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Stock Analysis & ValuationGakkyusha Co.,Ltd. (9769.T)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
¥2,404.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Low
Valuation methodValue, ¥Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)2878.6520
Intrinsic value (DCF)1246.22-48
Graham-Dodd Method229.78-90
Graham Formula1491.95-38

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Gakkyusha Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese education company specializing in cram school (juku) services, offering exam preparation for junior high, high school, and university entrance exams. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates domestically and internationally, catering to Japan's highly competitive education market. Gakkyusha plays a critical role in Japan's supplementary education sector, where demand for exam-focused tutoring remains strong due to the country's rigorous academic standards. As part of the Consumer Defensive sector, the company benefits from stable demand, even during economic downturns, as families prioritize education spending. With a market cap of approximately ¥24.4 billion, Gakkyusha maintains a solid financial position, supported by consistent revenue streams from its tutoring services. The company's focus on academic excellence and structured learning programs positions it as a key player in Japan's private education industry.

Investment Summary

Gakkyusha presents a stable investment opportunity within Japan's resilient education sector, supported by consistent demand for exam preparation services. The company's low beta (0.276) suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, appealing to risk-averse investors. Financially, Gakkyusha demonstrates profitability with a net income of ¥1.83 billion and strong operating cash flow of ¥2.2 billion, enabling a healthy dividend payout (¥90 per share). However, risks include Japan's declining birth rate, which may reduce long-term demand for education services, and potential regulatory changes affecting private tutoring. The company's moderate debt (¥1.75 billion) is manageable given its cash reserves (¥2.24 billion), but investors should monitor competitive pressures in the crowded juku market.

Competitive Analysis

Gakkyusha operates in Japan's highly fragmented cram school industry, competing with both large chains and local tutoring providers. The company's competitive advantage lies in its long-standing reputation (founded in 1972) and specialized focus on entrance exam preparation, which attracts performance-driven students and parents. Unlike general education providers, Gakkyusha's targeted approach allows for tailored curricula aligned with specific school entrance requirements. Financially, the company maintains healthier margins than many smaller competitors, evidenced by its 13.8% net income margin. However, it faces intense competition from larger players like Benesse and major online education platforms expanding into test prep. Gakkyusha's domestic focus (despite some international operations) limits its growth potential compared to global education firms, but it benefits from deep understanding of Japan's unique education system. The company's capital expenditures (¥318 million) suggest ongoing investments in facilities and teaching resources, but it may need to accelerate digital offerings to compete with tech-savvy rivals.

Major Competitors

  • Benesse Holdings, Inc. (9783.T): Benesse is a larger diversified education services provider (market cap ~¥276 billion) offering cram schools, correspondence courses, and childcare services. Its strength lies in brand recognition and diversified revenue streams, including the popular 'Shinkenzemi' correspondence program. However, its broader focus dilutes its exam-prep specialization compared to Gakkyusha. Benesse also faces challenges from its struggling overseas operations.
  • Waseda Academy Co., Ltd. (4718.T): A direct competitor in the cram school market, Waseda Academy has strong regional presence in Kanto. It competes closely with Gakkyusha in high school and university exam prep but has less financial scale (smaller market cap). Its weakness includes higher dependence on physical classrooms versus digital offerings.
  • TAL Education Group (TAL): While primarily focused on China, TAL represents competition in Asian education services with strong digital capabilities. Its advantage is technological integration in tutoring, but it faces regulatory risks in China and lacks Gakkyusha's deep roots in the Japanese market. Post-2021 China crackdowns have weakened its competitive position.
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