'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)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/661/original/2020-04-26_07-20-46.png?1587853286" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129661"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div>THE WEDGE - Both Japanese equities and the $/¥ exchange rate have traded in a narrow range over the last two weeks. Undeterred, the Bank of Japan intervened through ETF purchases three times last week. In total, since the low of March 16th, the central bank has bought ETFs equivalent to 3.5% of market value, and have supported a 15% 29-day rally. As the markets consolidate in anticipation of the impending 'rendezvous with reality' in the form of quarterly earnings, the resolution of the 'wedge' formations above will be to the downside.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/662/original/2020-04-26_07-39-05.png?1587854366" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129662"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div>CANARIES - As we noted in Friday's <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/japan-revisions-results-23rd-april-getting-worse-rapidly-obics-tgas-canon-omron" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:38697" rel="noopener">Results Review</a>, interim forecasts are a useful 'canary' and, with some help from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fanuc-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:752:1" rel="noopener">Fanuc (6954 JP)</a>, our composite Score is heading lower rapidly. A growing number of companies lacking Fanuc's candour are refusing to make initial full-year or interim forecasts this year leaving the market, and the sell-side, to 'fly blind'. The lack of foresight is resulting in a degree of misplaced optimism, as amply demonstrated by Friday's 7.5% gain in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/omron-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15904:1" rel="noopener">Omron (6645 JP)</a> for 'beating' a six-month-old forecast for a mostly pre-COVID-19 year.     <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/665/original/File%202020-04-26%205%2006%2033.jpeg?1587856452" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129665"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/666/original/File%202020-04-26%205%2007%2018.jpeg?1587856466" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129666"></figure>PERSISTENCE - Japan is still 'behind' the world and ahead of the rest of Asia in COVID-19 metrics - Marco Piani's excellent global timeline chart is attached as an Appendix in the DETAIL below. The number of confirmed new cases is persistent at around 300, of which, alarmingly, an increasing number are outside Tokyo, while the rolling 3-day number of deaths is moving more towards Europe than the rest of Asia. The northern island of Hokkaido which saw some of the earliest case clusters in Japan is experiencing a second wave of infections.  Nishimura, the Cabinet minister in charge of the response to COVID-19, is now in quarantine at home after one of his aides tested positive. Sunday has brought some welcome good news - the nationwide daily case count has declined to 140. Nevertheless, with just ten days until the proposed end of the states of emergency, at least one extension is likely, possibly until the end of May. Such a declaration is not yet discounted in the equity market.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/667/original/IMG_1515.jpg?1587857128" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129667"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • NHK</div>PREVALENCE - Although a lack of widespread testing biases this data, the detected rates of infection by age cohort (descending in the chart above) and sex (male blue/female red) reveal the consequences of Japan's version of social distancing. The highest rates of infection are amongst those that have to commute or come into contact with others, men between the ages of 20 and 50 and childless women in their twenties, many of whom work in hospitals or check-out counters. 10% of all COVID-19 cases in Japan are medical staff or patients who were infected nosocomially.  Testing is still a major bottleneck due to excessive fax-centric bureaucracy and reliance on only non-private institutions. Only 6,000 tests are being carried out every day, two-thirds of total capacity, and the results take one week to obtain. PLEASE DIE AT HOME - A number of those infected with COVID-19 who have been told to 'stay home' as the hospitals are full are now dying in situ or on the street. Some local governments are being forced to change tack. All newly-confirmed patients that cannot be accommodated in hospitals are to be moved to hotels with medical staff in attendance. However, there is now a severe shortage of such personnel. Hospitals in Tokyo are still turning away suspected COVID-19 patients. Aichi prefecture has resorted to offering 'subsidies' of up to ¥4 million to hospitals for accepting new patients.ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - Japan is not immune to anti-social behaviour at the worst of times. Cars with license plates from other prefectures have been vandalised when parked or tailgated or verbally-abused on the road. Child care facilities are turning away children of hospital staff for fear they may already be asymptomatic carriers, prompting many medical workers to quit their jobs. Some companies are requiring employees who are working from home to be monitored by video during working hours to ensure they are at their desks and not helping out with the housework.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/670/original/title_1.jpg?1587859428" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129670"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Sharp</div>ABE-'NO-MASKS'AND THE SHARP LOTTERY - The government has had to recall the small washable cloth masks that PM Abe planned to distribute two of per household due to mould, stains and insects being found in up to one-third of early batches. The roll-out of these much-criticised 'Abe masks' will be further delayed. Meanwhile, demand for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sharp-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:391:1" rel="noopener">Sharp (6753 JP)</a>'s newly-manufactured higher quality single-use masks so overwhelmed the company's website, that Sharp has decided to hold a lottery as a way of rationing demand.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/129/725/original/2020-04-26_15-42-04.png?1587883347" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="129725"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source ♦ Japan Analytics</div>In the DETAIL below, we shall review the results, revisions and initial forecast announcements made on Friday by larger-cap companies.  The positive/neutral/negative balance for Friday's 28 results announcements was 13:1:14, and the net change in Results Score was -1. For the 47 revisions/forecasts, the split was 21:2:24 but the net change in Revision Score totalled -170. Of the eighteen companies declaring full-year results, only half made interim or annual forecasts for the current year. As we shall see below the 'worst' forecasts were from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fanuc-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:752:1" rel="noopener">Fanuc (6954 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/amano-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8135:1" rel="noopener">Amano (6436 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ana-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5308:1" rel="noopener">ANA (9202 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/denso-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18703:1" rel="noopener">Denso (6902 JP)</a> (see chart above). Large=caps with improved Revisions Scores were <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mochida-pharmaceutical-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3655:1" rel="noopener">Mochida Pharmaceutical (4534 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/okinawa-cellular-telephone" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6517:1" rel="noopener">Okinawa Cellular Telephone (9436 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/acom-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8897:1" rel="noopener">Acom (8572 JP)</a>. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shionogi-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19535:1" rel="noopener">Shionogi (4507 JP)</a> and two other companies raised dividends; none cut their payouts.

Source • Japan AnalyticsTHE WEDGE - Both Japanese equities and the $/¥ exchange rate have traded in a narrow range over the last two weeks. Undeterred, the Bank of Japan intervened through ETF purchases three times last week. In total, since the low of March 16th, the central bank has bought ETFs equivalent to 3.5% of market value, and have supported a 15% 29-day rally. As the markets consolidate in anticipation of the impending 'rendezvous with reality' in the form of quarterly earnings, the resolution of the 'wedge' formations above will be to the downside.Source • Japan AnalyticsCANARIES - As we noted in Friday's Results Review, interim forecasts are a useful 'canary' and, with some help from Fanuc (6954 JP), our composite Score is heading lower rapidly. A growing number of companies lacking Fanuc's candour are refusing to make initial full-year or interim forecasts this year leaving the market, and the sell-side, to 'fly blind'. The lack of foresight is resulting in a degree of misplaced optimism, as amply demonstrated by Friday's 7.5% gain in Omron (6645 JP) for 'beating' a six-month-old forecast for a mostly pre-COVID-19 year.     PERSISTENCE - Japan is still 'behind' the world and ahead of the rest of Asia in COVID-19 metrics - Marco Piani's excellent global timeline chart is attached as an Appendix in the DETAIL below. The number of confirmed new cases is persistent at around 300, of which, alarmingly, an increasing number are outside Tokyo, while the rolling 3-day number of deaths is moving more towards Europe than the rest of Asia. The northern island of Hokkaido which saw some of the earliest case clusters in Japan is experiencing a second wave of infections.  Nishimura, the Cabinet minister in charge of the response to COVID-19, is now in quarantine at home after one of his aides tested positive. Sunday has brought some welcome good news - the nationwide daily case count has declined to 140. Nevertheless, with just ten days until the proposed end of the states of emergency, at least one extension is likely, possibly until the end of May. Such a declaration is not yet discounted in the equity market.Source • NHKPREVALENCE - Although a lack of widespread testing biases this data, the detected rates of infection by age cohort (descending in the chart above) and sex (male blue/female red) reveal the consequences of Japan's version of social distancing. The highest rates of infection are amongst those that have to commute or come into contact with others, men between the ages of 20 and 50 and childless women in their twenties, many of whom work in hospitals or check-out counters. 10% of all COVID-19 cases in Japan are medical staff or patients who were infected nosocomially.  Testing is still a major bottleneck due to excessive fax-centric bureaucracy and reliance on only non-private institutions. Only 6,000 tests are being carried out every day, two-thirds of total capacity, and the results take one week to obtain. PLEASE DIE AT HOME - A number of those infected with COVID-19 who have been told to 'stay home' as the hospitals are full are now dying in situ or on the street. Some local governments are being forced to change tack. All newly-confirmed patients that cannot be accommodated in hospitals are to be moved to hotels with medical staff in attendance. However, there is now a severe shortage of such personnel. Hospitals in Tokyo are still turning away suspected COVID-19 patients. Aichi prefecture has resorted to offering 'subsidies' of up to ¥4 million to hospitals for accepting new patients.ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - Japan is not immune to anti-social behaviour at the worst of times. Cars with license plates from other prefectures have been vandalised when parked or tailgated or verbally-abused on the road. Child care facilities are turning away children of hospital staff for fear they may already be asymptomatic carriers, prompting many medical workers to quit their jobs. Some companies are requiring employees who are working from home to be monitored by video during working hours to ensure they are at their desks and not helping out with the housework.Source • SharpABE-'NO-MASKS'AND THE SHARP LOTTERY - The government has had to recall the small washable cloth masks that PM Abe planned to distribute two of per household due to mould, stains and insects being found in up to one-third of early batches. The roll-out of these much-criticised 'Abe masks' will be further delayed. Meanwhile, demand for Sharp (6753 JP)'s newly-manufactured higher quality single-use masks so overwhelmed the company's website, that Sharp has decided to hold a lottery as a way of rationing demand.Source ♦ Japan AnalyticsIn the DETAIL below, we shall review the results, revisions and initial forecast announcements made on Friday by larger-cap companies.  The positive/neutral/negative balance for Friday's 28 results announcements was 13:1:14, and the net change in Results Score was -1. For the 47 revisions/forecasts, the split was 21:2:24 but the net change in Revision Score totalled -170. Of the eighteen companies declaring full-year results, only half made interim or annual forecasts for the current year. As we shall see below the 'worst' forecasts were from Fanuc (6954 JP), Amano (6436 JP), ANA (9202 JP), and Denso (6902 JP) (see chart above). Large=caps with improved Revisions Scores were Mochida Pharmaceutical (4534 JP), Okinawa Cellular Telephone (9436 JP) and Acom (8572 JP). Shionogi (4507 JP) and two other companies raised dividends; none cut their payouts.

🇯🇵 JAPAN MARKET (& COVID-19) UPDATE 26th April - Thin End of the Wedge

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Equity Bottom-Up

Les Echos, the French media outlet with probably the most access to Bercy when it comes to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/renault-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21536:1" rel="noopener">Renault SA (RNO FP)</a>/government/Alliance news, but also occasionally seen as the avenue for floating trial balloons, <a href="https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/automobile/exclusif-renault-le-scenario-dune-entree-de-mitsubishi-corp-au-capital-sur-la-table-1189255" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> this morning that among the possible methods for putting the Alliance back on track would be to have <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20668:1" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP)</a> buy a 10% stake in Renault. 
This is quite along the lines of what I have long suggested for the past couple of years. There are good reasons for this. One is that <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>'s 15% stake in Renault doesn't vote.  Another is that Mitsubishi Corp was effectively banished from control of <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> in 2016 after the third major scandal in 15 years practically necessitated a governance rescue. At the time, I proposed it would be Nissan and sure enough...
The goal here would be to effectively increase Japanese capital control of Renault so that there would be more seats on the board who could act against French state (l'APE) whim, and who could, in a pinch, sell a block to Nissan so Nissan would own 25% and allow them to block Renault's voting rights in Nissan. For Renault it would give them a different large holder near but not in the Alliance. 
Renault shares jumped 7% in the five minutes after the article came out. The shares still trade at a tiny fraction of book value. 
What remains odd is that Nissan - Renault's partner and the more profitable carmaker over the past nearly 20 years since the Renault capital injection into Nissan - still can't vote its shares. But an outside Japanese trading company would buy 10% and make it all better because they had voting rights? I think this is an interesting step in the right direction, but not all the way there by any stretch. 
<div class="content-highlight">
There is one relatively easy technical construction of capital holding that Renault could undertake to make life easier all around. It would not require Renault selling Nissan shares cheaply, and it would not require anyone to put up any more capital. Renault would keep the economic interest in its full stake, but doing this would get Nissan the vote on its Renault shares, making the entire Alliance cross-holding construct much more equitable.
I remain surprised they have not done so yet. 
As it is, I think the idea of MitCorp buying 10% of Renault is an interesting step in the right direction, but it is not all the way there by any stretch.
The OTHER step noted above would be all the way there.
</div>
As always, more below the fold.

Les Echos, the French media outlet with probably the most access to Bercy when it comes to Renault SA (RNO FP)/government/Alliance news, but also occasionally seen as the avenue for floating trial balloons, reports this morning that among the possible methods for putting the Alliance back on track would be to have Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP) buy a 10% stake in Renault. 
This is quite along the lines of what I have long suggested for the past couple of years. There are good reasons for this. One is that Nissan Motor (7201 JP)'s 15% stake in Renault doesn't vote.  Another is that Mitsubishi Corp was effectively banished from control of Mitsubishi Motors (7211 JP) in 2016 after the third major scandal in 15 years practically necessitated a governance rescue. At the time, I proposed it would be Nissan and sure enough...
The goal here would be to effectively increase Japanese capital control of Renault so that there would be more seats on the board who could act against French state (l'APE) whim, and who could, in a pinch, sell a block to Nissan so Nissan would own 25% and allow them to block Renault's voting rights in Nissan. For Renault it would give them a different large holder near but not in the Alliance. 
Renault shares jumped 7% in the five minutes after the article came out. The shares still trade at a tiny fraction of book value. 
What remains odd is that Nissan - Renault's partner and the more profitable carmaker over the past nearly 20 years since the Renault capital injection into Nissan - still can't vote its shares. But an outside Japanese trading company would buy 10% and make it all better because they had voting rights? I think this is an interesting step in the right direction, but not all the way there by any stretch. 

There is one relatively easy technical construction of capital holding that Renault could undertake to make life easier all around. It would not require Renault selling Nissan shares cheaply, and it would not require anyone to put up any more capital. Renault would keep the economic interest in its full stake, but doing this would get Nissan the vote on its Renault shares, making the entire Alliance cross-holding construct much more equitable.
I remain surprised they have not done so yet. 
As it is, I think the idea of MitCorp buying 10% of Renault is an interesting step in the right direction, but it is not all the way there by any stretch.
The OTHER step noted above would be all the way there.

As always, more below the fold.

Renault-Nissan-MitMot Alliance: MitCorp to Buy 10% of Renault? There's An Easier Way

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

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/121/814/original/naakt-jpg.png?1583659197" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="121814"></figure>Source  • <a href="https://hollandbesthotels.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://hollandbesthotels.wordpress.com/</a>
</div><blockquote><a href="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2001ar/2001letter.html" target="_blank" aria-describedby="external-disclaimer" rel="noopener">“You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out. “</a>- Warren Buffett</blockquote>WHO'S SWIMMING NAKED? - This is the first part of three Insights that will in the spirit of Buffett's famous quip, attempt to highlight those Japanese companies that at the greatest risk from the 2020 Covid-19 recession. We will focus on three factors - the Audit Score, the Altman Z-Score and Cumulative Cash Flows - that individually, and in combination, can highlight those companies most at risk.<hr><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/121/877/original/2020-03-09_07-18-54.png?1583705968" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="121877"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div>PART 1: AUDIT SCORE - This factor is 'hiding in plain sight'. Since 2003, the Auditors' Opinion has been available in a format that allows 'parsing' into a database format and the creation of an 'Audit Score'. Although often a coincident rather than a leading indicator, by cumulating the score from year to year, patterns can emerge that highlight unfolding risks as in the case of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/leopalace21-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8244:1" rel="noopener">Leopalace21 Corp (8848 JP)</a> above.


Source  • https://hollandbesthotels.wordpress.com/
“You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out. “- Warren BuffettWHO'S SWIMMING NAKED? - This is the first part of three Insights that will in the spirit of Buffett's famous quip, attempt to highlight those Japanese companies that at the greatest risk from the 2020 Covid-19 recession. We will focus on three factors - the Audit Score, the Altman Z-Score and Cumulative Cash Flows - that individually, and in combination, can highlight those companies most at risk.Source • Japan AnalyticsPART 1: AUDIT SCORE - This factor is 'hiding in plain sight'. Since 2003, the Auditors' Opinion has been available in a format that allows 'parsing' into a database format and the creation of an 'Audit Score'. Although often a coincident rather than a leading indicator, by cumulating the score from year to year, patterns can emerge that highlight unfolding risks as in the case of Leopalace21 Corp (8848 JP) above.   

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Who's Swimming Naked? > Part 1: Audit Score

Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

The overall auto space in Japan has seen some significant M&amp;A activity of late with Hitachi merging its autoparts unit with three Honda group parts makers (Keihin, Showa and Nissin Kogyo), as well as Aisin Seiki announcing the purchase of Toyota’s stake Aisin AW and Isuzu purchasing the former Nissan Diesel from Volvo. This follows the broader shift of companies such as Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru towards Toyota. With Nissan reportedly looking to break away from Renault we consider the implications below.

The overall auto space in Japan has seen some significant M&amp;A activity of late with Hitachi merging its autoparts unit with three Honda group parts makers (Keihin, Showa and Nissin Kogyo), as well as Aisin Seiki announcing the purchase of Toyota’s stake Aisin AW and Isuzu purchasing the former Nissan Diesel from Volvo. This follows the broader shift of companies such as Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru towards Toyota. With Nissan reportedly looking to break away from Renault we consider the implications below.

Nissan – Could a Split With Renault Propel Consolidation in Japan’s Auto Industry?

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas, CrossASEAN Research

Henry Soediarko

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

<div class="content-highlight">In my last insight on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nippon-paint-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7387:1" rel="noopener">Nippon Paint Holdings (4612 JP)</a> I discussed how the company is dependant on the Chinese auto sector which some may say it's bottoming out and assuming that the Japanese auto industry is just stagnant. </div>Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have all reported weaker domestic sales in October 2019. This presents an opportunity for shorting auto suppliers whose share price has recently increase despite the somber outlook. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sumitomo-electric-industries" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10496:1" rel="noopener">Sumitomo Electric Industries (5802 JP)</a> , <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/aisin-seiki-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11809:1" rel="noopener">Aisin Seiki (7259 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/minth-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9232:1" rel="noopener">Minth Group Ltd (425 HK)</a> are the names for shorting.

In my last insight on Nippon Paint Holdings (4612 JP) I discussed how the company is dependant on the Chinese auto sector which some may say it's bottoming out and assuming that the Japanese auto industry is just stagnant. Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have all reported weaker domestic sales in October 2019. This presents an opportunity for shorting auto suppliers whose share price has recently increase despite the somber outlook. Sumitomo Electric Industries (5802 JP) , Aisin Seiki (7259 JP) and Minth Group Ltd (425 HK) are the names for shorting. 

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)

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Auto Supplier - New Shorting Opportunity

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