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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Singapore: Coca Cola Co, General Electric Co, Mondelez International and more

By | Daily Briefs, Singapore

In today’s briefing:

  • The Coca-Cola Co: The Jack & Coke Launch
  • General Electric Company: New Product Lines
  • Mondelez International Inc.: The Clif Bar Acquisition & Other Drivers

The Coca-Cola Co: The Jack & Coke Launch

By Ishan Majumdar

  • Coca-Cola has been implementing various growth initiatives off-late to continue expanding its top-line.
  • The company had a good quarter and delivered an all-around beat and increased its volume and value share during the quarter.
  • Coca-Cola continued its strong marketing efforts and launched end-to-end digital-first brand campaigns for smartwater and vitaminwater.

General Electric Company: New Product Lines

By Ishan Majumdar

  • General Electric has started seeing a solid recovery in its aerospeace business which has become an important growth driver for the company.
  • Macro pressures and supply chain have affected the revenue adversely by approximately 5%.
  • The company has recently unveiled the innovative branding of its new companies, GE Vernova, GE Healthcare, and GE Aerospace.

Mondelez International Inc.: The Clif Bar Acquisition & Other Drivers

By Ishan Majumdar

  • Mondelez International has been looking to strengthen its position in the snacking category and the recent $2.9 billion acquisition of Clif Bar is a key step in the process.
  • The company managed to deliver a strong result and an all-around beat with strong bottom and top-line performance growth in overall categories and regions.
  • These results, along with ongoing revenue growth management, simplification, and cost discipline, are delivering strong cash flow and robust profit dollar growth.

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Daily Brief United States: Microstrategy Inc Cl A, Moderna Inc, General Electric Co, Coca Cola Co, Confluent, Mondelez International, Shopify Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • MicroStrategy (MSTR US): Saylor Mirrors Bitcoin’s Fall
  • Moderna (MRNA US): Better-Than-Expected Q2 Result; Guidance Reiterated; $3B Share Buyback Announced
  • General Electric Company: New Product Lines
  • The Coca-Cola Co: The Jack & Coke Launch
  • Better Than Expected 2Q22 Results, Cloud Growth of 139% YoY, FY22 Revenue Guidance Moves Higher
  • Mondelez International Inc.: The Clif Bar Acquisition & Other Drivers
  • Breaking Growth Short Candidates: Shopify, Snowflake, Intuitive Surgical, ServiceNow

MicroStrategy (MSTR US): Saylor Mirrors Bitcoin’s Fall

By David Blennerhassett

  • Microstrategy Inc (MSTR US)‘s Michael Saylor will now assume the new role of Executive Chairman and Phong Le, MSTR’s President, will serve as the company’s new CEO.
  • As Executive Chairman, Saylor will focus more on MSTR’s bitcoin acquisition strategy and related bitcoin advocacy initiatives.
  • With one of the most bullish and influential players in the industry now focusing on crypto, this should be considered bullish, according to some media reports. That’s a desperate takeaway.

Moderna (MRNA US): Better-Than-Expected Q2 Result; Guidance Reiterated; $3B Share Buyback Announced

By Tina Banerjee

  • Moderna Inc (MRNA US) reported strong Q2 results, with both revenue and EPS surpassing consensus. Profitability was negatively impacted by one-off inventory write-down charge.
  • Management has reiterated advance purchase agreements for expected delivery of ~$21 billion in 2022. Assuming an endemic situation, Moderna’s commercial infrastructure is prepared for a 2023 commercial market.
  • The Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program for $3 billion in August 2022, with no expiry. Moderna shares have gained 27% in last three months.

General Electric Company: New Product Lines

By Ishan Majumdar

  • General Electric has started seeing a solid recovery in its aerospeace business which has become an important growth driver for the company.
  • Macro pressures and supply chain have affected the revenue adversely by approximately 5%.
  • The company has recently unveiled the innovative branding of its new companies, GE Vernova, GE Healthcare, and GE Aerospace.

The Coca-Cola Co: The Jack & Coke Launch

By Ishan Majumdar

  • Coca-Cola has been implementing various growth initiatives off-late to continue expanding its top-line.
  • The company had a good quarter and delivered an all-around beat and increased its volume and value share during the quarter.
  • Coca-Cola continued its strong marketing efforts and launched end-to-end digital-first brand campaigns for smartwater and vitaminwater.

Better Than Expected 2Q22 Results, Cloud Growth of 139% YoY, FY22 Revenue Guidance Moves Higher

By Andrei Zakharov

  • Confluent (CFLT US)  reported solid 2Q22 results, and most metrics were above sell-side expectations, including subscription revenue, gross margins, and operating margins. 
  • We are impressed with Confluent Cloud’s revenue growth of +139% y/y and strong subscription gross margins. Management raised FY22 revenue and profitability guidance. 
  • Our price target of $28 is slightly below the current share price. However, we see room for further multiple expansion due to revenue acceleration above consensus.

Mondelez International Inc.: The Clif Bar Acquisition & Other Drivers

By Ishan Majumdar

  • Mondelez International has been looking to strengthen its position in the snacking category and the recent $2.9 billion acquisition of Clif Bar is a key step in the process.
  • The company managed to deliver a strong result and an all-around beat with strong bottom and top-line performance growth in overall categories and regions.
  • These results, along with ongoing revenue growth management, simplification, and cost discipline, are delivering strong cash flow and robust profit dollar growth.

Breaking Growth Short Candidates: Shopify, Snowflake, Intuitive Surgical, ServiceNow

By Eric Fernandez, CFA

  • This model looks for slowing growth, margin declines, sales and/or earnings disappointments, troubling working capital trends, poor estimate trends or lowered guidance, among other characteristics.
  • The key judgement is whether a slowdown is temporary or the beginning of a trend.  These shorts tend to have high valuations and betas.  Multiple compression accelerates the stock’s decline.
  • Today we are flagging: Shopify, Snowflake, Intuitive Surgical, and ServiceNow

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Daily Brief Indonesia: Bukalapak, Adaro Energy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Bukalapak (BUKA IJ) – Onwards and Upwards on Higher Take Rates
  • Morning Views Asia: Adaro Minerals, China Hongqiao, Gajah Tunggal, Sino-Ocean Service

Bukalapak (BUKA IJ) – Onwards and Upwards on Higher Take Rates

By Angus Mackintosh

  • Bukalapak‘s recent 1Q2022 results provided further evidence that the company is moving along the road to profitability with growth in TPV being outpaced significantly by revenue growth.
  • The company saw very significant improvements in take-rates for its marketplace and Mitra businesses plus a better contribution margin and we expect this to continue into the 3Q.
  • Bukalapak (BUKA IJ) looks cheap, especially when considering its stake in Allo Bank Indonesia and its IDR20tn cash pile, which means you are paying only US$50m for its core businesses.

Morning Views Asia: Adaro Minerals, China Hongqiao, Gajah Tunggal, Sino-Ocean Service

By Charles Macgregor

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


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Daily Brief China: SJM Holdings, Alibaba Group, AMTD Digital, Giant Biogene Holding, JD Health, Chongqing Hongjiu Fruit, Xiaomi Corp, Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing), Adaro Energy, Cali Biosciences and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • SJM Holdings (880 HK) Rights Issue – Capital Raise, Unappreciated, but Interesting Trading Dynamics
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): Zero Growth for First Time, But Overly Sold, Buy
  • CK Group Wants to Sell Its Stake in AMTD Group
  • Giant Biogene Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Co-Founders Have Already Cashed in US$1bn+
  • FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance Preview: One Change in Range, Couple Others Close
  • Hongjiu Fruit IPO: A Bitter Fruit
  • Xiaomi, China Unicom, and Bank Of China
  • Biocytogen (百奥赛图) Pre-IPO: Prospectus and Valuation Updates
  • Morning Views Asia: Adaro Minerals, China Hongqiao, Gajah Tunggal, Sino-Ocean Service
  • Pre-IPO Cali Biosciences – The Industry, the Business and the Concerns

SJM Holdings (880 HK) Rights Issue – Capital Raise, Unappreciated, but Interesting Trading Dynamics

By Travis Lundy

  • SJM Holdings (880 HK) announced earnings on Monday and a HK$3bn Rights Issue last night designed to inject capital into Macau gaming licensee SJM Resorts. 
  • An increase in share capital is required to pre-qualify for then tender process where the Macau Govt would allocate a 10-year gaming concession starting 1 Jan 2023. 
  • 54.7% SJM Holder/Parent Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM) had previously extended a loan to SJM designed to allow SJM to inject capital to SJM Resorts.

Alibaba (9988 HK): Zero Growth for First Time, But Overly Sold, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Alibaba’s revenue stopped growing for the first time on record.
  • We still believe the revenue growth rate will recover in the December quarter.
  • We believe the stock price will have at least an upside of 29% after a significant plunge.

CK Group Wants to Sell Its Stake in AMTD Group

By Douglas Kim

  • AMTD Digital’s stock price has started to sink and now there are news that the Cheung Kong (CK) Group (HK) wants to sell its stake in AMTD Group Co.
  • The discussion of the CK Group disposing its stake in AMTD Group altogether is likely to further negatively impact AMTD Digital’s share price.
  • Li Ka-Shing and his family probably want to distance themselves from all the unnecessary media attention given to AMTD Digital (HKD US) and AMTD Idea Group (AMTD US). 

Giant Biogene Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Co-Founders Have Already Cashed in US$1bn+

By Sumeet Singh

  • Giant Biogene (GB) aims to raise around US$500m in its Hong Kong IPO.
  • GB is a leader in the bioactive ingredient-based professional skin treatment product industry in China.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance Preview: One Change in Range, Couple Others Close

By Brian Freitas

  • Shenzhou Intl Group Holdings (2313 HK) is a high probability deletion in September, while JD Health (6618 HK) is currently the highest ranked non-constituent stock.
  • There are a couple of other stocks that are close to the inclusion/exclusion thresholds and price changes over the next few weeks will determine if there are any more changes.
  • Short interest on JD Health (6618 HK) is high in terms of days to cover and as a percentage of free float. Covering could take the stock higher.

Hongjiu Fruit IPO: A Bitter Fruit

By Arun George

  • Chongqing Hongjiu Fruit (CHF HK), a multi-brand fruit company in China, is pre-marketing an HKEX IPO to raise US$200-300 million.
  • The fundamentals are uninspiring as it is delivering profitable growth with a heavy cash burn. The rising but tiny market share suggests a lack of sustainable competitive advantage.
  • Hongjiu Fruit aims to be the first HKEx-listed fruit distributor. Investors can likely avoid a bitter aftertaste by remaining on the sidelines.

Xiaomi, China Unicom, and Bank Of China

By Untying The Gordian Knot

  • The Hong Kong Indices have been much weaker than Taiwan & China due to liquidity and open capital account.
  • It is a canary for global indices and should be analyzed accordingly.
  • There is no change in views of real estate and technology sector stocks mentioned in previous updates on Hang Seng constituents.

Biocytogen (百奥赛图) Pre-IPO: Prospectus and Valuation Updates

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • Biocytogen, a China-based pre-clinical research and biopharmaceutical company, will pre-market its IPO to raise USD 25m, which is a significant downsize from the previous USD 300m fundraising target.
  • In our previous note, we covered the company’s fundamentals and compared its business with its peers.
  • We will provide an update on its latest prospectus and its peer performance in this note.

Morning Views Asia: Adaro Minerals, China Hongqiao, Gajah Tunggal, Sino-Ocean Service

By Charles Macgregor

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


Pre-IPO Cali Biosciences – The Industry, the Business and the Concerns

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Both the postoperative pain management and the expansive application of anesthetics in various fields would increase the market demand for ropivacaine.
  • Cali Biosciences (CALI HK)’s core product, the ropivacaine long-acting analgesic injection drug candidate CPL-01, would have to face the challenges of fierce competition, uncertain market acceptance, and negative policy impact.
  • Together with other concerns such as slow development progress, “not rich enough” pipeline and potential liquidity risk, we are conservative about Cali’s outlook at the current stage.  

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Daily Brief Japan: Hoya Corp, Softbank Corp, Toyota Motor, Bunka Shutter, Yamaha Corp, Nextage Co Ltd, Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Hoya (7741) – Record Revenues/Earnings, a Small Buyback, but Nikkei 225 Flows May Dominate
  • Softbank Corp (Buy) – Q1 22 Results Reaction: Largely In-Line with Reduced Expectations
  • Toyota’s Q1 EBIT Missed by 28%; FY3/23 Guidance Effectively Lowered
  • Bunka Shutter (5930 JP) – Big Buyback Vs Big CB Means No Accretion, Minimal Flow Impact
  • Yamaha Corporation: Guidance Seems Optimistic With Inflation Starting to Affect Demand Conditions
  • Nextage (3186 JP): Long-Term Potential Not Yet Discounted
  • Share Buybacks Exceed BOJ’s ETF Purchases, but BOJ’s Presence Is Significant in Another Aspect

Hoya (7741) – Record Revenues/Earnings, a Small Buyback, but Nikkei 225 Flows May Dominate

By Travis Lundy

  • Hoya Corp (7741 JP) today announced great Q1 earnings and a bullish above-consensus revenue forecast for this fiscal year. It also announced a small share buyback. 
  • However, the dominant factor in flows near-term will be pre-positioning for a possible Nikkei 225 inclusion in September. That is what will push the stock around. In or not. 
  • Hoya has recently outperformed a Peer Basket despite forward expected EPS and EBIT not seeing relative improvement. That suggests some relative risk if it doesn’t get selected for Nikkei 225.

Softbank Corp (Buy) – Q1 22 Results Reaction: Largely In-Line with Reduced Expectations

By Kirk Boodry

  • Softbank Corp (9434 JP) results were weak as expected as mobile price reductions carved into the consumer revenue base
  • Management released some further details on PayPay including a revenue number that implies continued improvement in take rates and plans to carve out a new segment for financial services
  • Both KDDI and Softbank net adds were weaker sequentially v Q4 which bodes well for NTT and possibly Rakuten

Toyota’s Q1 EBIT Missed by 28%; FY3/23 Guidance Effectively Lowered

By SC Capital

  • Toyota’s Q1 operating profit was 28% below consensus estimates, while pretax profit only undershot by 4%. Support for 2nd & 3rd-tier suppliers was the main cause.
  • While full-year operating profit target was maintained & EPS slightly raised, this was due to bigger forex tailwinds. Ex-forex, FY3/23 operating profit was lowered by 28%.  
  • Much of FY3/23’s negatives are one-off, which paves the way for higher profits in FY3/24. But support for suppliers while rivals grow earnings is somewhat of a concern. 

Bunka Shutter (5930 JP) – Big Buyback Vs Big CB Means No Accretion, Minimal Flow Impact

By Travis Lundy

  • Today Bunka Shutter (5930 JP) reported iffy, if predictably seasonal Q1 earnings, and FY22 forecasts. They also announced a big buyback which caused the stock to pop, then come back.
  • It came back because the stock has a decently large slightly in-the-money CB with 13 months to maturity. A big pop will get a big re-hedge.
  • Over the next year, despite the large buyback, EPS accretion and net buyback flow impact should be minimal. And the stock isn’t as cheap as it “looks.”

Yamaha Corporation: Guidance Seems Optimistic With Inflation Starting to Affect Demand Conditions

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • Even though Q1 topped consensus through favourable FX movements, it seems inflationary pressure is starting to affect all business units of Yamaha Corp (7951 JP).
  • The company raised revenue guidance due to favourable FX movements but maintained the OP at the previous level due to rising procurement and energy costs.
  • However, with inflation starting to affect demand, these estimates are likely to be revised down over the next few quarters.

Nextage (3186 JP): Long-Term Potential Not Yet Discounted

By Scott Foster

  • The July 4 upward revision to FY Nov-22 sales and profit guidance appears to have been discounted, but the company’s long-term growth potential has not.
  • Sales could more than double over the next several years as Nextage takes share in Japan’s highly fragmented and consolidating used car market. Margins also have room to expand.
  • Prospective P/E ratio headed down from 18x this fiscal year to 12x and below on a medium-term view. 

Share Buybacks Exceed BOJ’s ETF Purchases, but BOJ’s Presence Is Significant in Another Aspect

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Of course, When the BOJ’s ETF purchases were active, there were concerns about their impact on stock price formation, but now the impact is much smaller.
  • However, the BOJ has a presence in listed companies as a silent major shareholder, it is highly questionable whether its voting rights are being properly exercised.
  • While the silent major shareholder exists, overseas investors have played major role in enhancing corporate governance. In addition to cross-shareholding structures, they also have to contend with the silent shareholder.

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Daily Brief India: Phonepe Pvt Ltd, Sai Silk Kalamandir and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • PhonePe Tearsheet – India’s SuperApp Ambition
  • Sai Silk Kalamandir Pre-IPO Tearsheet

PhonePe Tearsheet – India’s SuperApp Ambition

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • Phonepe Pvt Ltd (1732974D IN) runs a digital payment and technology App in India and is currently the leader in terms of UPI transactions processed. 
  • Our channel feedback suggests the possible disruption from initiatives like ONDC to be positive for payment apps like PhonePe, with the possible acceleration towards the SuperApp Journey. 
  • Revenues are always growing, and so are losses. With ONDC, there is a possibility this may change faster than anticipated and hence warrants close attention. 

Sai Silk Kalamandir Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Ethan Aw

  • Sai Silk Kalamandir (SSKL IN) is looking to raise about US$150m in its upcoming India IPO. The deal will be run by Motilal Oswal, Edelweiss and HDFC Bank. 
  • Sai Silk Kalamandir (SSK) is one of the largest retailers of ethnic apparel in South India, particularly in sarees, according to Technopak. 
  • Through its four store formats, it offers ethnic and value fashion products to various segments across different price points. As of 31 May 2022, it has 46 network stores. 

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Most Read: Oriental Land, LG Chem Ltd, SJM Holdings, SinoPac Holdings, Alibaba Group, Hoya Corp, Aier Eye Hospital Group, AMTD Digital, Microstrategy Inc Cl A, Giant Biogene Holding and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Sep22 Annual Review; Data Final, Predictions Unch’d; Strategy Involved
  • GIC Buying in LG Energy Solution? According to Hankyung
  • SJM Holdings (880 HK) Rights Issue – Capital Raise, Unappreciated, but Interesting Trading Dynamics
  • FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 Index Rebalance Preview: Sinopac (2890) Could Replace PSMC (6770)
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): Zero Growth for First Time, But Overly Sold, Buy
  • Hoya (7741) – Record Revenues/Earnings, a Small Buyback, but Nikkei 225 Flows May Dominate
  • FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance: One Change Could Become Two
  • CK Group Wants to Sell Its Stake in AMTD Group
  • MicroStrategy (MSTR US): Saylor Mirrors Bitcoin’s Fall
  • Giant Biogene Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Co-Founders Have Already Cashed in US$1bn+

Nikkei 225 Sep22 Annual Review; Data Final, Predictions Unch’d; Strategy Involved

By Travis Lundy

  • The data is largely unchanged since the Nikkei 225 Sep Annual Review Predictions – 3 In, 3 Out set of predictions published 15 days ago.
  • The consultation results are out. They are as expected too. This has the hallmarks of a VERY well-signalled trade. But it’s a biggie. The funding trade alone is ¥600bn.
  • Because of the data, market conditions, and the variability of choice at the edges, I believe that warrants particular strategy.

GIC Buying in LG Energy Solution? According to Hankyung

By Sanghyun Park

  • Hankyung, published an article that GIC (the Government of Singapore Investment Corp) is in the process of buying a stake in LG Energy from LG Chem.
  • Hankyung is one of the two most well-established economic daily newspapers in Korea, along with Maekyung. So, we must see that this article has considerable credibility.
  • GIC will likely close the deal before an additional passive flow event kicks in. LG Chem is also highly likely to prefer to close the deal as soon as possible.

SJM Holdings (880 HK) Rights Issue – Capital Raise, Unappreciated, but Interesting Trading Dynamics

By Travis Lundy

  • SJM Holdings (880 HK) announced earnings on Monday and a HK$3bn Rights Issue last night designed to inject capital into Macau gaming licensee SJM Resorts. 
  • An increase in share capital is required to pre-qualify for then tender process where the Macau Govt would allocate a 10-year gaming concession starting 1 Jan 2023. 
  • 54.7% SJM Holder/Parent Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM) had previously extended a loan to SJM designed to allow SJM to inject capital to SJM Resorts.

FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 Index Rebalance Preview: Sinopac (2890) Could Replace PSMC (6770)

By Brian Freitas


Alibaba (9988 HK): Zero Growth for First Time, But Overly Sold, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Alibaba’s revenue stopped growing for the first time on record.
  • We still believe the revenue growth rate will recover in the December quarter.
  • We believe the stock price will have at least an upside of 29% after a significant plunge.

Hoya (7741) – Record Revenues/Earnings, a Small Buyback, but Nikkei 225 Flows May Dominate

By Travis Lundy

  • Hoya Corp (7741 JP) today announced great Q1 earnings and a bullish above-consensus revenue forecast for this fiscal year. It also announced a small share buyback. 
  • However, the dominant factor in flows near-term will be pre-positioning for a possible Nikkei 225 inclusion in September. That is what will push the stock around. In or not. 
  • Hoya has recently outperformed a Peer Basket despite forward expected EPS and EBIT not seeing relative improvement. That suggests some relative risk if it doesn’t get selected for Nikkei 225.

FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance: One Change Could Become Two

By Brian Freitas


CK Group Wants to Sell Its Stake in AMTD Group

By Douglas Kim

  • AMTD Digital’s stock price has started to sink and now there are news that the Cheung Kong (CK) Group (HK) wants to sell its stake in AMTD Group Co.
  • The discussion of the CK Group disposing its stake in AMTD Group altogether is likely to further negatively impact AMTD Digital’s share price.
  • Li Ka-Shing and his family probably want to distance themselves from all the unnecessary media attention given to AMTD Digital (HKD US) and AMTD Idea Group (AMTD US). 

MicroStrategy (MSTR US): Saylor Mirrors Bitcoin’s Fall

By David Blennerhassett

  • Microstrategy Inc (MSTR US)‘s Michael Saylor will now assume the new role of Executive Chairman and Phong Le, MSTR’s President, will serve as the company’s new CEO.
  • As Executive Chairman, Saylor will focus more on MSTR’s bitcoin acquisition strategy and related bitcoin advocacy initiatives.
  • With one of the most bullish and influential players in the industry now focusing on crypto, this should be considered bullish, according to some media reports. That’s a desperate takeaway.

Giant Biogene Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Co-Founders Have Already Cashed in US$1bn+

By Sumeet Singh

  • Giant Biogene (GB) aims to raise around US$500m in its Hong Kong IPO.
  • GB is a leader in the bioactive ingredient-based professional skin treatment product industry in China.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

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Daily Brief Japan: Appier Group, Joyful Honda, Toyota Motor, Z Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Aug 2022)
  • Joyful Honda Conducts Japan’s First* Official ASR – And It Remains Cheap on an MBO Framework
  • Toyota Motor’s Bad Q1 Is a Buying Opportunity
  • Z Holdings (Neutral) – Q1 22 Results Reaction: Weak Results Highlight Tough Year Ahead
  • Z Holdings (4689) | Transformation Is Clearly Underway

TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Aug 2022)

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Quiddity’s “Who is Ready” series of insights aims to objectively identify names listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that are potential additions to the TOPIX Index in future.
  • In this insight, I have defined six key Segment Transfer requirements which prove to be decisive in this process.
  • At present, there are 51 names that satisfy all of these conditions and there are more names that are close to being that group.

Joyful Honda Conducts Japan’s First* Official ASR – And It Remains Cheap on an MBO Framework

By Travis Lundy

  • The “Accelerated Share Repurchase” construct for share repurchases is used with some degree of regularity in the United States. It is theoretically legal, but heretofore unused, in Japan to-date.
  • Home improvement retailer Joyful Honda (3191 JP) today announced a buyback of ¥2.5bn, in line with the Share Repurchase Plan announcement made in early June.  That’s the first step.
  • The rest is pretty easy and straight-forward, but given its novelty, it may deserve explanation.

Toyota Motor’s Bad Q1 Is a Buying Opportunity

By SC Capital

  • Toyota announces June quarter results at 13:25 JST on Thursday, August 4th JST. We think any dip is a buying opportunity
  • Contrary to consensus, Q1’s constraints were due to supplier lockdowns in Shanghai, not the chip shortage. In fact, Toyota is seeing larger than expected chip supplies. 
  • Toyota’s full-year guidance is the most low-balled in the industry, which is why it’s underperformed peers. Better Q2 chip supply should lead to a sharp upward revision after 1H FY3/23. 

Z Holdings (Neutral) – Q1 22 Results Reaction: Weak Results Highlight Tough Year Ahead

By Kirk Boodry

  • In the first quarter where full YoY comps are available, ZHD missed Redex and consensus expectations as demand for eCommerce and online ads slowed
  • Management has kept FY22 financial guidance intact for now but economic uncertainty and the consolidation of loss-making PayPay in October makes an already-disappointing EBITDA target more challenging
  • We think FY22 EBITDA guidance is likely to be revised down heading into Q2 results

Z Holdings (4689) | Transformation Is Clearly Underway

By Mark Chadwick

  • The sell-side continues to focus on near-term quarterly numbers, while missing the long-term transformation of the Group 
  • The combination of Yahoo, Line and PayPay gives Z HD the best first-party data access in the whole of Japan – a clear winner in online advertising 
  • Perfect timing of the PayPay consolidation as losses have peaked.   

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Most Read: Oriental Land, Orica Ltd, AMTD Digital, Alibaba Group, Resapp Health, LG Chem Ltd, Appier Group, Yashili International Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Sep22 Annual Review; Data Final, Predictions Unch’d; Strategy Involved
  • Orica (ORI AU): Acquisition and Equity Raise to Result in Passive Inflows
  • AMTD Digital: The Biggest Bubble in 2022
  • Orica Offering – Concentrated Active Holder Base Means Over-Raise Should Be OK – Index Implications
  • BABA HK New Low Target Then Buy
  • ResApp (RAP AU): Pfizer Bumps Offer
  • Orica Limited Placement – Accretive Acquisition Coupled with Strong Momentum
  • GIC Buying in LG Energy Solution? According to Hankyung
  • TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Aug 2022)
  • Yashili: 16th August EGM To Vote On Three SPAs

Nikkei 225 Sep22 Annual Review; Data Final, Predictions Unch’d; Strategy Involved

By Travis Lundy

  • The data is largely unchanged since the Nikkei 225 Sep Annual Review Predictions – 3 In, 3 Out set of predictions published 15 days ago.
  • The consultation results are out. They are as expected too. This has the hallmarks of a VERY well-signalled trade. But it’s a biggie. The funding trade alone is ¥600bn.
  • Because of the data, market conditions, and the variability of choice at the edges, I believe that warrants particular strategy.

Orica (ORI AU): Acquisition and Equity Raise to Result in Passive Inflows

By Brian Freitas

  • Orica Ltd (ORI AU) have announced a fully underwritten A$650m institutional share placement at a price of A$16/share to fund the acquisition of Axis Mining Technology.
  • Orica Ltd (ORI AU) are using the recent strength in the stock price to raise A$282m more than needed for the acquisition.
  • The offering should result in an intra-quarter increase in shares in the MSCI, FTSE and S&P/ASX indices that should result in buying of 6.75m shares from passive trackers.

AMTD Digital: The Biggest Bubble in 2022

By Douglas Kim

  • AMTD Digital is the biggest bubble of 2022, which is ready to pop. AMTD Digital provides digital solutions platform in Asia.
  • AMTD Digital currently has a market cap of US$371 billion (US$2,002 per ADS share) (as of 1:40PM NYC time). The company’s market cap is more than JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • No doubt, AMTD Digital is the biggest bubble in 2022 and the bursting of this huge bubble will also devastate (mostly) retail investors in the US. 

Orica Offering – Concentrated Active Holder Base Means Over-Raise Should Be OK – Index Implications

By Travis Lundy

  • Orica Ltd (ORI AU) is launching an institutional offering of shares today to fund the purchase of Axis Mining Technology to expand the Digital [Mining] Solutions offering.
  • Orica has launched an equity offering of >2x the size of the takeover (adds A$280mm of working capital). Both acquisition and placement are expected to be accretive in Year1.
  • There will be a separate SPP on the follow. Expect this to be well-received and expect “fast money” to be rebuffed. There is significant passive buying to do.

BABA HK New Low Target Then Buy

By Thomas Schroeder

  • BABA HK is following Tencent’s path and pattern to new lows as BABA is pressing on pattern support after completing a counter trend rally and dual top (120).
  • 100 near resistance and sell zone for a test on 80. New low projections at 66 and 60. Bear pressure to resume after an uptick attempt.
  • On a new low the macro picture will begin to show bull divergence/support for a bullish Q4.

ResApp (RAP AU): Pfizer Bumps Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • ResApp Health (RAP AU) has entered into an amended and restated Scheme Implementation Deed concerning a proposed takeover by Pfizer Inc (PFE US)
  • After a sensitivity/specificity cough trial fell short of a March pilot study, Pfizer Offered A$0.146/share on the 21 June. Shares have traded wide to terms since on possible retail pushback.
  • The revised consideration of $0.208/share matches the preferred value and within the assessed value range of $0.146 – $0.279/share determined by the Independent Expert’s Report on 14 July 2022.

Orica Limited Placement – Accretive Acquisition Coupled with Strong Momentum

By Clarence Chu

  • Orica Ltd (ORI AU) is looking to raise US$450m (~A$650m) from issuing 40.6m primary shares at a 7% fixed discount to its last close.
  • The proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Axis Mining Technology and the firm’s working capital needs.
  • The deal is relatively large one to process, representing 22.3 days of three month ADV and 9.2% of current mcap.

GIC Buying in LG Energy Solution? According to Hankyung

By Sanghyun Park

  • Hankyung, published an article that GIC (the Government of Singapore Investment Corp) is in the process of buying a stake in LG Energy from LG Chem.
  • Hankyung is one of the two most well-established economic daily newspapers in Korea, along with Maekyung. So, we must see that this article has considerable credibility.
  • GIC will likely close the deal before an additional passive flow event kicks in. LG Chem is also highly likely to prefer to close the deal as soon as possible.

TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Aug 2022)

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Quiddity’s “Who is Ready” series of insights aims to objectively identify names listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that are potential additions to the TOPIX Index in future.
  • In this insight, I have defined six key Segment Transfer requirements which prove to be decisive in this process.
  • At present, there are 51 names that satisfy all of these conditions and there are more names that are close to being that group.

Yashili: 16th August EGM To Vote On Three SPAs

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 6 May, Yashili International Holdings (1230 HK) announced a pre-conditional Offer, by way of a Scheme, from China Mengniu Dairy Co (2319 HK).
  • Pre-Conditions concern three sales and purchase agreements, including Danone selling, and Mengniu acquiring 25% of Yashili at HK$1.20/share. A 16 August EGM will enable shareholders to vote on the SPAs.
  • Assuming the SPAs are approved, Mengniu will make an Offer at HK$1.20/share, a 161% premium to the undisturbed price.  

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Daily Brief ESG: Isn’t Performance of Japanese Stocks and more

By | Daily Briefs, ESG

In today’s briefing:

  • Isn’t Performance of Japanese Stocks, After All, the Reason for Declining % Individual Shareholders?

Isn’t Performance of Japanese Stocks, After All, the Reason for Declining % Individual Shareholders?

By Aki Matsumoto

  • The Nikkei suggests that the aging population may be the cause. However, performance is assumed to be factor, even when young people open accounts, they investment mostly in foreign stocks.
  • In the end, what matters most is that the listed company presents growth expectations. This is what leads to stock performance.
  • While tax and other support are one of the factors that motivate individuals to invest, if companies aren’t attractive for investment, their investments are likely to be in foreign stocks.

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

Sign Up for Free

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