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Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Japan: Japan Post Bank, Seven & I Holdings, Eisai Co Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) – Not Cheap Enough Vs Others, or Holdings
  • Seven & I Holdings: Mega Share Buyback Plan and IPO of North American CVS Unit to Boost Share Price
  • (Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Oneconnect, Snt, Aeon Delight, AEON Mall, Insignia, 7&I, Sun Art
  • Eisai (4523 JP): 3L Drive 9MFY25 Result; FY25 Guidance Reaffirmed; Leqembi at an Inflection Point


Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) – Not Cheap Enough Vs Others, or Holdings

By Travis Lundy

  • The Offering of Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) is not taking place the way “the right pattern” would suggest, but last time was kind of special. This time is different.
  • Last time was a “second IPO” and coincided with a US regional bank crisis. This time the offering is smaller outright, and much smaller as a portion of float. 
  • Pricing is Monday. It hasn’t moved much vs JPH. It needs to move more to be attractive. And there is still a bit of overhang to come.

Seven & I Holdings: Mega Share Buyback Plan and IPO of North American CVS Unit to Boost Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • If indeed the company proceeds with 2 trillion yen buyback over five years, this would represent buyback of about 7.3% of its shares per year (37% of market cap). 
  • Seven & I Holdings’ plans to massively buyback shares and IPO its North American CVS business are major catalysts that should have positive impact both near and long term. 
  • Certainly, the company’s action plan to sell its non-core assets (including supermarket, restaurant, and specialty stores) to Bain Capital for $5.5 billion is a step in the right direction.


Eisai (4523 JP): 3L Drive 9MFY25 Result; FY25 Guidance Reaffirmed; Leqembi at an Inflection Point

By Tina Banerjee

  • In 9MFY25, Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP) reported 9% YoY growth in revenue, driven by 3Ls. Operating profit rose 48% YoY and net profit climbed 56% YoY to ¥45.5B.
  • Eisai kept its FY25 total revenue guidance unchanged, implying a weaker Q4FY25 with a probable loss on the cards.
  • Lenvima growth stabilizes on indication expansion, Leqembi awaiting approvals and untangling safety concerns in a bid to reach its full market potential.

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Daily Brief Utilities: Ameren Corporation, American Water Works Co, Cms Energy Corp, Black Hills, Brookfield Renewable , Centerpoint Energy, Atmos Energy, Constellation Energy , Dominion Energy Inc, Aes Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Utilities Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Ameren Corporation: Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Development To Drive Community Economic Growth!
  • American Water Works: Infrastructure Investment & Rate Base Growth to Sustain The Growth Trajectory!
  • CMS Energy: Expanding Renewable Energy Capabilities For A Competitive Edge In The Evolving Energy Landscape!
  • Black Hills Corporation: Is The Data Centre Demand Here To Stay?
  • Brookfield Renewable Partners: Adapting to Regulatory and Market Changes to Bolster Resilience & Growth Prospects!
  • CenterPoint Energy: These Are The 6 Critical Factors That Will Define Its Success In 2025 & Beyond!
  • Atmos Energy: An Insight Into Its Robust Financing Strategy
  • Constellation Energy Group: Can Its Strategic Nuclear Uprates & Expansion Reinforce The Company’s Position In Clean Energy Markets?
  • Dominion Energy: Expansion of Data Centers in Virginia to Solidify Foothold In the Burgeoning Sector!
  • AES Corporation: Renewable Energy Growth & Investment Progress Driving Our Optimism!


Ameren Corporation: Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Development To Drive Community Economic Growth!

By Baptista Research

  • Ameren Corporation reported strong operational and financial results for 2024, marked by strategic investments and regulatory successes.
  • The company achieved adjusted earnings of $4.63 per share, surpassing the previous year’s $4.38 per share and exceeding the adjusted earnings guidance midpoint for 2024.
  • This growth was largely driven by strategic infrastructure investments and weather-normalized retail sales growth of approximately 2% across Ameren Missouri.

American Water Works: Infrastructure Investment & Rate Base Growth to Sustain The Growth Trajectory!

By Baptista Research

  • American Water’s recent conference call focused on several key aspects of their financial and operational performance during 2024, as well as future outlooks.
  • Delivered earnings per share (EPS) for the year stood at $5.39, reflecting an 8% growth owing to favorable weather conditions and strategic investments.
  • Notably, $3 billion was invested into capital initiatives, while regulatory efforts resulted in successful rate case agreements across multiple jurisdictions.

CMS Energy: Expanding Renewable Energy Capabilities For A Competitive Edge In The Evolving Energy Landscape!

By Baptista Research

  • CMS Energy Corporation recently released its financial results, providing insights into the company’s operational performance and future investment plans.
  • The company reported adjusted net income for 2024 at $998 million, which equates to $3.34 per share, aligning towards the high end of their guidance range.
  • This marks consistency in execution, backed by effective cost management and strategic investments in customer service and renewable energy.

Black Hills Corporation: Is The Data Centre Demand Here To Stay?

By Baptista Research

  • Black Hills Corporation’s Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings call outlined a range of strategic, operational, and financial updates, reflecting both positive outcomes and challenges.
  • The company successfully advanced its customer-focused strategy, achieving key objectives, including meeting its earnings guidance and maintaining strong financial health.
  • Despite facing mild weather and unplanned generation outages, Black Hills effectively managed expenses, aligning its financial performance with expectations.

Brookfield Renewable Partners: Adapting to Regulatory and Market Changes to Bolster Resilience & Growth Prospects!

By Baptista Research

  • Brookfield Renewable Partners recently reported its fourth-quarter 2024 results, marking a year of significant operational and financial achievements.
  • The company delivered its strongest financial performance to date, driven by a robust demand for its low-cost renewable energy.
  • The company reported a 10% increase in funds from operations (FFO) per unit year-on-year, fueled by inflation-linked and contracted cash flows, strategic acquisitions, and organic growth initiatives.

CenterPoint Energy: These Are The 6 Critical Factors That Will Define Its Success In 2025 & Beyond!

By Baptista Research

  • CenterPoint Energy reported its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings, showcasing both positive and challenging aspects.
  • The company achieved a non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $0.40 for the fourth quarter and $1.62 for the full year, reflecting an 8% increase over the previous year.
  • This marks the fourth consecutive year of meeting or exceeding annual non-GAAP EPS guidance.

Atmos Energy: An Insight Into Its Robust Financing Strategy

By Baptista Research

  • Atmos Energy Corporation reported impressive fiscal 2025 first-quarter results with a net income of $352 million, translating into $2.23 per diluted share, a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year’s quarter.
  • The company’s operating income rose by 15% to $459 million, buoyed by rate increases across its operating segments, which contributed $69 million, and customer growth.
  • The organization added over 59,000 new customers over the past year, with substantial growth noted in Texas.

Constellation Energy Group: Can Its Strategic Nuclear Uprates & Expansion Reinforce The Company’s Position In Clean Energy Markets?

By Baptista Research

  • Constellation Energy Corporation reported robust financial results for the third quarter of 2024, driven by its strong operational performance and strategic positioning within the energy sector.
  • The company delivered GAAP earnings of $3.82 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $2.74 per share, surpassing expectations and prompting an upward revision of their full-year guidance to $8.00 to $8.40 per share.
  • This adjustment reflects a midpoint increase of $0.60 from the upper end of their original forecast.

Dominion Energy: Expansion of Data Centers in Virginia to Solidify Foothold In the Burgeoning Sector!

By Baptista Research

  • Dominion Energy recently provided an update on its fourth quarter 2024 earnings, revealing a nuanced financial and operational picture.
  • The company reported operating earnings of $2.77 per share for the year, situating within the higher end of its guidance, despite adverse weather conditions.
  • GAAP earnings stood at $2.44 per share, contrasting with $0.58 for the fourth quarter operating earnings.

AES Corporation: Renewable Energy Growth & Investment Progress Driving Our Optimism!

By Baptista Research

  • The AES Corporation’s recent earnings addressed both achievements and challenges faced during 2024, alongside their strategic outlook for 2025 and beyond.
  • The company reported a mixed performance for 2024, achieving an adjusted EBITDA of $2.64 billion, falling on the lower end of their guidance, primarily due to extreme weather events impacting their operations in Colombia and Brazil.
  • Despite these setbacks, AES recorded a parent free cash flow of $1.1 billion, aligning with expectations, and a record adjusted EPS of $2.14, exceeding their guidance range.

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Daily Brief Industrials: JD Logistics , CK Hutchison Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • JD Logistics Q424 Earnings: Taobao / Tmall Access Fails to Generate Expected Benefits
  • Last Week in Event SPACE: Cheung Kong, Macromill, China National Building Material, Canvest


JD Logistics Q424 Earnings: Taobao / Tmall Access Fails to Generate Expected Benefits

By Daniel Hellberg

  • Investors had hoped to see tangible benefits of Taobao / Tmall access in Q424 results
  • But revenue growth acceleration was unimpressive, and core margins fell noticeably
  • We believe its disappointing Q424 numbers will result in near-term underperformance

Last Week in Event SPACE: Cheung Kong, Macromill, China National Building Material, Canvest

By David Blennerhassett

  • Did Trump do CKH (1 HK) a solid, convincing them to sell assets that have profited from international trade growth, just as Trump starts imposing tariffs on anything that moves?
  • An OK package for Seven & I (3382 JP). Not perfect. SEI IPO’s a bit dodgy. It may be designed to spur ACT into action, but isn’t an awful fallback.
  • Macromill (3978 JP)‘s Offer bumped.  If you want to make sure this deal doesn’t get done, do the things you need to do to make sure it doesn’t get done.

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Daily Brief Industrials: JD Logistics , CK Hutchison Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • JD Logistics Q424 Earnings: Taobao / Tmall Access Fails to Generate Expected Benefits
  • Last Week in Event SPACE: Cheung Kong, Macromill, China National Building Material, Canvest


JD Logistics Q424 Earnings: Taobao / Tmall Access Fails to Generate Expected Benefits

By Daniel Hellberg

  • Investors had hoped to see tangible benefits of Taobao / Tmall access in Q424 results
  • But revenue growth acceleration was unimpressive, and core margins fell noticeably
  • We believe its disappointing Q424 numbers will result in near-term underperformance

Last Week in Event SPACE: Cheung Kong, Macromill, China National Building Material, Canvest

By David Blennerhassett

  • Did Trump do CKH (1 HK) a solid, convincing them to sell assets that have profited from international trade growth, just as Trump starts imposing tariffs on anything that moves?
  • An OK package for Seven & I (3382 JP). Not perfect. SEI IPO’s a bit dodgy. It may be designed to spur ACT into action, but isn’t an awful fallback.
  • Macromill (3978 JP)‘s Offer bumped.  If you want to make sure this deal doesn’t get done, do the things you need to do to make sure it doesn’t get done.

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Gensol Engineering, Hindalco Industries, National Aluminium, Jai Corp Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Gensol Engineering: Debt Woes, Management Assurances and Lingering Red Flags
  • Hindalco (HNDL IN): Several Positive Triggers
  • National Aluminium (NACL IN) New Capacities and Cheap Valuations to Drive Returns
  • Jai Corp Ltd Under CBI Investigation: Allegations of Fund Diversion and Money Laundering


Gensol Engineering: Debt Woes, Management Assurances and Lingering Red Flags

By Nimish Maheshwari

  • Gensol clarified that debt woes are because of short term liability mismatch which contradicts with Lender’s clarification
  • Promoter said they will buy from the open market and will also infuse money into company but their recent stake sale again contradicts.
  • 2nd CFO Resignation within 6 months further raises alarm over governance issues.

Hindalco (HNDL IN): Several Positive Triggers

By Rahul Jain

  • Play on rising aluminium demand. Aluminium demand has outpaced supply with strong Chinese demand. 
  • Management has guided better margins at Novelis which faced a temporary drop in margins due to scrap shortages.
  • Hindalco’s Indian operations are fully integrated with captive bauxite, alumina and to certain extent for energy. Trades at a 20%+ discount to its historic PE multiples.

National Aluminium (NACL IN) New Capacities and Cheap Valuations to Drive Returns

By Rahul Jain

  • NACL posted its best ever quarterly performance in 3QFY25, driven by a sharp spike in alumina prices. Alumina prices have since cooled off but remain elevated at above US$450/t
  • NACL is set to expand its alumina capacity by 33% over the next 12 months. This will help double its external alumina sales from 1mt to 2mt. 
  • Trades at 25% discount to historic PE of 13x despite record earnings, healthy balance sheet and strong near-term volume growth driven by brownfield expansion.

Jai Corp Ltd Under CBI Investigation: Allegations of Fund Diversion and Money Laundering

By Nimish Maheshwari

  • Jai Corp Ltd (JFI IN) allegedly misappropriated INR2,434 crore from investors, diverted funds offshore, and engaged in fraudulent trading, triggering CBI probe into financial misconduct, money laundering, illegal stock manipulation.
  • The Bombay High Court directed a CBI investigation after allegations surfaced of fake exports, foreign currency loan diversion, and fund rotation through shell companies in Mauritius and Jersey.
  • Jai Corp claims no official notice of the FIR yet but pledges full cooperation; investors await regulatory actions from SEBI, RBI, and ED, which could impact the company’s financial standing.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Dropbox Inc, Frontier Communications Parent, Universal Display and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Dropbox Inc.: Will Its Strategic Shift Towards Dash Pay Off?
  • Frontier Communications: Adaptation to Market Demands
  • Universal Display Corporation (OLED): The Phosphorescent Blue Innovation


Dropbox Inc.: Will Its Strategic Shift Towards Dash Pay Off?

By Baptista Research

  • Dropbox’s recent earnings report paints a complex picture of the company’s transitionary phase as it continues to navigate a shifting business environment and adapt to evolving market demands.
  • The company finished 2024 with revenues slightly topping guidance, reflecting a modest growth trajectory.
  • The year ended with a focus on transformative strategies aimed at transitioning from its foundational file sync and share (FSS) business to capably leverage areas poised for significant growth potential.

Frontier Communications: Adaptation to Market Demands

By Baptista Research

  • Frontier Communications delivered a mixed set of results in its Second Quarter 2024 earnings announcement, marked by notable strengths in fiber broadband expansion, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency but offset by certain financial challenges and competitive industry dynamics.
  • Starting with the positives, Frontier Communications reported its fastest quarter of organic revenue growth in more than a decade and the second consecutive quarter of revenue growth, substantiating its ongoing operational momentum.
  • The company added a record high of 92,000 new fiber broadband customers, reflecting a 37% increase from the previous year, and achieved its highest penetration milestone, with the base fiber markets reaching over 45% market share.

Universal Display Corporation (OLED): The Phosphorescent Blue Innovation

By Baptista Research

  • Universal Display Corporation has reported record financial performance for 2024, with revenues reaching $648 million, an increase of 12% from the previous year.
  • The revenue growth was driven by material sales amounting to $365 million and royalty and license revenues of $267 million.
  • The company achieved a net income of $222 million or $4.65 per diluted share, although earnings per share were partially offset by restructuring costs related to the closure of its OVJP California location and foreign currency exchange losses.

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Daily Brief Consumer: A2 Milk Co Ltd, Seven & I Holdings, Hang Seng Index, JD.com Inc (ADR), Mixue Group, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hasbro Inc, Wayfair Inc Class A and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • S&P/NZX 10 Index Rebalance: A2 Milk (ATM NZ) Replaces Ryman Healthcare (RYM NZ)
  • Seven & I Holdings: Mega Share Buyback Plan and IPO of North American CVS Unit to Boost Share Price
  • HSI Index Options Weekly (March 03-07): Alibaba’s Breakout and Policy Support Boost HSI
  • [JD.com, Inc (JD US, BUY, TP US$52) Earnings Review]: Market Calls for Longer-Term Growth Drivers
  • China Healthcare Weekly (Mar.9) – 11th VBP, PD-1/VEGF BsAb Outlook, MIXUE’s Stunning IPO Debut
  • HSCEI Index Options Weekly (March 03-07): Strong Gains as Skew Signals Tail Demand
  • (Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Oneconnect, Snt, Aeon Delight, AEON Mall, Insignia, 7&I, Sun Art
  • Hasbro Inc.: Expansion in Self-Published Video Games to Drive Sustainable Long-Term Profitability!
  • Wayfair Inc.: An Insight Into The 5 Biggest Challenges In Its Path In 2025!


S&P/NZX 10 Index Rebalance: A2 Milk (ATM NZ) Replaces Ryman Healthcare (RYM NZ)

By Brian Freitas


Seven & I Holdings: Mega Share Buyback Plan and IPO of North American CVS Unit to Boost Share Price

By Douglas Kim

  • If indeed the company proceeds with 2 trillion yen buyback over five years, this would represent buyback of about 7.3% of its shares per year (37% of market cap). 
  • Seven & I Holdings’ plans to massively buyback shares and IPO its North American CVS business are major catalysts that should have positive impact both near and long term. 
  • Certainly, the company’s action plan to sell its non-core assets (including supermarket, restaurant, and specialty stores) to Bain Capital for $5.5 billion is a step in the right direction.

HSI Index Options Weekly (March 03-07): Alibaba’s Breakout and Policy Support Boost HSI

By John Ley

  • Positive sentiment helps push HSI to new highs aided by rally in Alibaba.
  • Implied vol at high levels but so far supported by historic vols that are above implieds.
  • We highlight a large trade in out-of-the-money Calls for May expiry.

[JD.com, Inc (JD US, BUY, TP US$52) Earnings Review]: Market Calls for Longer-Term Growth Drivers

By Ying Pan

  • JD C4Q24 revenue exceeded our estimate/consensus by 3%/4% and adjusted NI by 16%/19%, driven by subsidies and logistic efficiency gains.
  • We expect JD to maintain 11% YoY revenue growth in C1H25 but moderate to 5.9% in 2H. 
  • We maintain JD.com’s TP at US$ 52 and the BUY rating. Market concern on lack of details for long term driver is valid but JD.com still has time.

China Healthcare Weekly (Mar.9) – 11th VBP, PD-1/VEGF BsAb Outlook, MIXUE’s Stunning IPO Debut

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • The 11th national VBP is expected to start in 2025H1. Companies such as Kelun, CSPC, Qilu Pharmaceuticals, Fosun Pharma, China Resources Pharmaceutical, etc. are expected to be affected the most.
  • It is estimated that the entire market of PD-1/L1 x VEGF BsAb is approximately US$20-30 billion. AK112 is expected to seize about 40%-50% of the market or US$8-15 billion.
  • MIXUE’s IPO debut was stellar. Conservative investors can considering taking profits as risk of share price corrections has increased. Radical investors can choose to bet on valuation exceeding Nongfu Spring.

HSCEI Index Options Weekly (March 03-07): Strong Gains as Skew Signals Tail Demand

By John Ley

  • HSCEI rebounded 5.90%, reversing last week’s weakness and extending its rally since mid-January.
  • Volatility softened in the short term, with implieds trending below key historic vol measures.
  • Skew shifted as demand for tail risk increased, with both out-of-the-money Puts and Calls seeing higher implied volatility, reflecting a bid for protection and upside exposure.


Hasbro Inc.: Expansion in Self-Published Video Games to Drive Sustainable Long-Term Profitability!

By Baptista Research

  • Hasbro Inc. recently concluded its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings presentation, reporting on both achievements and challenges faced by the company.
  • Notably, Hasbro’s diversified revenue streams, led by its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Games segment, underscore key factors in the company’s operational dynamics.
  • While Hasbro achieved some significant financial milestones, certain segments faced headwinds, leading to mixed outcomes overall.

Wayfair Inc.: An Insight Into The 5 Biggest Challenges In Its Path In 2025!

By Baptista Research

  • Wayfair’s fourth-quarter 2024 results reflect a mixed financial and operational landscape, capturing both opportunities and challenges in the current market environment.
  • The company’s net revenue witnessed a slight increase, with the U.S. segment showing positive year-over-year growth at 1.1%.
  • This growth was notably driven by improved holiday performance, implying effective seasonal management and merchandising strategies.

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Daily Brief Health Care: Eisai Co Ltd, Glaukos Corp and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Eisai (4523 JP): 3L Drive 9MFY25 Result; FY25 Guidance Reaffirmed; Leqembi at an Inflection Point
  • Glaukos Corporation: Can The iDose Market Expansion Fetch Significant Growth With iDose Platform?


Eisai (4523 JP): 3L Drive 9MFY25 Result; FY25 Guidance Reaffirmed; Leqembi at an Inflection Point

By Tina Banerjee

  • In 9MFY25, Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP) reported 9% YoY growth in revenue, driven by 3Ls. Operating profit rose 48% YoY and net profit climbed 56% YoY to ¥45.5B.
  • Eisai kept its FY25 total revenue guidance unchanged, implying a weaker Q4FY25 with a probable loss on the cards.
  • Lenvima growth stabilizes on indication expansion, Leqembi awaiting approvals and untangling safety concerns in a bid to reach its full market potential.

Glaukos Corporation: Can The iDose Market Expansion Fetch Significant Growth With iDose Platform?

By Baptista Research

  • Glaukos Corporation’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 reflect strong performance across multiple segments and considerable strategic initiatives, setting up the company for continued development in the upcoming year.
  • The company reported record fourth quarter consolidated net sales of $105.5 million, marking a 28% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
  • For the full year, Glaukos achieved net sales of $383.5 million, representing a 22% increase over 2023.

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Daily Brief Financials: Japan Post Bank, Soundwill Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) – Not Cheap Enough Vs Others, or Holdings
  • Soundwill Holdings (878 HK): Foo Family’s Offer at HK$8.50


Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) – Not Cheap Enough Vs Others, or Holdings

By Travis Lundy

  • The Offering of Japan Post Bank (7182 JP) is not taking place the way “the right pattern” would suggest, but last time was kind of special. This time is different.
  • Last time was a “second IPO” and coincided with a US regional bank crisis. This time the offering is smaller outright, and much smaller as a portion of float. 
  • Pricing is Monday. It hasn’t moved much vs JPH. It needs to move more to be attractive. And there is still a bit of overhang to come.

Soundwill Holdings (878 HK): Foo Family’s Offer at HK$8.50

By Arun George

  • Soundwill Holdings (878 HK) announced a privatisation offer from the Foo Family, the largest shareholder, at HK$8.50 (HK$7.50 cash + HK$1.00 special dividend), a 62.8% premium to the undisturbed price.
  • Key conditions include approval by at least 75% of independent shareholders (<10% of independent shareholders rejection) and a headcount test. No disinterested shareholder holds a blocking stake.
  • While the offer is light compared to peer multiples, it is attractive compared to historical trading ranges. A low AGM minority participation rate facilitates the vote. 

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Top 10 Highlights from the APAC PE, VC and Startup Ecosystem this Week – 09 Mar 2025

By | Private Markets, Smartkarma Newswire

Top ten highlights from the APAC PE, VC, and startup ecosystem this week:

  1. Female Founders in India: The gender funding gap in India highlighted by the Female Founders in India 2024 report shows that venture funding for Indian startups founded by women rebounded in
  2. However, their share in overall fundraising fell to 8.8%.
  3. Startup Gender Disparity: Startups founded solely by women raised $118.6 million in 2024, accounting for only 0.7% of total funding for private companies in India, while all-male founding teams secured nearly 91.2% of funding.
  4. Indonesia’s Startup Updates: CROWDE appoints new CEO amid fraud allegations, eFishery faces cash drain, and DCG enters ‘External Administration’.
  5. Startup Layoffs in Indonesia: Insurtech firm Qoala, P2P lender Julo, and edtech firm Arkademi lay off staff amidst challenging times in Indonesia’s startup industry.
  6. IPO News: PT Yupi Indo Jelly Gum prepares for an imminent IPO in Jakarta, showcasing the region’s growing capital markets.
  7. Healthcare M&A: Apollo Hospitals Enterprise in talks to acquire Belenus Champion Hospital, reflecting the increasing M&A activity in India’s hospital sector.
  8. Wealth Management Hiring Spree: Investment firms are increasing hirings in the private wealth sector across Asia in 2025, underscoring the region’s growing prominence as a global hub for private wealth management.
  9. Fund Updates: Sarona Asset Management raises its third global emerging markets fund-of-funds, emphasizing increased deployment in Asia.
  10. Funding Rounds: Darwinbox raises $140 million, FDcare secures $2.5 million, Instant raises $18 million, and Zhipu AI secures over 1 billion yuan in fresh funding, among other funding updates.
  11. Investment Partnerships: India’s A Junior VC closes debut venture fund, Blackbird-backed AI healthcare startup Heidi raises $16.6 million, and Vingroup signs a potential $1 billion equity investment deal with JTA Investment Qatar.”

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