ASTMAX

Basic Information

Stock Code
7162
Industry
Securities, Commodity Futures Trading Business
Category Detail
Investment
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
October 2012
Listing Year
October 2012
Official Website
https://www.astmax.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
GAIA, SBI Leos Hifumi, AKIBA, Simplex Financial Holdings, I-Partners Financial, Sparks Group, GFA, RISE, Taiun

Overview

ASTMAX is a comprehensive energy business company established in 1992 with its head office in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, engaged in financial and renewable energy-related businesses.

Current Situation

ASTMAX recorded consolidated sales of approximately 12.77 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2022, achieving growth through its dual pillars of financial business and comprehensive energy business. The financial business focuses on asset management and dealing, with a track record built over many years in investment advisory services. The energy business centers on the development of renewable energy and wholesale and retail electricity services, strengthening competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. After dissolving its holding company structure, the company streamlined operations through group reorganization and pursued aggressive expansion, such as acquiring Just Energy Japan, a major Japanese retail electricity provider, in 2020. It focuses on sustainability initiatives, contributing to the dissemination of environmentally friendly energy. Major shareholders include companies related to Daiwa Securities Group and Monex Group, ensuring a stable financial base. In the medium to long term, it aims to drive growth through the utilization of digital technology and transformation of the energy market, while advancing new business development. Expectations are high for synergies created by the fusion of finance and energy.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Obtained Japan's first commodity investment advisory license in 1994.
  • Strengthened growth base through capital alliance with Monex Group.
  • Emphasizes community-based approach in retail electricity business.
  • Characterized by balancing investment advisory and renewable energy businesses.
  • History of selling Astmax FX to Saxo Bank.
  • Contributing to the local community in Miyazaki Prefecture through geothermal power generation.
  • Capital and business alliance with Yahoo Japan to develop investment trust business.
  • Conducted business reorganization after transitioning to holding company structure in 2012.
  • Shareholders include many financial companies such as Daiwa Securities Group.
  • Maintains a lean organization with approximately 58 consolidated employees.
  • Discontinued commodity investment advisory in 2019 to specialize in securities.
  • Transferred investment trust business to Asset Management One and shifted business focus.
  • Entered power market supply-demand adjustment services.
  • Conducts multifaceted energy business through multiple subsidiaries.
  • Actively participates in local environmental protection activities.

Hidden Connections

  • Capital relationships derived from acquisition of Itochu subsidiary create competitive advantages.
  • Capital and business alliance with Yahoo Japan supports expansion in digital finance.
  • Supports economic revitalization in Miyazaki Prefecture through local geothermal power business.
  • Strengthened financial network and technology collaboration via Monex Group.
  • Aggressive investments in renewable energy differentiate from competitors.
  • Successfully transitioned from complex holding company structure to operating company structure.
  • History of entering commodity futures trading forms the foundation for financial product development.
  • Built strong relationships with local companies through community-based energy services.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of renewable energy market and strengthened policy support.
  • Asset management efficiency improvement through digital technology introduction.
  • Diversification of retail electricity and segmentation of customer needs.
  • Increasing interest in environment/ESG investments and rising demand for related products.
  • Popularization of supply-demand adjustment and smart grid services.
  • Customer base strengthening through community-based services.
  • Synergy creation across industries.
  • Improved responsiveness to regulations.
  • Deepening of advanced dealing technology.
  • Diversification of revenue base through new markets and product development.
  • Flexible product design responding to individual customer needs.
  • Sustainable business operations and improved social evaluation.

Strategic Goals

  • Double current renewable energy generation capacity.
  • Achieve 20% share in retail electricity market.
  • ESG-related product sales to exceed 50% of total.
  • 30% improvement in asset management efficiency using digital technology.
  • Establish sustainable business model coexisting with local communities.
  • Achieve green management with 50% reduction in CO2 emissions.
  • Triple current new business sales.
  • Stabilize revenue through acquisition of diverse customer segments.
  • Build comprehensive ESG framework addressing environmental and social challenges.
  • Expand global investment collaborations and capital alliances.

Business Segments

Asset Management and Investment Advisory

Overview
Provides cutting-edge investment management and advisory services to a wide range of clients.
Competitiveness
Revenue maximization through strategic asset management and technology utilization
Customers
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Institutional investors
  • Pension funds
  • Corporate finance departments
  • Investment funds
  • Financial institutions
  • Family offices
  • Public institutions
  • University endowments
  • Insurance companies
  • Local governments
  • Business corporations
Products
  • Investment trust products
  • Asset management advisory
  • Risk management services
  • Portfolio construction
  • Dealing services
  • Market analysis reports
  • Asset management systems
  • Investment consulting
  • Discretionary investment contracts
  • Hedge funds
  • Algorithmic trading
  • Data analysis tools
  • Environment/ESG investment products
  • Tax optimization services

Renewable Energy Business

Overview
Engages broadly in renewable energy development and operations, as well as power wholesale and retail.
Competitiveness
Competitive edge from fusion of financial expertise and energy business
Customers
  • Power wholesalers
  • Local governments
  • Real estate developers
  • Industrial customers
  • Renewable energy equipment manufacturers
  • Energy service companies
  • Financial institutions
  • Think tanks
  • Environmental consultants
  • Power generators
  • Corporate users
  • Local energy operators
Products
  • Geothermal power equipment
  • Solar power systems
  • Wind turbines
  • Battery storage systems
  • Smart grid services
  • Energy management systems
  • Renewable energy generation rights
  • Power trading services
  • Retail electricity contracts
  • Demand response services
  • Carbon offsetting
  • Environmental assessment reports

Retail Electricity Services

Overview
Provides environmentally considerate retail electricity services to diverse clients, fostering loyal customers.
Competitiveness
Flexible pricing tailored to renewable energy and customer needs
Customers
  • General households
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Large corporations
  • Municipal facilities
  • Commercial facilities
  • Factories
  • Schools and educational facilities
  • Medical institutions
  • Public facilities
  • Leasing companies
Products
  • Electricity sales contracts
  • Energy-saving services
  • Environment-friendly plans
  • Time-of-use pricing plans
  • Custom corporate plans
  • Electricity bill diagnostic services
  • Energy consulting
  • Smart meter integration
  • Renewable energy certificates
  • Power usage optimization tools

Energy Management Solutions

Overview
Provides solutions specialized in supporting clients' energy efficiency and cost reduction.
Competitiveness
Optimization capabilities through advanced IT technology and expertise
Customers
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Commercial facilities
  • Logistics companies
  • Data centers
  • Local governments
  • School corporations
  • Hospitals
  • IT companies
  • Hotels
  • Public transportation
Products
  • Energy usage analysis tools
  • Optimization algorithms
  • Demand response programs
  • IoT power management systems
  • Carbon footprint management
  • Energy audit services
  • Custom report creation
  • Equipment efficiency plans
  • Real-time monitoring systems
  • Energy-saving promotion campaigns

Dealing and Market Making

Overview
Improves market liquidity through trading and market making in various financial products.
Competitiveness
Extensive market experience and advanced trading technology
Customers
  • Financial institutions
  • Securities firms
  • Investment funds
  • Energy traders
  • Hedge funds
  • Large customers
  • Commodity futures trading participants
  • General corporations
  • Proprietary trading participants
  • Market makers
Products
  • Commodity futures trading
  • Forex trading
  • Energy commodity trading
  • Risk hedging services
  • Market liquidity provision
  • Price information services
  • Algorithmic trading services
  • Commissioned trading
  • Trading system technology provision
  • Risk management tools

Environment and ESG Consulting

Overview
Provides strategic advice specialized in enhancing corporate environmental and social responsibility and sustainable growth.
Competitiveness
Deep analytical capabilities backed by expertise and track record
Customers
  • Corporate executives
  • Investors
  • Financial institutions
  • Government agencies
  • Environmental groups
  • Sustainability officers
  • Research institutions
  • Non-profits
  • Educational institutions
  • Local communities
Products
  • ESG evaluation services
  • Sustainability strategy formulation
  • Environmental risk assessment
  • Reporting support
  • Investment environment analysis
  • Environmental regulation compliance support
  • Carbon footprint measurement
  • Sustainable business planning
  • Training programs
  • Stakeholder engagement support

Power Supply-Demand Adjustment Services

Overview
Provides supply-demand adjustment solutions to achieve stable power supply and efficiency.
Competitiveness
High-precision services through advanced IT utilization and market expertise
Customers
  • Wholesale power operators
  • Transmission and distribution operators
  • Large consumers
  • Renewable energy generators
  • Local governments
  • Facility management companies
  • Smart city projects
  • Energy providers
  • Industrial customers
  • Corporate consortia
Products
  • Supply-demand balance adjustment
  • Real-time power management
  • Peak shaving services
  • Supply-demand forecasting technology
  • Demand response programs
  • Power trading support
  • Energy storage management
  • Power contract optimization
  • Electric vehicle integration services
  • Data analysis platform

Small-Scale Power Generation Support Services

Overview
Provides services supporting community-based renewable energy introduction and operations.
Competitiveness
Strong expertise in local resource utilization and extensive track record
Customers
  • Local communities
  • Agricultural corporations
  • Energy-saving equipment operators
  • Local governments
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Home builders
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Environmental NPOs
  • Energy self-sufficiency projects
  • Independent power producers
Products
  • Small power equipment introduction support
  • Local distributed power design
  • Subsidy and grant application support
  • Operation and management services
  • Energy efficiency improvement consulting
  • Power facility maintenance
  • Local collaboration programs
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Educational support programs
  • Technology verification advisory

Power Market Information Services

Overview
Provides real-time and detailed information on power market prices and supply-demand conditions.
Competitiveness
High-accuracy information provision through integration of communication technology and data analysis
Customers
  • Power generators
  • Wholesale power operators
  • Retail power operators
  • Financial institutions
  • Investors
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Energy consultants
  • Large consumers
  • Academic researchers
  • Industry associations
Products
  • Power market price analysis
  • Supply-demand data distribution
  • Market trend reports
  • Risk evaluation tools
  • Policy trend analysis
  • Regulatory compliance information
  • Market participation strategy support
  • Scenario analysis
  • Competitor analysis
  • Demand forecast reports

Energy-Related System Development

Overview
Develops systems and software for the power and energy sectors.
Competitiveness
Advanced development capabilities integrating industry knowledge and cutting-edge technology
Customers
  • Power companies
  • Renewable energy operators
  • Retail power companies
  • IT vendors
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Local governments
  • Energy management companies
  • Smart city operators
  • Research institutions
  • Consulting firms
Products
  • Power trading platforms
  • Smart meter management systems
  • Supply-demand adjustment software
  • Data aggregation platforms
  • IoT integration solutions
  • Energy monitoring systems
  • API development
  • Mobile applications
  • Cloud services
  • Custom software development

Environmental Certification and Regulatory Compliance Support

Overview
Supports corporations and organizations in regulatory compliance and environmental certification acquisition.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive support system based on environmental knowledge and practical experience
Customers
  • Energy operators
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Construction industry
  • Transportation industry
  • Local governments
  • Financial institutions
  • Consultants
  • Public interest corporations
  • Research institutions
  • Non-profits
Products
  • Environmental impact surveys
  • Carbon offset certification
  • ISO14001 support
  • Environmental reporting
  • Regulatory compliance planning
  • Legal compliance audits
  • Environmental training
  • Sustainability audits
  • Emissions trading support
  • Eco-label certification

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Dual business structure in finance and energy
  • Strong track record in renewable energy
  • Stable management base from capital partners
  • Advanced asset management technology and expertise
  • Efficient management structure from group reorganization
  • Proactive stance on advanced technology utilization
  • Service expansion to broad customer base
  • Track record and reliability in power trading
  • Risk diversification through diverse business portfolio
  • Business model considerate of environment and ESG
  • Community-based energy supply capabilities
  • High expertise in dealing markets
  • Strong investment fund management capabilities
  • Promotion of sustainable energy
  • Expertise and integration of human resources

Competitive Advantages

  • Unique business model fusing finance and energy
  • Proven operational track record in geothermal and solar power
  • Strong support from partners like Daiwa Securities Group
  • Product lineup accommodating diverse customer needs
  • Efficient operations through IT and digital technology
  • Advanced risk management and market responsiveness in dealing division
  • Building trust and customer base through community-based services
  • Leading the industry with environment/ESG consulting capabilities
  • Transparent management compliant with regulations
  • Abundant customer touchpoints with diverse sales channels
  • Implementing investment strategies responsive to industry trends
  • Competitive pricing and service strength in power wholesale and retail
  • High brand recognition in asset management
  • Revenue growth through synergies across businesses
  • Innovative initiatives for sustained growth

Threats

  • Changes in business environment from stricter power market regulations
  • Risks from policy changes in renewable energy
  • Intensifying technological innovation and price competition from rivals
  • Increased volatility in financial markets
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on financial business
  • Risk of infrastructure damage from natural disasters
  • Occurrence of IT security issues or system failures
  • Increased cost burdens from stricter environmental regulations
  • Challenges in responding to changing needs from diversifying customer base
  • Intensifying competition for talent acquisition and development
  • Ongoing economic uncertainty domestically and internationally
  • Expansion of market entry by new entrants

Innovations

2022: Business Expansion through Acquisition of Just Energy Japan

Overview
Achieved reinforcement of retail electricity business and market share expansion through making it a consolidated subsidiary.
Impact
Increase in retail electricity sales and customer base expansion

2023: Promotion of Smart Grid Technology Introduction

Overview
Developed and put into practical use IT solutions to optimize power supply and demand.
Impact
Contributes to improved power efficiency and cost reduction

2024: Launch of New Renewable Energy Projects

Overview
Implemented plans to expand Ebino geothermal power facilities and establish new solar power plants.
Impact
Expansion of renewable energy generation capacity

2021: Dealing System Renewal

Overview
Introduced a trading platform incorporating cutting-edge algorithms and AI technology.
Impact
Significant improvement in trading efficiency and market responsiveness

2024: Expansion of Environment-Friendly Investment Products

Overview
Accelerated ESG investments by establishing multiple green funds.
Impact
Increase in environment-related customers and assets under management

2023: Advanced Power Supply-Demand Adjustment Services

Overview
Launched IoT-based services for optimizing supply-demand balance.
Impact
Contributes to stabilization of power supply

2022: Development of Online Asset Management Platform

Overview
Began providing tools for customers to manage asset performance in real time.
Impact
Improved customer satisfaction and increased new acquisitions

2020: Energy-Saving Renewal of Geothermal Power Equipment

Overview
Achieved improved generation efficiency and reduced environmental impact through introduction of latest technology.
Impact
Approximately 10% improvement in energy efficiency

2021: Launch of ESG Evaluation and Consulting Services

Overview
Fully rolled out support services for environmental, social, and governance for corporations.
Impact
Strengthened support for customer companies' ESG initiatives

2024: Development of AI Pricing Optimization System for Retail Electricity

Overview
Implemented pricing optimization technology based on individual customer usage patterns.
Impact
Succeeded in improving savings effects and preventing customer churn

Sustainability

  • Active introduction and expansion of renewable energy
  • Development and promotion of environment-friendly products
  • Promotion of IT utilization for energy efficiency improvement
  • Environmental education activities in collaboration with local communities
  • CO2 emissions reduction and carbon offsetting implementation
  • Investment policies incorporating diverse ESG standards
  • Waste reduction and recycling promotion
  • Ensuring transparency in sustainability reporting
  • Promotion of women's empowerment and diversity
  • Strengthening dialogue with stakeholders
  • Thorough compliance with environmental regulations
  • Transition to sustainable business models