Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech, Aequitas Research

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Quantitative Analysis

<ul>
<li>We analyse the changes of A/H premium on 134 stocks over the last week. </li>
<li>The sector with the biggest A/H premium increase was Health Care (ΔA/H premium=+8.1ppt).  The average A/H premium of the the Health Care sector was also at 52 week high. </li>
<li>This is due to the A/H premia of many Health Care stocks at 52 week high: Wuxi Apptec, Tigermed, Pharmaron, Hepalink, and the increase of A/H for Join Lab, Haohai. </li>
</ul>


We analyse the changes of A/H premium on 134 stocks over the last week. 
The sector with the biggest A/H premium increase was Health Care (ΔA/H premium=+8.1ppt).  The average A/H premium of the the Health Care sector was also at 52 week high. 
This is due to the A/H premia of many Health Care stocks at 52 week high: Wuxi Apptec, Tigermed, Pharmaron, Hepalink, and the increase of A/H for Join Lab, Haohai. 


A/H Premium Weekly: Health Care A/H Premium at 52W High

HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

Zhejiang Expressway Co H / Equity Bottom-Up

<p>After reporting an 8.65x surge in profit in 1H21, we think there are three drivers that should bring better outlook for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhejiang-expressway-co-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2178:1" rel="noopener">Zhejiang Expressway Co H (576 HK)</a> (ZJEC) over the next twelve months. These positive factors include further rebound in traffic and toll revenue, additional contribution from new projects and good upside from profit of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zheshang-securities-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29981:1" rel="noopener">Zheshang Securities Co Ltd (601878 CH)</a>. </p><p>YTD, share price of ZJEC increased by 10%, but we still see good upside potential given that it trades on only 0.9x P/B for FY21 and its ROE for 1H21 already reached 10.1% (before annualised). On earnings valuation, its 5.7x and 5.0x PER for FY21 and FY22, respectively, also appeared very attractive, in our view. </p>

After reporting an 8.65x surge in profit in 1H21, we think there are three drivers that should bring better outlook for Zhejiang Expressway Co H (576 HK) (ZJEC) over the next twelve months. These positive factors include further rebound in traffic and toll revenue, additional contribution from new projects and good upside from profit of Zheshang Securities Co Ltd (601878 CH). YTD, share price of ZJEC increased by 10%, but we still see good upside potential given that it trades on only 0.9x P/B for FY21 and its ROE for 1H21 already reached 10.1% (before annualised). On earnings valuation, its 5.7x and 5.0x PER for FY21 and FY22, respectively, also appeared very attractive, in our view. 

Zhejiang Expressway (576 HK): Drivers in Place for Robust Outlook

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Event-Driven

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/qilu-expressway-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27431:1" rel="noopener">Qilu Expressway Co Ltd (1576 HK)</a> is an expressway operator with the concession rights to construct and operate the Jihe Expressway, the Deshang Expressway and the Shennan Expressway. Revenue is derived primarily from tolls collected from users of the expressways. Qilu listed its H-shares on 19 July 2018 at HK$2.50 per H-share to raise net proceeds of HK$1,172.12 million ($151 million). </p><p>Due to the completion of the merger by absorption of Qilu Transportation by Shandong Hi-Speed Group on 16 November 2020, Shandong Hi-Speed Group and Shandong Hi-Speed Investment owned 38.93% and 5.19% of the outstanding shares. Subsequently, public shareholders accounted for 19.81% of the outstanding shares, which falls below the minimum public float requirement. To date, Shandong Hi-Speed Group has failed to address the minimum public float requirement by its fulfilling its plan to dispose of its H-shares to independent third parties.</p><p>Today, Qilu entered a trading halt pending the release of an announcement pursuant to the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Subsequently, Qilu disclosed that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shandong-hi-speed-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7178:1" rel="noopener">Shandong Hi Speed Co Ltd A (600350 CH)</a> intends to acquire the 778.5 million domestic shares (86.50% of domestic shares, 38.93% of outstanding shares) held by Shandong Hi-Speed Group. Post-completion, Qilu’s direct controlling shareholder will be changed from Shandong Hi-Speed Group to Shandong Hi-Speed which may trigger a mandatory general offer for all the shares under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers code, unless it is granted a waiver from the Executive. Notably, Shandong Hi-Speed and Shandong Hi-Speed Group will jointly seek a waiver from the Executive.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>We note that on 20 August 2020, Shandong Hi-Speed Group was granted a waiver from a mandatory general offer by the Executive in relation to the merger by absorption of Qilu Transportation by Shandong Hi-Speed Group. We think that the Executive will grant a similar waiver for the proposed share acquisition. In combination with ongoing challenges to satisfy the minimum public float requirement, we would not chase the shares. </p></div>

Qilu Expressway Co Ltd (1576 HK) is an expressway operator with the concession rights to construct and operate the Jihe Expressway, the Deshang Expressway and the Shennan Expressway. Revenue is derived primarily from tolls collected from users of the expressways. Qilu listed its H-shares on 19 July 2018 at HK$2.50 per H-share to raise net proceeds of HK$1,172.12 million ($151 million). Due to the completion of the merger by absorption of Qilu Transportation by Shandong Hi-Speed Group on 16 November 2020, Shandong Hi-Speed Group and Shandong Hi-Speed Investment owned 38.93% and 5.19% of the outstanding shares. Subsequently, public shareholders accounted for 19.81% of the outstanding shares, which falls below the minimum public float requirement. To date, Shandong Hi-Speed Group has failed to address the minimum public float requirement by its fulfilling its plan to dispose of its H-shares to independent third parties.Today, Qilu entered a trading halt pending the release of an announcement pursuant to the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Subsequently, Qilu disclosed that Shandong Hi Speed Co Ltd A (600350 CH) intends to acquire the 778.5 million domestic shares (86.50% of domestic shares, 38.93% of outstanding shares) held by Shandong Hi-Speed Group. Post-completion, Qilu’s direct controlling shareholder will be changed from Shandong Hi-Speed Group to Shandong Hi-Speed which may trigger a mandatory general offer for all the shares under Rule 26.1 of the Takeovers code, unless it is granted a waiver from the Executive. Notably, Shandong Hi-Speed and Shandong Hi-Speed Group will jointly seek a waiver from the Executive.We note that on 20 August 2020, Shandong Hi-Speed Group was granted a waiver from a mandatory general offer by the Executive in relation to the merger by absorption of Qilu Transportation by Shandong Hi-Speed Group. We think that the Executive will grant a similar waiver for the proposed share acquisition. In combination with ongoing challenges to satisfy the minimum public float requirement, we would not chase the shares. 

Qilu Expressway’s Largest Shareholder Seeks Another MGO Waiver

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhejiang-expressway-co-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2178:1" rel="noopener">Zhejiang Expressway Co H (576 HK)</a>'s (ZJEC) subsidiary <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zheshang-securities-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29981:1" rel="noopener">Zheshang Securities Co Ltd (601878 CH)</a> pre-announced a set of solid FY20 result on 26 Jan. With the current strength of the A-share market, we believe this business will add to the recovery of toll road business in FY21, driving encouraging momentum for ZJEC.</p><p>Focusing back to the core toll road business, both traffic and toll revenue are showing positive YoY growth in Dec 2020, suggesting good recovery pace. ZJEC is also progressing ahead with the plan to list the toll collection rights of Hanghui Expressway as a public infrastructure REIT. We think these factors are important catalysts for ZJEC in this year. Its 5.9x PER and 0.86x P/B for 12-month forward are undemanding and its ROE vs. P/B is also inexpensive in the sector.  </p>

Zhejiang Expressway Co H (576 HK)'s (ZJEC) subsidiary Zheshang Securities Co Ltd (601878 CH) pre-announced a set of solid FY20 result on 26 Jan. With the current strength of the A-share market, we believe this business will add to the recovery of toll road business in FY21, driving encouraging momentum for ZJEC.Focusing back to the core toll road business, both traffic and toll revenue are showing positive YoY growth in Dec 2020, suggesting good recovery pace. ZJEC is also progressing ahead with the plan to list the toll collection rights of Hanghui Expressway as a public infrastructure REIT. We think these factors are important catalysts for ZJEC in this year. Its 5.9x PER and 0.86x P/B for 12-month forward are undemanding and its ROE vs. P/B is also inexpensive in the sector.  

Zhejiang Expressway (576 HK): Gaining from Both Growth and Stable Business Exposures

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<p>2020 has been a bumpy journey for Chinese toll roads. China's State Council first increased the toll-free period over the Chinese New Year to 16 days, up from seven days in a normal year. This was followed by a directive from the Ministry of Transport such that charges for using the toll roads would be waived for users from the 17 February until a later date - an exemption which was finally lifted on the 6 May.</p><p>The sector was already being scrutinized after an ETC (E-Toll discount) policy was introduced in July of last year; and a truck toll charge implemented on the 1 January of this year, with respect to toll-by-weight compared to toll-by-vehicle.</p><p>Collectively, yield-starved investors have questioned the defensiveness of the sector. Shares are off 22% on average YTD, versus 12% for the HSI.</p><h2>The New News</h2><p>On the 30 April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly <a href="http://www.csrc.gov.cn/pub/zjhpublic/zjh/202004/t20200430_374847.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> (Chinese-only) a new pilot for Chinese infrastructure real estate investment trusts (or C-REITs), which are ostensibly a mechanism to fund infrastructure projects such highways and airports; and only for such infrastructure which has been operational for three years.  </p><p>Details are still to be fully fleshed out, not least how China's complex tax regime will be addressed. But it is worth exploring which toll road companies <em>may</em> be best suited to being taken private and repackaged as a REIT.</p><hr><div class="content-highlight">
<h2>What's Original?</h2>
<p>The CSRC and NDRC's announcement of a pilot program for public infrastructure REITs opens the door for the potential restructuring of listed toll road companies.</p>
<p>This in-depth insight canvasses the key Chinese toll road operators listed in Hong Kong, and assesses which companies may be targeted for acquisition, from both a financial and regulatory perspective, to spearhead this new policy.</p>
</div>

2020 has been a bumpy journey for Chinese toll roads. China's State Council first increased the toll-free period over the Chinese New Year to 16 days, up from seven days in a normal year. This was followed by a directive from the Ministry of Transport such that charges for using the toll roads would be waived for users from the 17 February until a later date - an exemption which was finally lifted on the 6 May.The sector was already being scrutinized after an ETC (E-Toll discount) policy was introduced in July of last year; and a truck toll charge implemented on the 1 January of this year, with respect to toll-by-weight compared to toll-by-vehicle.Collectively, yield-starved investors have questioned the defensiveness of the sector. Shares are off 22% on average YTD, versus 12% for the HSI.The New NewsOn the 30 April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly announced (Chinese-only) a new pilot for Chinese infrastructure real estate investment trusts (or C-REITs), which are ostensibly a mechanism to fund infrastructure projects such highways and airports; and only for such infrastructure which has been operational for three years.  Details are still to be fully fleshed out, not least how China's complex tax regime will be addressed. But it is worth exploring which toll road companies may be best suited to being taken private and repackaged as a REIT.
What's Original?
The CSRC and NDRC's announcement of a pilot program for public infrastructure REITs opens the door for the potential restructuring of listed toll road companies.
This in-depth insight canvasses the key Chinese toll road operators listed in Hong Kong, and assesses which companies may be targeted for acquisition, from both a financial and regulatory perspective, to spearhead this new policy.


Chinese Expressways: A Step In The REIT Direction

China

Rizhao Port Co., Ltd. operates Rizhao ports in Rizhao, Shandong. The company handles, warehouses, and transports containers and bulk and general cargoes.

Qinhuangdao Port Company Limited loads, stores, transports port cargo. The Company's main products include liquid chemicals, iron ore and coal, oil and other cargo, containers and other products.

Dongguan Development Holdings Co., Ltd invests, develops, and operates toll collection for the Dongguan expressway.

Dongguan Development (Holdings) Co., (000828 CH)

Henan Zhongyuan Expressway Company Limited finances, operates, and maintains expressways and bridges in China. The Company collects tolls for the Zheng Luo Expressway and the Zhengzhou Yellow River Bridge.

Fujian Expressway Development Co., Ltd. constructs, maintains, manages, and provides toll collection services for the Quanxia Expressway and the Fuquan Expressway in Fujian Province, China.

Fujian Expressway Development Co, Ltd. (600033 CH)

Guangxi Wuzhou Communications Co., Ltd. constructs and manages transportation infrastructure facilities including highways, bridges, ports, and other related facilities. The Company manages the Pingwang Road, the Nanwu Road, the Jinyi Road, and the Jinglan Bridge in Guangxi.

Guangxi Wuzhou Communications (600368 CH)

Jiangxi Ganyue Expressway Co., Ltd. maintains, operates, and manages toll expressways, bridges, and other transportation facilities.  The Company manages the Changjiu Expressway, the Changzhang Expressway, the Changfu Expressway, and the Yinsanjiao Overpass.

Jiangxi Ganyue Expressway Co., (600269 CH)

Hubei Chutian Expressway Co., Ltd. maintains, operates, and develops toll expressways in Hubei province in China.

Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited operates both aeronautical and non-aeronautical business in the Beijing airport.  The Company provides aircraft movement and passenger service facilities, safety and security services, fire-fighting services, and ground handling services.  In addition, Beijing Capital operates duty free and other retail shops and leases properties.

Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) (694 HK)

Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA)

Sichuan Haite High-tech Co., Ltd. maintains and repairs aircraft equipment including wireless equipment, instruments, electrical equipment, and power equipment.  The Company also develops and sells aircraft inspection equipment and technology.

The Sumitomo Warehouse Co., Ltd. operates warehousing and freight transportation businesses.  The Company provides integrated transportation services including marine, land, and air freight, and stores cargos in warehouses throughout Japan. Sumitomo Warehouse also operates a real estate leasing business.

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust is a port investor, developer and operator. The Company is also involved in transportation related services and logistics operations, including container storage and repair, container tracking, general and bulk cargo tranfer, warehousing, marine shuttle services and other related services.

Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. operates a marine shipping port.  The port loads and unloads container, bulk, and liquid cargo.

Gemadept Corporation is a shipping company.  The Company's business activities include port operations, 
container liner service, shipping and forwarding agency logistics, project cargo transport, real 
estate, and financial investment.

Westshore Terminals Investment Corp. operates a coal storage and loading terminal in British Columbia, Canada.

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Ltd., through its subsidiaries, invests in, develops, operates, and manages toll highways, expressways, and bridges in China.

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure (1052 HK)

Ecorodovias Infraestrutura e Logistica SA is a road concession group in Brazil. The Groups concessionaires connect the main Brazilian ports to national production and consumption centers.

COSCO SHIPPING International (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. provides shipping related services. The Company offers shipping, logistics, shipbuilding and ship repair services, ship trading agency services, marine insurance brokerage services, marine equipment and spare parts, coating products, and marine fuel and other related shipping products. COSCO International serves clients around the world.

Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides port services. Bintulu Port Holdings serves customers in Malaysia.

Asian Terminals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates and manages port terminals in the Philippines. The company operates and manages the Manila South Harbor, the Inland Clearance Depot, the Port of Batangas, and the Port of General Santos, as well as off-dock container yards. It provides stevedoring, arrastre, warehousing, storage, carnage, container freight station, domestic cargo handling, passenger terminal, and other port related services for international shipping lines; and trucking, just-in-time delivery, brokerage, and maintenance and repair services. The company was formerly known as Marina Port Services, Inc. Asian Terminals, Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and is headquartered in Manila, the Philippines.

Sichuan Expressway Company Limited develops, invests in, and operates infrastructure projects including toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ancillary facilities.

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Sichuan Expressway Co H (107 HK)

A/H Premium Weekly: Health Care A/H Premium at 52W High

We highlight that A/H premium of Health Care sector at 52 week high due to rumor of entity list inclusion, this is due to A/H premia of many...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Zhejiang Expressway (576 HK): Drivers in Place for Robust Outlook

We believe sustained traffic and toll recovery, contribution from new project addition and positive outlook for Zheshang Securities will drive...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Qilu Expressway’s Largest Shareholder Seeks Another MGO Waiver

We think that the Executive will grant a similar waiver for the proposed share acquisition. Along with the challenges to satisfy the minimum public...

Arun George

Zhejiang Expressway (576 HK): Gaining from Both Growth and Stable Business Exposures

Sustained toll revenue recovery, further strength at Zheshang Securities and possible REIT issuance of Hanghui Expressway are potential drivers in...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Chinese Expressways: A Step In The REIT Direction

2020 has been a bumpy journey for Chinese toll roads. China's State Council first increased the toll-free period over the Chinese New Year to 16...

David Blennerhassett

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52-week Range

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