P.13 Top Message (People and Technology)

13 Top Message People and Technology Supporting Growth Technology alone does not support our advanced services. People who deeply understand capital markets and can solve clients’ challenges are the source of our competitive strength. In addition to specialized training on capital markets and IR/SR, we are developing AI/DX talent and strengthening our DX promotion framework, thereby enhancing our organizational capabilities as a group of knowledge professionals. At the same time, system stability and security are lifelines for the services used by listed companies, investors, and shareholders. Through continued investment in system infrastructure supporting stable 24/7 operations, high security using blockchain technology, and AI-powered service development, we will further enhance our reliability as information infrastructure for capital markets. Future Outlook and Shareholder Returns The fiscal year ending December 2026 marks a new growth stage. With the absorption-type merger of NetMile, Inc. on January 17, 2026, we established a system to concentrate management resources on our core shareholder management platform business. We forecast net sales of 6,750 million yen, operating profit of 1,500 million yen, and net income of 950 million yen. Against the backdrop of the TOPIX review and tighter listing maintenance criteria, improving liquidity and corporate value is an urgent issue for listed companies, and we believe demand for our services will continue to expand. Regarding shareholder returns, we will maintain our stable and proactive stance while balancing growth investments. The annual dividend for fiscal year 2026 is set at 18 yen per share, up by 5 yen from the previous fiscal year, with an interim dividend of 9 yen and a year-end dividend of 9 yen, and a dividend payout ratio of 38.3%. We will continue to meet the expectations of shareholders through sustainable growth and improved corporate value. To Our Stakeholders We aim to realize a capital market where companies and investors engage in constructive dialogue, resulting in the formation of fair value for companies. To this end, as the "information infrastructure for capital markets," we will provide information disclosure, shareholder management, and dialogue support in an integrated manner, contributing to the sustainable development of Japan's capital market. Supporting this realization is our deep expertise in the capital market and technologies such as AI and blockchain. We believe that fusing expertise and technology to accompany our clients in improving their corporate value is the driving force that supports our sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Toward 2030, we will evolve dialogue between companies and investors into something more advanced and valuable through the provision of new solutions utilizing AI and data. We will realize the improvement of corporate value together with our clients, contribute to the further development of Japan's capital market, and aim to remain a company trusted by all stakeholders. Representative Director & CEO Mitsuo Sugimoto