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Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES
  • Seibu Holdings (TSE: 9024) – Asset-Rich Platform With Significant Upside from Monetization
  • How Apple Accidentally Built China’s Tech Superpower and Can’t Escape with Patrick McGee
  • Micron Q325 Earnings: NAND’s Surprising Rebound While HBM Already @$6 Billion Annual Run Rate.
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia – The Overnight Report: Geopolitical Crescendo
  • The end of the UK’s ‘bailout era’
  • Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (CU6 AU): Steady Progress Toward Commercialization
  • Memory Monitor: Micron Reinforces AI Memory Tailwinds, But Broader Supply Chain Recovery Gradual
  • Novartis CEO: Medical Innovation, Tech Partnerships, and European Competitiveness
  • AAON Secures $200M in Liquid Cooling Orders—Is This the Future of AI Data Centers?


Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES

By Mark Chadwick

  • Activist investors 3D Investment Partners and Dalton Investments have both taken meaningful stakes in Square Enix – highlights capital inefficiency and poor margin profile
  • Daito Trust sits on over ¥100bn in net cash, an arguably excessive cushion for a mature operator with steady cash flows. Silchester have taken note
  • Iriso Electronic and INES both trade below book value. Attractive value plays for small cap funds.

Seibu Holdings (TSE: 9024) – Asset-Rich Platform With Significant Upside from Monetization

By Rahul Jain

  • Seibu’s FY25 results were buoyed by a ¥350 bn real estate securitization, driving operating profit to ¥263 bn and showcasing the deep value embedded in its property portfolio.
  • Management plans to monetize ~¥1.35 trillion of urban assets over the next 3–5 years, shift to a capital-light hotel model, and revitalize transport margins via fare revisions.
  • Even at the current price of ¥4,868, Seibu trades at a ~45% discount to its fully adjusted SoTP value (~¥8,873/share)—implying substantial re-rating potential if monetization proceeds as planned.

How Apple Accidentally Built China’s Tech Superpower and Can’t Escape with Patrick McGee

By Analyse Asia with Bernard Leong

  • ndia does not have a top-down method for executing a five year plan like China does
  • hina’s supply chain is vast and highly competitive, with India unlikely to replicate its success
  • hina wants technology transfer to be one-way gate, inhibiting India’s ability to compete
  • atrick Magee studied religion before becoming a financial journalist and eventually writing about Apple’s dependence on China

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


Micron Q325 Earnings: NAND’s Surprising Rebound While HBM Already @$6 Billion Annual Run Rate.

By William Keating

  • Q325 revenues of $9.3 billion, up 15% QoQ and up 37% YoY and $500 million above the guided midpoint. This represented a new quarterly revenue record for the company
  • Micron forecasted current quarter revenues of $10.7 billion, up 15% QoQ, with gross margin of 42%, up 300 basis points sequentially
  • HBM negotiations for 2026 supply & pricing still ongoing. Could Micron be holding out for a better deal?


The end of the UK’s ‘bailout era’

By Behind the Money

  • UK government owned Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for 17 years, impacting taxpayer finances
  • RBS’s aggressive expansion and risky acquisitions led to vulnerabilities and exposure to toxic assets
  • Government bailed out RBS with £45.5 billion, taking an 84% stake in the bank and preventing a collapse in 2008.

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


Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (CU6 AU): Steady Progress Toward Commercialization

By Tina Banerjee

  • Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (CU6 AU) initiated Phase 3 trial for its lead diagnostic candidate 64Cu-SARbisPSMA. The trial intends to gather data for filing of the product.
  • The company’s cash position at the end of the March quarter was A$95M, with additional A$11M received in April for FY24 R&D tax incentive. This provides cash runway through 2H26.
  • Clarity has built a robust supply of copper-64 with a wide network of product manufacturers in preparation for its two Phase 3 trials in prostate cancer and potential commercialization. 

Memory Monitor: Micron Reinforces AI Memory Tailwinds, But Broader Supply Chain Recovery Gradual

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Micron Results Beat Across the Board, AI Product Mix Drives Gross Margin Upside
  • No Evidence Yet of Hyperscaler Pullback, But No Significant Increase in Outlook Either
  • Conclusion: AI-Driven Strength Continues, But Divergence Across the Memory Supply Chain Persists

Novartis CEO: Medical Innovation, Tech Partnerships, and European Competitiveness

By In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

  • The CEO of Novartis, with a medical background, emphasizes the importance of focusing on breakthrough innovations and patient impact in leading the company
  • Implemented changes to focus on innovative medicines by spinning off non-core businesses, leading to unlocking significant value for the company
  • Novartis structures R&D differently by having a strategy and growth function, focusing on key therapeutic areas, and investing in advanced technology platforms like radio ligand therapies and cell and gene therapies

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


AAON Secures $200M in Liquid Cooling Orders—Is This the Future of AI Data Centers?

By Baptista Research

  • AAON Inc.’s first quarter of 2025 results highlight a mix of positive growth and operational challenges, painting a complex picture for potential investors.
  • The company’s core strategic pillars focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and operational excellence, positioning it for long-term advancement.
  • This focus is evident in its commitment to developing new products, like heat pumps and data center cooling solutions, which align with its innovative goals.

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): HK/China Real Estate Bottoming Out and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • HK/China Real Estate Bottoming Out, Upcoming Re-Rating with Multiple Catalysts
  • Ohayo Japan | Continued Rally
  • Know This Before Investing in African Miners
  • EP 123: Marvell ASIC TAM, ASIC Challenges Remain, More Semi 2.0


HK/China Real Estate Bottoming Out, Upcoming Re-Rating with Multiple Catalysts

By Jacob Cheng

  • 2025 YTD, HK/China RE companies rebounded from recent lows (10% – 30%), and we think this will continue and turn into a sector re-rating
  • A combination of reduced global geopolitical tensions, expected monetary easing from US, China’s fiscal and monetary stimulus, HK’s robust capital inflow and lower interbank rate will support re-rating
  • Despite recent rebound, valuation remains attractive.  We recommend LONG COLI 688 HK and SHKP 16 HK.  For higher risk tolerance and higher beta, we recommend NWD 17 HK

Ohayo Japan | Continued Rally

By Mark Chadwick

  • US stocks surged Thursday, with the S&P 500 rising 0.8% to 6,141, just below its record high
  • Nike reported a 12% drop in fourth-quarter revenue to ¥1.78 trillion; gross margins down 4.4 percentage points due to excess inventory and tariffs
  • Kyocera approved the reappointment of Chairman Goro Yamaguchi despite opposition from Oasis Management, citing poor performance

Know This Before Investing in African Miners

By Money of Mine

  • Multiple companies involved in competitive bidding war in Arizona for mining project
  • Kinterra makes bid for New World Resources at 5.7 cents per share
  • Deal with RCF allows Kinterra to increase stake in company to over 19%

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


EP 123: Marvell ASIC TAM, ASIC Challenges Remain, More Semi 2.0

By The Circuit

  • Marvell’s technical presentations were longer than expected but well-received, showcasing their differentiation from Broadcom
  • Marvell has a deep pool of technical talent and a framework for explaining their innovations effectively
  • Challenges with the custom business model being lumpy and heavily cyclical, with uncertainties in revenue pipelines and scaling projects with hyperscalers

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


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Daily Brief United States: Apple , Micron Technology, Aaon Inc, Academy Sports & Outdoors , Anthropic, Appian Corp, Mastec Inc, Grace Therapeutics, Avis Budget Group and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • How Apple Accidentally Built China’s Tech Superpower and Can’t Escape with Patrick McGee
  • Micron Q325 Earnings: NAND’s Surprising Rebound While HBM Already @$6 Billion Annual Run Rate.
  • AAON Secures $200M in Liquid Cooling Orders—Is This the Future of AI Data Centers?
  • Micron 3Q25 Beats by 13%, 4Q Guidance Beats by 14%. Consensus Forecasts for FY27 Too Low by 25-30%
  • Academy Sports + Outdoors Expands Aggressively—Are These New Stores a Retail Masterstroke?
  • Anthropic’s to Every One of Us
  • Appian Corporation: Process Infrastructure & Data Fabric Integration For A Significant Competitive Advantage In The Marketplace!
  • MasTec Inc. Cashes In on Renewable Energy Wave with Strategic Alliances & Record Backlog!
  • GRCE: NDA Submitted
  • How Avis Budget Group Turns Rising Vehicle Prices into Opportunity with Flexible Cost Strategies!


How Apple Accidentally Built China’s Tech Superpower and Can’t Escape with Patrick McGee

By Analyse Asia with Bernard Leong

  • ndia does not have a top-down method for executing a five year plan like China does
  • hina’s supply chain is vast and highly competitive, with India unlikely to replicate its success
  • hina wants technology transfer to be one-way gate, inhibiting India’s ability to compete
  • atrick Magee studied religion before becoming a financial journalist and eventually writing about Apple’s dependence on China

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


Micron Q325 Earnings: NAND’s Surprising Rebound While HBM Already @$6 Billion Annual Run Rate.

By William Keating

  • Q325 revenues of $9.3 billion, up 15% QoQ and up 37% YoY and $500 million above the guided midpoint. This represented a new quarterly revenue record for the company
  • Micron forecasted current quarter revenues of $10.7 billion, up 15% QoQ, with gross margin of 42%, up 300 basis points sequentially
  • HBM negotiations for 2026 supply & pricing still ongoing. Could Micron be holding out for a better deal?

AAON Secures $200M in Liquid Cooling Orders—Is This the Future of AI Data Centers?

By Baptista Research

  • AAON Inc.’s first quarter of 2025 results highlight a mix of positive growth and operational challenges, painting a complex picture for potential investors.
  • The company’s core strategic pillars focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and operational excellence, positioning it for long-term advancement.
  • This focus is evident in its commitment to developing new products, like heat pumps and data center cooling solutions, which align with its innovative goals.

Micron 3Q25 Beats by 13%, 4Q Guidance Beats by 14%. Consensus Forecasts for FY27 Too Low by 25-30%

By Nicolas Baratte

  • Results and Guidance beat, driven by HBM very fast growth. HBM also generates higher margins and sucks up DRAM capacity, a secondary benefit. 
  • HBM is still in year-2 of a 5-year journey. Industry revenues double in 2025 and Micron HBM revenue increase 5x in FY25. Expect Micron HBM to double in FY26. 
  • Consensus is a tad too low for FY26, likely 10% too low. Consensus is very low for FY27, likely 25-30% too low. It’s hard for the sell-side to forecast hyper-growth.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Expands Aggressively—Are These New Stores a Retail Masterstroke?

By Baptista Research

  • Academy Sports and Outdoors navigated through a challenging environment in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 marked by new complexities due to newly imposed tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties.
  • Their financial performance for the quarter reported sales of $1.35 billion, slightly down by 0.9% from the previous year, translating to a negative 3.7% in comparable sales.
  • Despite unfavorable weather conditions early in the quarter impacting sales, momentum improved towards the end as milder temperatures arrived in March and April, yielding a positive comp in April thanks to strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Anthropic’s to Every One of Us

By Fallacy Alarm

  • Anthropic is a reckless and entitled AI start-up, symbolic of a tech industry that is completely out of control and drunk on its own success.

  • A judge in California just ruled that they can use copyrighted data without permission to train their models.

  • This allows them to make money of other people’s works without compensating them adequately.


Appian Corporation: Process Infrastructure & Data Fabric Integration For A Significant Competitive Advantage In The Marketplace!

By Baptista Research

  • Appian Corporation reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, presenting an optimistic yet complex picture of its ongoing performance.
  • The company’s cloud subscription revenue demonstrated a significant increase of 15% year-over-year, amounting to $99.8 million.
  • Total subscription revenue rose by 14% to $134.4 million, contributing to an overall revenue growth of 11% year-over-year to $166.4 million.

MasTec Inc. Cashes In on Renewable Energy Wave with Strategic Alliances & Record Backlog!

By Baptista Research

  • MasTec, a diversified infrastructure construction company, reported robust financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, exceeding guidance in key metrics such as revenue, EBITDA, and EPS.
  • The company’s revenue stood at $2.85 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $164 million, marking significant overperformance.
  • The strong results came amid macroeconomic volatility, highlighting MasTec’s structural demand strength across its diversified business segments.

GRCE: NDA Submitted

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • Grace is a clinical-stage, biotechnology company focused on rare disease.
  • Its lead program, GTx-104, is a novel injectable formulation of nimodipine for the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
  • Other programs include GTX-102 for Ataxia Telangiectasia & GTX-101 for postherpetic neuralgia.

How Avis Budget Group Turns Rising Vehicle Prices into Opportunity with Flexible Cost Strategies!

By Baptista Research

  • Avis Budget Group presented a mixed set of results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing substantial challenges alongside strategic advancements.
  • The company reported a decline in total revenue to $2.4 billion, compared with $2.5 billion in the same period of the previous year.
  • This decline was attributed to calendar shifts and a 2% decrease in pricing, set against softer commercial demand and relatively strong leisure demand.

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Daily Brief Event-Driven: FWD Group (1828 HK): Offering Details & Index Entry Timeline and more

By | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

  • FWD Group (1828 HK): Offering Details & Index Entry Timeline
  • Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover
  • New World Resources (NWC AU): Kinterra Firms A$0.057/Share Off-Market Offer
  • New World Resources (NWC AU): CAML Raises to A$0.062, Next Move Kinterra
  • RLE REIT Liquidation Strategy: Potential Upside, Risks, and Market Conditions Impacting Asset Sales
  • Ain’s Purchase of Kraft a Sign of More Drugstore M&A to Come
  • Nanoco: Potential Upside Amidst IP Valuation and Cash Distribution Plans
  • Strategic Review Highlights GSF’s Potential Upside Amidst Discounted Valuation
  • Tritax Overtakes Blackstone in Warehouse REIT Showdown – Optionality Remains


FWD Group (1828 HK): Offering Details & Index Entry Timeline

By Brian Freitas

  • FWD Group Holdings (FWD HK) is looking to raise up to HK$3.99bn (US$508m) in its IPO, valuing the company at HK$48.82bn (US$6.22bn).
  • Cornerstone investors will take up more than half the base offering and that will delay index inclusion to well into 2026.
  • FWD Group Holdings (FWD HK) could be added to the HSCI Index and Southbound Stock Connect in December. That could bring some buying into the stock from mainland investors.

Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover

By David Blennerhassett

  • There is no shortage of opinions on whether FIRB will back/oppose the Santos Offer, as Australia seeks to balance attracting foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.
  • The key question is how Australia benefits from Santos becoming a foreign-owned national oil/gas company? Can ADNOC accelerated/bolster existing projects/operations? Can ADNOC better negotiate native title rights for domestic supply? 
  • And should Australia readily sell 100% in a critical infrastructure complex; yet if the roles were reversed, foreigners are capped at 49% ownership in UAE’s similar critical assets? 

New World Resources (NWC AU): Kinterra Firms A$0.057/Share Off-Market Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • Kinterra has now firmed an off-market Offer for at A$0.057/share for copper-play New World Resources (NWC AU). There is no minimum acceptance condition.
  • Kinterra’s Bidder’s Statement will be dispatched no later than the 10th July, at which time the Offer will open.  A Target statement is expected 15 days later.
  • Central Asia Metals (CAML LN) has matchng rights. Expect those rights to be used.  

New World Resources (NWC AU): CAML Raises to A$0.062, Next Move Kinterra

By Arun George

  • After market close, CAML acquired a total of 253.0 million New World Resources (NWC AU) shares via off-market trades, representing 7.08% of the outstanding shares, at A$0.062 per share.
  • Central Asia Metals (CAML LN)’s scheme and takeover offer has increased to A$0.062, a 12.7% premium to CAML’s previous A$0.055 offer and an 8.8% premium to Kinterra’s A$0.057 offer.
  • CAML and Kinterra’s stake prevents the other from exercising compulsory acquisition rights. Despite CAML’s offer representing a 121.4% premium to the undisturbed price, there remains headroom for a bidding war. 

RLE REIT Liquidation Strategy: Potential Upside, Risks, and Market Conditions Impacting Asset Sales

By Special Situation Investments

  • RLE, a London-listed REIT, is undergoing a three-year liquidation with £122m in commercial property and £7m cash.
  • The portfolio’s occupancy is 82%, with a 6.92% net initial yield and a 9% reversionary yield.
  • Risks include potential delays in asset sales, cash burn, and dependence on UK real estate market recovery.

Ain’s Purchase of Kraft a Sign of More Drugstore M&A to Come

By Michael Causton

  • The merger of Tsuruha and Welcia got the green light in May and will further galvanise the sector to consolidate, especially in prescriptions due to the shortage of qualified staff.
  • Which is why Ain has confirmed the acquisition of Kanto-based prescription drug chains operated by Kraft. 
  • The move will help maintain Ain’s dominance in the dispensing pharmacy sector and encourage further M&A.

Nanoco: Potential Upside Amidst IP Valuation and Cash Distribution Plans

By Special Situation Investments

  • Nanoco’s market cap is £19m, with £15.2m cash as of March 2025, and potential 50% upside from sale.
  • The company is pursuing a sale process, reaching out to over 200 targets, with non-binding bids expected.
  • Nanoco’s IP portfolio includes over 350 patents, valued at £46m on the balance sheet, with potential litigation proceeds.

Strategic Review Highlights GSF’s Potential Upside Amidst Discounted Valuation

By Special Situation Investments

  • GSF trades at a 36% discount with an 11% yield, despite being geographically diversified and least levered among peers.
  • Strategic review includes management termination fee removal, capital allocation advisement, and $80m ITC proceeds for dividends and debt repayment.
  • GSF’s EBITDA is expected to exceed £40m in 2025, with a forward EV/EBITDA multiple of approximately 7x.

Tritax Overtakes Blackstone in Warehouse REIT Showdown – Optionality Remains

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Tritax’s 114.2p bid trumps Blackstone’s final 110.6p, offering shareholders equity upside, dividends, and strategic synergies.
  • Blackstone may re-enter despite finality; deadline for a counter is early September.
  • Shares trade above implied value, signalling expectations of a re-bid or improved offer, but spreads are tight and arb returns are fully compressed.

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Daily Brief ECM: EB Event Trade Setup: HD KSOE Lining up a New Deal with HD Hyundai Heavy as the Underlying and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • EB Event Trade Setup: HD KSOE Lining up a New Deal with HD Hyundai Heavy as the Underlying
  • FWD IPO – Valuation Down but Its Difficult to Get Excited About It
  • FWD Group (1828 HK) IPO: Valuation Insights
  • FWD IPO Valuation: Intangible Assets Is the Key (Vs. Peers)
  • Kalpataru Ltd IPO – Cemented by Debt Repayment
  • Jefferson Capital Inc (JCAP): Value Investors Bid Up Insolvency Account Manager IPO


EB Event Trade Setup: HD KSOE Lining up a New Deal with HD Hyundai Heavy as the Underlying

By Sanghyun Park

  • HD KSOE plans a second EB similar to earlier this year: a zero-coupon, 2% HD Hyundai Heavy stake with 13–15% premium, aiming to raise around ₩850 billion.
  • With Korea’s Commercial Act revision expected by July 4, EB deals risk director liability; HD KSOE aims to raise cash now before stricter rules limit easy board-approved EB issuance.
  • Targeting a short in HD Hyundai Heavy triggered by HD KSOE’s board approval before July 4; consider hedging with a long position in HD KSOE due to ongoing sector catalysts.

FWD IPO – Valuation Down but Its Difficult to Get Excited About It

By Sumeet Singh

  • FWD Group, a pan-Asian life insurer founded by Richard Li, aims to raise around US$442m in its HK IPO.
  • FWD is a pan-Asia life insurer operating in ten markets including Hong Kong (and Macau), Thailand (and Cambodia), Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.
  • We looked at the company’s past performance in our previous notes. In this note we talk about the IPO pricing.

FWD Group (1828 HK) IPO: Valuation Insights

By Arun George

  • FWD Group Holdings (1828 HK) has launched its IPO to raise US$442 million at HK$38.00 per share. The shares will be listed on 7 July.
  • I previously discussed the IPO in FWD Group IPO: The Investment Case
  • The IPO price implies a discount to peers’ multiples. A discount is warranted as FWD is smaller than its peers. FWD is fairly valued at the IPO price. 

FWD IPO Valuation: Intangible Assets Is the Key (Vs. Peers)

By Alec Tseung

  • Based on HKD 38 offer price per share, FWD has a market capitalization of USD 6.1 billion, assuming the overallotment option is not exercised.
  • FWD’s P/FY’24 pro forma BV represents a significant discount to peers’ trading P/FY’24 BV since it has higher-than-peers intangible assets.
  • P/EV might be a fairer approach as it excludes intangible assets. On this basis, FWD valuation almost has no discount.

Kalpataru Ltd IPO – Cemented by Debt Repayment

By Akshat Shah

  • Kalpataru Limited (KTARU IN) is looking to raise about US$184m in its upcoming India IPO.
  • Kalpataru (KL) is an integrated real estate developer involved in identification and acquisition of land, planning, designing, execution, sales, and marketing of its projects.
  • In this note, we take a quick look at the company’s past performance and the IPO valuations.

Jefferson Capital Inc (JCAP): Value Investors Bid Up Insolvency Account Manager IPO

By IPO Boutique

  • Jefferson Capital priced a full-size deal of 10.0mm shares at $15.00 (low-end of the range) and opened at $19.00 for a gain of 26.7% at open. 
  • The IPO was marketed at just 5x 2026 earnings projections, which is extraordinarily cheap to current public competitors.
  • We feel that the “interest” in this IPO may tail off and the stock’s price will be performance driven based upon subsequent earnings reports.

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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: Seazen Group, Shui On Land, West China Cement
  • Front-end UST yields continued to decline yesterday, as the market priced in higher expectations for Fed easing, and on the back of a reasonable auction of 5Y notes.
  • The yield on the 2Y UST fell 4 bps to 3.78%, while that on the 10Y UST was unchanged at 4.29%. Equities hovered near a record high level, with the S&P 500 flat at 6,092, while the Nasdaq rose 0.3% to 19,974.

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Daily Brief Japan: Square Enix Holdings, Seibu Holdings, Renesas Electronics, Takasago International, NTT (Nippon Telegraph & Telephone), Startia Holdings, Ain Holdings Inc, Daiichi Sankyo and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES
  • Seibu Holdings (TSE: 9024) – Asset-Rich Platform With Significant Upside from Monetization
  • Successful US-China Trade Deal and Risk-On Mood Remains
  • Asian Dividend Gems: Takasago International Corporation
  • NTT Corp (9432): IT Growth Shines, Full Data Buyout, But Buybacks Over Debt Raise Concerns
  • Q4 Follow-Up – Startia Holdings (3393 JP) – June 16, 2025
  • Ain’s Purchase of Kraft a Sign of More Drugstore M&A to Come
  • Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP): FDA Goes Datroway, Daiichi in Contention for the Next “Enhertu” Moment


Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES

By Mark Chadwick

  • Activist investors 3D Investment Partners and Dalton Investments have both taken meaningful stakes in Square Enix – highlights capital inefficiency and poor margin profile
  • Daito Trust sits on over ¥100bn in net cash, an arguably excessive cushion for a mature operator with steady cash flows. Silchester have taken note
  • Iriso Electronic and INES both trade below book value. Attractive value plays for small cap funds.

Seibu Holdings (TSE: 9024) – Asset-Rich Platform With Significant Upside from Monetization

By Rahul Jain

  • Seibu’s FY25 results were buoyed by a ¥350 bn real estate securitization, driving operating profit to ¥263 bn and showcasing the deep value embedded in its property portfolio.
  • Management plans to monetize ~¥1.35 trillion of urban assets over the next 3–5 years, shift to a capital-light hotel model, and revitalize transport margins via fare revisions.
  • Even at the current price of ¥4,868, Seibu trades at a ~45% discount to its fully adjusted SoTP value (~¥8,873/share)—implying substantial re-rating potential if monetization proceeds as planned.

Successful US-China Trade Deal and Risk-On Mood Remains

By Andrew Jackson

  • Micron gave up earlier gains despite solid numbers as NAND sluggishness overshadowed DRAM strength 
  • This was reflected in Kioxia and Kokusai Electric yesterday, but this may be short lived as scramble for QTR-end gains drives laggards 
  • Renesas -12% after management changes direction – negative for the share price yesterday but ultimately the right call. 

Asian Dividend Gems: Takasago International Corporation

By Douglas Kim

  • Takasago International (4914 JP) is the number one player in Japan/Asia in the Flavor and Fragrance business.
  • The company’s dividend yield also increased sharply from 2.2% in FY24 to 3.8% in FY25, on the back of strong growth in earnings and solid dividend payout (35% in FY25).
  • Core customers of the company (Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Unilever, Kao, and Suntory) are very careful and cautious in terms of what companies they buy these products from.

NTT Corp (9432): IT Growth Shines, Full Data Buyout, But Buybacks Over Debt Raise Concerns

By Rahul Jain

  • Revenue rose from ¥11.7T to ¥13.7T in 5 years, but profit growth was sluggish, with FY24 profit down 21.8% YoY.
  • IT services profit grew at 20.2% CAGR, now ~49% of group EBITDA, driving full buyout of NTT DATA at 20x earnings.
  • Buybacks totaled ¥1.8T despite rising debt, suggesting capital prioritization favors EPS optics over long-term balance sheet strength.

Q4 Follow-Up – Startia Holdings (3393 JP) – June 16, 2025

By Sessa Investment Research

  • Startia Holdings, Inc. (hereafter, the Company) announced its full-year FY2025/3 results on May 14.
  • The Company reported net sales of JPY 22,211 mn (+13.5% YoY), operating profit of JPY 2,737 mn (+19.9% YoY), ordinary profit of JPY 2,784 mn (+23.6% YoY), and net profit of JPY 1,960 mn (+26.8% YoY).
  • This surpassed the revised full-year forecast announced at its H1 results announcement. 

Ain’s Purchase of Kraft a Sign of More Drugstore M&A to Come

By Michael Causton

  • The merger of Tsuruha and Welcia got the green light in May and will further galvanise the sector to consolidate, especially in prescriptions due to the shortage of qualified staff.
  • Which is why Ain has confirmed the acquisition of Kanto-based prescription drug chains operated by Kraft. 
  • The move will help maintain Ain’s dominance in the dispensing pharmacy sector and encourage further M&A.

Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP): FDA Goes Datroway, Daiichi in Contention for the Next “Enhertu” Moment

By Tina Banerjee

  • Daiichi Sankyo (4568 JP) has received FDA approval for Datroway for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Following the approval, Daiichi Sankyo is eligible for milestone payment of $45M from partner AstraZeneca.
  • For FY26, Daiichi Sankyo sees Datroway revenue of ¥3.8B, mainly driven by the U.S. (¥3.3B, up 197% YoY).

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Daily Brief Macro: “The Data Bottleneck in Quant Finance — and How to Break It” With David Forino and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • “The Data Bottleneck in Quant Finance — and How to Break It” With David Forino, CTO of Quanted
  • CX Daily: China Shifts Toward Completed Home Sales to Curb Risks
  • Iron Ore: China Imports From Ukraine, Iran, And Peru Show An Increasing Trend
  • Real Asset Chartbook Week #12: Oil Price Volatility Continues, No End In Sight
  • Walker’s Weekly: Dr. Jim’s Summary of Key Global Macro Developments – 27 June 2025


“The Data Bottleneck in Quant Finance — and How to Break It” With David Forino, CTO of Quanted

By William Mann

  • Introduction of David as a special guest and first client of Harmonic Insights
  • Discussion on market dynamics, including non-US equities, Bitcoin, and gold
  • Focus on oil’s volatility, with a 9% drop in the last five days and recent events impacting Bitcoin

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


CX Daily: China Shifts Toward Completed Home Sales to Curb Risks

By Caixin Global

  • Property / In Depth: China shifts toward completed home sales to curb risks
  • China-EU /China, EU willing to talk after Brussels bars Chinese firms from medical device tenders
  • Law /In Depth: China’s shift toward splitting criminal cases has scholars worried about judicial impartiality

Iron Ore: China Imports From Ukraine, Iran, And Peru Show An Increasing Trend

By Sameer Taneja

  • Iron ore prices continue to inch lower as import options for China increase. China accounts for 72% of the seaborne market. 
  • For China, imports from Brazil and Australia account for 82% of its overall number.  South Africa and India are 5% but the other category (13%) is now growing. 
  • Can Imports from other regions, such as Canada, Ukraine, Africa, Iran, and Peru, increase? Data shows that it is happening. 

Real Asset Chartbook Week #12: Oil Price Volatility Continues, No End In Sight

By Massif Capital Research

  • Oil markets remain volatile, with no end in sight.
  • As part of a forthcoming update to our commodity charts, we will soon introduce trader-based sentiment scores. This week’s WTI Directional Sentiment Index remains negative, while the Non-Directional Sentiment measure (chart below), which evaluates market sentiment based on who is putting on spreading trades as opposed to directional trades, continued its slow upward trend.
  • This suggests that market participants continue to favor playing the shape of the oil curve, rather than engaging in outright directional trades. We suspect that as long as our non-directional sentiment index continues to trend upward, the price of oil will remain capped, barring any dramatic geopolitical events. 

Walker’s Weekly: Dr. Jim’s Summary of Key Global Macro Developments – 27 June 2025

By Dr. Jim Walker

  • Japan faces persistent inflation outpacing wage growth, likely prompting tighter monetary policy.

  • Global trade growth forecasts are collapsing, with firms pulling back from US markets due to cost and policy uncertainty.

  • WTO principles are being undermined by bilateral trade deals, raising future risks for global trade stability.


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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Santos Ltd, New World Resources, Tung Ho Steel Enterprise, Takasago International, BHP Group Ltd, Shell PLC, Nanoco Group PLC, Cheniere Energy and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover
  • New World Resources (NWC AU): Kinterra Firms A$0.057/Share Off-Market Offer
  • Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​​100 Sep25: Shin Kong Replacement + One Dark Horse TDIV Potential DEL
  • New World Resources (NWC AU): CAML Raises to A$0.062, Next Move Kinterra
  • Asian Dividend Gems: Takasago International Corporation
  • Santos Ltd – Next Week At A Glance – 23-27 Jun 2025
  • Marginal Cost Reduction from Copper Shipment Deal
  • What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 26 June (Shell | Randstad Holding)
  • Nanoco: Potential Upside Amidst IP Valuation and Cash Distribution Plans
  • Cheniere Energy: Bulletproof Long-Term Contracts And 4 Critical Factors Providing Revenue Stability!


Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover

By David Blennerhassett

  • There is no shortage of opinions on whether FIRB will back/oppose the Santos Offer, as Australia seeks to balance attracting foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.
  • The key question is how Australia benefits from Santos becoming a foreign-owned national oil/gas company? Can ADNOC accelerated/bolster existing projects/operations? Can ADNOC better negotiate native title rights for domestic supply? 
  • And should Australia readily sell 100% in a critical infrastructure complex; yet if the roles were reversed, foreigners are capped at 49% ownership in UAE’s similar critical assets? 

New World Resources (NWC AU): Kinterra Firms A$0.057/Share Off-Market Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • Kinterra has now firmed an off-market Offer for at A$0.057/share for copper-play New World Resources (NWC AU). There is no minimum acceptance condition.
  • Kinterra’s Bidder’s Statement will be dispatched no later than the 10th July, at which time the Offer will open.  A Target statement is expected 15 days later.
  • Central Asia Metals (CAML LN) has matchng rights. Expect those rights to be used.  

Quiddity Leaderboard T50/​​​100 Sep25: Shin Kong Replacement + One Dark Horse TDIV Potential DEL

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The T50 index represents the top 50 largest stocks by market capitalization in the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). The T100 index represents the next 100 largest names (51-150 ranks).
  • In this insight, we take a look at the potential ADDs and DELs for the September 2025 index rebal event.
  • Currently, we see no changes for T50 and one change for T100 in September.

New World Resources (NWC AU): CAML Raises to A$0.062, Next Move Kinterra

By Arun George

  • After market close, CAML acquired a total of 253.0 million New World Resources (NWC AU) shares via off-market trades, representing 7.08% of the outstanding shares, at A$0.062 per share.
  • Central Asia Metals (CAML LN)’s scheme and takeover offer has increased to A$0.062, a 12.7% premium to CAML’s previous A$0.055 offer and an 8.8% premium to Kinterra’s A$0.057 offer.
  • CAML and Kinterra’s stake prevents the other from exercising compulsory acquisition rights. Despite CAML’s offer representing a 121.4% premium to the undisturbed price, there remains headroom for a bidding war. 

Asian Dividend Gems: Takasago International Corporation

By Douglas Kim

  • Takasago International (4914 JP) is the number one player in Japan/Asia in the Flavor and Fragrance business.
  • The company’s dividend yield also increased sharply from 2.2% in FY24 to 3.8% in FY25, on the back of strong growth in earnings and solid dividend payout (35% in FY25).
  • Core customers of the company (Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Unilever, Kao, and Suntory) are very careful and cautious in terms of what companies they buy these products from.

Santos Ltd – Next Week At A Glance – 23-27 Jun 2025

By FNArena

  • A brief look at important company events and economic data releases next week

Marginal Cost Reduction from Copper Shipment Deal

By Graeme Cunningham

  • BHP announced an AUD1.5bn (US$1.0bn) deal with Aurizon for transport logistics for South Australia Copper, which could affect about 5% of EBITDA and reduce costs marginally
  • The shares declined over the past month on declining iron ore and coal prices, and while copper has risen on supply side issues, we see risks of a H2/25 drop
  • The company looks about fairly valued on an ROE to P/B comparison versus its Australian peers and the current price is almost exactly inline with our DCF valuation 

What’s New(s) in Amsterdam – 26 June (Shell | Randstad Holding)

By The IDEA!

  • In this edition: • Shell | denies WSJ report on exploratory talks with BP • Randstad Holding | CareerBuilder + Monster is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Nanoco: Potential Upside Amidst IP Valuation and Cash Distribution Plans

By Special Situation Investments

  • Nanoco’s market cap is £19m, with £15.2m cash as of March 2025, and potential 50% upside from sale.
  • The company is pursuing a sale process, reaching out to over 200 targets, with non-binding bids expected.
  • Nanoco’s IP portfolio includes over 350 patents, valued at £46m on the balance sheet, with potential litigation proceeds.

Cheniere Energy: Bulletproof Long-Term Contracts And 4 Critical Factors Providing Revenue Stability!

By Baptista Research

  • Cheniere Energy’s first quarter 2025 earnings outlined a mix of achievements and challenges for the company, reflecting its position as a leading LNG provider.
  • The company reported strong financial performance for the quarter, with consolidated adjusted EBITDA reaching approximately $1.9 billion, distributable cash flow at around $1.3 billion, and net income of $350 million.
  • Despite this strong performance, the company faces an evolving market landscape characterized by heightened volatility, geopolitical risks, and shifting global trade dynamics.

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Most Read: GMO Internet, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders , GQG Partners , Xero Ltd, EBOS Group , FWD Group Holdings, Laopu Gold, Santos Ltd, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries , Square Enix Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Most Read

In today’s briefing:

  • GMO Internet (4784) – Squeeze-Able So Squeezing, Offering Likely Gets Pulled – AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE
  • NIFTY200 Momentum30 Index Rebalance: HUGE Turnover and Trade as Financials Shine
  • S&P/ASX Indices: Proposed Methodology Changes & The BIG September Rebalance
  • Xero (XRO AU): Index Flows Following the Capital Raise
  • Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Sep25: Update with New Important Market Consultation Implications
  • FWD Group (1828 HK): Offering Details & Index Entry Timeline
  • Laopu Gold (6181 HK): Lockup Expiry Ahead. After 2000% Rally, Is There Still Shine Left?
  • Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover
  • EB Event Trade Setup: HD KSOE Lining up a New Deal with HD Hyundai Heavy as the Underlying
  • Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES


GMO Internet (4784) – Squeeze-Able So Squeezing, Offering Likely Gets Pulled – AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

By Travis Lundy

  • GMO Internet (4784 JP) was created by the reverse takeover of a listed cad/media company by its parent company’s “internet infrastructure” business. GMO Internet Group ended up with ~98%.
  • In the process, the stock rose 500%. Now, as part of its promise to the TSE allowing TSE Prime membership for the extraordinarily low-float target, the parent is offering shares.
  • The squeeze has it at 180x Dec25e EPS, 111x EBIT, 70x book. The offering likely gets pulled and the stock isn’t shortable… so what next? Pain, and an ECLWO.

NIFTY200 Momentum30 Index Rebalance: HUGE Turnover and Trade as Financials Shine

By Brian Freitas

  • There are 20 changes a side for the Nifty200 Momentum30 Index that will be implemented at the close on 27 June. We had correctly forecast 39 of the 40 changes.
  • Estimated one-way turnover is 68.4% resulting in a round-trip trade of INR 160bn (US$1.9bn). There are 22 stocks with over 1x ADV to trade.
  • The Financials sector has 9 net inclusions to the index while the Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors have 2 net deletions each.

S&P/ASX Indices: Proposed Methodology Changes & The BIG September Rebalance

By Brian Freitas

  • S&P DJI have proposed methodology changes to the S&P/ASX family of indices to enhance representativeness and more quickly reflecting changing market conditions.
  • The main changes are lowering the minimum float threshold, shortening the market cap calculation period and the liquidity calculation period, and including buffers for additions and deletions.
  • We currently forecast 47 changes to the S&P/ASX family of indices in September and the short market cap computation period could lead to more change over the next two months.

Xero (XRO AU): Index Flows Following the Capital Raise

By Brian Freitas

  • Xero Ltd (XRO AU) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Melio Limited for an upfront cash consideration of US$2.5bn in cash and Xero Ltd (XRO AU) stock.
  • The cash consideration is being funded mainly through a fully underwritten A$1.85bn (US$1.2bn) institutional placement. There is also a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan to raise around A$200m.
  • Given the large size of the institutional placement, there will be an increase in index shares and the passive buying that follows should mop up over 20% of the placement.

Quiddity Leaderboard ASX Sep25: Update with New Important Market Consultation Implications

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Couple of days ago, I published my index change expectations for the ASX index family in the run up to the September 2025 index review (link).
  • After market close yesterday, the index provider announced a market consultation on potential changes to the index methodology which could become effective during the September review if it gets approved.
  • This is a short insight with our revised ranks for the potential ADDs and DELs assuming the market consultation gets approved.

FWD Group (1828 HK): Offering Details & Index Entry Timeline

By Brian Freitas

  • FWD Group Holdings (FWD HK) is looking to raise up to HK$3.99bn (US$508m) in its IPO, valuing the company at HK$48.82bn (US$6.22bn).
  • Cornerstone investors will take up more than half the base offering and that will delay index inclusion to well into 2026.
  • FWD Group Holdings (FWD HK) could be added to the HSCI Index and Southbound Stock Connect in December. That could bring some buying into the stock from mainland investors.

Laopu Gold (6181 HK): Lockup Expiry Ahead. After 2000% Rally, Is There Still Shine Left?

By Devi Subhakesan

  • Laopu Gold (6181 HK)’s  365-day lockup on shares held by pre-IPO investors expires tomorrow (June 27), more than doubling its current free float.
  • Near-Term pressure on the stock is likely, given the sharp increase in tradable shares, mixed gold price outlook, and limited retail investor access after a steep rally.
  • A potential stock split could broaden investor participation, improve liquidity and serve as a catalyst for next leg of stock upside.

Santos (STO AU): Why FIRB Should Block ADNOC’s Takeover

By David Blennerhassett

  • There is no shortage of opinions on whether FIRB will back/oppose the Santos Offer, as Australia seeks to balance attracting foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.
  • The key question is how Australia benefits from Santos becoming a foreign-owned national oil/gas company? Can ADNOC accelerated/bolster existing projects/operations? Can ADNOC better negotiate native title rights for domestic supply? 
  • And should Australia readily sell 100% in a critical infrastructure complex; yet if the roles were reversed, foreigners are capped at 49% ownership in UAE’s similar critical assets? 

EB Event Trade Setup: HD KSOE Lining up a New Deal with HD Hyundai Heavy as the Underlying

By Sanghyun Park

  • HD KSOE plans a second EB similar to earlier this year: a zero-coupon, 2% HD Hyundai Heavy stake with 13–15% premium, aiming to raise around ₩850 billion.
  • With Korea’s Commercial Act revision expected by July 4, EB deals risk director liability; HD KSOE aims to raise cash now before stricter rules limit easy board-approved EB issuance.
  • Targeting a short in HD Hyundai Heavy triggered by HD KSOE’s board approval before July 4; consider hedging with a long position in HD KSOE due to ongoing sector catalysts.

Japan Activist Watch | Square Enix, DaitoTrust, Iriso & INES

By Mark Chadwick

  • Activist investors 3D Investment Partners and Dalton Investments have both taken meaningful stakes in Square Enix – highlights capital inefficiency and poor margin profile
  • Daito Trust sits on over ¥100bn in net cash, an arguably excessive cushion for a mature operator with steady cash flows. Silchester have taken note
  • Iriso Electronic and INES both trade below book value. Attractive value plays for small cap funds.

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