Japanese Companies Including TOTO, Nitto Boost Stocks 78%, 63% in 2026 on AI Supply Chain Benefits

According to CNBC on July 22, Japanese firms TOTO, Nitto, and Ajinomoto saw stock gains of 78%, 63%, and 61% respectively this year, profiting from AI supply chain expansion despite their non-semiconductor focus.

TOTO, a ceramics specialist, manufactures ceramic electrostatic chucks for semiconductor equipment. Its advanced ceramics division surged 34% in sales and 42% in operating profit year-over-year, driving overall company growth. Nitto supplies advanced glass fiber for semiconductor packaging substrates; its electronic materials division increased net sales 20.4% and operating profit 39.7%, accounting for roughly 91% of the company's total sales increase. Ajinomoto produces ABF (build-up film), an insulating material for high-performance chip packaging, using byproducts from seasoning production. Its "Healthcare and Other" division, which includes ABF, reported 4% higher sales and 45.1% higher operating profit year-over-year.