[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] Japan-based duty-free operator JTC Inc.(950170)announced on the 3rd that it had acquired an additional 10 billion won worth of its own shares.

JTC Inc. purchased 2,051,675 common shares on the open market from May 7 to July 29. This represents approximately 4.0% of the total number of issued shares based on current disclosures. JTC Inc. plans to cancel the treasury shares acquired this time after completing relevant procedures, such as a board resolution.

Previously, on July 21, JTC Inc. canceled all 2,973,233 shares of treasury stock it had acquired for approximately 15 billion won. Including this latest acquisition, the company has purchased a total of 25 billion won worth of treasury stock in two separate transactions.

As of the end of the first quarter, the company held approximately 59 billion won in cash and cash equivalents, and it plans to use these funds to pursue both reinvestment and shareholder returns.

As a foreign corporation established under Japanese law, JTC Inc. is not subject to the obligation under South Korean commercial law to cancel treasury stock within one year of acquisition. However, the company explained that it is voluntarily canceling the acquired treasury stock to enhance shareholder value.

Alongside shareholder returns, the company is also working to strengthen its business competitiveness. In response to the slowdown in demand for group tours from China, the company diversified its customer base to include South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, and pursued cost efficiency. As a result, it achieved an operating profit in the first quarter (March–May) of fiscal year 2026. Going forward, the company plans to secure new revenue streams by launching new duty-free store businesses in South Korea.

Fumiya Yamamoto, CEO of JTC Inc., stated, “Following the cancellation of treasury stock worth 15 billion won, we have also completed this additional acquisition as planned,” adding, “We will continue to enhance corporate value through proactive shareholder return policies and profitability-focused management.”