Event-Driven Archives | Page 40 of 169 | Smartkarma

A weekly summary of key developments across ECM and Event-Driven names tracked by us across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, India and Chinese ADRs.
ECM developments: HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) and ZEEKR (ZK US) IPOs.
Event-Driven developments: L’Occitane (973 HK), Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP), Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP), Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), Austal Ltd (ASB AU).

(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: L’Occitane, KFC Holdings Japan, CSR, Azure Minerals, CIMC, Chilled & Frozen

Tally 47 – mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac – transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.
One new deals was discussed on Smartkarma this week: L’Occitane (973 HK)‘s VGO from major shareholder, Reinold Geiger. A deal for KFC Holdings Japan (9873 JP) is apparently imminent.
Key updates took place on: CSR Ltd (CSR AU), Azure Minerals (AZS AU), CIMC Vehicle Group Co Ltd (1839 HK), and Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP).

Quiddity Leaderboard CSI 300/500 Jun 24: Final Expectations; US$3.4bn One-Way; New Trade Idea

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

CSI 300 represents the 300 largest stocks by market cap and liquidity from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Exchanges. CSI 500 is the next 500.
The reference period for the June 2024 review is now complete. There are some changes to the expected ADDs/DELs list since I published my last insight (link) ~3 weeks ago.
In this insight, we take a look at our final expectations for index changes in June 2024.

S&P500 Index Rebalance: Bitcoin Miner Is a SPCY Add

Following Exxon Mobil (XOM US)‘s acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD), Vistra (VST US) will be added to the S&P 500 INDEX (SPX INDEX) at the close on 7 May.
Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA US) is an add to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and the stock could move higher till implementation.
Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA US) stock has underperformed its close peers this year and the ratio of Marathon Digital Holdings stock price to Bitcoin (XBTUSD CURNCY) is near the lows.

Adbri (ABC AU): 12th June Shareholder Vote

On the 27 Feb 2024, construction play Adbri (ABC AU) entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with CRH (CRH US) and 42.7%-shareholder Raymond Barro (Chairman) at $5.20/share.
Conditions include Adbri’s shareholder approval and FIRB signing off. Optically, it doesn’t appear to be a knockout price. However, Adbri’s share price has laboured since the onset of Covid.
The Scheme Booklet is now out, with a Scheme Meeting to be held on the 12th June. Expected implementation on the 1 July. IE says fair & reasonable.

Last Week in Event SPACE: Aussie Tax-Loss Selling, Austal, West Japan Railway, PICC/PICC P&C

Tax-Loss Selling‘s a subject of interest in Australia. Retail investors will take gains on stocks which run up in price, or get taken over, then look for losses to offset.
Investors are caught out as the Aussie government “approves” Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS) buyng Austal Ltd (ASB AU). There is evidently a lot more going on in the background.
West Japan Railway Co (9021 JP) announces a biggish buyback. One could buy dips, but one should probably not chase. For that, suggest this acts as a range trade.

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May 04

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Updated Tool (30Apr24) & “Diff File Generator” For TSE “Mgmt Conscious of Capital Cost/Stock Price” and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

Updated Tool (30Apr24) & “Diff File Generator” For TSE “Mgmt Conscious of Capital Cost/Stock Price”
Local Institutions’ Value-Up Momentum Moves: Watch the July Tax Reform Bill
EQD | The NIFTY May Be About to Start A Come Down

Updated Tool (30Apr24) & “Diff File Generator” For TSE “Mgmt Conscious of Capital Cost/Stock Price”

In mid-January, the TSE announced a “name-and-shame” list where they listed all the companies which had put forth a disclosure about 【資本コストや株価を意識した経営の実現に向けた対応】. But they did not actually shame.
The list shows which companies have disclosed a policy/consideration. But no data/links. We are weeks ahead of the TSE and we have all the links.
We created a tool to name everyone, show their reports, provide links to every document, and now a new tool. Put in a name, see the difference between the Old/New Reports.

Local Institutions’ Value-Up Momentum Moves: Watch the July Tax Reform Bill

MMAS prioritizes dividends over low-PBR, key to government’s Value-up momentum. Despite initial market disappointment, dividend stocks rebounded, underscoring continued investor interest.
Government officials are collecting historic dividend data to simulate separate taxation impact of dividend income, likely to be included in July’s tax reform bill for National Assembly approval.
Local institutions focus on dividend-centric Value-up trading, targeting stocks with high cash reserves and dividends. Strategy needed to manage market impact pre-tax reform bill in July.

EQD | The NIFTY May Be About to Start A Come Down

By Nico Rosti

The NIFTY Index kept rising for the past few months but has stalled its advance since March. It may be about to pullback and lose some gains, in May.
The index is currently up 2 weeks in a row, not yet strongly overbought but our model say that from a time perspective it could start to pullback next week.
If the index does not start to pullback soon, it could rally for another 2-3 weeks.

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May 03

Daily Brief Event-Driven: NPS Confirms Reference Portfolio & Risky Assets Upweight: Implications for Value-Up Stocks and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

NPS Confirms Reference Portfolio & Risky Assets Upweight: Implications for Value-Up Stocks
Austal (ASB AU): Spurned Suitor, Hanwha Ocean, Gets a Vote of Confidence
Honasa Consumer IPO Lock-Up Expiry – US$500m+ Lockup Expiry with Everyone Well in the Money
ASX200 Index Adhoc Rebalance: Sigma Healthcare (SIG) Replaces Boral (BLD)
Jusung Engineering: Announces Equity Spin Off + Physical Division Split

NPS Confirms Reference Portfolio & Risky Assets Upweight: Implications for Value-Up Stocks

Today, NPS made the final decision to introduce a reference portfolio. The critical point is the increase in risky assets from 56% to 65%, also decided at today’s meeting.
Initially, overseas equity was prioritized, but recent forecasts suggest significant potential in increasing local equity, aligning with the value-up policy.
Monitoring NPS’s execution plan, including allocation and timing by asset class, is vital to gauge inflow size, especially for Value-up beneficiaries.

Austal (ASB AU): Spurned Suitor, Hanwha Ocean, Gets a Vote of Confidence

On 2 April, Austal Ltd (ASB AU) rejected a non-binding proposal from Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS) at A$2.825 due to concerns about obtaining Australian and US regulatory approvals.
The Board’s claims are on shaky grounds. On 1 May, the AFR reported that Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles had no concerns with Hanwha’s privatisation bid.
The Board’s rejection is a clumsy attempt to negotiate better terms, such as a bump, ticking fees, or significant break fees. At the last close, the gross spread was 21.8%.

Honasa Consumer IPO Lock-Up Expiry – US$500m+ Lockup Expiry with Everyone Well in the Money

By Sumeet Singh

Honasa Consumer (HONASA IN) raised about US$200m in its India IPO. Its pre-IPO investors will be released from its IPO linked lockup soon.
HC’s product portfolio includes products in the baby care, face care, body care, hair care, color cosmetics and fragrances segments.
In this note, we talk about the upcoming lock-up expiry and possible deal dynamics.

ASX200 Index Adhoc Rebalance: Sigma Healthcare (SIG) Replaces Boral (BLD)

Seven Group Holdings (SVW AU) now holds 85.8% of Boral Ltd (BLD AU) and that will lead to deletion of Boral from the S&P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX).
As expected, Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) will be added to the S&P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) at the close on 9 May.
Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) price movements will be largely influenced by its pending merger with Chemist Warehouse Group (CWG).

Jusung Engineering: Announces Equity Spin Off + Physical Division Split

On 2 May, Jusung Engineering (036930 KS) announced an equity spin-off as well as a physical division split.
We are negative on this combination of equity spin-off and physical division split of Jusung Engineering.
After the two units are listed on 6 December 2024, it is likely that the semiconductor unit (Jusung Engineering Co) will rise while Jusung Holdings Co is likely to decline.

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May 02

Daily Brief Event-Driven: JR West (9021 JP) – Shareholder Structure Means Large-Ish Buyback Could Have Impact and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

JR West (9021 JP) – Shareholder Structure Means Large-Ish Buyback Could Have Impact
Selected European HoldCos and DLC: April’24 Report
AZ-Com Maruwa Launches Hostile TOB on Chilled & Frozen Logistics (9099) – Expect More Fun To Come
Chilled & Frozen Logistics (9099 JP): AZ-COM Maruwa Calls the Board’s Bluff, Launches the Offer
KOSDAQ150 Index Rebalance Preview: 15 Changes Possible as Review Period Ends
KOSPI200 Index Rebalance Preview: 5-6 Changes Possible from Now to June
The Bigger Picture As Aussie Government “Approves’ Hanwha Ocean’s Austal Bid

JR West (9021 JP) – Shareholder Structure Means Large-Ish Buyback Could Have Impact

Yesterday, West Japan Railway Co (9021 JP) announced FY23 earnings, a higher dividend, an update to the Medium-Term Management Plan (p10~), and a Buyback.
Short & Sweet: Revenues were +17.2%yoy, OP +114.1%, NP +1.6%. OPM was 11.0% and ROE 9.2% (both best since FY18). Guidance is Revenue up, OP down, NP tiny up.
The new FY25 (Mar26) OP guide in the MTMP is the old Mar28 target (mostly inbound tourism-driven). The Buyback is biggish. It is worth looking at the details.

Selected European HoldCos and DLC: April’24 Report

The Discounts to NAV of covered holdcos mainly widened during April. Discounts to NAV: C.F.Alba, 49.1% (vs. 47.3%); GBL, 39% (vs. 38.1%); Heineken Holding, 17.3% (vs 16.7%);
Industrivärden C, 4.7% (vs. 1.4%); Investor B, 8.3% (vs. 6.1%); Porsche Automobile Holding, 41.1% (vs. 45.4%). Rio DLC spread tightened to 22.5% (vs. to 24.9%).
What seems interesting: Porsche SE vs. listed assets and the Rio DLC (long RIO LN/short RIO AU).

AZ-Com Maruwa Launches Hostile TOB on Chilled & Frozen Logistics (9099) – Expect More Fun To Come

Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP) had been sending out questions, and trying to get AZ-Com Maruwa Holdings (9090 JP) to delay the start until at least late-May.
AZ-Com Maruwa answered questions (first and second set) and on the 24th, C&F asked AZ-Com to extend. They did not extend. AZ-Com announced the Tender Offer at ¥3,000 today.
C&F responded today saying the TOB is launched without C&F Board approval. Then they said some other things that might be disclosed when C&F’s Board presents its Target Opinion.

Chilled & Frozen Logistics (9099 JP): AZ-COM Maruwa Calls the Board’s Bluff, Launches the Offer

AZ-Com Maruwa Holdings (9090 JP) has satisfied the precondition for its hostile Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP) JPY3,000 offer. The offer closes on 17 June (31 business days).
AZ-COM Maruwa has called the Board’s bluff by providing sufficient time (extending the offer period from 20 to 31 business days) for a white knight to lob a competing bidder.
While a bump is probable, the shares already factor in a significant bumpitrage premium. A potential bump has a good chance of being lower than the last close.

KOSDAQ150 Index Rebalance Preview: 15 Changes Possible as Review Period Ends

With the review period complete, there could be up to 15 changes for the KOSDAQ 150 Index (KOSDQ150 INDEX) at the June rebalance.
Even with 15 changes, there is some sector balance among the potential adds and deletes with big churn in the Information Technology sector.
The potential adds have outperformed the potential deletes and the KOSDAQ 150 Index (KOSDQ150 INDEX) since the start of the review period but performance has flattened over the last month.

KOSPI200 Index Rebalance Preview: 5-6 Changes Possible from Now to June

With the review period complete, there could be up to 5 changes for the Korea Stock Exchange KOSPI 200 (KOSPI2 INDEX) at the June rebalance.
Hahn&Co now own over 96% of the shares in Ssangyong Cement Industrial (003410 KS) and there could be another change at or before the June rebalance.
Passive trackers will need to trade between 0.5-15x ADV on the index changes. There are big shorts in L&F (066970 KS) and Lotte Tour Development Co, Ltd. (032350 KS).

The Bigger Picture As Aussie Government “Approves’ Hanwha Ocean’s Austal Bid

Recently, I surmised FIRB would approve Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM US)/Hancock’s bid for Azure (AZS AU); but ding Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS)‘s Austal (ASB AU) tilt. I’m batting 50%.
Whereas FIRB gave the green light for Azure this week; reportedly (no official ASX announcement as yet), the Aussie government is “not concerned” with Hanwha’s acquisition. Austal gained 3% yesterday.
Even Austal didn’t high hopes of securing Aussie approval. Presumably the US government is similarly onboard. This development also signals an expanding AUKUS security pact.

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May 01

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Tax-Loss Selling in Australia 2024 – Historical Analysis and A Trade Basket and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

Tax-Loss Selling in Australia 2024 – Historical Analysis and A Trade Basket
Leading Candidates for the First Value-Up Disclosure
Listing of a Beauty Giant
End of Mandatory Lock-Up Periods for 54 Companies in Korea in May 2024
Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: Bi-Monthly (Mar and Apr 2024)
(Mostly) Asia M&A, April 2024: Austal, L’Occitane, Langham Hosp., Jastec, Mimasu, Best World, Isetan
Ono Pharmaceutical (4528 JP): Deciphera Acquisition Will Not Bring Immediate Respite

Tax-Loss Selling in Australia 2024 – Historical Analysis and A Trade Basket

I am not a tax advisor and I do not play one on TV but it is a subject of interest in Australia, as an AFR article from June 2022 shows.
The general gist: retail investors in Australia will take gains on stocks which run up in price, or get taken over, then look for losses to offset.
Below I present a study using data from 2012-2023 and this year’s portfolio.

Leading Candidates for the First Value-Up Disclosure

Of utmost importance in these guidelines will be the framework for Value-up disclosure. Local authorities aim to encourage proactive disclosure, starting with companies that are well-prepared.
Two companies are being closely watched as potential candidates for the first Value-up disclosure: CJ Cheiljedang (097950 KS) and Koh Young Technology (098460 KS).
The rationale for us to actively engage in alpha trading with these two names stems from the strong probability that they will emerge as cornerstone constituents of the Value-up index

Listing of a Beauty Giant

Puig Brands (PUIG SM) will start trading next Friday 3 May at 12:00. The placement price was €24.5/share at the top of the range (which was increased due to investors’ demand).
Puig, valued at €13,900 million, has placed 32% of its capital among qualified investors. The Puig family will retain over 90% of the voting rights through their Class A shares.
Puig will foreseeably enter the Ibex 35 after the ordinary meeting of the Ibex Technical Advisory Committee corresponding to the month of December.

End of Mandatory Lock-Up Periods for 54 Companies in Korea in May 2024

We discuss the end of the mandatory lock-up periods for 54 stocks in Korea in May 2024, among which 4 are in KOSPI and 50 are in KOSDAQ.
These 54 stocks on average could be subject to further selling pressures in May and could underperform relative to the market.
The top three market cap stocks including those of which at least 1% of outstanding shares could be sold in May include EcoPro Materials, Enchem, and Gaonchips.

Alpha Generation Through Share Buybacks in Korea: Bi-Monthly (Mar and Apr 2024)

In this insight, we discuss the alpha generation through companies that announced share buybacks in Korea in March and April 2024.
We provide a list of 30 stocks in the Korean stock market that have announced share buyback programs in the past two months.
Major companies that have announced share buybacks in Korea in the past two months include Krafton (259960 KS), Celltrion Inc (068270 KS), and Woori Financial Group (316140 KS).

(Mostly) Asia M&A, April 2024: Austal, L’Occitane, Langham Hosp., Jastec, Mimasu, Best World, Isetan

For the month of April 2024, 7 new transactions (firm and non-binding) were discussed on Smartkarma with an overall announced deal size of ~US$4bn.
The average premium for the new transactions announced (or first discussed) in April was ~55%. The average premium YTD is ~42%.
This compares to the average premium for transactions in 2023 (117 transactions), 2022 (106), 2021 (165), 2020 (158), and 2019 (145 ) of 39%, 41%, 33%, 31%, and 31% respectively.

Ono Pharmaceutical (4528 JP): Deciphera Acquisition Will Not Bring Immediate Respite

By Tina Banerjee

Ono Pharmaceutical (4528 JP) is acquiring Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH US) for $25.60/share in cash through a tender offer. The total equity value of the acquisition is approximately $2.4B.
Ono is expected to reap the benefit of Deciphera acquisition earliest from FY27. In the short-run, the company’s major problem of loss of revenue will not be addressed.
Ono needs to stretch its balance sheet to fund Deciphera acquisition. The acquisition will be earnings dilutive for Ono. Pricey valuation of the deal is another deterrent.

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Apr 30

Daily Brief Event-Driven: L’Occitane (973 HK): Conditional VGO at HK$34 and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

L’Occitane (973 HK): Conditional VGO at HK$34
Carlyle Reportedly To Buy KFC Japan (9873) From MitCorp (8058) – Deal Likely Imminent
KFC Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Carlyle Edging Towards a Tender Offer
Worley (WOR): Impact of Dar Group’s A$1.4bn Sale
Pacific Smiles (PSQ AU): A Brace Of Offers
L’Occitane (973 HK): Geiger’s $34/Share Offer
Mimasu Semiconductor (8155 JP): Shin-Etsu (4063 JP)’s Pre-Conditional Tender Offer
Toyo Suisan: Activist Advocates For Legacy Divestiture & More Capital for Global Expansion
NPN X PRX Discount Update Post Tencent Early Game Release News Flow
ASX200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Changes Prior to the June Rebalance

L’Occitane (973 HK): Conditional VGO at HK$34

L’Occitane (973 HK) disclosed a conditional voluntary offer from Reinold Geiger at HK$34.00, a 15.3% premium to the last close and a 30.8% premium to the undisturbed price (5 February).
The minimum acceptance condition is that the offeror holds at least 90% of the shares held by disinterested shareholders, which enables the offeror to exercise compulsory acquisition rights.
Irrevocable and letters of support to accept represent 37.96% of disinterested shares. An attractive offer (representing an all-time high) should facilitate the offer being declared unconditional.

Carlyle Reportedly To Buy KFC Japan (9873) From MitCorp (8058) – Deal Likely Imminent

On 28 Feb, the Nikkei reported (an article I missed) Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP) would seek to unload its 35% stake in Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP)
The stock popped, then continued to rise further. After the close Friday, the Nikkei reported MitCorp was close to a deal with Carlyle. A deal is apparently expected imminently.
I expect this could be a “Split Price Deal” (like Hitachi Transport and Pasona).

KFC Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Carlyle Edging Towards a Tender Offer

The Nikkei reports that Carlyle is in the final stages of buying Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP)’s 35% stake in Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP), which will result in a tender offer.
The structure will likely be similar to the KDDI Corp (9433 JP)/ Lawson Inc (2651 JP) tender, where MitCorp provides an irrevocable NOT to accept but vote for share consolidation.
The shares have been up 33.6% since Nikkei flagged the sale on 28 February. KFC Japan will trade in line with peers’ multiples at a JPY5,700 offer.

Worley (WOR): Impact of Dar Group’s A$1.4bn Sale

Dar Al-Handasah has sold 19% of WorleyParsons Ltd (WOR AU) overnight at A$14.35/share, a 12% discount to the last close, to raise A$1.44bn (US$943m).
This reduces Dar’s stake in WorleyParsons Ltd (WOR AU) to 4.5% and will trigger upweights from index providers in the next few days.
The stake sale could also lead to a re-rating of the stock with a large blocking stake off the share register.

Pacific Smiles (PSQ AU): A Brace Of Offers

On the 18th December 2023, Pacific Smiles (PSQ AU), an operator of dental centers, announced and rejected a A$1.40/share non-binding proposal from Genesis Capital. Genesis subsequently increased its stake to 19.90%.
Genesis then bumped its NBIO to A$1.75/share on the 19 March and was granted due diligence on a non-exclusive basis. PSQ said it would support the revised terms if firmed.
PSQ has now entered a Scheme with National Dental Care at A$1.90/share. The Offer also requires FIRB signing-off. But the proposal is a non-starter if Genesis rejects terms.

L’Occitane (973 HK): Geiger’s $34/Share Offer

After nearly six years of conjecture, rumour – plus the key shareholder (holding 72.63% of shares out) contemplating a takeover – we finally have an Offer for L’Occitane (973 HK).
The price? $34/share, a 30.77% premium to undisturbed, and a figure a shade below the HK$35/share flagged by Reuters last August deemed “false and without basis“. The price is final.
This takeover is a Voluntary General Offer. The key condition is securing 90% of disinterested shareholders holding 27.36%. 9.6% of that number have provided irrevocable undertakings or letters of support.

Mimasu Semiconductor (8155 JP): Shin-Etsu (4063 JP)’s Pre-Conditional Tender Offer

Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP) recommended a pre-conditional tender offer from Shin Etsu Chemical (4063 JP) at JPY3,700, a 14.4% and 35.4% premium to the last close and undisturbed price, respectively.
The pre-condition, which cannot be waived, is approval under the competition laws of Japan and Taiwan. The tender offer is expected to start in late July.
While the offer is below the mid-point of the IFA DCF valuation range and the requested price, it is 7.7% higher than the all-time high of JPY3,435. This is done.

Toyo Suisan: Activist Advocates For Legacy Divestiture & More Capital for Global Expansion

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Japanese instant noodle manufacturer Toyo Suisan Kaisha (2875 JP) has become the newest target for activist investors in Japan.
Nihon Global Growth Partners Management, Inc argues that Toyo Suisan’s investments are overly concentrated in its legacy businesses, despite these ventures yielding low returns.
Therefore, they are recommending that Toyo Suisan exit its legacy businesses, increase the payout ratio to 40%, and use some of its excess cash for a share buyback of ¥20bn.

NPN X PRX Discount Update Post Tencent Early Game Release News Flow

By Charlotte van Tiddens, CFA

Last week Monday, Tencent confirmed the early release of Dungeon and Fighter Mobile, a highly anticipated mobile adaptation of the computer game developed by Nexon.
The game is expected to be released in China on the 21st of May following positive test results.
Tencent was the 11th best performing constituent in the HSTECH index for the week (out of 30), returning 14.7%. The index ended the week up 13.4%.

ASX200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Changes Prior to the June Rebalance

Seven Group Holdings (SVW AU)‘s holding in Boral Ltd (BLD AU) continues to increase and that could lead to an index change at the June rebalance, if not earlier.
The Silver Lake Resources (SLR AU)/ Red 5 Ltd (RED AU) merger could lead to an index change early June.
Cie De Saint-Gobain (SGO FP)‘s acquisition of CSR Ltd (CSR AU) could lead to another index change just ahead of the regular June rebalance.

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Apr 29

Daily Brief Event-Driven: HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) IPO: No Passive Buying Near-Term and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) IPO: No Passive Buying Near-Term
Merger Arb Mondays (29 Apr) – Azure, Silver Lake, Roland DG, CF Logistics, China TCM, Hollysys
India: Potential Free Float Changes & Passive Flows in May
MBK’s ConnectWave Tender Offer: Details & Trading Angles
Connect Wave: Tender Offer of 30% of Shares by MBK Partners
SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Market Consultation & More Changes in June
EQD / NSE Volatility Update / 22-Apr-24 to 26-Apr-24
BHP to Consider Sweetened Proposal for Anglo

HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) IPO: No Passive Buying Near-Term

HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) is looking to raise KRW 742bn (US$540m) in its IPO, valuing the company at KRW 3,707bn (US$2.69bn). Listing is expected to be in early-May.
Competition for the shares has been fierce with institutional investors indicating demand for 201x the number of shares on offer at prices higher than the top end of the range.
Barring a doubling of the stock price, the earliest that the stock will be added to major indices is December 2024. So, no passive buying in the short-term.

Merger Arb Mondays (29 Apr) – Azure, Silver Lake, Roland DG, CF Logistics, China TCM, Hollysys

We summarise the latest spreads and newsflow of merger arb situations we cover across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese ADRs.
Highest spreads: Qantm Intellectual Property (QIP AU), Azure Minerals (AZS AU), Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US), Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU), Southern Cross Media (SXL AU), China TCM.
Lowest spreads: Chilled & Frozen Logistics Holdings (9099 JP), Roland DG Corp (6789 JP), Mma Offshore (MRM AU), Pact Group Holdings (PGH AU), Newmark Property REIT (NPR AU).

India: Potential Free Float Changes & Passive Flows in May

Companies in India have disclosed their shareholding pattern as of end-March in April. There are companies with significant float changes from end-September and/or end-December.
The changes in free float could be reflected in domestic and global indices over the next few weeks and months resulting in action from passive trackers.
Depending on the date that the shareholding was published, there could be 14 stocks with passive inflows from global trackers while 7 could see passive outflows in May.

MBK’s ConnectWave Tender Offer: Details & Trading Angles

MBK Partners will launch a tender offer for ConnectWave from today to May 24th. The target volume is 16.6M shares (40% of SO) at ₩18,000 per share, a 15.6% premium.
MBK commits to acquiring all tendered shares, regardless of subscription rates, in order to expedite the delisting process. So, there is no cancellation or allocation risk.
ConnectWave’s retail investor base, with high entry prices, may hinder reaching 70% of the target volume. Absence of risks suggests considering buy positions for potential secondary tender offer.

Connect Wave: Tender Offer of 30% of Shares by MBK Partners

After the market close on 26 April, it was reported that MBK Partners has launched a tender offer of a 29.61% stake of Connectwave (119860 KS).
The tender offer price is 18,000 won, which is 15.6% higher than the closing price (15,570 won) of the company on 26 April.
The tender offer period is from 29 April to 24 May. The amount of the tender offer is about 300 billion won.

SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: Market Consultation & More Changes in June

The SET has run a market consultation on relaxing liquidity thresholds for inclusion of stocks in the Stock Exchange of Thailand SET 50 Index (SET50 INDEX) universe.
The consultation is the result of an increase in Average Daily Trading Values and lower turnover ratios, especially for large cap stocks.
Berli Jucker (BJC TB) is now a potential index inclusion in June and that could result in four constituent changes at the next rebalance.

EQD / NSE Volatility Update / 22-Apr-24 to 26-Apr-24

By Sankalp Singh

SEBI extends cross-margining discounts to correlated assets with different maturities – Dispersion trading & vol arb strategies to benefit.
In spite of upcoming tier-1 event risks the vol surface has flattened dramatically. Current IV levels are supportive of a continued “High & Down” vol state.
Curve steepening seen in Nifty50 IVs. Unusual kinked-shaped in BankNifty term structure has normalized – vol curve now has a uniform orientation.

BHP to Consider Sweetened Proposal for Anglo

On 27 April, Reuters reported that BHP is considering making an improved offer for Anglo American after its initial proposal was rejected. Anglo’s shares trade at 0.3% discount to proposal.
BHP is not paying any control premium. Despite its robust portfolio and recent share price appreciation, Anglo trades at a 18% discount compared to the sum of its parts (3018p).
Interloper risk is high. Antitrust risk seems low. As a defence, Anglo may conduct some portfolio simplification to unlock value. I would be long at current prices.

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Apr 28

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Roland DG (6789 JP): Taiyo Bumps as Brother (6448 JP) Now Faces a Dilemma and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

Roland DG (6789 JP): Taiyo Bumps as Brother (6448 JP) Now Faces a Dilemma
HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Apr 2024); Strong Net Buying on Banks/Energy Telco SOEs. Again.
(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Mimasu Semi, Tietto Minerals, CSR, CPMC, Roland DG, IClick Interactive
A/H Premium Tracker (To 26 Apr 2024): Best Week in a LONG Time for Hs Vs As – Time To Get Long H/A
Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Apr 2024): Big NB Buy Friday
EQD | Nikkei’s Downtrend Could Continue in May (But the Bottom Is Near)
Last Week in Event SPACE: HK Southbound, Jardine Cycle, Keisei/Oriental Land, BHP/Anglo American
CSR (CSR AU): 13th June Shareholder Vote

Roland DG (6789 JP): Taiyo Bumps as Brother (6448 JP) Now Faces a Dilemma

Roland DG Corp (6789 JP) has re-recommended Taiyo’s revised offer of JPY5,370, which is 6.7% higher than its previous JPY5,035 offer and 3.3% higher than Brother Industries (6448 JP)’s JPY5,200 offer.
The Board articulates a compelling case on Brother’s offer dis-synergies, which will help swing some shareholder opinion towards Taiyo (irrespective of the price).
Brother could bump, but it would not address the issue of satisfying the condition precedent (non-completion of Taiyo offer) and securing the Board’s recommendation.

HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Apr 2024); Strong Net Buying on Banks/Energy Telco SOEs. Again.

A shares were up small on the week, largely due to a big rally on Friday (led by record Northbound buying). HK Stocks had a HUGE week.
Net SOUTHBOUND buying was +HK10.3bn. Net buys every day and now 20 days straight, but buying was foreign-led.
Little market news. More geopolitical news. Big SOE bank H-shares see relentless buying. HSTECH +13.4%, HSI +8.8%, HSCEI +9.1%.

(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: Mimasu Semi, Tietto Minerals, CSR, CPMC, Roland DG, IClick Interactive

Tally 50 – mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac – transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.
One new deals was discussed on Smartkarma this week, being Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP)‘s Tender Offer. There’s also BHP Group (BHP AU)‘s unsolicited Offer for Anglo American (NGLOY US).
Key updates took place on: Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU), CSR Ltd (CSR AU), CPMC Holdings (906 HK), Roland DG Corp (6789 JP), and iClick Interactive Asia Group (ICLK US).

A/H Premium Tracker (To 26 Apr 2024): Best Week in a LONG Time for Hs Vs As – Time To Get Long H/A

The New/Better A-H Premium Tracker has tables, charts, measures galore to track A/H premium positioning, southbound and northbound positioning/volatility in pairs over time, etc.
SOUTHBOUND’s consecutive buying streak ended on Monday 25-March, then started again. 20 days straight net buying. NORTHBOUND saw big inflows Friday. A record day I believe.
HK stocks bounced VERY hard. Seemed like big allocation trade. HSCEI +8.7% vs CSI300 +1.2%. In H/A Pairs, liquid pairs saw Hs outperform their A by 4+% on average.

Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Apr 2024): Big NB Buy Friday

The Quiddity Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Monitor. Like the A/H Premium Monitor and HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Monitor. Lots of Flows/Position Tables and Charts with which to play.
Last week saw NORTHBOUND net BUY RMB 25+bn of A-shares on low gross volume but a huge Friday playing catchup to a massive up-week in HK shares.
H outperformed As and it feels like the massive day Friday was just to play reversion on underperformance vs HK shares.

EQD | Nikkei’s Downtrend Could Continue in May (But the Bottom Is Near)

By Nico Rosti

The Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) is closing the month of April in negative territory, first month down after 3 months up.
Our seasonal model indicates that May could also close down, but the index should find strong support in the 37770-36750 price area.
The month of May is a coin flip: the index could close up or down, caution is advised.

Last Week in Event SPACE: HK Southbound, Jardine Cycle, Keisei/Oriental Land, BHP/Anglo American

The CSRC has announced five capital market cooperation measures for the Hong Kong Southbound Connect programs including RMB dual counters and REITs.
Jardine Cycle & Carriage (JCNC SP)‘s current implied stub value and simple ratio are both highly elevated.
A simple Keisei Electric Railway Co (9009 JP)model says “this doesn’t present me with enough upside to warrant it unless I am also really bullish Oriental Land (4661 JP).”

CSR (CSR AU): 13th June Shareholder Vote

After pitching an indicative Offer to CSR (CSR AU) shareholders of A$9/share by way of a Scheme on the 21st Feb, Saint-Gobain (SGO FP) firmed terms on the 26th Feb.
$9.00 is a knockout Offer. The business combination has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies. Conditions include CSR’s shareholder approval and FIRB signing off.
The Scheme Booklet is now out, with a Scheme Meeting to be held on the 13th June. Expected implementation on the 9 July. IE says fair & reasonable.

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Apr 27

Daily Brief Event-Driven: BHP/Anglo American: A Decarbonising Solution and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

BHP/Anglo American: A Decarbonising Solution
Korea Value-Up Guidelines Release Date Is Set for May 2nd
Taiyo Pacific Overbids Brother for Roland DG (6789)
Quiddity Leaderboard ES50 Sep 24: Engie Gets Closer to a US$1.1bn Index Inflow
I Squared & TDR Win the Long Battle for Applus at the Final Auction

BHP/Anglo American: A Decarbonising Solution

BHP (BHP AU)‘s all-scrip unsolicited Offer for Anglo American (AAL LN), zeroes in on AAL’s copper assets as demand for the metal increases for use in EVs and renewable power.
The proposal has been labelled highly opportunistic by some shareholders and South African politicians. And that the value of AAL’s Chilian/Peruvian copper mines are obscured by its sprawling business interests.
The Offer remains conditional and non-binding. A transaction hinges off AAL spinning off its South African iron ore and platinum businesses. Expect AAL to reject terms, but remain engaged.

Korea Value-Up Guidelines Release Date Is Set for May 2nd

Chosun reports Korean financial authorities advance Value-up plan guidelines to May 2nd, citing momentum decline post-election. Chosun’s credibility enhances report validity.
Companies will commence Value-up-related disclosures in alignment with the guidelines within May. A dedicated Value-up website is set to launch in May.
The May 2nd guideline release date is crucial for Value-up momentum trading. Anticipate heightened volatility in Value-up stocks approaching this date.

Taiyo Pacific Overbids Brother for Roland DG (6789)

Originally, Brother Industries (6448 JP) wanted to buy Roland DG Corp (6789 JP). Roland invited others to bid, didn’t tell Brother, then said Taiyo Pacific’s ¥5,035 bid won.
That was low. Weeks later, Brother lobbed a ¥5,200 overbid. They are going through the approvals process but it isn’t clear Brother is negotiating.
Taiyo has extended and extended and shown up in interviews. Now it has overbid at ¥5,370.

Quiddity Leaderboard ES50 Sep 24: Engie Gets Closer to a US$1.1bn Index Inflow

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

The ES50 Index is one of the most highly-tracked and followed indices in Europe and the annual index review takes place in September every year.
This annual index rebal event usually results in some of the most significant index flow events in Europe every year, typically amounting to billions of dollars of flows.
In this insight, we take a look the names leading the race to become ADDs/DELs for the upcoming index review in September 2024.

I Squared & TDR Win the Long Battle for Applus at the Final Auction

I Squared and TDR presented a final offer price of €12.78/share in cash, marking a 16.2% increase over their prior bid and surpassing Apollo Global Management’s final offer of €12.51/share.
The winning offer values the share capital at €1,649 million (7.3x EV/Fwd NTM EBITDA, 13.2x Fwd P/E), 34% above Apollo’s initial offer.
Gross spread is 0.2%. Settlement could happen around 27 May, with 3.7% estimated annual return.

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Apr 26

Daily Brief Event-Driven: Activist Palliser Re-Engages on Keisei Electric (9009) But The Oppty Remains Unconvincing and more

By Smartkarma Daily Briefs | Daily Briefs, Event-Driven

In today’s briefing:

Activist Palliser Re-Engages on Keisei Electric (9009) But The Oppty Remains Unconvincing
18yrs Later, Shin-Etsu Chem Takes Out Sub Mimasu Semi (8155) – Cheap But Whatchagonnado?
Japan – Increase in Shorts & Potential Passive Selling in May
Today, Korean Regulators Unveiled an Electronic System Aimed at Blocking Naked Short-Selling
An Overlooked Passive Flow Potential for the Korea Index: Foreign Listing Materiality
Quiddity Leaderboard SE600 Mar 24: 7 Changes Likely; Expected ADDs Could Outperform Expected DELs

Activist Palliser Re-Engages on Keisei Electric (9009) But The Oppty Remains Unconvincing

Last October, activist Palliser Capital launched a campaign (presentation) on well-known “stub trade” Keisei Electric Railway Co (9009 JP) with a stake of about 1.6%.
The proposal? Monetise a decent stake in Oriental Land (4661 JP), repurchase shares, and invest for growth. Keisei responded 6-8 weeks ago with a buyback and 1% OLC stake sale.
I thought that was time to bail. That was it. But now, Palliser has re-engaged. Today a press release (Japanese/English) and a Letter to the Board.

18yrs Later, Shin-Etsu Chem Takes Out Sub Mimasu Semi (8155) – Cheap But Whatchagonnado?

Shin Etsu Chemical (4063 JP), owner of a 44% stake in Mimasu Semiconductor Industry (8155 JP), has announced a Tender Offer to take out minorities in Mimasu.
This is not surprising. They bought in 19 years ago, raised to 40+% 18yrs ago, then waited. Finally, we have a deal. But it’s too cheap.
Shin-Etsu starts with ~45%, and crossholders and the chairman get it to 52%. Then they need a bit to get them to 67% but it should be straightforward.

Japan – Increase in Shorts & Potential Passive Selling in May

There are a bunch of stocks that have underperformed the Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) and their peers and could be deleted from global passive portfolios in May.
The deletion from passive portfolios will lead to a liquidity event at the end of May where passive trackers will need to sell multiple days of ADV.
Shorts have been built up on all the stocks over the last few months and the extent of the positioning varies across stocks.

Today, Korean Regulators Unveiled an Electronic System Aimed at Blocking Naked Short-Selling

Today’s reveal includes two main parts: first, setting up internal balance management for investors; second, building the detection system to block naked short-selling.
FSC and FSS haven’t provided a set date for system completion but suggest it may start late this year or early next year. Uncertainty remains on overseas investor participation.
A decision on short selling is due in June, but no confirmation was given today. However, the local market anticipates short selling resuming before this system is fully operational.

An Overlooked Passive Flow Potential for the Korea Index: Foreign Listing Materiality