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Most Read: Sanrio, Fast Retailing, SK Telecom, Shibaura Electronics, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries , PointsBet Holdings , Mixue Group, Metaplanet and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning
  • Fast Retailing (9983 JP) Tactical Outlook: Turning OVERSOLD, Potential BUY Ahead of Sep-25 Rebalance
  • SKT Foreign Room Play Heating up — Entry Could Come Sooner than Expected with Today’s Fine Out
  • Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Yageo Poised to Secure FEFTA Approval
  • [Japan M&A] YAGEO Says It Expects FDI Clearance on Shibaura – Minebea Likely To Fold
  • HHI–Mipo Merger Swap: Deal Mechanics & Spread Play Opportunities
  • A Merger Between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo
  • PointsBet (PBH AU): Betr’s Dyslexic Bump. Mixi’s Now Holding 42.38%
  • MIXUE IPO Lockup – US$480m Cornerstone Lockup Release
  • Metaplanet Placement: US$1bn Punt; Dependent on Bitcoin Performance


Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • The changes to the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) as part of the September rebalance should be announced in just over 2 weeks. We expect 2 changes at the review.
  • BayCurrent Consulting‘s PAF will double, Fast Retailing‘s CPAF will stay the same, and Sony Financial Group will be deleted from the index following its spinoff from Sony Corp (6758 JP)
  • Sanrio (8136 JP)‘s improved liquidity increases the probability of index inclusion, and the stock could be added to the index at the next rebalance if it misses in September.

Fast Retailing (9983 JP) Tactical Outlook: Turning OVERSOLD, Potential BUY Ahead of Sep-25 Rebalance

By Nico Rosti

  • In his recent insight, Brian Freitas stated that Fast Retailing (9983 JP)‘s CPAF will stay the same at the September 25 Nikkei 225 Index rebalance.
  • The stock is turning oversold—not yet extreme, but notable. Historically, this short-term downtrend pattern often reversed after two weeks of declines; we are now in the second consecutive week lower.
  • Monitor the 47150 support level: the stock is trading at 47810 at the moment of writing, if it goes at or below 47150 it will start to be clearly oversold.

SKT Foreign Room Play Heating up — Entry Could Come Sooner than Expected with Today’s Fine Out

By Sanghyun Park

  • SKT foreign room rising ahead of PIPC sanction decision today; fine confirmation could trigger ESG fund exits.
  • Large ESG money still in SKT; post-sanction exits could push foreign room past 25% sooner than expected — a key factor for trading setup.
  • Nov review momentum could hit early; post-fine, a foreign room surge toward 25% signals our entry, with the pullback setting up the SKT Nov inclusion trade.

Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Yageo Poised to Secure FEFTA Approval

By Arun George

  • A day before the close of Minebea Mitsumi (6479 JP)’s offer, Yageo Corporation (2327 TT) has strategically stated that it expects to receive FEFTA approval by 10 September. 
  • Minebea had tried to convince shareholders that its lower offer provides an opportunity to monetise their shares quickly and with certainty. This line of reasoning is no longer credible. 
  • As Minebea will not increase its offer or extend the closing date, Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP)‘s Board will have to recommend Yageo’s offer.  

[Japan M&A] YAGEO Says It Expects FDI Clearance on Shibaura – Minebea Likely To Fold

By Travis Lundy

  • Last weekend then post-close Monday, Yageo Corporation (2327 TT) raised its TOB Price for Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) to ¥7,130 – a full 15% through Minebea’s proposed ¥6,200/share terms.
  • Minebea was playing chicken with the result, closing its tender on 28 August, before Japan’s Foreign Direct Investment approval (FEFTA approval) was cleared, expected 1 Sep or later.
  • Today post-close, YAGEO announced it had concluded discussions with METI, would make all required regulatory submissions today, and expects to obtain approval “no later than 10 September”

HHI–Mipo Merger Swap: Deal Mechanics & Spread Play Opportunities

By Sanghyun Park

  • HHI–Mipo merger spread looks minimal, but today’s MASGA-driven pop signals momentum flows—likely to mean-revert toward appraisal rights once the theme dissipates.
  • Froth lifted prices past fundamentals—once it unwinds, HHI–Mipo could diverge from swap ratio, creating the spread window where traders can get paid.
  • This isn’t classic merger arb—it’s about fading a policy-fueled pop, riding the snapback toward appraisal baseline, with flow-driven swings creating short-term tactical arb setups.

A Merger Between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo

By Douglas Kim

  • It was announced today that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will merge with HD Hyundai Mipo. The merger ratio between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo is 1:0.4059146. 
  • HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (009540 KS) will own a 66.29% stake in the merged entity.
  • HD KSOE is proceeding with this merger of its two major subsidiaries ahead of the full-scale launch of the MASGA (“Make America Shipbuilding Great Again”) project.

PointsBet (PBH AU): Betr’s Dyslexic Bump. Mixi’s Now Holding 42.38%

By David Blennerhassett

  • Betr Entertainment (BBT AU) has bumped scrip terms to 4.375 betr shares per PointsBet Holdings (PBH AU) share, equivalent to A$1.31/share, based on betr’s last traded price. 
  • True to form with betr, there’s a typo in its latest announcement stating a 4.735 ratio. betr just issued a Bidder’s Statement with the correct info.
  • Apologies: in my last note I mentioned Mixi Inc (2121 JP) had bumped to A$1.30/share. However, that was predicated on Mixi securing 90%, which won’t happen if betr doesn’t tender.

MIXUE IPO Lockup – US$480m Cornerstone Lockup Release

By Sumeet Singh

  • Mixue Group (2097 HK) raised around US$450m in its Hong Kong IPO in March 2025. The lockup on its cornerstone investors is set to expire soon.
  • MIXUE Group (MIXUE) is a freshly-made drinks company providing affordable products to consumers, including freshly-made fruit drinks, tea, ice cream and coffee, typically priced at around one USD per item.
  • In this note, we will talk about the lockup dynamics and possible placement.

Metaplanet Placement: US$1bn Punt; Dependent on Bitcoin Performance

By Nicholas Tan

  • Metaplanet (3350 JP) is looking to raise around US$1bn from a primary placement.
  • The deal is a relatively small one, representing 4.4 days of the stock’s three month ADV, despite being 23.7% of total shares outstanding.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

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Most Read: Sanrio, Dongfeng Motor, Ashimori Industry, Xiaomi, SK Inc, Caliway Biopharmaceuticals, Aux Electric, LHN Ltd, Fast Retailing and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning
  • Dongfeng (489 HK)’s Privatisation And EV Backdoor Listing
  • [Japan M&A] Toyoda Gosei Buys Out Affiliate Ashimori Industry at 1.000x Mar25 Book
  • Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII): Methodology Change & Impact
  • Near-Term Flows to Watch on Mandatory Treasury Share Cancellation in Korea
  • Taiwan Top 50 ETF Rebalance Preview: Hat Trick for Caliway Biopharma?
  • Russia/Ukraine: What Now?
  • Aux Electric IPO: Smallest Player but Superior Growth and Margins
  • LHN’s Co-Living Spin-Off And HK Delisting
  • Fast Retailing (9983 JP) Tactical Outlook: Turning OVERSOLD, Potential BUY Ahead of Sep-25 Rebalance


Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • The changes to the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) as part of the September rebalance should be announced in just over 2 weeks. We expect 2 changes at the review.
  • BayCurrent Consulting‘s PAF will double, Fast Retailing‘s CPAF will stay the same, and Sony Financial Group will be deleted from the index following its spinoff from Sony Corp (6758 JP)
  • Sanrio (8136 JP)‘s improved liquidity increases the probability of index inclusion, and the stock could be added to the index at the next rebalance if it misses in September.

Dongfeng (489 HK)’s Privatisation And EV Backdoor Listing

By David Blennerhassett

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK) has announced a privatisation; together with a concurrent listing of its EV arm.
  • The same day as the dual proposals, Dongfeng announced an interim loss (1H25). Evidently, the way forward – from an investor standpoint – is electric, not internal combustion engines. 
  • The cash terms + scrip (into the EV listing) under the proposals are attractive. Even after this morning’s move (+53.6%) in Dongfeng’s share price.

[Japan M&A] Toyoda Gosei Buys Out Affiliate Ashimori Industry at 1.000x Mar25 Book

By Travis Lundy

  • Toyota Motor (7203 JP) subsidiary Toyoda Gosei (7282 JP) is buying out its own equity affiliate Ashimori Industry (3526 JP) at a near-all-time high price of ¥4,140/share.
  • It’s not a great price, but it is just over 1x book after writedowns this past quarter. It basically requires cross-holders and half a retail to tender. 
  • But this autoparts business is a strong grower, and has no EV risk. And its non-autoparts business is more interesting. The “fair” multiples are low. But it’ll get done.

Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII): Methodology Change & Impact

By Brian Freitas

  • Last evening, Hang Seng announced a methodology change for the Hang Seng Internet & Information Technology Index (HSIII Index) with implementation in two phases.
  • The capping methodology will be updated at the September rebalance and the turnover and sector requirements will be updated at the December rebalance.
  • The updated capping scheme increases turnover and flow in September, while there could be one constituent change for the index at the December rebalance.

Near-Term Flows to Watch on Mandatory Treasury Share Cancellation in Korea

By Sanghyun Park

  • Dems likely to push 3rd package in Q4; near-term flows chasing treasury stock cancellation theme, with locals screening >₩1tn mkt cap, >10% treasury shares of float.
  • Little pushback on mandatory treasury cancellations; debate focused on timeline — grace period vs. immediate rollout — highlighting how much leeway government may grant differing governance structures.
  • Too early for governance plays; near-term momentum flows likely in names with highest treasury stock relative to float, where cancellation is expected to hit flows hardest.

Taiwan Top 50 ETF Rebalance Preview: Hat Trick for Caliway Biopharma?

By Brian Freitas


Russia/Ukraine: What Now?

By Alastair Newton

  • A week after the event, it is clear that the Trump/Putin summit presented the latter with a big win at little, if any, cost.
  • Donald Trump is unlikely to come up with anything that will bring Mr Putin to the negotiating table in good faith once his latest two-week ‘deadline’ expires.
  • Furthermore, Mr Trump remains philosophically inclined to favour Russia, a leaning that probably poses a greater risk to Kyiv than Mr Putin himself does.

Aux Electric IPO: Smallest Player but Superior Growth and Margins

By Nicholas Tan

  • Aux Electric (2580 HK)  is looking to raise up to US$460m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • It is one of the global top five air conditioner providers, with capabilities covering the design, R&D, production, sales and related services of household and central air conditioners.
  • In this note, we examine the IPO dynamics, and look at the firm’s valuation.

LHN’s Co-Living Spin-Off And HK Delisting

By David Blennerhassett

  • LHN Ltd (LHN SP) is delisting its secondary listing in Hong Kong and concurrently spinning off its co-living business.
  • The Hong Kong-listing, which was illiquid from the onset, has received approval from the HK Listing Committee to delist. Shareholders will vote on the spin-off on the 9th September. 
  • LHN is up 95% since the spin-off announcement. The accretion from the new listing is well baked in. And then some. 

Fast Retailing (9983 JP) Tactical Outlook: Turning OVERSOLD, Potential BUY Ahead of Sep-25 Rebalance

By Nico Rosti

  • In his recent insight, Brian Freitas stated that Fast Retailing (9983 JP)‘s CPAF will stay the same at the September 25 Nikkei 225 Index rebalance.
  • The stock is turning oversold—not yet extreme, but notable. Historically, this short-term downtrend pattern often reversed after two weeks of declines; we are now in the second consecutive week lower.
  • Monitor the 47150 support level: the stock is trading at 47810 at the moment of writing, if it goes at or below 47150 it will start to be clearly oversold.

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Most Read: Dongfeng Motor, Sony Financial Holdings, Shibaura Electronics, Max Healthcare Institute, Nissan Motor, Smart Share Global, Xiaomi, Shinyoung Securities and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer
  • Dongfeng (489 HK)’s Privatisation And EV Backdoor Listing
  • [Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?
  • Merger Arb Mondays (25 Aug) – Dongfeng, ENN Energy, Shibaura, Santos, Lynch, Smart Share
  • [Japan M&A] YAGEO Upping the Stakes in the Game of 🐓 over Shibaura (6957 JP)
  • NIFTY50/NEXT50 Index Rebalance: Bunch Of (Mostly) Expected Changes; Positioning Increases
  • Nissan Motor Placement – Discount Is Enticing but Track Record and Momentum Aren’t Great
  • Merger Arbitrage, Trial Delays, Strategic Reviews, and Buybacks
  • Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII): Methodology Change & Impact
  • Surprise National Assembly Moves: 2nd Commercial Act Amendments & Yellow Envelope Law


Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer

By Arun George

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK) disclosed a pre-conditional privatisation by merger by absorption by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, along with a proposed distribution and listing of VOYAH shares.
  • The offer comprises HK$6.68 + 0.3552608 VOYAH H Shares per H Share, which is valued at HK$10.85 per H Share, a 81.7% premium to the last close price. 
  • The vote is low risk as the offer is attractive. It values the remaining business at a premium multiple, and the appraised value of HK$11.735 per VOYAH share is conservative. 

Dongfeng (489 HK)’s Privatisation And EV Backdoor Listing

By David Blennerhassett

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK) has announced a privatisation; together with a concurrent listing of its EV arm.
  • The same day as the dual proposals, Dongfeng announced an interim loss (1H25). Evidently, the way forward – from an investor standpoint – is electric, not internal combustion engines. 
  • The cash terms + scrip (into the EV listing) under the proposals are attractive. Even after this morning’s move (+53.6%) in Dongfeng’s share price.

[Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?

By Travis Lundy

  • Sony Financial Group (perhaps 8729 JP) will be spun off from SONY on 29 September 2025. The nominal share price will be “low” – likely 4-6% of Sony’s price.
  • Index treatment is largely known with the exception of a market cap trigger to stay in or get the boot from one major global index provider’s set of large-midcap indices.
  • There is a buyback to come which will offset global active manager “I don’t want this” overhang. There are technical trades to do here too but overall I am positive.


[Japan M&A] YAGEO Upping the Stakes in the Game of 🐓 over Shibaura (6957 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 14-Aug, Minebea Mitsumi (6479 JP) upped their TOB on Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) from ¥5,500 to ¥6,200, but set the close before rival bidder YAGEO’s likely FEFTA approval date.
  • On 21-Aug, YAGEO responded by upping the bid 7% to ¥6,635. Minebea responded by saying no raise, no extension. Minebea was playing chicken. Shares fell Friday.
  • Very early Saturday, the Nikkei reported YAGEO would raise to the “¥7,100 range.” Reuters later reported YAGEO had raised to ¥7,130. Exactly 15% above Minebea. On YAGEO’s website.

NIFTY50/NEXT50 Index Rebalance: Bunch Of (Mostly) Expected Changes; Positioning Increases

By Brian Freitas


Nissan Motor Placement – Discount Is Enticing but Track Record and Momentum Aren’t Great

By Sumeet Singh

  • Mercedes-Benz Pension Trust aims to raise around US$330m via selling its 3.8% stake in Nissan Motor (7201 JP).
  • The discount seems enticing, however, the company’s recent share performance and longer term track record aren’t great.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Merger Arbitrage, Trial Delays, Strategic Reviews, and Buybacks

By Special Situation Investments

  • Smart Share Global’s management consortium offered $1.25/ADS, with Hillhouse’s competing bid at $1.77/ADS, a 33% spread.
  • Mayne Pharma’s trial delayed to September 22, with Harvest Lane trimming its stake; spread to Cosette’s offer is 47%.
  • Gore Street Energy Storage faced significant shareholder dissent; RM Funds calls for Chairman’s resignation amid strategic review efforts.

Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII): Methodology Change & Impact

By Brian Freitas

  • Last evening, Hang Seng announced a methodology change for the Hang Seng Internet & Information Technology Index (HSIII Index) with implementation in two phases.
  • The capping methodology will be updated at the September rebalance and the turnover and sector requirements will be updated at the December rebalance.
  • The updated capping scheme increases turnover and flow in September, while there could be one constituent change for the index at the December rebalance.

Surprise National Assembly Moves: 2nd Commercial Act Amendments & Yellow Envelope Law

By Sanghyun Park

  • Major governance shake-up: >KRW 2T companies face mandatory cumulative voting, giving minorities real board influence, while audit committee split votes expand from 1 to 2+, boosting independence.
  • Trade sweet spot is holdcos and brokers with high treasury stock and retail float. Bloated buybacks may drive cancellations, sparking quick momentum trades in messy-governance names.
  • Today, holdcos and brokers with 10%+ treasury stock and >₩500bn market cap are leading pops, driving action and attracting fast-money flows.

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Most Read: Dongfeng Motor, Sony Financial Holdings, BYD, Pop Mart, Shibaura Electronics, CaoCao, Horizon Robotics, Max Healthcare Institute and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer
  • [Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?
  • HSTECH Index Rebalance: No Constituent Changes; Float/Capping Changes Lead to US$4bn Trade
  • HSCEI Index Rebalance: Pop Mart Pops Ahead of Double Index Inclusion
  • [Japan M&A] YAGEO Upping the Stakes in the Game of 🐓 over Shibaura (6957 JP)
  • HSCI Index Rebalance: 24 Adds, 22 Deletes, Changes to Southbound Stock Connect & BIG Outperformance
  • Merger Arb Mondays (25 Aug) – Dongfeng, ENN Energy, Shibaura, Santos, Lynch, Smart Share
  • Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: 3 Changes; Big FAF Increase for Horizon Robotics
  • Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Method in the Madness as Yageo Bumps Twice in Two Days
  • NIFTY50/NEXT50 Index Rebalance: Bunch Of (Mostly) Expected Changes; Positioning Increases


Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer

By Arun George

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK) disclosed a pre-conditional privatisation by merger by absorption by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, along with a proposed distribution and listing of VOYAH shares.
  • The offer comprises HK$6.68 + 0.3552608 VOYAH H Shares per H Share, which is valued at HK$10.85 per H Share, a 81.7% premium to the last close price. 
  • The vote is low risk as the offer is attractive. It values the remaining business at a premium multiple, and the appraised value of HK$11.735 per VOYAH share is conservative. 

[Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?

By Travis Lundy

  • Sony Financial Group (perhaps 8729 JP) will be spun off from SONY on 29 September 2025. The nominal share price will be “low” – likely 4-6% of Sony’s price.
  • Index treatment is largely known with the exception of a market cap trigger to stay in or get the boot from one major global index provider’s set of large-midcap indices.
  • There is a buyback to come which will offset global active manager “I don’t want this” overhang. There are technical trades to do here too but overall I am positive.

HSTECH Index Rebalance: No Constituent Changes; Float/Capping Changes Lead to US$4bn Trade

By Brian Freitas


HSCEI Index Rebalance: Pop Mart Pops Ahead of Double Index Inclusion

By Brian Freitas


[Japan M&A] YAGEO Upping the Stakes in the Game of 🐓 over Shibaura (6957 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 14-Aug, Minebea Mitsumi (6479 JP) upped their TOB on Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) from ¥5,500 to ¥6,200, but set the close before rival bidder YAGEO’s likely FEFTA approval date.
  • On 21-Aug, YAGEO responded by upping the bid 7% to ¥6,635. Minebea responded by saying no raise, no extension. Minebea was playing chicken. Shares fell Friday.
  • Very early Saturday, the Nikkei reported YAGEO would raise to the “¥7,100 range.” Reuters later reported YAGEO had raised to ¥7,130. Exactly 15% above Minebea. On YAGEO’s website.

HSCI Index Rebalance: 24 Adds, 22 Deletes, Changes to Southbound Stock Connect & BIG Outperformance

By Brian Freitas

  • There are 24 adds and 22 deletes for the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI) at the September rebalance to take the number of index constituents up to 504.
  • We expect 20 of the 24 HSCI inclusions to be Stock Connect adds from the open on 8 September. 19 of the 22 deletions could be removed from Stock Connect.
  • On average, stocks that are expected to be added to Southbound Stock Connect have outperformed stocks that are expected to be removed from Southbound Stock Connect.


Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: 3 Changes; Big FAF Increase for Horizon Robotics

By Brian Freitas

  • There will be 3 changes for the Hang Seng Internet & Information Technology Index (HSIII Index) at the September rebalance. 
  • Estimated one-way turnover at the rebalance is 10.3% resulting in a round-trip trade of HK$6.4bn (US$818m). There are a bunch of stocks with over 0.5x ADV to trade.
  • There is a huge FAF increase for Horizon Robotics and that will bring passive buying from the HSTECH trackers too. The stock is being added to a global index on Tuesday.

Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Method in the Madness as Yageo Bumps Twice in Two Days

By Arun George

  • On 21 August, Yageo Corporation (2327 TT) increased its Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) offer by 7.0% to JPY6,635. On 23 August, Yageo further increased its offer by 7.5% to JPY7,130.  
  • The offer is partially in reaction to Minebea’s recent comments around Yageo securing FEFTA approval. Crucially, Yageo finally provided an update suggesting that only a few issues remained.
  • Yageo’s JPY7,130 offer is not over-the-top, as Minebea’s 10x EV/EBIT pricing guideline outlined on 18 August potentially justified a JPY7,300 offer. The likelihood of Minebea walking has increased.

NIFTY50/NEXT50 Index Rebalance: Bunch Of (Mostly) Expected Changes; Positioning Increases

By Brian Freitas


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Most Read: Pop Mart, Sanrio, Swiggy, Dongfeng Motor, Giant Biogene, S&P/ASX 200, Samsung Biologics , Horizon Robotics, Sony Financial Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows
  • Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning
  • Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25
  • NIFTY MIDCAP150 Index Rebalance: 13 Changes a Side; Lots of Overlap with Other Index Flow
  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer
  • Hang Seng Biotech Index Rebalance: 1 Add & 21 Deletes as Methodology Changes
  • S&P/ASX 200: Profit Targets After Sep-25 Rebalance Methodology Finalized
  • Biologics Spinco Filing: Posts Far More Aggressive Post-Listing Share Swap Lock-Up Than Expected
  • Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: 3 Changes; Big FAF Increase for Horizon Robotics
  • [Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?


Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows

By Brian Freitas


Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • The changes to the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) as part of the September rebalance should be announced in just over 2 weeks. We expect 2 changes at the review.
  • BayCurrent Consulting‘s PAF will double, Fast Retailing‘s CPAF will stay the same, and Sony Financial Group will be deleted from the index following its spinoff from Sony Corp (6758 JP)
  • Sanrio (8136 JP)‘s improved liquidity increases the probability of index inclusion, and the stock could be added to the index at the next rebalance if it misses in September.

Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25

By Brian Freitas

  • Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 5 September.
  • We highlight 6 stocks that have a higher probability of being added to the index. With the index committee entitled to a lot of discretion, there will be differences.
  • CATL completes 3 months of listing just prior to the review meeting date and is a dark horse candidate, though the committee could let the stock season for another quarter.

NIFTY MIDCAP150 Index Rebalance: 13 Changes a Side; Lots of Overlap with Other Index Flow

By Brian Freitas

  • There are 13 changes a side for the NIFTY Midcap 150 Index at the September rebalance. There are many stocks with flows from passive trackers of other indices.
  • Estimated one-way turnover is 7.8% resulting in a round-trip trade of INR 18.23bn (US$209m). With over US$43bn tracking the index actively, the impact on the stocks will be much larger.
  • The adds to the index have outperformed the deletes over the last 5 months and there has been noticeable outperformance in the last couple of weeks.

Dongfeng Motor (489 HK): DFM’s Attractive Privatisation Offer

By Arun George

  • Dongfeng Motor (489 HK) disclosed a pre-conditional privatisation by merger by absorption by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, along with a proposed distribution and listing of VOYAH shares.
  • The offer comprises HK$6.68 + 0.3552608 VOYAH H Shares per H Share, which is valued at HK$10.85 per H Share, a 81.7% premium to the last close price. 
  • The vote is low risk as the offer is attractive. It values the remaining business at a premium multiple, and the appraised value of HK$11.735 per VOYAH share is conservative. 

Hang Seng Biotech Index Rebalance: 1 Add & 21 Deletes as Methodology Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • There is 1 add and 21 deletions for the Hang Seng Biotech Index (HSHKBIO Index) at the September rebalance.
  • Estimated one-way turnover at the rebalance is 11.25% resulting in a round-trip trade of HK$1.77bn (US$226m).
  • The deletes have underperformed the HSHKBIO Index since the start of the year with the gap opening up over the last two months following the announcement of the methodology change.

S&P/ASX 200: Profit Targets After Sep-25 Rebalance Methodology Finalized

By Nico Rosti

  • As reported by Brian Freitas , 2 days ago S&P DJI confirmed that the proposals in the market consultation will be implemented at the September 25 rebalance. Details here.
  • The S&P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) is currently OVERBOUGHT according to our models: the index reached an 83% probability of reversal at the intraweek high (9025). Incoming pullback.
  • The index could rally one more week (next week), that should be the end of this rally (short-term forecast), but could also pull back this week, checkour modelkey-supports.

Biologics Spinco Filing: Posts Far More Aggressive Post-Listing Share Swap Lock-Up Than Expected

By Sanghyun Park

  • KRX’s prelim review forced Biologics into tough commitments: no share swaps or carve-out IPOs for three years, effectively blocking any Samsung C&T stake sell-down and overlapping-listing risks.
  • FSS appears satisfied with Biologics’ aggressive commitments, but may push for more—most likely a lock-up from Samsung C&T preventing share sales in both parent and spinco for a set period.
  • Trading setup remains short Samsung C&T; recent Life bill chatter is noise. Samsung governance reform is low-priority, and Biologics’ aggressive spinco lock-ups reinforce C&T as the near-term underperformer.

Hang Seng Internet & IT Index (HSIII) Rebalance: 3 Changes; Big FAF Increase for Horizon Robotics

By Brian Freitas

  • There will be 3 changes for the Hang Seng Internet & Information Technology Index (HSIII Index) at the September rebalance. 
  • Estimated one-way turnover at the rebalance is 10.3% resulting in a round-trip trade of HK$6.4bn (US$818m). There are a bunch of stocks with over 0.5x ADV to trade.
  • There is a huge FAF increase for Horizon Robotics and that will bring passive buying from the HSTECH trackers too. The stock is being added to a global index on Tuesday.

[Quiddity Index] The Sony Financial Spinoff – What To Do?

By Travis Lundy

  • Sony Financial Group (perhaps 8729 JP) will be spun off from SONY on 29 September 2025. The nominal share price will be “low” – likely 4-6% of Sony’s price.
  • Index treatment is largely known with the exception of a market cap trigger to stay in or get the boot from one major global index provider’s set of large-midcap indices.
  • There is a buyback to come which will offset global active manager “I don’t want this” overhang. There are technical trades to do here too but overall I am positive.

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Most Read: Dian Swastatika Sentosa, Pop Mart, Isupetasys, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ryohin Keikaku, Shibaura Electronics, PointsBet Holdings , Korea Stock Exchange Kospi Index, Nota and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ): Surprise, Surprise!
  • Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows
  • Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25
  • KOSPI Size Indices: Passive Flows for Many Active Changes
  • [Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Kawasaki Heavy (7012 JP)
  • [Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)
  • [Japan M&A] Minebea Forces a Game of Regulatory Chicken on Shibaura (6957 JP)
  • PointsBet (PBH AU): Mixi Attempts to Call Betr’s Bluff with a Final Offer
  • Korea Capital Market Reform Package Just Unveiled: Korea Premium Narrative Holds
  • Nota IPO Preview


Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ): Surprise, Surprise!

By Brian Freitas

  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ) will be added to a global index in August and that should come as a surprise to most of the market.
  • The stock is up 10x over the last 18 months and liquidity has shown a marked improvement in the last year.
  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ) trades at nosebleed valuations and there is the risk of a sell off following index inclusion.

Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows

By Brian Freitas


Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25

By Brian Freitas

  • Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 5 September.
  • We highlight 6 stocks that have a higher probability of being added to the index. With the index committee entitled to a lot of discretion, there will be differences.
  • CATL completes 3 months of listing just prior to the review meeting date and is a dark horse candidate, though the committee could let the stock season for another quarter.

KOSPI Size Indices: Passive Flows for Many Active Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • The review period for the September rebalance of the KOSPI Size Indices commenced on 1 June and will end on 31 August.
  • Nearing the end of the review period, we forecast 49 migrating stocks. Among new listings, 1 stock could be added to LargeCap, 3 to MidCap and 1 to SmallCap.
  • There are a number of stocks that will have passive flow from global index trackers over the next few weeks, while some are potential changes to the KOSPI2 in December.

[Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Kawasaki Heavy (7012 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 26 August at the close, 2 names will get added to and 5 names deleted from a global index provider’s major Japan/global “standard” index.
  • 6 of 7 changes were in the Quiddity Index predictions as of end Jun-2025. One dropped, then two got added. Our final predictions had all seven plus one more DEL.
  • These changes were well-flagged so well pre-positioned. This insight looks at shareholder structure, historical fundamental ratios, and performance vs Peers. Watch the direct peers.

[Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 26 August at the close, 2 names will get added to and 5 names deleted from a global index provider’s major Japan/global “standard” index.
  • 6 of 7 changes were in the Quiddity Index predictions as of end Jun-2025. One dropped, then two got added. Our final predictions had all seven plus one more DEL.
  • They were well-flagged so well pre-positioned. This insight looks at shareholder structure, historical fundamental ratios, and performance vs Peers. This sets up a possible trade before or into the event.

[Japan M&A] Minebea Forces a Game of Regulatory Chicken on Shibaura (6957 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • Minebea Mitsumi (6479 JP) has bid ¥6,200/share for Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP). The tender ends 28 August. YAGEO has over bid now to ¥6,635/share.  
  • YAGEO’s regulatory clearance decision may not arrive before 1 September, after the Minebea tender closes. Minebea now says they will neither bump nor extend. 
  • Minebea is hoping people will throw in the towel and tender because if their tender ends and Yageo’s fails, it might a long way down. There are possibilities but… scary.

PointsBet (PBH AU): Mixi Attempts to Call Betr’s Bluff with a Final Offer

By Arun George

  • Mixi Inc (2121 JP) disclosed its final PointsBet Holdings (PBH AU) offer. The base unconditional offer remains A$1.25 but will be increased to A$1.30 if it acquires a 90% stake. 
  • Mixi’s final offer is designed to put maximum pressure on BETR Entertainment (BBT AU) to fold. Mixi would not satisfy the 90% threshold unless Betr accepts its offer.
  • Betr has three options: to improve its offer, accept Mixi’s offer, or maintain terms. The last option, which results in a significant stake in a competitor, makes strategic sense.

Korea Capital Market Reform Package Just Unveiled: Korea Premium Narrative Holds

By Sanghyun Park

  • M&A valuations won’t rely solely on market prices, carve-outs favor parent shareholders, and mandatory tender offers plus IPO cornerstones lead, with tender offers live H1 next year.
  • Commercial Act tweaks have tackled governance, and the tax reform boosts dividends. Today’s markets reform package addresses the last missing piece: giving minority shareholders a fair shake in M&A scenarios.
  • Details and timelines remain unclear, but the package sets a roadmap to improve Korea’s equity risk-return profile, supporting DM inclusion upside and maintaining the Korea Premium narrative.

Nota IPO Preview

By Douglas Kim

  • Nota is getting ready to complete its IPO on KOSDAQ in September. Nota specializes in lightweight and optimized artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
  • The IPO price range is from 7,600 won to 9,100 won. At this price range, the company’s expected market cap is from 163 billion won to 196 billion won. 
  • Nota provides technology that enables the efficient operation of high-performance AI models even on resource-constrained edge devices, centered around its proprietary AI model optimization platform, NetsPresso®.

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Most Read: Dian Swastatika Sentosa, Daiichi Sankyo, Pop Mart, Shibaura Electronics, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ryohin Keikaku, First Pacific Co, Samsung Life Insurance and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ): Surprise, Surprise!
  • Daiichi Sankyo Placement – US$1.2bn Deal but Momentum Isn’t the Best, Last Deal Didn’t Do Well
  • Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows
  • [Japan M&A] Minebea Matches YAGEO for Shibaura Elec (6957) At ¥6,200. Presses on Early Cashout
  • [Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Kawasaki Heavy (7012 JP)
  • [Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)
  • First Pacific (142 HK) Is Fully Valued Here
  • True Aspect (Trade-Wise) Of the Samsung Life Accounting Issue: Today’s Biggest Market Narrative
  • Japanese Retailer Red Alert Is the Reddest Ever
  • Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Yageo Goes All in with a JPY6,635 Offer


Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ): Surprise, Surprise!

By Brian Freitas

  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ) will be added to a global index in August and that should come as a surprise to most of the market.
  • The stock is up 10x over the last 18 months and liquidity has shown a marked improvement in the last year.
  • Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSSA IJ) trades at nosebleed valuations and there is the risk of a sell off following index inclusion.

Daiichi Sankyo Placement – US$1.2bn Deal but Momentum Isn’t the Best, Last Deal Didn’t Do Well

By Sumeet Singh

  • A group of shareholders are looking to raise up to US$1.2bn via selling most of their stake in Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP) .
  • While the deal shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the ongoing cross-shareholding unwind,  the last deal in the stock didn’t do well.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows

By Brian Freitas


[Japan M&A] Minebea Matches YAGEO for Shibaura Elec (6957) At ¥6,200. Presses on Early Cashout

By Travis Lundy

  • After three months of NOT matching YAGEO’s bid for Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) at ¥6,w00 as YAGEO’s proposal continues its long plod through FEFTA review, Minebea-Mitsumi has now matched ¥6,200.
  • Key is that their bid closes before the indicative deadline for YAGEO to receive word on FEFTA approval. They are hoping this bid mollifies the irrevocables and everyone else. 
  • But if YAGEO cares, it could bump to ¥6,300 tomorrow and extend its tender offer which closes on Monday. But the put option is now struck higher, which de-risks this.

[Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Kawasaki Heavy (7012 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 26 August at the close, 2 names will get added to and 5 names deleted from a global index provider’s major Japan/global “standard” index.
  • 6 of 7 changes were in the Quiddity Index predictions as of end Jun-2025. One dropped, then two got added. Our final predictions had all seven plus one more DEL.
  • These changes were well-flagged so well pre-positioned. This insight looks at shareholder structure, historical fundamental ratios, and performance vs Peers. Watch the direct peers.

[Quiddity Index] August Global Index Japan ADDs – Differing Peer Dynamics – Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)

By Travis Lundy

  • On 26 August at the close, 2 names will get added to and 5 names deleted from a global index provider’s major Japan/global “standard” index.
  • 6 of 7 changes were in the Quiddity Index predictions as of end Jun-2025. One dropped, then two got added. Our final predictions had all seven plus one more DEL.
  • They were well-flagged so well pre-positioned. This insight looks at shareholder structure, historical fundamental ratios, and performance vs Peers. This sets up a possible trade before or into the event.

First Pacific (142 HK) Is Fully Valued Here

By David Blennerhassett


True Aspect (Trade-Wise) Of the Samsung Life Accounting Issue: Today’s Biggest Market Narrative

By Sanghyun Park

  • Both accounting issues are complex, but intense regulator scrutiny fuels the Samsung Life Act case, sparking governance reshuffle bets and driving today’s Samsung Life stock pop.
  • Accounting rechecks could spark divestment fears or governance-driven rerating, creating a classic headline-driven, bidirectional trading setup.
  • Near-Term, this is a headline-driven momentum setup: Samsung Life longs/shorts, ready to pivot, with relative-value plays vs financial peers or Samsung’s governance-linked names.

Japanese Retailer Red Alert Is the Reddest Ever

By Michael Allen

  • Japan maybe facing an unprecedented heat wave this fall, threatening retailers’ profits as high-end seasonal items may not sell 
  • Six major retailers, including Fast Retailing, are at risk of serious profit declines if the weather forecasts are accurate. That’s a big “IF”, but wait, there’s more.
  • U.S. tariffs on clothing could devastate Fast Retailing’s profits there, potentially forcing them to withdraw from the U.S. market.  

Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP): Yageo Goes All in with a JPY6,635 Offer

By Arun George

  • In response to Minebea Mitsumi (6479 JP) matching its Shibaura Electronics (6957 JP) offer on 14 August, Yageo Corporation (2327 TT) increased its offer by 7.0% from JPY6,200 to JPY6,635.  
  • To remain in the game, Yageo had to bump. The latest bump underscores Yageo’s confidence in securing regulatory approvals. 
  • The Minebea CEO suggested that its JPY6,200 offer would be the final one. If Yageo secures regulatory approval (likely), Minebea will walk rather than match Yageo’s latest offer. 

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Most Read: Daiichi Sankyo, Atlas Arteria, Pop Mart, HMM Co., Ltd., KB Financial, Samsung Electronics, Lynch Group Holdings, Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25
  • Daiichi Sankyo Placement – US$1.2bn Deal but Momentum Isn’t the Best, Last Deal Didn’t Do Well
  • MV Australia Equal Weight Index Rebalance Preview: Three Potential Deletions in September
  • Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows
  • HMM Tender Side Play: Targeting a Basis Squeeze Ahead of Sep Expiry
  • UK CPI Trend Extends Excess In July
  • Korea’s Dividend Narrative Is Back: Unpacking the DP’s New Bill and Its Backstory
  • US Government May Acquire Equity Stakes in Samsung Electronics and TSMC
  • Lynch Group (LGL AU): (Another) Clean Offer From TPG
  • Hansoh Pharmaceutical (3692 HK): Placing Shares to Fund R&D Amid Stellar 1H Performance


Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25

By Brian Freitas

  • Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 5 September.
  • We highlight 6 stocks that have a higher probability of being added to the index. With the index committee entitled to a lot of discretion, there will be differences.
  • CATL completes 3 months of listing just prior to the review meeting date and is a dark horse candidate, though the committee could let the stock season for another quarter.

Daiichi Sankyo Placement – US$1.2bn Deal but Momentum Isn’t the Best, Last Deal Didn’t Do Well

By Sumeet Singh

  • A group of shareholders are looking to raise up to US$1.2bn via selling most of their stake in Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP) .
  • While the deal shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the ongoing cross-shareholding unwind,  the last deal in the stock didn’t do well.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

MV Australia Equal Weight Index Rebalance Preview: Three Potential Deletions in September

By Brian Freitas

  • Nearing the end of the review period, we forecast no inclusions to the index in September. There could be up to 3 deletions at the review though.
  • Even if there are no constituent changes, capping changes will lead to one-way turnover of 3.8% and a round-trip trade of A$232m.
  • If there are 3 deletes as forecast, one-way turnover increases to 6.3% resulting in a round-trip trade of A$384m.

Hang Seng Indexes: Announcement Tomorrow; Potential Changes & Updated Flows

By Brian Freitas


HMM Tender Side Play: Targeting a Basis Squeeze Ahead of Sep Expiry

By Sanghyun Park

  • Most traders are starting in September, rolling into October. Sep/Oct spread volume has picked up unusually fast, clearly reflecting hedge demand linked to the tender
  • As September expiry approaches, basis-squeeze risk rises, likely pushing September cheap and October expensive, widening the spread — creating a clear side trade opportunity.
  • With a basis squeeze expected near September expiry, we could enter a Sep/Oct spread (short Sep, long Oct) and also watch for spot-futures decoupling to play the cash-futures spread.

UK CPI Trend Extends Excess In July

By Phil Rush

  • Another upside surprise in UK CPI inflation extended the accumulated drift to 1.3pp over the past year, yet was only 0.2pp above our old call.
  • This outcome matched the BoE’s latest call, with airfares driving the rise, and median pressures holding slightly above a target-consistent pace, so there is less policy impact.
  • The MPC was finely balanced in its support for August’s cut, and this rise will not lead dissenters to support past action, let alone another cut, which we still doubt occurs.

Korea’s Dividend Narrative Is Back: Unpacking the DP’s New Bill and Its Backstory

By Sanghyun Park

  • A new bill cutting Korea’s dividend tax hit the tape, giving local dividend plays an immediate boost on the news flow.
  • The presidential office is aligned on pushing the dividend tax below the 27.5% CGT floor. The new party leader is also tightly syncing with the Blue House to avoid clashes.
  • The DP’s tax cut move today puts the gov’s dividend narrative back in play with juice. We need setups to ride this theme.

US Government May Acquire Equity Stakes in Samsung Electronics and TSMC

By Douglas Kim

  • According to Reuters, the US government may be interested in acquiring equity stakes in Samsung Electronics and TSMC in exchange for CHIPS and Science Act grants.
  • The US government is exploring ways to take equity stakes in these two Asian tech giants that have been expanding their semiconductor facilities in the United States.
  • If the US government decides to invest $10 billion each in Samsung Electronics and TSMC, they would represent about 3% and 1% of Samsung Electronics and TSMC’s market caps, respectively. 

Lynch Group (LGL AU): (Another) Clean Offer From TPG

By David Blennerhassett

  • Lynch Group (LGL AU), an integrated wholesale floral play, has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with  Hasfarm Holdings and Darwin Aus Bidco – both of which are TPG entities.
  • Hasfarm is offering A$2.245/share, a 28.3% premium to last close. The consideration includes a fully franked dividend of A$0.09/share. It’s April 2021 IPO price was A$3.60/share.
  • The Offer has unanimous board support. 38.5% of the register is supportive. Hasfarm has also entered into a call option for 19.9% of shares out. Done deal.

Hansoh Pharmaceutical (3692 HK): Placing Shares to Fund R&D Amid Stellar 1H Performance

By Tina Banerjee

  • Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group (3692 HK) is placing 108M shares at the price of HK$36.30 per share. 65% of the proceeds will be used for the R&D of new innovative drugs.
  • Hansoh’s late-stage pipeline seems to be interesting, as its key focus areas being oncology and metabolic diseases, which are among the fast-growing therapeutic areas, with huge addressable patient population.
  • Hansoh has announced better-than-expected 1H25 result, with both revenue and net profit beating consensus. Innovative drugs revenue increased 22% YoY to RMB6B, contributing 82.7% of total revenue.

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Most Read: HDFC Bank, Pop Mart, Gemvax & Kael, Hanon Systems, Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group , Atlas Arteria, F&F, HMM Co., Ltd. and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • NIFTY Bank Index: Big Flows & The Upcoming Methodology Change
  • Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25
  • FnGuide Semiconductor Top10 Index Rebalance Preview: Two Changes Likely in September
  • UK Excess Inflation Expectations
  • Hanon Systems Announces a Major Potential Rights Offering
  • Hansoh Pharma Placement – Somewhat Expected but Still Opportunistic
  • Pop Mart (9992 HK) – Core Reasons for High Growth and Performance Forecast
  • MV Australia Equal Weight Index Rebalance Preview: Three Potential Deletions in September
  • M&A Battle for TaylorMade
  • HMM Tender Side Play: Targeting a Basis Squeeze Ahead of Sep Expiry


NIFTY Bank Index: Big Flows & The Upcoming Methodology Change

By Brian Freitas

  • In May, SEBI recommended changes to the minimum number of constituents for non-benchmark indices and the capping for those indices. The recommendations have to be implemented by 3 November.
  • There is a high probability that NSE Indices implements the changes for the NSE Nifty Bank Index (NSEBANK INDEX) at the September rebalance. Nothing has been announced yet though.
  • If implemented in September, Yes Bank and Union Bank Of India could be added to the index. Estimated one-way turnover is 22.35% and the round-trip trade is INR 149bn (US$1.7bn). 

Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25

By Brian Freitas

  • Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 5 September.
  • We highlight 6 stocks that have a higher probability of being added to the index. With the index committee entitled to a lot of discretion, there will be differences.
  • CATL completes 3 months of listing just prior to the review meeting date and is a dark horse candidate, though the committee could let the stock season for another quarter.

FnGuide Semiconductor Top10 Index Rebalance Preview: Two Changes Likely in September

By Brian Freitas

  • With the averaging period for the October rebalance starting in two weeks, we forecast 2 changes for the FnGuide Semiconductor Top10 Index at the upcoming rebalance.
  • Based on the passive assets tracking the index, there will be between 1.5-4.7x ADV to trade in the forecast changes.
  • On average, the forecast adds have outperformed the forecast deletes by a wide margin over the last 3 months and could reverse some of the changes from the April rebalance.

UK Excess Inflation Expectations

By Phil Rush

  • The upwards trend in consensus inflation forecasts reflects persistent excess effective expectations supporting wages amid policymakers’ failure to re-anchor at the target.
  • Easing on the assumption of success predictably negated the required conditions, so we forecasted the problem. Nonetheless, expectations were also stickier than we assumed.
  • Without renewed progress, wage growth should keep trending above the BoE’s forecast, discouraging further rate cuts. Hikes may even be needed in 2026 to break excesses.

Hanon Systems Announces a Major Potential Rights Offering

By Douglas Kim

  • On 14 August, Hanon Systems (018880 KS) announced a potential rights offering capital raise. The exact amount will be finalized at the EGM next month. 
  • The significant size of the rights offering is expected to burden its largest shareholder Hankook Tire & Technology (161390 KS) which owns a 54.8% stake in Hanon Systems. 
  • We believe the potential rights offering is likely to continue to negatively impact Hanon Systems by diluting its existing shareholders. 

Hansoh Pharma Placement – Somewhat Expected but Still Opportunistic

By Sumeet Singh

  • Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group (3692 HK) aims to raise around US$500m via a primary placement.
  • The stock has done exceptionally well this year but is now trading at near its all-time highs and it doesn’t really need the cash.
  • In this note, we will talk about the deal dynamics and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Pop Mart (9992 HK) – Core Reasons for High Growth and Performance Forecast

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • In bleak consumption environment, Pop Mart is definitely an “outsider”.Explanations such as “lipstick effect” are more like a self-consistent logic, which may have some sense, but doesn’t constitute core contradiction.
  • To truly understand the investment value of Pop Mart, it’s necessary to assess future growth potential.We think overseas revenue could reach RMB16-17 billion in 2025 and RMB42 billion in 2026.
  • Net profit CAGR in 2024-2026 could be about 79.5%. Pop Mart would still maintain high growth in short-term. But after 2026, there are uncertainties of channel policies and IP-driven factors.

MV Australia Equal Weight Index Rebalance Preview: Three Potential Deletions in September

By Brian Freitas

  • Nearing the end of the review period, we forecast no inclusions to the index in September. There could be up to 3 deletions at the review though.
  • Even if there are no constituent changes, capping changes will lead to one-way turnover of 3.8% and a round-trip trade of A$232m.
  • If there are 3 deletes as forecast, one-way turnover increases to 6.3% resulting in a round-trip trade of A$384m.

M&A Battle for TaylorMade

By Douglas Kim

  • TaylorMade is up for sale. TaylorMade is one of the most valuable, golf equipment brands globally.
  • We labeled this article as Bearish due to concerns about F&F getting into this M&A battle for TaylorMade in the first place which could result in overpaying for this deal.
  • We would rather have F&F take the win and provide higher returns to its shareholders.

HMM Tender Side Play: Targeting a Basis Squeeze Ahead of Sep Expiry

By Sanghyun Park

  • Most traders are starting in September, rolling into October. Sep/Oct spread volume has picked up unusually fast, clearly reflecting hedge demand linked to the tender
  • As September expiry approaches, basis-squeeze risk rises, likely pushing September cheap and October expensive, widening the spread — creating a clear side trade opportunity.
  • With a basis squeeze expected near September expiry, we could enter a Sep/Oct spread (short Sep, long Oct) and also watch for spot-futures decoupling to play the cash-futures spread.

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Most Read: Sanrio, Santos Ltd, Isupetasys, Shibaura Electronics, Smart Share Global, HMM Co., Ltd., Pop Mart, Mayne Pharma, Japan Business Systems and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning
  • HMM: Tender Offer of 8% of Outstanding Shares and Cancellation
  • Merger Arb Mondays (18 Aug) – Santos, Shibaura, ENN Energy, Kangji, OneConnect, Smart Share
  • KOSPI Size Indices: Passive Flows for Many Active Changes
  • FEFTA Classification Changes Summer 2025
  • Smart Share Global (EM US): Hillhouse Crashes The Party. And Rightfully So
  • Today’s HMM Tender Follow-Up Disclosure and Hedge Ratio Setup
  • Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25
  • Mayne Pharma (MYX AU): Got to Know when to Hold ‘em, when to Fold ’em
  • [Japan ECM/Index] Japan Business Systems (5036) Offering Triggers Move to TOPIX


Nikkei 225 Index Rebalance Sep25: Performance of Potential Adds/Deletes & Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • The changes to the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) as part of the September rebalance should be announced in just over 2 weeks. We expect 2 changes at the review.
  • BayCurrent Consulting‘s PAF will double, Fast Retailing‘s CPAF will stay the same, and Sony Financial Group will be deleted from the index following its spinoff from Sony Corp (6758 JP)
  • Sanrio (8136 JP)‘s improved liquidity increases the probability of index inclusion, and the stock could be added to the index at the next rebalance if it misses in September.

HMM: Tender Offer of 8% of Outstanding Shares and Cancellation

By Douglas Kim

  • After the market close on 14 August, HMM Co., Ltd. (011200 KS) announced a tender offer of 81.8 million treasury shares (8% of outstanding shares).
  • An even bigger factor on HMM’s share price than this tender offer could be the continued decline in the global shipping rates which is negative on the company. 
  • Overall, we would be cautious on HMM over the next one year. HMM also reported worse than expected operating profit in 2Q 2025 due to weaker global shipping rates.


KOSPI Size Indices: Passive Flows for Many Active Changes

By Brian Freitas

  • The review period for the September rebalance of the KOSPI Size Indices commenced on 1 June and will end on 31 August.
  • Nearing the end of the review period, we forecast 49 migrating stocks. Among new listings, 1 stock could be added to LargeCap, 3 to MidCap and 1 to SmallCap.
  • There are a number of stocks that will have passive flow from global index trackers over the next few weeks, while some are potential changes to the KOSPI2 in December.

FEFTA Classification Changes Summer 2025

By Travis Lundy

  • The Ministry of Finance has published an updated “FEFTA List” of classifications of listed companies as of July 15, 2025. 
  • 50 names lowered their ranks from the most “core” Type 3 to Type 2(20), or Type 1(30). 104 names raised from Type 1(51) or Type 2(53) to Type 3.
  • Smartkarma readers may want to peruse the lists and details to see if they think companies are trying to protect themselves (from threats as yet not known by the public).

Smart Share Global (EM US): Hillhouse Crashes The Party. And Rightfully So

By David Blennerhassett

  • Nearly seven months after receiving a preliminary non-binding proposal, Smart Share Global (EM US) announced on the 1st August a firm Offer had been entered into.
  • The Offeror consortium, led by Mars Guangyuan Cai, Chairman and CEO,  made an Offer of US$1.25/ADS, a 74.8% premium to last close; but ~20% below net cash + short-term investments.
  • Now Hillhouse has thrown its hat into the ring with a US$1.77/ADS NBIO. Smart Share’s special committee of independent directors should engage. 

Today’s HMM Tender Follow-Up Disclosure and Hedge Ratio Setup

By Sanghyun Park

  • KOBC’s core mission hinges on HMM; without it, no real mandate. Structural incentive to hold remains, so its active tender participation is still questionable.
  • Still, max proration risk seems base case, with weak Q2, soft Q3 freight outlook, and post-tender skew pointing bearish for HMM.
  • Spread >10% makes this too good to pass, but should also watch policy risk — better to lock futures hedge early as flows show players scrambling for cover.

Hang Seng Index (HSI) Rebalance Preview: Inclusion Candidates for Sep25

By Brian Freitas

  • Post market close on Friday, Hang Seng Indexes will announce the changes for the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) that will be implemented at the close on 5 September.
  • We highlight 6 stocks that have a higher probability of being added to the index. With the index committee entitled to a lot of discretion, there will be differences.
  • CATL completes 3 months of listing just prior to the review meeting date and is a dark horse candidate, though the committee could let the stock season for another quarter.

Mayne Pharma (MYX AU): Got to Know when to Hold ‘em, when to Fold ’em

By Arun George

  • On 17 May, Cosette asserted that a material adverse change had occurred. Mayne Pharma (MYX AU) disputes the claim with court proceedings set to start on 22 September. 
  • Mayne’s FY25 results on 29 August should provide incremental clarity, but not a definite answer, on the MAC breach relating to maintainable EBITDA (decline by at least A$10.76 million).
  • The outcome of the trial remains uncertain as both Mayne and Cosette have valid arguments. Risk/reward is attractive – upside (43.1% to offer) vs the downside (22.3% to deal-break price).  

[Japan ECM/Index] Japan Business Systems (5036) Offering Triggers Move to TOPIX

By Travis Lundy

  • Japan Business Systems (5036 JP) today announced a couple of interesting things. First, admission to TOPIX (contingent on a successful secondary offering of shares, also announced today). 
  • Then a ¥5/share special commemorative dividend (0.4%) and a “gift” of 4% of the company to a J-ESOP Trust for employees, where the company gifts the shares.
  • The latter looks aggressive/generous, but the modalities here are interesting. 

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