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

Taking Stock of the Almost Excessive Alpha Generation From TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trades

2Q20 Earnings Preview: Data Analytics Point to a 28% Decline in China Revenues Due to COVID-19

Fast Retailing 2QFY20 Results: Revised Revenue Guidance Is More a Bull Scenario

Fast Retailing: What Is a Good Entry Point Amidst COVID-19 Risks?

Japan Long Weekend Portfolio Blowout Theme Is Working Quickly

What Is Getting Blown Out of Portfolios Before the Long Weekend in Japan?

No Tourists and Park Closure Extended till April Due to COVID-19, Yet the Share Price Is Strong

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

Softbank stock ended up locked limit up towards the end of the trading day after the company announced a massive ¥4.5trn in asset sales/monetisation together with a ¥2.0trn share buyback on top of the already announced ¥0.5trn buyback. Together the two buybacks could soak up 45% of outstanding shares. Given that the stock had fallen 53% between the 12th of February and last Thursday, the 19th of March, it is not surprising that it went limit up. It would not be entirely surprising if the stock were limit up again tomorrow. If so, that could have some interesting implications for other Nikkei names. Details below.

Softbank stock ended up locked limit up towards the end of the trading day after the company announced a massive ¥4.5trn in asset sales/monetisation together with a ¥2.0trn share buyback on top of the already announced ¥0.5trn buyback. Together the two buybacks could soak up 45% of outstanding shares. Given that the stock had fallen 53% between the 12th of February and last Thursday, the 19th of March, it is not surprising that it went limit up. It would not be entirely surprising if the stock were limit up again tomorrow. If so, that could have some interesting implications for other Nikkei names. Details below.

What Do You Buy if the Softbank Mega-Buyback Drives a Nikkei Squeeze?