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Sojitz Corp. (JP:2768)
:2768

Sojitz (2768) AI Stock Analysis

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JP:2768

Sojitz

(2768)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
¥7,590.00
▲(10.30% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/05/26
The score is primarily constrained by financial quality—especially weak and volatile recent cash flow and above-1x leverage—despite solid profitability metrics. Offsetting this, technicals are strong (price above key moving averages with positive MACD) and valuation is reasonable (low P/E with a moderate dividend yield).
Positive Factors
Diversified business model
Sojitz's broad sōgō shōsha model provides durable revenue diversification across commodity trading, project development and operating businesses. This multi-industry footprint smooths cycle exposure, enables cross-segment synergies and supports stable cash flow sources over months to years.
Steady revenue and gross margins
Consistent top-line expansion and stable gross margins show underlying demand and recurring trading/operating margins. That steadiness supports sustainable operating profit generation, making earnings less dependent on one-off gains and improving predictability across a 2–6 month horizon.
Respectable ROE and growing equity base
Material equity growth combined with mid-teens ROE indicates the company is generating solid returns on its capital base. This supports reinvestment capacity and reduces relative dilution risk, underpinning medium-term financial resilience and the ability to fund operating businesses.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
A >1x debt-to-equity ratio raises structural financial risk for a cyclical conglomerate. Elevated leverage limits balance-sheet flexibility, increases sensitivity to interest-rate or earnings shocks, and constrains the company's ability to fund opportunistic investments or absorb downturns over the coming months.
Weak, volatile cash conversion
Sharp declines and volatility in free cash flow reduce internal funding for capex, dividends and debt repayment. Persistent weak cash conversion forces reliance on external financing or asset sales, amplifying refinancing and liquidity risk and undermining durable financial stability.
Cooling operating profitability
A decline in operating margins suggests weaker pricing or adverse mix/cost pressure that can persist beyond a quarter. Softer operating profitability reduces cash generation and impairs the company's ability to deleverage or reinvest, weighing on medium-term earnings resilience.

Sojitz (2768) vs. iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)

Sojitz Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSojitz Corporation operates as a general trading company that engages in various business activities worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive; Aerospace & Transportation Project; Infrastructure & Healthcare; Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycling; Chemicals; Consumer Industry & Agriculture Business; and Retail & Consumer Service. The company is involved in the assembly and sale of automobiles, auto-financing business, and parts quality assurance business with customers comprising automobile and automobile parts manufacturers; and operation as an authorized dealer for premium brand vehicles. It also engages in the aircraft leasing, parts out, business jets, and transportation infrastructure businesses. In addition, the company is involved in the medical, telecommunication, and urban infrastructure development businesses. Further, it acquires coal and develops contract mining business, holds metal one and mid downstream venture, and ventures into new applications and businesses; and conducts a range of trading and business from basic chemicals to functional materials. Additionally, the company engages in building business models in the fields of agribusiness, foodstuffs, marine products, animal feed, and forest products to contribute to food safety and security; marine products processing; and wholesale and fertilizer business. Furthermore, it is involved in a range of retail consumer businesses comprising food distribution, shopping center management, consumer goods distribution, textile, and real estate activities; and logistics and insurance services, car and motorcycle parts, ship equipment, industrial machinery, forefront industry business, bearing, nuclear power-related equipment businesses, etc. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
How the Company Makes MoneySojitz makes money through a multifaceted revenue model that includes trading, investments, and services across its various business segments. Its primary revenue streams come from the sale of goods in the machinery and chemicals sectors, where it acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and customers. Additionally, Sojitz generates income from equity investments in projects such as energy and infrastructure, receiving returns through dividends or profit-sharing arrangements. The company also benefits from long-term contracts and partnerships with key industry players, which provide stable revenue sources. Furthermore, Sojitz engages in risk management services and consulting, allowing it to capitalize on its market expertise.

Sojitz Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 04, 2025
(Q3-2024)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects balanced aspects of Sojitz Corporation's performance. While there are notable achievements such as the upward revision of profit forecasts, strong cash flow, and growth in certain segments, these are counterbalanced by declines in profit, challenges in key segments, and increased SG&A expenses.
Q3-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Upward Revision of Full Year Profit Forecast
The full year profit forecast has been revised upward from JPY 95 billion to JPY 100 billion, indicating confidence in achieving higher earnings despite current challenges.
Strong Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow reached a significant inflow of JPY 111.7 billion, demonstrating effective cash flow management and strong operational performance.
Retail & Consumer Service Segment Growth
The Retail & Consumer Service segment saw significant growth due to recovery in domestic retail business, sale of a shopping mall, and a negative goodwill from new investments.
Dividend Increase
Annual dividend forecast has been revised upward from JPY 130 per share to JPY 135 per share, reflecting increased profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
Negative Updates
Decline in Consolidated Profit
Consolidated profit for the period fell by 30% year-on-year to JPY 75.2 billion, mainly due to declines in coal prices and sluggish demand for chemical products.
Decreased Profit in Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycling
Profit declined significantly in the Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycling segment due to lower market prices impacting the coal business.
Challenges in Automotive Segment
Profit in the Automotive segment decreased due to withdrawal from the distributorship business in Thailand, high-cost inventory in the Philippines, and negative effects from rising interest rates.
Increased SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses increased by JPY 13.8 billion year-on-year, partly due to the weaker yen and changes in the consolidation base.
Company Guidance
During the Q3 2024 earnings call, Makoto Shibuya, CFO of Sojitz Corporation, discussed the financial performance and future outlook of the company. Consolidated profit for the period was JPY 75.2 billion, representing a 30% decline year-on-year but achieving 75% of the revised full-year forecast of JPY 100 billion. The decline was primarily attributed to lower coal prices and reduced demand for chemical products. Despite these challenges, progress in new investments and asset accumulation contributed to gross profit growth, totaling JPY 242.3 billion. The annual dividend forecast was raised to JPY 135 per share, with a payout ratio of 30.2%. Cash flow from operating activities was a net inflow of JPY 86.2 billion, and free cash flow was JPY 111.7 billion. The company's PBR was at 0.86, with efforts ongoing to achieve a target of above 1x. Shibuya highlighted improvements in Automotive, Infrastructure & Healthcare, and Retail & Consumer Service segments, while noting challenges in Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycling due to market conditions. The presentation concluded with an optimistic outlook for achieving an average net profit of over JPY 120 billion in the next MTP period.

Sojitz Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Earnings and profitability are solid (steady revenue growth, stable gross margins, and ROE ~11–13%), but the financial profile is held back by above-1x leverage (debt-to-equity ~1.28) and weak/volatile cash conversion, with TTM free cash flow down sharply and low versus net income.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Sojitz shows steady top-line expansion with revenue up ~4% in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) and a clear multi-year step-up versus 2021, supported by consistent gross margins (~13–14%). Profitability is solid for the group, with net margins around ~4–4.5% and ROE holding near ~11–13% across recent years. Offsetting this, operating profitability has cooled from the 2023 peak (lower EBIT/EBITDA margins in TTM), suggesting less favorable mix/pricing or higher costs, and the growth profile looks more moderate than the surge seen in 2022–2023.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
The balance sheet is functional but leveraged: debt-to-equity sits around ~1.28 in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), and total debt has risen versus the last annual period, which can constrain flexibility in a cyclical conglomerate model. A positive is that equity has grown materially over the last several years and returns on equity remain respectable (~11–13% recently), indicating the capital base is being used reasonably well. The key weakness is the persistently above-1x leverage level, which elevates sensitivity to earnings and cash flow swings.
Cash Flow
38
Negative
Cash generation is the main pressure point. In TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), operating cash flow is modest relative to earnings and free cash flow is low, with free cash flow down sharply (about -74% growth) and only covering a small portion of net income. The prior annual period also showed negative operating and free cash flow, highlighting volatility and working-capital/investment swings. While earlier years (2023–2024) demonstrated strong positive free cash flow, the recent pattern reduces confidence in the durability of cash conversion.
BreakdownTTMMar 2025Mar 2025Mar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.61T2.51T2.41T2.48T2.10T1.60T
Gross Profit356.75B346.79B325.95B337.57B271.32B188.12B
EBITDA149.29B156.31B149.79B188.59B124.81B66.26B
Net Income114.94B110.63B100.77B111.25B82.33B27.00B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.43T3.09T2.89T2.66T2.66T2.30T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments219.16B199.18B209.41B254.28B282.43B297.66B
Total Debt1.36T1.21T1.01T955.11B1.13T985.57B
Total Liabilities2.33T2.08T1.93T1.78T1.90T1.65T
Stockholders Equity1.06T968.96B924.08B837.71B728.01B619.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow5.57B-60.05B80.97B133.38B38.01B54.31B
Operating Cash Flow46.08B-16.69B112.19B171.64B65.08B84.97B
Investing Cash Flow-100.31B-94.11B12.43B29.16B-138.82B-35.68B
Financing Cash Flow64.33B106.39B-186.52B-230.37B46.90B-40.62B

Sojitz Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price6881.00
Price Trends
50DMA
5851.58
Positive
100DMA
5124.23
Positive
200DMA
4381.80
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
339.76
Negative
RSI
65.90
Neutral
STOCH
79.93
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For JP:2768, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 6881 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 6533.95, above the 50-day MA of 5851.58, and above the 200-day MA of 4381.80, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 339.76 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 65.90 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 79.93 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for JP:2768.

Sojitz Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
¥9.64T18.6215.34%2.29%9.62%25.71%
71
Outperform
¥16.75T16.7215.80%2.11%0.93%15.80%
69
Neutral
¥7.66T13.7812.86%2.48%3.19%72.26%
68
Neutral
¥20.14T27.847.39%2.94%-7.54%-35.70%
67
Neutral
¥17.00T19.9211.47%2.28%-1.33%-7.40%
65
Neutral
$1.31T12.5511.17%3.24%2.12%18.93%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
JP:2768
Sojitz
6,881.00
3,729.12
118.31%
JP:8001
Itochu
2,154.00
829.31
62.60%
JP:8002
Marubeni
5,757.00
3,392.38
143.46%
JP:8031
Mitsui & Co
5,959.00
3,263.83
121.10%
JP:8058
Mitsubishi
5,315.00
2,846.21
115.29%
JP:8053
Sumitomo
6,327.00
3,001.09
90.23%

Sojitz Corporate Events

Sojitz Lifts Nine-Month Earnings and Confirms Forecast While Raising Dividend
Feb 3, 2026

For the nine months ended 31 December 2025, Sojitz reported a 5.6% year-on-year increase in revenue to ¥1,985.8 billion, while profit before tax declined 5.5% to ¥92.9 billion. Despite the lower profit before tax, profit for the period attributable to owners rose 5.7% to ¥80.4 billion, boosting basic earnings per share to ¥385.16 and lifting total comprehensive income by 64.4%, as the company’s equity base expanded to ¥1,057.0 billion and total assets to ¥3,431.5 billion. Sojitz confirmed it will maintain its previously announced full-year forecast for FY2025, targeting profit attributable to owners of ¥115.0 billion and basic EPS of ¥551.23, and plans to raise its annual dividend to ¥165 per share (up from ¥150), underlining a continued shareholder return focus that also includes treasury stock purchases and cancellations, which have reduced the number of outstanding shares and supported EPS growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2768) stock is a Buy with a Yen6360.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sojitz stock, see the JP:2768 Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 05, 2026