Japanese Equity Specialist, Ortus Advisors

Andrew Jackson

Japanese Equity Specialist

Ortus Advisors

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>The US released its framework for further semiconductor related export restrictions to China late last week, including access to quantum computers and components, chipmaking tools including gate all-around (GAA) technologies.</li>
<li>US homebuilders jumped after a survey showed new home orders rebounded sharply in August ahead of the expected rate cuts in September.</li>
<li>Plenty of positive headlines for Alimentation Couche-Tard's bid for 7&amp;I, including comments that they are confident financing the deal in cash, and ready and willing to advance friendly discussions.</li>
</ul>


The US released its framework for further semiconductor related export restrictions to China late last week, including access to quantum computers and components, chipmaking tools including gate all-around (GAA) technologies.
US homebuilders jumped after a survey showed new home orders rebounded sharply in August ahead of the expected rate cuts in September.
Plenty of positive headlines for Alimentation Couche-Tard's bid for 7&amp;I, including comments that they are confident financing the deal in cash, and ready and willing to advance friendly discussions.


Japan Morning Connection: US Export Curbs Tighten on China

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Index Rebalance

<ul>
<li>The September 2026 Nikkei 225 Review was announced today. Results are discussed in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/quiddity-index-nikkei-225-sep26-rebal-results-3-adds-3-dels-no-new-rules-impact" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:266702" rel="noopener">[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal Results: 3 ADDs, 3 DELs, No New Rules Impact</a>. </li>
<li>Things went roughly as predicted for the selection of data they chose (there was a question about industry categorisation). Some people questioned discretionary ordering. That's settled. </li>
<li>With 92% of the Mar27 rebal data period behind us, we take a brief look at what the March 2027 rebal. It's kind of confusing. The third delete is tough. </li>
</ul>


The September 2026 Nikkei 225 Review was announced today. Results are discussed in [Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal Results: 3 ADDs, 3 DELs, No New Rules Impact. 
Things went roughly as predicted for the selection of data they chose (there was a question about industry categorisation). Some people questioned discretionary ordering. That's settled. 
With 92% of the Mar27 rebal data period behind us, we take a brief look at what the March 2027 rebal. It's kind of confusing. The third delete is tough. 


[Quiddity Index] Advance Look at March 2027 Nikkei 225 Rebal Predictions - The 3rd DELETE Is Tough

<ul>
<li>Friday marked the end of the data observation period for the autumn 2026 Nikkei 225 Review. Advantest was over 10% so it gets capped. The CPAF moves to 6.4.</li>
<li>There are some new selection rules added to the Guidebook. There are some small changes to existing sector classifications, a new sector, and some intra-sector rebal procedures in future.</li>
<li>As it stands, the Advantest Capping is the big trade, but that is far away. The ADDs should be known. The DELETEs are tough and not really sellable.</li>
</ul>


Friday marked the end of the data observation period for the autumn 2026 Nikkei 225 Review. Advantest was over 10% so it gets capped. The CPAF moves to 6.4.
There are some new selection rules added to the Guidebook. There are some small changes to existing sector classifications, a new sector, and some intra-sector rebal procedures in future.
As it stands, the Advantest Capping is the big trade, but that is far away. The ADDs should be known. The DELETEs are tough and not really sellable.


[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Advantest Capped, Three In/Out Likely, New Rules for Later

<ul>
<li>There are nine trading days (including today) until the end of the observation period for the Sep 2026 Nikkei 225 review. Things should be really obvious by now. </li>
<li>Given recent volatility, they really aren't. I see two definite ADDs. Probably a third. That means three deletes. Policy-wise, two are easy. Intellectually, they are not. </li>
<li>Then there are capping trades. As of today there are two on tap. Intraday Friday there were three. I got a question about it so will math the math here.</li>
</ul>


There are nine trading days (including today) until the end of the observation period for the Sep 2026 Nikkei 225 review. Things should be really obvious by now. 
Given recent volatility, they really aren't. I see two definite ADDs. Probably a third. That means three deletes. Policy-wise, two are easy. Intellectually, they are not. 
Then there are capping trades. As of today there are two on tap. Intraday Friday there were three. I got a question about it so will math the math here.


[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Difficult Deletes and Mathing the Math on Three Caps

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>• NET GAIN • </strong></div><div><div class="content-caption">
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/590/original/2021-02-19_07-20-52.png?1613686864" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189590"></figure><p></p></section> Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div></div><div>
<p><strong>NET GAIN</strong> - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of  Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8%  higher than three months ago - an increase of  ¥5.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward earnings multiple has declined to 28 times following a 10% increase in total market value (ex REITs). The increase in forecast operating income is a more modest 10.2% reflecting the degree of previously-projected COVID-related extraordinary losses.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/591/original/2021-02-19_07-29-59.png?1613687413" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189591"></figure></section><p><strong>TRAILING TWELVE MONTHS (TTM)</strong> - Trailing revenues and operating profits are still falling by 9.9% and 26.3%, respectively; however, operating income rose by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter as margins improved by 30 basis points. Despite a reasonable effort at cost-cutting, aggregate operating margins are still  228 bps below their mid-2018 peak, and it will take at least another eight quarters for that gap to be closed.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/595/original/2021-02-19_07-38-34.png?1613687927" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189595"></figure></section><p><strong>FORECASTS</strong> - The majority of companies are forecasting for the year ending next month. Despite no change in the aggregate revenue forecast, the outlook for operating income increased by ¥3.7 trillion during the quarter resulting in a 50 bps operating margin uplift. </p>
</div><section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/596/original/2021-02-19_07-40-09.png?1613688021" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189596"></figure><hr></section><p><strong>POSITIVE MOMENTUM</strong> - Both our forward-looking Results Score and Results &amp; Revision Score have returned to the positive after less than one year. Whether this merits a new thirty-year high in TOPIX is, however, a moot point. We would note that the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions for December turned down for the first time since April 2020.   </p></section><div></div><div>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/597/original/2021-02-19_08-02-24.png?1613689355" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189597"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/694/original/2021-02-19_16-02-06.png?1613718138" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189694"></figure><hr></section><p><strong>SECTOR BREAKDOWN</strong> - The leading sectors in terms of one-month change in Results &amp; Revision Score are <strong>Other Commercial Products</strong>, <strong>Autos</strong>,<strong> Other Consumer Products</strong>, <strong>Metals</strong>, and <strong>Building Materials.</strong> The RRS 'losers' are <strong>Utilities</strong>, <strong>Internet Content &amp; Services</strong>, <strong>Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco,</strong><strong>Retail</strong>, and <strong>Healthcare</strong>.  </p>
</div><div>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/700/original/2021-02-19_16-05-32.png?1613718344" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189700"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/701/original/2021-02-19_16-06-12.png?1613718383" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189701"></figure></section><hr>
</div><section></section><div><div>
<p>In the <strong>DETAIL</strong> section below, we shall review the actual results and initial and revised forecasts by Sector and highlight the best and worst-performing companies by one-quarter revenue and margin changes.</p>
<hr>
<p></p>
</div></div>

• NET GAIN • 
 Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics
NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of  Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8%  higher than three months ago - an increase of  ¥5.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward earnings multiple has declined to 28 times following a 10% increase in total market value (ex REITs). The increase in forecast operating income is a more modest 10.2% reflecting the degree of previously-projected COVID-related extraordinary losses.
TRAILING TWELVE MONTHS (TTM) - Trailing revenues and operating profits are still falling by 9.9% and 26.3%, respectively; however, operating income rose by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter as margins improved by 30 basis points. Despite a reasonable effort at cost-cutting, aggregate operating margins are still  228 bps below their mid-2018 peak, and it will take at least another eight quarters for that gap to be closed.
FORECASTS - The majority of companies are forecasting for the year ending next month. Despite no change in the aggregate revenue forecast, the outlook for operating income increased by ¥3.7 trillion during the quarter resulting in a 50 bps operating margin uplift. 
POSITIVE MOMENTUM - Both our forward-looking Results Score and Results &amp; Revision Score have returned to the positive after less than one year. Whether this merits a new thirty-year high in TOPIX is, however, a moot point. We would note that the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions for December turned down for the first time since April 2020.   
SECTOR BREAKDOWN - The leading sectors in terms of one-month change in Results &amp; Revision Score are Other Commercial Products, Autos, Other Consumer Products, Metals, and Building Materials. The RRS 'losers' are Utilities, Internet Content &amp; Services, Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco,Retail, and Healthcare.  



In the DETAIL section below, we shall review the actual results and initial and revised forecasts by Sector and highlight the best and worst-performing companies by one-quarter revenue and margin changes.




🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

Japan

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets electronic parts used for car electronics, computer peripheral equipment, and communications and broadcasting related equipment. The Company's products include printers, switches, ceramic trimmer capacitors, sensors, transceiver units for cellular phones, drives, and magnetic heads. Alps Alpine also operates logistics businesses.

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Alps Alpine (6770 JP)

Japan Morning Connection: US Export Curbs Tighten on China

US tightens semiconductor related export restrictions to China, US homebuilders see surge in new home orders, positive headlines surround...

Andrew Jackson

[Quiddity Index] Advance Look at March 2027 Nikkei 225 Rebal Predictions - The 3rd DELETE Is Tough

The Sep26 Nikkei 225 results are announced. That means we can have a pretty good look at what happens in March 2027 (though the choice of Capcom vs...

Travis Lundy

[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Advantest Capped, Three In/Out Likely, New Rules for Later

In July, Nikkei introduced new selection rules and some classification changes. They don't affect much this time (I believe) but they will increase...

Travis Lundy

[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Difficult Deletes and Mathing the Math on Three Caps

The Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal has just 8 trading days left. The ADDs are pretty much cemented. The DELETEs are tough, not for the numbers but for...

Travis Lundy

🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8% higher than three months ago - an...

Campbell Gunn

Price Gauge

52-week Range

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Japan Morning Connection: US Export Curbs Tighten on China

​US tightens semiconductor related export restrictions to China, US homebuilders see surge in new home orders, positive headlines surround...

Andrew Jackson

[Quiddity Index] Advance Look at March 2027 Nikkei 225 Rebal Predictions - The 3rd DELETE Is Tough

The Sep26 Nikkei 225 results are announced. That means we can have a pretty good look at what happens in March 2027 (though the choice of Capcom vs...

Travis Lundy

[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Advantest Capped, Three In/Out Likely, New Rules for Later

In July, Nikkei introduced new selection rules and some classification changes. They don't affect much this time (I believe) but they will increase...

Travis Lundy

[Quiddity Index] Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal - Difficult Deletes and Mathing the Math on Three Caps

The Nikkei 225 Sep26 Rebal has just 8 trading days left. The ADDs are pretty much cemented. The DELETEs are tough, not for the numbers but for...

Travis Lundy

🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8% higher than three months ago - an...

Campbell Gunn

US tightens semiconductor related export restrictions to China, US homebuilders see surge in new home orders, positive headlines surround...