All Posts By

Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Macro: The Hubbub Surrounding January CPI Inflation and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • The Hubbub Surrounding January CPI Inflation
  • Understanding LLM Biases in Quantitative Research: From Lunch Conversation to Framework
  • CX Daily: Falling Yields Pile Pressure on China’s Insurers
  • Actinver Research – AC 4Q24: Stunning close of the year (Quick View)
  • Poor OEM Tire Sales, Robust Replacement In The EU In 2024
  • [ETP 2025/07] Rising U.S. Crude Inventories Weigh on WTI, Henry Hub Soars on Frosty Forecasts
  • Walker’s Weekly: Dr. Jim’s Summary of Key Global Macro Developments – 14 Feb 2025
  • Philippines: Policy Rate Held At 5.75% (Consensus 5.5%) in Feb-25
  • Preview: Due February 14 – U.S. January Retail Sales
  • UK: GDP Rebounds From Statistical Low


The Hubbub Surrounding January CPI Inflation

By Thomas Lam

  • The higher than expected headline and core CPI data in January raised concerns regarding the inflation backdrop 
  • But my analysis suggests that the upside CPI surprises were mainly driven by the least persistent categories of inflation
  • For now, the more persistent categories of CPI inflation imply that the improvements in trend inflation are likely to stall    

Understanding LLM Biases in Quantitative Research: From Lunch Conversation to Framework

By William Mann

  • A fascinating lunch discussion with LLM engineer sparked an investigation into how AI models process information through vector spaces – revealing parallel but mechanistically different biases compared to human analysts 
  • Built comprehensive framework mapping traditional financial biases against their LLM counterparts – showing how things like confirmation bias manifest differently (emotional investment vs statistical pattern reinforcement)
  • Result: Effective quant research requires understanding both human AND machine biases – can’t just apply traditional risk controls to LLMs. Need tailored mitigations for how biases uniquely manifest in #AI.  

CX Daily: Falling Yields Pile Pressure on China’s Insurers

By Caixin Global

  • Insurers / In Depth: Falling yields pile pressure on China’s insurers
  • Malaysia /Interview: Malaysia ideally placed for high-tech development, economy minister says
  • AI /: Boost inference to follow in DeepSeek’s footsteps, AI veteran tells Chinese firms

Actinver Research – AC 4Q24: Stunning close of the year (Quick View)

By Actinver

  • Sales grew almost 30% YoY to P$65bn, well above our estimates and consensus, on the back of solid pricing as volume grew 3.5% YoY –volumes were positive across most of the categories, and sales in local currency grew 12.7% YoY–.
  • Profitability expanded solidly starting at the gross profit.
  • Gross margin of 48.2% was slightly below our estimates yet expanded YoY and QoQ.

Poor OEM Tire Sales, Robust Replacement In The EU In 2024

By Vinod Nedumudy

  • Sharp decline in heavy OEM commercial vehicle tire production in 2024
  • China PCLT tire import volume into EU up 50% since 2019
  • EU extends tariffs on Chinese truck and bus tires

[ETP 2025/07] Rising U.S. Crude Inventories Weigh on WTI, Henry Hub Soars on Frosty Forecasts

By Suhas Reddy

  • For the week ending 07/Feb, US crude inventories increased by 4.1m barrels, exceeding expectations of a 2.4m barrel build. Gasoline stockpiles surprisingly fell, while distillate stocks unexpectedly rose.
  • US natural gas inventories fell by 100 Bcf for the week ending 07/Feb, beating analyst expectations of a 90 Bcf drawdown. Inventories are 2.8% below the 5-year seasonal average.
  • BP’s Q4 net profit fell 48.5% QoQ and missed estimates by 2.5% due to weak refining margins. Chevron plans to trim workforce by 20% to cut costs. 

Walker’s Weekly: Dr. Jim’s Summary of Key Global Macro Developments – 14 Feb 2025

By Dr. Jim Walker

  • U.S. government spending inefficiencies under scrutiny, but political resistance remains strong.

  • Inflation remains high, delaying expected interest rate cuts and fueling public frustration.

  • India’s CPI drop hints at potential RBI rate cuts; Philippines keeps rates steady amid peso concerns.


Philippines: Policy Rate Held At 5.75% (Consensus 5.5%) in Feb-25

By Heteronomics AI

  • The BSP held its key rate at 5.75%, contradicting market expectations of a 25bp cut, citing persistent global economic uncertainties and a stable inflation outlook.
  • Inflation risks for 2025 and 2026 are balanced, though upside pressures from utilities and downside risks from lower rice tariffs remain.
  • The BSP signalled a cautious, data-dependent approach to easing, with future rate cuts contingent on further clarity regarding inflation trends and global economic developments.
This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.

Preview: Due February 14 – U.S. January Retail Sales

By Alex Ng

  • We expect US retail sales to fall by 1.0% in January with declines of 0.2% both ex autos and ex autos and gasoline.
  • The monthly weakness is likely to be largely due to bad weather with potential for a correction from Q4 strength adding to downside risk.
  • January retail sales are sensitive to weather with January 2023 producing a strong rise that was subsequently corrected, and a harsh January 2024 seeing a decline that was subsequently reversed.

UK: GDP Rebounds From Statistical Low

By Phil Rush

  • GDP defied dovish expectations by surging 0.4% m-o-m, flipping the expected sign on Q4 to grow by 0.1% q-o-q amid broadly positive performances across industry and services.
  • We called November the statistical bottom amid residual seasonality, which is turning higher into what should be a more resilient H1 again. That call remains on track.
  • Statistical noise misled dovish rate views into seeing a spurious fundamental weakness. A lack of follow-through should allow cuts to end after a final one in May.

💡 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



Daily Brief Australia: Westpac Banking, ADX Energy Ltd and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • EQD | Westpac Banking (WBC AU) – Expected Move on Profit Announcement and Option Insights
  • ADX Energy (ASX: ADX): New acreage in Austria increases prospect inventory with a focus on low risk


EQD | Westpac Banking (WBC AU) – Expected Move on Profit Announcement and Option Insights

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Westpac Banking (WBC AU) is set to announce its 2025 First Quarter Trading Update on 17 February. 
  • Options expiring 20 February can provide an indication of the size of the move expected on the day, as well as directional bias.
  • The options market expects a 2.1% to 2.6% move in either direction until 20 February, in-line with historic moves. Peers have so far performed positively on reporting days this month.

ADX Energy (ASX: ADX): New acreage in Austria increases prospect inventory with a focus on low risk

By Auctus Advisors

  • ADX’s acreage in Austria has been modified to include additional near-term, low-risk gas prospects, as well as high-impact, higher-risk opportunities.
  • One focus of the 2025 program is to drill shallow, low-risk, high initial production gas prospects that can be rapidly put into production.
  • ADX has more than tripled the number of these prospects within its revised acreage positions at ADX-AT-I and ADX-AT-II, holding 100% WI in the new prospects.

💡 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



Daily Brief Thailand: Valeura Energy Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thailand

In today’s briefing:

  • Valeura Energy (TSX: VLE): 245% Reserves Replacement Ratio. 2C Resources ~x2.5. Decommissioning down by 35%


Valeura Energy (TSX: VLE): 245% Reserves Replacement Ratio. 2C Resources ~x2.5. Decommissioning down by 35%

By Auctus Advisors

  • • YE24 2P reserves were estimated at 50 mmbbl (up from 38 mmbbl at YE23).
  • This represents a Reserves Replacement Ratio of 245%, significantly above our expectations of ~100%.
  • • The reserves revision reflects (1) upward revision of STOIIP estimates (the high achieved recovery factors suggest that the volumes initially in place had been underestimated), (ii), positive drilling results which reflect Valeura’s application of advanced drilling and completion technologies including geosteering and inflow control and (iii) better well performance with lower decline rates than initially estimated.

💡 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



Daily Brief South Korea: Samsung Electronics, Hana Financial and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Samsung Life’s Official Move to Make Fire a Subsidiary: A Value-Up Play for Samsung’s Big Three
  • Korean Banks; Positive Fundamental and Share Price Trends for Hana (086790 KS) And Woori (316140 KS)


Samsung Life’s Official Move to Make Fire a Subsidiary: A Value-Up Play for Samsung’s Big Three

By Sanghyun Park

  • The FSS will review the subsidiary approval, with final approval expected from the FSC by early April. Market signals suggest a near-100% chance of Samsung Life getting the green light.
  • Samsung’s moves post-Lee Jae-yong’s Feb 3rd ruling signal a major pivot, setting up aggressive value-up plays across Samsung Life, Samsung Electronics, and Samsung C&T.
  • Shoring up Samsung Life’s finances triggers a domino effect, positioning Samsung Electronics and Samsung C&T to follow with their own shareholder-friendly moves.

Korean Banks; Positive Fundamental and Share Price Trends for Hana (086790 KS) And Woori (316140 KS)

By Victor Galliano

  • Our weighted metrics of share valuations, capital adequacy and credit quality feed into an investment valuation matrix; we look for opportunities where the risks are well discounted in current valuations
  • We stick with Hana Financial for its attractive valuations, PEG and equity risk premia; there is potential for management to deliver on its Value-Up plan over the medium term
  • Woori is the stand-out in terms of our matrix; this is based on valuation, PEG ratio, credit quality and its improving pre- and post-provision returns along with efficiency ratio

💡 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



Daily Brief Indonesia: Criterium Energy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Criterium Energy Ltd (TSX-V: CEQ): Gas development capex only US$3-5 mm. FY25 debt repayment reduced by US$2 mm.


Criterium Energy Ltd (TSX-V: CEQ): Gas development capex only US$3-5 mm. FY25 debt repayment reduced by US$2 mm.

By Auctus Advisors

  •  FY25 oil production is expected to be 1,000-1,200 bbl/d with 8-12 work-overs costing US$0.04-0.07 mm per well (total of US$0.32-US$0.84 mm).
  • This in line with our expectations (1,150 bbl/d production and ~US$1 mm capex).
  • The capex requirement to reach first gas in 1Q26 at SE MGH based on modular LNG is now estimated at US$3-5 mm (we assumed US$5 mm).

💡 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



Daily Brief Singapore: SGX Rubber Future TSR20 and more

By | Daily Briefs, Singapore

In today’s briefing:

  • Poor OEM Tire Sales, Robust Replacement In The EU In 2024


Poor OEM Tire Sales, Robust Replacement In The EU In 2024

By Vinod Nedumudy

  • Sharp decline in heavy OEM commercial vehicle tire production in 2024
  • China PCLT tire import volume into EU up 50% since 2019
  • EU extends tariffs on Chinese truck and bus tires

💡 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



Daily Brief China: Tencent, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), Melco International Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, Link REIT, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Asian Equities: It’s China’s Year – Our “China Twelve” In the Year of the Snake
  • CATL IPO Listing in Hong Kong Preview
  • StubWorld: Melco Is Trading Too Tight
  • Hengrui (恒瑞医药) A/H Listing: A Worthy Comparison with Hansoh Pharma
  • Asia Real Estate Tracker (13-Feb-2025): HK’s Link REIT Manager Now Offers Private Funds.
  • SMIC (SEHK: 00981, SSE STAR MARKET: 688981): Risky to Chase Strength


Asian Equities: It’s China’s Year – Our “China Twelve” In the Year of the Snake

By Manishi Raychaudhuri

  • We believe in 2025 HK/China shall outperform EM. While the undervalued and under-owned characteristic of the China market is well-known, monetizability of China’s technological capabilities has become apparent only recently.
  • Policy stimuli during the upcoming NPC could catalyze consumer sentiment and market performance. China’s structural hurdles, Debt, Demographics and Deflation, remain. But correct stock and sector selection can generate alpha.
  • We prefer the internet platforms, consumer discretionary and high dividend yield, the latter largely SOEs. Our “China Twelve” are mostly reasonably valued (low teen PE), with double digit EPS growth.

CATL IPO Listing in Hong Kong Preview

By Douglas Kim

  • Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) is getting ready to complete its IPO on the Hong Kong exchange. CATL is expected to raise at least US$5 billion.
  • CATL maintained its 36.8% share in the global EV battery market in 2023 and January to November 2024. CATL has excellent fundamentals and improving profit margins. 
  • Major risk factors include additional tariffs by the US, recent addition to Pentagon’s blacklist, declining sales in 2024, and lower government subsidies for EVs globally. 

StubWorld: Melco Is Trading Too Tight

By David Blennerhassett

  • At an 8% discount to NAV, Melco International Development (200 HK) is trading too tight for what is a simple holding company structure.
  • Preceding my comments on Melco are the current setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.
  • These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity of US$1mn, and a % market capitalisation >20%.

Hengrui (恒瑞医药) A/H Listing: A Worthy Comparison with Hansoh Pharma

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine (600276 CH) a China-based pharmaceutical company, aims to raise around US$2bn in its H-share listing.
  • Given its similarity to Hong Kong-listed Hansoh Pharma, we think it is worth a comparison between the two.
  • Both companies are decent biopharma players and are trading at a premium to other pharmaceutical company peers. Upon comparison, we think Hengrui’s H should be at a premium to Hansoh.

Asia Real Estate Tracker (13-Feb-2025): HK’s Link REIT Manager Now Offers Private Funds.

By Asia Real Estate Tracker

  • Link REIT’s HK manager is starting a private funds venture in the market, showcasing a new area of investment and growth potential.
  • Yanlord is looking to sell a half-stake in an Anson Road project for $240M, indicating a strategic move in their property portfolio.
  • Weave Living is expanding its presence in Singapore with 2 new locations, adding a total of 330 units to their portfolio.

SMIC (SEHK: 00981, SSE STAR MARKET: 688981): Risky to Chase Strength

By Scott Foster

  • Media reports of a sharp decline in profit linked to trade tensions are not correct. Gross, operating and total net profit all increased from 1Q to 4Q of 2024.
  • Management’s guidance for 1Q of 2025 has sales growth accelerating to 6% to 8% and the gross margin remaining relatively high at 19% to 21%. This looks reasonable.
  • But the shares are near their all-time high and too expensive to chase given the potential negative impact of President Trump’s trade policy. Take profits.

💡 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



Daily Brief India: Latent View Analytics Ltd, Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd, Natco Pharma, Veeda Clinical Research Ltd, Dhampur Bio Organics, HIL Ltd, Globus Spirits and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Latent View Analytics Limited: Q3 FY25 Earnings Analysis
  • Aegis Vopak Pre-IPO: Expanding Rapidly but Lots of Debt
  • Natco Pharma Q3 FY25 Earnings Analysis: 20% Lower Circuit Post Result
  • Veeda Clinical Research Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Dhampur Bio Organics Limited: Q3 & 9M FY25 Quarterly Update
  • HIL Limited: Q3 & 9M FY25 Earnings Analysis
  • Globus Spirits Limited Q3 FY25: Navigating Cost Pressures & Charting Future Growth


Latent View Analytics Limited: Q3 FY25 Earnings Analysis

By Nimish Maheshwari

  • Revenue rose 37.5% YoY and 9% QoQ, boosted by Decision Point contributions and a major deal win.
  • Robust growth in revenue and EBITDA underscores Latent View’s ability to secure strategic client wins, strengthening its competitive edge in data analytics.
  • Company is tracking towards its $ 100-110 Mn, where they have plan to reach upto $200 Mn in next 3 years.

Aegis Vopak Pre-IPO: Expanding Rapidly but Lots of Debt

By Nicholas Tan

  • Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd (1902844D IN)  is looking to raise about US$415m in its upcoming India IPO.
  • Aegis Vopak (AV) is the largest Indian third-party owner and operator (in terms of storage capacity) of tank storage terminals for liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid products.
  • In this note, we look at the firm’s past performance.

Natco Pharma Q3 FY25 Earnings Analysis: 20% Lower Circuit Post Result

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • There will be significant drop in revenue in FY26 due to the loss of exclusivity of the key product, but company is looking for acquisition & doing R&D.  
  • Natco is focusing on launching the oral version of Semaglutide in the Indian market and is awaiting regulatory approvals for clinical trials.
  • Primary reason of fall in revenue was the absence of sales from a key product.

Veeda Clinical Research Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Rosita Fernandes

  • Veeda Clinical Research Ltd (3340714Z IN)  (VCRL) is looking to raise about US$115m in its upcoming India IPO. The bookrunners for the deal are Axis, CLSA, IIFL, SBI.
  • VCRL is a global contract research organization offering comprehensive drug development services, including non-clinical, pre-clinical, clinical trials, and studies across diverse drug types like generics, biosimilars, and medical devices.
  • The company operates in key global markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia, with a presence in India.

Dhampur Bio Organics Limited: Q3 & 9M FY25 Quarterly Update

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Dhampur Bio Organics (DBOL IN)’ Q3 FY25 revenue surged 74.33% YoY, fueled by robust sugar and country liquor performance amid increased sales volumes.
  • The significant revenue growth indicates strong market demand and positions DBO to transition toward value-added sugar production, mitigating commodity risks.
  • Despite operational challenges and declining EBITDA margins, DBO’s strategic focus on premiumization and improved cane development underscores resilient long-term growth potential.

HIL Limited: Q3 & 9M FY25 Earnings Analysis

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • HIL Ltd (HIL IN)‘s Q3 FY25 revenue grew modestly by 3% YoY, but EBITDA and PAT declined amid weak industry demand and sluggish pricing.
  • Lower government spending and volatile input costs underscore significant challenges in the building solutions segment, impacting overall profitability.
  • Investors should remain cautious, yet note strategic initiatives, such as distribution expansion and new product launches, offer potential for future growth.

Globus Spirits Limited Q3 FY25: Navigating Cost Pressures & Charting Future Growth

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Globus Spirits (GBSL IN)’ Q3 FY25 performance saw a 12.5% YoY revenue decline and significant cost pressures, while its consumer segment, especially luxury posted remarkable double-digit growth.
  • After reduction of FCI price, Company anticipate achieving margins of Rs. 5-7 per liter from ethanol, aiming for a long-term average of Rs. 7 per liter.
  • From Q4 onwards, manufacturing segment will also perform well along with growth in the consumer segment as well.

💡 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



Daily Brief United States: Block , Kestra Medical Technologies, Sailpoint Technologies Holdings, Ametek Inc, Occidental Petroleum, Crude Oil, Magnera, Nektar Therapeutics, Aethlon Medical , Tejon Ranch and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Block CEO: Twitter Evolution, Bitcoin and Digital Freedom
  • Kestra Medical Technologies, Ltd (KMTS): Peeking at the Prospectus of the Next Medical Device IPO
  • SailPoint Inc (SAIL): Upwardly-Revised, Upsized IPO Falls Flat on Day One
  • AMETEK: Industrial Excellence – [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY]
  • [Pre Earnings Options Flash] Occidental’s OI PCR Implies Neutral Sentiment Amid High Volatility
  • [ETP 2025/07] Rising U.S. Crude Inventories Weigh on WTI, Henry Hub Soars on Frosty Forecasts
  • Magnera: Investment Case is On Track
  • Nektar Therapeutics: Potential Blockbuster Drug and Mispricing Amidst Re-Analyzed Data and Legal Dispute with Lilly
  • Aethlon Medical Inc – The company expects to conduct a capital raise that
  • TRC: Optimistic About Commitment to Delivering Shareholder Value Anticipate No Direct Impact of LA Fires


Block CEO: Twitter Evolution, Bitcoin and Digital Freedom

By In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

  • Jack Dorsey’s interest in understanding what was happening in neighborhoods led him to programming
  • The original vision for Twitter was simply to be able to see what friends were doing and share updates
  • The development of new features on Twitter, such as replies, hashtags, and retweets, was driven by how people were using the platform and their needs for public conversation and sharing information.

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.


Kestra Medical Technologies, Ltd (KMTS): Peeking at the Prospectus of the Next Medical Device IPO

By IPO Boutique

  • They are a commercial-stage, wearable medical device and digital healthcare company focused on transforming patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease.
  • As of January 31, 2025, the ASSURE WCD is actively being prescribed by more than 550 hospitals and has been worn by over 17,000 patients.
  • We anticipate this company to set terms (share size, price range) and debut in the last week of February or the first week of March. 

SailPoint Inc (SAIL): Upwardly-Revised, Upsized IPO Falls Flat on Day One

By IPO Boutique

  • SailPoint traded below the issue price for the majority of its first trading session and hit a low of $20.77 before rebounding to a $22.00 print at the close 
  • The deal was more than 20-times oversubscribed and upsized its price range while on the road prior to pricing which makes the underperformance even more bizarre. 
  • Given the overhang of the underperforming IPO, we will be downgrading our 30-day forecast.

AMETEK: Industrial Excellence – [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY]

By Business Breakdowns

  • Ametek is a niche manufacturer of highly engineered products across a broad range of end markets
  • Ametek’s major end markets include Medtech, aerospace/defense, power, automotive, semis/RD, and industrial, with significant diversification

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.


[Pre Earnings Options Flash] Occidental’s OI PCR Implies Neutral Sentiment Amid High Volatility

By Suhas Reddy

  • Occidental is to report its Q4 earnings on 18/Feb and analysts project its revenue and EPS to fall by 2.6% YoY and 9.5%, respectively.
  • As of 13/Feb, Occidental’s implied volatility (IV) stands at 32.89%, with an IV rank of 76.4% and an IV percentile of 91%.
  • Occidental’s OI by strike for the 21/Feb expiry shows calls concentrated at strikes 50, 52.5, and 55, while puts dominate at 45 and 47.5.

[ETP 2025/07] Rising U.S. Crude Inventories Weigh on WTI, Henry Hub Soars on Frosty Forecasts

By Suhas Reddy

  • For the week ending 07/Feb, US crude inventories increased by 4.1m barrels, exceeding expectations of a 2.4m barrel build. Gasoline stockpiles surprisingly fell, while distillate stocks unexpectedly rose.
  • US natural gas inventories fell by 100 Bcf for the week ending 07/Feb, beating analyst expectations of a 90 Bcf drawdown. Inventories are 2.8% below the 5-year seasonal average.
  • BP’s Q4 net profit fell 48.5% QoQ and missed estimates by 2.5% due to weak refining margins. Chevron plans to trim workforce by 20% to cut costs. 

Magnera: Investment Case is On Track

By Richard Howe

  • When I originally recommended Magnera (MAGN) in November, my investment thesis could be summarized as follows: “trough valuation on trough earnings.”
  • And after the company reported earnings, that thesis remains intact.
  • In its most recent quarter Magnera reported y/y sales and EBITDA growth, suggesting that results have troughed.

Nektar Therapeutics: Potential Blockbuster Drug and Mispricing Amidst Re-Analyzed Data and Legal Dispute with Lilly

By Dalius Tauraitis

  • Nektar Therapeutics trades at 50% of its cash, with potential upside from its atopic dermatitis treatment and Dapirolizumab royalties.
  • Rezpegaldesleukin’s re-analyzed EASI75 delta is 21%, potentially increasing to 43% due to data anomalies.
  • NKTR’s litigation against Eli Lilly for data misanalysis could result in substantial compensation if settled.

Aethlon Medical Inc – The company expects to conduct a capital raise that

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • The company expects to conduct a capital raise that, along with the expected (and recent) exercise of outstanding warrants, could extend its cash runway significantly.
  • Additionally, AEMD has made cost reductions and also stands to benefit from the up to 43.5% cash tax rebate on clinical trial-related R&D costs in Australia and lower costs of conducting clinical trials in India.
  • Separately, while the company’s near-term focus is on assessing the Hemopurifier as a potential treatment for oncology, longer-term AEMD continues to view the device as a potential tool in the treatment of viruses, organ transplants and other medical areas.

TRC: Optimistic About Commitment to Delivering Shareholder Value Anticipate No Direct Impact of LA Fires

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Other recent positive measures, in our view, include the appointment of several new directors to the board & that TRC reached a standstill agreement with a large shareholder that had voiced concerns about the company’s direction and operations.
  • We view their agreement as a positive outcome of their discussions, particularly in light of the new board composition.
  • The substantial need for industrial, commercial and residential space near TRC’s land — likely heightened by the upcoming opening of the nearby Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon — underscores the attractiveness of TRC’s property, in our view.

💡 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



Daily Brief Japan: Kaonavi Inc, Trend Micro Inc, Daiichi Sankyo, Takasago Thermal Engineering, Piolax Inc, TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX, Sun*, Ichiken Co Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Kaonavi (4435 JP) – Small HR Software Co Gets 121% Premium LBO from Carlyle
  • Trend Micro (4704 JP): Rumoured Buyout Interest Starting to Take Shape
  • Daiichi Sankyo Placement – Momentum Is Weak but the Deal Is Small
  • Takasago Thermal Engineering Offering (1969) – Small Start to Larger Unwind
  • Piolax (5988 JP) – Murakami-San Gets BIG Buyback Tender Offer
  • Kaonavi (4435 JP): Carlyle’s JPY4,380 Tender Offer (121% Premium)
  • Takasago Thermal Engineering Placement – Share Buyback Should Aid Deal Performance
  • Companies with More Cash on Hand Are Expected to Use Cross-Shareholdings to Repurchase Shares
  • Sun* (4053 JP): Full-year FY12/24 flash update
  • Ichiken Co Ltd (1847 JP): Q3 FY03/25 flash update and reivision of full-year earnings forecasts


Kaonavi (4435 JP) – Small HR Software Co Gets 121% Premium LBO from Carlyle

By Travis Lundy

  • Another Japanese smallcap takeover at a huge premium. Must be a day ending in “y.” It is a thing recently. 
  • Interestingly, this is NOT an MBO. It is an LBO. Carlyle is buying out Kaonavi Inc (4435 JP) at ¥4,380/share which is 19x book and 89x EBIT. Nice price.
  • I expect this gets done easily because the co-CEO with 28.7% and Recruit with 20.6% are putting in. There’s another easy 9.7%. One more holder and this is done.

Trend Micro (4704 JP): Rumoured Buyout Interest Starting to Take Shape

By Arun George

  • Trend Micro Inc. (4704 JP) shares have hit their daily trade limit, following a Reuters report that Bain, Advent, KKR, and EQT AB are potential bidders. 
  • The lack of a controlling shareholder and increased cybersecurity M&A activity support the buyout interest. In 4Q2024, cybersecurity M&A reached the highest quarterly volume in the past three years.
  • The valuation is undemanding. If it trades in line with its median peers’ CY2024 EV/Sales and EV/EBITDA multiple, it implies JPY11,500-15,000, a 6%- 38% premium to the current price. 

Daiichi Sankyo Placement – Momentum Is Weak but the Deal Is Small

By Akshat Shah

  • Mizuho Bank is looking to raise US$151m from selling some of its stake in Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP).
  • While the deal shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the ongoing cross-shareholding unwind narrative in Japan, the timing of such a selldown isn’t always certain. 
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Takasago Thermal Engineering Offering (1969) – Small Start to Larger Unwind

By Travis Lundy

  • Takasago Thermal Engineering (1969 JP) reported Q3 earnings today. Revs up tiny yoy over 9m. OP +13%, Net +18.2%. Progression a bit behind guidance for full-year (but guidance unchanged)
  • Orders received and carried forward a record high. Margins up. DX/etc investments up. Crossholdings down but still HUGE outbound/in-bound. Goal is to shrink from 20% of net assets to 15%.
  • Today the company announced some crossholders would sell ~5% of shares out, and the company would launch a buyback for half that. Meh…

Piolax (5988 JP) – Murakami-San Gets BIG Buyback Tender Offer

By Travis Lundy

  • Piolax Inc (5988 JP) is a small, low ROE, over-capitalised autoparts maker mostly making low-moat parts, but they sell A LOT of them. About a gajillion. 
  • They started 100% div payout ratios 3yrs ago, and last year started a new MTMP to pay out 100% and then buy back a lot of stock. Murakami bought 10%.
  • In November they launched a big buyback. Now they are launching a 23.78% Tender Offer Buyback where Murakami-san will sell. Big accretion on forward expectations downgrades. Hmmm… 🤨

Kaonavi (4435 JP): Carlyle’s JPY4,380 Tender Offer (121% Premium)

By Arun George

  • Kaonavi Inc (4435 JP) has recommended a tender offer from Carlyle Group / (CG US) at JPY4,380, a 121.2% premium to the last close.
  • The offer is attractive due to the high takeover premium, being materially above the midpoint of the target IFA’s DCF valuation range and representing a four-year high.
  • This is a done deal, as the required minority acceptance rate is not onerous. The tender offer is from 14 February to 31 March (30 business days).

Takasago Thermal Engineering Placement – Share Buyback Should Aid Deal Performance

By Nicholas Tan

  • A group of shareholders are looking to raise US$118m from selling their respective stakes in Takasago Thermal Engineering (1969 JP) .
  • While the deal shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the ongoing cross-shareholding unwind narrative in Japan, the timing of such a selldown isn’t always certain.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Companies with More Cash on Hand Are Expected to Use Cross-Shareholdings to Repurchase Shares

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Stock sale allows brokers to pass on to the company the attraction of being able to diversify its shareholders, and the cross-shareholding sales scheme allows them to obtain higher commissions.
  • One of the solutions that companies have come up with in the absence of improved return on capital is to reduce their policy shareholdings.
  • The use of share repurchases to buy back cross-shareholdings is a very good way to improve return on capital because it also reduces the amount of cash on hand.

Sun* (4053 JP): Full-year FY12/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue reached JPY13.6bn (+8.4% YoY) with operating profit at JPY1.4bn (-18.6% YoY) and recurring profit at JPY1.5bn (-36.2% YoY).
  • Number of recurring revenue customers totaled 131 (+8.3% YoY), with enterprise customers at 53 (+29.3% YoY) and SMB customers at 78 (-2.5% YoY).
  • Creative & Engineering service line revenue was JPY11.6bn (+6.9% YoY), while Talent Platform service line revenue was JPY2.0bn (+18.2% YoY).

Ichiken Co Ltd (1847 JP): Q3 FY03/25 flash update and reivision of full-year earnings forecasts

By Shared Research

  • Ichiken’s cumulative Q3 FY03/25 revenue was JPY78.2bn, operating profit JPY5.4bn, and net income JPY3.6bn, with YoY increases.
  • Orders in the construction business decreased 1.6% YoY to JPY75.8bn, with private sector orders at JPY75.6bn.
  • Ichiken projects FY03/25 revenue of JPY98.0bn and plans a dividend of JPY140 per share, including a commemorative dividend.

💡 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