Latest news with #TokyoStockExchange
Yomiuri Shimbun
a day ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Minimum Investment Threshold in Stocks: Use Lowering Amount to Stimulate Individual Trading
If people can invest in stocks with more affordable amounts of money, the base of individual investors, including those in younger generations, will be expanded. It is hoped that the benefit of increased corporate value will lead to asset building for a wide range of households. The Tokyo Stock Exchange currently urges companies to make an effort to allow investors to buy shares with an investment of less than ¥500,000 when they go public. With their own efforts progressing, such as splitting stocks, the average minimum investment threshold in the Prime Market for large companies has dropped to about ¥260,000. However, this is still about eight times that of the United States and is a stumbling block to broadening the base of individual investors. The TSE has announced a new policy of recommending that listed companies lower the minimum investment threshold to around ¥100,000. This will make it easier for individual investors to purchase stocks. Examples of well-known companies with high minimum investment thresholds remain, such as Fast Retailing Co., which operates the Uniqlo brand, at about ¥4.8 million, and Nintendo Co. at about ¥1.2 million. It is hoped that the trend of lowering the minimum investment threshold will spread throughout the entire market. The government is promoting policies to stimulate the economy by supporting 'from savings to investments' or the shift of households' financial assets, heavily weighted toward savings, into investments. It is important to increase the number of individual investors by lowering the minimum investment threshold. The new Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) investment program, in which gains on small investment are exempted from tax, started in January 2024, and younger generations are increasingly interested in asset building. If small amounts are invested in a variety of stocks, it will be easier to lower the overall risk of the investment. Although the TSE's request is not mandatory, companies need to work on it in light of the changing times. With increasing demands from investors to raise share prices by streamlining management, there is a growing move by companies to sell cross-shareholdings that they had held to maintain ties with business partners, among other reasons. Securing stable shareholders is a major issue. If the number of individual shareholders who sympathize with a company increases, they will be able to serve as such shareholders. However, investors' demands are not uniform. There may be more than a few shareholder proposals that may be confusing to the corporate side. It is necessary to deepen discussions on how to respond to shareholders. As the number of shareholders increases, companies will be burdened with tasks such as the cost of sending physical documents. It is essential to reduce costs by promoting digitalization. Last summer, the Nikkei Stock Average recorded its largest range of drop, and this year, the stock market has been volatile due to the high tariff policy of the United States and other factors. While it is vital to increase the number of individual investors, both investors and the financial industry must not forget the importance of thorough education about investment risks. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2025)
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
ASMedia Completes Acquisition of Techpoint
NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan & SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ASMedia Technology Inc. (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 5269) ('ASMedia') announced the successful completion of its acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Techpoint, Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6697) ('Techpoint'), which represents fully diluted equity value of approximately US$390 million. The closing of the transaction follows the satisfaction of all conditions precedent and the delisting of Techpoint's JDS previously listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, on May 29, 2025. The merger will expand ASMedia's product portfolio and create new opportunities in the automotive and security sectors. This combination is expected to contribute immediately to ASMedia's revenue growth and margin expansion, as it brings together two highly complementary business models, increases ASMedia's economies of scale and delivers cost efficiencies through shared manufacturing and supply chain optimization. 'This acquisition marks the first step in ASMedia's global expansion,' said Che-Wei Lin, President of ASMedia. 'Techpoint brings exceptional talent and complementary technologies that will enhance our ability to deliver innovative solutions to our global customer base, and complements our vision for next-generation semiconductor solutions. Together, we are poised to deliver additional value to our customers and shareholders, driving innovation in AI, IoT, security and automotive electronics. We welcome Techpoint to the ASMedia family and look forward to a bright future.' 'Joining forces with ASMedia unlocks new opportunities for our team and technology development,' said Hiro Kozato, President and CEO of Techpoint. 'Our culture of engineering excellence and customer focus makes this a match that will benefit all stakeholders. ASMedia's operating excellence and complete R&D teams enable quick delivery of groundbreaking solutions to the market. We're excited to contribute to the combined company's success while continuing to serve our loyal customers with even greater capabilities.' ASMedia and Techpoint look forward to this new era and to continuing to serve their business partners, together, across the globe. About ASMedia ASMedia, established in Taiwan in 2004, is a leading fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-speed transmission interface IC design. ASMedia boasts strong R&D capabilities in high-speed physical layers, including USB controller chips, PCIe bridge controller chips, SATA controller chips, high-speed switch controller chips, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). For more information, please visit: About Techpoint Techpoint is a fabless semiconductor company developing proprietary high-definition video connectivity technology targeting high-definition video security systems and automotive infotainment systems. Techpoint aims to address the growing needs of the next generation high-definition video industries. Founded in 2012, Techpoint is headquartered in the United States and has achieved cutting-edge technology in its target industries through its design centers in the U.S. and offices in Taiwan, Korea, China, and Japan. For more information, please visit:
6 days ago
- Business
Tokyo Stocks Jump after U.S. Court Blocks Trump Tariffs
News from Japan Economy May 29, 2025 17:40 (JST) Tokyo, May 29 (Jiji Press)--Stocks jumped on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Thursday after a U.S. trade court issued a ruling overnight blocking President Donald Trump's administration from imposing tariffs. A wide range of stocks, especially automakers and other economically sensitive issues, attracted buying as the yen slid against the dollar and other major currencies following the U.S. court ruling. U.S. chip giant Nvidia Corp.'s solid earnings report, released after the U.S. stock market closed overnight, boosted artificial intelligence-related issues on the Tokyo market. The benchmark Nikkei 225 average surged 710.58 points, or 1.88 pct, to close at 38,432.98, its highest finish in about three months. The broader TOPIX index advanced 42.51 points, or 1.53 pct, to 2,812.02. In Tokyo currency trading, the dollar stood at 145.26-26 yen at 5 p.m., up from 144.14-15 yen at the same time on Wednesday. The euro was at 1.1275-1276 dollars, down from 1.1326-1327 dollars, and at 163.79-81 yen, up from 163.28-30 yen. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Business Mayor
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Some 140 Irish business leaders head to Japan as part of Entrepreneur of the Year retreat
Some 140 Irish entrepreneurs and business leaders have travelled to Japan on what's being dubbed the biggest unofficial trade mission to the Asian country. The trip has been organised by EY as a CEO retreat that is part of the Big Four firm's annual Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme. The visit includes the 27 Irish entrepreneurs representing 24 companies who will vie to win awards across three categories – emerging, established and international – later this year. The overall Entrepreneur of the Year is then chosen from the three category winners from a panel of judges chaired by Harry Hughes of Portwest. Former EOY winners and finalists are also making the trip to Japan. The group will meet local business leaders, academics and Irish agencies during the weeklong trip. [ Shortlist for 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards revealed ] In a busy itinerary, they will visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange, be hosted by Japanese corporate giant SoftBank and meet with its president Kunihiro Fujinaga and executive vice-president Daichi Nozaki. They will also meet the Irish Ambassador Damien Cole to discuss Irish-Japanese business ties, travel to Osaka for the World Expo, and have a 'mini MBA' experience at Hitotsubashi University. Japan is the world's fourth largest economy and is Ireland's second largest trading partner in Asia Pacific. Many of the entrepreneurs travelling to Japan are already conducting business there, while others are seeking to expand their markets. Commenting on this year's retreat, Roger Wallace, partner lead for EY Entrepreneur of the Year said: 'This year we are taking the biggest ever cohort of entrepreneurs on the retreat. Read More Here's the Roundup for the Week Ending March 28 'Japan is renowned as an innovative leader across various industries, including manufacturing, electronics, automotive and robotics, with world-class Japanese companies such as Sony, Honda, Yamaha. This retreat is an opportunity for Irish entrepreneurs to delve deeper into new market opportunities in Japan and expand their knowledge of business and trade in the region.' The finalists in the emerging category are: Alan Doyle of Aerlytix; Eoin Cluskey of Bread41; Eddie Dillon of CreditLogic; Laura Dowling of fabÜ; Caitríona Ryan & Nicola Ralph of Institute of Dermatologists; Liam Dunne of Klearcom; Aidan & Hilary O'Shea of Otonomee; and Áine Kennedy of The Smooth Company. In the established category, the finalists are: Karl Fitzpatrick of Chevron College; Derek Foley Butler of Grid Finance; James Kelly of LMH Engineering Group; William McColgan of McColgans Quality Foods; Gareth Sheridan of Nutriband Inc; Terry Hughes of Pivotal; Larry Bass of Shinawil; and Gary Lavin of VitHit Drinks. The international category finalists are: Donnchadh Campbell of Europlan; Conor Buckley of Granite Digital; Seamus Fahey of ICS Medical Devices; Brendan Noud and Desmond Anderson of LearnUpon; Brian McGrath of MSL Engineering Limited; Martin Tierney of Seating Matters; David Corcoran of Soltec Ireland Ltd; and Edward McCloskey of WaterWipes. The EOY programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and Julius Baer, with The Irish Times and Newstalk as media partners. Some 650 alumni have come through the EOY awards programme since inception. According to EY, three-quarters of them conduct business with one another. Together, EOY alumni generate revenues in excess of €25 billion and employ more than 250,000 people across the island. Read More Neysa Wilkins Retiring From WJHG in Panama City After 32 Years
Yomiuri Shimbun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Listed Companies' Financial Results: Overcome Headwinds with Proactive Strategies
Listed companies have been reporting strong financial results. However, this fiscal year, the situation has changed significantly, and they are likely to face headwinds from the negative impact of tariff measures by U.S. President Donald Trump. It is hoped that companies will not fall into a defensive posture, but rather implement proactive strategies to continue to grow, and will achieve high wage increases. Almost all companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange have announced their earnings for the year ending March 31, 2025. The combined net profits of companies that make up the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), excluding firms in the financial sector, hit a record high for the fourth consecutive year. In addition to the strong performance of semiconductor-related companies due to increased demand for chips, corporate performance in the automobile industry also remained firm. The total net profits of the manufacturing sector amounted to about ¥22.7 trillion. The railroad sector, which is benefiting from the full-fledged recovery of visitors to Japan, and information technology-related services, which are experiencing strong demand for investment in digital technology, also performed well. Mainly for these reasons, non-manufacturing companies' net profits increased. It can be said that the trend of listed companies achieving high growth and giving it back in the form of higher wages has been making steady progress. The concern is corporate performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, when the impact of the U.S. government's high tariff policy will be felt fully. Forty percent of the about 1,000 companies forecast a decrease in profits. In particular, the damage to the automobile industry, a key industry in Japan, is expected to be large. Toyota Motor Corp. has estimated that tariffs will be a factor in a ¥180 billion decline in operating profit for the two months of April and May. Honda Motor Co. also forecast an annual decline of ¥650 billion in operating profit due to tariffs. Four out of the seven major automakers have disclosed earnings forecasts. According to them, their total net profits are expected to fall 40% from the previous fiscal year. The automobile industry has led the way in high-level wage increases for three consecutive years until this year's shunto spring wage negotiations. If momentum for higher wages wanes, the transition to a growth-oriented economy, in which wages and investment both increase, could be derailed. With about ¥600 trillion in corporate internal reserves, companies should have the capacity to weather the adverse economic conditions. They need to continue their efforts to keep wage increases flowing. With the outlook becoming increasingly uncertain, many companies have begun to slash their workforces, even though they are in the black. The number of listed companies offering early or voluntary retirement is rapidly increasing. Panasonic Holdings Corp. has announced that it will cut a total of about 10,000 jobs in Japan and overseas. On the other hand, some companies are anticipating growth despite the headwinds. Ajinomoto Co. forecast its highest profit in three years for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, on the back of growth in electronic materials for semiconductors, among other factors. It is hoped that companies will look for new growth areas, rather than relying on restructuring. There is a possibility that the protectionist stance of the United States will be prolonged. It also will be important to reduce dependence on the United States and develop new sales channels. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2025)
