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

Mandarin Oriental International / Equity Bottom-Up

Mandarin Oriental International Limited is an owner and operator of luxury hotels, resorts, and residences. The Group now operates, or has under development, hotels in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and North Africa. Mandarin Oriental International also operates, or has under development, residences at Mandarin Oriental.

Mandarin Oriental International (MAND SP)

<ul>
<li>This is the final installment in our series on the APAC Luxury Industry, where we highlighted that luxury travel might offer more appealing opportunities than traditional luxury goods.</li>
<li>While travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, traditional luxury goods have shown very low demand in recent months.</li>
<li>Below, we analyze recent trends in luxury travel for <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>, <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>, 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>
</ul>


This is the final installment in our series on the APAC Luxury Industry, where we highlighted that luxury travel might offer more appealing opportunities than traditional luxury goods.
While travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, traditional luxury goods have shown very low demand in recent months.
Below, we analyze recent trends in luxury travel for Mandarin Oriental International (MAND SP), Minor International (MINT TB), and Shiseido Company (4911 JP).


APAC Luxury Industry Series Update: Travel Rebounds While Goods Decline

Greater China Equity Long/Short Analyst

Eric Chen

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>While we were expecting slow but steady growth for China online marketplaces early in 2023, we did underestimate the enduring impact of China property slump on their recovery.</li>
<li>Sluggish macro environment has come above other factors in driving share performance of China e-commerce stocks, but we see the worst behind us, setting stage for the sector’s up cycle.</li>
<li>We believe sector valuation will gradually normalize going into 2H24/1H25 due to a combination of continuous improvements in fundamental and risk appetites for China assets.</li>
</ul>


While we were expecting slow but steady growth for China online marketplaces early in 2023, we did underestimate the enduring impact of China property slump on their recovery.
Sluggish macro environment has come above other factors in driving share performance of China e-commerce stocks, but we see the worst behind us, setting stage for the sector’s up cycle.
We believe sector valuation will gradually normalize going into 2H24/1H25 due to a combination of continuous improvements in fundamental and risk appetites for China assets.


China Online Marketplaces: It Was a Bumpy Journey but the Worst Is Behind Us

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

Energy Absolute Public Company Limited engages in the research, development, and production of biodiesel products in Thailand.

<ul>
<li>Countries across the ASEAN region continue to invest on developing their respective EV markets with governments introducing new initiatives and offering further incentives.</li>
<li>The price war among Chinese EV players has escalated in recent month, causing pressure on non-Chinese players. European and Japanese EV makers are increasingly looking at ASEAN for cost advantage.</li>
<li>The four companies we looked at have reported earnings and we have discussed their latest results and our investment thesis.</li>
</ul>


Countries across the ASEAN region continue to invest on developing their respective EV markets with governments introducing new initiatives and offering further incentives.
The price war among Chinese EV players has escalated in recent month, causing pressure on non-Chinese players. European and Japanese EV makers are increasingly looking at ASEAN for cost advantage.
The four companies we looked at have reported earnings and we have discussed their latest results and our investment thesis.


ASEAN EV Ecosystem Update: Initiatives to Build a Regional EV Ecosystem Continues

HK/China Healthcare Analyst (ex-Fosun Pharma)

Xinyao (Criss) Wang

<ul>
<li>Entering 2024, more provinces/regions have included assisted reproductive medical service projects into medical insurance reimbursement scope. It is expected that the government will accelerate the introduction of supporting measures ahead.</li>
<li>Livzon’s performance in 2023 was disappointing.For BGI, even if the BIOSECURE Act passes and BGI is sanctioned by the US, the overall impact on the company is limited and controllable.</li>
<li>Jinxin has gradually recovered from the negative impact of COVID-19.With the recovery of international flights and the increase in the number of patients, the Company would be back on track. </li>
</ul>


Entering 2024, more provinces/regions have included assisted reproductive medical service projects into medical insurance reimbursement scope. It is expected that the government will accelerate the introduction of supporting measures ahead.
Livzon’s performance in 2023 was disappointing.For BGI, even if the BIOSECURE Act passes and BGI is sanctioned by the US, the overall impact on the company is limited and controllable.
Jinxin has gradually recovered from the negative impact of COVID-19.With the recovery of international flights and the increase in the number of patients, the Company would be back on track. 


China Population Policies Impact on Healthcare Companies Series – Part 4

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