Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>At least until the Covid-19 crisis hit Japan in January, the majority of retailers were gearing up to announce yet another really good year of financial results for FY2019-20.</p>
<p>Even with the crisis, results were generally better than for FY2018 – although there are big variations by sector.</p>
<p>Those differences are more or less what we’ve come to expect, with traditional formats like department stores continuing to struggle, while those formats that have adopted modern management are doing well.</p>
<p>The following is an in-depth review of Japan's retail sector, providing:</p>
<ul>
<li>An overview of consumer demand and retail performance</li>
<li>Format by format reviews showing growth and profit performance across all the main formats: convenience stores, supermarkets, GMS, consumer electronics, drugstores, homecentres, department stores, apparel, home and other specialty  formats.</li>
<li>Rankings:
<ul>
<li>Market share and size by sector/format</li>
<li>By sales for all retailers with sales over ¥250 billion</li>
<li>By gross and operating margins, split by format and category.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>As this is an in-depth insight, the review is split into two parts to make it easier to read.  This is Part II which provides snapshot reviews of each format/sector. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-japan-retail-review-winners-and-losers-in-japanese-retailing-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part I, which provides a quick overview of all retailing, can be read here</a>.</p>

At least until the Covid-19 crisis hit Japan in January, the majority of retailers were gearing up to announce yet another really good year of financial results for FY2019-20.
Even with the crisis, results were generally better than for FY2018 – although there are big variations by sector.
Those differences are more or less what we’ve come to expect, with traditional formats like department stores continuing to struggle, while those formats that have adopted modern management are doing well.
The following is an in-depth review of Japan's retail sector, providing:

An overview of consumer demand and retail performance
Format by format reviews showing growth and profit performance across all the main formats: convenience stores, supermarkets, GMS, consumer electronics, drugstores, homecentres, department stores, apparel, home and other specialty  formats.
Rankings:

Market share and size by sector/format
By sales for all retailers with sales over ¥250 billion
By gross and operating margins, split by format and category.



As this is an in-depth insight, the review is split into two parts to make it easier to read.  This is Part II which provides snapshot reviews of each format/sector. Part I, which provides a quick overview of all retailing, can be read here.

Japan Retail Review 2019-20 Part II: A Sector by Sector Review of Winners and Losers

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

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.

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>•BEST &amp; WORST 6th AUGUST •</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/square-enix-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15003:1" rel="noopener">Square Enix (9684 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido (4911 JP)</a>, respectively - the latter as flagged in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/shiseido-4911-jp-downward-revision-imminent" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41874" rel="noopener">Downward Revision Imminent</a>  More extensive coverage follows in the DETAIL section below.</p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/151/081/original/2020-08-07_05-30-09.png?1596745840" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="151081"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/151/082/original/2020-08-07_05-31-27.png?1596745907" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="151082"></figure><div style="text-align: center;" class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics<hr>
</div><p></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p></div><hr><div><p><strong>PERCENTAGES</strong> -<strong> 64%</strong> of quarterly results,  <strong>78%</strong> of annual forecasts/revisions and<strong> 79%</strong> of interim forecasts have negative Scores and <strong>28%</strong> of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.</p></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>332 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Results Score: </strong>29% Positive / 7% Neutral / 64% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong> -3.0 points</li>
<li>
<strong>Average % Change in Revenue: </strong>-9.7% Quarter YoY / -3.5% Rolling TTM YoY </li>
<li>
<strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -0.7 ppt</li>
<li>
<strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 28%</li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>121 Annual • 76 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 17% Positive / 6% Neutral / 78% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 17% Positive / 4% Neutral / 79% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -11.2 points</li>
</ul></div>

•BEST &amp; WORST 6th AUGUST •The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Square Enix (9684 JP) and Shiseido (4911 JP), respectively - the latter as flagged in Downward Revision Imminent  More extensive coverage follows in the DETAIL section below.Source • Japan Analytics
DAILY STATSPERCENTAGES - 64% of quarterly results,  78% of annual forecasts/revisions and 79% of interim forecasts have negative Scores and 28% of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.332 Quarterly Results

Results Score: 29% Positive / 7% Neutral / 64% Negative

Average Results Score Change: -3.0 points

Average % Change in Revenue: -9.7% Quarter YoY / -3.5% Rolling TTM YoY 

Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -0.7 ppt

Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 28%
121 Annual • 76 Interim Forecasts/Revisions

Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 17% Positive / 6% Neutral / 78% Negative

Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 17% Positive / 4% Neutral / 79% Negative

Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -11.2 points


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 6th August - Nintendo, Yamada Denki, Terumo, Toyota, Shiseido

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>•BEST &amp; WORST 3rd AUGUST •</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kyorin-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15216:1" rel="noopener">Kyorin (4569 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/japan-airlines-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1184:1" rel="noopener">Japan Airlines (9201 JP)</a>.  More extensive coverage follows in the DETAIL section below. </p><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/150/264/original/2020-08-04_06-29-14.png?1596490167" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="150264"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/150/265/original/2020-08-04_06-30-03.png?1596490220" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="150265"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source • Japan Analytics</div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p></div><div><p><strong>PERCENTAGES </strong>- 66% of quarterly results,  61% of annual forecasts/revisions and 64% of interim forecasts have negative Scores and 26% of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.</p></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>105 Quarterly Result</strong>s</p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Results Score</strong>: 29% Positive / 6% Neutral / 66% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong> -2.5 points</li>
<li>
<strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -7.4% Quarter YoY / -1.3% Rolling TTM YoY </li>
<li>
<strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -0.8 ppt</li>
<li>
<strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 26%</li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br><strong>36 Annual • 25 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul>
<li>
<strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 31% Positive / 8% Neutral / 61% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 32% Positive / 4% Neutral / 64% Negative</li>
<li>
<strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -7.0 points</li>
</ul></div>

•BEST &amp; WORST 3rd AUGUST •The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Kyorin (4569 JP) and Japan Airlines (9201 JP).  More extensive coverage follows in the DETAIL section below. Source • Japan AnalyticsDAILY STATSPERCENTAGES - 66% of quarterly results,  61% of annual forecasts/revisions and 64% of interim forecasts have negative Scores and 26% of companies reporting lost money for the quarter.105 Quarterly Results

Results Score: 29% Positive / 6% Neutral / 66% Negative

Average Results Score Change: -2.5 points

Average % Change in Revenue: -7.4% Quarter YoY / -1.3% Rolling TTM YoY 

Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -0.8 ppt

Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 26%
 36 Annual • 25 Interim Forecasts/Revisions

Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 31% Positive / 8% Neutral / 61% Negative

Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 32% Positive / 4% Neutral / 64% Negative

Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -7.0 points


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 3rd August - Capcom, K's, Kikkoman, USS, Eisai

Equity Bottom-Up

<p>Consumer electronics retailer <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/k-s-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13745:1" rel="noopener">K'S Holdings (8282 JP) </a>has had two excellent years by pursuing a policy that its rivals have all but abandoned. It has cut its range down to concentrate on home appliances, removing more technologically fast-moving gadgets, while focusing on large stores out in the suburbs. Despite this success, it faces market saturation.</p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/k-s-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13745:1" rel="noopener"> </a></p>

Consumer electronics retailer K'S Holdings (8282 JP) has had two excellent years by pursuing a policy that its rivals have all but abandoned. It has cut its range down to concentrate on home appliances, removing more technologically fast-moving gadgets, while focusing on large stores out in the suburbs. Despite this success, it faces market saturation. 

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><p>Source: Japan Analytics</p>
</div><p><strong>SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY</strong> - 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. </p><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><p>Source: Japan Analytics</p>
</div><p><strong>BOUNCE AHEAD</strong> - 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.</p><p><strong>RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS</strong> - 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.</p><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><p><strong>RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORE</strong> - 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.</p><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

Japan

K'S HOLDINGS CORPORATION, based in Ibaraki prefecture, operates large scale electrical appliance store chain.  Franchise stores operates throughout Japan. The Company sells a variety of electrical appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, cooking appliances, computers, audio & visual systems, and air conditioners.

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K'S Holdings (8282 JP)

Japan Retail Review 2019-20 Part II: A Sector by Sector Review of Winners and Losers

At least until the Covid-19 crisis hit Japan in January, the majority of retailers were gearing up to announce yet another really good year of...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 6th August - Nintendo, Yamada Denki, Terumo, Toyota, Shiseido

•BEST & WORST 6th AUGUST •The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Square Enix (9684 JP) and Shiseido (4911...

Campbell Gunn

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 3rd August - Capcom, K's, Kikkoman, USS, Eisai

•BEST & WORST 3rd AUGUST •The 'best' and 'worst' from yesterday's large-cap announcements came from Kyorin (4569 JP) and Japan Airlines (9201...

Campbell Gunn

K’s Holdings: Thriving in the Suburbs

Consumer electronics retailer K'S Holdings (8282 JP) has had two excellent years by pursuing a policy that its rivals have all but abandoned. It...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 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

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