Active Investing in Japan

HOYA (JP: 7741) got beat up again, -3.77% to �3,830 (down over 7% in two sessions). It is nearing a calendar year low, set March 19 at �3,810. Not necessarily a rush to get in here, but arguably becoming an attractive buying opportunity — either look at buying as a trade and/or build (add) a position using the good ol’ buy-on-a-dip strategy. Long-term there don’t appear to be any issues.

By the way, Deutsche Bank Securities (Japan) downgraded it to “hold” from “buy” with a downward revised target of �4,350, from �5,350 previously. Whoops! Mizuho did a number, make that two, taking it to a “3″ from a “1.” Goldman appears to have come out with a note too, but don’t know the details yet. HOYA now has a trailing P/E ratio (for the past fiscal year ended in March) under 20, at 19.79 as of yesterday’s close. It was in a similar position in 2005, when it went on to gain about 60% in a year.

After HOYA’s (JP: 7741) earnings failed to impress, it looks like Canon’s (JP: 7751) (CAJ) continued success just may rub off on the overall market and bring buyers back into the game. If not, we play the wait-and-see, flat, up 1.5%, down 2% game a little longer. At any rate, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 3.6 points (0.02%) to 17,451.77 (range: 17,305.78 – 17,500.34), while TOPIX 1st Section closed 0.53 points higher (0.03%) to 1,706.16 (range: 1,691.79 – 1,711.05). Advancers outpaced decliners 1,031 x 565 (133 unchanged) and 19 of 33 industries posted gains. N225 futures in Osaka were down 30 (0.17%) to 17,450 (range: 17,320 – 17,520). You are not going to believe this: JASDAQ closed in positive territory for the first time in (wait, I can’t remember how long) +0.75% to 79.09. And, get ready, TOPIX 2nd Section posted a gain for the first time in nine.