Toto, Nittobo and Ajinomoto Ride AI Chip Boom as Shares Jump 78%, 63% and 61%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 22
Toto, Nittobo and Ajinomoto Ride AI Chip Boom as Shares Jump 78%, 63% and 61%
1 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 22
Summary
Toto, Nittobo and Ajinomoto all posted strong growth in semiconductor-linked businesses for the year ended March 31, showing how AI demand is lifting Japanese companies far outside traditional tech.
AI servers, data centers and advanced chip packaging drove the gains: Toto’s advanced ceramics revenue rose 34% and operating profit 42%, while Nittobo’s electronic materials sales climbed 20.4% and profit 39.7%.
Ajinomoto said its Healthcare and Others segment—home to ABF insulating film—lifted revenue about 4% and business profit 45.1%, with electronic materials helping the unit overtake frozen foods in revenue and profit.
The market has rewarded that exposure, sending Toto shares up 78% this year, Nittobo 63% and Ajinomoto 61%, even though each remains better known for toilets, glass fiber or MSG.
All three still stress balance over a wholesale pivot: Toto says it has no plan to abandon housing equipment, Nittobo is expanding traditional glass-fiber uses, and Ajinomoto still targets parity between food and AminoScience.