<4208> UBE 2329.5 +1.5

Slight rebound. The previous day, a downward revision of the financial estimates for the fiscal year ending March 2025 was announced, with operating profit revised down from the previous estimate of 27 billion yen to 16 billion yen. The market estimate was around 24 billion yen, which was seen as a larger-than-expected downward adjustment. The poor sales of caprolactam and other products were the background. Also, due to special losses from production stoppages and asset impairments, net income was revised down from a surplus of 29.5 billion yen to a deficit of 17.5 billion yen. Progress in structural reforms was viewed positively.

<6337> Tesec 1595 +81

Significant continued rise. The previous day, third quarter earnings reports were announced. Cumulative operating profit was 0.37 billion yen, down 69.4% compared to the same period last year, but the full-year forecast was revised up from the previous 0.38 billion yen to 0.48 billion yen, reflecting a decrease of 72.3% compared to the previous period. The impact of increased revenue due to the weaker yen, normalization of the increase in material prices, and changes to the development plan taking into account technological trends were also factors contributing to the upward revision. This has led to a reevaluation of the stock price, which has been trading in a low range.

<9479> Impress 157 +16

Rapid rise. It was announced that a resolution had been made to transfer all shares of the hut owned by the subsidiary Yamato Keikyu Co., and it is expected to record special profits in the fiscal year ending March 2025. The execution date for the transfer is planned for February 1. It is expected to record special profits of 0.15 billion yen. This is part of the business structural reform aimed at selecting and concentrating management resources in the publishing business. There is an expectation that it will lead to improvements in the business structure such as the balance sheet.

<6023> Daihatsu Day 2130 +157

Significant continued rise. The previous day, third quarter earnings reports were announced, with cumulative operating profit at 5.83 billion yen, 2.7 times that of the same period last year, and the full-year forecast revised up from the previous 6 billion yen to 7.3 billion yen. Maintenance demand appears to have exceeded expectations. The annual dividend was also raised from the previously planned 39 yen to 50 yen. Additionally, the implementation of a self-share buyback related to the sale of Daihatsu stocks and the transfer of Daihatsu’s shareholding in Imabari Shipbuilding were announced, meaning Daihatsu will no longer be considered an affiliate.

<6721> Intest Corp 116 +30

The stock reached its limit high. It was announced the day before that the wafer acceptance test inspection device "WTS-511" will start sales from February, which seems to be a catalyst for buyers. This is an electrical inspection conducted on completed wafers in semiconductor manufacturing plants and serves as the final quality assurance process before shipping, ensuring compliance with design standards and customer requirements. There seems to be a sense of anticipation regarding its contribution to performance.

<5461> Chubu Steel Plate 2297 -160

Significant decline continues. The day before, it announced a downward revision of the earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The operating profit has been reduced from the previous estimate of 6.2 billion yen to 1.8 billion yen, an 82.7% decrease compared to the previous period. This marks a consecutive downward revision following the announcement of the first half earnings reports. In addition to lower sales volume due to production constraints from the electric furnace update, a steam explosion accident caused by molten steel leakage occurred at the steel making plant on January 21, leading to anticipated production and shipment reductions in the fourth quarter due to the suspension of key facilities.

<2002> Nissin Foods Holdings 1743 -63

Significant rebound. The third quarter earnings report was announced the day before. The operating profit for the October-December period is 13.5 billion yen, a 17.8% decrease compared to the same period last year. The cumulative operating profit for the third quarter amounts to 39.5 billion yen, a decrease of 5.8% year-on-year, marking a shift to declining profits. The full-year plan is set at 51 billion yen, an increase of 6.7% compared to the previous period, but there seems to be concerns about not meeting performance expectations. There are also signs of stagnation in the Overseas milling business due to increased costs. Additionally, it was announced that a share buyback with a limit of 7.7 million shares will be conducted in off-market trading.

<6617> Toko Kogyo 2108 +172

Significant continued rise. The third quarter financial results were announced the day before, with cumulative operating profit at 4.19 billion yen, a decrease of 21.2% compared to the same period last year. However, the progress rate against the unchanged full-year plan of 5 billion yen, which is a decrease of 39.4% compared to the previous period, stands at 83.8%. It seems that an upward revision of earnings is also expected following the first half financial results. Additionally, the impact on operating profit due to a series of inappropriate incidents, including exam irregularities, appears to have resulted in a cumulative operating profit decrease of 1.1 billion yen in the third quarter.

<4180> Appier 1736 +92

Significant continuous rise. Since the beginning of the week, the "Deep Seek" shock has become a factor of turmoil in the stock market, causing declines in US semiconductor stocks and major AI investment-related stocks. However, expectations are also rising that the reduction in AI development costs will lead to the expansion of AI service adoption. The company, which provides AI utilization services, along with PKSHA, continues to show strong movement from the previous day due to expectations of cost reduction.

<3458> Seer Inc 1614 +300

Stop high proportional distribution. An MBO has been announced. SMFL Mirai Partners, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Lease, is conducting a TOB, acquiring 50.1% of the shares to become a subsidiary, while 49.9% will continue to be held by Kyobashi Kosen, the founding family’s company. The TOB price is 1700 yen, which is a 29.9% premium compared to the previous day's closing price. The acquisition period is scheduled from January 29 to March 13. There is a movement aiming to narrow the spread towards the TOB price.