Ajinomoto Co Inc
TSE:2802

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Ajinomoto Co Inc Logo
Ajinomoto Co Inc
TSE:2802
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Price: 3 575 JPY 0.7% Market Closed
Market Cap: 3.6T JPY

Ajinomoto Co Inc
Investor Relations

Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a household name synonymous with umami, has woven a rich tapestry in the fabric of the global food industry. Originally starting its journey in 1908, the company was founded by Dr. Kikunae Ikeda, who isolated and identified the flavor-enhancing properties of monosodium glutamate (MSG). It began its commercial journey by marketing this unique seasoning under the brand name "Ajinomoto," which translates to "essence of taste" in Japanese. Building upon this foundation, Ajinomoto has expanded far beyond MSG, leveraging its biochemical prowess to create a diverse range of food products and ingredients. This transition from a single product line to a multitude of culinary offerings has established Ajinomoto as a global leader in the food industry, catering to numerous markets with products that enhance the flavors of everyday meals.

More than just a staple in pantries worldwide, Ajinomoto delves into the scientific realm of food and health. Its business model capitalizes not only on traditional seasoning products but also on innovative solutions in amino acids and wellness markets. The company generates revenue by harnessing biotechnologies to produce amino acids for pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and the burgeoning wellness industry. Ajinomoto combines its biochemical expertise with a deep understanding of consumer trends to develop novel products that align with health and sustainability. Its strategic investments in technology and research empower the company to navigate contemporary challenges, ensuring its relevance and growth in an evolving marketplace. Through this dual focus on taste and health, Ajinomoto maintains its charismatic presence from bustling markets in Japan to homes across the globe.

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Last Earnings Call
Fiscal Period
Q2 2026
Call Date
Nov 6, 2025
AI Summary
Q2 2026

Flat First-Half Results: Ajinomoto’s sales and business profit for the first half of FY2025 were nearly unchanged year-on-year, coming in at JPY 738.8 billion in sales and JPY 86.7 billion in business profit.

Guidance Maintained: Despite being behind schedule in some areas, management kept the full-year forecast unchanged and expects a significant profit increase in the second half, citing improved conditions and recovery measures.

Segment Performance: Seasonings and Foods and Frozen Foods saw profit declines, but Healthcare & Functional Materials performed strongly, with Functional Materials hitting 120% of prior-year levels.

Frozen Food Challenges: Domestic home-use frozen foods suffered from lost market share to private brands after price hikes, but recent strategy revisions are already showing positive results.

Shareholder Returns: Announced a new JPY 80 billion share buyback program, following the ongoing JPY 100 billion buyback, as part of efforts to enhance capital efficiency.

Competitive Pressure: Management acknowledged intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers in Umami seasonings and is taking both short- and long-term actions, including legal and operational measures.

Strategic Investments: Significant one-off expenses were incurred in the first half, particularly for the commercialization of Forge (gene therapy CDMO), but recurring SG&A investments will continue.

Outlook & Growth Drivers: Management expects recovery in lagging segments and continued strength in Healthcare and Functional Materials, underpinned by product innovation, structural reforms, and expanded licensing.

Key Financials
Sales
JPY 738.8 billion
Business Profit
JPY 86.7 billion
Organic Growth Rate
1.9%
EBITDA Margin
17.5%
Operating Cash Flow
JPY 93.2 billion
Functional Materials Sales
120% of previous year's level (first half)
Coffee Sales (Japan)
120% of previous year
Sales of Food Products in Japan (excluding coffee)
101% of previous year
Unit Price (Japan Food Products, excluding coffee)
102%
Overseas Sales
103% of previous year
Functional Materials Business Profit
grew to 120% of previous year's level (first half)
Share Buyback Program
JPY 80 billion (new program, Dec 2024–Nov 2026); ongoing JPY 100 billion program
ASV Engagement Survey Score
78 points
Productivity Enhancement Score
28
Earnings Call Recording
Other Earnings Calls

Management

Mr. Taro Fujie
Representative Executive Officer, President, CEO & Director
No Bio Available
Mr. Masami Kashiwakura
Executive Officer, VP and GM of Europe & Africa Division
No Bio Available
Dr. Hiroshi Shiragami
EVP, Representative Executive Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, R&D Supervision and Director
No Bio Available
Michael Lish
Executive Officer & Deputy GM of Bio & Fine Chemicals Division
No Bio Available
Mr. Saburosuke Suzuki II
Founder
No Bio Available
Eiichi Mizutani
Executive Officer, VP and In charge of Finance & Investor Relations
No Bio Available
Mr. Masataka Kaji
General Manager of IR Group - Global Finance Department
No Bio Available
Ms. Chika Morishima
Executive Officer, VP and In charge of Sustainability & Communications
No Bio Available
Shino Kayahara
Executive Officer and In charge of Diversity & HR
No Bio Available
Mr. Takayuki Koda
Executive Officer, Senior VP & Chief Digital Officer
No Bio Available

Contacts

Address
TOKYO-TO
Chuo-Ku
1-15-1, Kyobashi
Contacts
+81352508111.0
www.ajinomoto.co.jp