Analyst

Steve Zhou, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Today, according to public news, Kirin Holdings will launch a tender offer for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl Corp (4921 JP)</a> at a likely 30% premium. </li>
<li>The beauty industry is historically ripe with M&amp;A deals.  It is not hard to see why, as the global beauty sector trades at a hefty valuation multiple. </li>
<li>In this insight, we brainstorm for potential buyers of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a> and analyze the viability of such. </li>
</ul>


Today, according to public news, Kirin Holdings will launch a tender offer for Fancl Corp (4921 JP) at a likely 30% premium. 
The beauty industry is historically ripe with M&amp;A deals.  It is not hard to see why, as the global beauty sector trades at a hefty valuation multiple. 
In this insight, we brainstorm for potential buyers of Shiseido Company (4911 JP) and analyze the viability of such. 


Shiseido (4911 JP):  Brainstorming For Potential Buyers

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a> reported 1Q24 results last Friday.  Core operating profit declined less than expected at -10% yoy, and exceeded the management's target. </li>
<li>The beat was driven by robust growth in Japan, Americas, and EMEA, while China steadily recovered.  Overall sales growth was 4% yoy in the quarter. </li>
<li>As a reminder, the investment thesis for Shiseido is twofold:  a recovering China mainly due to one-off concerns (nuclear wastewater), and a margin recovery story in Japan. </li>
</ul>



Shiseido Company (4911 JP) reported 1Q24 results last Friday.  Core operating profit declined less than expected at -10% yoy, and exceeded the management's target. 
The beat was driven by robust growth in Japan, Americas, and EMEA, while China steadily recovered.  Overall sales growth was 4% yoy in the quarter. 
As a reminder, the investment thesis for Shiseido is twofold:  a recovering China mainly due to one-off concerns (nuclear wastewater), and a margin recovery story in Japan. 


Shiseido (4911 JP):  1Q24 Results Beat; Recovery On Track

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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kirin-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16977:1" rel="noopener">Kirin Holdings (2503 JP)</a>’s JPY8,620 offer for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl Corp (4921 JP)</a> closes on 29 July. The shares have traded above terms for 25 out of the 26 trading days.</li>
<li>MY.Alpha Management has amassed 10.3 million shares (8.51% ownership ratio) with several purchases above terms. MY.Alpha could catalyse other shareholders to rally against a light offer. </li>
<li>The emergence of MY.Alpha, the high volume above terms, peers re-rating, the required minority acceptance rate, and an offer unattractive to historical trading ranges increase the probability of a bump. </li>
</ul>



Kirin Holdings (2503 JP)’s JPY8,620 offer for Fancl Corp (4921 JP) closes on 29 July. The shares have traded above terms for 25 out of the 26 trading days.
MY.Alpha Management has amassed 10.3 million shares (8.51% ownership ratio) with several purchases above terms. MY.Alpha could catalyse other shareholders to rally against a light offer. 
The emergence of MY.Alpha, the high volume above terms, peers re-rating, the required minority acceptance rate, and an offer unattractive to historical trading ranges increase the probability of a bump. 


Fancl (4921 JP): Evaluating the Potential of Kirin (2503 JP) Offer Bump

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a> reported 4Q23 results last week.  Overall, operating profit of Y40bn in FY23 was Y5bn higher than previous company guidance of Y35bn.</li>
<li>However, Shiseido's China business weakened materially in 4Q23, and 2024/25 guidance seems a bit light. </li>
<li>I believe FY24 should not be used as a base for valuation because the nuclear wastewater impact is likely to linger a while longer during FY24. </li>
</ul>



Shiseido Company (4911 JP) reported 4Q23 results last week.  Overall, operating profit of Y40bn in FY23 was Y5bn higher than previous company guidance of Y35bn.
However, Shiseido's China business weakened materially in 4Q23, and 2024/25 guidance seems a bit light. 
I believe FY24 should not be used as a base for valuation because the nuclear wastewater impact is likely to linger a while longer during FY24. 


Shiseido (4911 JP):  Japan On Track While China Was Weak

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shiseido-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5718:1" rel="noopener">Shiseido Company (4911 JP)</a> relies heavily on Japan and China, each making up over one quarter of sales. </li>
<li>The long thesis is simple - I expect improvement in both regions in the near future, and the valuation is very attractive.</li>
<li>Blackstone just announced a potential bid for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a>, which I have written extensively about.  We could potentially see a pickup in interest in the sector.</li>
</ul>



Shiseido Company (4911 JP) relies heavily on Japan and China, each making up over one quarter of sales. 
The long thesis is simple - I expect improvement in both regions in the near future, and the valuation is very attractive.
Blackstone just announced a potential bid for L'Occitane (973 HK), which I have written extensively about.  We could potentially see a pickup in interest in the sector.


Shiseido (4911 JP):  This Fallen Angel Is Fixable

Japan

Shiseido Company, Limited manufactures cosmetics. The Company develops, produces, and distributes toners, masks, face creams, sun creams, and more. Shiseido also conducts beauty drinks, beauty salons, and other businesses.

Kao Corporation is a manufacturer of household and chemical products. The company produces cosmetics, laundry and cleaning products, hygiene products, fatty chemicals, edible oils, and specialty chemicals.

KOSE Corporation manufactures, retails, and exports cosmetics including make up, skin care, and hair care products.  The Company sells its products in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Kao Corporation is a manufacturer of household and chemical products. The Company produces cosmetics, laundry and cleaning products, hygiene, fatty chemicals, edible oils, and specialty chemicals.

POLA ORBIS HOLDINGS INC. develops, manufactures and markets cosmetic products, centering in skincare  products. Under its multi-brand strategy, the Company holds nine cosmetic brands including POLA, prestige skincare brand, ORBIS, oil-free skincare brand, H2O PLUS and Jurlique.

KOBAYASHI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. manufactures and wholesales pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.  The Company also develops and manufactures fragrances, deodorant, sanitary products, and ointment for stiff shoulders, as well as exports to Southeast Asia and the US.

FANCL CORPORATION produces and sells additive-free skin care cosmetics for both women and men.  The Company's products include cleansing creams, hair care goods such as shampoos and conditioners, and facial make up products.  Fancl also makes and distributes dietary supplements including royal jelly and various tablets with extracted essence from mushrooms, garlic, ginseng, and soy beans.

Rizap Group Inc provides low calorie foods including soy milk cookies, diet drinks, and supplements.  The Company sells its products through mail order.

Noevir Holdings Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells a variety of cosmetic products. The Company's products include skin care and make-up.  Noevir also manufactures and sells medicines, nutritional supplements and apparel.

Milbon Co., Ltd. manufactures hair care products for beauty salons.  The Company produces chemicals for permanents, hair coloring, shampoos, rinses, and hair growth stimulant products.

Dabur India Ltd. manufactures soaps, detergents, hair oils, tooth powders, antacids and processed foods. The Company sells its products worldwide.

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. manufactures consumer products in the oral care and body care area. The Company's products include soaps, cosmetics, toilet preparations, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving brushes, and glycerin.

Coty Inc. manufactures and distributes beauty products. The Company offers fragrances, color cosmetics, hygiene, sun care, and skin treatment products. Coty supplies its products to department stores, specialty retailers, mass-market retailers, and duty free shops in airports worldwide.

Marico Limited manufactures consumer products and services in the beauty and wellness space. The Company is known for its presence in the following categories: Coconut Oil, Hair Oils, Anti-lice Treatment, Premium Refined Edible Oils and Fabric Care. Marico Limited is present in the Skin Care Services segment through Kaya Skin Clinics.

Amorepacific Corporation develops, manufactures, and exports skin care, make-up, and fragrance products. The Company also produces and markets personal care and health-related products, such as shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, and health teas.

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. operates as a cosmetic company. The Company offers beauty products for eyes, lips, and face. e.l.f. Beauty provides eyeliners, lipsticks, lip care and brushes, powder, and skin care products.

Godrej Consumer Products Limited manufactures personal care, hair care, household care and fabric care products. The Company's products include toilet soaps, cosmetics, shaving creams, talcum powder, household cleaners and fabric detergents.

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Healthcare Limited manufactures personal & beauty care and healthcare products. The Company's products include menthol, dementholised peppermint oil, cosmetics, personal care products, toilet preparations, soaps and detergents.

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Healthcare (PG IN)

Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd. operates as a cosmetics products manufacturing company. The Company researches and markets skin care products, make up, body wash, and other related products. Proya Cosmetics markets its products throughout China.

Hengan International Group Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells personal hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and disposable baby diapers in China.  The Company's products are sold under the Anerle brand name.

Shiseido Company, Limited manufactures cosmetic and toiletry products. The Company offers an array of makeup and skin-care products, toiletries, beauty salon, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and fine chemicals.

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Shiseido Company (4911 JP)

Shiseido (4911 JP): Brainstorming For Potential Buyers

Today, according to public news, Kirin Holdings will launch a tender offer for Fancl Corp (4921 JP) at a likely 30% premium. In this insight, we...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Shiseido (4911 JP): 1Q24 Results Beat; Recovery On Track

Shiseido is up 5.3% today vs. Nikkei 225 down 1.2%. The reason is probably due to a broker upgrade. I believe a lot of further upside remains. ...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Fancl (4921 JP): Evaluating the Potential of Kirin (2503 JP) Offer Bump

The shares have consistently traded above terms and the emergence of MY.Alpha’s stake adds to the mounting reasons for a bump. A revised offer...

Arun George

Shiseido (4911 JP): Japan On Track While China Was Weak

Shiseido Company reported higher operating profit in FY23 than expected, but China business weakened in 4Q23 and 2024/25 guidance is cautious due...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Shiseido (4911 JP): This Fallen Angel Is Fixable

Shiseido heavily relies on Japan and China for sales, and with expected improvements in these regions, the company's attractive valuation makes it...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Shiseido (4911 JP): Brainstorming For Potential Buyers

Today, according to public news, Kirin Holdings will launch a tender offer for Fancl Corp (4921 JP) at a likely 30% premium. In this insight, we...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Shiseido (4911 JP): 1Q24 Results Beat; Recovery On Track

Shiseido is up 5.3% today vs. Nikkei 225 down 1.2%. The reason is probably due to a broker upgrade. I believe a lot of further upside remains. ...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Fancl (4921 JP): Evaluating the Potential of Kirin (2503 JP) Offer Bump

The shares have consistently traded above terms and the emergence of MY.Alpha’s stake adds to the mounting reasons for a bump. A revised offer...

Arun George

Shiseido (4911 JP): Japan On Track While China Was Weak

​Shiseido Company reported higher operating profit in FY23 than expected, but China business weakened in 4Q23 and 2024/25 guidance is cautious due...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Shiseido (4911 JP): This Fallen Angel Is Fixable

​Shiseido heavily relies on Japan and China for sales, and with expected improvements in these regions, the company's attractive valuation makes it...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Shiseido Company reported higher operating profit in FY23 than expected, but China business weakened in 4Q23 and 2024/25 guidance is cautious due...

Shiseido heavily relies on Japan and China for sales, and with expected improvements in these regions, the company's attractive valuation makes it...