Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Equity Bottom-Up

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On 5 February, a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-05/apple-talks-with-hyundai-kia-on-electric-car-paused-recently" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg article</a> mentioned that the recent talks between <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apple-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:666:1" rel="noopener">Apple Inc (AAPL US)</a> and<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kia-motors-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:156:1" rel="noopener"> Kia Motors Corp (000270 KS)/</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hyundai-motor-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:155:1" rel="noopener">Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS)</a> have been put on hold. It appears that Apple has been in discussions with numerous other auto makers including the Japanese auto companies. 
It is clear that Apple has been upset with the Hyundai Motor Group with the secret discussions between the two parties getting openly revealed in the major media outlets. In recent days, it has been<a href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/02/05/apple-reportedly-in-talks-with-multiple-japanese-automakers-over-apple-car" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reported</a> that in addition to the Hyundai Motor Group, Apple is in discussions with at least six Japanese automakers including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nissan-motor-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:72:1" rel="noopener">Nissan Motor (7201 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-motors-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:794:1" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi Motors (7211 JP)</a> for potential partnership to develop and produce electric vehicles. 
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On 5 February, a Bloomberg article mentioned that the recent talks between Apple Inc (AAPL US) and Kia Motors Corp (000270 KS)/Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS) have been put on hold. It appears that Apple has been in discussions with numerous other auto makers including the Japanese auto companies. 
It is clear that Apple has been upset with the Hyundai Motor Group with the secret discussions between the two parties getting openly revealed in the major media outlets. In recent days, it has been reported that in addition to the Hyundai Motor Group, Apple is in discussions with at least six Japanese automakers including Nissan Motor (7201 JP) and Mitsubishi Motors (7211 JP) for potential partnership to develop and produce electric vehicles. 


Apple - Dumping Hyundai Motor Group in Favor of Japanese Auto Companies to Develop EVs?

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.

Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-16/ghosn-s-grand-alliance-showing-cracks-two-years-after-his-arrest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg reported</a> today that Nissan is exploring the possibility of selling some or all of its stake in junior alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors. We had previously highlighted <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/nissan-two-strikes-for-the-alliance-and-a-zero-dividend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the struggles of the alliance members</a> even relative to their peers and this stress appears to be putting increased pressure on the alliance itself. While this rumour guarantees nothing, we believe the continued earnings weakness from the alliance members increases rather than decreases the chance of a breakup.

Bloomberg reported today that Nissan is exploring the possibility of selling some or all of its stake in junior alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors. We had previously highlighted the struggles of the alliance members even relative to their peers and this stress appears to be putting increased pressure on the alliance itself. While this rumour guarantees nothing, we believe the continued earnings weakness from the alliance members increases rather than decreases the chance of a breakup.

Mitsubishi Motors – Rumoured Stake Sale by Nissan Will Renew Alliance Breakup Concerns

Mitsubishi Motors reported its 2QFY03/2021 results on Wednesday with revenue at ¥345.3bn (-42% YoY) and an operating loss of ¥29.3bn (for an OPM of -8.5% compared to the OPM of 1.1% in 2QFY03/20). However, while reported revenue was 7.8% lower than consensus estimates the operating loss was smaller than consensus projections of a ¥30.7bn loss.

Mitsubishi Motors reported its 2QFY03/2021 results on Wednesday with revenue at ¥345.3bn (-42% YoY) and an operating loss of ¥29.3bn (for an OPM of -8.5% compared to the OPM of 1.1% in 2QFY03/20). However, while reported revenue was 7.8% lower than consensus estimates the operating loss was smaller than consensus projections of a ¥30.7bn loss. 

Mitsubishi Motors – Struggling Despite Rising Tide

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/586/original/2020-09-02_15-03-28.png?1599026640" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156586"></figure>
<div class="content-caption">Source for all charts: Japan Analytics</div>
NEV IN JAPAN - Japan has a reputation for being the world's leading market for finding listed companies with negative Enterprise Value (NEV). Based on a sample of 842,133 traded months for the 3,826 currently-listed non-financial companies in our universe since 1993, NEV-traded months represent 8%. One thousand and eleven companies have spent at least one month with a negative EV and the average NEV 'period' is just over two years.  The number of NEV companies has varied over the last thirty years, from only one in 1994 (Sanyu Construction 1841 JP) to a peak of 437 in 2009 - 15.4% of the universe. In the last two years, the percentage has doubled to 10% or 366 companies, most of which are small-cap.
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/590/original/2020-09-02_15-13-33.png?1599027223" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156590"></figure>
50 BPS -Accordingly, the aggregate (inverted) value of NEV stocks is ¥2.5 trillion or just 50 basis points of the aggregate of the universe. Nevertheless, the current value is at the upper end of the thirty-year range. We have excluded four non-financial companies - Z Holdings, Rakuten, Japan Post, and Sony - as they have financial subsidiaries on their balance sheets.
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/595/original/2020-09-02_15-36-40.png?1599028611" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156595"></figure>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/866/original/2020-09-03_16-43-25.png?1599119017" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156866"></figure>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/596/original/2020-09-02_15-37-56.png?1599028687" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156596"></figure>
NEV 'BUYS' - Brief periods, and occasionally extended, when higher-quality companies dip into NEV are often good long-term buying opportunities as shown above with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/temp-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1428:1" rel="noopener">Persol (2181 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toei-animation-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18641:1" rel="noopener">Toei Animation (4816 JP)</a>  and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hakuhodo-dy-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8736:1" rel="noopener">Hakuhodo DY (2433 JP)</a>. 
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/623/original/2020-09-02_17-57-38.png?1599037069" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156623"></figure>
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/156/625/original/2020-09-02_18-04-05.png?1599037457" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="156625"></figure>
NEV 'TRAPS' - Conversely, NEV can persist for years, 'trapping' both value investors and activists, particularly where management remain 'cloth-eared' such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokyo-broadcasting-system" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12981:1" rel="noopener">Tokyo Broadcasting System (9401 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toppan-printing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11875:1" rel="noopener">Toppan Printing (7911 JP).</a>
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In the DETAIL section below, we will review the current large-cap NEV companies, as well the most persistent and the largest peak to trough NEV ranges and make some specific stock recommendations.
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Source for all charts: Japan Analytics
NEV IN JAPAN - Japan has a reputation for being the world's leading market for finding listed companies with negative Enterprise Value (NEV). Based on a sample of 842,133 traded months for the 3,826 currently-listed non-financial companies in our universe since 1993, NEV-traded months represent 8%. One thousand and eleven companies have spent at least one month with a negative EV and the average NEV 'period' is just over two years.  The number of NEV companies has varied over the last thirty years, from only one in 1994 (Sanyu Construction 1841 JP) to a peak of 437 in 2009 - 15.4% of the universe. In the last two years, the percentage has doubled to 10% or 366 companies, most of which are small-cap.

50 BPS -Accordingly, the aggregate (inverted) value of NEV stocks is ¥2.5 trillion or just 50 basis points of the aggregate of the universe. Nevertheless, the current value is at the upper end of the thirty-year range. We have excluded four non-financial companies - Z Holdings, Rakuten, Japan Post, and Sony - as they have financial subsidiaries on their balance sheets.



NEV 'BUYS' - Brief periods, and occasionally extended, when higher-quality companies dip into NEV are often good long-term buying opportunities as shown above with Persol (2181 JP), Toei Animation (4816 JP)  and Hakuhodo DY (2433 JP). 


NEV 'TRAPS' - Conversely, NEV can persist for years, 'trapping' both value investors and activists, particularly where management remain 'cloth-eared' such as Tokyo Broadcasting System (9401 JP) and Toppan Printing (7911 JP).

In the DETAIL section below, we will review the current large-cap NEV companies, as well the most persistent and the largest peak to trough NEV ranges and make some specific stock recommendations.


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Looking for Value in Negative Enterprise Value

The <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/89efb01d-b5f9-427b-b779-b118cd4383f0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FT has an article</a> out saying that the Japanese government had directed some initial feelers towards Honda and Nissan raising the possibility of a merger between the two companies. This is not especially surprising to us and we had touted the possibility earlier this year as being more plausible than it would appear on the surface. According to the FT, the idea was rather roundly shot down by both sides. This too is not particularly surprising, but we believe that while now is not the ideal time for a merger, it is one of the few options which could help the companies regain vigour… if done correctly, which will be difficult.

The FT has an article out saying that the Japanese government had directed some initial feelers towards Honda and Nissan raising the possibility of a merger between the two companies. This is not especially surprising to us and we had touted the possibility earlier this year as being more plausible than it would appear on the surface. According to the FT, the idea was rather roundly shot down by both sides. This too is not particularly surprising, but we believe that while now is not the ideal time for a merger, it is one of the few options which could help the companies regain vigour… if done correctly, which will be difficult.

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)

Apple - Dumping Hyundai Motor Group in Favor of Japanese Auto Companies to Develop EVs?

On 5 February, a Bloomberg article mentioned that the recent talks between Apple Inc (AAPL US) and Hyundai Motor Group have been put on hold. Apple...

Douglas Kim

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We examine potential buyers in the instance that reports about Nissan looking to sell its stake in Mitsubishi Motors turn out to be true, also...

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Mitsubishi Motors – Struggling Despite Rising Tide

Mitsubishi Motors continues to struggle despite an accelerating recovery in the auto sector as it sees weak volumes in the strong Chinese market....

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🇯🇵 JAPAN • Looking for Value in Negative Enterprise Value

NEV IN JAPAN - Japan has a reputation for being the world's leading market for finding listed companies with negative Enterprise Value (NEV)....

Campbell Gunn

Revisiting Our Nissan-Honda Merger Idea

The FT has an article out saying that the Japanese government had directed some initial feelers towards Honda and Nissan raising the possibility of...

Mio Kato

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