Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>To avoid a political landmine, on the 4th March <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ck-hutchison-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:132:1" rel="noopener">CK Hutchison Holdings (1 HK)</a>  <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0304/2025030402128.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a deal with Blackrock to offload its entire port ops, including the contentious Panama ports.</li>
<li>It's an astute deal selling to a buyer, ostensibly backed by the Trump administration, at the top of the market, knowing global trade could fall under a new tariff regime.</li>
<li>The risk to the transaction is one of timing. US/Panama approvals are a shoo-in. But it's a complex deal, which will take time to work through the system.</li>
</ul>


To avoid a political landmine, on the 4th March CK Hutchison Holdings (1 HK)  announced a deal with Blackrock to offload its entire port ops, including the contentious Panama ports.
It's an astute deal selling to a buyer, ostensibly backed by the Trump administration, at the top of the market, knowing global trade could fall under a new tariff regime.
The risk to the transaction is one of timing. US/Panama approvals are a shoo-in. But it's a complex deal, which will take time to work through the system.


<ul>
<li>Two hours before China Mobile's pre-conditional voluntary Offer announcement on the 2 December, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hkbn-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:289:1" rel="noopener">HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)</a>  <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/1202/2024120202069.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flagged</a> a possible separate Offer from I Squared Asia-backed HGC Global Communication (HGC). </li>
<li>No price was mentioned, although HKBN and I Squared "are in discussions on the terms of the proposal (including the price)." The media is reporting a HK$5-HK$6/share price range.</li>
<li>Apart from anti-competition concerns via a HKBN/HGC tie-in; would HGC even get approval from the powers that be to proceed with a merger?</li>
</ul>


Two hours before China Mobile's pre-conditional voluntary Offer announcement on the 2 December, HKBN Ltd (1310 HK)  flagged a possible separate Offer from I Squared Asia-backed HGC Global Communication (HGC). 
No price was mentioned, although HKBN and I Squared "are in discussions on the terms of the proposal (including the price)." The media is reporting a HK$5-HK$6/share price range.
Apart from anti-competition concerns via a HKBN/HGC tie-in; would HGC even get approval from the powers that be to proceed with a merger?


HKBN (1310 HK): Just How Likely Is An I Squared Offer?

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector, Investory

Devi Subhakesan

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector

ASIA CONSUMER: INSIGHTS AND INVESTMENT IDEAS

Investory

Investory is a Singapore-based boutique independent equity research firm founded in January 2017 with a primary focus on consumption themes across Asia-Pacific.

We aim to generate investible ideas based on consumption trends and outlook. We screen our ideas on several parameters - product potential, long-term growth and management commitment being the most critical.  We follow a fundamental analysis approach in our stock selection process and are not restricted by market cap.

We aspire to grow into a leading source of unbiased research, free of conflict of interest, for investors yearning for independent and disciplined analysis. 

We also undertake bespoke research mandates to support our Institutional clients’ investment needs.

Our team comprises of professionals with extensive experience in the Asian equity markets, in areas ranging from research, servicing institutional clients and investment management.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dfi-retail-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7427:1" rel="noopener">DFI Retail Group Holdings (DFI SP)</a>, a leading retail player in Asia, is navigating sector headwinds through strategic pivots and cost cuts to drive superior margins and returns.</li>
<li>After hitting a 10-year low in early August, DFI Retail’s stock rebounded, driven by strong 1H2024 earnings that reflected the impact of management's initiatives.</li>
<li>With an attractive dividend yield, strong cash flow, and a positive earnings growth outlook, DFI Retail offers a low-risk, high-return opportunity for investors in 2025.</li>
</ul>



DFI Retail Group Holdings (DFI SP), a leading retail player in Asia, is navigating sector headwinds through strategic pivots and cost cuts to drive superior margins and returns.
After hitting a 10-year low in early August, DFI Retail’s stock rebounded, driven by strong 1H2024 earnings that reflected the impact of management's initiatives.
With an attractive dividend yield, strong cash flow, and a positive earnings growth outlook, DFI Retail offers a low-risk, high-return opportunity for investors in 2025.


2025 High Conviction: DFI Retail - Churning Free Cash by Turning the Right Levers

SGX Market Strategist, Equity & Fixed Income, Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Geoff Howie

SGX Market Strategist, Equity & Fixed Income

Asia’s leading multi-asset exchange

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Singapore Exchange is Asia’s leading and trusted market infrastructure, facilitating the exchange of capital and ideas to create value for people, businesses and economies. As a multi-asset exchange operating equity, fixed income and derivatives markets to the highest regulatory standards, SGX is a vertically integrated business that provides listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services.

With about 40% of listed companies and over 80% of listed bonds originating outside of Singapore as well as established linkages across the region and in Europe, SGX is Asia’s most international and connected exchange. Offering a full suite of derivatives products across Asian equity indices, commodities and currencies, SGX is the world’s most liquid international market for the benchmark equity indices of China, India, Japan and ASEAN.

As Asia’s pioneering central counterparty, SGX is globally recognised for its risk management and clearing capabilities, and was one of the first globally to adopt the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructure.

Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, SGX has over 800 employees including offices in Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, Mumbai, San Francisco, Shanghai and Tokyo.

<ul><li>In Oct, the STI generated a 0.7% decline in total return, with the FTSE ASEAN All-Share Index declining in total return and FTSE Asia Pacific Index declining 8%.</li><li>The trio of STI Banks averaged a 0.7% total return while the iEdge SG Adv Manufacturing Index declined 7% and the iEdge S-REIT Index declined 5.4%.</li><li>As detailed in the table above, among the 20 stocks that booked the highest net institutional inflow in Oct, Hongkong Land, Singapore Post, Wee Hur Holdings, DFI Retail Group Holdings and SATS generated the strongest total returns on the month, averaging 15.4% total returns.</li></ul>

In Oct, the STI generated a 0.7% decline in total return, with the FTSE ASEAN All-Share Index declining in total return and FTSE Asia Pacific Index declining 8%.The trio of STI Banks averaged a 0.7% total return while the iEdge SG Adv Manufacturing Index declined 7% and the iEdge S-REIT Index declined 5.4%.As detailed in the table above, among the 20 stocks that booked the highest net institutional inflow in Oct, Hongkong Land, Singapore Post, Wee Hur Holdings, DFI Retail Group Holdings and SATS generated the strongest total returns on the month, averaging 15.4% total returns.

HKL, SingPost & Wee Hur Led Net Institutional Inflow & Gainers in October

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sun-art-retail-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:401:1" rel="noopener">Sun Art Retail (6808 HK)</a> entered a trading halt under the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Bloomberg suggests <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group Holding (BABA US)</a>’s stake is attracting preliminary interest from PE.</li>
<li>Alibaba built its 78.70% stake through two purchases in 2017 (HK$6.50) and 2021 (HK$8.10). An exit would align with the strategy to focus on the core business segments. </li>
<li>The recent Miniso-Yonghui transaction could have prompted PE to act. An offer at book value would imply HK$2.50, a 40% premium to the last close price. </li>
</ul>



Sun Art Retail (6808 HK) entered a trading halt under the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Bloomberg suggests Alibaba Group Holding (BABA US)’s stake is attracting preliminary interest from PE.
Alibaba built its 78.70% stake through two purchases in 2017 (HK$6.50) and 2021 (HK$8.10). An exit would align with the strategy to focus on the core business segments. 
The recent Miniso-Yonghui transaction could have prompted PE to act. An offer at book value would imply HK$2.50, a 40% premium to the last close price. 


Sun Art Retail (6808 HK): Alibaba’s Stake Draws PE Interest

Hong Kong

DFI Retail Group is a leading pan-Asian retailer operating supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, health and beauty stores, home furnishings stores, and restaurants. The company manages a portfolio of well-known brands including Wellcome, 7-Eleven, Mannings, Guardian, and IKEA. DFI Retail Group was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.

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DFI Retail Group (DFI SP)

CK Hutch (1 HK): Still Trading Cheap

It's an astute deal selling to a buyer eager to please Trump at the top of the market, knowing that global trade could fall under a new tariff...

David Blennerhassett

HKBN (1310 HK): Just How Likely Is An I Squared Offer?

According to Sing Tao Daily, PRC regulatory authorities have yet to respond to the transaction. Not quite sure what that means. It's been a little...

David Blennerhassett

2025 High Conviction: DFI Retail - Churning Free Cash by Turning the Right Levers

DFI Retail is overcoming challenges with strategic shifts and cost reductions. With an attractive dividend yield, strong cash flow, and earnings...

Devi Subhakesan

HKL, SingPost & Wee Hur Led Net Institutional Inflow & Gainers in October

In Oct, the STI generated a 0.7% decline in total return, with the FTSE ASEAN All-Share Index declining in total return and FTSE Asia Pacific...

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Sun Art Retail (6808 HK): Alibaba’s Stake Draws PE Interest

On 27 September, the Board received a pre-conditional voluntary conditional offer from an undisclosed offeror. No terms are disclosed. Alibaba is...

Arun George

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CK Hutch (1 HK): Still Trading Cheap

It's an astute deal selling to a buyer eager to please Trump at the top of the market, knowing that global trade could fall under a new tariff...

David Blennerhassett

HKBN (1310 HK): Just How Likely Is An I Squared Offer?

According to Sing Tao Daily, PRC regulatory authorities have yet to respond to the transaction. Not quite sure what that means. It's been a little...

David Blennerhassett

2025 High Conviction: DFI Retail - Churning Free Cash by Turning the Right Levers

​DFI Retail is overcoming challenges with strategic shifts and cost reductions. With an attractive dividend yield, strong cash flow, and earnings...

Devi Subhakesan

HKL, SingPost & Wee Hur Led Net Institutional Inflow & Gainers in October

In Oct, the STI generated a 0.7% decline in total return, with the FTSE ASEAN All-Share Index declining in total return and FTSE Asia Pacific...

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Sun Art Retail (6808 HK): Alibaba’s Stake Draws PE Interest

On 27 September, the Board received a pre-conditional voluntary conditional offer from an undisclosed offeror. No terms are disclosed. Alibaba is...

Arun George

DFI Retail is overcoming challenges with strategic shifts and cost reductions. With an attractive dividend yield, strong cash flow, and earnings...