Core Viewpoint - The Japanese beverage industry is experiencing a phase of simultaneous growth in both volume and price, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% from 2010 to 2023 according to the Japan Soft Drink Association [1]. Production Side: Diversified Iterative Development - The Japanese beverage industry has undergone three distinct phases: - Rapid development period (1945-1979) focused on carbonated drinks and juices - Maturity period (1980-1999) marked by the rapid growth of tea and coffee - Current phase (2000-present) dominated by tea and mineral water [1]. Consumption Side: Stage-wise Evolution of Consumer Characteristics - The consumption characteristics in the Japanese beverage market have evolved in stages, reflecting changing consumer preferences and trends [1].

Core Insights - The Japanese active equity fund market is experiencing growth, with its share in the public equity fund market at 58.1% as of the end of 2024, despite the rapid rise of passive funds [3][5][4]. Group 1: Market Trends - The Japanese ETF market has grown significantly since 2010, reaching 89.4 trillion yen by the end of 2024, accounting for 38.8% of the public equity fund market [4][5]. - Active equity funds have shown a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2013 to 2024, indicating a sustained increase in their scale [5][3]. - The proportion of passive index funds in the public equity fund market has surged from 8.3% to 32.1% between 2013 and 2024, reflecting a shift in investor preference [4][5]. Group 2: Challenges Facing Active Funds - The active equity fund market faces challenges such as a dominant presence of foreign capital and products, high outsourcing costs, and a decline in the perceived value of local fund managers [3][7][10]. - The profitability of asset management companies is under pressure due to price competition in the passive fund sector and high costs associated with outsourced management in the active fund sector [10][9]. - The demand for Japanese stocks is low, leading to a reliance on foreign investment strategies, which further complicates the landscape for domestic active funds [8][9]. Group 3: Opportunities for Active Funds - There is potential for growth in the active fund market, particularly in emerging markets where active funds have historically outperformed [11]. - Independent asset management firms in Japan are showing superior performance compared to those under financial groups, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics [15][14]. - The focus on alternative investments is becoming a new trend among asset management firms in both Japan and the US, which could enhance the sources of excess returns [3][11]. Group 4: Fee Structures and Market Dynamics - The average management fee for active funds in Japan has decreased to 1.10%, while passive funds average 0.35%, highlighting the competitive pricing environment [24][23]. - The structure of fees in Japan is designed to encourage long-term holding of funds, which places higher demands on the capabilities of active fund managers [23][22]. - The transparency of product management is a significant issue, with many funds not disclosing the names of their managers, which can impact investor trust and fund performance [20][19].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the newly released "Self-Regulatory Guidelines for the Science and Technology Innovation Board Listed Companies - Guideline No. 5: Science and Technology Innovation Growth Tier," which aims to support technology companies that are in the pre-profit stage but have significant technological breakthroughs and commercial potential [3]. Summary by Sections Definition of Science and Technology Innovation Growth Tier - The Science and Technology Innovation Growth Tier is designed for technology companies that have made significant technological breakthroughs, possess broad commercial prospects, and have substantial ongoing R&D investments, while still being in a pre-profit stage at the time of listing [4]. Applicability of Growth Tier Companies - The guidelines apply to both existing listed companies that have not yet turned a profit (referred to as "existing companies") and newly registered companies that are also unprofitable at the time of listing (referred to as "incremental companies"). Existing companies will be included in the growth tier from the date of the guideline's release, while incremental companies will be included from their listing date [5]. Criteria for Removal from Growth Tier - The removal criteria for companies from the growth tier are based on a "new and old distinction." To encourage incremental companies to accelerate technological development and market expansion, the removal conditions are aligned with the first set of listing standards for the Science and Technology Innovation Board. Companies will be removed if they meet one of the following conditions: (1) both net profits in the last two years are positive and cumulative net profit is not less than 50 million yuan, or (2) net profit is positive in the last year and operating revenue is not less than 100 million yuan [6]. Investor Awareness of Removal from Growth Tier - Investors can monitor company annual reports, which will disclose any companies that meet the criteria for removal from the growth tier. The Shanghai Stock Exchange will promptly announce the removal of companies from the growth tier. Additionally, investors can check if the stock or depositary receipt's name has removed the special identifier "U," which indicates its growth tier status [10][11]. Participation Considerations for Investors - Investors participating in trading of newly registered growth tier stocks must sign a special risk disclosure document. However, existing stocks or depositary receipts on the Science and Technology Innovation Board prior to the reform are not affected [13]. Information Disclosure Requirements - Companies in the growth tier are subject to stricter information disclosure requirements compared to other listed companies on the Science and Technology Innovation Board. They must adequately disclose the reasons for not being profitable and the impact on the company in their annual reports, along with a risk warning prominently displayed [15]. Additionally, the sponsoring institutions responsible for ongoing supervision must fulfill their duties as per the listing rules and report any significant adverse impacts on the company's technological innovation, R&D capabilities, growth prospects, or profit improvement [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that asset revaluation pricing is more suitable for the Chinese stock market as it enters a period of macroeconomic stability, shifting focus from net profit growth to asset revaluation growth, particularly in a low-growth environment [2][3]. Group 1: Effectiveness of Asset Revaluation Strategy - In 2024, the explanatory power of asset revaluation growth on industry performance is expected to increase, making it a more effective fundamental indicator than net profit and net asset growth [3]. - Among the top five industries in terms of growth, only the electronics sector has an asset revaluation growth rate below the median level, indicating a selective effectiveness of this strategy [3]. Group 2: Drivers of Asset Revaluation Strategy - The effectiveness of the asset revaluation strategy will be driven by several factors: 1) The rapid decline in opportunity costs in a low-interest-rate environment, making asset revaluation growth more favorable for investment decisions [4]. 2) The need for ROE optimization, where industry leaders focus on cash cycle efficiency, as seen in the improvement of the asset revaluation of the CSI 300 index due to reduced cash cycles [4]. 3) Continuous CAPEX investment is essential for future growth, with the total CAPEX of the CSI 300 index increasing over the past three years, supporting technological advancements and international competitiveness [4]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities under Asset Revaluation Pricing - Based on the asset revaluation pricing approach, three investment directions are recommended: 1) Financial sector: The asset revaluation growth rate in the financial industry exceeds the overall market average, indicating potential for revaluation beyond just banks [5]. 2) Large-cap stocks: The value of large-cap stocks is expected to recover over a longer time frame, with recent weakness in this style potentially leading to accumulated excess returns [5]. 3) CAPEX advantage: Companies with strong CAPEX investment and cash recovery capabilities should be prioritized for maintaining or enhancing international competitiveness [5].

Group 1 - The article is a reprint from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Interactive Easy WeChat video account [1] - The content does not constitute any investment advice or promotion from Nomura Orient International Securities [2] - Nomura Orient International Securities has not independently verified the content of the reprinted article [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the A-share market is in the early stages of a transition from a bear to a bull market, supported by low valuations and policy backing, with significant long-term growth potential driven by new economic transformations and long-term capital inflows [2][4][6] Group 2 - A-shares are currently at historically low valuations, with the CSI 300 index PE at 13 times and PB at 1.3 times, indicating a favorable price-performance ratio compared to other asset classes [4][5] - The market is positioned similarly to the 2013-2014 period, where significant adjustments have occurred, and both policy support and investor sentiment are improving, laying the groundwork for a bull market [5][6] Group 3 - The Chinese government is focusing on expanding domestic demand through a combination of supply-side policies and demand-side stimulus, addressing the core obstacle of weak income growth expectations [8] - The structural differences between the Chinese and Japanese markets highlight that China is less likely to experience a balance sheet recession, with the current phase being characterized by the rise of new economies such as renewable energy and AI [9] Group 4 - Policy measures are enhancing the capital market's functionality, with long-term capital and stabilization funds entering the market, improving supply-demand dynamics [11] - The market structure is shifting towards new economies, with sectors like renewable energy and AI gaining traction, while consumer spending is transitioning from material to emotional consumption [12] Group 5 - Long-term investment strategies emphasize pricing, allocation, and professional management, advocating for a focus on reasonable valuations and avoiding short-term speculative trading [14] - The overall trend for A-shares is upward, supported by low valuations and policy benefits, encouraging investors to adopt a contrarian and long-term perspective to capitalize on new economic opportunities [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growth and evolution of the card economy in Japan, highlighting its increasing popularity among consumers, particularly in China, and providing insights into the historical development of the card market [3][8]. Group 1: Market Overview - The Japanese card market reached a scale of 2,774 billion yen in 2023, indicating significant growth and consumer interest [3]. - The card industry has transitioned from physical products to digital formats, with collectible card games gaining traction during the pandemic [4]. Group 2: Historical Development - The collectible card industry began in the 1950s to 1990s with "food toys" as the primary sales format [4]. - From 1993 to 2010, major card games such as "Pokémon," "Yu-Gi-Oh!," and "Duel Masters" were launched, marking a significant shift in the market [4]. - The period from 2010 to 2020 saw the digitalization of card games, further expanding their reach and appeal [4]. Group 3: Recent Trends - Since 2020, the popularity of unboxing videos during the pandemic has led to increased attention on the value of card collecting [4].

Core Viewpoint - The humanoid robot industry in China is entering a rapid development phase, driven by advancements in technology and increasing market demand, but achieving true "human-like" capabilities remains a long-term challenge [2][5][21]. Group 1: Industry Development - The humanoid robot industry is expected to showcase significant capabilities by 2025, including walking and precise movements, as demonstrated in various competitions [2]. - The industry is currently focused on specific application scenarios where robots can be effectively deployed, such as lawn mowing and elder care, which are anticipated to see early market penetration [6][11]. - According to Gartner, the humanoid robot industry is still in its technological infancy, with a production maturity timeline extending over the next decade [5]. Group 2: Market Opportunities - The lawn mowing robot market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2030, driven by product upgrades and increasing labor costs [9][10]. - The elder care robot market is expected to expand rapidly due to China's aging population, with over 47 million people projected to require care by 2035 [11][13]. - The penetration rate of Chinese lawn mowers in Europe has increased from 25% to 41% between 2023 and early 2025, indicating a growing competitive edge in pricing and product quality [7][9]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The development of humanoid robots requires breakthroughs across the entire supply chain, including advancements in artificial intelligence models, motion control systems, and cost-effective components [2][3]. - The industry is witnessing a shift towards higher technical barriers in core component manufacturing, with domestic companies gradually overcoming challenges in this area [3][19]. - The software aspect of humanoid robots is lagging behind hardware, with a need for improved algorithms and data training systems to enhance robot intelligence [22][25]. Group 4: Component Insights - The market for dexterous hands, a crucial component for humanoid robots, is expected to grow from $1.7 billion to $3 billion between 2024 and 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 10% [20]. - The domestic production of linear actuators is hindered by a lack of high-end processing equipment, with significant reliance on imports for critical components [16][18]. - The acceleration of domestic sensor production is crucial for enhancing the sensory capabilities of humanoid robots, with various types of sensors being essential for complex interactions with the environment [19].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the Chinese ready-to-drink tea industry is transitioning from homogeneous competition to global expansion and structural upgrades, with a focus on health and cultural recognition in consumer demand [11] - The current state of the domestic tea beverage market is characterized by intense competition and saturation in lower-tier markets, leading to the conclusion that international expansion is essential for growth [2][3] - The overseas revenue growth of tea beverages is showing a rapid increase, indicating a potential second growth curve for tea companies [2] Group 2 - The Southeast Asian market is identified as a promising area for high-density replication of ready-to-drink tea, supported by a favorable climate and a large young population [5] - In 2023, the annual consumption of new tea beverages in Southeast Asia reached $3.66 billion, with Indonesia leading at $1.6 billion [5] - The coffee-drinking culture in Japan and South Korea presents a challenge for tea beverages, necessitating strategies to penetrate these markets [8] Group 3 - The article emphasizes the importance of adapting pricing strategies to align with the income levels of overseas consumers [9] - Companies are encouraged to enhance product innovation capabilities driven by health upgrades and consumer demand segmentation [11] - Establishing a global supply chain to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness is crucial for maintaining competitive advantages [12] Group 4 - The article outlines a tiered international expansion strategy, suggesting high-density penetration in Southeast Asia, gradual market entry in Japan and South Korea, and a premium approach in the U.S. and Europe [14][15] - The need for consumer education and brand recognition in the U.S. and European markets is highlighted, as the current density of tea beverage stores is low compared to coffee shops [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of the "Science and Technology Innovation Board Growth Layer" to support technology companies that are in the pre-profit stage but have significant technological breakthroughs and commercial potential [3][4]. Regulatory Framework - The reform establishes a growth layer within the Science and Technology Innovation Board to support technology companies that are not yet profitable at the time of listing, with all existing and newly registered unprofitable companies included in this layer [4][5]. - The investment threshold for investors remains unchanged, and new investors in the growth layer must sign a specialized risk disclosure document, while existing unprofitable companies are not affected by this requirement [4][5]. Main Institutional Arrangements - Newly registered companies that are unprofitable at the time of listing will be included in the growth layer from the date of listing [5]. - Existing companies that have not yet achieved profitability will be included in the growth layer from the date the guidelines are implemented [5]. Tier Adjustment Mechanism - A tier adjustment mechanism is established, allowing companies to be removed from the growth layer if they meet certain profitability criteria, such as achieving a positive net profit for two consecutive years with a cumulative net profit of at least 50 million RMB, or a positive net profit in the most recent year with revenue of at least 100 million RMB [6][9]. - Companies that achieve profitability after being listed will also be removed from the growth layer [6][9]. Information Disclosure Requirements - Companies in the growth layer must disclose reasons for not being profitable in their annual reports, along with impacts on cash flow, business expansion, talent attraction, and sustainability [11]. - Companies must also disclose any significant adverse events affecting their technological innovation, research capabilities, or growth prospects in a timely manner [11]. Special Identification and Risk Disclosure - The Shanghai Stock Exchange will implement special identification management for stocks or depositary receipts of companies in the growth layer, adding a "U" to their abbreviations [13]. - Investors participating in trading of growth layer stocks must meet suitability management requirements and sign a specialized risk disclosure document before their first transaction, while existing stock transactions do not require this [14].