Sophia Li FSSA Investment Manager Portfolio Manager
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FSSA IM Portfolio Manager Sophia Li: Mythbusting in Japan – 5 Reasons Why Investors are Missing Out on Investment Opportunities

Investment commentary on Japan, 5 reasons why investors are missing out on investment opportunities by FSSA IM Portfolio Manager Sophia Li (August 2021): 

FSSA Investment Managers (FSSA IM) is an autonomous team within First Sentier Investors.  FSSA IM are bottom-up investors, using fundamental research and analysis to construct high-conviction portfolios, conducting more than a thousand direct company meetings a year, seeking to identify high quality companies that they can invest in for the long term.  FSSA IM manages $37.2 billion globally (31/3/21). 

 



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Mythbusting in Japan: 5 reasons why investors are missing out on investment opportunities 

Sophia Li FSSA Investment Manager Portfolio Manager

Some investors are missing out on growth opportunities in Japan due to a reliance on myths about the Olympic-host nation, according to FSSA Investment Managers. 

In a recent investor update, FSSA Investment Managers Portfolio Manager, Sophia Li outlined 5 reasons why Japan is often misunderstood by those outside the country. 

 

1. Ageing population

“There is a view that an ageing population means the country is not experiencing growth.  However, while Japan’s nominal GDP has grown by just 9% since 1994, total corporate profit was up by 140% in USD terms by the end of March 2020.  The growth is there – you just need to know how to find it.” 

 

2. Lack of analyst coverage

Three quarter (3/4) of the investable companies in Japan have either one analyst or no analysts covering them.

“Skilled investment managers can identify specific sectors and companies that underpin the market’s growth and share the gains with their clients. Japan stocks are under-researched despite a large investment universe, and this allows investors to uncover ‘hidden gems’ that aren’t well-understood by the market. 

 

3. Technology deficiencies

Another misconception is that Japan is falling behind on technology.  In fact, Japan has commanded a 40% market share of triadic patent families, and has been consistently No.1 since 2005, followed by the US (27%) and Germany (10%) by the end of 2017.

“Japan is still a leader in innovation-led sectors like factory automation and semi-conductor technology. There are also many quality companies in software-as-a-service, medical devices and digital solutions, which form a significant part of our portfolio.”

 

4. Macroeconomic impacts

Investors who have been disappointed in Japan in the past have often based their decisions on macroeconomic themes or one-off events like the current Olympic Games.  In reality, investors need to look at particular growth drivers. 

“We do not predict macro events, because our investment approach – as bottom-up stock selectors – seeks to identify companies that are in charge of their own destiny. While Japan consistently defies convention, we select only the companies that we believe can thrive, regardless of the country’s economic challenges. Qualities like a dominant market share in a niche industry is more important to us.”

 

5. Limited trade capabilities

The perception that Japan is simply an export economy is not correct.  Exports only accounted for 18% of GDP, vs. 40% for Korea and 47% for Germany.

“Japan has a very healthy domestic market as well as strong inward investment. More than 90% of its current account surplus comes from interest and dividend income from overseas markets, while China generates more than 100% and Korea more than 80% from net trade value.  Investors need to look at the numbers behind the Japan story to see the real opportunities.”

In conclusion, Japan offers a good opportunity for bottom-up active investors to generate alpha and there are plenty of information asymmetry and hidden gems for investors to discover. 

 

This is an investment commentary on Japan, why investors are missing out on investment opportunities by FSSA IM Portfolio Manager Sophia Li (August 2021).

 


About FSSA Investment Managers

FSSA Investment Managers (FSSA IM) is an autonomous team within First Sentier Investors with dedicated investment professionals in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Edinburgh. FSSA IM are bottom-up investors, using fundamental research and analysis to construct high-conviction portfolios. They conduct more than a thousand direct company meetings a year, seeking to identify high quality companies that they can invest in for the long term.  As responsible, long-term shareholders, FSSA IM have integrated ESG analysis into their investment process and engage extensively on environmental, labour and governance issues.  As at 31 March 2021, FSSA IM manages US$37.2 billion on behalf of clients globally.  

 

Disclaimer:

The information contained within this document is generic in nature and does not contain or constitute investment or investment product advice.  The information has been obtained from sources that First Sentier Investors (“FSI”) believes to be reliable and accurate at the time of issue but no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information.  Neither FSI, nor any of its associates, nor any director, officer or employee accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss arising directly or indirectly from any use of this document.  Reference to specific securities (if any) is included for the purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell the same.  All securities mentioned herein may or may not form part of the holdings of First Sentier Investors’ portfolios at a certain point in time, and the holdings may change over time. 

This document has been prepared for general information purpose. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to render special advice. The views expressed herein are the views of the writer at the time of issue and may change over time.  This is not an offer document, and does not constitute an investment recommendation. No person should rely on the content and/or act on the basis of any matter contained in this document without obtaining specific professional advice.  The information in this document may not be reproduced in whole or in part or circulated without the prior consent of FSI.  This document shall only be used and/or received in accordance with the applicable laws in the relevant jurisdiction.

In Hong Kong, this document is issued by First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities & Futures Commission in Hong Kong. In Singapore, this document is issued by First Sentier Investors (Singapore) whose company registration number is 196900420D. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. First Sentier Investors and FSSA Investment Managers are business names of First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited. First Sentier Investors (registration number 53236800B) and FSSA Investment Managers (registration number 53314080C) are business divisions of First Sentier Investors (Singapore). The FSSA Investment Managers logo is a trademark of the MUFG (as defined below) or an affiliate thereof. 

First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited and First Sentier Investors (Singapore) are part of the investment management business of First Sentier Investors, which is ultimately owned by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (“MUFG”), a global financial group. First Sentier Investors includes a number of entities in different jurisdictions. 

MUFG and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any statement or information contained in this document. Neither MUFG nor any of its subsidiaries guarantee the performance of any investment or entity referred to in this document or the repayment of capital. Any investments referred to are not deposits or other liabilities of MUFG or its subsidiaries, and are subject to investment risk, including loss of income and capital invested.




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