Marubeni aims for net profit of more than $4 bln in FY 2027/28

Adds CEO comment on Trump policy in paragraphs 7-8, offshore wind power in paragraph 12

By Katya Golubkova and Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Marubeni 8002.T said on Wednesday it is aiming for a net profit of more than 620 billion yen ($4 billion) in fiscal 2027/2028 along with a 40% total shareholder return, as the Japanese trading house seeks to boost its market capitalisation.

The company posted a 14.5% rise in April-December net profit to 425.2 billion yen and revised its full-year forecast for the year ending March to 500 billion yen from a previous guidance of 480 billion yen.

"Under a new three-year business plan, we will continue to strengthen earnings base in the U.S. by capturing domestic demand," Chief Executive Officer Masumi Kakinoki told a news conference, pointing to agricultural materials and mobility operations, which includes supplying equipment and machinery for carmakers.

By fiscal 2030/31, Marubeni sees its market capitalisation at over 10 trillion yen, nearly tripling from its current 3.8 trillion yen.

It also said it will buy back up to 1.8% of its shares worth 30 billion yen, while raising its annual dividend forecast by 5 yen to 95 yen a share.

On Tuesday, China imposed tariffs on some U.S. imports in response to new U.S. duties on Chinese goods, escalating tensions between the world's top two economies even as President Donald Trump offered reprieves to Mexico and Canada.

"Among Trump's policies, tariffs, immigration, deregulation, and corporate tax cuts will have a direct impact on our business," Kakinoki said.

"But since most of our U.S. business targets domestic demand ...we can capitalize on its growth," he said.

On investing in U.S. energy assets, Kakinoki said Marubeni is interested in the resource business, given the country's rich resources, such as shale oil and gas. But he said starting a resource project from scratch would be challenging due to the high risks involved.

On Monday, Mitsubishi Corp 8058.T, which led all three consortia winning Japan's first offshore wind auctions in 2021, said it was reviewing its domestic offshore wind business amid soaring costs, signalling that Tokyo's renewable energy plans are not immune to global trends.

Marubeni, in partnership with others, secured offshore wind farm development rights in 2024.

"We will continue expanding offshore wind assets with caution," Kakinoki said, noting that he has instructed the team to take a cautious approach to developing projects.

($1 = 153.3300 yen)