Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanna Takashi, is expected to enhance its policy implementation capabilities following significant gains in the House of Representatives elections by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) [1][2]. Group 1: Tax Policy and Economic Measures - The LDP has committed to accelerating discussions on reducing the food consumption tax to zero within two years, utilizing non-deficit sources such as tax revenue [2][3]. - There are internal divisions within the LDP regarding the consumption tax, with about 20% of candidates preferring to maintain the current rate, indicating cautious sentiment amidst financial market sensitivities [3][4]. - The government plans to implement a "subsidy tax credit" system to alleviate the burden on low- and middle-income households while also pursuing social security reforms [4]. Group 2: Constitutional and Security Reforms - Prime Minister Takashi expressed intentions to amend the constitution, particularly regarding the Self-Defense Forces, following the LDP's acquisition of over two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, which allows for constitutional amendment proposals [5][6]. - The government aims to enhance defense cooperation with the U.S. and other countries, addressing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, and is considering increasing defense spending to over 2% of GDP [9]. Group 3: Legislative Process and Budget Priorities - The 2026 budget and tax reform bills are prioritized, with discussions expected in a special session in mid-February, although challenges remain due to the dissolution of the House of Representatives [6][7]. - The LDP's majority allows it to control all permanent committee chair positions, facilitating a more stable legislative process, although cooperation with opposition parties may be necessary for passing certain bills [7][8].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Japanese Prime Minister Sanna Takashi aims to initiate a new growth strategy through a stimulus plan, focusing on "crisis management investment and growth investment" to drive strong growth [1] - An expert group has been tasked with formulating a new growth strategy for Japan by next summer, emphasizing the importance of investing in 17 key sectors identified by Takashi, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, defense industry, and critical minerals [1] - Takashi signals a shift towards a more expansionary fiscal policy, stating that Japan has only made half the journey towards stable inflation supported by wage growth, and expresses a cautious approach as the Bank of Japan gradually raises interest rates [1]

Core Viewpoint - Record cash returns are expected to continue growing in China, driven by policies, conservative cash return traditions, strong cash flow, and ample cash reserves [2][3]. Cash Returns and Growth Investment Synergy - Chinese listed companies are categorized into "Old China" (traditional industries) and "New China" (new economy industries), with differing investor preferences for cash returns and growth investments [3]. - For "Old China" companies, a 10% allocation of cash spending to dividends/buybacks leads to a 14% average valuation increase [3]. - "New China" companies see a more balanced capital allocation, with a 10% cash spending on growth investments resulting in a slight 2% valuation increase [3]. - Growth investment is expected to increase by 1% in 2025, driven mainly by AI technology and the private sector [3]. Surge in Demand for Cash Returns - In a low-interest environment, cash return strategies (dividends, buybacks) are more attractive than bonds, helping to attract yield-oriented investors [4]. - Domestic institutional demand for high-stability yield stocks is estimated to reach 4 trillion yuan [5]. Capital Utilization of China's Cash Strategy - The Shareholder Returns Portfolio includes 30 stocks across 16 GICS industry groups, focusing on companies that actively return cash or respond to policies by increasing dividends [6]. - The portfolio has shown a total return of 43% over the past two years, outperforming the MSCI China Index by 11 percentage points and the CSI 300 Index by 34 percentage points [6]. High Dividend Policies Driven by Regulations - Following the "Nine Measures" policy in April 2024, companies with low dividend payments are penalized, encouraging more frequent dividend distributions [11]. - In 2024, over 4,300 companies in the A/H/ADR markets paid a total of 2.7 trillion yuan in dividends, a 7% increase from the previous year [11]. - The dividend payout ratio (excluding loss-making companies) increased to 39% in 2024, up from 37% in 2023 [11]. Expansion of Buyback Scale - In 2024, A-share and offshore companies (excluding financials) executed buybacks totaling approximately 1.6 trillion yuan and 300 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 56% and 79% respectively [14]. - The total buyback is expected to reach 600 billion yuan in 2025, driven by low debt costs and high equity costs [15]. Preferences for Dividends and Buybacks - Traditional industries and state-owned enterprises prefer dividends, while new economy sectors favor buybacks [16]. - A significant number of companies engage in both dividends and buybacks, indicating a non-binary choice in capital return strategies [18]. Lessons from Japan and South Korea - Japan and South Korea have successfully attracted foreign investment by prioritizing shareholder returns and implementing transparent reforms [20]. Investor Preferences for Cash Returns - Domestic institutional demand for high-yield stocks is projected to reach 4 trillion yuan, with significant allocations from insurance companies and pension funds [21]. - Government-owned enterprises increasing dividend payouts can provide substantial revenue for the government, with a potential 10% increase in dividend payout rates yielding an additional 220 billion yuan [21].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Mitsubishi Electric (Melco) [1][5][22]. Core Insights - Mitsubishi Electric is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a product sales-based business model to one that leverages data extracted from components, focusing on miniaturization and discontinuing non-strategic businesses [2][5]. - The company plans to invest in data center optical devices instead of power components due to a slowdown in xEV applications, and aims to localize its FA operations [2]. - Melco is targeting a shareholder return rate of 50% or higher and aims to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3x [4][10]. Summary by Relevant Sections Business Strategy - Melco expects sales to grow from ¥2.1 trillion and an operating profit margin of 6.6% in FY3/22 to ¥2.5 trillion and 9.3% in FY3/26, despite lower-than-expected trends in fixed asset control systems [8]. - The company plans to terminate businesses generating ¥0.5 trillion in sales as part of its portfolio review [8]. Cost Reduction - The company is focused on rapid cost reductions, particularly in China, to address challenges faced by its operations [3]. Capital Allocation - Melco is considering mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in growth sectors such as industrial, HVAC, and AI/digital technologies, with a new M&A budget set at ¥1 trillion through FY3/28 [4][10]. - The company aims to enhance profitability by improving operational efficiency and reallocating resources [10]. Financial Performance - Melco forecasts sales of approximately ¥680 billion for FY3/26, with a target of achieving at least 10% growth in operating profit margin [11][9]. - The company plans to increase production capacity in response to strong orders in its defense business and aims to restore operating profit margins to over 10% through restructuring and cost reductions [5][12]. Semiconductor and Device Business - Melco intends to limit investments in power devices while shifting focus to high-performing optical devices, with plans to accelerate the expansion of its HVDC power module business [20][21]. - The company aims to increase its optical device sales by over 20% annually [21].