'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 - 13th APRIL •</strong></p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/386/original/image_36527959121618346539491.png?1618346540" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200386"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>RESULTS</strong> - Only 38% of Tuesdays 69 results announcements scored positively. Of the largest-cap stocks reporting, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toho-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7806:1" rel="noopener">Toho (9602 JP)</a> cinemas has yet to bottom out but is still in profit. 'New wave' software companies <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sansan-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28112:1" rel="noopener">Sansan (4443 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/money-forward-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25919:1" rel="noopener">Money Forward (3994 JP)</a> are growing into their extreme valuations, while <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pasona-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15778:1" rel="noopener">Pasona's</a> under-appreciated margin transformation continues. </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/403/original/image_63727914331618348873715.png?1618348877" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200403"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/404/original/image_12260447541618348911606.png?1618348912" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200404"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/405/original/image_35233699051618348944141.png?1618348944" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200405"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/406/original/image_14670185761618348969100.png?1618348969" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200406"></figure><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 13th APRIL •</strong></p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/407/original/image_58511005871618349036093.png?1618349036" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200407"></figure><p><strong>FORECASTS/REVISIONS</strong> - Two-thirds of annual forecasts/revisions were positive, with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toho-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7806:1" rel="noopener">Toho (9602 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/j-front-retailing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8947:1" rel="noopener">J Front Retailing (3086 JP)</a> the leading largest-cap optimists. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/santen-pharmaceutical-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8602:1" rel="noopener">Santen Pharmaceutical (4536 JP)</a> revised down following a delay in the approval of glaucoma implant DE-128.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/408/original/image_63605452481618349380112.png?1618349381" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200408"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/200/409/original/image_46822562891618349413296.png?1618349413" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="200409"></figure>

• LARGE CAP RESULTS - 13th APRIL •Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan AnalyticsRESULTS - Only 38% of Tuesdays 69 results announcements scored positively. Of the largest-cap stocks reporting, Toho (9602 JP) cinemas has yet to bottom out but is still in profit. 'New wave' software companies Sansan (4443 JP) and Money Forward (3994 JP) are growing into their extreme valuations, while Pasona's under-appreciated margin transformation continues. • LARGE CAP FORECASTS/REVISIONS - 13th APRIL •FORECASTS/REVISIONS - Two-thirds of annual forecasts/revisions were positive, with Toho (9602 JP) and J Front Retailing (3086 JP) the leading largest-cap optimists. Santen Pharmaceutical (4536 JP) revised down following a delay in the approval of glaucoma implant DE-128.

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​13 - Pasona (Grata) & J Front Retailing

Equity Analyst, Event-driven, Quiddity Advisors

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Equity Analyst, Event-driven

Quiddity Advisors

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Event-Driven

<p>The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) calculates Free-Float Weight (FFW) for each listed company and uses this value as a key component of TOPIX Index Calculation. For companies with "low liquidity" the FFW will be multiplied by a fixed liquidity factor ("LF") of 0.75 to derive the final FFW used for index calculation.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/topix-index-upweights-the-big-april-basket-2021" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49660" rel="noopener">TOPIX Index Upweights: The Big April Basket 2021</a>, I discussed how the Tokyo Stock Exchange reviews this Liquidity Factor every April and highlighted 50 names (the "Big April Basket 2021") that could potentially have their liquidity factors removed in this April's review.</p><div class="content-highlight">
<p><em>Today after the close, the official review results were announced and <strong>48 out of 50</strong> names in our Big April Basket 2021 were correct translating to a hit ratio of 96%. There were 11 other names added, and two of the names we expected to see the LF lifted did not. </em></p>
<p><em>As of today's close, our Big April Basket (equally-weighted) is <strong>up +3.61% against the TOPIX Index in 7 trading</strong><strong> days</strong> (since the close of the day after the insight) and there could be more to come. </em></p>
</div><p>Below is a discussion on the details of the official review results and what changes are required for our basket strategy during the event-leg which could run until the end of April. </p>

The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) calculates Free-Float Weight (FFW) for each listed company and uses this value as a key component of TOPIX Index Calculation. For companies with "low liquidity" the FFW will be multiplied by a fixed liquidity factor ("LF") of 0.75 to derive the final FFW used for index calculation.In TOPIX Index Upweights: The Big April Basket 2021, I discussed how the Tokyo Stock Exchange reviews this Liquidity Factor every April and highlighted 50 names (the "Big April Basket 2021") that could potentially have their liquidity factors removed in this April's review.
Today after the close, the official review results were announced and 48 out of 50 names in our Big April Basket 2021 were correct translating to a hit ratio of 96%. There were 11 other names added, and two of the names we expected to see the LF lifted did not. 
As of today's close, our Big April Basket (equally-weighted) is up +3.61% against the TOPIX Index in 7 trading days (since the close of the day after the insight) and there could be more to come. 
Below is a discussion on the details of the official review results and what changes are required for our basket strategy during the event-leg which could run until the end of April. 

TOPIX Upweights: Big April Basket 2021 Pre-Event Is a WIN! Now the Event-Leg!

<p>During the month of February 2021, one of the most anticipated TOPIX Inclusion candidates, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toshiba-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:637:1" rel="noopener">Toshiba Corp (6502 JP)</a> completed its TOPIX Inclusion Event. We also saw four new names announce their TSE1 moves during this month, among which was <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/faithnetwork-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29132:1" rel="noopener">FaithNetwork Co Ltd (3489 JP)</a> the third stock out of the four pre-event bets highlighted in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/topix-inclusion-trade-summary-sep-2020" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43700" rel="noopener">TOPIX Inclusion Trade Summary: Sep 2020</a>. During this month, we also introduced new pre-event picks to be added to our list in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/topix-inclusions-who-is-ready-3-0" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48306" rel="noopener">TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is READY? 3.0</a>. </p><p>In this insight, I have provided performance updates for 4 "Live" event stocks which are expected to have Inclusion Events at the end of March/April 2021 and 17 "Post" event stocks that completed their Inclusion Events at the end of January 2021 and February 2021. </p>

During the month of February 2021, one of the most anticipated TOPIX Inclusion candidates, Toshiba Corp (6502 JP) completed its TOPIX Inclusion Event. We also saw four new names announce their TSE1 moves during this month, among which was FaithNetwork Co Ltd (3489 JP) the third stock out of the four pre-event bets highlighted in TOPIX Inclusion Trade Summary: Sep 2020. During this month, we also introduced new pre-event picks to be added to our list in TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is READY? 3.0. In this insight, I have provided performance updates for 4 "Live" event stocks which are expected to have Inclusion Events at the end of March/April 2021 and 17 "Post" event stocks that completed their Inclusion Events at the end of January 2021 and February 2021. 

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>• NET GAIN • </strong></div><div><div class="content-caption">
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/590/original/2021-02-19_07-20-52.png?1613686864" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189590"></figure><p></p></section> Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div></div><div>
<p><strong>NET GAIN</strong> - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of  Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8%  higher than three months ago - an increase of  ¥5.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward earnings multiple has declined to 28 times following a 10% increase in total market value (ex REITs). The increase in forecast operating income is a more modest 10.2% reflecting the degree of previously-projected COVID-related extraordinary losses.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/591/original/2021-02-19_07-29-59.png?1613687413" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189591"></figure></section><p><strong>TRAILING TWELVE MONTHS (TTM)</strong> - Trailing revenues and operating profits are still falling by 9.9% and 26.3%, respectively; however, operating income rose by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter as margins improved by 30 basis points. Despite a reasonable effort at cost-cutting, aggregate operating margins are still  228 bps below their mid-2018 peak, and it will take at least another eight quarters for that gap to be closed.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/595/original/2021-02-19_07-38-34.png?1613687927" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189595"></figure></section><p><strong>FORECASTS</strong> - The majority of companies are forecasting for the year ending next month. Despite no change in the aggregate revenue forecast, the outlook for operating income increased by ¥3.7 trillion during the quarter resulting in a 50 bps operating margin uplift. </p>
</div><section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/596/original/2021-02-19_07-40-09.png?1613688021" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189596"></figure><hr></section><p><strong>POSITIVE MOMENTUM</strong> - Both our forward-looking Results Score and Results &amp; Revision Score have returned to the positive after less than one year. Whether this merits a new thirty-year high in TOPIX is, however, a moot point. We would note that the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions for December turned down for the first time since April 2020.   </p></section><div></div><div>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/597/original/2021-02-19_08-02-24.png?1613689355" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189597"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/694/original/2021-02-19_16-02-06.png?1613718138" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189694"></figure><hr></section><p><strong>SECTOR BREAKDOWN</strong> - The leading sectors in terms of one-month change in Results &amp; Revision Score are <strong>Other Commercial Products</strong>, <strong>Autos</strong>,<strong> Other Consumer Products</strong>, <strong>Metals</strong>, and <strong>Building Materials.</strong> The RRS 'losers' are <strong>Utilities</strong>, <strong>Internet Content &amp; Services</strong>, <strong>Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco,</strong><strong>Retail</strong>, and <strong>Healthcare</strong>.  </p>
</div><div>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/700/original/2021-02-19_16-05-32.png?1613718344" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189700"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/189/701/original/2021-02-19_16-06-12.png?1613718383" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="189701"></figure></section><hr>
</div><section></section><div><div>
<p>In the <strong>DETAIL</strong> section below, we shall review the actual results and initial and revised forecasts by Sector and highlight the best and worst-performing companies by one-quarter revenue and margin changes.</p>
<hr>
<p></p>
</div></div>

• NET GAIN • 
 Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics
NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of  Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8%  higher than three months ago - an increase of  ¥5.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward earnings multiple has declined to 28 times following a 10% increase in total market value (ex REITs). The increase in forecast operating income is a more modest 10.2% reflecting the degree of previously-projected COVID-related extraordinary losses.
TRAILING TWELVE MONTHS (TTM) - Trailing revenues and operating profits are still falling by 9.9% and 26.3%, respectively; however, operating income rose by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter as margins improved by 30 basis points. Despite a reasonable effort at cost-cutting, aggregate operating margins are still  228 bps below their mid-2018 peak, and it will take at least another eight quarters for that gap to be closed.
FORECASTS - The majority of companies are forecasting for the year ending next month. Despite no change in the aggregate revenue forecast, the outlook for operating income increased by ¥3.7 trillion during the quarter resulting in a 50 bps operating margin uplift. 
POSITIVE MOMENTUM - Both our forward-looking Results Score and Results &amp; Revision Score have returned to the positive after less than one year. Whether this merits a new thirty-year high in TOPIX is, however, a moot point. We would note that the Cabinet Office Leading Indicator of Business Conditions for December turned down for the first time since April 2020.   
SECTOR BREAKDOWN - The leading sectors in terms of one-month change in Results &amp; Revision Score are Other Commercial Products, Autos, Other Consumer Products, Metals, and Building Materials. The RRS 'losers' are Utilities, Internet Content &amp; Services, Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco,Retail, and Healthcare.  



In the DETAIL section below, we shall review the actual results and initial and revised forecasts by Sector and highlight the best and worst-performing companies by one-quarter revenue and margin changes.




🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

<div><p>There are currently ~1,500 stocks listed in the Mothers, JASDAQ, and Second Sections of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As time passes, some of these stocks will "graduate" to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE1), triggering inclusion into the TOPIX Index causing passive funds tracking TOPIX to buy them on an inclusion event. This presents various trading opportunities in several phases of this event timeline.  </p></div><div>
<p>Being able to identify such candidates at a "Pre-event" phase (before the TSE reassignment is confirmed) can unlock great value for speculative bets. Smartkarma readers familiar with the work of Quiddity Advisors will be able to recall the attractive rewards <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shinnihonseiyaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28122:1" rel="noopener">Shinnihonseiyaku Co Ltd (4931 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gremz-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1858:1" rel="noopener">Gremz Inc (3150 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sansan-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28112:1" rel="noopener">Sansan Inc (4443 JP)</a> were able to deliver in their pre-event phases. </p>
<p>This insight is a continuation of our work in identifying such pre-event candidates.</p>
<p><em>More below the fold</em>  </p>
</div>

There are currently ~1,500 stocks listed in the Mothers, JASDAQ, and Second Sections of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As time passes, some of these stocks will "graduate" to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE1), triggering inclusion into the TOPIX Index causing passive funds tracking TOPIX to buy them on an inclusion event. This presents various trading opportunities in several phases of this event timeline.  
Being able to identify such candidates at a "Pre-event" phase (before the TSE reassignment is confirmed) can unlock great value for speculative bets. Smartkarma readers familiar with the work of Quiddity Advisors will be able to recall the attractive rewards Shinnihonseiyaku Co Ltd (4931 JP), Gremz Inc (3150 JP), and Sansan Inc (4443 JP) were able to deliver in their pre-event phases. 
This insight is a continuation of our work in identifying such pre-event candidates.
More below the fold  


Japan

Sansan, Inc. provides mobile application software solutions. The Company offers business card management service by scanning the cards from scanner and smartphone. Sansan provides its services throughout Japan.

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Sansan Inc (4443 JP)

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/13 - Pasona (Grata) & J Front Retailing

RESULTS - Only 38% of Tuesdays 69 results announcements scored positively. Of the largest-cap stocks reporting, Toho (9602 JP) cinemas has yet to...

Campbell Gunn

TOPIX Upweights: Big April Basket 2021 Pre-Event Is a WIN! Now the Event-Leg!

The Big April FFW/LF Basket Trade was a big win, with 48 out of 50 proposed names seeing their Liquidity Factor removed. So far, outperformance has...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

TOPIX Inclusion Trade Summary: Feb 2021

TOPIX Inclusion summary for Feb 2021 including performance of Feb inclusions, and March-April inclusions from announcement. Change to recommended...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8% higher than three months ago - an...

Campbell Gunn

TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is READY? 3.0

We update which stocks in MOTHERS/JASDAQ/TSE2 are eligible, ready, or could be ready to move to TSE1 (TOPIX inclusion). The last list at end-Nov...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

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🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/​​​​​​13 - Pasona (Grata) & J Front Retailing

RESULTS - Only 38% of Tuesdays 69 results announcements scored positively. Of the largest-cap stocks reporting, Toho (9602 JP) cinemas has yet to...

Campbell Gunn

TOPIX Upweights: Big April Basket 2021 Pre-Event Is a WIN! Now the Event-Leg!

The Big April FFW/LF Basket Trade was a big win, with 48 out of 50 proposed names seeing their Liquidity Factor removed. So far, outperformance has...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

TOPIX Inclusion Trade Summary: Feb 2021

TOPIX Inclusion summary for Feb 2021 including performance of Feb inclusions, and March-April inclusions from announcement. Change to recommended...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

🇯🇵 JAPAN • IT’S A WRAP - Winter 2020 Results & Revisions Review

NET GAIN - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter 23.8% higher than three months ago - an...

Campbell Gunn

TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is READY? 3.0

We update which stocks in MOTHERS/JASDAQ/TSE2 are eligible, ready, or could be ready to move to TSE1 (TOPIX inclusion). The last list at end-Nov...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 04/13 - Pasona (Grata) & J Front Retailing