Category

Hong Kong

Brief Hong Kong: Dali Foods (3799:HK): Short to HK$4.18 on Expected Cost Increases (Full Note) and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Dali Foods (3799:HK): Short to HK$4.18 on Expected Cost Increases (Full Note)
  2. Aeon Credit Service (Asia) – Giant Yield and ROA, but at Low Price
  3. Dali Foods (3799:HK): Short on Expected Cost Increases (Summary Note)
  4. A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies

1. Dali Foods (3799:HK): Short to HK$4.18 on Expected Cost Increases (Full Note)

Dalipieredo

Chinese snack food and beverage maker Dali Foods Group (3799 HK) is well-loved by sell-side analysts, with 18 of 20 analysts rating the stock ‘Buy’ or ‘Overweight’.

In contrast to the consensus ‘bull’ view of the company, we believe revenue growth is slowing and that core margins will soon come under intense pressure due to rising raw materials costs. As a result, our earnings estimates for Dali Foods are substantially lower than consensus.

Based on 13.5 times our 2019 EPS estimate, our target price for Dali Foods’ shares is HK$4.18, about 23% below the closing price of HK$5.41 on February 1st. 

2. Aeon Credit Service (Asia) – Giant Yield and ROA, but at Low Price

1

As we expand over analysis of exceptionally high yield lenders, we continue to see interesting ideas outside of mainstream commercial banks. Aeon Credit Service Asia Co (900 HK) is another specialty lending that fits well with the several we have highlighted in our past research. There is one glaring difference though: value.

3. Dali Foods (3799:HK): Short on Expected Cost Increases (Summary Note)

Sali price

Chinese snack food and non-alcoholic beverage maker Dali Foods Group (3799 HK) is well-loved by sell-side analysts. Fully 18 of twenty analysts (including all four of the ‘bulge bracket’ investment banks who cover it) rate the stock ‘Buy’ or ‘Overweight’, and only one analyst gives the shares an ‘Underweight’ rating.

The ‘bull’ case for Dali Foods includes continued strong revenue growth and further margin expansion over the next few years. In contrast, we believe revenue growth is already moderating and that core margins will soon come under pressure due to rising raw materials costs. As a result, our forward earnings estimates are substantially below consensus expectations.

Based on 13.5 times our 2019 EPS estimate, our target price for Dali Foods is HK$4.18, about 23% below its HK$5.41 closing price on February 1st. We suggest investors Short Dali Foods; current holders should consider exiting their positions, in our view.

A longer note that includes company and industry background, plus financial statements and forecasts for Dali Foods, can be found elsewhere here on Smartkarma using the company’s ticker.

4. A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies

Lng%20project%20fids%202019

Our analysis shows that there are an unbelievable 25+ LNG developers that have stated (within the last year) they will take a final investment decision (FID) on their LNG liquefaction plants in 2019. Unless demand surprises to the upside, the expected LNG supply deficit in the mid-2020s could easily turn into a glut. In total there is almost 250 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of capacity that plans to take FID this year – the equivalent of 80% of current global supply. In total there are ~US$180bn of contracts up for grabs – it should be a bumper year for the oil service (E&C) companies.  This should be positive for the LNG contractors such as Mcdermott Intl (MDR US), TechnipFMC PLC (FTI FP), Chiyoda Corp (6366 JP) and Jgc Corp (1963 JP) .

Exxon Q4’18 conference call, “While we see a lot of high growth opportunities in LNG, capacity will come on in big chunks. It won’t be necessarily coordinated, so we’ll see, I suspect, periods of oversupply.”

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Brief Hong Kong: A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies
  2. TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP): Close the Stub Trade

1. A Huge Wave of New LNG Projects Coming in the Next 18 Months: Positive for The E&C Companies

Rystad%20lng

Our analysis shows that there are an unbelievable 25+ LNG developers that have stated (within the last year) they will take a final investment decision (FID) on their LNG liquefaction plants in 2019. Unless demand surprises to the upside, the expected LNG supply deficit in the mid-2020s could easily turn into a glut. In total there is almost 250 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of capacity that plans to take FID this year – the equivalent of 80% of current global supply. In total there are ~US$180bn of contracts up for grabs – it should be a bumper year for the oil service (E&C) companies.  This should be positive for the LNG contractors such as Mcdermott Intl (MDR US), TechnipFMC PLC (FTI FP), Chiyoda Corp (6366 JP) and Jgc Corp (1963 JP) .

Exxon Q4’18 conference call, “While we see a lot of high growth opportunities in LNG, capacity will come on in big chunks. It won’t be necessarily coordinated, so we’ll see, I suspect, periods of oversupply.”

2. TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP): Close the Stub Trade

Capture1

In my original insight on December 11, 2018 TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP) Stub: Riding the Automation Wave , I proposed setting up a stub trade to isolate the market leading materials handling and automotive components business of Toyota Industries (6201 JP) that was trading at an unwarranted 35% discount to NAV . During the 56 calendar days that followed, Toyota Industries (6201 JP) has gained an underwhelming 4% and the trade has made 1.96% on the gross notional. This hasn’t exactly been a trade to tell the grand-kids about, more or less a flat result but in this insight I will outline why I think the trade is over.

In this insight I will discuss:

  • Performance of ALL my recommended stub trades
  • a post-mortem trade analysis on the Toyota Industries stub
  • alternative data support for my actions

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP): Close the Stub Trade and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP): Close the Stub Trade
  2. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook
  3. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst
  4. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar

1. TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP): Close the Stub Trade

Capture1

In my original insight on December 11, 2018 TRADE IDEA – Toyota Industries (6201 JP) Stub: Riding the Automation Wave , I proposed setting up a stub trade to isolate the market leading materials handling and automotive components business of Toyota Industries (6201 JP) that was trading at an unwarranted 35% discount to NAV . During the 56 calendar days that followed, Toyota Industries (6201 JP) has gained an underwhelming 4% and the trade has made 1.96% on the gross notional. This hasn’t exactly been a trade to tell the grand-kids about, more or less a flat result but in this insight I will outline why I think the trade is over.

In this insight I will discuss:

  • Performance of ALL my recommended stub trades
  • a post-mortem trade analysis on the Toyota Industries stub
  • alternative data support for my actions

2. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we dig into the debt tender for Softbank Group (9984 JP) and assess the merger between TPG Telecom Ltd (TPM AU) and VHA. On the IPO front, we initiate on CStone Pharma (CSTONE HK) while we update on Ebang (EBANG HK) . Finally, we dig into the beat at Facebook Inc A (FB US) and assess whether there are further legs for the investment case. We also provide a list of upcoming catalysts for upcoming event-driven ideas. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

3. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst

Valuation%20 %20feb%201st

Maoyan Entertainment was priced at HKD 14.8/share and will start trading today. We summarize the latest information with updates on our valuation in this short note, prior to the trading debut. Our recent studies on the movies slotted to launch during the Chinese New Year period suggest that the box office during the CNY period could be a positive catalyst to Maoyan, which lists right before the CNY. 


4. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar

8316 smfg 2019 0131 overseas%20loan%20balance

Consolidated results for the nine months to end-December 2018, announced by SMFG (8306 JP) on 31 January 2019, represented 91% of management’s full-year target of ¥700 billion for consolidated net profits.  Nevertheless, 3Q results (October-December 2018) were well down year-on-year, with rising funding costs and higher credit costs offsetting much of the positives from the earlier deconsolidation of its two retail banking subsidiaries.  Full-year guidance remains unchanged.  SMFG is now poised to exceed its ¥700 billion FY3/2019 consolidated net profit target, although probably not by much.

The megabanks are always a ‘crowded trade’ for foreign investors when it comes to exposure to the Japanese banking sector: the choice usually coming down to either MUFG or SMFG.  Mizuho, which significantly outperformed both MUFG and SMFG throughout CY2018, is nominally the cheapest of the three megabanks on standard valuation methods; however, the difference between all three at present is marginal.  We expect that all three megabank groups will continue to see further downward pressure on domestic margins, while their overseas operations (especially in Asia) remain vulnerable to any further increases in US$ interest rates.  In the absence of any significant catalysts to prompt foreign investors to actively buy the shares, we expect all three megabanks to disappoint in terms of share price performance in CY2019.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast
  2. The Dollar Is Already Dead

1. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast

Spot%20prices

Earnings have been announced for Intel, Samsung, SK hynix, and Western Digital, and the memory business is clearly undermining all of these companies’ earnings.  In this Insight I review each of the  companies to show where they are, and will explain what the future holds for them as today’s oversupply unfolds.

2. The Dollar Is Already Dead

Fig%203%20policy%20rate%20settings

The past year has all been about dollar strength. That is an accepted wisdom. But the truth of the matter is that the dollar averaged 93.6 on the DXY in 2018 (3 January 2018 to 31 December 2018) and, as we write, stands at 95.5. From 1 January 2015 to 1 July 2017 the DXY averaged 97.2. The dollar is not strong, even by recent history standards. Moreover, it is no longer as important as it once was in policy making terms – and neither is the Federal Reserve.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook
  2. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst
  3. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar
  4. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price
  5. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st

1. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we dig into the debt tender for Softbank Group (9984 JP) and assess the merger between TPG Telecom Ltd (TPM AU) and VHA. On the IPO front, we initiate on CStone Pharma (CSTONE HK) while we update on Ebang (EBANG HK) . Finally, we dig into the beat at Facebook Inc A (FB US) and assess whether there are further legs for the investment case. We also provide a list of upcoming catalysts for upcoming event-driven ideas. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

2. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst

Valuation%20 %20feb%201st

Maoyan Entertainment was priced at HKD 14.8/share and will start trading today. We summarize the latest information with updates on our valuation in this short note, prior to the trading debut. Our recent studies on the movies slotted to launch during the Chinese New Year period suggest that the box office during the CNY period could be a positive catalyst to Maoyan, which lists right before the CNY. 


3. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar

8316 smfg 2018 new%20corporate%20logo

Consolidated results for the nine months to end-December 2018, announced by SMFG (8306 JP) on 31 January 2019, represented 91% of management’s full-year target of ¥700 billion for consolidated net profits.  Nevertheless, 3Q results (October-December 2018) were well down year-on-year, with rising funding costs and higher credit costs offsetting much of the positives from the earlier deconsolidation of its two retail banking subsidiaries.  Full-year guidance remains unchanged.  SMFG is now poised to exceed its ¥700 billion FY3/2019 consolidated net profit target, although probably not by much.

The megabanks are always a ‘crowded trade’ for foreign investors when it comes to exposure to the Japanese banking sector: the choice usually coming down to either MUFG or SMFG.  Mizuho, which significantly outperformed both MUFG and SMFG throughout CY2018, is nominally the cheapest of the three megabanks on standard valuation methods; however, the difference between all three at present is marginal.  We expect that all three megabank groups will continue to see further downward pressure on domestic margins, while their overseas operations (especially in Asia) remain vulnerable to any further increases in US$ interest rates.  In the absence of any significant catalysts to prompt foreign investors to actively buy the shares, we expect all three megabanks to disappoint in terms of share price performance in CY2019.

4. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price

Ex1

Asian LNG spot prices have dropped for a short time below the UK NBP gas price, reversing the established trend that sees Asian LNG offering a premium to the European LNG price benchmarks. This note takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets and the renewed plans unveiled by Qatar to challenge its competitors, in particular, those from the US.

5. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st

Upcoming

Aequitas Research puts out a weekly update on the deals that have been covered by Smartkarma Insight Providers recently, along with updates for upcoming IPOs.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone from Aequitas Research!

It has been a fairly quiet week leading up to Chinese New Year but it is not stopping Maoyan Entertainment (1896 HK) from listing on Monday. The IPO was priced at the bottom end of its offering range. The last we checked, it traded up 3% in the grey market on Friday. Ke Yan, CFA, FRM will follow up with a short note of his thoughts on post-IPO trading dynamics and bookbuild subscription levels.

Other updates on IPO in Hong Kong include Sinochem Energy allowing its IPO application to lapse while Koolearn (1373356D HK) and Shangde Qizhi Education re-filed for IPO. Edvantage, another new education IPO (and likely to be borderline US$100m deal size) filed for Hong Kong listing this week as well.

China Tower (788 HK)‘s lock-up will be expiring on the 8th of February and Ke Yan, CFA, FRM mentioned in his insight that any potential placement will be a good opportunity to accumulate the stock. Placements from cornerstone investors will likely be a liquidity event.

In India, Chalet Hotels Limited (CHALET IN) closed its bookbuild with a tepid overall demand of 1.57x. The silver lining for the IPO is that the institutional tranche saw a healthy 4.6x demand, similar to that of Lemon Tree Hotels (LEMONTRE IN) in terms of weak overall but strong institutional demand, which ended up performing well in its IPO.

Other upcoming India IPOs include Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (9155507Z IN) and  Embassy REIT which were said to be seeking listing towards the end of February. Sterling and Wilson is also looking to file its INR50bn IPO with the Sebi soon.

In Japan, Wingarc1st announced its IPO bookbuild to start on the 25th of February and will be listing in March. It is estimated to be raising about US$380m.

Accuracy Rate:

Our overall accuracy rate is 72% for IPOs and 63.8% for Placements 

(Performance measurement criteria is explained at the end of the note)

New IPO filings

  • Edvantage Group (Hong Kong, ~US$100m)
  • Koolearn (Hong Kong, re-filed)
  • Shangde Qizhi Education Group (Hong Kong, re-filed)

Below is a snippet of our IPO tool showing upcoming events for the next week. The IPO tool is designed to provide readers with timely information on all IPO related events (Book open/closing, listing, initiation, lock-up expiry, etc) for all the deals that we have worked on. You can access the tool here or through the tools menu.

Source: Aequitas Research, Smartkarma

News on Upcoming IPOs

Smartkarma Community’s this week Analysis on Upcoming IPO

List of pre-IPO Coverage on Smartkarma

NameInsight
Hong Kong
AscentageAscentage Pharma (亚盛医药) IPO: Too Early for an IPO
Ant FinancialAnt Financial IPO Early Thought: Understand Fintech Empire, Growth & Risk Factors
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview: The Last Hurrah Before Reality Bites
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview (Part 2) – King of Cryptocurrency Mining Rigs but Its Moat Is Shrinking
BitmainBitmain: A Counter Thesis
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Running Out of Steam on Mining Rigs (Part 1)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Value At Risk of Founder’s Belief (Part 2)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Take-Aways from Founder’s Recent Speech at Tsinghua University (Part 3)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Intense Competition in the 7nm Mining ASIC Market (Part 4)
CStoneCStone Pharma (基石药业) IPO: Strong Assembly and Backing (Part 1)
China East EduChina East Education (中国东方教育) Pre-IPO – The Company Known for Its Culinary School
China TobacChina Tobacco International (IPO): The Monopolist Will Not Recover
China TobacChina Tobacco International IPO: Heavy Regulation, Declining Margins – A Bit Late to IPO Party
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 1): Lower Sales but Higher Operating Profit Versus Canaan Inc.
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 2): Tough Competition from Bitmain and Canaan
EbangEbang IPO Preview: Balance Sheet Indicators Point to a Significant Slowdown
Dexin

Dexin China (德信中国) Pre-IPO – Related Party Transactions and Partial Asset Listing 

Frontage

Frontage Holding (方达控股) IPO: More Disclosure Needed to Understand Moat and Growth Prospect

Hujiang Edu

Hujiang Education (沪江教育) Pre-IPO – Spending More than It Earns

MicuRxMicuRx Pharma (盟科医药) IPO: Betting on Single Drug in the Not so Attractive Antibiotic Segment
SH Henlius

Shanghai Henlius (复宏汉霖) IPO: Not an Impressive Biosimilar Portfolio 

Stealth BioStealth Biotherapeutics IPO: Cure the Symptoms but Not the Cause (Part 1)
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Performing Better than Qeeka but Growing Much Slower, US$1bn a Stretch
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Online -> Online + Offline -> Online -> ?
Viva BioViva Biotech (维亚生物) IPO: When CRO Becomes Early Stage Biotech Investor
WeLabWeLab Pre-IPO – Stuck in a Regulatory Quagmire; Not the Right Time to List
South Korea
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 1)
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview: Valuation Analysis
DreamtechDreamtech IPO Preview (Part 1)
DreamtechDreamtech: Trying for an IPO Again at a Lower Price
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 1) – Highly Profitable Operator of Public Golf Courses in Korea
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
Plakor

Plakor IPO Preview (Part 1)

ZinusZinus IPO Preview (Part 1) – An Amazing Comeback Story (#1 Mattress Brand on Amazon)
India
Anmol IndAnmol Industries Pre-IPO Quick Take – No Growth, Generous Payments to Founders
Bharat Hotels

Bharat Hotels Pre-IPO – Catching up with Peers 

CMS InfoCMS Info Systems Pre-IPO Review – When a PE Sells to Another PE… Only One Gets the Timing Right
Crystal CropCrystal Crop Protection Pre-IPO – DRHP Raises More Questions than in Answers
Flemingo Flemingo Travel Retail Pre-IPO – Its a Different Business in Every Country
NSENSE IPO Preview- Not Only Fast..its Risky and Expensive
NSENational Stock Exchange Pre-IPO Review – Bigger, Better, Stronger but a Little Too Fast for Some
Mazagon DockMazagon Dock IPO Preview: A Monopoly Submarine Yard in India with Captive Navy Spending
Mrs. BectorMrs. Bectors Food Specialities Pre-IPO Quick Take – Sales for Its Main Segment Have Been Sta

Lodha

Lodha Developers Pre-IPO – Second Time Lucky but Not Really that Much Affordable
LodhaLodha Developers IPO: Large Presence in Affordable Segment Saves Lodha the Blushes in a Sluggish Mkt
IndiaMartIndiaMART Pre-IPO – Getting and Retaining Subscribers Seems to Be Difficult
PolycabPolycab India Limited Pre-IPO – Market Leader with Steady Growth but with a Few Unanswered Question
The U.S.
FutuFutu Holdings IPO Preview: Running Out of Steam
FutuFutu Holdings Pre-IPO – Great Metrics but in a Commoditised Industry
Malaysia
QSRQSR Brands Pre-IPO – As Healthy as Fast Food

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast
  2. The Dollar Is Already Dead

1. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast

Spot%20prices

Earnings have been announced for Intel, Samsung, SK hynix, and Western Digital, and the memory business is clearly undermining all of these companies’ earnings.  In this Insight I review each of the  companies to show where they are, and will explain what the future holds for them as today’s oversupply unfolds.

2. The Dollar Is Already Dead

Fig%202%20neer

The past year has all been about dollar strength. That is an accepted wisdom. But the truth of the matter is that the dollar averaged 93.6 on the DXY in 2018 (3 January 2018 to 31 December 2018) and, as we write, stands at 95.5. From 1 January 2015 to 1 July 2017 the DXY averaged 97.2. The dollar is not strong, even by recent history standards. Moreover, it is no longer as important as it once was in policy making terms – and neither is the Federal Reserve.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook
  2. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst
  3. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar
  4. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price
  5. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st

1. Last Week in GER Research: Softbank, TPG Telecom, Cstone Pharma, Ebang and Facebook

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we dig into the debt tender for Softbank Group (9984 JP) and assess the merger between TPG Telecom Ltd (TPM AU) and VHA. On the IPO front, we initiate on CStone Pharma (CSTONE HK) while we update on Ebang (EBANG HK) . Finally, we dig into the beat at Facebook Inc A (FB US) and assess whether there are further legs for the investment case. We also provide a list of upcoming catalysts for upcoming event-driven ideas. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

2. Maoyan Entertainment (猫眼娱乐) IPO: Lackluster Demand but CNY Blockbusters Could Be a Catalyst

Sensitivity

Maoyan Entertainment was priced at HKD 14.8/share and will start trading today. We summarize the latest information with updates on our valuation in this short note, prior to the trading debut. Our recent studies on the movies slotted to launch during the Chinese New Year period suggest that the box office during the CNY period could be a positive catalyst to Maoyan, which lists right before the CNY. 


3. SMFG (8316 JP): On Target But Drifting Off Radar

8316 smfg 2018 new%20corporate%20logo

Consolidated results for the nine months to end-December 2018, announced by SMFG (8306 JP) on 31 January 2019, represented 91% of management’s full-year target of ¥700 billion for consolidated net profits.  Nevertheless, 3Q results (October-December 2018) were well down year-on-year, with rising funding costs and higher credit costs offsetting much of the positives from the earlier deconsolidation of its two retail banking subsidiaries.  Full-year guidance remains unchanged.  SMFG is now poised to exceed its ¥700 billion FY3/2019 consolidated net profit target, although probably not by much.

The megabanks are always a ‘crowded trade’ for foreign investors when it comes to exposure to the Japanese banking sector: the choice usually coming down to either MUFG or SMFG.  Mizuho, which significantly outperformed both MUFG and SMFG throughout CY2018, is nominally the cheapest of the three megabanks on standard valuation methods; however, the difference between all three at present is marginal.  We expect that all three megabank groups will continue to see further downward pressure on domestic margins, while their overseas operations (especially in Asia) remain vulnerable to any further increases in US$ interest rates.  In the absence of any significant catalysts to prompt foreign investors to actively buy the shares, we expect all three megabanks to disappoint in terms of share price performance in CY2019.

4. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price

Ex1

Asian LNG spot prices have dropped for a short time below the UK NBP gas price, reversing the established trend that sees Asian LNG offering a premium to the European LNG price benchmarks. This note takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets and the renewed plans unveiled by Qatar to challenge its competitors, in particular, those from the US.

5. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st

Upcoming

Aequitas Research puts out a weekly update on the deals that have been covered by Smartkarma Insight Providers recently, along with updates for upcoming IPOs.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone from Aequitas Research!

It has been a fairly quiet week leading up to Chinese New Year but it is not stopping Maoyan Entertainment (1896 HK) from listing on Monday. The IPO was priced at the bottom end of its offering range. The last we checked, it traded up 3% in the grey market on Friday. Ke Yan, CFA, FRM will follow up with a short note of his thoughts on post-IPO trading dynamics and bookbuild subscription levels.

Other updates on IPO in Hong Kong include Sinochem Energy allowing its IPO application to lapse while Koolearn (1373356D HK) and Shangde Qizhi Education re-filed for IPO. Edvantage, another new education IPO (and likely to be borderline US$100m deal size) filed for Hong Kong listing this week as well.

China Tower (788 HK)‘s lock-up will be expiring on the 8th of February and Ke Yan, CFA, FRM mentioned in his insight that any potential placement will be a good opportunity to accumulate the stock. Placements from cornerstone investors will likely be a liquidity event.

In India, Chalet Hotels Limited (CHALET IN) closed its bookbuild with a tepid overall demand of 1.57x. The silver lining for the IPO is that the institutional tranche saw a healthy 4.6x demand, similar to that of Lemon Tree Hotels (LEMONTRE IN) in terms of weak overall but strong institutional demand, which ended up performing well in its IPO.

Other upcoming India IPOs include Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (9155507Z IN) and  Embassy REIT which were said to be seeking listing towards the end of February. Sterling and Wilson is also looking to file its INR50bn IPO with the Sebi soon.

In Japan, Wingarc1st announced its IPO bookbuild to start on the 25th of February and will be listing in March. It is estimated to be raising about US$380m.

Accuracy Rate:

Our overall accuracy rate is 72% for IPOs and 63.8% for Placements 

(Performance measurement criteria is explained at the end of the note)

New IPO filings

  • Edvantage Group (Hong Kong, ~US$100m)
  • Koolearn (Hong Kong, re-filed)
  • Shangde Qizhi Education Group (Hong Kong, re-filed)

Below is a snippet of our IPO tool showing upcoming events for the next week. The IPO tool is designed to provide readers with timely information on all IPO related events (Book open/closing, listing, initiation, lock-up expiry, etc) for all the deals that we have worked on. You can access the tool here or through the tools menu.

Source: Aequitas Research, Smartkarma

News on Upcoming IPOs

Smartkarma Community’s this week Analysis on Upcoming IPO

List of pre-IPO Coverage on Smartkarma

NameInsight
Hong Kong
AscentageAscentage Pharma (亚盛医药) IPO: Too Early for an IPO
Ant FinancialAnt Financial IPO Early Thought: Understand Fintech Empire, Growth & Risk Factors
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview: The Last Hurrah Before Reality Bites
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview (Part 2) – King of Cryptocurrency Mining Rigs but Its Moat Is Shrinking
BitmainBitmain: A Counter Thesis
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Running Out of Steam on Mining Rigs (Part 1)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Value At Risk of Founder’s Belief (Part 2)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Take-Aways from Founder’s Recent Speech at Tsinghua University (Part 3)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Intense Competition in the 7nm Mining ASIC Market (Part 4)
CStoneCStone Pharma (基石药业) IPO: Strong Assembly and Backing (Part 1)
China East EduChina East Education (中国东方教育) Pre-IPO – The Company Known for Its Culinary School
China TobacChina Tobacco International (IPO): The Monopolist Will Not Recover
China TobacChina Tobacco International IPO: Heavy Regulation, Declining Margins – A Bit Late to IPO Party
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 1): Lower Sales but Higher Operating Profit Versus Canaan Inc.
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 2): Tough Competition from Bitmain and Canaan
EbangEbang IPO Preview: Balance Sheet Indicators Point to a Significant Slowdown
Dexin

Dexin China (德信中国) Pre-IPO – Related Party Transactions and Partial Asset Listing 

Frontage

Frontage Holding (方达控股) IPO: More Disclosure Needed to Understand Moat and Growth Prospect

Hujiang Edu

Hujiang Education (沪江教育) Pre-IPO – Spending More than It Earns

MicuRxMicuRx Pharma (盟科医药) IPO: Betting on Single Drug in the Not so Attractive Antibiotic Segment
SH Henlius

Shanghai Henlius (复宏汉霖) IPO: Not an Impressive Biosimilar Portfolio 

Stealth BioStealth Biotherapeutics IPO: Cure the Symptoms but Not the Cause (Part 1)
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Performing Better than Qeeka but Growing Much Slower, US$1bn a Stretch
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Online -> Online + Offline -> Online -> ?
Viva BioViva Biotech (维亚生物) IPO: When CRO Becomes Early Stage Biotech Investor
WeLabWeLab Pre-IPO – Stuck in a Regulatory Quagmire; Not the Right Time to List
South Korea
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 1)
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview: Valuation Analysis
DreamtechDreamtech IPO Preview (Part 1)
DreamtechDreamtech: Trying for an IPO Again at a Lower Price
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 1) – Highly Profitable Operator of Public Golf Courses in Korea
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
Plakor

Plakor IPO Preview (Part 1)

ZinusZinus IPO Preview (Part 1) – An Amazing Comeback Story (#1 Mattress Brand on Amazon)
India
Anmol IndAnmol Industries Pre-IPO Quick Take – No Growth, Generous Payments to Founders
Bharat Hotels

Bharat Hotels Pre-IPO – Catching up with Peers 

CMS InfoCMS Info Systems Pre-IPO Review – When a PE Sells to Another PE… Only One Gets the Timing Right
Crystal CropCrystal Crop Protection Pre-IPO – DRHP Raises More Questions than in Answers
Flemingo Flemingo Travel Retail Pre-IPO – Its a Different Business in Every Country
NSENSE IPO Preview- Not Only Fast..its Risky and Expensive
NSENational Stock Exchange Pre-IPO Review – Bigger, Better, Stronger but a Little Too Fast for Some
Mazagon DockMazagon Dock IPO Preview: A Monopoly Submarine Yard in India with Captive Navy Spending
Mrs. BectorMrs. Bectors Food Specialities Pre-IPO Quick Take – Sales for Its Main Segment Have Been Sta

Lodha

Lodha Developers Pre-IPO – Second Time Lucky but Not Really that Much Affordable
LodhaLodha Developers IPO: Large Presence in Affordable Segment Saves Lodha the Blushes in a Sluggish Mkt
IndiaMartIndiaMART Pre-IPO – Getting and Retaining Subscribers Seems to Be Difficult
PolycabPolycab India Limited Pre-IPO – Market Leader with Steady Growth but with a Few Unanswered Question
The U.S.
FutuFutu Holdings IPO Preview: Running Out of Steam
FutuFutu Holdings Pre-IPO – Great Metrics but in a Commoditised Industry
Malaysia
QSRQSR Brands Pre-IPO – As Healthy as Fast Food

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Brief Hong Kong: Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price
  2. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st
  3. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast
  4. The Dollar Is Already Dead
  5. 2019 Semiconductors: 5%+ Decline

1. Quick Take: Asian LNG Spot Prices Fall Below the UK NBP Gas Price

Picture1

Asian LNG spot prices have dropped for a short time below the UK NBP gas price, reversing the established trend that sees Asian LNG offering a premium to the European LNG price benchmarks. This note takes a look at the latest trends in the LNG markets and the renewed plans unveiled by Qatar to challenge its competitors, in particular, those from the US.

2. ECM Weekly (2 February 2019) – Maoyan, China Tower, Dexin, Chalet Hotels, Bharat Hotels, Wingarc1st

Total deals since inception accuracy rate since inception  chartbuilder%20%287%29

Aequitas Research puts out a weekly update on the deals that have been covered by Smartkarma Insight Providers recently, along with updates for upcoming IPOs.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone from Aequitas Research!

It has been a fairly quiet week leading up to Chinese New Year but it is not stopping Maoyan Entertainment (1896 HK) from listing on Monday. The IPO was priced at the bottom end of its offering range. The last we checked, it traded up 3% in the grey market on Friday. Ke Yan, CFA, FRM will follow up with a short note of his thoughts on post-IPO trading dynamics and bookbuild subscription levels.

Other updates on IPO in Hong Kong include Sinochem Energy allowing its IPO application to lapse while Koolearn (1373356D HK) and Shangde Qizhi Education re-filed for IPO. Edvantage, another new education IPO (and likely to be borderline US$100m deal size) filed for Hong Kong listing this week as well.

China Tower (788 HK)‘s lock-up will be expiring on the 8th of February and Ke Yan, CFA, FRM mentioned in his insight that any potential placement will be a good opportunity to accumulate the stock. Placements from cornerstone investors will likely be a liquidity event.

In India, Chalet Hotels Limited (CHALET IN) closed its bookbuild with a tepid overall demand of 1.57x. The silver lining for the IPO is that the institutional tranche saw a healthy 4.6x demand, similar to that of Lemon Tree Hotels (LEMONTRE IN) in terms of weak overall but strong institutional demand, which ended up performing well in its IPO.

Other upcoming India IPOs include Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (9155507Z IN) and  Embassy REIT which were said to be seeking listing towards the end of February. Sterling and Wilson is also looking to file its INR50bn IPO with the Sebi soon.

In Japan, Wingarc1st announced its IPO bookbuild to start on the 25th of February and will be listing in March. It is estimated to be raising about US$380m.

Accuracy Rate:

Our overall accuracy rate is 72% for IPOs and 63.8% for Placements 

(Performance measurement criteria is explained at the end of the note)

New IPO filings

  • Edvantage Group (Hong Kong, ~US$100m)
  • Koolearn (Hong Kong, re-filed)
  • Shangde Qizhi Education Group (Hong Kong, re-filed)

Below is a snippet of our IPO tool showing upcoming events for the next week. The IPO tool is designed to provide readers with timely information on all IPO related events (Book open/closing, listing, initiation, lock-up expiry, etc) for all the deals that we have worked on. You can access the tool here or through the tools menu.

Source: Aequitas Research, Smartkarma

News on Upcoming IPOs

Smartkarma Community’s this week Analysis on Upcoming IPO

List of pre-IPO Coverage on Smartkarma

NameInsight
Hong Kong
AscentageAscentage Pharma (亚盛医药) IPO: Too Early for an IPO
Ant FinancialAnt Financial IPO Early Thought: Understand Fintech Empire, Growth & Risk Factors
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview: The Last Hurrah Before Reality Bites
BitmainBitmain IPO Preview (Part 2) – King of Cryptocurrency Mining Rigs but Its Moat Is Shrinking
BitmainBitmain: A Counter Thesis
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Running Out of Steam on Mining Rigs (Part 1)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Value At Risk of Founder’s Belief (Part 2)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Take-Aways from Founder’s Recent Speech at Tsinghua University (Part 3)
BitmainBitmain (比特大陆) IPO: Intense Competition in the 7nm Mining ASIC Market (Part 4)
CStoneCStone Pharma (基石药业) IPO: Strong Assembly and Backing (Part 1)
China East EduChina East Education (中国东方教育) Pre-IPO – The Company Known for Its Culinary School
China TobacChina Tobacco International (IPO): The Monopolist Will Not Recover
China TobacChina Tobacco International IPO: Heavy Regulation, Declining Margins – A Bit Late to IPO Party
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 1): Lower Sales but Higher Operating Profit Versus Canaan Inc.
EbangEbang IPO Preview (Part 2): Tough Competition from Bitmain and Canaan
EbangEbang IPO Preview: Balance Sheet Indicators Point to a Significant Slowdown
Dexin

Dexin China (德信中国) Pre-IPO – Related Party Transactions and Partial Asset Listing 

Frontage

Frontage Holding (方达控股) IPO: More Disclosure Needed to Understand Moat and Growth Prospect

Hujiang Edu

Hujiang Education (沪江教育) Pre-IPO – Spending More than It Earns

MicuRxMicuRx Pharma (盟科医药) IPO: Betting on Single Drug in the Not so Attractive Antibiotic Segment
SH Henlius

Shanghai Henlius (复宏汉霖) IPO: Not an Impressive Biosimilar Portfolio 

Stealth BioStealth Biotherapeutics IPO: Cure the Symptoms but Not the Cause (Part 1)
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Performing Better than Qeeka but Growing Much Slower, US$1bn a Stretch
TubatuTubatu Group Pre-IPO – Online -> Online + Offline -> Online -> ?
Viva BioViva Biotech (维亚生物) IPO: When CRO Becomes Early Stage Biotech Investor
WeLabWeLab Pre-IPO – Stuck in a Regulatory Quagmire; Not the Right Time to List
South Korea
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 1)
AsianaAsiana IDT IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview
ChunboChunbo Co. IPO Preview: Valuation Analysis
DreamtechDreamtech IPO Preview (Part 1)
DreamtechDreamtech: Trying for an IPO Again at a Lower Price
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 1) – Highly Profitable Operator of Public Golf Courses in Korea
KMH ShillaKMH Shilla Leisure IPO Preview (Part 2) – Valuation Analysis
Plakor

Plakor IPO Preview (Part 1)

ZinusZinus IPO Preview (Part 1) – An Amazing Comeback Story (#1 Mattress Brand on Amazon)
India
Anmol IndAnmol Industries Pre-IPO Quick Take – No Growth, Generous Payments to Founders
Bharat Hotels

Bharat Hotels Pre-IPO – Catching up with Peers 

CMS InfoCMS Info Systems Pre-IPO Review – When a PE Sells to Another PE… Only One Gets the Timing Right
Crystal CropCrystal Crop Protection Pre-IPO – DRHP Raises More Questions than in Answers
Flemingo Flemingo Travel Retail Pre-IPO – Its a Different Business in Every Country
NSENSE IPO Preview- Not Only Fast..its Risky and Expensive
NSENational Stock Exchange Pre-IPO Review – Bigger, Better, Stronger but a Little Too Fast for Some
Mazagon DockMazagon Dock IPO Preview: A Monopoly Submarine Yard in India with Captive Navy Spending
Mrs. BectorMrs. Bectors Food Specialities Pre-IPO Quick Take – Sales for Its Main Segment Have Been Sta

Lodha

Lodha Developers Pre-IPO – Second Time Lucky but Not Really that Much Affordable
LodhaLodha Developers IPO: Large Presence in Affordable Segment Saves Lodha the Blushes in a Sluggish Mkt
IndiaMartIndiaMART Pre-IPO – Getting and Retaining Subscribers Seems to Be Difficult
PolycabPolycab India Limited Pre-IPO – Market Leader with Steady Growth but with a Few Unanswered Question
The U.S.
FutuFutu Holdings IPO Preview: Running Out of Steam
FutuFutu Holdings Pre-IPO – Great Metrics but in a Commoditised Industry
Malaysia
QSRQSR Brands Pre-IPO – As Healthy as Fast Food

3. Semiconductor Memory Business Shrinking Fast

Spot%20prices

Earnings have been announced for Intel, Samsung, SK hynix, and Western Digital, and the memory business is clearly undermining all of these companies’ earnings.  In this Insight I review each of the  companies to show where they are, and will explain what the future holds for them as today’s oversupply unfolds.

4. The Dollar Is Already Dead

Fig%202%20neer

The past year has all been about dollar strength. That is an accepted wisdom. But the truth of the matter is that the dollar averaged 93.6 on the DXY in 2018 (3 January 2018 to 31 December 2018) and, as we write, stands at 95.5. From 1 January 2015 to 1 July 2017 the DXY averaged 97.2. The dollar is not strong, even by recent history standards. Moreover, it is no longer as important as it once was in policy making terms – and neither is the Federal Reserve.

5. 2019 Semiconductors: 5%+ Decline

Slide6

An earlier post outlined the general direction of the Objective Analysis 2019 forecast but didn’t provide any numbers.  In this post I explain the 5%+ decrease in revenues that the market will experience and how and why various elements play into that number.

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Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: HK Connect Discovery – January Snapshot and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. HK Connect Discovery – January Snapshot

1. HK Connect Discovery – January Snapshot

Mid%20cap%20inflow

This is a monthly version of our HK Connect Weekly note, in which I highlight Hong Kong-listed companies leading the southbound flow weekly. Over the past month, we have seen the flow turning from outflow to inflow. Our previous insights published in Jan can be found in the links below. In this insight, we will focus on the month flow to get a bigger picture vs the weekly flow.

Our January Coverage of Hong Kong Connect southbound flow

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Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.



Brief Hong Kong: 2019 Semiconductors: 5%+ Decline and more

By | Hong Kong

In this briefing:

  1. 2019 Semiconductors: 5%+ Decline
  2. HK Connect Discovery – January Snapshot
  3. Share Classifications: Jan 2019 Month-End Snapshot

1. 2019 Semiconductors: 5%+ Decline

Slide4

An earlier post outlined the general direction of the Objective Analysis 2019 forecast but didn’t provide any numbers.  In this post I explain the 5%+ decrease in revenues that the market will experience and how and why various elements play into that number.

2. HK Connect Discovery – January Snapshot

Smid%20cap%20outflow

This is a monthly version of our HK Connect Weekly note, in which I highlight Hong Kong-listed companies leading the southbound flow weekly. Over the past month, we have seen the flow turning from outflow to inflow. Our previous insights published in Jan can be found in the links below. In this insight, we will focus on the month flow to get a bigger picture vs the weekly flow.

Our January Coverage of Hong Kong Connect southbound flow

3. Share Classifications: Jan 2019 Month-End Snapshot

Jan%20chart

This month-end share class summary is a companion insight to Travis Lundy‘s H/A Spread & Southbound Monitors and Ke Yan‘s HK Connect Discovery Weeklies.

This share class monitor provides a snapshot of the premium/discounts for various share classifications around the region, and comprises four sets of data:

1.  82 ADRs 
2.  104 Korean Prefs 
3.  22 Regional Dual Classes
4.  7 Foreign/Local Thai shares 

The average premium/discount for each set over a one-year period is graphed below.

Source: CapIQ

For a granular breakdown of each data set, PDFs are attached at the bottom of this insight.

Get Straight to the Source on Smartkarma

Smartkarma supports the world’s leading investors with high-quality, timely, and actionable Insights. Subscribe now for unlimited access, or request a demo below.