The case for Japanese equities

Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, presents compelling — but perhaps overlooked — equity investment opportunities.

There are three key reasons why we believe that prudent investors may do well to consider Japanese equities:

1. Rich opportunities - deep market, poorly understood

Japan is home to one of the world’s largest stock markets, yet analysts don’t cover 45% of the Tokyo Stock Price Exchange, or Topix, stocks. By comparison, only 3% of the stocks on the Russell 3000 Index, a proxy for the US equity market, lack analyst coverage. So, we see fertile ground for investors with strong research capabilities to unlock hidden value in Japanese equities.

Plus, several Japanese stocks have multiplied their share prices as much as five or 10 times over the past decade.

While the opportunity is huge, investing in Japan also has its own challenges. Weak coverage and governance risks require effective due diligence and an active approach to contain risks and realize value.

2. Good companies with strong fundamentals

Japan is home to many high-quality firms with strong balance sheets — two characteristics of companies with robust fundamentals. What’s more, many of these companies have sustainable cash flows and defendable competitive advantages, which are also attractive qualities we look for.

The fact that Japan is home to such companies creates an opportunity for higher-than-average returns on equity and dividend payout ratios than the market. This also speaks to materially lower debt-to-equity ratios. Almost half of non-financial companies listed on the MSCI Japan Index have net cash more than 20% of equity. Of these, the best-run firms are well placed to sustain profitability regardless of the macroeconomic environment. Despite concerns of a weaker outlook, companies are still generating strong cash flows and maintaining solid balance sheets, allowing them to buy back shares at a record pace and invest in their future growth.

Not only do these companies exist in Japan, but they may be available at attractive valuations. Price discrepancies among high-quality companies may enable investors to extract long-term value.

3. Long-term structural themes remain unchanged

While the impact of the economic slowdown has been increasingly visible, there are medium- to long-term trends that we expect to continue to support innovation and opportunity. These include:

The rise of machines – We expect robotics and the Internet of Things to expand in Japan, generating opportunities in software applications and industrial uses
The energy transition – As nations around the world commit to less fossil-fuel-dependent energy, there could be opportunities for automotive electrification, energy-efficient components and in recycling
Digitization – Software is an increasingly important part of the services sector and we see long-term opportunities in IT infrastructure
Healthcare and technology – Japan is situated at the cutting edge of medical innovation, which could create long-term opportunities
The rise of Asia’s middle class – as the middle class expands throughout Asia, demand for premium products and name brands is likely to rise

Why now?

During the second quarter of 2022, the Japanese economy recovered to its pre-pandemic size thanks to increased consumer spending and the end of certain Covid-containment measures.

While it’s possible, of course, that Covid spikes could strike again, as they did in the summer of 2021, Japan has seen a more conscientious adherence to Covid-containment guidance, such as social distancing, than some other countries, which bodes well for continued economic recovery.

At the time of writing, inflation remains relatively moderate in Japan compared to many other parts of the world. Consensus expectations are for moderate growth to continue in Japan in the short term.

The bottom line is that Japanese business are well placed for economic recovery versus many other major economies worldwide.

Important information

Risk factors you should consider prior to investing:

The value of investments and the income from them can fall and investors may get back less than the amount invested.
Past performance is not a guide to future results.
Investment in the Company may not be appropriate for investors who plan to withdraw their money within 5 years.
The Company may borrow to finance further investment (gearing). The use of gearing is likely to lead to volatility in the Net Asset Value (NAV) meaning that any movement in the value of the company’s assets will result in a magnified movement in the NAV.
The Company may accumulate investment positions which represent more than normal trading volumes which may make it difficult to realise investments and may lead to volatility in the market price of the Company’s shares.
The Company may charge expenses to capital which may erode the capital value of the investment.
Derivatives may be used, subject to restrictions set out for the Company, in order to manage risk and generate income. The market in derivatives can be volatile and there is a higher than average risk of loss.
Movements in exchange rates will impact on both the level of income received and the capital value of your investment.
There is no guarantee that the market price of the Company’s shares will fully reflect their underlying Net Asset Value.
As with all stock exchange investments the value of the Company’s shares purchased will immediately fall by the difference between the buying and selling prices, the bid-offer spread. If trading volumes fall, the bid-offer spread can widen.
Yields are estimated figures and may fluctuate, there are no guarantees that future dividends will match or exceed historic dividends and certain investors may be subject to further tax on dividends.
Other important information: Issued by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Registered Office: 10 Queen’s Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL. Registered in Scotland No. 108419. An investment trust should be considered only as part of a balanced portfolio. Under no circumstances should this information be considered as an offer or solicitation to deal in investments.