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Daily Briefs

Daily Brief South Korea: Samsung Life Insurance, Hanil Cement Co Ltd/New, Silicon2 and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Samsung Jay Lee Cleared by Supreme Court — Market Reaction Could Flip From Consensus
  • A Merger Between Hanil Cement and Hanil Hyundai Cement to Become the #1 Cement Player in Korea
  • Insiders Selling at Silicon2: Negative Impact on Share Price


Samsung Jay Lee Cleared by Supreme Court — Market Reaction Could Flip From Consensus

By Sanghyun Park

  • Jay Lee’s clean Supreme Court win may cool Samsung’s governance trade near term. With legal risks gone, there’s less urgency to push structural changes or shuffle shares now.
  • Samsung C&T, a hotspot for governance spec flows, may see bids fade as urgency for structural shifts drops; longs on revamp bets might consider fading or shorting amid lingering risks.
  • Samsung Life gets relief as forced Elec share sales drop, supporting its stock. Samsung Elec stays neutral. Trade idea: Samsung Life long, Samsung C&T short on cooled governance hopes.

A Merger Between Hanil Cement and Hanil Hyundai Cement to Become the #1 Cement Player in Korea

By Douglas Kim

  • After the market close today (17 July), Hanil Cement Co Ltd/New (300720 KS) and Hanil Hyundai Cement (006390 KS) announced that they will merge.
  • Through this merger, Hanil Cement (on a combined basis with pro-forma sales of 1.74 trillion won in 2024) will become the largest cement company in Korea after Ssangyong Cement Industrial.
  • We expect this merger to have a positive impact on both companies and they are likely to outperform the market and other local cement producers this year. 

Insiders Selling at Silicon2: Negative Impact on Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • Insiders have been selling at Silicon2 (257720 KS). The company’s CEO Kim Seong-Woon and other related parties sold 0.37 million shares (0.6% stake) in June 2025.
  • Overall, we are concerned about this recent insider selling at Silicon2. We are lowering our rating on Silicon2 to Negative over the next 6-12 months. 
  • Silicon2 needs to introduce new cosmetic brands such as Joseon Beauty, Round Lab, and Anua that could become very popular on a regular basis. However, that could be a challenge. 

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Daily Brief United States: CoreWeave, Gold, Bitcoin, Boeing Co, Waters Corp, Orasure Technologies, Franchise Group , JAKKS Pacific , NanoViricides , Aethlon Medical and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • CoreWeave (CRWV US): Forecasted Addition to Nasdaq100 Replacing Ansys Post-Acquisition
  • Will Gold Stocks Protect You in a Crisis? (Dirk Baur)
  • Altcoin Strategic Reserves: Why Are Public Companies Buying Altcoins?
  • Boeing Breathes Easy For Now, But AI171 Crash Leaves A Trail Of Uncomfortable Questions!
  • Waters Corp Is Taking On Thermo Fisher & Danaher With This $17.5 Billion Becton Dickinson Acquisition!
  • OraSure Rebuffs Ron Zwanziger’s Buyout Bid—Will He Try Again?
  • FRG: Anchored in Coal, Leveraged to Discovery
  • JAKK: 2Q Earnings Preview: Moving Past the Anomaly; Reiterate Buy, $40 PT
  • NanoViricides Inc –
  • The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) overseeing the AEMD clinical trial has completed its scheduled safety review


CoreWeave (CRWV US): Forecasted Addition to Nasdaq100 Replacing Ansys Post-Acquisition

By Dimitris Ioannidis

  • The acquisition of Ansys Inc (ANSS US) by Synopsys Inc (SNPS US) has been completed today, 17 July and Ansys is expected to be deleted from Nasdaq100.
  • CoreWeave (CRWV US) is forecasted to be added to Nasdaq100 as the replacement because it is the highest ranked eligible non-constituent following its recent listing on 28 March 2025.
  • Top addition candidate for the December 2025 annual review is now Kimberly Clark (KMB US) following its listing transfer from NYSE to Nasdaq on 30 May 2025.

Will Gold Stocks Protect You in a Crisis? (Dirk Baur)

By Money of Mine

  • Discussing research on gold and related metals with Dr. Dirk Bauer
  • Examining the valuation of gold compared to other asset classes
  • Differentiating between gold’s role as a hedge and a safe haven in times of financial turmoil

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.


Altcoin Strategic Reserves: Why Are Public Companies Buying Altcoins?

By Animoca Brands Research

  • Evolving Treasury Landscape: Corporate treasuries face challenges from macroeconomic shifts, including high interest rate volatility, significant monetary expansion leading to inflation, and increasing geopolitical risks impacting cash flows and profitability.
  • Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset: Bitcoin has emerged as an alternative asset for these challenges, offering a scarce and increasingly institutionally viable asset for potential long-term value preservation and portfolio diversification, as demonstrated by MicroStrategy’s pioneering strategy.
  • The “Financial Engineering” Playbook: MicroStrategy’s approach goes beyond simple asset allocation, employing sophisticated financial engineering (e.g., convertible notes, equity issuances) to create value for shareholders by continuously acquiring more Bitcoin per share. 

Boeing Breathes Easy For Now, But AI171 Crash Leaves A Trail Of Uncomfortable Questions!

By Baptista Research

  • The tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025, initially triggered global alarm over the safety of Boeing’s aircraft, evoking chilling memories of the 737 MAX debacle.
  • However, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) appears to shift attention away from mechanical failure and toward pilot actions.
  • According to the report, both fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position seconds after takeoff—starving both engines of fuel.

Waters Corp Is Taking On Thermo Fisher & Danaher With This $17.5 Billion Becton Dickinson Acquisition!

By Baptista Research

  • Waters Corporation has officially entered a new phase of its growth journey with the $17.5 billion acquisition of Becton Dickinson’s biosciences and diagnostic-solutions business.
  • The deal, announced in July 2025, is structured as a merger but effectively represents a strategic divestiture by Becton Dickinson, which has opted to focus more intensively on its core medtech operations.
  • Waters, best known for its laboratory instrumentation and software, will issue 39% of its shares to BD shareholders and assume $4 billion in debt.

OraSure Rebuffs Ron Zwanziger’s Buyout Bid—Will He Try Again?

By Baptista Research

  • OraSure Technologies, Inc. outlined its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a nuanced performance in the face of ongoing industry challenges.
  • The quarter saw the company reporting total revenues of $29.9 million, with core revenue—which excludes COVID-19 products and exited businesses—at $29.5 million.
  • Although this reflects a slight 2% decrease from the previous year, it marks stability after adjusting for prior business divestitures.

FRG: Anchored in Coal, Leveraged to Discovery

By Atrium Research

  • Forge Resources owns 80% of the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Colombia.
  • Extraction will start as early as January 2026 with a 20,000 ton bulk sample and ramp significantly after that.
  • The Alotta copper-gold project in Yukon is an early-stage asset 40km from the world-class Casino deposit.

JAKK: 2Q Earnings Preview: Moving Past the Anomaly; Reiterate Buy, $40 PT

By Small Cap Consumer Research

  • We are reiterating our Buy rating, projections and $40 price target for JAKKS Pacific with the company announcing 2Q25 (June) results after the close on Thursday.
  • We believe China tariffs at 100%+ levels for much of April served to effectively shut down shipments of JAKK product in the beginning of 2Q.
  • Further, the company’s Freight On Board (“FOB”) driven business model also served to create a slower return to shipping when the 30% China tariff went into effect on May 12th.

NanoViricides Inc –

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Zacks Small-Cap Research Note for NanoViricides, Inc. (NNVC)

The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) overseeing the AEMD clinical trial has completed its scheduled safety review

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) overseeing the AEMD clinical trial has completed its scheduled safety review, recommending that the trial progress to the next patient cohort without modification.
  • The company believes overall results thus far support moving the Australia ongoing oncology study forward, launching a similar trial in India and potentially also points to other applications of the Hemopurifier in EV-associated diseases.
  • Separately, AEMD, in collaboration with the UCSF Medical Center, has an abstract for poster presentation at the upcoming Keystone Symposium on Long COVID and Other Post-Acute Infection Syndromes.

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Daily Brief India: Max Healthcare Institute, Safex Chemicals (India) Limited, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, ICICI Prudential AMC, Asian Paints and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Max Healthcare (MAXHEALT IN): Sell
  • Safex Chemicals India Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia
  • ICICI Prudential AMC IPO: Over 55% of AUM in High-Margin Equity, Powering B30 Growth
  • Asian Paints Vs. Grasim: The Anti-Trust Showdown


Max Healthcare (MAXHEALT IN): Sell

By Avien Pillay

  • We are bullish on the long-term growth of the hospital sector in India.
  • Like in the case of Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare will have tough competition from both listed and unlisted players.
  • A 65 FPE does not factor in the high cost of expansion and potential challenges.

Safex Chemicals India Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Rosita Fernandes

  • Safex Chemicals (India) Limited (1414700D IN)  (SCIL)  is looking to raise about US$100m in its upcoming India IPO. The bookrunners for the deal are Axis, JM Fin, SBI.
  • SCIL is a specialty chemicals company in agrochemicals, operating across branded formulation, specialty chemicals, and CDMO segments, serving both farmers and global agrochemical firms.
  • According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, SCIL  was among the fastest-growing players in the Indian agrochemical industry in terms of revenue growth between FY2023-25.

Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • In today’s Morning Views publication we comment on developments of the following high yield issuers: Adani Ports
  • Front-end UST yields declined yesterday, on account of subdued PPI data. The curve steepened meaningfully, following reports that US President Donald Trump had discussed with Republican members of Congress the dismissal of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell (which Mr Trump subsequently denied).
  • The yield on the 2Y UST fell 5 bps to 3.89%, while the yield on the 10Y UST was down 3 bps at 4.46%. Equities recovered from an earlier sell-off, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both ending 0.3% higher at 6,264 and 20,730, respectively.

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO: Over 55% of AUM in High-Margin Equity, Powering B30 Growth

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • ICICI Prudential AMC (570643Z IN) is the largest AMC in India by active mutual fund QAAUM with 13.3% market share.
  • Company is growing at more than 30% CAGR in last 3 years and having focus on B30 Cities and emerging markets to drive growth.
  • Since company is cash rich with no borrowings, they are coming up with 100% OFS.

Asian Paints Vs. Grasim: The Anti-Trust Showdown

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Grasim (Birla Opus) filed an antitrust complaint alleging Asian Paints used dealer-exclusivity, supply-chain pressure, and reputational tactics to throttle its rollout.
  • CCI’s prima-facie order opens a DG probe; outcome could reset the playbook on dealer contracts in all B2C staples. 
  • DG has 90 days to file its report. Possible end-states: (i) dismissal, (ii) monetary penalty + conduct remedies (exclusivity clauses void), (iii) structural remedy (unlikely).

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Daily Brief China: Consun Pharmaceutical, Nanjing Leads Biolabs, Geely Auto, Pop Mart International Group L, The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited, Netdragon Websoft, Ascentage Pharma Group Corp and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Quiddity Leaderboard Hang Seng Biotech Sep25: 20 Deletions Likely Due to Major Methodology Change
  • Leads Biolabs (维立志生物) IPO: A Duality Repeat?
  • Quiddity Leaderboard HSTECH Sep25: Final Expectations; ~US$1.6bn One-Way; Long Up 9% Vs Peers
  • Quiddity Leaderboard HSCEI Sep25: Final Expectations; One Index Change Possible
  • United Lab Placement – Industry Momentum Strong, Although Stock Has Run-Up Quite a Bit
  • Geely (175 HK): Deliveries Up by 42% YoY in June – Rapid Growth to Go On in 3Q25
  • Quiddity Leaderboard HSIII Sep25: Three Changes Likely; US$364mn One-Way Flows
  • Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK): Placement Priced Reasonably; Pipeline Leads to Niche Market Opportunity
  • Nanjing Leads Biolabs IPO: Lead Asset Targets Niche Market; Path to Success Still Long


Quiddity Leaderboard Hang Seng Biotech Sep25: 20 Deletions Likely Due to Major Methodology Change

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The Hang Seng Biotech Index (HSHKBIO) will represent the 30 largest biotech companies listed in Hong Kong (HKEX) from September 2025.
  • Due to a methodology change for HSHKBIO announced in late-June 2025, 20 index constituents could face deletion in September 2025.
  • In this insight, we take a look at our final expectations for index changes and capping flows for HSHKBIO index rebal event in September 2025.

Leads Biolabs (维立志生物) IPO: A Duality Repeat?

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • Leads Biolabs, a China-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, launched its IPO to raise up to US$144m via a Hong Kong listing.
  • We look at the deal dynamics and compare the listing with the Duality listing.
  • The deal values the companies fairly but we see strong sentiment towards quality biotech names.

Quiddity Leaderboard HSTECH Sep25: Final Expectations; ~US$1.6bn One-Way; Long Up 9% Vs Peers

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The HSTECH Index tracks the performance of the top 30 technology companies listed in Hong Kong that have high business exposure to certain technology themes.
  • In this insight, we take a look at our final expectations of index changes and the resultant capping flows for HSTECH index rebal event in September 2025.
  • We see one low-conviction ADD/DEL and one significant float percentage revision which could collectively trigger roughly US$1.6bn in one-way index flows in September 2025.

Quiddity Leaderboard HSCEI Sep25: Final Expectations; One Index Change Possible

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The HSCEI serves as a benchmark to reflect the overall performance of the top 50 “Mainland China” securities listed in Hong Kong.
  • In this insight, we take a look at the potential index changes and capping flows for HSCEI index rebal event in September 2025.
  • We expect one ADD and one DEL for September 2025. We also estimate there to be US$269mn in one-way flows.

United Lab Placement – Industry Momentum Strong, Although Stock Has Run-Up Quite a Bit

By Akshat Shah

  • The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (3933 HK) is looking to raise up to US$262m from a primary placement. 
  • The company intends to use about 60% of the proceeds to build production capacity and expand its international business, with the rest to be used for R&D purposes.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Geely (175 HK): Deliveries Up by 42% YoY in June – Rapid Growth to Go On in 3Q25

By Ming Lu

  • Geely announced that its deliveries grew by 42% YoY in June 2025.
  • We expect BEV deliveries will continue to grow fast in 3Q25, but slow down from 4Q25.
  • We believe the stock price will rise by 39% for the next twelve months.

Quiddity Leaderboard HSIII Sep25: Three Changes Likely; US$364mn One-Way Flows

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The Hang Seng Internet & IT (HSIII) index represents the top 30 stocks related to internet and information technology businesses listed in Hong Kong (HKEX).
  • In this insight, we take a look at the final rankings of potential ADDs and potential DELs for the September 2025 index rebal event.
  • We see three ADDs/DELs and one float percentage revision which could collectively trigger roughly US$364mn in one-way index flows in September 2025.

Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK): Placement Priced Reasonably; Pipeline Leads to Niche Market Opportunity

By Tina Banerjee

  • Ascentage Pharma Group Corp (6855 HK) announced the placement of 22M shares for subscription at HK$68.6 per share, representing 8% discount to last trading price before announcement.
  • The company intends to use the net proceeds for commercialization efforts, global clinical development to advance the core pipeline candidates and for infrastructure and working capital to strengthen global operations.
  • The launch of lisaftoclax in China followed by eventual approval olverembatinib in US would be the near-term triggers for the company.

Nanjing Leads Biolabs IPO: Lead Asset Targets Niche Market; Path to Success Still Long

By Tina Banerjee

  • Nanjing Leads Biolabs has launched HK$1.1B IPO to fund its ongoing and planned clinical development and regulatory affairs of pipeline assets. The company has fetched cornerstone investment of ~HK$ 542M.
  • Lead product candidate, LBL-024 is being evaluated for extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma. Leads Biolabs expects to file the first BLA for LBL-024 by 3Q26 and anticipate obtaining conditional approval by 2Q27.
  • Positive investor sentiment toward Chinese biotech companies and near-term catalyst being Phase 3 data readout for LBL-024 in early 2026 are the main reasons to subscribe.

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Daily Brief Japan: Seven & I Holdings, Mitsui Matsushima, Ryohin Keikaku, Square Enix Holdings, Hagihara Industries, Shofu Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • 7&I (3382 JP) – Alimentation Couche-Tard Walks, Lobbing a Letter Bomb
  • [Japan Activism] Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) Buyback Tender – Surprising Results and Implications
  • Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP): Dead Money as Couche-Tard Unsurprisingly Walks
  • Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP): Global Index Inclusion Likely in August
  • Square Enix (9684) | Turnaround in Motion
  • Hagihara Industries Co., Ltd. (7856 JP): Research Update
  • Shofu Inc (7979 JP): Coverage Initiation


7&I (3382 JP) – Alimentation Couche-Tard Walks, Lobbing a Letter Bomb

By Travis Lundy

  • Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD CN) which proposed a takeover to Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) almost a year ago, has walked. They delivered a letter bomb on the way out.
  • The letter is titled “ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE SEVEN & I HOLDINGS DUE TO LACK OF ENGAGEMENT.” This is not the first time they have complained.
  • The letter is not aimed at the 7&i Board or at ATD stakeholders. It is meant to drive a wedge between 7&i active shareholders and its management team. We’ll see.

[Japan Activism] Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) Buyback Tender – Surprising Results and Implications

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) announced the results of its Buyback Tender Offer to repurchase up to 3,999,999 shares (35.8% of shares out ex-Treasury) at ¥5,000/share. 
  • Murakami-San owned 42% of the voting rights at announcement, then bought more on the dip just below ¥5,000/share. 
  • The Tender Offer Buyback was “successful” in that it bought back 3.3mm shares. But the result was FAR more interesting than I expected. Surprising Results with Surprising Implications

Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP): Dead Money as Couche-Tard Unsurprisingly Walks

By Arun George

  • Couche-Tard has withdrawn its offer for Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) by unfairly laying the entire blame on the Board.
  • The Board has made credible progress, but the jury is still out on whether the Board’s plan will generate returns. Shareholders remain sceptical as the shares have underperformed the index.
  • In theory, the sell-off presents a buying opportunity (My SoTP valuation is JPY 2,376). However, the shares are likely to tread water as there are no near-term catalysts. 

Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP): Global Index Inclusion Likely in August

By Brian Freitas

  • Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)‘s stock price has more than doubled this year and the increased market cap could now result in a global index inclusion.
  • Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP) has outperformed its peers by a BIG margin since its inclusion in the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) in September 2024.
  • There appears to be significant positioning in the stock. Given the huge outperformance over the last few months, trim into strength.

Square Enix (9684) | Turnaround in Motion

By Mark Chadwick

  • Square Enix holds globally recognized IP with monetization upside across platforms, and recent pipeline discipline signals a shift toward higher-margin, high-quality titles that can stabilize earnings and restore growth.
  • Activist involvement is intensifying, creating strong pressure for capital returns, governance reform, and strategic clarity – unlocking shareholder value in a business that remains structurally underleveraged and undervalued vs peers.
  • With operating margins improving, digital sales accelerating, and cost structures being realigned, Square Enix is positioned to re-rate meaningfully as investor confidence rebuilds and management delivers on core turnaround objectives.

Hagihara Industries Co., Ltd. (7856 JP): Research Update

By Nippon Investment Bespoke Research UK

  • Hagihara Industries [HI] (7856 JP) reported FY25 (Oct year-end) 1H earnings results on 9 June 2025, producing 1H operating profit [OP] of ¥899mil (-30.8% YoY) on sales of ¥16,400mil (+0.2% YoY) versus 1H OP guidance of ¥1,160mil (-10.7% YoY) on sales of ¥16,780mil (+2.5% YoY).
  • Although 1H sales hit a record in semi-annual sales, 1H OP declined -30.8% YoY.
  • HI forecasts FY25 RP of ¥2,500mil (+14.2% YoY) vs the RP target of ¥3,300mil.

Shofu Inc (7979 JP): Coverage Initiation

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/25, the company reported revenue of JPY38.7bn (+10.3% YoY), operating profit of JPY5.4bn (+14.5% YoY), recurring profit of JPY5.5bn (+7.9% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent of JPY4.6bn (+18.1% YoY).
  • Domestic revenue rose 7.5% YoY to JPY16.0bn, while overseas revenue increased 12.4% YoY to JPY22.7bn.
  • The overseas revenue growth was driven by sales expansion in China and other Asian markets (excluding forex impact, overseas revenue grew 7.1%).

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Ohayo Japan | Crypto Legislation Gains Traction in D.C and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Ohayo Japan | Crypto Legislation Gains Traction in D.C
  • Japan Morning Connection: TSMC Raises the Bar Even Further, Although Follow Through Limited
  • India’s Capex Supercycle: Capex Blasters – List of Companies Doing Capex
  • Thematic Report on Sectors of the Future: India’s Path to Global Economic Leadership
  • AI’s Power Bottleneck Becomes a Grid Opportunity
  • Thematic Report on What’s Different About the Chemical Recovery This Time?
  • What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 17 July (Aalberts | TKH Group | Sif Holding | Sligro Food Group)


Ohayo Japan | Crypto Legislation Gains Traction in D.C

By Mark Chadwick

  • US equities closed at record highs as strong earnings from TSMC, PepsiCo, and Netflix, alongside resilient retail sales and jobless data, reinforced confidence in the economic outlook. 
  • Lawmakers advanced major crypto regulation, passing the GENIUS Act and two related bills, signalling Washington’s shift toward clearer oversight as Trump pushes to make the US a global crypto hub.
  • Mitsubishi boosts salmon output with Grieg deal; Nippon Yusen buys Mobiant to diversify; Couche-Tard drops ¥6.8tn Seven & I bid over board resistance.

Japan Morning Connection: TSMC Raises the Bar Even Further, Although Follow Through Limited

By Andrew Jackson

  • Disco numbers point to a dip in 2Q, although 3Q and beyond looks strong with new drivers emerging…buy excessive weakness.
  • TSMC maintained its capex targets commenting it wont be declining anytime soon.
  • Abbott Labs down on tariff impact although its CGM business remains robust and likely an opportunity for Omron.

India’s Capex Supercycle: Capex Blasters – List of Companies Doing Capex

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • India’s 30 trillion Capex cycle is underway, with FY25 corporate Capex surpassing 11 lakh crore. FY26 will see Centre, States, and Corporates align for historic infrastructure investment.
  • This revival isn’t top-heavy. 157 companies launched $100 million+ projects in FY25 across diverse sectors – indicating India’s most widespread and bottom-up Capex momentum since FY12.
  • New-Age leaders like Adani Ports, Deepak Fertilizers, and Gokaldas Exports are investing for long-term gains boosting capacity, margins, and global competitiveness across energy, chemicals, defence, textiles, and manufacturing.

Thematic Report on Sectors of the Future: India’s Path to Global Economic Leadership

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • India’s ambitious growth trajectory aims for 8-10% of global GDP by 2040, driven by strategic investments in 18 high-growth sectors, blending national priorities and global opportunities. 
  • Key sectors identified span technology, manufacturing, and sustainability, with a projected $1.7-2 trillion in revenue by 2030, shaping India’s global economic leadership. 
  • Collaborative action and policy support are essential for unlocking sectoral potential, positioning India to capitalize on its capabilities and become a key player in the global economy.

AI’s Power Bottleneck Becomes a Grid Opportunity

By Rahul Jain

  • The exponential rise in AI workloads is triggering a global data center power crunch, with Asia facing the sharpest grid stress due to dense urban clusters and limited transmission infrastructure.
  • Japanese grid and power equipment firms are stepping in as key enablers, supplying transformers, substations, and energy management systems to support hyperscale AI deployments across Asia.
  • Top picks include Toshiba Energy, Hitachi Energy, and Fuji Electric, each positioned to capture structural AI-driven grid upgrades in India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Thematic Report on What’s Different About the Chemical Recovery This Time?

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Global chemical inventory levels are at decade lows, and product prices have begun stabilizing across key segments, signaling the early stages of a demand-led recovery. 
  • The capex cycle is largely behind us, setting the stage for strong free cash flow generation even as select sub-segments like amines, fluorine, and pyridines see pricing and volume tailwinds.
  • We adopt a selective bullish view, with momentum expected in companies that have strategically aligned capex, strong product-market fit, and established global customer relationships.

What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 17 July (Aalberts | TKH Group | Sif Holding | Sligro Food Group)

By The IDEA!

  • Aalberts | acquires Geo-Flo in the US Aalberts has reached an agreement to acquire Geo-Flo Corporation, based in the US, generating an annual revenue of approx.
  • USD 15m with over 25 employees. Geo-Flo designs and manufactures pumping systems and components for hydronic-based HVAC systems, including geothermal and water source heat pump applications.
  • As market leader in its segment, Geo-Flo is known for its design expertise and production capabilities. 

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Daily Brief ECM: Leads Biolabs (维立志生物) IPO: A Duality Repeat? and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Leads Biolabs (维立志生物) IPO: A Duality Repeat?
  • United Lab Placement – Industry Momentum Strong, Although Stock Has Run-Up Quite a Bit
  • Safex Chemicals India Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK): Placement Priced Reasonably; Pipeline Leads to Niche Market Opportunity
  • Nanjing Leads Biolabs IPO: Lead Asset Targets Niche Market; Path to Success Still Long


Leads Biolabs (维立志生物) IPO: A Duality Repeat?

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • Leads Biolabs, a China-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, launched its IPO to raise up to US$144m via a Hong Kong listing.
  • We look at the deal dynamics and compare the listing with the Duality listing.
  • The deal values the companies fairly but we see strong sentiment towards quality biotech names.

United Lab Placement – Industry Momentum Strong, Although Stock Has Run-Up Quite a Bit

By Akshat Shah

  • The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (3933 HK) is looking to raise up to US$262m from a primary placement. 
  • The company intends to use about 60% of the proceeds to build production capacity and expand its international business, with the rest to be used for R&D purposes.
  • In this note, we will talk about the placement and run the deal through our ECM framework.

Safex Chemicals India Ltd Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Rosita Fernandes

  • Safex Chemicals (India) Limited (1414700D IN)  (SCIL)  is looking to raise about US$100m in its upcoming India IPO. The bookrunners for the deal are Axis, JM Fin, SBI.
  • SCIL is a specialty chemicals company in agrochemicals, operating across branded formulation, specialty chemicals, and CDMO segments, serving both farmers and global agrochemical firms.
  • According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, SCIL  was among the fastest-growing players in the Indian agrochemical industry in terms of revenue growth between FY2023-25.

Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK): Placement Priced Reasonably; Pipeline Leads to Niche Market Opportunity

By Tina Banerjee

  • Ascentage Pharma Group Corp (6855 HK) announced the placement of 22M shares for subscription at HK$68.6 per share, representing 8% discount to last trading price before announcement.
  • The company intends to use the net proceeds for commercialization efforts, global clinical development to advance the core pipeline candidates and for infrastructure and working capital to strengthen global operations.
  • The launch of lisaftoclax in China followed by eventual approval olverembatinib in US would be the near-term triggers for the company.

Nanjing Leads Biolabs IPO: Lead Asset Targets Niche Market; Path to Success Still Long

By Tina Banerjee

  • Nanjing Leads Biolabs has launched HK$1.1B IPO to fund its ongoing and planned clinical development and regulatory affairs of pipeline assets. The company has fetched cornerstone investment of ~HK$ 542M.
  • Lead product candidate, LBL-024 is being evaluated for extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma. Leads Biolabs expects to file the first BLA for LBL-024 by 3Q26 and anticipate obtaining conditional approval by 2Q27.
  • Positive investor sentiment toward Chinese biotech companies and near-term catalyst being Phase 3 data readout for LBL-024 in early 2026 are the main reasons to subscribe.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: 7&I (3382 JP) – Alimentation Couche-Tard Walks and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • 7&I (3382 JP) – Alimentation Couche-Tard Walks, Lobbing a Letter Bomb
  • [Japan Activism] Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) Buyback Tender – Surprising Results and Implications
  • PointsBet (PBH AU): Betr Firms “Superior Offer”. Expect The Board To Reject. Again
  • Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP): Dead Money as Couche-Tard Unsurprisingly Walks
  • Samsung Jay Lee Cleared by Supreme Court — Market Reaction Could Flip From Consensus
  • A Merger Between Hanil Cement and Hanil Hyundai Cement to Become the #1 Cement Player in Korea
  • Insiders Selling at Silicon2: Negative Impact on Share Price


7&I (3382 JP) – Alimentation Couche-Tard Walks, Lobbing a Letter Bomb

By Travis Lundy

  • Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD CN) which proposed a takeover to Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) almost a year ago, has walked. They delivered a letter bomb on the way out.
  • The letter is titled “ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE SEVEN & I HOLDINGS DUE TO LACK OF ENGAGEMENT.” This is not the first time they have complained.
  • The letter is not aimed at the 7&i Board or at ATD stakeholders. It is meant to drive a wedge between 7&i active shareholders and its management team. We’ll see.

[Japan Activism] Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) Buyback Tender – Surprising Results and Implications

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Mitsui Matsushima (1518 JP) announced the results of its Buyback Tender Offer to repurchase up to 3,999,999 shares (35.8% of shares out ex-Treasury) at ¥5,000/share. 
  • Murakami-San owned 42% of the voting rights at announcement, then bought more on the dip just below ¥5,000/share. 
  • The Tender Offer Buyback was “successful” in that it bought back 3.3mm shares. But the result was FAR more interesting than I expected. Surprising Results with Surprising Implications

PointsBet (PBH AU): Betr Firms “Superior Offer”. Expect The Board To Reject. Again

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 20th June, betr (BBT AU) tabled an all-scrip off-market Offer for PointsBet (PBH AU), with no minimum acceptance condition, which they considered superior to MIXI (2121 JP)‘s.
  • Which was a bold statement, as 3.81 new betr shares, at the time, was equivalent to A$1.143/share versus MIXI’s A$1.20/share all-cash Offer. It’s now worth A$1.03/share. 
  • Last night, betr released its Bidder’s Statement. Terms are unchanged.  Offer opens ~31st July. PointsBet was quick to point out, again, the current (low) value of the scrip terms.

Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP): Dead Money as Couche-Tard Unsurprisingly Walks

By Arun George

  • Couche-Tard has withdrawn its offer for Seven & I Holdings (3382 JP) by unfairly laying the entire blame on the Board.
  • The Board has made credible progress, but the jury is still out on whether the Board’s plan will generate returns. Shareholders remain sceptical as the shares have underperformed the index.
  • In theory, the sell-off presents a buying opportunity (My SoTP valuation is JPY 2,376). However, the shares are likely to tread water as there are no near-term catalysts. 

Samsung Jay Lee Cleared by Supreme Court — Market Reaction Could Flip From Consensus

By Sanghyun Park

  • Jay Lee’s clean Supreme Court win may cool Samsung’s governance trade near term. With legal risks gone, there’s less urgency to push structural changes or shuffle shares now.
  • Samsung C&T, a hotspot for governance spec flows, may see bids fade as urgency for structural shifts drops; longs on revamp bets might consider fading or shorting amid lingering risks.
  • Samsung Life gets relief as forced Elec share sales drop, supporting its stock. Samsung Elec stays neutral. Trade idea: Samsung Life long, Samsung C&T short on cooled governance hopes.

A Merger Between Hanil Cement and Hanil Hyundai Cement to Become the #1 Cement Player in Korea

By Douglas Kim

  • After the market close today (17 July), Hanil Cement Co Ltd/New (300720 KS) and Hanil Hyundai Cement (006390 KS) announced that they will merge.
  • Through this merger, Hanil Cement (on a combined basis with pro-forma sales of 1.74 trillion won in 2024) will become the largest cement company in Korea after Ssangyong Cement Industrial.
  • We expect this merger to have a positive impact on both companies and they are likely to outperform the market and other local cement producers this year. 

Insiders Selling at Silicon2: Negative Impact on Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • Insiders have been selling at Silicon2 (257720 KS). The company’s CEO Kim Seong-Woon and other related parties sold 0.37 million shares (0.6% stake) in June 2025.
  • Overall, we are concerned about this recent insider selling at Silicon2. We are lowering our rating on Silicon2 to Negative over the next 6-12 months. 
  • Silicon2 needs to introduce new cosmetic brands such as Joseon Beauty, Round Lab, and Anua that could become very popular on a regular basis. However, that could be a challenge. 

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Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: TSMC 2Q25: A Number of Very Positive Messages and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • TSMC 2Q25: A Number of Very Positive Messages, Plus a Major Contradiction on 4Q25 Revenue
  • TSMC 2Q25 Takeways: Undervalued Op Leverage and Capacity Strain Setting Up 2026 N2 Growth Suprise
  • TSMC (2330.TT; TSM.US): FX Could Make an Impact; Full Year USD Revenue Raised to ~30% YoY.
  • Geely (175 HK): Deliveries Up by 42% YoY in June – Rapid Growth to Go On in 3Q25
  • Square Enix (9684) | Turnaround in Motion
  • Boeing Breathes Easy For Now, But AI171 Crash Leaves A Trail Of Uncomfortable Questions!
  • Insignia Financial Ltd – The Overnight Report: New ASX Record Beckons
  • Computershare Limited: Initiation of Coverage- How Smart Hedging & Rate Moves Are Driving a $1.8 Billion Windfall!
  • Max Healthcare (MAXHEALT IN): Sell
  • NEXTDC Ltd – Rudi’s View: Aussie Broadband, oOh!media, Paladin Energy, Seek, Xero & More


TSMC 2Q25: A Number of Very Positive Messages, Plus a Major Contradiction on 4Q25 Revenue

By Nicolas Baratte

  • NT$ appreciation large impact on revenue / margins but TSMC beats consensus in 2Q, 3Q guidance is in-line. FX impact is partially neutralize by other factors (utilization, cost control) .
  • This will be controversial: management increase 2025 US$-revenue growth from mid-20 to 30%. Yet, this implies that 4Q25 US$-revenue growth will collapse to 9% YoY and NT$-growth will be negative.
  • At same time, mngt gives a long list of very positive messages on AI demand, N2 ramp, full utilization of EUV nodes.  This could lead to short-term stock price weakness.

TSMC 2Q25 Takeways: Undervalued Op Leverage and Capacity Strain Setting Up 2026 N2 Growth Suprise

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC Beats, Raises, and Confirms AI Ramp Is Real, Despite FX Drag
  • Conclusion — Maintain Structural Long View, 2026 Growth Likely Underappreciated
  • TSMC ADR Premium Rebounds to 23.6% — US Investor Positioning Skewed Toward TSMC’s Unique AI Exposure

TSMC (2330.TT; TSM.US): FX Could Make an Impact; Full Year USD Revenue Raised to ~30% YoY.

By Patrick Liao

  • 3Q25 Guidance: Revenue: US$31.8–33.0 billion (approx. 8% QoQ growth); Gross Margin: 55.5–57.5%; Operating Margin: 45.5–47.5%.
  • Despite FX headwinds, TSMC aims to maintain gross margin ≥ 53%  
  • Driven by strong demand in AI (including sovereign AI) and HPC; Full-year USD revenue growth outlook raised to ~30% YoY.

Geely (175 HK): Deliveries Up by 42% YoY in June – Rapid Growth to Go On in 3Q25

By Ming Lu

  • Geely announced that its deliveries grew by 42% YoY in June 2025.
  • We expect BEV deliveries will continue to grow fast in 3Q25, but slow down from 4Q25.
  • We believe the stock price will rise by 39% for the next twelve months.

Square Enix (9684) | Turnaround in Motion

By Mark Chadwick

  • Square Enix holds globally recognized IP with monetization upside across platforms, and recent pipeline discipline signals a shift toward higher-margin, high-quality titles that can stabilize earnings and restore growth.
  • Activist involvement is intensifying, creating strong pressure for capital returns, governance reform, and strategic clarity – unlocking shareholder value in a business that remains structurally underleveraged and undervalued vs peers.
  • With operating margins improving, digital sales accelerating, and cost structures being realigned, Square Enix is positioned to re-rate meaningfully as investor confidence rebuilds and management delivers on core turnaround objectives.

Boeing Breathes Easy For Now, But AI171 Crash Leaves A Trail Of Uncomfortable Questions!

By Baptista Research

  • The tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025, initially triggered global alarm over the safety of Boeing’s aircraft, evoking chilling memories of the 737 MAX debacle.
  • However, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) appears to shift attention away from mechanical failure and toward pilot actions.
  • According to the report, both fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position seconds after takeoff—starving both engines of fuel.


Computershare Limited: Initiation of Coverage- How Smart Hedging & Rate Moves Are Driving a $1.8 Billion Windfall!

By Baptista Research

  • Computershare presented a robust performance in its first-half FY ’25 results.
  • The company reported Management Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $0.653, an 18.7% increase over the previous period, driven by strong business momentum despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, including interest rate changes.
  • The company’s management aims to build a simplified, high-quality, and capital-light business model, as evidenced by their recent divestment of the U.S. Mortgage Services business.

Max Healthcare (MAXHEALT IN): Sell

By Avien Pillay

  • We are bullish on the long-term growth of the hospital sector in India.
  • Like in the case of Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare will have tough competition from both listed and unlisted players.
  • A 65 FPE does not factor in the high cost of expansion and potential challenges.

NEXTDC Ltd – Rudi’s View: Aussie Broadband, oOh!media, Paladin Energy, Seek, Xero & More

By FNArena

  • Update on changes to and revisions of analysts’ Best Ideas and Conviction Calls, as well as Model Portfolio compositions

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Daily Brief Credit: Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia and more

By | Credit, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia


Lucror Analytics – Morning Views Asia

By Leonard Law, CFA

  • In today’s Morning Views publication we comment on developments of the following high yield issuers: Adani Ports
  • Front-end UST yields declined yesterday, on account of subdued PPI data. The curve steepened meaningfully, following reports that US President Donald Trump had discussed with Republican members of Congress the dismissal of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell (which Mr Trump subsequently denied).
  • The yield on the 2Y UST fell 5 bps to 3.89%, while the yield on the 10Y UST was down 3 bps at 4.46%. Equities recovered from an earlier sell-off, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both ending 0.3% higher at 6,264 and 20,730, respectively.

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