Senior Technology Analyst, Japanese Equities, LightStream Research

Scott Foster

Securities analyst covering electronics, precision equipment & robotics, engineering, construction, transport and other sectors for more than 25 years in Japan and 3 years in Korea. Permanent resident of Japan.

Senior Technology Analyst, Japanese Equities

2021 Nikkei 225 Rebalance: Nintendo, Murata, Keyence IN; Nisshinbo, Toyo Seikan, 'Skupper' OUT

Battle Lines Drawn As BABA Builds Out First/Last-Mile Capacity; But Who Will Fund 75+ Bn CNY CapEx?

Gravity Works As WeWork Doesn't; Now Plan B

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>FY Mar-22 guidance was raised, but new orders were down in 3Q and both sales &amp; operating are headed down in 4Q. </li>
<li>4Q is seasonally weak and long-term demand drivers such as 5G, IoT and auto electrification remain in place, but the timing of recovery is uncertain.</li>
<li>The shares have dropped 21% since last September, to the low side but not the bottom of their 5-year P/E range. Look for an opportunity to buy for the long-term.</li>
</ul>


FY Mar-22 guidance was raised, but new orders were down in 3Q and both sales &amp; operating are headed down in 4Q. 
4Q is seasonally weak and long-term demand drivers such as 5G, IoT and auto electrification remain in place, but the timing of recovery is uncertain.
The shares have dropped 21% since last September, to the low side but not the bottom of their 5-year P/E range. Look for an opportunity to buy for the long-term.


Murata Mfg. (6981 JP): FY Guidance Raised but Quarterly OP Trend Is Down

Murata Manufacturing

Murata Mfg. (6981 JP): FY Guidance Raised but Quarterly OP Trend Is Down