European Event-Driven Analyst

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Event-Driven

<div>
<div>
<h3>Trends</h3>
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<p>Discounts have not kept a clear trend since mid-June.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>Interesting situations and trades</h3>
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</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/carlsberg-a-s" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22320:1" rel="noopener">Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC)</a> B shares (with 1/10th of the voting rights of the A shares) are trading at a <strong>18.3% discount</strong> (down from July, coming from a 28.4% discount on 19 April) vs. the A shares), some demand for illiquid A shares seems to be the explanation. <strong>Maintain</strong> Long B shares/short A shares on, if you can get hold of any A shares.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1" rel="noopener">Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR)</a> exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The <strong>discount has tightened to 13.8%</strong> (vs. 22.1% by mid-April). The discount is approaching pre-Covid levels. Maintain <strong>long BMW prefs, short common</strong> shares on, with a target of a 12% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fuchs-petrolub-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21624:1" rel="noopener">Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)</a>'s <strong>preference shares premium</strong> seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It has <strong>tightened to 22.3%</strong> (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be #1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.</p>
<p>Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade <strong>long common/short prefs</strong> on, with a 10% target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/henkel-ag-co-kgaa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21646:1" rel="noopener">Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR)</a> shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The <strong>premium has tightened to 11.5% </strong>(vs. 15.7% by mid-May). Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Voting rights are valuable in a company like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volkswagen-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21738:1" rel="noopener">Volkswagen (VOW GR)</a>. <strong>Prefs discount has widened to 25.9%</strong> (vs. 20.5% by mid-May, 16.6% by mid-April and 31.8% on 18 March, highest levels since November 2009). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Volkswagen was considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg, but the company seems to have put those plans on ice. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/traton-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28140:1" rel="noopener">Traton SE (8TRA GR)</a>, a subsidiary majority owned by Volkswagen, is squeezing out the minorities (both ordinary and preferred shares) in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/man-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21670:1" rel="noopener">MAN SE (MAN GR)</a>. Recommendation is to <strong>avoid this trade for the time being</strong>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/danieli-c-officine-meccaniche" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21177:1" rel="noopener">Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM)</a>:  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon (I am aware I have been repeating this since November, but there has no been any further update from Danieli). Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.48% and 7.69%. It is currently 1.3%. Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares, if and when the discount widens.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telecom-italia-sp-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21075:1" rel="noopener">Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM)</a> savings shares are trading at a 10.2% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 7.9% premium by mid-May). The market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli, which makes financial sense as it would save the savings' dividend advantage. That would dilute the voting power of Vivendi (23.943% of the votes), albeit Vivendi could put its capital to better use than keeping an investment in Telecom Italia. <strong>Short savings/long ords</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grifols-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21274:1" rel="noopener">Grifols SA (GRF SM)</a>B shares are trading at a <strong>35.0% discount</strong> (vs. 36.1% by mid-April and 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since March 2020 lows, albeit it is taking some time. There are some issues around Grifols leverage and some creative solutions to keeping it contained. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Also, the Spanish government plans to introduce double voting rights for "loyal" shareholders (those who have kept the shares for at least two years). Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade <strong>long B shares (traded on Nasdaq), short A shares (traded in Madrid)</strong>. The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The current discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/atlas-copco-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22282:1" rel="noopener">Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS)</a> B shares vs. A shares is 15.2%  and seems to be on a <strong>widening trend</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>On 10 May, Industrivärden divested its entire holding in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ssab-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22492:1" rel="noopener">SSAB AB (SSABA SS)</a> . Top shareholder is now LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag), a government owned Swedish mining company. LKAB is now consolidating its influence in SSAB "in order to take responsibility and ensure that the company continues to have a clear industrial ownership influence at a time when the steel industry is facing major change". On 7 June, LKAB communicated its increased holding in SSAB (16.0% of the votes and 10.5% of the capital). The <strong>discount has tightened to 11.3%</strong>, lower than July, due to LKAB not increasing its stake. It seems the time to go <strong>long B shares/short A shares</strong>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p>The discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volvo-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22521:1" rel="noopener">Volvo AB (VOLVB SS)</a> B shares has slightly tightened since mid-June, from 3.0% to 2.7% (vs. 0.8% discount by mid-February). Still <strong>highest levels since January 2016</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of non-voting <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/roche-holding-ag-77bd09c9-b0c2-45ea-98f1-6a7ca01dc9c5" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27906:1" rel="noopener">Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)</a> shares has <strong>widened to 7.9%</strong> (vs. 6.6% by mid-June, and it recently reached 8%), an unseen level since November 2011. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights. LTM average daily liquidity (in number of shares traded) for non-voting is 1,656k and 73k, for voting shares. So voting shares have blue-chip liquidity in their own right.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/schroders-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22134:1" rel="noopener">Schroders PLC (SDR LN)</a> has <strong>widened to 28.4%</strong> (vs 25.7% by mid-June, 30.6% by mid-March and 34.1% by mid-February). I would maintain long non-voting/short voting shares on.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<p>Please read on for table and charts.</p>
</div>



Trends



Discounts have not kept a clear trend since mid-June.



Interesting situations and trades





Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC) B shares (with 1/10th of the voting rights of the A shares) are trading at a 18.3% discount (down from July, coming from a 28.4% discount on 19 April) vs. the A shares), some demand for illiquid A shares seems to be the explanation. Maintain Long B shares/short A shares on, if you can get hold of any A shares.


Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR) exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount has tightened to 13.8% (vs. 22.1% by mid-April). The discount is approaching pre-Covid levels. Maintain long BMW prefs, short common shares on, with a target of a 12% discount.


Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)'s preference shares premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It has tightened to 22.3% (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be #1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.
Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade long common/short prefs on, with a 10% target.


Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR) shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The premium has tightened to 11.5% (vs. 15.7% by mid-May). Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.


Voting rights are valuable in a company like Volkswagen (VOW GR). Prefs discount has widened to 25.9% (vs. 20.5% by mid-May, 16.6% by mid-April and 31.8% on 18 March, highest levels since November 2009). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Volkswagen was considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg, but the company seems to have put those plans on ice. Traton SE (8TRA GR), a subsidiary majority owned by Volkswagen, is squeezing out the minorities (both ordinary and preferred shares) in MAN SE (MAN GR). Recommendation is to avoid this trade for the time being.






Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM):  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon (I am aware I have been repeating this since November, but there has no been any further update from Danieli). Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.48% and 7.69%. It is currently 1.3%. Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares, if and when the discount widens.

Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM) savings shares are trading at a 10.2% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 7.9% premium by mid-May). The market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli, which makes financial sense as it would save the savings' dividend advantage. That would dilute the voting power of Vivendi (23.943% of the votes), albeit Vivendi could put its capital to better use than keeping an investment in Telecom Italia. Short savings/long ords.





Grifols SA (GRF SM)B shares are trading at a 35.0% discount (vs. 36.1% by mid-April and 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since March 2020 lows, albeit it is taking some time. There are some issues around Grifols leverage and some creative solutions to keeping it contained. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Also, the Spanish government plans to introduce double voting rights for "loyal" shareholders (those who have kept the shares for at least two years). Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares (traded on Nasdaq), short A shares (traded in Madrid). The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.


The current discount in Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS) B shares vs. A shares is 15.2%  and seems to be on a widening trend.


On 10 May, Industrivärden divested its entire holding in SSAB AB (SSABA SS) . Top shareholder is now LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag), a government owned Swedish mining company. LKAB is now consolidating its influence in SSAB "in order to take responsibility and ensure that the company continues to have a clear industrial ownership influence at a time when the steel industry is facing major change". On 7 June, LKAB communicated its increased holding in SSAB (16.0% of the votes and 10.5% of the capital). The discount has tightened to 11.3%, lower than July, due to LKAB not increasing its stake. It seems the time to go long B shares/short A shares.






The discount in Volvo AB (VOLVB SS) B shares has slightly tightened since mid-June, from 3.0% to 2.7% (vs. 0.8% discount by mid-February). Still highest levels since January 2016.


The discount of non-voting Roche Holding AG (ROG SW) shares has widened to 7.9% (vs. 6.6% by mid-June, and it recently reached 8%), an unseen level since November 2011. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights. LTM average daily liquidity (in number of shares traded) for non-voting is 1,656k and 73k, for voting shares. So voting shares have blue-chip liquidity in their own right.


The discount in Schroders PLC (SDR LN) has widened to 28.4% (vs 25.7% by mid-June, 30.6% by mid-March and 34.1% by mid-February). I would maintain long non-voting/short voting shares on.




Please read on for table and charts.


Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: July Report

<div>
<p>Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have not shown a clear trend in June.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>The report incorporates several SOTP valuations.</p>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p>The current premium of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:147:1" rel="noopener">BHP Group (BHP AU)</a> vs.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-billiton-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21840:1" rel="noopener">Bhp Billiton (BLT LN)</a> at close of June was 23.8% (vs. 21.8% at the end of April), against a 10-year average of 14.7%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd through the US listings.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/corp-financiera-alba-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21245:1" rel="noopener">Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM)</a> is trading at a 42.3% discount to NAV  (down from 47.9% at the end of February). The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/naturgy-energy-group-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21271:1" rel="noopener">Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM)</a>, one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/euskaltel-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21263:1" rel="noopener">Euskaltel SA (EKT SM)</a> is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The <strong>discount to NAV</strong> of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/groupe-bruxelles-lambert-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21332:1" rel="noopener">Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB)</a> has tightened slightly to <strong>32.7%</strong>. There are no catalysts in sight and the discount stubbornly keeps above 30%.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The <strong>discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 16.4%</strong> (vs. 14.4% at the end of April) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken, and close as soon as it tightens a 2-3%. The upwards trends seems clear by now, and it is not easy to call the top.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/industrivarden-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22395:1" rel="noopener">Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS)</a> C shares are trading at a 1.1% premium to NAV. The average discount for the last five years for the C shares has been 11.5%.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount to NAV of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/investor-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22397:1" rel="noopener">Investor AB (INVEB SS)</a> B shares has remained at the same level as end of May, 8.8% (vs. 17.1% at the end of February).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>From my SOTP valuation, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kinnevik-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22407:1" rel="noopener">Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS)</a> From my SOTP valuation, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kinnevik-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22407:1" rel="noopener">Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS)</a> <strong>B shares traded at an 14.9% premium to NAV</strong> at the end of June (vs a 1.6% discount at the end of February). A shares are trading at a c. 40.1% premium to NAV. Until mid-January, the price difference between A and B shares was rather small. The discount of B shares to A shares began to increase my mid January, now it is c. 29.5%; voting rights count again at Kinnevik. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech. I find it difficult to justify the current premium to NAV.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-98de2c77-62f2-46da-88eb-af269fb53d42" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28510:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US)</a> “B” shares closed in June in New York at a discount of 3.9% (tightened vs. 5.9% as of end of May) with respect to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:792:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US)</a> “A” shares. Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>


Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have not shown a clear trend in June.


The report incorporates several SOTP valuations.




The current premium of BHP Group (BHP AU) vs.  Bhp Billiton (BLT LN) at close of June was 23.8% (vs. 21.8% at the end of April), against a 10-year average of 14.7%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd through the US listings.


Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM) is trading at a 42.3% discount to NAV  (down from 47.9% at the end of February). The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM), one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; Euskaltel SA (EKT SM) is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.


The discount to NAV of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB) has tightened slightly to 32.7%. There are no catalysts in sight and the discount stubbornly keeps above 30%.


The discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 16.4% (vs. 14.4% at the end of April) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken, and close as soon as it tightens a 2-3%. The upwards trends seems clear by now, and it is not easy to call the top.


Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS) C shares are trading at a 1.1% premium to NAV. The average discount for the last five years for the C shares has been 11.5%.


The discount to NAV of Investor AB (INVEB SS) B shares has remained at the same level as end of May, 8.8% (vs. 17.1% at the end of February).


From my SOTP valuation, Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS) From my SOTP valuation, Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS) B shares traded at an 14.9% premium to NAV at the end of June (vs a 1.6% discount at the end of February). A shares are trading at a c. 40.1% premium to NAV. Until mid-January, the price difference between A and B shares was rather small. The discount of B shares to A shares began to increase my mid January, now it is c. 29.5%; voting rights count again at Kinnevik. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech. I find it difficult to justify the current premium to NAV.


Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US) “B” shares closed in June in New York at a discount of 3.9% (tightened vs. 5.9% as of end of May) with respect to the Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US) “A” shares. Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.




Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: June Report

<div>
<div>
<h3>Trends</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>Discounts have generally widened across the European space.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>Interesting situations and trades</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/carlsberg-a-s" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22320:1" rel="noopener">Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC)</a> B shares (with 1/10th of the voting rights of the A shares) are trading at a whopping 19.3% discount (down from 28.4%  on 19 April) vs. the A shares), some demand for illiquid A shares seems to be the explanation. Maintain LONG B shares/short A shares on, if you can get hold of any A shares.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1" rel="noopener">Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR)</a> exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The <strong>discount</strong> remains <strong>around the 15% level</strong> (vs. 22.1% by mid-April). The discount is approaching pre-Covid levels. <strong>Maintain long BMW prefs, short common shares</strong> on, with a target of a 12% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fuchs-petrolub-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21624:1" rel="noopener">Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)</a>'s preference shares premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is <strong>22.6%</strong> (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be #1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.</p>
<p>Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade <strong>long common/short prefs on, with a 10% target</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/henkel-ag-co-kgaa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21646:1" rel="noopener">Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR)</a> shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The <strong>premium</strong> has recently tightened and is now <strong>15.7%</strong> (vs. 16.1% by mid-May).. Maintain the trade <strong>short prefs/long common shares</strong> with a 10% premium target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Voting rights are valuable in a company like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volkswagen-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21738:1" rel="noopener">Volkswagen (VOW GR)</a>. Prefs <strong>discount has widened to 25.5%</strong> (vs. 20.5% by mid-May, 16.6% by mid-April and 31.8% on 18 March, highest levels since November 2009). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Volkswagen was considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg, but the company seems to have put those plans on ice. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/traton-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28140:1" rel="noopener">Traton SE (8TRA GR)</a>, a subsidiary majority owned by Volkswagen, is squeezing out the minorities (both ordinary and preferred shares) in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/man-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21670:1" rel="noopener">MAN SE (MAN GR).</a> Recommendation is <strong>long prefs/short ords</strong>, with advantage that it can be executed in size and the necessary health warning attached to any trading with Volkswagen share classes, as one can never be completely sure of the Porsche/Piech families' plans. Close soon enough as the discount tightens 200-250 bps.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/danieli-c-officine-meccaniche" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21177:1" rel="noopener">Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM)</a>:  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon (I am aware I have been repeating this since November, but there has no been any further update from Danieli).. Since announcement, the <strong>adjusted spread</strong> has ranged between -5.48% and 7.69%. It is currently <strong>-0.99%</strong>. <strong>Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares, if and when the discount widens</strong>.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telecom-italia-sp-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21075:1" rel="noopener">Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM)</a> <strong>savings</strong> shares are trading at a <strong>10.2% premium to ordinary shares</strong> (vs. a 7.9% premium by mid-May). The market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli, which makes financial sense as it would save the savings' dividend advantage. That would dilute the voting power of Vivendi (23.943% of the votes). <strong>Short savings/long ords</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grifols-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21274:1" rel="noopener">Grifols SA (GRF SM)</a><strong>B shares are trading at a 35.1% discount</strong> (vs. 36.1% by mid-April and 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since March 2020 lows, albeit it is taking some time. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Also, the Spanish government plans to introduce double voting rights for "loyal" shareholders (those who have kept the shares for at least two years). Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares (traded on Nasdaq), short A shares (traded in Madrid). The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The current <strong>discount</strong> in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/atlas-copco-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22282:1" rel="noopener">Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS)</a> <strong>B shares</strong> vs. A shares is <strong>14.5%</strong> (similar to May and wider than the 13.8% by mid-April) and seems to be on a widening trend.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>On 10 May, Industrivärden divested its entire holding in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ssab-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22492:1" rel="noopener">SSAB AB (SSABA SS)</a> . Top shareholder is now LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag), a government owned Swedish mining company. LKAB is now consolidating its influence in SSAB "in order to take responsibility and ensure that the company continues to have a clear industrial ownership influence at a time when the steel industry is facing major change". On 7 June, LKAB communicated its increased holding in SSAB (16.0% of the votes and 10.5% of the capital). The <strong>discount has widened to 12.4%</strong> (vs. 6.6% by mid-April), due to share purchases from LKAB. It should narrow when LKAB finishes its stake building.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p>The discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volvo-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22521:1" rel="noopener">Volvo AB (VOLVB SS)</a> B shares has widened and is now trading at a <strong>3.0% discount</strong> to A shares (vs. 0.8% discount by mid-February). It is the highest level since January 2016.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of non-voting <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/roche-holding-ag-77bd09c9-b0c2-45ea-98f1-6a7ca01dc9c5" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27906:1" rel="noopener">Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)</a> shares has <strong>widened to 6.6%</strong> (it recently reached 8%), a level unreached since November 2011. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The <strong>discount</strong> in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/schroders-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22134:1" rel="noopener">Schroders PLC (SDR LN)</a> is <strong>25.7%,</strong> around the same level as in May (vs. 27.4% by mid-April 30.6% by mid-March and 34.1% by mid-February). I would maintain long non-voting/short voting shares on.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<p>Please read on for table and charts.</p>
</div>



Trends



Discounts have generally widened across the European space.



Interesting situations and trades





Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC) B shares (with 1/10th of the voting rights of the A shares) are trading at a whopping 19.3% discount (down from 28.4%  on 19 April) vs. the A shares), some demand for illiquid A shares seems to be the explanation. Maintain LONG B shares/short A shares on, if you can get hold of any A shares.


Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR) exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount remains around the 15% level (vs. 22.1% by mid-April). The discount is approaching pre-Covid levels. Maintain long BMW prefs, short common shares on, with a target of a 12% discount.


Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)'s preference shares premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is 22.6% (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be #1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.
Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade long common/short prefs on, with a 10% target.


Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR) shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The premium has recently tightened and is now 15.7% (vs. 16.1% by mid-May).. Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.


Voting rights are valuable in a company like Volkswagen (VOW GR). Prefs discount has widened to 25.5% (vs. 20.5% by mid-May, 16.6% by mid-April and 31.8% on 18 March, highest levels since November 2009). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Volkswagen was considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg, but the company seems to have put those plans on ice. Traton SE (8TRA GR), a subsidiary majority owned by Volkswagen, is squeezing out the minorities (both ordinary and preferred shares) in MAN SE (MAN GR). Recommendation is long prefs/short ords, with advantage that it can be executed in size and the necessary health warning attached to any trading with Volkswagen share classes, as one can never be completely sure of the Porsche/Piech families' plans. Close soon enough as the discount tightens 200-250 bps.






Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM):  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon (I am aware I have been repeating this since November, but there has no been any further update from Danieli).. Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.48% and 7.69%. It is currently -0.99%. Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares, if and when the discount widens.

Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM) savings shares are trading at a 10.2% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 7.9% premium by mid-May). The market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli, which makes financial sense as it would save the savings' dividend advantage. That would dilute the voting power of Vivendi (23.943% of the votes). Short savings/long ords.





Grifols SA (GRF SM)B shares are trading at a 35.1% discount (vs. 36.1% by mid-April and 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since March 2020 lows, albeit it is taking some time. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Also, the Spanish government plans to introduce double voting rights for "loyal" shareholders (those who have kept the shares for at least two years). Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares (traded on Nasdaq), short A shares (traded in Madrid). The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.


The current discount in Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS) B shares vs. A shares is 14.5% (similar to May and wider than the 13.8% by mid-April) and seems to be on a widening trend.


On 10 May, Industrivärden divested its entire holding in SSAB AB (SSABA SS) . Top shareholder is now LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag), a government owned Swedish mining company. LKAB is now consolidating its influence in SSAB "in order to take responsibility and ensure that the company continues to have a clear industrial ownership influence at a time when the steel industry is facing major change". On 7 June, LKAB communicated its increased holding in SSAB (16.0% of the votes and 10.5% of the capital). The discount has widened to 12.4% (vs. 6.6% by mid-April), due to share purchases from LKAB. It should narrow when LKAB finishes its stake building.




The discount in Volvo AB (VOLVB SS) B shares has widened and is now trading at a 3.0% discount to A shares (vs. 0.8% discount by mid-February). It is the highest level since January 2016.


The discount of non-voting Roche Holding AG (ROG SW) shares has widened to 6.6% (it recently reached 8%), a level unreached since November 2011. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.


The discount in Schroders PLC (SDR LN) is 25.7%, around the same level as in May (vs. 27.4% by mid-April 30.6% by mid-March and 34.1% by mid-February). I would maintain long non-voting/short voting shares on.




Please read on for table and charts.


Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: June Report

<div>
<p>Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened (and premiums to NAV increased) in May.</p>
<p>The report incorporates Q1 releases for Alba and GBL, and several SOTP valuations.</p>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p>The current premium of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:147:1" rel="noopener">BHP Group (BHP AU)</a> vs.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-billiton-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21840:1" rel="noopener">Bhp Billiton (BLT LN)</a> at close of May was 18.3% (vs. 21.8% at the end of April), against a 10-year average of 14.7%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/corp-financiera-alba-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21245:1" rel="noopener">Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM)</a> is trading at a <strong>42.8% discount to NAV</strong> (down from 47.9% at the end of February), partly because of its low liquidity. The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/naturgy-energy-group-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21271:1" rel="noopener">Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM)</a>, one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/euskaltel-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21263:1" rel="noopener">Euskaltel SA (EKT SM)</a> is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/groupe-bruxelles-lambert-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21332:1" rel="noopener">Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB)</a> has <strong>widened</strong> to <strong>33%</strong>. There are no catalysts in sight and the discount stubbornly keeps above 30%.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 15.1% (vs. 14.4% at the end of April) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/industrivarden-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22395:1" rel="noopener">Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS)</a> C shares are trading at a <strong>4.8% premium to NAV</strong>. The average discount for the last five years for the C shares has been 11.5%.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The <strong>discount to NAV</strong> of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/investor-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22397:1" rel="noopener">Investor AB (INVEB SS)</a> B shares has <strong>tightened to 8.8%</strong> (vs. 17.1% at the end of February).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>From my SOTP valuation, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kinnevik-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22407:1" rel="noopener">Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS)</a> <strong>B shares are trading at a c. 19% premium to NAV</strong>. A shares are trading at a c. 43% premium to NAV. Until mid-January, the price difference between A and B shares was rather small. The discount of B shares to A shares began to increase my mid January, now it is c. 30%; voting rights count again at Kinnevik. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech. The market likes it.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-98de2c77-62f2-46da-88eb-af269fb53d42" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28510:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US)</a> “B” shares closed May in New York at a discount of  5.9% (vs. 5.8% as of end of April) with respect to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:792:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US)</a> “A” shares.Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>


Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened (and premiums to NAV increased) in May.
The report incorporates Q1 releases for Alba and GBL, and several SOTP valuations.




The current premium of BHP Group (BHP AU) vs.  Bhp Billiton (BLT LN) at close of May was 18.3% (vs. 21.8% at the end of April), against a 10-year average of 14.7%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd.


Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM) is trading at a 42.8% discount to NAV (down from 47.9% at the end of February), partly because of its low liquidity. The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM), one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; Euskaltel SA (EKT SM) is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.


The discount of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB) has widened to 33%. There are no catalysts in sight and the discount stubbornly keeps above 30%.


The discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 15.1% (vs. 14.4% at the end of April) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken.


Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS) C shares are trading at a 4.8% premium to NAV. The average discount for the last five years for the C shares has been 11.5%.


The discount to NAV of Investor AB (INVEB SS) B shares has tightened to 8.8% (vs. 17.1% at the end of February).


From my SOTP valuation, Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS) B shares are trading at a c. 19% premium to NAV. A shares are trading at a c. 43% premium to NAV. Until mid-January, the price difference between A and B shares was rather small. The discount of B shares to A shares began to increase my mid January, now it is c. 30%; voting rights count again at Kinnevik. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech. The market likes it.


Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US) “B” shares closed May in New York at a discount of  5.9% (vs. 5.8% as of end of April) with respect to the Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US) “A” shares.Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.




Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: May Report

<div>
<p>Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened in April. The report incorporates Q1 releases for the main Swedish listed holding companies, and several SOTP valuations.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Ecology, technology and cyclical pull are the three factors that play in favour of the Swedish stock market, which is among the top performers this year. In the last twelve months its revaluation exceeds 60%, helped by the quality of its companies. The high concentration of the OMX index in cyclical companies, which benefit from the optimism generated by vaccination, accelerates its rise. The 15 largest companies represent almost 60% of the total market, which generates leverage in sectors such as industrial (with a 34% weight of the index), financial (23%) and Technology (10%). This performance should be maintained compared to other markets throughout the year. The shift towards cyclicals has been reflected in the good performance of H&amp;M, Nordea Bank, Volvo and Ericsson. Sweden is a very stable economy and there are funds that seek that tranquility, which benefits their good progress. The commitment to sustainability puts the Swedish market in the focus of large investors, in addition to having a stable currency in which to diversify.</p>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p>The current premium of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:147:1" rel="noopener">BHP Group (BHP AU)</a> vs.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bhp-billiton-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21840:1" rel="noopener">Bhp Billiton (BLT LN)</a> at close of March was 21.8% (vs. 24.6% as of 31 December and 19.5% as of the end of March), against a 10-year average of 14.6%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd. through US listings.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/corp-financiera-alba-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21245:1" rel="noopener">Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM)</a> is trading at a 44.5% discount to NAV, partly because of its low liquidity. The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/naturgy-energy-group-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21271:1" rel="noopener">Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM)</a>, one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; Euskaltel is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/groupe-bruxelles-lambert-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21332:1" rel="noopener">Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB)</a> has tightened to 31.5%. I recommend Long GBL / Short main listed assets (LafargeHolcim, SGS, Pernod Ricard, Adidas and Umicore, which represent c. 70% of NAV).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 14.4% (vs. 12.6% at the end of March) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/industrivarden-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22395:1" rel="noopener">Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS)</a> C shares are trading at a 0.6% discount to NAV (vs. 7.8% at the end of February), the lowest over the last twelve months. I would wait for the discount to widen before entering the trade again.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount to NAV of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/investor-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22397:1" rel="noopener">Investor AB (INVEB SS)</a> B shares has tightened to 14% (vs. 17.1% at the end of February and 14.4% at the end of March).</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>From my SOTP valuation, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kinnevik-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22407:1" rel="noopener">Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS)</a> B shares are trading at a c. 8% premium to NAV. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-98de2c77-62f2-46da-88eb-af269fb53d42" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28510:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US)</a> “B” shares closed April in New York at a discount of 5.8% (vs. 4.4% as of 31 December and 6.1% as of end of March) with respect to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/royal-dutch-shell-plc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:792:1" rel="noopener">Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US)</a> “A” shares. Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>


Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened in April. The report incorporates Q1 releases for the main Swedish listed holding companies, and several SOTP valuations.


Ecology, technology and cyclical pull are the three factors that play in favour of the Swedish stock market, which is among the top performers this year. In the last twelve months its revaluation exceeds 60%, helped by the quality of its companies. The high concentration of the OMX index in cyclical companies, which benefit from the optimism generated by vaccination, accelerates its rise. The 15 largest companies represent almost 60% of the total market, which generates leverage in sectors such as industrial (with a 34% weight of the index), financial (23%) and Technology (10%). This performance should be maintained compared to other markets throughout the year. The shift towards cyclicals has been reflected in the good performance of H&amp;M, Nordea Bank, Volvo and Ericsson. Sweden is a very stable economy and there are funds that seek that tranquility, which benefits their good progress. The commitment to sustainability puts the Swedish market in the focus of large investors, in addition to having a stable currency in which to diversify.



The current premium of BHP Group (BHP AU) vs.  Bhp Billiton (BLT LN) at close of March was 21.8% (vs. 24.6% as of 31 December and 19.5% as of the end of March), against a 10-year average of 14.6%. I would rather be long the UK plc and short the Aussie Ltd. through US listings.


Corp Financiera Alba Sa (ALB SM) is trading at a 44.5% discount to NAV, partly because of its low liquidity. The discount does not seem to be arbitraged lately. Naturgy Energy Group SA (NTGY SM), one of its portfolio main assets, is the object of a partial takeover bid; Euskaltel is the object of a full takeover bid, as it has been previously flagged here. Alba has some quality assets and is fundamentally cheap, in my view.


The discount of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert Sa (GBLB BB) has tightened to 31.5%. I recommend Long GBL / Short main listed assets (LafargeHolcim, SGS, Pernod Ricard, Adidas and Umicore, which represent c. 70% of NAV).


The discount in Heineken Holdings relative to Heineken has widened to 14.4% (vs. 12.6% at the end of March) vs. an average of 10.5% for the last 15 years, and 7.9% for the last five years. Recommendation is long Heineken Holdings, short Heineken.


Industrivarden AB (INDUA SS) C shares are trading at a 0.6% discount to NAV (vs. 7.8% at the end of February), the lowest over the last twelve months. I would wait for the discount to widen before entering the trade again.


The discount to NAV of Investor AB (INVEB SS) B shares has tightened to 14% (vs. 17.1% at the end of February and 14.4% at the end of March).


From my SOTP valuation, Investment Ab Kinnevik (KINVB SS) B shares are trading at a c. 8% premium to NAV. Post the Zalando distribution (together with the Millicom distribution), Kinnevik will transform itself in a listed VC, investing mainly in tech.


Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS/B US) “B” shares closed April in New York at a discount of 5.8% (vs. 4.4% as of 31 December and 6.1% as of end of March) with respect to the Royal Dutch Shell Plc (Adr) (RDS/A US) “A” shares. Trade: LONG RDSB ADR/SHORT RDSA ADR. Target: 2% premium.





Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: April Report

Sweden

Investor AB is an industrial holding company. The Company owns significant shareholdings in major public multinational companies and conducts private equity activities in Europe, North America, and Asia. Investor takes an active ownership role in many of the companies it owns.

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Investor (INVEB SS)

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: July Report

Discounts/Premiums have not followed a clear trend since mid-June. Interesting situations are Henkel, BMW, and SSAB, in my view.

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: June Report

Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have not shown a clear trend in June. Kinnevik seems a bit overvalued, while Alba and...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: June Report

Discounts have generally widened across the European space. The report has a summary table and highlights both premiums and discounts as well as...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: May Report

Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened (and premiums to NAV increased) in May. Swedish holdings are...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Selected European Holdcos and DLCs: April Report

Discounts to NAV for our selected European holdcos and DLCs have generally tightened in April. The report incorporates Q1 releases for the main...

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

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