LIXIL Group (5938) Favor shifting investment from TOTO to LIXIL

Similar documents
Eli Lilly & Co (LLY)

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (9432 / 9432 JP)

Paper & Packaging. WestRock hikes containerboard prices $50/t. 15 February 2017 Americas/United States Equity Research Paper Products

BT Group (BT.L) Ofcom Openreach agreement reached WLA the next regulatory step

Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited (SUN.BO / SUNP IN)

Samsung Electronics ( KS /

Asia Pacific Equity Strategy

Toho Titanium (5727 / 5727 JP)

Tech Mahindra Limited (TEML.BO / TECHM

Asia Pacific Equity Strategy

Wacom (6727) 15 March 2017 Asia Pacific/Japan Equity Research Electronic Components & Connectors (Electric Components (Japan))

Adidas AG (ADSGn.F) 4Q full steam ahead, 3 questions for CMD. 8 March 2017 Europe/Germany Equity Research Luxury Goods

Sony (6758 / 6758 JP)

Asia Equity Strategy Research Analysts Sakthi Siva

Tata Motors Ltd. (TAMO.BO)

FedEx Corporation (FDX)

98% 97% 96% 95% 94% 93% 92%

10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 40% 20% -20% -40% -60%

Wacker Chemie (WCHG.DE)

25 August 2016 Asian Daily

Agrium Inc. (AGU) Control the Controllable; Volatility to Persist. 10 February 2017 Americas/United States Equity Research Fertilizers

Sunoco Logistics Partners, LP

12/15A 12/16E 12/17E 12/18E

US Pharmaceuticals Revisiting PFE/BMY from a HOLT Perspective

Reliance Industries Limited

Fertilizers WEEKLY ANALYSIS. Weekly fertilizer prices monitor

Figure 1: Earnings forecast summary

ARCA CONTINENTAL (AC*)

National Beverage Corp. (FIZZ)

Multiplan Empreendimentos. Imobiliarios S/A (MULT3)

200% 150% 100% 50% -50% 200% 150% 100% 50% -50% -100%

Canadian Natural Resources


Starbucks (SBUX) Online Sentiment Data Suggests Mid-Qtr. Sales Setback, Maintain Neutral

Woodward Inc (WWD) SMALL & MID CAP RESEARCH. Source: Company data, Credit Suisse estimates

03 March 2017 Asian Daily

Fiserv, Inc. (FISV) 4Q16: Expect Stock Flat to Down; Raising Estimates, Target

Rakuten (4755) Revising forecasts to reflect 1Q valuation gains, business portfolio changes; raising TP

Tokyo Electron (8035 / 8035 JP)

Cementos Argos, S.A. (CEMARGOS)

Credit Suisse Equity Research Americas/United States. SUFRA Conference April 21, 2017 RESEARCH TEAM

Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO)

100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000

President Trump & global trade slump:

The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC)

William Lyon Homes (WLH)

27 August 2016 Asian Daily

Gentera (GENTERA*) 4Q16 Results: Miss on higher opex; conditions remain in place to accomplish 2017 guidance

29 September 2015 Asian Daily

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Up/dn to TP

Rakuten (4755) Appears to have bottomed, but rebound quite a way off

20 June 2016 Asian Daily

03 October 2016 Asian Daily

12,500 10,000 7,500 5,000 2,500 2,000. Net profit (Rmb mn) 1,500 1,000

Mitsui Fudosan (8801 / 8801 JP)

06 July 2015 Asian Daily

A penny for a thought and not much more for the investments?

Whitbread (WTB.L) Right actions in tough markets. 25 October 2016 Europe/United Kingdom Equity Research Travel & Leisure

01 March 2016 Asian Daily

Groupon Inc. (GRPN) Turnaround progress continues but gross profit growth remains muted; Neutral

QBE Insurance Group (QBE.AX / QBE AU)

DISCLOSURE APPENDIX AT THE BACK OF THIS REPORT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES, ANALYST CERTIFICATIONS, AND THE STATUS OF NON-US ANALYSTS.

Asia Equity Strategy Research Analysts Sakthi Siva

Komatsu (6301 / 6301 JP)

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

Cathay Financial Holding

Steel and metals sector

07 April 2015 Asian Daily

Up/dn to TP

China Property Sector

Oasis Petroleum (OAS)

Others (land acquisition, etc.) US$ 1.2bn. Construction works USS$ 4.3bn

BlackRock (BLK) Key Takeaways from our Aladdin Meetings with COO Rob Goldstein & Aladdin Team Reiterate Outperform

Syrah Resources (SYR.AX / SYR AU)

P/B (x) rating) Local Target (%) (%) T T+1 T+2 T+1 T+2 T+1 T+2 T+1 T+2 T+1 T+1 T+1 GCL-Poly 3800.HK O (O) [V]

LG Household & Healthcare

3.50. US$/kg Mar-09. Jun-09

Intercontinental Hotels (IHG.L)

OC Oerlikon Corp AG (OERL.S)

Direct Line (DLGD.L)

Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment (SBOE.VI)

Admiral Group (ADML.L)

800, , , , , , , ,000

Apple Inc (AAPL) Carriers report strong iphone 7 pre-orders. Americas/United States Equity Research IT Hardware

Asian Financials Bullish for the first time in five years. Does the rally have legs?

Nissan Motor (7201) Expectations for next business plan grow, but slower earnings momentum unavoidable

Navitas (NVT.AX / NVT AU)

Carnival (CCL / CCL.L)

IASB Improves Pension Accounting

10 September 2015 Asian Daily

22 March 2016 Asian Daily

New contract. achievement 40% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Russian Steel & Bulks

Japan Focus List. Adding Murata Mfg. Figure 1: Japan Focus List stocks. Name Code Rating. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings (7/13/2010)

IMAX Corp (IMAX) Hard to see forecast upside. 15 March 2017 Americas/United States Equity Research Entertainment

Hardline Retail. Potentially a Better Place to Be. 3 March 2017 Americas/United States Equity Research Specialty Hardline

ADT Corporation (ADT)

DISCO (6146 / 6146 JP)

Source: Wind

Fin-Tech Oversold INDUSTRY PRIMER

Transcription:

Asia Pacific/Japan Equity Research Building Products (Housing (Japan)) Rating OUTPERFORM Price (20 Feb 17, ) 2,770 Target price ( ) 3,200 Change to TP (%) 16 Market cap ( bn) 795 (US$ 7.0) Enterprise value ( bn) 1,482 Number of shares (mn) 287.1 Free float (%) 75.0 52-week price range 2,854 1,640 Target price is for 12 months. Research Analysts Masahiro Mochizuki 81 3 4550 7389 masahiro.mochizuki@credit-suisse.com Share price performance 3,5 0 0 3,0 0 0 2,5 0 0 2,0 0 0 1,5 0 0 Price (LHS) Yasuko Fukuda 81 3 4550 9259 yasuko.fukuda@credit-suisse.com Reb ased Rel (RHS) Ju l - 1 5 Ja n - 1 6 Ju l - 1 6 Ja n - 1 7 The price relative chart measures performance against the TOPIX which closed at 1,547.01 on 20-Feb-2017 On 20-Feb-2017 the spot exchange rate was 113.08/US$1 Performance 1M 3M 12M Absolute (%) 3.4 10.4 16.1 Relative (%) 2.6 3.6-3.6 LIXIL Group (5938) COMPANY UPDATE Favor shifting investment from TOTO to LIXIL Action: We revise our forecasts for LIXIL, but maintain our 3,200 target price (potential return 16%) and OUTPERFORM rating. Investment Overview: Looking ahead, we expect the market to price in: (1) profit growth in FY3/18, (2) expectations for the medium-term business plan slated to be announced during 2017, and (3) improved profitability at, or disposal of, Permasteelisa. We expect LIXIL to unveil its medium-term plan after 1Q 2017. In the meantime, we think the company could sell consolidated subsidiary Permasteelisa, a curtain wall maker. Such a move would likely create shareprice upside (LIXIL is considering it, according to a 15 September 2016 Nikkei article). Our analysis suggests LIXIL's shares are undervalued compared with TOTO (5332). From FY3/17, we expect LIXIL and TOTO to achieve the same rates of EBITDA growth. In comparative terms, however, LIXIL appears undervalued based on EV/EBITDA. If the market prices in EBITDA growth, we believe LIXIL s valuation could draw level with that of TOTO. LIXIL's shares are trading at a FY3/18E EV/EBITDA (core earnings + depreciation expense) multiple of 8.8x, versus 9.1x at TOTO. Catalystss/Risks: Catalysts: (1) above-guidance earnings in FY3/17, (2) confirming profit growth in FY3/18 guidance, (3) selling off Permasteelisa, and (4) announcement of the new medium-term plan. Risks: (1) earnings deterioration at Permasteelisa, (2) sluggish domestic renovation demand, (3) a capital increase, and (4) price competition Valuation: As before, we base our 3,200 target price on a fair-value EV/EBITDA of 9.5x applied to our FY3/18 estimates. Financial and valuation metrics Year 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E Sales ( bn) 1,890.5 1,808.2 1,846.5 1,884.3 Operating profit ( bn) 39.0 72.5 86.9 104.0 Pre-tax profit ( bn) (7.1) 76.5 83.6 100.7 Net income ( bn) (25.6) 44.9 65.0 67.5 EPS ( ) (89.2) 156.4 226.5 235.2 IBES Consensus EPS ( ) n.a. 159.6 197.8 218.3 EPS growth (%) (216.1) 275.3 44.8 3.8 P/E (x) (25.7) 17.7 12.2 11.8 Dividend yield (%) 2.61 2.17 2.17 2.35 EV/EBITDA (x) 13.4 10.8 9.4 8.1 P/B (x) 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.2 ROE (%) (4.5) 8.3 11.3 10.8 Net debt/equity (%) 132.9 123.1 108.9 96.4 Source: Company data, Thomson Reuters, Credit Suisse estimates DISCLOSURE APPENDIX AT THE BACK OF THIS REPORT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES, ANALYST CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL ENTITY DISCLOSURE AND THE STATUS OF NON-US ANALYSTS. US Disclosure: Credit Suisse does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the Firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

LIXIL Group (5938) Price (20 Feb 2017): 2,770 (upside: 16%); Rating: OUTPERFORM; Target Price: 3,200; Analyst: Masahiro Mochizuki Income statement ( bn) 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E Sales 1,890.5 1,808.2 1,846.5 1,884.3 EBITDA 101.2 137.5 153.9 172.0 Operating profit 39.0 72.5 86.9 104.0 Recurring profit (7.1) 76.5 83.6 100.7 Extraordinary gain & loss 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Profit before tax (7.1) 76.5 83.6 100.7 Net income (25.6) 44.9 65.0 67.5 Cash flow ( bn) 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E Operating cash flow 121.1 117.1 126.6 130.2 Depreciation & Amortization 62.2 65.0 67.0 68.0 Financing cash flow (154.4) (30.9) (47.2) (48.7) Issuance (retirement) of stock 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Dividends paid (17.2) (17.2) (17.2) (18.7) Investing cash flow 19.1 (83.0) (83.0) (83.0) Capex (33.9) (83.0) (83.0) (83.0) Free cash flow 140.2 34.1 43.6 47.2 Net change in cash (14.2) 3.2 (3.6) (1.5) Balance sheet ( bn) 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E Cash & cash equivalents 129.6 133.0 129.4 127.9 Current receivable 386.3 361.6 369.3 376.9 Inventories 211.9 217.0 221.6 226.1 Other current assets 157.4 157.4 157.4 157.4 Current assets 885.2 869.0 877.7 888.3 Property, plant & equipment 546.6 559.6 575.6 590.6 Investments 25.6 25.6 25.6 25.6 Intangibles 501.3 501.3 501.3 501.3 Other non-current assets 197.0 196.9 196.9 196.9 Total assets 2,130.1 2,126.8 2,151.5 2,177.1 Payables 342.8 325.5 332.4 339.2 Short term debt 325.7 325.7 325.7 325.7 Other current liabilities 194.0 194.0 194.0 194.0 Current liabilities 862.5 845.2 852.1 858.9 Long term debt 501.4 487.7 457.7 427.7 Other non-current liabilities 228.9 228.9 228.9 228.9 Total liabilities 1,592.8 1,561.8 1,538.7 1,515.5 Shareholders' equity 524.8 552.5 600.3 649.1 Minority interests 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 Source: Company data, Thomson Reuters, Credit Suisse estimates Key ratios 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E Growth (%) Sales 13.0 (4.4) 2.1 2.0 Operating profit (24.5) 85.8 19.9 19.7 EPS (216.1) 275.3 44.8 3.8 Margins (%) Gross margin 28.6 32.8 32.9 33.6 EBITDA margin 5.4 7.6 8.3 9.1 OP margin 2.1 4.0 4.7 5.5 DuPont analysis ROE (%) (4.5) 8.3 11.3 10.8 Net profit margin (%) (1.4) 2.5 3.5 3.6 Sales/Assets 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 Assets/Equity 4.1 3.8 3.6 3.4 Credit ratios (%) Equity ratio 24.6 26.0 27.9 29.8 Net D/E ratio 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 Per share data ( ) Number of shares (mn) 287.0 287.0 287.0 287.0 EPS (89.2) 156.4 226.5 235.2 BPS 1828.5 1925.0 2091.6 2261.6 DPS 60.0 60.0 60.0 65.0 Dividend payout ratio (%) (67.3) 38.4 26.5 27.6 Valuation (x) 3/16A 3/17E 3/18E 3/19E P/E (25.7) 17.7 12.2 11.8 P/B 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.2 EV/EBITDA 13.4 10.8 9.4 8.1 Dividend yield (%) 2.6 2.2 2.2 2.3 FCF yield (%) 21.3 4.3 5.5 5.9 LIXIL Group (5938) 2

Reiterate OUTPERFORM rating Favor shifting investment from TOTO to LIXIL Maintain 3,200 target price and OUTPERFORM rating We revise our forecasts for LIXIL, but maintain our 3,200 target price (potential return 16%) and OUTPERFORM rating. Our analysis suggests LIXIL's shares are undervalued compared with TOTO. From FY3/17, we expect LIXIL and TOTO to achieve the same rates of EBITDA growth. In comparative terms, however, LIXIL appears undervalued based on EV/EBITDA. If the market prices in EBITDA growth, we believe LIXIL s valuation could draw level with that of TOTO. LIXIL's shares are trading at a FY3/18E EV/EBITDA (core earnings + depreciation expense) multiple of 8.8x, versus 9.1x at TOTO. If LIXIL manages to sell Permasteelisa and increase production output at LIXIL Water Technology (LWT), we could see LIXIL shares rise above TOTO's share price as the market prices in expectations for improved profitability. Investors looking to buy into Japanese residential construction manufacturers have mostly preferred TOTO or Rinnai (5947) thus far. Given the factors we now expect the market to price in, we believe more investors may start to prefer LIXIL over its rival TOTO. Figure 1: Consolidated earnings summary Sales Operating profit Recurring profit Net profit EPS mn YoY (%) mn YoY (%) mn YoY (%) mn YoY (%) YoY (%) Consolidated Mar-16 Actual 1,890,450 13.0 39,011-24.5-7,087 - -25,606 - -89.2 - Mar-17 1Q Actual 426,632-7.2 14,493 38.7 20,237-11,642-40.6 32.0 2Q Actual 443,796-6.9 23,817-7.3 21,400-12,507-43.6-1H Actual 870,428-7.6 38,310 17.2 41,637-24,149-84.2-3Q Actual 463,244-3.5 30,992 12.3 31,703 14.7 21,474-75.2-4Q CS E 474,500-2.7 5,700-5,700-1,800 - - - Mar-17 CS E (new) 1,808,200-4.4 72,500 85.8 76,500-44,900-156.4 - CS E (prev) 1,834,100-3.0 73,400 88.2 77,400-54,500-189.9 - CoE 1,780,000-65,000-67,000-38,000-132.4 - Shikiho E 1,780,000-5.8 65,000 66.6 67,000-38,000-132.4 - IBES E 1,811,933-4.2 80,130 105.4 - - 46,297-159.6 - Mar-18 CS E (new) 1,846,500 2.1 86,900 19.9 83,600 9.3 65,000 44.8 226.5 44.8 CS E (prev) 1,877,700 2.4 91,600 24.8 88,300 14.1 59,200 8.6 206.3 8.6 CoE 1,880,000 5.6 56,000-13.8 51,000-23.9 30,500-97.6 - Shikiho E 1,860,000 4.5 70,000 7.7 72,000 7.5 40,000-139.4 - IBES E 1,861,141 2.7 94,004 17.3 - - 58,085 25.5 197.8 24.0 Mar-19 CS E (new) 1,884,300 2.0 104,000 19.7 100,700 20.5 67,500 3.8 235.2 3.8 CS E (prev) 1,921,400 2.3 110,500 20.6 107,200 21.4 71,800 21.3 250.2 21.3 IBES E 1,913,498 2.8 102,797 9.4 - - 64,258 10.6 218.3 10.3 Source: Company data, Toyo Keizai "Shikiho"(Japan Company Handbook), I/B/E/S, Credit Suisse estimates Operating profit estimates We revise our forecasts as follows: (1) reduce our estimate for growth in domestic FY3/17 sales from a rise of 1.4% YoY to a decline of 1.2%, (2) raise our estimate for growth in overseas FY3/17 sales from a decline of 19.4% YoY to a 17.9% fall, and (3) push back into FY3/18 the 9bn in tax savings on deferred tax assets that we previously forecast in FY3/17. We now estimate OP of 72.5bn in FY3/17 (guidance 65.0bn; previously 73.4bn; I/B/E/S consensus 77.1bn), 86.9bn in FY3/18 (previously 91.6bn; I/B/E/S 92.1bn), and 104.0bn in FY3/19 (previously 110.5bn). LIXIL Group (5938) 3

Expect positive reaction to release of the new medium-term plan; LIXIL could sell Permasteelisa before the plan is released Factors to be priced in Looking ahead, we expect the market to price in: (1) profit growth in FY3/18, (2) expectations for the medium-term business plan to be announced during CY2017, and (3) improved profitability at, or disposal of, Permasteelisa. LIXIL is highly leveraged, with a capital-to-asset ratio of 25.7% as of end-december 2016. We therefore see risk of a capital increase. If LIXIL sells Permasteelisa, the capital-toasset ratio would improve by around 2%, lowering the risk of a capital increase. Sales growth possible, in Japan as well, from 4Q In FY3/18, we expect rising sales to drive profit growth. Sales on a local currency basis at Grohe and American Standard are rising and this trend seems solid. In Japan as well, we expect a return to YoY sales growth from 4Q at LHT, which mainly produces housing window sashes. Business strategy is the key issue in the medium-term plan Kinya Seto took over the role of President in FY3/17. Following this management transition, some changes have been made in the company s organization and business strategy, but there have been uncertainties over the longer-term business policy. We believe the release of the medium-term plan could bring clarity to the business strategy and stimulate investor scrutiny of this strategy. We anticipate share-price gains as more investors start to evaluate LIXIL s business strategy. The business strategy is the key issue in the medium-term plan. We expect the business strategy and a specific action plan to drive up market expectations for profit growth at LIXIL. At the results briefing, President Seto gave the first indications that the company plans to transfer technological expertise developed in Japan into other regions and improve productivity at its manufacturing sites. The President is in direct control of LWT and LHT and we expect the company to improve both productivity and marketing on a global basis. Permasteelisa sale would be good news We have previously highlighted Permasteelisa as a challenge that LIXIL needs to address, as this subsidiary generates low profit margins and lacks earnings stability. This issue would be resolved in a stroke if LIXIL sold Permasteelisa. We expect LIXIL to announce its medium-term plan after the 1Q FY3/18 results release. Disposing of Permasteelisa before the medium-term plan release could allow the LIXIL management team to announce reliable profit targets and a credible business strategy. LIXIL Group (5938) 4

Figure 2: Current status of seven key concerns mentioned previously Subject Progress Our view as of June 2016 Our view now Grohe's earnings Grohe's earnings reliability was low, owing to a lack of transparency in organizational management. With President Seto directly involved in LWT, there is an increased likelihood of continued growth in local currency-based sales. Permasteelisa's earnings We had doubts about the profitability of backlog. We still have doubts about the profitability of backlog. Risk of goodwill impairment Technical prowess, brand power There was a risk of impairment if acquired businesses didn't attain the level of profitability assumed at time of purchase. There was a problem in Japan with tankless toilets leaking. Impairment risk is low, as Permasteelisa booked a 10bn impairment charge when shifting to IFRS, while Grohe and ASB have prospects for profit growth. Although the tankless toilet problem in Japan is now resolved, LIXIL still needs to bolster technical prowess and brand power overseas Understandability of results presentation materials Likelihood of guidance being met Extremely hard to understand Extremely hard to understand Low Should improve Risk of capital increase There was a risk of capital increase if the company booked goodwill impairment and/or stepped up capital spending. There is a risk of capital increase if the company steps up capital spending. Source: Credit Suisse LIXIL Group (5938) 5

Share price LIXIL s absolute and relative share price performance has been improving since end-june 2016. Figure 3: Absolute share prices (Dec 2012=100) Figure 4: Relative share prices (Dec 2012=100) 430 380 330 280 230 180 130 80 LIXIL Sekisui House TOPIX TOTO 12/31/2012 2/28/2013 4/30/2013 6/30/2013 8/31/2013 10/31/2013 12/31/2013 2/28/2014 4/30/2014 6/30/2014 8/31/2014 10/31/2014 12/31/2014 2/28/2015 4/30/2015 6/30/2015 8/31/2015 10/31/2015 12/31/2015 2/29/2016 4/30/2016 6/30/2016 8/31/2016 10/31/2016 12/31/2016 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 vs Sekisui House vs TOPIX vs TOTO 12/31/2012 2/28/2013 4/30/2013 6/30/2013 8/31/2013 10/31/2013 12/31/2013 2/28/2014 4/30/2014 6/30/2014 8/31/2014 10/31/2014 12/31/2014 2/28/2015 4/30/2015 6/30/2015 8/31/2015 10/31/2015 12/31/2015 2/29/2016 4/30/2016 6/30/2016 8/31/2016 10/31/2016 12/31/2016 Source: Thomson Reuters, Credit Suisse Source: Thomson Reuters, Credit Suisse Target price calculations Target price based on EV/EBITDA of 9.5x As before, we base our target price on a fair-value EV/EBITDA of 9.5x applied to our FY3/18 estimates. For EBITDA, we add back depreciation/amortization costs to core earnings. We expect LIXIL s valuations to remain on par with the average since 2003, given the company s improving prospects for profit growth and its steadily rising ROE. Figure 5: EV/EBITDA (EBITDA=core earnings + depreciation) (x) 20.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 Apr-00 Oct-00 Apr-01 Oct-01 Apr-02 Oct-02 Apr-03 Oct-03 Apr-04 Oct-04 Apr-05 Oct-05 Apr-06 Oct-06 Apr-07 Oct-07 Apr-08 Oct-08 Apr-09 Oct-09 Apr-10 Oct-10 Apr-11 Oct-11 Apr-12 Oct-12 Apr-13 Oct-13 Apr-14 Oct-14 Apr-15 Oct-15 Apr-16 Oct-16 Source: Thomson Reuters, Credit Suisse LIXIL Group (5938) 6

Attractive valuations compared to TOTO s LIXIL s valuations versus TOTO s Figure 6 compares LIXIL s EV/EBITDA trend to TOTO s, while Figure 7 shows the ratio of LIXIL s multiple to TOTO s. Excluding FY3/12, when its earnings took a turn for the worse, LIXIL s EV/EBITDA was roughly 1.0 1.5x TOTO s during 2004 15, but this ratio has fallen below 1x in FY3/17. In view of this, we consider LIXIL s relative valuation attractive. LIXIL s EV/EBITDA has often been 1.3x TOTO s since 2013 amid expectations for profit growth/cash flow expansion, but the drop in its valuations after the Grohe acquisition (due to accounting irregularities at Grohe subsidiary Joyou) still seems a fresh memory. Figure 6: EV/EBITDA Figure 7: EV/EBITDA (LIXIL vs. TOTO) (x) 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 LIXIL TOTO 2.5 2.3 2.0 1.8 1.5 1.3 1.0 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.0 (x) LIXIL/TOTO 4/30/2000 4/30/2001 4/30/2002 4/30/2003 4/30/2004 4/30/2005 4/30/2006 4/30/2007 4/30/2008 4/30/2009 4/30/2010 4/30/2011 4/30/2012 4/30/2013 4/30/2014 4/30/2015 4/30/2016 5/31/2000 5/31/2001 5/31/2002 5/31/2003 5/31/2004 5/31/2005 5/31/2006 5/31/2007 5/31/2008 5/31/2009 5/31/2010 5/31/2011 5/31/2012 5/31/2013 5/31/2014 5/31/2015 5/31/2016 Source: Company data, Credit Suisse Source: Company data, Credit Suisse Prospective EBITDA growth rates We expect similar EBITDA growth rates at LIXIL and TOTO in FY3/17 19. If valuations only factor in EBITDA growth, we believe their EV/EBITDAs could converge again. Figure 8: EBITDA growth rates (YoY) 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% LIXIL TOTO 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% -10.0% 14/3 15/3 16/3 17/3 CSE 18/3 CSE 19/3 CSE -20.0% Note: LIXILGroup EBITDA=core earnings+depreciation, TOTO: EBITDA=OP+Depreciation LIXIL Group (5938) 7

Permasteelisa sale could lift valuations via better margins/profit upside Differing business structures Given the growth potential of each business based on their different structures, we believe LIXIL s offloading of Permasteelisa could raise business-profit margins and thereby lift valuations. At the 3Q results briefing, president Kinya Seto said LIXIL is now focusing on expanding production capacity at Grohe and American Standard. We think valuations would improve if LIXIL can increase capacity in LWT s overseas operations using proceeds from the Permasteelisa sale. Figure 9 compares the business structures of LIXIL and TOTO. The comparison shows (1) little disparity in domestic business-profit margins, (2) a lower business-profit margin for LIXIL overseas, and (3) a renovation sales weighting of 24% for LIXIL s domestic operations as of December 2016, which we estimate is lower than TOTO s. We put the lower business-profit margin in LIXIL s overseas business down to weak profitability at LIXIL Building Technology (LBT). The overseas business-profit margin is around 11% at LWT, but we estimate it at 1.3% at LBT over FY3/17. In Japan, TOTO s renovation sales weighting is currently higher than LIXIL s. However, we see upside for LIXIL s valuations if it can raise its renovation weighting via changes in marketing approach and product development. Figure 9: Comparison of business structures (using OP for TOTO) LIXIL Group TOTO 16/3 17/3 17/3 18/3 19/3 16/3 17/3 18/3 19/3 unit:1bn yen 3Q cumulative CSE CSE CSE CSE CSE CSE Sales 1,890.5 1,333.7 1,808.2 1,846.5 1,884.3 567.8 578.6 594.4 607.8 Domestic 1,332.0 974.0 1,315.9 1,340.3 1,363.6 440.5 444.4 455.8 464.5 Reform 233.8 284.4 285.3 291.8 299.2 Except reform 740.2 156.1 159.2 164.0 165.3 Overseas 599.7 386.6 492.3 506.2 520.7 127.3 134.1 138.6 143.3 Core earnings 70.1 73.8 82.5 96.9 114.0 46.1 47.6 54.1 59.3 Domestic 79.0 72.1 91.4 100.5 108.4 28.5 28.3 34.0 38.4 Reform 24.1 23.7 28.9 32.8 Except reform 4.4 4.6 5.1 5.6 Overseas 20.8 28.8 39.1 45.0 54.1 21.4 24.2 25.1 25.9 Consolidated adjustment (29.7) (27.1) (47.9) (48.6) (48.5) (3.8) (5.0) (5.0) (5.0) Core earnings margin 3.7% 5.5% 4.6% 5.2% 6.0% 8.1% 8.2% 9.1% 9.8% Domestic 5.9% 7.4% 6.9% 7.5% 8.0% 6.5% 6.4% 7.5% 8.3% Reform 8.5% 8.3% 9.9% 11.0% Except reform 2.8% 2.9% 3.1% 3.4% Overseas 3.5% 7.4% 7.9% 8.9% 10.4% 16.8% 18.1% 18.1% 18.1% Domestic sales Reform ratio 24.0% 64.6% 64.2% 64.0% 64.4% Except reform ratio 76.0% 35.4% 35.8% 36.0% 35.6% EBIT Domestic ratio 79.2% 71.5% 70.0% 69.1% 66.7% 57.1% 53.9% 57.5% 59.7% Overseas ratio 20.8% 28.5% 30.0% 30.9% 33.3% 42.9% 46.1% 42.5% 40.3% Note: LIXIL Group=IFRS, TOTO=JGAAP, LIXIL Group's reform is Sales by reform in technology business. LIXIL Group (5938) 8

Domestic operations saw sales of housing window sashes slow in 3Q Domestic sales 3Q Japan sales fall due to housing window sashes Domestic 3Q sales were sluggish overall in the technology businesses or Lixil Water Technology (LWT), Lixil Housing Technology (LHT), Lixil Building Technology (LBT), and Lixil Kitchen Technology (LKT) (Figure 10). We attribute this to weaker sales at LHT, where housing window sash sales fell YoY. The domestic sales breakdown of 3Q results shows sales grew at LWT but fell at LHT. Sanitary ware sales in 3Q (Oct Dec) rose 7.2% YoY but housing window sashes fell 4.1%. Combined quarterly sales in the technology businesses declined 2.6% YoY in 1Q, 1.6% in 2Q, and 3.5% in 3Q. We attribute the 3Q slowdown in housing window sash sales to weak renovation demand and a high YoY hurdle set by sales boosted by the eco-points system. Owners that renovate their properties have been entitled to up to 300,000 in ecorenovation subsidies since November 2016. The tailwind from this factor is likely to peter out in June 2017, in our view. However, even now, we see the subsidies providing only a minor boost to renovation demand, owing to the strict terms on which they are offered. Figure 10: Domestic sales by products and reform Sales by major products Sales (1 bn yen) Sales( YoY %) FY3/16 FY3/16 FY3/17 FY3/16 FY3/17 FY3/17 Cumulative Cumulative 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q Cumulative 3Q 3Q 3Q LWT Sanitary ware 98.0 72.5 74.6 0.7 3.0 2.1 0.9 (2.1) 3.3 7.2 2.9 Bathroom units 92.2 69.9 70.4 4.0 6.6 5.7 4.7 (1.2) 1.3 2.1 0.7 Washstand cabinet units 33.9 24.9 25.8 1.1 3.9 4.7 2.5 0.3 5.1 5.0 3.6 Tiles 29.3 21.5 21.4 (3.7) (2.5) 4.1 0.5 (1.4) (1.0) 0.0 (0.5) LHT Housing sashes and related products 204.1 156.3 151.6 3.6 1.6 1.2 (0.6) (3.9) (1.0) (4.1) (3.0) Exterior 110.9 84.4 82.3 (12.6) (8.4) 0.8 2.9 0.6 (2.8) (4.9) (2.5) Wooden interior furnishing materials 58.2 43.5 45.2 2.4 4.7 6.7 4.5 8.7 2.9 0.7 3.9 Exterior wall materials for houses 31.0 23.6 23.6 (6.0) (2.2) (11.8) (3.1) (4.6) 1.4 3.2 0.0 Interior fabric 30.2 21.5 20.9 (12.0) 6.4 3.5 (2.1) 0.7 (4.7) (3.2) (2.8) LHT Other 54.4 39.8 30.1 (10.8) (19.3) 5.6 (16.1) (8.5) (14.1) (49.2) (24.4) LBT Building sashes 103.1 66.7 61.9 8.3 2.4 (7.2) (5.1) (27.4) 4.5 (7.5) (7.2) LKT Kitchens 104.1 76.9 78.8 0.4 1.6 2.5 1.4 2.6 2.1 2.4 2.5 Sales by reform Sales (1 bn yen) Sales( YoY %) FY3/16 FY3/16 FY3/17 FY3/16 FY3/17 FY3/17 Cumulative Cumulative 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q Cumulative 3Q 3Q 3Q Domestic Technology business 792.3-2.6-1.6-3.5-2.6 Sales by reform 233.8 1.7 1.5-1.8 0.3 Except by reform 558.5-4.3-2.8-4.1-3.8 Source: Company data, Credit Suisse Aqua Ceramic contributing in LWT business In the sanitary ware category, the new product Aqua Ceramic, launched in April 2016, is contributing to sales growth. The main feature of this product is its ability to prevent stains. Aqua Ceramic s standard installation rate for sanitary ware through 3Q was around 30%. and we expect sales of the product to increase over the next year or so. LHT sales likely to grow from 4Q Housing window sash sales were sluggish in 3Q, reflecting a high YoY hurdle set by sales boosted by the eco-point system, but we expect them to turn upward (+4% YoY) in 4Q. LIXIL Group (5938) 9

Reduced risk of goodwill write-downs at Grohe Overseas subsidiaries Receding risk of goodwill write-downs The overseas subsidiaries causing concern thus far are Grohe and Permasteelisa. We saw a risk of goodwill write-downs at Grohe, but this looks unlikely now. However, Grohe still has a vast amount of intangible fixed assets on its books ( 2,827mn at end-3q). Permasteelisa is writing down 10.0bn of goodwill as part of its FY3/17 transition to IFRS. Its current challenges are to stabilize earnings and improve margins, in our view. Figure 11: Intangible assets in 3Q Permasteelisa ASB Grohe mil EUR mil USD mil EUR Goodwill 158 143 1,215 Trademark 126 1,349 Other intangible assets 154 111 189 Fixed asset/inventory valuation 73 Total 312 379 2,827 1EUR=123Yen 1USD=115Yen Permasteelisa ASB Grohe bn yen bn yen bn yen Total intangible assets 384 436 3,477 Source: Company data, Credit Suisse Ongoing sales growth at Grohe On a local currency basis, Grohe s 1 3Q sales grew 5% YoY. Figure 12: Performance of Grohe 15/3 16/3 17/3 17/3 18/3 19/3 CoE CSE CSE CSE Sales mil euro 1,315 1,409 1,352 1,381 1,450 1,522 (YoY) 7.1% 5.0% 5.0% Core ernings mil euro 199 202 209 214 228 242 Core earnings margin 15.1% 14.3% 15.5% 15.5% 15.7% 15.9% Yen/EUR 140 133 117 123 123 123 Sales bn yen 184.1 187.4 158 169.9 178.3 187.3 EBIT bn yen 27.9 26.9 24 26.3 28.0 29.8 Core earnings= Sales - COGS - SGA Permasteelisa likely to miss profit targets We expect Permasteelisa to miss its FY3/17 business-profit target. Figure 13: Performance of Permasteelisa 12/12 13/12 14/12 15/12 17/3 17/3 17/3 17/3 17/3 JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS CoE(May) CoE(2Q) CSE CSE CSE Sales mil euro 1,645 1,372 Core earnings mil euro 56 29 Euroyen 117.1 117.06 123 123 123 Sales bn yen 140.9 180.4 198.2 209.1 1,926.3 1,606.1 1,687.6 1,687.6 1,687.6 Core earnings bn yen 7.0 4.1 6.0 2.3 65.6 33.9 12.5 33.8 84.4 Core earnings margin 5.0% 2.3% 3.0% 1.1% 3.4% 2.1% 0.7% 2.0% 5.0% LIXIL Group (5938) 10

Figure 14: Premise of sales by companies Forecasts and valuation IFRS 15/3 16/3 17/3 17/3 18/3 19/3 1H 2H 1H 2H 2H bn yen CoE CSE Co.E CSE CSE CSE Sales 1,705.4 942.4 948.1 1,890.5 870.4 909.6 937.8 1,780.0 1,808.2 1,846.5 1,884.3 Japan 1,343.0 655.7 676.3 1,332.0 636.3 671.7 679.6 1,308.0 1,315.9 1,340.3 1,363.6 (YoY) -0.8% -3.0% -0.7% 0.5% -1.8% -1.2% 1.9% 1.7% Overseas 362.4 286.7 271.8 599.7 234.1 237.9 258.2 472.0 492.3 506.2 520.7 (YoY) 6.5% -1.8% -1.2% -0.5% -2.1% -1.8% 0.3% 0.3% By companies Grohe 102.8 79.1 79.2 90.8 158.3 169.9 178.3 187.3 ASB 59.3 55.9 53.6 67.7 109.5 123.6 128.6 133.7 Permasteelisa 85.3 74.1 86.4 94.7 160.5 168.8 168.8 168.8 Others 39.3 25.0 18.6 5.0 43.6 30.0 30.5 30.9 By regions Asia 106.3 48.1 154.4 78.7 Greater China 49.1 39.6 88.7 35.7 Thai 18.1 Vietnam 11.9 Korea 11.6 Other countries 24.1 North America 107.5 99.0 206.5 91.1 Europe 73.6 167.4 241.0 70.4 Other countries (0.7) 32.4 31.7 (6.1) (Exchange assumption) JPY/Euro 13.9 13.5 9.5 13.5 11.9 11.5 12.7 11.7 12.3 12.3 12.3 JPY/US$ 11.0 12.1 8.9 12.2 10.6 10.5 12.4 11.7 11.5 11.5 11.5 Performance by companies LWT 453.9 333.2 344.4 677.6 318.3 334.7 353.7 653.0 672.0 693.4 714.0 (YoY) 49.3% -4.5% -2.8% 2.7% -3.6% -0.8% 3.2% 3.0% Japan 300.7 149.4 164.6 314.0 149.8 166.2 168.7 316.0 318.5 326.5 333.0 (YoY) 4.4% 0.3% 1.0% 2.5% 0.6% 1.4% 2.5% 2.0% Overseas 153.2 183.8 179.8 363.6 168.5 168.5 185.0 337.0 353.5 366.9 381.0 (YoY) 137.3% -8.3% -6.3% 2.9% -7.3% -2.8% 3.8% 3.8% Asia 54.6 46.8 North America 68.5 60.9 Europe 45.2 49.6 Other countries 14.3 10.0 LHT 573.6 278.1 288.0 566.1 270.0 277.0 283.8 547.0 553.8 564.7 575.8 (YoY) -1.3% -2.9% -3.8% -1.5% -3.4% -2.2% 2.0% 2.0% Japan 563.2 272.3 282.0 554.3 265.0 272.0 277.8 537.0 542.8 553.6 564.7 (YoY) -1.6% -2.7% -3.5% -1.5% -3.1% -2.1% 2.0% 2.0% Overseas 10.4 5.8 6.0 11.8 5.0 5.0 6.0 10.0 11.0 11.1 11.1 (YoY) 13.5% -13.8% -16.7% 0.0% -15.3% -6.8% 0.9% 0.0% LBT 348.2 169.3 162.7 332.0 126.4 145.6 148.2 272.0 274.6 274.6 274.6 (YoY) -4.7% -25.3% -10.5% -8.9% -18.1% -17.3% 0.0% 0.0% Japan 117.9 57.2 58.5 115.7 51.8 58.2 58.2 110.0 110.0 110.0 110.0 (YoY) -1.9% -9.4% -0.5% -0.5% -4.9% -4.9% 0.0% 0.0% Overseas 230.3 112.1 104.1 216.2 74.6 87.4 90.0 162.0 164.6 164.6 164.6 (YoY) -6.1% -33.5% -16.0% -13.5% -25.1% -23.9% 0.0% 0.0% LKT 115.0 53.7 58.4 112.1 54.7 58.3 59.8 113.0 114.5 117.0 119.6 (YoY) -2.5% 1.9% -0.2% 2.4% 0.8% 2.1% 2.2% 2.2% Japan 104.5 49.1 54.9 104.0 50.2 54.8 56.1 105.0 106.3 108.5 110.6 (YoY) -0.5% 2.2% -0.2% 2.3% 1.0% 2.3% 2.0% 2.0% Overseas 10.5 4.6 3.4 8.0 4.5 3.5 3.8 8.0 8.3 8.6 9.0 (YoY) -23.8% -2.2% 2.9% 11.8% 0.0% 3.8% 3.0% 5.1% D&R 194.4 98.7 85.8 184.5 87.2 86.8 85.8 174.0 173.0 176.5 180.0 H&R 62.3 29.0 30.5 59.5 32.3 33.7 33.0 66.0 65.3 65.3 65.3 Consolidated adjustment (41.9) (19.5) (21.7) (41.2) (18.4) (26.6) (26.6) (45.0) (45.0) (45.0) (45.0) LIXIL Group (5938) 11

Figure 15: Premise of business interests by companies (sales-cost of goods sold- sales and general administrative expenses) IFRS 15/3 16/3 17/3 17/3 18/3 19/3 1H 2H 1H 2H 2H bn yen CoE CSE Co.E CSE CSE CSE Core Earnings(Sales-COGS-SGA) 51.7 40.1 30.0 70.1 39.8 40.2 42.7 80.0 82.5 96.9 114.0 (vs sales) 3.0% 4.3% 3.2% 3.7% 4.6% 4.4% 4.6% 4.5% 4.6% 5.2% 6.0% Japan 716 430 360 790 404 501 510 905 914 1,005 1,084 (vs sales) 5.3% 6.6% 5.3% 5.9% 6.3% 7.5% 7.5% 6.9% 6.9% 7.5% 8.0% Overseas 44 122 86 208 168 207 223 375 391 450 541 (vs sales) 1.2% 4.3% 3.2% 3.5% 7.2% 8.7% 8.6% 7.9% 7.9% 8.9% 10.4% By companies Grohe 11.3 11.8 12.7 14.5 24.5 26.3 28.0 29.8 ASB 3.0 4.6 3.3 4.8 7.9 9.4 11.3 13.3 Permasteelisa 2.8 (1.7) 5.1 3.0 3.4 1.3 3.4 8.4 Others (4.9) 2.1 (0.3) (0.0) 1.8 2.1 2.3 2.5 LWT 28.3 25.8 29.1 54.9 30.2 33.8 39.2 64.0 69.4 76.9 82.5 (vs sales) 6.2% 7.7% 8.4% 8.1% 9.5% 10.1% 11.1% 9.8% 10.3% 11.1% 11.6% Japan 23.5 13.5 13.2 26.7 12.2 16.3 18.4 28.5 30.6 34.6 36.4 (vs sales) 7.8% 9.0% 8.0% 8.5% 8.1% 9.8% 10.9% 9.0% 9.6% 10.6% 10.9% Overseas 4.7 12.3 15.8 28.1 18.1 17.4 20.6 35.5 38.7 42.3 46.1 (vs sales) 3.1% 6.7% 8.8% 7.7% 10.7% 10.3% 11.2% 10.5% 11.0% 11.5% 12.1% LHT 32.5 21.4 16.6 38.0 19.6 23.4 22.4 43.0 42.0 45.8 51.1 (vs sales) 5.7% 7.7% 5.8% 6.7% 7.3% 8.4% 7.9% 7.9% 7.6% 8.1% 8.9% Japan 34.1 20.4 15.3 35.7 18.3 22.7 21.1 41.0 39.4 43.2 48.5 (vs sales) 6.1% 7.5% 5.4% 6.4% 6.9% 8.3% 7.6% 7.6% 7.3% 7.8% 8.6% Overseas (1.6) 1.0 1.3 2.3 1.4 0.6 1.2 2.0 2.6 2.6 2.6 (vs sales) -15.4% 17.2% 21.7% 19.5% 28.0% 12.0% 20.0% 20.0% 23.6% 23.4% 23.4% LBT 5.7 0.4 (6.0) (5.6) (0.8) 6.8 4.7 6.0 3.9 6.0 11.1 (vs sales) 1.6% 0.2% -3.7% -1.7% -0.6% 4.7% 3.2% 2.2% 1.4% 2.2% 4.0% Japan 4.7 1.4 2.2 3.6 2.0 4.0 4.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 (vs sales) 4.0% 2.4% 3.8% 3.1% 3.9% 6.9% 6.9% 5.5% 5.5% 5.5% 5.5% Overseas 1.1 (1.0) (8.3) (9.3) (2.8) 2.8 0.7 0.0 (2.1) 0.0 5.1 (vs sales) 0.5% -0.9% -8.0% -4.3% -3.8% 3.2% 0.8% 0.0% -1.3% 0.0% 3.1% LKT (1.5) 0.5 1.3 1.8 0.8 1.7 1.9 2.5 2.7 3.7 4.8 (vs sales) -1.3% 0.9% 2.2% 1.6% 1.5% 2.9% 3.1% 2.2% 2.3% 3.2% 4.0% Japan (1.7) 0.6 1.4 2.0 0.7 1.8 2.1 2.5 2.8 3.7 4.5 (vs sales) -1.6% 1.2% 2.6% 1.9% 1.4% 3.3% 3.8% 2.4% 2.7% 3.4% 4.1% Overseas 0.2 (0.1) (0.2) (0.3) 0.1 (0.1) (0.3) 0.0 (0.2) 0.1 0.3 (vs sales) 1.9% -2.2% -5.9% -3.8% 2.2% -2.9% -6.6% 0.0% -1.8% 0.7% 3.1% D&R 6.5 4.8 2.4 7.2 4.9 2.6 2.6 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 (vs sales) 3.3% 4.9% 2.8% 3.9% 5.6% 3.0% 3.0% 4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 4.2% H&S 4.5 2.3 1.5 3.8 2.3 2.7 2.7 5.0 5.0 5.5 5.5 (vs sales) 7.2% 7.9% 4.9% 6.4% 7.1% 8.0% 8.2% 7.6% 7.7% 8.4% 8.4% Consolidated adjustment (24.3) (15.0) (14.9) (29.9) (17.2) (30.8) (30.8) (48.0) (48.0) (48.5) (48.5) LIXIL Group (5938) 12

Figure 16: Consolidated income statement 3/14 3/15 3/16 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/19 JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS ( mn) Co.E CS E CS E CS E Sales 1,628,658 1,673,405 1,845,117 1,890,450 1,780,000 1,808,200 1,846,500 1,884,300 COGS 1,180,823 1,226,085 1,321,656 1,348,849 1,780,000 1,215,700 1,239,600 1,250,300 (% of sales) 72.5% 73.3% 71.6% 71.4% 67.2% 67.1% 66.4% Gross profits 447,834 447,320 523,460 541,601 592,500 606,900 634,000 (% of sales) 27.5% 26.7% 28.4% 28.6% 32.8% 32.9% 33.6% SG&A 378,754 395,645 467,201 471,532 520,000 520,000 520,000 (% of sales) 23.3% 23.6% 25.3% 24.9% 28.8% 28.2% 27.6% Core earnings (Sales-COGS-SGA) 70,069 80,000 82,500 96,900 114,000 (% of sales) 3.7% 4.5% 4.6% 5.2% 6.0% Other expense (31,058) (15,000) (10,000) (10,000) (10,000) (% of sales) -1.6% -0.8% -0.6% -0.5% -0.5% Operating profits 69,079 51,674 56,259 39,011 65,000 72,500 86,900 104,000 (% of sales) 4.2% 3.1% 3.0% 2.1% 3.7% 4.0% 4.7% 5.5% Finance income(costs) (9,360) 2,000 4,000 (3,300) (3,300) Other (36,738) 0 0 0 0 Non-operating income and expense 5,857 6,187-7,837 Recurring profit 74,937 57,862 48,421 (% of sales) 4.6% 3.5% 2.6% Extraordinary profit and expense -25,852-4,874-45,239 Extraordinary profit 2,953 13,446 10,687 Extraordinary loss 28,805 18,320 55,926 Income before income tax 49,085 52,988 3,182 (7,087) 67,000 76,500 83,600 100,700 Income tax 28,160 30,861 15,371 18,519 31,400 18,600 33,200 (Tax rate) 57.4% 58.2% 483.1% -261.3% 41.0% 22.2% 33.0% Non-controlling interests (27) 113 6,475 (1,066) 200 0 0 Net income 20,951 22,012 (18,664) (25,606) 38,000 44,900 65,000 67,500 Figure 17: Consolidated balance sheet 3/14 3/15 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/19 JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS ( mn) CS E CS E CS E Current assets 942,532 1,005,974 876,280 885,218 869,000 877,700 888,300 Cash and deposits 162,996 257,288 151,833 129,646 133,000 129,400 127,900 Notes and accounts receivable 487,211 443,855 412,780 386,281 361,600 369,300 376,900 (% of sales) 29.9% 26.5% 22.4% 20.4% 20.0% 20.0% 20.0% Inventories 210,854 227,620 220,110 211,855 217,000 221,600 226,100 (% of sales) 10.0% 13.6% 11.9% 11.2% 12.0% 12.0% 12.0% Others 81,471 77,211 91,557 157,436 157,400 157,400 157,400 Non-Current assets 843,761 869,274 1,184,593 1,244,902 1,257,800 1,273,800 1,288,800 Total assets 1,786,293 1,875,249 2,060,873 2,130,120 2,126,800 2,151,500 2,177,100 Current liabilities 719,248 685,991 759,300 862,478 845,200 852,100 858,900 Notes and accounts payable 235,799 232,971 234,240 342,832 325,500 332,400 339,200 (% of sales) 14.5% 13.9% 12.7% 18.1% 18.0% 18.0% 18.0% Interst-bearing debt 222,198 176,025 194,162 325,660 325,700 325,700 325,700 Others 261,251 276,995 330,898 193,986 194,000 194,000 194,000 Non-current liabilities 465,250 575,605 664,055 730,334 716,600 686,600 656,600 Interst-bearing debt 359,026 467,801 432,027 325,660 325,700 325,700 325,700 Others 106,224 107,804 232,028 404,674 390,900 360,900 330,900 Total liabilities 1,184,498 1,261,597 1,423,356 1,592,812 1,561,800 1,538,700 1,515,500 Total equity 601,795 613,651 637,517 537,308 565,000 612,800 661,600 Total liabilities and equity 1,786,293 1,875,249 2,060,873 2,130,120 2,126,800 2,151,500 2,177,100 LIXIL Group (5938) 13

Figure 18: Consolidated cash flow statement 3/14 3/15 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/19 JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS ( mn) CS E CS E CS E Operating activities 83,532 138,931 137,012 121,085 117,104 126,600 130,200 Net income 20,951 22,012 (18,664) (25,606) 44,900 65,000 67,500 Depreciation 49,167 50,724 60,451 62,205 65,000 67,000 68,000 Amortaization of goodwill 6,574 6,488 11,982 0 0 0 0 Impairment loss 1,615 3,910 5,662 19,701 5,000 0 0 Trade receivable -99,760 43,356 31,075 12,135 24,681-7,700-7,600 Inventories -62,093-16,766 7,510 18,086-5,145-4,600-4,500 Accounts payable 34,723 (2,828) 1,269 (10,401) (17,332) 6,900 6,800 Others 108,551 32,035 37,727 44,965 0 0 0 Investing activities -218,332-129,228 16,547 19,122-83,000-83,000-83,000 Fixed assets -61,304-59,354-51,183-33,901-83,000-83,000-83,000 Others (157,028) (69,874) 67,730 53,023 0 0 0 Financing activities 153,144 10,009-171,758-154,403-30,900-47,200-48,700 Loan payable 223,237 62,602 (17,637) (134,092) (13,700) (30,000) (30,000) New share issuance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dividends -13,083-17,200-17,190-17,190-17,200-17,200-18,700 Share buyback 0 (19,999) 0 0 0 0 0 Others (57,010) (15,394) (136,931) (3,121) 0 0 0 Net increase (decrease) in cash 18,344 19,712 (18,199) (14,196) 3,200 (3,600) (1,500) Figure 19: Consolidated valuation sheet 3/14 3/15 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/19 JGAAP JGAAP JGAAP IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS ( mn) CS E CS E CS E Net working capital 462,266 438,504 398,650 255,304 253,100 258,500 263,800 Fixed assets 843,761 869,274 1,184,593 1,244,902 1,257,800 1,273,800 1,288,800 Estimated invested capital 1,306,027 1,307,778 1,583,243 1,500,206 1,510,900 1,532,300 1,552,600 Operating profit 69,079 51,674 56,259 39,011 72,500 86,900 104,000 Tax rate (%) 57.4% 58.2% - - 41.0% 22.2% 33.0% NOPAT 29,448 21,578 33,755 23,407 42,742 67,566 69,712 ROIC (%) 2.3% 1.6% 2.1% 1.6% 2.8% 4.4% 4.5% Common shares outstanding (mn) 290.7 286.4 287.0 287.0 287.0 287.0 287.0 Current share price ( ) 2,846 2,847 2,295 2,295 2,770 2,770 2,770 Market capitalization 827,426 815,244 658,682 658,682 795,010 795,010 795,010 Interest-bearing debt 581,224 643,826 626,189 827,059 813,400 783,400 753,400 Cash and marketable securities 162,996 257,288 151,833 129,646 133,000 129,400 127,900 Net debt 418,228 386,538 474,356 697,413 680,400 654,000 625,500 Enterprise value 1,245,654 1,201,782 1,133,038 1,356,095 1,475,410 1,449,010 1,420,510 EBITDA 118,246 108,886 130,520 132,274 147,500 163,900 182,000 EV/EBITDA (X,EBITDA=core earnings+depreciation) 10.5 11.0 8.7 10.3 10.0 8.8 7.8 EV/Sales (X) 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 EPS ( ) 72.1 76.9-65.0-89.2 156.4 226.5 235.2 EPS growth (%) -1.8% 6.7% - - - 44.8% 3.8% Dividend yield (%) 1.9% 2.1% 2.6% 2.6% 2.2% 2.2% 2.3% ROE (%) 3.5% 3.7% - - 8.3% 11.3% 10.8% ROA (%) 1.2% 1.2% -0.9% -1.2% 2.1% 3.0% 3.1% PER (X) 39.5 37.0-35.3-25.7 17.7 12.2 11.8 PBR (X) 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.2 BPS 2,041 2,104 1,895 1,829 1,925 2,092 2,262 Debt / equity 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.2 DPS ( ) 55 60 60 60 60 60 65 Dividend payout ratio (%) 76.3% 78.1% - - 38.4% 26.5% 27.6% LIXIL Group (5938) 14

Companies Mentioned (Price as of 20-Feb-2017) American Standard (Unlisted) GROHE Group (Unlisted) LIXIL Group (5938.T, 2,770, OUTPERFORM, TP 3,200) Permasteelisa (Unlisted) Rinnai (5947.T, 8,730) Sekisui House (1928.T, 1,798) TOTO (5332.T, 4,220) Joyou (JY8G.F^B17) Disclosure Appendix Analyst Certification Masahiro Mochizuki and Yasuko Fukuda each certify, with respect to the companies or securities that the individual analyzes, that (1) the views expressed in this report accurately reflect his or her personal views about all of the subject companies and securities and (2) no part of his or her compensation was, is or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. 3-Year Price and Rating History for LIXIL Group (5938.T) 5938.T Closing Price Target Price Date ( ) ( ) Rating 28-Jul-14 2,657 2,700 N 28-Aug-14 2,301 2,000 U 18-Dec-14 2,486 2,300 07-Jul-15 2,539 2,200 24-Sep-15 2,450 2,300 19-Jan-16 2,476 2,400 N 23-Jun-16 1,873 1,900 20-Jan-17 2,678 3,200 O * Asterisk signifies initiation or assumption of coverage. 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 N EU T RA L U N D ERPERFO RM O U T PERFO RM Target Price Closing Price 5938.T 01- Jan- 2015 01- Jan- 2016 01- Jan- 2017 The analyst(s) responsible for preparing this research report received Compensation that is based upon various factors including Credit Suisse's total revenues, a portion of which are generated by Credit Suisse's investment banking activities As of December 10, 2012 Analysts stock rating are defined as follows: Outperform (O) : The stock s total return is expected to outperform the relevant benchmark* over the next 12 months. Neutral (N) : The stock s total return is expected to be in line with the relevant benchmark* over the next 12 months. Underperform (U) : The stock s total return is expected to underperform the relevant benchmark* over the next 12 months. *Relevant benchmark by region: As of 10th December 2012, Japanese ratings are based on a stock s total return relative to the analyst's coverage universe which consists of all companies covered by the analyst within the relevant sector, with Outperforms representing the most attractive, Neutrals the less attractive, and Underperforms the least attractive investment opportunities. As of 2nd October 2012, U.S. and Canadian as well as European ratings are based on a stock s total return relative to the analyst's coverage universe which consists of all companies covered by the analyst within the relevant sector, with Outperforms representing the most attractive, Neutrals the less attractive, and Underperforms the least attractive investment opportunities. For Latin American and non-japan Asia stocks, ratings are based on a stock s total return relative to the average total return of the relevant country or regional benchmark; prior to 2nd October 2012 U.S. and Canadian ratings were based on (1) a stock s absolute total return potential to its current share price and (2) the relative attractiveness of a stock s total return potential within an analyst s coverage universe. For Australian and New Zealand stocks, the expected total return (ETR) calculation includes 12-month rolling dividend yield. An Outperform rating is assigned where an ETR is greater than or equal to 7.5%; Underperform where an ETR less than or equal to 5%. A Neutral may be assigned where the ETR is between -5% and 15%. The overlapping rating range allows analysts to assign a rating that puts ETR in the context of associated risks. Prior to 18 May 2015, ETR ranges for Outperform and Underperform ratings did not overlap with Neutral thresholds between 15% and 7.5%, which was in operation from 7 July 2011. Restricted (R) : In certain circumstances, Credit Suisse policy and/or applicable law and regulations preclude certain types of communications, including an investment recommendation, during the course of Credit Suisse's engagement in an investment banking transaction and in certain other circumstances. Not Rated (NR) : Credit Suisse Equity Research does not have an investment rating or view on the stock or any other securities related to the company at this time. Not Covered (NC) : Credit Suisse Equity Research does not provide ongoing coverage of the company or offer an investment rating or investment view on the equity security of the company or related products. Volatility Indicator [V] : A stock is defined as volatile if the stock price has moved up or down by 20% or more in a month in at least 8 of the past 24 months or the analyst expects significant volatility going forward. Analysts sector weightings are distinct from analysts stock ratings and are based on the analyst s expectations for the fundamentals and/or valuation of the sector* relative to the group s historic fundamentals and/or valuation: Overweight : The analyst s expectation for the sector s fundamentals and/or valuation is favorable over the next 12 months. Market Weight : The analyst s expectation for the sector s fundamentals and/or valuation is neutral over the next 12 months. Underweight : The analyst s expectation for the sector s fundamentals and/or valuation is cautious over the next 12 months. *An analyst s coverage sector consists of all companies covered by the analyst within the relevant sector. An analyst may cover multiple sectors. LIXIL Group (5938) 15

Credit Suisse's distribution of stock ratings (and banking clients) is: Global Ratings Distribution Rating Versus universe (%) Of which banking clients (%) Outperform/Buy* 45% (64% banking clients) Neutral/Hold* 38% (60% banking clients) Underperform/Sell* 15% (52% banking clients) Restricted 2% *For purposes of the NYSE and FINRA ratings distribution disclosure requirements, our stock ratings of Outperform, Neutral, and Underperform most closely correspond to Buy, Hold, and Sell, respectively; however, the meanings are not the same, as our stock ratings are determined on a relative basis. (Please refer to definitions above.) An investor's decision to buy or sell a security should be based on investment objectives, current holdings, and other individual factors. Important Global Disclosures Credit Suisse s research reports are made available to clients through our proprietary research portal on CS PLUS. Credit Suisse research products may also be made available through third-party vendors or alternate electronic means as a convenience. Certain research products are only made available through CS PLUS. The services provided by Credit Suisse s analysts to clients may depend on a specific client s preferences regarding the frequency and manner of receiving communications, the client s risk profile and investment, the size and scope of the overall client relationship with the Firm, as well as legal and regulatory constraints. To access all of Credit Suisse s research that you are entitled to receive in the most timely manner, please contact your sales representative or go to https://plus.credit-suisse.com. Credit Suisse s policy is to update research reports as it deems appropriate, based on developments with the subject company, the sector or the market that may have a material impact on the research views or opinions stated herein. Credit Suisse's policy is only to publish investment research that is impartial, independent, clear, fair and not misleading. For more detail please refer to Credit Suisse's Policies for Managing Conflicts of Interest in connection with Investment Research: https://www.creditsuisse.com/sites/disclaimers-ib/en/managing-conflicts.html. Credit Suisse does not provide any tax advice. Any statement herein regarding any US federal tax is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding any penalties. Target Price and Rating Valuation Methodology and Risks: (12 months) for LIXIL Group (5938.T) Method: We base our 3,200 target price for LIXIL Group on EV/EBITDA of 9.5x applied to our FY3/18 estimates, with the 9.5x representing the average valuation since 2003. in view of the stock market s low expectations for LIXIL s earnings. Driven by mounting expectations for profit growth and a more stable ROE, we expect the shares to trade back up at the average post-2003 valuation. Until now, the company has been focused on asset expansion, but we believe it has now moved towards an emphasis on higher asset efficiency. LIXIL incorporated Grohe as a wholly owned subsidiary at end-september 2016. We look for greater ROE stability from FY3/18 and expect the company to enjoy higher visibility as a potential investment target We assign a OUTPERFORM rating based on total returns forecast over the next 12 months and a comparison with our coverage universe. Risk: Risks that could impact our 3,200 target price and OUTPERFORM rating for LIXIL Group include: Risks include (1) earnings deterioration at Permasteelisa, (2) sluggish domestic renovation demand, (3) a capital increase, and (4) price competition. Please refer to the firm's disclosure website at https://rave.credit-suisse.com/disclosures for the definitions of abbreviations typically used in the target price method and risk sections. See the Companies Mentioned section for full company names The subject company (5938.T) currently is, or was during the 12-month period preceding the date of distribution of this report, a client of Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse expects to receive or intends to seek investment banking related compensation from the subject company (1928.T, 5938.T) within the next 3 months. For date and time of production, dissemination and history of recommendation for the subject company(ies) featured in this report, disseminated within the past 12 months, please refer to the link: https://rave.credit-suisse.com/disclosures/view/report?i=285403&v=- 6uamensuahpw6w0dwmbctgxtx. Important Regional Disclosures Singapore recipients should contact Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch for any matters arising from this research report. The analyst(s) involved in the preparation of this report may participate in events hosted by the subject company, including site visits. Credit Suisse does not accept or permit analysts to accept payment or reimbursement for travel expenses associated with these events. Restrictions on certain Canadian securities are indicated by the following abbreviations: NVS--Non-Voting shares; RVS--Restricted Voting Shares; SVS--Subordinate Voting Shares. Individuals receiving this report from a Canadian investment dealer that is not affiliated with Credit Suisse should be advised that this report may not contain regulatory disclosures the non-affiliated Canadian investment dealer would be required to make if this were its own report. For Credit Suisse Securities (Canada), Inc.'s policies and procedures regarding the dissemination of equity research, please visit https://www.creditsuisse.com/sites/disclaimers-ib/en/canada-research-policy.html. Principal is not guaranteed in the case of equities because equity prices are variable. Commission is the commission rate or the amount agreed with a customer when setting up an account or at any time after that. This research report is authored by: LIXIL Group (5938) 16

Credit Suisse Securities (Japan) Limited...Masahiro Mochizuki ; Yasuko Fukuda To the extent this is a report authored in whole or in part by a non-u.s. analyst and is made available in the U.S., the following are important disclosures regarding any non-u.s. analyst contributors: The non-u.s. research analysts listed below (if any) are not registered/qualified as research analysts with FINRA. The non-u.s. research analysts listed below may not be associated persons of CSSU and therefore may not be subject to the FINRA 2241 and NYSE Rule 472 restrictions on communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst account. Credit Suisse Securities (Japan) Limited...Masahiro Mochizuki ; Yasuko Fukuda For Credit Suisse disclosure information on other companies mentioned in this report, please visit the website at https://rave.creditsuisse.com/disclosures or call +1 (877) 291-2683. LIXIL Group (5938) 17

This report is produced by subsidiaries and affiliates of Credit Suisse operating under its Global Markets Division. For more information on our structure, please use the following link: https://www.credit-suisse.com/who-we-are This report may contain material that is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject Credit Suisse or its affiliates ("CS") to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction. All material presented in this report, unless specifically indicated otherwise, is under copyright to CS. None of the material, nor its content, nor any copy of it, may be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied or distributed to any other party, without the prior express written permission of CS. All trademarks, service marks and logos used in this report are trademarks or service marks or registered trademarks or service marks of CS or its affiliates.the information, tools and material presented in this report are provided to you for information purposes only and are not to be used or considered as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to sell or to buy or subscribe for securities or other financial instruments. CS may not have taken any steps to ensure that the securities referred to in this report are suitable for any particular investor. CS will not treat recipients of this report as its customers by virtue of their receiving this report. The investments and services contained or referred to in this report may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult an independent investment advisor if you are in doubt about such investments or investment services. Nothing in this report constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to your individual circumstances, or otherwise constitutes a personal recommendation to you. CS does not advise on the tax consequences of investments and you are advised to contact an independent tax adviser. Please note in particular that the bases and levels of taxation may change. Information and opinions presented in this report have been obtained or derived from sources believed by CS to be reliable, but CS makes no representation as to their accuracy or completeness. CS accepts no liability for loss arising from the use of the material presented in this report, except that this exclusion of liability does not apply to the extent that such liability arises under specific statutes or regulations applicable to CS. This report is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. CS may have issued, and may in the future issue, other communications that are inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information presented in this report. Those communications reflect the different assumptions, views and analytical methods of the analysts who prepared them and CS is under no obligation to ensure that such other communications are brought to the attention of any recipient of this report. Some investments referred to in this report will be offered solely by a single entity and in the case of some investments solely by CS, or an associate of CS or CS may be the only market maker in such investments. Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance. Information, opinions and estimates contained in this report reflect a judgment at its original date of publication by CS and are subject to change without notice. The price, value of and income from any of the securities or financial instruments mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise. The value of securities and financial instruments is subject to exchange rate fluctuation that may have a positive or adverse effect on the price or income of such securities or financial instruments. Investors in securities such as ADR's, the values of which are influenced by currency volatility, effectively assume this risk. Structured securities are complex instruments, typically involve a high degree of risk and are intended for sale only to sophisticated investors who are capable of understanding and assuming the risks involved. The market value of any structured security may be affected by changes in economic, financial and political factors (including, but not limited to, spot and forward interest and exchange rates), time to maturity, market conditions and volatility, and the credit quality of any issuer or reference issuer. Any investor interested in purchasing a structured product should conduct their own investigation and analysis of the product and consult with their own professional advisers as to the risks involved in making such a purchase. Some investments discussed in this report may have a high level of volatility. High volatility investments may experience sudden and large falls in their value causing losses when that investment is realised. Those losses may equal your original investment. Indeed, in the case of some investments the potential losses may exceed the amount of initial investment and, in such circumstances, you may be required to pay more money to support those losses. Income yields from investments may fluctuate and, in consequence, initial capital paid to make the investment may be used as part of that income yield. Some investments may not be readily realisable and it may be difficult to sell or realise those investments, similarly it may prove difficult for you to obtain reliable information about the value, or risks, to which such an investment is exposed. This report may provide the addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, websites. Except to the extent to which the report refers to website material of CS, CS has not reviewed any such site and takes no responsibility for the content contained therein. Such address or hyperlink (including addresses or hyperlinks to CS's own website material) is provided solely for your convenience and information and the content of any such website does not in any way form part of this document. Accessing such website or following such link through this report or CS's website shall be at your own risk. This report is issued and distributed in European Union (except Switzerland): by Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, One Cabot Square, London E14 4QJ, England, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Germany: Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited Niederlassung Frankfurt am Main regulated by the Bundesanstalt fuer Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht ("BaFin"). United States and Canada: Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC; Switzerland: Credit Suisse AG; Brazil: Banco de Investimentos Credit Suisse (Brasil) S.A or its affiliates; Mexico: Banco Credit Suisse (México), S.A. (transactions related to the securities mentioned in this report will only be effected in compliance with applicable regulation); Japan: by Credit Suisse Securities (Japan) Limited, Financial Instruments Firm, Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau ( Kinsho) No. 66, a member of Japan Securities Dealers Association, The Financial Futures Association of Japan, Japan Investment Advisers Association, Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association; Hong Kong: Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited; Australia: Credit Suisse Equities (Australia) Limited; Thailand: Credit Suisse Securities (Thailand) Limited, regulated by the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand, having registered address at 990 Abdulrahim Place, 27th Floor, Unit 2701, Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok10500, Thailand, Tel. +66 2614 6000; Malaysia: Credit Suisse Securities (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; Singapore: Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch; India: Credit Suisse Securities (India) Private Limited (CIN no.u67120mh1996ptc104392) regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India as Research Analyst (registration no. INH 000001030) and as Stock Broker (registration no. INB230970637; INF230970637; INB010970631; INF010970631), having registered address at 9th Floor, Ceejay House, Dr.A.B. Road, Worli, Mumbai - 18, India, T- +91-22 6777 3777; South Korea: Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, Seoul Branch; Taiwan: Credit Suisse AG Taipei Securities Branch; Indonesia: PT Credit Suisse Securities Indonesia; Philippines:Credit Suisse Securities (Philippines ) Inc., and elsewhere in the world by the relevant authorised affiliate of the above. Additional Regional Disclaimers Hong Kong: Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited ("CSHK") is licensed and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong under the laws of Hong Kong, which differ from Australian laws. CSHKL does not hold an Australian financial services licence (AFSL) and is exempt from the requirement to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) under Class Order 03/1103 published by the ASIC in respect of financial services provided to Australian wholesale clients (within the meaning of section 761G of the Act). Research on Taiwanese securities produced by Credit Suisse AG, Taipei Securities Branch has been prepared by a registered Senior Business Person. Australia (to the extent services are offered in Australia): Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited ( CSSEL ) and Credit Suisse International ( CSI ) are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) and the Prudential Regulation Authority under UK laws, which differ from Australian Laws. CSSEL and CSI do not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence ( AFSL ) and are exempt from the requirement to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act (Cth) 2001 ( Corporations Act ) under Class Order 03/1099 published by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ( ASIC ), in respect of the financial services provided to Australian wholesale clients (within the meaning of section 761G of the Corporations Act). This material is not for distribution to retail clients and is directed exclusively at Credit Suisse's professional clients and eligible counterparties as defined by the FCA, and wholesale clients as defined under section 761G of the Corporations Act. Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited ( CSHK ) is licensed and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong under the laws of Hong Kong, which differ from Australian laws. CSHKL does not hold an AFSL and is exempt from the requirement to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act under Class Order 03/1103 published by the ASIC in respect of financial services provided to Australian wholesale clients (within the meaning of section 761G of the Corporations Act). Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (CSSU) and Credit Suisse Asset Management LLC (CSAM LLC) are licensed and regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission of the United States under the laws of the United States, which differ from Australian laws. CSSU and CSAM LLC do not hold an AFSL and is exempt from the requirement to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act under Class Order 03/1100 published by the ASIC in respect of financial services provided to Australian wholesale clients (within the meaning of section 761G of the Corporations Act). Malaysia: Research provided to residents of Malaysia is authorised by the Head of Research for Credit Suisse Securities (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, to whom they should direct any queries on +603 2723 2020. Singapore: This report has been prepared and issued for distribution in Singapore to institutional investors, accredited investors and expert investors (each as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations) only, and is also distributed by Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch to overseas investors (as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations). Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch may distribute reports produced by its foreign entities or affiliates pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Singapore recipients should contact Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch at +65-6212-2000 for matters arising from, or in connection with, this report. By virtue of your status as an institutional investor, accredited investor, expert investor or overseas investor, Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch is exempted from complying with certain compliance requirements under the Financial Advisers Act, Chapter 110 of Singapore (the FAA ), the Financial Advisers Regulations and the relevant Notices and Guidelines issued thereunder, in respect of any financial advisory service which Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch may provide to you. UAE: This information is being distributed by Credit Suisse AG (DIFC Branch), duly licensed and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority ( DFSA ). Related financial services or products are only made available to Professional Clients or Market Counterparties, as defined by the DFSA, and are not intended for any other persons. Credit Suisse AG (DIFC Branch) is located on Level 9 East, The Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. EU: This report has been produced by subsidiaries and affiliates of Credit Suisse operating under its Global Markets Division This research may not conform to Canadian disclosure requirements. In jurisdictions where CS is not already registered or licensed to trade in securities, transactions will only be effected in accordance with applicable securities legislation, which will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may require that the trade be made in accordance with applicable exemptions from registration or licensing requirements. Non-US customers wishing to effect a transaction should contact a CS entity in their local jurisdiction unless governing law permits otherwise. US customers wishing to effect a transaction should do so only by contacting a representative at Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC in the US. Please note that this research was originally prepared and issued by CS for distribution to their market professional and institutional investor customers. Recipients who are not market professional or institutional investor customers of CS should seek the advice of their independent financial advisor prior to taking any investment decision based on this report or for any necessary explanation of its contents. This research may relate to investments or services of a person outside of the UK or to other matters which are not authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority or in respect of which the protections of the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority for private customers and/or the UK compensation scheme may not be available, and further details as to where this may be the case are available upon request in respect of this report. CS may provide various services to US municipal entities or obligated persons ("municipalities"), including suggesting individual transactions or trades and entering into such transactions. Any services CS provides to municipalities are not viewed as "advice" within the meaning of Section 975 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. CS is providing any such services and related information solely on an arm's length basis and not as an advisor or fiduciary to the municipality. In connection with the provision of the any such services, there is no agreement, direct or indirect, between any municipality (including the officials,management, employees or agents thereof) and CS for CS to provide advice to the municipality. Municipalities should consult with their financial, accounting and legal advisors regarding any such services provided by CS. In addition, CS is not acting for direct or indirect compensation to solicit the municipality on behalf of an unaffiliated broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, municipal advisor, or investment adviser for the purpose of obtaining or retaining an engagement by the municipality for or in connection with Municipal Financial Products, the issuance of municipal securities, or of an investment adviser to provide investment advisory services to or on behalf of the municipality. If this report is being distributed by a financial institution other than Credit Suisse AG, or its affiliates, that financial institution is solely responsible for distribution. Clients of that institution should contact that institution to effect a transaction in the securities mentioned in this report or require further information. This report does not constitute investment advice by Credit Suisse to the clients of the distributing financial institution, and neither Credit Suisse AG, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors and employees accept any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from their use of this report or its content. Principal is not guaranteed. Commission is the commission rate or the amount agreed with a customer when setting up an account or at any time after that. Copyright 2017 CREDIT SUISSE AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Investment principal on bonds can be eroded depending on sale price or market price. In addition, there are bonds on which investment principal can be eroded due to changes in redemption amounts. Care is required when investing in such instruments. When you purchase non-listed Japanese fixed income securities (Japanese government bonds, Japanese municipal bonds, Japanese government guaranteed bonds, Japanese corporate bonds) from CS as a seller, you will be requested to pay the purchase price only. LIXIL Group (5938) 18