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Daily Brief ESG: TDC NET – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics and more

By | Daily Briefs, ESG

In today’s briefing:

  • TDC NET – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks
  • The Format of the AGM Also Reveals a Part of the Company’s Attitude Toward Its Shareholders
  • Teva – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics


TDC NET – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

  • Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
  • We assess TDC NET’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Social and Governance scores. The company has a “Strong” Environmental score. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.
  • TDC NET is a Danish mobile and fixed network service provider. It was formed through the split of Denmark’s incumbent telecommunications company into a netco and servco.

Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
We assess Europcar’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Environmental, Social and Governance scores. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.


GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks

By Heejeong (Hollie) Park

  • The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s investigation revealed that the collapse of GS E&C’s underground parking lot was due to deficiencies in design, construction, and supervision.
  • As a response, GS E&C will undergo a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire apartment complex, costing approximately KRW 300 billion, which is equivalent to approximately USD 264 million.
  • ESG risks have risen due to consumer relations regarding occupational health and safety and risk oversight, with GS E&C’s company risk rating at a ‘very high’ level of 3.1.

The Format of the AGM Also Reveals a Part of the Company’s Attitude Toward Its Shareholders

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Even if attendance increases somewhat since 92.1% of AGMs in 2022 had less than 100 attendees, the reluctance to hold an online voting AGM due to technical issues isn’t reasonable.
  • With 84.8% of companies having Q&A sessions lasting less than 30 minutes, many companies want to end their Q&A sessions in as short a time as possible.
  • Companies that want to keep Q&A sessions short tend to hold hybrid on-site and online sessions that can prioritize questions from on-site attendees and limit questions from online participants.

Teva – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

  • Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
  • We assess Teva’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its “Adequate” Environmental and Social scores. The company has “Strong” Governance. Controversies are “Material”, but Disclosure is “Strong”.
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a global company that develops, produces and markets generic medicines and a focused portfolio of speciality medicines.

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Daily Brief Private Markets: NEU Battery Materials Scores US$3.7M for Sustainable Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries and more

By | Daily Briefs, Private Markets

In today’s briefing:

  • NEU Battery Materials Scores US$3.7M for Sustainable Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries


NEU Battery Materials Scores US$3.7M for Sustainable Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries

By e27

  • NEU Battery Materials, a Singapore-based lithium-ion battery recycling startup, has secured US$3.7 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by SGInnovate.
  • ComfortDelGro Ventures, Shift4Good, Paragon Ventures I, and other angel investors also joined.
  • These funds will accelerate the deployment of NEU Battery Materials’s automated recycling line, which will lower operational manpower requirements.

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Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact
  • Hysan Dev. 14 HK: Lack of Visible Catalyst with Low Trading Liquidity, Limited Re-Rating Potential
  • Imugene (IMU AU): Got US Patent for Oncolytic Virotherapy- A Crucial Step Forward for US Entry
  • ChipMOS: Results Ahead & Key Clients for Display and Memory Signal a Turn Around Is Happening
  • [iQIYI (IQ US, BUY, TP US$6.25) Rating Change]: Competitive Advantage Is Established, Raise to BUY
  • MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: TSMC Results Today; ASML Beats & Raises; AMD in Taiwan Sparking Rallies
  • Nano Dimension – Tender offer for Stratasys extended again
  • Carly Holdings Limited – Fleet Expansion Has Driven Revenue
  • Numinus Wellness, Inc. – A Quarter of Strong Growth; Focus on Cash Burn Reduction


Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Money Forward (3994 JP) reported 2QFY11/2023 results yesterday. Revenue increased 43.5% YoY to ¥7.3bn (vs consensus ¥7.18bn) while operating losses dropped to ¥1.58bn vs ¥2.15bn in 2QFY11/22 (vs consensus ¥1.65bn).
  • 2Q revenues were within its guidance of ¥7.1-7.4bn and MF has revised its FY11/23E guidance upward based on the progress made during the first half of the year.
  • MF’s non-BO business margins continue to decline, and the plan to revise price plans for sole proprietors in December should result in attrition and further increase in advertising spend.

Hysan Dev. 14 HK: Lack of Visible Catalyst with Low Trading Liquidity, Limited Re-Rating Potential

By Jacob Cheng

  • In this insight, we conducted fundamental analysis and look at major share price drivers for Hysan Development, who is a major landlord in Hong Kong
  • Hysan Development has a simple business model and owns a retail/office portfolio in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.  Its retail properties are largely tourist-centric
  • Despite trading at attractive valuation, the stock has low trading liquidity.  Also there is no visible catalyst which means there is little chance for re-rating for the stock

Imugene (IMU AU): Got US Patent for Oncolytic Virotherapy- A Crucial Step Forward for US Entry

By Tina Banerjee

  • Imugene Ltd (IMU AU) got US patent for its oncolytic virotherapy CF33 products, including VAXINIA and CHECKVacc. The patent protects the method of composition and use of CF33 until 2037.
  • Imugene has appointed two-decade experienced Dr Ron Weitzman as Interim Chief Medical Officer. Dr Weitzman’s expertise in solid-tumor and hematologic malignancies is of particular interest for Imugene.
  • Imugene is actively recruiting patients for its five ongoing clinical trials. The company has a strong balance sheet holding more than A$150 million in cash, providing a runway through 2025.

ChipMOS: Results Ahead & Key Clients for Display and Memory Signal a Turn Around Is Happening

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • We had a call with ChipMOS management about their latest long-term R&D efforts and drivers. 
  • We see many of the company’s key clients’ businesses turning a corner, hence see these developments likely to benefit ChipMOS.
  • The company will be reporting earnings on August 3rd, we have an Outperform rating for the shares. Could see some continued margin weakness, however we believe forward outlook is improving.

[iQIYI (IQ US, BUY, TP US$6.25) Rating Change]: Competitive Advantage Is Established, Raise to BUY

By Shawn Yang

  • We raise iQIYI’s membership/ads growth in 2Q23 from 12.9%/10.6% to 15.7%/22.4% YoY because of high quality content and recovery of major advertisers.
  • We upgrade iQIYI’s rating to BUY because:1) iQIYI exhibits advantages in content quality and production capabilities. 2) Major advertisers are expected to increase their advertising budgets continuously.
  • Emergency of mini drama is another variable for the Chinese online video industry. However, we anticipate the impact on iQIYI is relatively limited currently.

MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model

By Water Tower Research

  • Herein we revise and update MLKN estimates following MillerKnoll’s FY23 earnings report and FY24 guidance.

  • Our 1QFY24 diluted non-GAAP EPS estimate is now $0.20, down $0.10 from our previous (reduced) $0.30 estimate.

  • Our FY24 annual estimate is now $1.82 (down from $2.00), below the midpoint of the $1.70-$2.00 management outlook.


Taiwan Tech Weekly: TSMC Results Today; ASML Beats & Raises; AMD in Taiwan Sparking Rallies

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC will report its 2Q23 results today in the afternoon Taiwan time. Look for key readthroughs from the company in terms of robustness of the AI boom and PC recovery.
  • AMD’s Chairman and CEO arrived in Taiwan and met with key supply chain partners — Related stocks are surging; ASML beat expectations and raised its guidance.
  • Taiwan AI,  PC-linked, and AMD-linked shares are flying; Our recent Memory Monitor piece also highlights signs that the DRAM cycle has bottomed.

Nano Dimension – Tender offer for Stratasys extended again

By Edison Investment Research

Nano Dimension has raised its tender offer for Stratasys again, increasing its cash offer from $24 to $25 per share and extending the closing date to 31 July. If successful, it plans to explore options for further consolidation of the industry. If unsuccessful, it will review its Stratasys investment and may sell its stake on the open market.


Carly Holdings Limited – Fleet Expansion Has Driven Revenue

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Carly Holdings Limited (ASX:CL8) operates a vehicle subscription business, which it launched in March 2019, leveraging existing operations, strategic relationships and technology.
  • Car subscription allows business and retail customers to pay a single monthly fee to access a car for 30 days or more and is an alternative to purchasing or financing a vehicle.
  • Carly has attracted larger automotive industry businesses as shareholders, with a model that facilitates sales volumes of new vehicles and delivers a new recurring revenue stream for automotive manufacturers and dealers. 

Numinus Wellness, Inc. – A Quarter of Strong Growth; Focus on Cash Burn Reduction

By Water Tower Research

  • Strong sequential revenue growth. Numinus’ fiscal third quarter ended May 31, 2023, delivered revenues of C$6M, a 713% increase from the year ago quarter which was prior to the Novamind acquisition.
  • Of greater significance, the company delivered double-digit sequential growth of 12.6%, highlighting the growth track in demand for its clinic and clinical research offerings.
  • On this basis, revenues generated across Numinus’ wellness clinics in the US and Canada grew by 5.5% Q/Q, while its clinical research operations (CCR) recorded a sequential revenue surge of 66.7%, as a result of which the division’s share of total revenues climbed to 17% from the prior quarter’s 12%.

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Ohayo Japan |Inflation Moderation Drives Stocks; NUGGET:JP Office Equip Makers- Consolidation a Must and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Ohayo Japan |Inflation Moderation Drives Stocks; NUGGET:JP Office Equip Makers- Consolidation a Must
  • Nasdaq Rebalance, Nanya, Camtek, Nordic Semi, Aehr Test, and Positioning
  • China TMT Update-BZ/PDD/3690/NTES/700/Douyin-PDD Launches Local Life Services Portal
  • China’s VBP Policy for Pharmaceuticals – Misunderstandings, Real Impacts, and Outlook
  • Industry Report Climatetech & Sustainable Investing


Ohayo Japan |Inflation Moderation Drives Stocks; NUGGET:JP Office Equip Makers- Consolidation a Must

By Mark Chadwick

  • OVERSEAS.  SPX eaks out gains as markets continue to bid inflation moderation/soft landing narrative; GS Reports the futures is better; TELSA earnings beat despite aggressive price cuts
  • JAPAN. Nikkei Futures flat vs Cash; USDJPY 139.7; Inbound Tourist back in full force; Daily Goods Manufacturers form logistics alliance to combat lack of drivers; Nidec, Disco reports today
  • NUGGET. JP Office Equipment Makers – could be investment opportunities if they are proactive consolidation. Falling demand and overcapacity demands aggressive industry restructuring.

Nasdaq Rebalance, Nanya, Camtek, Nordic Semi, Aehr Test, and Positioning

By Douglas O’Laughlin

  • A quick discussion of the companies that have reported so far, and my thoughts on the semiconductor stock space
  • Pretty much the entire index is going to receive inflows at the expense of the top 8 names.
  • Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, Apple, and Tesla will all be cut from the index weight and redistributed into smaller names on July 24, 2023.

China TMT Update-BZ/PDD/3690/NTES/700/Douyin-PDD Launches Local Life Services Portal

By Shawn Yang

  • Boss Zhipin: Boss Zhipin MAU growth rate is higher than peers’, but still hard to monetize this year.
  • PDD/3690.HK: PDD launches local life services portal (+ / -)
  • NTES/700HK: The Rise of “Gaming with Influencers” on Douyin (+/-)

China’s VBP Policy for Pharmaceuticals – Misunderstandings, Real Impacts, and Outlook

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • In the absence of significant decline in total pharmaceutical expenditure,the most simple logic tells us if some companies/varieties suffer loss in VBP, it inevitably means other companies benefit from it. 
  • For innovative drugs, imported drugs have clear advantage over domestic drugs in both absolute and relative increments. But leading MNCs have been more impacted by VBP in recent years.
  • In this hundreds-of-billion-level payment transfer process, companies are actually competing to provide real clinical value, which is the key to fill the gap caused by VBP and restore companies’ growth.

Industry Report Climatetech & Sustainable Investing

By Water Tower Research

  • WTR Sustainable Index: During the week ended July 14, 2023, the WTR Sustainable Index performed in line with the broader market, rising 2.6% W/W versus the S&P 500 Index (up 2.4%), the Russell 2000 Index (up 3.6%), and the Nasdaq Composite Index (up 3.3%). Advanced Transportation Solutions (75.1% of the index) has contributed to the index’s outperformance, rising 2.5%, while Energy Technology (6.7% of the index) was up 6.1% and Industrial Climate and Ag Technology was up 2.0%.

  • Valuation: Based on forward 12-month consensus estimates, the current P/E ratio of the WTR Sustainable index is 24.8x versus 21.0x for the S&P 500.

  • Consensus estimates changes: During the week ended July 14, 2023, there were three increases (two in Advanced Transportation Solutions and one in Industrial Climate and Ag Technology) 2022 revenue estimates. 


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Daily Brief Event-Driven: What We Know Until Now About L&F & Ecopro BM’s Kospi Transfer Listing and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • What We Know Until Now About L&F & Ecopro BM’s Kospi Transfer Listing
  • Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping
  • Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations
  • Quiddity Leaderboard TDIV Sep 23: AUM Assumption Changes Again; SHORTs Down 15.6% Vs Index
  • Searchlight/Gresham House: Attractive Spread
  • Essential Metals/Develop Global: Rock Steady With MinRes Support


What We Know Until Now About L&F & Ecopro BM’s Kospi Transfer Listing

By Sanghyun Park

  • Yonhap News reported on the exclusive coverage of Ecopro BM and L&F’s KOSPI transfer listing.
  • L&F announced through the disclosure that they are considering the KOSPI transfer listing. Ecopro BM told another local news outlet that they are not currently reviewing the KOSPI transfer listing.
  • It seems that L&F’s KOSPI transfer listing is almost a confirmed fact. However, the Ecopro company in question may be Ecopro Co, not Ecopro BM.

Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping

By Brian Freitas

  • Using data from the close on 19 July, there could be 5 changes to the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Top 50 ETF and 2 deletions for the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF.
  • Stocks that are expected to benefit from the AI revolution could gain ETF inclusion while shipping stocks are the ones expected to be deleted from the ETF.
  • There has been a huge increase in shorts on some of the potential inclusions and on most of the potential deletions. That will affect how stocks trade near term.

Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the T50 and T100 Indices for the September 2023 Rebalance.
  • Some semiconductor/electronic component stocks have seen their share prices skyrocket in recent months due to AI-related excitement causing drastic shifts in Leaderboard rankings.
  • In my last insight, I expected two T50 changes and one T100 change. Now I expect five T50 changes and three T100 changes.

Quiddity Leaderboard TDIV Sep 23: AUM Assumption Changes Again; SHORTs Down 15.6% Vs Index

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at Quiddity’s flow expectations for the September 2023 index rebalance.
  • Since my last insight, my estimate for the tracking AUM estimate assumption for September 2023 has increased and has caused changes to my flow expectations.
  • Separately, the SHORTs suggested in my last insight have underperformed the index by 15.6% in 3 weeks. I have updated my thoughts on that as well.

Searchlight/Gresham House: Attractive Spread

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Searchlight agreed to acquire via scheme of arrangement UK asset manager Gresham House PLC (GHE LN) for 1,105p/share in cash, c.£470 million, 12.6x EV/Fwd NTM EBITDA, 17.6x Fwd P/E. Terms are final.
  • Irrevocables plus letters of intent total 33%. Although the consensus median TP is 1,170p/share (c. 5.8% higher), it seems difficult to argue with a 63% premium.
  • Taking 680p break, the shares are pricing an 89% probability of completion. Spread is 4.3%/10.3% (gross/annualised), which explains why the shares have been liquid since the offer announcement. Long.

Essential Metals/Develop Global: Rock Steady With MinRes Support

By David Blennerhassett

  • At the 20 April Scheme Meeting, Mineral Resources (MIN AU) (with 19.55%) and other shareholders voted against the Tianqi Lithium JV transaction for Essential Metals (ESS AU)
  • This left Essential in no man’s land until MinRes (presumably) made a move. But on the 3 July, Develop Global (DVP AU) announced a binding Scheme with ESS.
  • The all-scrip Scheme transaction has the backing of MinRes, which also owns a ~13% stake in Develop. This deal – this time- looks all stitched up.

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Daily Brief Macro: China: An Accident Waiting to Happen? Comparing the Current Chinese Economy to the One in 2015 and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • China: An Accident Waiting to Happen? Comparing the Current Chinese Economy to the One in 2015
  • FX Watch: Have FX Markets Sniffed out an Upcoming Rebound?
  • 5 Things We Watch – PMIs, FX, Japan, Brazil, Inflation
  • Spain Election Watch: Why Spain Is Not the Next Italy
  • UK: Disinflation Challenges Narratives
  • CX Daily: China Needs More Than Monetary Stimulus to Bolster Flagging Economy, Analysts Say
  • EA: HICP Decelerating Toward Target


China: An Accident Waiting to Happen? Comparing the Current Chinese Economy to the One in 2015

By Jeroen Blokland

  • Comparable to the China Growth Scare of 2015-2016, the Manufacturing PMI is below 50, imports are falling, and deflation worries are rising.
  • The real estate crisis is worse than in 2015-2016, with housing prices falling again, floor space under construction declining, consumer confidence near historic lows, and LGFV financing issues increasing.
  • Unlike 2015 (and 2022), the current depreciation of the Chinese Yuan has not (yet) been accompanied by falling stock prices. 

FX Watch: Have FX Markets Sniffed out an Upcoming Rebound?

By Andreas Steno

  • Welcome to the second research piece in our “Business Cycle Week”.
  • In this edition of the series on the business cycle, we will focus on whether FX markets sniff out the cycle ahead of other asset markets.
  • Is the USD a bellwether of global trends or is it just a saying?

5 Things We Watch – PMIs, FX, Japan, Brazil, Inflation

By Andreas Steno

  • Welcome to this week’s edition of ‘5 Things We Watch’, where we take you through 5 things that we have found particularly interesting in the past week.
  • Yesterday we launched the first of a couple of articles focusing on the current business cycle, giving our best guess on where in the cycle we are, what markets are pricing in and most importantly – what will happen next.
  • The full articles regarding the business cycle and how different asset classes are positioned for it will be released throughout the week for premium subscribers.

Spain Election Watch: Why Spain Is Not the Next Italy

By Mikkel Rosenvold

  • Could a right-wing government in Spain follow in the footsteps of Meloni’s crusade against the EU economic framework? 
  • Tensions are high as we gear up to the all-important general election on Sunday.
  • We give you the 4 major reasons why you need not worry about Spain becoming the next Italy.

UK: Disinflation Challenges Narratives

By Phil Rush

  • UK inflation unusually undershot forecasts as the CPI slowed by 73bp to 7.9% in Jun-23. The RPI’s drop to 10.7% matched our relatively low forecast (Consensus 10.9%).
  • Unlike the EA, downside surprises have been rare in the UK since its peak. The UK’s median and food price inflation impulse now compare favourably.
  • The BoE’s forceful response looks increasingly disproportionate to the CPI news as this outcome matches its forecast. Nonetheless, a 50bp hike remains likely in August.

CX Daily: China Needs More Than Monetary Stimulus to Bolster Flagging Economy, Analysts Say

By Caixin Global

  • Rate /: China needs more than monetary stimulus to bolster flagging economy, analysts say
  • Kissinger /: Kissinger meets China Defense Chief in pursuing closer ties
  • Consumption /Chart of the Day: China’s consumer spending data show sluggish housing growth

EA: HICP Decelerating Toward Target

By Phil Rush

  • The final EA HICP inflation print confirmed the 0.6pp slowing to 5.5% in Jun-23, while the ex-tobacco rate precisely matched our 5.49% forecast.
  • Underlying inflation kept slowing despite the annual rate of “core” (ex-food, energy, tobacco) inflation increasing. It’s not at a target-consistent pace, but it’s getting there.
  • Another 25bp ECB rate hike on 27 July remains likely, but the 14 September decision is a close call. Further slowing could prevent hikes, discouraging commitment in July.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: L&F Co Ltd, Money Forward, TDC A/S, Chipmos Technologies, iQIYI Inc, Nano Dimension , Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Carly Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • L&F Considering On Switching Listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI
  • Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact
  • TDC NET – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • ChipMOS: Results Ahead & Key Clients for Display and Memory Signal a Turn Around Is Happening
  • [iQIYI (IQ US, BUY, TP US$6.25) Rating Change]: Competitive Advantage Is Established, Raise to BUY
  • Nano Dimension – Tender offer for Stratasys extended again
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: TSMC Results Today; ASML Beats & Raises; AMD in Taiwan Sparking Rallies
  • Carly Holdings Limited – Fleet Expansion Has Driven Revenue


L&F Considering On Switching Listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI

By Douglas Kim

  • On 19 July, there were local media accounts that L&F Co Ltd (066970 KS) is considering on switching its listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI. 
  • L&F’s main business involves making cathode active materials for rechargeable batteries.
  • Despite this positive move, we believe the valuations of L&F have become too high. Its operating margins also worsened from 9.6% in 1Q 2022 to 3.0% in 1Q 2023. 

Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Money Forward (3994 JP) reported 2QFY11/2023 results yesterday. Revenue increased 43.5% YoY to ¥7.3bn (vs consensus ¥7.18bn) while operating losses dropped to ¥1.58bn vs ¥2.15bn in 2QFY11/22 (vs consensus ¥1.65bn).
  • 2Q revenues were within its guidance of ¥7.1-7.4bn and MF has revised its FY11/23E guidance upward based on the progress made during the first half of the year.
  • MF’s non-BO business margins continue to decline, and the plan to revise price plans for sole proprietors in December should result in attrition and further increase in advertising spend.

TDC NET – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

  • Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
  • We assess TDC NET’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Social and Governance scores. The company has a “Strong” Environmental score. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.
  • TDC NET is a Danish mobile and fixed network service provider. It was formed through the split of Denmark’s incumbent telecommunications company into a netco and servco.

ChipMOS: Results Ahead & Key Clients for Display and Memory Signal a Turn Around Is Happening

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • We had a call with ChipMOS management about their latest long-term R&D efforts and drivers. 
  • We see many of the company’s key clients’ businesses turning a corner, hence see these developments likely to benefit ChipMOS.
  • The company will be reporting earnings on August 3rd, we have an Outperform rating for the shares. Could see some continued margin weakness, however we believe forward outlook is improving.

[iQIYI (IQ US, BUY, TP US$6.25) Rating Change]: Competitive Advantage Is Established, Raise to BUY

By Shawn Yang

  • We raise iQIYI’s membership/ads growth in 2Q23 from 12.9%/10.6% to 15.7%/22.4% YoY because of high quality content and recovery of major advertisers.
  • We upgrade iQIYI’s rating to BUY because:1) iQIYI exhibits advantages in content quality and production capabilities. 2) Major advertisers are expected to increase their advertising budgets continuously.
  • Emergency of mini drama is another variable for the Chinese online video industry. However, we anticipate the impact on iQIYI is relatively limited currently.

Nano Dimension – Tender offer for Stratasys extended again

By Edison Investment Research

Nano Dimension has raised its tender offer for Stratasys again, increasing its cash offer from $24 to $25 per share and extending the closing date to 31 July. If successful, it plans to explore options for further consolidation of the industry. If unsuccessful, it will review its Stratasys investment and may sell its stake on the open market.


Taiwan Tech Weekly: TSMC Results Today; ASML Beats & Raises; AMD in Taiwan Sparking Rallies

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC will report its 2Q23 results today in the afternoon Taiwan time. Look for key readthroughs from the company in terms of robustness of the AI boom and PC recovery.
  • AMD’s Chairman and CEO arrived in Taiwan and met with key supply chain partners — Related stocks are surging; ASML beat expectations and raised its guidance.
  • Taiwan AI,  PC-linked, and AMD-linked shares are flying; Our recent Memory Monitor piece also highlights signs that the DRAM cycle has bottomed.

Carly Holdings Limited – Fleet Expansion Has Driven Revenue

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Carly Holdings Limited (ASX:CL8) operates a vehicle subscription business, which it launched in March 2019, leveraging existing operations, strategic relationships and technology.
  • Car subscription allows business and retail customers to pay a single monthly fee to access a car for 30 days or more and is an alternative to purchasing or financing a vehicle.
  • Carly has attracted larger automotive industry businesses as shareholders, with a model that facilitates sales volumes of new vehicles and delivers a new recurring revenue stream for automotive manufacturers and dealers. 

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Daily Brief Industrials: Wisdom Marine Lines, Europcar Mobility Group, GS Engineering & Construction, MillerKnoll and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping
  • Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations
  • Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks
  • MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model


Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping

By Brian Freitas

  • Using data from the close on 19 July, there could be 5 changes to the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Top 50 ETF and 2 deletions for the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF.
  • Stocks that are expected to benefit from the AI revolution could gain ETF inclusion while shipping stocks are the ones expected to be deleted from the ETF.
  • There has been a huge increase in shorts on some of the potential inclusions and on most of the potential deletions. That will affect how stocks trade near term.

Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the T50 and T100 Indices for the September 2023 Rebalance.
  • Some semiconductor/electronic component stocks have seen their share prices skyrocket in recent months due to AI-related excitement causing drastic shifts in Leaderboard rankings.
  • In my last insight, I expected two T50 changes and one T100 change. Now I expect five T50 changes and three T100 changes.

Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
We assess Europcar’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Environmental, Social and Governance scores. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.


GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks

By Heejeong (Hollie) Park

  • The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s investigation revealed that the collapse of GS E&C’s underground parking lot was due to deficiencies in design, construction, and supervision.
  • As a response, GS E&C will undergo a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire apartment complex, costing approximately KRW 300 billion, which is equivalent to approximately USD 264 million.
  • ESG risks have risen due to consumer relations regarding occupational health and safety and risk oversight, with GS E&C’s company risk rating at a ‘very high’ level of 3.1.

MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model

By Water Tower Research

  • Herein we revise and update MLKN estimates following MillerKnoll’s FY23 earnings report and FY24 guidance.

  • Our 1QFY24 diluted non-GAAP EPS estimate is now $0.20, down $0.10 from our previous (reduced) $0.30 estimate.

  • Our FY24 annual estimate is now $1.82 (down from $2.00), below the midpoint of the $1.70-$2.00 management outlook.


💡 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 Financials: Invincible Investment, Hysan Development Co, USD, Yibin City Commercial Bank Co Ltd, Gresham House PLC, Greenland Holdings Corp, Rakuten Securities and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Invincible Investment Corp Placement – Decent Accretion Despite the Large Dilution
  • Hysan Dev. 14 HK: Lack of Visible Catalyst with Low Trading Liquidity, Limited Re-Rating Potential
  • FX Watch: Have FX Markets Sniffed out an Upcoming Rebound?
  • Yibin City Commercial Bank Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Searchlight/Gresham House: Attractive Spread
  • Morning Views Asia: Greenland Holdings Corp, Sunny Optical Technology Group
  • Rakuten Securities IPO Early Look – The Negatives – Growth Has Slowed Down


Invincible Investment Corp Placement – Decent Accretion Despite the Large Dilution

By Sumeet Singh

  • Invincible Investment (8963 JP) plans to raise around US$230m to fund the acquisition of six hotel assets in Japan.
  • The stock has done well over the past year and so have most of its deals which we have covered in the past.
  • In this note, we talk about the deal dynamics and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Hysan Dev. 14 HK: Lack of Visible Catalyst with Low Trading Liquidity, Limited Re-Rating Potential

By Jacob Cheng

  • In this insight, we conducted fundamental analysis and look at major share price drivers for Hysan Development, who is a major landlord in Hong Kong
  • Hysan Development has a simple business model and owns a retail/office portfolio in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.  Its retail properties are largely tourist-centric
  • Despite trading at attractive valuation, the stock has low trading liquidity.  Also there is no visible catalyst which means there is little chance for re-rating for the stock

FX Watch: Have FX Markets Sniffed out an Upcoming Rebound?

By Andreas Steno

  • Welcome to the second research piece in our “Business Cycle Week”.
  • In this edition of the series on the business cycle, we will focus on whether FX markets sniff out the cycle ahead of other asset markets.
  • Is the USD a bellwether of global trends or is it just a saying?

Yibin City Commercial Bank Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Clarence Chu

  • Yibin City Commercial Bank Co Ltd (1315463D CH) is looking to raise around US$300m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO. The bookrunners on the deal are CCBI and ICBC.
  • Yibin City Commercial Bank (YCCB) is a city commercial bank in Yibin, Sichuan Province of China.
  • As per CBIRC Yibin Office, it was the largest bank in Yibin in terms of total assets as of Dec 22.

Searchlight/Gresham House: Attractive Spread

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Searchlight agreed to acquire via scheme of arrangement UK asset manager Gresham House PLC (GHE LN) for 1,105p/share in cash, c.£470 million, 12.6x EV/Fwd NTM EBITDA, 17.6x Fwd P/E. Terms are final.
  • Irrevocables plus letters of intent total 33%. Although the consensus median TP is 1,170p/share (c. 5.8% higher), it seems difficult to argue with a 63% premium.
  • Taking 680p break, the shares are pricing an 89% probability of completion. Spread is 4.3%/10.3% (gross/annualised), which explains why the shares have been liquid since the offer announcement. Long.

Morning Views Asia: Greenland Holdings Corp, Sunny Optical Technology Group

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.


Rakuten Securities IPO Early Look – The Negatives – Growth Has Slowed Down

By Sumeet Singh

  • Rakuten Securities, the online securities arm of Rakuten, aims to raise around US$500m (estimated) in its Japan listing.
  • It is the largest online securities firm in Japan with a 33.7% market share. In FY22, it had over 8.64m accounts, with around JPY18.2tn (US$131bn) of assets under custody.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

💡 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 Industrials: Wisdom Marine Lines, Europcar Mobility Group, GS Engineering & Construction, MillerKnoll and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping
  • Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations
  • Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks
  • MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model


Yuanta ETFs Rebalance Preview: Soaring Stocks, Rising Shorts; AI Beats Shipping

By Brian Freitas

  • Using data from the close on 19 July, there could be 5 changes to the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Top 50 ETF and 2 deletions for the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF.
  • Stocks that are expected to benefit from the AI revolution could gain ETF inclusion while shipping stocks are the ones expected to be deleted from the ETF.
  • There has been a huge increase in shorts on some of the potential inclusions and on most of the potential deletions. That will affect how stocks trade near term.

Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​100 Sep 23: AI Frenzy Causes Many Changes to Expectations

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the T50 and T100 Indices for the September 2023 Rebalance.
  • Some semiconductor/electronic component stocks have seen their share prices skyrocket in recent months due to AI-related excitement causing drastic shifts in Leaderboard rankings.
  • In my last insight, I expected two T50 changes and one T100 change. Now I expect five T50 changes and three T100 changes.

Europcar – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
We assess Europcar’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Environmental, Social and Governance scores. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.


GS E&Cㅣ Underground Parking Lot Collapse Incidentㅣ Full-Scale Reconstruction and Rising Risks

By Heejeong (Hollie) Park

  • The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s investigation revealed that the collapse of GS E&C’s underground parking lot was due to deficiencies in design, construction, and supervision.
  • As a response, GS E&C will undergo a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire apartment complex, costing approximately KRW 300 billion, which is equivalent to approximately USD 264 million.
  • ESG risks have risen due to consumer relations regarding occupational health and safety and risk oversight, with GS E&C’s company risk rating at a ‘very high’ level of 3.1.

MillerKnoll, Inc. – Refreshing Estimates and Presenting New Model

By Water Tower Research

  • Herein we revise and update MLKN estimates following MillerKnoll’s FY23 earnings report and FY24 guidance.

  • Our 1QFY24 diluted non-GAAP EPS estimate is now $0.20, down $0.10 from our previous (reduced) $0.30 estimate.

  • Our FY24 annual estimate is now $1.82 (down from $2.00), below the midpoint of the $1.70-$2.00 management outlook.


💡 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