MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

16.03.2013

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

COSTCO WHOLESALE JAPAN LTD

 

 

Registered Office :

3-1-4 Ikegami Shincho Kawasakiku Kanagawa-Pref 210-0832

 

 

Country :

Japan

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

April 1998

 

 

Com. Reg. No.:

0200-01-079681 (Yokohama-Kawasaki)

 

 

Legal Form :

Limited Company (Kabushiki Kaisha)

 

 

Line of Business :

Membership warehouse store operator

 

 

No. of Employees :

5,665

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Status :

Satisfactory

Payment Behaviour :

Regular

Litigation :

Clear

 

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail: infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – June 30th, 2012

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.03.2011)

Current Rating

(30.06.2012)

Japan

A1

A1

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 


 

JAPAN - ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

 

In the years following World War II, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan develop a technologically advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-war economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features are now eroding under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the world. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan imports about 60% of its food on a caloric basis. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. For three decades, overall real economic growth had been spectacular - a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the after effects of inefficient investment and an asset price bubble in the late 1980s that required a protracted period of time for firms to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2011 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after second-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2011. A sharp downturn in business investment and global demand for Japan's exports in late 2008 pushed Japan further into recession. Government stimulus spending helped the economy recover in late 2009 and 2010, but the economy contracted again in 2011 as the massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake in March disrupted manufacturing. Electricity supplies remain tight because Japan has temporarily shut down almost all of its nuclear power plants after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors were crippled by the earthquake and resulting tsunami. Estimates of the direct costs of the damage - rebuilding homes, factories, and infrastructure - range from $235 billion to $310 billion, and GDP declined almost 0.5% in 2011. Prime Minister Yoshihiko NODA has proposed opening the agricultural and services sectors to greater foreign competition and boosting exports through membership in the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks and by pursuing free-trade agreements with the EU and others, but debate continues on restructuring the economy and reining in Japan's huge government debt, which exceeds 200% of GDP. Persistent deflation, reliance on exports to drive growth, and an aging and shrinking population are other major long-term challenges for the economy.

Source : CIA


 

Company name and address

 

COSTCO WHOLESALE JAPAN LTD

REGD NAME:   Costco Wholesale Japan KK

MAIN OFFICE:  3-1-4 Ikegami Shincho Kawasakiku Kanagawa-Pref 210-0832 JAPAN

Tel: 044-281-2600

 

URL:                 http://www.costco.co.jp/

E-Mail address: info@costco.co.jp

 

 

ACTIVITIES

 

Membership warehouse store operator

 

 

STORE(S)

 

Hayama (Fukuoka), Makuhari (Chiba), Tamasakai (Tokyo), Amagasaki (Hyogo), Kanazawa Seaside (Yokohama), other (Tot 11)

 

 

OFFICER(S)

 

KEN TERIO, PRES (Only phonetically spelled)

James B Murphy, rep dir

 

Yen Amount:     In million Yen, unless otherwise stated

 

 

SUMMARY

 

FINANCES        FAIR                 A/SALES          Yen 65,000 M

PAYMENTSREGULAR   CAPITAL           Yen 7,505 M

TREND UP                    WORTH            Yen 9,000 M

STARTED         1998                 EMPLOYES      5,665

 

 

COMMENT

 

MEMBERSHIP WAREHOUSE STORE OPERATOR, WHOLLY OWNED BY

COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP, USA. 

FINANCIAL SITUATION CONSIDERED FAIR AND GOOD FOR ORDINARY BUSINESS ENGAGEMENTS.

.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

The subject company was established by Costco Wholesale Corp, USA, in order to advance into Japan for operating its membership warehouse stores.  In 1999, opened the first store in Hisayama (Fukuoka), followed by Chiba (Dec/2000), Tokyo (Sept/2002), Hyogo (Apr/2003) and Kanazawa stores (Oct/2004).  The stores employ two membership systems: Business (Corporate) & Gold Star (Individuals).  Business members account for about 30% of the total, while turnover from Business members stands about 70% of total sales.  The firm stocks 5,000 items, selling in bulk at low prices.  Handling items are: fresh & frozen foods, processed foods, jewelry & watches, house-ware, apparel, gardening tools, sporting goods, other.  Now operates 11 stores centrally in the greater-Tokyo region and vicinities.

 

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

            The financials are consolidated by the US parent, Costco Wholesale Corp, and not disclosed.

 

The sales volume for Aug/2012 fiscal term is estimated amounted to Yen 65,000 million, an 8% up from Yen 60,000 million in the previous term.  Profits are not disclosed.  The figures have not been precisely confirmed by the firm, and only collected from outside source.

 

            The financial situation is considered maintained FAIR and good for ORDINARY business engagements. 

 

 

REGISTRATION

 

Date Registered:        Apr 1998

Regd No.:                       0200-01-079681 (Yokohama-Kawasaki)

Legal Status:       Limited Company (Kabushiki Kaisha)

Authorized:         150.1 million shares

Issued:                150.1 million shares

Sum:                   Yen 7,505 million

Major shareholders (%): Costco Wholesale Corp, USA (100)

Nothing detrimental is known as to the commercial morality of executives.

 

 

OPERATION

 

Activities: Membership warehouse store operator, with 5 stores operating, wholesaling & retailing of the following goods (--100%)

 

(Product categories – typical & not confined to these items):

Personal: jewelry & watches; apparel (quality brands/Kirkland Signature apparel of dresses, sweaters, jeans, jackets, socks & accessories; health & beauty: shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, shaving products, lotions, foundation, vitamins, remedies, diapers, brand-name perfumes, other; office supplies (desks & office furniture, paper, pads, stationery, file cabinets, tables, other wide range of office accessories); seasonal/toys (toys, seasonal/holiday items); books & media (imported books & magazines, DVD’s, videos, music CD’s, PC software);

Outdoor/Home: lawn & garden (live plants, fertilizers, gardening tools & supplies, patio furniture, barbecues); hardware /storage (power & hand tools, ladders, compressors, pressure washers); sporting goods (snowboards, golf clubs, bicycles, camping equipment, fitness equipment); auto (oils, chemicals, auto cleaners, car batteries, other automotive accessories);

Processed foods: frozen foods (fresh frozen chicken, vegetables & seafood); snacks & candy (name-brand candy bars, candies, chewing gums, mints, chips, nuts, jerky, rice crackers); dry groceries (soy sauce, teas, olive oils, coffee, cranberry products, other imported items); liquor (wine, spirits, sake, beer);

Fresh foods: fresh meat (beef, port, chicken, other); fresh fish (including sushi & sashimi trays); fresh produce (fresh fruits & vegetables – washed, cut and assorted); fresh bakery (breads, pies, muffins, cookies, pastries, croissants, custom-order cakes); fresh Deli (cheeses, ham, sausages, seaweed, kimchi, sushi, sashimi, salads);

Services: optical (eyeglasses, frames & lenses, sunglasses); 1 hour photo shop; tire center (brand-name vehicle tires, including balancing & installation services); Food Court (quick snacks); delivery services (offers delivery services from freezers, cooler items to sofas, refrigerators and up to pallet quantities).

About 40% of the goods are imported from the parent and its group firms in USA, other. 

 

Clients: Individual consumers, business firms, other

No. of accounts: Unavailable

Domestic areas of activities: Nationwide

Suppliers: [Mfrs, wholesalers] Kao Corp (4%), San Rio Corp (4%), Proctor & Gamble Far East Inc (3%), Itochu Corp, Suntory, other. 

Also, imports from Costco Wholesale Corp, USA and its group firms.

 

Payment record: Regular

 

Location: Business area in Tokyo.  Office premises at the caption address are leased and maintained satisfactorily.

 

Bank References:

MUFG (Shibuya)

SMBC (Kumamoto)

Relations: Satisfactory

 

 

FINANCES

 (In Million Yen)

 

NOT DISCLOSED AND UNAVAILABLE


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.54.16

UK Pound

1

Rs.81.74

Euro

1

Rs.70.50

 

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Report Prepared by :

PRL

 

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

--

NB

New Business

 

--

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                  Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                   Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.