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

<ul>
<li>We continue to view the latest pullback as healthy/normal within the ongoing bull market, and it is quite possible that the lows have been established on MSCI ACWI (ACWI-US).</li>
<li>Upgrading EM to Market Weight; MSCI Emerging Markets, China (shanghai Composite) and Hong Kong (Hang Seng) Still Bottoming; we discussed buying in our February 23, 2024<em> Int'l Compass</em>
</li>
<li>Commodities all appear to be rolling over near resistance, which is what we discussed to watch for in our April 18, 2024 <em>Int'l Compass. </em>This has bullish implications for ACWI</li>
</ul>


We continue to view the latest pullback as healthy/normal within the ongoing bull market, and it is quite possible that the lows have been established on MSCI ACWI (ACWI-US).
Upgrading EM to Market Weight; MSCI Emerging Markets, China (shanghai Composite) and Hong Kong (Hang Seng) Still Bottoming; we discussed buying in our February 23, 2024 Int'l Compass

Commodities all appear to be rolling over near resistance, which is what we discussed to watch for in our April 18, 2024 Int'l Compass. This has bullish implications for ACWI


Upgrading Emerging Markets to Market Weight; China/Hong Kong Continue to Bottom; Energy Breakdowns

Global Healthcare Analyst

Tina Banerjee

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/astellas-pharma-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6091:1" rel="noopener">Astellas Pharma (4503 JP)</a> reported 27% YoY revenue growth in Q1FY27. Core operating profit increased to ¥221.4B, up 56% YoY driven by cost optimization through sustainable margin transformation program.</li>
<li>Strategic brands (Padcev, Izervay, Veozah, Vyloy, Xospata), which recorded underlying growth of 43% YoY and contributed 25% of revenue, drove overall revenue growth.</li>
<li>Astellas reiterated FY27 guidance where they expect FY27 revenue to be ¥2,220B (up 3.8% YoY), core operating profit of ¥620B (up 11.6% YoY) and core profit of ¥460B (+8.4% YoY).</li>
</ul>



Astellas Pharma (4503 JP) reported 27% YoY revenue growth in Q1FY27. Core operating profit increased to ¥221.4B, up 56% YoY driven by cost optimization through sustainable margin transformation program.
Strategic brands (Padcev, Izervay, Veozah, Vyloy, Xospata), which recorded underlying growth of 43% YoY and contributed 25% of revenue, drove overall revenue growth.
Astellas reiterated FY27 guidance where they expect FY27 revenue to be ¥2,220B (up 3.8% YoY), core operating profit of ¥620B (up 11.6% YoY) and core profit of ¥460B (+8.4% YoY).


Astellas Pharma (4503 JP): Growth Momentum Intact in Q1; FY27 Guidance Reiterated

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sumitomo-pharma-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1935:1" rel="noopener">Sumitomo Pharma (4506 JP)</a> revenue was up 20% YoY to ¥129.5B in Q1FY27 on the back of continued strong sales in North America (up 35% YoY to ¥94.3B).</li>
<li>Orgovyx (revenue jumped 58% YoY to ¥51.6B) witnessed solid patient growth in medicare patients while Gemtesa (revenue rose 42% to ¥30.2B) improved market share through clinical differentiation.</li>
<li>Company reiterated FY27 guidance. Core drugs will hold fort and eventually Enzomenib &amp; Amchepry is expected to follow suit in near to medium term.</li>
</ul>



Sumitomo Pharma (4506 JP) revenue was up 20% YoY to ¥129.5B in Q1FY27 on the back of continued strong sales in North America (up 35% YoY to ¥94.3B).
Orgovyx (revenue jumped 58% YoY to ¥51.6B) witnessed solid patient growth in medicare patients while Gemtesa (revenue rose 42% to ¥30.2B) improved market share through clinical differentiation.
Company reiterated FY27 guidance. Core drugs will hold fort and eventually Enzomenib &amp; Amchepry is expected to follow suit in near to medium term.


Sumitomo Pharma (4506 JP): North America Continue To Be Robust in Q1FY27, Enzomenib Progressing Well

<ul>
<li>Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP) announced positive topline results for Phase 3 study comparing zasocitinib (TAK-279), an investigational, highly selective oral TYK2 inhibitor, to deucravacitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.</li>
<li>Takeda also presented additional results from two pivotal studies, showing oveporexton (TAK-861), an OX2R-selective agonist, improved daily functioning as well as cognitive and sleep-related symptoms associated with narcolepsy type 1.</li>
<li>Takeda’s pipeline is positioned to support both the near-term and long-term sustained growth of the company.</li>
</ul>


Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP) announced positive topline results for Phase 3 study comparing zasocitinib (TAK-279), an investigational, highly selective oral TYK2 inhibitor, to deucravacitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Takeda also presented additional results from two pivotal studies, showing oveporexton (TAK-861), an OX2R-selective agonist, improved daily functioning as well as cognitive and sleep-related symptoms associated with narcolepsy type 1.
Takeda’s pipeline is positioned to support both the near-term and long-term sustained growth of the company.


Takeda Pharmaceutical: Zasocitinib, Oveprexton Positive Results Shows Takeda’s Pipeline Strength

'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>• EARNINGS MOMENTUM TURNS POSITIVE •</strong></p><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/535/original/2021-02-14_09-01-24.png?1613260898" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188535"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div></section><p><strong>POSITIVE EARNINGS MOMENTUM</strong> - For the first time in just over one year and driven by a strong recovery in the index-heavy <strong>Auto</strong> Sector, our Market Composite Results &amp; Revision Score - a measure of earnings momentum - has turned positive. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions which is indexed to August 2015, has yet to rise above 100 and declined by 120 basis points for December.</p><section class="figure"><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/537/original/2021-02-14_08-23-29.png?1613262285" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188537"></figure></section><p><strong>SECTOR BREAKDOWN</strong> - The leading Sectors, as measured by the change in Results &amp; Revision Score, are<strong> Other Commercial Products</strong>, <strong>Autos</strong>, <strong>Metals</strong>, <strong>Building Materials</strong>, and <strong>Other Consumer Products</strong>. The laggards are <strong>Utilities</strong>, <strong>Internet</strong>, <strong>Food</strong>, <strong>Beverages &amp; Tobacco</strong>, <strong>Retail</strong>, and <strong>Commercial Services</strong>. As in other markets, cyclicals leading the recovery, and, as a result, driving Japan's indices to new multi-decade highs.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/538/original/2021-02-14_08-22-44.png?1613262793" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188538"></figure></section><p><strong>FORWARD VALUATIONS</strong> - While the trailing Market Composite PER remain above 30 times,  a ¥7.6 trillion increase in forecast Net Income from the low point if 2020, has reduced the forward multiple to 28.2 times. By the end of May, most March year-end companies will have made forecasts for the year to March 2022 - a decline to below 25 times is likely, assuming Total Market Value is at current levels.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/539/original/2021-02-14_08-14-17.png?1613262839" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188539"></figure></section><p><strong>ALL-TIME US$ HIGH &lt;10% AWAY</strong> - While much is being written about the new thirty-year high for the TOPIX index, many will have missed the proximity of TOPIX in US dollars terms to a new all-time high, which would occur with a combined 9.5% increase in the equity market and the Yen. A 4.3% rise in TOPIX and a USDJPY rate of 100 is all that is required and would be a welcome feather in the cap of the recently beleaguered PM Suga's cap. </p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/540/original/2021-02-14_10-05-46.png?1613264814" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188540"></figure></section><p><strong>RSI &gt;80</strong> - Tempering the current bullishness are the RSI of over 80 and a Toraku index close to 120. Both suggest near-term caution is warranted.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/541/original/2021-02-14_10-15-17.png?1613265332" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188541"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/542/original/2021-02-14_10-20-42.png?1613265721" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188542"></figure></section><hr></section><p style="text-align: center;"><br><strong>• RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS SUMMARY - 12th FEBRUARY •</strong></p><div><p>Of Friday's 723 results announcements, 64% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 3% on average and a 3.9 point decline in operating margins. 17% of companies were in the red for the quarter.  63% of the 360 annual forecasts/revision announcements scored positively, and the average Forecast/Revision score was +10.3 points.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST •</strong></p></div><div>
<p>The 'best' larger-cap announcements came from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yamaha-motor-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7411:1" rel="noopener">Yamaha Motor (7272 JP)</a>,  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-bank-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:838:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toppan-printing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11875:1" rel="noopener">Toppan Printing (7911 JP)</a>; the 'worst' were from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/otsuka-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12292:1" rel="noopener">Otsuka Holdings (4578 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sumitomo-dainippon-pharma-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1935:1" rel="noopener">Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma (4506 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lion-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16576:1" rel="noopener">Lion (4912 JP)</a>.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pola-orbis-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2287:1" rel="noopener">Pola Orbis (4927 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asahi-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10482:1" rel="noopener">Asahi Group (2502 JP)</a> take the prizes for optimism.  For more, see the <strong>DETAIL</strong> section below.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/605/original/2021-02-15_06-00-48.png?1613336460" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188605"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/606/original/2021-02-15_06-01-37.png?1613336511" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188606"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/608/original/2021-02-15_06-05-12.png?1613336726" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188608"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/610/original/2021-02-15_06-05-57.png?1613336771" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188610"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/611/original/2021-02-15_06-06-35.png?1613336808" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188611"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/612/original/2021-02-15_06-07-12.png?1613336846" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188612"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/613/original/2021-02-15_06-10-36.png?1613337047" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188613"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/188/615/original/2021-02-15_06-11-21.png?1613337091" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="188615"></figure></section><p></p>
</div>

• EARNINGS MOMENTUM TURNS POSITIVE •Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan AnalyticsPOSITIVE EARNINGS MOMENTUM - For the first time in just over one year and driven by a strong recovery in the index-heavy Auto Sector, our Market Composite Results &amp; Revision Score - a measure of earnings momentum - has turned positive. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions which is indexed to August 2015, has yet to rise above 100 and declined by 120 basis points for December.SECTOR BREAKDOWN - The leading Sectors, as measured by the change in Results &amp; Revision Score, are Other Commercial Products, Autos, Metals, Building Materials, and Other Consumer Products. The laggards are Utilities, Internet, Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco, Retail, and Commercial Services. As in other markets, cyclicals leading the recovery, and, as a result, driving Japan's indices to new multi-decade highs.
FORWARD VALUATIONS - While the trailing Market Composite PER remain above 30 times,  a ¥7.6 trillion increase in forecast Net Income from the low point if 2020, has reduced the forward multiple to 28.2 times. By the end of May, most March year-end companies will have made forecasts for the year to March 2022 - a decline to below 25 times is likely, assuming Total Market Value is at current levels.
ALL-TIME US$ HIGH &lt;10% AWAY - While much is being written about the new thirty-year high for the TOPIX index, many will have missed the proximity of TOPIX in US dollars terms to a new all-time high, which would occur with a combined 9.5% increase in the equity market and the Yen. A 4.3% rise in TOPIX and a USDJPY rate of 100 is all that is required and would be a welcome feather in the cap of the recently beleaguered PM Suga's cap. 
RSI &gt;80 - Tempering the current bullishness are the RSI of over 80 and a Toraku index close to 120. Both suggest near-term caution is warranted.
 • RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS SUMMARY - 12th FEBRUARY •Of Friday's 723 results announcements, 64% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 3% on average and a 3.9 point decline in operating margins. 17% of companies were in the red for the quarter.  63% of the 360 annual forecasts/revision announcements scored positively, and the average Forecast/Revision score was +10.3 points.• BEST &amp; WORST •
The 'best' larger-cap announcements came from Yamaha Motor (7272 JP),  Japan Post Bank (7182 JP), and Toppan Printing (7911 JP); the 'worst' were from Otsuka Holdings (4578 JP), Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma (4506 JP), and Lion (4912 JP).  Pola Orbis (4927 JP) and Asahi Group (2502 JP) take the prizes for optimism.  For more, see the DETAIL section below.



🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market & Results & Revisions Update 02/12 • Yamaha Motor, J Post Bank, Otsuka & Lion

Japan

Otsuka Holdings Co Ltd is a pharmaceutical company. The Company manufactures, sells, imports and exports pharmaceuticals, clinical testing, and medical equipment for intractable diseases.

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Otsuka Holdings (4578 JP)

Upgrading Emerging Markets to Market Weight; China/Hong Kong Continue to Bottom; Energy Breakdowns

Upgrading Emerging Markets $EEM $VWO to Market Weight; China/Hong Kong Continue to Bottom $FXI $MCHI $KWEB; Lows Likely in on $ACWI; Commodities...

Vermilion Research

Astellas Pharma (4503 JP): Growth Momentum Intact in Q1; FY27 Guidance Reiterated

Astellas Pharma sees strong revenue growth in Q1FY27, driven by strategic brands and cost optimization, reiterates FY27 guidance with positive...

Tina Banerjee

Sumitomo Pharma (4506 JP): North America Continue To Be Robust in Q1FY27, Enzomenib Progressing Well

Sumitomo Pharma's Q1FY27 revenue rose 20% YoY to ¥129.5B, driven by strong sales in North America. Orgovyx and Gemtesa saw significant revenue...

Tina Banerjee

Takeda Pharmaceutical: Zasocitinib, Oveprexton Positive Results Shows Takeda’s Pipeline Strength

Takeda Pharmaceutical reports positive Phase 3 results for zasocitinib and oveporexton, showcasing potential for sustained growth and pipeline...

Tina Banerjee

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market & Results & Revisions Update 02/12 • Yamaha Motor, J Post Bank, Otsuka & Lion

For the first time in just over one year and driven by a strong recovery in the index-heavy Auto Sector, our Market Composite Results & Revision...

Campbell Gunn

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Upgrading Emerging Markets to Market Weight; China/Hong Kong Continue to Bottom; Energy Breakdowns

Upgrading Emerging Markets $EEM $VWO to Market Weight; China/Hong Kong Continue to Bottom $FXI $MCHI $KWEB; Lows Likely in on $ACWI; Commodities...

Vermilion Research

Astellas Pharma (4503 JP): Growth Momentum Intact in Q1; FY27 Guidance Reiterated

​Astellas Pharma sees strong revenue growth in Q1FY27, driven by strategic brands and cost optimization, reiterates FY27 guidance with positive...

Tina Banerjee

Sumitomo Pharma (4506 JP): North America Continue To Be Robust in Q1FY27, Enzomenib Progressing Well

​Sumitomo Pharma's Q1FY27 revenue rose 20% YoY to ¥129.5B, driven by strong sales in North America. Orgovyx and Gemtesa saw significant revenue...

Tina Banerjee

Takeda Pharmaceutical: Zasocitinib, Oveprexton Positive Results Shows Takeda’s Pipeline Strength

​Takeda Pharmaceutical reports positive Phase 3 results for zasocitinib and oveporexton, showcasing potential for sustained growth and pipeline...

Tina Banerjee

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market & Results & Revisions Update 02/12 • Yamaha Motor, J Post Bank, Otsuka & Lion

For the first time in just over one year and driven by a strong recovery in the index-heavy Auto Sector, our Market Composite Results & Revision...

Campbell Gunn

Astellas Pharma sees strong revenue growth in Q1FY27, driven by strategic brands and cost optimization, reiterates FY27 guidance with positive...

Sumitomo Pharma's Q1FY27 revenue rose 20% YoY to ¥129.5B, driven by strong sales in North America. Orgovyx and Gemtesa saw significant revenue...

Takeda Pharmaceutical reports positive Phase 3 results for zasocitinib and oveporexton, showcasing potential for sustained growth and pipeline...