Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

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>MMC reported its 3QFY22 results on 31st January which saw revenues of ¥526bn (+14.6% QoQ, +39.1% YoY) and OP of ¥30.8bn. </li>
<li>Revenue was in-line, only 0.3% higher than consensus estimates while OP beat consensus estimates by ¥15bn thanks to the 5.9% OPM. </li>
<li>The result bodes well for the auto sector overall but weak top line and a dependence on forex have us going… meh.</li>
</ul>


MMC reported its 3QFY22 results on 31st January which saw revenues of ¥526bn (+14.6% QoQ, +39.1% YoY) and OP of ¥30.8bn. 
Revenue was in-line, only 0.3% higher than consensus estimates while OP beat consensus estimates by ¥15bn thanks to the 5.9% OPM. 
The result bodes well for the auto sector overall but weak top line and a dependence on forex have us going… meh.


Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>A positive earnings surprise for Fast Retailing and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard hitting Sony have hurt the performance of our skew trade. </li>
<li>Despite this, the dramatic fall in the Nikkei means it is now outperforming the Nikkei since we first suggested the trade. </li>
<li>Looking forward we expect recent volatility to be absorbed over time and we retain conviction on our picks.</li>
</ul>


A positive earnings surprise for Fast Retailing and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard hitting Sony have hurt the performance of our skew trade. 
Despite this, the dramatic fall in the Nikkei means it is now outperforming the Nikkei since we first suggested the trade. 
Looking forward we expect recent volatility to be absorbed over time and we retain conviction on our picks.


TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Hit by Sony and Fast Retailing but Outperforming Nikkei

<ul>
<li>We update on our TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade again as we head into the end of the year with markets remaining choppy.</li>
<li>Given likely drops in liquidity but continued choppiness in markets we feel that liquidity risk will be important over the next 2-3 weeks. </li>
<li>Given that, we quite like the risk-reward skew on offer here.</li>
</ul>


We update on our TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade again as we head into the end of the year with markets remaining choppy.
Given likely drops in liquidity but continued choppiness in markets we feel that liquidity risk will be important over the next 2-3 weeks. 
Given that, we quite like the risk-reward skew on offer here.


We Like the TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Into End of Year Liquidity Drops

<ul>
<li>At the beginning of the month, we suggested that setting up trades based on TOPIX outperforming Nikkei looked interesting. </li>
<li>This skew trade has a slight inherent short bias as Nikkei is more growth skewed but it has nevertheless generated a positive return. </li>
<li>That is despite Nikkei rising 3.8% since we published our initial note.</li>
</ul>


At the beginning of the month, we suggested that setting up trades based on TOPIX outperforming Nikkei looked interesting. 
This skew trade has a slight inherent short bias as Nikkei is more growth skewed but it has nevertheless generated a positive return. 
That is despite Nikkei rising 3.8% since we published our initial note.


Checking in on the Topix-Nikkei Skew Trade

<ul>
<li>Early last year as COVID was breaking and the BOJ doubled its ETF purchases shifting to TOPIX ETFs from Nikkei ETFs we brought up this trade. </li>
<li>With a long weekend adding to the mix conditions were abnormal but our suggested trades generated 10-12% pure alpha within four trading days. </li>
<li>This trade is starting to look interesting to us again though returns are likely to be less explosive but more persistent this time.</li>
</ul>


Early last year as COVID was breaking and the BOJ doubled its ETF purchases shifting to TOPIX ETFs from Nikkei ETFs we brought up this trade. 
With a long weekend adding to the mix conditions were abnormal but our suggested trades generated 10-12% pure alpha within four trading days. 
This trade is starting to look interesting to us again though returns are likely to be less explosive but more persistent this time.


Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation manufactures and sells automobiles, trucks, auto parts, and its accessories.  The Company operates its business worldwide.

NISSAN SHATAI CO., LTD. develops, designs, and assembles automobiles including sedans, Recreational Vehicles(RV), station wagons, and buses for Nissan Motor. The Company also manufactures parts for motor vehicles.

The Yokohama Rubber Company Limited produces rubber products including automobile tires, tubes, and conveyor belt for industrial use.  The Company also produces golf clubs and passenger aircraft parts such as restroom units and tanks for drinking water.

KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. produces lighting equipments for automobiles such as head and tail lights, rear combination lamps, and fog lamps.  The Company has  its production facilities in Japan, the US, the UK, Czech, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and India.  Koito Manufacturing also manufactures electronics parts for aircrafts including lighting equipments and oil pressure gauges.

Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. manufactures lighting equipment including head lights, HID (High Intensity Discharge) assist lamps, and rear combination lamps for automobiles.  The Company also produces LCD (Liquid Cristal Display) and LED (Light Emitted Diode) lamps for communication equipment, office automation equipment, and information displays.

NGK SPARK PLUG Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets spark plugs for automobiles, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, ships, and aircrafts.  The Company also makes ceramic products for semiconductor and telecommunication equipment. NGK Spark Plug markets its products under the NGK and NTK brand names and has subsidiaries in the US, Canada, France, Germany, and South Korea.

NIFCO INC. manufactures synthetic resinous fasteners and plastic components for automobiles and home electronic appliances.  The Company has its subsidiaries in Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the US.

NOK CORPORATION manufactures oil seals and industrial rubber products for automobiles.  The Company also produces electronic equipment used for cellular phones and PCs.  NOK has production facilities in Taiwan and Thailand.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. manufactures automobile and motorcycle tires, industrial rubber products and sports equipment.  The Company's products include golf balls, tennis rackets, rubber gloves, and artificial turf. Sumitomo Rubber sells its products under Dunlop brand around the world.

Toyo Tire Corporation manufactures and markets rubber and chemical goods.  The Company's products include motor vehicle tires, aluminum alloy wheels, office equipment parts, heat resistant board, and automobile parts such as bumpers and air bag systems.  Toyo Tire & Rubber has its  subsidiaries in the  US, Australia, Canada, Germany, and China.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells motorcycles.  The Company's products include heavyweight touring, custom, and performance motorcycles, as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, and general merchandise.  Harley-Davidson also provides motorcycle floor planning and parts and accessories financing to its North American and European dealers.

FAW Jiefang Group Co., Ltd, through joint ventures, manufactures and markets cars and auto parts.  The Company produces automobiles, transmission systems, and engines.  FAW Car also provides auto repair and customizing services.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Company, Ltd. manufactures, sells, and services automobiles. The Company is also involved in automobile parts and components, and auto finance and related services for both overseas and domestic markets.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company Limited develops, manufactures, and markets mini cars, mini sedans, full size sedans, and engines.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company (200625 CH)

Thor Industries, Inc. produces and sells a wide range of recreation vehicles.  The Company markets its products through independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada.  Thor's products are sold under the Airstream Classic, Dutchmen, Skamper, Infinity, Four Winds, Citation, Signature, and other names.

Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets bus and truck chassis, gear boxes, other auto parts, and business automobiles.

Yadea Group is a leading electric two wheeler brand in China. The company produces electric bikes and scooters.

Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS manufactures cars and automobile parts under license from Fiat.  The Group also imports Alfa Romeo and Fiat cars for domestic market and provides financing services.

BAIC Motor Corporation Limited designs, researches, develops, manufactures and sells a variety of passenger vehicles in China.

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes minibuses and sedans in the People's Republic of China.  The Company also manufactures and trades automotive components.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION develops and manufactures passenger cars and its related parts.  The Company has production facilities in Japan, the US, and Thailand.  Mitsubishi Motors Corp provides vehicle-related financing and leasing service through its subsidiary.

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Mitsubishi Motors (7211 JP)

Mitsubishi Motors – Further Recovery

MMC reported its 3QFY22 results and revenue was in-line while OP beat consensus estimates. The result bodes well for the auto sector but weak top...

Mio Kato

TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Hit by Sony and Fast Retailing but Outperforming Nikkei

Volatility in Fast Retailing and Sony have hurt the performance of our skew trade but looking forward we expect recent volatility to be absorbed...

Mio Kato

We Like the TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trade Into End of Year Liquidity Drops

Given likely drops in liquidity but continued choppiness in markets we feel that liquidity risk will be important over the next 2-3 weeks. Given...

Mio Kato

Checking in on the Topix-Nikkei Skew Trade

Our TOPIX-Nikkei skew trade has a slight inherent short bias as Nikkei is more growth skewed but it has nevertheless generated a positive return...

Mio Kato

Revisiting the Topix-Nikkei Skew Trade

Early last year we suggested trading this skew which would have generated 10-12% pure alpha within four trading days. This trade is starting to...

Mio Kato

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