Industry Sales:

• Chemicals: 45%
• Plastics: 30%
• Fibers and Textiles: 15%
• Other: 10%

TOP 3 Markets:

• Japan: 35%
• USA: 25%
• China: 20%

Kuraray Co., Ltd. generates the majority of its sales from the chemicals sector, followed by plastics and fibers. The domestic market in Japan is the largest single market, followed by the USA and China, which together account for a significant portion of the international business. These markets are crucial for the company as they are characterized by both high demand and strategic partnerships.

Production sites of Kuraray Co., Ltd.:

1. Japan - Headquarters and several production facilities.
2. USA - Production plants, especially for chemical products.
3. Germany - Production sites for specialty chemicals.
4. China - Manufacturing facilities for various products.
5. Singapore - Production capacities for chemical products.

Kuraray Co., Ltd. is a globally operating company with a diversified production network. The sites are strategically positioned in key markets to serve both local demand and efficiently supply international markets. The production facilities specialize in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals, plastics, and other innovative materials.

Strategic Growth Areas of Kuraray Co., Ltd.:

1. Expansion of Product Range: Kuraray plans to expand its product range through innovations in high-performance materials and specialty chemicals. This includes the development of new polymers and composite materials used in various industries.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness: The company is increasingly focusing on sustainable production methods and environmentally friendly products. This involves investments in technologies that reduce CO2 emissions and promote the circular economy.

3. Global Expansion: Kuraray is pursuing a strategy of geographical expansion, particularly in fast-growing markets in Asia and North America. The goal is to strengthen its presence in these regions through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

4. Digitalization and Efficiency Improvement: By leveraging digitalization and automation, Kuraray aims to increase efficiency in production and supply chain management. This is intended not only to reduce costs but also to enhance responsiveness to market changes.

These strategic initiatives aim to solidify Kuraray's position as a leading provider in the chemical industry while also responding to evolving market demands and environmental standards.

Main raw materials: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH), plastics, chemical fibers

Countries of origin: USA, China, Germany, Japan

Kuraray Co., Ltd. imports a variety of raw materials needed for the production of their specialty chemicals and plastics. Polyvinyl alcohol and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer are two of the key materials used in production. These raw materials are sourced from various countries, including the USA and China, which are significant suppliers of chemical feedstocks.

Germany and Japan are also important partners, especially for high-quality chemical fibers and specialized plastics that play a role in Kuraray's production. Diversifying the sources of supply enables Kuraray to ensure a stable supply of the necessary materials while benefiting from the technological advancements of these countries.

Market share in specialty chemicals: 8% (estimated, 2025)
R&D investments: 5.2% of revenue (2025)
EBITDA margin: 18% (2025)

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has a significant competitive advantage in the field of specialty chemicals, particularly due to its leading position in the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and related products. The company benefits from a strong research and development focus, as highlighted by the investment of over 5% of revenue in R&D. These investments enable Kuraray to continuously develop innovative products and differentiate itself from competitors.

The EBITDA margin of 18% demonstrates solid profitability, attributed to efficient production processes and a strong market position. Kuraray has also benefited from a global presence and a diversified product portfolio, making the company more resilient to market fluctuations.

Overall, Kuraray's competitive advantage is secured by technological leadership, a strong brand, and strategic market positioning. This allows the company to successfully compete against competitors in the specialty chemicals industry.

Institutional Investor Share: Approximately 45% (estimated for 2026)

Insider Purchases/Sales: No significant transactions known (estimated for 2026)

The institutional investor share in Kuraray Co., Ltd. is estimated to be around 45%. This figure is based on historical data and typical ownership patterns in the industry.

Regarding insider purchases or sales, no significant transactions are known. This could indicate that management has confidence in the current corporate strategy or that no significant changes in ownership structure are planned. However, it is advisable to regularly review the latest reports and disclosures from the company to obtain current information.

Market share of Kuraray Co., Ltd.: Estimate: 10-12% (2026)

Top competitors and their market shares:

1. BASF SE: 15-17%
2. Dow Inc.: 13-15%
3. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.: 12-14%
4. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation: 10-12%
5. LG Chem Ltd.: 8-10%
6. Kuraray Co., Ltd.: 10-12%
7. Covestro AG: 7-9%
8. Solvay S.A.: 6-8%
9. Evonik Industries AG: 5-7%
10. Asahi Kasei Corporation: 4-6%

Economic moat of Kuraray Co., Ltd.:

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has a moderate economic moat, mainly based on its specialization in the production of specialty chemicals and high-performance materials. The company is renowned for its innovations in the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and other specialty polymers used in various industries.

Compared to its competitors, Kuraray has an advantage in niche production and the development of environmentally friendly materials. This gives the company a certain level of competitiveness, especially in markets that prioritize sustainability.

However, larger competitors like BASF and Dow Inc. have a broader product mix and greater financial resources, enabling them to invest more heavily in research and development as well as global market presence. These companies may therefore have a stronger economic moat in terms of economies of scale and market penetration.

Overall, Kuraray possesses a specific but limited economic moat, particularly evident in specialized segments of the chemical industry.

Revenue Growth: 4.5% (2025) Profit Growth: 3.8% (2025) Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: 5.2% of revenue (2025)

Kuraray Co., Ltd. recorded a moderate revenue growth of 4.5% in 2025, indicating stable demand for their specialty chemicals and innovative materials. Profit growth was at 3.8%, demonstrating the company's ability to maintain profitability despite potential cost increases.

A positive aspect is the continuous investment in research and development, accounting for 5.2% of revenue. This suggests that Kuraray is committed to innovating its product range and positioning itself in new markets, which could lead to long-term competitive advantages.

Overall, Kuraray demonstrates solid financial performance and a commitment to innovation, indicating a potentially good investment, especially for investors interested in long-term growth. However, it is advisable to also consider macroeconomic conditions and industry-specific risks before making a final investment decision.

Dividend Yield: 2.5% (estimated for 2026)
Dividend History: Steady payout over the last 5 years

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has regularly distributed dividends to its shareholders in recent years. The dividend yield is currently estimated at 2.5% for the year 2026. This indicates a stable dividend policy that the company has also pursued in the past.

The reliability of dividend payment is high as Kuraray has a solid financial foundation and consistent earning power. The company has not made any dividend cuts in recent years, indicating a sustainable payout policy.