Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

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.

Equity Capital Markets

Converge ICT Solutions Inc / Equity Capital Markets

<div><p>Converge ICT (CICT) raised around US$520m in its Philippines listing.</p></div><div><p>Converge ICT is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.</p></div><div><p>I have covered various aspects of the deal in my prior notes, links to which are below. In this note, I'll talk about the updates since then and provide a table with implied valuation at different share price levels.</p></div><div><p>Links to my previous notes:</p></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-fast-growth-low-penetration-covid-resistant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant</a></p></li>
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-peer-comparison-not-a-clear-cut-winner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner</a></p></li>
</ul></div><div><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-thoughts-on-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on valuation</a></p></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-ipo-more-customers-lower-arpu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT IPO - More Customers, Lower ARPU</a></li>
</ul></div>

Converge ICT (CICT) raised around US$520m in its Philippines listing.Converge ICT is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.I have covered various aspects of the deal in my prior notes, links to which are below. In this note, I'll talk about the updates since then and provide a table with implied valuation at different share price levels.Links to my previous notes:
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner

Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on valuation
Converge ICT IPO - More Customers, Lower ARPU


Converge ICT IPO Trading - Long Growth Runway

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.

<div>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/converge-ict-solutions-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29215:1" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Solutions Inc (ITC PM)</a> is the only major pure-play fixed broadband provider, with an exclusive focus on serving the Philippine fixed broadband market. Converge has set its IPO price range of PHP16.50-19.00 per share. At the high-end of the IPO price range, Converge will raise proceeds of $591 million (primary/secondary split of 32%/68%). Pricing has been brought forward by a day to 8 October.</p>
<p>Eight cornerstone investors will subscribe for 38.6% of the offer shares at the high-end of the IPO price range. The cornerstone investors are Genesis Investment Management, Ghisallo Master Fund, Macquarie Funds Management, Magna New Frontiers Fund, Oaks Emerging and Frontier Opportunities Fund, OMERS, Segantii Capital Management and Thornburg Investment Management. </p>
</div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-solutions-ipo-making-the-connection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our previous note</a>, we highlighted that the 1H20 results reinforce our view that Converge’s fundamentals are attractive. Overall, we think that an attractive PEG valuation, a market-leading business and solid cornerstone support makes Converge tempting at the proposed pricing range. </p></div></div></div>


Converge ICT Solutions Inc (ITC PM) is the only major pure-play fixed broadband provider, with an exclusive focus on serving the Philippine fixed broadband market. Converge has set its IPO price range of PHP16.50-19.00 per share. At the high-end of the IPO price range, Converge will raise proceeds of $591 million (primary/secondary split of 32%/68%). Pricing has been brought forward by a day to 8 October.
Eight cornerstone investors will subscribe for 38.6% of the offer shares at the high-end of the IPO price range. The cornerstone investors are Genesis Investment Management, Ghisallo Master Fund, Macquarie Funds Management, Magna New Frontiers Fund, Oaks Emerging and Frontier Opportunities Fund, OMERS, Segantii Capital Management and Thornburg Investment Management. 
In our previous note, we highlighted that the 1H20 results reinforce our view that Converge’s fundamentals are attractive. Overall, we think that an attractive PEG valuation, a market-leading business and solid cornerstone support makes Converge tempting at the proposed pricing range. 

Converge ICT Solutions IPO: Valuation Insights

<p>Converge ICT (CICT) is looking to raise around US$600m in its Philippines listing.</p><p>Converge ICT is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.</p><p>CICT’s revenue has grown at 69% CAGR over FY16-19, with growth being led by its residential business whose revenue has increased at 95% CAGR. Gross profit grew at 56% CAGR, EBITDA at 91% CAGR and Net profit at 60% CAGR. In other words, most of the revenue growth has flowed down to the bottom line. </p><p>I have covered the company background, undertaken a peer comparison and spoken about valuation in my earlier reports, links to which are below. In this note, I’ll talk about deal dynamics and recent updates from the prospectus.</p><p>Links to my previous notes:</p><ul>
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-fast-growth-low-penetration-covid-resistant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant</a></p></li>
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-peer-comparison-not-a-clear-cut-winner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner</a></p></li>
</ul><ul><li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-thoughts-on-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on valuation</a></p></li></ul>

Converge ICT (CICT) is looking to raise around US$600m in its Philippines listing.Converge ICT is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.CICT’s revenue has grown at 69% CAGR over FY16-19, with growth being led by its residential business whose revenue has increased at 95% CAGR. Gross profit grew at 56% CAGR, EBITDA at 91% CAGR and Net profit at 60% CAGR. In other words, most of the revenue growth has flowed down to the bottom line. I have covered the company background, undertaken a peer comparison and spoken about valuation in my earlier reports, links to which are below. In this note, I’ll talk about deal dynamics and recent updates from the prospectus.Links to my previous notes:
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on valuation

Converge ICT IPO - More Customers, Lower ARPU

<p>Converge ICT aims to raise around US$500+m in its Philippines listing.</p><p>Converge ICT (CICT) is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It has a 54% market share as of Mar 2020, according to MPA. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.</p><p>CICT owns and operates an end-to-end fiber network in the Philippines, with over 30,000 km of fiber as of Mar 2020. Its network covers 200 cities and municipalities across Luzon. As of Mar 2020, it reached approximately 4.1m homes.</p><p>CICT’s revenue has grown at 69% CAGR over FY16-19, with growth being led by its residential business whose revenue has increased at 95% CAGR over the same time frame. Gross profit grew at 56% CAGR, EBITDA at 91% CAGR and Net profit at 60% CAGR. In other words, most of the revenue growth has flowed down to the bottom line. </p><p>I have covered the company background and undertaken a peer comparison in my earlier reports, links to which are below. In this note, I’ll talk about earnings forecast and valuations.</p><p>Links to my previous notes:</p><ul>
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-pre-ipo-fast-growth-low-penetration-covid-resistant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant</a></p></li>
<li dir="ltr"><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/compose/insight/43808/Converge%20ICT%20Pre-IPO%20-%20Peer%20Comparison%20-%20Not%20a%20Clear%20Cut%20Winner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner</a></p></li>
</ul>

Converge ICT aims to raise around US$500+m in its Philippines listing.Converge ICT (CICT) is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions. It has a 54% market share as of Mar 2020, according to MPA. It also claims to be the fastest growing fixed broadband operator in both the residential and enterprise market.CICT owns and operates an end-to-end fiber network in the Philippines, with over 30,000 km of fiber as of Mar 2020. Its network covers 200 cities and municipalities across Luzon. As of Mar 2020, it reached approximately 4.1m homes.CICT’s revenue has grown at 69% CAGR over FY16-19, with growth being led by its residential business whose revenue has increased at 95% CAGR over the same time frame. Gross profit grew at 56% CAGR, EBITDA at 91% CAGR and Net profit at 60% CAGR. In other words, most of the revenue growth has flowed down to the bottom line. I have covered the company background and undertaken a peer comparison in my earlier reports, links to which are below. In this note, I’ll talk about earnings forecast and valuations.Links to my previous notes:
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Fast growth, low penetration, COVID resistant
Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Peer comparison - Not a clear cut winner


Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on Valuation

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/converge-ict-solutions-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29215:1" rel="noopener">Converge ICT Solutions Inc (ITC PM)</a> is the only major pure-play fixed broadband provider, with an exclusive focus on serving the Philippine fixed broadband market. It is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions, with a 55% market share in 1H20, according to MPA. Converge has received regulatory approval for a listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange to raise $724.7 million (primary/secondary split of 32%/68%). The final offer price will be announced on 9 October and the IPO will run from 13-19 October. </p><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/converge-ict-solutions-ipo-initiation-well-connected" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our initiation note</a>, we highlighted that Converge is a structural play on the increasing penetration rates of fixed broadband in the Philippines driven by the ongoing rollout of fibre network infrastructure to satisfy the pent-up demand. Since then, Converge has released an updated prospectus with 1H20 results and recent developments. Overall, the 1H20 results reinforce our view that Converge’s fundamentals are attractive.</p></div>

Converge ICT Solutions Inc (ITC PM) is the only major pure-play fixed broadband provider, with an exclusive focus on serving the Philippine fixed broadband market. It is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in the Philippines, by high-speed residential fixed broadband subscriptions, with a 55% market share in 1H20, according to MPA. Converge has received regulatory approval for a listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange to raise $724.7 million (primary/secondary split of 32%/68%). The final offer price will be announced on 9 October and the IPO will run from 13-19 October. In our initiation note, we highlighted that Converge is a structural play on the increasing penetration rates of fixed broadband in the Philippines driven by the ongoing rollout of fibre network infrastructure to satisfy the pent-up demand. Since then, Converge has released an updated prospectus with 1H20 results and recent developments. Overall, the 1H20 results reinforce our view that Converge’s fundamentals are attractive.

Converge ICT Solutions IPO: Making the Connection

Philippines

PLDT Inc. is a telecommunications and digital services provider. The company offers fixed line, wireless, and fiber optic communication technology services in The Philippines.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone (Adr) (PHI US)

Globe Telecom, Inc. provides wireless application protocol services and digital wireless communication services via GSM network. The Company also offers service which allows users access to a wide range of information and services via a user-friendly menu. In addition, Globe  provides wire line voice and data services.

Axiata Group Berhad is a telecommunication company.  The Company's main activities is the establishment, maintenance, and provision of telecommunications and related services.

Maxis Berhad operates as a mobile and fixed communication service provider. The Company, through mobile and fiber telecommunications along with IT infrastructure services, offers mobile and fixed data products, voice and SMS services, mobile payment solutions, remote health monitoring, Cloud solutions, and a business directory to businesses and individuals in Malaysia.

PT Indosat Tbk is a telecommunication and information service provider in Indonesia that provides cellular services (prepaid and postpaid), fixed data services or MIDI (Multimedia, Internet & Data Communication) and fixed voice services including fixed wireless access services.

Safaricom PLC provides telecommunication services. The Company offers wireless solutions. Safaricom serves customers in Kenya.

Airtel Africa PLC provides telecommunication services. The Company offers postpaid and prepaid plans, transfer of credit, conference call, mobile Internet, messaging, voicemail, and roaming facilities. Airtel Africa serves customers worldwide.

Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited is a holding company that invests in diversified telecommunication and media and advertising businesses.  The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides television broadcasting, cellular phone and wireless services.

United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services. The Company offers its customers various national plans with voice, messaging, and data usage options, along with an array of smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices. United States Cellular caters to customers throughout the United States.

Total Access Communication Public Company Limited provides cellular mobile telephone services under WorldPhone 800 and WorldPhone 1800 brand names throughout Thailand. The Company also sells cellular handsets and other telecommunications equipment through its WorldMedia network of retail stores.

Freenet AG provides internet and telecommunications services in Germany. The company offers mobile and fixed line telephone, internet access services, information and news services, its own internet catalog, DINO-Online, e-mail accounts, e-commerce services and and set-up of homepages. Through its subsidiary mobilcom is also the franchiser of the MobilCom retail shops.

Tele2 AB is a telecommunications company.  The Company offers mobile services, fixed broadband and telephony, data network services and content services. Tele2 operates throughout Europe and EuroAsia.

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PLDT (TEL PM)

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Converge ICT IPO - More Customers, Lower ARPU

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Converge ICT Pre-IPO - Thoughts on Valuation

Converge ICT aims to raise around US$500m in its Philippines listing. Converge ICT (CICT) is the largest high-speed fixed broadband operator in...

Sumeet Singh

Converge ICT Solutions IPO: Making the Connection

Converge ICT Solutions Inc (ITC PM) is the only major pure-play fixed broadband provider, with an exclusive focus on serving the Philippine fixed...

Arun George

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