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Stock Analysis & ValuationPC Depot Corporation (7618.T)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
¥479.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)n/an/a
Intrinsic value (DCF)n/a
Graham-Dodd Method2521750000.00526461278
Graham Formula10342391.302159063

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

PC Depot Corporation (7618.T) is a leading Japanese specialty retailer operating under the PC DEPOT and PC DEPOT Smart Life Store brands. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Yokohama, the company provides a comprehensive range of PC and network products, along with repair and technical services under its PC DEPOT PC Clinic brand. As of December 2020, PC Depot Corporation managed a network of 14 PC DEPOT stores, 57 PC DEPOT Smart Life stores, and 64 PC DEPOT PC Clinic stores, combining company-owned, subsidiary-managed, and franchise partner locations. The company serves Japan's consumer cyclical sector, catering to both individual and business customers with its retail and service offerings. With a market capitalization of ¥3.83 billion, PC Depot Corporation plays a significant role in Japan's PC retail and after-sales service market, leveraging its nationwide store presence and technical expertise.

Investment Summary

PC Depot Corporation presents a niche investment opportunity in Japan's specialty retail sector, with a focus on PC and network products. The company's FY2023 financials show ¥30.25 billion in revenue and ¥865 million in net income, with a conservative beta of 0.527 suggesting lower volatility compared to the broader market. While the company maintains a solid cash position of ¥6.79 billion, its modest market cap and limited store footprint (135 total locations) may constrain growth potential. The dividend payout appears sustainable given the company's operating cash flow of ¥1.26 billion. Investors should weigh the company's established regional presence against the challenges of Japan's competitive electronics retail market and potential margin pressures from online competitors.

Competitive Analysis

PC Depot Corporation competes in Japan's crowded PC and electronics retail market with a differentiated strategy combining retail sales with technical services. The company's competitive advantage lies in its integrated service model through PC DEPOT PC Clinic, which creates recurring revenue streams and customer loyalty beyond one-time hardware sales. However, its store footprint remains relatively small compared to national electronics chains, limiting its geographic reach. The company's focus on technical services provides some insulation from pure price competition in hardware retailing, but it faces significant pressure from both large-scale electronics retailers (with greater purchasing power) and online platforms (with lower overhead costs). PC Depot's Smart Life stores represent an attempt to diversify beyond traditional PC products, though their contribution to overall revenue remains unclear. The company's financial stability (with reasonable debt levels at ¥4.85 billion against ¥6.79 billion cash) provides a foundation, but growth prospects may be constrained without significant expansion or digital transformation.

Major Competitors

  • Aeon Fantasy Co., Ltd. (7512.T): Aeon Fantasy operates amusement facilities and retail spaces in Japan, overlapping with PC Depot's consumer electronics offerings in some locations. While not a direct competitor in PC sales, it competes for similar consumer discretionary spending. Its strength lies in larger-scale entertainment-retail complexes, but it lacks PC Depot's technical service capabilities.
  • Lawson, Inc. (2651.T): Lawson's convenience stores increasingly offer consumer electronics and tech services, competing with PC Depot's Smart Life stores. Lawson benefits from ubiquitous locations and strong brand recognition, but has less specialized technical expertise in PC products and services compared to PC Depot.
  • MISUMI Group Inc. (9962.T): MISUMI specializes in factory automation components and technical equipment, competing with PC Depot's B2B offerings. While focused more on industrial customers, it overlaps in technical product distribution. MISUMI has stronger e-commerce capabilities but lacks PC Depot's physical retail and repair service presence.
  • Himaraya Co., Ltd. (7514.T): Himaraya operates home improvement and lifestyle stores, competing with PC Depot's Smart Life concept. Its strength lies in broader home product offerings, but it has less focus on technology products and services compared to PC Depot's specialized PC retail and repair business model.
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