1333.T Stock Today: February 01 Price Hikes on 67 Surimi Items
Maruha Nichiro stock (1333.T) is in focus after the company said it will raise shipment prices by 2–7% on 67 home-use surimi items, including fish sausages and chikuwa, from April 1. The move responds to higher input, packaging, logistics, and labor costs amid yen weakness inflation. Shares last traded near ¥1,388.5, down about 0.04% on the day. Investors will weigh pricing power against volume elasticity in Japan’s consumer staples market, with a key earnings update due on February 9.
What the price hike means
Maruha Nichiro will lift prices for 67 home-use surimi products, including fish sausages and chikuwa, by about 2–7% from April 1. Management cites higher costs across materials, packaging, logistics, and labor, as well as the weak yen. See coverage from Nikkei and Yahoo! Japan for details.
The company’s operating margin is about 3.05%. A mid-single-digit list price lift, if largely realized, can support gross margin and offset imported seafood and packaging costs. The actual earnings effect depends on trade terms, promotional intensity, and the lag before higher costs flow through. Successful pass-through would aid cash generation and help fund stable dividends.
Household budgets remain tight, so a fish sausage price increase may prompt trading down to private labels or smaller pack sizes. Elasticity for Japan surimi products varies by brand strength and category role. Clear communication and steady in-store execution will be key. Watch scanner data after April for any mix shifts that could dilute revenue gains.
Stock performance and valuation
The stock last changed hands at ¥1,388.5, -0.04% today, with a day range of ¥1,385.5–¥1,397.5. The 52-week range is ¥961–¥1,432. Volume is 467,800 versus a 601,547 average. The 50-day average price is ¥1,298.43, above the 200-day at ¥1,139.37, reflecting improving sentiment ahead of the pricing actions and earnings.
Valuation looks undemanding: P/E 9.57, P/B 0.93, and price-to-sales 0.19. Enterprise value to EBITDA stands near 7.11. The dividend yield is about 2.64%, with the last dividend per share around ¥36.67. These levels suggest the market prices in moderate growth and some cost or volume risk.
EPS is ¥145.03, with a net margin near 2.02% and ROE around 9.70%. Liquidity is reasonable, with a current ratio of 1.61 and interest coverage of 7.85 times. Leverage is manageable but notable: debt-to-equity about 1.32 and net debt to EBITDA roughly 3.87. Balance sheet discipline remains important if costs stay elevated.
Catalysts into February earnings
The company reports on February 9. We will look for commentary on the April price list, retailer acceptance, and the expected net benefit after promotions. Key line items include gross margin trajectory, logistics costs, wages, and import exposure. Any FY outlook color on volumes and capex will guide near-term positioning.
Early signs of success would be stable or rising gross margin and resilient shipment volumes. Category mix and market share trends matter, especially for branded surimi. Watch input cost commentary on seafood raw materials and packaging. If the company maintains shelf presence while lifting price, earnings visibility improves through fiscal 2026.
Short-term indicators are stretched: RSI sits near 12.05, Stochastic %K around 1.46, and Williams %R near -98.81, suggesting oversold conditions. ADX near 53 implies a strong trend, so whipsaws are possible. Traders may watch the ¥1,432 52-week high as resistance and the 50-day average near ¥1,298 as initial support.
Risks and watch items
Category demand could soften if shoppers resist higher shelf prices. Branded equity and product quality can cushion elasticity, but private-label competition remains a risk. Close tracking of unit volumes, promotional cadence, and consumer trade-down will help judge whether price increases translate into sustainable revenue growth.
Yen weakness inflation keeps imported raw materials and packaging expensive. A weaker yen can lift costs faster than pricing moves. Conversely, yen strength could ease pressure but also reduce export competitiveness. Hedging, procurement, and logistics efficiency will be central to margin stability through mid-2026.
For medium-term investors, the setup hinges on pricing execution and cost relief. For traders, levels to watch include ¥1,432 on the upside and the 50-day average at ¥1,298 on dips. Maruha Nichiro stock may rerate if margins expand and volumes hold, while a volume slip could cap near-term upside.
Final Thoughts
Maruha Nichiro’s 2–7% price increases on 67 surimi items aim to defend margins against higher materials, packaging, logistics, and labor. Valuation is modest with a single-digit P/E, sub-1.0 P/B, and a 2.6% yield, leaving room for a rerating if pass-through holds and volumes stay resilient. The February 9 results are the next key test. We will focus on gross margin, unit trends after April, and cost guidance. Note that model signals are mixed: one composite Stock Grade reads B+ (BUY), while a separate company rating stands at C+ (Sell). Manage risk around the 52-week high at ¥1,432 and the 50-day average near ¥1,298. This article is informational, not investment advice.
FAQs
Why did Maruha Nichiro raise prices on surimi items?
The company cited higher input, packaging, logistics, and labor costs, combined with a weak yen that raises import expenses. A 2–7% list price lift on 67 items, including fish sausages and chikuwa, is meant to protect margins while keeping products on shelves. Execution with retailers will be crucial.
Is Maruha Nichiro stock expensive after the news?
Valuation looks reasonable. The shares trade around 9.6 times EPS, 0.93 times book, and 0.19 times sales, with an EV/EBITDA near 7.1 and a dividend yield near 2.6%. These levels imply balanced expectations for growth and risk rather than a stretched premium.
What should investors watch in the February 9 results?
Focus on gross margin direction, shipment volumes, and management’s view on retailer acceptance of April pricing. Cost commentary on seafood inputs, packaging, and logistics matters, as does any outlook for fiscal 2026. Watch cash flow, capex, and dividend plans for signals on balance sheet flexibility.
How could yen moves affect Maruha Nichiro stock?
A weaker yen increases costs for imported seafood and packaging, which can pressure margins unless prices adjust. A stronger yen can ease cost headwinds but may affect export competitiveness. The net impact on Maruha Nichiro stock depends on hedging, procurement timing, and how quickly pricing offsets cost changes.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
