Analysts have updated their outlooks towards SoftBank, majority of whom have put a ‘Outperform’ tag for the embattled Japanese concern. Meanwhile, SoftBank’s stock has witnessed a fall of 27.60% since July 2, 2015 ahead of releasing earning figures. The stock price fall is due to its $22 billion investment in Sprint which has turned to be bad debt.
Japan
Line Shutters MixRadio, Opts For Rendering Regional Services Through Line Music App
Line Corporation, owning entity of MixRadio has studied that 65% of its app users are from Far Eastern Countries. To uphold the company priorities for going regional, Line has decided to shutter MixRadio. Meanwhile, its Music streaming app will be restricted for the users of Japan and Thailand only.
Freeport-McMoRan to sell interest in Morenci to Sumitomo
Freeport-McMoRan has signed a definitive deal with Sumitomo in order to sell its 13% interest in Morenci for $1 billion cash. The company intends to utilize the transaction proceeds to repay its bank loans.
Japan’s SoftBank embarking on its biggest repurchase of $4.4 billion
The Japanese telecom giant, SoftBank, has announced buyback of shares amounting to $4.4 billion, its biggest repurchase ever. This move is a desperate attempt by the company to regain its footing after its shares plunged to an all-time low following the company's overseas investment in US mobile operator, Sprint.
Japan's GDP shrinks in the fourth quarter
The economy of Japan shrank during the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of weak export and demand. The shrinking population also added to the economic slowdown.
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As part of reducing costs, the Japanese government is seeking lower drug prices by moving towards more generics. The ageing population and rising debt are taking a toll on the Shinzo Abe's government. The Japanese government is aiming to reduce prices of branded drugs.
Morgan Stanley intends to hire additional bankers in 2016 in order to contend with its rival Nomura. The company failed to present the exact number of staffs being hired.
Honda said it recalled a total of 442,997 vehicles in Japan. The automaker will also recall 2.2 million cars in the US.
Toyota and Daihatsu have reached an agreement which is believed to be executed by August 2016. Under the agreement, Daihatsu will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota by way of share exchange. Through the Toyota shared key technologies, Daihatsu will produce price efficient mini cars for itself and Toyota. Toyota President is believed to look for opportunity to dominate Indian car market snatching from Suzuki.
Sharp Corp board has gathered today to weigh the bidding offers. The competition is between the Taiwanese electronics giant, Foxconn and the Japanese government-backed establishment, Innovation Network Corporation of Japan. While ICNJ has always been the favoured choice, Foxconn is giving it a stiff competition by way of doubling the offered price along with debt pay-offs and retention of management and employees.
Kraken bitcoin exchange received a multi-million dollar Series B funding led by SBI Investment. As the funding was announced yesterday, the exact amount is still undisclosed.
US Dollar has been witnessed to gain some value against yen in both Tokyo and Japan on Monday. The appreciation of dollar has taken place due to BoJ’s surprise move for slashing the interest rate to (-) 0.1%. Even BoJ Governor has hinted further rate slashing events, if situation demands. But economists have referred the attempt as an attraction drawing stance aiming to prevent yen from rising to boost up the sluggish economic growth.
The product will hit the stores in early February, just in time for Valentine's Day. Kit Kat Sake is expected to be a worldwide sensation just like Nestle Japan's Kit Kat Green Tea. Kit Kat bars are particularly popular in Japan because the brand sounded like the Japanese for 'you will surely win'.
Toyota Motor Corp is reported to cease production at its local plants in early February due to the shortage of steel. The halt in production may affect the company's aim to create 4.13 million cars in Japan in 2016.
