Business Overview 4. DX Regional Collaboration Project Signpost's DX and Regional Collaboration Project started in March 2022 with the establishment of the DX and Regional Collaboration Division. It aims to provide products and services that contribute to regional collaboration by collaborating with local financial institutions nationwide, utilizing its own DX technology and open innovation. In August 2022, it began working with Oita Made Co., Ltd., which was established with the investment of multiple companies in Oita Prefecture, including Oita Bank, to sell original products made in Oita Prefecture to both domestic and overseas markets and to match local companies and Signpost's products and services in order to promote the revitalization of Oita Prefecture's economy. In addition, in April 2024, it started offering DX support services for medium-sized and small businesses. As the first effort, it supports the creation of DX declaration by (The) Fourth Hokuriku Bank, Ltd. (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) to deploy DX declaration support services to the market. Furthermore, it will realize new solutions by commercializing its own technology and open innovation and promote regional collaboration through innovation.
2. One of the strengths of Heiji Marine Shipping <9362>
One of the strengths is that the company is an independent marine transportation company. In the marine shipping industry, there are many shipping companies that are part of corporate groups, but these companies tend to have rigid relationships with their shippers. The company is independent and not affiliated with any group, so it can conduct business activities in all directions with flexibility.
Another strength is that it has a well-balanced business portfolio. The company operates in four businesses: inland transportation, marine transportation, port operations, and warehousing. By handling these four businesses in parallel, the overall company is able to temper revenue fluctuations. Inland transportation and marine transportation operate in the “sea” field, while port operations and warehousing operate on “land.” Although “land” requires human capital and facilities, it provides stability to the business. On the other hand, marine transportation provides stable revenue through strong trade relationships with large customers, while marine shipping is subject to various factors, including international situations, and has many factors that affect business performance. However, because it is an independent marine transportation company, it can make business decisions quickly.
The company values the spirit of independence and self-reliance that has been cultivated over many years of history. Each of the inland transportation, marine transportation, port operations, and warehousing businesses operates with a sense of responsibility and mission. With these four pillars, not only can risk be diversified, but it also provides options for considering which areas to expand in the future. If there is an opportunity for revenue, management resources can be invested in that area all at once, but if danger is detected, the company can temporarily suspend its operations. In this way, the ability to enhance profitability through flexible business operations is the company's greatest strength.
(Written by FISCO Guest Analyst Yoichiro Shimizu)