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)

<ul>
<li>The growth in retail media (brand advertising delivered in stores based on detailed customer data) continues to be one of the big trends in 2024.</li>
<li>Large retailers are keen to add this new revenue stream – and lots of brands want to advertise with them – and companies like Rakuten are offering this service directly.</li>
<li>For many retailers, they still need help from experts in advertising and data analysis to make it work, providing an opportunity for Hakuhodo among others.</li>
</ul>


The growth in retail media (brand advertising delivered in stores based on detailed customer data) continues to be one of the big trends in 2024.
Large retailers are keen to add this new revenue stream – and lots of brands want to advertise with them – and companies like Rakuten are offering this service directly.
For many retailers, they still need help from experts in advertising and data analysis to make it work, providing an opportunity for Hakuhodo among others.


Retail Media in Japan: More Revenue for Retailers, More Sales for Brands

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>The possible merger between Welcia and Tsuruha under Aeon has been talked about for years despite concerns from both drugstores, but may now happen.</li>
<li>But calling these retailers drugstores is increasingly a misnomer: FMCG-drugstores is better because they and many others in the sector, increasingly compete with FMCG retailers like supermarkets and even CVS.</li>
<li>This evolution is rapid so the merits of a deal make more sense when we view it from a sector five years in the future than how it is today.</li>
</ul>


The possible merger between Welcia and Tsuruha under Aeon has been talked about for years despite concerns from both drugstores, but may now happen.
But calling these retailers drugstores is increasingly a misnomer: FMCG-drugstores is better because they and many others in the sector, increasingly compete with FMCG retailers like supermarkets and even CVS.
This evolution is rapid so the merits of a deal make more sense when we view it from a sector five years in the future than how it is today.


Aeon, Welcia and Tsuruha: Creating an FMCG Behemoth

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

China Traditional Chinese Medicine / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.</li>
<li>Highest spreads  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/probiotec-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12047:1" rel="noopener">Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jsr-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17620:1" rel="noopener">JSR Corp (4185 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shinko-electric-industries" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15066:1" rel="noopener">Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/csr-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17380:1" rel="noopener">CSR Ltd (CSR AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-traditional-chinese-medicine" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:351:1" rel="noopener">China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lithium-power-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30603:1" rel="noopener">Lithium Power International (LPI AU)</a>. </li>
<li>Lowest spreads - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tietto-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28006:1" rel="noopener">Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orecorp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8120:1" rel="noopener">Orecorp Ltd (ORR AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pact-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:692:1" rel="noopener">Pact Group Holdings (PGH AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cpmc-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10427:1" rel="noopener">CPMC Holdings (906 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/t-k-toka-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18678:1" rel="noopener">T&amp;K Toka Co Ltd (4636 JP)</a>, Snow Peak.    </li>
</ul>


We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
Highest spreads  Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU), JSR Corp (4185 JP), Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP), CSR Ltd (CSR AU), China Traditional Chinese Medicine (570 HK), Lithium Power International (LPI AU). 
Lowest spreads - Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU), Orecorp Ltd (ORR AU), Pact Group Holdings (PGH AU), CPMC Holdings (906 HK), T&amp;K Toka Co Ltd (4636 JP), Snow Peak.    


Merger Arb Mondays (26 Feb) - China TCM, Azure, A2B, Boral, CSR, Outsourcing, Snow Peak, Genetron

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>Today after the close, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kddi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:639:1" rel="noopener">KDDI Corp (9433 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gree-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17135:1" rel="noopener">Gree Inc (3632 JP)</a> announced that KDDI would offer its 8,000,000 shares in Gree in an international offering through Mizuho Intl.</li>
<li>The deal comes at a decently large discount and the stock is quite downtrodden. Especially when compared to its venture assets and cash, assuming invested amount is remotely viable.</li>
<li>The problem is that too much of revenue isn't earning much, so this sits in a Value Trap category. Shareholder structure makes it difficult to do buybacks.</li>
</ul>


Today after the close, KDDI Corp (9433 JP) and Gree Inc (3632 JP) announced that KDDI would offer its 8,000,000 shares in Gree in an international offering through Mizuho Intl.
The deal comes at a decently large discount and the stock is quite downtrodden. Especially when compared to its venture assets and cash, assuming invested amount is remotely viable.
The problem is that too much of revenue isn't earning much, so this sits in a Value Trap category. Shareholder structure makes it difficult to do buybacks.


Gree (3632 JP) - Overnight Offering in Asset-Rich Value Trap as KDDI Sells Out

<ul>
<li>We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.</li>
<li>Highest spreads - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/probiotec-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12047:1" rel="noopener">Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shinko-electric-industries" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15066:1" rel="noopener">Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/genetron-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28435:1" rel="noopener">Genetron Holdings Ltd (GTH US)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jsr-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17620:1" rel="noopener">JSR Corp (4185 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lithium-power-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30603:1" rel="noopener">Lithium Power International (LPI AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/altium-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18626:1" rel="noopener">Altium Ltd (ALU AU)</a>. 
</li>
<li>Lowest spreads - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tietto-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28006:1" rel="noopener">Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pact-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:692:1" rel="noopener">Pact Group Holdings (PGH AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orecorp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8120:1" rel="noopener">Orecorp Ltd (ORR AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/qv-equities-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24284:1" rel="noopener">QV Equities Ltd (QVE AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yaizu-suisankagaku-industry" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20044:1" rel="noopener">Yaizu Suisankagaku Industry (2812 JP)</a>. </li>
</ul>


We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
Highest spreads - Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU), Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP), Genetron Holdings Ltd (GTH US), JSR Corp (4185 JP), Lithium Power International (LPI AU), Altium Ltd (ALU AU). 

Lowest spreads - Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU), Pact Group Holdings (PGH AU), Orecorp Ltd (ORR AU), QV Equities Ltd (QVE AU), Yaizu Suisankagaku Industry (2812 JP). 


Merger Arb Mondays (19 Feb) - Outsourcing, JSR, Shinko, YSK, Vinda, Altium, Azure, Ansarada

Japan

Softbank Corporation provides mobile phone telecommunication and networking services. The Company offers mobile communication opening, short messaging function opening, video function opening, and other services. Softbank also provides mobile phones.

SoftBank Group Corp. provides telecommunication services. The Company also operates ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and fiber optic high-speed Internet connection, e-Commerce businesses, and Internet based advertising and auction businesses.

OKINAWA CELLULAR TELEPHONE COMPANY provides cellular and car phone services in Okinawa Prefecture.  The Company also sells cellular phones and accessories.

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation provides a variety of telecommunication services, including telephone, telegraph, leased circuits, data communication, terminal equipment sales, and related services. The Company provides both local and long distance telephone services within Japan.

NTT (Nippon Telegraph & Telephone) (9432 JP)

Japan Communications Inc. provides telecommunication services to corporate clients.  The Company also provides wireless high-speed internet access mainly to consumers.

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.

USEN-NEXT HOLDINGS Co.,Ltd. provides network information services. The Company provides video contents distribution, music contents distribution, and other services. USEN-NEXT HOLDINGS also provides internet agency, mobile communication, and other services.

LY Corporation operates as an internet search engine "Yahoo! JAPAN". The Company provides electronic commerce and settlement finance services for small medium enterprises and individuals. LY also operates media business including search linked advertising and display advertising services.

ARTERIA Networks Corporation provides telecommunication services. The Company offers internet connection, virtual private network construction, colocation, mobile connection, mobile device management, optical fiber network construction, and other services.

WirelessGate, Inc. provides wireless communication services including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and LTE for end users at train stations, airports, retail outlets, restaurants and other locations. It provides broadband services through agreements with public LAN, Wifi hotspots and other third-party networks, and its application allows users to access Wifi hotspots from multiple providers.

America Movil SAB de C.V. provides wireless communications in 18 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and the U.S. The company also offers fixed-line phone, Internet and pay-TV services in most parts of the region.

America Movil SAB de C.V. provides telecommunications services. The Company offers wireless and fixed voice services, including airtime, local, domestic, international long-distance, and broadband services. America Movil serves customers worldwide.

Vodafone Group PLC is a mobile telecommunications company providing a range of services, including voice and data communications.  The Company operates in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East through its subsidiaries, associates, and investments.

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited is granted a 25-year concession expiring the year 2015 by the Telephone Organization of Thailand to provide cellular phone services.  The Company provides analog mobile phone services through the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT900) network, and digital phone services through the Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM) network.

Bharti Airtel Limited, a part of Bharti Enterprises, provides telecommunications services throughout India. The Company provides GSM Mobile Services, broadband, fixed line telephone services, long distance services (international & national) and enterprise services.

China United Network Communications Limited provides a variety of telecommunication services, including GSM and CDMA wireless telecommunication services, international and domestic long distance communication services, data communication and Internet services, as well as paging services.

Rogers Communications, Inc. is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. The Company's activities include wireless voice and data communications services over its national GSM, HSPA and LTE networks; cable television, telephony and high speed Internet access services over its broadband networks; and radio and TV broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines, and sports.

Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. provides cellular telecommunication services in Taiwan. The Company also sells and leases cellular phones.

Vodafone Idea Limited operates as a telecom service provider. The Company offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile services, as well as mobile payments, advanced enterprise offerings, and entertainment. Vodafone Idea serves customers in India.

Vodacom Group Limited operates a cellular telephone network in South Africa. The Company has mobile operations in Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

KDDI CORPORATION provides mobile communication services and sells mobile devices.  The Company also is a broadband provider.

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KDDI Corp (9433 JP)

Retail Media in Japan: More Revenue for Retailers, More Sales for Brands

Retail media, a big trend in 2024, offers major revenue potential for retailers as well as intermediaries like Hakuhodo in advertising and data...

Michael Causton

Aeon, Welcia and Tsuruha: Creating an FMCG Behemoth

Merger between Welcia and Tsuruha under Aeon may happen as FMCG-drugstores increasingly compete with supermarkets and CVS, so we need to view the...

Michael Causton

Merger Arb Mondays (26 Feb) - China TCM, Azure, A2B, Boral, CSR, Outsourcing, Snow Peak, Genetron

This week, the highest gross spreads are Probiotec (10.2%), JSR (7.6%), Shinko Electric (7.6%), CSR (7.4%), China TCM (7.2%), Lithium Power (6.5%),...

Arun George

Gree (3632 JP) - Overnight Offering in Asset-Rich Value Trap as KDDI Sells Out

KDDI is selling their 8mm shares. Gree is cheap on a SOTP basis, but its investment account is not printing returns now. Buybacks tough because the...

Travis Lundy

Merger Arb Mondays (19 Feb) - Outsourcing, JSR, Shinko, YSK, Vinda, Altium, Azure, Ansarada

This week, the highest gross spreads are Probiotec (11.0%), Shinko Electric (7.7%), Genetron (7.1%), JSR (6.8%), Lithium Power (4.6%), Altium...

Arun George

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Retail Media in Japan: More Revenue for Retailers, More Sales for Brands

​Retail media, a big trend in 2024, offers major revenue potential for retailers as well as intermediaries like Hakuhodo in advertising and data...

Michael Causton

Aeon, Welcia and Tsuruha: Creating an FMCG Behemoth

​Merger between Welcia and Tsuruha under Aeon may happen as FMCG-drugstores increasingly compete with supermarkets and CVS, so we need to view the...

Michael Causton

Merger Arb Mondays (26 Feb) - China TCM, Azure, A2B, Boral, CSR, Outsourcing, Snow Peak, Genetron

This week, the highest gross spreads are Probiotec (10.2%), JSR (7.6%), Shinko Electric (7.6%), CSR (7.4%), China TCM (7.2%), Lithium Power (6.5%),...

Arun George

Gree (3632 JP) - Overnight Offering in Asset-Rich Value Trap as KDDI Sells Out

KDDI is selling their 8mm shares. Gree is cheap on a SOTP basis, but its investment account is not printing returns now. Buybacks tough because the...

Travis Lundy

Merger Arb Mondays (19 Feb) - Outsourcing, JSR, Shinko, YSK, Vinda, Altium, Azure, Ansarada

This week, the highest gross spreads are Probiotec (11.0%), Shinko Electric (7.7%), Genetron (7.1%), JSR (6.8%), Lithium Power (4.6%), Altium...

Arun George

Retail media, a big trend in 2024, offers major revenue potential for retailers as well as intermediaries like Hakuhodo in advertising and data...

Merger between Welcia and Tsuruha under Aeon may happen as FMCG-drugstores increasingly compete with supermarkets and CVS, so we need to view the...