Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

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

<ul>
<li>In 2020 and 2021 we had nine conviction calls, four of which returned over 50% within just over a year.</li>
<li>Three more returned close to 40%, one returned 15% and just one was an abject failure returning -39%. </li>
<li>On average, alpha generation was 24.3% and our 2022 names are off to a good start putting up 14.7% in alpha in just over a month and a half.</li>
</ul>


In 2020 and 2021 we had nine conviction calls, four of which returned over 50% within just over a year.
Three more returned close to 40%, one returned 15% and just one was an abject failure returning -39%. 
On average, alpha generation was 24.3% and our 2022 names are off to a good start putting up 14.7% in alpha in just over a month and a half.


A Belated Look Back at Our 2020 and 2021 Conviction Calls and a Look Ahead to 2022

Global Healthcare Analyst

Tina Banerjee

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/olympus-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:356:1" rel="noopener">Olympus Corp (7733 JP)</a> is the global market leader in gastrointestinal endoscopic equipment, with 70%+ share. Global GI endoscopic equipment market is expected to have a CAGR of 4–6% during FY21–24. Olympus is expected to outpace the market due to its dominant positioning in Asia market and superior imaging technologies. The company is one of the early entrants in fast growing Asia markets among its peers. Consequently, Olympus witnessed 4.2x jump in medical business revenue from China in the last decade. Last year, Olympus has launched its most advanced endoscopy system to date, EVIS X1, the first new model in about eight years (vs usual product life cycle of 5–6 years). The company estimates 70,000 units potential only for replacing the previous models by EVIS X1. Olympus is transforming itself to become a pure-play global medical devices company and conducted several M&amp;A to augment its medium-term growth. Its medical business is now back to pre-pandemic level. Concerns regarding China business seems to be over and Olympus shares are trading near its highs. Despite some risk due to global semiconductor shortage, we are bullish on the growth potential of the company’s medical business due to ongoing recovery in elective procedures and new product launch. </p>

Olympus Corp (7733 JP) is the global market leader in gastrointestinal endoscopic equipment, with 70%+ share. Global GI endoscopic equipment market is expected to have a CAGR of 4–6% during FY21–24. Olympus is expected to outpace the market due to its dominant positioning in Asia market and superior imaging technologies. The company is one of the early entrants in fast growing Asia markets among its peers. Consequently, Olympus witnessed 4.2x jump in medical business revenue from China in the last decade. Last year, Olympus has launched its most advanced endoscopy system to date, EVIS X1, the first new model in about eight years (vs usual product life cycle of 5–6 years). The company estimates 70,000 units potential only for replacing the previous models by EVIS X1. Olympus is transforming itself to become a pure-play global medical devices company and conducted several M&amp;A to augment its medium-term growth. Its medical business is now back to pre-pandemic level. Concerns regarding China business seems to be over and Olympus shares are trading near its highs. Despite some risk due to global semiconductor shortage, we are bullish on the growth potential of the company’s medical business due to ongoing recovery in elective procedures and new product launch. 

Olympus (7733 JP): Medical Business Is on a Strong Foothold; Buy at Current Level

Ortus Advisors

Andrew Jackson

Independent Insight Provider

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>DOW +0.59%, Russell -1.06%, SPX -1.39%, Nasdaq -2.77%, SOX -6.81% as investors shifted from growth to value stocks. UST10 was flat at 4.16%, and the yen strengthened to Y156.18.</li>
<li>Commodities were mixed with copper -0.3%, nickel -0.83%, and Brent +1.72%. Energy and consumer staples rose, with VSF +13.6% after Essilor Luxottica agreed to buy Supreme. US homebuilders lost ground. </li>
<li>Tech stocks fell sharply after ASML's earnings missed estimates and news of potential US export restrictions to China. Focus on SPE names with high China exposure as shorts.</li>
</ul>


DOW +0.59%, Russell -1.06%, SPX -1.39%, Nasdaq -2.77%, SOX -6.81% as investors shifted from growth to value stocks. UST10 was flat at 4.16%, and the yen strengthened to Y156.18.
Commodities were mixed with copper -0.3%, nickel -0.83%, and Brent +1.72%. Energy and consumer staples rose, with VSF +13.6% after Essilor Luxottica agreed to buy Supreme. US homebuilders lost ground. 
Tech stocks fell sharply after ASML's earnings missed estimates and news of potential US export restrictions to China. Focus on SPE names with high China exposure as shorts.


Japan Morning Connection – 18 July, 2024

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nakanishi-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20823:1" rel="noopener">Nakanishi Inc (7716 JP)</a> guided for 25% revenue growth to ¥74B for 2024, driven by an additional ¥12B revenue contribution from DCI and 6% growth in dental business to ¥47B.</li>
<li>EBITDA is expected to improve from 2025 due to normalization of the personnel expenses and depreciation. 2026 EBITDA margin (26.8%) will improve significantly over 2024 (23.9%).</li>
<li>Amid slow global consumption, Nakanishi’s cost-effective products offer strong value proposition. The company is expected to meet 2024 guidance and no negative surprise (downward revision in last year) is expected.</li>
</ul>



Nakanishi Inc (7716 JP) guided for 25% revenue growth to ¥74B for 2024, driven by an additional ¥12B revenue contribution from DCI and 6% growth in dental business to ¥47B.
EBITDA is expected to improve from 2025 due to normalization of the personnel expenses and depreciation. 2026 EBITDA margin (26.8%) will improve significantly over 2024 (23.9%).
Amid slow global consumption, Nakanishi’s cost-effective products offer strong value proposition. The company is expected to meet 2024 guidance and no negative surprise (downward revision in last year) is expected.


Nakanishi Inc (7716 JP): Acquisition and Fx to Nourish Topline; Margin Expansion in Near-Term

Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>In FY25, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nihon-kohden-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7668:1" rel="noopener">Nihon Kohden (6849 JP)</a> guided for domestic revenue of ¥147B, up 3% YoY. The demand for patient monitors and treatment equipment is expected to remain steady.</li>
<li>Nihon Kohden expects North America business to report a revenue CAGR of 11% (fastest among all the other regions) during FY24–27, outpacing mid-single-digit growth of the market.</li>
<li>The company announced ¥10B buyback plan to repurchase up to 6M shares, representing 3.57% of total number of issued shares from August 5, 2024, to March 31, 2025.</li>
</ul>


In FY25, Nihon Kohden (6849 JP) guided for domestic revenue of ¥147B, up 3% YoY. The demand for patient monitors and treatment equipment is expected to remain steady.
Nihon Kohden expects North America business to report a revenue CAGR of 11% (fastest among all the other regions) during FY24–27, outpacing mid-single-digit growth of the market.
The company announced ¥10B buyback plan to repurchase up to 6M shares, representing 3.57% of total number of issued shares from August 5, 2024, to March 31, 2025.


Nihon Kohden (6849 JP): ¥10B Buyback Plan And Stock Split; Japan and US to Drive Business Growth

Japan

Canon Inc. is a professional and consumer imaging solutions company and patent-holder of digital imaging technologies. The Company's products include networked multifunction devices, digital and analog copiers, computer peripherals, facsimile machines, image filing systems, camcorders, cameras and lenses, semiconductor, and broadcast and medical equipment.

Kyocera Corporation manufacturers electronic equipment and components. The Company's products include telecommunication equipment, information equipment, optical equipment, ceramic products, semiconductor parts, chips, hybrid integrated circuits, thermal printheads, image sensors, liquid crystal displays, and connectors. Kyocera operates worldwide.

OBIC Co., Ltd. provides computer system integration, office automation, consultation, and system support services primarily for small and medium size companies.  The Company sells, leases, and maintains computers, peripherals, and related systems.  OBIC also develops and sells customized software and network systems.

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.

Nintendo Co., Ltd. globally develops, manufactures and sells home-use video game hardware and software in home entertainment business.  The company also produces home-game products including cards.

NTT Data Corporation mainly provides large scale system integration and networking system services. System integration involves data transmission system design, sales, leasing, and services.  Network System Services include internet related and linked computer networks, and data provision and management of data. The Company is a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation.

MURATA MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD. manufactures and sells ceramic applied electronic components.  The Company's products include filters, capacitors, thermistors, resistors, noise suppression components, coils, piezoelectric sound components, power supplies, sensors, hybrid integrated circuit (IC), and microwave components.

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.

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

Nexon Co., Ltd. mainly develops and services, online games for PC and mobile devices. The company also offers consulting services related to online-games. Nexon operates in Japan.

Phreesia Inc. designs and develops healthcare software. The Company offers solutions for appointments, registration, clinical support, patient surveys, and analysis and reports. Phreesia serves patients and doctors in the United States.

ASTA Inc. develops diagnostic systems. The Company produces MALDI-plates, matrix spotter, microwave, and other products. ASTA serves customers worldwide.

Baidu, Inc. operates an Internet search engine. The Company offers algorithmic search, enterprise search, news, MP3, and image searches, voice assistance, online storage, and navigation services. Baidu serves clients globally.

Xero Limited offers an online accounting system.  The software features bank transaction importing, a cashbook, a general ledger, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, and management of expense claims.

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. specializes in developing Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) technology.  The Company also manufactures cathode ray tubes (CRTs) for televisions and computer monitors.  Samsung SDI also produces liquid crystal display (LCD) components and rechargeable batteries for cellular phones , personal digital assistants (PDAs), Energy Storage Systems and solar panels.

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.

VMware, Inc. provides virtualization solutions from the desktop to the data center. The Company's solution products addresses a range of IT problems, which includes cost and operational inefficiencies, business continuity, software lifecycle management and desktop management.

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.

Western Digital Corporation is a global provider of solutions for the collection, storage, management, protection and use of digital content, including audio and video. The Company's products include hard drives, solid-state drives, and home entertainment and networking products.

Electronic Arts Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes branded interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game consoles, personal computers, handheld game players, and cellular handsets. The Company also provides online game-related services.

Hoya Corp manufactures electro-optics products such as mask blanks for semiconductors, photomasks for LCD panels, optical glasses, glass memory disks for HDDs, medical flexible endoscopes, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. The Company also provides information system architecture.

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Hoya Corp (7741 JP)

A Belated Look Back at Our 2020 and 2021 Conviction Calls and a Look Ahead to 2022

We take a look back at our conviction calls from 2020 and 2021 to assess performance and put the strong start to our 2022 names in context.

Mio Kato

Olympus (7733 JP): Medical Business Is on a Strong Foothold; Buy at Current Level

Olympus is well-positioned for double-digit revenue growth this fiscal driven by earlier-than-expected recovery in medical business and new product...

Tina Banerjee

Japan Morning Connection – 18 July, 2024

Investors shift from growth to value stocks, tech stocks fall on ASML earnings miss and US export restrictions to China, VSF surges after Essilor...

Andrew Jackson

Nakanishi Inc (7716 JP): Acquisition and Fx to Nourish Topline; Margin Expansion in Near-Term

Nakanishi guided for 25% YoY revenue growth to ¥74B for 2024, driven by additional ¥12B revenue contribution from DCI and 6% YoY growth in dental...

Tina Banerjee

Nihon Kohden (6849 JP): ¥10B Buyback Plan And Stock Split; Japan and US to Drive Business Growth

Nihon Kohden has announced ¥10B buyback plan amid long-term growth prospect. The company guided for 3% and 11% revenue CAGR in Japan and North...

Tina Banerjee

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

A Belated Look Back at Our 2020 and 2021 Conviction Calls and a Look Ahead to 2022

We take a look back at our conviction calls from 2020 and 2021 to assess performance and put the strong start to our 2022 names in context.

Mio Kato

Olympus (7733 JP): Medical Business Is on a Strong Foothold; Buy at Current Level

Olympus is well-positioned for double-digit revenue growth this fiscal driven by earlier-than-expected recovery in medical business and new product...

Tina Banerjee

Japan Morning Connection – 18 July, 2024

​Investors shift from growth to value stocks, tech stocks fall on ASML earnings miss and US export restrictions to China, VSF surges after Essilor...

Andrew Jackson

Nakanishi Inc (7716 JP): Acquisition and Fx to Nourish Topline; Margin Expansion in Near-Term

Nakanishi guided for 25% YoY revenue growth to ¥74B for 2024, driven by additional ¥12B revenue contribution from DCI and 6% YoY growth in dental...

Tina Banerjee

Nihon Kohden (6849 JP): ¥10B Buyback Plan And Stock Split; Japan and US to Drive Business Growth

​Nihon Kohden has announced ¥10B buyback plan amid long-term growth prospect. The company guided for 3% and 11% revenue CAGR in Japan and North...

Tina Banerjee

Investors shift from growth to value stocks, tech stocks fall on ASML earnings miss and US export restrictions to China, VSF surges after Essilor...

Nihon Kohden has announced ¥10B buyback plan amid long-term growth prospect. The company guided for 3% and 11% revenue CAGR in Japan and North...