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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Financials: Country Garden Services Holdings, Square Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Buy Country Garden Services on China Property Sector Recovery
  • Block Inc (formerly Square Inc): Continuing Bullish Approach Towards Crypto

Buy Country Garden Services on China Property Sector Recovery

By Xin Yu, CFA

  • Chinese government outlined 16 steps to support the property industry on Nov 11
  • The newly released measures clearly show that the government has reversed its attitude toward property industry, which may trigger the end of the downcycle.
  • During the property sector rebound, Country Garden Services (CGS) can be a good investment. The company has a solid track record and shows attractive valuation.

Block Inc (formerly Square Inc): Continuing Bullish Approach Towards Crypto

By Baptista Research

  • Block delivered a decent set of results with an all-around beat and good profitability during the last quarter.
  • Its BNPL platform produced $150 million in gross profit in the third quarter, distributed between Square and Cash App.
  • Inflows per active user have been improving in the third quarter compared to the first and second quarters and stable year over year.

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Daily Brief Consumer: I-Tail, Sapphire Foods, Bikaji Foods, Dollar Index, Hyatt Hotels Corp Cl A, The Walt Disney Co, Vivid Seats, Kura Sushi Inc, Hershey Co/The and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • I-Tail Corporation IPO – Blowout 3Q22, Revised Earnings, Updated Thoughts on Valuation
  • Sapphire Foods IPO – Smallish Stock with Big (US$550m) Multiple PE Lockup Expiry
  • Bikaji Foods International IPO Trading – One of the Strongest Demand This Year
  • I-Tail Corporation IPO: Valuation Insights
  • Rally Continues Following Breaks in USD & 10-Yr Yield; Buy Ideas in Energy & Consumer Discretionary
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation: The Find Platform & Other Drivers
  • Walt Disney Company: Merchandise Marketing Through Disney+ & Other Drivers
  • Riding The Entertainment Boom
  • That’s a Wrap, Kura Exits 2022 on a High Note
  • Hershey Co: Major Drivers

I-Tail Corporation IPO – Blowout 3Q22, Revised Earnings, Updated Thoughts on Valuation

By Sumeet Singh

  • I-Tail, an OEM in the wet pet food category, aims to raise around US$600m in its Thailand IPO. It is a subsidiary of Thai Union Group (TU TB)  .
  • As per ITC, it was the number two pet food company in Asia and in the top ten pet food companies globally. ITC expertise lies in fish-based wet pet food.
  • In our previous notes, we have looked at various aspects of the deal. In this note, we talk about its 3Q22 updates and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Sapphire Foods IPO – Smallish Stock with Big (US$550m) Multiple PE Lockup Expiry

By Sumeet Singh

  • In Nov 2021, Sapphire Foods Limited (SFL), one of Yum Brand’s franchisees in the Indian subcontinent, raised around US$280m in its Indian IPO. 
  • The lock-up on its shareholders will expire soon, with a number of PE funds on its register
  • In this note, we will talk about the upcoming lockup expiry.

Bikaji Foods International IPO Trading – One of the Strongest Demand This Year

By Sumeet Singh

  • Bikaji Foods (BIKAJI IN) , an ethnic snacks company, raised approximately US$107m in its India IPO.
  • Its product range includes six principal categories: bhujia, namkeen, packaged sweets, papad, western snacks as well as other snacks which primarily include gift packs, frozen food, mathri range and cookies.
  • We have looked at various aspects of the deal in our previous notes. In this note, we talk about the demand for the deal and the trading dynamics.

I-Tail Corporation IPO: Valuation Insights

By Arun George


Rally Continues Following Breaks in USD & 10-Yr Yield; Buy Ideas in Energy & Consumer Discretionary

By Joe Jasper

  • Our Russell 2000 (IWM) and S&P 500 targets for this rally have been the 200-day MAs, coinciding with YTD downtrends.
  • The Russell already hit this target while the S&P is closing in, less than 1% away.
  • Still, the vast majority of signals point to further upside ahead for the market indexes, and a possible end to the bear market.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation: The Find Platform & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Hyatt delivered a strong performance in the quarter and managed to surpass Wall Street expectations in terms of revenues as well as earnings.
  • With outstanding bookings for upcoming periods during the quarter, group room revenue also saw growth during the third quarter.
  • Besides, they launched The Find platform, a new experiences platform, for members of its World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Walt Disney Company: Merchandise Marketing Through Disney+ & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Disney had highly disappointing quarter and failed to meet the market expectations in terms of revenues as well as earnings.
  • The quarter saw the company reaching the highest point in DTC operating losses to date which is why operating margins were significantly below analyst expectations.
  • This quarter was strong for products, experiences, and parks that continue to deliver good results despite Hurricane Lan.

Riding The Entertainment Boom

By subSPAC

  • Online Ticketing platform SeatGeek has seen a surge in demand from the pandemic reopening, as consumers have spent extravagantly on entertainment experiences such as concerts, theatre, and sporting events.
  • With fewer live events and supply shortages due to prevailing scalpers, fans have increasingly turned to online resellers to access these experiences.
  • However, the company is now expected to face significant challenges, including a slowdown in demand and a regulatory crackdown from the government limiting the potential fees that can be charged.

That’s a Wrap, Kura Exits 2022 on a High Note

By Investment Talk

  • Despite now being valued at ~$635 million (down ~32% from ATHs) Kura Sushi, the small-time restaurant operator with 40 stores across the United States, continues to boast an overzealous market valuation.
  • Perhaps it’s their ability to consistently beat expectations. Perhaps it’s because they remain undercovered and somewhat illiquid for their size (the parent organisation owns a considerable amount of outstanding shares).
  • I can’t be sure, nor do I really care. After reporting Q4 earnings last week, Kura rounded off the year in style, continuing to demonstrate a healthy recovery in demand for their service.

Hershey Co: Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Hershey had a decent result and managed to deliver another all-around beat despite the impact of inflationary headwinds and supply chain issues.
  • The company managed to produce a substantial volume growth despite price increases to counter inflation.
  • The consumer continues to place a high priority on snacks, especially sweet sweets which is why the trends within their categories have really held strong.

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Daily Brief South Korea: NCSOFT Corp, Bionote and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • A Pair Trade Between NCSoft & Netmarble Corp
  • Bionote IPO – Delayed Timeline & Updated Valuation Analysis

A Pair Trade Between NCSoft & Netmarble Corp

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss a pair trade between NCSOFT Corp (036570 KS) (go long) and Netmarble Corporation (251270 KS) (go short).
  • NCSoft is currently trading at lower valuation multiples (in terms of EV/EBITDA and P/E) than Netmarble, which we believe is not justified.
  • One of the key risk factors of Netmarble is that it could be excluded from the MSCI Korea Index in 2023/2024.

Bionote IPO – Delayed Timeline & Updated Valuation Analysis

By Douglas Kim

  • Bionote has delayed its IPO timeline. Now, the company expects to complete its IPO in late December. The book building for the institutional investors will now start on 8 December.
  • Our updated base case valuation is target price of 16,966 won per share, which is 6% lower than the low end of the IPO price range. 
  • Given the downside risk relative to the IPO price range, we have a Negative View of the BioNote IPO. 

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Daily Brief Singapore: Prime US REIT and more

By | Daily Briefs, Singapore

In today’s briefing:

  • Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | PRIME US REIT: Diversity and Stability in the US Real Estate Sector

Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | PRIME US REIT: Diversity and Stability in the US Real Estate Sector

By Smartkarma Research

In the upcoming webinar, Harmeet Bedi, Deputy CEO and CFO of PRIME US REIT, will share a short company presentation. After which, he will engage in a fireside chat with Smartkarma Insight Provider, Sumeet Singh. The Corporate Webinar will include a live Q&A session.

The webinar will be hosted on Tuesday, 29 November 2022, 17:00 SGT/HKT.

About Prime US REIT
 
Listed on 19 July 2019 on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange, Prime US REIT
(“PRIME”) is a well-diversified real estate investment trust focused on stabilised income-producing prime office assets in the United States. With the objectives to achieve long-term growth in distributions per unit and net asset value per unit while maintaining a robust capital structure, PRIME offers investors unique exposure to a high-quality portfolio of 14 Class A freehold office properties which are strategically-located in 13 key U.S. office markets. PRIME’s portfolio has a total carrying value of US$1.67 billion as at 30 September 2022.

Disclaimer: Do note that this webinar will be a live-only event. A recording will not be available afterwards. 


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Daily Brief Australia: Warrego Energy, Nearmap Ltd and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Warrego Enters Into A Scheme With Beach
  • Nearmap (NEA AU)’s Update Results in an Unwarranted Increase in the Spread

Warrego Enters Into A Scheme With Beach

By David Blennerhassett

  • The Stokes’ family-backed Beach Energy (BPT AU) is offering Warrego Energy (WGO AU)‘s shareholders $0.20/share, in cash, by way of a Scheme. That’s a 36% premium to the one-month VWAP.
  • A contingent value payment may be payable to Warrego shareholders from the sale of Warrego’s Spanish assets within 12 months
  • Warrego’s board unanimously recommend the Beach deal. The transaction is expected to complete in early March.  The wild card is whether Strike Energy (STX AU) pitches a revised Offer.

Nearmap (NEA AU)’s Update Results in an Unwarranted Increase in the Spread

By Arun George

  • Nearmap Ltd (NEA AU)’s litigation and trading update resulted in the spread to Thoma Bravo’s A$2.10 offer widening to 7.7%. The scheme meeting is on 25 November.
  • There is no chance that the MAC clause will be triggered due to the downbeat trading update. However, the update is softening the stance of some of the retail dissenters.
  • There is a small chance of a bump as peers have re-rated. Nevertheless, the low spread prior to the update suggested that the risk of the NO vote was minimal.

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Daily Brief United States: Nitro Software Ltd, Silver, Marriott International, Paypal Holdings, Starbucks Corp, Conocophillips, Monster Beverage, Mcdonald’s Corp, Microchip Technology, Amgen Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Nitro Software: KKR’s $2.00/Share Firm Offer
  • The Commodity Report #77
  • Marriott International: Acquiring The City Express Brand Portfolio & Other Developments
  • PayPal Inc: The PayPal Zettle Terminal & Other Recent Drivers
  • Starbucks Inc: Divestment Of Seattle’s Best Coffee & Other Developments
  • ConocoPhillips: Partnership With Qatar Energy & Other Developments
  • Monster Beverages: Major Drivers
  • McDonald’s Corporation: Major Drivers
  • Microchip Inc: Major Drivers
  • Amgen Inc: Major Drivers

Nitro Software: KKR’s $2.00/Share Firm Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • Adobe rival Nitro Software Ltd (NTO AU)  has announced KKR (via Alludo) has firmed its $2.00/share Offer, by way of a Scheme, in tandem with an off-market takeover.
  • Both the Scheme and takeover are subject to FIRB and MACs/prescribed occurrences. The takeover is subject to a 50.1% acceptance hurdle. The proposals have the unanimous support of Nitro’s board.
  • The Transaction Booklet is expected to be despatched to shareholders in early February 2023, with a Scheme Meeting expected to be held in March 2023.

The Commodity Report #77

By The Commodity Report

  • Fundamentally speaking, it was nearly a perfect week for commodities as much major news aligned during the week after China eased some Covid restrictions, raising hopes of a demand recovery in the world’s second-biggest economy. 
  • Almost all major commodities traded higher following China’s move to reduce the time that travelers and close contacts of infected people must spend in quarantine, a significant amendment to the Covid Zero policy.
  • China’s loosening of restrictions strengthened a rally that began on Wall Street, with risk assets rising after US inflation slowed.

Marriott International: Acquiring The City Express Brand Portfolio & Other Developments

By Baptista Research

  • Marriott delivered a mixed set of results for the third quarter.
  • The leisure demand for the quarter remained strong and far above 2019 levels.
  • Travelers are apparently continuing to mix pleasure and work visits, according to third quarter day-of-the-week trends.

PayPal Inc: The PayPal Zettle Terminal & Other Recent Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • PayPal’s financial performance was impressive and the company managed to deliver an all-around beat.
  • This will make it simple for PayPal’s merchant community to utilize their iPhone as a mobile point of sale without using a dongle or other payment terminals.
  • In this report, we have carried out a fundamental analysis of the historical financial statements of the company.

Starbucks Inc: Divestment Of Seattle’s Best Coffee & Other Developments

By Baptista Research

  • Starbucks’ stock has been on a roll after a solid Q4 and fiscal 2022 which surpassed Wall Street expectations on all counts.
  • With improving foot traffic, the company recently expanded its presence in the Italian market as well.
  • In this report, we have carried out a fundamental analysis of the historical financial statements of the company.

ConocoPhillips: Partnership With Qatar Energy & Other Developments

By Baptista Research

  • ConocoPhillips’ stock has continued its phenomenal bull run and continues to reach new highs as the company delivered a solid third quarter result surpassing Wall Street expectations in terms of revenues as well as earnings.
  • This is especially true for U.S. shale, where the rate of production increase across the board is being constrained by quickly rising costs and an exceedingly constrained supply.
  • The company is well-positioned to address these long-term supply challenges thanks to the depth and high quality of its unconventional U.S. inventory and broad global portfolio.

Monster Beverages: Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Monster delivered a mixed set of results with record third-quarter net sales of $1.62 billion which was below analyst expectations.
  • Their cost of sales increased significantly during Q3 of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021, primarily because of higher costs for ingredients and other inputs, such as secondary packaging materials and co-packing fees, higher logistical costs, higher aluminum can cost, and mix of geographic and product sales.
  • Monster’s strength remains its wide distribution versus smaller peers that helped the company create a strong demand for its energy drinks even in lull periods.

McDonald’s Corporation: Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • McDonald’s delivered a solid Q3 performance surpassing Wall Street expectations on all counts which is why its stock price has been surging over the past few weeks.
  • The company’s sustained resiliency is demonstrated by its quarterly global comp sales, which increased by 9.5%.
  • In the quarter, the chicken was a significant contributor to comp sales growth across all of their key markets, and they will continue to concentrate on expanding their worldwide market share in this significant category.

Microchip Inc: Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Microchip’s quarterly result was solid and it managed to surpass Wall Street expectations in terms of revenues as well as earnings.
  • The company’s positive performance was driven by strong execution of the management and resilient end markets.
  • Market demand increased sequentially at roughly the same rate as their sell-in-recognition-based GAAP net sales.

Amgen Inc: Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Despite the challenges in the macroeconomic environment and the pharmaceutical business, Amgen’s stock has been on a strong upward trajectory over the past weeks.
  • The development of Tavneos is the first new therapy for ANCA-associated vasculitis in more than ten years.
  • They also developed an industry-leading biosimilar business and will soon be the first company to introduce a biosimilar to Humira in the United States.

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Daily Brief Indonesia: GoTo and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • GoTo: Large Job Cuts to Improve Financials?

GoTo: Large Job Cuts to Improve Financials?

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Bloomberg reported on Friday that GoTo (GOTO IJ) is planning to cut more than 1k jobs across all its divisions to cutdown its costs and improve its financials.
  • Though GoTo’s top line has continued to expand, the company continues to burn cash and the losses have further widened during the recent quarters.
  • GoTo’s shares rose 11.7% during Friday’s trade, however, share price is still down by about 45%  from the company’s IPO price.

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Daily Brief China: Wharf Holdings, Activision Blizzard, Brilliance China Automotive, Growatt Technology, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Jiangsu Expressway (H), Hutchison China MediTech Ltd, Sino-Ocean Group and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Wharf Holdings (4 HK): MSCI Deletion, Short Interest & Trade Ideas
  • China Internet Weekly (14Nov2022): NetEase, Activision Blizzard, Alibaba, Tencent, IQiyi, Suning.com
  • HSCI Index Rebalance and Stock Connect: Changes at the Margins
  • Growatt Technology Pre-IPO Peer Comparison – Performed Well on Many Fronts
  • Back in Hong Kong stocks
  • Jiangsu Expressway (177 HK): Positive Updates from Management
  • Hutchison China MediTech (HCM.US/13.HK) – The Pain Points Become More Pronounced
  • Morning Views Asia: NagaCorp Ltd, Sino-Ocean Service

Wharf Holdings (4 HK): MSCI Deletion, Short Interest & Trade Ideas

By Brian Freitas

  • In a surprise, MSCI announced the deletion of Wharf Holdings (4 HK) from the MSCI China Index at the November SAIR that will be implemented at the close 30 November.
  • The stock dropped 14.3% on Friday as volume spiked 26x compared to ADV and 14m shares were shorted on the day.
  • Total short interest is estimated to be significantly lower than the estimated selling from passive MSCI trackers and there could be a move lower over the next few days.

China Internet Weekly (14Nov2022): NetEase, Activision Blizzard, Alibaba, Tencent, IQiyi, Suning.com

By Ming Lu

  • NetEase and Activision Blizzard will possibly terminate their cooperation next January.
  • Singles’ Day sales were not very successful for e-commerce apps such as Alibaba and JD.com.
  • IQiyi announced a revenue share rule to short TV series producers, including cost per mille and membership fee.

HSCI Index Rebalance and Stock Connect: Changes at the Margins

By Brian Freitas

  • We see 3 potential adds for the HSCI in December. We also see 26 potential adds and 16 potential deletes for the index in March.
  • Following the March rebalance, we see 22 potential inclusions to Stock Connect while we expect 37 stocks to be removed from the link.
  • Some of the potential deletions/ Stock Connect drops have large Southbound holdings and some of these positions could be pared back over the next few months.

Growatt Technology Pre-IPO Peer Comparison – Performed Well on Many Fronts

By Ethan Aw

  • Growatt Technology (1833969D CH) is looking to raise about US$500m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO. 
  • Growatt Technology is a global distributed energy solution provider, specializing in sustainable energy generation, storage and consumption, as well as energy digitalization. 
  • In our previous notes, we looked at the company’s past performance. In this note, we undertake a peer comparison.

Back in Hong Kong stocks

By Turtles all the way down

  • Early this year I was quite pessimistic on Hong Kong stocks.
  • But since then the Hang Seng is down another 20% or so. A lot of stocks with 9-10%+ dividend yields are laying around.
  • I should have been a bit quicker writing this up, but then you are getting it for free.

Jiangsu Expressway (177 HK): Positive Updates from Management

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Jiangsu Expressway (H) (177 HK) has seen marginally weaker traffic in 4Q22 relative to 3Q22 due to sporadic COVID outbreaks but the magnitude is manageable. 
  • We welcome its indication that stable absolute DPS level will be maintained, with additional target to increase gradually. That means secured FY22 and FY23 yield of at least 8.3%.
  • Clean energy investment and exit of property business will improve earnings quality. Projected ROE of over 13% also provides good justification for upside to its 0.8x P/B. 

Hutchison China MediTech (HCM.US/13.HK) – The Pain Points Become More Pronounced

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Hutchison China MediTech Ltd (HCM US) (Hutchmed) didn’t perform well. Its cash holdings could last about two and a half years considering the cash burn rate.
  • Hutchmed’s three major commercialized products would all face different challenges. Feedbacks from FDA/MAA cast a shadow on the Company’s internationalization prospects. 
  • According to the current speed of pharmaceutical innovation, Hutchmed’s R&D efficiency/productivity is not satisfactory. The current pipeline does not have core competitiveness. Bearish on outlook.

Morning Views Asia: NagaCorp Ltd, 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 India: Paytm, Fusion Micro Finance Ltd, Global Health (Medanta) and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Paytm (One 97) Lockup – US$4bn+ Lockup Expiry, Some Large Shareholders Are Underwater, a Lot Aren’t
  • Fusion Micro Finance IPO Trading – Weak Demand Seems Justified
  • Global Health IPO Trading – Relatively Cheap and Good

Paytm (One 97) Lockup – US$4bn+ Lockup Expiry, Some Large Shareholders Are Underwater, a Lot Aren’t

By Sumeet Singh


Fusion Micro Finance IPO Trading – Weak Demand Seems Justified

By Ethan Aw

  • Fusion Micro Finance Ltd (1053199D IN) raised approximately US$134m in its India IPO.  
  • Fusion Micro Finance (FMF) is a non-banking financial company – microfinance institution (NBFC-MFI) that provides financial services to unserved and underserved women in rural and peri-rural areas across India.
  • We have looked at various aspects of the deal in our previous notes. In this note, we talk about the demand for the deal and the trading dynamics.

Global Health IPO Trading – Relatively Cheap and Good

By Ethan Aw

  • Global Health (Medanta) (GH IN) raised approximately US$268m in its India IPO.  
  • Global Health (GH) is a hospital network that operates under the Medanta brand. The firm currently has five hospitals in operation and one more planned for development. 
  • We have looked at various aspects of the deal in our previous notes. In this note, we talk about the demand for the deal and the trading dynamics.

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Daily Brief Japan: Softbank Group, Recruit Holdings, Fanuc Corp, Rakuten Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Softbank Group (9984 JP) –Vision and LatAm Funds Take Another USD10bn Valuation Hit in 2Q 22
  • Recruit 2Q: Outlook for HR Tech Business Becomes Challenging
  • Fanuc (6954) | This Time Is Different
  • Rakuten Mobile: Expecting Losses To Shrink With Symphony & Energy Turning Profitable
  • Softbank Group – Earnings Flash – Q2 FY 2022-23 Results – Lucror Analytics

Softbank Group (9984 JP) –Vision and LatAm Funds Take Another USD10bn Valuation Hit in 2Q 22

By Victor Galliano

  • Headline 2QFY22 results for Softbank Group were in the black, largely due to the Alibaba stake sale, but the group’s three funds registered an aggregate USD10bn of valuation losses
  • FTX’s write-down to zero will cost Softbank’s Vision Fund 2 USD100m in 3Q22, our main concern is what the VC funding downturn means for portfolio valuations in the coming quarter
  • The group’s NAV discount has now tightened meaningfully; we believe that this makes it less advantageous for management to announce another share buy-back programme

Recruit 2Q: Outlook for HR Tech Business Becomes Challenging

By Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

  • Recruit Holdings (6098 JP) reported 2QFY03/2023 earnings today. Revenue increased 25.3% YoY to JPY878.4bn (vs consensus JPY842.7bn) while EBIT decreased 8.2% YoY to JPY108.5bn (vs consensus JPY116.1bn).
  • HR Tech’s top line growth further slowed down to 40.2% YoY while adjusted EBITDA margin of the segment declined to 30.4% from 40.6% in the same period a year ago.
  • The company’s 2QFY03/2023 earnings were better than we expected, however, it shows that the earnings growth is slowing down with weakening of labour markets globally.

Fanuc (6954) | This Time Is Different

By Mark Chadwick

  • Machine Tool Orders in Japan decreased to 141 billion yen in October from 149 billion yen a year ago.
  • The 5.4% decline marks the start of the third downturn in Machine Tool Orders over the past decade. 
  • We analyse those downturns and believe that Fanuc’s stock price has probably hit bottom, but THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT

Rakuten Mobile: Expecting Losses To Shrink With Symphony & Energy Turning Profitable

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • With e-commerce and fintech segments performing reasonably well, Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)’s Q3 results were mostly in line with expectations.
  • However, the Mobile segment failed to live up to expectations with the segment’s operating loss narrowing by just ¥3.4bn to ¥120.9bn in 3Q22.
  • Nonetheless, we are excited about the prospects of Rakuten Mobile through the success of Rakuten Symphony as the business is close to signing 12 new corporate customers.

Softbank Group – Earnings Flash – Q2 FY 2022-23 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Trung Nguyen

Softbank Group (SBG) has delivered acceptable Q2/22-23 results. Despite the large loss on investments, the company monetised an even greater amount of Alibaba shares to record a large quarterly net gain. As a result, the financial risk profile did not deteriorate. LTV was mostly stable q-o-q, improving since March 2022. Liquidity has strengthened, and now covers four years of planned bond redemptions.

The significant debt reduction and acceleration of share buybacks showed that SBG is trying to balance shareholders’ and creditors’ interests. In the past, SBG appeared more aligned towards shareholders’ interests, with frequent mentions of the share price’s discount to NAV, as well as large share purchases since 2016.


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