JX Advanced Metals vs Itochu: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

JX Advanced Metals Corporation (5016.JP)

Q3 20266 Aug – 29 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

JX Metals lifts guidance, joins Nikkei, expands into rare earths and lithium

Profit forecast raised on AI chip demand and copper prices JX Metals lifted its full-year net profit forecast to 141 billion yen, up 34.7%, after first-quarter operating profit jumped 176% to 81.4 billion yen. Strong sales of semiconductor materials used in AI servers, a weaker yen and higher copper prices are driving profits, which supports the shares.
This is the core earnings driver behind the stock's move this period.
Upgraded guidance still fell short of analyst estimates Even after the upgrade, the company's forecast was below what analysts expected, and the stock fell sharply on the first trading day after results. This is a real counterweight: the business is strong, but expectations were even higher, so the shares have swung without clear direction.
It is the main negative force and explains why the stock did not simply rise on good news.
Joining the Nikkei 225 index brings forced buying JX Metals will be added to the Nikkei Stock Average on October 1. Funds that track the index must buy the stock to match it, creating steady demand around the change. This is a one-time technical boost, not a change in the underlying business.
Index inclusion is a new, concrete event that directly affects demand for the shares.
New rare earth and lithium deals widen the growth story JX Metals signed a rare earth cooperation and investment agreement with Tronox, sharing about $32 million in studies for plants in Australia and the US, and a binding lithium exploration deal in Australia. These moves expand into critical minerals, adding a new long-term growth angle beyond copper and chips.
These are new strategic investments that broaden the company's future revenue sources.

September 20266 Aug – 29 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

JX Metals lifts guidance, joins Nikkei, expands into rare earths and lithium

Profit forecast raised on AI chip demand and copper prices JX Metals lifted its full-year net profit forecast to 141 billion yen, up 34.7%, after first-quarter operating profit jumped 176% to 81.4 billion yen. Strong sales of semiconductor materials used in AI servers, a weaker yen and higher copper prices are driving profits, which supports the shares.
This is the core earnings driver behind the stock's move this period.
Upgraded guidance still fell short of analyst estimates Even after the upgrade, the company's forecast was below what analysts expected, and the stock fell sharply on the first trading day after results. This is a real counterweight: the business is strong, but expectations were even higher, so the shares have swung without clear direction.
It is the main negative force and explains why the stock did not simply rise on good news.
Joining the Nikkei 225 index brings forced buying JX Metals will be added to the Nikkei Stock Average on October 1. Funds that track the index must buy the stock to match it, creating steady demand around the change. This is a one-time technical boost, not a change in the underlying business.
Index inclusion is a new, concrete event that directly affects demand for the shares.
New rare earth and lithium deals widen the growth story JX Metals signed a rare earth cooperation and investment agreement with Tronox, sharing about $32 million in studies for plants in Australia and the US, and a binding lithium exploration deal in Australia. These moves expand into critical minerals, adding a new long-term growth angle beyond copper and chips.
These are new strategic investments that broaden the company's future revenue sources.

Latest6 Aug – 29 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

JX Metals lifts guidance, joins Nikkei, expands into rare earths and lithium

Profit forecast raised on AI chip demand and copper prices JX Metals lifted its full-year net profit forecast to 141 billion yen, up 34.7%, after first-quarter operating profit jumped 176% to 81.4 billion yen. Strong sales of semiconductor materials used in AI servers, a weaker yen and higher copper prices are driving profits, which supports the shares.
This is the core earnings driver behind the stock's move this period.
Upgraded guidance still fell short of analyst estimates Even after the upgrade, the company's forecast was below what analysts expected, and the stock fell sharply on the first trading day after results. This is a real counterweight: the business is strong, but expectations were even higher, so the shares have swung without clear direction.
It is the main negative force and explains why the stock did not simply rise on good news.
Joining the Nikkei 225 index brings forced buying JX Metals will be added to the Nikkei Stock Average on October 1. Funds that track the index must buy the stock to match it, creating steady demand around the change. This is a one-time technical boost, not a change in the underlying business.
Index inclusion is a new, concrete event that directly affects demand for the shares.
New rare earth and lithium deals widen the growth story JX Metals signed a rare earth cooperation and investment agreement with Tronox, sharing about $32 million in studies for plants in Australia and the US, and a binding lithium exploration deal in Australia. These moves expand into critical minerals, adding a new long-term growth angle beyond copper and chips.
These are new strategic investments that broaden the company's future revenue sources.

Itochu Corporation (8001.JP)

Q3 202621 Jul – 25 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

Itochu hits record profit, launches buyback, invests in growth

Record Q1 profit and buyback Itochu reported a record first-quarter net profit of ¥293.7bn and announced a ¥300bn share buyback (2.7% of shares) plus progressive dividends, boosting shareholder returns.
This is the main positive financial news that likely drove the stock price.
Growth investments Itochu invested in an e-waste recycling venture for critical minerals, a ¥300bn stake in US aircraft lessor ACG, data-center development, and a ¥250bn purchase of 38.2% of Dentsu Soken.
These new growth initiatives signal future earnings potential and strategic expansion.
Berkshire Hathaway support Berkshire Hathaway pledged to hold its stake for decades, and Itochu's top-tier ROE supports confidence, reinforcing the investment case.
This endorsement from a major investor boosts market confidence.
Energy asset sale and yen concerns Itochu sold its 3.65% stake in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil field, trimming energy assets, and warned that a weak yen raises costs and hurts consumption.
These are counterweights that could pressure the stock.

August 202626 Jul – 25 Sep 2026

▲4

Itochu's buyback, data-center entry and Dentsu Soken deal drive gains

Record buyback boosts shareholder returns Itochu will buy back up to 300 billion yen of its own shares, about 2.7% of the total, including a tender offer at 1,813 yen. This shrinks the number of shares and supports the price, while the company keeps its promise to pay out at least 40% of profit and raise dividends steadily.
The buyback is a direct, company-specific reason the stock is moving and is new this period.
New data-center business opens growth path Itochu is entering data-center development, planning to invest several hundred billion yen by 2030 to build about 10 facilities in Japan and lease them to major U.S. tech firms. This gives its real-estate arm a new, recurring revenue source and reduces reliance on volatile resource trading.
This is a fresh, large-scale investment that adds a new growth story for the company.
Dentsu Soken stake expands digital services Itochu is set to buy a 38.2% stake in Dentsu Soken for about 250 billion yen, teaming with Dentsu Group to take the IT services firm private. This deepens Itochu's presence in digital and data services, a growing area that can add steady fee-based profit.
The acquisition is a new, sizable deal that broadens Itochu's business mix and is a fresh catalyst.
Berkshire backing and high valuation support Berkshire Hathaway's CEO said rising Japanese bond yields are not a problem for trading houses and that Berkshire will hold its stakes for decades, even raising yen debt. This long-term support, plus Itochu's top-tier return on equity and progressive dividends, keeps investor confidence high.
Berkshire's reassurance and Itochu's premium valuation are key forces keeping the stock attractive to long-term investors.

Latest26 Jul – 25 Sep 2026

▲4

Itochu's buyback, data-center entry and Dentsu Soken deal drive gains

Record buyback boosts shareholder returns Itochu will buy back up to 300 billion yen of its own shares, about 2.7% of the total, including a tender offer at 1,813 yen. This shrinks the number of shares and supports the price, while the company keeps its promise to pay out at least 40% of profit and raise dividends steadily.
The buyback is a direct, company-specific reason the stock is moving and is new this period.
New data-center business opens growth path Itochu is entering data-center development, planning to invest several hundred billion yen by 2030 to build about 10 facilities in Japan and lease them to major U.S. tech firms. This gives its real-estate arm a new, recurring revenue source and reduces reliance on volatile resource trading.
This is a fresh, large-scale investment that adds a new growth story for the company.
Dentsu Soken stake expands digital services Itochu is set to buy a 38.2% stake in Dentsu Soken for about 250 billion yen, teaming with Dentsu Group to take the IT services firm private. This deepens Itochu's presence in digital and data services, a growing area that can add steady fee-based profit.
The acquisition is a new, sizable deal that broadens Itochu's business mix and is a fresh catalyst.
Berkshire backing and high valuation support Berkshire Hathaway's CEO said rising Japanese bond yields are not a problem for trading houses and that Berkshire will hold its stakes for decades, even raising yen debt. This long-term support, plus Itochu's top-tier return on equity and progressive dividends, keeps investor confidence high.
Berkshire's reassurance and Itochu's premium valuation are key forces keeping the stock attractive to long-term investors.

July 202621 Jul – 7 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Itochu's new recycling venture, record profit, buyback, and aircraft leasing bet

New e-waste recycling venture Itochu will start extracting critical minerals from used phones and computers in November via a joint venture. This opens a new revenue stream tied to rising chip and AI demand, and reduces reliance on China for rare earths, supporting the shares.
A brand-new business line that adds future earnings and growth potential.
Record Q1 profit and share buyback April–June net profit rose 3.5% to a record 293.7 billion yen, led by machinery, metals, and energy. Itochu also announced a buyback of up to 300 billion yen (2.7% of shares), which supports the stock price.
Strong earnings and a large buyback directly lift investor returns and sentiment.
300 billion yen aircraft leasing investment Itochu will pay about 300 billion yen for a 50% stake in US aircraft leasing firm ACG. This expands its leasing business, which already serves many airlines, betting on long-term growth in air travel demand.
A major capital deployment that grows a core profit segment.
Oil field stake sale and weak yen caution SOCAR bought out Itochu's 3.65% interest in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil field, trimming energy assets. Separately, Itochu joined others in calling for stable exchange rates, warning that a weak yen raises costs and hurts consumption.
A divestment and currency headwind that could weigh on future earnings.

21 Jul – 7 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Itochu's new recycling venture, record profit, buyback, and aircraft leasing bet

New e-waste recycling venture Itochu will start extracting critical minerals from used phones and computers in November via a joint venture. This opens a new revenue stream tied to rising chip and AI demand, and reduces reliance on China for rare earths, supporting the shares.
A brand-new business line that adds future earnings and growth potential.
Record Q1 profit and share buyback April–June net profit rose 3.5% to a record 293.7 billion yen, led by machinery, metals, and energy. Itochu also announced a buyback of up to 300 billion yen (2.7% of shares), which supports the stock price.
Strong earnings and a large buyback directly lift investor returns and sentiment.
300 billion yen aircraft leasing investment Itochu will pay about 300 billion yen for a 50% stake in US aircraft leasing firm ACG. This expands its leasing business, which already serves many airlines, betting on long-term growth in air travel demand.
A major capital deployment that grows a core profit segment.
Oil field stake sale and weak yen caution SOCAR bought out Itochu's 3.65% interest in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil field, trimming energy assets. Separately, Itochu joined others in calling for stable exchange rates, warning that a weak yen raises costs and hurts consumption.
A divestment and currency headwind that could weigh on future earnings.