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Stock Analysis & ValuationAsakuma Co.,Ltd (7678.T)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
¥4,675.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Moderate
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)2701.16-42
Intrinsic value (DCF)9413.20101
Graham-Dodd Method1112.40-76
Graham Formula2484.55-47

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Asakuma Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based restaurant management and franchise company specializing in diverse culinary experiences. Operating under brands like Steak no Asakuma, Ebisu San (Motsuyaki Izakaya), Surabaya (Indonesian cuisine), and Wayambari (Indonesian-style Izakaya), the company caters to varied dining preferences in Japan. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Nagoya, Asakuma is a subsidiary of Tempos Holdings Co., Ltd. With a market cap of ¥22.45 billion, the company focuses on mid-market dining, blending traditional Japanese and international flavors. Its asset-light franchise model allows for scalability while maintaining localized culinary authenticity. Asakuma operates in Japan's competitive ¥30 trillion+ food service industry, leveraging regional brand recognition and operational efficiency to sustain growth in the post-pandemic recovery phase.

Investment Summary

Asakuma presents a niche investment opportunity in Japan’s cyclical restaurant sector, with modest growth potential. Strengths include a diversified brand portfolio (steak, izakaya, and Indonesian cuisine), low debt (¥80.3 million), and a solid cash position (¥2.06 billion). However, the lack of dividends and a negative beta (-0.138) suggest low correlation with market trends, potentially limiting upside. Revenue (¥8.35 billion) and net income (¥567 million) reflect steady but unspectacular performance. Risks include Japan’s aging population reducing dining demand and intense competition from larger chains. The capital-light franchise model is a positive, but reliance on domestic markets and zero dividend policy may deter income-focused investors.

Competitive Analysis

Asakuma competes in Japan’s fragmented restaurant industry by focusing on mid-priced, thematic dining experiences. Its competitive advantage lies in brand diversification (steak, izakaya, and Indonesian cuisine) and regional penetration, avoiding direct competition with mass-market giants like Saizeriya. The franchise model reduces capital intensity, but scale is limited compared to nationwide chains. Asakuma’s negative beta indicates resilience to market swings, possibly due to its niche positioning. However, it lacks international exposure and digital-first strategies (e.g., delivery integration) seen in peers. The subsidiary structure under Tempos Holdings provides stability but may limit aggressive expansion. Competitors range from global QSR brands to local izakaya chains, pressuring Asakuma to differentiate through cuisine authenticity and localized marketing.

Major Competitors

  • Saizeriya Co., Ltd. (7581.T): Saizeriya dominates Japan’s family-style Italian dining segment with 1,500+ outlets and ultra-low pricing. Strengths include massive scale, efficient supply chains, and strong suburban presence. Weaknesses are reliance on a single cuisine and margin pressure from pricing strategies. Contrasts with Asakuma’s multi-brand approach.
  • Skylark Holdings Co., Ltd. (3197.T): Skylark operates Gusto, Jonathan’s, and other family restaurants. Strengths include diverse brands and ¥400+ billion revenue. Weaknesses are high fixed costs and vulnerability to dine-in demand shifts. Asakuma’s smaller footprint allows agility but lacks Skylark’s resources.
  • McDonald’s Holdings Company (Japan), Ltd. (2702.T): McDonald’s Japan leads in QSR with 2,900+ outlets and strong delivery integration. Strengths include brand power and digital ordering. Weaknesses are health-conscious trends reducing demand. Asakuma’s thematic dining avoids direct competition but lacks McDonald’s operational efficiency.
  • Ringer Hut Co., Ltd. (8200.T): Ringer Hut specializes in Nagasaki champon noodles with 800+ locations. Strengths include regional loyalty and simple menu. Weaknesses are cuisine monotony versus Asakuma’s variety. Both face labor cost pressures in Japan.
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