Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Equity Capital Markets

Yatsen Holding Ltd / Equity Capital Markets

<p>Yatsen Holding aims to raise around upto US$617m in its US IPO. The company is backed by Hillhouse, Tencent and Tiger Global. </p><p>Yatsen was founded in 2016 and has since then launched three color cosmetics and skincare brands. Together, these brands have served 23.4m customers in 2019. According to the CIC report, Perfect Diary became the top color cosmetics brand in China in terms of online retail sales in 2019.</p><p>Its revenue increased by 4.7x in 2019 and was up 73% YoY over 9M20. The increase in revenue was driven by a 2.4x increase in its customer base in 2019 and another 50% YoY growth over 9M20. Yatsen operates a DTC model and does most of its marketing through its network of 15,000 KOLs. </p><p>On the flip side, growth for its biggest brand slowed down considerably over 9M20. At the same time, its selling and marketing expenses have ballooned leading to the company again reporting losses over 9M20. There is also the case of its founders repeatedly selling shares to the company.</p><p>In terms of valuation, the company hasn’t generated consistent profits, hence, one can only compare it on EV/Sales basis, on which measure it looks alright. However, the timing of future profitability remains uncertain given the turnaround in selling and marketing expenses in FY20, the continued offline expansion and the company’s growing penchant for acquisitions.</p><p>Link to my previous note:</p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/yatsen-pre-ipo-growing-fast-but-slowing-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yatsen Pre-IPO - Growing Fast but Slowing Down</a></p>

Yatsen Holding aims to raise around upto US$617m in its US IPO. The company is backed by Hillhouse, Tencent and Tiger Global. Yatsen was founded in 2016 and has since then launched three color cosmetics and skincare brands. Together, these brands have served 23.4m customers in 2019. According to the CIC report, Perfect Diary became the top color cosmetics brand in China in terms of online retail sales in 2019.Its revenue increased by 4.7x in 2019 and was up 73% YoY over 9M20. The increase in revenue was driven by a 2.4x increase in its customer base in 2019 and another 50% YoY growth over 9M20. Yatsen operates a DTC model and does most of its marketing through its network of 15,000 KOLs. On the flip side, growth for its biggest brand slowed down considerably over 9M20. At the same time, its selling and marketing expenses have ballooned leading to the company again reporting losses over 9M20. There is also the case of its founders repeatedly selling shares to the company.In terms of valuation, the company hasn’t generated consistent profits, hence, one can only compare it on EV/Sales basis, on which measure it looks alright. However, the timing of future profitability remains uncertain given the turnaround in selling and marketing expenses in FY20, the continued offline expansion and the company’s growing penchant for acquisitions.Link to my previous note:Yatsen Pre-IPO - Growing Fast but Slowing Down

Yatsen IPO - Pricey but It Comes with Strong Investor Backing

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.

<div>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yatsen-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29719:1" rel="noopener">Yatsen Holding (YSG US)</a> is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. </p>
<p>Yatsen has launched its IPO at a price range of $8.50-10.50 per ADS. Indications of interest have been received for up to $300 million of the offer shares. Existing shareholders, Hillhouse Capital and Tiger Global will subscribe for $120 million and $80 million of the offer shares, respectively. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a> and Yunfeng Financial Group will subscribe for $50 million and $50 million of the offer shares, respectively. Yatsen will raise net proceeds of $521.5 million at the mid-point of the IPO price range. </p>
</div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/yatsen-ipo-initiation-face-the-facts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44817" rel="noopener">Yatsen IPO Initiation: Face the Facts</a>, we stated that while Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/yatsen-ipo-comparison-with-leading-domestic-brands" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:45198" rel="noopener">Yatsen IPO: Comparison with Leading Domestic Brands</a> we noted that in comparison to peers, Yatsen offers investors a trade-off between high growth and margin/cash generation. Our valuation analysis suggests that IPO price is unattractive and we would be inclined to give the IPO a pass. </p></div></div></div>


Yatsen Holding (YSG US) is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. 
Yatsen has launched its IPO at a price range of $8.50-10.50 per ADS. Indications of interest have been received for up to $300 million of the offer shares. Existing shareholders, Hillhouse Capital and Tiger Global will subscribe for $120 million and $80 million of the offer shares, respectively. Tencent Holdings (700 HK) and Yunfeng Financial Group will subscribe for $50 million and $50 million of the offer shares, respectively. Yatsen will raise net proceeds of $521.5 million at the mid-point of the IPO price range. 
In Yatsen IPO Initiation: Face the Facts, we stated that while Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted. In Yatsen IPO: Comparison with Leading Domestic Brands we noted that in comparison to peers, Yatsen offers investors a trade-off between high growth and margin/cash generation. Our valuation analysis suggests that IPO price is unattractive and we would be inclined to give the IPO a pass. 

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yatsen-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29719:1" rel="noopener">Yatsen Holding (YSG US)</a> is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. Founded in 2016, Yasten has three colour cosmetics and skincare brands: <em>Perfect Diary, Little Ondine </em>and <em>Abby’s Choice</em>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/yatsen-ipo-initiation-face-the-facts" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:44817" rel="noopener">Yatsen IPO Initiation: Face the Facts</a>, we stated that while Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted. Yasten will likely be compared to its A-Share listed peers – <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/proya-cosmetics-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26602:1" rel="noopener">Proya Cosmetics (603605 CH)</a>, Guangdong Marubi Biotechnology and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-jahwa-united-co-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4266:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Jahwa United Co A (600315 CH)</a>.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>Despite differing end-product revenue exposure, we think that this comparison is appropriate as they are all plays on China’s beauty market and share some overlap in customers and products. Our analysis suggests that in comparison to peers, Yatsen offers investors a trade-off between high growth and margin/cash generation. </p></div>

Yatsen Holding (YSG US) is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. Founded in 2016, Yasten has three colour cosmetics and skincare brands: Perfect Diary, Little Ondine and Abby’s Choice. In Yatsen IPO Initiation: Face the Facts, we stated that while Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted. Yasten will likely be compared to its A-Share listed peers – Proya Cosmetics (603605 CH), Guangdong Marubi Biotechnology and Shanghai Jahwa United Co A (600315 CH).Despite differing end-product revenue exposure, we think that this comparison is appropriate as they are all plays on China’s beauty market and share some overlap in customers and products. Our analysis suggests that in comparison to peers, Yatsen offers investors a trade-off between high growth and margin/cash generation. 

Yatsen IPO: Comparison with Leading Domestic Brands

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.

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yatsen-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29719:1" rel="noopener">Yatsen Holding (YSG US)</a> , the owner of the Perfect Diary cosmetic and skin-care brand in China has filed for an IPO to list its shares in the US and has a placeholder indication to raise US$100m.</p>
<p>The company has launched three cosmetic brands in China, Perfect Diary, Little Ondine and Abby’s Choice, and sells these products through third-party e-commerce platforms, offline experience stores and social and content platforms.</p>
<p>In this insight, we examine Yatsen’s business model, business segments, revenues and margins.</p>

Yatsen Holding (YSG US) , the owner of the Perfect Diary cosmetic and skin-care brand in China has filed for an IPO to list its shares in the US and has a placeholder indication to raise US$100m.
The company has launched three cosmetic brands in China, Perfect Diary, Little Ondine and Abby’s Choice, and sells these products through third-party e-commerce platforms, offline experience stores and social and content platforms.
In this insight, we examine Yatsen’s business model, business segments, revenues and margins.

Yatsen IPO: Revenue Growth Comes at the Expense of Margins

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yatsen-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29719:1" rel="noopener">Yatsen Holding (YSG US)</a> is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. Founded in 2016, Yasten has three colour cosmetics and skincare brands: <em>Perfect Diary</em>, <em>Little Ondine</em> and <em>Abby’s Choice</em>. Yasten is backed by Hillhouse (13.8% of outstanding shares, 3.0% of the voting power) and Banyan Partners (9.2% of outstanding shares, 2.0% of the voting interest). Yatsen has filed for an NYSE IPO to raise $100 million. </p><div class="content-highlight"><p>Yatsen is a play on Gen-Z and millennials which are shaping the fast-growing beauty industry in China. 74% of Yasten customers were Gen-Z and <em>Perfect Diary</em> is the most popular beauty brand among Gen-Z,  according to a CIC Consumer Survey. While Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted.</p></div>

Yatsen Holding (YSG US) is the largest and only domestic company among the top ten beauty companies in China as measured by colour cosmetics retail sales value, according to CIC. Founded in 2016, Yasten has three colour cosmetics and skincare brands: Perfect Diary, Little Ondine and Abby’s Choice. Yasten is backed by Hillhouse (13.8% of outstanding shares, 3.0% of the voting power) and Banyan Partners (9.2% of outstanding shares, 2.0% of the voting interest). Yatsen has filed for an NYSE IPO to raise $100 million. Yatsen is a play on Gen-Z and millennials which are shaping the fast-growing beauty industry in China. 74% of Yasten customers were Gen-Z and Perfect Diary is the most popular beauty brand among Gen-Z,  according to a CIC Consumer Survey. While Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution is warranted.

China

Yatsen Holding Limited operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, retails cosmetics, skincare, and other beauty products. Yatsen Holding serves customers worldwide.

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Yatsen Holding Ltd (YSG US)

Yatsen IPO - Pricey but It Comes with Strong Investor Backing

Yatsen Holding aims to raise around upto US$617m in its US IPO. The company is backed by Hillhouse, Tencent and Tiger Global.

Sumeet Singh

Yatsen IPO: Valuation Insights

Yatsen will raise net proceeds of $521.5 million at the mid-point of the IPO price range of $8.50-10.50 per ADS. Our valuation analysis suggests...

Arun George

Yatsen IPO: Comparison with Leading Domestic Brands

Our analysis suggests that in comparison to peers, Yatsen offers investors a trade-off between high growth and margin/cash generation.

Arun George

Yatsen IPO: Revenue Growth Comes at the Expense of Margins

Yatsen Holdings, the owner of the Perfect Diary cosmetic and skin-care brand in China has filed for an IPO to list its shares in the US and has a...

Shifara Samsudeen, FCMA, CGMA

Yatsen IPO Initiation: Face the Facts

While Yasten is seemingly another new economy company with a winning proposition, the fundamentals are less than ideal which suggests that caution...

Arun George

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