Starzen Company Limited <8043> surged in afternoon trading. Around 2:00 p.m., the company announced a share buyback program to repurchase up to 1.5 million shares (2.6% of issued shares excluding treasury stock) worth up to 1.5 billion yen, fueling expectations for improved supply-demand dynamics. Starzen views enhancing shareholder returns as a top management priority and approved the buyback after comprehensively evaluating its stock price, financial balance, and capital structure. The acquisition period will run from July 1 to December 31. Additionally, the company announced a commemorative shareholder benefit to mark the 55th anniversary of its business relationship with McDonald's Japan, a subsidiary of McDonald's Holdings Company (Japan), Ltd. <2702>, in July. Shareholders holding 100 shares or more as of the end of September will receive a McDonald's gift card worth 1,000 yen.

RIKEI CORPORATION <8226> rebounded from a morning decline. The company announced around 10:00 a.m. that it joined the space-sector open innovation program "MUGENLABO UNIVERSE" as a partner, drawing buy orders. Launched by KDDI CORPORATION <9433> in May 2024, the program aims to co-create space businesses among startups, cross-industry firms, large corporations, and space venture experts, while solving terrestrial challenges through space technology. Through its participation, RIKEI aims to advance its space business in areas such as space-based disaster prevention, manufacturing supply chains, and lunar surface operations to address social issues.

MTG Co.,Ltd. <7806> extended its surge. SMBC Nikko Securities raised its target price on the stock to 8,200 yen from 7,100 yen on May 25, maintaining its top rating of "1." The brokerage noted that the flagship brand "ReFa" has an attractive new product pipeline lined up for several years ahead, projecting continued high growth while enhancing brand value through meticulous sales planning. SMBC Nikko also revised upward its operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending September 2027 to 19.0 billion yen from 18.8 billion yen.

Quest Co., Ltd. <2332> rebounded sharply. The company provides digital transformation (DX) support services utilizing generative AI, IoT, and big data. Approximately 20% of its sales come from Kioxia Holdings <285A>, a major NAND flash memory specialist, boosting expectations for medium-term business expansion. The stock drew aggressive buying from investors seeking upside potential.

PLACO CO.,LTD. <6347> hit its daily limit-up. After the close on May 25, the company announced a partial amendment to its articles of incorporation. The move to add the manufacture and sale of data center-related equipment to its business objectives acted as a positive catalyst. The revision aims to accommodate business expansion and future development, and will be submitted for approval at the annual shareholders' meeting on June 25.

RAKUMACHI,INC. <6037> rebounded significantly. After the close on May 25, the company announced a share buyback program to repurchase up to 600,000 shares (3.09% of issued shares excluding treasury stock) worth up to 500 million yen, drawing buy orders. The buyback period runs from May 26 to November 27 through market purchases.

*This information may include unconfirmed reports. Please make your own judgment and trade stocks at your own risk.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

*Translated by generative AI. Click here for the original article.