Technical Analyst, Vermilion Research

Joe Jasper

Technical Analyst

Technical and Quantitative Research

Vermilion Research

Vermilion’s objective is to deliver timely, actionable, and unique technical research to professional investors through the application of our various technical indicators.

Our research strategists seek to highlight securities which we believe are at major inflection points, based on our various technical and quantitative indicators, and offer asymmetric risk/return profiles. Our unique research methodology, centered on relative strength, enables our strategists to deliver superior investment recommendations.

Our process begins by organizing the universe of actively traded stocks into discrete sectors, then into industry groups. We then apply our technical and quantitative tools to identify developing price trends. Once attractive trends are identified within a selected sector or group, we screen for individual stocks which we believe offer the best risk/reward profile. We provide a historical perspective that often reveals, through our long-term charts, how price patterns often repeat themselves over time.

Technical Analysis

Despite several indexes recently touching new 52+ week highs, broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remain near logical resistance, and indicators continue to send mixed signals. As a result we are hesitant to get too bullish or bearish. Instead we want to focus on Sector/Group/industry themes where we bottoming price and RS, or attractive pullback opportunities within established price and RS uptrends.  In this report we highlight such opportunities, within the Technology, Consumer Staples and Services Sectors.

Despite several indexes recently touching new 52+ week highs, broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remain near logical resistance, and indicators continue to send mixed signals. As a result we are hesitant to get too bullish or bearish. Instead we want to focus on Sector/Group/industry themes where we bottoming price and RS, or attractive pullback opportunities within established price and RS uptrends.  In this report we highlight such opportunities, within the Technology, Consumer Staples and Services Sectors.

Global Equity Strategy: Not Too Bullish, Not Too Bearish

'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/000/087/536/original/2019-05-12_08-28-48.png?1557617338" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="87536"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/087/537/original/2019-05-12_08-29-53.png?1557617406" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="87537"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY - Japanese equities have lost 3.9% in the last holiday-shortened week and 4.6% or ¥30t since the bear-market rally peak on 17th April. The new Reiwa 令和 era has yet to see a positive close and the Bank of Japan has intervened to buy ETFs on three out of the last six trading days. A ¥2 appreciation in the Yen has cushioned the blow for non-resident/unhedged investors. For the first time since October 2018, the 50-day moving average of Total Market Value has been decisively breached. The remaining bulls will now be looking for a 'higher low' between ¥600t and ¥625t. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/087/533/original/2019-05-12_08-13-49.png?1557616440" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="87533"></figure><div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/087/538/original/2019-05-12_08-38-11.png?1557617904" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="87538"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>BOUNCE AHEAD - The 5-day Relative Strength Index suggests a short-term recovery in the coming week, or until China announces its 'retaliation' measures to counter the recently-expanded US tariffs. 'Japan Inc.' is now voicing concerns about Japan's trade practices becoming the next focus for the US Trade Representative. Our Value Traded Ratio has also seen the strongest upward move- from 28 (the lowest level in nine months) to 53 (the highest since 21st December) in only eight trading days. Such sharp moves usually mark short-term low points.RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS - In the last four trading days, 1,153 Japanese companies have reported quarterly results, and there have been 855 initial forecasts for FY2020, 101 revision to annual forecasts, 598 initial interim estimates and ten revisions to interim forecasts. We are now at the halfway point of the Spring results announcements.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/087/539/original/2019-05-12_11-25-42.png?1557627962" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="87539"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORE - Our scoring methodology continues to have a reasonable correlation (0.79) with the Total Market Value. In the DETAIL section below we will analyse the breakdown the three components of the score, update our Sector Scores and look at the best and worst large-cap company results over the week. In the meantime, Simon &amp; Garfunkel can provide some light relief.<center><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZNt5FnMK2sM" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></center><div class="content-caption">Simon &amp; Garfunkel: Slip-Slidin' Away - The Concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981</div>


Source: Japan Analytics
SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY - Japanese equities have lost 3.9% in the last holiday-shortened week and 4.6% or ¥30t since the bear-market rally peak on 17th April. The new Reiwa 令和 era has yet to see a positive close and the Bank of Japan has intervened to buy ETFs on three out of the last six trading days. A ¥2 appreciation in the Yen has cushioned the blow for non-resident/unhedged investors. For the first time since October 2018, the 50-day moving average of Total Market Value has been decisively breached. The remaining bulls will now be looking for a 'higher low' between ¥600t and ¥625t. 
Source: Japan Analytics
BOUNCE AHEAD - The 5-day Relative Strength Index suggests a short-term recovery in the coming week, or until China announces its 'retaliation' measures to counter the recently-expanded US tariffs. 'Japan Inc.' is now voicing concerns about Japan's trade practices becoming the next focus for the US Trade Representative. Our Value Traded Ratio has also seen the strongest upward move- from 28 (the lowest level in nine months) to 53 (the highest since 21st December) in only eight trading days. Such sharp moves usually mark short-term low points.RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS - In the last four trading days, 1,153 Japanese companies have reported quarterly results, and there have been 855 initial forecasts for FY2020, 101 revision to annual forecasts, 598 initial interim estimates and ten revisions to interim forecasts. We are now at the halfway point of the Spring results announcements.Source: Japan AnalyticsRESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORE - Our scoring methodology continues to have a reasonable correlation (0.79) with the Total Market Value. In the DETAIL section below we will analyse the breakdown the three components of the score, update our Sector Scores and look at the best and worst large-cap company results over the week. In the meantime, Simon &amp; Garfunkel can provide some light relief.Simon &amp; Garfunkel: Slip-Slidin' Away - The Concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981

🇯🇵 Japan • Spring Results & Revisions & Market Update - Slip-Slidin' Away

Equity Bottom-Up

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/085/983/original/2019-04-26_11-52-57.png?1556247183" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="85983"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/18107" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18107:1">ADVANTEST (6857 JP)</a> reported FY2019 on 25th April and released initial forecasts for the current year which suggest that Operating Income will decline by 54% on a 19% decline in sales and a 23% decline in new orders. For details, please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/909" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:909">LightStream Research</a>'s Insight <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/advantest-fy03-19-full-year-results-beat-consensus-4qfy03-19-declines-due-to-memory-downturn" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:29425">here</a>. This Insight will review the company's forecasting track record, update our Scoring Charts and, based on our valuation methodology, suggest the current downside risk or short 'potential' after today's near 9% decline.  We also highlight the 11% increase in net shares outstanding in the last five quarters.


Source: Japan Analytics
ADVANTEST (6857 JP) reported FY2019 on 25th April and released initial forecasts for the current year which suggest that Operating Income will decline by 54% on a 19% decline in sales and a 23% decline in new orders. For details, please see LightStream Research's Insight here. This Insight will review the company's forecasting track record, update our Scoring Charts and, based on our valuation methodology, suggest the current downside risk or short 'potential' after today's near 9% decline.  We also highlight the 11% increase in net shares outstanding in the last five quarters.

6857 🇯🇵 Advantest • Scoring & Valuation Update

Independent Insight Provider, Japanese equities, LightStream Research

Scott Foster

Independent Insight Provider, Japanese equities

Lasertec hit a new high in the semiconductor stock rally that followed Micron Technology's March 20 earnings call. On Friday, March 22 (March 21 was a holiday in Japan), Lasertec was up 8.4% to ¥4,900. At this price, the shares are selling at 42x our EPS estimate for FY Jun-19, 36x our estimate for FY Jun-20 and 31x our estimate for FY Jun-21. On a 5-year view, earnings growth could bring the projected P/E multiple down to 21x, in our estimation.Following strong 1H results, management left FY Jun-19 sales and profit guidance unchanged, but raised semiconductor-related orders guidance by 13% while cutting  orders guidance for FPD-related and other products by nearly 40%. Total new orders guidance was raised from ¥37 billion to ¥39 billion, compared with sales guidance of ¥28 billion, implying an increase in the order backlog from ¥39.9 billion to ¥50.9 billion.With this in mind, we have raised our sales and profit estimates for FY Jun-20 and added new, higher estimates for FY Jun-21 and beyond. Rising demand for EUV mask blank and mask defect inspection equipment should drive an increase in total sales from ¥29 billion this fiscal year to ¥38 billion in FY Jun-21, and approximately ¥50 billion in FY Jun-23. Over the same period, operating profit should rise from ¥7.0 billion to ¥9.5 billion, and then to approximately ¥14 billion.Risks for investors include the potential delay or reduction of orders and shipments (as just happened with FPD inspection equipment), high volatility in quarterly orders, sales and profits, and extended valuations.

Lasertec hit a new high in the semiconductor stock rally that followed Micron Technology's March 20 earnings call. On Friday, March 22 (March 21 was a holiday in Japan), Lasertec was up 8.4% to ¥4,900. At this price, the shares are selling at 42x our EPS estimate for FY Jun-19, 36x our estimate for FY Jun-20 and 31x our estimate for FY Jun-21. On a 5-year view, earnings growth could bring the projected P/E multiple down to 21x, in our estimation.Following strong 1H results, management left FY Jun-19 sales and profit guidance unchanged, but raised semiconductor-related orders guidance by 13% while cutting  orders guidance for FPD-related and other products by nearly 40%. Total new orders guidance was raised from ¥37 billion to ¥39 billion, compared with sales guidance of ¥28 billion, implying an increase in the order backlog from ¥39.9 billion to ¥50.9 billion.With this in mind, we have raised our sales and profit estimates for FY Jun-20 and added new, higher estimates for FY Jun-21 and beyond. Rising demand for EUV mask blank and mask defect inspection equipment should drive an increase in total sales from ¥29 billion this fiscal year to ¥38 billion in FY Jun-21, and approximately ¥50 billion in FY Jun-23. Over the same period, operating profit should rise from ¥7.0 billion to ¥9.5 billion, and then to approximately ¥14 billion.Risks for investors include the potential delay or reduction of orders and shipments (as just happened with FPD inspection equipment), high volatility in quarterly orders, sales and profits, and extended valuations.

Lasertec (6920 JP): Pricing in Long-Term Growth

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/080/230/original/2019-02-26_16-49-25.png?1551182690" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="80230"></figure>
Source: Japan Analytics
</div>
LARGE CAP RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORES - The final instalment of our series of reviews of Japan's most recent earnings and revisions announcements covers the Results &amp; Revision Scores for Japan's 785 larger capitalisation companies with a market capitalisation of over ¥100b.
In the DETAIL section below we look at:- 
<ul>
<li>The 30 top and bottom-ranked companies by Results &amp; Revision Score as well as the top and bottom thirty ranked by change in score over the last quarter and provide brief comments on companies and topics of note.</li>
<li>By comparing Results Scores and Forecast/Revision Scores, we sort companies into'Optimists', 'Pessimists', 'Increasingly Optimistic' and 'Increasingly Pessimistic' categories.</li>
<li>As shown above, the relationship between the Results &amp; Revision Score (RRS) and our Relative Price Score (RPS) for each company and divide the large-cap universe into four 'quadrants' - 'Contrarian Buy' (Low RRS &amp; Low RPS) , 'Contrarian Sell' (High RRS &amp; High RPS), 'Peak Growth' (High RRS &amp; Low RPS) and 'Ex-Growth/Turnaround'  (Low RRS &amp; High RPS), highlighting the outliers in each quadrant.
<ul>
<li>In the two 'Contrarian' quadrants, the market is aligned with the current earnings momentum of the companies suggesting opportunities exist only for those willing or brave enough to take a contrarian view. </li>
<li>For 'Peak Growth', the market is calling for a downturn in momentum that has yet to be reflected in quarterly earnings. Where the cycle is more prolonged than expected, there are often opportunities for short-term rebounds in what are normally relatively-inexpensive companies.</li>
<li>The 'Ex-Growth' quadrant often consists of former 'Contrarian Sell's where the market is reluctant to acknowledge that the cycle has turned. This quadrant can also contain 'Turnarounds' - formerly 'Contrarian Buys' where the market is correctly anticipating a change in fortunes.   </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Finally, we provide tables of the top and bottom five ranked companies in each of our 30 Sectors.</li>
</ul>



Source: Japan Analytics

LARGE CAP RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORES - The final instalment of our series of reviews of Japan's most recent earnings and revisions announcements covers the Results &amp; Revision Scores for Japan's 785 larger capitalisation companies with a market capitalisation of over ¥100b.
In the DETAIL section below we look at:- 

The 30 top and bottom-ranked companies by Results &amp; Revision Score as well as the top and bottom thirty ranked by change in score over the last quarter and provide brief comments on companies and topics of note.
By comparing Results Scores and Forecast/Revision Scores, we sort companies into'Optimists', 'Pessimists', 'Increasingly Optimistic' and 'Increasingly Pessimistic' categories.
As shown above, the relationship between the Results &amp; Revision Score (RRS) and our Relative Price Score (RPS) for each company and divide the large-cap universe into four 'quadrants' - 'Contrarian Buy' (Low RRS &amp; Low RPS) , 'Contrarian Sell' (High RRS &amp; High RPS), 'Peak Growth' (High RRS &amp; Low RPS) and 'Ex-Growth/Turnaround'  (Low RRS &amp; High RPS), highlighting the outliers in each quadrant.

In the two 'Contrarian' quadrants, the market is aligned with the current earnings momentum of the companies suggesting opportunities exist only for those willing or brave enough to take a contrarian view. 
For 'Peak Growth', the market is calling for a downturn in momentum that has yet to be reflected in quarterly earnings. Where the cycle is more prolonged than expected, there are often opportunities for short-term rebounds in what are normally relatively-inexpensive companies.
The 'Ex-Growth' quadrant often consists of former 'Contrarian Sell's where the market is reluctant to acknowledge that the cycle has turned. This quadrant can also contain 'Turnarounds' - formerly 'Contrarian Buys' where the market is correctly anticipating a change in fortunes.   


Finally, we provide tables of the top and bottom five ranked companies in each of our 30 Sectors.


🇯🇵 Japan • Winter Large Cap Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/​Peak & Ex-Growth

Japan

Lasertec Corporation develops, designs, manufactures and markets photomask inspection systems to make semiconductor devices, confocal scanning laser microscopes and liquid crystal display (LCD) inspection systems.

Renesas Electronics Corporation researches, develops, designs and manufactures electronic components such as semiconductors and integrated devices.

ADVANTEST CORPORATION produces semiconductor testing devices and electronic measuring instruments.  The Company's products include large-scale integration (LSI) test systems, memory test systems, dynamic test handlers, network analyzers, electronic meters, optical testing devices, and signal sources.

SUMCO Corporation manufactures silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry. The Company produces silicon wafers used to produce solar batteries as well as ultra-high purity quartz used to produce vessels for silicon manufacturing process. SUMCO markets its products worldwide.

ROHM COMPANY LIMITED manufactures custom linear integrated circuits and semiconductor devices for use primarily in consumer electronics.  The Company has plants and sales offices worldwide.  Rohm's subsidiaries include Wako Electric and Apollo Electronics.

SCREEN Holdings Co Ltd.  manufactures and sell semiconductors, FPD devices, commercial printing and printed circuit boards(PCB). The company also provides additional services for its products.

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. designs, manufactures, and markets advanced electronic materials, such as semiconductor packages, including leadframes, and PLP(Plastics Laminated Packages).  The Company markets its products worldwide through a network of sales offices in such places as the Philippines, Germany, and Hong Kong.

RORZE CORPORATION manufactures printed circuit board conveyers and wafer handlers for semiconductor manufacturing.  The Company also produces sorters and vacuum chamber robots, as well as controllers and stepping motor drivers used in various automation systems.  Rorze provides parts replacement and repair services for its products.

TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD. manufactures and sells semiconductor manufacturing equipment and measuring instruments.  The Company produces wafer probing machines, wafer dicing machines, electron beam lithography systems, wafer inspection systems, and chemical mechanical planarizers (CMP) systems.

ULVAC, Inc. manufactures vacuum devices for industries such as semiconductor, electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical and food.  The Company's products include pumps, valves, gas analyzers, leak detectors, and surface profile measurement.

ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. offers assembly and testing services. The Company provides outsourced assembly, semiconductor testing, semiconductor packaging, and other related services. ASE Technology Holding operates in Taiwan.

MediaTek Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions. The company provides SOC system solutions for wireless communications, high-definition TV, optical storage, DVD and Blu-ray products.

Monolithic Power Systems Inc specializes in high-performance, integrated power solutions. The Company provides small, highly energy efficient, easy-to-use power solutions for systems found in industrial applications, telecom infrastructures, cloud computing, automotive, and consumer applications.

ON Semiconductor Corporation supplies analog, standard logic, and discrete semiconductors for data and power management. The Company's products include integrated circuits, and analog ICs. ON also offers discrete semiconductors in a variety of surface mount and standard packages.

Skyworks Solutions, Inc., a wireless semiconductor company, designs and manufactures radio frequency and complete semiconductor system solutions for mobile communications applications.  The Company provides front-end modules, radio frequency subsystems, and system solutions to wireless handset and infrastructure customers worldwide.

United Microelectronics Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets integrated circuits (ICs) and related electronic products.  The Company's main products are consumer electronic ICs, memory ICs, personal computer peripheral ICs, and communication ICs.

Microchip Technology Incorporated designs, manufactures, and markets microcontrollers, related mixed-signal and memory products, and application development systems for high-volume embedded control applications. The Company also designs, develops, and markets linear/mixed-signal, power management, and thermal management products.

Qorvo Inc, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits for the communications markets. The Company's products are used for wireless communications applications such as cellular and PCS, cordless telephony, wireless LANs, industrial radios, wireless security and remote meter reading.

Entegris Inc. provides materials management products and services to the microelectronics industry on a worldwide basis.  The Company provides products such as wafer shippers, wafer transport and process carriers, pods, and work-in-process boxes.  Entegris also provides chemical delivery products such as valves, fittings, tubing, pipe, and containers.

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. develops, manufactures and sells silicon rods and silicon wafers. The Company's main products include 6 inch, 6.5 inch and 8 inch monocrystalline silicon rods and wafers.

LONGi Green Energy Technology (601012 CH)

DISCO CORPORATION manufactures abrasive and precision industrial machinery for cutting and grinding purposes.  The Company's products are applied in the semiconductor, electronics, and construction industries to produce consumer goods such as personal computers, digital cameras, video game systems, and Digital Video Disc (DVD) players.

Price Gauge
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DISCO Corp (6146 JP)

Global Equity Strategy: Not Too Bullish, Not Too Bearish

Despite several indexes recently touching new 52+ week highs, broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remain near logical...

Vermilion Research

🇯🇵 Japan • Spring Results & Revisions & Market Update - Slip-Slidin' Away

SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY - Japanese equities have lost 3.9% in the last holiday-shortened week and 4.6% or ¥30t since the bear-market rally peak on 17th...

Campbell Gunn

6857 🇯🇵 Advantest • Scoring & Valuation Update

ADVANTEST (6857 JP) reported FY2019 on 25th April and released initial forecasts for the current year which suggest that Operating Income will...

Campbell Gunn

Lasertec (6920 JP): Pricing in Long-Term Growth

Lasertec hit a new high in the semiconductor stock rally that followed Micron Technology's March 20 earnings call. On Friday, March 22 (March 21...

Scott Foster

🇯🇵 Japan • Winter Large Cap Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/Peak & Ex-Growth

LARGE CAP RESULTS & REVISION SCORES - The final instalment of our series of reviews of Japan's most recent earnings and revisions...

Campbell Gunn

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Global Equity Strategy: Not Too Bullish, Not Too Bearish

Despite several indexes recently touching new 52+ week highs, broad global indexes (MSCI ACWI, ACWI ex-US, EAFE, and EM) remain near logical...

Vermilion Research

🇯🇵 Japan • Spring Results & Revisions & Market Update - Slip-Slidin' Away

SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY - Japanese equities have lost 3.9% in the last holiday-shortened week and 4.6% or ¥30t since the bear-market rally peak on 17th...

Campbell Gunn

6857 🇯🇵 Advantest • Scoring & Valuation Update

ADVANTEST (6857 JP) reported FY2019 on 25th April and released initial forecasts for the current year which suggest that Operating Income will...

Campbell Gunn

Lasertec (6920 JP): Pricing in Long-Term Growth

Lasertec hit a new high in the semiconductor stock rally that followed Micron Technology's March 20 earnings call. On Friday, March 22 (March 21...

Scott Foster

🇯🇵 Japan • Winter Large Cap Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/​Peak & Ex-Growth

LARGE CAP RESULTS & REVISION SCORES - The final instalment of our series of reviews of Japan's most recent earnings and revisions...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 Japan • Winter Large Cap Results & Revision Scores - Contrarian Buys & Sells/Peak & Ex-Growth