Global Special Situations & Strategy, SR Services Ltd

David Lepper

Global Special Situations & Strategy

SR Services Ltd

SR Services provides Strategic Knowledge and Solutions services for Family Offices and Corporate Business. 

We deliver this via advisory services, strategic planning, opportunity analysis/sourcing, as well as solution implementation. 

Whilst, we create intellectual discipline and operational leverage for your projects or daily activities, our ultimate objective is to empower whilst enhancing your decision making. 

Strategic Knowledge and Solutions

Cross Asset Strategy

<ul>
<li>
<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Q3-2021 All Cap High-Risk screen of stocks produced a market-cap-weighted average price return of 2% and a simple average decline of 0.2%</strong>.</li>
<li>
<strong>Out of the 34 stocks that appeared in our Q3-2021 screen, </strong>15 stocks saw an average share price decline of 11.5%, whilst 19 stocks appreciated on average by 14%. The two biggest declining stock  were down 25% and 19% respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Our Q4 2021 screen, with 38 names (up from 34 seen in Q3 and Q2 2021) delivers an interesting composition this quarter, </strong></li>
<li>
<strong>As in the previous few quarters, we anticipate the possibility of a risk of deteriorating credit metrics during the next few quarters: </strong>Q4 2021’s Altman Z score rests at 1.23, which is just up on Q3 2021’s level of 1.19.</li>
</ul>



Our Q3-2021 All Cap High-Risk screen of stocks produced a market-cap-weighted average price return of 2% and a simple average decline of 0.2%.

Out of the 34 stocks that appeared in our Q3-2021 screen, 15 stocks saw an average share price decline of 11.5%, whilst 19 stocks appreciated on average by 14%. The two biggest declining stock  were down 25% and 19% respectively.
Our Q4 2021 screen, with 38 names (up from 34 seen in Q3 and Q2 2021) delivers an interesting composition this quarter, 

As in the previous few quarters, we anticipate the possibility of a risk of deteriorating credit metrics during the next few quarters: Q4 2021’s Altman Z score rests at 1.23, which is just up on Q3 2021’s level of 1.19.


Screening the Silk Road: Q4 2021 High-Risk Names to Avoid

<h2><strong>Eight new names, SoftBank remains for the 3rd quarter running</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Our</strong><strong>Q2-2021 All Cap High-Risk screen of stocks produced a market cap-weighted average price decline of 2%</strong>. In comparison, the MSCI Asia Pacific Index posted a decline of 1.7% over the same period. The stock quality of our Q2 2021 decreased 2.4 points or 3.8% over the period. Within the mix of 34 stocks in our Q2 2021 (May) list 19 posted negative performance, with an average decline of 14.1%.</li>
<li>
<strong>At a static number of 34</strong><strong> stocks our Q3 2021 screen, delivers an interesting composition this quarter, </strong>with eight (8) new names and strong representation from Hong Kong in terms of geography and Industrials and Basic Materials from a sector perspective. This suggests that the “reopening of the economy” trade may have run its course for now.</li>
<li><strong>Our Q3 2021 screen shows a further reduction in average stock rank (a reading on relative quality amongst the broad market peers with 100 being the highest) to 61 from 65.18 in Q2 2021.</strong></li>
<li>
<strong>Stock specific focus:</strong> We discuss why SoftBank stands out as a stock that presents with additional risk. We also discuss the fact that whilst there is a high representation of Industrials in the list, within this list, there are several names that may warrant not being too bearish towards.</li>
</ul>

Eight new names, SoftBank remains for the 3rd quarter running


OurQ2-2021 All Cap High-Risk screen of stocks produced a market cap-weighted average price decline of 2%. In comparison, the MSCI Asia Pacific Index posted a decline of 1.7% over the same period. The stock quality of our Q2 2021 decreased 2.4 points or 3.8% over the period. Within the mix of 34 stocks in our Q2 2021 (May) list 19 posted negative performance, with an average decline of 14.1%.

At a static number of 34 stocks our Q3 2021 screen, delivers an interesting composition this quarter, with eight (8) new names and strong representation from Hong Kong in terms of geography and Industrials and Basic Materials from a sector perspective. This suggests that the “reopening of the economy” trade may have run its course for now.
Our Q3 2021 screen shows a further reduction in average stock rank (a reading on relative quality amongst the broad market peers with 100 being the highest) to 61 from 65.18 in Q2 2021.

Stock specific focus: We discuss why SoftBank stands out as a stock that presents with additional risk. We also discuss the fact that whilst there is a high representation of Industrials in the list, within this list, there are several names that may warrant not being too bearish towards.


Screening the Silk Road: Q3 2021 High-Risk Names to Avoid

'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)

<div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS SUMMARY - 4th FEBRUARY •</strong></p></div><div><p>Of Thursday's 151 results announcements, 69% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 5.1% on average and a 0.8 percentage point decline in operating margins. 12% of companies were in the red for the quarter.  63% of the 64 annual forecasts/revision announcements scored positively, and the average Forecast/Revision score was +2.1 points.</p></div><div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST •</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thursday's 'best' large-cap announcements were <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ibiden-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16630:1" rel="noopener">Ibiden (4062 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/takeda-pharmaceutical-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11747:1" rel="noopener">Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ntt-data-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11232:1" rel="noopener">NTT Data (9613 JP)</a>. The 'worst' came from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-ufj-financial-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:218:1" rel="noopener">MUFG (8306 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27445:1" rel="noopener">Softbank (9434 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mercari-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27149:1" rel="noopener">Mercari (4385 JP)</a>.   </p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/914/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186914"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/912/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186912"></figure></section><section class="figure"><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/913/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186913"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/911/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186911"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/910/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186910"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/186/915/original/image?1612474282" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="186915"></figure></section></section>
</div><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div>

• RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS SUMMARY - 4th FEBRUARY •Of Thursday's 151 results announcements, 69% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 5.1% on average and a 0.8 percentage point decline in operating margins. 12% of companies were in the red for the quarter.  63% of the 64 annual forecasts/revision announcements scored positively, and the average Forecast/Revision score was +2.1 points.
• BEST &amp; WORST •
Thursday's 'best' large-cap announcements were Ibiden (4062 JP), Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP), and NTT Data (9613 JP). The 'worst' came from MUFG (8306 JP), Softbank (9434 JP), and Mercari (4385 JP).   

Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​02/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​04 Ibiden, Takeda.

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 analysed the earning revision of component stocks of MS-Japan in the past month.</li>
<li>We tabulated stocks with the top impact on index's EPS, stocks' EPS revision, and revenue revision.</li>
<li>We highlighted EPS revision on Nissan Motor, Sony Financial, Mitsui Mining &amp; Smelting, Resonac, Orix, Rakuten, Kioxia.</li>
</ul>


We analysed the earning revision of component stocks of MS-Japan in the past month.
We tabulated stocks with the top impact on index's EPS, stocks' EPS revision, and revenue revision.
We highlighted EPS revision on Nissan Motor, Sony Financial, Mitsui Mining &amp; Smelting, Resonac, Orix, Rakuten, Kioxia.


MS-Japan Index Earning Revision (Jun): Nissan Motor, Sony Financial, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Orix

<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/203/original/2020-11-17_12-24-48.png?1605583510" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172203"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div>
<p><strong>BRIGHTER, LATER</strong> - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter, higher than three months ago by ¥1.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward multiple is unchanged at 31 times, despite a 7% rise in market capitalisation. Although this 'season' was the best in two years in terms of forecast profits, trailing earnings are still falling, by almost ¥3 trillion in the case of operating income. Much of the market optimism rests on a Japan experiencing a mild COVID winter and the impact of the incoming Biden administration's policy pronouncements on the US dollar. </p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/219/original/2020-11-17_13-33-54.png?1605587647" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172219"></figure></section><p><strong>5.2% TTM OPERATING MARGINS</strong> - Aggregate Operating Income has declined by a third year-on-year on a 10% decline in revenues. The good news is that the pace of decline is slowing. Nevertheless, all of the Abe-era gains in earnings have now been unwound.</p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/230/original/2020-11-17_13-47-49.png?1605588488" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172230"></figure><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/394/original/2020-11-18_07-24-55.png?1605651921" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172394"></figure></section><p><strong>4.8% FORECAST OPERATING MARGINS</strong> - Operating margins are forecast to contract further over the next five months to 4.8%. Forecast revenues and operating income are both 3% lower than three months ago, the slowest rate of attrition in three quarters. The current market euphoria, which has taken total capitalisation to within 3% of the pre-COVID high is implying that the next 'print' of this data series, will be positive.    </p></section><section class="figure"></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/256/original/2020-11-17_14-22-29.png?1605590564" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172256"></figure></section><p><strong>POSITIVE MOMENTUM</strong> - The sharp recovery in earnings momentum, which the market has been discounting is now materialising. Our Forecast/Revision Score has returned to March levels while the trailing Results Score has bottomed out well above the low of 2009. </p>
<section class="figure"><section class="figure"></section><div class="content-highlight"><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></div></section></section>

Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics
BRIGHTER, LATER - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter, higher than three months ago by ¥1.2 trillion. As a result, the market's forward multiple is unchanged at 31 times, despite a 7% rise in market capitalisation. Although this 'season' was the best in two years in terms of forecast profits, trailing earnings are still falling, by almost ¥3 trillion in the case of operating income. Much of the market optimism rests on a Japan experiencing a mild COVID winter and the impact of the incoming Biden administration's policy pronouncements on the US dollar. 
5.2% TTM OPERATING MARGINS - Aggregate Operating Income has declined by a third year-on-year on a 10% decline in revenues. The good news is that the pace of decline is slowing. Nevertheless, all of the Abe-era gains in earnings have now been unwound.
4.8% FORECAST OPERATING MARGINS - Operating margins are forecast to contract further over the next five months to 4.8%. Forecast revenues and operating income are both 3% lower than three months ago, the slowest rate of attrition in three quarters. The current market euphoria, which has taken total capitalisation to within 3% of the pre-COVID high is implying that the next 'print' of this data series, will be positive.    POSITIVE MOMENTUM - The sharp recovery in earnings momentum, which the market has been discounting is now materialising. Our Forecast/Revision Score has returned to March levels while the trailing Results Score has bottomed out well above the low of 2009. 
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 - Autumn 2020 Results & Revisions Review

Japan

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd focuses on the Research & Development, Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing and Import/Export of Pharmaceutical Drugs. The Company focuses on the following core therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular & Metabolic, Oncology, Central Nervous System, Respiratory & Immunology, General Medicine (Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary) and Vaccine.

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Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP)

Screening the Silk Road: Q4 2021 High-Risk Names to Avoid

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🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 02/04 Ibiden, Takeda.

Of Thursday's 151 results announcements, 69% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 5.1% on average and a 0.8...

Campbell Gunn

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Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

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BRIGHTER, LATER - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter, higher than three months ago by...

Campbell Gunn

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Screening the Silk Road: Q4 2021 High-Risk Names to Avoid

As we move through into Q1 2022, we expect to see volatility around highly priced & leveraged names. This screen is a key starting point towards...

David Lepper

Screening the Silk Road: Q3 2021 High-Risk Names to Avoid

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David Lepper

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​02/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​04 Ibiden, Takeda.

Of Thursday's 151 results announcements, 69% scored positively for earnings momentum despite trailing revenues falling by 5.1% on average and a 0.8...

Campbell Gunn

MS-Japan Index Earning Revision (Jun): Nissan Motor, Sony Financial, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Orix

We analyzed MS-Japan's consensus for Jun 2026 and highlighted changes of EPS in Nissan Motor, Sony Financial, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Resonac,...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

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

BRIGHTER, LATER - Forecast Aggregate Net Income for the universe of Japanese listed companies ended the quarter, higher than three months ago by...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 02/04 Ibiden, Takeda.