'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

ja research

ja research is an independent research platform focused exclusively on Japanese equities. Leveraging data and graphic analysis provided by Japan Analytics, we provide insights on small and medium-sized companies that have been ignored by the sell-side as well as challenging conventional wisdom on larger companies. We also offer analyst and corporate access, the latter with translation if required. 

Quantitative Analysis

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>- PEER GROUP SCORE MATRIX -</strong></p>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/079/840/original/2019-02-22_18-26-15.png?1550827634" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="79840"></figure>
<div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>
<p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong> - Following on from our review of the Market Composite and Sectors, this Insight will cover the cap-weighted Results &amp; Revision Scores for the 328 Peer Groups that comprise our 30 Sectors providing greater depth to our analysis of current business trends.  Peer Group definitions reflect both standard SIC/GICS classifications as well as local market conventions. The number of constituents and market capitalisation for each Peer Group varies widely. </p>
<p><strong>RRS/RPS SCORE MATRIX</strong> - Combining our Results &amp; Revision Scores (RRS) with each Peer Group's Relative Price Score (RPS) allows a classification of our Peer Group universe into four quadrants -</p>
<ul>
<li>'<strong>Contrarian Buy</strong>'  &gt; Low RRS &amp; Low RPS </li>
<li>'<strong>Contrarian Sell' </strong>&gt; High RRS &amp; High RPS</li>
<li>
<strong>Peak Growth</strong>' &gt; High RRS &amp; Low RPS</li>
<li>'<strong>Ex-Growth/Turnaround</strong>' &gt; Low RRS &amp; High RPS</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>THE 'QUADRANTS'</strong> - In the two '<strong>Contrarian</strong>' quadrants, the market is aligned with the current earnings momentum of the Peer Groups suggesting opportunities exist only for those willing or brave enough to take a contrarian view.  For '<strong>Peak Growth</strong>' Peer Groups, the market is calling for a downturn in momentum that has yet to be reflected in quarterly earnings. Where the cycle is more prolonged than expected, there are often opportunities for short-term rebounds in what are normally relatively-inexpensive companies. The '<strong>Ex-Growth</strong>' quadrant often consists of former '<strong>Contrarian Sell</strong>'s where the market is reluctant to acknowledge that the cycle has turned. This quadrant can also contain '<strong>Turnarounds</strong>' - formerly '<strong>Contrarian Buys</strong>' where the market is correctly anticipating a change in fortunes.    </p>
<div class="content-highlight">
<p>In the <strong>DETAIL</strong> section below, we list the top and bottom twenty Peer Groups ranked by Results &amp; Revision Score and the top and bottom twenty most-changed over the last three months as well the most optimistic and most pessimistic.  In our ranked tables we have listed only those Peer Groups with an aggregate capitalisation of over ¥50b. </p>
</div>

- PEER GROUP SCORE MATRIX -

Source: Japan Analytics
INTRODUCTION - Following on from our review of the Market Composite and Sectors, this Insight will cover the cap-weighted Results &amp; Revision Scores for the 328 Peer Groups that comprise our 30 Sectors providing greater depth to our analysis of current business trends.  Peer Group definitions reflect both standard SIC/GICS classifications as well as local market conventions. The number of constituents and market capitalisation for each Peer Group varies widely. 
RRS/RPS SCORE MATRIX - Combining our Results &amp; Revision Scores (RRS) with each Peer Group's Relative Price Score (RPS) allows a classification of our Peer Group universe into four quadrants -

'Contrarian Buy'  &gt; Low RRS &amp; Low RPS 
'Contrarian Sell' &gt; High RRS &amp; High RPS

Peak Growth' &gt; High RRS &amp; Low RPS
'Ex-Growth/Turnaround' &gt; Low RRS &amp; High RPS

THE 'QUADRANTS' - In the two 'Contrarian' quadrants, the market is aligned with the current earnings momentum of the Peer Groups suggesting opportunities exist only for those willing or brave enough to take a contrarian view.  For 'Peak Growth' Peer Groups, the market is calling for a downturn in momentum that has yet to be reflected in quarterly earnings. Where the cycle is more prolonged than expected, there are often opportunities for short-term rebounds in what are normally relatively-inexpensive companies. The 'Ex-Growth' quadrant often consists of former 'Contrarian Sell's where the market is reluctant to acknowledge that the cycle has turned. This quadrant can also contain 'Turnarounds' - formerly 'Contrarian Buys' where the market is correctly anticipating a change in fortunes.    

In the DETAIL section below, we list the top and bottom twenty Peer Groups ranked by Results &amp; Revision Score and the top and bottom twenty most-changed over the last three months as well the most optimistic and most pessimistic.  In our ranked tables we have listed only those Peer Groups with an aggregate capitalisation of over ¥50b. 


🇯🇵 Japan: Winter Peer Group Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/Peak & Ex-Growth

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/079/339/original/2019-02-19_12-05-19.png?1550545549" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="79339"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>CHILLING</strong> - A winter chill has descended over the Japanese equity market. As we covered in our Insight on market aggregate earnings <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/japan-winter-results-revisions-flash-cycle-earnings-peak-was-december-26th" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:28022">Japan: Winter Results &amp; Revisions Flash</a> the net income of corporate Japan peaked on 26th December, However, reported earnings are a lagging indicator, and in this instance, the 'lag' was almost one year, with the Total Market Capitalisation (excluding REITs) peaking on 23rd January 2018. Our preferred, and often leading, indicators are the<strong> All-Market Composite Results Score</strong> - a measure of the trend and momentum in quarterly corporate earnings the <strong>All-Market Composite Forecast/Revision Score</strong> - which measures the trend and rate of change in company initial forecasts and revisions. The Results Score peaked on 1st February 2018, seven trading days after the market peak and is now one year into an extended period of decline. The Forecast/Revision Score is slowing peaked out on 27th October 2017, three months ahead of the market and the Results Score - demonstrating the reliability of company forecasts, as opposed to 'consensus', as a leading indicator of future earnings. Revisions have continued to 'lead' on the way down and 0.55 points 'ahead'.   </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/079/351/original/2019-02-19_12-42-28.png?1550547837" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="79351"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>TURNING NEGATIVE?</strong> - Subtracting the Forecast/Revision Score from the Results Score shows the extent of the lag in the latter. The relationship has been relatively stable of over one year; however, as we 'roll' into the next fiscal year's forecasts in May, we can expect the difference to move closer to zero as both scores turn negative. As the cycle bottoms out, the revisions will recover ahead of results, and the difference will also become negative, setting the stage for the next upswing in later 2019 or early 2020.  </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/079/362/original/2019-02-19_13-26-37.png?1550550430" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="79362"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p>On each of the three occasions since 2006 when the Results Score has fallen below '4', it has subsequently fallen below zero. In 2012, the decline was muted by the advent of the Bank of Japan (BOJ)'s policy of weakening the currency. The current score of 2.14 suggests we are continuing on a path to zero and below.  Failing a currency move through ¥115 (see below), the Results Score should turn negative by the time the full-year results are announced next May. We also expect a high degree of caution in forecasting, especially on the Auto sector which is overshadowed by the prospect of US tariffs. The announcement of the closer of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/154" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:154:1">Honda Motor (7267 JP)</a>'s car plant in Swindon in the UK is not a good portent.  </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/079/367/original/2019-02-19_13-44-01.png?1550551486" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="79367"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>BEAR MARKET</strong> <strong>RALLY &amp; THE YEN </strong>- Total Market Value has recovered by 13.8% since Christmas Day and is currently at the same level as when we published our Autumn review - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/japan-autumn-results-revisions-scores-market-composite-sector-review-slomo-slowdown" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:25923">SloMo Slowdown</a>. With earnings and revisions heading lower, the implied expectation is for some or all of - a further central bank easing, a resolution of current trade tensions, and a weakening of the Yen. The last has been the 'get-out-of-jail' card for Japanese equities. Our chart compares the year-on-year percentage change in the US$/¥ exchange rate with a lag of six months to the Combined Results and Revision Score (with each sore being equally-weighted). The last eight turning points for the rate of change of the cross rate, have coincided with directional changes in earnings and revisions momentum. The recent weakness in the currency suggests a more stable market - at least until the late spring. </p><div class="content-highlight"><p><strong>RECOMMENDATION</strong> - Although current valuations are attractive, we believe the market is correctly anticipating further declines in earnings momentum over the next few quarters.  We would stay underweight Japanese equities by 20% (i.e. 5.5% v. 7%) with a bias towards domestic sectors, notably, <strong>Information Technology</strong>, <strong>Telecommunications</strong>, <strong>Media</strong>, <strong>Healthcare</strong> &amp;<strong> Commercial</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. We would not hedge the currency.</p></div>

Source: Japan AnalyticsCHILLING - A winter chill has descended over the Japanese equity market. As we covered in our Insight on market aggregate earnings Japan: Winter Results &amp; Revisions Flash the net income of corporate Japan peaked on 26th December, However, reported earnings are a lagging indicator, and in this instance, the 'lag' was almost one year, with the Total Market Capitalisation (excluding REITs) peaking on 23rd January 2018. Our preferred, and often leading, indicators are the All-Market Composite Results Score - a measure of the trend and momentum in quarterly corporate earnings the All-Market Composite Forecast/Revision Score - which measures the trend and rate of change in company initial forecasts and revisions. The Results Score peaked on 1st February 2018, seven trading days after the market peak and is now one year into an extended period of decline. The Forecast/Revision Score is slowing peaked out on 27th October 2017, three months ahead of the market and the Results Score - demonstrating the reliability of company forecasts, as opposed to 'consensus', as a leading indicator of future earnings. Revisions have continued to 'lead' on the way down and 0.55 points 'ahead'.   Source: Japan AnalyticsTURNING NEGATIVE? - Subtracting the Forecast/Revision Score from the Results Score shows the extent of the lag in the latter. The relationship has been relatively stable of over one year; however, as we 'roll' into the next fiscal year's forecasts in May, we can expect the difference to move closer to zero as both scores turn negative. As the cycle bottoms out, the revisions will recover ahead of results, and the difference will also become negative, setting the stage for the next upswing in later 2019 or early 2020.  Source: Japan AnalyticsOn each of the three occasions since 2006 when the Results Score has fallen below '4', it has subsequently fallen below zero. In 2012, the decline was muted by the advent of the Bank of Japan (BOJ)'s policy of weakening the currency. The current score of 2.14 suggests we are continuing on a path to zero and below.  Failing a currency move through ¥115 (see below), the Results Score should turn negative by the time the full-year results are announced next May. We also expect a high degree of caution in forecasting, especially on the Auto sector which is overshadowed by the prospect of US tariffs. The announcement of the closer of Honda Motor (7267 JP)'s car plant in Swindon in the UK is not a good portent.  Source: Japan AnalyticsBEAR MARKET RALLY &amp; THE YEN - Total Market Value has recovered by 13.8% since Christmas Day and is currently at the same level as when we published our Autumn review - SloMo Slowdown. With earnings and revisions heading lower, the implied expectation is for some or all of - a further central bank easing, a resolution of current trade tensions, and a weakening of the Yen. The last has been the 'get-out-of-jail' card for Japanese equities. Our chart compares the year-on-year percentage change in the US$/¥ exchange rate with a lag of six months to the Combined Results and Revision Score (with each sore being equally-weighted). The last eight turning points for the rate of change of the cross rate, have coincided with directional changes in earnings and revisions momentum. The recent weakness in the currency suggests a more stable market - at least until the late spring. RECOMMENDATION - Although current valuations are attractive, we believe the market is correctly anticipating further declines in earnings momentum over the next few quarters.  We would stay underweight Japanese equities by 20% (i.e. 5.5% v. 7%) with a bias towards domestic sectors, notably, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Media, Healthcare &amp; Commercial Services. We would not hedge the currency.

🇯🇵 JAPAN: Winter Results & Revisions Scores - Market Composite & Sector Review - Chilling

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/078/341/original/2019-02-10_05-07-57.png?1549742898" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="78341"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><p><strong>BOTTOM LINE BREAKDOWN</strong> - 1,277 earnings results and/or revisions announcements were released last week in Japan covering 36% of listed market capitalisation. The good news is that aggregate trailing-twelve-month (TTM) Operating Income only declined by ¥300b. Less welcome is the ¥1.7t decline in TTM Net Income to which <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/73" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:73:1">Toyota Motor (7203 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/154" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:154:1">Honda Motor (7267 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/7797" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7797:1">Hitachi (6501 JP)</a> were the most significant contributors, each declining by more than ¥200b. Three 'financials', <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/742" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:742:1">Nomura Holdings (8604 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/219" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:219:1">Mizuho Financial Group (8411 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/6267" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6267:1">Suruga Bank (8358 JP)</a> subtracted ¥400b between them. Only <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/563" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:563:1">Sony (6758 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/637" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:637:1">Toshiba (6502 JP)</a> added more than ¥100b for the quarter. <strong>The substantial 'gap' between forecast and TTM Net Income has been reduced to just ¥600b, again confirming the reliability of corporate forecasting in Japan. The All-Market PER is now 13.5 times but will likely rise as aggregate Net Income falls further in the next two weeks.</strong></p><div class="content-highlight"><p><strong>In the DETAIL section below, we review this year's results of all listed companies in aggregate, update our All-Market and Sector Results &amp; Revision Scores and look at the twenty-five best and worst large-cap company results over the last week, with short comments on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/13176" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13176:1">Nabtesco Corp (6268 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/8467" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8467:1">Workman (7564 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/20823" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20823:1">Nakanishi (7716 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/747" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:747:1">DeNA (2432 JP)</a></strong></p></div>

Source: Japan AnalyticsBOTTOM LINE BREAKDOWN - 1,277 earnings results and/or revisions announcements were released last week in Japan covering 36% of listed market capitalisation. The good news is that aggregate trailing-twelve-month (TTM) Operating Income only declined by ¥300b. Less welcome is the ¥1.7t decline in TTM Net Income to which Toyota Motor (7203 JP), Honda Motor (7267 JP), Softbank Group (9984 JP), Hitachi (6501 JP) were the most significant contributors, each declining by more than ¥200b. Three 'financials', Nomura Holdings (8604 JP), Mizuho Financial Group (8411 JP), and Suruga Bank (8358 JP) subtracted ¥400b between them. Only Sony (6758 JP) and Toshiba (6502 JP) added more than ¥100b for the quarter. The substantial 'gap' between forecast and TTM Net Income has been reduced to just ¥600b, again confirming the reliability of corporate forecasting in Japan. The All-Market PER is now 13.5 times but will likely rise as aggregate Net Income falls further in the next two weeks.In the DETAIL section below, we review this year's results of all listed companies in aggregate, update our All-Market and Sector Results &amp; Revision Scores and look at the twenty-five best and worst large-cap company results over the last week, with short comments on Nabtesco Corp (6268 JP), Workman (7564 JP), Nakanishi (7716 JP), and DeNA (2432 JP)

Japan: Results & Revisions Second Cut - Bottom Line Breakdown

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Aqila Ali

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

<ul class="">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/222" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:222:1">Panasonic Corp (6752 JP)</a>’s 3Q earnings were quite weak, failing to meet both consensus and our estimates. Panasonic reported revenue of JPY2,074.8bn and OP of JPY97.5bn resulting in an OPM of 4.7% compared to 5.8% in the third quarter of last year</li>
<li>The majority of revenue growth came from the Automotive &amp; Industrial Solution (A&amp;IS) segment which saw the strongest growth in revenue at nearly 8% YoY followed by the Eco Solutions Segment. Despite the steady growth in the A&amp;IS revenue, the segment continued to display a decline in profits by almost 13% YoY.</li>
<li>A downward revision in targets was made following the weak earnings this quarter. Nine-months cumulative figures weren’t particularly attractive in the OP front as well (Revenue up 3% YoY and OP down -8% YoY as of 3QFY03/19). Panasonic is nearing our modest case scenario, although its downward revised earnings target places it in our worst-case scenario, where we expect Panasonic to be exposed to a high degree of risk, increasing its lookout for other customers. Panasonic has only tied up with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/73" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:73:1">Toyota Motor (7203 JP)</a> thus far and may have to diversify its customer base further to bring earnings to a sustainable level.</li>
<li>After the earnings release and news about Chinese competitor, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/24404" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24404:1">CATL (A) (300750 CH)</a>, collaborating with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/154" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:154:1">Honda Motor (7267 JP)</a> ( <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/honda-chooses-catl-as-battery-partner-for-their-evs-panasonic-has-lost-the-chance" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:27811">Honda Chooses CATL as Battery Partner for Their EVs; Panasonic Has Lost the Chance</a>), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/20279" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20279:1">Tesla Motors (TSLA US)</a> announced that it was acquiring battery company Maxwell Technologies for production of its EV batteries. Panasonic fell almost -5% on Monday’s open.</li>
</ul>



Panasonic Corp (6752 JP)’s 3Q earnings were quite weak, failing to meet both consensus and our estimates. Panasonic reported revenue of JPY2,074.8bn and OP of JPY97.5bn resulting in an OPM of 4.7% compared to 5.8% in the third quarter of last year
The majority of revenue growth came from the Automotive &amp; Industrial Solution (A&amp;IS) segment which saw the strongest growth in revenue at nearly 8% YoY followed by the Eco Solutions Segment. Despite the steady growth in the A&amp;IS revenue, the segment continued to display a decline in profits by almost 13% YoY.
A downward revision in targets was made following the weak earnings this quarter. Nine-months cumulative figures weren’t particularly attractive in the OP front as well (Revenue up 3% YoY and OP down -8% YoY as of 3QFY03/19). Panasonic is nearing our modest case scenario, although its downward revised earnings target places it in our worst-case scenario, where we expect Panasonic to be exposed to a high degree of risk, increasing its lookout for other customers. Panasonic has only tied up with Toyota Motor (7203 JP) thus far and may have to diversify its customer base further to bring earnings to a sustainable level.
After the earnings release and news about Chinese competitor, CATL (A) (300750 CH), collaborating with Honda Motor (7267 JP) ( Honda Chooses CATL as Battery Partner for Their EVs; Panasonic Has Lost the Chance), Tesla Motors (TSLA US) announced that it was acquiring battery company Maxwell Technologies for production of its EV batteries. Panasonic fell almost -5% on Monday’s open.


The Downward Revision in FY03/19 Guidance Places Panasonic in Our Worst-Case Scenario

Event-Driven

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) / Event-Driven

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/24404" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24404:1">CATL (A) (300750 CH)</a> announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/154" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:154:1">Honda Motor (7267 JP)</a> for jointly developing Li-ion batteries. This news comes to us as no surprise, given CATL’s effort in expanding market share globally by tying with leading automakers such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/72" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:72:1">Nissan Motor (7201 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/21602" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21602:1">Daimler AG (DAI GR)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/21591" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1">Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag (BMW GR)</a>. It seems that the Chinese battery leader is now targeting leading Japanese automakers alongside their focus on luxury automakers in Europe ( <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bmw-to-invest-in-catl-chinese-battery-maker-to-gain-exposure-in-europe" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:22389">BMW to Invest in CATL: Chinese Battery Maker to Gain Exposure in Europe?</a>).  Following <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/222" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:222:1">Panasonic Corp (6752 JP)</a>’s news about forming a Joint Venture with Toyota, we were under the impression that Panasonic would hit a deal with Honda as well. However, it seems that CATL has emerged as a first mover and secured a steady business by partnering with Honda, one of the leading automakers in Japan. Although Panasonic and Honda joined hands for developing a swappable battery system in Indonesia, the team hasn’t really gone ahead in developing Li-ion batteries. Honda’s battery sales are now for CATL, while Panasonic has lost a steady business deal unless the latter makes plans with Honda to develop new battery technologies such as solid-state batteries. In our opinion, Honda and CATL, being leaders in their respective industries, when joined together via this agreement should capture a strong position in the auto sector which is striding towards electrification. The effect of this news on CATL share price cannot be really seen as the markets are closed for ongoing holidays in China. Panasonic, however, opened -5.1% low on February 5th, mainly due to its disappointing 3QFY03/19 earnings and could be partly due to this news.</p>

CATL (A) (300750 CH) announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with Honda Motor (7267 JP) for jointly developing Li-ion batteries. This news comes to us as no surprise, given CATL’s effort in expanding market share globally by tying with leading automakers such as Nissan Motor (7201 JP), Daimler AG (DAI GR), and Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag (BMW GR). It seems that the Chinese battery leader is now targeting leading Japanese automakers alongside their focus on luxury automakers in Europe ( BMW to Invest in CATL: Chinese Battery Maker to Gain Exposure in Europe?).  Following Panasonic Corp (6752 JP)’s news about forming a Joint Venture with Toyota, we were under the impression that Panasonic would hit a deal with Honda as well. However, it seems that CATL has emerged as a first mover and secured a steady business by partnering with Honda, one of the leading automakers in Japan. Although Panasonic and Honda joined hands for developing a swappable battery system in Indonesia, the team hasn’t really gone ahead in developing Li-ion batteries. Honda’s battery sales are now for CATL, while Panasonic has lost a steady business deal unless the latter makes plans with Honda to develop new battery technologies such as solid-state batteries. In our opinion, Honda and CATL, being leaders in their respective industries, when joined together via this agreement should capture a strong position in the auto sector which is striding towards electrification. The effect of this news on CATL share price cannot be really seen as the markets are closed for ongoing holidays in China. Panasonic, however, opened -5.1% low on February 5th, mainly due to its disappointing 3QFY03/19 earnings and could be partly due to this news.

Honda Chooses CATL as Battery Partner for Their EVs; Panasonic Has Lost the Chance

Japan

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, and power products such as generators and farm machinery. The Company also operates a financial credit business. Honda Motor has manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Thailand.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

Honda Motor (7267 JP)

🇯🇵 Japan: Winter Peer Group Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/Peak & Ex-Growth

- PEER GROUP SCORE MATRIX - INTRODUCTION - Following on from our review of the Market Composite and Sectors, this Insight will cover the...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN: Winter Results & Revisions Scores - Market Composite & Sector Review - Chilling

CHILLING - A winter chill has descended over the Japanese equity market. As we covered in our Insight on market aggregate earnings Japan: Winter...

Campbell Gunn

Japan: Results & Revisions Second Cut - Bottom Line Breakdown

BOTTOM LINE BREAKDOWN - 1,277 earnings results and/or revisions announcements were released last week in Japan covering 36% of listed market...

Campbell Gunn

The Downward Revision in FY03/19 Guidance Places Panasonic in Our Worst-Case Scenario

Panasonic Corp (6752 JP)’s 3Q earnings were quite weak, failing to meet both consensus and our estimates. Panasonic reported revenue of...

Aqila Ali

Honda Chooses CATL as Battery Partner for Their EVs; Panasonic Has Lost the Chance

CATL (A) (300750 CH) announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with Honda Motor (7267 JP) for jointly developing Li-ion batteries. This news...

Aqila Ali

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)