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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Equity Capital Markets: Oyo, Paradeep Phosphates and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Oravel Stays (Oyo) Pre-IPO – The Positives – Network Effects Coupled with Industry Tailwinds
  • Paradeep Phosphates IPO Trading – Tepid Demand and Anchor Quality Isn’t the Greatest

Oravel Stays (Oyo) Pre-IPO – The Positives – Network Effects Coupled with Industry Tailwinds

By Clarence Chu

  • Oyo (1698548D IN) is looking to raise around US$700m in its upcoming India IPO. The IPO will consist of both a primary and secondary portion.
  • Oyo runs a digital platform that serves as a hotel and home aggregator between patrons, which include owners and lessors, and customers, such as travelers and guests booking for accommodation.
  • As of Mar 2021, Oyo had 157,344 storefronts across more than 35 countries listed on its platform.

Paradeep Phosphates IPO Trading – Tepid Demand and Anchor Quality Isn’t the Greatest

By Clarence Chu

  • Paradeep Phosphates raised around US$194m in its India IPO. The IPO consisted of a mix of primary and secondary shares.
  • Subscription for PP’s IPO had been tepid and previous deals with similar subscription rates had produced mixed performances upon debut.
  • Were the firm to trade towards its closer peers’ average, there is a 5% upside potential and -18.6% downside potential on the FY23E and FY24E EV/EBITDA front, respectively. 

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Japan: Renesas Electronics, Sony Corp, Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough
  • Sony (6758 JP) | Master of the Metaverse
  • Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa
  • About an Article on TSE Prime Market

Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough

By Travis Lundy

  • The Nikkei Index Team has suggested a methodology change to the Nikkei 225 Average.
  • It involves capping stocks, creating a method for re-weighting once capped then stocks fall, and they recommend changing to a semi-annual Periodic Review – twice a year rather than once.
  • More interestingly, they also change the “High Liquidity” definition to be related to traded value not volume, which starts to favour higher-market cap stocks with more shares out.

Sony (6758 JP) | Master of the Metaverse

By Mark Chadwick

  • Sony’s hosted its 2022 Corporate Strategy Meeting last week. Our key takeaway is that SONY is shifting towards greater investment in Content, Creators, and Communities.  
  • Sony recognizes that technology is changing the way that content is produced and consumed and is responding with new experiences and monetization models.  
  • Sony will continue to benefit from the evolution of the internet as it becomes more social, immersive and financialized (otherwise known as the metaverse). 

Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa

By Mio Kato

  • Sony held the first of their two investor days yesterday presenting on the Game & Network Services, Music and Pictures segments. 
  • While there was nothing especially new for those paying attention to the broad flow of news conditions for the content businesses remain strong. 
  • What was interesting to us was the degree of collaboration with Kadokawa.

About an Article on TSE Prime Market

By Aki Matsumoto

  • I will discuss the Nikkei article that “companies that don’t meet the prime market listing criteria but remain in the prime market under transitional measures should increase their corporate value.”
  • It goes without saying that increasing corporate value is the way to increase market capitalization. However, whether the company’s methodology is reasonable in the “plan” should be fully discussed.
  • TSE should proceed with discussions to expand the market to high quality companies that will regain profitability and growth potential, without limiting it to companies to which transitional measures apply.

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

China: Tencent, Alibaba Group, Shenzhen Expressway Co H, Lenovo, Activision Blizzard and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Hang Seng Index Constituents
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): Well Controlled Expense in 4Q22 and Forthcoming Turning Point in June, Buy
  • Shenzhen Expressway (548 HK): Cautiously Optimistic
  • Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources
  • FPA U.S. Core Equity Fund Q1 2022 Commentary

Hang Seng Index Constituents

By Untying The Gordian Knot

  • The Hang Seng index constituents have moved away from just local Hong Kong shares to being dominated by China H and China-centric shares
  • Focusing on these constituents adds much value, especially with shifting liquidity away from US-listed ADS to HKEX listed shares.
  • It brings together a more diverse investor base ranging from local Hong Kong, mainland China and the rest of the world.

Alibaba (9988 HK): Well Controlled Expense in 4Q22 and Forthcoming Turning Point in June, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Operating margin improved in 4Q22 due to well controlled expenses in minor businesses.
  • We believe the state council meeting will provide a turning point in June.
  • We set an upside of 31% and a price target at HK$106.

Shenzhen Expressway (548 HK): Cautiously Optimistic

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Shenzhen Expressway Co H (548 HK) guided that many drivers are presented for the rest of the year to support growth, after a 24% YoY decline in 1Q22 net profit. 
  • Toll road business should benefit from organic growth and project completions, while clean energy and waste treatment businesses will experience astronomical growth from capacity acquisitions. 
  • There exists room to leverage up for growth as liabilities-to-asset ratio is still 11pp below its tolerance level of 65%. Besides below-average PERs, FY22F yield of 10% is attractive too.

Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources

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.


FPA U.S. Core Equity Fund Q1 2022 Commentary

By Fund Newsletters

  • FPA is a Los Angeles-based institutional money management firm practicing a disciplined approach to value investing, prudently seeking superior long-term returns while maintaining a focus on capital preservation.
  • In the first quarter of 2022, the FPA U.S. Core Equity Fund, Inc.’s (“Fund”) performance was -12.25% (-12.01% before fees and expenses).
  • I believe secularly growing mid- to large-capitalization companies trading at compelling valuations will continue to be a favorable place to invest for the long-term—especially relative to U.S. Treasuries and other investment alternatives.

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Event-Driven: SK Telecom Co Ltd (Adr), Renesas Electronics, Yancoal Australia, Appen Ltd, Reliance Industries, Sony Corp, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, S.A., LG Energy Solution and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • SK Telecom: Clarifications over ADR Creation & Premium with Zero Foreign Room
  • Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough
  • Yancoal’s Unusual Low Bid from Yankuang Energy
  • Yancoal (YAL AU, 3668 HK): Potential Offer From Parent In H-Share CBs
  • Appen (APX AU): Telus’ Indicative Offer
  • Telus Revokes It’s A$9.50 Bid for Appen
  • NIFTY Indices: Quiddity Primer
  • Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa
  • Siemens Energy/Siemens Gamesa: What Now?
  • LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility

SK Telecom: Clarifications over ADR Creation & Premium with Zero Foreign Room

By Sanghyun Park

  • The debating point is whether ADRs can be created from local underlying shares once the FOL is hit if the ADR issuance cap isn’t entirely burned.
  • The answer is Yes. ADRs can still be created. That is one of the exceptions that the Korea FSS allows for exceeding the foreign ownership limit.
  • This is why we saw a hefty premium on KT ADR when it reached and stayed at zero foreign room since 2015 AND an increase in ADRs through DR creation.

Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough

By Travis Lundy

  • The Nikkei Index Team has suggested a methodology change to the Nikkei 225 Average.
  • It involves capping stocks, creating a method for re-weighting once capped then stocks fall, and they recommend changing to a semi-annual Periodic Review – twice a year rather than once.
  • More interestingly, they also change the “High Liquidity” definition to be related to traded value not volume, which starts to favour higher-market cap stocks with more shares out.

Yancoal’s Unusual Low Bid from Yankuang Energy

By Arun George

  • Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited H (1171 HK)/Yankuang, a 62.26% shareholder, aims to offer H Share convertible bonds for US$3.60 (HK$28.26 or A$5.07) per Yancoal Australia (YAL AU) share.
  • Yankuang’s implied offer price is -16.6% and -14.5% below the last close price on the ASX and HKEx, respectively. At first glance, the offer seems to be a non-starter.  
  • Yankuang’s end game is likely to provide large shareholders with a liquidity event to hit the 90% compulsory acquisition threshold. This ploy could work subject to FIRB approval. 

Yancoal (YAL AU, 3668 HK): Potential Offer From Parent In H-Share CBs

By David Blennerhassett

  • Yankuang Energy Group Company (1171 HK) is considering an Offer for dual-listed coal-miner Yancoal Australia (YAL AU / 3668 HK) via the issuance of H-share convertible bonds.
  • The potential consideration of US$3.60 (~A$5.07/~HK$28.26) per Yancoal share, in the form of H-Share CBs, compares to the last close A$6.08 and HK$33.05. Perhaps an attractive yield will be dangled. 
  • Yankuang Energy has 62.26%. Cinda, Glencore, and China Shandong collectively hold 27.7%. You need all three to support the Offer terms, and then some, to force compulsory acquisition. 

Appen (APX AU): Telus’ Indicative Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • AI data service provider Appen (APX AU) has announced an unsolicited, conditional, and non-binding indicative proposal from Canada’s Telus International, by way of a Scheme of Arrangement, at A$9.50/share.  
  • That’s around a 48% premium. Appen’s board is seeking an improvement in terms through offering a limited course of due diligence.
  • The Offer backs out an equity value of A$1.2bn, significantly down from Appen’s 2020 pandemic peak of A$5.4bn.

Telus Revokes It’s A$9.50 Bid for Appen

By Arun George

  • In response to media reports, Appen Ltd (APX AU) disclosed a non-binding indicative proposal from Telus International (TIXT US) at A$9.50, a 48.4% premium to the undisturbed price of A$6.40.
  • Appen also announced a weak trading update. The 1HFY22 EBITDA is expected to be materially lower than the comparable period due to the lower revenue and the ongoing investment. 
  • Subsequently, Appen noted that Telus revoked its indicative proposal. No reason was given for the decision. Nevertheless, Appen’s depressed share price will continue to attract suitors. 

NIFTY Indices: Quiddity Primer

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The NIFTY Index Family has a series of broad equity indices that represents large, mid and small market capitalisation segments of the Indian public equity market.
  • The review of broad market indices will be done on a semi-annual basis and the changes will be implemented at the end of March and September every year.
  • In this insight, we take a look at the selection criteria and the historical price performance of past Rebalance Events.

Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa

By Mio Kato

  • Sony held the first of their two investor days yesterday presenting on the Game & Network Services, Music and Pictures segments. 
  • While there was nothing especially new for those paying attention to the broad flow of news conditions for the content businesses remain strong. 
  • What was interesting to us was the degree of collaboration with Kadokawa.

Siemens Energy/Siemens Gamesa: What Now?

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Siemens Energy seems to have the backing of both BlackRock and Norges, and could then count on 72.55% of the votes vs. 75% approval at EGM needed for delisting.
  • The shares have seen high purchasing activity since the offer announcement (€158 million average turnover since Monday). Gross spread is 1.5%, 3.7% estimated annual return (assuming settlement on 24 October).
  • One could sell part of the shares if the share price rises above the offer price and await a possible sweetening, and tender the rest during the acceptance period.

LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility

By Sanghyun Park

  • LG Energy Solution’s real-world free-float rate should be around 5%, or 12.3M shares. We will see two additional passive inflows with the real-world float this tight.
  • KOSPI 200 up-weight and FTSE June QIR New Entry’s combined inflow will be 0.6% of SO, enough for us to expect a short-term flow crunch.
  • Then, there will likely be a share let-go event (block deals) by LG Chem to lessen the tight float situation, just like what KSOE had done for HHI.

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Indonesia: Link Net and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Axiata Gains Approval for the Link Net MTO; Next up Is First Media’s EGM on 6 June

Axiata Gains Approval for the Link Net MTO; Next up Is First Media’s EGM on 6 June

By Arun George

  • The Axiata Group (AXIATA MK) EGM narrowly approved the ordinary resolution relating to the proposed acquisition of Link Net (LINK IJ) shares and the proposed MTO. 
  • The next catalyst is the First Media (KBLV IJ)’s EGM to approve the transaction on 6 June. The proposed MTO at IDR4,800 per share is targeted to complete by 3Q. 
  • BNM regulatory approval was received on 12 April. At the last close, the gross and annualised spread of the MTO price for a 3Q completion is 4.6% and 13.1%, respectively.

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

TMT: Renesas Electronics, Tencent, Appen Ltd, Mediatek Inc, Yanolja, Netflix Inc, Apple Inc, Snowflake Inc, Lenovo and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough
  • Hang Seng Index Constituents
  • Appen (APX AU): Telus’ Indicative Offer
  • Telus Revokes It’s A$9.50 Bid for Appen
  • MediaTek (2454.TT): The Smartphone Demand Could Further Decrease in 2022.
  • Launch Of Unlisted Korean Companies ETFs in 2023 & How Our Smartkarma Research Would Change
  • Tidefall Capital Management Q1 2022 Letter
  • Wedgewood Partners Large Cap Focused Growth Fund Q1 2022 Client Letter
  • Snowflake 1Q22 Earnings: 2029 Looks Good
  • Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources

Nikkei 225 Methodology Change. Again. This Time Better But Still Not Good Enough

By Travis Lundy

  • The Nikkei Index Team has suggested a methodology change to the Nikkei 225 Average.
  • It involves capping stocks, creating a method for re-weighting once capped then stocks fall, and they recommend changing to a semi-annual Periodic Review – twice a year rather than once.
  • More interestingly, they also change the “High Liquidity” definition to be related to traded value not volume, which starts to favour higher-market cap stocks with more shares out.

Hang Seng Index Constituents

By Untying The Gordian Knot

  • The Hang Seng index constituents have moved away from just local Hong Kong shares to being dominated by China H and China-centric shares
  • Focusing on these constituents adds much value, especially with shifting liquidity away from US-listed ADS to HKEX listed shares.
  • It brings together a more diverse investor base ranging from local Hong Kong, mainland China and the rest of the world.

Appen (APX AU): Telus’ Indicative Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • AI data service provider Appen (APX AU) has announced an unsolicited, conditional, and non-binding indicative proposal from Canada’s Telus International, by way of a Scheme of Arrangement, at A$9.50/share.  
  • That’s around a 48% premium. Appen’s board is seeking an improvement in terms through offering a limited course of due diligence.
  • The Offer backs out an equity value of A$1.2bn, significantly down from Appen’s 2020 pandemic peak of A$5.4bn.

Telus Revokes It’s A$9.50 Bid for Appen

By Arun George

  • In response to media reports, Appen Ltd (APX AU) disclosed a non-binding indicative proposal from Telus International (TIXT US) at A$9.50, a 48.4% premium to the undisturbed price of A$6.40.
  • Appen also announced a weak trading update. The 1HFY22 EBITDA is expected to be materially lower than the comparable period due to the lower revenue and the ongoing investment. 
  • Subsequently, Appen noted that Telus revoked its indicative proposal. No reason was given for the decision. Nevertheless, Appen’s depressed share price will continue to attract suitors. 

MediaTek (2454.TT): The Smartphone Demand Could Further Decrease in 2022.

By Patrick Liao

  • MediaTek’s revised downward forecast for 650-680nm smartphone delivery in 1Q22 earnings conference, but we think that number could be revised down again by the end of July.
  • MediaTek announced new WiFi products, Filogic 880 and 380, in COMPUTEX2022 on May 24-27. Besides, MediaTek invests in new opportunities for AI in the US.
  • The mainland China fights fiercely against COVID-19 and stays at the Zero Policy. 

Launch Of Unlisted Korean Companies ETFs in 2023 & How Our Smartkarma Research Would Change

By Douglas Kim

  • There is a strong possibility of the launch of corporate growth fund private companies ETFs in Korea in 2023. 
  • Once government gives final approval to launch the unlisted Korean companies ETFs in 2023, there is likely to be much greater interest in investing and researching in private Korean companies.
  • Starting next year, there is a strong probability that we will spend a lot more time on researching and writing about these promising, private companies in Korea. 

Tidefall Capital Management Q1 2022 Letter

By Fund Newsletters

  • Tidefall is a concentrated, unconstrained investment fund that attempts to compound its capital at an attractive rate of return. Our investment advantage comes from our in-depth research, long-term time horizon and appreciation of biases.
  • With Netflix stock down by more than 50% since its high in November (and 10% below Reed Hastings’ $20m purchase in January) we re-entered the position in April.
  • We believe the current price of Netflix shares creates a compelling long term investment opportunity.

Wedgewood Partners Large Cap Focused Growth Fund Q1 2022 Client Letter

By Fund Newsletters

  • Wedgewood Partners is a money manager founded in 1988 with the goal of providing investors with a superior approach to managing investment portfolios.
  • For the first quarter 2022, our Composite (net)i declined -10.6%.
  • We expect to be busy this year as all financial markets come to grips with the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented task of reigning in 40-year highs in inflation with two monetary tightening tools.

Snowflake 1Q22 Earnings: 2029 Looks Good

By Aaron Gabin

  • Ignore the slight macro weakness from consumer facing internet companies in April. It is irrelevant for the LT model. 
  • Snowflake upped its LT (FY2029) targets: $10B in revenues, growing 30%, 78% product margins, 20% operating margins, and 25% adjusted FCF margins.
  • At 12x forward revenues, Snowflake’s valuation is…dare we say… cheap?

Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources

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.


Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Consumer: Sony Corp, Alibaba Group, LG Energy Solution, ITC Ltd, Netflix Inc, Hindustan Unilever, S Hotels & Resorts PCL, Minda Industries Ltd and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Sony (6758 JP) | Master of the Metaverse
  • Alibaba (9988 HK): Well Controlled Expense in 4Q22 and Forthcoming Turning Point in June, Buy
  • Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa
  • LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility
  • ITC Ltd (ITC IN) | A Good Place to Hide
  • Tidefall Capital Management Q1 2022 Letter
  • Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) | The Right Priorities, but Ain’t Enough
  • SHR: Operations to Regain Momentum in 2H22
  • Minda Industries – EBITDA Tops Estimates; Outlook Remains Intact
  • Minda Industries: Robust Performance

Sony (6758 JP) | Master of the Metaverse

By Mark Chadwick

  • Sony’s hosted its 2022 Corporate Strategy Meeting last week. Our key takeaway is that SONY is shifting towards greater investment in Content, Creators, and Communities.  
  • Sony recognizes that technology is changing the way that content is produced and consumed and is responding with new experiences and monetization models.  
  • Sony will continue to benefit from the evolution of the internet as it becomes more social, immersive and financialized (otherwise known as the metaverse). 

Alibaba (9988 HK): Well Controlled Expense in 4Q22 and Forthcoming Turning Point in June, Buy

By Ming Lu

  • Operating margin improved in 4Q22 due to well controlled expenses in minor businesses.
  • We believe the state council meeting will provide a turning point in June.
  • We set an upside of 31% and a price target at HK$106.

Sony – IR Day One and Kadokawa

By Mio Kato

  • Sony held the first of their two investor days yesterday presenting on the Game & Network Services, Music and Pictures segments. 
  • While there was nothing especially new for those paying attention to the broad flow of news conditions for the content businesses remain strong. 
  • What was interesting to us was the degree of collaboration with Kadokawa.

LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility

By Sanghyun Park

  • LG Energy Solution’s real-world free-float rate should be around 5%, or 12.3M shares. We will see two additional passive inflows with the real-world float this tight.
  • KOSPI 200 up-weight and FTSE June QIR New Entry’s combined inflow will be 0.6% of SO, enough for us to expect a short-term flow crunch.
  • Then, there will likely be a share let-go event (block deals) by LG Chem to lessen the tight float situation, just like what KSOE had done for HHI.

ITC Ltd (ITC IN) | A Good Place to Hide

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • ITC Ltd (ITC IN) ‘s core cigarette portfolio is relatively inelastic to the current commodity inflation. With the reopening of offices and social events, volumes are likely to trend higher. 
  • A renewed focus on FMCG is likely to aid volumes for the non-cigarette segment. 
  • Valuations are in favor and we see limited scope for de-rating if not re-rating.

Tidefall Capital Management Q1 2022 Letter

By Fund Newsletters

  • Tidefall is a concentrated, unconstrained investment fund that attempts to compound its capital at an attractive rate of return. Our investment advantage comes from our in-depth research, long-term time horizon and appreciation of biases.
  • With Netflix stock down by more than 50% since its high in November (and 10% below Reed Hastings’ $20m purchase in January) we re-entered the position in April.
  • We believe the current price of Netflix shares creates a compelling long term investment opportunity.

Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) | The Right Priorities, but Ain’t Enough

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) is focusing on protecting its business model and market share, which is the key in such an operating environment. 
  • Presence across multiple price points and playing a targeted game in target geographies will aid in maintaining steady-state growth. 
  • Current valuations, lack of trigger for driving exponential volume growth and expected slowing pace of premiumisation warrant caution. 

SHR: Operations to Regain Momentum in 2H22

By Pi Research

  • Analyst meeting came out with a positive tone regarding 2022 outlook.We maintain BUY rating  while roll out the new 2023 TP of Bt4.8 (+7% from previous TP),pegged to 1x PBV’23E.
  • We expect  its 2022 EBITDA to grow 4 times, in-line with management target with 61% growth in revenue backed by global tourism recovery.
  • UK portfolio will grow steady from a dull 1Q22 performance owing to low season and will ramp up to pre-Covid levels by the end of2022 while Maldives portfolio will enter 

Minda Industries – EBITDA Tops Estimates; Outlook Remains Intact

By Emkay

  • EBITDA tops estimates: Revenue grew by 8% yoy to Rs24.2bn (est.: Rs23.7bn), slightly above estimates.
  • Order wins continued in Q4FY22: 1) Received orders for new generation switches for sunroof, cruise control, paddle and vehicle stability from PV OEM and export orders from an Italian 2W OEM;
  • Retain Buy with a TP of Rs1,135. MNDA is focusing on strengthening its own R&D capabilities and exploring tie-ups and acquisitions with a focus on PACE opportunities (Personalization, Autonomous, Connected and Electrification).

Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.


Minda Industries: Robust Performance

By Axis Direct

  • Minda Industries Ltd. (MIL) reported a strong set of results (slightly ahead of our estimates) despite a tough operating environment.
  • MIL posted a robust revenue growth led by an increase in content per vehicle, addition of new customers and products, and growth across segments as well as due to the ramp-up of new order wins
  • We maintain our BUY rating with a revised target price of Rs 1,100/share (Rs 1,250 earlier), valuing the stock at 32x FY24E EPS, indicating an upside of 32% from the CMP.

Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.


Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Health Care: Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd, Bangkok Chain Hospital and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN): Base Business Recovering; Competition Is the Only Headwind
  • BCH: Turning Back to Core Operation Post 1Q22 Peak

Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN): Base Business Recovering; Competition Is the Only Headwind

By Tina Banerjee

  • Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN) reported 35% y/y revenue growth in its non-COVID business in FY22. Non-COVID realization per patient is also back to pre-COVID levels.  
  • The company has acquired Suburban Diagnostics last year, which will further widen its geographical footprint, with western region contributing 24% of revenue from 10% earlier.
  • There is a lot of noise regarding competition in the industry. Thus far, DLPL has not seen much pricing pressure and underpenetrated Indian diagnostic segment can accommodate more players.

BCH: Turning Back to Core Operation Post 1Q22 Peak

By Pi Research

  • Upgrade to BUY from HOLD rating with an unchanged TP of B21.00, based on 14.36xPE’22E which is close to -2SD of 3-years trailing average.
  • We see earnings trend to fall QoQ in 2Q22, as COVID-19 contribution fades in parallel with declining infection patients cases and dropped RT-PCR test for vaccinated tourists.
  • We view profit trend to drop HoH in 2H22, as COVID-revenue normalizes YoY off high base in 2H21 based on our expectation government declares COVID as endemic in July.

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

India: Reliance Industries, Oyo, ITC Ltd, Bharti Airtel, Paradeep Phosphates, Hindustan Unilever, Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd, LIC Housing Finance, RITES Ltd, Lenovo and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • NIFTY Indices: Quiddity Primer
  • Oravel Stays (Oyo) Pre-IPO – The Positives – Network Effects Coupled with Industry Tailwinds
  • ITC Ltd (ITC IN) | A Good Place to Hide
  • Bharti Airtel – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Paradeep Phosphates IPO Trading – Tepid Demand and Anchor Quality Isn’t the Greatest
  • Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) | The Right Priorities, but Ain’t Enough
  • Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN): Base Business Recovering; Competition Is the Only Headwind
  • LICHF: Stellar Q4FY22 Results
  • Rites: Robust Order Book & Execution Prowess to Regain Momentum; Retain BUY
  • Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources

NIFTY Indices: Quiddity Primer

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The NIFTY Index Family has a series of broad equity indices that represents large, mid and small market capitalisation segments of the Indian public equity market.
  • The review of broad market indices will be done on a semi-annual basis and the changes will be implemented at the end of March and September every year.
  • In this insight, we take a look at the selection criteria and the historical price performance of past Rebalance Events.

Oravel Stays (Oyo) Pre-IPO – The Positives – Network Effects Coupled with Industry Tailwinds

By Clarence Chu

  • Oyo (1698548D IN) is looking to raise around US$700m in its upcoming India IPO. The IPO will consist of both a primary and secondary portion.
  • Oyo runs a digital platform that serves as a hotel and home aggregator between patrons, which include owners and lessors, and customers, such as travelers and guests booking for accommodation.
  • As of Mar 2021, Oyo had 157,344 storefronts across more than 35 countries listed on its platform.

ITC Ltd (ITC IN) | A Good Place to Hide

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • ITC Ltd (ITC IN) ‘s core cigarette portfolio is relatively inelastic to the current commodity inflation. With the reopening of offices and social events, volumes are likely to trend higher. 
  • A renewed focus on FMCG is likely to aid volumes for the non-cigarette segment. 
  • Valuations are in favor and we see limited scope for de-rating if not re-rating.

Bharti Airtel – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Trung Nguyen

We view Bharti Airtel as “Low Risk” on our LARA scale, mainly driven by its strong market position as the second-largest player in India’s telco industry. It owns robust network infrastructure across India, with a broad customer base. We also like the improving industry outlook with rationalising competition, industry consolidation to Airtel’s advantage, and improving regulatory conditions. Airtel is also committed to prudent balance-sheet management and stable leverage. However, the company will likely face continued significant capex requirements with respect to its 5G rollout, with the associated risks being higher than expected capex.

Our Credit Bias is “Stable”, given Airtel’s robust business risk profile and stable financial metrics.


Paradeep Phosphates IPO Trading – Tepid Demand and Anchor Quality Isn’t the Greatest

By Clarence Chu

  • Paradeep Phosphates raised around US$194m in its India IPO. The IPO consisted of a mix of primary and secondary shares.
  • Subscription for PP’s IPO had been tepid and previous deals with similar subscription rates had produced mixed performances upon debut.
  • Were the firm to trade towards its closer peers’ average, there is a 5% upside potential and -18.6% downside potential on the FY23E and FY24E EV/EBITDA front, respectively. 

Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) | The Right Priorities, but Ain’t Enough

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • Hindustan Unilever (HUVR IN) is focusing on protecting its business model and market share, which is the key in such an operating environment. 
  • Presence across multiple price points and playing a targeted game in target geographies will aid in maintaining steady-state growth. 
  • Current valuations, lack of trigger for driving exponential volume growth and expected slowing pace of premiumisation warrant caution. 

Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN): Base Business Recovering; Competition Is the Only Headwind

By Tina Banerjee

  • Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN) reported 35% y/y revenue growth in its non-COVID business in FY22. Non-COVID realization per patient is also back to pre-COVID levels.  
  • The company has acquired Suburban Diagnostics last year, which will further widen its geographical footprint, with western region contributing 24% of revenue from 10% earlier.
  • There is a lot of noise regarding competition in the industry. Thus far, DLPL has not seen much pricing pressure and underpenetrated Indian diagnostic segment can accommodate more players.

LICHF: Stellar Q4FY22 Results

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • LIC Housing Finance (LICHF IN) reported stellar results, in line with the expectation from our last note. NIM expanded while provisions declined leading to Q4FY22 PAT of INR 1100cr+.
  • Asset quality improved with Stage 3 assets at 4.64% vs 5.04% QoQ and Stage 2 assets at 3.08% vs 3.75% QoQ. LICHF also recovered 350cr of NPAs during Q4FY22.
  • Adjusted for one-off tax benefits and assuming FY23 NIM at 2.4%, LICHF’s normalized PAT potential is INR 3600cr+ suggesting that LICHF is trading at <6x P/E on FY23E PAT.

Rites: Robust Order Book & Execution Prowess to Regain Momentum; Retain BUY

By Axis Direct

  • RITES Ltd. (RITES) reported a good set of Q4FY22 numbers with revenues of Rs 766 Cr (up 20% YoY), supported by the higher export sales, EBIDTA of Rs 204 Cr (up 10% YoY), and APAT of Rs 141 Cr (down 1% YoY).
  • The company registered EBITDA Margins of 26.7% in Q4FY22 (our estimate: 26.8%) as against 29.2% in Q4FY21
  • We roll over our estimate to FY24 and retain a BUY rating on the stock, valuing the company at 11.5x FY24E EPS to arrive at a target price of Rs 275/share (Rs 305/share earlier), implying an upside of 10% from the CMP.

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Morning Views Asia: Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Bharti Airtel, Lenovo, Vedanta Resources

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.


Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

South Korea: SK Telecom Co Ltd (Adr), LG Energy Solution, Doosan Corp, Yanolja and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • SK Telecom: Clarifications over ADR Creation & Premium with Zero Foreign Room
  • LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility
  • A Pair Trade Between Doosan Corp & Doosan Enerbility
  • Launch Of Unlisted Korean Companies ETFs in 2023 & How Our Smartkarma Research Would Change

SK Telecom: Clarifications over ADR Creation & Premium with Zero Foreign Room

By Sanghyun Park

  • The debating point is whether ADRs can be created from local underlying shares once the FOL is hit if the ADR issuance cap isn’t entirely burned.
  • The answer is Yes. ADRs can still be created. That is one of the exceptions that the Korea FSS allows for exceeding the foreign ownership limit.
  • This is why we saw a hefty premium on KT ADR when it reached and stayed at zero foreign room since 2015 AND an increase in ADRs through DR creation.

LG Energy Solution: Short-Term Flow Crunch & Block Deal Possibility

By Sanghyun Park

  • LG Energy Solution’s real-world free-float rate should be around 5%, or 12.3M shares. We will see two additional passive inflows with the real-world float this tight.
  • KOSPI 200 up-weight and FTSE June QIR New Entry’s combined inflow will be 0.6% of SO, enough for us to expect a short-term flow crunch.
  • Then, there will likely be a share let-go event (block deals) by LG Chem to lessen the tight float situation, just like what KSOE had done for HHI.

A Pair Trade Between Doosan Corp & Doosan Enerbility

By Douglas Kim

  • There are three major reasons we like a pair trade between Doosan Corp (go long) and Doosan Enerbility (go short). 
  • First, share prices of two companies have diverged too much this year. Second, Doosan Corp is currently trading at a 76% discount to its NAV, which is excessive. 
  • Third, as investors have poured capital into nuclear power themed Doosan Enerbility, they have neglected its parent Doosan Corp. 

Launch Of Unlisted Korean Companies ETFs in 2023 & How Our Smartkarma Research Would Change

By Douglas Kim

  • There is a strong possibility of the launch of corporate growth fund private companies ETFs in Korea in 2023. 
  • Once government gives final approval to launch the unlisted Korean companies ETFs in 2023, there is likely to be much greater interest in investing and researching in private Korean companies.
  • Starting next year, there is a strong probability that we will spend a lot more time on researching and writing about these promising, private companies in Korea. 

Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma