much for the detail.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much. We are taking questions. If you have any questions, please use the Raise Hand function on Zoom. It seems that there are no other questions, so we would like to end the Q&A session.

Speaker #2: Finally, I would like to invite Sakao-san to say the last words. Thank you very much for taking your time to join us. So, as the beginning of fiscal 2026, I think we made a good start.

Speaker #2: The full-year guidance—I think, especially regarding the consolidated numbers—we are more confident that we can achieve them. So in the shorter term, maybe we can exceed the guidance. And more importantly, the agent, our user base of 100 million users, we would like to make sure that everybody uses it, and we'll be launching the different products to realize that.

Operator: More importantly, the Agent i user, 100 million users, we would like to make sure that everybody uses it, and we'll be launching the different products to realize that. We would like to continue to work on that. I hope that you will give us your support and your comments. Thank you very much for your participation. With that, I'd like to end the Q1 2026 results briefing. We'd like to end that. Once again, thank you very much for staying until the end. Thank you.

Speaker #2: So, we would like to continue to work on that. I hope that you will give us your support and your comments. Thank you very much for your participation.

Speaker #2: With that, I'd like to end the Q1 2026 results briefing. I would like to end it here. So once again, thank you very much for staying until the end.

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