Maruha Nichiro Corporation <2875>: 9,736 yen (+755 yen) 9735 +754

Marked rebound. At the end of last week, they announced the second quarter results, with an operating profit of 17.9 billion yen in the July-September period, a 7.5% increase from the same period last year, exceeding the market estimate of around 17 billion yen. The full-year forecast remains at 72 billion yen, an 8.0% increase from the previous period. However, there is a revision for the yen appreciation assumption, effectively turning it into an upward revision. There seems to be implications for potential price increases in North America for next year. In addition, they are planning to announce concrete measures for management policies focusing on stock prices in March of next year, creating a sense of anticipation in advance.

STARTIA Holdings <3393>: 2,269 yen (+304 yen)

Significant continuation of increase. At the end of last week, they announced the semi-annual results, with an operating profit of 1.32 billion yen, a 2.5% increase from the same period last year, surpassing the previous estimate of 1.2 billion yen. The first quarter saw double-digit declines and a slow start. As a result, the full-year forecast has been revised upwards from the previous 2.5 billion yen to 2.62 billion yen, a 14.8% increase from the previous year. Sales of network-related equipment and business phones are progressing well. The annual dividend has been raised from the previous plan of 97 yen to 102 yen. They have also conducted a share buyback in off-hours trading.

Keihan Holdings <9045>: 3,385 yen (+432.5 yen)

Significant continuation of increase. At the end of last week, they announced the semi-annual results, with an operating profit of 22.8 billion yen, a 32.5% increase from the same period last year. The full-year forecast has been revised upward from the previous 35.5 billion yen to 39.2 billion yen, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. In addition to the increase in inbound traffic, the condominium sales are showing solid performance. They have also announced a share buyback of up to 7.1 million shares, equivalent to 6.62% of the issued shares, capped at 20 billion yen. They will make acquisitions of up to 3.3 million shares in off-hours trading today. They have also announced a dividend payout target of 30% for the next fiscal year.

Daifuku Co. <6383>: 3,235 yen (+284.5 yen)

Significant continuation of increase. At the end of last week, they announced the second quarter results, with an operating profit of 21.7 billion yen in the July-September period, doubling from the same period last year and surpassing the market estimate of around 18 billion yen. The full-year forecast has been revised upward from the previous 56 billion yen to 64 billion yen (this year is a 9-month irregular financial statement). Progress in price transfer and cost reduction is exceeding expectations for all businesses. The annual dividend plan has been raised from 40 yen to 47 yen. They have also announced a share buyback of up to 5 million shares, equivalent to 1.35% of the issued shares, capped at 10 billion yen.

Sony Group Corp <6758>: ¥ 2968.5 (+¥ 163)

Marked increase. The company announced its earnings for the second quarter last weekend, with operating profit for July-September reaching ¥455.1 billion, a 73.0% increase from the same period last year, exceeding market expectations by more than ¥100 billion. The strong performance in gaming business was a major factor contributing to the significant profit increase and beating market estimates. The full-year forecast remains at ¥1.311 trillion, an 8.4% increase from the previous year, but there is a positive outlook due to the significant surpass in actual results. While the gaming sector is thriving, imaging and other areas seem to be revised downward.

Tech Farm <3625>: ¥583 (+¥49)

Sharp rise. The performance for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending June 2025 shows a revenue of ¥1.512 billion (an increase of 28.4% from the same quarter last year) and an operating profit of ¥0.165 billion (an increase of 422.6% from the previous year). In the ICT solutions business, the impact of a decrease in sales of large-scale development projects observed in the previous year's same quarter has been resolved. Orders for multiple large development projects have progressed, with a favorable business environment. There were no noticeable unprofitable projects due to efforts towards project progress monitoring, quality checks, and stability. Increased revenue and profit were achieved through improved operational rates of in-house engineers and cost control of outsourcing.

NextGen <3842>: ¥940 カ -

Trading at the daily limit buy. The company announced its performance for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2025 after the close of trading on the 8th, seen as positive news. By contributing high-profit projects and reducing costs such as outsourcing fees, operating profit saw a significant increase to ¥0.105 billion, a 398.8% increase over the previous interim period. Additionally, a new shareholder benefit program has been announced. Shareholders recorded or registered in the shareholder register as of March 31st each year who hold 200 shares (2 units) or more in the company are eligible to receive a QUO card worth ¥7,000.

Kubell <4448>: ¥521 (+¥70)

Significant increase, temporarily reaching the daily limit. The performance for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024 shows a revenue of ¥6.184 billion (an increase of 34.0% from the same quarter last year) and an operating profit of ¥0.169 billion (turning from an operating loss of ¥0.674 billion in the same quarter last year). With the spread of 'Chatwork' and investment in expanding peripheral services utilizing the business chat platform, business has been steadily expanding. Measures such as ARPU growth due to price revisions implemented in the previous period and initiatives like the release of 'Chatwork Assistant' as a BPaaS in-house service have contributed to the positive expansion of the business.