Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Supun Walpola

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Equity Bottom-Up

Alibaba Group Holding  / Equity Bottom-Up

We feel that the market has not been as enthusiastic as it should be about <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a>’s 2Q FY03/21 financial results. While this cautious response could have been due to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ant-financial-services-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24240:1" rel="noopener">Ant Group (6688 HK)</a>’s failed IPO earlier in the month, we believe Alibaba’s 2Q positives are too hard to ignore. With marketplace business revenue growth decelerating at a much slower rate than before, and non-marketplace retail and cloud businesses moving closer to making profits, we believe it is a good time to have long exposure to Alibaba, regardless of how Ant’s IPO eventually plays out.

We feel that the market has not been as enthusiastic as it should be about Alibaba Group (BABA US)’s 2Q FY03/21 financial results. While this cautious response could have been due to Ant Group (6688 HK)’s failed IPO earlier in the month, we believe Alibaba’s 2Q positives are too hard to ignore. With marketplace business revenue growth decelerating at a much slower rate than before, and non-marketplace retail and cloud businesses moving closer to making profits, we believe it is a good time to have long exposure to Alibaba, regardless of how Ant’s IPO eventually plays out.

Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

Softbank released its 2Q earnings yesterday with a bounce back to profitability thanks to strong gains by global stock markets. We would direct readers to Kirk Boodry’s analysis of the details <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/softbank-group-q2-20-results-vision-fund-luster-tarnished-by-derivative-losses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>, but what we would focus on is the question that Masayoshi tried, and in our opinion failed, to address.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/170/512/original/image_30076723321604989772377.png?1604989774" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="170512"></figure>

Softbank released its 2Q earnings yesterday with a bounce back to profitability thanks to strong gains by global stock markets. We would direct readers to Kirk Boodry’s analysis of the details here, but what we would focus on is the question that Masayoshi tried, and in our opinion failed, to address.

ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

<div class="content-highlight">
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7752:1" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a> has announced that it intends to seek approval for A stock split at its AGM on 14th December, the normal reason for which is to improve liquidity in the shares by making a company more accessible for retail investors. We see this as a potential precursor to further corporate actions along the line, involving some form of group restructuring, and this gives the company a more liquid currency to do this.
</div>
This may involve some form of reorganization within the group, which holds its media assets under <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ)</a> but a number of other digital economy assets under <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a> including a stake in e-commerce player Bukalapak and leading digital payments company Dana (a 50/50 JV with Ant Financial (<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a>).
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/microsoft-corp" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/microsoft-corp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">Microsoft Corp (MSFT US)</a> has recently announced it will invest US$100m into Bukalapak, which is now valued at US$3bn.
Looking at the valuation of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sea-ltd" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">Sea Ltd (SE US),</a> which is trading on 13x EV/Sales, it is highly likely the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a> can command a higher valuation if it becomes more accessible, given there are no other ways to get listed exposure to Indonesia's booming e-commerce.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7752:1" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a> currently trades on 4.6x FY20E EV/Sales.  Investors are likely to pay a premium for access to a liquid <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/elang-mahkota-teknologi-tbk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7752:1" rel="noopener">Emtek (EMTK IJ)</a>, with a strong mix of cash-generating media assets and high growth digital assets.  
We also continue to like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/surya-citra-media-pt-tbk" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ),</a> as Indonesia's top media player with an increasingly digital twist through <a href="http://vidio.com/" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="http://Vidio.com" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">Vidio.com</a>. Please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pt-surya-citra-media-tbk-scma-ij-let-the-games-begin" target="_blank" data-stringify-link="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pt-surya-citra-media-tbk-scma-ij-let-the-games-begin" data-sk="tooltip_parent" rel="noopener">PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) - Let the Games Begin</a> for more details.


Emtek (EMTK IJ) has announced that it intends to seek approval for A stock split at its AGM on 14th December, the normal reason for which is to improve liquidity in the shares by making a company more accessible for retail investors. We see this as a potential precursor to further corporate actions along the line, involving some form of group restructuring, and this gives the company a more liquid currency to do this.

This may involve some form of reorganization within the group, which holds its media assets under PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) but a number of other digital economy assets under Emtek (EMTK IJ) including a stake in e-commerce player Bukalapak and leading digital payments company Dana (a 50/50 JV with Ant Financial (Alibaba Group (BABA US)).
Microsoft Corp (MSFT US) has recently announced it will invest US$100m into Bukalapak, which is now valued at US$3bn.
Looking at the valuation of Sea Ltd (SE US), which is trading on 13x EV/Sales, it is highly likely the Emtek (EMTK IJ) can command a higher valuation if it becomes more accessible, given there are no other ways to get listed exposure to Indonesia's booming e-commerce.
Emtek (EMTK IJ) currently trades on 4.6x FY20E EV/Sales.  Investors are likely to pay a premium for access to a liquid Emtek (EMTK IJ), with a strong mix of cash-generating media assets and high growth digital assets.  
We also continue to like PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ), as Indonesia's top media player with an increasingly digital twist through Vidio.com. Please see PT Surya Citra Media Tbk (SCMA IJ) - Let the Games Begin for more details.

Emtek (EMTK IJ) - Arise a New Champion of Indonesia Tech?

Financials & FinTech research, Galliano’s Financials Research

Victor Galliano

Financials & FinTech research

Financials & FinTech, EM & Developed Markets

Galliano’s Financials Research

Galliano's Financials Research provides fundamental research in Emerging Markets financials, including FinTech, as well as financials in select Developed Markets.

The investment style applied is generally value oriented, although Growth At Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies can also be used where appropriate. 

Our investment research approach aim is often contrarian, looking to capitalise on overly sceptical or optimistic consensus views. In terms of valuation techniques, the focus is on PBV ratio to ROE, PE multiples and dividend yield, as well as the application of PEG ratios and, where appropriate, Sum of the Parts (SOTP) valuations.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mercadolibre-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27954:1" rel="noopener">MercadoLibre Inc (MELI US)</a> shares have continued to re-rate, supported by positive 3Q20 results</li>
<li>E-commerce and payments growth rates are accelerating, as MELI is a key LatAm beneficiary of the pandemic shift to e-commerce and digital payments</li>
<li>Consensus estimate revisions are positive, as shown in the chart, and this has powered share price momentum</li>
<li>On valuations, however, we believe that these are stretched; the 2021 revenue multiple is double that of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> </li>
<li>Even on our generous assumptions for a simple SOTP valuation, MELI valuations look stretched</li>
<li>In the light of the positive vaccine news, we believe that tech pandemic beneficiaries, including MELI, are exposed to sentiment-driven investor rotation out of high valuation tech names and into value stocks</li>
<li>Risks to our cautious view on MELI include a continued fast pace of e-commerce and digital payments activity in LatAm driving revenue, EBITDA and net profit higher</li>
</ul>



MercadoLibre Inc (MELI US) shares have continued to re-rate, supported by positive 3Q20 results
E-commerce and payments growth rates are accelerating, as MELI is a key LatAm beneficiary of the pandemic shift to e-commerce and digital payments
Consensus estimate revisions are positive, as shown in the chart, and this has powered share price momentum
On valuations, however, we believe that these are stretched; the 2021 revenue multiple is double that of Alibaba Group (BABA US) 
Even on our generous assumptions for a simple SOTP valuation, MELI valuations look stretched
In the light of the positive vaccine news, we believe that tech pandemic beneficiaries, including MELI, are exposed to sentiment-driven investor rotation out of high valuation tech names and into value stocks
Risks to our cautious view on MELI include a continued fast pace of e-commerce and digital payments activity in LatAm driving revenue, EBITDA and net profit higher


Mercado Libre (MELI US): Share Momentum Driven by Fundamentals, but Exposed to Stretched Valuations

Telco/Internet specialist

Kirk Boodry

Redex Research

Softbank posted solid Q2 results helped by further market gains in the US (for both Vision Fund and its listed share program) and the timely IPO of recent investment Beike in August. But a $2.8bn derivative loss wiped out public market investment gains and highlights the risk from more aggressive trading. Softbank had $3.4bn in options exposure as of Q2 and whilst that is only 1% of net asset value, it is more meaningful when measured against market cap (3%) and with the next portfolio update not coming until February it is understandable why the discount to fair value remains wide

Softbank posted solid Q2 results helped by further market gains in the US (for both Vision Fund and its listed share program) and the timely IPO of recent investment Beike in August. But a $2.8bn derivative loss wiped out public market investment gains and highlights the risk from more aggressive trading. Softbank had $3.4bn in options exposure as of Q2 and whilst that is only 1% of net asset value, it is more meaningful when measured against market cap (3%) and with the next portfolio update not coming until February it is understandable why the discount to fair value remains wide

Softbank Group - Q2 20 Results: Vision Fund Luster Tarnished by Derivative Losses

China

Alibaba Group Holding Limited provides online sales services. The Company provides internet infrastructure, electronic commerce, online financial, and internet content services through its subsidiaries. Alibaba Group Holding offers its products and services worldwide.

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Alibaba Group Holding (BABA US)

Alibaba: 2Q Positives Are Hard to Ignore

We feel that the market has not been as enthusiastic as it should be about Alibaba Group (BABA US)’s 2Q FY03/21 financial results.

Supun Walpola

Softbank – What Is Softbank Indeed

Softbank continues to try and convince investors that it is a better investor than they are, whereas we argue that really they are just more...

Mio Kato

Emtek (EMTK IJ) - Arise a New Champion of Indonesia Tech?

Emtek recently announced its intention to seek approval for a stock split at its AGM in December. We see this as a precursor for further corporate...

Angus Mackintosh

Softbank Group - Q2 20 Results: Vision Fund Luster Tarnished by Derivative Losses

Returns at Vision Fund has come roaring back but a $2.8bn derivative trading loss highlights the higher risk profile with Softbank's new listed...

Kirk Boodry

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Alibaba: 2Q Positives Are Hard to Ignore

We feel that the market has not been as enthusiastic as it should be about Alibaba Group (BABA US)’s 2Q FY03/21 financial results.

Supun Walpola

Softbank – What Is Softbank Indeed

Softbank continues to try and convince investors that it is a better investor than they are, whereas we argue that really they are just more...

Mio Kato

Emtek (EMTK IJ) - Arise a New Champion of Indonesia Tech?

Emtek recently announced its intention to seek approval for a stock split at its AGM in December. We see this as a precursor for further corporate...

Angus Mackintosh

Mercado Libre (MELI US): Share Momentum Driven by Fundamentals, but Exposed to Stretched Valuations

Mercado Libre is a beneficiary of the pandemic-driven shift to e-commerce and e-payments, but its valuation is stretched, EPS revisions are fading...

Victor Galliano

Softbank Group - Q2 20 Results: Vision Fund Luster Tarnished by Derivative Losses

Returns at Vision Fund has come roaring back but a $2.8bn derivative trading loss highlights the higher risk profile with Softbank's new listed...

Kirk Boodry