tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Ajinomoto Co Inc (JP:2802)
:2802

Ajinomoto Co (2802) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
3 Followers

Top Page

JP:2802

Ajinomoto Co

(2802)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 55 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:55Neutral
Price Target:
¥3,414.00
▼(-3.01% Downside)
Ajinomoto Co's overall stock score is primarily influenced by its stable financial performance, despite some concerns about revenue growth and leverage. The technical analysis indicates bearish momentum, which negatively impacts the score. The high P/E ratio suggests overvaluation, further weighing down the score. The absence of earnings call data and corporate events means these factors did not influence the score.
Positive Factors
Cash Flow Management
Strong cash flow management with positive free cash flow growth supports financial stability and provides flexibility for investments and debt management.
Product Innovation
Continuous investment in R&D fosters product innovation, maintaining a competitive edge and potentially driving future revenue growth in health and wellness markets.
Market Diversification
Diverse revenue streams across food and health sectors reduce dependency on a single market, enhancing resilience against sector-specific downturns.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue Growth
A decline in revenue growth can hinder long-term performance, affecting market share and limiting resources for reinvestment and expansion.
Increased Leverage
Higher leverage increases financial risk, potentially straining cash flow and limiting the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Earnings Decline
A significant decline in earnings per share growth indicates potential challenges in maintaining profitability, which may affect investor confidence and capital raising ability.

Ajinomoto Co (2802) vs. iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)

Ajinomoto Co Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAjinomoto Co., Inc. engages in the seasonings and foods, frozen foods, and healthcare and other businesses in Japan and internationally. Its Seasonings and Foods segment offers sauces and seasonings products under the AJI-NO-MOTO, HON-DASHI, Cook Do, Ajinomoto KK Consommé, Pure Select Mayonnaise, Ros Dee, Masako, Aji-ngon, Sazón, Sajiku, and CRISPY FRY names; and solutions and ingredients to consumer foods and food service industries. This segment also provides instant noodles under the Knorr Cup Soup, and YumYum names; coffee under the Birdy and Blendy brands; powdered drink under the Birdy 3in1 name; MAXIM products; Chyotto Zeitakuna Kohiten products; and gift sets and office supplies comprising coffee vending machines, tea server, etc. The Frozen Foods segment offers Chinese dumplings, cooked rice, noodles, desserts, shumai, processed chicken, and other products. The Healthcare and Other segment provides amino acids to various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics; sports nutrition products; personal care ingredients; and sterile products, as well as engages in the provision of contract manufacturing services for pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients. This segment also offers Ajinomoto Build-up Film, an interlayer insulating material for semiconductor packages. Ajinomoto Co., Inc. was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
How the Company Makes MoneyAjinomoto generates revenue through several key streams. The Food Products segment, which includes seasonings, processed foods, and beverages, constitutes a significant portion of its income, driven by strong consumer demand in both domestic and international markets. The Amino Acids segment contributes to revenue through the sale of amino acids and related products for food, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition, leveraging the growing market for health and wellness products. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships and collaborations with other businesses in various sectors, enhancing its product offerings and expanding its market reach. Additionally, Ajinomoto invests in research and development to innovate and improve its products, which helps maintain a competitive edge and stimulate sales growth.

Ajinomoto Co Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:
(Q4-2025)
|
Next Earnings Date:Feb 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Ajinomoto's earnings call showcased strong revenue and profit growth, particularly in the Seasonings & Foods segment, and projected a positive outlook for FY 2025. However, the company faced challenges in the Frozen Foods segment and experienced a decline in profit attributable to the parent company due to structural reforms. Delays in Bio-Pharma Services shipments and potential impacts from tariffs and economic uncertainties were noted. Overall, the highlights slightly outweigh the lowlights, indicating a cautiously optimistic sentiment.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Revenue and Growth
Sales in FY 2024 reached JPY1.530 trillion, an increase of 6% year-on-year, and business profit was JPY159.3 billion, an increase of 7.9% year-on-year. Revenue and profit are projected to increase further in FY 2025.
Strong Performance in Seasonings & Foods
Seasonings & Foods overseas continued to perform strongly, driving increased revenue overall. Both unit prices and volume increased by 3% overseas, resulting in a 6% sales growth on a local currency basis.
Significant Projected Increase in Profit for FY 2025
Ajinomoto forecasts a business profit of JPY180 billion for FY 2025, representing a 13% increase year-on-year. The Bio-Pharma Services & Ingredients segment is expected to significantly drive profit growth.
Positive Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns
Ajinomoto generated over JPY200 billion in operating cash flow in FY 2024 and plans to repurchase JPY100 billion in shares, enhancing shareholder returns.
New Business Initiatives and Expansions
Ajinomoto is focusing on new business initiatives such as amino acid feed to reduce greenhouse gases and fertilizer projects in Brazil, which are expected to contribute positively in the future.
Negative Updates
Challenges in the Frozen Foods Segment
The Frozen Foods segment struggled in Japan due to high raw material costs and the impact of currency translation, resulting in decreased profit.
Decline in Profit Attributable to Parent Company
Profit attributable to owners of the parent company decreased significantly due to structural reform expenses and the recording of an impairment loss from the sale of the Hayward Plant in North America.
Delays in Bio-Pharma Services Shipments
The Bio-Pharma Services segment faced delays in shipments, impacting the business profit forecast for FY 2024.
Impact of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty
There is concern about potential impacts from tariffs and economic policy changes, especially affecting the CDMO and semiconductor businesses.
Company Guidance
During the Ajinomoto fiscal year 2024 results briefing, the company's leadership provided guidance for fiscal year 2025, highlighting several key metrics and strategic initiatives. Ajinomoto reported record sales of JPY1.530 trillion for FY 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, and a 4% rise excluding currency translation impacts. Business profit reached JPY159.3 billion, representing a 7.9% increase year-on-year, or 4.5% without currency translation effects. Looking forward, Ajinomoto forecasts continued revenue and profit growth for FY 2025, with projected sales of JPY1.618 trillion, a 5.7% increase year-on-year, or 6.7% when excluding currency translation impacts. Business profit is expected to rise by 13% to JPY180 billion. The company is also committed to shareholder returns, planning to increase dividends and repurchase shares. Ajinomoto aims to enhance corporate value through strategic initiatives like evolving ASV (Ajinomoto Shared Value) indicators, with ROE and ROIC targets set at 19% and 12%, respectively, excluding the impact of the Forge acquisition. The company is focused on boosting its operating cash flow to over JPY220 billion and plans significant investments in intangible assets to support sustainable growth.

Ajinomoto Co Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ajinomoto Co presents a stable financial outlook with some areas of concern. The income statement shows profitability but declining revenue growth, which could impact future performance. The balance sheet is stable but indicates increased leverage, which needs monitoring. The cash flow statement is strong, reflecting good cash management. Overall, the company is financially sound but should address revenue growth and leverage to maintain its competitive position.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Ajinomoto Co's income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM data indicates a decline in revenue growth by 25.3%, which is concerning. However, the company maintains a healthy gross profit margin of 36.39% and a net profit margin of 5.14%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also stable at 7.81% and 13.44% respectively. Despite the revenue decline, the company remains profitable, but the negative growth trajectory poses a risk.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderate financial position. The debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 0.80 in the TTM period, indicating higher leverage, which could be a risk if not managed properly. However, the return on equity is reasonable at 10.36%, and the equity ratio stands at a solid 40.98%. The company shows stability in its equity base, but the rising debt levels warrant caution.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Ajinomoto Co's cash flow statement is relatively strong. The free cash flow growth rate is positive at 19.19% in the TTM period, indicating improved cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.44, suggesting adequate cash flow from operations. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.53, which is healthy. Overall, the company demonstrates good cash flow management, supporting its financial stability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.53T1.53T1.44T1.36T1.15T1.07T
Gross Profit558.84B550.76B511.45B470.39B425.90B406.22B
EBITDA203.03B209.22B232.75B226.85B197.67B168.07B
Net Income71.29B70.27B87.12B94.06B75.72B59.42B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.74T1.72T1.77T1.51T1.46T1.43T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments153.56B164.78B171.54B132.78B151.45B181.61B
Total Debt506.37B496.06B491.68B336.50B363.96B406.82B
Total Liabilities960.71B907.86B890.43B688.77B717.32B763.44B
Stockholders Equity715.02B746.80B814.69B768.68B686.91B620.26B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow127.14B121.79B102.29B49.26B71.73B88.76B
Operating Cash Flow221.36B209.90B168.07B117.64B145.58B165.65B
Investing Cash Flow-90.90B-77.38B-132.43B-30.09B-61.57B-66.25B
Financing Cash Flow-155.57B-137.68B-6.75B-111.06B-123.06B-60.39B

Ajinomoto Co Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price3520.00
Price Trends
50DMA
3449.00
Positive
100DMA
3795.82
Negative
200DMA
3712.70
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
17.14
Negative
RSI
53.19
Neutral
STOCH
22.22
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For JP:2802, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 3520 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3457.45, above the 50-day MA of 3449.00, and below the 200-day MA of 3712.70, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 17.14 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.19 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 22.22 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for JP:2802.

Ajinomoto Co Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
¥923.16B18.599.77%2.41%1.46%-2.17%
76
Outperform
¥1.13T16.9313.26%1.82%3.64%5.31%
73
Outperform
¥1.34T22.3811.19%1.46%2.65%-5.76%
72
Outperform
¥484.68B18.419.86%2.58%1.08%2.71%
71
Outperform
¥602.59B19.599.28%1.30%5.50%27.32%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
55
Neutral
$3.42T48.169.46%1.32%1.99%-18.79%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
JP:2802
Ajinomoto Co
3,520.00
444.59
14.46%
JP:2801
Kikkoman
1,390.50
-159.12
-10.27%
JP:2897
Nissin Foods Holdings Co
3,130.00
-147.72
-4.51%
JP:2875
Toyo Suisan Kaisha
11,030.00
2,040.23
22.70%
JP:2809
Kewpie Corporation
4,335.00
1,377.08
46.56%
JP:2871
Nichirei Corporation
1,912.00
34.76
1.85%

Ajinomoto Co Corporate Events

Ajinomoto Reports Initial Progress on ¥80 Billion Share Buyback Program
Jan 6, 2026

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. reported progress on its share repurchase program authorized by the board on November 6, 2025, announcing that it bought back 2,750,700 common shares for approximately JPY 9.33 billion on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between December 1 and December 31, 2025. This buyback is part of a larger program allowing repurchases of up to 30 million shares or JPY 80 billion through November 30, 2026, with the company planning to cancel all shares acquired under the program, a move that is expected to enhance capital efficiency and potentially support shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Hold with a Yen3414.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 Stock Forecast page.

Ajinomoto to Cancel 27.9 Million Treasury Shares, Cutting Float by 2.77%
Dec 24, 2025

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has resolved to cancel 27,902,000 of its common treasury shares, representing 2.77% of its issued shares, following acquisitions conducted via off-auction own share repurchase trading and market purchases on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between May 9 and November 17, 2025. The cancellation, scheduled for January 26, 2026, will reduce the company’s total shares outstanding to 977,735,616, a move that is expected to enhance capital efficiency and potentially improve per-share metrics for existing shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Hold with a Yen3414.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 Stock Forecast page.

Ajinomoto Co. Completes Share Repurchase Program
Nov 18, 2025

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has completed its share repurchase program, which was initiated following a Board of Directors resolution on May 8, 2025. The company repurchased 2,730,000 common shares for approximately JPY 10.4 billion between November 1 and November 17, 2025, through the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This move is part of a larger strategy to repurchase up to 50 million shares, with the intention to cancel all repurchased shares, potentially impacting shareholder value and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Buy with a Yen4500.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 Stock Forecast page.

Ajinomoto Co. Announces Share Repurchase Plan to Enhance Shareholder Value
Nov 6, 2025

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has announced a decision by its Board of Directors to repurchase up to 30 million of its own shares, representing 3.09% of the total issued shares, excluding treasury shares. This initiative, with a maximum cost of JPY 80 billion, aims to enhance shareholder returns and improve capital efficiency, with plans to cancel all repurchased shares, reflecting a strategic move to optimize its capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Buy with a Yen5100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 Stock Forecast page.

Ajinomoto Reports Stable Financial Performance Amid Sales Dip
Nov 6, 2025

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. reported its consolidated financial results for the six months ended September 30, 2025, showing a slight decrease in sales and business profit compared to the previous year. Despite this, the company experienced an increase in profit before income taxes and profit attributable to owners, indicating a stable financial position. The company also implemented a 2-for-1 stock split, affecting its earnings per share calculations. The financial outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, remains positive with expected growth in sales and profit.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Buy with a Yen5100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 Stock Forecast page.

Ajinomoto Co. Reports Progress on Share Repurchase Program
Nov 5, 2025

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has announced progress in its ongoing share repurchase program, which was initially resolved by the Board of Directors in May 2025. As of October 31, 2025, the company has repurchased 25,172,000 shares, spending approximately JPY 89.6 billion. This initiative is part of a broader plan to repurchase up to 50 million shares, with the aim of enhancing shareholder value and optimizing capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:2802) stock is a Buy with a Yen5100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ajinomoto Co stock, see the JP:2802 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: Dec 18, 2025