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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Financials: Euro Stoxx Banks Index, Central China Real Estate, Mill City Ventures III, CIFI Holdings, Bancolombia SA and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • EQD | SX7E(SX7E Index): Value or Value Trap? Use High Vols to Sell Premium and Play the Range
  • Central China – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Mill City Ventures III
  • Morning Views Asia: CIFI Holdings
  • Grupo Gilinski – Grupo Sura; Focus on BanColombia (CIB US)

EQD | SX7E(SX7E Index): Value or Value Trap? Use High Vols to Sell Premium and Play the Range

By Simon Harris

  • European banks are screening cheap and the sell side are once again banging the drum on the upside 
  • Recession risks in broader economy are likley to counteract the positive effects of rate rises
  • Implied vols have moved higher, representing an oportunity to sell premium

Central China – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

We view Central China Real Estate (CCRE) as “High Risk” on the LARA scale. The company’s operations are geographically concentrated in Henan, China’s third-most populous province. While this exposes CCRE to policy and political changes within the province, we believe the risks are partly mitigated by the company’s deep market knowledge, brand recognition, as well as longstanding relationships with the local government and construction companies. Our view also considers the deteriorated operating and financing environment across the Chinese property industry, which has adversely impacted CCRE and other private developers.

Our fundamental Credit Bias on CCRE is “Negative”, given the company’s weak sales, very low margins, poor liquidity and lack of access to capital market financing amid the industry turmoil. Moreover, CCRE has material non-debt liabilities. Going forward, the company’s debt repayment prospects may hinge on the development of synergies with its SOE minority investor (Henan Railway) to achieve new business and financing opportunities.

Controversies for CCRE are “Immaterial”, despite reputational risk on account of worker fatalities. This was mainly reported in the media in 2019 and 2020, with such statistics not provided in the company’s ESG reports. The ESG Impact on Credit is “Neutral”. We note positively that CCRE’s corporate governance has improved, supported by increased transparency and its willingness to honour debt obligations.


Mill City Ventures III

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Mill City Ventures III and we look to provide a detailed account of the various industries that the company operates in and the key macro-economic factors.
  • Given its current size, Mill City Ventures III is exempt from many of the regulatory restrictions that apply to other traditional lenders or institutional rivals.
  • Overall, we believe that Mill City Ventures III has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

Morning Views Asia: CIFI Holdings

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.


Grupo Gilinski – Grupo Sura; Focus on BanColombia (CIB US)

By Victor Galliano

  • For Grupo Gilinski to achieve shareholder control of BanColombia seems increasingly unlikely, and there increased opposition from Grupo Sura and the Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño (GEA)
  • Nonetheless, Gilinski is effectively creating shareholder value by behaving like an activist investor putting pressure on management teams, particularly in BanColombia and in the other core components of the GEA
  • BanColombia is delivering improved fundamental performance, as seen in 1Q22 and 2Q22 results, with 2022E ROE guidance of c20% yet to be reflected in its modest PBV ratio of 0.9x

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Daily Brief India: Mahindra & Mahindra, Sula Vineyards, Mill City Ventures III, EbixCash, F5 Networks Inc, Five9 Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) | The Bookings Fallacy
  • Sula Vineyards Pre-IPO – Big Fish in a Small Pond
  • Mill City Ventures III
  • EbixCash Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Growing Too Fast for Its Previous Auditors, and Short Sellers
  • F5 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers
  • Five9 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Partnership With Kyndryl & Other Drivers

Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) | The Bookings Fallacy

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • We challenge Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) ‘s narrative of strong demand and booking pipeline (140k+ open bookings, excl Scorpio N as of Q1 FY23) 
  • There is a possibility of a monthly booking rate of 10.3k for XUV700 and 5K per month for Thar being overstated. 
  • With increasing competition (MSIL + Toyota), cancellations will increase leading to even lower waiting periods and a reduced booking pipeline. 

Sula Vineyards Pre-IPO – Big Fish in a Small Pond

By Ethan Aw

  • Sula Vineyards (1332009D IN) is looking to raise about US$175m in its upcoming India IPO. 
  • Sula Vineyards (SV) distributes wines under a bouquet of brands. In addition to its flagship brand “Sula,” popular brands include “RASA,” “Dindori”, “The source,” “Satori”, “Madera” & “Dia”. 
  • The firm has managed to stay profitable with margin expansion despite COVID-19. However, wine appears to remain a very small part of the Indian alcohol consumption market. 

Mill City Ventures III

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Mill City Ventures III and we look to provide a detailed account of the various industries that the company operates in and the key macro-economic factors.
  • Given its current size, Mill City Ventures III is exempt from many of the regulatory restrictions that apply to other traditional lenders or institutional rivals.
  • Overall, we believe that Mill City Ventures III has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

EbixCash Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Growing Too Fast for Its Previous Auditors, and Short Sellers

By Sumeet Singh

  • EbixCash (EC) is looking to raise around US$800m in its upcoming India IPO. The deal will be run by Motilal, Equirus, ISec, SBI Caps and Yes Securities.
  • EC is a provider of digital products and services in the B2C, B2B and financial technology arena. Its has four primary business segments: Payment solutions, travel, financial technologies and BPO.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal

F5 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on F5 Inc, a well-known provider of multi-cloud security and application delivery that helps businesses connect to their customers.
  • In the quarter, F5 saw a good demand as customers secured, scaled, and added their applications as demand for security fuel sales.
  • Service providers have driven recent demand as secure 4G cores and customers scale and start to move 5G cores in production.

Five9 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Partnership With Kyndryl & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Five9, a leading provider of cloud software for contact centers.
  • The company’s core Virtual Contact Center (VCC) cloud platform has been a major revenue driver for them.
  • Among key updates, Five9, along with Kyndryl, announced a partnership to offer its customers a cloud-enabled, personalized contact center experience.

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Daily Brief China: Shandong Fengxiang, Angelalign Technology, Leapmotor, SKYX Platforms, Central China Real Estate, Jupiter Wellness, CIFI Holdings, Air China Ltd (H), Bruush Oral Care and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction
  • Angelalign Technology (6699 HK): 1H22 Profit Drops As Challenging Operating Environment Continued
  • Leapmotor IPO Valuation Analysis
  • SKYX Platforms Inc. – Investment Thesis
  • Central China – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Jupiter Wellness – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 09/22
  • Angelalign Technology (6699.HK) 22H1 – Still “Bubble” in Valuation; The Era of High Margin Is Over
  • Morning Views Asia: CIFI Holdings
  • Air China (753 HK): Can It Sustain the Outperformance?
  • Bruush Oral Care – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 07/22

Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction

By David Blennerhassett

  • The controlling shareholders of Shandong Fengxiang Co Ltd-H (9977 HK),  a company engaged in chicken breeding, slaughtering, and processing, are unable to meet their debts.
  • As such, these shareholders who hold 70.92% of shares out in Fengxiang, via domestic shares, have been forced into a judicial auction, the completion of which may trigger an MGO. 
  • Taking pointers from Dongzheng Automotive Finance (2718 HK)‘s recent auction means we back out a possible payment around late December – on the assumption an unconditional MGO is triggered.

Angelalign Technology (6699 HK): 1H22 Profit Drops As Challenging Operating Environment Continued

By Tina Banerjee

  • Angelalign Technology (6699 HK) has reported muted H1 2022 results, which were negatively impacted by the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the corresponding restrictions.
  • Revenue from core business of clear aligner treatment grew just 3% y/y. However, lower ASP and higher cost of sales, pulled down the gross profit margin by 930bps to 60.2%.
  • Thus far in H2 2022, China has imposed lockdowns in multiple major cities. With the uncertainty over the duration of COVID, no immediate respite is seen in Angelalign’s business.

Leapmotor IPO Valuation Analysis

By Douglas Kim

  • Our base valuation of Leapmotor HKD 34.9 per share, which is 27% lower than the low end of the IPO price range of HKD 48 per share. 
  • Given the steep downside of our target price (6-12 month period) relative to the IPO price range, we are Negative on  the Leapmotor IPO.
  • Leapmotor is selling 130.82 million shares in the IPO at a price range of HKD 48 to HKD 62 per share, scaling back the size of the IPO considerably. 

SKYX Platforms Inc. – Investment Thesis

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on SKYX Platforms and we look to provide a detailed account of the various drivers that will be responsible for the company’s growth in the coming years.
  • Another important fact about SKYX Platforms is that the company’s management comprises several former GE and NEC employees which is a big positive.
  • We believe that there is a good chance the company’s offerings may become universally accepted in the years to come.

Central China – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

We view Central China Real Estate (CCRE) as “High Risk” on the LARA scale. The company’s operations are geographically concentrated in Henan, China’s third-most populous province. While this exposes CCRE to policy and political changes within the province, we believe the risks are partly mitigated by the company’s deep market knowledge, brand recognition, as well as longstanding relationships with the local government and construction companies. Our view also considers the deteriorated operating and financing environment across the Chinese property industry, which has adversely impacted CCRE and other private developers.

Our fundamental Credit Bias on CCRE is “Negative”, given the company’s weak sales, very low margins, poor liquidity and lack of access to capital market financing amid the industry turmoil. Moreover, CCRE has material non-debt liabilities. Going forward, the company’s debt repayment prospects may hinge on the development of synergies with its SOE minority investor (Henan Railway) to achieve new business and financing opportunities.

Controversies for CCRE are “Immaterial”, despite reputational risk on account of worker fatalities. This was mainly reported in the media in 2019 and 2020, with such statistics not provided in the company’s ESG reports. The ESG Impact on Credit is “Neutral”. We note positively that CCRE’s corporate governance has improved, supported by increased transparency and its willingness to honour debt obligations.


Jupiter Wellness – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 09/22

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Jupiter Wellness and we look to provide a detailed account of the various drivers that will be responsible for the company’s growth in the coming years.
  • With all of these developments, a stock priced at 63 cents appears to be highly affordable and supports our positive outlook.
  • Overall, we believe that Jupiter has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

Angelalign Technology (6699.HK) 22H1 – Still “Bubble” in Valuation; The Era of High Margin Is Over

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Due to declining performance, lack of core competitiveness and increasing competition, the market has to re-examine the growth potential and outlook of Angelalign.The era of high margin is fading away.
  • Angelalign’s low-price strategy is easily hit by similar products with lower prices. Once its price loses advantage, it will directly lead to a rapid and substantial decline in overall performance.
  • Due to its worse-than-expected 2022H1 performance and economic downturn, we lowered our 2022 forecast of Angelalign. Angelalign shouldn’t be valued that much higher than Align Technology, expecting more downside ahead. 

Morning Views Asia: CIFI Holdings

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.


Air China (753 HK): Can It Sustain the Outperformance?

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Despite record losses in 2Q22, share price of Air China Ltd (H) (753 HK) has rallied 14% YTD, outperformed the 23.9% decline in HSCEI and its Chinese peers. 
  • Air China’s stub value has returned to pre-pandemic level, but is primarily driven by the A-share. Cathay Pacific (293 HK) recovery is an important catalyst for narrowing H-A share discount.
  • News flow over the next 12 months, mostly related to further relaxation of quarantine requirements, will be positive. The surge in demand should support elevated passenger yield.  

Bruush Oral Care – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 07/22

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Bruush Oral Care and we look to provide a detailed account of the drivers that will propel the stock in the near future.
  • Bruush got listed recently and its stock price has been volatile but has maintained a more or less sideways trajectory in this short period of time.
  • Overall, we believe that Bruush Oral Care has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

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Daily Brief Japan: Central Glass, Chubu Steel Plate, Softbank Group and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours
  • Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility
  • Softbank Group – A Surplus of VC Cash Could Re-Energize Vision Fund’s Investment Pace

Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours

By Travis Lundy

  • Activist Murakami-san and entities spent 4+ years going from 2% to 30% of Central Glass (4044 JP). In that period, they helped management change governance.
  • There were buybacks, asset sales, cross-holding sale decisions, and a new Mid-Term Management Plan. The stock went up, so now it is time to get out.
  • True to Murakami-san style/form, it is an own-share Tender Offer by the TargetCo which means most other active holders can’t really participate. It’s high-quality greenmailgagement.

Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Nagoya Premier-listed Chubu Steel Plate (5461 JP) announced that it had applied today to be listed in Tokyo. 
  • It is one of very few Japan names not listed in Tokyo. A TSE listing examination will be conducted, and there is a possibility it moves to TSE Prime.
  • There are 6 key segment transfer and listing requirements to gain a listing in TSE Prime. Chubu Steel Plate is really close.

Softbank Group – A Surplus of VC Cash Could Re-Energize Vision Fund’s Investment Pace

By Kirk Boodry

  • News reports indicate venture capital firms are sitting in cash reserves 2x normal levels and that needs to be put to work
  • We expected a narrowing of public v private valuation levels was needed for Softbank to pivot from recent defensive but competition for deals may be more relevant
  • Access to investment capital is easier after settling of Alibaba-linked derivative contracts and Softbank has showed as recently as 2020 asset sales that it can lever up quickly

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Daily Brief ECM: Sula Vineyards Pre-IPO – Big Fish in a Small Pond and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Sula Vineyards Pre-IPO – Big Fish in a Small Pond
  • Leapmotor IPO Valuation Analysis
  • Teradyne Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers
  • EbixCash Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Growing Too Fast for Its Previous Auditors, and Short Sellers
  • F5 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers
  • Five9 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Partnership With Kyndryl & Other Drivers

Sula Vineyards Pre-IPO – Big Fish in a Small Pond

By Ethan Aw

  • Sula Vineyards (1332009D IN) is looking to raise about US$175m in its upcoming India IPO. 
  • Sula Vineyards (SV) distributes wines under a bouquet of brands. In addition to its flagship brand “Sula,” popular brands include “RASA,” “Dindori”, “The source,” “Satori”, “Madera” & “Dia”. 
  • The firm has managed to stay profitable with margin expansion despite COVID-19. However, wine appears to remain a very small part of the Indian alcohol consumption market. 

Leapmotor IPO Valuation Analysis

By Douglas Kim

  • Our base valuation of Leapmotor HKD 34.9 per share, which is 27% lower than the low end of the IPO price range of HKD 48 per share. 
  • Given the steep downside of our target price (6-12 month period) relative to the IPO price range, we are Negative on  the Leapmotor IPO.
  • Leapmotor is selling 130.82 million shares in the IPO at a price range of HKD 48 to HKD 62 per share, scaling back the size of the IPO considerably. 

Teradyne Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Teradyne, a leading global supplier of automation equipment for the testing of semiconductors, wireless products, data storage and complex electronics systems.
  • In comparison to the previous year, industrial automation, wireless test, and system test revenues grew for Teradyne.
  • Teradyne is lowering its shipment plan to align with reduced mobility-related test demand, continued supply shortages, and slower industrial automation growth.

EbixCash Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Growing Too Fast for Its Previous Auditors, and Short Sellers

By Sumeet Singh

  • EbixCash (EC) is looking to raise around US$800m in its upcoming India IPO. The deal will be run by Motilal, Equirus, ISec, SBI Caps and Yes Securities.
  • EC is a provider of digital products and services in the B2C, B2B and financial technology arena. Its has four primary business segments: Payment solutions, travel, financial technologies and BPO.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal

F5 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Business Strategy & Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on F5 Inc, a well-known provider of multi-cloud security and application delivery that helps businesses connect to their customers.
  • In the quarter, F5 saw a good demand as customers secured, scaled, and added their applications as demand for security fuel sales.
  • Service providers have driven recent demand as secure 4G cores and customers scale and start to move 5G cores in production.

Five9 Inc: Initiation of Coverage – Partnership With Kyndryl & Other Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Five9, a leading provider of cloud software for contact centers.
  • The company’s core Virtual Contact Center (VCC) cloud platform has been a major revenue driver for them.
  • Among key updates, Five9, along with Kyndryl, announced a partnership to offer its customers a cloud-enabled, personalized contact center experience.

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  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars

Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Major Japan Wholesalers up 2.8% in 2021 and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Major Japan Wholesalers up 2.8% in 2021, but Problems Looming

Major Japan Wholesalers up 2.8% in 2021, but Problems Looming

By Michael Causton

  • Major wholesalers in food, pharmaceuticals and books continue to prosper due to their role in both serving and protecting fragmented distribution channels.
  • Profits returned last year as clients picked themselves up after Covid, but as inflation sets in, these middlemen are being squeezed by both manufacturers and retailers and profits may slump.
  • They now need to offer an ever increasing array of value-added services to continue to grow and not all have the capability. More M&A may be on the cards.

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  • ✓ Events & Webinars

Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) | The Bookings Fallacy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) | The Bookings Fallacy
  • Softbank Group – A Surplus of VC Cash Could Re-Energize Vision Fund’s Investment Pace
  • Angelalign Technology (6699 HK): 1H22 Profit Drops As Challenging Operating Environment Continued
  • Long Idea: Warner Music’s New CEO Could Prove a Catalyst
  • SKYX Platforms Inc. – Investment Thesis
  • Jupiter Wellness – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 09/22
  • XPER: Unlocking Value Thru Separation
  • Angelalign Technology (6699.HK) 22H1 – Still “Bubble” in Valuation; The Era of High Margin Is Over
  • Mill City Ventures III
  • Air China (753 HK): Can It Sustain the Outperformance?

Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) | The Bookings Fallacy

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • We challenge Mahindra & Mahindra (MM IN) ‘s narrative of strong demand and booking pipeline (140k+ open bookings, excl Scorpio N as of Q1 FY23) 
  • There is a possibility of a monthly booking rate of 10.3k for XUV700 and 5K per month for Thar being overstated. 
  • With increasing competition (MSIL + Toyota), cancellations will increase leading to even lower waiting periods and a reduced booking pipeline. 

Softbank Group – A Surplus of VC Cash Could Re-Energize Vision Fund’s Investment Pace

By Kirk Boodry

  • News reports indicate venture capital firms are sitting in cash reserves 2x normal levels and that needs to be put to work
  • We expected a narrowing of public v private valuation levels was needed for Softbank to pivot from recent defensive but competition for deals may be more relevant
  • Access to investment capital is easier after settling of Alibaba-linked derivative contracts and Softbank has showed as recently as 2020 asset sales that it can lever up quickly

Angelalign Technology (6699 HK): 1H22 Profit Drops As Challenging Operating Environment Continued

By Tina Banerjee

  • Angelalign Technology (6699 HK) has reported muted H1 2022 results, which were negatively impacted by the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the corresponding restrictions.
  • Revenue from core business of clear aligner treatment grew just 3% y/y. However, lower ASP and higher cost of sales, pulled down the gross profit margin by 930bps to 60.2%.
  • Thus far in H2 2022, China has imposed lockdowns in multiple major cities. With the uncertainty over the duration of COVID, no immediate respite is seen in Angelalign’s business.

Long Idea: Warner Music’s New CEO Could Prove a Catalyst

By Aaron Gabin

  • Warner Music hired YouTube’s Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl as its new CEO, an impressive executive well positioned to expand music monetization to newer frontiers.
  • The stock has roundtripped its $25 June 2020 IPO price after doubling.
  • There is a compelling “comping the comp” catalyst path for 2023, as streaming revenues reaccelerate, and Kyncl renegotiates static licensing deals with Peloton, Tiktok, etc.

SKYX Platforms Inc. – Investment Thesis

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on SKYX Platforms and we look to provide a detailed account of the various drivers that will be responsible for the company’s growth in the coming years.
  • Another important fact about SKYX Platforms is that the company’s management comprises several former GE and NEC employees which is a big positive.
  • We believe that there is a good chance the company’s offerings may become universally accepted in the years to come.

Jupiter Wellness – Investment Thesis, Key Drivers, Financial & Price Forecasts, DCF Valuation 09/22

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Jupiter Wellness and we look to provide a detailed account of the various drivers that will be responsible for the company’s growth in the coming years.
  • With all of these developments, a stock priced at 63 cents appears to be highly affordable and supports our positive outlook.
  • Overall, we believe that Jupiter has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

XPER: Unlocking Value Thru Separation

By Hamed Khorsand

  • XPER held an investor day to highlight the two businesses XPER would separate into on October 1, 2022.
  • The expectation is the two companies operating separately would be able to grow faster without worries over customer relationship to the other segment.
  • Xperi has been the underpinning of our investment thesis due to the investments the Company has made in different products and customer engagements.

Angelalign Technology (6699.HK) 22H1 – Still “Bubble” in Valuation; The Era of High Margin Is Over

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Due to declining performance, lack of core competitiveness and increasing competition, the market has to re-examine the growth potential and outlook of Angelalign.The era of high margin is fading away.
  • Angelalign’s low-price strategy is easily hit by similar products with lower prices. Once its price loses advantage, it will directly lead to a rapid and substantial decline in overall performance.
  • Due to its worse-than-expected 2022H1 performance and economic downturn, we lowered our 2022 forecast of Angelalign. Angelalign shouldn’t be valued that much higher than Align Technology, expecting more downside ahead. 

Mill City Ventures III

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Mill City Ventures III and we look to provide a detailed account of the various industries that the company operates in and the key macro-economic factors.
  • Given its current size, Mill City Ventures III is exempt from many of the regulatory restrictions that apply to other traditional lenders or institutional rivals.
  • Overall, we believe that Mill City Ventures III has phenomenal growth prospects and is an excellent investment prospect.

Air China (753 HK): Can It Sustain the Outperformance?

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Despite record losses in 2Q22, share price of Air China Ltd (H) (753 HK) has rallied 14% YTD, outperformed the 23.9% decline in HSCEI and its Chinese peers. 
  • Air China’s stub value has returned to pre-pandemic level, but is primarily driven by the A-share. Cathay Pacific (293 HK) recovery is an important catalyst for narrowing H-A share discount.
  • News flow over the next 12 months, mostly related to further relaxation of quarantine requirements, will be positive. The surge in demand should support elevated passenger yield.  

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  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours
  • But Wait … Even More Penalties In The Link Admin/D&D Situation
  • Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility
  • True/DTAC Pop As Council Of State Rules NBTC Has No Teeth
  • Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction
  • DTAC/True Merger: Council of State’s Decree Paves the Way for Completion
  • Vistry/Countryside Partnerships:  Agreed Offer
  • EQD | SX7E(SX7E Index): Value or Value Trap? Use High Vols to Sell Premium and Play the Range
  • ActivistTalk: Is Bed Bath & Beyond Heading For Bankruptcy? Altman Versus The Bond Market
  • Grupo Gilinski – Grupo Sura; Focus on BanColombia (CIB US)

Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours

By Travis Lundy

  • Activist Murakami-san and entities spent 4+ years going from 2% to 30% of Central Glass (4044 JP). In that period, they helped management change governance.
  • There were buybacks, asset sales, cross-holding sale decisions, and a new Mid-Term Management Plan. The stock went up, so now it is time to get out.
  • True to Murakami-san style/form, it is an own-share Tender Offer by the TargetCo which means most other active holders can’t really participate. It’s high-quality greenmailgagement.

But Wait … Even More Penalties In The Link Admin/D&D Situation

By David Blennerhassett

  • Earlier this week, Link Administration (LNK AU) rejected Dye & Durham’s revised proposal to factor in any redress payments from the UK’s FCA in regards to the Woodford Fund.
  • FCA has now assessed an appropriate penalty of £50mn in addition to the previously announced restitution payment of £306.1mn.
  • The FCA is all but telegraphing it will default LFSL unless Link steps in. Link says it has made no such commitment. D&D should walk.

Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Nagoya Premier-listed Chubu Steel Plate (5461 JP) announced that it had applied today to be listed in Tokyo. 
  • It is one of very few Japan names not listed in Tokyo. A TSE listing examination will be conducted, and there is a possibility it moves to TSE Prime.
  • There are 6 key segment transfer and listing requirements to gain a listing in TSE Prime. Chubu Steel Plate is really close.

True/DTAC Pop As Council Of State Rules NBTC Has No Teeth

By David Blennerhassett

  • According to media reports, Thailand’s Council of State has ruled the NBTC has no authority to approve or reject the True Corp (TRUE TB) / Total Access Communication (DTAC TB) merger.
  • The NBTC can prescribe measures to govern the deal but these appear almost of no consequence.
  • The ruling is a positive development for the merger getting over the line. Both stocks enjoyed strong gains today. 

Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction

By David Blennerhassett

  • The controlling shareholders of Shandong Fengxiang Co Ltd-H (9977 HK),  a company engaged in chicken breeding, slaughtering, and processing, are unable to meet their debts.
  • As such, these shareholders who hold 70.92% of shares out in Fengxiang, via domestic shares, have been forced into a judicial auction, the completion of which may trigger an MGO. 
  • Taking pointers from Dongzheng Automotive Finance (2718 HK)‘s recent auction means we back out a possible payment around late December – on the assumption an unconditional MGO is triggered.

DTAC/True Merger: Council of State’s Decree Paves the Way for Completion

By Arun George

  • The press reports that the Council of State has stated that the regulator, NBTC, can only prescribe measures to govern the Total Access Communication (DTAC TB)/True Corp Pcl (TRUE TB) merger.
  • The Council of State decree paves the way for the merger to complete and the launch of the VTOs. The NBTC remedial measures will likely focus on consumer protection measures.
  • The current share price ratio is 9.150x vs the swap ratio of 10.221x. At last close, DTAC and True’s gross spread to the VTO price is 4.4% and 1.8%, respectively.

Vistry/Countryside Partnerships:  Agreed Offer

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • FTSE-250 constituent Vistry Group (VTY LN) has agreed to buy rival Countryside Partnerships (CSP LN) in a recommended cash&stock deal that values embattled Countryside at c.£1.25 billion (lower than previous offers).
  • Consideration is 1 CSP LN=0.255 VTY LN+60p, 9.1% premium, 7.0x EV/Fwd EBITDA and 1.3x P/Fwd BV, which seems cheap. The sector is pricing in many potential bad news.
  • Gross spread is +2.1%. It has only been negative during three days since the deal announcement. I would wait for the spread to become negative before taking a position. 

EQD | SX7E(SX7E Index): Value or Value Trap? Use High Vols to Sell Premium and Play the Range

By Simon Harris

  • European banks are screening cheap and the sell side are once again banging the drum on the upside 
  • Recession risks in broader economy are likley to counteract the positive effects of rate rises
  • Implied vols have moved higher, representing an oportunity to sell premium

ActivistTalk: Is Bed Bath & Beyond Heading For Bankruptcy? Altman Versus The Bond Market

By Robert Sassoon

  • Bed Bath & Beyond’s  fundamentals have continued deteriorate resulting in the departure of the man brought in to turn the struggling home goods retailer less than 3 years ago
  • Amid an unfriendly operating environment and short term liquidity issues, the specter of bankruptcy for this one-time iconic retailer has  been raised
  • The Altman Z-Score model which has decent track record for bankruptcy prediction, suggests there is no imminent danger. If correct, there is a potentially lucrative trade in BBBY’s bonds

Grupo Gilinski – Grupo Sura; Focus on BanColombia (CIB US)

By Victor Galliano

  • For Grupo Gilinski to achieve shareholder control of BanColombia seems increasingly unlikely, and there increased opposition from Grupo Sura and the Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño (GEA)
  • Nonetheless, Gilinski is effectively creating shareholder value by behaving like an activist investor putting pressure on management teams, particularly in BanColombia and in the other core components of the GEA
  • BanColombia is delivering improved fundamental performance, as seen in 1Q22 and 2Q22 results, with 2022E ROE guidance of c20% yet to be reflected in its modest PBV ratio of 0.9x

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Daily Brief Macro: Taiwan Risks: No More “strategic Ambiguity” on US Support Against a Chinese Invasion and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • Taiwan Risks: No More “strategic Ambiguity” on US Support Against a Chinese Invasion
  • Model Portfolios 60:40
  • CX Daily: The Shadowy Businessman Behind a Multibillion-Dollar Bank Swindle

Taiwan Risks: No More “strategic Ambiguity” on US Support Against a Chinese Invasion

By Manu Bhaskaran

  • President Biden’s statement committing the US to defend Taiwan will have far-reaching implications, forcing a re-think in China’s strategy. 
  • The statement will encourage Chinese leaders to turn further inward to insulate the Chinese economy from US pressure.
  • Facing a more difficult position in the Taiwan theatre, it would make sense for China to find ways to appease India . India may well be a winner from that.

Model Portfolios 60:40

By Mark Tinker

  • In the last three posts on Model Portfolios, we have looked at Global Bonds, Global Equity Factors and Global Equity Themes.
  • In each case we have made the case for applying the principles of Market Thinking in terms of our Confidence Scores combined with disciplined and dynamic allocation (between bonds, Factors and Themes respectively) to achieve a better risk return profile than the benchmark indices.
  • In particular the ability to allocate higher amounts to cash (in reality ultra short dated bonds) has enabled us to manage the downside risk and considerably reduce volatility.

CX Daily: The Shadowy Businessman Behind a Multibillion-Dollar Bank Swindle

By Caixin Global

  • In Depth: The shadowy businessman behind a multibillion-dollar bank swindle

  • Chongqing monkeypox patient caught the disease in Berlin, China CDC says

  • Former Shanghai police chief sentenced to life in prison for corruption


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Most Read: Porsche AG, Raysum Co Ltd, Central Glass, Link Administration, Twitter Inc, Chubu Steel Plate, Total Access Communication, Shandong Fengxiang, Tencent and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Porsche IPO Preview
  • Raysum (8890 JP) Mystery Bidder Is a Hedge Fund – And That Makes It More Interesting
  • Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours
  • But Wait … Even More Penalties In The Link Admin/D&D Situation
  • Twitter V. Elon V Twitter: Elon Finally Hits A Vein
  • Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility
  • True/DTAC Pop As Council Of State Rules NBTC Has No Teeth
  • Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction
  • Tencent Nearing Our Bear Target to Reverse from Short to Long
  • DTAC/True Merger: Council of State’s Decree Paves the Way for Completion

Porsche IPO Preview

By Douglas Kim

  • The Porsche IPO is expected to be the second largest IPO ever in Germany. Total proceeds from the IPO will be 18.1 billion to 19.5 billion euros.
  • The IPO price range is from 76.50 euros to 82.50 euros per share, which suggests a valuation of 70 billion to 75 billion euros.
  • After the IPO, Volkswagen will have an extraordinary shareholders meeting in December to propose to pay 49% of total proceeds to shareholders in early 2023 as a special dividend.

Raysum (8890 JP) Mystery Bidder Is a Hedge Fund – And That Makes It More Interesting

By Travis Lundy

  • Raysum Co Ltd (8890 JP) has been in a weird kind of limbo for well over a year. The Chairman/Founder resigned late last year for health reasons.
  • The company needed to take action to stay listed on TSE Standard. There was a plan to transfer 60+% of the shares to a foundation, through an odd arrangement.
  • Then a hedge fund stepped up and said “I’ll have 64% of the company at a near life-time high.” So now we have an interesting deal. And interesting potential future.

Central Glass (4044 JP) – Huge Buyback Tender, Meant For Murakami-San’s Exit, Not Yours

By Travis Lundy

  • Activist Murakami-san and entities spent 4+ years going from 2% to 30% of Central Glass (4044 JP). In that period, they helped management change governance.
  • There were buybacks, asset sales, cross-holding sale decisions, and a new Mid-Term Management Plan. The stock went up, so now it is time to get out.
  • True to Murakami-san style/form, it is an own-share Tender Offer by the TargetCo which means most other active holders can’t really participate. It’s high-quality greenmailgagement.

But Wait … Even More Penalties In The Link Admin/D&D Situation

By David Blennerhassett

  • Earlier this week, Link Administration (LNK AU) rejected Dye & Durham’s revised proposal to factor in any redress payments from the UK’s FCA in regards to the Woodford Fund.
  • FCA has now assessed an appropriate penalty of £50mn in addition to the previously announced restitution payment of £306.1mn.
  • The FCA is all but telegraphing it will default LFSL unless Link steps in. Link says it has made no such commitment. D&D should walk.

Twitter V. Elon V Twitter: Elon Finally Hits A Vein

By Vicki Bryan

  • Bondholders on alert as a whistleblower complaint gives Elon’s case the substance he lacked as he tries break his agreement to buy Twitter
  • But this doesn’t win Elon’s case—he has to prove deliberate fraud, which is far from clear
  • It’s much easier for Twitter to prove Elon’s biggest complaint is buyers’ remorse—which isn’t sufficient grounds to terminate the deal.

Chubu Steel Plate (5461) – Unusual TOPIX Inclusion Possibility

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Nagoya Premier-listed Chubu Steel Plate (5461 JP) announced that it had applied today to be listed in Tokyo. 
  • It is one of very few Japan names not listed in Tokyo. A TSE listing examination will be conducted, and there is a possibility it moves to TSE Prime.
  • There are 6 key segment transfer and listing requirements to gain a listing in TSE Prime. Chubu Steel Plate is really close.

True/DTAC Pop As Council Of State Rules NBTC Has No Teeth

By David Blennerhassett

  • According to media reports, Thailand’s Council of State has ruled the NBTC has no authority to approve or reject the True Corp (TRUE TB) / Total Access Communication (DTAC TB) merger.
  • The NBTC can prescribe measures to govern the deal but these appear almost of no consequence.
  • The ruling is a positive development for the merger getting over the line. Both stocks enjoyed strong gains today. 

Fengxiang (9977 HK): MGO Expected To Follow Judicial Auction

By David Blennerhassett

  • The controlling shareholders of Shandong Fengxiang Co Ltd-H (9977 HK),  a company engaged in chicken breeding, slaughtering, and processing, are unable to meet their debts.
  • As such, these shareholders who hold 70.92% of shares out in Fengxiang, via domestic shares, have been forced into a judicial auction, the completion of which may trigger an MGO. 
  • Taking pointers from Dongzheng Automotive Finance (2718 HK)‘s recent auction means we back out a possible payment around late December – on the assumption an unconditional MGO is triggered.

Tencent Nearing Our Bear Target to Reverse from Short to Long

By Thomas Schroeder

  • Tencent short from 395 is nearing our 282/264 target zone where we see a low to reverse to long as bull divergence matures.
  • Tencent 282/264 buy zone (cycle low due in early October) targets 335 once back above 310.
  • MACD bull divergence is more constructive and warns of an upside surprise in 2023 (after a Q1 decline) to challenge 395/400 macro pivot resistance.

DTAC/True Merger: Council of State’s Decree Paves the Way for Completion

By Arun George

  • The press reports that the Council of State has stated that the regulator, NBTC, can only prescribe measures to govern the Total Access Communication (DTAC TB)/True Corp Pcl (TRUE TB) merger.
  • The Council of State decree paves the way for the merger to complete and the launch of the VTOs. The NBTC remedial measures will likely focus on consumer protection measures.
  • The current share price ratio is 9.150x vs the swap ratio of 10.221x. At last close, DTAC and True’s gross spread to the VTO price is 4.4% and 1.8%, respectively.

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

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

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