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.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl Corp (4921 JP)</a> delivered 3QFY23 results yesterday, which saw revenue and operating profit decrease by 2.5% and 5.0% YoY respectively to ¥28.3bn (consensus ¥29.8bn) and ¥3.1bn (consensus ¥3.4bn).</li>
<li>Cosmetics growth being the main reason for Fancl’s FY+2 EV/OP of 22.4x, recent trends look scary with cosmetics revenue and OP down 24% and 27% respectively from the pre-COVID level.</li>
<li>Therefore, we would look to short Fancl expecting shares to fall around 25-30% in the short term.</li>
</ul>



Fancl Corp (4921 JP) delivered 3QFY23 results yesterday, which saw revenue and operating profit decrease by 2.5% and 5.0% YoY respectively to ¥28.3bn (consensus ¥29.8bn) and ¥3.1bn (consensus ¥3.4bn).
Cosmetics growth being the main reason for Fancl’s FY+2 EV/OP of 22.4x, recent trends look scary with cosmetics revenue and OP down 24% and 27% respectively from the pre-COVID level.
Therefore, we would look to short Fancl expecting shares to fall around 25-30% in the short term.


FANCL: The Flagship FANCL Brand in Trouble

Japan Specialist

Mark Chadwick

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>OVERSEAS.  SPX Pulls Back for 2nd day as Spy Balloons dominate - mkts just stretched;  Google responds to ChatGPT with BARD; Dell cuts headcount as PC struggle continues</li>
<li>JAPAN. NKY Fut flat vs Cash; USDJPY 132.63; Govt denies BOJ-Amamiya claim(really !); Son to skip Softban earnings call; Masa Takafumi wins Grammy with Sakura!</li>
<li>DAILY NUGGET. MHI  formalizes exit from Spacejet. No surprise as it has been on ice for 2 years.   Opportunity to put a positive spin on the $7bn failure.</li>
</ul>


OVERSEAS.  SPX Pulls Back for 2nd day as Spy Balloons dominate - mkts just stretched;  Google responds to ChatGPT with BARD; Dell cuts headcount as PC struggle continues
JAPAN. NKY Fut flat vs Cash; USDJPY 132.63; Govt denies BOJ-Amamiya claim(really !); Son to skip Softban earnings call; Masa Takafumi wins Grammy with Sakura!
DAILY NUGGET. MHI  formalizes exit from Spacejet. No surprise as it has been on ice for 2 years.   Opportunity to put a positive spin on the $7bn failure.


Good Morning Japan | Spy Balloons?? SPX Holds; Google Responds with BARD; BOJ AMAMIYA Story Refuted!

<ul>
<li>OVERSEAS. Another strong post Fed Day with SPX breaks 4100 level; Slew of big tech after hours: AMZN; Google, AAPL-Mkt doesn't like; Ford, not to be left out, MISSES</li>
<li>JAPAN. NKY Futs +0.5% vs Cash; USDJPY 128.69;  Mgmt Transitions,  Sony and Z-HD make changes; Earnings:  Sony +ve;  -ve Panasonic (but special case); Murata - last of bad news ?</li>
<li>DAILY NUGGETS. Panasonic – Still deciding. Seems we have to wait a bit longer on the impact of the IRA credits.</li>
</ul>


OVERSEAS. Another strong post Fed Day with SPX breaks 4100 level; Slew of big tech after hours: AMZN; Google, AAPL-Mkt doesn't like; Ford, not to be left out, MISSES
JAPAN. NKY Futs +0.5% vs Cash; USDJPY 128.69;  Mgmt Transitions,  Sony and Z-HD make changes; Earnings:  Sony +ve;  -ve Panasonic (but special case); Murata - last of bad news ?
DAILY NUGGETS. Panasonic – Still deciding. Seems we have to wait a bit longer on the impact of the IRA credits.


Good Morning Japan | SPX Breakout but After-Hours Earnings Sap FOMO; Sony Beat; Pana-Still Deciding

<ul>
<li>Retail stocks perform well again as China relaxes restrictions on domestic travel</li>
<li>However, it could take a couple of years for international travel to return to previous levels</li>
<li>We believe that most of the catalysts for our bullish stance on this macro call have now played out</li>
</ul>


Retail stocks perform well again as China relaxes restrictions on domestic travel
However, it could take a couple of years for international travel to return to previous levels
We believe that most of the catalysts for our bullish stance on this macro call have now played out


Japan Weekly | Chinese Tourists Stay Close to Home

<ul>
<li>The indication that China is prepared to scrap its strict Zero-COVID policy has gotten <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> going again after an earnings beat in Q3 saw shares climb almost 20%.</li>
<li>Given that the shares have been range bound throughout the COVID crisis, we think Shiseido could reach near the upper limit of the COVID-range in the near-term to around ¥8,000.</li>
<li>Nevertheless, we would approach this trade with caution and only with a short time horizon as we see a lot of downside risks in the medium to long term.</li>
</ul>


The indication that China is prepared to scrap its strict Zero-COVID policy has gotten Shiseido Company (4911 JP) going again after an earnings beat in Q3 saw shares climb almost 20%.
Given that the shares have been range bound throughout the COVID crisis, we think Shiseido could reach near the upper limit of the COVID-range in the near-term to around ¥8,000.
Nevertheless, we would approach this trade with caution and only with a short time horizon as we see a lot of downside risks in the medium to long term.


Shiseido: Outperforms With Relaxation Of China’s COVID Restrictions, Long Term We Are a Bit Cautious

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)

FANCL: The Flagship FANCL Brand in Trouble

Cosmetics growth being the main reason for Fancl’s lofty FY24 EV/OP of 22.4x, recent trends look quite scary with cosmetics revenue and OP down by...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Good Morning Japan | Spy Balloons?? SPX Holds; Google Responds with BARD; BOJ AMAMIYA Story Refuted!

NKY Fut flat vs Cash; USDJPY 132.63; Govt denies BOJ-Amamiya claim(really !); Son to skip Softban earnings call; Masa Takafumi wins Grammy with...

Mark Chadwick

Good Morning Japan | SPX Breakout but After-Hours Earnings Sap FOMO; Sony Beat; Pana-Still Deciding

NKY Futs indicate +0.5% but are unlikely to be realised as the damper from earnings after hours in the US likely weighs on sentiment. Apple...

Mark Chadwick

Japan Weekly | Chinese Tourists Stay Close to Home

The Japan Weekly discusses those stocks that have performed well (or not) over the past week. This time, we look at the strong performance of...

Mark Chadwick

Shiseido: Outperforms With Relaxation Of China’s COVID Restrictions, Long Term We Are a Bit Cautious

The indication that China is prepared to scrap its strict Zero COVID policy has gotten Shiseido going again after an earnings beat in Q3 saw shares...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

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