January 6, 2026 05:31 AM GMT Investor Presentation | Japan Electronic Chemicals, Fine Chemicals: Continue to Focus on AI-related Materials in 2026 Investment Strategy M Foundation Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co., Ltd.+ Ryoichi Watanabe Equity Analyst Ryoichi.Watanabe@morganstanleymufg.com +81 3 6836-8929 Takato Watabe Equity Analyst Takato.Watabe@morganstanleymufg.com +81 3 6836-5436 Kayoko Shoji Research Associate Kayoko.Shoji@morganstanleymufg.com +81 3 6836-5437 Electronic Chemicals Japan Industry Vie ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the acceleration of high-level technological self-reliance and innovation as a means to lead new productive forces, as proposed by the 20th Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session [1] - Zhejiang and Liaoning are actively implementing the spirit of the plenary session by seizing opportunities from the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation [1] - Zhejiang is focusing on the deep integration of innovation chains, industrial chains, financial chains, and talent chains to enhance independent innovation capabilities [5] Group 2 - In Wenzhou, Zhejiang, a medical device company is benefiting from the collaboration with university researchers, leading to successful product development and market acceptance [3] - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Zhejiang has dispatched over 1,700 researchers to enterprises, addressing the challenges of converting academic research into practical innovations [5] - Zhejiang has more than 47,000 national high-tech enterprises, with a continuously improving technology achievement transformation system, placing it among the top regions in innovation capability in China [5] Group 3 - Liaoning has made significant breakthroughs in metal material enhancement, which has broad application prospects in aerospace and high-end equipment manufacturing [6] - The province is establishing a robust framework for technological innovation, including the creation of four provincial laboratories focusing on new materials, intelligent manufacturing, clean energy, and high-end equipment manufacturing [6] - Liaoning's annual growth rate of technology contract transactions exceeds 24%, indicating a strong transition of advanced research outcomes into productive capabilities [6]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Chemicals, specifically focusing on Petrochemicals, Electronic Chemicals, and Fine Chemicals [2][6][22] - **Current Sentiment**: The overall sentiment in the petrochemical industry is improving despite continued weak demand and low ethylene utilization rates. There are signs of restructuring and consolidation within the industry, particularly in Asia [2][22] Core Insights Petrochemical Sector - **Demand and Pricing**: Continued weak demand for petrochemicals is expected, with prices and spreads likely having bottomed out but lacking recovery momentum. The overall mood is improving due to China's anti-involution policies and signs of naphtha cracker downsizing in South Korea [2][22] - **Investment Appeal**: Stocks in the petrochemical sector are generally viewed as undervalued. Key investment opportunities identified include Sumitomo Chemical, Asahi Kasei, and Mitsui Chemicals, with a focus on their growth in agrochemicals and IT-related sectors [2][22][23] Electronic Chemicals - **Market Performance**: The electronic chemicals sector is experiencing a steady growth trend, particularly in products related to semiconductors and AI technologies. Despite high inventory levels for silicon wafers, a recovery trend is noted [6][19] - **Investment Recommendations**: Recommended stocks include Zeon and Shin-Etsu Chemical, with a focus on company-specific factors for stock-picking [6][19] Fine Chemicals - **Revenue Growth**: Significant revenue improvements are noted in carbon fiber composite materials due to a recovery in aircraft applications. Toray is highlighted as a top pick in this segment [6][19] Financial Metrics and Stock Ratings - **Stock Ratings**: - **Overweight (OW)**: Sumitomo Chemical (4005), Asahi Kasei (3407), Mitsui Chemicals (4183), Zeon (4205), Shin-Etsu Chemical (4063) - **Equal Weight (EW)**: Tosoh (4042), Mitsubishi Chemical Group (4188), Nissan Chemical (4021), SUMCO (3436), Kuraray (3405), Dexerials (4980) - **Underweight (UW)**: Nitto Denko (6988) [11][23] - **Target Prices and Valuations**: - Sumitomo Chemical: Current price ¥469, target ¥760, P/E 14.2 - Asahi Kasei: Current price ¥1,300, target ¥1,450, P/E 12.5 - Mitsui Chemicals: Current price ¥3,587, target ¥4,500, P/E 11.5 [11][23] Additional Insights - **Restructuring Plans**: Sumitomo Chemical plans to complete its petrochemical restructuring over a three-year horizon, which is expected to enhance its growth potential in agrochemicals and semiconductors [23] - **Market Cap Trends**: The market cap of major petrochemical companies is closely linked to ethylene margins and domestic demand growth, indicating a need for strategic adjustments in response to market conditions [24][28] Conclusion - The chemicals industry, particularly in Japan, is undergoing significant restructuring with a focus on improving profitability and growth in specific sectors. Investment opportunities are present, especially in companies that are adapting to market changes and focusing on high-growth areas.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: Electronic Chemicals and Fine Chemicals in Japan - **Industry View**: Both Electronic Chemicals and Fine Chemicals are rated as "In-Line" by Morgan Stanley, indicating expected performance in line with the broader market [5][6] Company Insights - **Resonac Holdings (4004)**: - Rating: Overweight (OW) - Market Cap: JPY 1,116.8 billion - Price Potential: Target return of -5.6% for 2025, with P/E ratios projected at 14.9 for 2025 and 31.1 for 2026 [7][8] - Focus on expanding targets beyond High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and Graphics Processing Units (GPU) [6] - **Sumitomo Bakelite (4203)**: - Rating: Overweight (OW) - Market Cap: JPY 472.7 billion - Price Potential: Target return of 9.1% for 2025, with P/E ratios of 24.1 for 2025 and 15.6 for 2026 [7][8] - Strong performance in encapsulants [6] - **Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (4186)**: - Rating: Equal-weight (EW) - Market Cap: JPY 804.1 billion - Price Potential: Target return of -28.5% for 2025, with a declining market share in photoresists [6][7] - **Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (4182)**: - Rating: Overweight (OW) - Market Cap: JPY 563.5 billion - Price Potential: Target return of 24.0% for 2025, with strong advanced packaging materials [6][7] - **NOF Corporation (4403)**: - Rating: Equal-weight (EW) - Market Cap: JPY 654.0 billion - Price Potential: Target return of 1.3% for 2025, with a focus on defense-related products [6][7] Financial Metrics - **Stock Price Performance**: - As of November 17, 2023, stock prices for key companies in the sector are being monitored, with Resonac Holdings and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo showing significant movements [9][10][11][13][15]. - **Valuation Ratios**: - Various companies exhibit differing P/E ratios, P/BV ratios, and dividend yields, indicating varied market expectations and financial health [7][8]. Market Trends - **AI-related Products**: - There is a notable trend towards AI-related products, with companies like Resonac focusing on semiconductor materials driven by increased demand for AI technologies [40][45]. - **Market Share Dynamics**: - Companies like Tokyo Ohka Kogyo are experiencing a downward trend in market share for specific products, indicating competitive pressures within the industry [6][7]. Other Important Considerations - **Forex Sensitivity**: - Companies are sensitive to foreign exchange fluctuations, which can impact operational profits [8]. - **Shareholder Returns**: - Companies are focusing on shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, with varying payout ratios [8]. - **Medium-term Plans**: - Companies have outlined medium-term plans with specific operational goals and target margins, indicating strategic focus areas for growth [8]. This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the performance outlook, financial metrics, and strategic directions of the companies within the Electronic Chemicals and Fine Chemicals sectors in Japan.

Core Insights - TRUNNANO has achieved a breakthrough in the preparation technology of spherical silica SiO2 powder, launching a new generation of high-performance product that enhances its position in the fine chemicals sector [1][2][5] Company Overview - TRUNNANO is a high-tech enterprise focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of nanomaterials and high-purity chemicals, emphasizing technological innovation and superior product quality [9][10] Product Features - The new spherical silica SiO2 powder exhibits high purity (99.9%) and excellent chemical stability, making it suitable for various applications including electronic packaging, composite materials, and advanced ceramics [2][6] - The technology ensures ultimate sphericity and smooth surface of silica particles, reducing inter-particle friction and enabling denser packing [6][7] - Customizable surface properties allow for precise modifications based on application requirements, enhancing integration into complex systems [7][8] Market Impact - The launch of the new product is expected to create opportunities in industries with high material performance demands, such as 5G communications, advanced integrated circuits, and new energy vehicles [9]

Core Insights - The chemical industry is a pillar of the national economy but is also a high-energy and high-carbon emission sector, making it crucial for China's "dual carbon" goals [1] - Under the guidance of the People's Bank of China, Jiujiang has become the first city in Jiangxi Province to implement a financial pilot program for chemical transformation, aimed at supporting green and low-carbon upgrades in the industry [1] Group 1 - The People's Bank of China, Jiangxi Branch, and Jiujiang Branch have facilitated the first chemical transformation loan in the province, supporting a project for heat recovery in a fine chemical enterprise [2] - The enterprise, which produces products like ortho-chlorobenzoic acid and quinaldic acid, previously wasted a significant amount of high-heat steam during production, leading to energy inefficiency [2] - The new heat recovery system will convert waste steam into reusable high-quality thermal energy, significantly reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency [2] Group 2 - The enterprise has developed a transformation action plan that includes current carbon emission levels, short, medium, and long-term reduction targets, and a financing plan, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 1,296 tons and decrease carbon intensity by 22% by the end of 2025 [2] - This loan marks another innovative practice by Jiangxi Bank in the field of transformation finance, following previous loans for agricultural and copper industry transformations [2] - Jiangxi Bank focuses on the financing needs of traditional industries for low-carbon transformation, continuously enhancing its financial service system for key sectors like chemicals, agriculture, and copper [2]

Summary of Investor Presentation on Chemicals Industry Industry Overview - The chemicals industry is undergoing a significant restructuring wave across Asia, particularly affecting petrochemical majors and electronic chemicals [1][3][6] Key Insights on Petrochemical Majors - **Industry View**: Attractive - **Demand and Utilization**: Continued weak demand for petrochemicals and low ethylene utilization rates are expected. However, there are signs of improvement in the overall mood, influenced by China's anti-involution policies and naphtha cracker downsizing in South Korea [6] - **Price Trends**: Asia's petrochemical prices and spreads are unlikely to decline further but may lack recovery momentum [6] - **Investment Indicators**: Remain low, with shares generally viewed as undervalued [6] - **Recommended Stocks**: - **Sumitomo Chemical (4005)**: Focused on growth in agrochemicals and IT sectors, with a V-shaped recovery in pharmaceutical earnings. Current price: ¥482, target price: ¥760 [9][12] - **Asahi Kasei (3407)**: Current price: ¥1,196, target price: ¥1,450 [9][12] - **Mitsui Chemicals (4183)**: Current price: ¥3,719, target price: ¥4,500 [9][12] Insights on Electronic Chemicals - **Industry View**: In-line - **Demand Recovery**: Gradual recovery in demand for legacy semiconductors alongside the expansion of AI semiconductors. Silicon wafer recovery continues, particularly for 300mm wafers [6] - **Stock Recommendations**: - **ZEON (4205)**: Current price: ¥1,700, target price: ¥2,000 [9][12] - **Shin-Etsu Chemical (4063)**: Current price: ¥4,545, target price: ¥5,500 [9][12] Insights on Fine Chemicals - **Industry View**: In-line - **Revenue Improvement**: Significant revenue growth in carbon fiber composite materials due to recovery in aircraft applications. **Toray (3402)** is highlighted as a top pick [6] - **Stock Recommendations**: - **Toray (3402)**: Current price: ¥970, target price: ¥1,350 [9][12] - **DIC (4631)**: Current price: ¥3,589, target price: ¥3,500 [9][12] Additional Observations - **Investment Appeal**: The overall investment appeal in the chemicals sector is driven by specific company strategies and market conditions, with a focus on undervalued stocks and sectors poised for growth [6][12] - **Market Metrics**: The report includes various financial metrics such as P/E ratios, P/CF ratios, and EV/EBITDA ratios for the recommended stocks, indicating a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape [12] Conclusion - The chemicals industry in Asia is positioned for restructuring, with specific companies showing strong potential for growth and recovery. Investors are encouraged to consider the recommended stocks based on their strategic focus and market conditions [6][12]

Summary of the Investor Presentation on Chemicals Industry Industry Overview - The chemicals industry is undergoing a significant restructuring wave across Asia, particularly affecting petrochemical majors and electronic chemicals [1][3][6]. - The overall sentiment in the petrochemical sector is improving despite continued weak demand and low utilization rates for ethylene [6]. Key Insights on Specific Sectors Petrochemical Majors - **Industry View**: Attractive - **Current Trends**: Weak demand for petrochemicals is expected to persist, but there are signs of naphtha cracker downsizing in South Korea, which may lead to a more favorable market environment [6]. - **Price and Spread Outlook**: Asia's petrochemical prices and spreads are unlikely to decline further but may lack recovery momentum [6]. - **Investment Recommendations**: - **Overweight (OW)**: Sumitomo Chemical (4005), Asahi Kasei (3407), Mitsui Chemicals (4183) - **Equal Weight (EW)**: Tosoh (4042), Mitsubishi Chemical (4188) [6][9]. Electronic Chemicals - **Industry View**: In-Line - **Current Trends**: Demand for both AI semiconductors and legacy semiconductors is gradually recovering, with a steady growth trend observed [6]. - **Investment Recommendations**: - **Overweight (OW)**: Zeon (4205), Shin-Etsu Chemical (4063) - **Equal Weight (EW)**: Nissan Chemical (4021), SUMCO (3436), Kuraray (3405), Dexerials (4980) - **Underweight (UW)**: Nitto Denko (6988) [6][9]. Fine Chemicals - **Industry View**: In-Line - **Current Trends**: Significant revenue improvement in carbon fiber composite materials due to recovery in aircraft applications [6]. - **Investment Recommendations**: - **Overweight (OW)**: Toray (3402) - **Equal Weight (EW)**: DIC (4631) - **Underweight (UW)**: Teijin (3401) [6][9]. Financial Metrics and Valuations - **Petrochemical Majors**: Average P/E ratio of 9.1, P/CF of 7.5, and EV/EBITDA of 6.6, indicating undervaluation [11]. - **Electronic Chemicals**: Average P/E ratio of 17.8, P/CF of 10.2, and EV/EBITDA of 8.8, suggesting a stable valuation [11]. - **Fine Chemicals**: Average P/E ratio of 29.9, indicating a premium valuation compared to other sectors [11]. Additional Insights - Investment indicators in the petrochemical sector remain low, suggesting that shares are generally undervalued [6]. - The focus on accelerating growth in agrochemicals and IT-related sectors is highlighted as a strategic move for companies like Sumitomo Chemicals [6]. - The recovery in earnings from pharmaceutical subsidiaries is noted as a positive factor for Sumitomo Chemicals [6]. Conclusion - The chemicals industry in Asia is poised for restructuring, with specific sectors showing potential for recovery and growth. Investment opportunities exist in selected companies, particularly those focusing on innovation and strategic growth areas.