【IPO】409A Orion Breweries Ltd. Newly Listed

Orion Breweries, the long-established beer maker representing Okinawa, will make its long-awaited debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market on September 25, 2025 (Ticker: 409A). Founded in 1957 with the vision of “brewing beer by the hands of Okinawan people,” Orion has become an iconic local brand. Now, through its IPO, it aims to capture the attention of investors nationwide and step into a new growth stage beyond its home region.

Company Overview and Business

Orion Breweries Ltd. was founded in May 1957, and the brand name “Orion” was chosen in 1959 through a public poll by Okinawan citizens. The name symbolizes the Orion constellation, a star of the south associated with dreams and hope.

Its core business is alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage production (accounting for about 79% of revenue), including beer, RTDs (ready-to-drink beverages such as canned chu-hai), and awamori through Ishikawa Shuzojo.

Beyond brewing, Orion operates hotels, resorts, and retail facilities, such as Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa and TOMITON shopping complex. The company has also invested in and supports the upcoming Okinawa theme park “Junglia” (opening July 2025). Additionally, Orion has expanded into e-commerce and brand licensing, building a diversified business portfolio tied closely to Okinawa’s tourism economy.


IPO Offering Details

ItemDetails
Ticker409A
MarketTSE Prime
SectorFood & Beverages (Alcoholic Drinks)
Expected Offer Price¥770 per share
Expected Market Cap~¥31.4 billion
Offering Size~¥19.2 billion (secondary only, including over-allotment)
New Shares IssuedNone (no primary shares)
Secondary Shares (Sale)21,672,400 shares
Over-allotment3,250,800 shares
Price Range AnnouncementSeptember 8, 2025
BookbuildingSeptember 9 – September 12, 2025
Final Offer PriceSeptember 16, 2025
Subscription PeriodSeptember 17 – September 22, 2025
Listing DateSeptember 25, 2025
Lead ManagersNomura, Mizuho, SMBC Nikko (joint)
Other UnderwritersRakuten Securities, SBI Securities, Matsui Securities
Major ShareholdersNomura funds 36%, Carlyle funds 34%, Asahi Breweries 9%, Kintetsu Group 9%, others

Stock Price Outlook

At the expected offer price of ¥770, Orion plans a forecast dividend of ¥40 per share with a payout ratio target of 50%. This implies a dividend yield of about 5.2% at IPO price levels — a highly attractive figure compared to many recent IPOs.

The valuation also looks modest: PER of 4.3x and PBR of 1.7x, highlighting Orion more as a stable “value and income stock” rather than a high-growth play.

One concern is the large number of shares for sale, which may loosen supply–demand conditions. However, historical data shows IPOs with low offer prices (<¥1,000) and wide spacing between IPOs tend to perform better initially. Thus, analysts expect a steady to slightly positive debut.


Unique Aspects of This IPO

  • Dominant Market Share in Okinawa: Orion commands 83.8% share of Okinawa’s beer market (including Asahi products brewed under license).
  • Tourism Synergy: Strong link with Okinawa’s tourism, from hotels to theme park “Junglia,” expected to boost demand with inbound tourism recovery.
  • Tax Policy Change: Okinawa’s liquor tax reduction, historically beneficial to Orion, will end in September 2026. The company is positioning itself to stay competitive post-reform.
  • Capital Restructuring: Since 2019, Nomura and Carlyle funds have backed Orion, framing this IPO as part of a “second founding.”
  • Community Inclusion: Local banks and employee shareholding associations are allocated shares, reinforcing Orion’s identity as a company tied to Okinawa’s community while seeking national market evaluation.

Conclusion

The IPO of Orion Breweries is a fascinating case of “regional brand power meets stable dividend appeal.” Its strong market position, high dividend yield, and synergies with Okinawa’s tourism industry provide a compelling investment case.

At the same time, risks remain: heavy reliance on secondary offering, the upcoming tax reform, and supply–demand dynamics. Still, for investors seeking a blend of regional heritage, stable income, and long-term tourism-linked growth, Orion Breweries’ IPO could be a noteworthy opportunity.