Latest news with #JapanTobacco
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Buffett Inspires Retail Investors to Bet on Japan Trading Houses
Japan's retail investors have started to place their bets on trading house stocks, heavily backed by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s legendary investor Warren Buffett, eyeing strong business models and stellar shareholder returns. Investment demand from Nippon Individual Savings Accounts, or NISA for short, has spread to trading companies alongside traditional favorites like Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp., Japan Tobacco Inc. and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.
Reuters
27-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Japan Tobacco may consider US manufacturing of Ploom devices, executive says
LONDON, May 27 (Reuters) - Japan Tobacco International is open to producing its Ploom heated tobacco device in the United States, an executive told Reuters on Tuesday, as the Trump administration's tariff policies prompt some companies to rethink their supply chains. JTI, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco (2914.T), opens new tab which makes Benson & Hedges and Winston cigarettes, plans to launch its Ploom X heated tobacco device in the United States under a joint venture with Marlboro maker Altria (MO.N), opens new tab. Heated tobacco devices heat up sticks of ground tobacco without burning them in an attempt to avoid the harmful chemicals produced via combustion. Currently, the companies only plan to manufacture the Ploom X tobacco sticks in the United States. The devices themselves are mostly manufactured in Indonesia, with components coming from elsewhere, JTI's executive vice president for reduced-risk products, Takehiko Tsutsui, told Reuters in an online interview. "There might be a possibility to think about assembling in the U.S," he said, after announcing the Japanese launch of a new iteration of Ploom, dubbed Ploom Aura. However, such a shift could only be considered once Ploom had meaningful sales in the United States and until then, it may make more sense to look at other locations, he said. U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened 32% tariff on Indonesian imports is currently on pause. Washington hopes its sweeping tariff regime will see manufacturing facilities and jobs return to the United States. JTI and Altria need authorisation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in order to sell Ploom in the United States - a process that can take years. Tsutsui said the companies are set to submit their FDA application for Ploom X around the middle of this year. JTI also sells its Logic e-cigarette brand in the United States. The devices it sells are produced in China, Tsutsui said, currently subject to a 30% tariff. U.S. sales of Logic are relatively small, so the impact of tariffs affecting the brand is "very marginal", he continued. He declined to discuss mitigation actions the company might take for competitive reasons.
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
JT Group Launches Ploom AURA and EVO Heated Tobacco Sticks in Japan
Article content Article content TOKYO — Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT)(TSE:2914) launches Ploom AURA, its next generation heated tobacco device, on May 27, 2025, in Japan, primarily in its Ploom stores and CLUB JT online shop. In parallel, JT Group will roll out EVO, its exclusive and premium heated tobacco sticks (HTS), to complement Ploom AURA and provide adult consumers with the latest and most technologically advanced propositions in the heated tobacco segment. A nationwide launch of Ploom AURA and EVO will start on July 1 in convenience stores and tobacco retail shops. Ploom AURA will roll out globally in the near future. Article content The purpose of JT Group's tobacco business is: Creating fulfilling moments. Creating a better future. And with the launch of Ploom AURA in Japan, the world's leading heated tobacco market, JT Group is taking further steps in this direction – bringing to market and adult consumers an innovative and state-of-the-art heated tobacco device, following extensive consumer insights as well as strong research and development. Article content 'In the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP)* category, we are focusing on providing adult consumers with quality products, rooted in technology, consumer insights, and experience and I truly believe Ploom AURA embraces all these aspects and more. The JT Group will continue to prioritize investments in the heated tobacco sticks segment which maintains the strongest and most consistent growth in the RRP space. Over the course of 2025-2027, we are investing 650 billion yen in RRP, and a significant part of this will be towards Ploom AURA, notably on the launch in Japan and globally,' said Takehiko Tsutsui, Executive Vice President of Reduced-Risk Products. Article content Ploom AURA's key focus is on enhancing flavor and the device leverages SMART HEATFLOW heating technology, delivering sensory satisfaction while enabling consumers to enjoy the full essence and richness of tobacco with the absence of combustion and no smell of smoke. The new Heat Select System offers four modes for users to customize their experience in line with their preferences. The device maintains the delicate and organic curves characteristic of Ploom, while evolving into a compact and slim design – combining elegance and practicality. Article content EVO is JT Group's global heated tobacco sticks brand, designed to seamlessly enhance Ploom's advanced heating technology and reduced-risk potential. EVO sticks are made from high-quality tobacco leaves, expertly cut and blended to provide a true tobacco taste. An example of meticulous attention to detail, EVO guarantees a satisfying experience with every puff. Article content The combination of the cutting-edge technology of Ploom AURA, along with the high-quality EVO heated tobacco sticks, will ensure consumers consistently experience pleasurable heated tobacco moments. Article content 'The RRP category is reshaping the global tobacco landscape, and I am confident that Ploom AURA and EVO will play key roles in supporting JT Group's ambition of reaching mid-teens share in the HTS segment by 2028,' added Tsutsui. Article content *Reduced-Risk Products (RRP): Products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking, such as Heated Tobacco Products, E-Vapor (or vapes), and Oral products like nicotine pouches. Article content Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) is a global company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is listed on the primary section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 2914.T). JT Group has approximately 53,000 employees and 62 factories worldwide, operating in three business segments: tobacco, pharmaceutical, and processed food. Within the tobacco business, the largest segment, products are sold in over 130 markets and its flagship brands include Winston, Camel, MEVIUS, and LD. The Group is committed to investing in Reduced-Risk Products and markets its heated tobacco products under its Ploom brand. Article content Consumers, shareholders, employees, and society are the four stakeholder groups (4S) at the heart of all of JT Group's activities. Inspired by its 'Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life' purpose, the Group aims to ensure sustainable and valuable contributions to its stakeholders over the long term. In addition to our three business segments, this goal is also supported by D-LAB, the JT Group's corporate R&D initiative, set up to search and create added-value business opportunities. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Investor and Media Relations Division Japan Tobacco Inc. Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JT Group Launches Ploom AURA and EVO Heated Tobacco Sticks in Japan
Its latest and most technologically advanced propositions in the Heated Tobacco Segment TOKYO, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT)(TSE:2914) launches Ploom AURA, its next generation heated tobacco device, on May 27, 2025, in Japan, primarily in its Ploom stores and CLUB JT online shop. In parallel, JT Group will roll out EVO, its exclusive and premium heated tobacco sticks (HTS), to complement Ploom AURA and provide adult consumers with the latest and most technologically advanced propositions in the heated tobacco segment. A nationwide launch of Ploom AURA and EVO will start on July 1 in convenience stores and tobacco retail shops. Ploom AURA will roll out globally in the near future. The purpose of JT Group's tobacco business is: Creating fulfilling moments. Creating a better future. And with the launch of Ploom AURA in Japan, the world's leading heated tobacco market, JT Group is taking further steps in this direction – bringing to market and adult consumers an innovative and state-of-the-art heated tobacco device, following extensive consumer insights as well as strong research and development. "In the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP)* category, we are focusing on providing adult consumers with quality products, rooted in technology, consumer insights, and experience and I truly believe Ploom AURA embraces all these aspects and more. The JT Group will continue to prioritize investments in the heated tobacco sticks segment which maintains the strongest and most consistent growth in the RRP space. Over the course of 2025-2027, we are investing 650 billion yen in RRP, and a significant part of this will be towards Ploom AURA, notably on the launch in Japan and globally," said Takehiko Tsutsui, Executive Vice President of Reduced-Risk Products. Ploom AURA's key focus is on enhancing flavor and the device leverages SMART HEATFLOW heating technology, delivering sensory satisfaction while enabling consumers to enjoy the full essence and richness of tobacco with the absence of combustion and no smell of smoke. The new Heat Select System offers four modes for users to customize their experience in line with their preferences. The device maintains the delicate and organic curves characteristic of Ploom, while evolving into a compact and slim design – combining elegance and practicality. EVO is JT Group's global heated tobacco sticks brand, designed to seamlessly enhance Ploom's advanced heating technology and reduced-risk potential. EVO sticks are made from high-quality tobacco leaves, expertly cut and blended to provide a true tobacco taste. An example of meticulous attention to detail, EVO guarantees a satisfying experience with every puff. The combination of the cutting-edge technology of Ploom AURA, along with the high-quality EVO heated tobacco sticks, will ensure consumers consistently experience pleasurable heated tobacco moments. "The RRP category is reshaping the global tobacco landscape, and I am confident that Ploom AURA and EVO will play key roles in supporting JT Group's ambition of reaching mid-teens share in the HTS segment by 2028," added Tsutsui. *Reduced-Risk Products (RRP): Products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking, such as Heated Tobacco Products, E-Vapor (or vapes), and Oral products like nicotine pouches. Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) is a global company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is listed on the primary section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 2914.T). JT Group has approximately 53,000 employees and 62 factories worldwide, operating in three business segments: tobacco, pharmaceutical, and processed food. Within the tobacco business, the largest segment, products are sold in over 130 markets and its flagship brands include Winston, Camel, MEVIUS, and LD. The Group is committed to investing in Reduced-Risk Products and markets its heated tobacco products under its Ploom brand. Consumers, shareholders, employees, and society are the four stakeholder groups (4S) at the heart of all of JT Group's activities. Inspired by its "Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life" purpose, the Group aims to ensure sustainable and valuable contributions to its stakeholders over the long term. In addition to our three business segments, this goal is also supported by D-LAB, the JT Group's corporate R&D initiative, set up to search and create added-value business opportunities. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Investor and Media Relations DivisionJapan Tobacco InvestorsJerome Jaffeux, Head of IR: For MediaYunosuke Miyata, Director: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Japan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Listed subsidiaries get the ax in Japan after investor pressure
Japanese conglomerates are scaling back their hundreds of listed subsidiaries, a structure that critics say is often a poor use of capital and raises potential conflicts of interest. The trend stems from mounting pressure on companies to cater to shareholders in response to activist campaigns, demands from the stock exchange and even hostile takeovers. Japan has 212 so-called parent-child listings, which is down from 285 in 2020, but still more than the 178 in Europe and 59 in the U.S., according to Jefferies Financial Group. "Japanese companies are becoming more selective about their assets, looking at whether subsidiaries are helping to increase their shareholder value,' said Chizuru Morishita, a researcher at NLI Research Institute. "Activist investors are becoming more powerful.' NTT, Japan's largest telecom company and a former state monopoly, said on May 8 it will take its data service unit NTT Data Group private. That followed its acquisition of its mobile service arm, NTT Docomo in 2020. The announcement came a day after another former state-owned firm Japan Tobacco said it would sell Torii Pharmaceutical, in which it has 55% stake, to Shionogi & Co. The wave has reached the country's biggest company by market capitalization, Toyota Motor. Bloomberg reported in late April that the carmaker's founding family has proposed a buyout of Toyota Industries, one of its many subsidiaries. The model for many investors is Hitachi, once known as having one of the most sprawling networks of subsidiaries in the country. It slashed them to zero in 2022 as it sharpened its business focus, selling many subsidiaries and buying out a few others deemed critical to its core business. The company's stock price has more than tripled since then. The pattern has strategists identifying companies which they speculate are likely to shed listed subsidiaries. Common names that appear in their lists include Nippon Steel, Sumitomo Chemical and retailer Aeon. David Mitchinson, a senior portfolio manager at U.K.-based Zennor Asset Management, says about 20% of his trades revolve around bets on the unwinding of subsidiary listings. "We think the pressure from the exchange and shareholders to resolve that kind of governance challenge is very impactful and very positive for the market,' he said. The Tokyo Stock Exchange, building on its success pushing low-valued companies to focus on measures to boost their market capitalization in 2023, has also taken aim at the issue, calling on companies to explain the benefits of the structure. In response, executives have opted to use capital more efficiently by focusing on their core strength, rather than investing in other firms. Up until now many companies have resorted to share buybacks, which boost earnings per share by reducing the outstanding shares as a quick fix to improve capital efficiency. "A few years ago, it was seen as an issue to tackle in the next 10 years, but due to pressure from the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the time-line has shortened, and the perception now is more like a five-year horizon,' said Daisuke Uchiyama, Senior Strategist at Okasan Securities. But some investors are wary of the rising popularity of bets to benefit from potential unwinding of parent-child listing. Yasuo Sakuma, president of Libra Investments, say there aren't as many opportunities as there seems. "You could buy companies that could be one day bought by their parent but the thing is, you never know when that will happen,' he said, noting the opportunity cost of holding such positions could be a headache. Nor is the trend only one way. Some tech companies, such as Softbank Group, Rakuten Group and GMO Internet, are seen as likely to continue to use listings of subsidiaries as a way to raise funds. LY, itself a subsidiary of SoftBank Group-led stock holding company, said just this month it plans to list its digital payment unit PayPay. More fundamentally, some investors say it is too simplistic to think parent-child delisting is always positive for minority shareholders. "It is not clear either whether taking a listed subsidiary private automatically leads to better governance,' said Richard Kaye, co-head of Japan equity strategy at Comgest Asset Management. The pressure to simplify corporate structures is likely to increase. Nicholas Smith, a strategist at CLSA, thinks companies may be incentivized to buy out subsidiaries earlier rather than later as the TSE is seeking to tighten its rule on management buyouts to protect minority shareholders from July. "Even though there are considerable concerns about the likely new rules for MBOs and buy-ins, the rules are likely to tighten,' he said. "A cynic would say that this is already causing a scramble to announce MBOs and buy-ins ahead of implementation of stricter rules.'
