RE: HOP to STEP
~THE YEAR OF QUALITY

Struggles at the FY2022 HOP

In the fiscal year before last, FY2022 (ending March 31, 2023), we at UNIVA Paycast (hereinafter referred to as UPC) faced unprecedented difficulties. At that time, we celebrated our 20th anniversary and declared our mid-term plan for future growth, "HOP, STEP, JUMP," to our employees and group members, and we planned to solidify the "HOP" for the start of the plan. The results for FY2022 are as follows. The main settlement business has stagnated even more than in the past due to the social impact of the coronavirus, and gross profit has fallen below the previous year's level. At this time, there would have been disappointment on everyone's part.

Growth at RE: HOP in FY2023

In such a situation, as we entered FY2023, last FY2023 (FY2024), while STEP was not possible, the frustration of "RE:HOP" once again declared that we would secure stable profitability in the settlement business and prepare for "STEP". Last year was a year in which we felt that the entire company understood this critical situation and the company grew. For the first time ever, everyone was concerned about the status of the business, regardless of their responsibilities, and was taking action to get involved, taking the initiative regardless of department.

At the end of the fiscal year, many employees were heard to say that they had all done their part, and many also said that they had grown as individuals. The UPC also gained new knowledge through its involvement in national and local government projects at this time, and despite the challenges, it was a great experience that will lead to the future.

In retrospect, I guess I didn't have a good sense of timing. There must have been many times when the HOP failed to change and rise, but they didn't know when to do it or not to do it. We were not focusing enough on it. I agree.
Last year was different. The company itself and each employee felt that everyone was able to focus on what needed to be done at the right time. In December 2023, we were able to capture the timing of the event on site. The company has been quick to recognize changes in the payment industry and has achieved a record number of merchant acquisitions through the concerted efforts of not only planning and sales staff, but also backyard team members. This was an example of each being able to determine the timing on their own.

The results were record sales, a gross profit budget of 1 billion yen, and a return to operating profitability, and the joy was shared by the entire UPC.

Pursuit of Quality in STEP 2024

This fiscal year 2024, we are ready. This fiscal year, gross profit will be 1.2 billion yen OVER, operating income 200 million yen OVER, and realization of settlement + α services and products. It will be a year in which what has been put in place during the year of RE:HOP will blossom and become achievements, and in which services and products will evolve.

Finally, to all companies associated with UNIVA and with the UPC
To achieve this goal, UPC will pursue the quality of UPC's services and products in this fiscal year. We, the members of the UPC, will continue to improve the quality of all aspects of our work. We hope you will enjoy UPC as it enters the "STEP" phase. We would also appreciate your input on how we can improve the quality of our products and services in 2024.

UNIVA Paycast Limited
Shuhei Nakao, President and Representative Director