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Stock Analysis & ValuationSuruga Bank Ltd. (8358.T)

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Previous Close
¥1,939.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)1229.53-37
Intrinsic value (DCF)551.27-72
Graham-Dodd Method1712.47-12
Graham Formula325.74-83

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Suruga Bank Ltd. (8358.T) is a regional bank headquartered in Numazu, Japan, with a history dating back to 1895. Operating primarily in Japan, the bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including deposit accounts, loans (housing, business, and personal), credit and debit cards, investment trusts, insurance, and foreign exchange services. Suruga Bank serves both individual and corporate customers through its network of 128 branches. The bank also offers ancillary services such as staffing, leasing, and clerical agency services, enhancing its value proposition. As part of Japan's regional banking sector, Suruga Bank plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses and retail customers, leveraging its strong regional presence and diversified financial offerings. With a market capitalization of approximately ¥239.5 billion, Suruga Bank remains a key player in Japan's financial services landscape, focusing on digital banking solutions and customer-centric financial products.

Investment Summary

Suruga Bank presents a stable investment opportunity within Japan's regional banking sector, supported by its long-standing history and diversified financial services. The bank's low beta (0.334) suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, appealing to risk-averse investors. With a net income of ¥15.4 billion and a diluted EPS of ¥75.45, Suruga Bank demonstrates profitability, further reinforced by a solid dividend payout of ¥29 per share. However, the bank operates in a highly competitive and low-interest-rate environment, which may constrain net interest margins. Investors should weigh its regional strengths against broader macroeconomic challenges in Japan's banking sector, including demographic pressures and regulatory scrutiny.

Competitive Analysis

Suruga Bank competes in Japan's crowded regional banking sector, where differentiation is often driven by customer service, digital innovation, and niche lending products. The bank's competitive advantage lies in its strong regional footprint (128 branches) and diversified service offerings, including non-traditional services like staffing and leasing. However, it faces intense competition from larger national banks (e.g., Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) with greater resources and digital capabilities, as well as other regional banks with similar localized strategies. Suruga Bank's focus on retail and SME banking provides stability but limits exposure to higher-margin corporate banking. Its relatively low total debt (¥80 million) and healthy cash position (¥982.2 billion) underscore financial stability, though growth may be constrained without significant digital transformation or expansion beyond its regional stronghold.

Major Competitors

  • Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (8411.T): Mizuho is one of Japan's 'megabanks,' with a global presence and superior scale compared to Suruga Bank. Its strengths include corporate banking, investment services, and advanced digital platforms. However, its size can lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies, and it lacks Suruga's hyper-localized focus.
  • Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (8306.T): Japan's largest bank by assets, MUFG dominates corporate and retail banking with extensive international operations. Its resources far exceed Suruga's, but it struggles with agility and regional customization, where Suruga has an edge.
  • Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd. (7182.T): A government-linked entity with unparalleled retail reach through post offices. It excels in savings products but lacks Suruga's SME lending focus and faces regulatory constraints due to its public ties.
  • The Chiba Bank Ltd. (8331.T): Another regional bank with a stronghold in Chiba Prefecture. Similar to Suruga, it emphasizes retail and SME services but has a slightly larger asset base. Its digital offerings are comparable, though Suruga's ancillary services provide differentiation.
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