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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Industrials: LS Corp, BETA Technologies, Deutsche Post, Enpro Industries, Norcros PLC and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • LS Group Family Members Sold a 6.3% Stake in LS Ecoenergy – To Buy More Shares of LS Corp?
  • BETA Technologies (BETA): Electric Aircraft Maker Sets Wide Range, Seeking up to $7.2b Valuation
  • Deutsche Post AG – What’s News in Amsterdam
  • Enpro Bets Big On Biopharma & Sensors With $280M Deal—AlpHa & Overlook Could Be Game Changers!
  • Norcros PLC – Strategy driving progress, full year on track


LS Group Family Members Sold a 6.3% Stake in LS Ecoenergy – To Buy More Shares of LS Corp?

By Douglas Kim

  • It was reported that various members of the LS Group family/relatives sold a 6.3% stake in LS Eco Energy Ltd (229640 KS) for about 70 billion won in after-hours trading.
  • There is an increasing probability that this could lead to these insiders purchasing more shares of LS Corp to defend their controlling stake of the company from the Hoban Group.
  • Hoban Group is likely to have acquired more than 3% stake in LS Corp. If so, it can request to inspect LS Corp’s books and convene a shareholders’ meeting.

BETA Technologies (BETA): Electric Aircraft Maker Sets Wide Range, Seeking up to $7.2b Valuation

By IPO Boutique

  • BETA Technologies (BETA US) is to offer 25.0 million shares at $27-$33 equating to a valuation of $5.9b-$7.2b and can go public as soon as November 4th.
  • There are a number of anchor order commitments on the cover of the prospectus in addition to a 5% directed share program.
  • While the company has significant losses, they should be seen in light of its strong potential in low-cost air travel.

Deutsche Post AG – What’s News in Amsterdam

By The IDEA!

  • In this edition: • ABN Amro | warns for margin pressure impacting its 3Q25 results • BAM Group | Femern Link Contractors joint venture threatens with EUR 2bn claim • Sligro Food Group | slight moderation of FY25 guidance after uninspiring 3Q25 • bpostgroup | following up on the ‘Night Delivery’ service • E-commerce & Logistics | Temu’s pre-tax profit more than doubled in 2024 • E-commerce & Logistics | Dutch plan for national levy on non-EU low-value parcels imports

Enpro Bets Big On Biopharma & Sensors With $280M Deal—AlpHa & Overlook Could Be Game Changers!

By Baptista Research

  • Enpro Industries recently announced its intent to acquire two niche yet highly complementary businesses—AlpHa Measurement Solutions and Overlook Industries—for a combined $280 million in cash.
  • These acquisitions mark a strategic push under Enpro’s “Enpro 3.0” framework, aimed at strengthening its Sealing Technologies segment and expanding its footprint in high-growth verticals like compositional analysis and biopharma.
  • AlpHa, based in Houston, provides liquid analytical sensing technologies, while Overlook Industries specializes in single-use technologies for biopharmaceutical production.

Norcros PLC – Strategy driving progress, full year on track

By Equity Development

  • Having completed the Fibo deal earlier in the week, Norcros has followed up with a solid, above market H1’26 trading update and unchanged guidance.
  • Strategic delivery through operational excellence and highly complementary M&A is clearly being executed well and, notwithstanding market variability, Norcros is maintaining forward momentum.
  • Norcros delivered a marginally better underlying revenue performance in H1’26 overall with the headline c.£184m also boosted by an additional trading week.

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Vedanta Ltd, Sunshield Chemicals, Thai Oil Pcl, SGX Rubber Future TSR20, Andean Precious Metals , Sintana Energy , Copper Fox Metals , Crude Oil and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Vedanta: The Aluminium Transformation — Zinc Cash + Silver Power + O&G Optionality
  • The Beat Ideas: Sunshield Chemicals – Niche Chemistry Leadership Anchored by Promoter Expertise
  • Thai Oil – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Indian Rubber Sector Sees Production Gains, Cooling Imports, Steady Demand
  • APM: Q3 Production; Increasing TP on Higher Silver Prices
  • Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI): Widening high impact exploration footprint with deeper relationship with Chevron
  • CUU: Further Updates on Schaft Creek & Other Developments
  • Oil futures: Crude off lows, surplus concerns remain


Vedanta: The Aluminium Transformation — Zinc Cash + Silver Power + O&G Optionality

By Rahul Jain

  • Growth: EBITDA mix improves as aluminium integration + captive coal lift margins, silver ramps, and zinc stays cash generative; deleveraging begins FY27 as cash flows strengthen.
  • Commodity Play: Positive leverage to aluminium, zinc, and silver prices; cost base falling, not rising — rare margin tailwind in a metals cycle.
  • Valuation + Yield: Trades cheap vs peers; rerating optionality + double-digit dividend yield provides downside protection with asymmetric upside.

The Beat Ideas: Sunshield Chemicals – Niche Chemistry Leadership Anchored by Promoter Expertise

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Sunshield Chemicals is expanding its capacity to capitalise on its unique position as the sole Indian manufacturer of key niche chemicals like THEIC and a rare global producer of HQEE.
  • The capex and product focus underscore a strategic shift towards higher-margin, low-competition specialty segments, which is vital for sustained earnings growth and margin protection against raw material volatility.
  • A look at the company’s product portfolio and execution on capacity expansion reveals a potentially de-risked growth trajectory, meriting attention from investors seeking exposure to high-entry-barrier specialty chemical plays.

Thai Oil – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • We view Thai Oil Public Company Limited (TOP) as “Low Risk” on the LARA scale.
  • This is primarily driven by the company’s strategic importance to state-owned PTT Public Company Limited, due to its position as the group’s main oil refining vehicle.
  • TOP benefits from its close links with PTT, as TOP obtains feedstock from and sells refined products to its parent.

Indian Rubber Sector Sees Production Gains, Cooling Imports, Steady Demand

By Vinod Nedumudy

  • India’s rubber output in April–July up 4.4% year-on-year.  
  • Imports fall 7.4% as stocks deplete by 79,000 tons in 4 months  
  • Domestic auto sector weakness tempers consumption

APM: Q3 Production; Increasing TP on Higher Silver Prices

By Atrium Research

  • APM reported its Q3 production results, delivering 25.6Koz AuEq (+6% QoQ), with San Bartolome outperforming estimates while Golden Queen faced operational challenges.
  • With gold and silver prices surging, APM is well-positioned for strong H2 cash flow despite tracking toward the lower end of annual guidance, enabling flexibility for M&A, dividends, or buybacks.
  • We are increasing our commodity price assumptions and rolling over our valuation year to 2026, resulting in an increased target price.

Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI): Widening high impact exploration footprint with deeper relationship with Chevron

By Auctus Advisors

  • Sintana is acquiring Challenger Energy in an all-share transaction under which Challenger shareholders will receive 0.4705 new Sintana shares for each Challenger share held.
  • Challenger shareholders will hold ~25% of the combined entity on completion.
  • Challenger holds interests in two exploration licences, offshore Uruguay.

CUU: Further Updates on Schaft Creek & Other Developments

By Atrium Research

  • Copper Fox announced further updates on recent activities at the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project in BC.
  • Five diamond drill holes were completed in the Liard zone, four of which intersected variable intervals of copper mineralization.
  • Other activities including field work and geophysical surveys were completed throughout the season.

Oil futures: Crude off lows, surplus concerns remain

By Quantum Commodity Intelligence

  • Crude oil futures were slightly lower in late-day Wednesday trading after benchmarks settled at fresh five-month lows in the previous session, amid pressures from a growing oil surplus and global trade jitters.
  • Front-month Dec25 ICE Brent futures were trading at $62.21/b (2012 BST) versus Tuesday’s settle of $62.39/b, while Nov25 NYMEX WTI was at $58.55/b against a previous close of $58.70/b.
  • Prices plummeted on Tuesday, wiping out early week gains, after the IEA trimmed its global oil demand growth forecast while upping its supply projection, in turn pushing markets into a deeper surplus this year and next.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: HKT Ltd, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Fibocom Wireless , SK Inc, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), ASML Holding NV, Applied Blockchain Inc, MFE-MediaForEurope and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • The Li Family’s Latest U.S. Setback As The FCC Targets HKT
  • TSMC (2330.TT; TSM.US): 4Q25 Outlook Slightly Softer; US Fab to Dilute GM; AI Remains Key Driver.
  • Fibocom A/H Listing: Wide A/H Premium but Expensive Valuation
  • Supreme Court Overturns a Lower Court Ruling for the Divorce Case Chey Tae-Won and Roh So-Young
  • Why TSMC 3Q25 Indicates Strong AI Accelerator Demand Through 2029E; Maintain Structural Long Rating
  • TSMC 3Q25 Big Beat on Margins, 4Q Guidance Above Consensus, Raising 2025 Guidance
  • ASML Q325 Earnings In Line, Outlook More Positive Compared To Prior Quarter, Big Emphasis On AI
  • Applied Digital Just Landed an $11 Billion AI Deal With CoreWeave — Is This the Next Nvidia!
  • ASML: No Clarification on 2026, China Procurement in Excess of End-Demand, High NA Start in 2028
  • Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: October’25 Report


The Li Family’s Latest U.S. Setback As The FCC Targets HKT

By David Blennerhassett

  • First it was the Li family’s, via CK Hutchison Holdings (1 HK), investment in two Panama ports, which raised the ire of the U.S. government. And remains unresolved.
  • Now the U.S.’s Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has taken the initial step to “expel Hong Kong Telecom” – i.e. HKT Ltd (6823 HK) – from the US telecommunication network.
  • The FCC order cites HKT’s affiliation with black-listed China Unicom (762 HK). Unicom holds a 18.4% stake in PCCW (8 HK), HKT’s parent.  A stake it acquired twenty years ago.

TSMC (2330.TT; TSM.US): 4Q25 Outlook Slightly Softer; US Fab to Dilute GM; AI Remains Key Driver.

By Patrick Liao

  • For 4Q25, revenue guidance is US$32.2–33.4 billion, equivalent to NT$985.3–1,022.0 billion (based on an assumed FX rate of 30.6).
  • N2 will begin mass production later this quarter with good yields, and volume will ramp in 2026 driven by both smartphone and HPC/AI applications
  • Smartphone inventory has returned to seasonally healthy levels, with no signs of early pull-ins.

Fibocom A/H Listing: Wide A/H Premium but Expensive Valuation

By Nicholas Tan

  • Fibocom Wireless (300638 CH) is looking to raise up to US$380m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • It was founded in Nov 1999, and is a leading wireless communication module provider. The firm’s module products include i) data transmission modules, ii) smart modules, and iii) AI modules.
  • In this note, we examine the IPO dynamics, and look at the firm’s valuation.

Supreme Court Overturns a Lower Court Ruling for the Divorce Case Chey Tae-Won and Roh So-Young

By Douglas Kim

  • The long-standing divorce case between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and his estranged wife Roh So-young refuses to end.
  • Rather, the Supreme Court of Korea overturned a lower court ruling that ordered Chey Tae-won to pay 1.38 trillion won ($973 million) to Ro So-young.
  • Our NAV valuation of SK Inc suggests implied market cap of 25.8 trillion won or target price of 355,918 won per share, which is 63% higher than current levels.

Why TSMC 3Q25 Indicates Strong AI Accelerator Demand Through 2029E; Maintain Structural Long Rating

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC 3Q25: Margins Surge as Pricing Power Strengthens Ahead of 2nm Ramp
  • AI Megatrend Continues to Reshape Demand – 40% CAGR Expected for AI Accelerators Through 2029
  • Maintain Structural Long Rating — TSMC Remains Inexpensive vs. Tech Companies Highly Dependent on It

TSMC 3Q25 Big Beat on Margins, 4Q Guidance Above Consensus, Raising 2025 Guidance

By Nicolas Baratte

  • Operating Margin 50.6%, Guidance 46.5%, Consensus 47.4%.  3Q net income 11% above Consensus. 4Q25 Guidance is ~8% above Consensus.
  • TSMC increase 2025 revenue growth from ~30% to ~35% in US$, mentioning AI demand outlook. CFO mentions that N2 structural profitability is better than N3 (imo large wafer price increase).
  • The stock looks expensive at +1 std dev but 1) Consensus looks too low for 2026-27 with 17%, 21% EPS growth YoY. Remember, 2025 Operating Profit increase over 40% YoY. 

ASML Q325 Earnings In Line, Outlook More Positive Compared To Prior Quarter, Big Emphasis On AI

By William Keating

  • Q325 revenues of €7.5 billion, slightly down on the prior quarter and towards the bottom end of the guided range
  • Looking ahead, the company is forecasting fourth quarter revenues of €9.5 billion at the midpoint, a significant jump QoQ but again in line with prior expectations.
  • Mood music improved, 2026 revenues “not be below 2025”, China sales soared to 42%, but will decline next year, 11% stake in Mistral gets ASML “closer to the AI world”

Applied Digital Just Landed an $11 Billion AI Deal With CoreWeave — Is This the Next Nvidia!

By Baptista Research

  • Applied Digital jumped 28% on Friday after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings and announcing a landmark lease expansion with AI hyperscaler CoreWeave.
  • The rally caps off a year-to-date stock surge of 391%, positioning Applied as one of the top-performing infrastructure stocks in 2025.
  • For the quarter ended August 31, the company posted an adjusted net loss of $0.03 per share, dramatically narrower than the $0.16 loss expected by Wall Street.

ASML: No Clarification on 2026, China Procurement in Excess of End-Demand, High NA Start in 2028

By Nicolas Baratte

  • Positive Management tone, as always, but no material clarification on 2026 revenues: China down (back to “normal”), Low NA EUV increase, some High NA but that’s still  pre-production.
  • ASML has many qualities: monopoly, litho intensity increasing. Downside risks: how low China revenue go, is Mngt still double counting TSMC + Intel capacity, expectations for High NA too high?
  • ASML is a lot more expensive than AMD, NVDA, MU, SK, TSM for very low growth. I don’t like Broadcom for same reason: better Price / Growth in AMD, NVDA.

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: October’25 Report

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Across Europe’s dual-class names, spreads mixed: Henkel prefs 9.1%, Atlas Copco B-to-A 11.8%, BMW prefs 7.1%; wideners include Handelsbanken B at 73%, Sixt prefs 27%.
  • Drivers: liquidity, index flows, and deleveraging—Volkswagen prefs benefit from yield and DAX flows; MFE discount narrows post-ProSieben; Handelsbanken and Fuchs remain valuation anomalies.
  • Actionables: long MFE A/B, Grifols B/A, Henkel ords/prefs, Volkswagen prefs/ords; fade Handelsbanken B; monitor Investor, Industrivärden, and Volvo parity.

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Daily Brief Credit: Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia and more

By | Credit, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia
  • Thai Oil – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics


Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • In today’s Morning Views publication we comment on developments of the following high yield issuers: China Water Affairs
  • The UST curve twisted slightly flatter yesterday, largely undoing Tuesday’s steepening. The yield on the 2Y UST rose 2 bps to 3.50%, while the yield on the 10Y UST was stable at 4.03%. Equities ended higher, despite choppy price action during the day. The S&P 500 increased 0.4% to 6,671, and the Nasdaq was up 0.7% at 22,670.
  • The Fed Beige Book stated that US economy activity was little changed from the previous month’s report, with three districts reporting slight to modest growth in activity, five reporting no change and four noting a slight softening.

Thai Oil – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • We view Thai Oil Public Company Limited (TOP) as “Low Risk” on the LARA scale.
  • This is primarily driven by the company’s strategic importance to state-owned PTT Public Company Limited, due to its position as the group’s main oil refining vehicle.
  • TOP benefits from its close links with PTT, as TOP obtains feedstock from and sells refined products to its parent.

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Daily Brief Industrials: LS Corp, BETA Technologies, Deutsche Post, Enpro Industries, Norcros PLC and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • LS Group Family Members Sold a 6.3% Stake in LS Ecoenergy – To Buy More Shares of LS Corp?
  • BETA Technologies (BETA): Electric Aircraft Maker Sets Wide Range, Seeking up to $7.2b Valuation
  • Deutsche Post AG – What’s News in Amsterdam
  • Enpro Bets Big On Biopharma & Sensors With $280M Deal—AlpHa & Overlook Could Be Game Changers!
  • Norcros PLC – Strategy driving progress, full year on track


LS Group Family Members Sold a 6.3% Stake in LS Ecoenergy – To Buy More Shares of LS Corp?

By Douglas Kim

  • It was reported that various members of the LS Group family/relatives sold a 6.3% stake in LS Eco Energy Ltd (229640 KS) for about 70 billion won in after-hours trading.
  • There is an increasing probability that this could lead to these insiders purchasing more shares of LS Corp to defend their controlling stake of the company from the Hoban Group.
  • Hoban Group is likely to have acquired more than 3% stake in LS Corp. If so, it can request to inspect LS Corp’s books and convene a shareholders’ meeting.

BETA Technologies (BETA): Electric Aircraft Maker Sets Wide Range, Seeking up to $7.2b Valuation

By IPO Boutique

  • BETA Technologies (BETA US) is to offer 25.0 million shares at $27-$33 equating to a valuation of $5.9b-$7.2b and can go public as soon as November 4th.
  • There are a number of anchor order commitments on the cover of the prospectus in addition to a 5% directed share program.
  • While the company has significant losses, they should be seen in light of its strong potential in low-cost air travel.

Deutsche Post AG – What’s News in Amsterdam

By The IDEA!

  • In this edition: • ABN Amro | warns for margin pressure impacting its 3Q25 results • BAM Group | Femern Link Contractors joint venture threatens with EUR 2bn claim • Sligro Food Group | slight moderation of FY25 guidance after uninspiring 3Q25 • bpostgroup | following up on the ‘Night Delivery’ service • E-commerce & Logistics | Temu’s pre-tax profit more than doubled in 2024 • E-commerce & Logistics | Dutch plan for national levy on non-EU low-value parcels imports

Enpro Bets Big On Biopharma & Sensors With $280M Deal—AlpHa & Overlook Could Be Game Changers!

By Baptista Research

  • Enpro Industries recently announced its intent to acquire two niche yet highly complementary businesses—AlpHa Measurement Solutions and Overlook Industries—for a combined $280 million in cash.
  • These acquisitions mark a strategic push under Enpro’s “Enpro 3.0” framework, aimed at strengthening its Sealing Technologies segment and expanding its footprint in high-growth verticals like compositional analysis and biopharma.
  • AlpHa, based in Houston, provides liquid analytical sensing technologies, while Overlook Industries specializes in single-use technologies for biopharmaceutical production.

Norcros PLC – Strategy driving progress, full year on track

By Equity Development

  • Having completed the Fibo deal earlier in the week, Norcros has followed up with a solid, above market H1’26 trading update and unchanged guidance.
  • Strategic delivery through operational excellence and highly complementary M&A is clearly being executed well and, notwithstanding market variability, Norcros is maintaining forward momentum.
  • Norcros delivered a marginally better underlying revenue performance in H1’26 overall with the headline c.£184m also boosted by an additional trading week.

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Daily Brief Financials: Canara Robeco AMC, Exzeo Group, FP Partner, FT Intermediate, Health In Tech, Western Alliance Ban and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Canara Robeco AMC IPO Trading: Decent Insti Demand
  • Exzeo Group, Inc. (XZO): Insurance Technology Platform Sets Terms for IPO; Seeking $2.0b Valuation
  • FP Partner (7388 JP): Q3 FY11/25 flash update
  • Figure Technologies (FIGR US): Inclusion in Global & US Indices for Blockchain Company
  • HIT: Strengthening Offering to Lower Costs
  • Primer: Western Alliance Ban (WAL US) – Oct 2025


Canara Robeco AMC IPO Trading: Decent Insti Demand

By Hong Jie Seow

  • Canara Robeco AMC has raised US$150m in its India IPO.
  • Canara Robeco has demonstrated strong growth registering a CAGR of 34% and 33% in AUM and management fees, respectively, from FY22 to FY24. 
  • We have looked at the company’s past performance and valuations in our previous notes. In this note, we will talk about the trading dynamics.

Exzeo Group, Inc. (XZO): Insurance Technology Platform Sets Terms for IPO; Seeking $2.0b Valuation

By IPO Boutique

  • Exzeo Group (XZO US) is to offer 8 million shares at $20-$22 equating to a valuation of $1.8b-$2.0b and can go public as early as November 5th.
  • The underwriters have reserved up to 5% of the shares of common stock offered through a directed share program.
  • This company is a technology arm of HCI and revenue for this company is growing at a very strong pace (80% in 1H 2025). 

FP Partner (7388 JP): Q3 FY11/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Cumulative Q3 FY11/25 revenue was JPY24.4bn (-9.7% YoY), with operating profit at JPY2.2bn (-49.8% YoY).
  • Full-year forecast revised: revenue JPY32.0bn (-2.0%), operating profit JPY2.5bn (+19.8%), net income JPY1.7bn (+25.0%).
  • Dividend forecast unchanged at JPY94 per share, with a year-end dividend of JPY47 per share.

Figure Technologies (FIGR US): Inclusion in Global & US Indices for Blockchain Company

By Dimitris Ioannidis

  • FT Intermediate (FIGR US) went public on 11 September on Nasdaq and has since surged by ~60%, resulting in a company valuation of ~$8.5bn.
  • Inclusion in US indices is expected in December 2025, as the security meets eligibility criteria ahead of the lock-up expiry.
  • Inclusion in Global indices is expected in February and March 2026, with a slight risk that the float cap may fall short of the threshold, resulting in exclusion.

HIT: Strengthening Offering to Lower Costs

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • The debate around the government shutdown has shined a spotlight on the need for access to affordable healthcare, which we believe also highlights the benefits of reducing costs & timelines to obtain quotes for employers of all sized orgs.
  • With the recent upgrade of the eDIYBS platform, brokers who work with organizations with 150 or more employees can upload claims files easily and HIT’s AI technology capabilities processes the data quickly to generate bindable quotes for both small and large-employer segments.

Primer: Western Alliance Ban (WAL US) – Oct 2025

By αSK

  • Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) is a well-positioned regional bank with a diversified business model focused on high-growth markets in the Western and Sun Belt regions of the United States. The bank’s strategy of specializing in niche commercial sectors, combined with a strong track record of loan and deposit growth, provides a solid foundation for future performance.
  • The company’s financial performance has been robust, characterized by strong revenue growth and a consistent ability to generate returns above the industry average. While recent market volatility and concerns over commercial real estate have created headwinds, the bank’s prudent risk management and strong capital position should enable it to navigate these challenges effectively.
  • Looking ahead, WAL is focused on leveraging its scalable platform and digital initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and expand its market share. The recent launch of its Private Client Group and a significant share repurchase program underscore management’s commitment to driving shareholder value. However, investors should remain mindful of the potential risks associated with a rising interest rate environment and increased competition from both traditional banks and fintech companies.

This content is AI-generated and displayed for general informational purposes only. Please verify independently before use.


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Daily Brief Quantitative Analysis: ASX Short Interest Weekly (Oct 10th): Woolworths and more

By | Daily Briefs, Quantitative Analysis

In today’s briefing:

  • ASX Short Interest Weekly (Oct 10th): Woolworths, ANZ, Qbe Insurance, Qantas Airways


ASX Short Interest Weekly (Oct 10th): Woolworths, ANZ, Qbe Insurance, Qantas Airways

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in short interest of ASX Stocks as of Oct 10th (reported today). The aggregated short interest was USD28.1bn.
  • We tabulate league tables for top short by value and short as multiple of ADT, as well as weekly increases & decreases in short value, short as multiple of ADT.
  • We highlight short interest changes in Woolworths, ANZ, Qbe Insurance, Qantas Airways, Cleanaway Waste Management.

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Daily Brief ESG: What the Two ROEs Mean and more

By | Daily Briefs, ESG

In today’s briefing:

  • What the Two ROEs Mean


What the Two ROEs Mean

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Although Net Profit Margin has been the most highly correlated of 3 components of ROE, improvements in Asset Turnover and Equity Ratio driven by share buybacks are now drawing attention.
  • In FY2026, once the temporary impact of U.S. tariffs has run its course, companies engaged in global business are expected to more aggressively repurchase their own shares alongside recovering profits.
  • The ROE derived from the aggregate profits and net assets of all companies differs by over 1% from the average ROE of individual companies, and this gap won’t be narrow.

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Ohayo Japan | Regional Banks Spoil Party and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Ohayo Japan | Regional Banks Spoil Party
  • Japan Morning Connection: Japanese Banks Likely to Follow US Peers Lower as Bad Debt Concerns Grow
  • Rob Mullin: Gold Stocks Still Cheap, Energy Stocks Cheaper
  • The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Lithium – A Critical Material Back in the Spotlight
  • Singapore Market Roundup (16-Oct-2025): DBS and CGS maintain ‘hold’ on Aztech Global stock.
  • NBFC Q2FY26 Outlook – Rate Cuts, Credit Stress & Selective Wins in NBFCs
  • Exencial Industry Tidings 16/10/2025
  • AI Industry Primer A Survey of 50 Under-Covered Companies in Artificial Intelligence (AI)


Ohayo Japan | Regional Banks Spoil Party

By Mark Chadwick

  • US stocks declined with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 0.6% and 0.5% respectively, on US-China trade tensions and regional bank loan losses.
  • Shares of Zions Bancorporation (-13%) and Western Alliance (-11%) plunged after both banks disclosed loan problems
  • US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Japan to halt Russian LNG imports

Japan Morning Connection: Japanese Banks Likely to Follow US Peers Lower as Bad Debt Concerns Grow

By Andrew Jackson

  • TSMC numbers not enough to appease markets, while Oracle quells AI profitability concerns.
  • HP enterprise margins shrink on growing costs for its servers to house turbo-charged AI chips.
  • Essilorluxottica’s Meta AI glasses a hit, but how does Nikon fit into the frame?

Rob Mullin: Gold Stocks Still Cheap, Energy Stocks Cheaper

By Money of Mine

  • Rob Mullen writes gripping resource investor letters, discussing topics like private credit, private equity, and market impact
  • He takes a disciplined approach to investing, focusing on cash flow dynamics and management transparency
  • Mullen’s background in quantitative analysis and psychology influences his value-driven investment strategy in the natural resources sector

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.


The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Lithium – A Critical Material Back in the Spotlight

By Rikki Malik

  • Lithium has re-emerged as a focus due to export controls and its designation as a critical material in the US and Europe.
  • Lithium equities have begun to price in higher values but remain well below full recovery levels.
  • Given their underperformance, lithium equities offer a lower-risk way to play the critical minerals theme.

Singapore Market Roundup (16-Oct-2025): DBS and CGS maintain ‘hold’ on Aztech Global stock.

By Singapore Market Roundup

  • DBS and CGS International keep ‘hold’ rating on Aztech Global.
  • DBS reports public transport fare hikes are lower than anticipated.
  • JP Morgan notes Keppel’s continued asset monetisation in their update.

NBFC Q2FY26 Outlook – Rate Cuts, Credit Stress & Selective Wins in NBFCs

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Demand outside gold remains soft; co‑funding costs show early easing; asset quality stress is shifting, with vehicle finance and micro‑LAP emerging as pain points.
  • The divergence across NBFC subsegments (gold, affordable housing, vehicle finance, micro-LAP) is widening, making sector-level staging less helpful – selective bets will matter more.
  • We remain biased toward affordable HFCs, gold financiers (to ride momentum), and select diversified NBFCs. Vigilance is needed to combat NIM pressure and rising unsecured stress.

Exencial Industry Tidings 16/10/2025

By Viral Kishorchandra Shah

  • India bans import of roasted arecanut priced below Rs.351 per kg
  • Eli Lilly’s Orforglipron shows strong results in late-stage diabetes trials
  • CEA drafts plan for investments of Rs.19.3 trillion in nuclear capacity

AI Industry Primer A Survey of 50 Under-Covered Companies in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

By Water Tower Research

  • Methodology. We reviewed 50 under-covered, AI-involved public companies (~$2.7 billion average market cap; about five analysts each) and their respective one-year market-cap changes.
  • We then mapped them to one or more of 11 AI application areas.
  • We also assigned each company a subjective “AI Centricity” score (1 to 10 scale) based on each company’s level of focus on AI. 

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Daily Brief Health Care: Astrazeneca Plc Spons Adr, Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Top Glove Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • AstraZeneca’s White House Deal: Policy Relief, Margin Risks & A $50 Billion U.S. Bet!
  • Primer: Rigel Pharmaceuticals (RIGL US) – Oct 2025
  • Top Glove Corp (TOPG MK): Competitive Pricing Alongside Cost Control Drive Sales and Margins


AstraZeneca’s White House Deal: Policy Relief, Margin Risks & A $50 Billion U.S. Bet!

By Baptista Research

  • AstraZeneca’s stock gained after a landmark drug pricing agreement with the White House, marking a significant policy pivot for the pharmaceutical industry.
  • As part of the deal, AstraZeneca will provide all its prescription medications to Medicaid at “most favored nation” prices—effectively matching the lowest global rates.
  • Additionally, the company will participate in the new TrumpRx.com platform, offering consumers direct access to discounted drugs.

Primer: Rigel Pharmaceuticals (RIGL US) – Oct 2025

By αSK

  • Rigel Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on hematologic disorders, cancer, and rare immune diseases. Its lead product, TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib), is approved for chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and is driving revenue growth.
  • The company is expanding its commercial portfolio with the addition of GAVRETO® and REZLIDHIA®, which are expected to contribute significantly to future revenue streams. The pipeline includes promising candidates like R289, an IRAK1/4 inhibitor, which has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA.
  • Rigel has demonstrated a strong growth trajectory with a significant increase in year-over-year revenue and has achieved profitability. The company’s strategy of reinvesting profits into its pipeline and strategic collaborations positions it for potential long-term value creation.

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Top Glove Corp (TOPG MK): Competitive Pricing Alongside Cost Control Drive Sales and Margins

By Tina Banerjee

  • Top Glove Corp (TOPG MK) revenue grew 39% YoY to RM 3.5B in FY25 on the back of sales volume increasing 55%, because of competitive pricing.
  • Drop in raw material costs resulted in FY25 EBITDA rising 79% YoY to RM 454M. The FY25 Core EBITDA margin of 13%, was a significant improvement from 10% in FY24.
  • With the company’s rigorous cost control, competitive pricing efforts in fray and resulting in volumes strengthening, we prefer to be positive on the stock.

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