Category

Event-Driven

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Index Rebalance & ETF Flow Recap: S&P/ASX and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Index Rebalance & ETF Flow Recap: S&P/ASX, CH50/A50, TW50/Div+, NIFTY50/100, STI, EPRA, Sensex
  • KOSPI 200 December Rebalancing Safe Play
  • Yamada Denki (9831) Buyback Progress Strong But Big Impact To Come
  • Weekly Deals Digest (04 Sep) – Giordano, BYD, Link Net, MACA, Nitro, Nearmap, Leapmotor, Onewo
  • Nikkei 225 Sep 2022 Review Update
  • (Mostly) Asia-Pac Weekly Risk Arb Wrap: Nitro Software, MACA, Giordano, Link Net
  • Last Week in Event SPACE: Kyocera, Hang Lung Group, CSRC/PCAOB Audit Terms, MACA, Nitro Software
  • FTSE TWSE Sep 22 Rebal: 100% Hit Rate, Elan Deletion Confirmed, Significant Flows from Div+ Capping

Index Rebalance & ETF Flow Recap: S&P/ASX, CH50/A50, TW50/Div+, NIFTY50/100, STI, EPRA, Sensex

By Brian Freitas

  • There were a bunch of rebalance announcements last week from FTSE and Nifty, and implementation of changes to the MSCI, JPXNK400 and Hang Seng indexes.
  • The changes to the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) should be announced early in the coming week and the changes to the SSE STAR50 (STAR50 INDEX) will be implemented on Friday.
  • There were large inflows to China and Hong Kong focused ETFs during the week.

KOSPI 200 December Rebalancing Safe Play

By Sanghyun Park

  • Although not many, there are strong candidates for a safe play aimed at constituent change. Inclusion: Lotte Confectionery & Exclusion: Samyang Holdings
  • Lotte Confectionery’s average daily market cap must fall by more than 30% to be pushed out of the borderline. Samyang Holdings’s market cap gap to the second-lowest one is 17%.
  • The trading volume of these two is so small that a significant passive impact (relative to DTV) will likely occur. We should consider a little more aggressive approach, timing-wise.

Yamada Denki (9831) Buyback Progress Strong But Big Impact To Come

By Travis Lundy

  • In early May 2022, Yamada Denki (9831 JP) launched a GINORMOUS buyback program. I wrote about it suggesting the company meant business. The stock popped outright and vs Peers.
  • Then it fell back, and has only recently started moving back up. Surprising given buyback dynamics but it may have been overhang. If so, that overhang should be gone now.
  • And the stock is cheap, a chunk of the register is sticky, so this could get squeezier now.

Weekly Deals Digest (04 Sep) – Giordano, BYD, Link Net, MACA, Nitro, Nearmap, Leapmotor, Onewo

By Arun George


Nikkei 225 Sep 2022 Review Update

By Travis Lundy

  • The Nikkei 225 rebalance will likely be announced this week. I continue to be slightly off-kilter, expecting Nidec, SMC, and Oriental Land to replace Unitika, Oki Electric, and Toho Zinc.
  • Others would expect Hoya to replace Maruha Nichiro instead of Oriental Land replacing Toho Zinc, but I think it Nikkei Sector balance may matter. It could go either way.
  • Tactically speaking, cumulative volumes and Real World Float tell you how you might trade this. 

(Mostly) Asia-Pac Weekly Risk Arb Wrap: Nitro Software, MACA, Giordano, Link Net

By David Blennerhassett


Last Week in Event SPACE: Kyocera, Hang Lung Group, CSRC/PCAOB Audit Terms, MACA, Nitro Software

By David Blennerhassett

  • Kyocera (6971 JP) is not blowing out the lights versus peers, but it’s relatively inexpensive to its history and peers. If Kazuo Inamori’s shares are sold, Kyocera can buy them.
  • Hang Lung (10 HK) currently trades at a 62% discount to NAV, a level last seen around the Covid lows in May 2020.
  • Washington and Beijing reach an agreement allowing US regulators access to audits of Chinese companies listed on American exchanges.  However, US regulators remain cautious about the success of the deal.

FTSE TWSE Sep 22 Rebal: 100% Hit Rate, Elan Deletion Confirmed, Significant Flows from Div+ Capping

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The index changes for the FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 and Taiwan Mid-Cap 100 indices for the September 2022 Rebalance were announced after the close on Friday. 
  • There will be one change for the Taiwan 50 Index and five changes for the Taiwan Mid-Cap 100 Index. All changes are exactly in line with our expectations.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at our index flow expectations for this Rebalance event and for the Taiwan Dividend + Index Capping Event.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50/ Div+ Index Rebalance: Sinopac Holdings and Elan Micro To Watch For and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50/ Div+ Index Rebalance: Sinopac Holdings and Elan Micro To Watch For
  • S&P/​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2022): Adds, Deletes, Surprises & Pre-Positioning
  • EURO STOXX 50 Sep 22 Rebal: Massive Flows for Nordea Bank, Nokia, Kone, & Philips
  • STOXX Europe 600 Sep 2022 Rebal: ADDs Could Outperform DELs for the Next Few Weeks
  • Shanghai/​​​​​​​​​​​Shenzhen Northbound Connect: Weekly Moves (2 September 2022)
  • Shanghai/​​​​​​​​​​​Shenzhen Southbound Connect: Weekly Moves (2 September 2022)

FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50/ Div+ Index Rebalance: Sinopac Holdings and Elan Micro To Watch For

By Brian Freitas


S&P/​​ASX Index Rebalance (Sep 2022): Adds, Deletes, Surprises & Pre-Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • There is one change for the S&P/ASX 100 Index, eight changes to the S&P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX), while there are 16 adds and 12 deletes for the S&P/ASX 300 Index.
  • Passive trackers need to buy/sell a lot of stock for the ASX100 and ASX200 names. There appears to be large pre-positioning on the deletes.
  • Link Administration (LNK AU)‘s privatisation may require an ad hoc inclusion prior to the implementation of the September rebalance – ACCC approval is key. 

EURO STOXX 50 Sep 22 Rebal: Massive Flows for Nordea Bank, Nokia, Kone, & Philips

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The annual index changes for the EURO STOXX 50 Index were announced yesterday. 
  • There will be two ADDs and two DELs. Collectively, the ADDs could see index inflows of ~US$2.15bn while the DELs could experience index outflows of ~US$1.05bn.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the index flow expectations, historical performance of EURO STOXX 50 Rebal events, and recent performance of the current index change names.

STOXX Europe 600 Sep 2022 Rebal: ADDs Could Outperform DELs for the Next Few Weeks

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The September 2022 index changes for the STOXX Benchmark Indices were announced yesterday. 
  • There will be 16 ADDs/DELs for the STOXX Europe 600 Index and there will be 5 ADDs and 6 DELs for the EURO STOXX Index.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at the index flow expectations and the historical performance of Rebal events.

Shanghai/​​​​​​​​​​​Shenzhen Northbound Connect: Weekly Moves (2 September 2022)

By David Blennerhassett


Shanghai/​​​​​​​​​​​Shenzhen Southbound Connect: Weekly Moves (2 September 2022)

By David Blennerhassett


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Daily Brief Event-Driven: Sep22 FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance – Big Impact on Sekisui House (1928 JP) and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Sep22 FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance – Big Impact on Sekisui House (1928 JP)
  • Hang Lung Group Chips Away At Holding In Hang Lung Props
  • STI Index Rebalance: Emperador IN, ComfortDelGro OUT
  • Kadokawa – Investments From Sony and Tencent
  • NIFTY NEXT50 Index Rebalance: Significant Impact for an Overlooked Index
  • NIFTY50 Index Rebalance: Adani Enterprises Replaces Shree Cement
  • FTSE UK Sep 2022 Rebal: Warehouse REIT (WHR) Sees HUGE Impact
  • NIFTY Sep 2022 Rebal: Adani Enterprises and Adani Total Gas Are Top Positives

Sep22 FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance – Big Impact on Sekisui House (1928 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • Yesterday FTSE Russell announced two Asian additions to its FTSE EPRA Nareit Global Developed Index – Sekisui House (1928 JP) and Healthcare & Medical Investment Corporation (3455 JP)
  • Sekisui House is larger cap, and will see big dollars added. H&M IC is much smaller and will see less, but has had a huge run-up, outright and relative.
  • Trading impact will be significant on both tickers in terms of days of ADV.

Hang Lung Group Chips Away At Holding In Hang Lung Props

By David Blennerhassett

  • Hang Lung (10 HK) recently announced it had acquired 1.3% in Hang Lung Properties (101 HK) over a one-year period, increasing its holding to 59.5%.
  • HLG currently trades at a 62% discount to NAV, a level last seen around the Covid lows in May 2020.
  • HLG is the most basic of Holdco structures – there is almost a 100% overlap in the stub ops with HLP’s property investments. 

STI Index Rebalance: Emperador IN, ComfortDelGro OUT

By Brian Freitas


Kadokawa – Investments From Sony and Tencent

By Mio Kato

  • Kadokawa announced yesterday that subsidiary From Software would conduct a third-party allocation of shares to Sony and Tencent. 
  • The allotment values From Software at about ¥120bn with Tencent acquiring 16.25% and Sony acquiring 14.09% of the company. 
  • This creates opportunities for both Sony and Tencent and likely puts Kadokawa on track to eventually be acquired though timing may be somewhat later than we had anticipated.


NIFTY50 Index Rebalance: Adani Enterprises Replaces Shree Cement

By Brian Freitas


FTSE UK Sep 2022 Rebal: Warehouse REIT (WHR) Sees HUGE Impact

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The index changes for the FTSE UK Indices for the September 2022 Rebalance were announced yesterday. There will be 3 changes for FTSE 100 and 8 changes for FTSE 250.
  • These index changes are mostly in line with our expectations in FTSE UK Quiddity Leaderboard Sep 2022: Avast, Meggitt, Brewin, and a Busy Rebalance Month
  • However, there a couple of surprises. In this insight, we take a closer look at our expectations for index flows and potential trading ideas

NIFTY Sep 2022 Rebal: Adani Enterprises and Adani Total Gas Are Top Positives

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The September 2022 Rebalance results for the NIFTY 50, 100, and 500 Indices were announced after the close on 1st September 2022.
  • There will be one ADD/DEL for the NIFTY 50 Index and 6 ADDs/DELs for the NIFTY 100 Index, mostly in line with our expectations.
  • In this insight, we take a closer look at our expectations for index flows and potential trading ideas.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance: Two Adds for Japan and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance: Two Adds for Japan
  • Giordano (709 HK): Minimal Acceptance As Webb Ups Stake
  • Berkshire BYD’s Selldown Likely to Follow Its PetroChina Playbook
  • FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance: Three Changes Upcoming
  • FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance: Yankuang Energy (1171) To Replace Shenzhou Intl (2313)
  • Doosan Enerbility: Post-Block Deal Trading
  • (Mostly) Asia M&A: August 2022 Roundup
  • Nitro Software Rejects Potentia’s Proposal
  • JPX-Nikkei 400 Rebal 2023: End-Aug 2022
  • SpinTalk: On The Cusp Of Value Realization As Bluerock Residential Readies Its SFR Business Spin-Off

FTSE EPRA Nareit Index Rebalance: Two Adds for Japan

By Brian Freitas


Giordano (709 HK): Minimal Acceptance As Webb Ups Stake

By David Blennerhassett

  • The Cheng-family Offer for Giordano International (709 HK) became open to tendering after the Composite Doc was issued on the 15 August.
  • With the first close less than a week away, acceptances are minimal – ~3.6%.
  • Separately, David Webb, who definitely will not be tendering, has increased his stake to 5.79%.

Berkshire BYD’s Selldown Likely to Follow Its PetroChina Playbook

By Arun George

  • BYD (1211 HK)’s shares declined by -8% on disclosure that Berkshire Hathaway Inc Cl B (BRK/B US) trimmed its stake from 20.04% to 19.92% of outstanding H Shares. 
  • Berkshire will likely follow its PetroChina (857 HK) playbook and materially sell down over the next few months. Buffet stated that the PetroChina exit was “a decision based on valuation.
  • Berkshire will apply the same investment discipline to the BYD stake. While the shares are trading at a discount to historical multiples, the Berkshire stake is an overhang.

FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance: Three Changes Upcoming

By Brian Freitas


FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance: Yankuang Energy (1171) To Replace Shenzhou Intl (2313)

By Brian Freitas


Doosan Enerbility: Post-Block Deal Trading

By Sanghyun Park

  • The deal size amounts to ₩572B at a volume of 28.54M shares. The per-share disposal price is ₩20,050, a 7.6% discount from the previous day’s closing price, ₩21,700.
  • Enerbility can be a timely LONG target of pension-driven flow in the context where the NPS is seen actively doing portfolio rebalancing lately.
  • The volume digested by wall crossing seems quite small, as suggested by yesterday’s short selling volume, the flow volatility range is highly likely to be concentrated in one direction.

(Mostly) Asia M&A: August 2022 Roundup

By David Blennerhassett

  • For the month of August, 10 new deals (firm and non-binding) were discussed on Smartkarma with an overall announced deal size of ~US$8.5bn.
  • The average premium for the new deals announced (or first discussed) in August was ~41%, and a year-to-date average of 38%.
  • This compares to the average premium for all deals in 2021 (165 deals), 2020 (158 deals), and 2019 (145 deals) of 33%, 31%, and 31.5% respectively.

Nitro Software Rejects Potentia’s Proposal

By David Blennerhassett

  • Adobe rival Nitro Software Ltd (NTO AU) has rejected a A$1.58/share cash Offer from Potentia Capital. 
  • Nitro considers the proposal to be highly opportunistic and comes at a time of significant share market volatility and cyclical weakness in global technology company valuations.
  • Separately, Potentia has acquired a 17% interest in Nitro. They are not done yet.

JPX-Nikkei 400 Rebal 2023: End-Aug 2022

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • JPX-Nikkei 400 is composed of common stocks listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is a free-float-adjusted market-value-weighted (capped) index composed of 400 constituents.
  • A periodic review is conducted by the Index providers, the JPX Group and Nikkei Inc, in August every year. We look at the potential forward inclusions and removals every month.
  • Below is a look at potential Inclusions and Removals for the JPX-Nikkei 400 Rebalance to come in August 2023 based on trading data as of end-August 2022.

SpinTalk: On The Cusp Of Value Realization As Bluerock Residential Readies Its SFR Business Spin-Off

By Robert Sassoon

  • Bluerock Residential Growth’s (BRG US) spin-off of its single-family rentals business, Bluerock Homes (BHM) is set for October 26, 2022
  • Although this is a delay on the initial target of 2Q 2022, BRG has proved to be a very defensive holding during a period of high market volatility
  • While financial information on BHM needs to be updated, there does appear to be significant hidden value waiting to be realized post October 6. 

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: A Taiwan Basket Trade For A Special Index Rebal and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • A Taiwan Basket Trade For A Special Index Rebal
  • HSI, HSCEI, HSTECH: September Rebalance Flows Post Capping
  • SKT ADR Play on the 31st for MSCI Exclusion
  • S&P BSE Quiddity Leaderboard Dec 2022: Multiple Adani Names with F&O Question Marks
  • Nitro’s Opportunistic A$1.58 Offer from Potentia
  • Doosan Corp: A Block Deal Sale of 4.5% Stake in Doosan Enerbility
  • Link Net: Axiata’s MTO Kicks Off Today
  • Leapmotor IPO – Index Inclusion Timeline
  • Open Text/Micro Focus: Next Chapter in an Acquisition Growth Story
  • A Separation of Korea Zinc Group & Young Poong Group by the Choi & Jang Families?

A Taiwan Basket Trade For A Special Index Rebal

By Travis Lundy

  • The FTSE TWSE Taiwan indices get rebalanced in line with the standard FTSE Global indices – on the third Friday of September. 
  • The most interesting one is the probably the least famous. It has only one change but it has massive re-weightings because of the way the index is constructed. 
  • Historical patterns suggest a right-way long-short basket, reversed on the event, is a good trade.

HSI, HSCEI, HSTECH: September Rebalance Flows Post Capping

By Brian Freitas


SKT ADR Play on the 31st for MSCI Exclusion

By Sanghyun Park

  • We need a hedge to short SKT on the 31st. For this, we need to consider trading SKT ADR, which is pretty liquid as DTV reaches nearly $8mil.
  • The play structure is simple. It exploits the pattern that passive flow is concentrated on underlying shares rather than ADRs. We witnessed this pattern in the last two cases.
  • Passive outflow may be aggravated since SKT leaves not only STANDARD but also sub-indices such as ESG. So, the degree of a temporary DR premium can get thicker.

S&P BSE Quiddity Leaderboard Dec 2022: Multiple Adani Names with F&O Question Marks

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the BSE SENSEX, 100, 200, and 500 Indices in the December 2022 Rebalance.
  • Based on the latest data, I expect one ADD/DEL for SENSEX, one ADD/DEL for BSE 100, and 3 ADDs/DELs for BSE 200. 
  • The potential ADDs/DELs for SENSEX could see index flows of US$100mn or more but the other index changes are both small in size and volume impact (days-to-trade).

Nitro’s Opportunistic A$1.58 Offer from Potentia

By Arun George

  • Nitro Software Ltd (NTO AU) entered a trading halt in response to an AFR report that Potentia has lobbed an indicative non-binding proposal at A$1.58 per share.
  • Potentia’s offer follows its success in securing a 17% stake at A$1.58 per share on Monday night. The stake is large enough to deter rival schemes. 
  • The offer is opportunistic and unattractive. However, the ability of Potentia to relatively quickly secure a significant stake suggests that the Board will be under pressure to engage.

Doosan Corp: A Block Deal Sale of 4.5% Stake in Doosan Enerbility

By Douglas Kim

  • After the market close today, Doosan Corp (000150 KS) announced that it plans to sell a 4.5% stake in Doosan Enerbility (034020 KS) in a block deal sale.
  • The discount range on the block deal price is 5.1% to 7.8% based on today’s closing price of 21,700 won.
  • This block deal sale should have a positive impact on Doosan Corp but a negative impact on Doosan Enerbility.

Link Net: Axiata’s MTO Kicks Off Today

By David Blennerhassett

  • After Axiata  (AXIATA MK) completed the acquisition of 66.03% in Link Net (LINK IJ) on the 22 June, Axiata was obligated to undertake a mandatory offer for the remaining 33.97%. 
  • The MTO commences today and concludes on the 28 September. Payment will be the 6 October.
  • There are no conditions attached to the MTO. Play the spread, where available.

Leapmotor IPO – Index Inclusion Timeline

By Brian Freitas

  • Leapmotor (2007699D HK) is said to be looking to raise between US$1bn-US$1.5bn by selling 290.9m shares in its IPO. At the top end, the company will be valued at HK$53bn.
  • The performance of its peers over the last year leaves a lot to be desired and could lead to lower demand in the IPO.
  • Leapmotor (2007699D HK) should be added to the HSCI and the Hang Seng Tech Index, though timing depends on when the stock lists on the HKEX (388 HK)

Open Text/Micro Focus: Next Chapter in an Acquisition Growth Story

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Open Text agreed a 532p/share cash offer for legacy software, highly leveraged FTSE250 constituent, Micro Focus (98% premium, 2.3x EV/Fwd Revenues, 6.4x EV/Fwd EBITDA), taking advantage of target’s downwards re-rating.
  • My TP based (5.6x EV/Fwd EBITDA based) is 350p, which reflects macro challenges. Although the offer from Open Text seems every generous, ROIC could reach low single teens.
  • Gross spread is 2.35% and the estimated annual return would be 4.38% assuming settlement by mid-February. Irrevocables amount to 16.62%, the lengthy part will be antitrust and FDI approvals. Long.

A Separation of Korea Zinc Group & Young Poong Group by the Choi & Jang Families?

By Douglas Kim

  • The history of Young Poong Group goes back nearly 73 years ago in 1949 when two young men Ki-ho Choi and Byeong-hee Jang founded Young Poong.
  • Young Poong Group and Korea Zinc could be separated from each other with the Choi family controlling Korea Zinc and Jang family controlling Young Poong and related affiliates.
  • The bullish case for Young Poong and Korea Zinc would be that once they are separated, there could be greater management transparency and ownership structure which could boost overall efficiency. 

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: China ADRs Delisting – Tide Is Turning – Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • China ADRs Delisting – Tide Is Turning – Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming
  • MACA: Thiess’ Unsurprising Bump. NRW’s Move, If Any
  • Link Net’s MTO of IDR4,800 from Axiata Open from 30 August
  • SENSEX Index Rebalance Preview: Adani Green Could Replace Dr. Reddy
  • MACA’s Revised Thiess Offer Makes an NRW Rival Offer Increasingly Unlikely
  • ResApp’s Scheme Meeting on 7 September Still Faces Headcount Test Risk
  • Hanjin Kal Club Deal: Shorting on Waning Proxy Fight & Flow Trading on MSCI Inclusion

China ADRs Delisting – Tide Is Turning – Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming

By Sumeet Singh

  • On 26th Aug 2022, PCAOB and CSRC announced that they had entered into an agreement granting US authorities access to investigate public accounting firms headquartered in China and HK.
  • On 2nd Apr 2022, CSRC put out a draft for public comments on the revision of certain provisions which would allow easier access by overseas regulators to China ADRs audits.
  • In this note, we’ll talk about the latest developments and its implications.

MACA: Thiess’ Unsurprising Bump. NRW’s Move, If Any

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 26th July, diversified contractor MACA Ltd (MLD AU) announced a friendly off-market cash offer from fellow contractor Thiess, at A$1.025/share, a 28.1% premium to the undisturbed price.
  • The Bidder’s Statement was dispatched on the 9 August. After rejecting NRW Holdings (NWH AU)‘s non-binding proposal (implied consideration of $1.085/share), MACA dispatched the Target Statement on the 25 August.
  • Thiess has now lifted its all-cash Offer to A$1.075/share – a 34.4% to undisturbed. MACA is trading marginally through the revised terms. The first closing date is the 12 September. 

Link Net’s MTO of IDR4,800 from Axiata Open from 30 August

By Arun George

  • On 22 June, Axiata Group (AXIATA MK) and XL Axiata (EXCL IJ) completed the acquisition of a combined 63.45% interest in Link Net (LINK IJ) for approximately RM2.63 billion (IDR8.72 trillion).
  • Today, Axiata announced that the mandatory tender offer (MTO) runs from 30 August to 28 September. The MTO price is IDR4,800 with no minimum acceptance condition.
  • At the current price of IDR4,740 per share, the gross and annualised spread for a mid-October payment is 1.3% and 9.1%, respectively.

SENSEX Index Rebalance Preview: Adani Green Could Replace Dr. Reddy

By Brian Freitas


MACA’s Revised Thiess Offer Makes an NRW Rival Offer Increasingly Unlikely

By Arun George

  • Theiss has improved its MACA Ltd (MLD AU) offer from A$1.025 to A$1.075 per share. The offer is conditional on 90% minimum acceptances, FIRB approval and no prescribed occurrences.
  • Theiss increased its shareholding to 15.90% of outstanding shares due to acceptances from MACA founders and directors. This is a stumbling block to a potential NRW Holdings (NWH AU) scheme. 
  • While the value of NRW’s default option remains higher than Thiess’ revised offer, it is increasingly unlikely that NRW will start a bidding war. 

ResApp’s Scheme Meeting on 7 September Still Faces Headcount Test Risk

By Arun George

  • Resapp Health (RAP AU)’s scheme meeting date has been set for 7 September. Pfizer Inc (PFE US)’s A$0.208 per share is its best and final offer.
  • The Board hoped that the threat of a discounted equity raise and Pfizer’s final offer would sway the retail shareholders’ NO vote camp. However, there remains a vocal NO camp.
  • The headcount test remains a key risk. The upside (9.5% spread to the offer) vs downside (likely equity raise at a huge discount) is an unfavourable risk/reward profile.

Hanjin Kal Club Deal: Shorting on Waning Proxy Fight & Flow Trading on MSCI Inclusion

By Sanghyun Park

  • Bando sold all of its 17% stakes through a club deal. Of this, about 3.8% went to LX Pantos. The remaining 13% found a new home among several institutional investors.
  • Outright shorting for Hanjin Kal seems to require a bit more cautious approach. That’s because there is still no definitive information on the owners of the 13% stake.
  • If the price correction does not go as harshly as expected and expectations for a proxy battle resurface, we should consider switching to flow trading aimed at MSCI inclusion.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: CSRC and PCAOB “Agree” On Audit Terms – Now PCAOB Will Try To Prove a Negative and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • CSRC and PCAOB “Agree” On Audit Terms – Now PCAOB Will Try To Prove a Negative
  • Ramsay and KKR’s Game of Cat and Mouse
  • KODEX FnGuide Battery ETF Rebalancing Checkup
  • Merger Arb Mondays (29 Aug) – Ramsay, DTAC/True, Pendal, Link Admin, Ramsay, Infomedia, ResApp, MACA
  • Jeju Air Rights Offering Worth 320 Billion Won Diluting Existing Shareholders

CSRC and PCAOB “Agree” On Audit Terms – Now PCAOB Will Try To Prove a Negative

By Travis Lundy

  • Friday in US time, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), China’s MOF, and the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) “agreed” on a Statement of Protocol.
  • This SoP sets the outlines for PCAOB access to inspect/investigate audit papers and accounting firms in China and HK for companies listed in the US.
  • The releases’ difference in language is to be expected – different constituencies – but as PCAOB Chair Williams said, “Now we will find out whether those promises hold up.”

Ramsay and KKR’s Game of Cat and Mouse

By Arun George

  • Ramsay Health Care (RHC AU) disclosed that the KKR & Co Inc (KKR US) consortium withdrew its indicative proposal but remains committed to the alternative proposal, which the Board earlier rejected. 
  • The alternative proposal, while inferior to the indicative proposal, is still attractive and better than the status quo of no deal. The Board will engage for an improved offer. 
  • The value gap between the parties is not huge, and a deal is possible. The upside (20% to alternative proposal) vs downside (-9% to undisturbed price) is worth a punt. 

KODEX FnGuide Battery ETF Rebalancing Checkup

By Sanghyun Park

  • I recommend focusing on the ceiling regression play. In this regard, SK Innovation has the most notable regression spread, and we should use Samsung SDI as a hedge against it.
  • As for constituent change, SungEel HiTech is firmly positioned with a market cap of ₩1.34T and a float rate of 50%. And it belongs to the Waste batteries keyword.
  • But, it is unclear whether SungEel will be in the top 25 in scoring. We should patiently wait until confirmation as it’s still a worthy candidate requiring our attention.


Jeju Air Rights Offering Worth 320 Billion Won Diluting Existing Shareholders

By Douglas Kim

  • On 26 August, Jeju Air (089590 KS) announced a rights offering worth 320 billion won, representing 39% of its market cap. 
  • The expected rights offering price is 11,750 won (29% lower than its current price of 16,550 won) and the expected rights offering shares are 27.23 million shares.
  • Overall, we are negative on this rights offering mainly because we believe it is likely to result in too much dilution for the existing shareholders.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: Pendal Group (PDL AU): Perpetual’s Bump Should Get the Deal Done and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • Pendal Group (PDL AU): Perpetual’s Bump Should Get the Deal Done
  • Ramsay’s Overdue Update on the KKR Proposal
  • Pendal Enters Scheme With Perpetual
  • Pendal Gets a Binding Offer from Perpetual
  • I Squared/FirstGroup: Why Have the Negotiations Ended?
  • STOXX Europe Quiddity Leaderboard Sep 2022: 11 ADDs/DELs, Sandvik-Alleima, and More

Pendal Group (PDL AU): Perpetual’s Bump Should Get the Deal Done

By Brian Freitas

  • Pendal Group and Perpetual Ltd have entered into a SID where Pendal shareholders will receive 1 share of Perpetual for every 7.5 shares in Pendal, plus cash of A$1.976/share.
  • While this is a premium to the last close and undisturbed prices, it is a discount to longer term prices. The Pendal Board has unanimously recommended the offer though.
  • In the short-term expect short covering on Pendal Group (PDL AU) and increased shorts on Perpetual Ltd (PPT AU) as arbs step in to close the gap.

Ramsay’s Overdue Update on the KKR Proposal

By Arun George

  • Ramsay Health Care (RHC AU) notes that discussions with KKR are ongoing, but the indicative proposal is held up by due diligence access to Ramsay Generale de Sante (GDS FP).
  • KKR proposed an alternative proposal that the Board rejected as “meaningfully inferior.” KKR remains interested, and its shenanigans are likely a move to nudge down the price.
  • At the last close, the risk/reward profile is favourable as the downside due to a deal break (-3% estimated decline) is lower than the upside (+20%) to the indicative proposal.

Pendal Enters Scheme With Perpetual

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 4 April, asset manager Pendal (PDL AU)‘s board unanimously determined the indicative cash/scrip Offer proposal from Perpetual (PPT AU) undervalued the current and future value of the company.
  • Pendal And Perpetual have now entered into a SID such that Pendal shareholders will receive 1 Perpetual share for every 7.5 Pendal shares plus $1.976 cash for each Pendal share.
  • The negotiation clincher was the increase in the cash component by A$0.306/share. Should the deal complete, Pendal will hold 47% in the enlarged entity.

Pendal Gets a Binding Offer from Perpetual

By Arun George

  • Pendal Group (PDL AU) entered a scheme implementation deed with Perpetual Ltd (PPT AU). The revised offer – scrip (1 Perpetual share for every 7.5 Pendal share) and cash (A$1.976).
  • The revised offer throws in an 18.3% higher cash component as a sweetener. The offer implies a healthy acquisition multiple compared to peers.
  • The offer is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. At the last close price, the gross spread to the current offer value of A$5.635 per share is 13.7%.

I Squared/FirstGroup: Why Have the Negotiations Ended?

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • On 16 August, I Squared confirmed it did not intend to make an offer for FirstGroup thus will now be precluded from bidding for six months.
  • The 15 August offer implied almost no premium for the core business, significant value not reflected, and a difficult to grasp structure for most investors, in my view.
  • A SOTP approach gives a fair value of 183.4p. The board seems right in its refusal. Other bidders may appear or I Squared may return to the negotiating table. Long.

STOXX Europe Quiddity Leaderboard Sep 2022: 11 ADDs/DELs, Sandvik-Alleima, and More

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • In this insight, we take a look at the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the STOXX Europe 600 and EURO STOXX Indices for the September 2022 Rebalance.
  • Based on current rankings, there could be around 11 ADDs/DELs in the September 2022 Rebalance.
  • The completion of the Avast PLC (AVST LN) and Meggitt PLC (MGGT LN) deals could result in intra-review changes in September 2022.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: StubWorld: Swire’s NAV Discount Further Narrows As Buyback Kicks Off and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • StubWorld: Swire’s NAV Discount Further Narrows As Buyback Kicks Off
  • FTSE TWSE Dividend+ Sep 22 Capping: Massive Negative Flows for Farglory, Greatek, & Elan
  • Intouch’s NAV Discount Not Supported By Higher Look-Through Payout
  • Intel’s $30 Billion JV with Brookfield Asset Mgmt: To Take Away Market Share from TSMC & Samsung?
  • KLCI Index Rebalance Preview: The Gloves Could Come Off
  • ESOP Lockup Releases: Iljin HySolus & Hyundai Heavy Industries
  • Hong Kong CEO & Director Dealings – 25th August 2022
  • APM Human Services IPO Lock-Up – PE with a US$620m Stake Comes Free

StubWorld: Swire’s NAV Discount Further Narrows As Buyback Kicks Off

By David Blennerhassett

  • Swire Pacific (19 HK) has bought back B/A shares in ratios of 63/37 and 72/28 over two days.  Listing Rules suggest the ratio has to be higher than 76.71/23.29. 
  • Preceding my comments on Swire 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%.

FTSE TWSE Dividend+ Sep 22 Capping: Massive Negative Flows for Farglory, Greatek, & Elan

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA


Intouch’s NAV Discount Not Supported By Higher Look-Through Payout

By David Blennerhassett


Intel’s $30 Billion JV with Brookfield Asset Mgmt: To Take Away Market Share from TSMC & Samsung?

By Douglas Kim

  • On 23 August, Intel announced that it will partner with Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management to jointly fund up to $30 billion to make advanced semiconductor chips in Arizona. 
  • Despite Intel’s aggressive plans to expand the semiconductor chip production, we are more concerned about the overall downturn in the semiconductor sector which lead to further decline in sales. 
  • Despite our negative view of Intel’s shares in the near term, Intel could gain market share versus Samsung and TSMC in the semiconductor sector in the next three years.

KLCI Index Rebalance Preview: The Gloves Could Come Off

By Brian Freitas


ESOP Lockup Releases: Iljin HySolus & Hyundai Heavy Industries

By Sanghyun Park

  • Iljin HySolus and Hyundai Heavy Industries will release the ESOP volumes, 0.82% and 3.93% of SO, on September 1st and 17th. They have risen 2.3% and 145.8% from the listings.
  • Despite the small profit, it seems more probable that the Iljin HySolus ESOP will attempt to dispose of its shares immediately after the release, potentially leading to another price correction.
  • On the other hand, I would seek a hedge for the HHI ESOP lockup release. I would look at KSOE as a hedge for my short position on HHI.

Hong Kong CEO & Director Dealings – 25th August 2022

By David Blennerhassett

  • The data in this insight is collated from the “shareholding disclosure” link on the HKEx website. 
  • Often there is a corresponding HKEx announcement on the increase – or decrease – in the shareholding by directors. However, such disclosures are by no means an absolute. 
  • These insights also flag those companies where shares have been pledged, both recently and ongoing.

APM Human Services IPO Lock-Up – PE with a US$620m Stake Comes Free

By Sumeet Singh

  • APM Human Services (APM) raised about US$730m by selling a mix of primary and secondary shares in Nov 21. Its IPO linked lockup is set to expire later this month.
  • APM is an international human services provider, it runs 800 sites spanning 10 countries with its largest market being Australia.
  • In this note, we will talk about the lock-up dynamics and updates since our last note.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: FTSE TWSE Taiwan Dividend+ Index Rebalance Preview: HUGE Turnover as Review Period Ends and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • FTSE TWSE Taiwan Dividend+ Index Rebalance Preview: HUGE Turnover as Review Period Ends
  • 10 Tradable Names for KOSPI Size Index Migration & Hyundai Mipo in Conjunction with MSCI Nov IR
  • FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 Index Rebalance Preview: PSMC (6770) Deletion Could Offset Some All-World Flow
  • FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance Preview: PetroChina & EVE Energy Are Potential Adds
  • Samsung Electronics: Local Market’s Bet on a Buyback
  • Link’s Scheme Approved but Time Running Out for Satisfying Conditions Precedent
  • PTB Group Enters Scheme With PAG
  • Nearmap Enters a SID with Thoma Bravo at A$2.10
  • FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance Preview: Yankuang Energy (1171) Could Replace Shenzhou Intl (2313)
  • KB Kookmin Bank Invests 200 Billion Won in SK Square’s TMap Mobility

FTSE TWSE Taiwan Dividend+ Index Rebalance Preview: HUGE Turnover as Review Period Ends

By Brian Freitas

  • We do not forecast any deletions from the FTSE TWSE Taiwan Dividend+ Index in September. There will be a lot of flow from dividend yield changes and capping changes.
  • Based on the closing prices from 22 August, we estimate one-way turnover of 13.6% at the September rebalance resulting in a one-way trade of TWD 19,664m (US$653m).
  • Passive inflows will be focused (for the most part) on stocks that have underperformed and outflows will mainly be on recent outperformers.

10 Tradable Names for KOSPI Size Index Migration & Hyundai Mipo in Conjunction with MSCI Nov IR

By Sanghyun Park

  • Ten names, five each for each direction, are almost guaranteed to migrate between MID and LARGE. From the last time we checked, Hyundai Marine and Hanmi Science are newly added.
  • The rebalancing trading day is September 8, and both directions of MID⇔LARGE cause significant passive impact. So, Long/Short basket trading is a practical approach, starting about 20 days before effective.
  • We should consider approaching this event in conjunction with the MSCI IR. This is because of Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, the only candidate likely to join the MSCI Standard this November.

FTSE TWSE Taiwan 50 Index Rebalance Preview: PSMC (6770) Deletion Could Offset Some All-World Flow

By Brian Freitas


FTSE China A50 Index Rebalance Preview: PetroChina & EVE Energy Are Potential Adds

By Brian Freitas


Samsung Electronics: Local Market’s Bet on a Buyback

By Sanghyun Park

  • The local market is betting that Samsung Electronics will announce an additional shareholder return measure. Special dividends or buyback? They lean towards a buyback.
  • It is unlikely that it will be another pref-skewed buyback. The Lee family needs cash now, so preventing the dilution of voting shares becomes the top priority. 
  • Hence, we should not have high expectations for a further decline in the pref discount. Instead, we should consider designing a short position aimed at block sales.

Link’s Scheme Approved but Time Running Out for Satisfying Conditions Precedent

By Arun George

  • Shareholders approved the scheme at the scheme meeting. However, Link Administration (LNK AU) shares declined due to the slow progress in satisfaction of conditions precedent.
  • Key conditions precedent is ACCC, FIRB, UK’s FCA and Central Bank of Ireland approvals. The wording in the Chairman’s address on the conditions precedent is incrementally negative.
  • The downside to a deal break remains low. At the last close, the potential upside to the offer (10.1%) outweighs the downside (-3.8% to our A$4.21 price target).

PTB Group Enters Scheme With PAG

By David Blennerhassett

  • Late last week aviation engine repair play PTB Group Ltd (PTB AU) entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) with PAG Holding Corp.
  • PAG is offering $1.595/share, a 40.5% premium to last close.
  • Apart from PTB shareholder approval, PAG’s Offer requires FIRB. This looks done. PTB’s board unanimously recommends the Scheme.

Nearmap Enters a SID with Thoma Bravo at A$2.10

By Arun George

  • Nearmap Ltd (NEA AU) entered a scheme implementation deed (SID) with Thoma Bravo at A$2.10 per share, a 39.1% premium to the undisturbed price.
  • The offer price is attractive. The key conditions are shareholders and regulatory (FIRB & US antitrust) approvals. The scheme meeting is in November. 
  • At last close and for the end of November payment, the gross and annualised spread to the offer is 1.4% and 5.2%, respectively.

FTSE China 50 Index Rebalance Preview: Yankuang Energy (1171) Could Replace Shenzhou Intl (2313)

By Brian Freitas


KB Kookmin Bank Invests 200 Billion Won in SK Square’s TMap Mobility

By Douglas Kim

  • On 22 August, it was announced that KB Kookmin Bank invested 200 billion won worth of TMap Mobility, valuing the company at 2.2 trillion won ($1.7 billion).
  • At the end of 2021, SK Square owned a 66.3% stake in TMap Mobility. After this investment, KB Kookmin Bank will own an 8.2% stake in TMap Mobility.
  • TMap Mobility generated sales of 74.5 billion won,  operating loss of 67.8 billion won, and net loss of 5.3 billion won in 2021.

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