Senior Technology Analyst, Japanese Equities, LightStream Research

Scott Foster

Securities analyst covering electronics, precision equipment & robotics, engineering, construction, transport and other sectors for more than 25 years in Japan and 3 years in Korea. Permanent resident of Japan.

Senior Technology Analyst, Japanese Equities

Nidec (6594 JP): Robot Gear Expansion to Put Pressure on HDS (6324 JP)

Nidec – Weakness Should Be Understood but Downside Risk at Earnings Remains

Nidec – Small Precision Motors and Automotive Concerning

Harmonic Drive – Good 3Q But No Guidance Revision

If You Like Robotics but Find Current Conditions Frothy, Nabtesco Is a Great, Not Good, Compromise

End of An Era: Nabtesco and Harmonic Drive Dissolve Their Alliance - Event Lost, Pressure On

Harmonic Drive – 11% Share Price Drop on 137% Order Jump

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

Harmonic Drive Systems / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Demand for speed reduction gears is rebounding from the COVID downturn, but sales and profits are likely to be restrained by an increasingly difficult operating environment.</li>
<li>HDS faces growing competition from Nidec in Japan and Leaderdrive in China, both of which want to lead the market. For HDS, a return to peak margins is unlikely.</li>
<li>The shares have dropped 31% since last September, but at 81x EPS guidance are still quite expensive. Consider alternative factory automation investments. </li>
</ul>


Demand for speed reduction gears is rebounding from the COVID downturn, but sales and profits are likely to be restrained by an increasingly difficult operating environment.
HDS faces growing competition from Nidec in Japan and Leaderdrive in China, both of which want to lead the market. For HDS, a return to peak margins is unlikely.
The shares have dropped 31% since last September, but at 81x EPS guidance are still quite expensive. Consider alternative factory automation investments. 


Harmonic Drive Systems (6324 JP): Consider the Competition