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

We have covered Chiyoda’s SPERA hydrogen technology since 2017 and have been fascinated by the technology’s potential to make existing oil and gas infrastructure usable in a hydrogen transition. Now in partnership with ENEOS and the Queensland University of Technology, Chiyoda appears to have made significant further strides in reducing costs and investment burdens in the hydrogen supply chain.

We have covered Chiyoda’s SPERA hydrogen technology since 2017 and have been fascinated by the technology’s potential to make existing oil and gas infrastructure usable in a hydrogen transition. Now in partnership with ENEOS and the Queensland University of Technology, Chiyoda appears to have made significant further strides in reducing costs and investment burdens in the hydrogen supply chain.

Chiyoda – This Just Removed a Big Hydrogen Bottleneck

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

There are signs of movement in Japan in order to try and hit its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The clearest sign was the recent restart of an old nuclear reactor and nuclear power is likely to be a key contributor towards this goal, however, in addition to solar, onshore and offshore wind and geothermal, on a timeline that long, hydrogen may actually be the key play here.

There are signs of movement in Japan in order to try and hit its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The clearest sign was the recent restart of an old nuclear reactor and nuclear power is likely to be a key contributor towards this goal, however, in addition to solar, onshore and offshore wind and geothermal, on a timeline that long, hydrogen may actually be the key play here.

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pasona-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15778:1" rel="noopener">Pasona (2168 JP)</a>will pay out 10-20% of the extraordinary gain from the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/benefit-one-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14502:1" rel="noopener">Benefit One (2412 JP)</a> sale. It will take its sweet time doing so. For no apparent reason.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-lung-properties-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:49:1" rel="noopener">Hang Lung Properties (101 HK)</a>'s first-ever scrip dividend provides the means for the Chan Family to indirectly chip away at minorities. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hollysys-automation-technologies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26078:1" rel="noopener">Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US)</a> accountant resignation announcement is a nothing burger. An  update on PRC regulatory approvals would be welcome about now though. </li>
</ul>



Pasona (2168 JP)will pay out 10-20% of the extraordinary gain from the Benefit One (2412 JP) sale. It will take its sweet time doing so. For no apparent reason.

Hang Lung Properties (101 HK)'s first-ever scrip dividend provides the means for the Chan Family to indirectly chip away at minorities. 

Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) accountant resignation announcement is a nothing burger. An  update on PRC regulatory approvals would be welcome about now though. 


Last Week in Event SPACE: Pasona/Benefit One, Hang Lung Properties, Hollysys, Azure Minerals

Travis Lundy

<ul>
<li>In the mid-late teens, four refinery groups merged to create two refinery groups - JX and Tonen General became JXTG under <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/eneos-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:638:1" rel="noopener">ENEOS Holdings (5020 JP)</a> and Idemitsu took over ShowaShell.</li>
<li>When Idemitsu got ShowaShell, it got 50+% in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toa-oil-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11021:1" rel="noopener">Toa Oil Co Ltd (5008 JP)</a>, 6.58% of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fuji-oil-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12970:1" rel="noopener">Fuji Oil Co Ltd (5017 JP)</a>. In 2020, they tried to buy in Toa.</li>
<li>That was delayed by an activist. Today, Idemitsu announced they had gone to 23% in Fuji Oil. That stake will go up before it goes down.</li>
</ul>


In the mid-late teens, four refinery groups merged to create two refinery groups - JX and Tonen General became JXTG under ENEOS Holdings (5020 JP) and Idemitsu took over ShowaShell.
When Idemitsu got ShowaShell, it got 50+% in Toa Oil Co Ltd (5008 JP), 6.58% of Fuji Oil Co Ltd (5017 JP). In 2020, they tried to buy in Toa.
That was delayed by an activist. Today, Idemitsu announced they had gone to 23% in Fuji Oil. That stake will go up before it goes down.


Idemitsu (5019): First SumiChem's, Now JERA's Stake in Fuji Oil (5017) To Go to 22%. It's Coming...

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jsr-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17620:1" rel="noopener">JSR Corp (4185 JP)</a> has filed a solid response to SUNY RF’s lawsuit. SUNY RF will counter with a response by 13 March. </li>
<li>The response suggests that SUNY RF’s lawsuit will not be harmed if JIC proceeds with TOB, which is the strongest indication that JIC is comfortable taking on the litigation risk. </li>
<li>A media article stating that SAMR has allowed JIC to withdraw its merger control filing helps explain the current tight spread. However, the article needs to be treated with caution. </li>
</ul>



JSR Corp (4185 JP) has filed a solid response to SUNY RF’s lawsuit. SUNY RF will counter with a response by 13 March. 
The response suggests that SUNY RF’s lawsuit will not be harmed if JIC proceeds with TOB, which is the strongest indication that JIC is comfortable taking on the litigation risk. 
A media article stating that SAMR has allowed JIC to withdraw its merger control filing helps explain the current tight spread. However, the article needs to be treated with caution. 


JSR Corporation (4185 JP): Response to SUNY RF Lawsuit and Rumours of SAMR Approval

Japan

ENEOS Holdings, Inc. operates refining and marketing businesses. The Company refines and distributes petroleum and petroleum chemical products. ENEOS Holdings also provides non ferrous metals, electronic materials, and other products.

ENEOS Holdings (5020 JP)

Chiyoda – This Just Removed a Big Hydrogen Bottleneck

In partnership with ENEOS and the Queensland University of Technology, Chiyoda appears to have made significant further strides in reducing costs...

Mio Kato

Japan Hydrogen Plays

As interest continues to build in Japan's hydrogen economy plans it is still difficult to identify attractive thematic plays on the idea... except...

Mio Kato

Last Week in Event SPACE: Pasona/Benefit One, Hang Lung Properties, Hollysys, Azure Minerals

The weekend is here! Pour yourself a coffee, grab a comfortable seat, and sift through a brief summary of insights on various events discussed...

David Blennerhassett

Idemitsu (5019): First SumiChem's, Now JERA's Stake in Fuji Oil (5017) To Go to 22%. It's Coming...

Idemitsu has bought two corporate stakes in Fuji Oil to go from 6+% to nearly 22%. This is not a big surprise. There's history. Medium-long-term, a...

Travis Lundy

JSR Corporation (4185 JP): Response to SUNY RF Lawsuit and Rumours of SAMR Approval

JSR has filed a solid response to SUNY RF’s lawsuit. Crucially, the response implies that JIC is comfortable taking on litigation risk. Separately,...

Arun George