| Valuation method | Value, ¥ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 380.06 | 107 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 74.80 | -59 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 189.07 | 3 |
| Graham Formula | 174.08 | -5 |
Poplar Co., Ltd. (7601.T) is a Japanese convenience store chain headquartered in Hiroshima, operating approximately 461 stores across Japan. Founded in 1976, the company specializes in offering a diverse range of ready-to-eat food products, including bento boxes, rice balls, salads, noodles, bakery items, and sweets. Poplar caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of Japanese consumers, providing quick and convenient meal solutions. As part of the consumer cyclical sector, Poplar competes in Japan's highly saturated convenience store market, dominated by giants like Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart. The company's focus on localized store operations and fresh food offerings positions it as a niche player in the industry. With a market capitalization of ¥2.13 billion, Poplar remains a small but established regional convenience store operator.
Poplar Co., Ltd. presents a mixed investment profile. The company operates in Japan's competitive convenience store sector, where it faces intense competition from larger chains. With a modest market cap of ¥2.13 billion and a beta of 0.4, Poplar exhibits lower volatility compared to the broader market. The company reported ¥12.03 billion in revenue and ¥376 million in net income for the fiscal year, with diluted EPS of ¥22.63. While Poplar maintains a stable cash position (¥806 million) and manageable debt (¥534 million), its lack of dividend payments may deter income-focused investors. The convenience store industry in Japan is mature, limiting Poplar's growth potential unless it expands aggressively or differentiates further. Investors should weigh its stable but slow-growth profile against sector leaders with stronger nationwide footprints.
Poplar Co., Ltd. operates in a highly competitive segment dominated by Japan's 'Big Three' convenience store chains (Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson). Poplar's competitive advantage lies in its regional focus and localized store operations, allowing for tailored product offerings. However, its scale is significantly smaller than industry leaders, limiting its bargaining power with suppliers and ability to invest in technology (e.g., cashless payment systems, digital ordering). The company's emphasis on fresh, ready-to-eat foods helps differentiate it from larger competitors, but this segment is also crowded. Poplar's lack of a strong private-label brand or exclusive products further weakens its positioning. While its asset-light model (461 stores) allows for manageable capital expenditures, the company struggles to compete with the vast store networks and 24/7 operational capabilities of major players. Poplar's niche appeal may sustain its current business, but without significant innovation or expansion, its long-term competitiveness remains uncertain in a market where scale and digital integration are increasingly critical.