Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

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

Our thesis on Sony and the PS5 has emphasised that their approach to next gen emphasising the SSD would address consumer pain points better than Microsoft’s strategy. New information regarding Sony’s licencing of compression technology called Oodle from RAD Game Tools suggests that even the Xbox Series X’s edge in TFLOPS could become irrelevant.

Our thesis on Sony and the PS5 has emphasised that their approach to next gen emphasising the SSD would address consumer pain points better than Microsoft’s strategy. New information regarding Sony’s licencing of compression technology called Oodle from RAD Game Tools suggests that even the Xbox Series X’s edge in TFLOPS could become irrelevant.

Sony – PS5’s SSD Is “Oodles” Faster and This Makes Series X’s Graphics Edge Irrelevant

Pan-Asia Index Flows & Special Situations, Quiddity Advisors

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Pan-Asia Index Flows & Special Situations

Quiddity Advisors

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sre-holdings-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29672:1" rel="noopener">SRE Holdings Corp (2980 JP)</a> announced (<a href="https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/2980/tdnet/1884363/00.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J-only</a>) today after market close, they have applied to move from the Mothers Section to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This company was formerly known as Sony Real Estate Corporation and was a consolidated subsidiary of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sony-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:563:1" rel="noopener">Sony Corp (6758 JP)</a>. The stock has been listed since December 2019 in the Mothers Section and at present, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sony-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:563:1" rel="noopener">Sony Corp (6758 JP)</a> and <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> hold <a href="https://www2.tse.or.jp/disc/29800/140120200731471730.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">42.8% and 24.3%</a> respectively.If the company qualifies for a TSE1 move that will trigger an Inclusion into the TOPIX Index. In this insight, we take a look at the indicative timeline of events and the trading opportunities between now and the potential Inclusion date.

SRE Holdings Corp (2980 JP) announced (J-only) today after market close, they have applied to move from the Mothers Section to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This company was formerly known as Sony Real Estate Corporation and was a consolidated subsidiary of Sony Corp (6758 JP). The stock has been listed since December 2019 in the Mothers Section and at present, Sony Corp (6758 JP) and Z Holdings (4689 JP) hold 42.8% and 24.3% respectively.If the company qualifies for a TSE1 move that will trigger an Inclusion into the TOPIX Index. In this insight, we take a look at the indicative timeline of events and the trading opportunities between now and the potential Inclusion date. 

TOPIX Inclusion Pre-Event Trade (2980 JP): SRE Holdings

Microsoft surprised pretty much everyone with a purchase of ZeniMax studios just a day prior to the start of pre-orders for its next gen Xbox. ZeniMax was reportedly purchased for $7.5bn after Microsoft’s bid for TikTok failed and raises both the quantity and quality of Xbox’s first party games. We examine the implications below.

Microsoft surprised pretty much everyone with a purchase of ZeniMax studios just a day prior to the start of pre-orders for its next gen Xbox. ZeniMax was reportedly purchased for $7.5bn after Microsoft’s bid for TikTok failed and raises both the quantity and quality of Xbox’s first party games. We examine the implications below.

Sony – How Much Does Microsoft’s ZeniMax Purchase Change the Console Outlook?

Julie Lee

August video game industry sales was solid, up 37% yoy, after having modest slowdown in June and July. 
Recent correction on video game companies such as Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sony-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:563:1" rel="noopener">Sony Corp (6758 JP)</a> may offer buying opportunities given continued positive industry growth, new releases of PS5 and Xbox X/S, and potential price hike of games. Valuation of video game companies are relatively attractive compared to other major global tech companies despite solid long term growth prospect and strong cash flow. 
We will provide further analysis on potential positive impacts of PS5 on Sony, which is currently underestimated by the street.

August video game industry sales was solid, up 37% yoy, after having modest slowdown in June and July. 
Recent correction on video game companies such as Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Sony Corp (6758 JP) may offer buying opportunities given continued positive industry growth, new releases of PS5 and Xbox X/S, and potential price hike of games. Valuation of video game companies are relatively attractive compared to other major global tech companies despite solid long term growth prospect and strong cash flow. 
We will provide further analysis on potential positive impacts of PS5 on Sony, which is currently underestimated by the street. 

Accelerating Video Game Sales Growth in August and Strong Pre-Sale Interest for PS5

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist, Objective Analysis

Jim Handy

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist

Objective Analysis

Objective Analysis offers third-party independent market research and data for the semiconductor industry and investors in the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

The Semiconductor Industry Association's monthly statistics update, covering July's semiconductor sales, show revenues that continue to follow the growth trend of the past 25 years.  This Smartkarma Insight uses graphics to show that the market is still in good health despite 2020's challenging circumstances.

The Semiconductor Industry Association's monthly statistics update, covering July's semiconductor sales, show revenues that continue to follow the growth trend of the past 25 years.  This Smartkarma Insight uses graphics to show that the market is still in good health despite 2020's challenging circumstances.

Japan

Sony Corporation manufactures audio, home video game consoles, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets.  The Company's other businesses include music, pictures, computer entertainment, and online businesses.

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

Sony Corp (6758 JP)

Sony – PS5’s SSD Is “Oodles” Faster and This Makes Series X’s Graphics Edge Irrelevant

Our thesis on Sony and the PS5 has emphasised that their approach to next gen emphasising the SSD would address consumer pain points better than...

Mio Kato

TOPIX Inclusion Pre-Event Trade (2980 JP): SRE Holdings

$2980

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Sony – How Much Does Microsoft’s ZeniMax Purchase Change the Console Outlook?

Microsoft surprised pretty much everyone with a purchase of ZeniMax studios just a day prior to the start of pre-orders for its next gen Xbox....

Mio Kato

Accelerating Video Game Sales Growth in August and Strong Pre-Sale Interest for PS5

August video game sales was so

Julie Lee

SIA July Stats Still Show Strength

The Semiconductor Industry Association's

Jim Handy

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)