Global TMT Analyst, Ex-PM, 30 years experience

Neil Campling

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/topsports-international-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28153" rel="noopener">Topsports International Holdings (6110 HK)</a> miss suggests inventory fire sale ahead. Negative for demand in China, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nike-inc-cl-b" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6658:1" rel="noopener">Nike (NKE US)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/anta-sports-products-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10261:1" rel="noopener">Anta Sports Products (2020 HK)</a> and the whole sector</li>
<li>Chinese consumers aren't buying <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag-bmw-72824b26-c157-46b2-bafe-650cb75a091f" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1" rel="noopener">Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) (BMW GR)</a> or going to the Movies</li>
<li>But Americans are still walking in Westerns Boots <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/boot-barn-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11647:1" rel="noopener">Boot Barn Holdings (BOOT US)</a> </li>
</ul>



Topsports International Holdings (6110 HK) miss suggests inventory fire sale ahead. Negative for demand in China, Nike (NKE US), Anta Sports Products (2020 HK) and the whole sector
Chinese consumers aren't buying Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) (BMW GR) or going to the Movies
But Americans are still walking in Westerns Boots Boot Barn Holdings (BOOT US) 


Global Consumer (Midweek Update): Consumer Woes Persist, Especially in China.

Semiconductor & Technology Specialist, Ingenuity

William Keating

Semiconductor & Technology Specialist

Ingenuity

Our focus is exclusively on in-depth research & consulting in the broader semiconductor industry. We focus on the key players, namely Intel, Micron, Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, NVIDIA, AMD, TSMC & Global Foundries - as well as some of the lesser known, but nonetheless critical, companies such as ASML (for EUV), Mellanox, Cavium, Xilinx etc. We specialise in their products, roadmaps, process technologies, competitive advantages & threats etc. We also help our clients understand the implications of new and emerging technologies, e.g. 3D X-Point, 3D NAND, Carbon Nanotubes, Autonomous Driving, Graphene, Silicon Photonics, Wafer-Level Optics, Artificial Intelligence, FPGA, GPU, ASIC etc. 

Semiconductor Analysis & Research

Autonomous Driving represents the perfect fusion of our love affair with automobiles and our fascination with artificial intelligence. It has been part of our collective imagination for decades, first epitomized at the 1939 New York World Fair Futurama exhibit which posited an automated highway system (AHS), sponsored by General Motors. Research on AHS conducted at The Ohio State University led to the development of the world's first partially autonomous vehicle in 1962. Fast forward half a century and the goal of achieving autonomous driving is firmly fixed in the glare of our automobile headlights. Leading automakers, as well as technology companies, are promising autonomous or at least highly autonomous automobiles within the next three years. At the forefront, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/11369" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11369:1">Alphabet Inc Cl C (GOOG US)</a> represented by its automotive spin-off Waymo, is in the process of launching the world's first driverless taxi service in Phoenix, Arizona. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/18811" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18811:1">General Motors Co (GM US)</a>, arguably the closest to Waymo in technology terms, has announced similar plans to launch an autonomous ride-sharing service in 2019.Not all is rosy in the autonomous driving garden, however. The sector has been plagued by high-profile defections of key staff leaving to either create their own startups or join competitors. These moves have led to equally high-profile and in some cases, embarrassing, law-suits. Other companies rush to hire talented artificial intelligence engineers has decimated the research ranks of leading universities.The safety and reliability of autonomous driving technology on our streets today has also been thrown into doubt in recent times. Just two days ago, on March 18'th, the first fatal accident involving an autonomous vehicle occurred in Phoenix Arizona, details <a href="https://electrek.co/2018/03/19/uber-self-driving-prototyp-fatal-crash-police/" target="_blank">here</a>. That vehicle was a Volvo XC90 and was part of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/430" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:430:1">Uber Technologies Inc</a> self-driving test fleet in the city. According to initial reports, the vehicle was operating in autonomous mode and had a safety driver on board. While we need to await the outcome of this particular investigation, previous incidents involving other autonomous vehicles highlight some astonishing shortcomings of the technology being used on our streets today. Indeed, there are now serious questions about the viability of so-called Level 3 autonomous driving in so far as they rely on emergency intervention by a driver highly likely to have been distracted by something more exciting than monitoring an automobile driving by itself. Autonomous driving is a subject far too broad to be covered in a single Insight. Consider this a primer where we begin by examining the origins of autonomous driving, tracing its roots back to 1960s which, by no coincidence, was also the starting point for much of the research on modern-day artificial intelligence. We look at the specific factors which combined to propel autonomous driving from the AI laboratories of prestigious universities to the drawing boards of multinationals around the globe. We review the framework for the different levels of autonomous driving and highlight the fact that most auto OEM's choose to largely ignore them. We then examine in detail the aforementioned issues with Level 3 autonomous driving and reveal that the technology used in the Volvo XC90, the vehicle involved in the recent fatal accident in Phoenix, specifically warns in its user manual that it should not be used for city driving and that it cannot detect pedestrians, cyclists etc. Recognizing the seminal role that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/11369" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11369:1">Alphabet Inc Cl C (GOOG US)</a> has played in advancing the technology, we provide an in-depth review of their self-driving initiative from its inception as a secretive Google X project to its current day incarnation as Waymo. By way of contrast, we examine the autonomous driving ambitions of one of the world's leading auto OEMs, General Motors, and provide a detailed review of their progress to date. Finally, we address the question on everybody's mind when it comes to autonomous driving - are we there yet?

Autonomous Driving represents the perfect fusion of our love affair with automobiles and our fascination with artificial intelligence. It has been part of our collective imagination for decades, first epitomized at the 1939 New York World Fair Futurama exhibit which posited an automated highway system (AHS), sponsored by General Motors. Research on AHS conducted at The Ohio State University led to the development of the world's first partially autonomous vehicle in 1962. Fast forward half a century and the goal of achieving autonomous driving is firmly fixed in the glare of our automobile headlights. Leading automakers, as well as technology companies, are promising autonomous or at least highly autonomous automobiles within the next three years. At the forefront, Alphabet Inc Cl C (GOOG US) represented by its automotive spin-off Waymo, is in the process of launching the world's first driverless taxi service in Phoenix, Arizona. General Motors Co (GM US), arguably the closest to Waymo in technology terms, has announced similar plans to launch an autonomous ride-sharing service in 2019.Not all is rosy in the autonomous driving garden, however. The sector has been plagued by high-profile defections of key staff leaving to either create their own startups or join competitors. These moves have led to equally high-profile and in some cases, embarrassing, law-suits. Other companies rush to hire talented artificial intelligence engineers has decimated the research ranks of leading universities.The safety and reliability of autonomous driving technology on our streets today has also been thrown into doubt in recent times. Just two days ago, on March 18'th, the first fatal accident involving an autonomous vehicle occurred in Phoenix Arizona, details here. That vehicle was a Volvo XC90 and was part of Uber Technologies Inc self-driving test fleet in the city. According to initial reports, the vehicle was operating in autonomous mode and had a safety driver on board. While we need to await the outcome of this particular investigation, previous incidents involving other autonomous vehicles highlight some astonishing shortcomings of the technology being used on our streets today. Indeed, there are now serious questions about the viability of so-called Level 3 autonomous driving in so far as they rely on emergency intervention by a driver highly likely to have been distracted by something more exciting than monitoring an automobile driving by itself. Autonomous driving is a subject far too broad to be covered in a single Insight. Consider this a primer where we begin by examining the origins of autonomous driving, tracing its roots back to 1960s which, by no coincidence, was also the starting point for much of the research on modern-day artificial intelligence. We look at the specific factors which combined to propel autonomous driving from the AI laboratories of prestigious universities to the drawing boards of multinationals around the globe. We review the framework for the different levels of autonomous driving and highlight the fact that most auto OEM's choose to largely ignore them. We then examine in detail the aforementioned issues with Level 3 autonomous driving and reveal that the technology used in the Volvo XC90, the vehicle involved in the recent fatal accident in Phoenix, specifically warns in its user manual that it should not be used for city driving and that it cannot detect pedestrians, cyclists etc. Recognizing the seminal role that Alphabet Inc Cl C (GOOG US) has played in advancing the technology, we provide an in-depth review of their self-driving initiative from its inception as a secretive Google X project to its current day incarnation as Waymo. By way of contrast, we examine the autonomous driving ambitions of one of the world's leading auto OEMs, General Motors, and provide a detailed review of their progress to date. Finally, we address the question on everybody's mind when it comes to autonomous driving - are we there yet?

European Event-Driven Analyst

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Event-Driven

Vitesco Technologies Group / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/schaeffler-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21712:1" rel="noopener">Schaeffler (SHA GR)</a> offers €91.00/share for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vitesco-technologies-group-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:36684:1" rel="noopener">Vitesco Technologies Group (VTSC GR)</a>, in cash, 20% premium to 3-month VWAP, 3.3x EV/Fwd EBITDA. There is no minimum acceptance rate.</li>
<li>Later Schaeffler will unify its share classes (current voting ratio 3.01) to use them as currency for Vitesco shareholders not accepting the cash offer (essentially the parent company of Schaeffler).</li>
<li>Vitesco shareholders are being generously rewarded (my fair value estimate is #€74/share), I believe most will tender. Spread is 1.04%/3.70% (gross/annualised, assuming settlement by 31 January). I'd buy below €90/share.</li>
</ul>



Schaeffler (SHA GR) offers €91.00/share for Vitesco Technologies Group (VTSC GR), in cash, 20% premium to 3-month VWAP, 3.3x EV/Fwd EBITDA. There is no minimum acceptance rate.
Later Schaeffler will unify its share classes (current voting ratio 3.01) to use them as currency for Vitesco shareholders not accepting the cash offer (essentially the parent company of Schaeffler).
Vitesco shareholders are being generously rewarded (my fair value estimate is #€74/share), I believe most will tender. Spread is 1.04%/3.70% (gross/annualised, assuming settlement by 31 January). I'd buy below €90/share.


Schaeffler/Vitesco: A Three-Step Merger Process

Index Rebal Trades & Special Situations, Quiddity Advisors

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Index Rebal Trades & Special Situations

Quiddity Advisors

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Index Rebalance

<ul>
<li>In this insight, we take a look at Quiddity's estimates for the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELETEs for the DAX, MDAX, and SDAX Indices.</li>
<li>As things stand, there will not be any ADDs or DELs from the DAX index or the SDAX index.</li>
<li>There could be two ADDs/DELs for the MDAX index in the June 2023 rebalance.</li>
</ul>


In this insight, we take a look at Quiddity's estimates for the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELETEs for the DAX, MDAX, and SDAX Indices.
As things stand, there will not be any ADDs or DELs from the DAX index or the SDAX index.
There could be two ADDs/DELs for the MDAX index in the June 2023 rebalance.


Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Two Changes for the MDAX Index

<ul>
<li>In this insight, we take a look at Quiddity's estimates for the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELETEs for the DAX, MDAX, and SDAX Indices.</li>
<li>Two changes could happen between DAX and MDAX while there could be one change between MDAX and SDAX.</li>
<li>There could be more changes for the MDAX and SDAX indices as a couple name are lurking close to the border.</li>
</ul>


In this insight, we take a look at Quiddity's estimates for the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELETEs for the DAX, MDAX, and SDAX Indices.
Two changes could happen between DAX and MDAX while there could be one change between MDAX and SDAX.
There could be more changes for the MDAX and SDAX indices as a couple name are lurking close to the border.


Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Fresenius, Lufthansa, Covestro, Continental & Others

Germany

Continental AG manufactures tires, automotive parts, and industrial products. The Company produces passenger cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, bicycle tires, braking systems, shock absorbers, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belting, transmission products, and sealing systems. Continental markets its products worldwide.

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Continental (CON GR)

Global Consumer (Midweek Update): Consumer Woes Persist, Especially in China.

Topsports miss signals inventory fire sale in China, impacting Nike, Anta Sports Products, and the sector as a whole. Chinese consumers shun...

Neil Campling

Autonomous Driving- Are We There Yet?

I find it fascinating to read this again, almost six years to the day since I published it. I intend to publish an update on this topic in the...

William Keating

Schaeffler/Vitesco: A Three-Step Merger Process

Schaeffler plants to take over Vitesco in three acts in a consolidation move. Schaeffler offers a generous premium, which should help conclude...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Two Changes for the MDAX Index

There are seven days left in the reference period. The index changes will be confirmed after the close on 5th June 2023 and the inclusions...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Fresenius, Lufthansa, Covestro, Continental & Others

Fresenius (FRE GR) and Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA GR) could move from MDAX to DAX while Covestro AG (1COV GR) and Continental AG (CON GR) could...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

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52-week Range

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Global Consumer (Midweek Update): Consumer Woes Persist, Especially in China.

​Topsports miss signals inventory fire sale in China, impacting Nike, Anta Sports Products, and the sector as a whole. Chinese consumers shun...

Neil Campling

Autonomous Driving- Are We There Yet?

I find it fascinating to read this again, almost six years to the day since I published it. I intend to publish an update on this topic in the...

William Keating

Schaeffler/Vitesco: A Three-Step Merger Process

Schaeffler plants to take over Vitesco in three acts in a consolidation move. Schaeffler offers a generous premium, which should help conclude...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Two Changes for the MDAX Index

There are seven days left in the reference period. The index changes will be confirmed after the close on 5th June 2023 and the inclusions...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Quiddity Leaderboard-DAX Jun 23: Fresenius, Lufthansa, Covestro, Continental & Others

Fresenius (FRE GR) and Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA GR) could move from MDAX to DAX while Covestro AG (1COV GR) and Continental AG (CON GR) could...

Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

Topsports miss signals inventory fire sale in China, impacting Nike, Anta Sports Products, and the sector as a whole. Chinese consumers shun...