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

Suzuki reported 4QFY21 results on Friday which saw revenues increase YoY by 4% and operating profits hit ¥64bn (+43% YoY) implying an OPM of 7.1%. The reported results were 6.8%% and 18.6% higher than consensus revenue and OP respectively.Despite better performance in 3QFY21, the company conservatively stuck with its previous guidance for FY21. Therefore, Suzuki is implying revenue of ¥824bn and OP of ¥21bn implying an OPM of just 2.6% in 4QFY21.<table class="table table-striped"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">In ¥bn</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">Revenue </td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">OP</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">OPM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Actual Results - 3QFY21</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">905</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">64</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">5.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Consensus - 3QFY21</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">847</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">54</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">6.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Surprise</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">6.8%</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">18.6%</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">-1.2% points</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Guidance</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">3,000</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">160</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">5.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Consensus</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">2,980</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">173</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Difference</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">0.7%</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">-7.7%</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">-0.5% points</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Implied Guidance- 4QFY21</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">824</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">21</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">2.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Consensus - 4QFY21</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">906</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">56</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">6.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 44.28%;">Difference</td>
<td style="width: 15.48%;">-9.0%</td>
<td style="width: 22.88%;">-62.1%</td>
<td style="width: 17.36%;">-3.6% points</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;" class="content-caption">Source: Company disclosures</div>

Suzuki reported 4QFY21 results on Friday which saw revenues increase YoY by 4% and operating profits hit ¥64bn (+43% YoY) implying an OPM of 7.1%. The reported results were 6.8%% and 18.6% higher than consensus revenue and OP respectively.Despite better performance in 3QFY21, the company conservatively stuck with its previous guidance for FY21. Therefore, Suzuki is implying revenue of ¥824bn and OP of ¥21bn implying an OPM of just 2.6% in 4QFY21.

In ¥bn
Revenue 
OP
OPM


Actual Results - 3QFY21
905
64
5.2%


Consensus - 3QFY21
847
54
6.4%


Surprise
6.8%
18.6%
-1.2% points


 
 
 
 


Guidance
3,000
160
5.3%


Consensus
2,980
173
5.8%


Difference
0.7%
-7.7%
-0.5% points


 
 
 
 


Implied Guidance- 4QFY21
824
21
2.6%


Consensus - 4QFY21
906
56
6.2%


Difference
-9.0%
-62.1%
-3.6% points

Source: Company disclosures

Suzuki – 3Q FY21 Momentum Continues and Guidance Overshoot Likely

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India, Yellowstone Equity

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Equity L/S Analyst | Forensic Accounting | India

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hero-motocorp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2391:1" rel="noopener">Hero Motocorp (HMCL IN)</a> announced its Q3FY21 earnings yesterday. It reported highest ever quarterly revenue. Key positive surprises were market share gain in the export market (90bp gain) and 25%+ growth in the spare parts business. Hero Motocorp also did well in the domestic market with 190bp market share gain. This coupled with low base effect helped Hero Motocorp post strong earnings. Revenues grew 40% YoY, EBITDA grew 36% YoY while PAT grew 23% YoY (losses at couple of associates tapered down the PAT growth). EBITDA margins at 14.5% came in within the medium-term guidance of 14-16% range.

Hero Motocorp (HMCL IN) announced its Q3FY21 earnings yesterday. It reported highest ever quarterly revenue. Key positive surprises were market share gain in the export market (90bp gain) and 25%+ growth in the spare parts business. Hero Motocorp also did well in the domestic market with 190bp market share gain. This coupled with low base effect helped Hero Motocorp post strong earnings. Revenues grew 40% YoY, EBITDA grew 36% YoY while PAT grew 23% YoY (losses at couple of associates tapered down the PAT growth). EBITDA margins at 14.5% came in within the medium-term guidance of 14-16% range.

Hero Motocorp Q3FY21 Earnings - Highest Ever Quarterly Revenue

Quantitative Analysis

<div>
In this Smartkarma Original, we bring to you a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut buyback. Applying this approach to a universe of 920+ companies listed across Asia helped us identify 40+ and 50+ companies that have a high likelihood of raising and cutting buybacks, respectively, over the next five years.
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="content-highlight">
What's Original?
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>We have two separate models, one for forecasting Buyback Raise and the other for Buyback Cut.</li>
<li>Our back test results are very encouraging with &gt;85% hit rate for our Buyback Raise model and &gt;94% hit rate for our Buyback Cut model.</li>
<li>For our Buyback Raise model, we differentiate from other quantitative buyback models by incorporating competing uses of cash like inorganic acquisitions through “Goodwill as % of Total Assets” parameter. Based on our analysis, we have also determined that, contrary to usual perception, any dividend payout is not a competing use of cash vs buyback but a healthy sign of capital return discipline and have incorporated it accordingly in our model. We also use long-term ROE vs growth trends to filter companies where the cash levels maybe low but the capability to do buyback with time can grow significantly. At the same time, we ensure to weed off very high growth companies that may have high re-investment needs through our carefully selected threshold for the "Long-term Revenue CAGR" parameter. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>Insight Flow</h3>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Live Dashboard</li>
<li> Methodology
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Buyback Raise Model</li>
<li>Buyback Cut Model</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Universe</li>
<li>Back Test Results
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Buyback Raise Model</li>
<li>Buyback Cut Model</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Model Results
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Summary Statistics</li>
<li>Companies with High Probability of Buyback Raise</li>
<li>Companies with High Probability of Buyback Cut</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Buyback Timing</li>
<li>Model Risks &amp; Limitations</li>
<li>Conclusion</li>
</ul>
</div>


In this Smartkarma Original, we bring to you a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut buyback. Applying this approach to a universe of 920+ companies listed across Asia helped us identify 40+ and 50+ companies that have a high likelihood of raising and cutting buybacks, respectively, over the next five years.




What's Original?

We have two separate models, one for forecasting Buyback Raise and the other for Buyback Cut.
Our back test results are very encouraging with &gt;85% hit rate for our Buyback Raise model and &gt;94% hit rate for our Buyback Cut model.
For our Buyback Raise model, we differentiate from other quantitative buyback models by incorporating competing uses of cash like inorganic acquisitions through “Goodwill as % of Total Assets” parameter. Based on our analysis, we have also determined that, contrary to usual perception, any dividend payout is not a competing use of cash vs buyback but a healthy sign of capital return discipline and have incorporated it accordingly in our model. We also use long-term ROE vs growth trends to filter companies where the cash levels maybe low but the capability to do buyback with time can grow significantly. At the same time, we ensure to weed off very high growth companies that may have high re-investment needs through our carefully selected threshold for the "Long-term Revenue CAGR" parameter. 





Insight Flow



Live Dashboard
 Methodology

Buyback Raise Model
Buyback Cut Model


Universe
Back Test Results

Buyback Raise Model
Buyback Cut Model


Model Results

Summary Statistics
Companies with High Probability of Buyback Raise
Companies with High Probability of Buyback Cut


Buyback Timing
Model Risks &amp; Limitations
Conclusion



Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas, CrossASEAN Research

Henry Soediarko

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Nexter's share price has moved in tandem with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/geely-automobile-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:127:1" rel="noopener">Geely Auto (175 HK)</a> in the past half a year, which particularly have benefited from the rumor that they entered into a partnership with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/baidu-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:179:1" rel="noopener">Baidu (BIDU US)</a> to develop autonomous vehicles although it was denied by the companies yesterday. 
The management has repeatedly stated last year that they will make an effort to further grow the business in China but it will take some time and as per the latest interim report in 2020, the revenue from China still has not surpassed the US. Nexter bought a stake in Tactile Mobility, the leading tactile virtual sensing, and data company based in Israel, which will be a key element to win a mandate in autonomous vehicle projects. The stock may see another leg up tomorrow but after a 71% return (prior to today's) in 6 months, it is time to sell to lock in some profit.

Nexter's share price has moved in tandem with Geely Auto (175 HK) in the past half a year, which particularly have benefited from the rumor that they entered into a partnership with Baidu (BIDU US) to develop autonomous vehicles although it was denied by the companies yesterday. 
The management has repeatedly stated last year that they will make an effort to further grow the business in China but it will take some time and as per the latest interim report in 2020, the revenue from China still has not surpassed the US. Nexter bought a stake in Tactile Mobility, the leading tactile virtual sensing, and data company based in Israel, which will be a key element to win a mandate in autonomous vehicle projects. The stock may see another leg up tomorrow but after a 71% return (prior to today's) in 6 months, it is time to sell to lock in some profit. 

Positive news flow regarding Toyota’s ZEV strategy has driven the stock up 10.5% in the last four days. We have always maintained that Japanese automakers, and the Toyota group in particular, possessed the fundamental technologies necessary to launch EVs when they felt the timing was right. As they start to do so and join other major OEMs such as VW and GM, we believe the narrative bubble surrounding pure EV manufacturers will burst and valuations will collapse. Nevertheless, as the pure EV names are narrative rather than fact driven, timing such a collapse remains difficult. A simpler way of expressing this trade is through a long in traditional automakers with strong ZEV technology who are entering the EV space, where they will take mass market volume away from pure EV manufacturers just as VW has already done to Tesla in Europe.

Positive news flow regarding Toyota’s ZEV strategy has driven the stock up 10.5% in the last four days. We have always maintained that Japanese automakers, and the Toyota group in particular, possessed the fundamental technologies necessary to launch EVs when they felt the timing was right. As they start to do so and join other major OEMs such as VW and GM, we believe the narrative bubble surrounding pure EV manufacturers will burst and valuations will collapse. Nevertheless, as the pure EV names are narrative rather than fact driven, timing such a collapse remains difficult. A simpler way of expressing this trade is through a long in traditional automakers with strong ZEV technology who are entering the EV space, where they will take mass market volume away from pure EV manufacturers just as VW has already done to Tesla in Europe.

Toyota – Solid State Batteries and Long Toyota as a Safer Short on the EV Bubble

Japan

NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. manufactures and distributes automobiles and related parts. It also provides financing services. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of products under various brands. The Company manufactures in Japan, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and many other countries.

Subaru Corp manufactures passenger cars, buses, motor vehicle parts, and industrial machinery.  The Company also produces aircraft parts and supplies it to defense agency and Boeing Co.  The Company sells its passenger cars under the Subaru brand name.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures motorcycles.  The Company also produces motor vehicle engines for Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co.  Yamaha Motor's specialty products include motor boats, snowmobiles, golf carts, and electric power generators.  Yamaha Motor sells products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Isuzu Motors Limited manufactures and markets trucks and automobile parts. The Company's products include pickup trucks, light/heavy duty trucks, medium and large-sized buses, recreational vehicles, and sport utility vehicles.

Suzuki Motor Corporation manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, and their related parts. The Company has production facilities in USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hungary.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION develops and manufactures passenger cars and its related parts.  The Company has production facilities in Japan, the US, and Thailand.  Mitsubishi Motors Corp provides vehicle-related financing and leasing service through its subsidiary.

Mazda Motor Corporation manufactures and sells automobiles, trucks, auto parts, and its accessories.  The Company operates its business worldwide.

NISSAN SHATAI CO., LTD. develops, designs, and assembles automobiles including sedans, Recreational Vehicles(RV), station wagons, and buses for Nissan Motor. The Company also manufactures parts for motor vehicles.

TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, a member of the Toyota Motor Group, assembles motor vehicles and manufactures automotive parts such as engines and air conditioner compressors.  The Company also produces industrial equipment and textile machinery as well as electronic devices such as computer modems and power inverters.

BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION designs, produces, and sells automobile tires. The Company also produces and markets scales to weigh racing cars and jumbo aircrafts and sporting goods including golf equipment, tennis rackets, and bicycles.  Bridgestone operates its businesses worldwide.

PT Astra International Tbk assembles and distributes automobiles, motorcycles, and their related spare parts.  Through its subsidiaries, the Company also operates in the mining, development of plantations, financial and information technology.

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited operates as a passenger vehicles manufacturing company. The Company provides passenger vehicles development, manufacturing, sales, and other services. Geely Automobile Holdings also exports passenger vehicles.

Great Wall Motor Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells pick-up trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) in China under branded names. The Company also researches and develops, and manufactures principal automotive parts and components for use in the assembly of pick-up trucks and SUVs.

Hyundai Motor Company manufactures, sells, and exports passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. The Company also sells various auto parts and operates auto repair service centers throughout South Korea. Hyundai Motor provides financial services through its subsidiaries.

Kia Corporation manufactures, sells, and exports passenger cars, mini-buses, trucks and commercial vehicles. The Company also manufactures auto-parts and tools using hybrid electric and fuel cell technology. Kia markets its products worldwide.

Tata Motors Limited manufactures cars and commercial automotive vehicles in India. The Company designs, manufactures and sells heavy commercial, medium commercial and small commercial vehicles including trucks, tankers, vans, buses, ambulances and minibuses. Tata also manufactures small cars and sports utility vehicles.

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. designs, manufactures and distributes motorcycles. The Company's products also include motorcycle parts and accessories.

Bajaj Auto Limited manufactures and distributes motorized two-wheeled and three-wheeled scooters, motorcycles and mopeds.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Company, Ltd. manufactures, sells, and services automobiles. The Company is also involved in automobile parts and components, and auto finance and related services for both overseas and domestic markets.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company Limited develops, manufactures, and markets mini cars, mini sedans, full size sedans, and engines.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company (200625 CH)

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Suzuki Motor (7269 JP)

Suzuki – 3Q FY21 Momentum Continues and Guidance Overshoot Likely

Suzuki's performance continues to strengthen against the backdrop of an auto sector gaining momentum. India and Maruti Suzuki drive performance but...

Mio Kato

Hero Motocorp Q3FY21 Earnings - Highest Ever Quarterly Revenue

Robust demand in domestic markets coupled with exponential growth potential across exports, spare parts in conjunction with margin expansion...

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Asia Buyback Forecasting | Which Companies Are Likely to Raise/Cut Buybacks?

A predictive quantitative model for Asian companies to help determine which companies are likely to raise/cut buybacks in future.

Ankit Agrawal, CFA

Nexteer (1316): Time to Book Some Profit

Nexter's share price has moved in tandem with Geely Auto in the past 6m, which has benefited from the rumor on the partnership with Baidu to...

Henry Soediarko

Toyota – Solid State Batteries and Long Toyota as a Safer Short on the EV Bubble

A simpler and safer way of expressing a short trade on the EV bubble is a long trade in traditional automakers with the technology to transition to...

Mio Kato

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