0639 GMT - Iwatani's earnings are likely to benefit from higher prices of liquefied petroleum gas in the near term, Jefferies says in a note. Tensions in the Middle East are providing a tailwind for LPG prices, the U.S. bank says. Lower helium output from the Middle East is also a positive for the company as it improves supply and demand in Southeast Asia. For material upside to the stock, Iwatani should address its weak shareholder return policy and demonstrate that its investments in hydrogen are paying off, Jefferies says. The bank maintains a hold rating on the stock and raises its target price to 2,000 yen from Y1,800. Shares closed 0.2% higher at Y1,899. (kosaku.narioka@wsj.com; @kosakunarioka)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 30, 2026 02:39 ET (06:39 GMT)

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