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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Australia: Webjet Group, Avjennings Ltd, Domain Holdings Australia and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying
  • AVJennings (AVJ AU): Scheme Vote on 11 July
  • Domain Holdings (DHG AU): CoStar’s A$4.43 Binding Proposal a Done Deal


Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 30th September 2024, B2C-player Webjet Group (WJL AU) demerged from (now) B2B-player WEB Travel Group (WEB AU). This was discussed in Thoughts On Webjet (WEB AU)’s Demerger. 
  • Webjet is up 34% this week, on decent volume. The word on the street is that an undisclosed buyer with ~5% was seeking to add an additional 5% (19.6mn shares). 
  • Webjet announced after market yesterday it had became aware of such a buyer. That’s all the information at hand.

AVJennings (AVJ AU): Scheme Vote on 11 July

By Arun George

  • The Avjennings Ltd (AVJ AU) IE considers AVID’s A$0.655 offer fair and reasonable as it is above its A$0.54-0.61 valuation range.
  • The offer is conditional on shareholder and regulatory approvals (FIRB and OIO). The vote is low-risk, as SC Global (54.02% of outstanding shares) will vote in favour. 
  • The attractive offer represents a 98.5% premium to the undisturbed price. At the last close and for a 14 August payment, the gross/annualised spread is 0.8%/2.8%.  

Domain Holdings (DHG AU): CoStar’s A$4.43 Binding Proposal a Done Deal

By Arun George

  • Domain Holdings Australia (DHG AU) entered a scheme implementation deed with Costar Group (CSGP US) at A$4.43 per share, a 42.0% premium to the undisturbed price.
  • As CoStar is a US entity, FIRB approval should be forthcoming. The scheme vote is low-risk, as Nine (60.05% of outstanding shares) will vote in favour of it. 
  • While attractive to precedent transaction multiples, the offer remains light compared to peer multiples. At the last close and for an end-of-August payment, the gross/annualised spread is 1.1%/3.6%. 

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Daily Brief Thailand: Krung Thai Bank Pub and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thailand

In today’s briefing:

  • Thai Banks 1Q25 Screener; Krung Thai (KTB TB), the Scorecard Stand-Out


Thai Banks 1Q25 Screener; Krung Thai (KTB TB), the Scorecard Stand-Out

By Victor Galliano

  • Krung Thai ranks top of the Thai bank peer group on our weighted scorecard methodology, based on multiple valuation parameters, as well as balance sheet and return metrics
  • Krung Thai is driving its solid post-provision profitability higher, delivering close to double-digit ROE with a premium capital ratio for a PBV ratio of under 0.7x
  • The recent Trump tariff induced correction in the Krung Thai share price is a buying opportunity; it has scope to narrow the valuation gap with SCBx

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Daily Brief South Korea: Korea Zinc, Hyundai Elevator Co and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Korea Zinc Announces Cancellation of Its Treasury Shares
  • Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (9 to 23 May 2025)


Korea Zinc Announces Cancellation of Its Treasury Shares

By Douglas Kim

  • Korea Zinc (010130 KS)’s chairman Choi Yoon-Beom announced that the company will cancel all 2.04 million treasury shares that the company acquired through a tender offer last year.
  • Now the company has finally decided to cancel all of the treasury shares this year, this should have a positive impact on its share price.
  • Korea Zinc announced better than expected earnings in 1Q25. Korea Zinc achieved more than 3.5-fold increase in sales in the strategic minerals sector, including antimony, indium, and bismuth in 1Q25.

Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (9 to 23 May 2025)

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we provide the top 10 stocks picks and key catalysts in the Korean stock market for the two weeks (9 to 23 May 2025).
  • Our top 10 picks in the past two weeks were up on average 5.0% (from 25 April to 9 May), outperforming KOSPI which was up 1.2% in the same period.
  • Our top 10 picks in this bi-weekly include HD Hyundai, Hyundai Elevator, KT Corp, Shinsegae, Coway, Hanwha Aerospace, F&F Co, SM Entertainment, and SK Inc. 

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Daily Brief United States: Crude Oil, Aspen Insurance Holdings, Revelation Biosciences , Wheaton Precious Metals, Unusual Machines, Soluna Holdings , Longeveron , Amkor Technology, Crown Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • [ETP 2025/19] WTI Wavers on Trade Talk Hopes, Henry Hub Pressured by Uncertain Demand Outlook
  • Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (AHL): Attractive Valuation Brings Buyers, Trades Well in Week One
  • REVB: New Market Potential and Quarterly Results
  • Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling
  • Unusual Machines, Inc.: 1Q25 Earnings; Strong Quarter, Outlook
  • Soluna Holdings, Inc: Two New Wind-Powered Data Centers
  • Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling
  • LGVN: Setting Up for a Pivotal Year
  • Amkor Technology: The Advanced Packaging Solutions, Semiconductor Growth & Other Major Drivers!
  • Crown Holdings Battles Tariff Headwinds & Hopes To Win With Strategic Cost Control!


[ETP 2025/19] WTI Wavers on Trade Talk Hopes, Henry Hub Pressured by Uncertain Demand Outlook

By Suhas Reddy

  • For the week ending 02/May, U.S. crude inventories fell by 2m barrels (vs. expectations of a 1.7m barrel fall). Gasoline stockpiles unexpectedly rose; distillate inventories fell less than anticipated.
  • The EIA reported a 104 Bcf storage build, slightly exceeding the 103 Bcf forecast. Storage levels are 1.4% above the five-year average.
  • Analysts cut price targets on Exxon, Chevron, Shell, Halliburton, and Schlumberger. Occidental exceeded Q1 EPS estimates but narrowly missed revenue forecasts.

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (AHL): Attractive Valuation Brings Buyers, Trades Well in Week One

By IPO Boutique

  • The stock opened at $33.25 versus the $30.00 issue price for a gain of 10.8% at first trade.
  • According to guidance that the deal finished north of 10-times oversubscribed. The guidance pointed to a midpoint pricing and that is where the final outcome occurred.
  • The sponsor, Apollo Global, is known for being a shrewd entity and a stickler on price, however, in this instance investors saw solid value in the company.

REVB: New Market Potential and Quarterly Results

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Revelation Biosciences is a life sciences company whose development of immunologic-based therapies is based on the well-established biology of phosphorylated hexaacyl disaccharide (PHAD) and its effect on the innate immune system.
  • The company announced its 1Q2025 financial results after recently revealing that it is targeting a new target indication with its Gemini treatment, the prevention of infection in burn patients.

Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling

By Edison Investment Research

Wheaton announced record revenue, earnings and operational cash flows in Q125, posting adjusted net EPS that was 10.5% better than our forecast and at the top of the range of analysts’ expectations. The main reason for the outperformance was an 18,616oz (20.1%) oversale of gold relative to production, which drove a US$40.1m positive variance in revenue, partially offset by an US$8.6m negative variance in costs, US$3.6m lower-than-expected interest income and US$2.3m higher tax to result in a US$23.9m positive variance in earnings. As a result, we have upgraded our FY25 adjusted net EPS forecast by 7.5c per share (3.4%). Note that, at current metals prices, our FY26 EPS estimate rises by 73.0% to US$2.63/share.


Unusual Machines, Inc.: 1Q25 Earnings; Strong Quarter, Outlook

By Water Tower Research

  • Unusual Machines (NYSE American: UMAC) reported another record quarter with revenue of approximately $2.04 million and a gross margin of 24% with some impact from tariffs, which the company expects to be short lived.
  • This growth was achieved even though US government purchases have paused recently. Margins took a slight hit from the tariffs.
  • The company raised $40 million at $5.00 a share to bolster its balance sheet (customers and suppliers need to see the ability to work large orders), and to build out its Orlando motor manufacturing facility.

Soluna Holdings, Inc: Two New Wind-Powered Data Centers

By Water Tower Research

  • Soluna just published its monthly update, which includes signing of term sheets for two new wind- powered data centers (Project Hedy for 120MW and Project Ellen for 100 MW), securing land for 166MW of Project Kati, and a new partnership with Blockware for hosting capacity at Project Dorothy 2.
  • For April Soluna’s hosted hashrate was a record 1,727 PH/s, and it mined 10 Bitcoins
  • Project Dorothy 1A/1B: Dorothy 1A (25 MW hosting) is fully deployed, and Dorothy 1B (25 MW prop-mining) has achieved strong hashrate growth and met Q1 2025 ancillary service requirements.

Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling

By Edison Investment Research

Wheaton announced record revenue, earnings and operational cash flows in Q125, posting adjusted net EPS that was 10.5% better than our forecast and at the top of the range of analysts’ expectations. The main reason for the outperformance was an 18,616oz (20.1%) oversale of gold relative to production, which drove a US$40.1m positive variance in revenue, partially offset by an US$8.6m negative variance in costs, US$3.6m lower-than-expected interest income and US$2.3m higher tax to result in a US$23.9m positive variance in earnings. As a result, we have upgraded our FY25 adjusted net EPS forecast by 7.5c per share (3.4%). Note that, at current metals prices, our FY26 EPS estimate rises by 73.0% to US$2.63/share.


LGVN: Setting Up for a Pivotal Year

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Longeveron is focusing on using its primary treatment, Lomecel-B, to fight a rare pediatric heart birth defect that devastates families but continues to receive good FDA news regarding its treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • The company announced its 1Q results that illustrate the company is on the verge of potentially transformational year.

Amkor Technology: The Advanced Packaging Solutions, Semiconductor Growth & Other Major Drivers!

By Baptista Research

  • Amkor Technology reported its first-quarter financial results for 2025, delivering revenue of $1.32 billion, which reached the upper end of the company’s guidance.
  • Earnings per share (EPS) stood at $0.09, pressured by increased research and development (R&D) expenses dedicated to advancing RDL technology for upcoming programs.
  • The company’s global manufacturing operations have largely remained insulated from current tariffs and ongoing trade regulations due to their presence in free trade zones, minimizing direct impacts from U.S. import tariffs.

Crown Holdings Battles Tariff Headwinds & Hopes To Win With Strategic Cost Control!

By Baptista Research

  • Crown Holdings reported a strong first quarter for 2025, outperforming expectations with earnings per share at $1.65, significantly higher than the $0.56 from the prior year.
  • On an adjusted basis, EPS reached $1.67, an increase from $1.02 a year ago.
  • This robust performance was driven by a 3.7% rise in net sales, attributed to gains in global beverage can volumes and North American food can volumes.

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Daily Brief Singapore: SGX Rubber Future TSR20 and more

By | Daily Briefs, Singapore

In today’s briefing:

  • Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports


Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports

By Vinod Nedumudy

  •  In Q1 2025, Cambodia exports 59,754 tons of rubber, down 13.8% YoY  
  • Overall rubber production in Q1 2025, 64,080 tons, down 7.9% YoY  
  • Trump tariff, EUDR pose challenge to Cambodian rubber and tire  

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Daily Brief India: Aadhar Housing Finance, Canara Robeco AMC, NIFTY Index and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Aadhar Housing Finance IPO Lockup – PE Owner Is up 5.6x, with US$800m Lockup Expiry Soon
  • Canara Robeco AMC Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • NIFTY INDEX Outlook: Back in an Uptrend – Where To Buy This Dip


Aadhar Housing Finance IPO Lockup – PE Owner Is up 5.6x, with US$800m Lockup Expiry Soon

By Sumeet Singh

  • Aadhar Housing Finance raised around US$360m in its India IPO in May 2024, via selling a mix of primary and secondary shares. Its IPO lockup is set to expire soon
  • AHF is focused on the low income housing segments (ticket size less than INR1.5m) in India. It offers a range of mortgage-related loan products.
  • In this note, we will talk about the lockup dynamics and possible placement.

Canara Robeco AMC Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Akshat Shah

  • Canara Robeco AMC (570515Z IN) is looking to raise about US$176m in its upcoming India IPO. The deal will be run by Axis, JM Fin and SBI Caps.
  • Canara Robeco is an asset management company engaged in managing mutual funds and providing investment advice on Indian equities to Robeco Hong Kong Limited, a member of the Promoter Group.
  • According to CRISIL, it is India’s second oldest asset management company.

NIFTY INDEX Outlook: Back in an Uptrend – Where To Buy This Dip

By Nico Rosti

  • In our previousNIFTY Index insight we highlighted rally targets in the 24039-24496 zone. The index reached 24589 last week, double-topped this week, then closed the week down at 24008.
  • The index was ultra-overbought according to our WEEKLY model, the pullback was overdue. This pullback is a buy opportunity.
  • This insight discusses key support zones to buy and profit taking targets for the rally.

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Daily Brief China: Geely Auto, Green Tea Group, Wanda Hotel Development, West China Cement, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), SGX Rubber Future TSR20, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Centurion Corp and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • StubWorld: Geely Is (Mostly) Trading “Rich”; And May Still Bump Zeekr Terms
  • Green Tea Group IPO – Peer Comp & Thoughts on Valuation
  • Wanda Hotel Development’s Asset Sale: Potential Upside and Key Risks Analyzed
  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia
  • SMIC 1Q25 Strong Wafer Growth but Weak ASP. Same in 2Q. Large Capex to Continue in 2025.
  • Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports
  • Hua Hong: Very Poor Margins to Continue, Operating Losses for Longer
  • Asia Real Estate Tracker (09-May-2025): GLP to right ship post $1.8B loss.


StubWorld: Geely Is (Mostly) Trading “Rich”; And May Still Bump Zeekr Terms

By David Blennerhassett

  • Geely Auto (175 HK)‘s discount to NAV is less than half its 12-month average. And Geely is generally trading tighter to listed PRC auto peers. 
  • Preceding my comments on Geely – and NTT Data Corp (9613 JP) – 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%.

Green Tea Group IPO – Peer Comp & Thoughts on Valuation

By Troy Wong

  • Green Tea Group (GTG) is looking to raise US$157m (HKD 1.2bn) in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • GTG is the fourth largest Casual Chinese Cuisine player in Mainland China, it has been gaining market share historically and is likely to continue.
  • GTG plans to accelerate its expansion of the restaurant network, focusing on expansion into tier two cities and below, with small restaurants rather than large ones.

Wanda Hotel Development’s Asset Sale: Potential Upside and Key Risks Analyzed

By Special Situation Investments

  • Wanda Hotel Development plans to sell hotel management operations to Tongcheng Travel for HK$2.4bn, exceeding its market cap.
  • WHD intends to return most sale proceeds to shareholders, retaining some for working capital and future investments.
  • WHD retains valuable real estate assets, including Chicago condos and a Guilin shopping mall, with potential additional sales.

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: West China Cement, Medco Energi
  • The US has unveiled a trade agreement with the UK. The US will maintain a 10% blanket tariff on UK imports, while UK duties on US goods will be reduced to 1.8% from 5.1%. It is unclear how the figures are tabulated.
  • In addition, tariffs on UK autos will be adjusted such that a 10% tariff will apply to the first 100 k vehicle imports, with any additional vehicles facing a 25% rate.

SMIC 1Q25 Strong Wafer Growth but Weak ASP. Same in 2Q. Large Capex to Continue in 2025.

By Nicolas Baratte

  • 1H25 strong revenue growth continues as capacity increase, “production shifting back domestically”, but weakening ASP and clearly demand pull-in in 1H due to US tariffs and China domestic consumer subsidies.
  • “2H not clear, especially after late 3Q”. Management mentions the usual macro / US tariffs unknowns. 2025 Capex similar to 2024 (US$7.7bn, 80% revenue), D&A increasing, ASP down, margins muted.
  • The stock is as expensive as always. 49x 2025 EPS, 41x 2026. Consensus is not expecting a negative tariffs shock or weaker China domestic demand.

Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports

By Vinod Nedumudy

  •  In Q1 2025, Cambodia exports 59,754 tons of rubber, down 13.8% YoY  
  • Overall rubber production in Q1 2025, 64,080 tons, down 7.9% YoY  
  • Trump tariff, EUDR pose challenge to Cambodian rubber and tire  

Hua Hong: Very Poor Margins to Continue, Operating Losses for Longer

By Nicolas Baratte

  • Operating loss in 1Q25 will persist in 2Q25 – I expect throughout 2025. Hua Hong rapid capacity increase is supposedly sold out but D&A is increasing much faster than revenue. 
  • Consensus is not expecting an end-demand slowdown resulting from US import tariffs, or sluggish China domestic consumption. Consensus expects Hua Hong to sell its capacity increase fully. 
  • Given losses in 1H25, Consensus EPS forecast is too high for 2025, probably for 2026 as well. Stock is expensive at 43x 2025 EPS, EPS forecasts looks too high.

Asia Real Estate Tracker (09-May-2025): GLP to right ship post $1.8B loss.

By Asia Real Estate Tracker

  • GLP aims to bounce back from a $1.8B loss by selling its international funds business.
  • BlackRock, Centurion, Coliwoo, and Arch are exploring residential opportunities at the Singapore Forum.
  • The goal is to create a mutually beneficial situation for investors and occupiers through these discussions.

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Daily Brief Japan: Shionogi & Co, Soda Nikka, Beenos Inc, Kanematsu Corp, Digital Arts, Nichiban Co Ltd, Nippon Denko, Okinawa Cellular Telephone, Softcreate Holdings, United Arrows and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Shionogi & Co (4507 JP): Torii Acquisition to Broaden Portfolio; High R&D to Dent Profitability
  • Soda Nikka (8158 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Beenos Inc (3328 JP): 1H FY09/25 flash update
  • Kanematsu Corp (8020 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Digital Arts (2326 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Nichiban Co Ltd (4218 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Nippon Denko (5563 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update
  • Okinawa Cellular Telephone (9436 JP): FY FY03/25 Flash Update
  • Softcreate Holdings (3371 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • United Arrows (7606 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update


Shionogi & Co (4507 JP): Torii Acquisition to Broaden Portfolio; High R&D to Dent Profitability

By Tina Banerjee

  • Shionogi & Co (4507 JP) is acquiring Torii Pharmaceutical, as well as the pharmaceutical business of Japan Tobacco and U.S. group company Akros Pharma (sub-subsidiary of Japan Tobacco) for ~¥160B.
  • With minimum overlap in focus areas, Shionogi believes that the transaction will create a leading company that delivers innovative pharmaceuticals. However, R&D expenses of the combined company will remain elevated.
  • Considering the promising pipeline, we are hopeful on the long-term growth prospect of the combined company. Shionogi is scheduled to announce FY25 result on May 12.

Soda Nikka (8158 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased to JPY65.1bn (+1.6% YoY), with operating profit at JPY2.1bn (-4.7% YoY) and net income at JPY2.2bn (+18.6% YoY).
  • FY03/26 forecast anticipates revenue of JPY70.5bn (+8.2% YoY) and operating profit of JPY2.3bn (+11.0% YoY).
  • The company raised FY03/27 financial targets, projecting consolidated net income of JPY2.4bn or more, with ROE at 8%.

Beenos Inc (3328 JP): 1H FY09/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Q2 FY09/24 results show a 2.1% YoY GMV decrease to JPY57.6bn and a 40.5% YoY revenue decline.
  • In Q2 FY09/25, GMV increased due to marketing initiatives and new features, with total membership surpassing 6mn.
  • BEENOS’s Q2 FY09/25 progress towards full-year targets was 50.1% for GMV and 52.0% for revenue.

Kanematsu Corp (8020 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Company revenue reached JPY1.1tn, a 6.6% YoY increase, achieving 95.5% of the full-year forecast.
  • Operating profit decreased 4.1% YoY to JPY42.1bn, with SG&A expenses increasing 8.4% YoY to JPY115.1bn.
  • Profit attributable to owners rose 18.3% YoY to JPY27.5bn, with ROE at 16.5% and ROIC at 7.6%.

Digital Arts (2326 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Digital Arts forecasts FY03/26 sales of JPY12.6bn, operating profit of JPY6.2bn, and net income of JPY4.2bn.
  • The company projects FY03/26 cost of sales at JPY3.3bn, with significant increases in labor and communication costs.
  • Digital Arts plans a JPY95.0 annual dividend per share, including a JPY5.0 commemorative dividend for its 30th anniversary.

Nichiban Co Ltd (4218 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • For FY03/25, the company reported revenue of JPY49.5bn (+5.5% YoY) and operating profit of JPY2.6bn (+24.7% YoY).
  • Revenue growth was driven by the healthcare field, price revisions, and increased demand for CARELEAVES™ and ROIHI-TSUBOKO.
  • The company forecasts FY03/26 revenue of JPY51.5bn (+4.1% YoY) and operating profit of JPY3.0bn (+16.0% YoY).

Nippon Denko (5563 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue for FY12/25 was JPY19.4bn, a 9.4% YoY increase, with operating profit rising 22.6% YoY to JPY1.0bn.
  • The Ferroalloy business experienced a YoY profit decline, while Functional Materials and Incineration Ash Recycling saw profit growth.
  • Nippon Denko forecasts a YoY decrease in revenue and recurring profit for FY12/25, citing manganese ore market downturn.

Okinawa Cellular Telephone (9436 JP): FY FY03/25 Flash Update

By Shared Research

  • For FY03/25, the company reported operating revenue of JPY84.3bn (+8.1% YoY) and net income of JPY12.4bn (+2.3% YoY).
  • The company revised FY03/25 revenue forecast to JPY83.0bn, citing higher au Denki and handset sales, with increased expenses.
  • FY03/26 forecasts include operating revenue of JPY85.0bn (+0.8% YoY) and capex investment of JPY6.9bn (+20.3% YoY).

Softcreate Holdings (3371 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue grew 10.9% YoY to JPY31.0bn, with operating profit at JPY5.5bn and net income at JPY3.5bn.
  • EC Solutions revenue increased 6.9% YoY to JPY16.6bn, driven by e-commerce site development and cloud services.
  • FY03/26 forecast: revenue JPY33.5bn, operating profit JPY6.0bn, with growth in EC Solutions and IT Solutions segments.

United Arrows (7606 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue grew 12.4% YoY, driven by proactive inventory strategies and expanded product lineup, with GPM at 52.1%.
  • FY03/26 forecasts include 9.8% YoY revenue growth, 12.2% YoY gross profit increase, and 12.7% YoY operating profit growth.
  • FY03/25 net income fell 12.2% YoY due to impairment losses, store relocations, and higher corporate tax rate.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Hyundai Elevator Co, Kanematsu Corp, Soda Nikka, Nagase & Co Ltd, Nichiban Co Ltd, Carr’s Group PLC, Yamada Consulting Group Co L, Frontier Management Inc, HNI Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (9 to 23 May 2025)
  • Kanematsu Corp (8020 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Soda Nikka (8158 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Nagase & Co Ltd (8012 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Nichiban Co Ltd (4218 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Carr’s Group — UK progressing well, US recovery delayed
  • Yamada Consulting Group Co L (4792 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update
  • Frontier Management Inc. (7038 JP) – Full Report – April 21, 2025
  • HNI Corporation – Strong 1Q25; Productivity Gains; Strength in Contract


Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (9 to 23 May 2025)

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we provide the top 10 stocks picks and key catalysts in the Korean stock market for the two weeks (9 to 23 May 2025).
  • Our top 10 picks in the past two weeks were up on average 5.0% (from 25 April to 9 May), outperforming KOSPI which was up 1.2% in the same period.
  • Our top 10 picks in this bi-weekly include HD Hyundai, Hyundai Elevator, KT Corp, Shinsegae, Coway, Hanwha Aerospace, F&F Co, SM Entertainment, and SK Inc. 

Kanematsu Corp (8020 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Company revenue reached JPY1.1tn, a 6.6% YoY increase, achieving 95.5% of the full-year forecast.
  • Operating profit decreased 4.1% YoY to JPY42.1bn, with SG&A expenses increasing 8.4% YoY to JPY115.1bn.
  • Profit attributable to owners rose 18.3% YoY to JPY27.5bn, with ROE at 16.5% and ROIC at 7.6%.

Soda Nikka (8158 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased to JPY65.1bn (+1.6% YoY), with operating profit at JPY2.1bn (-4.7% YoY) and net income at JPY2.2bn (+18.6% YoY).
  • FY03/26 forecast anticipates revenue of JPY70.5bn (+8.2% YoY) and operating profit of JPY2.3bn (+11.0% YoY).
  • The company raised FY03/27 financial targets, projecting consolidated net income of JPY2.4bn or more, with ROE at 8%.

Nagase & Co Ltd (8012 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/25, sales rose 5.0% YoY, with operating profit up 27.6% YoY, aided by yen depreciation.
  • The company achieved 100.5% of sales target, 100.7% of gross profit target, and 107.1% of operating profit target.
  • FY03/25 forecasts assume JPY143.0/USD, with operating profit expected to rise 1.1% YoY to JPY39.5bn.

Nichiban Co Ltd (4218 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • For FY03/25, the company reported revenue of JPY49.5bn (+5.5% YoY) and operating profit of JPY2.6bn (+24.7% YoY).
  • Revenue growth was driven by the healthcare field, price revisions, and increased demand for CARELEAVES™ and ROIHI-TSUBOKO.
  • The company forecasts FY03/26 revenue of JPY51.5bn (+4.1% YoY) and operating profit of JPY3.0bn (+16.0% YoY).

Carr’s Group — UK progressing well, US recovery delayed

By Edison Investment Research

Carr’s Group is now a focused specialist agricultural group. The benefits of the reinvigorated management’s actions are being seen in the UK, providing confidence in the strategy as a specialist branded product animal supplements business. Challenges remain, such as softness in the drought-affected southern US market. With a strong balance sheet, a cash-generative business and growth opportunities in existing and new geographical markets, the group is successfully transitioning from the value realisation of the last few years to a new growth mandate.


Yamada Consulting Group Co L (4792 JP): Full-year FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/25 revenue was JPY22.8bn (+2.6% YoY); operating profit JPY4.1bn (+12.8% YoY); net income JPY2.9bn (+0.7% YoY).
  • Consulting business FY03/25 revenue JPY20.4bn (+17.2% YoY); Investment business revenue JPY2.4bn (-50.0% YoY); gross profit JPY1.2bn (+33.6% YoY).
  • FY03/26 forecast: revenue JPY26.0bn (+14.2% YoY); operating profit JPY3.8bn (-8.0% YoY); dividend JPY77.0 per share.

Frontier Management Inc. (7038 JP) – Full Report – April 21, 2025

By Sessa Investment Research

  • Frontier Management (hereafter referred to as “the Company”) is a consulting firm that operates in the three pillars of management consulting, M&A advisory, and business revitalization services, as well as an investment business that began in 2022.
  • Founded primarily by Mr. Shoichiro Onishi, a former employees of the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan, the Company has expanded its operations through proactive hiring.
  • It is characterized by its lineup of specialists with diverse backgrounds and is able to solve a wide variety of management issues as a one-stop shop.

HNI Corporation – Strong 1Q25; Productivity Gains; Strength in Contract

By Water Tower Research

  • 1QFY25 Adj EPS of $0.44 beat our estimate of $0.35 on better-than-expected revenues in both segments and continued margin strength.
  • HNI saw growth on the contract side of Workplace Furnishings, with revenue up 4% Y/Y, and in the renovation/retrofit side of Residential Building Products, with sales up 13% Y/Y.
  • These gains offset relative weakness in the traditionally more volatile SMB component of Workplace Furnishings, down 5% Y/Y, and in the new construction component of Residential Building Products, which was only up 3% Y/Y. 

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Korea Zinc, Crude Oil, West China Cement, Wheaton Precious Metals, SGX Rubber Future TSR20, Nippon Denko, Crown Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Korea Zinc Announces Cancellation of Its Treasury Shares
  • [ETP 2025/19] WTI Wavers on Trade Talk Hopes, Henry Hub Pressured by Uncertain Demand Outlook
  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia
  • Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling
  • Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports
  • Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling
  • Nippon Denko (5563 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update
  • Crown Holdings Battles Tariff Headwinds & Hopes To Win With Strategic Cost Control!


Korea Zinc Announces Cancellation of Its Treasury Shares

By Douglas Kim

  • Korea Zinc (010130 KS)’s chairman Choi Yoon-Beom announced that the company will cancel all 2.04 million treasury shares that the company acquired through a tender offer last year.
  • Now the company has finally decided to cancel all of the treasury shares this year, this should have a positive impact on its share price.
  • Korea Zinc announced better than expected earnings in 1Q25. Korea Zinc achieved more than 3.5-fold increase in sales in the strategic minerals sector, including antimony, indium, and bismuth in 1Q25.

[ETP 2025/19] WTI Wavers on Trade Talk Hopes, Henry Hub Pressured by Uncertain Demand Outlook

By Suhas Reddy

  • For the week ending 02/May, U.S. crude inventories fell by 2m barrels (vs. expectations of a 1.7m barrel fall). Gasoline stockpiles unexpectedly rose; distillate inventories fell less than anticipated.
  • The EIA reported a 104 Bcf storage build, slightly exceeding the 103 Bcf forecast. Storage levels are 1.4% above the five-year average.
  • Analysts cut price targets on Exxon, Chevron, Shell, Halliburton, and Schlumberger. Occidental exceeded Q1 EPS estimates but narrowly missed revenue forecasts.

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: West China Cement, Medco Energi
  • The US has unveiled a trade agreement with the UK. The US will maintain a 10% blanket tariff on UK imports, while UK duties on US goods will be reduced to 1.8% from 5.1%. It is unclear how the figures are tabulated.
  • In addition, tariffs on UK autos will be adjusted such that a 10% tariff will apply to the first 100 k vehicle imports, with any additional vehicles facing a 25% rate.

Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling

By Edison Investment Research

Wheaton announced record revenue, earnings and operational cash flows in Q125, posting adjusted net EPS that was 10.5% better than our forecast and at the top of the range of analysts’ expectations. The main reason for the outperformance was an 18,616oz (20.1%) oversale of gold relative to production, which drove a US$40.1m positive variance in revenue, partially offset by an US$8.6m negative variance in costs, US$3.6m lower-than-expected interest income and US$2.3m higher tax to result in a US$23.9m positive variance in earnings. As a result, we have upgraded our FY25 adjusted net EPS forecast by 7.5c per share (3.4%). Note that, at current metals prices, our FY26 EPS estimate rises by 73.0% to US$2.63/share.


Cambodian Rubber Production Struggles To Keep Pace With Tire Exports

By Vinod Nedumudy

  •  In Q1 2025, Cambodia exports 59,754 tons of rubber, down 13.8% YoY  
  • Overall rubber production in Q1 2025, 64,080 tons, down 7.9% YoY  
  • Trump tariff, EUDR pose challenge to Cambodian rubber and tire  

Wheaton Precious Metals — Records tumbling

By Edison Investment Research

Wheaton announced record revenue, earnings and operational cash flows in Q125, posting adjusted net EPS that was 10.5% better than our forecast and at the top of the range of analysts’ expectations. The main reason for the outperformance was an 18,616oz (20.1%) oversale of gold relative to production, which drove a US$40.1m positive variance in revenue, partially offset by an US$8.6m negative variance in costs, US$3.6m lower-than-expected interest income and US$2.3m higher tax to result in a US$23.9m positive variance in earnings. As a result, we have upgraded our FY25 adjusted net EPS forecast by 7.5c per share (3.4%). Note that, at current metals prices, our FY26 EPS estimate rises by 73.0% to US$2.63/share.


Nippon Denko (5563 JP): Q1 FY12/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue for FY12/25 was JPY19.4bn, a 9.4% YoY increase, with operating profit rising 22.6% YoY to JPY1.0bn.
  • The Ferroalloy business experienced a YoY profit decline, while Functional Materials and Incineration Ash Recycling saw profit growth.
  • Nippon Denko forecasts a YoY decrease in revenue and recurring profit for FY12/25, citing manganese ore market downturn.

Crown Holdings Battles Tariff Headwinds & Hopes To Win With Strategic Cost Control!

By Baptista Research

  • Crown Holdings reported a strong first quarter for 2025, outperforming expectations with earnings per share at $1.65, significantly higher than the $0.56 from the prior year.
  • On an adjusted basis, EPS reached $1.67, an increase from $1.02 a year ago.
  • This robust performance was driven by a 3.7% rise in net sales, attributed to gains in global beverage can volumes and North American food can volumes.

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