Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

Yesterday after the close, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nomura-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:742:1">Nomura Holdings (8604 JP)</a> announced its Board of Directors had approved a <a href="https://www.nomuraholdings.com/news/nr/holdings/20190618/20190618_a.pdf" target="_blank">buyback program</a> to buy up to ¥150bn and up to 300 million shares.The period eligible for execution of the buyback will run from 19 June 2019 through 31 March 2020, though the trust agreement enabling the execution has not been signed as of the board announcement. I would not expect it to take long. Nomura has been buying back shares most every year for many years. 300 million shares is 8.6% of shares outstanding and 9.06% of shares out ex-Treasury shares.This is larger than previous buybacks and is done for obvious reasons. The broker's shares are trading a few percent off a 6+ year low, and at 0.43x tangible book. The shares are in the doldrums as full-service brokers worldwide suffer from the ongoing move to passive, ongoing difficult trading conditions in bonds and credit, and the ever-increasing competition for deals. This past year the broker suffered its first annual pre-tax loss since the massive write-downs and markdowns suffered in the year to March 2009. This came as asset management and retail brokerage business saw pre-tax income drop in half from ¥169bn to ¥84bn, but the institutional securities business saw pre-tax income drop from +¥100bn to - ¥111bn, and other expenses hit (including a ¥19.8bn settlement with the DOJ and ¥12bn of associated legal costs, an ¥11bn loss on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mebuki-financial-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10048:1">Mebuki Financial Group (7167 JP)</a> and a little more here and there on cross-holding impairments).Nomura Holdings may be in the dumps, but the situation is worth a cursory look at least.

Yesterday after the close, Nomura Holdings (8604 JP) announced its Board of Directors had approved a buyback program to buy up to ¥150bn and up to 300 million shares.The period eligible for execution of the buyback will run from 19 June 2019 through 31 March 2020, though the trust agreement enabling the execution has not been signed as of the board announcement. I would not expect it to take long. Nomura has been buying back shares most every year for many years. 300 million shares is 8.6% of shares outstanding and 9.06% of shares out ex-Treasury shares.This is larger than previous buybacks and is done for obvious reasons. The broker's shares are trading a few percent off a 6+ year low, and at 0.43x tangible book. The shares are in the doldrums as full-service brokers worldwide suffer from the ongoing move to passive, ongoing difficult trading conditions in bonds and credit, and the ever-increasing competition for deals. This past year the broker suffered its first annual pre-tax loss since the massive write-downs and markdowns suffered in the year to March 2009. This came as asset management and retail brokerage business saw pre-tax income drop in half from ¥169bn to ¥84bn, but the institutional securities business saw pre-tax income drop from +¥100bn to - ¥111bn, and other expenses hit (including a ¥19.8bn settlement with the DOJ and ¥12bn of associated legal costs, an ¥11bn loss on Mebuki Financial Group (7167 JP) and a little more here and there on cross-holding impairments).Nomura Holdings may be in the dumps, but the situation is worth a cursory look at least. 

'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. 

Quantitative Analysis

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/182/original/2019-04-29_12-24-09.png?1556508262" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86182"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>EARLY DAYS - In the last seven trading days, 473 Japanese companies have reported quarterly results, 11% of the 3,830 that are currently listed. Of this 76 % have been annual results for the fiscal year ended March 2019.  Also, there have been 328 initial forecasts for the year to March 2020, 227 initial interim forecasts and 228 intra-year revisions. With the long holiday break, there will be an avalanche of announcements from the 7th May onwards. In this Insight, we shall look at the trends apparent in the results so far released.  In the last month, our Market Composite trailing-twelve-month (TTM) data series is unchanged for Operating Income, while Net Income has increased by ¥0.2t. With 13% of March-year-end companies have issued FY2020 forecasts, aggregate forecast Operating Income is ¥0.7t lower and is in line with TTM Operating Income. Forecast Net Income is ¥0.6 lower and is 4% below TTM Net Income. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/411/original/2019-04-30_13-26-24.png?1556598396" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86411"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/412/original/File%202019-04-30%2013%2010%2017.jpeg?1556598417" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86412"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics, Pictet Asset Management</div>MARGIN SLIPPAGE - With revenues remaining relatively robust, margins are declining fast that at any time since 2016. The forecast operating margin is now 42 basis points below the 2018 peak level, while the slippage in net margins is 78 basis points. Although the sample is not the same, to IBES consensus estimates have current downtrend bottoming out in the second half of the year with net margins recovering to 6.6% in 2021. We consider this overly optimistic. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/187/original/2019-04-29_12-32-53.png?1556508784" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86187"></figure><div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/190/original/2019-04-29_12-51-24.png?1556509893" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86190"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORES - Our scoring methodology for results and forecasts/revisions incorporates rates of change and other momentum factors and has historically provided a better fit with changes in aggregate market value. Although the Market Composite Results Score has remained stable in the last week at 2.21, we expect the score to end this results 'season' closer to zero as indicated by the trend in the Forecast/Revision Score. The latter has declined for six quarters in a row and the current quarter will make it seven. Although our data series only covers the last forty quarters and is perhaps too short for generalisations, it would be unusual for the Forecasts/Revision Score series to have an eighth down quarter in a row. Perhaps the market's robust recovery from the Christmas Day low is anticipating such an outcome. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/086/193/original/2019-04-29_13-17-03.png?1556511439" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="86193"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>USDJPY NEUTRAL - In the past, one of the principal drivers of both scores has been changes in the US dollar/Yen exchange rate. The chart above merges both scores to create a cleaner timeline, and key turning points in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/22826" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22826:1">JUSDJPY CURNCY</a> highlighted. With the currency cross trading in a narrow range, there is little support or stimulus in the next six months. However, any sustained weakness in the Yen, such as occurred from September 2016, will be another confirmation that a cycle low has been reached. <div class="content-highlight">In the DETAIL section below, we update our  Sector Results &amp; Revision Scores and look at the best and worst large-cap company results over the seven trading days.</div>


Source: Japan Analytics
EARLY DAYS - In the last seven trading days, 473 Japanese companies have reported quarterly results, 11% of the 3,830 that are currently listed. Of this 76 % have been annual results for the fiscal year ended March 2019.  Also, there have been 328 initial forecasts for the year to March 2020, 227 initial interim forecasts and 228 intra-year revisions. With the long holiday break, there will be an avalanche of announcements from the 7th May onwards. In this Insight, we shall look at the trends apparent in the results so far released.  In the last month, our Market Composite trailing-twelve-month (TTM) data series is unchanged for Operating Income, while Net Income has increased by ¥0.2t. With 13% of March-year-end companies have issued FY2020 forecasts, aggregate forecast Operating Income is ¥0.7t lower and is in line with TTM Operating Income. Forecast Net Income is ¥0.6 lower and is 4% below TTM Net Income. Source: Japan Analytics, Pictet Asset ManagementMARGIN SLIPPAGE - With revenues remaining relatively robust, margins are declining fast that at any time since 2016. The forecast operating margin is now 42 basis points below the 2018 peak level, while the slippage in net margins is 78 basis points. Although the sample is not the same, to IBES consensus estimates have current downtrend bottoming out in the second half of the year with net margins recovering to 6.6% in 2021. We consider this overly optimistic. 
Source: Japan Analytics
RESULTS &amp; REVISION SCORES - Our scoring methodology for results and forecasts/revisions incorporates rates of change and other momentum factors and has historically provided a better fit with changes in aggregate market value. Although the Market Composite Results Score has remained stable in the last week at 2.21, we expect the score to end this results 'season' closer to zero as indicated by the trend in the Forecast/Revision Score. The latter has declined for six quarters in a row and the current quarter will make it seven. Although our data series only covers the last forty quarters and is perhaps too short for generalisations, it would be unusual for the Forecasts/Revision Score series to have an eighth down quarter in a row. Perhaps the market's robust recovery from the Christmas Day low is anticipating such an outcome. Source: Japan AnalyticsUSDJPY NEUTRAL - In the past, one of the principal drivers of both scores has been changes in the US dollar/Yen exchange rate. The chart above merges both scores to create a cleaner timeline, and key turning points in JUSDJPY CURNCY highlighted. With the currency cross trading in a narrow range, there is little support or stimulus in the next six months. However, any sustained weakness in the Yen, such as occurred from September 2016, will be another confirmation that a cycle low has been reached. In the DETAIL section below, we update our  Sector Results &amp; Revision Scores and look at the best and worst large-cap company results over the seven trading days.

🇯🇵 Japan • Spring Results & Revisions Flash - Early Days

Japan TMT Analyst

Pelham Smithers

Market Intel on Asian Tech with a Japan focus

Pelham Smithers Associates

Founded in 2009, Pelham Smithers Associates (PSA) provides market intelligence on Asian technology, focusing in particular on Japan. The industries covered by our team of specialists are: consumer electronics, telecomms, pharmaceuticals, internet, electronic parts and materials, automotive technology, retail and capital goods. 

Research is provided by the following:
Pelham Smithers: Macro, consumer electronics, telecoms & pharma
Joel Scheiman: Electronics materials / components
Julie Boote: Autos
Will Nestuk: Capital goods, machinery & transportation equipment parts
Thao Nguyen: eCommerce, internet content, marketing & advertising

Equity Bottom-Up

It was always likely to be just a matter of time before the three main players in the Japanese ePayment market, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/10928" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10928:1">SBI Holdings (8473 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/13747" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13747:1">Digital Garage (4819 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/13631" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13631:1">GMO Internet (9449 JP)</a>, started to clarify their involvement in Blockchain. GMO Internet outlined their strategy earlier in the year, when they launched the GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project, a system that allows users to develop programs using blockchain as open source. This move follows on from the establishment in 2016…

It was always likely to be just a matter of time before the three main players in the Japanese ePayment market, SBI Holdings (8473 JP), Digital Garage (4819 JP) and GMO Internet (9449 JP), started to clarify their involvement in Blockchain. GMO Internet outlined their strategy earlier in the year, when they launched the GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project, a system that allows users to develop programs using blockchain as open source. This move follows on from the establishment in 2016…

Japan Fintech - Digital Garage (4819) Getting in On the Act

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

With the Japanese stock market on the up-and-up, the big question – though not necessarily one on all that many minds – is whether this is a seasonal rally, or whether this is structural. Invariably under Abe, and more often than not during the quantitative easing (QE) era (2003~?), Japanese equities have gone up in the fourth quarter. However, on two occasions, 2014 and 2016, they’ve slumped as we’ve moved into the new year, more than offsetting the fourth quarter gains. Given that Kuroda…

With the Japanese stock market on the up-and-up, the big question – though not necessarily one on all that many minds – is whether this is a seasonal rally, or whether this is structural. Invariably under Abe, and more often than not during the quantitative easing (QE) era (2003~?), Japanese equities have gone up in the fourth quarter. However, on two occasions, 2014 and 2016, they’ve slumped as we’ve moved into the new year, more than offsetting the fourth quarter gains. Given that Kuroda…

Japan Market Strategy - Will the Frequent January Sell-Off Ruin the Current Market Rally?

Making sense of the Global Market, Euromonitor International Ltd.

Yu Mitsuhashi

Making sense of the Global Market

Euromonitor International Ltd.

We are a global market research company focused on industries, countries, economies and consumers worldwide. Our cross-country comparable research helps your organisation identify opportunities and develop growth strategies in countries and regions across the globe. With offices around the world, 1,200 analysts in 100 countries and market research on every key trend and driver, we give you powerful access to the real story behind consumer change.

The analyst viewpoint series features interviews with analysts from several of the 46 markets covered in Euromonitor’s Consumer Finance research programme, discussing key payment trends or developments in their respective research markets.

The analyst viewpoint series features interviews with analysts from several of the 46 markets covered in Euromonitor’s Consumer Finance research programme, discussing key payment trends or developments in their respective research markets.

Analyst Viewpoint on Consumer Finance : Japan

Japan

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. provides information technology, research, consulting, and analyzing for business strategy decision-making.  The Company also provides application software for system operation services.

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Nomura Research Institute (4307 JP)

HUGE Nomura Holdings (8604 JP) Buyback

Yesterday after the close, Nomura Holdings (8604 JP) announced its Board of Directors had approved a buyback program to buy up to ¥150bn and up to...

Travis Lundy

🇯🇵 Japan • Spring Results & Revisions Flash - Early Days

EARLY DAYS - In the last seven trading days, 473 Japanese companies have reported quarterly results, 11% of the 3,830 that are currently listed. Of...

Campbell Gunn

Japan Fintech - Digital Garage (4819) Getting in On the Act

It was always likely to be just a matter of time before the three main players in the Japanese ePayment market, SBI Holdings (8473 JP), Digital...

Pelham Smithers Associates

Japan Market Strategy - Will the Frequent January Sell-Off Ruin the Current Market Rally?

With the Japanese stock market on the up-and-up, the big question – though not necessarily one on all that many minds – is whether this is a...

Pelham Smithers Associates

Analyst Viewpoint on Consumer Finance : Japan

The analyst viewpoint series features interviews with analysts from several of the 46 markets covered in Euromonitor’s Consumer Finance research...

Euromonitor International Ltd.

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