Equity Analyst, Event-driven, Quiddity Advisors

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Equity Analyst, Event-driven

Quiddity Advisors

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Japan-Based skincare and cosmetics maker <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/axxzia-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31482:1" rel="noopener">AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP)</a> announced on 9th November 2022 they were planning to move from TSE Growth to TSE Prime.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a> was Bullish on this name as he discussed in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/axxzia-4936-jp-topix-inclusion-is-likely-in-february" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:84740" rel="noopener">AXXZIA (4936 JP) - TOPIX Inclusion Is Likely In February</a> and the stock has gained around 12% since then. </li>
<li>Today after the close, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/axxzia-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31482:1" rel="noopener">AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP)</a> announced they had received the approval for their Prime Market move in February which could lead to a TOPIX Inclusion in March.</li>
</ul>


Japan-Based skincare and cosmetics maker AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP) announced on 9th November 2022 they were planning to move from TSE Growth to TSE Prime.

Travis Lundy was Bullish on this name as he discussed in AXXZIA (4936 JP) - TOPIX Inclusion Is Likely In February and the stock has gained around 12% since then. 
Today after the close, AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP) announced they had received the approval for their Prime Market move in February which could lead to a TOPIX Inclusion in March.


TOPIX Inclusion: AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP) - Time to Take Profits

'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.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• LARGE CAP RESULTS - 14th APRIL •</strong></p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/635/original/image_32488738921618434736177.png?1618434737" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200635"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>RESULTS</strong> - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday. There were only three positives among large caps, including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ryohin-keikaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1" rel="noopener">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a>, which has changed its year-end limiting comparability. There was no revision to the company's now six-month-old forecasts. Shoe retailer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/abc-mart-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3213:1" rel="noopener">ABC Mart (2670 JP)</a> fared less well but is optimistic about FY22.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/644/original/image_16911018231618435000838.png?1618435002" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200644"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/646/original/image_24286058841618435028922.png?1618435030" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200646"></figure><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 14th APRIL •</strong></p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/649/original/image_3948594651618435133716.png?1618435135" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200649"></figure><p><strong>REVISIONS/FORECASTS</strong> - Bullishness abounds for FY22, particularly amongst the many Restaurant Sector companies, of which coffee house <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/doutor-nichires-holdings-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3096:1" rel="noopener">Doutor Nichires (3087 JP) </a>would be our value pick. Erstwhile E-Commerce darling <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kitanotatsujin-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6126:1" rel="noopener">Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP)</a> was the only negatively-scoring large-cap, foreseeing yet more margin erosion. The shares remain overvalued at 36 EV/TTM OP.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/652/original/image_67668075561618435352425.png?1618435353" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200652"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/655/original/image_87740698871618435386254.png?1618435387" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200655"></figure>

• LARGE CAP RESULTS - 14th APRIL •Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan AnalyticsRESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday. There were only three positives among large caps, including Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP), which has changed its year-end limiting comparability. There was no revision to the company's now six-month-old forecasts. Shoe retailer ABC Mart (2670 JP) fared less well but is optimistic about FY22.• LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 14th APRIL •REVISIONS/FORECASTS - Bullishness abounds for FY22, particularly amongst the many Restaurant Sector companies, of which coffee house Doutor Nichires (3087 JP) would be our value pick. Erstwhile E-Commerce darling Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP) was the only negatively-scoring large-cap, foreseeing yet more margin erosion. The shares remain overvalued at 36 EV/TTM OP.

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​​14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

<div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST •</strong></p></div><div>
<p>Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pasona-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15778:1" rel="noopener">Pasona (2168 JP)</a> and health and beauty product E-commerce play <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kitanotatsujin-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6126:1" rel="noopener">Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP)</a>.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/165/456/original/2020-10-16_06-21-15.png?1602796892" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="165456"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/165/457/original/2020-10-16_06-22-00.png?1602796932" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="165457"></figure></section>
</div><div><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>73 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p><strong>Results Score:</strong> 45% Positive / 11% Neutral / 44% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong> +0.1 points</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -10.3% Quarter YoY / -0.9% Rolling TTM YoY </p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -3.1ppt</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 36%</p></li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>44 Annual • 18 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p><strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 52% Positive / 9% Neutral / 39% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 39% Positive / 0% Neutral / 61% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -0.6 point</p></li>
</ul></div>

• BEST &amp; WORST •
Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Pasona (2168 JP) and health and beauty product E-commerce play Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP).

Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan AnalyticsDAILY STATS73 Quarterly Results
Results Score: 45% Positive / 11% Neutral / 44% Negative
Average Results Score Change: +0.1 points
Average % Change in Revenue: -10.3% Quarter YoY / -0.9% Rolling TTM YoY 
Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -3.1ppt
Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 36%
44 Annual • 18 Interim Forecasts/Revisions
Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 52% Positive / 9% Neutral / 39% Negative
Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 39% Positive / 0% Neutral / 61% Negative
Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -0.6 point


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​15 - Pasona [Grata], FastRe, Demae-Can, NGK Spark

Technical Analyst, Vermilion Research

Joe Jasper

Technical Analyst

Technical and Quantitative Research

Vermilion Research

Vermilion’s objective is to deliver timely, actionable, and unique technical research to professional investors through the application of our various technical indicators.

Our research strategists seek to highlight securities which we believe are at major inflection points, based on our various technical and quantitative indicators, and offer asymmetric risk/return profiles. Our unique research methodology, centered on relative strength, enables our strategists to deliver superior investment recommendations.

Our process begins by organizing the universe of actively traded stocks into discrete sectors, then into industry groups. We then apply our technical and quantitative tools to identify developing price trends. Once attractive trends are identified within a selected sector or group, we screen for individual stocks which we believe offer the best risk/reward profile. We provide a historical perspective that often reveals, through our long-term charts, how price patterns often repeat themselves over time.

Technical Analysis

<p>Heightened trade tensions have caused global equities to move from resistance to support in a matter of days. Additional consolidation - i.e., no breakdowns - on the broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remains the most likely scenario. At the same time, new cracks are beginning to show and as a result we believe global equities are vulnerable to a breakdown.  Along with a recap of important technical levels across major markets, we flip through several attractive Groups and stocks within Advertising, retail, restaurants, and travel, which offer attractive pullback opportunities.</p>

Heightened trade tensions have caused global equities to move from resistance to support in a matter of days. Additional consolidation - i.e., no breakdowns - on the broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remains the most likely scenario. At the same time, new cracks are beginning to show and as a result we believe global equities are vulnerable to a breakdown.  Along with a recap of important technical levels across major markets, we flip through several attractive Groups and stocks within Advertising, retail, restaurants, and travel, which offer attractive pullback opportunities.

Global Equity Strategy: Another Test of Support

ja research

ja research is an independent research platform focused exclusively on Japanese equities. Leveraging data and graphic analysis provided by Japan Analytics, we provide insights on small and medium-sized companies that have been ignored by the sell-side as well as challenging conventional wisdom on larger companies. We also offer analyst and corporate access, the latter with translation if required. 

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/083/132/original/2019-03-25_18-58-11.png?1553507902" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="83132"></figure><p>Source: Japan Analytics</p>
</div><p>There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as <strong>Internet</strong> businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33 <strong>Information &amp; Communication</strong> sub-Sector but is broader in that it encompasses all companies listed on all sections and exchanges but is also narrower in that we have <em>excluded </em><strong>Telecommunications </strong>(including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">S</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">oftbank Group (9984 JP)</a>) and <strong>Information Technology</strong> companies. We have adopted a 'quantamental' approach which covers the long-term and current trends for Japan's Internet Sector as a whole, as well as eight sub-Sectors or Peer Groups and the Sectors' leading companies by market capitalisation.  Our focus is exclusively on the locally-listed universe and is based on disclosed financial and market data. We do not provide any forecasts, other than the companies' own forecasts and we do not attempt to make any business model or strategic judgments. Our focus is purely on financial and market performance. We do not cover unlisted and defunct companies such as Livedoor and, therefore, there is implicit survivor bias in the data. </p><p>The broad themes that are developed in <strong>DETAIL</strong> below are grouped into six topics as follows: -</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> • SUMMARY • </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> • FUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEW • </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> • SCORING - RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS / RELATIVE PRICE • </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> • RESULTS TRENDS • </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> • VALUATION • </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• RECOMMENDATIONS •</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/083/206/original/2019-03-25_17-46-58.png?1553565764" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="83206"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong> - As will be covered in greater <strong>DETAIL</strong> below, Japan has failed to evolve a substantial Internet Sector and, in many business models, has been passed by global competitors including in the home market. Although Internet Sector revenues have grown steadily and now account for close to 1% of the total for all listed companies, operating margins have declined by half in the last seven years and are now only four percentage points higher than the market average. Accordingly, as measured by our <strong>Results &amp; Revision Score</strong>, the Sector is close to a twelve-year low. The market's response is an unchanged Sector weight in the market composite despite the addition of 111 new companies in the last six years, and a <strong>Relative Price Score</strong> that has moved in a narrow range over that period. <strong>The Sector averages disguise the weak business and market performance of a handful of Sector leaders as well as the overvaluation of the Sector's more successful business models, which is partly a result of a lack of alternatives. Despite the world's most significant Internet investor - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a>'s Vision Fund - being based in Japan, this fund and other global investors in Internet business have been right to give Japan a 'pass'. </strong></p>


Source: Japan Analytics
There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33 Information &amp; Communication sub-Sector but is broader in that it encompasses all companies listed on all sections and exchanges but is also narrower in that we have excluded Telecommunications (including Softbank Group (9984 JP)) and Information Technology companies. We have adopted a 'quantamental' approach which covers the long-term and current trends for Japan's Internet Sector as a whole, as well as eight sub-Sectors or Peer Groups and the Sectors' leading companies by market capitalisation.  Our focus is exclusively on the locally-listed universe and is based on disclosed financial and market data. We do not provide any forecasts, other than the companies' own forecasts and we do not attempt to make any business model or strategic judgments. Our focus is purely on financial and market performance. We do not cover unlisted and defunct companies such as Livedoor and, therefore, there is implicit survivor bias in the data. The broad themes that are developed in DETAIL below are grouped into six topics as follows: - • SUMMARY •  • FUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEW •  • SCORING - RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS / RELATIVE PRICE •  • RESULTS TRENDS •  • VALUATION • • RECOMMENDATIONS •Source: Japan AnalyticsOVERVIEW - As will be covered in greater DETAIL below, Japan has failed to evolve a substantial Internet Sector and, in many business models, has been passed by global competitors including in the home market. Although Internet Sector revenues have grown steadily and now account for close to 1% of the total for all listed companies, operating margins have declined by half in the last seven years and are now only four percentage points higher than the market average. Accordingly, as measured by our Results &amp; Revision Score, the Sector is close to a twelve-year low. The market's response is an unchanged Sector weight in the market composite despite the addition of 111 new companies in the last six years, and a Relative Price Score that has moved in a narrow range over that period. The Sector averages disguise the weak business and market performance of a handful of Sector leaders as well as the overvaluation of the Sector's more successful business models, which is partly a result of a lack of alternatives. Despite the world's most significant Internet investor - Softbank Group (9984 JP)'s Vision Fund - being based in Japan, this fund and other global investors in Internet business have been right to give Japan a 'pass'. 

🇯🇵 Japan • Internet Sector Review - 'Japan Passing'

Japan

Kitano Tatsujin Corporation sells their original health foods, cosmetics and miscellaneous goods on their website.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
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Kitanotatsujin Corp (2930 JP)

TOPIX Inclusion: AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP) - Time to Take Profits

There could be 1.2-1.9mn shares to buy at the end of March 2023 which is around of 3.9-6.5 days of volume based on 3-month ADV. However, the major...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

RESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday.

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/15 - Pasona [Grata], FastRe, Demae-Can, NGK Spark

Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Pasona (2168 JP) and health and beauty product E-commerce play Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP).

Campbell Gunn

Global Equity Strategy: Another Test of Support

Heightened trade tensions have caused global equities to move from resistance to support in a matter of days. Additional consolidation - i.e., no...

Vermilion Research

🇯🇵 Japan • Internet Sector Review - 'Japan Passing'

There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33...

Campbell Gunn

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

TOPIX Inclusion: AXXZIA Inc (4936 JP) - Time to Take Profits

There could be 1.2-1.9mn shares to buy at the end of March 2023 which is around of 3.9-6.5 days of volume based on 3-month ADV. However, the major...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​​14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

RESULTS - The percentage of positive Results Scores continues to fall, with only 39% of the 116 results reported on Wednesday.

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​15 - Pasona [Grata], FastRe, Demae-Can, NGK Spark

Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Pasona (2168 JP) and health and beauty product E-commerce play Kitanotatsujin (2930 JP).

Campbell Gunn

Global Equity Strategy: Another Test of Support

Heightened trade tensions have caused global equities to move from resistance to support in a matter of days. Additional consolidation - i.e., no...

Vermilion Research

🇯🇵 Japan • Internet Sector Review - 'Japan Passing'

There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/14 - Finding Value in ABC-MART & Doutor Nichires

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/15 - Pasona [Grata], FastRe, Demae-Can, NGK Spark