Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Following up on our earlier cross-shareholding work, in this note we look to summarize our work so far by looking at where most of the selling will likely come.</li>
<li>Of the seven companies that we have looked at so far, collectively they have around US$102bn worth of shares to sell in 118 companies. </li>
<li>Of these, they have a combined stake of over US$1bn in 23 companies.</li>
</ul>


Following up on our earlier cross-shareholding work, in this note we look to summarize our work so far by looking at where most of the selling will likely come.
Of the seven companies that we have looked at so far, collectively they have around US$102bn worth of shares to sell in 118 companies. 
Of these, they have a combined stake of over US$1bn in 23 companies.


Japan Cross-Shareholding - Summary Matrix - Over US$100bn of Selling in 118 Companies

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Equity Analyst

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.

<ul>
<li>Sogo &amp; Seibu’s labor union threatens strike if job protection talks stall. This emphasizes the number of considerations <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/seven-i-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1041:1" rel="noopener">Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP)</a> had to consider during changes.</li>
<li>Had ValueAct shown more patience, they might have worked with Seven &amp; I to improve the struggling Eto Yokado supermarkets business.</li>
<li>Thus, ValueAct's investor activism campaign seem unlikely to achieve a full restructuring of underperforming businesses at Seven &amp; I.</li>
</ul>


Sogo &amp; Seibu’s labor union threatens strike if job protection talks stall. This emphasizes the number of considerations Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP) had to consider during changes.
Had ValueAct shown more patience, they might have worked with Seven &amp; I to improve the struggling Eto Yokado supermarkets business.
Thus, ValueAct's investor activism campaign seem unlikely to achieve a full restructuring of underperforming businesses at Seven &amp; I.


Seven & I: An Update on Investor Activism

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Inflation, having peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, has been on a downward trend throughout the year, with figures dropping to 2.8% in November and further to 2.6% by December.</li>
<li>In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yakult-honsha-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17153:1" rel="noopener">Yakult Honsha (2267 JP)</a>, Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.</li>
<li>While <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nissin-foods-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12548:1" rel="noopener">Nissin Foods Holdings (2897 JP)</a> showcased excellent performance, Yakult and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/seven-i-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1041:1" rel="noopener">Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP)</a> faced struggles in their recent quarters.</li>
</ul>


Inflation, having peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, has been on a downward trend throughout the year, with figures dropping to 2.8% in November and further to 2.6% by December.
In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of Yakult Honsha (2267 JP), Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.
While Nissin Foods Holdings (2897 JP) showcased excellent performance, Yakult and Seven &amp; I Holdings (3382 JP) faced struggles in their recent quarters.


Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

<ul>
<li>Japanese inflation, which peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, gradually decreased to 3.5%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.3%, and 3.2% in the subsequent months of 2023.</li>
<li>Inflation rates remained stable for most items, excluding Fuel, Electricity, Water, and fresh vegetables, indicating the persistence of cost-push inflation.</li>
<li>In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of Yakult, Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.</li>
</ul>


Japanese inflation, which peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, gradually decreased to 3.5%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.3%, and 3.2% in the subsequent months of 2023.
Inflation rates remained stable for most items, excluding Fuel, Electricity, Water, and fresh vegetables, indicating the persistence of cost-push inflation.
In this insight, we analyze the recent quarterly performance of Yakult, Nissin, and Seven &amp; I, Japanese Consumer Staples companies discussed in our prior Smartkarma Original.


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>Results for FY2022-23 provide a snapshot of winners and losers in Japan's retail sector.</li>
<li>The data shows a big improvement in performance for retailers with sales of ¥250 billion or more and the outlook is positive for most, particularly for profits.</li>
<li>This also means that market concentration is intensifying, particularly in sectors like drugstores but also now in supermarkets. We highlight the winners in each sector.</li>
</ul>


Results for FY2022-23 provide a snapshot of winners and losers in Japan's retail sector.
The data shows a big improvement in performance for retailers with sales of ¥250 billion or more and the outlook is positive for most, particularly for profits.
This also means that market concentration is intensifying, particularly in sectors like drugstores but also now in supermarkets. We highlight the winners in each sector.


Japan

AEON CO., LTD. operates general merchandise stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout Japan. The Company is also engaged in women's and casual clothing store business, development business of commercial property, and financing service through the subsidiaries.

LAWSON, INC. operates a chain of convenience stores in Japan. The Company sells a variety of products including fast food, beverages, snacks, magazines, newspapers, and sundry goods.

KOBE BUSSAN CO., LTD. is a supermarket franchise store operator which mainly deals in foods stuffs.  The Company also has direct-run stores.

COSMOS Pharmaceutical Corporation operates drug stores based in Kyushu. The Company sells daily necessities such as drug medicines, foodstuffs, and alcoholic beverages.

SUGI HOLDINGS CO., LTD. operates a chain of drug stores located mainly in Aichi Prefecture.  The Company sells prescription and nonprescription medicine, cosmetics, health foods, and general merchandise.

TSURUHA HOLDINGS INC. is a holding company which manages subsidiaries that operate drug stores in Hokkaido and the Tohoku area.  The Company's product line includes drugs, cosmetics, and household utensils.

SUNDRUG CO., LTD. operates an outlet drug store chain primarily in the Tokyo area.  The Company sells mainly medicines, cosmetics, baby care products, and household utensils.  Sundrug supplies merchandise to franchise stores.  The Company also operates a real estate business.

WELCIA HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. is a holding company established through a merger of Welcia Kanto and Takada Pharmacy.  The Group mainly operates drug chain stores which sell medicines, health foods, cosmetics, nursery items and daily necessity goods.

Yaoko Co., Ltd. operates local supermarkets in the Saitama Prefecture. The Company handles fresh food products, daily-use sundry products, and other various goods in local area.

Kusuri no Aoki Holdings Co., Ltd. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides medicines, cosmetics, health foods, beauty care, and household products. Kusuri no Aoki Holdings serves customers in Japan.

Woolworths Limited operates supermarkets, specialty and discount department stores, liquor and electronics stores throughout Australia.  Woolworths also manufactures processed foods, exports and wholesales food and offers petrol retailing.  The Company also operates hotels which includes pubs, food, accommodation, and gaming operations.

CP ALL PCL operates convenience store chains in Thailand and China.  The Company also owns and operates the a department store chain located primarily in Shanghai city and Chonqing city of China.

Sysco Corporation distributes food and related products primarily to the foodservice industry.  The Company also distributes personal care guest amenities, housekeeping supplies, room accessories, and textiles to the lodging industry.

The Kroger Co. operates supermarkets and convenience stores in the United States.  The Company also manufactures and processes some of the foods that its supermarkets sell.

George Weston Limited operates as a super market. The Company processes and distributes food and pharmacy products to grocer wholesalers, warehouses, and independent accounts, as well as provides real estate services. George Weston serves customers in Canada.

Loblaw Companies Limited is a retail and wholesale food distributor with operations across Canada.  The Company's operations include both company and franchisee operated stores, warehouses, and cash and carry outlets.

Coles Group Limited owns and operates a chain of supermarkets and department stores. The Company offers apparels, liquor, office supplies, groceries, and household products. Coles Group serves customers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Tesco PLC, through its subsidiaries, operates as a food retailer. The Company offers online retailing, brick and mortar supermarkets, and a private-label brand of products. Tesco provides its services primarily throughout Europe, with additional activities in Asia.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., operates retail drugstores that offer a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as general goods. Walgreens' also offers health services, including primary and acute care, wellness, pharmacy and disease management services and health and fitness.

CP Axtra Public Company Limited operates a retail discount store chain. The Company sells food and consumer products to its registered customers including wholesalers, retailers, small businesses, caterers, and private individuals who hold its member cards. CP Axtra serves customers in Thailand.

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. is a holding company which was established through the merger of Ito-Yokado Co., Seven Eleven Japan Co., and Denny's Japan. The Company plans, manages, and operates mainly convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores.

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Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP)

Japan Cross-Shareholding - Summary Matrix - Over US$100bn of Selling in 118 Companies

In this note we summarize our work by looking at where most of the selling will likely come. Of the companies that we have looked, collectively...

Sumeet Singh

Seven & I: An Update on Investor Activism

Sogo & Seibu's labor union threatens strike if job protection talks stall, highlighting considerations for Seven & I Holdings during changes.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Inflation in Japan has been on a decline over the year, reaching 2.6% in December 2023 after peaking at 4.3% twelve months prior.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Japanese inflation peaked at 4.3% in January 2023 but decreased to 3.5%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.3%, and 3.2% in the following months. For most items except...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan's Best Performing Retailers

There were strong improvements in both sales and profits for leading retailers last year and the following insight looks at the main winners and...

Michael Causton

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Japan Cross-Shareholding - Summary Matrix - Over US$100bn of Selling in 118 Companies

In this note we summarize our work by looking at where most of the selling will likely come. Of the companies that we have looked, collectively...

Sumeet Singh

Seven & I: An Update on Investor Activism

​Sogo & Seibu's labor union threatens strike if job protection talks stall, highlighting considerations for Seven & I Holdings during changes.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Inflation in Japan has been on a decline over the year, reaching 2.6% in December 2023 after peaking at 4.3% twelve months prior.

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan Consumer Staples Update: Inflation Looks a Blessing in Disguise for Those with Pricing Power

Japanese inflation peaked at 4.3% in January 2023 but decreased to 3.5%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.3%, and 3.2% in the following months. For most items except...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japan's Best Performing Retailers

There were strong improvements in both sales and profits for leading retailers last year and the following insight looks at the main winners and...

Michael Causton

Sogo & Seibu's labor union threatens strike if job protection talks stall, highlighting considerations for Seven & I Holdings during changes.