Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Equity Bottom-Up

China Merchants China Direct Investments / Equity Bottom-Up

China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-china-direct-investments" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6862:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)</a> (CMCDI) has (belatedly) published notices of two extraordinary general meetings, both of which will take place on 29 November 2024. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/1108/2024110800011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One</a> is for the renewal of the investment management agreement (IMA) for another three years, to be held at 10am. </li>
<li>The <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/1108/2024110800021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second EGM</a>, requisitioned by Argyle Street Management, to be held at 11am, calls for a one-year IMA term limit, and the removal of Elizabeth Kan as an executive director. </li>
</ul>



China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK) (CMCDI) has (belatedly) published notices of two extraordinary general meetings, both of which will take place on 29 November 2024. 

One is for the renewal of the investment management agreement (IMA) for another three years, to be held at 10am. 
The second EGM, requisitioned by Argyle Street Management, to be held at 11am, calls for a one-year IMA term limit, and the removal of Elizabeth Kan as an executive director. 


<ul>
<li>On the <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0927/2024092701187.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">27th September</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-china-direct-investments" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6862:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)</a> (CMCDI) teased a share buyback and a special dividend. But as of today. no firm details have been forthcoming. </li>
<li>CMCDI has also now offered to reduce management fees by 25 basis points in the new management agreement, which will be voted on  by independent shareholders in November/December.</li>
<li>This concession does not go far enough. Especially when 45% of the management fees are received by founder Victor Chu. </li>
</ul>


On the 27th September, China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK) (CMCDI) teased a share buyback and a special dividend. But as of today. no firm details have been forthcoming. 
CMCDI has also now offered to reduce management fees by 25 basis points in the new management agreement, which will be voted on  by independent shareholders in November/December.
This concession does not go far enough. Especially when 45% of the management fees are received by founder Victor Chu. 


CMCDI (133 HK): Concessions Don't Go Far Enough

Event-Driven

China Merchants China Direct Investments / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Argyle Street Management (ASM), a 9.01% shareholder in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-china-direct-investments" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6862:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)</a>, has been (very) publicly angling for change in this closed-end fund. <a href="https://unlockvaluechinamerchants.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here</a> is their website.</li>
<li>The core issue is CMCDI's P/NAV ratio of 0.41x compared to closed-end fund peers of 0.8x-0.9x. </li>
<li>CMCDI has finally responded to ASM's overtures with the prospect of a share buyback and a special dividend. But details are thin on the ground. </li>
</ul>


Argyle Street Management (ASM), a 9.01% shareholder in China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK), has been (very) publicly angling for change in this closed-end fund. Here is their website.
The core issue is CMCDI's P/NAV ratio of 0.41x compared to closed-end fund peers of 0.8x-0.9x. 
CMCDI has finally responded to ASM's overtures with the prospect of a share buyback and a special dividend. But details are thin on the ground. 


CMCDI (133 HK)'s Proposals Light On Detail

<ul>
<li>The recent news on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-china-direct-investments" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6862:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)</a> was director Elizabeth Kan narrowly getting re-elected. Of interest, ISS recommended shareholders vote AGAINST. Glass Lewis was FOR re-election.</li>
<li>The key takeaway here is that the majority of the minorities want change. The next development may occur in the lead up to the management agreement renewal in November. </li>
<li>In addition, Argyle Street Management, CMSCI's key shareholder activist, is also requesting the company buy back 20% of shares outstanding at 90% of NAV. </li>
</ul>


The recent news on China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK) was director Elizabeth Kan narrowly getting re-elected. Of interest, ISS recommended shareholders vote AGAINST. Glass Lewis was FOR re-election.
The key takeaway here is that the majority of the minorities want change. The next development may occur in the lead up to the management agreement renewal in November. 
In addition, Argyle Street Management, CMSCI's key shareholder activist, is also requesting the company buy back 20% of shares outstanding at 90% of NAV. 


CMCDI (133 HK): Buybacks And Management Fees Into Focus

<ul>
<li>At the <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0620/2024062000484.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AGM yesterday</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-china-direct-investments" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6862:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)</a>'s director Elizabeth Kan was re-appointed, but by a wafer-thin margin: 29.97% of shares out FOR, and 29.44% AGAINST.</li>
<li>Stripping out Victor Chu's stake (~2%?) and China Merchant's (27.6%), or collectively ~29.6% of shares out, it's fair to say the remainder of the shareholder register wants her out. </li>
<li>CMCDI is currently trading at a 55% discount to the latest NAV (as at 31st May 2024) of <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0614/2024061400482.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HK$30.42/share</a>.  Argyle continues to add to its position. </li>
</ul>


At the AGM yesterday, China Merchants China Direct Investments (133 HK)'s director Elizabeth Kan was re-appointed, but by a wafer-thin margin: 29.97% of shares out FOR, and 29.44% AGAINST.
Stripping out Victor Chu's stake (~2%?) and China Merchant's (27.6%), or collectively ~29.6% of shares out, it's fair to say the remainder of the shareholder register wants her out. 
CMCDI is currently trading at a 55% discount to the latest NAV (as at 31st May 2024) of HK$30.42/share.  Argyle continues to add to its position. 


CMCDI (133 HK): Kan Re-Elected. But Only Just

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CMCDI (133 HK): Concessions Don't Go Far Enough

If small, illiquid names, with a activism angle are your bent, get involved in this deep valued closed-end fund around here.

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CMCDI (133 HK)'s Proposals Light On Detail

If small, illiquid names, with a activism angle are your bag, get involved. Expect the investment management fee vote later this year to get voted...

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CMCDI (133 HK): Buybacks And Management Fees Into Focus

CMCDI remains cheap. I think a buyback is a distinct possibility. And changes to the management agreement have to occur within the next few months.

David Blennerhassett

CMCDI (133 HK): Kan Re-Elected. But Only Just

CMCDI remains cheap. Argyle is still buying. If small, illiquid names, with a activism angle are your forte, get involved.

David Blennerhassett

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