All Posts By

Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief China: Topsports International Holdings, Cainiao Smart Logistics, J&T Global Express, Beijing UBOX Online Technology, AAC Technologies Holdings, Water Oasis, Malo Medical Management, Luyuan Group and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Topsports (6110 HK):  Beneficiary Of An Improving Nike China
  • Cainiao IPO: Index Inclusion Timeline
  • J&T Global Express IPO: PHIP Updates
  • Beijing UBOX Online Technology Pre-IPO – PHIP Updates – Signs of Recovery, but Still Making Losses
  • J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 5 | Analysis of H123 Performance | Updated EV Estimate US$9.1 Bn
  • Asia HY Monthly – September 2023 – Lucror Analytics
  • Water Oasis: FY23 Earnings a Preview, Trades at 11% Yield Post Correction
  • Pre-IPO Malo Medical Management – Profit Model Is Not Mature; Future Expansion Is Worrying
  • Luyuan Group IPO: Likely To Be Priced At The Low-End Of Range As E-Bikes Sales Have Slowed in Asia
  • J&T Global Express Pre-IPO – PHIP Updates – Managed to Grow but Isn’t Sustainable Yet


Topsports (6110 HK):  Beneficiary Of An Improving Nike China

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • Topsports International Holdin (6110 HK) is a pure-play on Nike and Adidas retail sales in China, as it is a leading retail partner of Nike and Adidas in China.
  • Nike’s Greater China sales grew 12% yoy during the most recent quarter.  During the earnings call, Nike management was bullish on the prospects of the China business.
  • The company currently trades at 13x forward PE, with a forward dividend yielf of 7%. 

Cainiao IPO: Index Inclusion Timeline

By Brian Freitas

  • Cainiao Smart Logistics (1437124D HK) has filed an application proof to list on the HKEX (388 HK) and could raise US$1bn at a valuation between US$15bn-20bn.
  • Cainiao Smart Logistics (1437124D HK) could get Fast Entry to the HSCI and be included in Southbound Stock Connect once the price stabilisation period is complete.
  • Inclusion in other indices will take longer with the highest probability of index inclusion in June. Earlier inclusion will depend on the IPO timing, size and allocation to strategic/cornerstone investors.

J&T Global Express IPO: PHIP Updates

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Global logistics and express delivery service provider J&T Express’ HKEx IPO application has been approved and this insight focuses on new data points from the PHIP filings.
  • SEA segment’s GPM has further declined during 1H2023, however, gross losses of the other two segments have declined significantly resulting in GPM for the company.
  • Our analysis suggests that with falling SEA margins, J&T Global Express (1936374D CH) may not be able to generate operating profits in the medium-term.

Beijing UBOX Online Technology Pre-IPO – PHIP Updates – Signs of Recovery, but Still Making Losses

By Clarence Chu

  • Beijing UBOX Online Technology (1741985D CH) is looking to raise up to US$500m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO. 
  • Beijing UBOX Online Technology (UBOX) is an unmanned retail operator (vending machine) in China.
  • We had looked at its past performance earlier. In this note, we look at the updates from its recently filed PHIP. 

J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 5 | Analysis of H123 Performance | Updated EV Estimate US$9.1 Bn

By Daniel Hellberg

  • In this insight we focus on J&T’s improved H123 performance in China and SE Asia
  • How did the company achieve these gains? And do the improvements appear sustainable?
  • We conclude with an updated estimate of J&T’s Enterprise Value: US$9.1 Bn

Asia HY Monthly – September 2023 – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

The Asia Monthly focuses on providing updates on recent events, information on new issues and spread movements, as well as summarising our top picks. The Asia Monthly is intended to broaden investors’ understanding of the Asian USD high-yield market.


Water Oasis: FY23 Earnings a Preview, Trades at 11% Yield Post Correction

By Sameer Taneja

  • After going ex-dividend in June, Water Oasis (1161 HK) corrected and has remained rangebound at the 1.35-1.45 HKD/levels due to negative sentiment on HK/China.
  • We expect FY23 results to be reported in late November/early December. We expect an increase of 19%/85%  in Revenue/PAT with a 16-cent dividend for FY23 (11.4% dividend yield).
  • Stock trades at 7.6x/6.2x PE FY23e/24e, a dividend yield of 11.4%/14% FY23e/24e with 25% of the market capitalization in cash. 

Pre-IPO Malo Medical Management – Profit Model Is Not Mature; Future Expansion Is Worrying

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Malo’s revenue had good growth, but revenue scale is still small. At the current gross margin level, it would be difficult to generate decent profits considering the large SG&A expenses.
  • Dental care expansion is difficult. Malo would face the challenging such as lack of high-quality dentists and centralized procurement. Both would drag down profits and cash flow.
  • We are not optimistic about Malo’s share price performance after IPO. This industry’s profit mode is not mature. Most of chain dental services providers are still in cash-burning expansion stage.

Luyuan Group IPO: Likely To Be Priced At The Low-End Of Range As E-Bikes Sales Have Slowed in Asia

By Andrei Zakharov

  • Luyuan Group, a pioneer in the e-bike industry in China, set terms for an upcoming IPO. The company offers ~106.7M shares at the expected price range of HK$6.00 to HK$8.00.
  • The IPO price range implies a market cap of roughly HK$3B at the midpoint. Cornerstone investors have agreed to subscribe and purchase ~71% of the Offer Shares.
  • Shares will begin trading on the HKSE next week. I believe the IPO will be priced at the low end of the range as e-bikes sales have slowed in Asia. 

J&T Global Express Pre-IPO – PHIP Updates – Managed to Grow but Isn’t Sustainable Yet

By Sumeet Singh

  • J&T Global Express, a global logistics service provider, is looking to raise about US$500m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • As per Frost & Sullivan (F&S), the firm is the leading express delivery business in Southeast Asia, with a 22.5% market share as per 2022 parcel volume.
  • We have looked at the company’s past performance in our earlier notes. In this note we will look at its PHIP updates.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief India: Bandhan Bank Ltd, Vedanta Resources, Bharat Electronics, BYD, Tata Motors Ltd, AAC Technologies Holdings, NagaCorp Ltd, Shriram Transport Finance and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Bandhan Bank: Initiating Coverage – Heads Up, Strong Re-Rating Ahead.
  • Morning Views Asia: Vedanta Resources
  • NIFTY50 Index Rebalance Preview: Two’s Company; Three’s A Crowd
  • [Week 5] Namaste India 🙏 | BYD (1211 HK) | Playing Defence
  • Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi, Tata Motors ADR
  • Asia HY Monthly – September 2023 – Lucror Analytics
  • Morning Views Asia: China Vanke , JSW Infrastructure, NagaCorp Ltd, Vedanta Resources
  • Shriram Finance – Strong Latent Demand, ROA 3.08% from 2.70%, Stage 2 Loans -14%, +25% Profit 1Q24


Bandhan Bank: Initiating Coverage – Heads Up, Strong Re-Rating Ahead.

By Raj Saya, CA, CFA

  • Bandhan Bank Ltd (BANDHAN IN) has been an underperformer among Indian banks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to asset quality issues in its core Group Microfinance portfolio.
  • Bandhan Bank’s leading position in the microfinance sector, strong operating margins, strategic de-risking, self-sustaining capital base, and cheap relative valuations make it a value bet with strong positive re-rating potential.
  • We value Bandhan Bank at 2.1x FY25e P/B in the base case, implying a 44% upside. On the other hand, we also discuss the risks to the thesis in detail.

Morning Views Asia: Vedanta Resources

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


NIFTY50 Index Rebalance Preview: Two’s Company; Three’s A Crowd

By Brian Freitas

  • There should be two changes for the NIFTY Index (NIFTY INDEX) in March. That could increase to three, but that would take some big price moves from now to January.
  • Impact on the potential changes is pretty large at over 6 days of ADV to trade from passive trackers. The impact is over 11 days of delivery volume.
  • Inclusion of Avenue Supermarts Ltd (DMART IN) in the F&O segment before January could lead to another change.

[Week 5] Namaste India 🙏 | BYD (1211 HK) | Playing Defence

By Pranav Bhavsar


Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi, Tata Motors ADR

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


Asia HY Monthly – September 2023 – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

The Asia Monthly focuses on providing updates on recent events, information on new issues and spread movements, as well as summarising our top picks. The Asia Monthly is intended to broaden investors’ understanding of the Asian USD high-yield market.


Morning Views Asia: China Vanke , JSW Infrastructure, NagaCorp Ltd, Vedanta Resources

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


Shriram Finance – Strong Latent Demand, ROA 3.08% from 2.70%, Stage 2 Loans -14%, +25% Profit 1Q24

By Daniel Tabbush

  • Shriram Finance (formerly Shriram Transport Finance) now includes two major subsidiaries in its numbers, in the listed entity, driving up AUM, ROA and net profit.
  • There is strong latent demand in India for pre-owned commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles, where SHTF focuses, with a long track record of good profit, ROA, NIM.
  • Underwriting seems strong given stage 3 and stage 2 loan data, and with funding cost improvements, from distribution of liabilities, good scope for profit growth, ROA, NIM.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Most Read: E Guardian Inc, Taiwan Secom, KT&G Corporation, Boustead Plantations, China Vanke (H), Ecopro Co Ltd, Japan Rental Housing Investment, Kokusai Electric , Vertex Technology Acquisition Corporation, Bharat Electronics and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • SBI Affiliate To Buy 45-49% of E-Guardian (6050) In Partial Tender Offer
  • Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF: 20% One-Way Turnover & US$2.72bn Trade
  • Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: August & September 2023
  • Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK): A Transaction Mired in Political Debate
  • Quiddity A/H Premium Tracker (To Sep28): Hs Suffer Vs As Despite Inflows
  • Korean Holdcos Vs Opcos Gap Trading Opportunities in 4Q 2023
  • Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP): Historical Post-Offering Performance Does Not Look Good At All
  • Kokusai Electric Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison
  • Vertex Technology’s Hybrid Arb
  • NIFTY50 Index Rebalance Preview: Two’s Company; Three’s A Crowd


SBI Affiliate To Buy 45-49% of E-Guardian (6050) In Partial Tender Offer

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Change Inc (3962 JP) (30%-owned by SBI Holdings (8473 JP)) announced a Tender Offer to buy 32-36.9% of E-Guardian, followed by a third-party placement to get them to 45-49%.
  • Small cap E-Guardian does internet services support, ad processing, cyber security (their fastest growing segment) and top line has been growing.
  • The partial offer is big enough to matter, and up 50%. It is worth a look for people who like small cap special sits.

Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF: 20% One-Way Turnover & US$2.72bn Trade

By Brian Freitas

  • Using data from the close on 28 September, there could be 6 adds and 5 deletes to the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF in December.
  • There will also be capping and funding flows that will lead to a one-way turnover of 19.8% and a one-way trade of US$1.36bn.
  • There are 15 stocks with at least 3 days ADV to trade from passive trackers and another 10 stocks that have at least 1-day ADV to trade.

Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: August & September 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss the alpha generation through companies that announced share buybacks in Korea in August and September 2023.
  • We provide a list of 18 stocks in the Korean stock market that have announced share buyback programs in August and September 2023.
  • The top three market cap stocks that have announced share repurchases include Celltrion Inc (068270 KS), Celltrion Healthcare (091990 KS), and KT&G Corporation (033780 KS). 

Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK): A Transaction Mired in Political Debate

By Arun George

  • Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK) shares are down 16%, resulting in proprietary day trading and intraday short selling being suspended. The transaction is mired in political debate. 
  • The bull case is that Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK MK) continues on-market purchases and the opposition will compromise, paving the way for deal completion. Timing is the key risk. 
  • The bear case is a deal break. The downside is limited as the government will need another buyer, the shares trade below the undisturbed price, and the undemanding valuation. 

Quiddity A/H Premium Tracker (To Sep28): Hs Suffer Vs As Despite Inflows

By Travis Lundy

  • The Brand-Spanking New (8 weeks old) A-H Monitor has tables, charts, measures galore to track A/H premium positioning, southbound and northbound positioning in pairs over time, etc.
  • We used to do it. We brought it back better, with lots of cool interactive tables, and charts, heat maps, and comparative data. And 47 Trade Recommendations.
  • The last 7 weeks (since the start of the new Trcker and Portfolio 8 weeks ago) have seen net portfolio performance of +0.50%, +1.35%, +0.14%, +0.47%, +0.15%, +0.12%.

Korean Holdcos Vs Opcos Gap Trading Opportunities in 4Q 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we highlight the pricing gap divergences of the major Korean holdcos and opcos in 4Q 2023.
  • Of the 38 pair trades, 18 of them involved holdcos outperforming opcos YTD and 20 of them involved opcos outperforming holdcos in the same period.
  • We highlight 38 pair trades that involve Korean holdcos and opcos.

Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP): Historical Post-Offering Performance Does Not Look Good At All

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Midsize residential JREIT Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP) (“DSLIC“) launched a follow-on equity offering to partially fund their recently-announced acquisitions.
  • The primary offer quantity will be 139,047 units and there will also be an over-allotment quantity of 6,953 units.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the details of this offering and the historical performance of DSLIC’s previous follow-on equity offerings.

Kokusai Electric Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison

By Sumeet Singh

  • KKR is looking to raise around US$750m via selling a stake in Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) (KE) in its Japan IPO.
  • KE main business activities consist of the manufacturing, sales and maintenance service of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
  • In our previous notes we have looked at the company’s past performance. In this note, we will undertake a peer comparison.

Vertex Technology’s Hybrid Arb

By David Blennerhassett

  • Temasek-Backed Vertex Technology Acquisition Corporation (VTAC SP), the first of three SPACs (so far) to list on the SGX, has announced a transaction to buy Taiwanese live-streaming platform, 17Live.  
  • Assuming the deal completes, potentially by year-end, the merged entity would be valued at ~S$1.16bn.
  • All independent shareholders are entitled to redemption rights. That is, you’ll get ~$5 back if redeeming against $4.96/share now. But liquidity is not great. Plus this appears a related-party transaction.

NIFTY50 Index Rebalance Preview: Two’s Company; Three’s A Crowd

By Brian Freitas

  • There should be two changes for the NIFTY Index (NIFTY INDEX) in March. That could increase to three, but that would take some big price moves from now to January.
  • Impact on the potential changes is pretty large at over 6 days of ADV to trade from passive trackers. The impact is over 11 days of delivery volume.
  • Inclusion of Avenue Supermarts Ltd (DMART IN) in the F&O segment before January could lead to another change.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Analytics and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Japan: Japan Rental Housing Investment, Kasumigaseki Capital, Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP): Historical Post-Offering Performance Does Not Look Good At All
  • UPDATE: Kasumigaseki Capital (3498) Moving to TOPIX. Forward Earnings/Aggressive Forecast Surprise
  • Gap in Response to Disclosures in English Compared to the Growing Presence of Overseas Investors


Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP): Historical Post-Offering Performance Does Not Look Good At All

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Midsize residential JREIT Daiwa Securities Living (8986 JP) (“DSLIC“) launched a follow-on equity offering to partially fund their recently-announced acquisitions.
  • The primary offer quantity will be 139,047 units and there will also be an over-allotment quantity of 6,953 units.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the details of this offering and the historical performance of DSLIC’s previous follow-on equity offerings.

UPDATE: Kasumigaseki Capital (3498) Moving to TOPIX. Forward Earnings/Aggressive Forecast Surprise

By Travis Lundy

  • Over the weekend I wrote about Kasumigaseki Capital (3498 JP)‘s move to TSE Prime and then move to TOPIX. I noted earnings would be out 3 October.  
  • I talked about the possibility of a surprise. They had revised full-year to end-Sep to ¥2bn. They got ¥2.05bn. 
  • But after growing revenue 79% last year, and growing net profit 101%, this year they expect revs +60% and Net Profit +144%. 

Gap in Response to Disclosures in English Compared to the Growing Presence of Overseas Investors

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Overseas investors feel that the disclosure of English documents by Japanese companies is slow-paced and the majority of overseas investors are not satisfied with the English disclosure.
  • Without sufficient disclosures in English, it is impossible to conduct a detailed analysis of the portfolio company. This also casts a shadow over engagement.
  • Given the narrowing coverage of sell-side analysts, companies should proactively disclose English-language materials at the earliest possible time. For long-term investors, English-language disclosures such as annual securities reports are also useful.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Quantitative Analysis: Hong Kong Connect Flows: $7.3bn of Inflows in September and more

By | Daily Briefs, Quantitative Analysis

In today’s briefing:

  • Hong Kong Connect Flows: $7.3bn of Inflows in September
  • Northbound Flows Monthly (September): $5.3bn of Outflows


Hong Kong Connect Flows: $7.3bn of Inflows in September

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyze the monthly Hong Kong Connect flows with our data engine.
  • We tabulate the top stocks by inflows, outflows, and holding by mainland investors.
  • We highlight inflows into ICBC,  CCB, Meituan, Innovent Biologics, Xpeng and outflows from Petrochina.

Northbound Flows Monthly (September): $5.3bn of Outflows

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyze the monthly Shanghai/Shenzhen northbound Connect flows with our data engine.
  • We estimate the outflows to be $5.3bn in September and consumer discretionary, and health care sectors led the inflows.
  • We highlight inflows into BYD, Bank Of Jiangsu, Wuxi Apptec and outflows from CATL, Moutai, Wuliangye.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Event-Driven: BPlant/KLK: This Is Getting (Even More) Political and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • BPlant/KLK: This Is Getting (Even More) Political
  • Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK): A Transaction Mired in Political Debate
  • Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF: 20% One-Way Turnover & US$2.72bn Trade
  • Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: August & September 2023
  • Hollysys (HOLI US): Board Starts a Formal Sale Process
  • Symbio: Aussie Broadband Lobs Competing NBIO
  • Quiddity A/H Premium Tracker (To Sep28): Hs Suffer Vs As Despite Inflows
  • EQD | S&P/ASX200 Index Stuck, But Could Bounce Soon


BPlant/KLK: This Is Getting (Even More) Political

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 24 August, Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK MK) entered an agreement with Boustead Holdings (BHB), Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK)‘s largest shareholder, to acquire a 33% plus 1 share stake.
  • Upon the completion of the agreement, KLK – together with BHB and LTAT – would make a Mandatory Offer for BPlant. The Offer Price would be RM1.55/share, a lifetime high
  • It all looked pretty straightforward. However the BHB/LTAT agreement has twice been delayed. This may still get done. But there remain a number of political kinks to be ironed out. 

Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK): A Transaction Mired in Political Debate

By Arun George

  • Boustead Plantations (BPLANT MK) shares are down 16%, resulting in proprietary day trading and intraday short selling being suspended. The transaction is mired in political debate. 
  • The bull case is that Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK MK) continues on-market purchases and the opposition will compromise, paving the way for deal completion. Timing is the key risk. 
  • The bear case is a deal break. The downside is limited as the government will need another buyer, the shares trade below the undisturbed price, and the undemanding valuation. 

Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF: 20% One-Way Turnover & US$2.72bn Trade

By Brian Freitas

  • Using data from the close on 28 September, there could be 6 adds and 5 deletes to the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF in December.
  • There will also be capping and funding flows that will lead to a one-way turnover of 19.8% and a one-way trade of US$1.36bn.
  • There are 15 stocks with at least 3 days ADV to trade from passive trackers and another 10 stocks that have at least 1-day ADV to trade.

Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: August & September 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss the alpha generation through companies that announced share buybacks in Korea in August and September 2023.
  • We provide a list of 18 stocks in the Korean stock market that have announced share buyback programs in August and September 2023.
  • The top three market cap stocks that have announced share repurchases include Celltrion Inc (068270 KS), Celltrion Healthcare (091990 KS), and KT&G Corporation (033780 KS). 

Hollysys (HOLI US): Board Starts a Formal Sale Process

By Arun George

  • The Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) Board succumbs to shareholder pressure by announcing the formation of a special committee to conduct a formal sale process.
  • Hollysys has received non-binding proposals from six parties since December 2020. The most recent is a non-binding proposal from the Recco consortium at US$25.00 per share.
  • The Board’s change of heart should encourage previous bidders to re-engage. Recco’s offer, while attractive, is not a knockout bid, suggesting a possible bidding war. 

Symbio: Aussie Broadband Lobs Competing NBIO

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 22 September, Symbio Holdings (SYM AU) received a best and final NBIO from Superloop Ltd (SLC AU) : A$1.425 cash and 2.14 Superloop shares for each Symbio share.
  • Those indicative terms backed out an implied price of A$2.85/share, or a 20% premium to undisturbed.  Now Aussie Broadband (ABB AU) has snuck in with a superior cash/scrip Offer.
  • The competing Offer’s implied consideration of A$3.151/share boasts a larger cash component vs. Superloop.  Symbio’s board is supportive if terms are firmed. Superloop’s Offer has now lapsed. 

Quiddity A/H Premium Tracker (To Sep28): Hs Suffer Vs As Despite Inflows

By Travis Lundy

  • The Brand-Spanking New (8 weeks old) A-H Monitor has tables, charts, measures galore to track A/H premium positioning, southbound and northbound positioning in pairs over time, etc.
  • We used to do it. We brought it back better, with lots of cool interactive tables, and charts, heat maps, and comparative data. And 47 Trade Recommendations.
  • The last 7 weeks (since the start of the new Trcker and Portfolio 8 weeks ago) have seen net portfolio performance of +0.50%, +1.35%, +0.14%, +0.47%, +0.15%, +0.12%.

EQD | S&P/ASX200 Index Stuck, But Could Bounce Soon

By Nico Rosti

  • The S&P/ASX 200 INDEX is trading below the Q3 WEEKLY support at 7072 (OVERSOLD). It closed down 2 weeks in a row (CC=-2) and this week is also down (CC=-3).
  • As previously discussed the index is stuck in a range since August 2021, but from a short-term tactical viewpoint it could bounce soon, still remaining in range.
  • Current support range is 7072-6900, there is a good chance to see a bounce from this area within 2 weeks.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Ohayo Japan: US Big Tech Higher; Shipping Giants Join Hydrogen Supply Chain and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Ohayo Japan: US Big Tech Higher; Shipping Giants Join Hydrogen Supply Chain
  • Mattress Imports – July Imports Drop Sharply; ITC Preliminary Finding Favors US Petitioners


Ohayo Japan: US Big Tech Higher; Shipping Giants Join Hydrogen Supply Chain

By Mark Chadwick

  • OVERSEAS: Dow Jones falls 0.2%, Yields surge ahead of Friday Jobs report, Nvidia up almost 3%
  • JAPAN: Nikkei futures -0.5% vs cash. Tankan (business sentiment) improved in the third quarter, particularly among big non-manufacturers, reaching levels not seen since 1991
  • JAPAN X: Three Japanese Shipping Giants join Hydrogen Supply Chain. Japan is well on its way to achieving its hydrogen targets

Mattress Imports – July Imports Drop Sharply; ITC Preliminary Finding Favors US Petitioners

By Water Tower Research

  • Somewhat belatedly, we update our continuing analyses on US mattress imports, with the July 2023 mattress import data as posted on the Department of Commerce, US International Trade Commission Data Web.

  •  Importantly, we also discuss and comment on the progress of the July 2023 anti-dumping duty (AD) / countervailing duty (CVD) petition and the preliminary investigations by the USITC.

  • Following an August 18 conference, the USITC issued a Preliminary Findings and Staff Report that found “a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of mattresses” from 12 countries listed under New AD12 at the right.


💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief ECM: Alibaba Cloud IPO: Regulatory Optimism Amidst Stability Challenges and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba Cloud IPO: Regulatory Optimism Amidst Stability Challenges
  • JSW Infrastructure IPO Trading – Decent Subscription Rates Although Anchor Quality Was Mediocre
  • CaiNiao Smart Logistics Pre-IPO Part 1 | Business Model | Key Relationships | Differentiators
  • Kokusai Electric Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison


Alibaba Cloud IPO: Regulatory Optimism Amidst Stability Challenges

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • Last week, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) put forth a proposal to relax certain stringent regulations concerning the transfer of sensitive data to foreign countries.
  • This could be advantageous for Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK)‘s Cloud business, especially as a potential candidate for an IPO following the recent IPO filing of the logistics arm, Cainiao.
  • Despite improved regulations, concerns about stability, leadership, and financial performance pose hurdles for Alibaba Cloud’s IPO.

JSW Infrastructure IPO Trading – Decent Subscription Rates Although Anchor Quality Was Mediocre

By Clarence Chu

  • JSW Infrastructure (5978490Z IN) raised US$336m in its India IPO.
  • JSW Infrastructure (JSWI) is the fastest growing port-related infrastructure company in terms of growth in installed cargo handling capacity and cargo volumes handled during FY20 to FY22, according to CRISIL.
  • We have covered various aspects of the deal in our previous notes. In this note, we will talk about the demand and trading dynamics.

CaiNiao Smart Logistics Pre-IPO Part 1 | Business Model | Key Relationships | Differentiators

By Daniel Hellberg

  • Business model: how does CaiNiao get paid, and by whom, and for what?
  • Key relationships with parent Alibaba and with China’s listed express companies
  • Differentiators: what makes CaiNiao different from other e-comm logistics names?

Kokusai Electric Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison

By Sumeet Singh

  • KKR is looking to raise around US$750m via selling a stake in Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) (KE) in its Japan IPO.
  • KE main business activities consist of the manufacturing, sales and maintenance service of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
  • In our previous notes we have looked at the company’s past performance. In this note, we will undertake a peer comparison.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Credit: Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi and more

By | Credit, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi, Tata Motors ADR


Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi, Tata Motors ADR

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Haitong Securities – Portugal Bank Goodwill Impairment Surge | Overall: High Costs and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Haitong Securities – Portugal Bank Goodwill Impairment Surge | Overall: High Costs, Poor Revenue
  • Korean Holdcos Vs Opcos Gap Trading Opportunities in 4Q 2023
  • UOB – Weaker Credit | Struggling Cost Base | Moving to Trading | A Changing Face
  • HEC Pharma (1558 HK): Robust 1H23 Performance on Flu Outbreak in China
  • REIT Watch – Positive rent reversions recorded across Singapore office market
  • China Population Policies Impact on Healthcare Companies Series – Part 2
  • An Update with Rajesh Vashist of SiTime
  • China Comm Const (1800 HK): Well Worth Revisiting
  • GTX: Previewing with a Weak Euro
  • Furniture/Furnishings Weekly – MLKN Results Boost Sector; Consumer Confidence Dips


Haitong Securities – Portugal Bank Goodwill Impairment Surge | Overall: High Costs, Poor Revenue

By Daniel Tabbush

  • With the potential corporate action (see additional reading below) there is more interest in Haitong Securities but operationally it does not appear positive, for many reasons
  • The company is seeing worse revenue growth in asset management, brokerage and investment banking, while its Haitong Bank can see far higher credit costs
  • Total operating costs are now 63% of revenue, tax rate is a lot higher, litigation risks seem to be oversized, with potential impact to costs

Korean Holdcos Vs Opcos Gap Trading Opportunities in 4Q 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we highlight the pricing gap divergences of the major Korean holdcos and opcos in 4Q 2023.
  • Of the 38 pair trades, 18 of them involved holdcos outperforming opcos YTD and 20 of them involved opcos outperforming holdcos in the same period.
  • We highlight 38 pair trades that involve Korean holdcos and opcos.

UOB – Weaker Credit | Struggling Cost Base | Moving to Trading | A Changing Face

By Daniel Tabbush

  • UOB can be harder hit than peers due to its greater SME focus. SME’s may be less able to absorb or pass on higher costs, or manage worse demand.
  • Domestic credit growth is at -4.1% in July YoY, from -3.3% YoY in June and from 2.1% in May. This can represent risk-aversion, worse demand, deteriorating credit metrics in SG.
  • UOB’s Greater China lending is SGD52bn, nearly identical to Thailand, Malaysia combined. Building & Construction NPLs rose from SGD1.1bn to SGD1.4bn HoH to 2Q23.

HEC Pharma (1558 HK): Robust 1H23 Performance on Flu Outbreak in China

By Tina Banerjee

  • Yichang HEC Changjiang Pharma (1558 HK) reported a whopping 148% YoY growth in revenue to RMB3,209M in 1H23. Net profit rebounded to RMB3,209M from a loss of RMB33M in 1H22.
  • In H1 2023, revenue from Kewei, approved for first-line treatment of influenza, jumped 186% YoY to RMB2,881M, representing ~90% of total revenue, mainly due to spiking flu cases in China.
  • Recently, the company obtained approval for premixed Protamine human insulin injection and submitted marketing application for its self-developed product, Yiqibuvir for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in China.

REIT Watch – Positive rent reversions recorded across Singapore office market

By Geoff Howie

  • Singapore Grade A office rent and core CBD Occupancy According to CBRE Research’s latest Singapore Occupier Sentiment Survey, office utilisation in Asia-Pacific outpaced that in Europe and the US.
  • Similarly, MPACT saw positive rental reversions in its latest Q2FY23 update, with Mapletree Business Centre at 7.1 per cent and the rest of Singapore office properties and business parks at 8.9 per cent.
  • Looking ahead, MPACT expects rents for business parks to remain flat or stable with minimal growth in 2023 despite the expected rise in vacancy, as new and good-quality business parks will command higher rental rates.

China Population Policies Impact on Healthcare Companies Series – Part 2

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Several provinces have successively introduced policies to encourage childbirth. Increasing medical insurance reimbursement and special additional deduction standards for personal income tax would be the common direction. 
  • This year is mainly a period of intensive introduction of relevant fertility support policies, so the impact on company’s performance is limited.The focus would be on next year’s financial results.
  • We analyzed the performance of Livzon Pharmaceutical Group In (000513 CH),BGI Genomics (300676 CH) and Jinxin Fertility Group (1951 HK) based on their 23H1 reports, and adjusted our forecast accordingly.

An Update with Rajesh Vashist of SiTime

By Douglas O’Laughlin

  • This week, Rajesh Vashist of SiTime came to talk about SiTime’s new product launch, Epoch. 
  • SiTime is still the least understood story in semiconductors because timing is one of the least understood products or applications in semiconductors.
  • Timing chips. They are the heartbeat of any system in any communications, processing, computing, or all of the above.

China Comm Const (1800 HK): Well Worth Revisiting

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • The fall in share price in the last five months have sent China Communications Construction (1800 HK) back to very attractive level. The market has misread the strong 2Q23 result.
  • 2Q23 recurring net profit surged 68.5% as 2Q22 has an inflated base. Gross margin has recorded meaningful YoY recovery while capex, particularly for BOT, has scaled back significantly. 
  • There should not be concerns about CCCC’s contract outlook. Its backlog is enough to cover 4.9x FY23F revenue and its PER of 2.7x has provided more than sufficient buffer.

GTX: Previewing with a Weak Euro

By Hamed Khorsand

  • GTX is scheduled to report third quarter results on October 24, 2023, as the Company continues to make strides in expanding its product offering
  • The third quarter results should serve as a catalyst since the Company was expected to repurchase shares and reduce its debt balance during the period
  • The impact from the ongoing strike in North America is likely to have minimal impact to GTX if it were to continue for an extended period of time

Furniture/Furnishings Weekly – MLKN Results Boost Sector; Consumer Confidence Dips

By Water Tower Research

  • MillerKnoll earnings sparked a second week of outperformance for the commercial/contract furniture stocks, which rose ~8% in a week when broader indices were roughly flat.

  • MLKN reported adjusted EPS of $0.37 in 1QFY24, above consensus of $0.21 consensus, and upped guidance.
  • Shares jumped 27% on Wednesday. All three major US firms in the sector advanced last week.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars