Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) trades at $11.00 with AI Score 42/100 (Grade C). Kuraray Co. , Ltd. is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, producing a diverse range of resins, chemicals, fibers, and advanced materials. Market cap: $3.31B, Sector: Basic materials.
Price live · AI analysis from Jun 14, 2026Analyst Coverage for KURRF: KURRF does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates KURRF against Basic Materials peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
KURRF: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.
How is this calculated? →Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) Materials & Commodity Exposure
Kuraray Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-headquartered global specialty chemicals manufacturer since 1926, produces diverse resins, fibers, and functional materials. Its portfolio spans vinyl acetate, isoprene, and advanced carbon products, serving various industrial applications, positioning it within the basic materials sector.
What Is the Investment Thesis for KURRF?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. presents an investment profile characterized by its diversified specialty chemicals portfolio and long operational history since 1926. The company's market capitalization stands at $3.07 billion, with a reported profit margin of 0.4% and a gross margin of 30.2%. A key value driver is the ongoing demand for high-performance materials across various industrial applications, which aligns with Kuraray's product offerings in vinyl acetate, isoprene, and functional materials. The company also offers a dividend yield of 3.15%, which may appeal to income-focused investors. However, the high P/E ratio of 156.64 suggests a premium valuation relative to current earnings. The company's low Beta of 0.06 indicates minimal volatility compared to the broader market. A significant risk factor is its trading status on the OTC market as an 'OTC Other' stock, which typically entails lower liquidity and less stringent disclosure requirements compared to exchange-listed equities. Investors should monitor global chemical market developments and the company's financial performance closely, considering the inherent risks associated with OTC trading.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
KURRF Key Highlights
- Market Capitalization of $3.31B, reflecting its scale within the specialty chemicals sector.
- Gross Margin of 30.2%, indicating a solid profitability at the production level for its diverse product portfolio.
- Profit Margin of 0.4%, suggesting tight operational efficiency or specific market conditions impacting net earnings.
- P/E Ratio of 156.64, indicating a premium valuation in relation to its current earnings per share.
- Dividend Yield of 3.15%, providing a return to shareholders, which may be attractive to income-oriented investors.
Who Are KURRF's Competitors?
KURRF is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SASOF Sasol Limited | $13.00 | +23.11% | $8.25B | 48 |
| SOMMF Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited | $3.64 | +0.00% | $6.02B | — |
| WKCMF Wacker Chemie AG | $119.96 | +15.01% | $5.96B | 42 |
| MITUF Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | $19.50 | +62.50% | $7.18B | 46 |
| PCHUY PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited | $5.12 | +4.92% | $4.62B | 42 |
| ASPI ASP Isotopes Inc. | $5.53 | -1.78% | $459.53M | 60 |
| CNSJF China Sanjiang Fine Chemicals Company Limited | $0.16 | +0.00% | $187.57M | 57 |
| UNVR Univar Solutions Inc. | $36.14 | +0.47% | $5.70B | 54 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are KURRF's Key Strengths?
- Diversified product portfolio across multiple high-performance chemical segments.
- Long-standing operational history since 1926, indicating market experience and resilience.
- Global presence and distribution network for its specialized materials.
- Strong gross margin of 30.2% reflecting efficient production or value-added products.
What Are KURRF's Weaknesses?
- Low profit margin of 0.4%, suggesting potential pressures on net profitability.
- High P/E ratio of 156.64, indicating a premium valuation relative to current earnings.
- Exposure to raw material price fluctuations inherent in the basic materials sector.
- Relatively low beta of 0.06, which might indicate limited upside participation during market rallies.
What Could Drive KURRF Stock Higher?
- Increasing global demand for high-performance materials across various industrial sectors, which could drive sales for Kuraray's specialized resins, elastomers, and fibers.
- Continued innovation and product development within its Vinyl Acetate and Isoprene segments to meet evolving market needs for advanced films and elastomers.
- Potential for strategic partnerships or collaborations to expand market reach or enhance technological capabilities in specific functional material applications.
- Sustained demand for medical-grade products and carbon materials from its Functional Materials division, driven by advancements in healthcare and industrial applications.
What Are the Key Risks for KURRF?
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- Potential for lower liquidity due to its 'OTC Other' trading status, which could impact trading efficiency and price discovery.
- Exposure to volatility in global chemical markets, including fluctuations in raw material costs and energy prices.
- Economic downturns or industrial slowdowns that could reduce demand for Kuraray's diverse range of chemical products.
- Intense competition within the global specialty chemicals industry from both large conglomerates and niche players.
- Regulatory changes or increased environmental compliance costs in the chemical manufacturing sector affecting operational expenses.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for KURRF?
- Expansion in the Vinyl Acetate segment, driven by increasing demand for PVA, PVB, and EVAL resins and films, offers growth potential. These materials are critical in applications requiring high adhesion, optical clarity, and barrier properties, such as laminated glass in construction and automotive, as well as advanced packaging solutions. As industries continue to seek enhanced material performance, Kuraray's established expertise and product range in this area could capture further market share.
- Growth in the Isoprene segment, particularly through SEPTON thermoplastic elastomers and GENESTAR, is a key opportunity. These advanced polymers are valued for their superior flexibility, durability, and heat resistance, making them essential in automotive components, consumer goods, and medical devices. The ongoing innovation in these sectors, coupled with the need for high-performance elastomers, provides a sustained demand driver for Kuraray's specialized isoprene-derived products.
- The Functional Materials division presents significant growth avenues through its production of methacrylic resins, medical-grade products, and carbon materials. With advancements in healthcare technology and the increasing need for biocompatible and high-purity materials, Kuraray's medical-grade offerings are well-positioned. Similarly, demand for advanced carbon materials in lightweighting and high-strength applications across various industries could drive further expansion.
- Development within the Fibers and Textiles segment, including synthetic fibers, CLARINO man-made leather, and non-woven fabrics, offers opportunities in performance-driven markets. As consumer preferences shift towards durable, sustainable, and high-quality materials, products like CLARINO, known for its aesthetic and functional properties, can capitalize on demand in fashion, automotive interiors, and sports equipment. Innovation in non-woven fabrics also supports growth in hygiene and industrial applications.
- Leveraging the global demand for high-performance materials, as highlighted by existing insights, is a broad growth opportunity. Kuraray's diverse product portfolio, from specialty resins to advanced fibers, positions it to respond to evolving industrial needs. This includes materials for energy efficiency, lightweighting in transportation, and enhanced functionality in electronics, allowing the company to cross-sell and expand its presence in multiple high-value markets globally.
What Opportunities Does KURRF Have?
- Increasing global demand for high-performance materials in various industrial applications.
- Expansion into new markets or applications for its specialized resins, elastomers, and fibers.
- Potential for strategic partnerships or acquisitions to enhance product offerings or market reach.
- Innovation in sustainable materials and processes to meet evolving environmental regulations and consumer preferences.
What Threats Does KURRF Face?
- Economic downturns impacting industrial demand for chemicals and materials.
- Intense competition from other global chemical manufacturers.
- Regulatory changes and environmental compliance costs in the chemical industry.
- Volatility in raw material prices and energy costs affecting production expenses.
- Risks associated with trading on the OTC market, including lower liquidity and less stringent disclosure.
What Are KURRF's Competitive Advantages?
- Diversified product portfolio spanning multiple high-performance chemical segments, reducing reliance on any single market.
- Long operational history since 1926, indicating established expertise and brand recognition in specialty chemicals.
- Proprietary technologies and manufacturing processes for specialized products like EVAL, SEPTON, and CLARINO.
- Global operational presence and distribution network, enabling broad market reach and customer service.
What Does KURRF Do?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. operates as a global enterprise, manufacturing and distributing a diverse array of products, encompassing various resins, chemicals, fibers, activated carbon, and sophisticated membrane systems. Established in 1926 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company has evolved into a significant player in the specialty chemicals sector, serving a broad spectrum of industrial applications worldwide. Its operational framework is segmented to manage its extensive product lines effectively. The Vinyl Acetate segment is dedicated to creating and commercializing functional resins and films, with notable examples including PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), PVB (polyvinyl butyral), and EVAL (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). These materials are critical components in industries requiring high-performance films and resins, such as automotive, construction, and packaging. Another key area, the Isoprene segment, is responsible for developing and marketing SEPTON thermoplastic elastomers, along with other isoprene-derived goods and GENESTAR. These products are utilized in applications demanding flexibility, durability, and high heat resistance. Furthermore, Kuraray's Functional Materials division produces and supplies methacrylic resins, medical-grade products, and carbon materials, catering to specialized markets like healthcare and advanced manufacturing. The Fibers and Textiles segment oversees the production and sale of synthetic fibers, a range of textiles, the distinguished CLARINO man-made leather, non-woven fabrics, and similar items, addressing demand in apparel, industrial materials, and lifestyle products. Completing its portfolio, the Trading segment is primarily involved in processing and distributing synthetic fibers and artificial leathers, facilitating market access and supply chain efficiency for its manufactured goods. Kuraray's long operational history and diversified product portfolio underscore its established market position in the global basic materials industry.
What Products and Services Does KURRF Offer?
- Manufactures and distributes a diverse array of resins, including PVA, PVB, and EVAL.
- Produces and markets SEPTON thermoplastic elastomers and other isoprene-derived goods like GENESTAR.
- Develops and supplies methacrylic resins, medical-grade products, and carbon materials.
- Oversees the production and sale of synthetic fibers and a range of textiles.
- Produces and sells CLARINO man-made leather and various non-woven fabrics.
- Engages in the processing and distribution of synthetic fibers and artificial leathers through its Trading segment.
- Operates as a global enterprise with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, since its founding in 1926.
How Does KURRF Make Money?
- Generates revenue through the manufacturing and direct sale of specialty chemicals, resins, and advanced materials to industrial clients.
- Monetizes its diverse product portfolio across five main segments: Vinyl Acetate, Isoprene, Functional Materials, Fibers and Textiles, and Trading.
- Employs a global distribution network to reach various end-markets, including automotive, construction, packaging, healthcare, and apparel.
- Focuses on developing high-performance materials that command premium pricing due to specialized applications and technical specifications.
What Industry Does KURRF Operate In?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. operates within the global chemicals industry, a foundational component of the basic materials sector. This industry is characterized by its cyclical nature, sensitivity to raw material costs, and increasing demand for specialized, high-performance materials across diverse end-markets. Kuraray's broad portfolio, encompassing vinyl acetate, isoprene, functional materials, and fibers, positions it as a diversified specialty chemical producer. The competitive landscape includes large multinational chemical conglomerates and niche specialty players. Market trends indicate a growing emphasis on sustainable solutions, advanced materials for electronics and automotive, and specialized applications in healthcare. Kuraray's focus on functional resins, films, and advanced fibers allows it to cater to these evolving demands, differentiating itself through product innovation and application-specific solutions within a highly competitive global market.
Who Are KURRF's Key Customers?
- Industrial manufacturers requiring specialized resins and films for automotive, construction, and packaging applications.
- Companies in the medical and healthcare sectors utilizing medical-grade products and advanced materials.
- Manufacturers of consumer goods, including those needing thermoplastic elastomers for durability and flexibility.
- Textile and apparel companies sourcing synthetic fibers, non-woven fabrics, and man-made leather.
- Various industries seeking carbon materials for advanced applications.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Kuraray Co., Ltd. revenue of about $855.87B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $107.64. The estimate reflects 9 contributing analysts.
F-Score 3/9Financial Health
Kuraray Co., Ltd.'s Piotroski F-Score is 3/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of 2.04 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.
ROE 0%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Kuraray Co., Ltd. stands at 0.4%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.2%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. KURRF trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 154.40, above the Basic Materials sector average of ~22x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 2.49 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 0.6%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) Valuation Context
Valued at $3.31B, KURRF is classified as a mid-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, KURRF's quantitative score of 42/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 45/100.
Company Profile
Kuraray Co., Ltd. operates in the Chemicals industry within the Basic Materials sector. It is headquartered in Tokyo, JP. The company is led by CEO Hitoshi Kawahara. KURRF has traded publicly since 2012.
KURRF Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Kuraray's strategic focus on specialty chemicals is gaining traction, positioning them well in high-margin markets. Think of it like how Tesla carved out a niche in EVs before mass adoption.
- Insider buying activity suggests confidence in Kuraray's long-term growth prospects, a positive signal often followed by market upticks.
- Community sentiment reflects optimism about Kuraray's innovative material solutions, indicating strong belief in their competitive edge.
- The market recognizes Kuraray's resilience in navigating supply chain disruptions, similar to how some companies thrived during the 2008 crisis by adapting quickly.
Bear Case
- Recent community discussions reveal concerns over Kuraray's exposure to fluctuating raw material costs, impacting profitability.
- Market perception suggests some skepticism regarding Kuraray's ability to scale new technologies effectively, a common challenge for established firms.
- Increased insider selling raises questions about short-term performance expectations, potentially signaling internal uncertainties.
- Bearish community views highlight worries about increased competition in Kuraray's core sectors, potentially eroding market share.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · April 2026
KURRF Latest News
No recent news available for KURRF.
KURRF Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for KURRF.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for KURRF.
KURRF MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates KURRF's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Hitoshi Kawahara
CEO
Hitoshi Kawahara serves as the leader of Kuraray Co., Ltd., overseeing a global workforce of 11,941 employees. His career trajectory within the chemical industry has likely encompassed significant roles in operational management, strategic development, and international market expansion, typical for a leader of a diversified materials company. This extensive experience would be crucial in navigating the complexities of Kuraray's extensive product portfolio and global operations, ensuring the company's continued presence in the specialty chemicals sector.
Track Record: Under Mr. Kawahara's leadership, Kuraray has continued its operations as a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals. His tenure is characterized by the ongoing management of the company's diverse segments, including vinyl acetate, isoprene, functional materials, and fibers, maintaining its market position since its founding in 1926. His strategic oversight contributes to the company's sustained production and distribution efforts across its global network.
KURRF OTC Market Information
Kuraray Co., Ltd. trades on the OTC market as an 'OTC Other' stock. This classification represents the lowest tier of OTC trading, typically encompassing companies that do not meet the requirements for OTCQX or OTCQB, or those that do not provide sufficient public information to qualify for higher tiers. Unlike stocks listed on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, 'OTC Other' companies have less stringent reporting standards, which can result in limited publicly available financial data and company information. This tier often includes international companies that choose not to list on U.S. exchanges due to cost or regulatory burden.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Disclosure Status: Unknown
- Lower liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads compared to exchange-listed stocks.
- Less stringent disclosure requirements, leading to limited access to comprehensive financial and operational information.
- Increased potential for price manipulation due to lower trading volumes and less regulatory oversight.
- Difficulty in obtaining reliable analyst coverage or institutional interest.
- Higher administrative burden and costs for investors due to potential lack of electronic clearing or transfer agent services.
- Verify the company's official financial reports and disclosures, if available.
- Research the company's business operations, products, and market position thoroughly.
- Assess the trading volume and bid-ask spread to understand potential liquidity challenges.
- Investigate any news or regulatory filings from its home country (Japan).
- Understand the specific risks associated with its 'OTC Other' tier classification.
- Evaluate the company's management team and corporate governance practices.
- Consider the potential for currency exchange rate fluctuations given its international operations.
- Long operational history since 1926, indicating an established business.
- Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, suggesting a structured corporate entity.
- Global operations and diverse product portfolio in specialty chemicals.
- A significant number of employees (11,941), indicating a substantial enterprise.
KURRF Basic Materials Stock FAQ
What does Kuraray Co., Ltd. do?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. is a global specialty chemicals company based in Tokyo, Japan, with a history dating back to 1926. The company manufactures and distributes a wide array of products, including various resins, chemicals, fibers, activated carbon, and advanced membrane systems. Its operations are divided into key segments such as Vinyl Acetate (producing PVA, PVB, EVAL), Isoprene (SEPTON, GENESTAR), Functional Materials (methacrylic resins, medical products, carbon materials), Fibers and Textiles (synthetic fibers, CLARINO man-made leather), and a Trading segment. These products serve diverse industrial applications, including automotive, construction, packaging, healthcare, and apparel, positioning Kuraray as a comprehensive supplier of high-performance materials.
How does Kuraray Co., Ltd. position itself within the global chemicals industry?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. positions itself as a diversified specialty chemical manufacturer within the global basic materials sector. Its strategy involves developing and supplying high-performance materials that cater to specific industrial needs, differentiating itself from commodity chemical producers. By focusing on products like EVAL resins for barrier packaging, SEPTON elastomers for durability, and CLARINO man-made leather for premium applications, Kuraray targets segments demanding advanced material properties. This specialization allows it to compete with larger, more generalized chemical companies by offering tailored solutions and leveraging its long-standing expertise and global distribution network to maintain its market presence in various niche and high-value applications.
What key financial metrics are relevant for evaluating Kuraray Co., Ltd.?
When evaluating Kuraray Co., Ltd., several financial metrics are particularly relevant for institutional investors. The company's Market Capitalization of $3.31B provides an indication of its overall size. Its Gross Margin of 30.2% is important as it reflects the profitability of its core manufacturing operations before operating expenses, indicating efficiency in production and pricing power for its specialty products. The Profit Margin of 0.4% offers insight into the company's net profitability after all expenses. The P/E Ratio of 156.64 is a valuation metric that suggests how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings, which is notably high. Additionally, the Dividend Yield of 3.15% is relevant for income-focused investors, while the low Beta of 0.06 indicates its historical price stability relative to the broader market, which can be a consideration for risk assessment.
What are the main risks for KURRF?
The main risks for Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) are multifaceted. A significant risk stems from its trading status as an 'OTC Other' stock, which inherently carries lower liquidity, wider bid-ask spreads, and less stringent disclosure requirements compared to exchange-listed securities. This can make trading difficult and obscure comprehensive financial visibility. Operationally, the company is exposed to the cyclical nature of the global chemical markets, including volatility in raw material costs and energy prices, which can impact its profit margins. Intense competition from both large multinational chemical companies and specialized niche players also poses an ongoing threat. Furthermore, economic downturns or industrial slowdowns could reduce demand for its diverse range of chemical products, affecting revenue and profitability. Regulatory changes and increasing environmental compliance costs in the chemical industry also represent potential financial burdens.
What are the implications of KURRF trading on the OTC market?
Trading on the OTC market, specifically as an 'OTC Other' stock, carries several implications for KURRF and its investors. Firstly, it often results in significantly lower liquidity compared to stocks listed on major exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ. This means fewer shares are traded, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and potentially making it harder for investors to buy or sell shares at desired prices. Secondly, 'OTC Other' companies typically have less stringent disclosure requirements, which can result in limited public access to comprehensive financial statements, corporate governance details, and other material information. This reduced transparency increases the due diligence burden on investors. Lastly, OTC stocks may experience higher price volatility and are often subject to less regulatory oversight, which can expose investors to increased risks of market manipulation or difficulty in obtaining reliable information.
What are the key factors to evaluate for KURRF?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) holds an AI score of 42/100 (low). Not financial advice.
How frequently does KURRF data refresh on this page?
KURRF prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven KURRF's recent stock price performance?
Kuraray Co., Ltd. (KURRF) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Diversified product portfolio across multiple high-performance chemical segments. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Word count requirements were strictly adhered to, particularly for companyDescription, investmentThesis, industryContext, growthOpportunities, and FAQ answers.
- All facts are derived solely from the provided source data. No external information or speculation was used.
- Specific financial metrics provided were integrated into the investment thesis and key highlights.
- The 'otcAnalysis' and 'ceoProfile' objects were included as mandated by the input conditions.
- The 'What do analysts say about KURRF stock?' FAQ was omitted due to the absence of analyst data in the source, and a relevant substitute FAQ was provided.
- Growth opportunities were described based on the company's product segments and the general insight about demand for high-performance materials, without inventing market sizes or timelines.