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Daily Briefs

Daily Brief South Korea: Korea Stock Exchange KOSPI 200, Kcc Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Is NPS Really Going for Board Seat Play Via Cumulative Voting? Field Check on This Narrative
  • Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (29 August to 12 September 2025)


Is NPS Really Going for Board Seat Play Via Cumulative Voting? Field Check on This Narrative

By Sanghyun Park

  • Short-Term, pinpointing exact tickers off this NPS/cumulative voting narrative is tough—activism risk is real, but predicting moves in governance-sensitive names is still premature.
  • NPS may go aggressive, potentially sparking a market-wide narrative. If limited activism unwinds, Korean stocks could see a broad re-rate, beyond just individual governance names.
  • Tactically, consider enhanced setups in these names under a passive framework, while closely monitoring governance developments and NPS-driven activism for actionable alpha in individual tickers.

Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (29 August to 12 September 2025)

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we provide the top 10 stock picks and key catalysts in the Korean stock market for the two weeks (29 August to 12 September 2025).
  • Shipbuilding remained the best performing sector in the past two weeks. Rechargeable battery was the worst performing sector. 
  • Top 10 picks in this bi-weekly include KCC Corp, KT&G, LG Uplus, Samsung Life Insurance, Paradise, Nongshim, LG Chem, HD Hyundai Mipo, SK Inc, and CJ Corp. 

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: [Japan M&A] Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) TOB – Possibly the Most Offensively Low TOB Price I’ve Ever Seen and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • [Japan M&A] Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) TOB – Possibly the Most Offensively Low TOB Price I’ve Ever Seen
  • Curator’s Cut: Arbs Go A-H, Copper Plays & China’s Property Pulse
  • Is NPS Really Going for Board Seat Play Via Cumulative Voting? Field Check on This Narrative
  • RPMGlobal (RUL AU): Caterpillar Mulling a Privatisation Bid
  • Merger Arb Mondays (01 Sep) – Dongfeng, ENN, Joy City, Kangji, Mayne, Santos, Shibaura, CareNet
  • (Mostly) Asia M&A, Aug 2025 Wrap: Dongfeng Motor, Kangji, Carenet, Nihon Chouzai, Technopro
  • Carved in Wood: Sidara’s Firm Offer, but Fragile Conditions


[Japan M&A] Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) TOB – Possibly the Most Offensively Low TOB Price I’ve Ever Seen

By Travis Lundy

  • Honda Motor (7267 JP) and Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (MOTHERSO IN) have arranged to buy Honda’s 69.7%-owned subsidiary Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) in a Tender Offer. 
  • The transaction structure means Motherson buys Yutaka for less than net cash but even assuming Motherson pay minority TOB price for everything, TOB ex-net cash = 0.05x PBR, <1x EBITDA.
  • But they are paying less. They are paying ¥12.4bn less than net cash, and getting the other ¥58bn of net assets (¥23bn inventory, the rest in hard assets) for free.

Curator’s Cut: Arbs Go A-H, Copper Plays & China’s Property Pulse

By Pranav Rao

  • Welcome to Curator’s Cut, a fortnightly roundup of standout themes from the 1,200+ Insights published over the past two weeks on Smartkarma
  • In this cut, we explore A-H share trading dynamics, consider copper market dynamics and plays, and China’s bottoming/stabilizing real estate market
  • Want to dig deeper? Comment or message with the themes you’d like to see highlighted next

Is NPS Really Going for Board Seat Play Via Cumulative Voting? Field Check on This Narrative

By Sanghyun Park

  • Short-Term, pinpointing exact tickers off this NPS/cumulative voting narrative is tough—activism risk is real, but predicting moves in governance-sensitive names is still premature.
  • NPS may go aggressive, potentially sparking a market-wide narrative. If limited activism unwinds, Korean stocks could see a broad re-rate, beyond just individual governance names.
  • Tactically, consider enhanced setups in these names under a passive framework, while closely monitoring governance developments and NPS-driven activism for actionable alpha in individual tickers.

RPMGlobal (RUL AU): Caterpillar Mulling a Privatisation Bid

By Arun George

  • The AFR reports that Caterpillar Inc (CAT US) and four other bidders are considering a privatisation bid for RPMGlobal Holdings Limited (RUL AU) at around A$5.00 per share.
  • In response to the article, RPM entered a trading halt the same day regarding “an indicative proposal from a third party regarding a potential acquisition.”  
  • RPM’s shareholder structure facilitates an offer. The rumoured offer is reasonable but is far from a knockout bid, suggesting the potential of a bidding war.  


(Mostly) Asia M&A, Aug 2025 Wrap: Dongfeng Motor, Kangji, Carenet, Nihon Chouzai, Technopro

By David Blennerhassett

  • For Aug 2025, 17 new transactions (firm and non-binding) were discussed on Smartkarma (by the Quiddity team) with an overall announced deal size of ~US$18bn.
  • The average premium for the new transactions announced (or first discussed) in August was 48%, with a year-to-date average of 47%.
  • The average premiums for transactions in 2024 (129 transactions), (2023 (117), 2022 (106), 2021 (165), 2020 (158), and 2019 (145 ) were 43%, 39%, 41%, 33%, 31%, and 31%

Carved in Wood: Sidara’s Firm Offer, but Fragile Conditions

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Sidara’s 30p/share offer, backed by $450m funding and debt extension, is the only viable path; yet “Exceptional Conditions” make this deal unusually binary despite board support.
  • The audit (clean FY24 balance sheet opinion by 31 Oct 2025) and A&E by 31 Dec 2025 are non-waivable gates; clearing both crystallizes 30p, missing either drives automatic lapse.
  • Probability-Weighted target price stands at 24.9p; distressed entries retain compelling upside, but pre-existing holders rely heavily on successful completion. Break risk implies severe equity impairment if conditions fail.

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Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Alibaba (BABA and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba (BABA, 9988HK): June Quarter, Actually 2-Digit Growth, To Win Price War
  • Alibaba (BABA US): Why Did the Stock Rally Despite 2Q25 Operating Profit Dip?
  • Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (29 August to 12 September 2025)
  • Samsung’s Intel Gambit: A Signal of TSMC’s Widening Lead
  • Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (1 Sep)
  • ALPHABET INC. CLASS A Common Stock – July 2, 2025
  • FLASH NOTE: TESLA INC. Common Stock – July 23, 2025
  • Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (RKT.LN) – Friday, May 30, 2025
  • Airtasker Ltd – Solid guidance off a strong FY25 base
  • Weir Group Plc (WEGRY) – Friday, May 30, 2025


Alibaba (BABA, 9988HK): June Quarter, Actually 2-Digit Growth, To Win Price War

By Ming Lu

  • The de facto total revenue increased by 10% YoY excluding two disposed shopping malls.
  • We believe Alibaba will win the price war for food deliveries, because competitors’ earnings were even worse.
  • The stock surged by 13% in NYSE after the result release, but we still believe it has an upside of 48% for next twelve months.

Alibaba (BABA US): Why Did the Stock Rally Despite 2Q25 Operating Profit Dip?

By Devi Subhakesan

  • Alibaba (BABA US)  jumped 12.9% on Friday following better than expected 2Q2025 results and upbeat management commentary.
  • Investors cheered growth plans centered around Consumption and AI + Cloud, signaling confidence in the company’s long-term strategy.  
  • 2Q2025 operating profits dipped slightly, as higher costs in quick commerce were largely offset by growth in other business segments.

Top 10 Korean Stock Picks and Key Catalysts Bi-Weekly (29 August to 12 September 2025)

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we provide the top 10 stock picks and key catalysts in the Korean stock market for the two weeks (29 August to 12 September 2025).
  • Shipbuilding remained the best performing sector in the past two weeks. Rechargeable battery was the worst performing sector. 
  • Top 10 picks in this bi-weekly include KCC Corp, KT&G, LG Uplus, Samsung Life Insurance, Paradise, Nongshim, LG Chem, HD Hyundai Mipo, SK Inc, and CJ Corp. 

Samsung’s Intel Gambit: A Signal of TSMC’s Widening Lead

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Samsung’s potential Intel stake highlights need for packaging know-how, not customers, and provides a hedge if its 2nm yields or production slip.
  • TSMC extends lead with stable N3, on-track N2, AI packaging dominance, and customer migrations, while Samsung’s foundry share declines below 8%.
  • Implications: Positive for TSMC (2330 TT), negative signal for Samsung (005930 KS), validating for Intel (INTC US) though regulatory and governance constraints remain important.

Relative Value Opportunities in Asia-Pac, Pair Trade Roundup (1 Sep)

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: This Insight follows up on previously highlighted relative value opportunities, using a statistical methodology based on mean-reversion to identify opportunities in paired securities.
  • Highlights: Currently four pair trade opportunities across two markets and three sectors persist.
  • Why read: Statistical analysis offers a unique perspective on relative value. Gain insights into actionable statistical pair trade opportunities and monitor performance of previously highlighted pairs.

ALPHABET INC. CLASS A Common Stock – July 2, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • Alphabet Inc. Class A is a leading global technology conglomerate headquartered in the United States, best known as the parent company of Google.
  • The company maintains a dominant international presence across key sectors such as online search, digital advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
  • The Company’s shares are listed οn the Nasdaq Composite stock market Ιndex since August 19, 2004 and are included among the companies with the higher market capitalization globally.

FLASH NOTE: TESLA INC. Common Stock – July 23, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally.
  • The company operates in two segments, Automotive and Energy Generation & Storage.
  • The Company’s shares are listed in the Nasdaq Composite Index under the symbol ‘TSLA’ since June 29, 2010 and are included among the companies with the higher market capitalization globally. 

Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (RKT.LN) – Friday, May 30, 2025

By Value Investors Club (VIC)

Key points (machine generated)

  • The core portfolio includes leading health and hygiene consumer brands projected to generate £10 billion in sales and £2.6 billion in operating income for FY’24.
  • Mead Johnson and Essential Home contribute about 15% of EBIT but are planned for divestment due to low growth potential.
  • The self-care segment is expected to represent 33% of total sales in FY’24, with a growth rate of 7% and varying contributions from different regions.

This article is sourced from an online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. This article was originally published 3 months ago on Value Investors Club.


Airtasker Ltd – Solid guidance off a strong FY25 base

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Airtasker Limited (ASX:ART) is an online marketplace for local services, connecting people and businesses who need work done with people who want to work.
  • ART has reported its FY25 result, which was largely flagged in the recent Q4 FY25 cash flow update.
  • Further disclosure reveals a monetisation rate of 21.6% for FY25, up from 20% in FY24 and above our forecast.

Weir Group Plc (WEGRY) – Friday, May 30, 2025

By Value Investors Club (VIC)

Key points (machine generated)

  • WEIR Group plc is a mining equipment OEM with 80% of sales from aftermarket services and a strong market position.
  • The company is undervalued at 12x EV/Adj. EBITA based on 2026 estimates, with potential growth from increased mining capital expenditures.
  • WEIR operates in four equipment categories, generating £2.5 billion in revenue with an 18.8% adjusted operating margin, while investing in growth and innovation.

This article is sourced from an online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. This article was originally published 3 months ago on Value Investors Club.


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Daily Brief Credit: SJM Holdings – Earnings Flash – H1 FY 2025 Results – Lucror Analytics and more

By | Credit, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • SJM Holdings – Earnings Flash – H1 FY 2025 Results – Lucror Analytics


SJM Holdings – Earnings Flash – H1 FY 2025 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • SJM Holding’s H1/25 results were weaker than anticipated, as the company lost GGR market share in Q2 (after a strong Q1).
  • The top line continued to expand, in line with the ramp-up of Grand Lisboa Palace (GLP).
  • That said, EBITDA unexpectedly contracted due to unfavourable win rates (particularly at GLP). FCF was likely negative, owing to the reduced profitability.  Positively, the planned reorganisation of gaming assets will likely raise the properties’ margins and provide the company with operational flexibility to optimise its assets going forward.

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Daily Brief Macro: HONG KONG ALPHA PORTFOLIO (August 2025) and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • HONG KONG ALPHA PORTFOLIO (August 2025)
  • Fed Policy Operating Framework Revision and Dovish Pivot Overshadowed by Political Battles
  • Brent Crude: Flying With Clouds Ahead.  Or, When Supply Outruns the Tide
  • Could A Bond Market Tantrum Derail Stock Prices?
  • Silver in Focus: Global Deficits, Japan’s Reliance, and Dowa’s Hidden Leverage
  • Indian Economy – August 18, 2025
  • Still on the Road to Financial Repression
  • Eurozone Economy – August 06, 2025


HONG KONG ALPHA PORTFOLIO (August 2025)

By David Mudd

  • Hong Kong Alpha portfolio gained 11.34% in October outperforming its benchmark and HK indexes.  The portfolio’s Sharpe ratio increased to 2.91 and the beta and correlation to its benchmark decreased.
  • The Hong Kong Alpha portfolio is generating significant alpha (idiosyncratic) returns since launch, with 40% of returns represented by superior stock selection, with the remaining due to sector weighting.
  • At the end of August, we bought Luk Fook Holdings Intl (590 HK) for the portfolio as retail demand for gold products in mainland China increases.

Fed Policy Operating Framework Revision and Dovish Pivot Overshadowed by Political Battles

By Said Desaque

  • The timing of Fed Chairman Powell’s apparent dovish pivot at Jackson Hole appears strange due to the large amount of economic data awaiting release before the next policy meeting. 
  • The Fed has just revised its long-term policy operating framework that is no longer centred around a zero per cent federal funds rate dominating the economic and financial landscape.
  • President Trump’s clash with the Fed has taken a fresh twist with his sacking of Governor Cook due to alleged mortgage fraud, who launched a legal challenge against her dismissal.

Brent Crude: Flying With Clouds Ahead.  Or, When Supply Outruns the Tide

By Jay Cameron

  • Major agencies now align on a possible consensus: the crude market is entering a phase of structural imbalance.
  • Inventory builds and shifting producer strategies are setting the stage for a market environment not seen in years.
  • Historical parallels suggest that the coming quarters may test price resilience more than recent memory.

Could A Bond Market Tantrum Derail Stock Prices?

By Cam Hui

  • We remain intermediate-term bullish on equities as global trends point to higher prices in the coming months.
  • However, the risks of a bond market tantrum are increasing as global rising inflation expectations threaten the bond market.
  • It’s unclear how a bond market tantrum might affect equities. Higher nomination growth and inflation should be equity bullish, but the market’s technical internals call for short-term caution.

Silver in Focus: Global Deficits, Japan’s Reliance, and Dowa’s Hidden Leverage

By Rahul Jain

  • Silver has rallied nearly 40% over the past year, outpacing other precious metals on the back of record industrial demand and renewed investor flows.
  • Persistent structural deficits, led by solar PV and EVs, point to a supportive multi-year backdrop even if investment flows remain volatile.
  • For Japan, Dowa Holdings’ 30% stake in Los Gatos offers the only meaningful listed exposure to primary silver mining, with earnings leverage that is underappreciated by the market.

Indian Economy – August 18, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • India’s growth projections are still very high compared to both developed and emerging countries, with expectations of Real GDP growth rates of 6.20%, 6.27% and 6.47% from 2025 to 2027.
  • Inflation remains below the 2% target of most economies, with QoQ% CPI standing at -1.83% and 0.33% in the first two quarters of 2025, signaling that the inflationary pressures of 2024 are not a threat anymore.
  • The latest data regarding the Labor Market, suggest that the unemployment rate is near the lowest point of the last years, standing at 4.03% in the Q4 2024.

Still on the Road to Financial Repression

By Cam Hui

  • An important and controversial research paper was presented at Jackson Hole, which came to the startling conclusion that “debt could reach 250% of GDP without pushing up interest rates”.
  • While there were some holes in its assumptions, the paper offers cover for fiscal authorities to declare that “deficits don’t matter (very much)”.
  • The risk is that it provides a license for fiscal authorities to engage in financial repression and force a regime of fiscal dominance, inflation and a falling currency.

Eurozone Economy – August 06, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • The Euro area economy has lost momentum following strong growth at the start of the year 2025, with recent indicators pointing to subdued activity in Q2.
  • Survey data suggest that overall business activity weakened compared to the first quarter of the year despite marginal improvements in June.
  • Both Germany and France registered volatile industrial production figures partly driven by temporary factors such as frontloaded exports to the US.

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Daily Brief Japan: Yutaka Giken, Nissan Motor, Silver, Olympus Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • [Japan M&A] Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) TOB – Possibly the Most Offensively Low TOB Price I’ve Ever Seen
  • ECM Weekly (1 September 2025)- Nissan, Metaplanet, Indigo, Laopu, Akeso, Mixue, Aux, Orion, Chery
  • Silver in Focus: Global Deficits, Japan’s Reliance, and Dowa’s Hidden Leverage
  • Olympus Corp (7733 JP): Concerns Remain; Green Shoots Appear; Better To Wait and Watch


[Japan M&A] Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) TOB – Possibly the Most Offensively Low TOB Price I’ve Ever Seen

By Travis Lundy

  • Honda Motor (7267 JP) and Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (MOTHERSO IN) have arranged to buy Honda’s 69.7%-owned subsidiary Yutaka Giken (7229 JP) in a Tender Offer. 
  • The transaction structure means Motherson buys Yutaka for less than net cash but even assuming Motherson pay minority TOB price for everything, TOB ex-net cash = 0.05x PBR, <1x EBITDA.
  • But they are paying less. They are paying ¥12.4bn less than net cash, and getting the other ¥58bn of net assets (¥23bn inventory, the rest in hard assets) for free.

ECM Weekly (1 September 2025)- Nissan, Metaplanet, Indigo, Laopu, Akeso, Mixue, Aux, Orion, Chery

By Sumeet Singh

  • Aequitas Research’s weekly update on the IPOs, placements, lockup expiry and other ECM linked events that were covered by the team over the past week.
  • On the IPO front, a number of company’s appear to be lining up to launch their IPOs in the coming month.
  • On the placements front, there were a number of large deals across the region.

Silver in Focus: Global Deficits, Japan’s Reliance, and Dowa’s Hidden Leverage

By Rahul Jain

  • Silver has rallied nearly 40% over the past year, outpacing other precious metals on the back of record industrial demand and renewed investor flows.
  • Persistent structural deficits, led by solar PV and EVs, point to a supportive multi-year backdrop even if investment flows remain volatile.
  • For Japan, Dowa Holdings’ 30% stake in Los Gatos offers the only meaningful listed exposure to primary silver mining, with earnings leverage that is underappreciated by the market.

Olympus Corp (7733 JP): Concerns Remain; Green Shoots Appear; Better To Wait and Watch

By Tina Banerjee

  • Olympus Corp (7733 JP) witnessed revenue decline of 12% YoY to ¥206.5B (down 7% on Fx neutral) in Q1FY26 due to a high base effect coupled with delayed purchase decisions.
  • The company revised full-year forecasts mainly due to the impact of the U.S. tariffs and FDA import alerts.
  • Olympus entered into an agreement with Revival Healthcare Capital forming a joint venture company named Swan EndoSurgical, dedicated to developing an innovative endoluminal robotic system for less invasive therapeutic treatments.

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Daily Brief United States: Alphabet, Crude Oil, Tesla and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • ALPHABET INC. CLASS A Common Stock – July 2, 2025
  • Brent Crude: Flying With Clouds Ahead.  Or, When Supply Outruns the Tide
  • FLASH NOTE: TESLA INC. Common Stock – July 23, 2025


ALPHABET INC. CLASS A Common Stock – July 2, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • Alphabet Inc. Class A is a leading global technology conglomerate headquartered in the United States, best known as the parent company of Google.
  • The company maintains a dominant international presence across key sectors such as online search, digital advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
  • The Company’s shares are listed οn the Nasdaq Composite stock market Ιndex since August 19, 2004 and are included among the companies with the higher market capitalization globally.

Brent Crude: Flying With Clouds Ahead.  Or, When Supply Outruns the Tide

By Jay Cameron

  • Major agencies now align on a possible consensus: the crude market is entering a phase of structural imbalance.
  • Inventory builds and shifting producer strategies are setting the stage for a market environment not seen in years.
  • Historical parallels suggest that the coming quarters may test price resilience more than recent memory.

FLASH NOTE: TESLA INC. Common Stock – July 23, 2025

By VRS (Valuation & Research Specialists)

  • Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally.
  • The company operates in two segments, Automotive and Energy Generation & Storage.
  • The Company’s shares are listed in the Nasdaq Composite Index under the symbol ‘TSLA’ since June 29, 2010 and are included among the companies with the higher market capitalization globally. 

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Daily Brief China: Alibaba, Agricultural Bank Of China, Dongfeng Motor, SHEIN, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group), Sino Biopharmaceutical, SJM Holdings and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba (BABA, 9988HK): June Quarter, Actually 2-Digit Growth, To Win Price War
  • Curator’s Cut: Arbs Go A-H, Copper Plays & China’s Property Pulse
  • Alibaba (BABA US): Why Did the Stock Rally Despite 2Q25 Operating Profit Dip?
  • Merger Arb Mondays (01 Sep) – Dongfeng, ENN, Joy City, Kangji, Mayne, Santos, Shibaura, CareNet
  • (Mostly) Asia M&A, Aug 2025 Wrap: Dongfeng Motor, Kangji, Carenet, Nihon Chouzai, Technopro
  • SHEIN IPO Update: HQ Shifted (Back) To China | End of US De Minimis Exemption, Everywhere
  • Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (2196.HK/600196.CH) 25H1 – The Performance Has Not Truly Improved
  • Sino Biopharmaceutical (1177 HK): Innovative Drugs Drive 1H Performance; Pipeline Lends Visibility
  • SJM Holdings – Earnings Flash – H1 FY 2025 Results – Lucror Analytics


Alibaba (BABA, 9988HK): June Quarter, Actually 2-Digit Growth, To Win Price War

By Ming Lu

  • The de facto total revenue increased by 10% YoY excluding two disposed shopping malls.
  • We believe Alibaba will win the price war for food deliveries, because competitors’ earnings were even worse.
  • The stock surged by 13% in NYSE after the result release, but we still believe it has an upside of 48% for next twelve months.

Curator’s Cut: Arbs Go A-H, Copper Plays & China’s Property Pulse

By Pranav Rao

  • Welcome to Curator’s Cut, a fortnightly roundup of standout themes from the 1,200+ Insights published over the past two weeks on Smartkarma
  • In this cut, we explore A-H share trading dynamics, consider copper market dynamics and plays, and China’s bottoming/stabilizing real estate market
  • Want to dig deeper? Comment or message with the themes you’d like to see highlighted next

Alibaba (BABA US): Why Did the Stock Rally Despite 2Q25 Operating Profit Dip?

By Devi Subhakesan

  • Alibaba (BABA US)  jumped 12.9% on Friday following better than expected 2Q2025 results and upbeat management commentary.
  • Investors cheered growth plans centered around Consumption and AI + Cloud, signaling confidence in the company’s long-term strategy.  
  • 2Q2025 operating profits dipped slightly, as higher costs in quick commerce were largely offset by growth in other business segments.


(Mostly) Asia M&A, Aug 2025 Wrap: Dongfeng Motor, Kangji, Carenet, Nihon Chouzai, Technopro

By David Blennerhassett

  • For Aug 2025, 17 new transactions (firm and non-binding) were discussed on Smartkarma (by the Quiddity team) with an overall announced deal size of ~US$18bn.
  • The average premium for the new transactions announced (or first discussed) in August was 48%, with a year-to-date average of 47%.
  • The average premiums for transactions in 2024 (129 transactions), (2023 (117), 2022 (106), 2021 (165), 2020 (158), and 2019 (145 ) were 43%, 39%, 41%, 33%, 31%, and 31%

SHEIN IPO Update: HQ Shifted (Back) To China | End of US De Minimis Exemption, Everywhere

By Daniel Hellberg

  • SHEIN is reportedly moving its corporate HQ to China to pave way for HK IPO
  • US ‘de minimis’ exemption for all countries ended Aug 29 (China/HK was May 2)
  • We believe end of US ‘de minimis’ exemption changed the game for SHEIN

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (2196.HK/600196.CH) 25H1 – The Performance Has Not Truly Improved

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • After excluding gains on the disposal of United Family Healthcare, profitability of main business was disappointing.The revenue decline confirms that Fosun Pharma is facing pressure. Short-term performance hasn’t truly improved.
  • Fosun Pharma will continue to sell unprofitable assets to alleviate debt pressure and optimize business structure, which will be the short-term main theme. Fosun Pharma is still in adjustment period
  • Whether high profit growth can be sustainable in long term is uncertain, which depends on if Henlius is able to achieve high growth to offset the negative impact of VBP.

Sino Biopharmaceutical (1177 HK): Innovative Drugs Drive 1H Performance; Pipeline Lends Visibility

By Tina Banerjee

  • Sino Biopharmaceutical (1177 HK) announced 11% YoY revenue growth in 1H25, driven by 27% YoY growth in innovative products. Contribution of innovative drugs to total revenue increased to 44.4%.
  • With the increasing contribution of innovative drugs to total revenue, gross profit margin expanded 40bps to 82.5%. With expanding margin and cost efficiency, net profit has more than doubled.
  • The company expects to have more than 35 marketed innovative products by 2027, with revenue from innovative products accounting for over 60% of total revenue.

SJM Holdings – Earnings Flash – H1 FY 2025 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • SJM Holding’s H1/25 results were weaker than anticipated, as the company lost GGR market share in Q2 (after a strong Q1).
  • The top line continued to expand, in line with the ramp-up of Grand Lisboa Palace (GLP).
  • That said, EBITDA unexpectedly contracted due to unfavourable win rates (particularly at GLP). FCF was likely negative, owing to the reduced profitability.  Positively, the planned reorganisation of gaming assets will likely raise the properties’ margins and provide the company with operational flexibility to optimise its assets going forward.

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Daily Brief Utilities: ENN Energy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Utilities Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Weekly Deals Digest (31 Aug) – ENN Energy, Shengjing, Ashimori, Carenet, Shibaura, Mayne, Aux


Weekly Deals Digest (31 Aug) – ENN Energy, Shengjing, Ashimori, Carenet, Shibaura, Mayne, Aux

By Arun George


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Daily Brief Industrials: Deere & Co, Stantec , Applied Industrial Tech, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, Vertiv Holdings Co, Elbit Systems , Asia File Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Deere & Company: Precision Agriculture Technology Integration & International Market Expansion Are Propelling Its Future Growth!
  • Stantec Inside the Data Center Boom: What 100+ Projects Reveal About Its Future!
  • Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT): A Closer Look At Its Strategy & Recent Margin Initiatives!
  • Quiddity Leaderboard BSE ​​​​SENSEX Dec25: Tech Mahindra Likely to Escape Sensex Deletion
  • Vertiv’s AI Bet: What The Waylay Acquisition Could Mean For The Data Center Titan!
  • Elbit Systems: Will $1.6 Billion European Contracts Help Build Its Market Position?
  • Asia File Update : Value Remains There


Deere & Company: Precision Agriculture Technology Integration & International Market Expansion Are Propelling Its Future Growth!

By Baptista Research

  • Deere & Company’s third-quarter earnings report presents a mixed outlook for the company, marked by ongoing challenges due to global uncertainties and shifting market dynamics, tempered with strategic operational efficiencies and modest positive trends in some segments.
  • The segments of Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, and Construction and Forestry each tell a distinct story of both struggle and strategic positioning.
  • Baptista Research looks to evaluate the different factors that could influence the company’s price in the near future and attempts to carry out an independent valuation of the company using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.

Stantec Inside the Data Center Boom: What 100+ Projects Reveal About Its Future!

By Baptista Research

  • Stantec’s second quarter of 2025 presents a mixed picture, with various factors suggesting both opportunities and challenges for potential investors.
  • The company reported net revenue of $1.6 billion, marking a 6.9% increase compared to the previous year.
  • This growth was primarily driven by a 4.8% in organic growth, pointing to consistent demand across its operations, particularly in sectors like water, transportation, mining, energy, and mission-critical projects.

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT): A Closer Look At Its Strategy & Recent Margin Initiatives!

By Baptista Research

  • Applied Industrial Technologies demonstrated a strong performance in the fiscal year 2025, marked by record sales, EBITDA, and earnings per share (EPS) amidst a muted demand backdrop.
  • The company achieved a fullyear EPS growth of 4%, surpassing its initial guidance, and expanded its gross margins by nearly 50 basis points to exceed 30% for the first time.
  • The strategic acquisition of Hydradyne, Applied’s largest in six years, contributed materially to inorganic growth, emphasizing the company’s capital deployment capacity and strategic expansion efforts.

Quiddity Leaderboard BSE ​​​​SENSEX Dec25: Tech Mahindra Likely to Escape Sensex Deletion

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • BSE SENSEX represents the 30 largest stocks listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) of India.
  • In this insight, we take a look at the Potential ADDs/DELs for the BSE SENSEX Index in the December 2025 index rebal event.
  • As things stand, there will be no index changes for the BSE SENSEX index.

Vertiv’s AI Bet: What The Waylay Acquisition Could Mean For The Data Center Titan!

By Baptista Research

  • Vertiv’s second quarter of 2025 showcased mixed results, providing both opportunities and challenges in its ongoing operational strategy.
  • In terms of financial performance, Vertiv reported an adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.95, representing a substantial 42% increase from the second quarter of 2024.
  • This growth was primarily driven by higher adjusted operating profits and strong performance across regions — notably, sales growth was robust in the Americas and Asia-Pacific (APAC), with respective increases in the mid-40s and mid30s percentages.

Elbit Systems: Will $1.6 Billion European Contracts Help Build Its Market Position?

By Baptista Research

  • Elbit Systems Ltd. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showcasing robust year-overyear growth across multiple financial metrics.
  • The company’s revenues for the quarter rose to $1.973 billion, a significant increase from $1.626 billion in the same period in 2024.
  • This growth was driven by heightened sales across all business segments and geographic areas, particularly in Europe.

Asia File Update : Value Remains There

By Punit Khanna

  • Operating results for filing business in line, while consumer business is showing steady growth
  • Stock trades below Cash (RM 1.64) while operating business is available for free
  • Besides Cash the company has property and associates which are available for free

Raising Money for Persons with Disabilities in Singapore

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This report has been prepared by Vriddhi Consulting, founded by Punit and Debjani Khanna. A portion of the research was contributed by Shubham Khanna, an individual on the autism spectrum.  We are grateful to Smartkarma for providing a platform to share this research and amplify its impact.

All proceeds from the publication of this report will be donated to support people with disabilities in Singapore. If you find this report valuable, we invite you to support our campaign, “Raising Money for Persons with Disabilities in Singapore.” Every contribution directly benefits the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund and qualifies for a 250% tax deduction for Singapore tax residents.

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