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. 

Event-Driven

<p>Walmart’s 18-year attempt to build a business in Japan ended last month when the US retailer announced it would sell 85% of its stake in Seiyu to KKR and Rakuten.</p><p>Seiyu has been transformed under Walmart’s leadership although it is much smaller than when Walmart arrived.</p><p>Now, with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kkr-co-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27333:1" rel="noopener">KKR &amp; Co Inc (KKR US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/rakuten-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1" rel="noopener">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)</a> taking over, the hope is Seiyu could re-emerge as a leader in food e-commerce under Rakuten.</p><p><strong>The Seiyu chain could transform Rakuten’s logistics capability, allowing it to offer a comprehensive click &amp; collect service as well as use redundant store space for dark store fulfilment.</strong></p><p>What the new partners cannot afford to do is dither. Japan may well have room for more than one major online food retailer but just a couple of leaders will command the lion’s share.  </p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/amazon-com-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:409:1" rel="noopener">Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US)</a>’s partnership with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/life-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1743:1" rel="noopener">Life Corp (8194 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/z-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19603:1" rel="noopener">Z Holdings (4689 JP)</a>’s Lohaco, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/oisix-ra-daichi-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10145:1" rel="noopener">Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP)</a>, and, at some point, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/aeon-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3:1" rel="noopener">Aeon Co Ltd (8267 JP)/</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ocado-group-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22067:1" rel="noopener">Ocado Group PLC (OCDO LN)</a> are the ones to beat.</p><p>Already the deal is causing a significant upset in supermarket and GMS retailing.</p>

Walmart’s 18-year attempt to build a business in Japan ended last month when the US retailer announced it would sell 85% of its stake in Seiyu to KKR and Rakuten.Seiyu has been transformed under Walmart’s leadership although it is much smaller than when Walmart arrived.Now, with KKR &amp; Co Inc (KKR US) and Rakuten Inc (4755 JP) taking over, the hope is Seiyu could re-emerge as a leader in food e-commerce under Rakuten.The Seiyu chain could transform Rakuten’s logistics capability, allowing it to offer a comprehensive click &amp; collect service as well as use redundant store space for dark store fulfilment.What the new partners cannot afford to do is dither. Japan may well have room for more than one major online food retailer but just a couple of leaders will command the lion’s share.  Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US)’s partnership with Life Corp (8194 JP), Z Holdings (4689 JP)’s Lohaco, Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP), and, at some point, Aeon Co Ltd (8267 JP)/Ocado Group PLC (OCDO LN) are the ones to beat.Already the deal is causing a significant upset in supermarket and GMS retailing.

KKR & Rakuten Ignite Online Food Battle with Seiyu Purchase

Equity Bottom-Up

<p>Seven &amp; I had a dismal first half at almost all of its chains. On the plus side, e-commerce sales improved but, even here, results could have been better when compared to what some rivals have achieved online. At least Nissen, the acquired catalogue company, finally returned to profit.</p>

Seven &amp; I had a dismal first half at almost all of its chains. On the plus side, e-commerce sales improved but, even here, results could have been better when compared to what some rivals have achieved online. At least Nissen, the acquired catalogue company, finally returned to profit.

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/oisix-ra-daichi-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10145:1" rel="noopener">Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP)</a> has managed to grow rapidly during the pandemic and make a much improved profit at the same time. The business remains small compared to supermarkets, but has a unique position as the only pureplay retailer for fresh foods. This has attracted new partners, the latest of which are Ootoya and Ebay's Qoo10.</p>
<p>Given current momentum to buy food online, even if competitors are also expanding, Oisix has now updated its forecasts, expecting sales to hit ¥90 billion, a 15.4% increase with operating profit coming in at ¥5 billion.</p>

Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP) has managed to grow rapidly during the pandemic and make a much improved profit at the same time. The business remains small compared to supermarkets, but has a unique position as the only pureplay retailer for fresh foods. This has attracted new partners, the latest of which are Ootoya and Ebay's Qoo10.
Given current momentum to buy food online, even if competitors are also expanding, Oisix has now updated its forecasts, expecting sales to hit ¥90 billion, a 15.4% increase with operating profit coming in at ¥5 billion.

Oisix Thrives in Crisis, Ties with Ootoya

'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.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>• BEST &amp; WORST •</strong></p></div><div>
<p>Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/oisix-ra-daichi-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10145:1" rel="noopener">Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nikkiso-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6272:1" rel="noopener">Nikkiso (6376 JP).</a></p>
<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/166/825/original/2020-10-23_06-19-12.png?1603401664" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="166825"></figure></section><section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/166/826/original/2020-10-23_06-20-11.png?1603401680" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="166826"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics</div></section><hr>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>DAILY STATS</strong></p>
</div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8 Quarterly Results</strong></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p><strong>Results Score:</strong> 38% Positive / 0% Neutral / 63% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Results Score Change:</strong> -3.0 points</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average % Change in Revenue:</strong> -5.3% Quarter YoY / -1.4% Rolling TTM YoY </p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Operating Profit Margin Change:</strong> -2.3ppt</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Percentage Making Quarterly Losses:</strong> 25%</p></li>
</ul></div><hr><div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16 Annual • 15 Interim Forecasts/Revisions</strong></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><p><strong>Annual Forecast/Revision Score:</strong> 31% Positive / 6% Neutral / 63% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> 53% Positive / 7% Neutral / 40% Negative</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Average Forecast/Revision Score Change:</strong> -0.7 points</p></li>
</ul></div>

• BEST &amp; WORST •
Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP) and Nikkiso (6376 JP).
Source for all charts &amp; tables: Japan Analytics
DAILY STATS
8 Quarterly Results
Results Score: 38% Positive / 0% Neutral / 63% Negative
Average Results Score Change: -3.0 points
Average % Change in Revenue: -5.3% Quarter YoY / -1.4% Rolling TTM YoY 
Average Operating Profit Margin Change: -2.3ppt
Percentage Making Quarterly Losses: 25%
16 Annual • 15 Interim Forecasts/Revisions
Annual Forecast/Revision Score: 31% Positive / 6% Neutral / 63% Negative
Interim Forecast/Revision Score Change: 53% Positive / 7% Neutral / 40% Negative
Average Forecast/Revision Score Change: -0.7 points


🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​22 -Chugai, Disco, Benefit One [& Pasona], Oisix

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

Travis Lundy

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<p>Yesterday after the close, as the Tender Offer for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ootoya-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7329:1" rel="noopener">OOTOYA Holdings (2705 JP)</a> (<a href="https://www.ootoya.jp/common/pdf/corporate_profile.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corporate profile in English</a>) was drawing to a close (and as it had already gone ex-), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/colowide-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13967:1" rel="noopener">Colowide Co Ltd (7616 JP)</a> announced amendments to terms which both extended the Tender Offer from its close yesterday to 8 September, and more importantly, lowered the minimum number of shares required for success to 1.51mm shares from 1.872mm shares prior. </p><p>The extension itself would have been an indication that they weren't going to get the shares they wanted at first crack. The fact that the minimum has been lowered is a reason to understand that they think it will be difficult to get there in any case. </p><p>The change in the minimum a reduction of 19% of that number and sets their minimum target shareholding to exactly 40.00% rather than 45.00%. </p><p>This makes it slightly more difficult to "control" Ootoya if they get to the minimum but no more, but if necessary to get anywhere near a chunky non-majority piece, the fact that they felt they needed to lower it tells you about the loyalty of existing shareholders. </p><p>Ootoya shares responded by climbing 9.4% today to ¥2,954 apiece. As I <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/colowide-partial-tender-for-ootoya-is-a-sell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on 12 July when the shares traded ¥3,050-3,115, those who had shares should sell. Those who could borrow should short. It wasn't worth waiting for the Tender Offer. </p><p>It is not clear why that advice does not still stand, but below I go through the numbers.</p>

Yesterday after the close, as the Tender Offer for OOTOYA Holdings (2705 JP) (corporate profile in English) was drawing to a close (and as it had already gone ex-), Colowide Co Ltd (7616 JP) announced amendments to terms which both extended the Tender Offer from its close yesterday to 8 September, and more importantly, lowered the minimum number of shares required for success to 1.51mm shares from 1.872mm shares prior. The extension itself would have been an indication that they weren't going to get the shares they wanted at first crack. The fact that the minimum has been lowered is a reason to understand that they think it will be difficult to get there in any case. The change in the minimum a reduction of 19% of that number and sets their minimum target shareholding to exactly 40.00% rather than 45.00%. This makes it slightly more difficult to "control" Ootoya if they get to the minimum but no more, but if necessary to get anywhere near a chunky non-majority piece, the fact that they felt they needed to lower it tells you about the loyalty of existing shareholders. Ootoya shares responded by climbing 9.4% today to ¥2,954 apiece. As I said on 12 July when the shares traded ¥3,050-3,115, those who had shares should sell. Those who could borrow should short. It wasn't worth waiting for the Tender Offer. It is not clear why that advice does not still stand, but below I go through the numbers.

Ootoya Tender Offer - Still Tough, Still a Sell

Japan

Oisix ra daichi Inc. sells various food products online. Among other products, the company sells vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, milk, and ready-made food.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP)

KKR & Rakuten Ignite Online Food Battle with Seiyu Purchase

E-commerce has less than 3% share of Japanese food retailing. This will change dramatically in the next 3 years, led by Amazon but also by Rakuten...

Michael Causton

Seven & I: Still Floundering

Seven & I has tried and failed to gain a foothold in digital markets but looks to be retreating from online food just at a time when competitors...

Michael Causton

Oisix Thrives in Crisis, Ties with Ootoya

Oisix Ra Daichi is a quality brand in a nascent market: online food retailing where e-commerce has less than 3% share. It is a huge prize and...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/22 -Chugai, Disco, Benefit One [& Pasona], Oisix

Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP) and Nikkiso (6376 JP).____________

Campbell Gunn

Ootoya Tender Offer - Still Tough, Still a Sell

Yesterday after the close, as the Tender Offer for OOTOYA Holdings (2705 JP) (corporate profile in English) was drawing to a close (and as it had...

Travis Lundy

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

KKR & Rakuten Ignite Online Food Battle with Seiyu Purchase

E-commerce has less than 3% share of Japanese food retailing. This will change dramatically in the next 3 years, led by Amazon but also by Rakuten...

Michael Causton

Seven & I: Still Floundering

Seven & I has tried and failed to gain a foothold in digital markets but looks to be retreating from online food just at a time when competitors...

Michael Causton

Oisix Thrives in Crisis, Ties with Ootoya

Oisix Ra Daichi is a quality brand in a nascent market: online food retailing where e-commerce has less than 3% share. It is a huge prize and...

Michael Causton

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​22 -Chugai, Disco, Benefit One [& Pasona], Oisix

Our best and worst pairing from yesterday's announcements is Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP) and Nikkiso (6376 JP).____________

Campbell Gunn

Ootoya Tender Offer - Still Tough, Still a Sell

Yesterday after the close, as the Tender Offer for OOTOYA Holdings (2705 JP) (corporate profile in English) was drawing to a close (and as it had...

Travis Lundy

🇯🇵 JAPAN • Results & Revisions 10/22 -Chugai, Disco, Benefit One [& Pasona], Oisix