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Stock Analysis & ValuationOkamura Foods Co., Ltd. (2938.T)

Professional Stock Screener
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¥1,124.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Low
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)691.57-38
Intrinsic value (DCF)497.60-56
Graham-Dodd Method445.33-60
Graham Formula660.28-41

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Okamura Foods Co., Ltd. (2938.T) is a Japan-based company specializing in the farming, production, and sale of salmon trout and related seafood products. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Aomori, Japan, the company operates in the Agricultural Farm Products sector under the Consumer Defensive industry. Okamura Foods processes and sells a variety of seafood products, including salmon roe (sujiko), herring roe, raw salmon sushi toppings, baked grilled fish, and boiled fish, while also wholesaling marine products. With a strong presence in both domestic and international markets, the company leverages Japan’s reputation for high-quality seafood to serve retail and foodservice industries. Its vertically integrated operations—from farming to processing—ensure product quality and supply chain efficiency. As demand for premium seafood grows globally, Okamura Foods is well-positioned to capitalize on trends in sustainable aquaculture and Japanese cuisine exports.

Investment Summary

Okamura Foods presents a niche investment opportunity in Japan’s seafood processing sector, supported by stable demand for high-quality marine products. The company’s profitability (net income of ¥1.97 billion in FY2024) and moderate market cap (~¥40.1 billion) suggest a stable but low-growth profile. Key risks include exposure to volatile seafood commodity prices, high debt (¥18.9 billion total debt vs. ¥4.8 billion cash), and reliance on aquaculture sustainability trends. The negative beta (-0.29) indicates low correlation with broader markets, potentially offering defensive characteristics. Dividend investors may find the ¥19/share payout modest (yield ~0.5%). Operational cash flow (¥277 million) is overshadowed by significant capex (-¥2.34 billion), suggesting ongoing reinvestment needs. Investors should weigh Japan’s aging population and export competitiveness against global seafood demand.

Competitive Analysis

Okamura Foods competes in a fragmented market with a focus on premium salmon trout and processed seafood. Its competitive advantage lies in vertical integration—controlling production from farming to distribution—which ensures quality and cost efficiency. The company’s Aomori base provides proximity to key fishing grounds, reducing logistics costs. However, its reliance on salmon trout (vs. diversified competitors) creates niche exposure. Japan’s stringent food safety standards act as a barrier to entry, but Okamura faces pricing pressure from cheaper imports (e.g., Norwegian salmon). The company’s small scale (~¥32.7 billion revenue) limits R&D and global branding compared to multinational peers. Strengths include brand trust in Japan and B2B relationships with sushi chains; weaknesses include limited diversification and high leverage. Climate change risks to aquaculture could disrupt supply chains, though Okamura’s domestic focus mitigates currency volatility.

Major Competitors

  • Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui) (1332.T): Nissui is a global seafood giant with diversified products (frozen fish, surimi, feed) and operations in 20+ countries. Its scale (¥800B+ revenue) dwarfs Okamura’s, but it lacks Okamura’s focus on premium salmon trout. Nissui’s strength lies in frozen seafood logistics and R&D (e.g., plant-based alternatives), while Okamura excels in fresh sushi-grade products. Nissui’s international exposure increases currency and geopolitical risks.
  • Itoham Yonekyu Holdings Inc. (2882.T): A meat and seafood processor with strong retail distribution. Itoham’s brand power and diversified protein portfolio (beef, pork) reduce reliance on seafood, unlike Okamura. Itoham’s weakness is lower vertical integration in aquaculture. Its larger marketing budget competes for shelf space, but Okamura’s B2B sushi focus avoids direct rivalry.
  • Kaneko Seeds Co., Ltd. (1376.T): Specializes in seeds and seedlings but overlaps in agricultural technology. Not a direct competitor, but its R&D in sustainable crops could indirectly pressure Okamura if plant-based seafood gains traction. Kaneko’s B2B model mirrors Okamura’s, but its growth in Asian markets contrasts with Okamura’s domestic focus.
  • Marine Harvest ASA (Mowi) (MFB.NO): The world’s largest salmon farmer, Mowi’s global supply chain and economies of scale make it a price leader. It competes with Okamura in sushi-grade salmon but lacks Japan-specific branding. Mowi’s ESG-focused aquaculture aligns with trends but faces regulatory scrutiny in Europe. Okamura’s local freshness and cultural fit give it an edge in Japan.
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