Quality-first, Business-perspective Strategy, Urbem (HK) Limited

Steven Chen

Quality-first, Business-perspective Strategy

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul class="">
<li>We view Warren Buffett's move to invest in Japan's largest trading companies as being indicative of the lack of reasonably-valued opportunities in the US as well as the size disadvantage of Berkshire Hathaway;</li>
<li>While being in no place to judge the superinvestor's investment decision, we find better investment targets to "participate in the future of Japan," especially for those who manage a smaller AUM than Berkshire;</li>
<li>In this article, we list one superior-quality business that serves the backbone of Japan's economy (i.e., the SMEs);</li>
<li>Our investment strategy concentrates on quality from a business perspective and seeks long-term opportunities with a 10%-15% hurdle rate.</li>
</ul>


We view Warren Buffett's move to invest in Japan's largest trading companies as being indicative of the lack of reasonably-valued opportunities in the US as well as the size disadvantage of Berkshire Hathaway;
While being in no place to judge the superinvestor's investment decision, we find better investment targets to "participate in the future of Japan," especially for those who manage a smaller AUM than Berkshire;
In this article, we list one superior-quality business that serves the backbone of Japan's economy (i.e., the SMEs);
Our investment strategy concentrates on quality from a business perspective and seeks long-term opportunities with a 10%-15% hurdle rate.


One "Better" Quality Pick to Consider to Participate in the Future of Japan

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. 

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lawson-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1040:1" rel="noopener">Lawson Inc (2651 JP)</a>  has begun the rollout of a completely updated private brand, along with new ranges of regional gourmet foods. The move brings Lawson back into the race against Seven &amp; I's preeminent private brand, Seven Premium and adds to other new initiatives like its new partnership with Muji and Lawson Bank which should provide new sources of income and higher margins in the next two years.</p>

Lawson Inc (2651 JP)  has begun the rollout of a completely updated private brand, along with new ranges of regional gourmet foods. The move brings Lawson back into the race against Seven &amp; I's preeminent private brand, Seven Premium and adds to other new initiatives like its new partnership with Muji and Lawson Bank which should provide new sources of income and higher margins in the next two years.

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ryohin-keikaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1" rel="noopener">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a> has had a busy few weeks. It is now trialling the sale of Muji product at three <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lawson-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1040:1" rel="noopener">Lawson Inc (2651 JP)</a> stores after ditching <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/familymart-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:320:1" rel="noopener">FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP)</a>, its long-term partner, last year. Muji and Lawson will collaborate on the exact range and marketing but Lawson presents a major opportunity for Muji to expand its volume.</p>
<p>Muji also opened online accounts with <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>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakuten-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1" rel="noopener">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/askul-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16807:1" rel="noopener">Askul Corp (2678 JP)'s </a>Lohaco in the last two months.</p>
<p>The new ideas will help keep Muji relevant in an e-commerce age and offset the loss of the small US business – which had anyway been operating at a loss.</p>

Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP) has had a busy few weeks. It is now trialling the sale of Muji product at three Lawson Inc (2651 JP) stores after ditching FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP), its long-term partner, last year. Muji and Lawson will collaborate on the exact range and marketing but Lawson presents a major opportunity for Muji to expand its volume.
Muji also opened online accounts with Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US), Rakuten Inc (4755 JP) and Askul Corp (2678 JP)'s Lohaco in the last two months.
The new ideas will help keep Muji relevant in an e-commerce age and offset the loss of the small US business – which had anyway been operating at a loss.

Muji Expands Channels with Lawson and Major Online Malls

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

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.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>•BEST &amp; WORST 13th AUGUST •</strong></p><p>The 'best' of yesterday's large-cap announcements came from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakus-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29200:1" rel="noopener">Rakus (3923 JP)</a>, the 'worst' from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asics-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16287:1" rel="noopener">ASICS Corp (7936 JP)</a>.  More extensive coverage follows in the<strong> DETAIL</strong> section below.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/152/408/original/2020-08-14_05-05-16.png?1597349134" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="152408"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/152/409/original/2020-08-14_05-05-59.png?1597349190" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="152409"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p></div><hr><div><p><strong>PERCENTAGES</strong> - <strong>58%</strong> of quarterly results, <strong>48%</strong> of annual forecasts/revisions and <strong>61%</strong> of interim forecasts have negative Scores and <strong>30%</strong> of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.</p></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>170 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Results Score:</strong> 29% Positive / 12% Neutral / 58% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Results Score Change: -</strong>2.7 points</li>
<li>
<strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -10.8% Quarter YoY / +5.0% Rolling TTM YoY </li>
<li>
<strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -1.3 ppt</li>
<li>
<strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 30%</li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>56 Annual • 23 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 38% Positive / 14% Neutral / 48% Negative</li>
<li>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 26% Positive / 13% Neutral / 61% Negative</li>
<li>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -2.2 points</li>
</ul></div>

•BEST &amp; WORST 13th AUGUST •The 'best' of yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Rakus (3923 JP), the 'worst' from ASICS Corp (7936 JP).  More extensive coverage follows in the DETAIL section below.Source • Japan AnalyticsDAILY STATSPERCENTAGES - 58% of quarterly results, 48% of annual forecasts/revisions and 61% of interim forecasts have negative Scores and 30% of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.170 Quarterly Results

Results Score: 29% Positive / 12% Neutral / 58% Negative

Average Results Score Change: -2.7 points

Average % Change in Revenue: -10.8% Quarter YoY / +5.0% Rolling TTM YoY 

Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -1.3 ppt

Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 30%
56 Annual • 23 Interim Forecasts/Revisions
Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 38% Positive / 14% Neutral / 48% Negative
Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 26% Positive / 13% Neutral / 61% Negative
Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -2.2 points


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 13th August - Asics, FUJIFILM, Dentsu, Mitsubishi Shoji

<div>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/148/266/original/2020-07-28_06-42-44.png?1595886197" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="148266"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/148/267/original/2020-07-28_06-47-55.png?1595886499" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="148267"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/koei-tecmo-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20277:1" rel="noopener">Koei Tecmo (3635 JP)</a> - Koei Tecmo produced the most-improved Results Score among large-cap companies yesterday. Colleague <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/mio-kato-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:713" rel="noopener">Mio Kato</a>'s April Insight<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/koei-tecmo-plenty-of-headroom-to-play-with" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:38880" rel="noopener"> Plenty of Headroom to Play With</a> called this correctly - <em>"the strength of Sangokushi Senryaku Ban and a strong game pipeline should help the company continue to outperform significantly."</em> The shares are now Overbought, and the valuation has never been as extreme. A Results Score of 30 is 'perfection'. We would trim into any results-induced move above ¥3,500.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p>
</div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>40 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Results Score:</strong> 14 Positive / 0 Neutral / 26 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Results Score Change: -</strong>3.3</li>
<li>
<strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -10.6% Quarter YoY / -3.0% Rolling TTM YoY </li>
<li>
<strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -1.1ppt</li>
<li>
<strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 18%</li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br><strong>19 Annual • 12 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 6 Positive / 0 Neutral / 13 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 2 Positive / 0 Neutral / 10 Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -11.5</li>
</ul></div>


Source • Japan Analytics
Koei Tecmo (3635 JP) - Koei Tecmo produced the most-improved Results Score among large-cap companies yesterday. Colleague Mio Kato's April Insight Plenty of Headroom to Play With called this correctly - "the strength of Sangokushi Senryaku Ban and a strong game pipeline should help the company continue to outperform significantly." The shares are now Overbought, and the valuation has never been as extreme. A Results Score of 30 is 'perfection'. We would trim into any results-induced move above ¥3,500.
DAILY STATS
40 Quarterly Results

Results Score: 14 Positive / 0 Neutral / 26 Negative

Average Results Score Change: -3.3

Average % Change in Revenue: -10.6% Quarter YoY / -3.0% Rolling TTM YoY 

Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -1.1ppt

Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 18%
 19 Annual • 12 Interim Forecasts/Revisions

Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 6 Positive / 0 Neutral / 13 Negative

Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 2 Positive / 0 Neutral / 10 Negative

Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -11.5


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 27th July - Koei Tecmo, Nitto Denko, MMC, Stanley Electric, Exedy

Japan

Mitsubishi Corporation is a general trading company.  The Company has business groups such as New Business Initiatives, IT & Electronics, Fuels, Metals, Machinery, Chemicals, Living Essentials, and Professional Services.  Mitsubishi diversifies by satellite communications through a joint venture.

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Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP)

One "Better" Quality Pick to Consider to Participate in the Future of Japan

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway

Steven Chen

Lawson Relaunches Private Brand

Lawson Inc (2651 JP) has begun the rollout of a completely updated private brand, along with new ranges of regional gourmet foods. The move brings...

Michael Causton

Muji Expands Channels with Lawson and Major Online Malls

Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP) has had a busy few weeks. It is now trialling the sale of Muji product at three Lawson Inc (2651 JP) stores after ditching...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 13th August - Asics, FUJIFILM, Dentsu, Mitsubishi Shoji

•BEST & WORST 13th AUGUST •The 'best' of yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Rakus (3923 JP), the 'worst' from ASICS Corp (7936 JP). ...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 27th July - Koei Tecmo, Nitto Denko, MMC, Stanley Electric, Exedy

Koei Tecmo (3635 JP) - Koei Tecmo produced the most-improved Results Score among large-cap companies yesterday. Colleague Mio Kato's April...

Campbell Gunn

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