Earnings digests and industry comparisons for Japan's biggest listed companies.
6 reports
In Q1 FY2027, all five electronic materials and functional chemicals companies grew revenue and operating profit, helped by semiconductor and AI demand. Operating-profit growth ranged from 153.5% at MGC to 7.5% at Dexerials.
AI tailwinds lifted all five, but profit growth diverged sharply.
Paint makers' FY2025 full-year results split on sales growth and profits, with Nippon Paint gaining from AOC and lower input costs. Kansai Paint was squeezed by higher labor and material costs; fiscal year-ends differ.
AOC's acquisition effect widened the gap in profitability.
Specialty and Functional Chemicals companies delivered mixed results for FY2026, as semiconductor materials lifted some earnings while basic chemicals struggled. Nissan Chemical led on growth, while Shin-Etsu kept the top operating profit and Kuraray's net income plunged on impairment losses.
Higher-value products widened the earnings gap.
Japan's six major chemical groups all lifted sales and operating profit in Q1 FY2027, but gains had different drivers. Mitsubishi Chemical led in scale and margin, Mitsui Chemicals in growth, while UBE's net profit fell.
Every company grew, but the sources of profit growth diverged.
Japan's additives and oleochemicals sector saw record earnings for the FY2026 full year. While ADEKA led in revenue, NOF posted a stellar 18.4% operating margin by leveraging high-growth defense and aerospace segments.
Defense and agrochemicals drive record profits through high-margin shifts
Japan's industrial gas majors saw contrasting fortunes in FY2026. Nippon Sanso HD posted strong profit growth on price hikes, while Air Water faced a crisis by delaying its earnings release over accounting issues.
Pricing power and corporate governance divide Japan's industrial gas leaders.
