J.ESTina Swings to Operating Loss in Q1 2026 Despite Sales Growth; Cost Pressures Mount
Q1 2026 (standalone): Revenue ₩18.7B (+6.7% YoY), operating loss ₩0.56B (vs. ₩0.71B profit in Q1 2025), net loss ₩0.43B (vs. ₩0.67B profit)
EPS (loss) of ₩27 (vs. ₩47 profit)
Profitability deteriorated due to increased cost of sales and SG&A; inventory surged 32% to ₩26.1B, cash & equivalents plummeted to ₩0.88B (from ₩6.2B at year-end)
Sold 900K treasury shares (remaining 459K); board approved disposal on Jan 12, 2026
Secured ₩17.9B in unused credit lines, no debt outstanding
Contingent liabilities: guarantees of ₩0.43B, collateral on land/bldg of ₩18B, Kaesong insurance refund obligation of ₩2.9B
New business (health food) added to articles but no investment or revenue yet
Paid ₩100 per share cash dividend for FY2025 (no dividend for Q1 2026)