Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

Equity Bottom-Up

The war between <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27445:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Corp (9434 JP)</a>/<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/z-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19603:1" rel="noopener">Z Holdings (4689 JP)</a> and Rakuten for leadership in digital ecosystems has seen Z Holdings acquire new partners and subsidiaries, and take leadership in cashless payments and then messaging through its merger with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/line-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22772:1" rel="noopener">LINE Corp (3938 JP)</a>.Now <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakuten-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1" rel="noopener">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)</a> is fighting back with a truly game changing deal with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:359:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP)</a> that could provide the reach and finance to develop new synergies in e-commerce, logistics, cashless payments and points, banking, insurance and mobile.This is a major reset in the rivalry in digital commerce, making Rakuten almost like a state-backed enterprise – with all the benefits that implies. Z Holdings should be worried.

The war between Softbank Corp (9434 JP)/Z Holdings (4689 JP) and Rakuten for leadership in digital ecosystems has seen Z Holdings acquire new partners and subsidiaries, and take leadership in cashless payments and then messaging through its merger with LINE Corp (3938 JP).Now Rakuten Inc (4755 JP) is fighting back with a truly game changing deal with Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP) that could provide the reach and finance to develop new synergies in e-commerce, logistics, cashless payments and points, banking, insurance and mobile.This is a major reset in the rivalry in digital commerce, making Rakuten almost like a state-backed enterprise – with all the benefits that implies. Z Holdings should be worried.

Gamechanger: Rakuten’s Win-Win Alliance with Japan Post

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 Capital Markets

Flipkart Online Services / Equity Capital Markets

A string of Indian unicorns is expected to go public in the near term to benefit from the post-COVID tech IPO bubble. Late last year, it was reported that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/flipkart-online-services-private-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31076:1" rel="noopener">Flipkart Online Services (1398508D IN)</a>, an Indian e-commerce company controlled by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/walmart-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11134:1" rel="noopener">Walmart (WMT US)</a>, was pursuing a US IPO of approximately $10.0bn.According to a recent news article on Bloomberg, it appears that Walmart has made good progress over the last few months and targets to complete the Flipkart IPO during the fourth quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, under growing opposition from offline retailors, the Indian government is proposing to change the e-commerce policy framework. When implemented the new framework will significantly affect India’s foreign controlled e-commerce giants Walmart and Flipkart at a time a well-funded local player (Reliance) is starting to disrupt the peaking order of the Indian e-commerce market.

A string of Indian unicorns is expected to go public in the near term to benefit from the post-COVID tech IPO bubble. Late last year, it was reported that Flipkart Online Services (1398508D IN), an Indian e-commerce company controlled by Walmart (WMT US), was pursuing a US IPO of approximately $10.0bn.According to a recent news article on Bloomberg, it appears that Walmart has made good progress over the last few months and targets to complete the Flipkart IPO during the fourth quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, under growing opposition from offline retailors, the Indian government is proposing to change the e-commerce policy framework. When implemented the new framework will significantly affect India’s foreign controlled e-commerce giants Walmart and Flipkart at a time a well-funded local player (Reliance) is starting to disrupt the peaking order of the Indian e-commerce market.

Asia Consumer Research, Investory

Devi Subhakesan

Asia Consumer Research

ASIA CONSUMER: INSIGHTS AND INVESTMENT IDEAS

Investory

Investory is a Singapore-based boutique independent equity research firm founded in January 2017 with a primary focus on consumption themes across Asia-Pacific.

We aim to generate investible ideas based on consumption trends and outlook. We screen our ideas on several parameters - product potential, long-term growth and management commitment being the most critical.  We follow a fundamental analysis approach in our stock selection process and are not restricted by market cap.

We aspire to grow into a leading source of unbiased research, free of conflict of interest, for investors yearning for independent and disciplined analysis. 

We also undertake bespoke research mandates to support our Institutional clients’ investment needs.

Our team comprises of professionals with extensive experience in the Asian equity markets, in areas ranging from research, servicing institutional clients and investment management.

In this insight, we discuss (1) the likely catalysts triggering <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/flipkart-online-services-private-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31076:1" rel="noopener">Flipkart Online Services </a> (Flipkart) going public, (2) a quick primer on Flipkart and its multiple business verticals, (3) the listed players/peers that may potentially be impacted by Flipkart's listing. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/flipkart-online-services-private-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31076:1" rel="noopener">Flipkart Online Services (Flipkart)</a>'s upcoming IPO will offer investors an opportunity to take direct exposure in India's fast-growing eCommerce segment. Flipkart is a pureplay India eCommerce and related services (digital payments, logistics) company with a dominant presence across multiple verticals. Flipkart's listing could be a test of investor appetite and valuation potential for India based eComm players and may pave the way for other players to go public.

In this insight, we discuss (1) the likely catalysts triggering Flipkart Online Services  (Flipkart) going public, (2) a quick primer on Flipkart and its multiple business verticals, (3) the listed players/peers that may potentially be impacted by Flipkart's listing. Flipkart Online Services (Flipkart)'s upcoming IPO will offer investors an opportunity to take direct exposure in India's fast-growing eCommerce segment. Flipkart is a pureplay India eCommerce and related services (digital payments, logistics) company with a dominant presence across multiple verticals. Flipkart's listing could be a test of investor appetite and valuation potential for India based eComm players and may pave the way for other players to go public. 

Flipkart's IPO in the Works - All You Need to Know for Now

Thanks to Covid-19 and the more long-term shift to digital shopping, the big three e-commerce platforms, Amazon, Rakuten and Z Holdings, plundered the physical retail sector last year, grabbing a significantly increased share of consumption, but the wider battle for digital dominance isn’t over yet.Z Holdings is just closing on its deal with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/line-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22772:1" rel="noopener">LINE Corp (3938 JP)</a> and following that up with a proposed ¥500 billion investment programme which includes a focus on e-commerce. But <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakuten-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1" rel="noopener">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)</a> has already responded this week with its breakthrough deal with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-post-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:359:1" rel="noopener">Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP), </a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/walmart-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11134:1" rel="noopener">Walmart (WMT US).</a>Meanwhile, despite these efforts by the two domestics giants, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/amazon-com-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:409:1" rel="noopener">Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US)</a> remained Japan's largest e-commerce operator in 2020 (by Gross Transaction Values) and doesn't look like giving up its poll position anytime soon.ZHD has a lot of advantages and strengths on the customer capture and marketing side. It has one of the biggest and more alluring datasets of Japanese consumers out there, which is not just social media handles and click data but names and addresses and – adding in Zozo data – body and foot size and, as of last month, skin type.ZHD needs to work hard to integrate all this and if it does so, will have a shot at leadership in digital ecosystems, but to win in e-commerce it must do something about fulfilment where it remains worryingly weak.

Thanks to Covid-19 and the more long-term shift to digital shopping, the big three e-commerce platforms, Amazon, Rakuten and Z Holdings, plundered the physical retail sector last year, grabbing a significantly increased share of consumption, but the wider battle for digital dominance isn’t over yet.Z Holdings is just closing on its deal with LINE Corp (3938 JP) and following that up with a proposed ¥500 billion investment programme which includes a focus on e-commerce. But Rakuten Inc (4755 JP) has already responded this week with its breakthrough deal with Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP), Tencent Holdings (700 HK) and Walmart (WMT US).Meanwhile, despite these efforts by the two domestics giants, Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US) remained Japan's largest e-commerce operator in 2020 (by Gross Transaction Values) and doesn't look like giving up its poll position anytime soon.ZHD has a lot of advantages and strengths on the customer capture and marketing side. It has one of the biggest and more alluring datasets of Japanese consumers out there, which is not just social media handles and click data but names and addresses and – adding in Zozo data – body and foot size and, as of last month, skin type.ZHD needs to work hard to integrate all this and if it does so, will have a shot at leadership in digital ecosystems, but to win in e-commerce it must do something about fulfilment where it remains worryingly weak.

E-Commerce Wars in Japan: How Z Holdings Is Facing off Against Rakuten and Amazon

Telco/Internet specialist

Kirk Boodry

Redex Research

Rakuten’s announcement of a ¥242bn investment from Japan Post, Tencent and Wal-Mart is truly a game changer. The proceeds should get it through peak investment for mobile and enhance the value of its fulfilment expansion. It also gives Rakuten, which has looked outmatched in its competitive fight against larger rivals like Softbank/Z Holdings, a trip of powerful allies in eCommerce and fintech. The Tencent participation is particularly interesting as that company expands its own competitive fight with Alibaba. The challenge for Rakuten has not diminished but for the first time since it announced its mobile ambitions in 2017, we feel it has the resources it needs.

Rakuten’s announcement of a ¥242bn investment from Japan Post, Tencent and Wal-Mart is truly a game changer. The proceeds should get it through peak investment for mobile and enhance the value of its fulfilment expansion. It also gives Rakuten, which has looked outmatched in its competitive fight against larger rivals like Softbank/Z Holdings, a trip of powerful allies in eCommerce and fintech. The Tencent participation is particularly interesting as that company expands its own competitive fight with Alibaba. The challenge for Rakuten has not diminished but for the first time since it announced its mobile ambitions in 2017, we feel it has the resources it needs.

Rakuten - Strategic Investments Raise Needed Cash and Level the Playing Field

United States

Walmart Inc. operates discount stores, supercenters, and neighborhood markets. The Company offers merchandise such as apparel, house wares, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, books, home improvement, shoes, jewelry, toddler, games, household essentials, pets, pharmaceutical products, party supplies, and automotive tools. Walmart serves customers worldwide.

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Walmart (WMT US)

Gamechanger: Rakuten’s Win-Win Alliance with Japan Post

Japan Post's investment in Rakuten is a genuinely seismic shift in the balance of power in digital ecosystems in Japan, bolstering Rakuten where it...

Michael Causton

Flipkart IPO: A Race Against Time

When implemented the new framework will significantly affect India’s foreign controlled e-commerce giants Walmart and Flipkart at a time a well...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Flipkart's IPO in the Works - All You Need to Know for Now

Read for Likely catalysts triggering Flipkart's IPO, a quick primer on Flipkart and its multiple business verticals, the listed players/peers that...

Devi Subhakesan

E-Commerce Wars in Japan: How Z Holdings Is Facing off Against Rakuten and Amazon

2020 boosted the fortunes of the big 3 e-commerce platforms in Japan but Z Holdings remains far behind Amazon Japan and Rakuten in sales volume and...

Michael Causton

Rakuten - Strategic Investments Raise Needed Cash and Level the Playing Field

The investments in Rakuten solve near-term cash concerns but it is the presence of powerful allies that make this a milestone

Kirk Boodry

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