Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

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.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Yaskawa reported weak results as we expected (¥12.9bn OP vs. our ~¥14bn estimate and consensus at ¥16.7bn). </li>
<li>Despite this the company actually guided for a very punchy ¥72bn in OP next FY even above consensus’ ¥65.5bn and our expectation for OP to be flattish or even decline. </li>
<li>Nevertheless, there was nothing on the earnings call to suggest that guidance was anything more than overoptimism on the top line.</li>
</ul>


Yaskawa reported weak results as we expected (¥12.9bn OP vs. our ~¥14bn estimate and consensus at ¥16.7bn). 
Despite this the company actually guided for a very punchy ¥72bn in OP next FY even above consensus’ ¥65.5bn and our expectation for OP to be flattish or even decline. 
Nevertheless, there was nothing on the earnings call to suggest that guidance was anything more than overoptimism on the top line.


Yaskawa – Results as We Expected, Guidance Much Stronger

<ul>
<li>Yaskawa reports today and we expect earnings and guidance to both be on the weak side. </li>
<li>The stock has been weak of late but we still lean towards the idea that there is a little downside risk remaining. </li>
<li>The key question is whether the market attaches any credibility to consensus projections of 15% YoY OP growth next FY.</li>
</ul>


Yaskawa reports today and we expect earnings and guidance to both be on the weak side. 
The stock has been weak of late but we still lean towards the idea that there is a little downside risk remaining. 
The key question is whether the market attaches any credibility to consensus projections of 15% YoY OP growth next FY.


Yaskawa – We Expect a Slight Miss and Tepid Guidance

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>The Nikkei is now down 9.57% vs. when we first recommended our skew trade (now up 0.40%). </li>
<li>Despite some frustrating idiosyncratic moves which have prevented the skew trade from outperforming more it has mostly held up. </li>
<li>Looking forward, we believe it is worthwhile assessing upside and downside macro risks for the components of the trade.</li>
</ul>


The Nikkei is now down 9.57% vs. when we first recommended our skew trade (now up 0.40%). 
Despite some frustrating idiosyncratic moves which have prevented the skew trade from outperforming more it has mostly held up. 
Looking forward, we believe it is worthwhile assessing upside and downside macro risks for the components of the trade.


TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade – Updates Factoring in Ukraine

<ul>
<li>We spoke to Yaskawa today to understand recent trends and the detailed outlook on demand going forward. </li>
<li>There were no major surprises with the company still relatively positive on demand remaining strong across the board though only robots seem to offer strong growth potential. </li>
<li>Profitability for robots should also improve going forward creating a nice story, but valuations are still too dear.</li>
</ul>


We spoke to Yaskawa today to understand recent trends and the detailed outlook on demand going forward. 
There were no major surprises with the company still relatively positive on demand remaining strong across the board though only robots seem to offer strong growth potential. 
Profitability for robots should also improve going forward creating a nice story, but valuations are still too dear.


Yaskawa – Increasingly Positive on Robotics but Still Too Early… Except…

<ul>
<li>After initially grinding up slowly but underperforming the Nikkei our suggested skew trade gave up ground during the new year sell off.</li>
<li>It did so slowly, however and was outperforming Nikkei when last we checked despite being down slightly. </li>
<li>Thankfully, a lot of the idiosyncratic volatility hurting the skew trade has reversed now and it is positive and outperforming Nikkei consistently.</li>
</ul>


After initially grinding up slowly but underperforming the Nikkei our suggested skew trade gave up ground during the new year sell off.
It did so slowly, however and was outperforming Nikkei when last we checked despite being down slightly. 
Thankfully, a lot of the idiosyncratic volatility hurting the skew trade has reversed now and it is positive and outperforming Nikkei consistently.


TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Starting to Work Nicely

Japan

FANUC CORPORATION manufactures factory automation (FA) systems and equipments, and robots. The Company's products include computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) equipment, servo motors, laser systems, industrial robots, wire-cut electric discharge machines, and CNC drill.  Fanuc participates in a joint venture with General Electric in the FA field.

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Fanuc Corp Unsp Adr (FANUY US)

Yaskawa – Results as We Expected, Guidance Much Stronger

Yaskawa reported weak results but guided very strongly for next FY. Nevertheless, there was nothing on the earnings call to suggest that guidance...

Mio Kato

Yaskawa – We Expect a Slight Miss and Tepid Guidance

Yaskawa reports today and we expect earnings and guidance to be on the weak side. The key question is whether the market attaches any credibility...

Mio Kato

TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade – Updates Factoring in Ukraine

The Nikkei is down 9.57% vs. when we initiated our skew trade (now up 0.40%). Despite some frustrating idiosyncratic moves the trade has mostly...

Mio Kato

Yaskawa – Increasingly Positive on Robotics but Still Too Early… Except…

Yaskawa's Robotics segment offers intriguing growth potential but we remain concerned about a tech capex peak out. However, as a long hedge the...

Mio Kato

TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Starting to Work Nicely

After initially grinding up slowly but underperforming the Nikkei our suggested skew trade gave up ground during the new year sell off. It is now...

Mio Kato

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