Toho Gas announces leadership changes, shareholder benefit enhancements

Toho Gas (TSE:9533) has announced a series of strategic moves, including leadership transitions, enhanced shareholder benefits, and a significant share buyback and cancellation program. Effective April 1, 2025, Soshi Yamasaki and Shinsuke Kagami will assume the role of Representative Directors, with Nobuyuki Masuda becoming Chairman. The company is also increasing its shareholder benefits by lowering the minimum holding period to six months and boosting reward points by 3,000 across the board. To further enhance shareholder value, Toho Gas will cancel 7,036,200 of its own shares on March 31, 2025, representing 6.68% of its issued share capital. These moves follow the company's repurchase of 726,600 shares for approximately ¥2.86 billion between January 30 and February 26, 2025, as part of a larger ¥30 billion buyback program, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns and strategic capital allocation.