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. 

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ly-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19603:1" rel="noopener">LY (4689 JP)</a>'s Yahoo Shopping looks to be in trouble after five straight quarters of negative growth while Amazon and Rakuten move ahead.</li>
<li>Despite a revenue increase in 4Q2023, Yahoo Shopping continues to struggle with merchant fraud and a lack of a clear USP.</li>
<li>If effective integration between the many parts of LY is not forthcoming soon, the company may eventually attract demands for better synergies, as well as a stick-wielding Softbank.</li>
</ul>



LY (4689 JP)'s Yahoo Shopping looks to be in trouble after five straight quarters of negative growth while Amazon and Rakuten move ahead.
Despite a revenue increase in 4Q2023, Yahoo Shopping continues to struggle with merchant fraud and a lack of a clear USP.
If effective integration between the many parts of LY is not forthcoming soon, the company may eventually attract demands for better synergies, as well as a stick-wielding Softbank.


Yahoo Still Falling Further Behind Amazon and Rakuten

Telco/Internet specialist

Kirk Boodry

Redex Research

<ul>
<li>Internet advertising revenue growth has come in below expectations for Google, Meta and CyberAgent as ad budgets appear to be shrinking</li>
<li>There is an indirect read-across to Z Holdings which has almost always posted slower ad growth although it has some insulation from volatility with eCommerce and LINE official accounts</li>
<li>Sill, management targets for ad revenue growth of 5-10% look increasingly challenging which is an issue when Media generates c. 80% of profitability. We remain cautious</li>
</ul>


Internet advertising revenue growth has come in below expectations for Google, Meta and CyberAgent as ad budgets appear to be shrinking
There is an indirect read-across to Z Holdings which has almost always posted slower ad growth although it has some insulation from volatility with eCommerce and LINE official accounts
Sill, management targets for ad revenue growth of 5-10% look increasingly challenging which is an issue when Media generates c. 80% of profitability. We remain cautious


Z Holdings (Neutral) - Quick Thoughts on the Read Across from Google, Meta, and CyberAgent

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>The following is an in-depth review of the Japanese retail sector in 2021-22 and is designed to provide a complete overview for any investor in Japanese retail/consumer markets.</li>
<li>FY2021-22 proved a rebound year for retailers at the sector level. But on a company by company basis, there has been radical divergence between the best and the rest. </li>
<li>We look at the reasons for this divergence and the implications for Japanese retail and consumer firms in the years ahead.</li>
</ul>


The following is an in-depth review of the Japanese retail sector in 2021-22 and is designed to provide a complete overview for any investor in Japanese retail/consumer markets.
FY2021-22 proved a rebound year for retailers at the sector level. But on a company by company basis, there has been radical divergence between the best and the rest. 
We look at the reasons for this divergence and the implications for Japanese retail and consumer firms in the years ahead.


Japanese Retailing 2021-22: What's Really Going on and What's Next?

<p>By year-end we expect there will be two newly minted public fintech companies in Asia as IPOs for Kakao Pay (August) and PayTM (Q4-ish) move ahead. These are both potential comparables for Softbank Group’s PayPay of which Z Holdings is the leading shareholder. Comparatively, proposed valuations for Kakao Pay ($7-11bn) and PayTM ($24-25bn) are much higher but these are also later stage businesses with established track records and offer some insight into what PayPay can turn into over time. We currently value PayPay at its carry value of $500mn but as monetization starts, we expect management aspirations for a unicorn valuation can be reached. This report includes forecasts updated for Q4 results, guidance, and the acquisition of Yahoo trademark rights from Verizon.</p>

By year-end we expect there will be two newly minted public fintech companies in Asia as IPOs for Kakao Pay (August) and PayTM (Q4-ish) move ahead. These are both potential comparables for Softbank Group’s PayPay of which Z Holdings is the leading shareholder. Comparatively, proposed valuations for Kakao Pay ($7-11bn) and PayTM ($24-25bn) are much higher but these are also later stage businesses with established track records and offer some insight into what PayPay can turn into over time. We currently value PayPay at its carry value of $500mn but as monetization starts, we expect management aspirations for a unicorn valuation can be reached. This report includes forecasts updated for Q4 results, guidance, and the acquisition of Yahoo trademark rights from Verizon.

Z Holdings (Buy) - Asian Fintech App IPOs Highlight Potential PayPay Upside

<ul>
<li>GTVs for Yahoo’s shopping division fell by 8% in 1Q2023. </li>
<li>Although this was expected and gross profits did improve, the downturn reflects deeper concerns.</li>
<li>Even the group’s Zozo fashion platform are much more slowly.</li>
</ul>


GTVs for Yahoo’s shopping division fell by 8% in 1Q2023. 
Although this was expected and gross profits did improve, the downturn reflects deeper concerns.
Even the group’s Zozo fashion platform are much more slowly.


Japan

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.

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LY (4689 JP)

Yahoo Still Falling Further Behind Amazon and Rakuten

LY Corp's Yahoo Shopping faces challenges with negative growth in many recent quarters and lack of USP, risking pressure for better integration...

Michael Causton

Z Holdings (Neutral) - Quick Thoughts on the Read Across from Google, Meta, and CyberAgent

Industry ad revenue growth has disappointed which could put Z Holding's target of 5-10% growth at risk. Unique exposure to eCommerce monetization...

Kirk Boodry

Japanese Retailing 2021-22: What's Really Going on and What's Next?

There is increasing divergence between the winners and losers in Japanese retailing and the following in-depth review looks at performance in the...

Michael Causton

Z Holdings (Buy) - Asian Fintech App IPOs Highlight Potential PayPay Upside

Upcoming IPOs for two Asian fintech companies provide some insight on what Z Holdings PayPay can become once it starts to monetize its business....

Kirk Boodry

Yahoo Troubles Continue for Z Holdings

Yahoo's shopping division experienced an 8% decrease in GTVs in 1Q2023, indicating deeper concerns despite improved gross profits. Even the Zozo...

Michael Causton

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Yahoo Still Falling Further Behind Amazon and Rakuten

​LY Corp's Yahoo Shopping faces challenges with negative growth in many recent quarters and lack of USP, risking pressure for better integration...

Michael Causton

Z Holdings (Neutral) - Quick Thoughts on the Read Across from Google, Meta, and CyberAgent

Industry ad revenue growth has disappointed which could put Z Holding's target of 5-10% growth at risk. Unique exposure to eCommerce monetization...

Kirk Boodry

Japanese Retailing 2021-22: What's Really Going on and What's Next?

There is increasing divergence between the winners and losers in Japanese retailing and the following in-depth review looks at performance in the...

Michael Causton

Z Holdings (Buy) - Asian Fintech App IPOs Highlight Potential PayPay Upside

Upcoming IPOs for two Asian fintech companies provide some insight on what Z Holdings PayPay can become once it starts to monetize its business....

Kirk Boodry

Yahoo Troubles Continue for Z Holdings

​Yahoo's shopping division experienced an 8% decrease in GTVs in 1Q2023, indicating deeper concerns despite improved gross profits. Even the Zozo...

Michael Causton

LY Corp's Yahoo Shopping faces challenges with negative growth in many recent quarters and lack of USP, risking pressure for better integration...

Yahoo's shopping division experienced an 8% decrease in GTVs in 1Q2023, indicating deeper concerns despite improved gross profits. Even the Zozo...