Who Owns Mazda?

Who owns Mazda? Mazda Motor Corporation, a Japanese automaker, is a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). A single individual does not privately own Mazda. Instead, its ownership is dispersed among institutional and mutual fund investors. 

According to data from MarketScreener, Mazda Motor Corporation’s free-float ownership is 92.86% of the 631.8 million shares. This 92.86% free-float share has zero voting power. Out of the total float, 45.83% are owned by institutional shareholders, while the company holds 1.6 million shares, representing 0.26% of the float. This indicates a significant institutional presence in Mazda’s ownership. However, insiders hold 6.87% of the shares. 

To further highlight the reach of institutional investors, currently, there are 302 institutions holding shares in Mazda. These institutions include well-known investment firms and funds, such as Vanguard Group, BlackRock iShares, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Fidelity Investments, JPMorgan, and Schwab. Other institutions include Toyota Motor Corporation, Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., and MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

Let’s examine Mazda’s ownership breakdown more closely to understand who holds the shares and their respective stakes in the company.

Top Mazda Institutional Shareholders

Toyota Motor Corp.

Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the leading automotive manufacturers globally, holds a notable stake in Mazda Motor Corporation, underscoring a strategic partnership between the two industry giants. As of the latest data, Toyota owns 31.9 million shares in Mazda, representing approximately 5.053% of Mazda’s total equity. This stake translates to a valuation of around 291 million yen ($1.98 million), highlighting Toyota’s significant financial commitment to Mazda.

This investment reflects Toyota’s confidence in Mazda’s future growth and potential within the automotive market. The relationship between the two companies extends beyond mere financial investment. Toyota and Mazda have collaborated on several strategic initiatives, including joint ventures and technology-sharing agreements.

For example, in 2018, Mazda and Toyota announced a joint venture to build a new manufacturing plant in the United States. The plant in Huntsville, Alabama, began construction with plans to produce Mazda and Toyota vehicles. This facility is expected to help both companies meet growing demand in the U.S. market and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.

Also, Mazda and Toyota have agreed to collaborate on developing electric vehicle technologies. Toyota’s expertise in EVs and Mazda’s innovation in vehicle design have been combined to advance the development of new electric vehicle models.

These collaborations enhance both companies’ technological capabilities and market competitiveness.

Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Nikko Asset Management is a well-established asset management firm based in Japan. It has a strong track record of managing investments across various asset classes and is another significant player in Mazda’s institutional shareholder group. 

With a holding of 18.2 million equities, which represents 2.883% of Mazda’s total shares, the company is valued at 166 million yen ($1.13 million). Nikko Asset Management is known for its asset management expertise and ability to identify promising investment opportunities. Its investment in Mazda highlights its confidence in the company’s future growth and profitability prospects.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group is a major Japanese financial institution offering various financial services, including banking, securities, and asset management. The group has a strong reputation in the financial sector and provides strategic insights and financial expertise.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. holds a substantial stake in Mazda, with 10.1 million equities, accounting for 1.613% of the company’s total shares. This represents a valuation of 93 million yen. As a leading financial institution, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group brings financial expertise and strategic insights to its investment in Mazda.

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. holds 4.8 million shares of Mazda, accounting for 0.7597% of the company. With a valuation of 44 million yen, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. is an essential institutional shareholder in Mazda. 

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings is a Japanese insurance conglomerate, one of the largest insurance groups in Japan. The company offers a range of insurance products and services, including life, non-life, and reinsurance. It plays a crucial role in the insurance and financial services sectors.

As an insurance group, MS&AD recognizes the importance of the automotive industry and chooses to invest in Mazda as part of its overall investment portfolio.

Top Mazda Mutual Funds Shareholders

Vanguard Group, Inc.

Vanguard is one of the largest and most prominent global asset management firms. The firm manages a wide array of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), providing investment solutions to a broad range of clients, including individuals and institutions. Vanguard prudently manages over $9.8 trillion in value to help its customers achieve their financial objectives efficiently. Two of Vanguard’s index funds hold a significant stake in Mazda Motor Corporation.

1. Vanguard International Stock Index – Total International Stock Index: This index aims to provide broad exposure to international stock markets outside the United States and Canada. It seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index representing major global markets. 

With approximately 7.87 million shares, representing 1.25% of the outstanding shares, Vanguard International Stock Index-Total Intl Stock Index holds a significant stake in Mazda Motor Corporation.

2. Vanguard Tax-Managed Fund-Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund: With approximately 4.7 million shares, equivalent to 0.74% of Mazda’s total outstanding shares, the Vanguard Tax-Managed Fund-Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund plays a vital role in the company’s ownership structure. 

The Vanguard Tax Managed Fund – Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund focuses on investing in a diversified portfolio of equities from developed markets. This fund is designed to offer investors broad exposure to established economies, focusing on minimizing tax implications for investors. 

BlackRock iShares

iShares, a subsidiary of BlackRock, is a leading exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provider. The iShares brand is renowned for offering a broad range of ETFs to track various indices across global equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes. iShares has three ETFs that contribute significantly to Mazda’s ownership landscape.

1. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF: iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF holds around 3.43 million shares in Mazda, representing approximately 0.54% of the company’s total shares. The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF aims to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. This index includes equities from developed markets outside the United States and Canada, covering countries in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. Investing in a diversified portfolio of international stocks, the ETF provides cost-effective exposure to global companies, including Mazda.

2. iShares MSCI Japan ETF: iShares MSCI Japan ETF is another major shareholder of Mazda. With approximately 2.35 million shares, it holds a considerable stake in the company. As part of the iShares family, which offers a comprehensive suite of ETFs, iShares MSCI Japan ETF allows investors to access Japanese equities, including Mazda, with ease and efficiency.

3. iShares MSCI Eafe ETF: The iShares MSCI Eafe ETF is another BlackRock mutual fund holder with a significant stake in Mazda. As of June 30, 2024, they possess approximately 1.82 million shares, representing 0.29% of the total outstanding shares. The iShares MSCI Eafe ETF seeks to track the performance of developed market equities in Europe, Asia, and Australia, offering investors a diversified international investment option.

Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)

Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is a well-respected global investment management firm specializing in evidence-based investing, often focusing on small-cap, value, and international equities. Two of their funds with substantial holdings in Mazda are:

1. DFA International Value Series: Mazda attracts the attention of the DFA International Value Series. As of April 30, 2024, they own approximately 1.75 million shares, accounting for 0.28% of the total outstanding shares. The DFA International Value Series follows a value-oriented investment approach, focusing on international stocks, particularly those undervalued relative to their peers. The fund seeks to buy and hold these stocks over the long term, capitalizing on the potential for price appreciation as the market recognizes their genuine value.

2. DFA International Core Equity Portfolio: The DFA International Core Equity Portfolio is another significant mutual fund holder of Mazda. As of April 30, 2024, it possessed around 1.75 million shares, representing 0.28% of the total outstanding shares. The DFA International Core Equity Portfolio aims to expose investors to a diversified portfolio of international equities, focusing on long-term capital appreciation.

Fidelity International Index Fund

Mazda also finds a notable mutual fund holder in the Fidelity International Index Fund. As of June 30, 2024, they owned approximately 1.69 million shares, accounting for 0.27% of the total outstanding shares. The Fidelity International Index Fund offers investors exposure to international equities and aims to track the performance of global stock market indices.

J.P. Morgan ETF Tr-BetaBuilders Japan ETF

The J.P. Morgan ETF Tr-BetaBuilders Japan ETF is among Mazda’s top mutual fund holders. As of April 30, 2024, it held approximately 1.64 million shares, representing 0.26% of the total outstanding shares. The J.P. Morgan ETF Tr-BetaBuilders Japan ETF provides investors with exposure to Japanese equities, seeking to track the performance of the Japanese stock market.

Schwab Strategic Tr-Schwab Fundamental Intl Large Co Index ETF

Another mutual fund holder of Mazda is Schwab Strategic Tr-Schwab Fundamental Intl Large Co Index ETF. As of May 31, 2024, they own around 1.53 million shares, accounting for 0.24% of the total outstanding shares. Schwab Strategic Tr-Schwab Fundamental Intl Large Co Index ETF offers investors exposure to large-cap international stocks, utilizing a fundamental index methodology for stock selection.

Conclusion

Mazda is primarily owned by stakeholders, including major shareholders such as Toyota, Sumitomo Corporation, Mazda itself via treasury stocks, and other institutional investors. While Mazda maintains its independence as a standalone automotive company, its strategic alliances with giant corporations, such as Toyota, have provided a platform for growth and shared resources. 

These partnerships and ownership structures have enabled Mazda to navigate the competitive automotive industry and continue to innovate and produce high-quality vehicles. Mazda’s ownership structure reflects a blend of internal and external players contributing to the company’s success and long-term sustainability.