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.

Equity Capital Markets

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kanzhun-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33368:1" rel="noopener">Kanzhun (BZ US)</a> is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its <em>BOSS Zhipin</em> mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. </p></div><div><p>Kanzhun has priced its IPO at $19.00 per ADS to raise gross proceeds of $912 million, <a href="https://www.ifre.com/story/2913154/kanzhun-prices-nasdaq-ipo-at-top-to-raise-us912m-smlgvfl3m3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to IFR</a>. At the final IPO price of $19 per share, Kanzhun will have a market cap of $7.6 billion. The IPO got off to a strong start due to indications of interest for $375 million worth of ADSs in the offering from existing investors (Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global) and new investors (UBS Asset Management, GIC and Mubadala Investment).</p></div><div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-initiation-search-and-employ" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51969" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ</a>, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. We concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-growth-margin-trade-off-vs-peers" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:52333" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers</a>, we opined that Kanzhun provides growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-valuation-insights" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:52575" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO: Valuation Insights</a> we noted that the IPO price range is attractive. </p></div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>Updating for the final IPO net raise, our base-case DCF derived price target of $21.02 per ADS. As DCF-based target prices are subject to a wide range of variability, we present a sensitivity table to help investors gauge where target prices could head. Our DCF sensitivity analysis points to a meaningful upside based on achievable targets for market share and/or terminal EBIT margin. </p></div></div></div>

Kanzhun (BZ US) is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its BOSS Zhipin mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. Kanzhun has priced its IPO at $19.00 per ADS to raise gross proceeds of $912 million, according to IFR. At the final IPO price of $19 per share, Kanzhun will have a market cap of $7.6 billion. The IPO got off to a strong start due to indications of interest for $375 million worth of ADSs in the offering from existing investors (Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global) and new investors (UBS Asset Management, GIC and Mubadala Investment).In Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. We concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look. In Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers, we opined that Kanzhun provides growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers. In Kanzhun IPO: Valuation Insights we noted that the IPO price range is attractive. Updating for the final IPO net raise, our base-case DCF derived price target of $21.02 per ADS. As DCF-based target prices are subject to a wide range of variability, we present a sensitivity table to help investors gauge where target prices could head. Our DCF sensitivity analysis points to a meaningful upside based on achievable targets for market share and/or terminal EBIT margin. 

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kanzhun-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33368:1" rel="noopener">Kanzhun (BZ US)</a> is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its <em>BOSS Zhipin</em> mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. </p></div><div>
<p>At the mid-point of the proposed IPO price range of $17.00-19.00 per ADS, Kanzhun will have a market cap of $7.2 billion. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, the net proceeds are $817.2 million. New and existing shareholders have indicated a total of $375 million of the IPO (43.4% of the ADSs at the mid-point of the IPO price range). The indications of interest from new investors are from UBS Asset Management ($100 million), GIC ($100 million) and Mubadala Investment ($75 million). The indications of interest from existing investors are from Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-initiation-search-and-employ" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51969" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ</a>, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. We concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-growth-margin-trade-off-vs-peers" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:52333" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers</a>, we opined that Kanzhun provides growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers. </p>
<div class="content-highlight"><p>In this note, we present our forecasts and valuation analysis. On a relative valuation basis and at the IPO price range, Kanzhun is fairly valued on growth adjusted EV/Sales multiples (an EV/Sales/Growth basis). Our base-case DCF value is $20.84 per ADS which is a 16% upside to the mid-point of the IPO price range. For investors willing to brave the risk that the current market selloff in high growth stocks persists, we think that the IPO price range is attractive. </p></div>
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Kanzhun (BZ US) is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its BOSS Zhipin mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. 
At the mid-point of the proposed IPO price range of $17.00-19.00 per ADS, Kanzhun will have a market cap of $7.2 billion. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, the net proceeds are $817.2 million. New and existing shareholders have indicated a total of $375 million of the IPO (43.4% of the ADSs at the mid-point of the IPO price range). The indications of interest from new investors are from UBS Asset Management ($100 million), GIC ($100 million) and Mubadala Investment ($75 million). The indications of interest from existing investors are from Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global.
In Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. We concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look. In Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers, we opined that Kanzhun provides growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers. 
In this note, we present our forecasts and valuation analysis. On a relative valuation basis and at the IPO price range, Kanzhun is fairly valued on growth adjusted EV/Sales multiples (an EV/Sales/Growth basis). Our base-case DCF value is $20.84 per ADS which is a 16% upside to the mid-point of the IPO price range. For investors willing to brave the risk that the current market selloff in high growth stocks persists, we think that the IPO price range is attractive. 


<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kanzhun-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33368:1" rel="noopener">Kanzhun (BZ US)</a> is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its <em>BOSS Zhipin</em> mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. Kanzhun has filed for a Nasdaq IPO to raise proceeds of $800 million, according to press reports.  </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kanzhun-ipo-initiation-search-and-employ" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51969" rel="noopener">Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ</a>, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. For investors willing to brave the risk that the current market selloff in high growth stocks persists, we concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>In this note, we compare Kanzhun’s key financial metrics to its listed peers, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/51-job-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:532:1" rel="noopener">51 Job Inc Adr (JOBS US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wise-talent-information-tech" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27177:1" rel="noopener">Wise Talent Information Tech (6100 HK)</a>/Tongdao Liepin. 51jobs is in the midst of a $79.05 in cash privatisation bid from a consortium consisting of DCP, Ocean Link Partners and Mr Rick Yan, 51job's CEO since 2000 - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/51job-s-updated-privatisation-bid" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51071" rel="noopener">51job’s Updated Privatisation Bid</a>. Our analysis suggests that Kanzhun provides a growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers.   </p></div>

Kanzhun (BZ US) is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average MAU in 2020, according to CIC. Its BOSS Zhipin mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users. Kanzhun has filed for a Nasdaq IPO to raise proceeds of $800 million, according to press reports.  In Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ, we opined that Kanzhun’s strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. Encouragingly, the high revenue visibility, declining loss margin and cash generation suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver this growth profitability. For investors willing to brave the risk that the current market selloff in high growth stocks persists, we concluded that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look.In this note, we compare Kanzhun’s key financial metrics to its listed peers, 51 Job Inc Adr (JOBS US) and Wise Talent Information Tech (6100 HK)/Tongdao Liepin. 51jobs is in the midst of a $79.05 in cash privatisation bid from a consortium consisting of DCP, Ocean Link Partners and Mr Rick Yan, 51job's CEO since 2000 - 51job’s Updated Privatisation Bid. Our analysis suggests that Kanzhun provides a growth and revenue visibility vs margin and cash generation trade-off in comparison to its listed peers.   

Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kanzhun-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33368:1" rel="noopener">Kanzhun (BZ US)</a> is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average monthly active users (MAU) in 2020, according to CIC. Its <em>BOSS Zhipin</em> mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users as is positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment (white and gold-collar users) compared to local peers.</p><p>Kanzhun is backed by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a> (12.2% of outstanding shares), Banyan Partners (9.4%), Coatue Management (7.8%), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/goldman-sachs-group-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:785:1" rel="noopener">Goldman Sachs Group (GS US)</a> (7.3%), Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global. Kanzhun has filed for a Nasdaq IPO to raise proceeds of $800 million, according to press reports.  </p><p>Kanzhun is a play on the gradual shift of the China recruitment service market to online platforms. China’s online recruitment market size as measured by revenue is forecasted to increase from RMB55.1 billion in 2020 to RMB223.4 billion in 2025 (CAGR of 32.3%), according to CIC. The penetration rate of online recruitment to the total market is forecasted to increase from 32% in 2020 to 50% in 2025, according to CIC.</p><div class="content-highlight">
<p>Kanzhun is well-positioned to benefit from this sizeable market opportunity, in our view. At first sight, the strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth but ongoing losses suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. In comparison, local listed peers such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/51-job-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:532:1" rel="noopener">51 Job Inc Adr (JOBS US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wise-talent-information-tech" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27177:1" rel="noopener">Wise Talent Information Tech (6100 HK)</a> are growing much slower but are profitable.</p>
<p>Encouragingly, Kanzhun's high revenue visibility and declining loss margin suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver high growth with profits. The upfront payment model of the online recruitment market means that like its peers, Kanzhun is cash generative. For investors willing to brave the current market selloff in high growth stocks, we think that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look.  </p>
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Kanzhun (BZ US) is the largest online recruitment platform in China, as measured by the average monthly active users (MAU) in 2020, according to CIC. Its BOSS Zhipin mobile app connects job seekers and enterprise users as is positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment (white and gold-collar users) compared to local peers.Kanzhun is backed by Tencent (700 HK) (12.2% of outstanding shares), Banyan Partners (9.4%), Coatue Management (7.8%), Goldman Sachs Group (GS US) (7.3%), Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global. Kanzhun has filed for a Nasdaq IPO to raise proceeds of $800 million, according to press reports.  Kanzhun is a play on the gradual shift of the China recruitment service market to online platforms. China’s online recruitment market size as measured by revenue is forecasted to increase from RMB55.1 billion in 2020 to RMB223.4 billion in 2025 (CAGR of 32.3%), according to CIC. The penetration rate of online recruitment to the total market is forecasted to increase from 32% in 2020 to 50% in 2025, according to CIC.
Kanzhun is well-positioned to benefit from this sizeable market opportunity, in our view. At first sight, the strong growth in users and fast-paced revenue growth but ongoing losses suggests another “growth at all costs” strategy. In comparison, local listed peers such as 51 Job Inc Adr (JOBS US) and Wise Talent Information Tech (6100 HK) are growing much slower but are profitable.
Encouragingly, Kanzhun's high revenue visibility and declining loss margin suggest that Kanzhun can eventually deliver high growth with profits. The upfront payment model of the online recruitment market means that like its peers, Kanzhun is cash generative. For investors willing to brave the current market selloff in high growth stocks, we think that the Kanzhun story warrants a closer look.  


Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Shifara Samsudeen, FCMA, CGMA

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Forensic Accounting

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/seek-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:676:1" rel="noopener">Seek Ltd (SEK AU)</a>  operates an international portfolio of employment and education businesses across Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico. The company operates an online marketplace that offers employment classifieds in Australia and internationally. In addition, Seek also offers advice in relation to education courses.</p><p>The company has been accused by Blue Orca Capital (<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a81b554be42d6b09e19fc09/t/5f99f9ba94399006bdb5f02c/1603926464878/Blue+Orca+Short+SEEK+Ltd+%28ASX+SEK%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a81b554be42d6b09e19fc09/t/5f99f9ba94399006bdb5f02c/1603926464878/Blue+Orca+Short+SEEK+Ltd+%28ASX+SEK%29.pdf</a>) and some of the accusations laid out by Blue Orca include fake job postings on the company’s website, misrepresentation of its market share and inflated profits.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p><em>We think Zhaopin’s platform is rotten, which is devastating for Seek’s prospects. Seek has historically paid a dividend, giving the false impression that its business produces healthy profits and cash flows. But these payments have been largely funded by debt. A serial acquirer, Seek has repeatedly tapped the capital markets to fund acquisitions, raising its Net Debt-to-reported EBITDA to 3.2x. By our calculation, Seek’s true leverage is much higher</em></p></div><p>In this insight, we attempt to examine some of these allegations and have assessed the merits of those claims using the company’s financials.</p>

Seek Ltd (SEK AU)  operates an international portfolio of employment and education businesses across Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico. The company operates an online marketplace that offers employment classifieds in Australia and internationally. In addition, Seek also offers advice in relation to education courses.The company has been accused by Blue Orca Capital (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a81b554be42d6b09e19fc09/t/5f99f9ba94399006bdb5f02c/1603926464878/Blue+Orca+Short+SEEK+Ltd+%28ASX+SEK%29.pdf) and some of the accusations laid out by Blue Orca include fake job postings on the company’s website, misrepresentation of its market share and inflated profits.We think Zhaopin’s platform is rotten, which is devastating for Seek’s prospects. Seek has historically paid a dividend, giving the false impression that its business produces healthy profits and cash flows. But these payments have been largely funded by debt. A serial acquirer, Seek has repeatedly tapped the capital markets to fund acquisitions, raising its Net Debt-to-reported EBITDA to 3.2x. By our calculation, Seek’s true leverage is much higherIn this insight, we attempt to examine some of these allegations and have assessed the merits of those claims using the company’s financials.

Seek Ltd: Some of the Outrageous Claims by Blue Orca Look Irrefutable

Australia

Seek Limited operates an Internet website.  The Company offers online employment advertisements and online training in Australia and New Zealand, and offers online employment advertisements in the United Kingdom targeted at Australian and New Zealand job seekers.

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Seek Ltd (SEK AU)

Kanzhun IPO: Trading Debut

Kanzhun has priced its IPO at $19 per ADS to raise $912 m. Our DCF sensitivity analysis points to a meaningful upside based on achievable targets...

Arun George

Kanzhun IPO: Valuation Insights

At the mid-point, Kanzhun will raise net proceeds of $817.2 m. For investors willing to brave the risk that the market selloff in high growth...

Arun George

Kanzhun IPO: Growth/Margin Trade-Off Vs Peers

We compare Kanzhun’s key financial metrics to its listed peers, 51jobs and Liepin. Kanzhun provides a growth/revenue visibility vs margin/cash...

Arun George

Kanzhun IPO Initiation: Search and Employ

Kanzhun has filed for an $800 m raise, according to press reports. For investors willing to brave the current market selloff in high growth stocks,...

Arun George

Seek Ltd: Some of the Outrageous Claims by Blue Orca Look Irrefutable

Blue Orca Capital has published a short-sell report on Seek Ltd. We attempt to examine some of these allegations and have assessed the merits of...

Shifara Samsudeen, FCMA, CGMA

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