Hello my dears,
after I had already reported on Ibiden. Wallstreet online has now also become aware of the stock.
Markus seems to be reading my posts. 🙈😂
With a gain of 138% since the beginning of the year, this AI stock has clearly outperformed Advantest and Softbank. The forecast increase, share split and anniversary dividend are likely to widen the gap!
Summarized for you
Ibiden exceeds expectations with 7.5% profit increase.
Forecast for 2025/26 raised, EPS rises to JPY 243.52.
Share split and anniversary dividend increase investor interest.
Report: The year-end rally rolls on
Ibiden from Gifu has been one of the more specialized but technologically leading names in the Japanese electronics industry for decades. Among other things, the company produces high-quality printed circuit boards, high-end substrates for semiconductors, ceramic components and filter technologies.
Ibiden has a particularly strong market position in the field of IC substrates - essential for high-performance computers, data centers and AI servers. While competitors such as Ajinomoto, Unimicron or Ibex receive more attention, Ibiden often operates under the radar - but with high technological depth and a loyal customer base from the global IT industry.
Strong second quarter - expectations clearly exceeded
The electronics specialist achieved a profit attributable to shareholders of 22.1 billion yen (around 131 million euros) in the first half of the current financial year. This corresponds to an increase of 7.5 percent compared to 20.5 billion yen in the same period last year.
Net sales grew by 7.7 percent to 195.5 billion yen (approximately 1.16 billion euros) in the six-month period ending September 30, compared to 181.6 billion yen (approximately 1.08 billion euros) in the same period last year. Ibiden was able to exceed analysts' expectations in terms of both turnover and profit.
The reason for the improvement: while classic PC and standard server products fell slightly short of expectations in the first quarter, demand for high-quality substrates for generative AI applications exploded. The high demand from AI customers resulted in higher production volumes and better margins.
Forecast increase for the full financial year 2025/26
Net sales for the financial year ending March 31, 2026 have been raised to JPY 415,000 million (approx. EUR 2.41 billion), up from JPY 410,000 million previously. The operating result is expected to reach JPY 55,000 million (around EUR 320 million) instead of the originally planned JPY 48,000 million. The profit for shareholders will increase from JPY 28,000 million to JPY 34,000 million (approx. EUR 197 million). EPS is now expected to be JPY 243.52 instead of the previously forecast JPY 200.56.
Anniversary dividend as additional impetus
Ibiden announced an anniversary dividend of JPY 10.00 per share for the financial year. The total payout amounted to JPY 4,196 million - a strong signal to long-term investors that underlines the company's profitability and cash flow.
Share split attracts additional attention
At the same time, the company is preparing a stock split, which should increase tradability and attract new private investors. In Japan in particular, the combination of solid results, growth in future segments and an attractive share structure is a trigger for increased inflows of funds - as can be seen from the recent share price movements.
My tip: buy before the stock split!
The combination of strong AI orders, a clear forecast increase and an upcoming stock split makes Ibiden one of the most interesting technology stocks in the country. Anyone who thinks the share is fundamentally attractive should buy it sooner rather than later - ideally before the stock split, which in most cases generates additional investor interest.
Investors who prefer to lie in wait should buy near the 50-day line. This currently stands at EUR 64.60. However, if the share moves above EUR 70 again, the plan should be abandoned.
