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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Alibaba (BABA US): Buy Ahead of March Quarter Results This Thursday and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba (BABA US): Buy Ahead of March Quarter Results This Thursday
  • AEM Holding: Weak 1Q23 Not a Surprise, Hoping for Better FY24
  • Edelweiss: Recent Volatility In The Stock Seems Unwarranted
  • Focus on 5 Korean Small Cap, Cosmetics Stocks With Significant Growth in Operating Profit in 1Q 2023
  • Aeon to Launch Ground-Breaking Online Food Business
  • TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt
  • 2023 High Conviction Update: Cipla (CIPLA IN)- Strong US Business Drove Q4 Result Amid Uncertainty
  • CentralNic Group – Cash allocated to deliver on objectives
  • 5 in 5 with Singtel – Empowering Every Generation
  • [Futu Holdings (FUTU US) Earnings Preview]: Steady Operation Albeit Regulation Concern Overhang

Alibaba (BABA US): Buy Ahead of March Quarter Results This Thursday

By Eric Chen

  • We believe BABA’s upcoming 4QFY23 results will surprise the market to the upside by a wide margin in terms of recovery in bottomline, catalyzing trading opportunity for short-term investors.
  • We also expect that the results will usher in a period of sustained re-rating for the stock due to China’s continued yet slow consumption recovery and Alibaba’s well-executed restructuring plan.
  • Geo-Political risks will not go away, but have been very much reflected in current pricing in our view. Buy ahead of results on Thursday.

AEM Holding: Weak 1Q23 Not a Surprise, Hoping for Better FY24

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • AEM reported weak 1Q23 showing significant revenue and margin pressure across the board
  • The company mentioned it was an indirect beneficiary of AI and ChatGPT hype going forward
  • AEM could achieve 0.40 EPS in FY24 once the semiconductor industry rebounds. Fair Value of 6 SGD is unchanged.

Edelweiss: Recent Volatility In The Stock Seems Unwarranted

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Edelweiss’ stock was down over -5% yesterday. The reason for downfall seems to be a media article which states that three large brokers are being investigated for money laundering activities.
  • We think Edelweiss is not one of them as the article mentions that these brokers are being investigated since their involvement in the NSEL scam, where Edelweiss had no involvement.
  • In fact, Edelweiss was among the few brokers that had come out unscathed in the NSEL scam, as it detected early on that there was some wrongdoing happening at NSEL.

Focus on 5 Korean Small Cap, Cosmetics Stocks With Significant Growth in Operating Profit in 1Q 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss 10 small cap cosmetic stocks in Korea, which are up on average 26.6% YTD, outperforming KOSPI which is up 10.9% YTD. 
  • The drivers of their strong share price performances include reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic and ending of nearly all pandemic related restrictions (including wearing of face masks).
  • Among the 10 companies, we would focus on the top five small cap cosmetics stocks with the highest growth in operating profit in 1Q 2023 including Cosmecca Korea and Clio.

Aeon to Launch Ground-Breaking Online Food Business

By Michael Causton

  • It has taken three years to build and set up but Aeon will finally open its first automated warehouse for online food sales in Chiba this summer. 
  • The warehouse will run on technology from Ocado and act as the backend for a completely new online supermarket called Green Beans.
  • A second warehouse is due to come online in 2026, expanding sales to all of Tokyo and into Kanagawa. This is the most advanced food e-commerce operation in Japan.

TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt

By Vijay Lohia, CFA

  • TAV Airports is the #1 airport terminal operator in Turkey with a 31% passenger market share and 28% market share in commercial flights.
  • TAV has one of the best growth profile among peer group with expected 3 yr revenue CAGR of 10%-14% and EBITDA CAGR of 12%-18%.
  • Potential upside of over 50% in one year and over 200% in 4-5 years.

2023 High Conviction Update: Cipla (CIPLA IN)- Strong US Business Drove Q4 Result Amid Uncertainty

By Tina Banerjee

  • IN Q4FY23, Cipla Ltd (CIPLA IN) reported highest ever US business revenue of $204M, up 27% YoY and 5% QoQ, driven by expansion in market share of key launches.
  • Lead peptide asset Lanreotide injection, launched in Q4FY22, is consistently gaining market share. The product currently has market share of 17%, up from 14.1% in Q3FY23 and 9.6% in Q2FY23.
  • Ex-COVID, India business revenue increased 16% YoY, driven by chronic branded prescription portfolio. FY23 marks the second consecutive year of market beating growth of Cipla’s chronic portfolio.

CentralNic Group – Cash allocated to deliver on objectives

By Edison Investment Research

CentralNic’s Q123 results showed robust revenue and profit growth, as well as a further deleveraging of its balance sheet. Its product comparison business VGL’s entry into France provides a strong organic growth opportunity, with potential to expand into other regions. The group continues to showcase its commitment to shareholder returns with its latest share buyback programme.


5 in 5 with Singtel – Empowering Every Generation

By Geoff Howie

5 in 5 with Singtel – Empowering Every Generation

[Futu Holdings (FUTU US) Earnings Preview]: Steady Operation Albeit Regulation Concern Overhang

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect Futu to report 1Q23 revenue in-line with consensus, while net income beat consensus by 4.2%, mainly due to less operating expenses.  
  • The next catalysts in 2023 could be 1) gradual market share gain in HK region, 2) potential new markets in Japan and Southeast Asia. 
  • We maintain BUY rating on FUTU and maintain TP at US$51.  

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: Rakuten (4755 JP) – A Big Deal With Very Interesting Characteristics – Index Matters and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) – A Big Deal With Very Interesting Characteristics – Index Matters
  • Rakuten (4755 JP) Offering: Could Drop Some More Before Passive Buying Kicks In
  • Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer
  • GLP J-Reit (3281 JP): Cheaper than Peers, Offering Could Be a Catalyst
  • MVIS Australia A-REITs Index Rebalance Preview: Capping Changes & Flows
  • Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close
  • Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report
  • Iberdrola/PNM Resources: Long-Distance Race

Rakuten (4755 JP) – A Big Deal With Very Interesting Characteristics – Index Matters

By Travis Lundy

  • Yesterday (15 May 2023) just before EOD, an article ran suggesting a ¥300bn capital raise by Rakuten (4755 JP). The stock fell 10% in 10mins. Rakuten hemmed/hawed but didn’t deny.
  • One day later, we have a deal. It is up to 546mm shares including greenshoe, which at the close was ¥333bn. 468mm shares to the public, 79mm to 3rd parties.
  • This increases Real World Float by 95%. In that respect this is vaguely IPO-ish. Investors have to re-underwrite. Then Passive re-shrinks the float. Details matter.

Rakuten (4755 JP) Offering: Could Drop Some More Before Passive Buying Kicks In

By Brian Freitas

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) is looking to raise around US$2.4bn by selling shares via a Japanese Public Offering and an International Offering as well as through a third-party allotment.
  • The stock has already dropped 13.7% in the last couple of days on large volumes as the rumours of the offering started to swirl.
  • The offering prices late next week and passive trackers will be buying stock once the stock settles and this will provide support in the near-term.

Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 4 May, Singapore-based builder and operator of aluminum high-speed boats Penguin International (PBS SP) announced a Voluntary Unconditional Offer from its Chairman and Dymon Group at S$.82/share. 
  • The Offer Price was a lifetime high and likely sufficient to push for compulsory acquisition. However, the Offerors have now sweetened terms to S$0.83/share. 
  • As to be expected, this is trading to terms. Volume remains light.

GLP J-Reit (3281 JP): Cheaper than Peers, Offering Could Be a Catalyst

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • On 15th May 2023, large-cap logistics JREIT GLP J-REIT (3281 JP) (“GLP”) announced a follow-on equity offering to fund part of their recently-announced property acquisition. 
  • The primary offer quantity is 209,991 units. In addition, there will also be an over-allotment quantity of 3,200 units. The total size of this offering could be roughly ¥30.6bn (~US$225mn). 
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the details of this offering and the potential of this offering to trigger strong secondary market performance in the following weeks.

MVIS Australia A-REITs Index Rebalance Preview: Capping Changes & Flows

By Brian Freitas

  • We do not expect any constituent changes in June (that could change though!). The only flows are likely to be from capping the constituents at 10% of the index weight.
  • Capping changes will lead to a one-way turnover of 2.15% resulting in a one-way trade of A$14m. There are two stocks with over A$5m to trade.
  • Stockland (SGP AU) will be the most affected stock with passive trackers needing to sell over 1 day of ADV. The stock has run up and shorts are increasing.

Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Crayfish/Triton’s purchase price is the highest and now officially preferred by Caverion Corp (CAV1V FH)‘s Board of directors. The offer period for both offers expires on 17 May.
  • Caverion’s board advisors believe the offer will be finalized between October and February. Shares trade above Bain’s alternative consideration (lower chance to succeed) and Triton has already secured 29.9%.
  • Spread to Triton’s offer is 4%/7.9% (gross, annualised assuming settlement by  30 November), however the free float has been massively reduced, hence the liquidity too.

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Since mid-April, spreads have generally widened across our liquid universe (12 have widened, 7 tightened). German spreads are tightening.
  • Recommended trades long ordinary / short preferred shares: Fuchs Petrolub, SSAB Svenska Stal, Roche.
  • Recommended trades long preferred / short ordinary shares: Carlsberg, Media-for-Europe, Sixt, VW, Grifols, Atlas Copco.

Iberdrola/PNM Resources: Long-Distance Race

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • The New Mexico Supreme Court denied a joint motion filed by PNM Resources (PNM US), Avangrid Inc (AGR US) and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission last February.
  • The New Mexico Court assess the operation in an oral hearing convened next September. The delay of the decision implies higher uncertainty about the closing of this deal.
  • I continue to believe that Iberdrola/Avangrid’s acquisition will be completed. PNM shares look fairly valued on an EV/Fwd EBITDA basis, therefore I see it as a reasonably balanced risk-reward proposition. Long.

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: TMC the metals co and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • TMC the Metals Company, Inc. – Deep-Sea Mining Is a Question of When, Not If

TMC the Metals Company, Inc. – Deep-Sea Mining Is a Question of When, Not If

By Water Tower Research

  • TMC reported 1Q23 results, which included break-even EPS versus ($0.09) in the year-ago period, and use of $23.5 million in cash, leaving the company with $28.4 million in cash on hand, which along with still undrawn unsecured debt of $25 million, will be sufficient to fund ongoing operating expenses and working capital needs for the next 12 months, according to management.
  • Resistance is futile. The ISA meetings concluded in March 2023 included the commitment by all members to complete the undersea mining code, which management believes will result in said code being finalized in 2H23 and certain media observers recognizing that the commercialization of the industry is a question of “when” and no longer “if”.
  • While TMC would prefer to wait for the final mining code issuance to submit its exploitation application, management reserves the right to submit such an application, in accordance with ISA charter, even if final regulations aren’t completed by the end of 2023.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Penguin International, JD Industrials, Caverion Corp, TAV Havalimanlari Holding AS, Volkswagen (Pref), Braille Energy Systems and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer
  • JD Industrials Pre-IPO: Pure Platform for Third Parties and Strong Support from Related Parties
  • Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close
  • TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt
  • Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report
  • BES: A Micro-Cap That Punches Above its Weight

Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 4 May, Singapore-based builder and operator of aluminum high-speed boats Penguin International (PBS SP) announced a Voluntary Unconditional Offer from its Chairman and Dymon Group at S$.82/share. 
  • The Offer Price was a lifetime high and likely sufficient to push for compulsory acquisition. However, the Offerors have now sweetened terms to S$0.83/share. 
  • As to be expected, this is trading to terms. Volume remains light.

JD Industrials Pre-IPO: Pure Platform for Third Parties and Strong Support from Related Parties

By Ming Lu

  • JD Industrials is a pure trading platform for third party wholesalers.
  • The company avoids the competition with its clients and the risk of overdue account receivable.
  • JD Industrials has brand support from JD.com and logistics support form JD Logistics.

Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Crayfish/Triton’s purchase price is the highest and now officially preferred by Caverion Corp (CAV1V FH)‘s Board of directors. The offer period for both offers expires on 17 May.
  • Caverion’s board advisors believe the offer will be finalized between October and February. Shares trade above Bain’s alternative consideration (lower chance to succeed) and Triton has already secured 29.9%.
  • Spread to Triton’s offer is 4%/7.9% (gross, annualised assuming settlement by  30 November), however the free float has been massively reduced, hence the liquidity too.

TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt

By Vijay Lohia, CFA

  • TAV Airports is the #1 airport terminal operator in Turkey with a 31% passenger market share and 28% market share in commercial flights.
  • TAV has one of the best growth profile among peer group with expected 3 yr revenue CAGR of 10%-14% and EBITDA CAGR of 12%-18%.
  • Potential upside of over 50% in one year and over 200% in 4-5 years.

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Since mid-April, spreads have generally widened across our liquid universe (12 have widened, 7 tightened). German spreads are tightening.
  • Recommended trades long ordinary / short preferred shares: Fuchs Petrolub, SSAB Svenska Stal, Roche.
  • Recommended trades long preferred / short ordinary shares: Carlsberg, Media-for-Europe, Sixt, VW, Grifols, Atlas Copco.

BES: A Micro-Cap That Punches Above its Weight

By Atrium Research

  • Braille Battery is a market leader in performance batteries for motorsports and racing vehicles.
  • Braille Battery has posted a 56% sales CAGR over the last four years and is soon to be profitable
  • BES will be launching a residential battery backup power system in the coming quarters with potential to gain major market share

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Daily Brief Health Care: S&P 500 INDEX, ImmuneOnco Biopharmaceuticals (Shanghai), Cipla Ltd, e-Therapeutics PLC, Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • SPX Forming Coiled Spring Between 4200 and 4050; 10Y/2Y Treasury Spread Suggests Recession Close
  • ImmuneOnco (宜明昂科) Pre-IPO: Clinical Numbers Are yet to Be Convincing
  • 2023 High Conviction Update: Cipla (CIPLA IN)- Strong US Business Drove Q4 Result Amid Uncertainty
  • e-therapeutics – Enhancing siRNA drug discovery with LLMs
  • Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical (600436.CH) – The Significance Behind Cannot Be Ignored

SPX Forming Coiled Spring Between 4200 and 4050; 10Y/2Y Treasury Spread Suggests Recession Close

By Joe Jasper

  • We continue believe that upside is limited with the S&P 500 testing the top-end of our anticipated 2023 trading range (4165-4200).
  • Our gameplan remains unchanged; reduce risk near resistance (where we are now) and add risk near support (the December 2022 lows at 3765 and/or the 2022 lows at 3490).
  • A break above 4200 on the SPX would likely mean a test of 4300-4325, which we would view as a selling opportunity. A break below 4050 would kickstart a pullback.

ImmuneOnco (宜明昂科) Pre-IPO: Clinical Numbers Are yet to Be Convincing

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • ImmuneOnco, a China-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, plans to raise up to US$ 100m via a Hong Kong listing.
  • In this note, we examine the company’s core product, namelyIMM01, a CD47 target fusion protein. We also look at the company’s management and pre-IPO investors.
  • We think its clinical data is not yet convincing and we are not so keen on the company.

2023 High Conviction Update: Cipla (CIPLA IN)- Strong US Business Drove Q4 Result Amid Uncertainty

By Tina Banerjee

  • IN Q4FY23, Cipla Ltd (CIPLA IN) reported highest ever US business revenue of $204M, up 27% YoY and 5% QoQ, driven by expansion in market share of key launches.
  • Lead peptide asset Lanreotide injection, launched in Q4FY22, is consistently gaining market share. The product currently has market share of 17%, up from 14.1% in Q3FY23 and 9.6% in Q2FY23.
  • Ex-COVID, India business revenue increased 16% YoY, driven by chronic branded prescription portfolio. FY23 marks the second consecutive year of market beating growth of Cipla’s chronic portfolio.

e-therapeutics – Enhancing siRNA drug discovery with LLMs

By Edison Investment Research

e-therapeutics is a biotech leveraging its validated computational biology platform to identify novel, liver-associated targets and expand its internal pipeline of short interfering RNA (siRNA or RNAi) therapeutics. In addition to the advantages of focusing on a single cell type (hepatocytes), the company’s recent strategic commitment to large language model (LLM) technologies has the potential to provide accelerated access to effective new drugs. RNAi medicines are a rapidly evolving drug class, with five drugs currently that use this technology. We view RNAi as a key growth market for e therapeutics. At end-January 2023, the company had a net cash position of £31.7m, supported by a capital raise of £13.4m (net proceeds) in September 2022.


Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical (600436.CH) – The Significance Behind Cannot Be Ignored

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Different from other TCM companies, Pientzehuang is based on the investment logic of consumer goods, which breaks away from the price constraints of drug market. Meanwhile,  Pientzehuang has formed a “monopoly”.
  • As a well-known trademark/time-honored brand in China, and representing the quintessence of Chinese culture, Pientzehuang would be supported by national policies,and is consistent with China’s efforts to expand domestic demand/consumption.
  • Although Pientzehuang’s performance was disappointing last year, its strategic height and significance are obviously different from other TCM. We think that this is crucial to the investment value of Pientzehuang.

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Daily Brief Financials: CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, GLP J-REIT, Edelweiss Financial Services, Stockland, Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust, Futu Holdings Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Capitaland Ascendas REIT Placement – Good Track Record and Most Deals Have Performed Well
  • GLP J-Reit (3281 JP): Cheaper than Peers, Offering Could Be a Catalyst
  • Edelweiss: Recent Volatility In The Stock Seems Unwarranted
  • MVIS Australia A-REITs Index Rebalance Preview: Capping Changes & Flows
  • Pavilion REIT Placement – Very Well Flagged, Has Been Expected for Some Time
  • [Futu Holdings (FUTU US) Earnings Preview]: Steady Operation Albeit Regulation Concern Overhang

Capitaland Ascendas REIT Placement – Good Track Record and Most Deals Have Performed Well

By Ethan Aw

  • CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR SP) is looking to raise up to S$459m (US$344m) in its primary placement. The proceeds will be used for acquisition, redevelopment and debt repayment purposes. 
  • The deal will be a large one to digest at 15.8 days of three month ADV and 3.9% dilution.  
  • In this note, we’ll run the deal through our ECM framework and comment on deal dynamics.

GLP J-Reit (3281 JP): Cheaper than Peers, Offering Could Be a Catalyst

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • On 15th May 2023, large-cap logistics JREIT GLP J-REIT (3281 JP) (“GLP”) announced a follow-on equity offering to fund part of their recently-announced property acquisition. 
  • The primary offer quantity is 209,991 units. In addition, there will also be an over-allotment quantity of 3,200 units. The total size of this offering could be roughly ¥30.6bn (~US$225mn). 
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the details of this offering and the potential of this offering to trigger strong secondary market performance in the following weeks.

Edelweiss: Recent Volatility In The Stock Seems Unwarranted

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Edelweiss’ stock was down over -5% yesterday. The reason for downfall seems to be a media article which states that three large brokers are being investigated for money laundering activities.
  • We think Edelweiss is not one of them as the article mentions that these brokers are being investigated since their involvement in the NSEL scam, where Edelweiss had no involvement.
  • In fact, Edelweiss was among the few brokers that had come out unscathed in the NSEL scam, as it detected early on that there was some wrongdoing happening at NSEL.

MVIS Australia A-REITs Index Rebalance Preview: Capping Changes & Flows

By Brian Freitas

  • We do not expect any constituent changes in June (that could change though!). The only flows are likely to be from capping the constituents at 10% of the index weight.
  • Capping changes will lead to a one-way turnover of 2.15% resulting in a one-way trade of A$14m. There are two stocks with over A$5m to trade.
  • Stockland (SGP AU) will be the most affected stock with passive trackers needing to sell over 1 day of ADV. The stock has run up and shorts are increasing.

Pavilion REIT Placement – Very Well Flagged, Has Been Expected for Some Time

By Ethan Aw

  • Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT MK) is looking to raise up to MYR$517m (US$115m) in its primary placement. 
  • The proceeds will be used to partially finance its acquisition of Pavilion Bukit Jalil (PBJ) mall.
  • In this note, we’ll run the deal through our ECM framework and comment on deal dynamics.

[Futu Holdings (FUTU US) Earnings Preview]: Steady Operation Albeit Regulation Concern Overhang

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect Futu to report 1Q23 revenue in-line with consensus, while net income beat consensus by 4.2%, mainly due to less operating expenses.  
  • The next catalysts in 2023 could be 1) gradual market share gain in HK region, 2) potential new markets in Japan and Southeast Asia. 
  • We maintain BUY rating on FUTU and maintain TP at US$51.  

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Daily Brief Utilities: PNM Resources and more

By | Daily Briefs, Utilities Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Iberdrola/PNM Resources: Long-Distance Race

Iberdrola/PNM Resources: Long-Distance Race

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • The New Mexico Supreme Court denied a joint motion filed by PNM Resources (PNM US), Avangrid Inc (AGR US) and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission last February.
  • The New Mexico Court assess the operation in an oral hearing convened next September. The delay of the decision implies higher uncertainty about the closing of this deal.
  • I continue to believe that Iberdrola/Avangrid’s acquisition will be completed. PNM shares look fairly valued on an EV/Fwd EBITDA basis, therefore I see it as a reasonably balanced risk-reward proposition. Long.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Penguin International, JD Industrials, Caverion Corp, TAV Havalimanlari Holding AS, Volkswagen (Pref), Braille Energy Systems and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer
  • JD Industrials Pre-IPO: Pure Platform for Third Parties and Strong Support from Related Parties
  • Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close
  • TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt
  • Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report
  • BES: A Micro-Cap That Punches Above its Weight

Penguin Int’l (PBS SP): Chairman & Dymon’s Bumped & Final Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 4 May, Singapore-based builder and operator of aluminum high-speed boats Penguin International (PBS SP) announced a Voluntary Unconditional Offer from its Chairman and Dymon Group at S$.82/share. 
  • The Offer Price was a lifetime high and likely sufficient to push for compulsory acquisition. However, the Offerors have now sweetened terms to S$0.83/share. 
  • As to be expected, this is trading to terms. Volume remains light.

JD Industrials Pre-IPO: Pure Platform for Third Parties and Strong Support from Related Parties

By Ming Lu

  • JD Industrials is a pure trading platform for third party wholesalers.
  • The company avoids the competition with its clients and the risk of overdue account receivable.
  • JD Industrials has brand support from JD.com and logistics support form JD Logistics.

Triton/Caverion: Drawing to a Close

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Crayfish/Triton’s purchase price is the highest and now officially preferred by Caverion Corp (CAV1V FH)‘s Board of directors. The offer period for both offers expires on 17 May.
  • Caverion’s board advisors believe the offer will be finalized between October and February. Shares trade above Bain’s alternative consideration (lower chance to succeed) and Triton has already secured 29.9%.
  • Spread to Triton’s offer is 4%/7.9% (gross, annualised assuming settlement by  30 November), however the free float has been massively reduced, hence the liquidity too.

TAV Airports (TAVHL TI): Mkt Leader, Best Growth Profile, Currency Hedged, Strong Mgmt

By Vijay Lohia, CFA

  • TAV Airports is the #1 airport terminal operator in Turkey with a 31% passenger market share and 28% market share in commercial flights.
  • TAV has one of the best growth profile among peer group with expected 3 yr revenue CAGR of 10%-14% and EBITDA CAGR of 12%-18%.
  • Potential upside of over 50% in one year and over 200% in 4-5 years.

Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: May‘23 Report

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Since mid-April, spreads have generally widened across our liquid universe (12 have widened, 7 tightened). German spreads are tightening.
  • Recommended trades long ordinary / short preferred shares: Fuchs Petrolub, SSAB Svenska Stal, Roche.
  • Recommended trades long preferred / short ordinary shares: Carlsberg, Media-for-Europe, Sixt, VW, Grifols, Atlas Copco.

BES: A Micro-Cap That Punches Above its Weight

By Atrium Research

  • Braille Battery is a market leader in performance batteries for motorsports and racing vehicles.
  • Braille Battery has posted a 56% sales CAGR over the last four years and is soon to be profitable
  • BES will be launching a residential battery backup power system in the coming quarters with potential to gain major market share

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Alibaba (ADR), AEM, Tencent, Centralnic, Cisco Systems, Hua Hong Semiconductor and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba (BABA US): Buy Ahead of March Quarter Results This Thursday
  • AEM Holding: Weak 1Q23 Not a Surprise, Hoping for Better FY24
  • Tencent Holdings Ltd (700 HK) – Critical Weekly Close Awaits – 302/330 Buy Zone Achieved in May
  • CentralNic Group – Cash allocated to deliver on objectives
  • Cisco: Quarterly Earnings, Guidance And What To Look For
  • [Hua Hong (1347 HK) Earnings Review]: Capacity Ramp and High LIBOR Impact Profitability
  • Tencent Announced Game Pipeline in Annual Conference “Spark 2023”, and Our Estimations

Alibaba (BABA US): Buy Ahead of March Quarter Results This Thursday

By Eric Chen

  • We believe BABA’s upcoming 4QFY23 results will surprise the market to the upside by a wide margin in terms of recovery in bottomline, catalyzing trading opportunity for short-term investors.
  • We also expect that the results will usher in a period of sustained re-rating for the stock due to China’s continued yet slow consumption recovery and Alibaba’s well-executed restructuring plan.
  • Geo-Political risks will not go away, but have been very much reflected in current pricing in our view. Buy ahead of results on Thursday.

AEM Holding: Weak 1Q23 Not a Surprise, Hoping for Better FY24

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • AEM reported weak 1Q23 showing significant revenue and margin pressure across the board
  • The company mentioned it was an indirect beneficiary of AI and ChatGPT hype going forward
  • AEM could achieve 0.40 EPS in FY24 once the semiconductor industry rebounds. Fair Value of 6 SGD is unchanged.

Tencent Holdings Ltd (700 HK) – Critical Weekly Close Awaits – 302/330 Buy Zone Achieved in May

By David Coloretti, CMT

  • At TMA we deliver high probability outcomes by focusing on our 3 pillars of technical analysis. •1) Response to key levels. •2) Price action. •3) Momentum confirmation.
  • Our multi-quarter outlook for Tencent Holdings Ltd (700 HK) remains extremely bullish with a multi-quarter target towards 451.95. In April we identified the 302/330 range as a potential buy zone.
  • The recent low of 323.20 has preceded an impulsive bullish daily confirmation. This week we await a bullish weekly close (above 343.99) to confirm a renewed MT uptrend bias.

CentralNic Group – Cash allocated to deliver on objectives

By Edison Investment Research

CentralNic’s Q123 results showed robust revenue and profit growth, as well as a further deleveraging of its balance sheet. Its product comparison business VGL’s entry into France provides a strong organic growth opportunity, with potential to expand into other regions. The group continues to showcase its commitment to shareholder returns with its latest share buyback programme.


Cisco: Quarterly Earnings, Guidance And What To Look For

By Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

  • Cisco is about to report its Q3 2023 results, but the market does not seem to fully appreciate the business momentum.
  • Decisions regarding capital allocation could give us some valuable clues on where is the business headed, says CNN’s John Sutter.
  • The company is expected to report Q32023 results on Thursday.

[Hua Hong (1347 HK) Earnings Review]: Capacity Ramp and High LIBOR Impact Profitability

By Shawn Yang

  • Hua Hong reported C1Q23 top-line, IFRS EBIT, and non-IFRS net income in-line, (15.3%), and 13.3% vs. our est., and in-line, (3.4%), and 34.9% vs. cons., respectively. 
  • Hua Hong reported 1Q23 utilization rate of 103%, higher than peers, which we believe is due to (1) large EV and new energy exposure, and (2) 8” price cuts. 
  • Despite near-term margin deterioration, we maintain Hua Hong’s BUY and HK$ 35 TP due to auto IC exposure and localization, implying 11x FY24 PE.

Tencent Announced Game Pipeline in Annual Conference “Spark 2023”, and Our Estimations

By Shawn Yang

  • On May 15th, Tencent holds its annual game conference “Spark 2023” and releases its latest game pipeline, including updates of 15 launched games and 20 new games.
  • Considering Tencent’s large size, only a game that has the potential to exceed RMB 10 bn in annual gross billing could be considered as a positive sign.
  • Yet, we don’t find any game title that could reach over RMB 10bn annualized gross billing in the game pipeline.

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Daily Brief Consumer: Rakuten, Clio Cosmetics, Aeon Co Ltd, XWELL and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) – A Big Deal With Very Interesting Characteristics – Index Matters
  • Rakuten US$2.4bn Placement – Larger than Rumored, Some Indications of Finality
  • Rakuten (4755 JP) Offering: Could Drop Some More Before Passive Buying Kicks In
  • Rakuten: ¥333bn Offering Confirmed, Cheap Valuation and Mobile Turnaround on the Horizon
  • Focus on 5 Korean Small Cap, Cosmetics Stocks With Significant Growth in Operating Profit in 1Q 2023
  • Aeon to Launch Ground-Breaking Online Food Business
  • XWELL, INC – Reports 1Q23 Results; Early Steps on the Way Back to Profitability

Rakuten (4755 JP) – A Big Deal With Very Interesting Characteristics – Index Matters

By Travis Lundy

  • Yesterday (15 May 2023) just before EOD, an article ran suggesting a ¥300bn capital raise by Rakuten (4755 JP). The stock fell 10% in 10mins. Rakuten hemmed/hawed but didn’t deny.
  • One day later, we have a deal. It is up to 546mm shares including greenshoe, which at the close was ¥333bn. 468mm shares to the public, 79mm to 3rd parties.
  • This increases Real World Float by 95%. In that respect this is vaguely IPO-ish. Investors have to re-underwrite. Then Passive re-shrinks the float. Details matter.

Rakuten US$2.4bn Placement – Larger than Rumored, Some Indications of Finality

By Sumeet Singh

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) aims to raise up to US$2.4bn (JPY323bn) via a global offering.
  • The deal was undoubtedly accelerated by Reuters breaking the news of a possible equity raising on 15th May 2023.
  • We have covered most aspects of the deal in our previous note, in this note we talk about the deal dynamics and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Rakuten (4755 JP) Offering: Could Drop Some More Before Passive Buying Kicks In

By Brian Freitas

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) is looking to raise around US$2.4bn by selling shares via a Japanese Public Offering and an International Offering as well as through a third-party allotment.
  • The stock has already dropped 13.7% in the last couple of days on large volumes as the rumours of the offering started to swirl.
  • The offering prices late next week and passive trackers will be buying stock once the stock settles and this will provide support in the near-term.

Rakuten: ¥333bn Offering Confirmed, Cheap Valuation and Mobile Turnaround on the Horizon

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • Rakuten (4755 JP) announced a public offering of 468.1m new shares and third-party allotment of 78.8m shares to secure ¥333bn.
  • Enhanced network coverage via KDDI network sharing to attract new users and overcome previous barriers for Rakuten Mobile.
  • Mobile breakeven could drive Rakuten’s operating profit to ¥150-200bn, potentially boosting the share price to around ¥2,000.

Focus on 5 Korean Small Cap, Cosmetics Stocks With Significant Growth in Operating Profit in 1Q 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss 10 small cap cosmetic stocks in Korea, which are up on average 26.6% YTD, outperforming KOSPI which is up 10.9% YTD. 
  • The drivers of their strong share price performances include reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic and ending of nearly all pandemic related restrictions (including wearing of face masks).
  • Among the 10 companies, we would focus on the top five small cap cosmetics stocks with the highest growth in operating profit in 1Q 2023 including Cosmecca Korea and Clio.

Aeon to Launch Ground-Breaking Online Food Business

By Michael Causton

  • It has taken three years to build and set up but Aeon will finally open its first automated warehouse for online food sales in Chiba this summer. 
  • The warehouse will run on technology from Ocado and act as the backend for a completely new online supermarket called Green Beans.
  • A second warehouse is due to come online in 2026, expanding sales to all of Tokyo and into Kanagawa. This is the most advanced food e-commerce operation in Japan.

XWELL, INC – Reports 1Q23 Results; Early Steps on the Way Back to Profitability

By Water Tower Research

  • XWELL reported 1Q23 revenue of $7.1 million, compared with $7.6 million in 4Q22, which is a reasonable performance given that the first quarter tends to be seasonally slow.
  • The spa business contributed $4.7 million, helped by growth in international spas.
  • The XpresTest segment, which included the CDC program and the one remaining XpresCheck location, contributed $1.8 million, while HyperPointe contributed $0.6 million.

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