Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Over 15 years analysing Japanese and Asian stocks from a long/short perspective

I focus on cyclically driven sectors such as Gaming, Factory Automation and Autos

An eclectic background as a long-short analyst, upper management at a financial data startup through its listing, and as the founder of a team analysing big/alternative data, all of which supports independent and differentiated views... we hope

An appreciation for Mathematics drives the development of a "Micro-Quantamental" process which can provide a data-driven, historically-informed and semi-automated foundation upon which to layer more qualitative and judgemental analysis, thus improving investment decision-making speed and accuracy

Japan/Asia Long-Short

Mitsubishi Motors – A Hail Mary in ASEAN

Mitsubishi Motors – Kicking Off 1QFY22 Auto Earnings in Style

Mitsubishi Motors – Struggling Despite Rising Tide

Nissan – Two Strikes For the Alliance and a Zero Dividend

Subaru – Pointing the Way for Auto Sector Recovery

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.

Event-Driven

<p><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-16/ghosn-s-grand-alliance-showing-cracks-two-years-after-his-arrest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg reported</a> today that Nissan is exploring the possibility of selling some or all of its stake in junior alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors. We had previously highlighted <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/nissan-two-strikes-for-the-alliance-and-a-zero-dividend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the struggles of the alliance members</a> even relative to their peers and this stress appears to be putting increased pressure on the alliance itself. While this rumour guarantees nothing, we believe the continued earnings weakness from the alliance members increases rather than decreases the chance of a breakup.</p>

Bloomberg reported today that Nissan is exploring the possibility of selling some or all of its stake in junior alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors. We had previously highlighted the struggles of the alliance members even relative to their peers and this stress appears to be putting increased pressure on the alliance itself. While this rumour guarantees nothing, we believe the continued earnings weakness from the alliance members increases rather than decreases the chance of a breakup.

Mitsubishi Motors – Rumoured Stake Sale by Nissan Will Renew Alliance Breakup Concerns