On the Dash:
- Nissan returned to quarterly profitability while maintaining its full-year earnings guidance.
- The automaker lowered its global sales forecast, signaling demand challenges remain.
- Upcoming U.S. launches, including the Infiniti QX65 and Rogue Hybrid e-Power, could help support dealership traffic.
Nissan has reported its first quarterly net profit in two years, posting ¥3.76 billion ($23.9 million) for the fiscal first quarter. The automaker exceeded analyst expectations and has maintained its full-year earnings forecast, despite lowering its global sales outlook.
Executives attribute the improved results to ongoing restructuring efforts and cost reductions. Net profit reached roughly $23.9 million (¥3.76 billion), a considerable turnaround from a loss of about $735.8 million (¥115.76 billion) a year earlier. Additionally, first-quarter revenue increased by 9.5% year-over-year to roughly $18.84 billion (¥2.964 trillion), surpassing analysts’ expectations.
Nissan has revised its global sales projection to 3.15 million vehicles, down from the previous estimate of 3.30 million. However, the company has kept its full-year revenue forecast at about $82.6 billion (¥13 trillion) and maintains a net profit outlook of roughly $127.1 million (¥20 billion). The adjusted sales outlook reflects ongoing market challenges, despite the improving financial performance.
What’s next for the automaker
To continue its restructuring efforts, Nissan is cutting costs through facility consolidation, reducing production capacity, and downsizing its workforce. The automaker plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs worldwide through March 2028. Further, Nissan is exploring contract manufacturing opportunities with Chery Automobile at its U.K. plant.
In product news, Nissan recently launched the Infiniti QX65 luxury SUV in the U.S., and Nissan plans to bring the Rogue Hybrid e-Power to the U.S. later this year. The company is also partnering with Uber and Wayve to develop robotaxi services, and the companies plan a pilot program in Tokyo in late 2026.
