'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)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/679/original/2020-05-01_05-31-11.png?1588278692" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130679"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><div class="content-caption"></div><p><strong>COMFORT BLANKET</strong> - As the politically-motivated Central Banks smother equity markets with the comfort blanket of the 'mother of all QEs', the reality of what The Economist describes as the '90% Economy' unfolds in the daily earnings and forecasts revisions announced by Japanese companies. In some cases, such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nidec-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7245:1" rel="noopener">Nidec (6594 JP)</a>, the picture is distorted by the strength in overseas demand in February as Chinese competition was put on hold and the rest of North Asia took up the resulting 'slack'. As we have noted before, the first and second-order impacts of COVID-19 will not be revealed until the August and November results, when we expect both of our Scores to be closer to their 2009 troughs. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserves trillion-dollar rescue package will keep upward pressure on the yen as the Bank of Japan struggles to keep up.  </p><p><strong>COUNTERMEASURES</strong> - Japan's revised supplementary budget was approved yesterday, allowing for interest-free loans to businesses, tax deferrals and cash handouts to all households. The COVID crisis has also prompted Japan to engage in a bout of 'magical thinking' allowing for the rolling back or revision of many long-cherished traditions:-</p><ul>
<li>The start of the academic year will now probably be pushed back to September this year - discussions have started to make this shift permanent, finally bringing Japan into line with the rest of the world.</li>
<li>Hanko personal and corporate seals that are required to certify documents may now also be going the way of the dodo as the Keidanren business organisation has acknowledged that they 'do not meet the digital age'.</li>
</ul><hr><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/680/original/File%202020-05-01%203%2039%2027.jpeg?1588280828" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130680"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/681/original/File%202020-05-01%203%2027%2003.jpeg?1588280873" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130681"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/683/original/File%202020-05-01%203%2040%2007.jpeg?1588281553" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130683"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/682/original/File%202020-05-01%203%2031%2028.jpeg?1588280903" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130682"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • ourworldindata.org</div><p><strong>MAYDAY</strong> - Although Japan's daily case count has fallen to around 200, the medical experts advising the Japanese government are suggesting that this level will require an extension to the states of emergency (SOEs) currently operating in all prefectures beyond May 6th. Hospitals are still working at above-normal capacity, and patients are still being turned away from many hospitals. Alarmingly Japan's current eight death-doubling-days count is amongst the worst in the world. Also, excess mortality data for Tokyo suggests that, in March, there were over 60 excess deaths a week not attributed to COVID-19. The expectation is that the SOEs will be extended to Sunday, May 31st and that schools will not reopen until September. In most European countries extensive testing is one of the requisites for easing lockdown restrictions, and the UK is now ramping up testing capacity in anticipation. Japan's woeful record on testing will become a factor by the end of May. Japan's case fatality rate of 3% suggests that the number of cases could be ten times the official number.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/130/684/original/2020-05-01_06-41-23.png?1588282906" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="130684"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>30TH APRIL -</strong> In the <strong>DETAIL</strong> below, we shall review Thursday's large-cap results, revisions and initial forecast announcements.  The positive/neutral/negative balance for the 132 results was 51:10:71; and for the 83 revisions or initial forecasts, the split was 30:7:43. Of the 98 companies announcing annual results, only 43 made forecasts for the current year. The ratio of dividend cuts to increases was 5:10 with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-exchange-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11266:1" rel="noopener">Japan Exchange Group (8697 JP)</a> being the most prominent in the former camp.</p>

Source • Japan AnalyticsCOMFORT BLANKET - As the politically-motivated Central Banks smother equity markets with the comfort blanket of the 'mother of all QEs', the reality of what The Economist describes as the '90% Economy' unfolds in the daily earnings and forecasts revisions announced by Japanese companies. In some cases, such as Nidec (6594 JP), the picture is distorted by the strength in overseas demand in February as Chinese competition was put on hold and the rest of North Asia took up the resulting 'slack'. As we have noted before, the first and second-order impacts of COVID-19 will not be revealed until the August and November results, when we expect both of our Scores to be closer to their 2009 troughs. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserves trillion-dollar rescue package will keep upward pressure on the yen as the Bank of Japan struggles to keep up.  COUNTERMEASURES - Japan's revised supplementary budget was approved yesterday, allowing for interest-free loans to businesses, tax deferrals and cash handouts to all households. The COVID crisis has also prompted Japan to engage in a bout of 'magical thinking' allowing for the rolling back or revision of many long-cherished traditions:-
The start of the academic year will now probably be pushed back to September this year - discussions have started to make this shift permanent, finally bringing Japan into line with the rest of the world.
Hanko personal and corporate seals that are required to certify documents may now also be going the way of the dodo as the Keidanren business organisation has acknowledged that they 'do not meet the digital age'.
Source • ourworldindata.orgMAYDAY - Although Japan's daily case count has fallen to around 200, the medical experts advising the Japanese government are suggesting that this level will require an extension to the states of emergency (SOEs) currently operating in all prefectures beyond May 6th. Hospitals are still working at above-normal capacity, and patients are still being turned away from many hospitals. Alarmingly Japan's current eight death-doubling-days count is amongst the worst in the world. Also, excess mortality data for Tokyo suggests that, in March, there were over 60 excess deaths a week not attributed to COVID-19. The expectation is that the SOEs will be extended to Sunday, May 31st and that schools will not reopen until September. In most European countries extensive testing is one of the requisites for easing lockdown restrictions, and the UK is now ramping up testing capacity in anticipation. Japan's woeful record on testing will become a factor by the end of May. Japan's case fatality rate of 3% suggests that the number of cases could be ten times the official number.Source • Japan Analytics30TH APRIL - In the DETAIL below, we shall review Thursday's large-cap results, revisions and initial forecast announcements.  The positive/neutral/negative balance for the 132 results was 51:10:71; and for the 83 revisions or initial forecasts, the split was 30:7:43. Of the 98 companies announcing annual results, only 43 made forecasts for the current year. The ratio of dividend cuts to increases was 5:10 with Japan Exchange Group (8697 JP) being the most prominent in the former camp.

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions Update 30th April - D1Life, Toto, JR-W, CTC, Murata, Nidec, Mercari

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Aqila Ali

Equity Analyst

<p>We mentioned about the possible launch of 5G and the process involved in ‘ <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/5g-for-the-next-big-turn-of-a-new-decade" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:20444" rel="noopener">5G for the Next Big Turn of a New Decade</a>’. It was expected that 5G networks would successfully hit the markets by early 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to uncertainties on this.</p>
<p>This insight takes a look at the current stage of the 5G launch process and the Covid impact on mobile phone manufacturers and telecommunication providers (with regards to 5G).</p>
<ul>
<li>According to 3GPP’s (one of the most important bodies in planning the launch of 5G networks) IMT2020 plan, two phases have to be completed for the 5G launch.</li>
<li>The first phase, which involves releasing-15 standards for 5G (Non-Standalone and Standalone), was successfully completed by June last year. This was also evidenced by some mobile manufacturers like LG and Samsung, releasing 5G-enabled phones through 2019.</li>
<li>However, for successful deployment, phase 2 has to be completed, and completion was expected by early 2020. However, it seems that the phase is likely to run through to the end of 2020.</li>
<li>There is still a possibility for the successful deployment of 5G in 2020, though towards the end of the year. This is if no second-wave of the coronavirus impacts the economy, especially China’s.</li>
<li>That risk apart, except for Apple, most mobile manufacturers have been releasing 5G enabled phones since 2019. Samsung is optimistic on meeting its target launch of new 5G models in August this year, despite the pandemic.</li>
<li>Mobile carriers across countries also expect expansion of 5G services through 2020.</li>
<li>China is taking the lead in the 5G race.</li>
<li>The delay in 5G is likely to primarily impact the semiconductor manufacturers.</li>
</ul>
<p>We go through the details below.</p>

We mentioned about the possible launch of 5G and the process involved in ‘ 5G for the Next Big Turn of a New Decade’. It was expected that 5G networks would successfully hit the markets by early 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to uncertainties on this.
This insight takes a look at the current stage of the 5G launch process and the Covid impact on mobile phone manufacturers and telecommunication providers (with regards to 5G).

According to 3GPP’s (one of the most important bodies in planning the launch of 5G networks) IMT2020 plan, two phases have to be completed for the 5G launch.
The first phase, which involves releasing-15 standards for 5G (Non-Standalone and Standalone), was successfully completed by June last year. This was also evidenced by some mobile manufacturers like LG and Samsung, releasing 5G-enabled phones through 2019.
However, for successful deployment, phase 2 has to be completed, and completion was expected by early 2020. However, it seems that the phase is likely to run through to the end of 2020.
There is still a possibility for the successful deployment of 5G in 2020, though towards the end of the year. This is if no second-wave of the coronavirus impacts the economy, especially China’s.
That risk apart, except for Apple, most mobile manufacturers have been releasing 5G enabled phones since 2019. Samsung is optimistic on meeting its target launch of new 5G models in August this year, despite the pandemic.
Mobile carriers across countries also expect expansion of 5G services through 2020.
China is taking the lead in the 5G race.
The delay in 5G is likely to primarily impact the semiconductor manufacturers.

We go through the details below.

Will 2020 See Successful Deployment of 5G?

Asia Pac ECM and Index Rebal, Shenton Research

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Asia Pac ECM and Index Rebal

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China Biotech

DZT Research

DZT Research is an independent Asia Pacific equity specialist. Our quantitative research covers index rebalancing flows, alongside exchange data analytics accross Asia Pacific. On the equity capital markets side, we focus on Asia Pacific ECM, especially biotech and TMT. Our lead analyst is frequently cited by international media.

Quantitative Analysis

<ul>
<li>We analyzed the changes in margin trading positions of JPX stocks as of Jun 12th. The aggregated net margin trading position is USD29,582m.</li>
<li>We tabulate league tables for top/bottom net long/short of margin trading by value, net margin buy as multiple of ADT.</li>
<li>We highlight net margin buy/sell changes in Kioxia, Disco, Advantest, Lasertec, Skylark, Murata Manufacturing, Iida, JX Advanced Metals, Hitachi, McDonald's.</li>
</ul>


We analyzed the changes in margin trading positions of JPX stocks as of Jun 12th. The aggregated net margin trading position is USD29,582m.
We tabulate league tables for top/bottom net long/short of margin trading by value, net margin buy as multiple of ADT.
We highlight net margin buy/sell changes in Kioxia, Disco, Advantest, Lasertec, Skylark, Murata Manufacturing, Iida, JX Advanced Metals, Hitachi, McDonald's.


JPX Margin Trading Weekly (Jun 12th): Kioxia, Disco, Advantest, Lasertec, Skylark, Iida, Hitachi

Equity Capital Markets

Chaozhou Three-Circle Group  / Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>Three-Circle is seeking an A+H listing. China Galaxy International is the sole sponsor.</li>
<li>We look at the company's core segments: electronic components, telecom components, and electronic and ceramic materials.</li>
<li>We discussed our preliminary thoughts on the company's valuation based on A-H premium.</li>
</ul>


Three-Circle is seeking an A+H listing. China Galaxy International is the sole sponsor.
We look at the company's core segments: electronic components, telecom components, and electronic and ceramic materials.
We discussed our preliminary thoughts on the company's valuation based on A-H premium.


Three-Circle (三环集团) A+H Pre-IPO: Early Thoughts

Leading Independent Investment Research, Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar

Leading Independent Investment Research

Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. We offer an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, and retirement plan providers and sponsors. 

Morningstar provides data on more than 500,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, along with real-time global market data on more than 16 million equities, indexes, futures, options, commodities, and precious metals, in addition to foreign exchange and Treasury markets. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with more than $180 billion in assets under advisement or management as of June 30, 2015. We have operations in 27 countries.

Download the Morningstar Fact Sheet : http://corporate.morningstar.com/US/documents/MarketingFactSheets/AboutMorningstarFactsheet.pdf

<p>The Best Ideas list is a compilation of stock ideas sourced from Morningstar’s global equity research team. With more than 100 analysts covering nearly 1,500 companies, we’re able to provide a wide variety of what we believe are attractively priced securities looking across sectors, industries, and geographies. Best Ideas are nominated by analysts and approved by managers in addition to the normal due diligence processes that precede our published research and ratings.</p><p>The list may include a broad mix of quality and risk characteristics to meet varying investor needs, including no-, narrow-, and wide-moat companies as well as the full spectrum of uncertainty ratings from low to very high. Most or all of the highlighted stocks will be trading at a discount to our estimate of intrinsic value, indicating improved odds of capital appreciation.</p>

The Best Ideas list is a compilation of stock ideas sourced from Morningstar’s global equity research team. With more than 100 analysts covering nearly 1,500 companies, we’re able to provide a wide variety of what we believe are attractively priced securities looking across sectors, industries, and geographies. Best Ideas are nominated by analysts and approved by managers in addition to the normal due diligence processes that precede our published research and ratings.The list may include a broad mix of quality and risk characteristics to meet varying investor needs, including no-, narrow-, and wide-moat companies as well as the full spectrum of uncertainty ratings from low to very high. Most or all of the highlighted stocks will be trading at a discount to our estimate of intrinsic value, indicating improved odds of capital appreciation.

Japan

MURATA MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD. manufactures and sells ceramic applied electronic components.  The Company's products include filters, capacitors, thermistors, resistors, noise suppression components, coils, piezoelectric sound components, power supplies, sensors, hybrid integrated circuit (IC), and microwave components.

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Murata Manufacturing (6981 JP)

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions Update 30th April - D1Life, Toto, JR-W, CTC, Murata, Nidec, Mercari

COMFORT BLANKET - As the politically-motivated Central Banks smother equity markets with the comfort blanket of the 'mother of all QEs', the...

Campbell Gunn

Will 2020 See Successful Deployment of 5G?

We mentioned about the possible launch of 5G and the process involved in ‘ 5G for the Next Big Turn of a New Decade’. It was expected that 5G...

Aqila Ali

JPX Margin Trading Weekly (Jun 12th): Kioxia, Disco, Advantest, Lasertec, Skylark, Iida, Hitachi

We analyzed JPX margin trading positions report for the past week and highlighted Kioxia, Disco, Advantest, Lasertec, Skylark, Murata...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Three-Circle (三环集团) A+H Pre-IPO: Early Thoughts

Three-Circle is seeking an A+H listing. In this note, we look at the company's business, its industry context and provide our early thought on...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Best Ideas List for January 2019

The Best Ideas list is a compilation of stock ideas sourced from Morningstar’s global equity research team. With more than 100 analysts covering...

Morningstar, Inc.

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