Major stocks moved on the afternoon comments. Canon Marketing Japan began offering version V20 of its new enhanced AI risk protection product, while Astellas Pharma entered into an exclusive option agreement and licence agreement for an oncology immunotherapy programme.
Canon Marketing Japan announced that it would begin offering version V20 of the new version of its comprehensive security software for individual users, “ESET HOME Security,” on the same date in 2026. New features include enhanced protection against risks associated with AI use and fraud, as well as a broad range of functions including malware and phishing protection and a secure communications environment using a VPN.
Astellas Pharma announced that it had entered into an exclusive option agreement and licence agreement with Australia's Audax Biosciences for the oncology immunotherapy programme DAX-044. Under the agreements, Astellas obtained an option to acquire an exclusive worldwide licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise DAX-044. Audax retains the option to share development costs for DAX-044 and to jointly promote the programme.
TOLI surged in the afternoon after raising its consolidated operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 from the previous ¥4.1 billion to ¥5.7 billion. Stable supplies of materials in the first half and sales price revisions in July contributed to the result, while the company plans to expand sales of high-value-added products and further implement price revisions in the second half. The forecast for the year-end dividend was also raised from ¥24 to ¥26, bringing the full-year dividend forecast from ¥34 to ¥36.
Nidec plunged in the afternoon. The electronic edition of The Nikkei reported that the company was not expected to obtain an unqualified audit opinion from the audit firm on its securities report within the month. PwC Japan Audit reportedly notified the company that it would not be able to deliver the unqualified opinion in time, and the company is expected to submit materials related to the review for continued listing within the month.
Taiho Kogyo extended its decline in the afternoon. The company announced that consolidated operating profit for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 2027 rose 79.4% year on year to ¥2.51 billion. Although its automotive parts-related business boosted profit, selling intensified as the positive news was fully priced in. Hokuyo Bank extended its afternoon gains, raising its full-year net profit forecast from the previous ¥29.4 billion to ¥33.9 billion and increasing its dividend forecasts for the second quarter, third quarter and year-end. The full-year dividend forecast was raised from ¥32 to ¥36.5.