'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. 

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/061/034/original/2018-08-16_19-07-34.png?1534672507" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="61034"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>A GOOD QUARTER - The Composite Results Score has now declined for seven months in a row and is implying a slowing of the upward momentum in earnings.  However, the score has only declined by 31 basis points since last quarter showing a degree of 'stability' seen only in 2011 in recent years.  The aggregate Forecast/Revision score has also continued to decline and is now lower for the fourth straight month. As would be expected, this score is a reliable leading indicator for the Results Score and suggests further weakening in the rate of earnings growth in the months ahead.  Neither score is, as yet, suggesting a decline in earnings before the end of the fiscal year.YEN CORRELATION WEAKENING - This quarter's earnings' stability was surprising given the relative strength of the Yen compared to a year ago. In the past and even as recently as 2016, a 5 per cent year-on-year decline has resulted in negative Results Scores. The year-on-year change in now positive so any negative impact will dissipate over the next two quarters.MARKET FOLLOWS MOMENTUM LOWER - The All Market Composite peaked on 23rd January and has since fallen by 11% despite a continuation of the Bank of Japan's ETF purchasing programme. Weakening earnings momentum and the overvaluation of many of the leading stocks, as in our '<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/japan-most-overbought-most-oversold-the-relative-price-score" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:21149">Nifty 50</a>' portfolio, have been contributing factors. With prospects for a much weaker Yen limited by the current trade negotiations between Japan and the United States, and with global growth slowing, we expect both Results and Revision Scores to trend lower, but to end the fiscal year in positive territory. Historically, the market has not risen during periods when both the Results and Forecast/Revision Scores have been trending down.<div class="content-highlight">MARKET RECOMMENDATION - Within a global portfolio, we would market-weight Japanese equities with a bias towards domestic sectors and not hedge the currency exposure.</div>SECTOR RESULTS SCORES -The good news is that only one sector, (Multi-Industry - 75% of which is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/359" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:359:1">Japan Post [6178 JP</a>]) has a negative score - and its score is less negative than last quarter. Both the Media and Consumer Services sectors' scores turned positive and each increased by more than two points.  On the other hand, over half of our 29 sectors saw declining scores, although the number was lower than last quarter.  The top sectors in terms of quarter-on-quarter change were Energy, Consumer Services, Media, Information Technology and Other Commercial Products while the laggards were Non-Bank Finance, Chemicals, Construction, Machinery and Utilities. SECTOR REVISION SCORES - Five sectors have negative Forecast/Revision Scores with Utilities now joining Media, Multi-Industry, Autos and Banks from last quarter. The highest scores are in the Energy, Technology Hardware, Electrical Equipment, Retail and Information Technology sectors. Improvements of greater than one point were seen in Energy, Media and Machinery while Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco, Chemicals, Utilities, Other Materials and Technology Hardware all lost more than one point. Overall eighteen sectors saw declines.REVISION V. RESULTS SCORES - The difference between the Results and Revision Scores is a good indicator of corporate expectations compared with the trailing-twelve-month reality. In some cases (e.g. Restaurants) the 'optimism' is due to a failure to revise forecasts in the light of weaker results. In others, such as Telecommunications, there is scope for upward revisions in the coming quarters.<div class="content-highlight">
THE OPTIMISTS
Restaurants • Other Materials • Electrical Equipment • Technology Hardware • Retail
THE PESSIMISTS
Banks • Autos • Telecommunications • Utilities • Media • Chemicals
</div>SECTOR PERFORMANCE - Over the last three months, our Japan Market Composite declined by 5.8%. Only four sectors saw an increase in value led by Telecommunications, Energy, Commercial Services and Information Technology. The largest declines were in the Building Materials, Metals, Real Estate Construction and Machinery sectors. Nine sectors are now negative over one year led by Building Materials, Metals and Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco and only eight are up in double-digits led by Services and Information Technology. For the time being, Domestic Non-Manufacturing sectors 'rules the roost' and Domestic Cyclical sectors have taken over from Global Cyclicals in the 'doghouse'.'.<div class="content-highlight">
SECTOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Our most-preferred sectors are currently Energy, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Other Commercial Products and Information Technology.
Least-preferred sectors are Metals, Chemicals, Machinery, Autos, Construction, Real Estate, Building Materials, Food Beverages &amp; Tobacco and Utilities.
</div>TOP 5 LARGER PEER GROUPS - The top five Peer Groups capitalised at over ¥1 trillion are Machine Tools &amp; Presses, PC &amp; Computer Peripherals, Oil &amp; Gas Refining &amp; Marketing, Telecom Distribution Services and Sporting &amp; Outdoor Goods. The top twenty larger Peer Groups have gained 16% over one year but have declined by 4% on average the last three months.BOTTOM 5 LARGER PEER GROUPS - The bottom five Peer Groups capitalised at over ¥1 trillion are Audio/Visual Content, LCD/LED Materials &amp; Equipment, Electrical Engineering, General Contractors and Real Estate - Leasing. The bottom twenty larger Peer Groups have lost 2% over one year and 9% over the last three months. Only Security Services and Tobacco have risen since May.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/061/038/original/2018-08-19_19-33-03.png?1534674804" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="61038"></figure>

Source: Japan AnalyticsA GOOD QUARTER - The Composite Results Score has now declined for seven months in a row and is implying a slowing of the upward momentum in earnings.  However, the score has only declined by 31 basis points since last quarter showing a degree of 'stability' seen only in 2011 in recent years.  The aggregate Forecast/Revision score has also continued to decline and is now lower for the fourth straight month. As would be expected, this score is a reliable leading indicator for the Results Score and suggests further weakening in the rate of earnings growth in the months ahead.  Neither score is, as yet, suggesting a decline in earnings before the end of the fiscal year.YEN CORRELATION WEAKENING - This quarter's earnings' stability was surprising given the relative strength of the Yen compared to a year ago. In the past and even as recently as 2016, a 5 per cent year-on-year decline has resulted in negative Results Scores. The year-on-year change in now positive so any negative impact will dissipate over the next two quarters.MARKET FOLLOWS MOMENTUM LOWER - The All Market Composite peaked on 23rd January and has since fallen by 11% despite a continuation of the Bank of Japan's ETF purchasing programme. Weakening earnings momentum and the overvaluation of many of the leading stocks, as in our 'Nifty 50' portfolio, have been contributing factors. With prospects for a much weaker Yen limited by the current trade negotiations between Japan and the United States, and with global growth slowing, we expect both Results and Revision Scores to trend lower, but to end the fiscal year in positive territory. Historically, the market has not risen during periods when both the Results and Forecast/Revision Scores have been trending down.MARKET RECOMMENDATION - Within a global portfolio, we would market-weight Japanese equities with a bias towards domestic sectors and not hedge the currency exposure.SECTOR RESULTS SCORES -The good news is that only one sector, (Multi-Industry - 75% of which is Japan Post [6178 JP]) has a negative score - and its score is less negative than last quarter. Both the Media and Consumer Services sectors' scores turned positive and each increased by more than two points.  On the other hand, over half of our 29 sectors saw declining scores, although the number was lower than last quarter.  The top sectors in terms of quarter-on-quarter change were Energy, Consumer Services, Media, Information Technology and Other Commercial Products while the laggards were Non-Bank Finance, Chemicals, Construction, Machinery and Utilities. SECTOR REVISION SCORES - Five sectors have negative Forecast/Revision Scores with Utilities now joining Media, Multi-Industry, Autos and Banks from last quarter. The highest scores are in the Energy, Technology Hardware, Electrical Equipment, Retail and Information Technology sectors. Improvements of greater than one point were seen in Energy, Media and Machinery while Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco, Chemicals, Utilities, Other Materials and Technology Hardware all lost more than one point. Overall eighteen sectors saw declines.REVISION V. RESULTS SCORES - The difference between the Results and Revision Scores is a good indicator of corporate expectations compared with the trailing-twelve-month reality. In some cases (e.g. Restaurants) the 'optimism' is due to a failure to revise forecasts in the light of weaker results. In others, such as Telecommunications, there is scope for upward revisions in the coming quarters.
THE OPTIMISTS
Restaurants • Other Materials • Electrical Equipment • Technology Hardware • Retail
THE PESSIMISTS
Banks • Autos • Telecommunications • Utilities • Media • Chemicals
SECTOR PERFORMANCE - Over the last three months, our Japan Market Composite declined by 5.8%. Only four sectors saw an increase in value led by Telecommunications, Energy, Commercial Services and Information Technology. The largest declines were in the Building Materials, Metals, Real Estate Construction and Machinery sectors. Nine sectors are now negative over one year led by Building Materials, Metals and Food, Beverages &amp; Tobacco and only eight are up in double-digits led by Services and Information Technology. For the time being, Domestic Non-Manufacturing sectors 'rules the roost' and Domestic Cyclical sectors have taken over from Global Cyclicals in the 'doghouse'.'.
SECTOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Our most-preferred sectors are currently Energy, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Other Commercial Products and Information Technology.
Least-preferred sectors are Metals, Chemicals, Machinery, Autos, Construction, Real Estate, Building Materials, Food Beverages &amp; Tobacco and Utilities.
TOP 5 LARGER PEER GROUPS - The top five Peer Groups capitalised at over ¥1 trillion are Machine Tools &amp; Presses, PC &amp; Computer Peripherals, Oil &amp; Gas Refining &amp; Marketing, Telecom Distribution Services and Sporting &amp; Outdoor Goods. The top twenty larger Peer Groups have gained 16% over one year but have declined by 4% on average the last three months.BOTTOM 5 LARGER PEER GROUPS - The bottom five Peer Groups capitalised at over ¥1 trillion are Audio/Visual Content, LCD/LED Materials &amp; Equipment, Electrical Engineering, General Contractors and Real Estate - Leasing. The bottom twenty larger Peer Groups have lost 2% over one year and 9% over the last three months. Only Security Services and Tobacco have risen since May.

Japan: Results & Revision Scores Summer 2018 Update - Market Composite, Sectors & Peer Groups

Doing bespoke work since 2002....., Custom Products Group

Patrick Hansen

Doing bespoke work since 2002.....

Custom Products Group

Custom Products was started 14 years ago at Lehman Brothers by current co-founder Patrick Hansen, CFA. After 3 years at Lehman, Patrick moved the team to Macquarie Securities where Simon Rigney (co-founder) joined. 3 years ago we took Custom Products independent. 

Our core strength can be summed up three words. 1- Customization - we have very little off the shelf products and most work is done on a one on one bespoke basis. 2- Speed - We pride ourselves in our ability to get requests back to the client very quickly. 3- Confidentiality - We do not redistribute. There is no grace period where we wait a week and then mass blast. Any request stops with that client.

Over the last month, 9 companies have been upgraded by 2 or more analyst. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/5415" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5415:1">Nintendo Co Ltd (7974 JP)</a> is the largest by mkt-cap to make the list and one of only two to get 3 upgrades. Now 18 out of 21 recommendations are BUY for Nintendo.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/11649" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11649:1">Murata Manufacturing (6981 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/11747" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11747:1">Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/21001" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21001:1">Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP)</a> are other large-cap names that had 2 or more upgrades over the last month. Eisai had 3 upgrades, however it was also downgraded by two analysts over the same time frame. …

Over the last month, 9 companies have been upgraded by 2 or more analyst. Nintendo Co Ltd (7974 JP) is the largest by mkt-cap to make the list and one of only two to get 3 upgrades. Now 18 out of 21 recommendations are BUY for Nintendo.Murata Manufacturing (6981 JP), Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502 JP) and Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP) are other large-cap names that had 2 or more upgrades over the last month. Eisai had 3 upgrades, however it was also downgraded by two analysts over the same time frame. …

Most Popular / Unpopular Names in Japan over Last Month. Nintendo Made the Good List....

We updated the Hated by the Street screen and added another criteria. Hated by the Street but was recently upgraded by at least 1 analyst. Large-cap names that are currently hated by the Street but were upgraded in the last month were <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/72" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:72:1">Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/16977" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16977:1">Kirin Holdings Co Ltd (2503 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/21001" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21001:1">Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP)</a>. Nissan Motors has a 5% dividend yield so do not really know why it is hated. <h2>Screen Criteria</h2><ol>
<li>% of BUY recommendations to Total is less than 30%</li>
<li>At least 1 upgrade in the last…</li>
</ol>

We updated the Hated by the Street screen and added another criteria. Hated by the Street but was recently upgraded by at least 1 analyst. Large-cap names that are currently hated by the Street but were upgraded in the last month were Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201 JP), Kirin Holdings Co Ltd (2503 JP) and Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP). Nissan Motors has a 5% dividend yield so do not really know why it is hated. Screen Criteria
% of BUY recommendations to Total is less than 30%
At least 1 upgrade in the last…


Hated by the Street but Recently Upgraded. Nissan Motors Made the List....

High Beta names do not do well in August in Japan. In fact, August is the worst month out of the year for high Beta names. On the other side, names with a high Retail Investor presence and Quality names do well in August. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/030/331/original/1.png?1500926681" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="30331"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Custom Products</div>While historically high dividend yield names have done well in August, last year was an exception. Dividend yield names really did not do well in August last year. Aside from Quality and Retail Investor names, short-term momentum is the only other factor…

High Beta names do not do well in August in Japan. In fact, August is the worst month out of the year for high Beta names. On the other side, names with a high Retail Investor presence and Quality names do well in August. Source: Custom ProductsWhile historically high dividend yield names have done well in August, last year was an exception. Dividend yield names really did not do well in August last year. Aside from Quality and Retail Investor names, short-term momentum is the only other factor…

August Is All About Quality and Momentum and Definitely Not About Beta....

It is not just a Japan issue, a lot of US companies also hoard cash. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/666" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:666:1">Apple Inc (AAPL US)</a> for instance has $67bn sitting on the balance sheet. I do not mind if companies have a lot of cash, that means they must be doing something right. However if a company just sits on the cash and does nothing then it is just a waste. When more than half of the company's assets are in cash and that has been the case for more than 10 years, they do not have a profitable use for it. The cash is just sitting…

It is not just a Japan issue, a lot of US companies also hoard cash. Apple Inc (AAPL US) for instance has $67bn sitting on the balance sheet. I do not mind if companies have a lot of cash, that means they must be doing something right. However if a company just sits on the cash and does nothing then it is just a waste. When more than half of the company's assets are in cash and that has been the case for more than 10 years, they do not have a profitable use for it. The cash is just sitting…

Companies that Are Chronic Cash Hoarders....

Japan

HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. develops and sells electronic equipment, specializing in connectors.  The Company's products include circular, rectangular and ribbon cables, printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, PC cards, nylon boards, and board connectors.

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Hirose Electric (6806 JP)

Japan: Results & Revision Scores Summer 2018 Update - Market Composite, Sectors & Peer Groups

A GOOD QUARTER - The Composite Results Score has now declined for seven months in a row and is implying a slowing of the upward momentum in...

Campbell Gunn

Most Popular / Unpopular Names in Japan over Last Month. Nintendo Made the Good List....

Over the last month, 9 companies have been upgraded by 2 or more analyst. Nintendo Co Ltd (7974 JP) is the largest by mkt-cap to make the list and...

Custom Products Group

Hated by the Street but Recently Upgraded. Nissan Motors Made the List....

We updated the Hated by the Street screen and added another criteria. Hated by the Street but was recently upgraded by at least 1 analyst....

Custom Products Group

August Is All About Quality and Momentum and Definitely Not About Beta....

High Beta names do not do well in August in Japan. In fact, August is the worst month out of the year for high Beta names. On the other side, names...

Custom Products Group

Companies that Are Chronic Cash Hoarders....

It is not just a Japan issue, a lot of US companies also hoard cash. Apple Inc (AAPL US) for instance has $67bn sitting on the balance sheet. I do...

Custom Products Group

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