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

<ul>
<li>After a lengthy period of weakness which saw shares decline more than 62% to ¥1,812 per share by June 2020, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-tobacco-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13498:1" rel="noopener">Japan Tobacco (2914 JP)</a> seems to have turned a corner with the share price trending upwards (for a considerable period) for the first time in a 5-6 year time period.</li>
<li>JT’s valuation looks cheap and we think that there is potential for multiple expansion alongside a dividend hike and strong OP performance in the second half of the year.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/223/975/original/image_96854996521629110963958.png?1629110966" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="223975"></figure>


After a lengthy period of weakness which saw shares decline more than 62% to ¥1,812 per share by June 2020, Japan Tobacco (2914 JP) seems to have turned a corner with the share price trending upwards (for a considerable period) for the first time in a 5-6 year time period.
JT’s valuation looks cheap and we think that there is potential for multiple expansion alongside a dividend hike and strong OP performance in the second half of the year.



Asset Allocation & Fund Positioning, Copley Fund Research

Steven Holden

Asset Allocation & Fund Positioning

Copley Fund Research

Copley Fund Research provide research and data on asset allocation among Global and Emerging Market equity funds.  The analysis details absolute and relative positioning across countries, sectors and industries together with highly granular data on single stock and single fund allocations.  The data is updated monthly with time series going back to January 2011.

Global Research - Analysis of 165 prominent Global equity funds, combined AUM $335bn
GEM Research - Analysis of 127 prominent global EM equity funds, combined AUM $250bn

Asset Allocation - Global and GEM Equity

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>Consumer Staples allocations have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade.  The Consumer Staples sector is now the 5th largest sector holding among active Global Emerging Market managers, well behind the heavyweights of Tech, Financials and their Discretionary peers. </p><p>A 5-year decline in Consumer Staples exposure was compounded by negative fund activity over the course of 2021.  Consumer Staples stocks saw average weights decline by 0.41%, overweights decline by 0.16% and 5.4% of managers move to underweight, all aided by a net -$475m in fund outflows from the sector over the period. </p><p>The most widely held stock in the 'Staples sector is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wal-mart-de-mexico-sab-de-cv" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28373:1" rel="noopener">Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV (WALMEX* MM EQUITY)</a>, held by 34.6% of the funds in our analysis at an average weight of 0.35%.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lg-household-health-care" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6501:1" rel="noopener">LG Household &amp; Health Care (051900 KS),</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kweichow-moutai-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1553:1" rel="noopener">Kweichow Moutai (600519 CH)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fomento-de-construcciones-y-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21269:1" rel="noopener">Fomento De Construcciones Y Co (FCC SM)</a> make up the 2nd tier.  With all 4 held overweight on average, these stocks are clearly well liked by the active EM investor base.</p><p>The size and scale of the exodus over a relatively short time-period, the sustained period of underperformance and potentially a dampening of inflation risks could prompt managers to readdress their allocations.</p>

Consumer Staples allocations have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade.  The Consumer Staples sector is now the 5th largest sector holding among active Global Emerging Market managers, well behind the heavyweights of Tech, Financials and their Discretionary peers. A 5-year decline in Consumer Staples exposure was compounded by negative fund activity over the course of 2021.  Consumer Staples stocks saw average weights decline by 0.41%, overweights decline by 0.16% and 5.4% of managers move to underweight, all aided by a net -$475m in fund outflows from the sector over the period. The most widely held stock in the 'Staples sector is Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV (WALMEX* MM EQUITY), held by 34.6% of the funds in our analysis at an average weight of 0.35%.  LG Household &amp; Health Care (051900 KS),Kweichow Moutai (600519 CH) and Fomento De Construcciones Y Co (FCC SM) make up the 2nd tier.  With all 4 held overweight on average, these stocks are clearly well liked by the active EM investor base.The size and scale of the exodus over a relatively short time-period, the sustained period of underperformance and potentially a dampening of inflation risks could prompt managers to readdress their allocations.

Consumer Staples:  EM Managers Positioned at All-Time Lows

Equity Capital Markets

RLX Technology Inc / Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rlx-technology-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31113:1" rel="noopener">RLX Technology Inc (RLX US)</a>, China’s number one branded e-vapor company with a market share of 62.6% of the closed-system e-vapor products, has announced its indicative pricing range at $8-10 per ADS which implies an EV between $11.4-14.3bn.</p><p>At the top end of the IPO price range, our 2022 revenue estimate of $867.7m (Revenue CAGR of 56% through 2019-22) places RLX on 16.5x 2022 EV/Sales. With revenue growth of 93% YoY in 9M20, domestic market share of 62.6% and an overseas footprint in 100 countries by the end of 2020, we believe our revenue estimate is quite reasonable.</p><p>E-vapor OEM, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/smoore-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28241:1" rel="noopener">Smoore International (6969 HK)</a>, whose 2019-22 revenue CAGR is 35% is currently trading at 2022 EV/Sales of 19.0x, 15% above RLX’s 2022 EV/Sales multiple. Therefore, RLX’s 16.5x 2022 EV/Sales multiple does not seem so unreasonable, especially considering the current behavior of capital markets.</p><p>The IPO valuation looks attractive and possibly have a decent upside in the short term. However, there are some significant risks associated with investing in RLX which investors need to be aware of before deciding to subscribe to the IPO.</p>

RLX Technology Inc (RLX US), China’s number one branded e-vapor company with a market share of 62.6% of the closed-system e-vapor products, has announced its indicative pricing range at $8-10 per ADS which implies an EV between $11.4-14.3bn.At the top end of the IPO price range, our 2022 revenue estimate of $867.7m (Revenue CAGR of 56% through 2019-22) places RLX on 16.5x 2022 EV/Sales. With revenue growth of 93% YoY in 9M20, domestic market share of 62.6% and an overseas footprint in 100 countries by the end of 2020, we believe our revenue estimate is quite reasonable.E-vapor OEM, Smoore International (6969 HK), whose 2019-22 revenue CAGR is 35% is currently trading at 2022 EV/Sales of 19.0x, 15% above RLX’s 2022 EV/Sales multiple. Therefore, RLX’s 16.5x 2022 EV/Sales multiple does not seem so unreasonable, especially considering the current behavior of capital markets.The IPO valuation looks attractive and possibly have a decent upside in the short term. However, there are some significant risks associated with investing in RLX which investors need to be aware of before deciding to subscribe to the IPO.

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rlx-technology-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31113:1" rel="noopener">RLX Technology Inc (RLX US)</a> is the leading branded e-vapour company in China with 62.6% of the market share of closed-system e-vapour products as measured by retail sales value in 9M20, according to CIC. RLX has launched its IPO at a price range of $8.00-10.00 per ADS. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, RLX will raise net proceeds of $1.0 billion at a market cap of $14.0 billion. </p></div><div><div>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/rlx-technology-ipo-initiation-smoke-signals" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:46758" rel="noopener">RLX Technology IPO Initiation: Smoke Signals</a>, we noted that while regulatory uncertainty will remain an overhang, RLX is an attractive play on the rapid growth of the e-vapour market in China. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/rlx-technology-vs-smoore-which-is-a-better-play-on-the-vaping-market" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:46851" rel="noopener">RLX Technology Vs Smoore: Which Is a Better Play on the Vaping Market?</a>,  we compared RLX and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/smoore-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28241:1" rel="noopener">Smoore International (6969 HK)</a>’s business model and fundamentals. Our analysis showed that subject to the IPO valuation, investors largely face a trade-off between RLX’s high growth and lower regulatory risk vs Smoore’s scale and higher profitability. </p>
<p>The proposed IPO price range is more than double the valuation of the last raise - Series D-2 at $36.2 per share in September 2020 ($3.62 per share post the 10-for-1 share subdivision effected on 11 January 2021). Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share. RLX partly justifies the significant bump on the 71% rise in Smoore's share price in 4Q20. RLX will be invariably benchmarked to Smoore on a relative valuation basis which will helpfully provide support for the proposed IPO price range. </p>
<div class="content-highlight"><p>Overall, our valuation analysis suggests that RLX is fully priced at the IPO price range and we would be inclined to participate at most at the low-end of the IPO price range.</p></div>
</div></div>

RLX Technology Inc (RLX US) is the leading branded e-vapour company in China with 62.6% of the market share of closed-system e-vapour products as measured by retail sales value in 9M20, according to CIC. RLX has launched its IPO at a price range of $8.00-10.00 per ADS. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, RLX will raise net proceeds of $1.0 billion at a market cap of $14.0 billion. 
In RLX Technology IPO Initiation: Smoke Signals, we noted that while regulatory uncertainty will remain an overhang, RLX is an attractive play on the rapid growth of the e-vapour market in China. In RLX Technology Vs Smoore: Which Is a Better Play on the Vaping Market?,  we compared RLX and Smoore International (6969 HK)’s business model and fundamentals. Our analysis showed that subject to the IPO valuation, investors largely face a trade-off between RLX’s high growth and lower regulatory risk vs Smoore’s scale and higher profitability. 
The proposed IPO price range is more than double the valuation of the last raise - Series D-2 at $36.2 per share in September 2020 ($3.62 per share post the 10-for-1 share subdivision effected on 11 January 2021). Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share. RLX partly justifies the significant bump on the 71% rise in Smoore's share price in 4Q20. RLX will be invariably benchmarked to Smoore on a relative valuation basis which will helpfully provide support for the proposed IPO price range. 
Overall, our valuation analysis suggests that RLX is fully priced at the IPO price range and we would be inclined to participate at most at the low-end of the IPO price range.


<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rlx-technology-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31113:1" rel="noopener">RLX Technology Inc (RLX US)</a> is the leading branded e-vapour company in China with a 62.6% of the market share of closed-system e-vapour products as measured by retail sales value in 9M20, according to CIC. It is seeking is raise as much as $1 billion through an NYSE IPO, according to press reports.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/rlx-technology-ipo-initiation-smoke-signals" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:46758" rel="noopener">RLX Technology IPO Initiation: Smoke Signals</a>, we noted that while regulatory uncertainty will remain an overhang, RLX is an attractive play on the rapid growth of the e-vapour market in China. Investors can also gain exposure to this secular growth trend through <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/smoore-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28241:1" rel="noopener">Smoore International (6969 HK)</a>, which has stormed ahead around 5x from its IPO price.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>In this note, we compare RLX and Smoore’s business model and fundamentals. Subject to the proposed IPO price range, investors largely face a trade-off between RLX’s high growth and lower regulatory risk vs Smoore’s scale and higher profitability, in our view. </p></div>

RLX Technology Inc (RLX US) is the leading branded e-vapour company in China with a 62.6% of the market share of closed-system e-vapour products as measured by retail sales value in 9M20, according to CIC. It is seeking is raise as much as $1 billion through an NYSE IPO, according to press reports.In RLX Technology IPO Initiation: Smoke Signals, we noted that while regulatory uncertainty will remain an overhang, RLX is an attractive play on the rapid growth of the e-vapour market in China. Investors can also gain exposure to this secular growth trend through Smoore International (6969 HK), which has stormed ahead around 5x from its IPO price.In this note, we compare RLX and Smoore’s business model and fundamentals. Subject to the proposed IPO price range, investors largely face a trade-off between RLX’s high growth and lower regulatory risk vs Smoore’s scale and higher profitability, in our view. 

RLX Technology Vs Smoore: Which Is a Better Play on the Vaping Market?

United Kingdom

Imperial Brands PLC operates as a consumer goods company. The Company manufactures, markets, and sells cigarettes, cigars, pipe and smokeless tobacco, snus, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products, as well as logistics business. Imperial Brands serves customers worldwide.

British American Tobacco P.L.C. operates as a holding company for a group of companies that manufactures, markets, and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products including cigars and roll-your-own tobacco.

Diageo plc produces, distills and markets alcoholic beverages.  The Company offers a wide range of branded beverages, including vodkas, whiskeys, tequilas, gins, and beer.

Associated British Foods PLC is a diversified international food, ingredients, and retail group. The Group conducts business in China, South America, Africa Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the United States.

Diageo plc produces, distills, and markets alcoholic beverages. The Company offers a wide range of branded beverages, including vodkas, whiskeys, tequilas, gins, and beer.

Britvic Plc supplies a wide range of soft drinks. The Company manufactures and markets its own brand of soft drinks as well as supplies drinks manufactured by other companies.

Cranswick plc manufactures and supplies food products to grocery retailers in the United Kingdom and the food service sector.  The Company supplies fresh pork, gourmet sausages, charcuterie, cooked meats, sandwiches, and dry cured bacon.

Tate & Lyle PLC is the holding company for an international group of companies which produces and markets ingredients and solutions for the food, beverage, industrials and agriculture industries around the world. The Company's range of products includes nutritive sweeteners, industrial starches, ethanol, acidulants and animal feed.

Premier Foods PLC manufactures a range of branded and proprietary products across many food categories.  The Company sells to retailers, food service operators, plant bakeries, and food processors in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

ITC Limited, a member of BAT Group of UK, is a holding company, which has a diversified presence in Cigarettes, Hotels, Paperboards & Specialty Papers, Packaging, Agri Business, Packaged Foods & Confectionery, Branded Apparel, Greeting Cards and other FMCG products.

Altria Group, Inc. is a holding company.  The Company, through subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products, including cigars and pipe tobacco.  Altria holds an interest in a brewery company.

Japan Tobacco, Inc. operates as an tobacco product company. The Company manufactures, markets and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products internationally. Japan Tobacco is also engaged in pharmaceutical and food businesses.

Swedish Match AB manufactures and markets smokeless tobacco products. The Company offers products such as snus, moist snuff, and chewing tobacco. Swedish Match also manufactures and markets machine made cigars as well as matches and lighters.

PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk manufactures hand rolled and machine-rolled clove-blended cigarettes. The Company distributes its products in the domestic and international market. Through its subsidiaries, the Company also develops properties.

KT&G Corporation processes, produces, and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products.  The Company, through its subsidiaries, manufactures ginseng products such as red ginseng tea and herbal medicines.  KT&G is also involved in real estate development of its former factory sites.

Smoore International Holdings Limited offering vaping technology solutions with advanced research and development technology. The Company manufactures and produces closed system vaping devices, self branded open system vaping devices, vaping components, and other products. Smoore International Holdings markets its products throughout Hong Kong.

PT Gudang Garam Tbk manufactures and distributes cigarettes and operates activities related to the cigarette industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company also operates in the paper-related activities.

Vector Group Ltd., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes in the United States.  The Company is also involved in the real estate business through its subsidiary.

Godfrey Phillips India Limited manufactures and distributes cigarettes, smoking tobacco and cigars.  The Group's brands include Black & White Kingsize Filter, Four Square Kingsize Filter, Cavanders Navy Cut Regular, Red & White, Anand and Leader.  The Company also manufactures Virgin Gold and Philip's Gold cigarette tobacco.

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British American Tobacco (BATS LN)

Japan Tobacco: Turning a Corner

After a lengthy period of weakness which saw shares decline more than 62% by June 2020, JT seems to have turned a corner with the share price...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Consumer Staples: EM Managers Positioned at All-Time Lows

Consumer Staples allocations have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade. A 5-year decline in Consumer Staples exposure was compounded by...

Steven Holden

RLX Technology IPO: Risk of Unknowns

RLX Technology, China’s number one branded e-vapor company with a market share of 62.6%, has announced its indicative pricing range at $8-10 per...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

RLX Technology IPO: Valuation Insights

RLX has launched its IPO to raise net proceeds of $1.0 billion. Overall, RLX is fully priced at the IPO price range and we would be inclined to...

Arun George

RLX Technology Vs Smoore: Which Is a Better Play on the Vaping Market?

We compare RLX and Smoore’s business model and fundamentals. Investors largely face a trade-off between RLX’s high growth and lower reg risk vs...

Arun George

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