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.

Event-Driven

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. is a holding company which was established through the merger of Ito-Yokado Co., Seven Eleven Japan Co., and Denny's Japan. The Company plans, manages, and operates mainly convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores.

<ul>
<li>Value Act's recent statement might suggest that they have prevailed and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/seven-i-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1041:1" rel="noopener">Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP)</a> has yielded to their demands. However, the reality might be less straightforward.</li>
<li>Value Act sought new market expansion, but Seven &amp; I is focused on reinforcing its presence in existing, well-established markets.</li>
<li>Given Value Act's impatience, their acceptance of Seven &amp; I's plan for a 2026 Super Stores IPO, contingent on a business transformation, is unexpected.</li>
</ul>


Value Act's recent statement might suggest that they have prevailed and Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP) has yielded to their demands. However, the reality might be less straightforward.
Value Act sought new market expansion, but Seven &amp; I is focused on reinforcing its presence in existing, well-established markets.
Given Value Act's impatience, their acceptance of Seven &amp; I's plan for a 2026 Super Stores IPO, contingent on a business transformation, is unexpected.


Investor Activism Update: Seven & I Sets the Path in Investor Activism Battle

Equity Bottom-Up

FAST RETAILING CO., LTD. operates a chain of clothing stores, UNIQLO, throughout Japan and in other markets overseas including UK, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, US, France, Singapore and Russia.  The Company designs, manufactures, and retails its own line of casual clothing.

<ul>
<li>While domestic revenues may have slowed, Uniqlo's domestic OP shows upside potential driven by upside to GM and a gradual reduction in SG&amp;A expenditure.</li>
<li>Simultaneously, Uniqlo International is exhibiting strong performance, with anticipated revenue and OP growth of 21% and 30% YoY respectively.</li>
<li>Despite expecting a strong earnings beat, concerns over high valuations and index issues make us cautious about trading <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fast-retailing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:751:1" rel="noopener">Fast Retailing (9983 JP)</a> in the current earnings cycle.</li>
</ul>


While domestic revenues may have slowed, Uniqlo's domestic OP shows upside potential driven by upside to GM and a gradual reduction in SG&amp;A expenditure.
Simultaneously, Uniqlo International is exhibiting strong performance, with anticipated revenue and OP growth of 21% and 30% YoY respectively.
Despite expecting a strong earnings beat, concerns over high valuations and index issues make us cautious about trading Fast Retailing (9983 JP) in the current earnings cycle.


Minor International PCL is a global company focused on three primary businesses including restaurants, hotels and lifestyle brands distribution.

<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

Sea Limited offers information technology services. The Company provides online personal computer and mobile digital content, e-commerce, and payment platforms. Sea serves customers worldwide.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8509:1" rel="noopener">Sea (SE US)</a> has completed a full cycle of growth followed by a phase of profitability improvements/cost-cutting.</li>
<li>Although substantial cost reductions have been implemented, these efforts have mainly focused on fixed costs.</li>
<li>With marketing efficiency unchanged and significant improvements in gross margin difficult, the company appears no closer to achieving stable profitability than it initially was.</li>
</ul>



Sea (SE US) has completed a full cycle of growth followed by a phase of profitability improvements/cost-cutting.
Although substantial cost reductions have been implemented, these efforts have mainly focused on fixed costs.
With marketing efficiency unchanged and significant improvements in gross margin difficult, the company appears no closer to achieving stable profitability than it initially was.


Sea Ltd: No Nearer to Stable Profitability Than Before

NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. produces instant noodle and processed food products.  The Company also develops pharmaceuticals.  NISSIN FOODS operates production facilities in overseas countries including Hong Kong, India, U.S., Singapore, and other countries.

<ul>
<li>Inflation, having peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, has been on a downward trend throughout the year, with figures dropping to 2.8% in November and further to 2.6% by December.</li>
<li>In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yakult-honsha-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17153:1" rel="noopener">Yakult Honsha (2267 JP)</a>, Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.</li>
<li>While <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nissin-foods-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12548:1" rel="noopener">Nissin Foods Holdings (2897 JP)</a> showcased excellent performance, Yakult and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/seven-i-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1041:1" rel="noopener">Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP)</a> faced struggles in their recent quarters.</li>
</ul>


Inflation, having peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, has been on a downward trend throughout the year, with figures dropping to 2.8% in November and further to 2.6% by December.
In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of Yakult Honsha (2267 JP), Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.
While Nissin Foods Holdings (2897 JP) showcased excellent performance, Yakult and Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP) faced struggles in their recent quarters.


Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

An equity research analyst with over 7 years of experience in multiple sectors. Previously worked for one of the world's largest asset managers with about USD2.5trn in AUM, covering small and micro-cap companies in the consumer sphere across Europe and developed Asia. Also experienced in covering multiple industries including banking, insurance and asset management, retail, tech, telco and REIT.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri
Equity Analyst
• LightStream Research

Investor Activism Update: Seven & I Sets the Path in Investor Activism Battle

To us, it seems that instead of merely capitulating to Value Act's demands, Seven & I is strategically dictating the terms, with Value Act...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Fast Retailing: Earnings Preview

Despite expecting a strong earnings beat, concerns over high valuations and index issues make us cautious about trading Fast Retailing in the...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Sea Ltd: No Nearer to Stable Profitability Than Before

Sea (SE US) has gone through growth and cost-cutting phases, but struggles to achieve stable profitability due to unchanged marketing efficiency...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Inflation in Japan has been on a decline over the year, reaching 2.6% in December 2023 after peaking at 4.3% twelve months prior.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Investor Activism Update: Seven & I Sets the Path in Investor Activism Battle

To us, it seems that instead of merely capitulating to Value Act's demands, Seven & I is strategically dictating the terms, with Value Act...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Fast Retailing: Earnings Preview

Despite expecting a strong earnings beat, concerns over high valuations and index issues make us cautious about trading Fast Retailing in the...

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

Sea Ltd: No Nearer to Stable Profitability Than Before

​Sea (SE US) has gone through growth and cost-cutting phases, but struggles to achieve stable profitability due to unchanged marketing efficiency...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Inflation in Japan has been on a decline over the year, reaching 2.6% in December 2023 after peaking at 4.3% twelve months prior.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Sea (SE US) has gone through growth and cost-cutting phases, but struggles to achieve stable profitability due to unchanged marketing efficiency...