Category

Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Utilities: Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Utilities Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • How Much Can ‘effort Targets’ Speed up the Narrowing of the Gender Pay Gap?


How Much Can ‘effort Targets’ Speed up the Narrowing of the Gender Pay Gap?

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Since very few companies disclosed challenges, efforts to resolve them and progress, it’s unlikely that ‘gender pay gap’ will be disclosed in convincing manner, with this being the only exception.
  • Japan’s Law for the Promotion of Women’s Activities does not prohibit gender discrimination and is not legally binding on gender equality, so the wage gap is only an effort target.
  • While some proactive companies may accelerate their efforts as disclosures reveal gender pay gap, many are likely to move at modest pace to match the pace of those around them.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Industrials: LG Energy Solution, Ohba Co Ltd, J&T Global Express, Stanley Black & Decker, Sunrun Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bonds Worth US$2 Billion
  • Initiation – OHBA (9765 JP)
  • J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 3: ‘New Markets’ & X-Border | Our Initial EV Estimate Is US$8.6 Bn
  • Stanley Black & Decker: Are The $200 Million Cost Savings Enough? – Key Drivers
  • Sunrun Inc.: A Game-Changing New Home Solar Offering! – Key Drivers


LG Chem: To Issue Exchangeable Bonds Worth US$2 Billion

By Douglas Kim

  • On 11 July, LG Chem announced that it would issue foreign currency exchangeable bonds worth US$2 billion to raise funs to expansion into its rechargeable battery materials. 
  • Investors in LG Energy Solution will likely have a more positive view of this EB issue rather than a block sale of common shares, because of lack of price discount.
  • We believe LG Chem is not done in selling its shares of LGES as we think LG Chem is likely to sell additional 5-10% stake in LGES in 3-5 years. 

Initiation – OHBA (9765 JP)

By Sessa Investment Research

  • OHBA is a general construction consulting firm boasting a leading market share in the field of urban development, with potential to reap the benefits of the long- term shift to compact and smart cities in rural areas.
  • Since its establishment in 1922, the company has been involved in various stages of public works projects preceding the construction phase, such as urban planning, land readjustment, surveying, and land development, in Japan, where the separation of design and construction is mandatory
  • This commenced with the development of Togoshi New Town (1932), which OHBA undertook in partnership with Mitsui Gomei and Mitsui Trust.

J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 3: ‘New Markets’ & X-Border | Our Initial EV Estimate Is US$8.6 Bn

By Daniel Hellberg

  • After analyzing J&T’s Chinese and SE Asian operations in previous insights, in this note we turn to the company’s ‘Others’ segment, made up of New Markets and X-Border logistics
  • Compared to China and SE Asia, J&T’s New Markets and X-Border logistics business lines are small (just 11% of 2022 Revenue) but could offer attractive growth in the medium-term
  • We conclude this insight with a preliminary sum-of-parts valuation of J&T as a whole. Based on available information, our initial estimate of J&T’s EV is US$8.6 bn (pre-IPO)

Stanley Black & Decker: Are The $200 Million Cost Savings Enough? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Stanley Black & Decker delivered a mixed set of results in its most recent result, with revenues falling short of Wall Street expectations but above-par earnings.
  • Stanley Black & Decker generated free cash flow of $1.1 billion, up 36% year-over-year, and returned $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
  • We give Stanley Black & Decker a ‘Hold’ rating with a revised target price.

Sunrun Inc.: A Game-Changing New Home Solar Offering! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Sunrun delivered a mixed set of results in its most recent result, with revenues above Wall Street expectations but below-par earnings.
  • Sunrun’s outlook includes guiding growth in solar energy capacity installed and an expected increase in storage attachment rates.
  • This service is designed to optimize the value of solar energy following California’s latest solar policy, the net billing tariff.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Financials: Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Square Inc, Pioneer Credit, Shui On Land, Realty Income, Metlife Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Utkarsh Small Finance Bank IPO- Forensic Analysis
  • Vista Land & Lifescapes – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics
  • Block: When A Flat Share Price Is A Cause Of Concern
  • Pioneer Credit Limited – Debt Driven Recovery
  • Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land
  • Realty Income: A Potential Inflection Point Has Surfaced (Rating Upgrade)
  • MetLife Inc.: Achieving Favorable Underwriting Results with Strict Price Discipline! – Key Drivers


Utkarsh Small Finance Bank IPO- Forensic Analysis

By Nitin Mangal

  • Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (1639303D IN) IPO opens for subscription this week.
  • The company currently is fifth largest SFB in India and has demonstrated robust growth in loan portfolio, deposits and improved productivity in the last two years.
  • However, one must be cautious of the write offs worth INR 6 bn done in the last two years which benefitted the NPAs

Vista Land & Lifescapes – Tear Sheet – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

We view Vista Land & Lifescapes (VLL) as “High Risk” on the LARA scale. This is mainly in consideration of the company’s weak financial profile, with high leverage and inadequate Cash/Short-term Debt coverage. Moreover, there are large ongoing related-party transactions. Positively, the company enjoys high margins. It also has a sizeable portfolio of investment properties and long-term securities investments, which supports the balance sheet and provides recurring income.

Our fundamental Credit Bias is “Negative”, considering the company’s track record of negative FCF generation and inadequate liquidity. Moreover, the challenging macroeconomic conditions (with rising costs and interest rates) may impact its margins and financing costs. That said, we believe VLL has good access to funding, which mitigates its debt repayment risk. In addition, we believe the controlling shareholders have a strong incentive to support VLL if needed.

We initiate coverage with a “Hold” recommendation on the VLLPM notes. We deem the yield unattractive. That said, market technicals appear robust, possibly supported by demand from private banks and local investors.


Block: When A Flat Share Price Is A Cause Of Concern

By Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

  • Block’s share price has remained relatively flat over the past year, but that’s hardly good news.
  • The highly supportive outside environment was not able to propel the share price anywhere near its previous highs.
  • When adjusting for risks, Block remains as one of the worst performers within its peer group, according to analysts.

Pioneer Credit Limited – Debt Driven Recovery

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Pioneer Credit Limited (ASX:PNC) was founded in 2009 and listed on the ASX in 2014.
  • The company has grown to be one of the leading acquirers and managers of impaired credit in Australia by; maintaining strong customer engagement, an unblemished compliance record with ASIC, consistently good Net Promoter Score from customers and strong relationships with Australia’s largest bank and non-bank lenders.
  • PNC currently purchases debt from 18 different vendor partners with long-term partnership purchasing arrangements in place with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA). 

Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


Realty Income: A Potential Inflection Point Has Surfaced (Rating Upgrade)

By Pearl Gray Equity and Research

  • A cyclical pivot within the retail space is likely as consumer sentiment in the U.S. and the United Kingdom has started recovering.
  • Receding market risk premiums could lend the REIT the necessary latitude to gain value.
  • Today we turn our attention to Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), a retail-centric Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) known to many as the “monthly dividend company.”

MetLife Inc.: Achieving Favorable Underwriting Results with Strict Price Discipline! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • MetLife delivered a disappointing set of results as the company was unable to meet the revenue as well as the earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • The company achieved substantial revenue growth in the majority of its main businesses and markets, including Group Benefits, Asia, and Latin America.
  • Furthermore, adjusted earnings for Retirement and Income Solutions was $400 million, a decrease from the previous year due to reduced variable investment income.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Japan: Plus Alpha Consulting, Seven & I Holdings, Rorze Corp, Ohba Co Ltd, Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index Topix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) – ¥30bn Offer Leads to ¥5bn TOPIX Inclusion
  • Seven & I: 7-Eleven US Poses Challenges for FY24 Guidance
  • Rorze (6323) | Q1 Miss, Buying Opp
  • Initiation – OHBA (9765 JP)
  • How Much Can ‘effort Targets’ Speed up the Narrowing of the Gender Pay Gap?


Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) – ¥30bn Offer Leads to ¥5bn TOPIX Inclusion

By Travis Lundy

  • Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) listed on TSE Growth at end-June 2021 at ¥2300/share, which was 90x the trailing fiscal year’s earnings. but only about 65x then-current year earnings.
  • The stock popped 20+% on Day 1 to close ¥2803. Last Friday, two years and 13% higher at ¥3185/share, the company announced a Secondary Offering and move to TSE Prime.
  • It’s a big offering. It’s a smaller TOPIX inclusion event. Next spring we’ll see more upweights.  

Seven & I: 7-Eleven US Poses Challenges for FY24 Guidance

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • Gasoline retail prices have caught up with declining wholesale prices, and it should lead to around 16-20% QoQ decrease in retail fuel margin to ¥35-37 cents per gallon.
  • US gas station merchandise sales exhibited weak performance this year, experiencing YoY growth rates of 5%, -2%, -15%, -17%, and -22% during the first five months.
  • We anticipate around 25% downside for Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) after earnings, as it may face challenges in achieving its FY24 guidance.

Rorze (6323) | Q1 Miss, Buying Opp

By Mark Chadwick

  • Rorze’s stock price has risen 35% since we became bullish on the stock in August
  • Q1 sales and operating profits big miss versus analyst consensus due to slowing semicon capex cycle
  • We would be buying into any stock weakness with an eye on recovery in 2H23 into 2024

Initiation – OHBA (9765 JP)

By Sessa Investment Research

  • OHBA is a general construction consulting firm boasting a leading market share in the field of urban development, with potential to reap the benefits of the long- term shift to compact and smart cities in rural areas.
  • Since its establishment in 1922, the company has been involved in various stages of public works projects preceding the construction phase, such as urban planning, land readjustment, surveying, and land development, in Japan, where the separation of design and construction is mandatory
  • This commenced with the development of Togoshi New Town (1932), which OHBA undertook in partnership with Mitsui Gomei and Mitsui Trust.

How Much Can ‘effort Targets’ Speed up the Narrowing of the Gender Pay Gap?

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Since very few companies disclosed challenges, efforts to resolve them and progress, it’s unlikely that ‘gender pay gap’ will be disclosed in convincing manner, with this being the only exception.
  • Japan’s Law for the Promotion of Women’s Activities does not prohibit gender discrimination and is not legally binding on gender equality, so the wage gap is only an effort target.
  • While some proactive companies may accelerate their efforts as disclosures reveal gender pay gap, many are likely to move at modest pace to match the pace of those around them.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief United States: Moderna Inc, Netgear Inc, Square Inc, Sonos Inc, SS&C Technologies, Stanley Black & Decker, Sunpower Corp, Sunrun Inc, Teladoc Health, Inc., McCormick & Company and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Moderna Inc (MRNA US) – What Would Happen After Moderna Enters China?
  • NTGR: Easing Inventory Concern
  • Block: When A Flat Share Price Is A Cause Of Concern
  • Sonos Inc.: A Brave Attempt To Steer Clear of Macroeconomic Headwinds! – Key Drivers
  • SS&C Technologies Holdings: New Products
  • Stanley Black & Decker: Are The $200 Million Cost Savings Enough? – Key Drivers
  • SunPower Corporation: A Story Of Market Expansion and Digital Enhancements! – Key Drivers
  • Sunrun Inc.: A Game-Changing New Home Solar Offering! – Key Drivers
  • Teladoc Health Inc.: Can It Maintain Its Leadership Position In Digital Healthcare? – Key Drivers
  • McCormick & Company: A Spicy Investment Opportunity? – Key Drivers


Moderna Inc (MRNA US) – What Would Happen After Moderna Enters China?

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Moderna’s move into China helps ease its current performance difficulties. But China has its own regulations/policies on vaccines. Whether Moderna can successfully adapt/stand out in China remains to be seen.
  • The entire vaccine industry in China is expected to undergo significant changes. We listed the companies in this industrial chain that would benefit from the successful signing with Moderna.
  • An important signal behind this deal is that while significant differences remain at the top, mutually beneficial business cooperation between China and US will continue, providing investors with additional options/confidence.

NTGR: Easing Inventory Concern

By Hamed Khorsand

  • NTGR has spent the last two years adjusting to a consumer spending environment post pandemic and should begin to show greater benefits of the new business strategy 
  • The inventory rebalancing at NTGR’s main retailers is mostly sorted out and NTGR has been putting greater emphasis on its super premium wireless systems
  • NTGR’s ability to generate free cash flow this year should improve investor sentiment in owning the stock.

Block: When A Flat Share Price Is A Cause Of Concern

By Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

  • Block’s share price has remained relatively flat over the past year, but that’s hardly good news.
  • The highly supportive outside environment was not able to propel the share price anywhere near its previous highs.
  • When adjusting for risks, Block remains as one of the worst performers within its peer group, according to analysts.

Sonos Inc.: A Brave Attempt To Steer Clear of Macroeconomic Headwinds! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Sonos delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat in the last quarter.
  • The reported revenues were slightly ahead of expectations, although there was a decrease compared to the previous year.
  • Sonos observed softening demand in the home theater category due to macroeconomic factors and increased competition but managed to gain market share.

SS&C Technologies Holdings: New Products

By Baptista Research

  • SS&C Technologies delivered a mixed set of results for the previous quarter with revenues above analyst expectations but below-par earnings.
  • With a focus on innovation and investment in key areas, SS&C Technologies saw growth in various segments, including alternatives, global investor and distribution services, retirement, and the Institutional and Investment Manager segment.
  • SS&C Technologies’ strong financial performance and customer satisfaction are anticipated to position the company as a trusted partner in the financial services sector.

Stanley Black & Decker: Are The $200 Million Cost Savings Enough? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Stanley Black & Decker delivered a mixed set of results in its most recent result, with revenues falling short of Wall Street expectations but above-par earnings.
  • Stanley Black & Decker generated free cash flow of $1.1 billion, up 36% year-over-year, and returned $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
  • We give Stanley Black & Decker a ‘Hold’ rating with a revised target price.

SunPower Corporation: A Story Of Market Expansion and Digital Enhancements! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • SunPower delivered a mixed set of results for the previous quarter with revenues above the analyst consensus estimates.
  • Despite challenges like unfavorable weather conditions in California and increased costs, its management remains confident in achieving its financial goals.
  • SunPower added many new customers, with revenue experiencing notable growth driven by price increases.

Sunrun Inc.: A Game-Changing New Home Solar Offering! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Sunrun delivered a mixed set of results in its most recent result, with revenues above Wall Street expectations but below-par earnings.
  • Sunrun’s outlook includes guiding growth in solar energy capacity installed and an expected increase in storage attachment rates.
  • This service is designed to optimize the value of solar energy following California’s latest solar policy, the net billing tariff.

Teladoc Health Inc.: Can It Maintain Its Leadership Position In Digital Healthcare? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Teladoc Health managed to surpass the revenue expectations as well as the earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • Consolidated revenue grew by 11% year-over-year, exceeding their guidance range, and their consolidated adjusted EBITDA also exceeded expectations.
  • We give Teladoc Health a ‘Hold’ rating with a revised target price.

McCormick & Company: A Spicy Investment Opportunity? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • McCormick managed to exceed the revenue expectations as well as the earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • The company’s sales performance reflects the strength of its diverse worldwide portfolio as well as the successful implementation of its strategy.
  • Additionally, McCormick is extending into the quickly developing Mexican aisle with Cholula’s true Mexican flavor in new formats.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief China: Chindata Group, Shougang Fushan Resources, Playmates Toys, Ant Financial Services Group, J&T Global Express, BeiGene Ltd, Syngenta Group, Tencent, Shui On Land and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Chindata: Bain’s Move Spurs China Merchants Into Action
  • Shougang Fushan Resources (639 HK): Partial Offer at HK$2.40
  • Playmates Toys: Movie and Toy Reviews TMNT Mutant Mayhem Suggest Big Upside Ahead
  • Ant Group Proposes Share Buyback at Roughly 30% of IPO Valuation
  • J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 3: ‘New Markets’ & X-Border | Our Initial EV Estimate Is US$8.6 Bn
  • BeiGene (6160.HK/​BGNE.US) – Novatis Chose to Escape Before Tragedy of TIGIT Truly Comes
  • Syngenta Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Margins Remain Razor Thin and Parent on Sanction List
  • [Tencent (700 HK, BUY, TP HK$450) TP Change]: “DNF Mobile” And Strong Ads Are Two Catalysts
  • Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land


Chindata: Bain’s Move Spurs China Merchants Into Action

By David Blennerhassett

  • My read of Bain’s Offer last month, was a tactic to flesh out a competing Offer.  It seemed unlikely Bain would get the regulatory approval to take Chindata (CD US) private. 
  • Now state-backed China Merchants Capital Holdings International Ltd. has made a non-binding offer of $9.20/ADS, compared to $8/ADS from Bain.
  • This Offer is indicative. But an SOE taking over data centres makes a lot of sense. 

Shougang Fushan Resources (639 HK): Partial Offer at HK$2.40

By Arun George

  • Shougang Fushan Resources (639 HK) has launched a partial offer to acquire a maximum of 125.0m shares (2.47% of outstanding) at HK$2.40 per share, a 17.6% premium to the undisturbed price.
  • The partial offer is conditional on approval by more than 50% of disinterested shares and the shareholder approval of the whitewash waiver. There is no minimum acceptance condition.
  • The 2020 partial offer, which was at a 9.3% premium to the undisturbed price and -17% below the current offer, was overwhelmingly approved. Therefore, the current offer should be approved.  

Playmates Toys: Movie and Toy Reviews TMNT Mutant Mayhem Suggest Big Upside Ahead

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • Three weeks ahead of the global launch of TMNT Mutant Mayhem momentum is building
  • Google Trends searches reveal rising interest in both movies and toys
  • Risk/Reward is still highly attractive, last time a TMNT movie was a success stock hit 4 HKD

Ant Group Proposes Share Buyback at Roughly 30% of IPO Valuation

By Caixin Global

  • Ant Group Co. Ltd. has offered to buy back some shares at a whopping 70% discount to the unrealized valuation for its ill-fated IPO, shortly after regulators hit the fintech giant with an almost $1 billion fine.
  • Ant Group announced Saturday that it had proposed to repurchase as much as 7.6% at a price that values the company at approximately 567 billion yuan ($78 billion).
  • The offer represents a roughly 40% discount to the approximate 960 billion yuan figure achieved in Ant Group’s last fundraising round in 2018, and is around 70% cheaper than the 2.1 trillion yuan valuation touted in its planned 2020 IPO.

J&T Global Express Pre-IPO, Part 3: ‘New Markets’ & X-Border | Our Initial EV Estimate Is US$8.6 Bn

By Daniel Hellberg

  • After analyzing J&T’s Chinese and SE Asian operations in previous insights, in this note we turn to the company’s ‘Others’ segment, made up of New Markets and X-Border logistics
  • Compared to China and SE Asia, J&T’s New Markets and X-Border logistics business lines are small (just 11% of 2022 Revenue) but could offer attractive growth in the medium-term
  • We conclude this insight with a preliminary sum-of-parts valuation of J&T as a whole. Based on available information, our initial estimate of J&T’s EV is US$8.6 bn (pre-IPO)

BeiGene (6160.HK/​BGNE.US) – Novatis Chose to Escape Before Tragedy of TIGIT Truly Comes

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • BeiGene and Novartis mutually terminate the Option Agreement on ociperlimab. Our interpretation is Novartis may think its clinical data wouldn’t meet expectations, and is therefore unwilling to take the risk.
  • Theoretically, BeiGene still has the possibility of creating miracles to turn things around, but based on the current situation, the risk of TIGIT project failure is already very high.
  • We suggest that investors can reduce the position of BeiGene in advance or even consider offload entirely (In case its stock price falls due to unsatisfactory clinical data in 23H2).

Syngenta Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Margins Remain Razor Thin and Parent on Sanction List

By Clarence Chu

  • Syngenta Group (1844795D CH) is looking to raise around US$9.2bn in its upcoming China A-share IPO.
  • Syngenta Group (Syngenta) is one of the largest agricultural firms globally, developing, producing and commercializing a portfolio of crop protection, seeds, crop nutrition products.
  • In this note, we will talk about the not so positive aspects of the deal.

[Tencent (700 HK, BUY, TP HK$450) TP Change]: “DNF Mobile” And Strong Ads Are Two Catalysts

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect that Tencent’s 2Q23’s rev./non-IFRS net income to be 0.2%/5.2% vs cons. 
  • We raise Tencent’s ads growth in 2Q23 from 18.2% to 28.4% YoY per our recent checks with ads agencies. 
  • There is an increasing possibility that “DNF Mobile” could be launched in the next several quarters. We raise the TP to $450, which implies 20.1X PE in 2023.

Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Indonesia: Cinema XXI, Shui On Land and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Positive – High Market Share, Steady Recovery
  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Negatives – Private Placement, Not a Primary Raising
  • Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land


Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Positive – High Market Share, Steady Recovery

By Sumeet Singh

  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) aims to raise up to US$160m in its Indonesia IPO.
  • Cinema XXI is a premium theatrical exhibition, F&B and experience company. It is the largest cinema chain operator in Indonesia.
  • In this note, we talk about the positive aspects of the deal.

Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Negatives – Private Placement, Not a Primary Raising

By Sumeet Singh

  • Cinema XXI (CINEMA IJ) aims to raise up to US$160m in its Indonesia IPO.
  • Cinema XXI is a premium theatrical exhibition, F&B and experience company. It is the largest cinema chain operator in Indonesia.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

Morning Views Asia: Agung Podomoro Land, Shui On Land

By Charles Macgregor

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Health Care: BeiGene Ltd, Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd, Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Moderna Inc, Recce Ltd, Teladoc Health, Inc. and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • BeiGene (6160.HK/​BGNE.US) – Novatis Chose to Escape Before Tragedy of TIGIT Truly Comes
  • Dr Lal PathLabs (DLPL IN): Strong Trajectory in Non-COVID Business; Positive Industry Outlook
  • 5 in 5 with Sri Trang Gloves Thailand – Touch Of Life
  • Moderna Inc (MRNA US) – What Would Happen After Moderna Enters China?
  • Recce Pharmaceuticals – Gearing up for more R327 studies
  • Teladoc Health Inc.: Can It Maintain Its Leadership Position In Digital Healthcare? – Key Drivers


BeiGene (6160.HK/​BGNE.US) – Novatis Chose to Escape Before Tragedy of TIGIT Truly Comes

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • BeiGene and Novartis mutually terminate the Option Agreement on ociperlimab. Our interpretation is Novartis may think its clinical data wouldn’t meet expectations, and is therefore unwilling to take the risk.
  • Theoretically, BeiGene still has the possibility of creating miracles to turn things around, but based on the current situation, the risk of TIGIT project failure is already very high.
  • We suggest that investors can reduce the position of BeiGene in advance or even consider offload entirely (In case its stock price falls due to unsatisfactory clinical data in 23H2).

Dr Lal PathLabs (DLPL IN): Strong Trajectory in Non-COVID Business; Positive Industry Outlook

By Tina Banerjee

  • Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd (DLPL IN) reported 14% and 16%, YoY, revenue growth from its non-COVID business in 4QFY23 and FY23, respectively.
  • The company’s base business is now back to pre-COVID trajectory. Margins are also nearing pre-COVID level. Going ahead, the company has couple of margin levers.
  • Due to lesser competitive threat and uncertainty over COVID, FY24 is lesser challenging than the previous year. The company expects higher revenue growth in FY24 than FY23.

5 in 5 with Sri Trang Gloves Thailand – Touch Of Life

By Geoff Howie

5 in 5 with Sri Trang Gloves Thailand – Touch Of Life

Moderna Inc (MRNA US) – What Would Happen After Moderna Enters China?

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Moderna’s move into China helps ease its current performance difficulties. But China has its own regulations/policies on vaccines. Whether Moderna can successfully adapt/stand out in China remains to be seen.
  • The entire vaccine industry in China is expected to undergo significant changes. We listed the companies in this industrial chain that would benefit from the successful signing with Moderna.
  • An important signal behind this deal is that while significant differences remain at the top, mutually beneficial business cooperation between China and US will continue, providing investors with additional options/confidence.

Recce Pharmaceuticals – Gearing up for more R327 studies

By Edison Investment Research

Recent months have been eventful for Recce Pharmaceuticals, with the company presenting its Q323 operational update and announcing ethics approval in April 2023 to commence Phase I/II clinical trials in healthy volunteers for the intravenous (IV) formulation of its lead broad-spectrum synthetic polymer anti-infective compound, RECCE 327 (R327), using a more rapid infusion rate. The Phase I part of the study will assess faster infusion rates of R327 in c 16 healthy participants across three cohorts, with the first cohort recently having successfully completed a 2,500mg R327 dose. A Phase II efficacy study in patients with uncomplicated or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is expected to commence in H2 CY23. While several potential value inflection points may arise in the next 12 months, obtaining financing is likely to be a near-term strategic priority given the current cash at hand (A$4.6m at 28 April 2023). We value Recce at A$535.6m, up from A$497.4m previously.


Teladoc Health Inc.: Can It Maintain Its Leadership Position In Digital Healthcare? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Teladoc Health managed to surpass the revenue expectations as well as the earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • Consolidated revenue grew by 11% year-over-year, exceeding their guidance range, and their consolidated adjusted EBITDA also exceeded expectations.
  • We give Teladoc Health a ‘Hold’ rating with a revised target price.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Chindata Group, Ant Financial Services Group, Posco DX, Rorze Corp, Fadu , Netgear Inc, Tencent, SS&C Technologies, Sunpower Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Chindata: Bain’s Move Spurs China Merchants Into Action
  • Ant Group Proposes Share Buyback at Roughly 30% of IPO Valuation
  • POSCO DX Could Switch Its Listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI by End of 2023
  • Rorze (6323) | Q1 Miss, Buying Opp
  • Fadu Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison – Hardly Comparable in Scale to Its Peers
  • NTGR: Easing Inventory Concern
  • [Tencent (700 HK, BUY, TP HK$450) TP Change]: “DNF Mobile” And Strong Ads Are Two Catalysts
  • SS&C Technologies Holdings: New Products
  • SunPower Corporation: A Story Of Market Expansion and Digital Enhancements! – Key Drivers


Chindata: Bain’s Move Spurs China Merchants Into Action

By David Blennerhassett

  • My read of Bain’s Offer last month, was a tactic to flesh out a competing Offer.  It seemed unlikely Bain would get the regulatory approval to take Chindata (CD US) private. 
  • Now state-backed China Merchants Capital Holdings International Ltd. has made a non-binding offer of $9.20/ADS, compared to $8/ADS from Bain.
  • This Offer is indicative. But an SOE taking over data centres makes a lot of sense. 

Ant Group Proposes Share Buyback at Roughly 30% of IPO Valuation

By Caixin Global

  • Ant Group Co. Ltd. has offered to buy back some shares at a whopping 70% discount to the unrealized valuation for its ill-fated IPO, shortly after regulators hit the fintech giant with an almost $1 billion fine.
  • Ant Group announced Saturday that it had proposed to repurchase as much as 7.6% at a price that values the company at approximately 567 billion yuan ($78 billion).
  • The offer represents a roughly 40% discount to the approximate 960 billion yuan figure achieved in Ant Group’s last fundraising round in 2018, and is around 70% cheaper than the 2.1 trillion yuan valuation touted in its planned 2020 IPO.

POSCO DX Could Switch Its Listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI by End of 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • On 10 July, it was reported in the Hankyung Business Daily that Posco DX (022100 KS) could switch its listing from KOSDAQ to KOSPI by the end of 2023.
  • One of the key reasons for the change in the listing venue from KOSDAQ to KOSPI is that POSCO Group believes this could lead to improved valuations for the company.
  • We believe the valuations of Posco DX have become too high. Therefore, we have a Negative View of Posco DX at current prices. 

Rorze (6323) | Q1 Miss, Buying Opp

By Mark Chadwick

  • Rorze’s stock price has risen 35% since we became bullish on the stock in August
  • Q1 sales and operating profits big miss versus analyst consensus due to slowing semicon capex cycle
  • We would be buying into any stock weakness with an eye on recovery in 2H23 into 2024

Fadu Pre-IPO – Peer Comparison – Hardly Comparable in Scale to Its Peers

By Ethan Aw

  • Fadu (440110 KS) is looking to raise up to US$147m in its Korean IPO.
  • Fadu is a South Korean fabless semiconductor maker mainly engaged in flash storage technology innovation. Its core products are Enterprise Solid State Drive (SSD) and Enterprise SSDs.
  • In our previous notes, we looked at the company’s past performance. In this note, we talk about peer comparison.

NTGR: Easing Inventory Concern

By Hamed Khorsand

  • NTGR has spent the last two years adjusting to a consumer spending environment post pandemic and should begin to show greater benefits of the new business strategy 
  • The inventory rebalancing at NTGR’s main retailers is mostly sorted out and NTGR has been putting greater emphasis on its super premium wireless systems
  • NTGR’s ability to generate free cash flow this year should improve investor sentiment in owning the stock.

[Tencent (700 HK, BUY, TP HK$450) TP Change]: “DNF Mobile” And Strong Ads Are Two Catalysts

By Shawn Yang

  • We expect that Tencent’s 2Q23’s rev./non-IFRS net income to be 0.2%/5.2% vs cons. 
  • We raise Tencent’s ads growth in 2Q23 from 18.2% to 28.4% YoY per our recent checks with ads agencies. 
  • There is an increasing possibility that “DNF Mobile” could be launched in the next several quarters. We raise the TP to $450, which implies 20.1X PE in 2023.

SS&C Technologies Holdings: New Products

By Baptista Research

  • SS&C Technologies delivered a mixed set of results for the previous quarter with revenues above analyst expectations but below-par earnings.
  • With a focus on innovation and investment in key areas, SS&C Technologies saw growth in various segments, including alternatives, global investor and distribution services, retirement, and the Institutional and Investment Manager segment.
  • SS&C Technologies’ strong financial performance and customer satisfaction are anticipated to position the company as a trusted partner in the financial services sector.

SunPower Corporation: A Story Of Market Expansion and Digital Enhancements! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • SunPower delivered a mixed set of results for the previous quarter with revenues above the analyst consensus estimates.
  • Despite challenges like unfavorable weather conditions in California and increased costs, its management remains confident in achieving its financial goals.
  • SunPower added many new customers, with revenue experiencing notable growth driven by price increases.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief Consumer: LG Energy Solution, Plus Alpha Consulting, Playmates Toys, Cinema XXI, Seven & I Holdings, McCormick & Company, Sonos Inc, WD-40 Company and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • LG Energy – Quick Thoughts on US$2bn EB Offering by Parent
  • LG Chem Official ₩2.6T EB Issuance (1.6% of LG Energy SO): Details & Trading Considerations
  • Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) – ¥30bn Offer Leads to ¥5bn TOPIX Inclusion
  • Playmates Toys: Movie and Toy Reviews TMNT Mutant Mayhem Suggest Big Upside Ahead
  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Positive – High Market Share, Steady Recovery
  • Seven & I: 7-Eleven US Poses Challenges for FY24 Guidance
  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Negatives – Private Placement, Not a Primary Raising
  • McCormick & Company: A Spicy Investment Opportunity? – Key Drivers
  • Sonos Inc.: A Brave Attempt To Steer Clear of Macroeconomic Headwinds! – Key Drivers
  • WDFC: No Margin Benefit


LG Energy – Quick Thoughts on US$2bn EB Offering by Parent

By Sumeet Singh

  • LG Chem Ltd (051910 KS) aims to raise around US$2bn via offering 2028 and 2030 puttable USD exchangeable bonds for LG Energy Solution (373220 KS) shares.
  • LG Chem (LGC) had been rumoured to sell down some of its stake in LG Energy Solutions (LGES), hence, this deal will remove the overhang on LGES.
  • In this note, we have a quick look at the deal and provide our thoughts on the structure.

LG Chem Official ₩2.6T EB Issuance (1.6% of LG Energy SO): Details & Trading Considerations

By Sanghyun Park

  • The exchange prices are ₩687,500 and ₩715,000 at a premium of 25-30% to the closing price of LG Energy Solution today.
  • The commencement date for both the 5-year and 7-year bonds’ exchange is August 28th.
  • We should design a strategic setup that targets a band play within the current price range and the low ₩700,000 range.

Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) – ¥30bn Offer Leads to ¥5bn TOPIX Inclusion

By Travis Lundy

  • Plus Alpha Consulting (4071 JP) listed on TSE Growth at end-June 2021 at ¥2300/share, which was 90x the trailing fiscal year’s earnings. but only about 65x then-current year earnings.
  • The stock popped 20+% on Day 1 to close ¥2803. Last Friday, two years and 13% higher at ¥3185/share, the company announced a Secondary Offering and move to TSE Prime.
  • It’s a big offering. It’s a smaller TOPIX inclusion event. Next spring we’ll see more upweights.  

Playmates Toys: Movie and Toy Reviews TMNT Mutant Mayhem Suggest Big Upside Ahead

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • Three weeks ahead of the global launch of TMNT Mutant Mayhem momentum is building
  • Google Trends searches reveal rising interest in both movies and toys
  • Risk/Reward is still highly attractive, last time a TMNT movie was a success stock hit 4 HKD

Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Positive – High Market Share, Steady Recovery

By Sumeet Singh

  • Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) aims to raise up to US$160m in its Indonesia IPO.
  • Cinema XXI is a premium theatrical exhibition, F&B and experience company. It is the largest cinema chain operator in Indonesia.
  • In this note, we talk about the positive aspects of the deal.

Seven & I: 7-Eleven US Poses Challenges for FY24 Guidance

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • Gasoline retail prices have caught up with declining wholesale prices, and it should lead to around 16-20% QoQ decrease in retail fuel margin to ¥35-37 cents per gallon.
  • US gas station merchandise sales exhibited weak performance this year, experiencing YoY growth rates of 5%, -2%, -15%, -17%, and -22% during the first five months.
  • We anticipate around 25% downside for Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) after earnings, as it may face challenges in achieving its FY24 guidance.

Nusantara Sejahtera Raya (Cinema XXI) IPO – The Negatives – Private Placement, Not a Primary Raising

By Sumeet Singh

  • Cinema XXI (CINEMA IJ) aims to raise up to US$160m in its Indonesia IPO.
  • Cinema XXI is a premium theatrical exhibition, F&B and experience company. It is the largest cinema chain operator in Indonesia.
  • In this note, we talk about the not-so-positive aspects of the deal.

McCormick & Company: A Spicy Investment Opportunity? – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • McCormick managed to exceed the revenue expectations as well as the earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • The company’s sales performance reflects the strength of its diverse worldwide portfolio as well as the successful implementation of its strategy.
  • Additionally, McCormick is extending into the quickly developing Mexican aisle with Cholula’s true Mexican flavor in new formats.

Sonos Inc.: A Brave Attempt To Steer Clear of Macroeconomic Headwinds! – Key Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Sonos delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat in the last quarter.
  • The reported revenues were slightly ahead of expectations, although there was a decrease compared to the previous year.
  • Sonos observed softening demand in the home theater category due to macroeconomic factors and increased competition but managed to gain market share.

WDFC: No Margin Benefit

By Hamed Khorsand

  • WD-40 Company (WDFC) reported fiscal third quarter (May) results benefiting from already announced price increases while unit volume declined in Europe and Americas regions
  • Unlike prior quarterly results where there was a clear negative in the business, this time WDFC benefited from order timing that is not likely to repeat in the fourth quarte
  • The price increases WDFC implemented were to help push gross margin back towards the 55 percent level. This has not been the case as demand has waned

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars