Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Supun Walpola

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

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cyberagent-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8197:1" rel="noopener">Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP)</a> reported 3Q FY09/19 financial results last week (on Wednesday, 24th July 2019). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥113.6bn (+8.8% YoY) and OP of ¥9.4bn (+38.3% YoY) for 3Q FY09/19. Both revenue and OP beat consensus by 1.3% and 53.9% respectively. CyberAgent revised its full-year OP guidance upwards by ¥9bn (+4.5%) from ¥20bn to ¥29bn. CyberAgent's share price reacted positively for this, closing at ¥4,565 on Monday (29th July), up by 14% from last Tuesday's (23rd July) close.

Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP) reported 3Q FY09/19 financial results last week (on Wednesday, 24th July 2019). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥113.6bn (+8.8% YoY) and OP of ¥9.4bn (+38.3% YoY) for 3Q FY09/19. Both revenue and OP beat consensus by 1.3% and 53.9% respectively. CyberAgent revised its full-year OP guidance upwards by ¥9bn (+4.5%) from ¥20bn to ¥29bn. CyberAgent's share price reacted positively for this, closing at ¥4,565 on Monday (29th July), up by 14% from last Tuesday's (23rd July) close.

CyberAgent Revises the OP Guidance Upwards by 5%; Share Price Up 14%

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

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/000/089/325/original/2019-06-01_09-16-25.png?1559348196" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89325"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/326/original/2019-06-01_09-19-21.png?1559348371" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89326"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>INAUSPICIOUS - Since the beginning of the Reiwa era (令和時代), Japanese equities have fallen by 6.1% and have seen only six 'up' days out of the nineteen trading days so far. The strength of the Yen has cut that decline to -3.2% for the minority of foreign investors that are unhedged. The Bank of Japan has purchased ETFs on ten days in the new era including on each of the last three trading sessions - the largest such intervention this calendar year.  Having reached a new five-month low, a decisive low above that of December 25th is required. The market took only two trading days to descend from the current level to that 2018 low, and a fall of 6.7% from Friday's close would breach that level. For the time being, it pays to be net short.  <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/329/original/2019-06-01_10-10-41.png?1559351453" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89329"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>CURRENCY RISK? - Much has been made of recent ¥3 move in the US$/JP¥ cross rate in May. The one-year rate of change has been the key driver of the Japanese earnings cycle and, in turn, the market. A rate of ¥108 held through the summer would equate with a breach of the December low and a rate of ¥90 by year-end would be consistent with the low of February 2016 - a 14% decline from the current index level.  <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/330/original/2019-06-01_10-14-50.png?1559351702" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89330"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>RSI - The five-day Relative Strength Index could well be in single digits on Monday, which would be the second-most oversold level this year. A short-term recovery can be expected later in the week. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/331/original/2019-06-01_10-28-00.png?1559352497" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89331"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>TORAKU - The Toraku advance-decline is also back in Oversold territory, but well above the December 2018 low, suggesting further downside to a new cycle low.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/333/original/2019-06-01_10-38-19.png?1559353116" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89333"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>HIGHS - LOWS - The 'spread' between New Highs and New Lows is negative, but has yet to reach the most recent peak of 14th May of -549 and is well above the December 2018 low of -2,741. A spread of at least -1,000 is needed to confirm a new cycle low.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/089/332/original/2019-06-01_10-32-11.png?1559352742" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="89332"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>VOLUME SCORE TIMELINE - Volumes remains concentrated in the Internet, Information Technology, REITs, Electrical Equipment, and Energy Sectors, the Materials,  Restaurants, and Multi-Industry Sectors are the volume laggards.<div class="content-highlight">In the DETAIL section below, we will review Sector performance, scores and valuation, Company Results &amp; Revisions and stock performance over the previous two weeks, as well as adding some brief comments on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kikkoman-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11720:1">Kikkoman (2801 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/inpex-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20665:1">Inpex (1605 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/keyence-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3077:1">Keyence (6861 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/leopalace21-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8244:1">Leopalace21 (8848 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dentsu-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12434:1">Dentsu (4324 JP)</a>.     </div>


Source: Japan Analytics
INAUSPICIOUS - Since the beginning of the Reiwa era (令和時代), Japanese equities have fallen by 6.1% and have seen only six 'up' days out of the nineteen trading days so far. The strength of the Yen has cut that decline to -3.2% for the minority of foreign investors that are unhedged. The Bank of Japan has purchased ETFs on ten days in the new era including on each of the last three trading sessions - the largest such intervention this calendar year.  Having reached a new five-month low, a decisive low above that of December 25th is required. The market took only two trading days to descend from the current level to that 2018 low, and a fall of 6.7% from Friday's close would breach that level. For the time being, it pays to be net short.  Source: Japan AnalyticsCURRENCY RISK? - Much has been made of recent ¥3 move in the US$/JP¥ cross rate in May. The one-year rate of change has been the key driver of the Japanese earnings cycle and, in turn, the market. A rate of ¥108 held through the summer would equate with a breach of the December low and a rate of ¥90 by year-end would be consistent with the low of February 2016 - a 14% decline from the current index level.  Source: Japan AnalyticsRSI - The five-day Relative Strength Index could well be in single digits on Monday, which would be the second-most oversold level this year. A short-term recovery can be expected later in the week. Source: Japan AnalyticsTORAKU - The Toraku advance-decline is also back in Oversold territory, but well above the December 2018 low, suggesting further downside to a new cycle low.Source: Japan AnalyticsHIGHS - LOWS - The 'spread' between New Highs and New Lows is negative, but has yet to reach the most recent peak of 14th May of -549 and is well above the December 2018 low of -2,741. A spread of at least -1,000 is needed to confirm a new cycle low.Source: Japan AnalyticsVOLUME SCORE TIMELINE - Volumes remains concentrated in the Internet, Information Technology, REITs, Electrical Equipment, and Energy Sectors, the Materials,  Restaurants, and Multi-Industry Sectors are the volume laggards.In the DETAIL section below, we will review Sector performance, scores and valuation, Company Results &amp; Revisions and stock performance over the previous two weeks, as well as adding some brief comments on Kikkoman (2801 JP), Inpex (1605 JP), Keyence (6861 JP), Leopalace21 (8848 JP), and Dentsu (4324 JP).     

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market Update - Retesting the Low

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/19603" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19603:1">Yahoo Japan (4689 JP)</a> reported 4Q and full-year FY03/19 financial results in late April, prior to the Golden Week. YJ reported revenue of JPY955bn (+6.4% YoY) and OP of JPY141bn (-24.5% YoY). Both revenue and OP were on par with the consensus and guidance. Media business showed only moderate growth (+5.2% YoY) as user engagement continued to slow down. However, with the steady increase in smartphone users (+9.7% YoY) coupled with the launch of video ads (targeting these smartphone users), Media business is likely to sustain its moderate growth in the medium-term. Commerce businesscontinued to grow at a healthy rate (+8.9% YoY) driven by the steady double-digit growth in the e-commerce transaction value for the fourth consecutive year. We expect YJ’s consolidated revenue to grow at a 3-year CAGR of 8.0% over FY03/19-22E, and in the process, to surpass the JPY1trn mark for the first time in FY03/20E. YJ’s OP guidance for FY03/20E is in the range of JPY146-150bn, which translates to an OP margin of 14.6%-15.0% (cf.14.6% in FY03/19 and 20.3% in FY03/18E). This seems slightly on the conservative side to us given that a large part of the OP decrease in FY03/19 was due to growth-related expenses and one-time losses (excluding these OP margin would have been around 17.4% in FY03/19).Our FY1 target price for YJ based on the historical median EV/OP multiple of 10.7x is JPY400, which implies a 33% upside to the current share price of JPY302 (as at 7th May 2018). We remain positive about YJ’s medium-term prospects, given the steady growth in the Commerce business and potential for a margin recovery. Further upside for YJ is likely once its payments business, PayPay, starts making significant contributions to operating results.

Yahoo Japan (4689 JP) reported 4Q and full-year FY03/19 financial results in late April, prior to the Golden Week. YJ reported revenue of JPY955bn (+6.4% YoY) and OP of JPY141bn (-24.5% YoY). Both revenue and OP were on par with the consensus and guidance. Media business showed only moderate growth (+5.2% YoY) as user engagement continued to slow down. However, with the steady increase in smartphone users (+9.7% YoY) coupled with the launch of video ads (targeting these smartphone users), Media business is likely to sustain its moderate growth in the medium-term. Commerce businesscontinued to grow at a healthy rate (+8.9% YoY) driven by the steady double-digit growth in the e-commerce transaction value for the fourth consecutive year. We expect YJ’s consolidated revenue to grow at a 3-year CAGR of 8.0% over FY03/19-22E, and in the process, to surpass the JPY1trn mark for the first time in FY03/20E. YJ’s OP guidance for FY03/20E is in the range of JPY146-150bn, which translates to an OP margin of 14.6%-15.0% (cf.14.6% in FY03/19 and 20.3% in FY03/18E). This seems slightly on the conservative side to us given that a large part of the OP decrease in FY03/19 was due to growth-related expenses and one-time losses (excluding these OP margin would have been around 17.4% in FY03/19).Our FY1 target price for YJ based on the historical median EV/OP multiple of 10.7x is JPY400, which implies a 33% upside to the current share price of JPY302 (as at 7th May 2018). We remain positive about YJ’s medium-term prospects, given the steady growth in the Commerce business and potential for a margin recovery. Further upside for YJ is likely once its payments business, PayPay, starts making significant contributions to operating results. 

Yahoo Japan: A Disappointing FY03/19 but Future Looks Promising

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/8197" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8197:1">Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP)</a> reported 2Q FY09/19 financial results on Wednesday (24th April). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥117.3bn (+7% YoY) and OP of ¥8.6bn (-25% YoY) for 2Q FY09/19. Both Revenue and OP were above consensus estimates of ¥113.6bn and ¥7.0bn respectively.
The slowdown in the Internet Advertisement business continues, as segment’s revenue was up by only 10.8% YoY in 2QFY09/19, compared to the average growth of around 20% YoY seen in the last two years. The Game business also remains sluggish, down 1% YoY, as the new hit game title, Dragalia Lost, failed to impress for the second consecutive quarter.
In the meantime, Media business revenue was up by 29% YoY, with growth seems to be coming mainly from the AbemaTV front; the number of AbemaTV premium subscribers was up 12% QoQ (an increase of around 43K in absolute terms).
We have revised our FY09/19E revenue expectation upwards for AbemaTV by around JPY4bn (which is around a 30% increase from our previous forecast of ¥12bn) to reflect robust growth in the number of subscribers and advertisement revenue. Our revenue and OP forecasts for the Internet Advertisement and Game businesses remain unchanged.
Our revised SOTP valuation for CyberAgent gives a FY1 target price of ¥4,750, which implies an upside of 10% from Wednesday’s close, with potential for further upside in the medium term.

Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP) reported 2Q FY09/19 financial results on Wednesday (24th April). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥117.3bn (+7% YoY) and OP of ¥8.6bn (-25% YoY) for 2Q FY09/19. Both Revenue and OP were above consensus estimates of ¥113.6bn and ¥7.0bn respectively.
The slowdown in the Internet Advertisement business continues, as segment’s revenue was up by only 10.8% YoY in 2QFY09/19, compared to the average growth of around 20% YoY seen in the last two years. The Game business also remains sluggish, down 1% YoY, as the new hit game title, Dragalia Lost, failed to impress for the second consecutive quarter.
In the meantime, Media business revenue was up by 29% YoY, with growth seems to be coming mainly from the AbemaTV front; the number of AbemaTV premium subscribers was up 12% QoQ (an increase of around 43K in absolute terms).
We have revised our FY09/19E revenue expectation upwards for AbemaTV by around JPY4bn (which is around a 30% increase from our previous forecast of ¥12bn) to reflect robust growth in the number of subscribers and advertisement revenue. Our revenue and OP forecasts for the Internet Advertisement and Game businesses remain unchanged.
Our revised SOTP valuation for CyberAgent gives a FY1 target price of ¥4,750, which implies an upside of 10% from Wednesday’s close, with potential for further upside in the medium term.

CyberAgent (4751 JP) 2Q Earnings Update: AbemaTV Continues to Impress

Our recent conversation with CyberAgent’s IR team suggests that a significant improvement in the OP margin is unlikely in the next few quarters. The OP margins of both Game business and the Internet Advertisement, while likely to improve gradually, are likely to remain low compared to recent history due to higher advertising and personnel costs.Upfront investments in AbemaTV are likely to continue until the target of 10m Weekly Average Users (WAU) is met, which could take a year or more. The company expects around 50% of AbemaTV revenue to eventually come from premium users, which seems to be a shift in strategy, from a “free” service towards a more hybrid model.CyberAgent’s share price closed at ¥4,050 on Tuesday, up 7.1% from its previous close, following the news that the stock was added to the Goldman Sachs’ conviction list with a reiterated buy rating. However, even before this, CyberAgent’s share price had been on a steady increase over the past two weeks (+29.0%), recovering from a one-year low in early February. This increase, despite rather mediocre 1Q results, a downward revision of OP guidance, and lack of any major short term catalysts is an indication that the market deems CyberAgent to be undervalued – mainly on the AbemaTV front.

Our recent conversation with CyberAgent’s IR team suggests that a significant improvement in the OP margin is unlikely in the next few quarters. The OP margins of both Game business and the Internet Advertisement, while likely to improve gradually, are likely to remain low compared to recent history due to higher advertising and personnel costs.Upfront investments in AbemaTV are likely to continue until the target of 10m Weekly Average Users (WAU) is met, which could take a year or more. The company expects around 50% of AbemaTV revenue to eventually come from premium users, which seems to be a shift in strategy, from a “free” service towards a more hybrid model.CyberAgent’s share price closed at ¥4,050 on Tuesday, up 7.1% from its previous close, following the news that the stock was added to the Goldman Sachs’ conviction list with a reiterated buy rating. However, even before this, CyberAgent’s share price had been on a steady increase over the past two weeks (+29.0%), recovering from a one-year low in early February. This increase, despite rather mediocre 1Q results, a downward revision of OP guidance, and lack of any major short term catalysts is an indication that the market deems CyberAgent to be undervalued – mainly on the AbemaTV front.

CyberAgent (4751 JP): Key Takeaways from Our Discussion with the IR Team

Japan

DENTSU INC. mainly provides comprehensive advertising services.  The Company also provides marketing and event planning & promotion services.  Dentsu has associated companies in the US, Europe, and Asia.

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Dentsu Inc (4324 JP)

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market Update - Retesting the Low

INAUSPICIOUS - Since the beginning of the Reiwa era (令和時代), Japanese equities have fallen by 6.1% and have seen only six 'up' days out of the...

Campbell Gunn

Yahoo Japan: A Disappointing FY03/19 but Future Looks Promising

Yahoo Japan (4689 JP) reported 4Q and full-year FY03/19 financial results in late April, prior to the Golden Week. YJ reported revenue of JPY955bn...

Supun Walpola

CyberAgent (4751 JP) 2Q Earnings Update: AbemaTV Continues to Impress

Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP) reported 2Q FY09/19 financial results on Wednesday (24th April). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥117.3bn (+7% YoY) and OP...

Supun Walpola

CyberAgent (4751 JP): Key Takeaways from Our Discussion with the IR Team

Our recent conversation with CyberAgent’s IR team suggests that a significant improvement in the OP margin is unlikely in the next few quarters....

Supun Walpola

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CyberAgent Revises the OP Guidance Upwards by 5%; Share Price Up 14%

Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP) reported 3Q FY09/19 financial results last week (on Wednesday, 24th July 2019). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥113.6bn...

Supun Walpola

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Market Update - Retesting the Low

INAUSPICIOUS - Since the beginning of the Reiwa era (令和時代), Japanese equities have fallen by 6.1% and have seen only six 'up' days out of the...

Campbell Gunn

Yahoo Japan: A Disappointing FY03/19 but Future Looks Promising

Yahoo Japan (4689 JP) reported 4Q and full-year FY03/19 financial results in late April, prior to the Golden Week. YJ reported revenue of JPY955bn...

Supun Walpola

CyberAgent (4751 JP) 2Q Earnings Update: AbemaTV Continues to Impress

Cyberagent Inc (4751 JP) reported 2Q FY09/19 financial results on Wednesday (24th April). CyberAgent reported revenue of ¥117.3bn (+7% YoY) and OP...

Supun Walpola

CyberAgent (4751 JP): Key Takeaways from Our Discussion with the IR Team

Our recent conversation with CyberAgent’s IR team suggests that a significant improvement in the OP margin is unlikely in the next few quarters....

Supun Walpola