Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Equity Analyst

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

<ul>
<li>Despite expected increased demand from returning Asian tourists, Japanese cosmetics companies have been hesitant to revise their 2H 2023 inbound demand projections.</li>
<li>We are long <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kose-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18009:1" rel="noopener">Kose Corp (4922 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pola-orbis-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2287:1" rel="noopener">Pola Orbis Holdings (4927 JP)</a>, as consensus estimates look extra cautious and reasonable and appealing FY+2 valuation multiples.</li>
<li>We view the risk of Chinese consumers boycotting Japanese cosmetics due to Fukushima wastewater release as relatively low.</li>
</ul>


Despite expected increased demand from returning Asian tourists, Japanese cosmetics companies have been hesitant to revise their 2H 2023 inbound demand projections.
We are long Kose Corp (4922 JP), Shiseido Company (4911 JP), and Pola Orbis Holdings (4927 JP), as consensus estimates look extra cautious and reasonable and appealing FY+2 valuation multiples.
We view the risk of Chinese consumers boycotting Japanese cosmetics due to Fukushima wastewater release as relatively low.


Japanese Cosmetics Ready to Blossom with Asian Visitors

<ul>
<li>This is a follow-up to our initial report on the APAC Luxury Industry where we were of the belief that small niches within the luxury sector could offer potential opportunities.</li>
<li>Below, we analyse the recent trends in luxury travel on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/minor-international-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2154:1" rel="noopener">Minor International (MINT TB)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mandarin-oriental-international-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4773:1" rel="noopener">Mandarin Oriental International (MAND SP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a>.</li>
<li>While travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, Shiseido's Travel Retail struggles, yet Minor International and Mandarin Oriental are showing signs of improvement. </li>
</ul>


This is a follow-up to our initial report on the APAC Luxury Industry where we were of the belief that small niches within the luxury sector could offer potential opportunities.
Below, we analyse the recent trends in luxury travel on Minor International (MINT TB), Mandarin Oriental International (MAND SP) and Shiseido Company (4911 JP).
While travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, Shiseido's Travel Retail struggles, yet Minor International and Mandarin Oriental are showing signs of improvement. 


APAC Luxury Industry Series Update: The Growth of Luxury Travel Unmatched by Dull Share Prices

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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-09/l-occitane-boss-is-said-in-advanced-talks-on-6-5-billion-buyout?in_source=embedded-checkout-banner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Bloomberg</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.</li>
<li>The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.</li>
<li>The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. </li>
</ul>



According to Bloomberg, L'Occitane (973 HK) is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.
The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.
The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-25/l-occitane-owner-said-to-mull-buyout-of-4-billion-beauty-firm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Bloomberg</a>. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.</li>
<li>The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.</li>
<li>L’Occitane released a solid <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/0725/2023072500263.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1QFY2024 update</a> today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. </li>
</ul>



L'Occitane (973 HK) is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, according to Bloomberg. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.
The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.
L’Occitane released a solid 1QFY2024 update today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

Mandarin Oriental International / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>While traditional luxury brands may encounter challenges as affluent Chinese consumers shift to local high-end brands, there are still opportunities within small niches in the luxury sector.</li>
<li>Luxury travel, driven by trends like micro trips and the increasing number of High-Net-Worth Individuals, represents a potential area of growth in the luxury sector.</li>
<li>The thriving luxury travel market opens up investment potential in sectors such as luxury hotels and premium cosmetics.</li>
</ul>


While traditional luxury brands may encounter challenges as affluent Chinese consumers shift to local high-end brands, there are still opportunities within small niches in the luxury sector.
Luxury travel, driven by trends like micro trips and the increasing number of High-Net-Worth Individuals, represents a potential area of growth in the luxury sector.
The thriving luxury travel market opens up investment potential in sectors such as luxury hotels and premium cosmetics.


APAC Luxury Industry Series: Luxury Travel Shines Amid Challenges for Traditional Luxury Goods

Japan

Shiseido Company, Limited manufactures cosmetic and toiletry products. The Company offers an array of makeup and skin-care products, toiletries, beauty salon, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and fine chemicals.

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Shiseido Company (4911 JP)

Japanese Cosmetics Ready to Blossom with Asian Visitors

Japanese cosmetics companies were hesitant to revise their inbound demand projections despite expected increased demand from returning Asian...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

Shares are currently in a trading halt. The rumoured offer price of HK$35 per share is attractive and represents an all-time high price. Therefore,...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the...

Arun George

APAC Luxury Industry Series: Luxury Travel Shines Amid Challenges for Traditional Luxury Goods

Luxury travel, driven by trends like micro trips and the increasing number of High-Net-Worth Individuals, represents a potential area of growth in...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Japanese Cosmetics Ready to Blossom with Asian Visitors

​Japanese cosmetics companies were hesitant to revise their inbound demand projections despite expected increased demand from returning Asian...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

APAC Luxury Industry Series Update: The Growth of Luxury Travel Unmatched by Dull Share Prices

While travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, Shiseido's Travel Retail struggles, yet Minor International and Mandarin Oriental are showing...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

Shares are currently in a trading halt. The rumoured offer price of HK$35 per share is attractive and represents an all-time high price. Therefore,...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the...

Arun George

APAC Luxury Industry Series: Luxury Travel Shines Amid Challenges for Traditional Luxury Goods

Luxury travel, driven by trends like micro trips and the increasing number of High-Net-Worth Individuals, represents a potential area of growth in...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japanese cosmetics companies were hesitant to revise their inbound demand projections despite expected increased demand from returning Asian...