All Posts By

Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Australia: Mayne Pharma, Iron Ore, Stanmore Coal and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Mayne Pharma’s Merger with Cosette Pharmaceuticals: Navigating FDA Concerns, Shareholder Approval, and Market Reactions
  • [IO Technical 2025/20] Bullish Momentum Builds
  • Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Jun25: LONGs up 6% Vs SHORTs; Strong Alpha; Reference Period Ending Soon


Mayne Pharma’s Merger with Cosette Pharmaceuticals: Navigating FDA Concerns, Shareholder Approval, and Market Reactions

By Special Situation Investments

  • Mayne Pharma’s acquisition by Cosette Pharmaceuticals at A$7.40/share faces a 14% spread, with closing expected in 1.5 months.
  • The FDA issued an Untitled Letter to Mayne Pharma about Nexstellis promotional materials, but it is unlikely to trigger a material adverse effect.
  • Shareholder approval for the merger appears likely, with key stakeholders supporting the deal and a vote scheduled for June 18.

[IO Technical 2025/20] Bullish Momentum Builds

By Pranay Yadav

  • Iron ore futures surged to a six-week high as U.S.-China trade tensions eased, with both nations agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs for 90 days, boosting market sentiment and commodity demand. 
  • Underlying demand remains weak, with China’s steel consumption pressured by a cooling property sector and ongoing structural shifts across its broader economic landscape. 
  • On the technical front, the outlook is turning increasingly bullish as prices are holding above key moving averages. 

Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Jun25: LONGs up 6% Vs SHORTs; Strong Alpha; Reference Period Ending Soon

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the potential index changes for ASX 200, 100, 50, and 20 in the run-up to the June 2025 index rebal event.
  • We expect one change for ASX 20, one change for ASX 50, two changes for ASX 100, and one change for ASX 200. 
  • The official index changes will be announced after the close on Friday 6th June 2025.

💡 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: LG Energy Solution and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bond Worth US$1 Billion


LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bond Worth US$1 Billion

By Douglas Kim

  • On 15 May, LG Chem announced that it plans to issue foreign currency exchangeable bond worth US$1 billion using shares of its subsidiary LG Energy Solution as the underlying asset.
  • The purpose of this EB issue is to repay the amount of EB issued two years ago. 
  • The exchange price premium was lowered from 130% in 2023 to 110-115% this time, and the maturity has been shortened from 7 years to 3 years.

💡 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: PT Pertamina (Persero) and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia


Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • In today’s Morning Views publication we comment on developments of the following high yield issuers: Pertamina (Persero)
  • In the US, retail sales eased to 0.1% m-o-m (0.0% e / 1.7% revised p) in April, driven by lower car sales (after a front-loaded surge in March), as well as declines in several categories of imported items including sporting goods and apparel.
  • This was offset by higher spending at restaurants and bars, which accelerated for a second month.

💡 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: Pan American Silver, New Horizon Aircraft, Crude Oil, Soybean Active Contract, CoreCivic , POET Technologies , Mastech Digital , Dyadic International , iPower , Lands’ End Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Pan American Silver — Strong Q125, MAG Silver acquisition
  • New Horizon Aircraft Ltd (HOVR) – Targeting Regional Air Mobility Market, PT at US$2
  • OPEC, EIA, and IEA Deliver Mixed Signals Amid Trade Uncertainty and Oversupply Concerns
  • Soybean Surge: Is the Momentum Ripe for More Gains?
  • CXW: Believe CXW is Well-Positioned for Further Occupancy Increases
  • POET: Revising Forecasts Due to the Buyout of its JV Partner, Capital Raises, and New Facilities
  • MHH: Mastech Digital’s New Management Focuses on AI and Cost-Cutting and Reports a Solid Q1
  • DYAI: Fermbox Purchase Order
  • IPower, Inc: 3QFY25 Review; Super Sizes SuperSuite With “Made in USA”
  • LE: Snapping the Catalog; New Tricks for Swim & Summer Style; Reiterate Buy, PT


Pan American Silver — Strong Q125, MAG Silver acquisition

By Edison Investment Research

Pan American Silver (PAAS) delivered strong quarterly results, with higher commodity prices boosting revenues and lowering costs. Q125 EBITDA was US$330m, just 5% shy of the seasonally strongest Q4 number, as costs were markedly below and production was in line with quarterly guidance for both segments. The company maintained its FY25 operating outlook, which points to seasonally strong quarters ahead. PAAS also announced a proposed acquisition of MAG Silver (MAG), valuing the company at US$2.1bn. MAG owns 44% in a top-tier Juanicipio silver operation in Mexico. In this note, we provide an initial take on the transaction, while keeping our revised estimates and valuation of PAAS on a standalone basis.


New Horizon Aircraft Ltd (HOVR) – Targeting Regional Air Mobility Market, PT at US$2

By Garvit Bhandari

  • New Horizon Aircraft is a Canada-based aviation company specializing in the development of hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft
  • HOVR’s flagship aircraft, the Cavorite X7 is likely to be commercially available in the next 24 to 36 months. HOVR has already completed the development of a 50%-scale prototype.
  • The timeline looks achievable, and the Company has already committed to supplying five Cavorite X7 to Air Chile Ltd by the end of 2028.

OPEC, EIA, and IEA Deliver Mixed Signals Amid Trade Uncertainty and Oversupply Concerns

By Suhas Reddy

  • OPEC held its 2025 and 2026 demand growth forecasts steady. The IEA’s upward revision reflects a catch-up adjustment for 2024, not a fundamental shift in its forward outlook.
  • The EIA raised its demand growth forecast by 7.8% for 2025 but cut estimates by 13.5% for 2026. Meanwhile, it raised supply forecasts and projected inventory builds for both years.
  • The EIA expects Henry Hub prices to rise in 2025 and 2026 from current levels, though it revised its 2025 forecast 3.5% lower and lifted 2026 estimates by 4.3%.

Soybean Surge: Is the Momentum Ripe for More Gains?

By Srinidhi Raghavendra

  • After falling to a 2025 low, Bean prices have rallied strongly to clock a nine-month high. Macro conditions augur well for the rally to be sustained. 
  • Implied vols on bean options have dropped even as prices rise. Spike in skew points to reduced demand for downside risk hinting at upward price buoyancy.  
  • Technical charts paint a broadly bullish picture with potential for rally ahead remaining intact. However, the bullish momentum might take a breather in the near term.   

CXW: Believe CXW is Well-Positioned for Further Occupancy Increases

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • CXW is reactivating three facilities that it had idled, including two under letter agreements.
  • CXW is optimistic that it will reach long-term agreements with ICE and others to warrant bringing additional capacity online.
  • The 3rd facility, Dilley, is being reactivated under a new long-term agreement that is expected to generate annual revenue of ~ $180m when it has ramped fully and to be accretive beginning in 2Q25.

POET: Revising Forecasts Due to the Buyout of its JV Partner, Capital Raises, and New Facilities

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • POET Technologies is a startup disrupting the photonics industry with a new technology that eliminates parts of an optical transceiver and replaces them with a single integrated device which is smaller, cheaper, faster, more scalable and with much lower power consumption than the current solutions.
  • Its solution can be produced at wafer scale, eliminating costly manual steps, and allowing it to be easily produced in large quantities and at low cost.
  • In 2024 it raised $81 million to ramp production and restructure the company by buying out its JV partner.

MHH: Mastech Digital’s New Management Focuses on AI and Cost-Cutting and Reports a Solid Q1

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Mastech Digital, based outside Pittsburgh, PA is an IT staffing business with a data and analytics, consulting, and project management service serving blue-chip customers in the US.
  • The company trades below its peers and we expect stock price appreciation now that the company has returned to growth.
  • New management has implemented a new focus on AI and hopes to profit by aiding clients in its implementation.

DYAI: Fermbox Purchase Order

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Dyadic has developed C1, its proprietary fungal expression system that can produce a variety of recombinant proteins.
  • C1 has been commercialized in industrial applications and is in development for production of pharmaceutical grade proteins.
  • C1 exhibits potential to economically produce recombinant proteins, biologic vaccines, virus like particles, antibodies, Fc-fusion, enzymes, AAVs and other biopharmaceuticals.

IPower, Inc: 3QFY25 Review; Super Sizes SuperSuite With “Made in USA”

By Water Tower Research

  • IPW reported revenue of $16.6 million in 3QFY25 (quarter ended March 31, 2025), down from $23.3 million in the year- ago period, with the decline primarily due to (1) a cautious consumer demand environment,
  • (2) market uncertainty leading to slower order flow from retail partners such as Amazon, and
  • (3) elevated purchasing volumes from IPW’s largest channel partner, Amazon, in the year-ago period, which presented a tough comp.

LE: Snapping the Catalog; New Tricks for Swim & Summer Style; Reiterate Buy, PT

By Small Cap Consumer Research

  • We are reiterating our Buy rating, projections and $20 price target for Lands’ End after reviewing the May catalog.
  • As we start to enter the “buy now wear now” swim season, Lands’ End has materially ramped overall newness, with new technical advances for the core Tugless line, multiple additions to the Slendersuit offerings and new seamless looks, all of which serve to emphasize the company’s technological leadership and ability to offer multiple choices for different body sizes in the core swimwear offerings.
  • Further, there remains continued expansion/emphasis on pre and post swim looks, with swim dresses, wraps and cover-ups.

💡 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: Indusind Bank, Asian Paints, Gujarat Mineral Development, Akzo Nobel India and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • IndusInd Bank- Never Ending Trouble
  • Asian Paints: Navigating Growth Challenges Amid Evolving Industry Dynamics
  • GMDC (GMDC IN): Steady Core Performance with Hidden Asset Optionality
  • Akzo Nobel India [India M&A]: JSW Likely Buyer – Investors Should Assess Strategic Impact


IndusInd Bank- Never Ending Trouble

By Nitin Mangal

  • Indusind Bank (IIB IN) does not seem to be able to get out of hot water.
  • In yet another accounting and governance pothole, the bank has disclosed a surprising take on interest income, which was overstated by INR 6.7 bn. 
  • The internal audit department also reported unsubstantiated balances of INR 6 bn in other assets, which was netted off with liabilities. 

Asian Paints: Navigating Growth Challenges Amid Evolving Industry Dynamics

By Rahul Jain

  • Q4 FY25 volumes grew 1.8%, value declined; FY26 guidance is for low growth with 18–20% margins supported by integration and cost control.
  • Grasim and JSW are aggressively expanding with large capex and dealer networks, intensifying pricing pressure in decorative paints.
  • Stock corrected 15–20% but still trades at ~55x P/E, which remains expensive given slowing growth and rising competitive risks.

GMDC (GMDC IN): Steady Core Performance with Hidden Asset Optionality

By Rahul Jain

  • GMDC delivered strong FY25 results with 8MT of lignite sales and Rs992 crore in EBITDA, its second-best performance.
  • The company is focused on scaling lignite and coal volumes through new mines within Gujarat and Odisha. It also plans to diversify into rare earths and critical minerals. 
  • While valuations appear slightly elevated, upside optionality exists from the revival of Akrimota power plant and operationalization of new mines.

Akzo Nobel India [India M&A]: JSW Likely Buyer – Investors Should Assess Strategic Impact

By Rahul Jain

  • Akzo Nobel N.V. earlier announced its plans to exit India to focus on core markets where it holds a position of “differentiating scale.
  • JSW Paints has reportedly entered exclusive talks to acquire Akzo India, edging out Advent–Indigo and Pidilite.
  • Shareholders may tender in the open offer or stay invested for potential upside via JSW which has a long stellar track-record.

💡 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: ESR Group , Oneconnect Financial Technology, Kuaishou Technology and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • ESR (1821 HK): Pre-Cons Done. Scheme Doc By 22nd May
  • OneConnect Financial (6638 HK/OCFT US): Ping An Firms Offer @ HK$2.068/Share
  • Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: Float & Capping Changes


ESR (1821 HK): Pre-Cons Done. Scheme Doc By 22nd May

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 4th December 204, Starwood/Warburg Pincus Consortium announced a firm pre-conditional Offer for ESR Group (1821 HK) at HK$13/share (best & final), by way of a Scheme.
  • The list of pre-cons was extensive. Last night (15th May), ESR announced the satisfaction of all pre-cons. 
  • The Scheme Doc is now required to be dispatched by the 22nd May, suggesting payment around mid-July. Assuming no dispatch delays.

OneConnect Financial (6638 HK/OCFT US): Ping An Firms Offer @ HK$2.068/Share

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on 3rd March, dual-listed OneConnect Financial (6638 HK/OFT US), a digital retail banking/commercial banking/digital insurance play, announced a non-binding proposal from Ping An, OneConnect’s controlling shareholder with 32.12%.
  • By way of a Scheme, Ping An offered HK$2.068/share, or US$7.98/ADS, a 72.33% premium to last close, and a 131.66% premium to the 30-day average. The price was final.
  • SAMR has now signed off on the deal and terms are now firmed. M&G is supportive (1.98% of shares out,  ~8% of disinterested shares). Perhaps mid-September completion. 

Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: Float & Capping Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • There are no constituent changes for the Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) in June but there will be float and capping changes.
  • Estimated one-way turnover is 5.95% and that leads to a round-trip trade of HK$3.2bn (US$410m). There are a few stocks with over 0.5x ADV to trade from passive trackers.
  • The inflows to NetEase (9999 HK) and Baidu (9888 HK) and the outflows from Kuaishou Technology (1024 HK) and Bilibili (9626 HK) will add to the flows from other indices.

💡 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: Technopro Holdings, Tsi Holdings, TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX, Oisix ra daichi, T&D Holdings, Cyber Security Cloud Inc, Kyodo Printing, France Bed Holdings, Dic Corp, Resorttrust Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • [Japan M&A] TechnoPro Holdings (6028) May Be Up For Grabs
  • TSI Holdings: Strong Growth in BPS and Aggressive Record of Share Buybacks
  • Another Reason Companies Are Reluctant to Disclose in English, and Not Just Because of the Cost
  • Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • T&D Holdings (8795 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update
  • Kyodo Printing (7914 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • France Bed Holdings (7840 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Dic Corp (4631 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update
  • Resorttrust Inc (4681 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update


[Japan M&A] TechnoPro Holdings (6028) May Be Up For Grabs

By Travis Lundy

  • Technopro Holdings (6028 JP) is a temp/contract staffing platform which specialises in engineering staff (IT engineers far more than machinery, construction, chemicals). The company has been growing.
  • Overnight, an article appeared in MergerMarket – a high-dollar M&A-related news service – saying the company was going through a sale process. The company confirmed it was one possibility.
  • The stock went limit up. This quick writeup looks at the framework of the idea, and possibilities.

TSI Holdings: Strong Growth in BPS and Aggressive Record of Share Buybacks

By Douglas Kim

  • Tsi Holdings (3608 JP) is a leading apparel company in Japan. Net cash was 45 billion yen at end of February 2025, representing 58% of its current market cap.
  • The company has an excellent record of increasing its BPS, reducing outstanding shares, and buying back shares. Valuations have become more attractive.
  • Its share price has had a nice pullback in the past three months (down 22% from its peak levels in February 2025). 

Another Reason Companies Are Reluctant to Disclose in English, and Not Just Because of the Cost

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Even in 93.8% of prime companies that disclose financial results in English, many disclose only summaries and financial statements in English, while few provide qualitative information and notes in English. 
  • The belief that the company doesn’t provide sufficient information to shareholders to control AGM is common to reluctance to disclose documents in English, which are highly demand by overseas investors.
  • The idea of “not wanting to provide overseas investors with sufficient information,” which has ingrained in many companies, is opposed to movement to “improve the quality of dialogue with investors.”

Oisix ra daichi (3182 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/25, sales increased by 72.5% YoY, EBITDA by 55.3% YoY, and operating profit by 33.9% YoY.
  • For FY03/26, the company forecasts sales of JPY270.0bn, EBITDA of JPY14.0bn, and operating profit of JPY8.0bn.
  • The company targets adjusted EPS of JPY175.0 in FY03/30, with a five-year CAGR of 11%.

T&D Holdings (8795 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Ordinary revenues in FY03/25 reached JPY3.7tn, a 16.3% YoY increase, with insurance premiums at JPY2.6tn.
  • Group adjusted profit rose 36.7% YoY to JPY141.5bn, driven by strong domestic life insurance business performance.
  • T&D Holdings forecasts FY03/26 ordinary revenues to decline 19.3% YoY to JPY3.0tn, with a 12.3% YoY profit increase.

Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased to JPY1.2bn (+24.4% YoY), driven by growth in WafCharm and CloudFastener, with ARR at JPY4.5bn (+30.9% YoY).
  • Operating profit declined to JPY241mn (-23.6% YoY) due to increased operating expenses, including personnel and outsourcing costs.
  • Shadankun’s ARR reached JPY1.7bn (+6.1% YoY) with a user count of 1,322 companies and a churn rate of 1.06%.

Kyodo Printing (7914 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue reached JPY100.0bn (+3.1% YoY) with operating profit at JPY2.3bn (+47.8% YoY) and net income JPY3.3bn (+121.4% YoY).
  • Information-related segment saw increased revenue from transportation tickets, IC cards, and digital transformation services, despite promotional material order declines.
  • Living and Industrial Materials segment focused on packaging solutions, addressing raw material costs, and expanding high-value-added product offerings.

France Bed Holdings (7840 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue was JPY60.6bn (+2.4% YoY), operating profit JPY4.7bn (+2.4% YoY), net income JPY2.9bn (-6.0% YoY).
  • Medical Services revenue rose 4.2% YoY, Home Furnishing and Health revenue decreased 1.3% YoY, with GPM at 54.6%.
  • FY03/26 forecast: revenue JPY62.3bn (+2.9% YoY), operating profit JPY4.8bn (+1.1% YoY), net income JPY3.1bn (+3.5% YoY).

Dic Corp (4631 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Consolidated sales reached JPY262.1bn (+2.5% YoY), with operating profit at JPY13.1bn (+54.0% YoY), driven by market recovery.
  • Segment sales varied, with packaging inks declining in Asia, while jet inks for digital printing increased significantly.
  • Operating profit rose in Japan and overseas, supported by cost savings and stable sales prices across product lines.

Resorttrust Inc (4681 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales and operating profit increased YoY; Membership and Medical segments saw higher sales and profits, while Hotel and Restaurant segment had lower profits.
  • Contract value for hotel memberships increased YoY; sales and operating profit rose due to higher contract value and improved margins.
  • FY03/26 forecast: sales JPY259.0bn (+3.9% YoY), operating profit JPY27.5bn (+4.3% YoY), net income JPY19.0bn (-5.7% YoY).

💡 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 Utilities: Kontrol Technologies and more

By | Daily Briefs, Utilities Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • KNR: Light Q1 Financials; 15% Discount to Net Cash


KNR: Light Q1 Financials; 15% Discount to Net Cash

By Atrium Research

  • Kontrol Technologies reported Q1 financial results that were below our expectations.
  • Revenue came in at $1.5M vs. our estimate of $1.9M and adjusted EBITDA was ($0.2M) vs. our estimate of $0.2M.
  • KNR ended the quarter with $11.2M in cash & equivalents with minimal debt ($0.20/share in net cash), compared to its market cap of $9.1M.

💡 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 Industrials: Technopro Holdings, LG Energy Solution, New Horizon Aircraft, Kyodo Printing, IDEC Corp, IMCD Group NV, Bando Chemical Industries, Mastech Digital , Nomura Micro Science, iPower and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • [Japan M&A] TechnoPro Holdings (6028) May Be Up For Grabs
  • LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bond Worth US$1 Billion
  • New Horizon Aircraft Ltd (HOVR) – Targeting Regional Air Mobility Market, PT at US$2
  • Kyodo Printing (7914 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • IDEC Corp (6652 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 16 May (IMCD)
  • Bando Chemical Industries (5195 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • MHH: Mastech Digital’s New Management Focuses on AI and Cost-Cutting and Reports a Solid Q1
  • Nomura Micro Science (6254 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • IPower, Inc: 3QFY25 Review; Super Sizes SuperSuite With “Made in USA”


[Japan M&A] TechnoPro Holdings (6028) May Be Up For Grabs

By Travis Lundy

  • Technopro Holdings (6028 JP) is a temp/contract staffing platform which specialises in engineering staff (IT engineers far more than machinery, construction, chemicals). The company has been growing.
  • Overnight, an article appeared in MergerMarket – a high-dollar M&A-related news service – saying the company was going through a sale process. The company confirmed it was one possibility.
  • The stock went limit up. This quick writeup looks at the framework of the idea, and possibilities.

LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bond Worth US$1 Billion

By Douglas Kim

  • On 15 May, LG Chem announced that it plans to issue foreign currency exchangeable bond worth US$1 billion using shares of its subsidiary LG Energy Solution as the underlying asset.
  • The purpose of this EB issue is to repay the amount of EB issued two years ago. 
  • The exchange price premium was lowered from 130% in 2023 to 110-115% this time, and the maturity has been shortened from 7 years to 3 years.

New Horizon Aircraft Ltd (HOVR) – Targeting Regional Air Mobility Market, PT at US$2

By Garvit Bhandari

  • New Horizon Aircraft is a Canada-based aviation company specializing in the development of hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft
  • HOVR’s flagship aircraft, the Cavorite X7 is likely to be commercially available in the next 24 to 36 months. HOVR has already completed the development of a 50%-scale prototype.
  • The timeline looks achievable, and the Company has already committed to supplying five Cavorite X7 to Air Chile Ltd by the end of 2028.

Kyodo Printing (7914 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue reached JPY100.0bn (+3.1% YoY) with operating profit at JPY2.3bn (+47.8% YoY) and net income JPY3.3bn (+121.4% YoY).
  • Information-related segment saw increased revenue from transportation tickets, IC cards, and digital transformation services, despite promotional material order declines.
  • Living and Industrial Materials segment focused on packaging solutions, addressing raw material costs, and expanding high-value-added product offerings.

IDEC Corp (6652 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue was JPY67.4bn (-7.3% YoY), with operating profit at JPY3.7bn (-41.8% YoY) and net income JPY1.8bn (-59.7% YoY).
  • FY03/26 forecast: Revenue JPY68.7bn (+2.0% YoY), operating profit JPY4.8bn (+30.1% YoY), net income JPY3.5bn (+94.0% YoY).
  • Medium-term plan targets FY03/28 revenue over JPY77.0bn, OPM of at least 13%, and ROIC of 7%+.

What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 16 May (IMCD)

By The IDEA!

  • In this edition: • IMCD | acquires TECOM Ingredients in Spain

Bando Chemical Industries (5195 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue reached JPY115.6bn, a 6.8% YoY increase, with Automotive Parts segment revenue growing 9.0% YoY.
  • Operating profit declined 55.2% YoY to JPY3.5bn due to JPY5.9bn impairment losses, affecting bottom-line profit.
  • FY03/26 forecast: revenue JPY115.0bn, core operating profit JPY8.2bn, operating profit JPY9.5bn, profit attributable JPY6.7bn.

MHH: Mastech Digital’s New Management Focuses on AI and Cost-Cutting and Reports a Solid Q1

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Mastech Digital, based outside Pittsburgh, PA is an IT staffing business with a data and analytics, consulting, and project management service serving blue-chip customers in the US.
  • The company trades below its peers and we expect stock price appreciation now that the company has returned to growth.
  • New management has implemented a new focus on AI and hopes to profit by aiding clients in its implementation.

Nomura Micro Science (6254 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Nomura Micro Science reported FY03/25 orders of JPY94.5bn, revenue of JPY96.4bn, and net income of JPY10.2bn.
  • Revenue from water treatment systems increased 36.7% YoY, while maintenance and consumables rose 19.9% YoY.
  • FY03/26 projections include a 24.0% YoY order increase, but a 37.7% YoY revenue decline due to project completions.

IPower, Inc: 3QFY25 Review; Super Sizes SuperSuite With “Made in USA”

By Water Tower Research

  • IPW reported revenue of $16.6 million in 3QFY25 (quarter ended March 31, 2025), down from $23.3 million in the year- ago period, with the decline primarily due to (1) a cautious consumer demand environment,
  • (2) market uncertainty leading to slower order flow from retail partners such as Amazon, and
  • (3) elevated purchasing volumes from IPW’s largest channel partner, Amazon, in the year-ago period, which presented a tough comp.

💡 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 Energy/Materials: Pan American Silver, Iron Ore, Stanmore Coal, Asian Paints, Gujarat Mineral Development, Akzo Nobel India, Dic Corp, Crude Oil, Hercules Resources , PT Pertamina (Persero) and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Pan American Silver — Strong Q125, MAG Silver acquisition
  • [IO Technical 2025/20] Bullish Momentum Builds
  • Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Jun25: LONGs up 6% Vs SHORTs; Strong Alpha; Reference Period Ending Soon
  • Asian Paints: Navigating Growth Challenges Amid Evolving Industry Dynamics
  • GMDC (GMDC IN): Steady Core Performance with Hidden Asset Optionality
  • Akzo Nobel India [India M&A]: JSW Likely Buyer – Investors Should Assess Strategic Impact
  • Dic Corp (4631 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update
  • OPEC, EIA, and IEA Deliver Mixed Signals Amid Trade Uncertainty and Oversupply Concerns
  • Friday Take Away: 9 May 2025
  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia


Pan American Silver — Strong Q125, MAG Silver acquisition

By Edison Investment Research

Pan American Silver (PAAS) delivered strong quarterly results, with higher commodity prices boosting revenues and lowering costs. Q125 EBITDA was US$330m, just 5% shy of the seasonally strongest Q4 number, as costs were markedly below and production was in line with quarterly guidance for both segments. The company maintained its FY25 operating outlook, which points to seasonally strong quarters ahead. PAAS also announced a proposed acquisition of MAG Silver (MAG), valuing the company at US$2.1bn. MAG owns 44% in a top-tier Juanicipio silver operation in Mexico. In this note, we provide an initial take on the transaction, while keeping our revised estimates and valuation of PAAS on a standalone basis.


[IO Technical 2025/20] Bullish Momentum Builds

By Pranay Yadav

  • Iron ore futures surged to a six-week high as U.S.-China trade tensions eased, with both nations agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs for 90 days, boosting market sentiment and commodity demand. 
  • Underlying demand remains weak, with China’s steel consumption pressured by a cooling property sector and ongoing structural shifts across its broader economic landscape. 
  • On the technical front, the outlook is turning increasingly bullish as prices are holding above key moving averages. 

Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Jun25: LONGs up 6% Vs SHORTs; Strong Alpha; Reference Period Ending Soon

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the potential index changes for ASX 200, 100, 50, and 20 in the run-up to the June 2025 index rebal event.
  • We expect one change for ASX 20, one change for ASX 50, two changes for ASX 100, and one change for ASX 200. 
  • The official index changes will be announced after the close on Friday 6th June 2025.

Asian Paints: Navigating Growth Challenges Amid Evolving Industry Dynamics

By Rahul Jain

  • Q4 FY25 volumes grew 1.8%, value declined; FY26 guidance is for low growth with 18–20% margins supported by integration and cost control.
  • Grasim and JSW are aggressively expanding with large capex and dealer networks, intensifying pricing pressure in decorative paints.
  • Stock corrected 15–20% but still trades at ~55x P/E, which remains expensive given slowing growth and rising competitive risks.

GMDC (GMDC IN): Steady Core Performance with Hidden Asset Optionality

By Rahul Jain

  • GMDC delivered strong FY25 results with 8MT of lignite sales and Rs992 crore in EBITDA, its second-best performance.
  • The company is focused on scaling lignite and coal volumes through new mines within Gujarat and Odisha. It also plans to diversify into rare earths and critical minerals. 
  • While valuations appear slightly elevated, upside optionality exists from the revival of Akrimota power plant and operationalization of new mines.

Akzo Nobel India [India M&A]: JSW Likely Buyer – Investors Should Assess Strategic Impact

By Rahul Jain

  • Akzo Nobel N.V. earlier announced its plans to exit India to focus on core markets where it holds a position of “differentiating scale.
  • JSW Paints has reportedly entered exclusive talks to acquire Akzo India, edging out Advent–Indigo and Pidilite.
  • Shareholders may tender in the open offer or stay invested for potential upside via JSW which has a long stellar track-record.

Dic Corp (4631 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Consolidated sales reached JPY262.1bn (+2.5% YoY), with operating profit at JPY13.1bn (+54.0% YoY), driven by market recovery.
  • Segment sales varied, with packaging inks declining in Asia, while jet inks for digital printing increased significantly.
  • Operating profit rose in Japan and overseas, supported by cost savings and stable sales prices across product lines.

OPEC, EIA, and IEA Deliver Mixed Signals Amid Trade Uncertainty and Oversupply Concerns

By Suhas Reddy

  • OPEC held its 2025 and 2026 demand growth forecasts steady. The IEA’s upward revision reflects a catch-up adjustment for 2024, not a fundamental shift in its forward outlook.
  • The EIA raised its demand growth forecast by 7.8% for 2025 but cut estimates by 13.5% for 2026. Meanwhile, it raised supply forecasts and projected inventory builds for both years.
  • The EIA expects Henry Hub prices to rise in 2025 and 2026 from current levels, though it revised its 2025 forecast 3.5% lower and lifted 2026 estimates by 4.3%.

Friday Take Away: 9 May 2025

By Hybridan

  • Hercules Site Services is a technology-enabled labour supply and recruitment services provider, specialising in the UK infrastructure and construction sectors.
  • Hercules services are powered by a bespoke Personnel Management System, and a Mobile Recruitment app allowing agility and flexibility, ensuring the right builder is at the job in the right location.
  • The Trading Update to March 2025, reported this week on 7 May, anticipates revenue to be more than 17% higher than last year at £54m, which is in line with market expectations. 

Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • In today’s Morning Views publication we comment on developments of the following high yield issuers: Pertamina (Persero)
  • In the US, retail sales eased to 0.1% m-o-m (0.0% e / 1.7% revised p) in April, driven by lower car sales (after a front-loaded surge in March), as well as declines in several categories of imported items including sporting goods and apparel.
  • This was offset by higher spending at restaurants and bars, which accelerated for a second month.

💡 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