Founder and CEO, Europacifica Consulting

Naomi Fink

Founder and CEO

Europacifica Consulting

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/015/810/original/ChartForeignInvestor.png?1478147665" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="15810"></figure><div class="content-caption">Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)</div><h2>Summary</h2>Foreign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…

Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

Equity Research Analyst, Maritime sector, Drewry Maritime Financial Research

Ankush Kathuria CFA, FRM

Equity Research Analyst, Maritime sector

Maritime Sector, Equity & Credit Research

Drewry Maritime Financial Research

With no ties to other players in the shipping, finance or banking world, we provide a uniquely impartial view of the markets and companies we cover. Our parent organization, Drewry is a leading independent provider of research services to the maritime and shipping industry, employing over 100 professionals across an international network of offices in London, Delhi, Singapore and Shanghai. Combining our market-leading resources with seasoned sector expertise DFRS offers a highly differentiated and comprehensive range of investment and financial research services to lenders and prospective investors in publicly listed maritime and shipping companies. The full service of reports, supporting resources and sector orientated webinars provides our clients with the most complete picture of the organisations under coverage as is possible. We have been charting and analysing the world’s maritime markets for more than 40 years. This unrivalled intelligence and understanding provides the foundation of our research service. Our analysts have access to one of the most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable sources of market insight and research data available today. We look at globally listed companies within the following sectors: Port Operators, Container Shipping, Container Manufacturing & Leasing, LNG Shipping, Dry Bulk Shipping and Tanker Shipping. Combine in-depth sector expertise with financial analysis focusing on over 50 stocks globally.

We have earlier argued that the current M&amp;A in the container shipping industry is about "Survival" and not "Growth". This morning from Japan, <blockquote>Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha have agreed, after the resolution by the board of directors of each company held today, and subject to regulatory approval from the authorities, to establish a new joint-venture company to integrate the container shipping businesses (including worldwide terminal…</blockquote>

We have earlier argued that the current M&amp;A in the container shipping industry is about "Survival" and not "Growth". This morning from Japan, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha have agreed, after the resolution by the board of directors of each company held today, and subject to regulatory approval from the authorities, to establish a new joint-venture company to integrate the container shipping businesses (including worldwide terminal…

Container Shipping - "Survival" M&A In Full Swing, Japanese Big 3 Merge Container Operations

In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/why-overcoming-deflation-is-not-enough-part-iii-corporate-governance" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:6183">Why Overcoming Deflation Is Not Enough Part III: Corporate Governance</a>, we argued that corporate governance is pivotal to successful structural reform in Japan.  Noting that corporate governance is a weighty enough topic deserving of analysis in its own right, we reviewed some of the pivotal current debates on governance in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/corporate-governance-in-japan-what-s-at-stake" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:6302">Corporate Governance in Japan: What’s at Stake</a>.  Now, with the goal of situating reforms to corporate governance within the context of the liability side of corporate balance sheets we take a step back for a brief examination of the structure of the Japanese financial sector.  Our review of the financial sector keeps in mind at all times the interdependence between structural reform in the financial sector and capital market reform (inclusive of corporate governance).  In order to understand the importance of capital market (and thus corporate governance) reform, it is important to understand the limited reach of reforms to the Japanese financial sector, given the complementarity of bank lending and financing via capital markets.

In Why Overcoming Deflation Is Not Enough Part III: Corporate Governance, we argued that corporate governance is pivotal to successful structural reform in Japan.  Noting that corporate governance is a weighty enough topic deserving of analysis in its own right, we reviewed some of the pivotal current debates on governance in Corporate Governance in Japan: What’s at Stake.  Now, with the goal of situating reforms to corporate governance within the context of the liability side of corporate balance sheets we take a step back for a brief examination of the structure of the Japanese financial sector.  Our review of the financial sector keeps in mind at all times the interdependence between structural reform in the financial sector and capital market reform (inclusive of corporate governance).  In order to understand the importance of capital market (and thus corporate governance) reform, it is important to understand the limited reach of reforms to the Japanese financial sector, given the complementarity of bank lending and financing via capital markets.

Structural Reform I: The Japanese Financial Sector

Japan TMT Analyst

Pelham Smithers

Market Intel on Asian Tech with a Japan focus

Pelham Smithers Associates

Founded in 2009, Pelham Smithers Associates (PSA) provides market intelligence on Asian technology, focusing in particular on Japan. The industries covered by our team of specialists are: consumer electronics, telecomms, pharmaceuticals, internet, electronic parts and materials, automotive technology, retail and capital goods. 

Research is provided by the following:
Pelham Smithers: Macro, consumer electronics, telecoms & pharma
Joel Scheiman: Electronics materials / components
Julie Boote: Autos
Will Nestuk: Capital goods, machinery & transportation equipment parts
Thao Nguyen: eCommerce, internet content, marketing & advertising

The Topix pharmaceutical index (TPPHRM) fell to 2,355 just after the lunch break in Tokyo on Friday 19th August, before recovering to 2,377, with the market's afternoon rally. That though was still a 52-week daily-close low. In August, alone, the sector is down 10%. This can in part be explained by bad news - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/8979" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8979:1">Ono Pharmaceutical</a>'s shares have been hit by negative news over Opdivo (see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/opdivo-fails-nsclc-test" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:5134">Opdivo Fails NSCLC Test)</a> - however, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/4489" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4489:1">Chugai Pharmaceutical</a> has fallen from ¥3,865 to ¥3,205 over the same time and…

The Topix pharmaceutical index (TPPHRM) fell to 2,355 just after the lunch break in Tokyo on Friday 19th August, before recovering to 2,377, with the market's afternoon rally. That though was still a 52-week daily-close low. In August, alone, the sector is down 10%. This can in part be explained by bad news - Ono Pharmaceutical's shares have been hit by negative news over Opdivo (see Opdivo Fails NSCLC Test) - however, Chugai Pharmaceutical has fallen from ¥3,865 to ¥3,205 over the same time and…

The decision by Melco Holdings to buy back 15% of outstanding shares is an announcement that is likely to be picked up by a few lucky holders of the stock, but few others. However, it could have considerable importance for the Japanese stock market in this era of negative interest rates. Although share buybacks are common enough in Japan, they normally represent 1~2% of shares outstanding, not ten times that amount. Melco Holdings, a company probably best known for being regularly confused with…

The decision by Melco Holdings to buy back 15% of outstanding shares is an announcement that is likely to be picked up by a few lucky holders of the stock, but few others. However, it could have considerable importance for the Japanese stock market in this era of negative interest rates. Although share buybacks are common enough in Japan, they normally represent 1~2% of shares outstanding, not ten times that amount. Melco Holdings, a company probably best known for being regularly confused with…

Melco Holdings BuyBack: Start of a Trend?

Japan

Kurita Water Industries Ltd. manufactures, sells, and maintains water treatment equipment and systems.  The Company's products include water purification and waste water treatment equipment as well as soil remediation systems.  Kurita also manufactures and sells chemicals for water treatment related to sanitation, air-conditioning, and construction.

EBARA CORPORATION manufactures pneumatic and hydraulic pumps and related equipment.  The Company's products include fuel, oil, water, and firefighting pumps, as well as steam turbines and boilers.  Ebara Corporation also engineers garbage incinerators, smoke desulfurizers, and other products related to environmental technology.

IHI Corporation manufactures heavy machinery. The Company produces aircraft jet engines, rocket propulsion systems, and ships for military and commercial use. Ishikawajima-Harima also constructs petroleum refineries and nuclear power plants.

DAIFUKU CO., LTD. designs, manufactures, and sells material handling equipment such as automated storage systems, conveyors, and automatic sorters.  The Company's products are used for automation in manufacturing and distribution businesses.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. develops, manufactures, sells, and repairs construction machinery. The Company's products include hydraulic excavators, crawler cranes, wheel loaders, shield machines, and bulldozers. Hitachi Construction Machinery, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets its products worldwide through sales offices overseas.

Makita Corporation manufactures electric power tools, including battery-operated power tools, stationary wood working machines, pneumatic devices, and gardening tools.  The Company also produces power tool attachments and accessories and provides parts replacement and repair services.

SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. manufactures and markets heavy electric machinery.  The Company's operations include heavy machinery, shipbuilding, mass-production machinery, environmental equipment, and construction machinery divisions.  Sumitomo Heavy Industries also produces equipment for semiconductor and laser technologies.

Minebea Mitsumi manufactures and markets miniature and instrument ball bearings.  The Company also makes DC motors, servo motors, stepping motors, spindle motors, pivot assemblies, rod-end and spherical bearings, fasteners, and computer keyboards. Minebea Mitsumi has production facilities in Thailand and Singapore.

HOSHIZAKI ELECTRIC CORPORATION manufactures and sells commercial use kitchen equipment such as freezers, refrigerators, food/beverage dispensers.  The Company has sales subsidiaries across Japan as well as overseas.

DMG MORI CO., LTD. manufactures and markets machine tools and related products. The Company's product line includes numerical control (NC) and high-speed precision lathes, horizontal and vertical machining centers (MCs), and other stationary machine tools capable of performing various tasks.

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. manufactures crude oil tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, cruisers, and passenger ferries.  The Company also produces steel and bridge structures, and material handling equipment.  In addition, Samsung Heavy Industries provides civil engineering, architectural, and plant construction services.

Seatrium Ltd offers engineering solutions for the offshore, marine, and energy industries. The Company provides rigs and floaters, repairs and upgrades, offshore platforms, and specialized shipbuilding. Seatrium serves customers worldwide.

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) Limited builds a wide range of ships. The Company produces a wide range of commercial vessels, mini bulk carriers, multi-purpose cargo vessels, containerships, chemical tankers, offshore supply vessels, rescue and salvage vessels, and lifting vessels.

AGCO Corporation manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment throughout the world.  The Company sells a range of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts, including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, and forage equipment.  AGCO markets its products under a variety of brand names, including Massey Ferguson, AGCO, Tye, GLEANER, and Hesston.

Thermax Ltd manufactures equipment and machinery used to both produce and to conserve energy. The Company operates through a number of divisions, including Boilers, Heat Recovery Steam Generators, Water Treatment Plants and Air Pollution Control Equipment. In addition, Thermax  produces steam and gas turbines and diesel gensets through a number of strategic alliances.

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells a line of products to the water regulation and control markets.  The Company has manufacturing plants and distribution channels in the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as a joint venture in The People's Republic of China.

Chart Industries, Inc. is a global manufacturer of equipment used in the production, storage, and end-use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. The Company's products include vacuum-insulated containment vessels, heat exchangers, cold boxes, and other cryogenic components.

RBC Bearings Incorporated designs, manufactures, and markets bearing products. The Company offers precision plain, roller, cam followers, couplings, collars, locking, tool holders, shafts, pins, rods, tubes, and ball bearings. RBC Bearings serves industrial, aerospace, and defense markets worldwide.

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd.manufactures and markets construction machinery.  The Company's products include concrete machinery, cranes, road machinery, drilling equipment, and other heavy construction equipment.  Zoomlion also produces environmental machinery and satellite navigation products.

Jiangsu Hengli Hydraulic Co Ltd develops, manufactures and sells high pressure tank, hydraulic components and hydraulic systems. The Company's main products include fuel tanks and non-standard cylinders for heavy equipment.

Jiangsu Hengli Highpressure Oil Cylinder (601100 CH)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. designs, develops, and manufactures transport equipment and industrial heavy machinery for military and commercial use.  The Company produces ships, railroad cars, aircraft engines and parts, hydraulic and gas turbines, submarine engines, boilers, and industrial robots.  Kawasaki Heavy Industries offers engineering and construction services to industrial plants.

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Kawasaki Heavy Industries (7012 JP)

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data. Yet given Japan's...

Naomi Fink

Container Shipping - "Survival" M&A In Full Swing, Japanese Big 3 Merge Container Operations

We have earlier argued that the current M&A in the container shipping industry is about "Survival" and not "Growth". This morning from...

Drewry Maritime Financial Research

Structural Reform I: The Japanese Financial Sector

In Why Overcoming Deflation Is Not Enough Part III: Corporate Governance, we argued that corporate governance is pivotal to successful structural...

Naomi Fink

Japan Pharma Hits 52 Week Low

The Topix pharmaceutical index (TPPHRM) fell to 2,355 just after the lunch break in Tokyo on Friday 19th August, before recovering to 2,377, with...

Pelham Smithers Associates

Melco Holdings BuyBack: Start of a Trend?

The decision by Melco Holdings to buy back 15% of outstanding shares is an announcement that is likely to be picked up by a few lucky holders of...

Pelham Smithers Associates

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