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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Japan: Citizen Watch, Open House, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways
  • Open House (3288-JP): Part 1
  • Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical (4530 JP): FY23 Result Ahead of Expectations; FY24 Guidance Initiated

Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways

By Travis Lundy

  • In mid-February 2023, Citizen Watch (7762 JP) announced another buyback. It had averaged nearly two small buybacks a year for the past four years for a total of ¥10bn.
  • This new one was ¥40bn, which assuming a 20% share price jump was 12% of ADV for a year. Bigly! We got the 20% jump, then not much more.
  • But Citizen has been buying fiercely. In the first 25 days of trading they averaged 25.8% of volume and bought back 11.5% of shares out. There’s a story here. 

Open House (3288-JP): Part 1

By Guasty Winds

  • Open House (3288-JP) is a niche homebuilder in Japan that has a special expertise in building/selling cheap detached homes in urban cities.
  • It participates in many segments of the residential property market, though earns the lions share (~60-65%) of its profits from the single-family homes business.
  • Despite its relatively modest profile in the investment community, the company has a ~US$4bn capitalization. It trades at ~1.3x 2023e P/B and ~6.8x P/E.

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical (4530 JP): FY23 Result Ahead of Expectations; FY24 Guidance Initiated

By Tina Banerjee

  • Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co (4530 JP) reported better-than-expected FY23 results, as OTC business revenue from the overseas market, specially Salonpas increased more than expected. OTC business contributed 54% of total revenue.
  • The company guided for FY24 revenue of ¥132B (+3% YoY), operating profit of ¥11.8B (+2% YoY), and net profit of ¥10.6B (-10% YoY). Dividend for FY24 is expected at ¥85/share.
  • With the resumption of outdoor events globally, Hisamitsu’s OTC business will be the main growth engine, going ahead. The company is on track to achieve 7th mid-term management plan target.  

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Daily Brief Industrials: iMotion Automotive Technology, Dover Corp, JD Logistics, Norcros PLC, Old Dominion Freight Line and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • IMotion Automotive Technology Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Dover Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Developments
  • [JD Logistics, Inc. (2618 HK) Earnings Preview]: JDL Absent from JD and Douyin Strategies
  • Norcros – In-line update highlights undervalued entity
  • Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

IMotion Automotive Technology Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Ethan Aw

  • IMotion Automotive Technology (1812706D CH) is looking to raise about US$300m in its upcoming HK IPO. The deal will be run by Citibank, Huatai and CCB International.
  • The company possesses advanced full-stack R&D capabilities including self-developed algorithms and hardware-software co-design capabilities. It provides two AD domain controller product lines, and the self-designed iDC series. 
  • Its solutions and products cover a wide price range of vehicles and all types of driving scenarios, including highways, ring roads, complex urban roads, country roads, and parking areas.

Dover Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Developments

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Dover Corporation, a multifaceted international manufacturer offering cutting-edge machinery and parts, consumables, aftermarket components, software and digital solutions, and support services.
  • The company’s last result was an all-around beat resulting from a good execution by the management and better price dynamics.
  • Demand for services, consumables, and pricing decisions helped the quarter be profitable.

[JD Logistics, Inc. (2618 HK) Earnings Preview]: JDL Absent from JD and Douyin Strategies

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect JDL to report C1Q23 net revenue in-line with cons., and non-IFRS net margin lower than cons. by (0.5ppts). 
  • Our FY23 revenue and net-profit forecasts are (5%) and (6%) below consensus, respectively. JDL’s key customers JD and Douyin are pushing new services that favor shipment via logistics competitors; 
  • JDL’s key customers JD and Douyin are pushing new services that favor shipment via logistics competitors; We maintain JDL’s SELL rating and cut its TP to HK$ 9.2.

Norcros – In-line update highlights undervalued entity

By Edison Investment Research

Norcros’s FY23 trading update highlighted a solid performance, particularly in the UK in H2, as well as the closure of the loss-making Norcros Adhesives division. We believe that Norcros’s proven strategy remains on track, which should allow it to unlock significant market share gain and M&A opportunities given its robust balance sheet. We also believe that its key strengths are undervalued and that most, if not all, of the legacy issues, particularly relating to the pension, have been resolved. We maintain our estimates and our 252p/share valuation implying c 40% upside.


Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on a major LTL shipping company, Old Dominion Freight Line.
  • As a result, the company delivered double-digit growth in earnings per diluted share in the fourth quarter.
  • Besides that, the productive labor expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 170 basis points within their direct operating costs, while their purchase transportation costs decreased by 200 basis points.

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Daily Brief Consumer: Lvmh Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Garrett Motion and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • LVMH: +10% Since Initial Note. Shares Rallied to a Fresh Record After Q1 2023 Results
  • GTX: Forced Conversion Deal Accretive

LVMH: +10% Since Initial Note. Shares Rallied to a Fresh Record After Q1 2023 Results

By Alexis Dwek

  • Q1 better-than-expected sales led by Fashion & Leather Goods; positive surprise in the Selective Retailing division
  • Beat on the back of China’s economic recovery and the resilience of the rest of the world, particularly Europe
  • EPS estimates lifted by 4% and 5%. Momentum is strong.

GTX: Forced Conversion Deal Accretive

By Hamed Khorsand

  • GTX has entered into an agreement with its two largest shareholders to force the conversion of its Series A Preferred stock into common stock
  • The agreement with Centerbridge Partners and Oaktree Capital Management calls for GTX to repurchase shares $570 million of Series A Preferred stock and pay dividends owed
  • GTX had already claimed it would have reached the adjusted EBITDA requirement for the forced conversion. The transaction is accretive to GTX’s earnings.

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Daily Brief Industrials: iMotion Automotive Technology, Dover Corp, JD Logistics, Norcros PLC, Old Dominion Freight Line and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • IMotion Automotive Technology Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Dover Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Developments
  • [JD Logistics, Inc. (2618 HK) Earnings Preview]: JDL Absent from JD and Douyin Strategies
  • Norcros – In-line update highlights undervalued entity
  • Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

IMotion Automotive Technology Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Ethan Aw

  • IMotion Automotive Technology (1812706D CH) is looking to raise about US$300m in its upcoming HK IPO. The deal will be run by Citibank, Huatai and CCB International.
  • The company possesses advanced full-stack R&D capabilities including self-developed algorithms and hardware-software co-design capabilities. It provides two AD domain controller product lines, and the self-designed iDC series. 
  • Its solutions and products cover a wide price range of vehicles and all types of driving scenarios, including highways, ring roads, complex urban roads, country roads, and parking areas.

Dover Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Developments

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Dover Corporation, a multifaceted international manufacturer offering cutting-edge machinery and parts, consumables, aftermarket components, software and digital solutions, and support services.
  • The company’s last result was an all-around beat resulting from a good execution by the management and better price dynamics.
  • Demand for services, consumables, and pricing decisions helped the quarter be profitable.

[JD Logistics, Inc. (2618 HK) Earnings Preview]: JDL Absent from JD and Douyin Strategies

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect JDL to report C1Q23 net revenue in-line with cons., and non-IFRS net margin lower than cons. by (0.5ppts). 
  • Our FY23 revenue and net-profit forecasts are (5%) and (6%) below consensus, respectively. JDL’s key customers JD and Douyin are pushing new services that favor shipment via logistics competitors; 
  • JDL’s key customers JD and Douyin are pushing new services that favor shipment via logistics competitors; We maintain JDL’s SELL rating and cut its TP to HK$ 9.2.

Norcros – In-line update highlights undervalued entity

By Edison Investment Research

Norcros’s FY23 trading update highlighted a solid performance, particularly in the UK in H2, as well as the closure of the loss-making Norcros Adhesives division. We believe that Norcros’s proven strategy remains on track, which should allow it to unlock significant market share gain and M&A opportunities given its robust balance sheet. We also believe that its key strengths are undervalued and that most, if not all, of the legacy issues, particularly relating to the pension, have been resolved. We maintain our estimates and our 252p/share valuation implying c 40% upside.


Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on a major LTL shipping company, Old Dominion Freight Line.
  • As a result, the company delivered double-digit growth in earnings per diluted share in the fourth quarter.
  • Besides that, the productive labor expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 170 basis points within their direct operating costs, while their purchase transportation costs decreased by 200 basis points.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Citizen Watch, WCP, Ecopro BM Co Ltd, Longcheer Technology Shanghai, Baidu, Amazon.com Inc, International Business Machines and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways
  • A High Conviction Long Short Trade in KODEX Battery ETF Rebalancing in June
  • Ecopro BM: Considering on a CB Issuance of 500 Billion Won
  • Shanghai Longcheer: Leading ODM Vendor Leveraging Its Expertise for AR/VR
  • [Baidu (BIDU US) Target Price Change]: Better Recovery with Leading Position in AIGC
  • Amazon: Having A Long-Term View Doesn’t Mean You Should Disregard Immediate Risks
  • IBM: Don’t Be Fooled By Recent Share Price Performance

Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways

By Travis Lundy

  • In mid-February 2023, Citizen Watch (7762 JP) announced another buyback. It had averaged nearly two small buybacks a year for the past four years for a total of ¥10bn.
  • This new one was ¥40bn, which assuming a 20% share price jump was 12% of ADV for a year. Bigly! We got the 20% jump, then not much more.
  • But Citizen has been buying fiercely. In the first 25 days of trading they averaged 25.8% of volume and bought back 11.5% of shares out. There’s a story here. 

A High Conviction Long Short Trade in KODEX Battery ETF Rebalancing in June

By Sanghyun Park

  • WCP will likely be included in the rebalancing of Samsung KODEX Secondary Battery Industry ETF in June. And we should consider the possibility of this happening to be quite high.
  • We can expect a daily passive inflow of around 0.3x compared to WCP’s typical DTV. The practical correlation with the price should be higher than the theoretical level.
  • We should consider using SKIET, which engages in the same business in the same sector, as a hedge. WCP/SKIET Long Short achieved considerable performance within the past week’s window.

Ecopro BM: Considering on a CB Issuance of 500 Billion Won

By Douglas Kim

  • According to Hankyung Business Daily, Ecopro BM Co Ltd (247540 KS) is considering on issuing a CB worth 500 billion won to various private equity and asset managment companies.
  • We would be negative on the potential CB issuance of nearly 500 billion won by Ecopro BM.
  • The potential issuance of this CB is a signal from the management that it is trying to capitalize on the recent sharp increases in share price to raise more capital.

Shanghai Longcheer: Leading ODM Vendor Leveraging Its Expertise for AR/VR

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Shanghai Longcheer Technology is a Chinese company that specializes in providing smart products and services including smart phone ODMs, tablets, VR/AR headbands, smart wearables and smart home products.
  • Founded in 2022, the company is one of top three global integrated service providers of smartphone ODMs.
  • Longcheer’s previous attempt to go public in 2018 was rejected, however, it has revived its IPO plans and in 2023, expressed its interest in seeking a public listing.  

[Baidu (BIDU US) Target Price Change]: Better Recovery with Leading Position in AIGC

By Shawn Yang

  • We estimate that Baidu’s 1Q23/2023 bottom line would beat cons. by 13.2%/6.5%, mostly driven by better-than-expected recovery of ads business and cost-saving measures. 
  • We remain optimistic about Baidu’s AIGC leading position, because Baidu still gains the edge for its first-mover advantage and continuous investment. 
  • Maintain BUY rating and raise TP to US$175, implying 17.9X PE in 2023

Amazon: Having A Long-Term View Doesn’t Mean You Should Disregard Immediate Risks

By Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

  • After losing nearly a third of its value, Amazon looks more attractive than a year ago.
  • Investors should be mindful of recency bias when evaluating Amazon’s share price attractiveness.
  • The unique business model also poses some risks that should be considered regardless of one’s investment horizon.

IBM: Don’t Be Fooled By Recent Share Price Performance

By Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

  • IBM has delivered a positive return of nearly 20% over the past two years, but that has little to do with actual business performance.
  • In addition to sluggish growth, IBM’s declining profitability remains a problem.Issues related to the company’s high debt load, low dividend coverage and an addiction to acquisitions have not gone away.
  • Being an IBM (NYSE:IBM) shareholder hasn’t been easy over the years as the market continues to make new highs, while IBM still trades at levels from 2010.


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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Genesis Minerals, Equinor ASA, Vedanta Resources and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Genesis Minerals (GMD AU): Alternate Transaction and Placement to Buy St Barbara’s Key Assets
  • Equinor ADR: Initiation of Coverage – Recent Acquisitions & Other Drivers
  • Weekly Wrap – 14 Apr 2023

Genesis Minerals (GMD AU): Alternate Transaction and Placement to Buy St Barbara’s Key Assets

By Arun George

  • Genesis Minerals (GMD AU) and St Barbara Ltd (SBM AU) have dropped their merger plans. Instead, GMD will acquire SBM’s Leonora gold assets for a total consideration of A$600 million.
  • The transaction is favourable for GMD shareholders. GMD is getting the assets at an attractive price. GMD will fund the acquisition through a A$450 million placement at A$1.15 per share.
  • The transaction provides a way out for long-suffering SBM shareholders as they retain exposure to gold assets and have option value on the sale of SBM’s remaining assets.

Equinor ADR: Initiation of Coverage – Recent Acquisitions & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on an international energy major, Equinor.
  • The company delivered a mixed operational performance for the fourth quarter with below-par revenues but managed an earnings beat.
  • Equinor improved security for its assets and cyberspace by enforcing tougher security rules, providing more training, and collaborating more closely with law enforcement.

Weekly Wrap – 14 Apr 2023

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Weekly Wraps provide an overview of all Morning Views comments and reports published by our analyst team in the past week, and also showcase a list of the most-read reports.

In this Insight:

  1. Softbank Group
  2. Central China Real Estate
  3. Sino-Ocean Group
  4. Seazen (Formerly Future Land)
  5. Vedanta Resources

and more…


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Daily Brief Financials: Open House, Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Prudential Financial, EML Payments Limited, EURO/US DOLLAR, Schwab (Charles) and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Open House (3288-JP): Part 1
  • Lloyds Banking Group PLC ADR: Initiation of Coverage – Recent Challenges
  • Prudential PLC: Initiation of Coverage – Expansion In Emerging Markets & Other Drivers
  • EML Payments – Considering its options
  • EURO-USD Cross Rate
  • Charles Schwab Q1 Earnings Preview: Volatility En Route

Open House (3288-JP): Part 1

By Guasty Winds

  • Open House (3288-JP) is a niche homebuilder in Japan that has a special expertise in building/selling cheap detached homes in urban cities.
  • It participates in many segments of the residential property market, though earns the lions share (~60-65%) of its profits from the single-family homes business.
  • Despite its relatively modest profile in the investment community, the company has a ~US$4bn capitalization. It trades at ~1.3x 2023e P/B and ~6.8x P/E.

Lloyds Banking Group PLC ADR: Initiation of Coverage – Recent Challenges

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Lloyds Banking Group PLC ADR, one of the largest UK-based retail and commercial banking service providers.
  • During the year, commercial banking balances have increased, driven by attractive corporate, institutional, and FX growth possibilities.
  • We initiate coverage on the stock of Lloyds Banking Group PLC ADR with a ‘Hold’ rating.

Prudential PLC: Initiation of Coverage – Expansion In Emerging Markets & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Prudential, a major provider of life and health insurance.
  • Prudential had a very strong quarter with 19% sales growth.
  • Despite slower revenue recognition in the life insurance market, the company has been witnessing strong cash flows and returned over $800 million to shareholders in the latest quarter.

EML Payments – Considering its options

By Edison Investment Research

EML Payments’ H123 results reflected the changing mix of revenue (lower establishment fees and breakage, higher interest income), the effect of the ongoing remediation of regulatory issues in the European and UK PFS businesses and the restructuring of the group. With the Irish regulator raising additional concerns post results and applying a more stringent growth cap to EML’s Irish subsidiary, PFS Card Services Ireland Limited (PCSIL), the board has initiated a strategic review of the business.


EURO-USD Cross Rate

By Untying The Gordian Knot

  • While the market has aggressively moved the US rates and the rate expectations lower, the European rates are pricing in higher for longer, with a rate hike possibility still on the cards.
  • In the current market environment, the Dollar crosses are driven by rate differential and sentiment rather than growth differential and geopolitical risk of the Ukraine war.
  • The Cross rate and the 13-day RSI are overlaid with two standard deviations Bollinger Bands to plot the mean reversion boundaries.

Charles Schwab Q1 Earnings Preview: Volatility En Route

By Pearl Gray Equity and Research

  • Charles Schwab is due to release its first-quarter 2023 earnings report on Monday.
  • The firm’s sell-side trading activities remain in decline.
  • The company’s elevated price-to-book multiple is a severe concern as slowing growth, a goodwill build-up, and recent impairment losses provide structural problems.

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Daily Brief Health Care: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical (4530 JP): FY23 Result Ahead of Expectations; FY24 Guidance Initiated
  • West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical (4530 JP): FY23 Result Ahead of Expectations; FY24 Guidance Initiated

By Tina Banerjee

  • Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co (4530 JP) reported better-than-expected FY23 results, as OTC business revenue from the overseas market, specially Salonpas increased more than expected. OTC business contributed 54% of total revenue.
  • The company guided for FY24 revenue of ¥132B (+3% YoY), operating profit of ¥11.8B (+2% YoY), and net profit of ¥10.6B (-10% YoY). Dividend for FY24 is expected at ¥85/share.
  • With the resumption of outdoor events globally, Hisamitsu’s OTC business will be the main growth engine, going ahead. The company is on track to achieve 7th mid-term management plan target.  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on West Pharmaceutical Services, a major manufacturer of injectable medication delivery and packaging systems.
  • West Pharmaceutical reported an all-around beat in its last result and generated about 8% growth in organic sales overall.
  • With COVID-19 excluded, West anticipates that its base organic sales growth was in the low double digits, with proprietary product growth in the mid-teens.

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Daily Brief Quantitative Analysis: Hong Kong Buybacks Weekly (Apr 14th): Tencent and more

By | Daily Briefs, Quantitative Analysis

In today’s briefing:

  • Hong Kong Buybacks Weekly (Apr 14th): Tencent, Aia, Zhongsheng

Hong Kong Buybacks Weekly (Apr 14th): Tencent, Aia, Zhongsheng

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyze statistics on top repurchases over one week, one month, one quarter and one year periods ended on Apr 14th based on HKEx daily reports.
  • In the past 7 days, the top 3 companies that repurchased the most shares from the market were Tencent (700 HK), Aia (1299 HK), Zhongsheng (881 HK).
  • In the past 30 days, the top 3 companies that repurchased the most shares from the market were Tencent (700 HK), Aia (1299 HK), Cspc Pharmaceutical (1093 HK).

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Most Read: Tencent, Bellevue Gold, Global Unichip, Sun Kwang, Citizen Watch, WCP, Jardine Matheson Holdings, Rakuten Bank, Ecopro BM Co Ltd, Pharmaessentia Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Tencent (700 HK) – This Is Not the Selldown You Are Looking For
  • S&P/ASX Adhoc Index Rebalance: SVW in ASX100, BGL in ASX200
  • MSCI Taiwan May QCIR: Potential Inclusions to Drive Deletions
  • KOSDAQ150 Ad Hoc Index Rebalance: Sun Kwang (003100) To Replace SK Oceanplant (100090)
  • Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways
  • A High Conviction Long Short Trade in KODEX Battery ETF Rebalancing in June
  • Jardine Strategic’s Dissentient Shareholders: The Sensible And Workable Approach
  • Rakuten Bank (5838 JP) – A Keenly Priced Quality Addition to the Global Neobanks Universe
  • Ecopro BM: Considering on a CB Issuance of 500 Billion Won
  • PharmaEssentia GDS Issuance – Strong Revenue Growth and Narrowing Losses

Tencent (700 HK) – This Is Not the Selldown You Are Looking For

By Travis Lundy

  • On April 11, Prosus (PRX NA) made an Update on Repurchase Programme that it had repurchased shares in the market from the 3-7 April. They do so every week.
  • This one said they would move 96 million shares of Tencent (700 HK) currently held in non-transferrable shares into CCASS so they could be sold. 
  • The ADRs dropped in New York time. Tencent shares fell hard today. If the share price fell because of a block offering, that would be unwarranted. 

S&P/ASX Adhoc Index Rebalance: SVW in ASX100, BGL in ASX200

By Brian Freitas


MSCI Taiwan May QCIR: Potential Inclusions to Drive Deletions

By Brian Freitas


KOSDAQ150 Ad Hoc Index Rebalance: Sun Kwang (003100) To Replace SK Oceanplant (100090)

By Brian Freitas

  • Following SK Oceanplant (100090 KS) moving from the KOSDAQ to KOSPI Market, the stock will be deleted from the KOSDAQ 150 Index and replaced with Sun Kwang (003100 KS).
  • The change will be implemented at the close on 18 April and passive trackers will need to trade over 1x ADV on both stocks.
  • Sun Kwang (003100 KS) was a high probability index inclusion in June, so this brings forward the inclusion by a couple of months.

Citizen Watch (7762) : Super-Aggressive Buyback Likely Ending Soon – Beware of Risks Both Ways

By Travis Lundy

  • In mid-February 2023, Citizen Watch (7762 JP) announced another buyback. It had averaged nearly two small buybacks a year for the past four years for a total of ¥10bn.
  • This new one was ¥40bn, which assuming a 20% share price jump was 12% of ADV for a year. Bigly! We got the 20% jump, then not much more.
  • But Citizen has been buying fiercely. In the first 25 days of trading they averaged 25.8% of volume and bought back 11.5% of shares out. There’s a story here. 

A High Conviction Long Short Trade in KODEX Battery ETF Rebalancing in June

By Sanghyun Park

  • WCP will likely be included in the rebalancing of Samsung KODEX Secondary Battery Industry ETF in June. And we should consider the possibility of this happening to be quite high.
  • We can expect a daily passive inflow of around 0.3x compared to WCP’s typical DTV. The practical correlation with the price should be higher than the theoretical level.
  • We should consider using SKIET, which engages in the same business in the same sector, as a hedge. WCP/SKIET Long Short achieved considerable performance within the past week’s window.

Jardine Strategic’s Dissentient Shareholders: The Sensible And Workable Approach

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 8 March 2021, Jardine Matheson (JM SP) made a cash acquisition for the 15% of Jardine Strategic (JS SP)‘s share capital it did not already own.
  • The US$33/share Offer price was arguably light. But with the amalgamation requiring 75% approval and Matheson providing an irrevocable to vote its 84.89% stake for the transaction, it was done.
  • On the 20 April 2022, the Bermuda Court dismissed Jardine’s application to strike out dissenting shareholders who acquired shares after the Offer was announced. Last month, Jardine lost its appeal. 

Rakuten Bank (5838 JP) – A Keenly Priced Quality Addition to the Global Neobanks Universe

By Victor Galliano

  • Rakuten Bank’s IPO will add an attractively valued Japanese neobank to the globally listed neobank universe; furthermore, the Rakuten Group ecosystem is a powerful tool for customer acquisition and retention
  • On efficiency metrics, Rakuten Bank scores well versus its key domestic peers as well as global comparables; Rakuten Group companies act as a key conduit for new clients
  • At the announced issue price of ¥1,400, Rakuten Bank’s PBV ratio implies an attractive 25% discount to its core Japanese peer SBI Sumishin Net Bank, for similar ROE

Ecopro BM: Considering on a CB Issuance of 500 Billion Won

By Douglas Kim

  • According to Hankyung Business Daily, Ecopro BM Co Ltd (247540 KS) is considering on issuing a CB worth 500 billion won to various private equity and asset managment companies.
  • We would be negative on the potential CB issuance of nearly 500 billion won by Ecopro BM.
  • The potential issuance of this CB is a signal from the management that it is trying to capitalize on the recent sharp increases in share price to raise more capital.

PharmaEssentia GDS Issuance – Strong Revenue Growth and Narrowing Losses

By Ethan Aw

  • Pharmaessentia Corp (6446 TT) aims to raise around US$412m (TWD12.6bn) via a GDS issuance. The issuance will be a large one to digest, representing 17.6 days of three month ADV.
  • The proceeds will be used to accelerate the commercialization, further global clinical trials of BesREMi and conduct R&D in the US for the expansion of the company’s product portfolio. 
  • In this note, we will talk about the deal dynamics and run the deal through our ECM framework.

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