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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief China: Techtronic Industries, Alibaba Group, Perfect Medical Health, Baidu, Fangzhou Group, Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technlgy, Guangzhou Automobile Group, Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd-H and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy
  • Perfect Medical: Calm Start to the Year, Correction Provides Good Entry Point
  • Baidu: Undervalued Cyclical Revenue Growth Acceleration and Margin Expansion Story
  • Fangzhou Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Hard to Shake off Loss-Making Tendencies
  • Guangzhou Tinci Materials GDR Listing Early Look – US$1.5bn Raising Could Further Aid Growth Plans
  • Automaker GAC Seeks China-Made Chips to Ease Dependence on Foreign Suppliers
  • Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd (3759.HK/300759.CH) – Start to Enter a Vicious Circle
  • Pre-IPO Fangzhou Group – The Business and the Concerns

Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool

By David Blennerhassett

  • Jehoshaphat Research (JR) argues the case that Techtronic Industries (669 HK) has been engaged in “snowballing” to maintain margin growth.
  • JR flags TTI is the only public company in the world (with over $1bn in revenues) exhibiting positive sequential gross margin change in every semi-annual period over ten years.
  • Short interest had been picking up ahead of the short sell report. Shares fell 19% before being suspended in the afternoon session.  

Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Revenue grew by 2% YoY in 3Q22, as the decrease of online sales offset the increase of physical stores.
  • The operating margin began to improve, as the company cut sales and marketing expenses in minor businesses.
  • We believe the stock has an upside of 78% for March 2024 and the price target will be HK$170.

Perfect Medical: Calm Start to the Year, Correction Provides Good Entry Point

By Sameer Taneja

  • A correction in Perfect Medical Health’s (1830 HK) share price recently has led to it trading at a decent multiple of 15.2x/11.6x FY23e/24e PE(x) with a 6.9%/9.1% FY23e/24e dividend yield. 
  • We estimate the lockdowns in China from Oct-Dec last year will impact the H2 FY23 result, leading to softer revenue growth of 4.8% for FY23 (profit 11% YoY). 
  • We are optimistic about China re-opening and cross-border travel and believe that >20% revenue growth can materialize in FY24, led by a recovery in China/HK revenue. 

Baidu: Undervalued Cyclical Revenue Growth Acceleration and Margin Expansion Story

By Wium Malan, CFA

  • Following several years of sustained revenue share loss, Search’s digital advertising revenue market share has stabilised, having seemingly retained its core advertising customers.
  • With China’s economic growth recovery, Baidu is perfectly positioned to accelerate its core marketing revenue growth, which is also a high-margin operation.
  • Baidu is set up for significant group margin expansion as the higher-margin core marketing business returns to positive annualised growth and it continues to expand AI Cloud margins.

Fangzhou Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Hard to Shake off Loss-Making Tendencies

By Clarence Chu

  • Fangzhou Group (FANGZHOU HK) is looking to raise about US$300m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • Fangzhou (FZ) is an online chronic disease management (CDM) service provider in China.
  • In this note, we will talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

Guangzhou Tinci Materials GDR Listing Early Look – US$1.5bn Raising Could Further Aid Growth Plans

By Clarence Chu

  • Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technlgy (002709 CH) is looking to raise up to US$1.5bn in its upcoming Swiss GDR listing. Bookrunners on the deal are CICC, HSBC, and JPMorgan.
  • As per the firm’s filings, it is to issue no more than 289m A-shares, or not exceeding 15% of the firm’s total ordinary share capital.
  • In this note, we discuss the GDR’s timeline, and the firm’s recent financial performance.

Automaker GAC Seeks China-Made Chips to Ease Dependence on Foreign Suppliers

By Caixin Global

  • Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC) (601238.SH -0.51%) is working to get more domestically produced microchips into its vehicles.
  • It relies on overseas suppliers for about 90% of its automotive chips.
  • GAC Capital Co. Ltd. sees plenty of opportunity to increase the share of domestic chips in the automaker’s cars.

Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd (3759.HK/300759.CH) – Start to Enter a Vicious Circle

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Pharmaron’s disappointing 2022 performance is just a start.Its business layout has always been “one step behind”. CGT cannot become the main cornerstone business supporting valuation growth for the next stage.
  • The overall environment of CXO is different from that of the past. Even if Pharmaron finally achieves end-to-end integration,whether the prosperity of CXO industry still exists is a question mark.
  • Pharmaron may have entered a vicious circle, so that it is very challenging to generate the expected results no matter which direction the Company tries to break through.  

Pre-IPO Fangzhou Group – The Business and the Concerns

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Fangzhou initially launched online retail pharmacy to address the needs of chronic disease patients, and then expand to online chronic disease management. However,the investment logic of this business is problematic. 
  • Due to the low willingness to pay/high acquisition cost of C-end patients, it is difficult to achieve large-scale profits. Developing To B business would be important for Fangzhou’s future development. 
  • Either To B business or To C business, the key point is to accumulate/retain large physician resources, but Fangzhou hasn’t had “a panacea” in this regard.

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Daily Brief Japan: Ihara Science, Aeon Co Ltd, Kubota Corp, Look Holdings Incorporated, Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage
  • Aeon Retail: Profits Again After 4 Years
  • Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability
  • Look HD: Imported Fashion on the Up, Achieves Targets Early
  • Companies with High ROA Have High Potential for Corporate Governance and Further ROA Improvement

Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage

By Travis Lundy

  • In my first piece, Ihara Science (5999 JP) Sees the Chairman Launch an MBO. I Might Expect Excitement I noted that the price was too low. I expected activist efforts.
  • The price did not trade below the Tender Offer Price after it opened for trading. That was a sign this wasn’t going to go easy.
  • This morning I am made aware of a letter from one of the “active if not activist” shareholders saying the price is too low. Hint: It is.

Aeon Retail: Profits Again After 4 Years

By Michael Causton

  • Aeon’s main GMS arm, Aeon Retail, is on track to post a net profit in FY2023 after a 4-fold increase in OP in 1H2022.
  • This is largely thanks to stronger sales and footfall and the success of efficiency measures introduced over the past few years.
  • The improvements look sustainable and should lead to improved results for Aeon longer-term adding to the already good results from the drugstore, real estate and overseas businesses.

Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability

By Mark Chadwick

  • We turn bullish on Kubota. Macro indicators point to stabilization 
  • Management guidance for 2023 surprised the market, but we think it is realistic
  • We think that quarterly results will be a catalyst to convince investors that profitability is improving

Look HD: Imported Fashion on the Up, Achieves Targets Early

By Michael Causton

  • Distributors of overseas fashion have been battered by the collapse of the Yen, forcing higher prices. 
  • Look Holdings has managed to elicit strong growth through this crisis, resulting in a doubling in its share price, and is looking for more brands.
  • The sharp rebound in both domestic demand for premium fashion and inbound tourism should result in better than expected returns for the importer-distributor.

Companies with High ROA Have High Potential for Corporate Governance and Further ROA Improvement

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Except for the fact that companies with higher ROA tended to have higher ratios of independent directors, there were no significant correlations with many board practices.
  • Companies with high ROA are expected to increase ROA by reducing cross-shareholdings in future, and by improving cash allocation to achieve further growth and shareholder returns on growing cash flow.
  • Companies with high ROA tend to have a high ratio of foreign shareholders, and these companies’ corporate governance is expected to gradually improve in the future, further increasing ROA.

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Daily Brief Health Care: Fangzhou Group, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd-H and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Fangzhou Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Hard to Shake off Loss-Making Tendencies
  • Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (APHS IN): Q3 Profit Drops; Hospital Business Remains the Brightest Spot
  • Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd (3759.HK/300759.CH) – Start to Enter a Vicious Circle
  • Pre-IPO Fangzhou Group – The Business and the Concerns

Fangzhou Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Hard to Shake off Loss-Making Tendencies

By Clarence Chu

  • Fangzhou Group (FANGZHOU HK) is looking to raise about US$300m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • Fangzhou (FZ) is an online chronic disease management (CDM) service provider in China.
  • In this note, we will talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (APHS IN): Q3 Profit Drops; Hospital Business Remains the Brightest Spot

By Tina Banerjee

  • Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (APHS IN) recorded 19% revenue growth in Q3. The largest segment, healthcare services, which contributed 51% of total revenue, grew 10%. However, net profit dropped 33%.
  • The company’s bottom line bled mainly due to high operating cost of the digital healthcare services platform, Apollo 24/7. Excluding operating cost of Apollo 24/7 EBITDA would have grown 10%.
  • The company believes that it is at the peak burn rate for Apollo 24/7 operating cost this quarter and expects losses to moderate from here on.

Pharmaron Beijing Co Ltd (3759.HK/300759.CH) – Start to Enter a Vicious Circle

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Pharmaron’s disappointing 2022 performance is just a start.Its business layout has always been “one step behind”. CGT cannot become the main cornerstone business supporting valuation growth for the next stage.
  • The overall environment of CXO is different from that of the past. Even if Pharmaron finally achieves end-to-end integration,whether the prosperity of CXO industry still exists is a question mark.
  • Pharmaron may have entered a vicious circle, so that it is very challenging to generate the expected results no matter which direction the Company tries to break through.  

Pre-IPO Fangzhou Group – The Business and the Concerns

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Fangzhou initially launched online retail pharmacy to address the needs of chronic disease patients, and then expand to online chronic disease management. However,the investment logic of this business is problematic. 
  • Due to the low willingness to pay/high acquisition cost of C-end patients, it is difficult to achieve large-scale profits. Developing To B business would be important for Fangzhou’s future development. 
  • Either To B business or To C business, the key point is to accumulate/retain large physician resources, but Fangzhou hasn’t had “a panacea” in this regard.

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Pertamina Geothermal Energy, Tata Steel Ltd, Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technlgy, Earthstone Energy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Pertamina Geothermal Energy IPO Trading – Should Be a Steady Listing
  • Pertamina Geothermal IPO: Trading Debut
  • Tata Steel – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Guangzhou Tinci Materials GDR Listing Early Look – US$1.5bn Raising Could Further Aid Growth Plans
  • FY23 Operating Outlook and Proved Reserve Update

Pertamina Geothermal Energy IPO Trading – Should Be a Steady Listing

By Sumeet Singh

  • Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) raised around US$600m in its Indonesia IPO. PGE is an Indonesian state owned power producer which utilizes geothermal energy to produce electricity.
  • PGE currently manages 13 Geothermal Working Areas with a total capacity of 1,877 MW, of which 672 MW is owned by it, while 1,205 MW is via joint operations.
  • In our previous notes, we looked at the company’s past performance and valuations. In this note, we talk about the deal dynamics ahead of its listing.

Pertamina Geothermal IPO: Trading Debut

By Arun George


Tata Steel – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Trung Nguyen

We view Tata Steel as “Low Risk” on the LARA scale. The company has delivered outstanding results in recent years (before the current downturn in the steel industry), with significant deleveraging and strong earnings growth. This resulted in a substantial boost to its credit profile. We view favourably the company’s track record of achieving guidance, especially in terms of deleveraging. The business’ cyclical nature is offset by Tata Steel’s commitment to paying down debt, balancing growth and deleveraging.

We like Tata Steel’s size, complete vertical integration and diversified operations. The Indian operations enjoy strong domestic demand (which supports capacity expansion), and benefit from trade protectionism (a safeguard duty). We incorporate a credit uplift on account of Tata Group’s strong reputation, which partly mitigates the highly cyclical nature of Tata Steel’s commoditised steel-making business.

Our Credit Bias on Tata Steel is “Negative”. This is due to a sharp deterioration in the operating environment, especially in Europe, driven by high energy and coking coal costs. The structural weaknesses in the European business will likely weigh on the group during downturns.

The ESG Impact on Credit is “Neutral”. The metal & mining industry is exposed to regulatory and geopolitical risks. Furthermore, the nature of the industry places Tata Steel under scrutiny from environmental agencies and investors. However, the company has managed this well by making significant efforts for environmental factors. That said, there is room for improvement in the management of water, waste and toxic materials, as well as in social aspects. While there has been some controversy (most notably in the sudden change of chairman at Tata Sons in 2016, and later at Tata Steel), this was some time ago and the new chairman has since proven himself. Thus, we see Controversies as “Immaterial”.


Guangzhou Tinci Materials GDR Listing Early Look – US$1.5bn Raising Could Further Aid Growth Plans

By Clarence Chu

  • Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technlgy (002709 CH) is looking to raise up to US$1.5bn in its upcoming Swiss GDR listing. Bookrunners on the deal are CICC, HSBC, and JPMorgan.
  • As per the firm’s filings, it is to issue no more than 289m A-shares, or not exceeding 15% of the firm’s total ordinary share capital.
  • In this note, we discuss the GDR’s timeline, and the firm’s recent financial performance.

FY23 Operating Outlook and Proved Reserve Update

By Water Tower Research

  • We are updating our estimates to reflect the operating outlook Earthstone provided on February 16, 2023, and changes to certain assumptions around commodity prices and costs.
  • We expect detailed 4Q22 financial results in early March.
  • 4Q22 production averaged ~104.8 MBOE/d, above the high end of management’s previous 98-102 MBOE/d guidance.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Boustead Projects, Ihara Science, Kubota Corp, LIG Nex1 Co, Millennium Services Group Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming
  • Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage
  • Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability
  • LIG Nex1: 10x Increase in Operating Profit from 2019 to 2022 Not Adequately Reflected in Share Price
  • Millennium Services Group Ltd – Solid Growth Ahead with Contract Wins

Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 6 Feb, Boustead Projects (BOCJ SP), a high-spec facilities designer and builder, announced an unconditional Offer from Boustead Singapore Limited (BOCS SP) at S$0.90/share.
  • The Offer price was low-balled. Taking into account net cash of S$154mn, this was being done cheaply. It needed to be bumped and shares traded up to S$0.99 in expectation. 
  • BOCS has now bumped to S$0.95/share and declared terms final. Not a great outcome for minorities.

Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage

By Travis Lundy

  • In my first piece, Ihara Science (5999 JP) Sees the Chairman Launch an MBO. I Might Expect Excitement I noted that the price was too low. I expected activist efforts.
  • The price did not trade below the Tender Offer Price after it opened for trading. That was a sign this wasn’t going to go easy.
  • This morning I am made aware of a letter from one of the “active if not activist” shareholders saying the price is too low. Hint: It is.

Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability

By Mark Chadwick

  • We turn bullish on Kubota. Macro indicators point to stabilization 
  • Management guidance for 2023 surprised the market, but we think it is realistic
  • We think that quarterly results will be a catalyst to convince investors that profitability is improving

LIG Nex1: 10x Increase in Operating Profit from 2019 to 2022 Not Adequately Reflected in Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • LIG Nex1 produces a wide range of advanced precision electronic systems, including missile, radars, electronic warfare, avionics, tactical communication systems, fire control systems, and naval combat systems.
  • LIG Nex1’s operating profit has jumped by nearly 10x from 2019 to 2022. However, its share price has not adequately reflected this growth.
  • The company reached its highest ever order backlog of 12.2 trillion won at the end of 2022. The company is benefiting from increased demand for precision guided weapons worldwide.

Millennium Services Group Ltd – Solid Growth Ahead with Contract Wins

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Millennium Services Group Ltd (ASX:MIL) has delivered a H1 FY23 result well below prior forecast, with a two-month timing lag between wage increases and pass-through impacting the gross margin over H1 FY23 (down ~190bps to 14%).
  • With these costs now passed through under contract, gross margins improved in Q2 FY23 and are forecast to average around 15% for FY23, implying H2 FY23 margins of ~16%.
  • This combined with ~$25m-$30m of new contract business wins over the past six months puts the business in good stead for solid growth in H2 FY23 and into FY24. 

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: DB Hitek Co., Ltd., Baidu, Nitro Software Ltd, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Kratos Studios, NVIDIA Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Never-Seen Price Pattern Detected in a Split-Off Event Granting Appraisal Rights in Korea
  • Baidu: Undervalued Cyclical Revenue Growth Acceleration and Margin Expansion Story
  • Nitro (NTO AU): Potentia Comes Good with a Three-Part Offer
  • Taiwan Semiconductors Mid-Earnings Season Review: Margins, Inventories Appear Worse Than Expected
  • AI Leaders Monitor: Nvidia, TSMC, ASML Trading Monitor – Nvidia Results Key Take-Aways
  • New U.S. CHIPS Act Speech: Commerce Secretary Emphasizes National Security Game Changer; Conclusions
  • Indian Web3 Gaming Firm Raises $20m at $150m Valuation
  • NVIDIA Rebounds On ChatGPT Surge

Never-Seen Price Pattern Detected in a Split-Off Event Granting Appraisal Rights in Korea

By Sanghyun Park

  • A rather unusual price movement came out on February 20 for HLB. On the first trading day after the board of directors’ decision, the price reached the upper daily limit.
  • The short covering got to a temporarily excessive level in the process of securing appraisal rights should be the reason that led to the upper limit.
  • We should design a trading setup targeting excessive short covering-triggered price overheating in split-off events. At this point, the most likely candidate to pursue a split-off is DB Hitek.

Baidu: Undervalued Cyclical Revenue Growth Acceleration and Margin Expansion Story

By Wium Malan, CFA

  • Following several years of sustained revenue share loss, Search’s digital advertising revenue market share has stabilised, having seemingly retained its core advertising customers.
  • With China’s economic growth recovery, Baidu is perfectly positioned to accelerate its core marketing revenue growth, which is also a high-margin operation.
  • Baidu is set up for significant group margin expansion as the higher-margin core marketing business returns to positive annualised growth and it continues to expand AI Cloud margins.

Nitro (NTO AU): Potentia Comes Good with a Three-Part Offer

By Arun George

  • Potentia has returned with an improved three-part offer for Nitro Software Ltd (NTO AU). The base offer of A$2.17 is 0.9% higher than Alludo’s A$2.15 offer. 
  • The offer could rise to A$2.20 or A$2.25 per share based on hitting additional conditions. There is a clear path for the final offer to reach A$2.20 per share. 
  • A A$2.25 per share offer is unlikely due to the onerous 25% scrip acceptance condition. At the last close, the gross spread to the likely final A$2.20 offer is 0.5%.

Taiwan Semiconductors Mid-Earnings Season Review: Margins, Inventories Appear Worse Than Expected

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • We’re now two-thirds through the Taiwan Semiconductor earnings season and about one-third through the Taiwan Hardware earnings season.
  • Semiconductor gross margins declines have been relatively large, and we believe are tracking to be worse than what consensus expected going into the earnings season.
  • There have been few examples of inventory situations improving for semicondcutor companies; results data released so far indicates a potentially deeper trough than previously expected.

AI Leaders Monitor: Nvidia, TSMC, ASML Trading Monitor – Nvidia Results Key Take-Aways

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • The three companies Nvidia, TSMC, and ASML are all key global leaders in the AI industry chain.
  • Nvidia’s latest results indicate that the company could be returning to a period of multi-year growth and an inflection point for AI demand.
  • One can consider going Long a basket of Nvidia, ASML, and TSMC based on a structural growth thesis for AI demand.

New U.S. CHIPS Act Speech: Commerce Secretary Emphasizes National Security Game Changer; Conclusions

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • U.S. Commerce Secretary gave a new speech providing additional public detail about the U.S. CHIPS Act aimed at re-shoring the manufacture of semiconductors in the U.S.
  • Emphasis on national security means that financial cost is now secondary for the U.S. and we should not expect any loosening of chip restrictions for China.
  • Taiwan companies are straddling a “sweet spot” given they are not restricted, can invest in the U.S. expansion, maintain local non-U.S. advantages, and have had their China-based competition weakened.

Indian Web3 Gaming Firm Raises $20m at $150m Valuation

By Tech in Asia

  • Kratos Studios, a Web3 gaming venture based in India, has raised about US$20 million in seed funding at a valuation of US$150 million.
  • The round was led by Accel and saw participation from Prosus Ventures, Courtside Ventures, Nexus Venture Partners, and Nazara, among others.
  • Kratos was built by Manish Agarwal, previously CEO of gaming company Nazara, and Ishank Gupta, a former executive at multinational firms like Belgian brewing firm Anheuser-Busch InBev.

NVIDIA Rebounds On ChatGPT Surge

By Semicon Alpha

  • NVIDIA yesterday reported Q4 2022 revenues of $6.05 billion, in line with their forecast, down 21% from a year ago and up 2% sequentially.
  • Interestingly, NVIDIA’s current downturn is playing out almost exactly like their previous downturn back in 2019 as can clearly be seen in the above chart.
  • We expect to see this same recovery pattern continue throughout the remainder of 2023.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Boustead Projects, Ihara Science, Kubota Corp, LIG Nex1 Co, Millennium Services Group Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming
  • Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage
  • Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability
  • LIG Nex1: 10x Increase in Operating Profit from 2019 to 2022 Not Adequately Reflected in Share Price
  • Millennium Services Group Ltd – Solid Growth Ahead with Contract Wins

Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 6 Feb, Boustead Projects (BOCJ SP), a high-spec facilities designer and builder, announced an unconditional Offer from Boustead Singapore Limited (BOCS SP) at S$0.90/share.
  • The Offer price was low-balled. Taking into account net cash of S$154mn, this was being done cheaply. It needed to be bumped and shares traded up to S$0.99 in expectation. 
  • BOCS has now bumped to S$0.95/share and declared terms final. Not a great outcome for minorities.

Ihara Science (5999 JP) – Here Comes The Bumpitrage

By Travis Lundy

  • In my first piece, Ihara Science (5999 JP) Sees the Chairman Launch an MBO. I Might Expect Excitement I noted that the price was too low. I expected activist efforts.
  • The price did not trade below the Tender Offer Price after it opened for trading. That was a sign this wasn’t going to go easy.
  • This morning I am made aware of a letter from one of the “active if not activist” shareholders saying the price is too low. Hint: It is.

Kubota (6326) | Signs of Stability

By Mark Chadwick

  • We turn bullish on Kubota. Macro indicators point to stabilization 
  • Management guidance for 2023 surprised the market, but we think it is realistic
  • We think that quarterly results will be a catalyst to convince investors that profitability is improving

LIG Nex1: 10x Increase in Operating Profit from 2019 to 2022 Not Adequately Reflected in Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • LIG Nex1 produces a wide range of advanced precision electronic systems, including missile, radars, electronic warfare, avionics, tactical communication systems, fire control systems, and naval combat systems.
  • LIG Nex1’s operating profit has jumped by nearly 10x from 2019 to 2022. However, its share price has not adequately reflected this growth.
  • The company reached its highest ever order backlog of 12.2 trillion won at the end of 2022. The company is benefiting from increased demand for precision guided weapons worldwide.

Millennium Services Group Ltd – Solid Growth Ahead with Contract Wins

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Millennium Services Group Ltd (ASX:MIL) has delivered a H1 FY23 result well below prior forecast, with a two-month timing lag between wage increases and pass-through impacting the gross margin over H1 FY23 (down ~190bps to 14%).
  • With these costs now passed through under contract, gross margins improved in Q2 FY23 and are forecast to average around 15% for FY23, implying H2 FY23 margins of ~16%.
  • This combined with ~$25m-$30m of new contract business wins over the past six months puts the business in good stead for solid growth in H2 FY23 and into FY24. 

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Daily Brief Consumer: Techtronic Industries, Star Entertainment Group, Alibaba Group, KT&G Corporation, Perfect Medical Health, Manchester United, Aeon Co Ltd, Guangzhou Automobile Group and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool
  • Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Equity Raise to Buy Some Time
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy
  • Oasis Management Invests in KT&G
  • Star Entertainment’s A$800mn Buffer
  • Perfect Medical: Calm Start to the Year, Correction Provides Good Entry Point
  • Trophy Asset
  • Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Highly Dilutive Raise to Fix the Balance Sheet
  • Aeon Retail: Profits Again After 4 Years
  • Automaker GAC Seeks China-Made Chips to Ease Dependence on Foreign Suppliers

Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool

By David Blennerhassett

  • Jehoshaphat Research (JR) argues the case that Techtronic Industries (669 HK) has been engaged in “snowballing” to maintain margin growth.
  • JR flags TTI is the only public company in the world (with over $1bn in revenues) exhibiting positive sequential gross margin change in every semi-annual period over ten years.
  • Short interest had been picking up ahead of the short sell report. Shares fell 19% before being suspended in the afternoon session.  

Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Equity Raise to Buy Some Time

By Brian Freitas

  • Star Entertainment Group (SGR AU) is looking to raise A$685m via an ANREO of 3 shares in The Star for every 5 shares at a fixed price of A$1.2/share.
  • The A$1.2/share price is a 21.1% discount to the last close and a 14.3% discount to the Theoretical Ex-Rights Price (TERP) of A$1.4/share.
  • Short interest is near the highs and there is an index deletion pending. We’d look to buy the stock on a move lower, especially closer to index deletion.

Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Revenue grew by 2% YoY in 3Q22, as the decrease of online sales offset the increase of physical stores.
  • The operating margin began to improve, as the company cut sales and marketing expenses in minor businesses.
  • We believe the stock has an upside of 78% for March 2024 and the price target will be HK$170.

Oasis Management Invests in KT&G

By Douglas Kim

  • It was reported on 22 February in numerous local Korean media that Oasis Management has invested about 1.5% stake in KT&G Corporation (033780 KS).
  • This investment in KT&G is reportedly Oasis Mgmt’s first investment in Korea. For now, Oasis Mgmt has not made any public announcement about its investment in KT&G.
  • With Oasis Mgmt investing 1.5% stake in KT&G, we believe it is increasingly likely that it could start its activist campaign on KT&G sometime in 2023.

Star Entertainment’s A$800mn Buffer

By David Blennerhassett

  • Star Entertainment Group (SGR AU)‘s announced it intends to raise $800mn after reporting a statutory $1.26bn 1H23 loss.
  • This equity raising will be broken down into a A$685mn non-renounceable entitlement Offer and a A$115mn institutional placement. The equity raising is fully underwritten. 
  • Star also announced it has secured covenant relief through to June 2025. Star’s immediate focus is to get its house in order and prove its suitability to hold casino licences. 

Perfect Medical: Calm Start to the Year, Correction Provides Good Entry Point

By Sameer Taneja

  • A correction in Perfect Medical Health’s (1830 HK) share price recently has led to it trading at a decent multiple of 15.2x/11.6x FY23e/24e PE(x) with a 6.9%/9.1% FY23e/24e dividend yield. 
  • We estimate the lockdowns in China from Oct-Dec last year will impact the H2 FY23 result, leading to softer revenue growth of 4.8% for FY23 (profit 11% YoY). 
  • We are optimistic about China re-opening and cross-border travel and believe that >20% revenue growth can materialize in FY24, led by a recovery in China/HK revenue. 

Trophy Asset

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • At 6.2x EV/Sales, ManU’s shares are trading well above any other listed European football club, which may increase if the Glazers manage to cash in at a trophy asset valuation.
  • Suitors are queuing and prospective bids as high as about £5 billion ($6 billion, 8.4x EV/Sales) been made to restore the club to its former glory.
  • Unlimited wealth and investments in players don’t guarantee winning a European Champions League, but Manchester United is still a unique asset, with more chances than not of changing hands.

Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Highly Dilutive Raise to Fix the Balance Sheet

By Arun George

  • Star Entertainment Group (SGR AU) will raise A$800 million with a fully underwritten 3:5 pro rata accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer and institutional placement at A$1.20, a 13.6% discount to TERP.
  • The equity raise of A$800 million will maintain leverage within the targeted 2.0x-2.5x net debt/EBITDA long-term range in our fines high-case scenario.
  • Adjusting for the raise, Star trades at a discount to peers. While the shares will be under short-term pressure due to the raise, there is long-term value for the brave. 

Aeon Retail: Profits Again After 4 Years

By Michael Causton

  • Aeon’s main GMS arm, Aeon Retail, is on track to post a net profit in FY2023 after a 4-fold increase in OP in 1H2022.
  • This is largely thanks to stronger sales and footfall and the success of efficiency measures introduced over the past few years.
  • The improvements look sustainable and should lead to improved results for Aeon longer-term adding to the already good results from the drugstore, real estate and overseas businesses.

Automaker GAC Seeks China-Made Chips to Ease Dependence on Foreign Suppliers

By Caixin Global

  • Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC) (601238.SH -0.51%) is working to get more domestically produced microchips into its vehicles.
  • It relies on overseas suppliers for about 90% of its automotive chips.
  • GAC Capital Co. Ltd. sees plenty of opportunity to increase the share of domestic chips in the automaker’s cars.

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Most Read: DGB Financial Group, SATS, Japan Post Bank, Techtronic Industries, Star Entertainment Group, Alibaba Group, KT&G Corporation, Boustead Projects and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Japan Post Holdings To Effectively “Re-IPO” Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)
  • SATS SP: S$800m Rights Issue to Fund WFS Acquisition
  • KOSPI200 Index Rebalance Preview: Changes in April & June
  • SATS – The Future Is Cargo so Shareholders Pay the Freight – S$800mm Rights Offer
  • Japan Post Bank Possible Placement – Here We Go Again with the US$9bn Overhang
  • Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool
  • Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Equity Raise to Buy Some Time
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy
  • Oasis Management Invests in KT&G
  • Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming

Japan Post Holdings To Effectively “Re-IPO” Japan Post Bank (7182 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • Overnight a Reuters article suggested Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP) had started talks to sell a near 30%) stake in Japan Post Bank (7182 JP), the first sale since IPO. 
  • A sale is designed with two aims: 1) the TSE requires a 35% tradable share ratio, and 2) JPH is supposed to lower holdings in JPB to <50% by 2025.
  • This event may include a buyback, and has moving parts, and flows on the back end, but fundamentally a sale would effectively constitute a “re-IPO” of the shares.

SATS SP: S$800m Rights Issue to Fund WFS Acquisition

By Brian Freitas

  • SATS (SATS SP) has announced a 323:1000 underwritten rights issue at S$2.2/share that will raise S$798.8m to fund the WFS acquisition.
  • The rights issue price is a 20% discount to the last close and a 15.9% discount to the Theoretical Ex-Rights Price (TERP).
  • There has been a lot of short selling on the stock since the start of the year, peaking last week where 43% of total volume traded was from short selling.

KOSPI200 Index Rebalance Preview: Changes in April & June

By Brian Freitas


SATS – The Future Is Cargo so Shareholders Pay the Freight – S$800mm Rights Offer

By Travis Lundy

  • Last September, rumours then an announcement SATS (SATS SP) – a leading inflight catering and gateway service provider – would buy WFS – the world’s largest cargo handler hit shares.
  • They expected to pay €1.187bn or S$1.639bn (9.7x EV/EBITDA), primarily through S$1.7bn of new equity, to close in March 2023. In January, it was S$800mm of rights and a loan.
  • Shareholder approval came 18 January. Regulatory approvals were received Monday. Closing comes no later than 3 April. Today the company announced a large rights offering.

Japan Post Bank Possible Placement – Here We Go Again with the US$9bn Overhang

By Sumeet Singh

  • Japan Post Holdings (6178 JP) is looking to trim its stake in Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) by a third, as per Reuters. 
  • The deal would be worth around US$9bn and could come as soon as next month.
  • In this note, we talk about the news and take an early look at the possible selldown.

Techtronic Industries (669 HK): JR Puts Down That Tool

By David Blennerhassett

  • Jehoshaphat Research (JR) argues the case that Techtronic Industries (669 HK) has been engaged in “snowballing” to maintain margin growth.
  • JR flags TTI is the only public company in the world (with over $1bn in revenues) exhibiting positive sequential gross margin change in every semi-annual period over ten years.
  • Short interest had been picking up ahead of the short sell report. Shares fell 19% before being suspended in the afternoon session.  

Star Entertainment (SGR AU): A$800m Equity Raise to Buy Some Time

By Brian Freitas

  • Star Entertainment Group (SGR AU) is looking to raise A$685m via an ANREO of 3 shares in The Star for every 5 shares at a fixed price of A$1.2/share.
  • The A$1.2/share price is a 21.1% discount to the last close and a 14.3% discount to the Theoretical Ex-Rights Price (TERP) of A$1.4/share.
  • Short interest is near the highs and there is an index deletion pending. We’d look to buy the stock on a move lower, especially closer to index deletion.

Alibaba (9988 HK): 3Q23, Growth Flat, But Margin Up, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Revenue grew by 2% YoY in 3Q22, as the decrease of online sales offset the increase of physical stores.
  • The operating margin began to improve, as the company cut sales and marketing expenses in minor businesses.
  • We believe the stock has an upside of 78% for March 2024 and the price target will be HK$170.

Oasis Management Invests in KT&G

By Douglas Kim

  • It was reported on 22 February in numerous local Korean media that Oasis Management has invested about 1.5% stake in KT&G Corporation (033780 KS).
  • This investment in KT&G is reportedly Oasis Mgmt’s first investment in Korea. For now, Oasis Mgmt has not made any public announcement about its investment in KT&G.
  • With Oasis Mgmt investing 1.5% stake in KT&G, we believe it is increasingly likely that it could start its activist campaign on KT&G sometime in 2023.

Boustead Projects: Boustead Singapore Bumps. Still Underwhelming

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 6 Feb, Boustead Projects (BOCJ SP), a high-spec facilities designer and builder, announced an unconditional Offer from Boustead Singapore Limited (BOCS SP) at S$0.90/share.
  • The Offer price was low-balled. Taking into account net cash of S$154mn, this was being done cheaply. It needed to be bumped and shares traded up to S$0.99 in expectation. 
  • BOCS has now bumped to S$0.95/share and declared terms final. Not a great outcome for minorities.

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Daily Brief Financials: Srisawad Power 1979, Bitcoin Pro, Shaftesbury PLC, S&P 500, Custodian REIT and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Quiddity Leaderboard for SET Jun 23: DTAC-TRUE Intra-Review Changes
  • A Crypto Friendly Asia: What It Will Mean For Markets
  • Shaftesbury/​Capco: CMA Clearance
  • SPX Range Ahead of Next Leg Down
  • Custodian Property Income REIT – Positive income indicators in a challenging market

Quiddity Leaderboard for SET Jun 23: DTAC-TRUE Intra-Review Changes

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The completion of the Total Access Communication (DTAC TB)True Corp Pcl (TRUE TB) merger could cause an intra-review change next week.
  • There could be two more index changes in the regular review in June 2023.
  • In this insight, we take a look at the current rankings of potential ADDs and potential DELs and their recent price and volume performance. 

A Crypto Friendly Asia: What It Will Mean For Markets

By Kaiko

  • On Monday, Hong Kong made its intentions clear to open the door to crypto trading for retail. 
  • Reports claim that China is quietly encouraging the move, using Hong Kong as a testing ground for what safe crypto trading might look like.
  • The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) outlined various caveats for retail investing in crypto, namely hinting at only having a small subset of the largest tokens available to trade.

Shaftesbury/​Capco: CMA Clearance

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • On 23 December, the CMA announced the launch of its Phase 1 review. On 22 February, the CMA has unconditionally cleared the merger, therefore the CMA Condition has been satisfied.
  • The Court sanction hearing is expected to take place on 2 March, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining Conditions, completion is expected on 6 March. 
  • Spread traded at a premium since the deal announcement until the CMA clearance, now at a discount. Spread (gross/annualised) is 0.78%/22.3%.

SPX Range Ahead of Next Leg Down

By Thomas Schroeder

  • SPX 3,980 is where a mild bounce should unfold. 4,060 sell resistance then the set-up calls for a break below 3,980 to test lower targets.
  • This next leg down will cause more damage in EM/Asia and Europe. MACD on the verge of an ugly break below the “0” acceleration line.
  • US 10yr yield dip is a buy for a push above the 3.95% pivot resistance with new highs in store.

Custodian Property Income REIT – Positive income indicators in a challenging market

By Edison Investment Research

In Q323, Custodian Property Income REIT (CREI) continued to capture occupational demand, lease vacant space across all sectors and grow rental income. This underpins fully covered dividends and provided a partial offset to strong market-wide pressure on property valuations. Moderate gearing mitigated the impact on NAV, while income is protected by 80% of drawn debt having a fixed cost.


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Sign Up for Free

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