European Event-Driven Analyst

Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

Event-Driven

<div>
<div>
<h3>Trends</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>Discounts have generally tightened alongside index gains across the European space.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>Recommended trades</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/carlsberg-a-s" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22320:1" rel="noopener">Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC)</a> B shares are trading at a 12.5% discount (16.6% by mid-February) vs. the A shares (with 10 voting rights per share). <strong>Maintain LONG B shares/short A shares on</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1" rel="noopener">Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR)</a> exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount is tightening and is now 20.7% (vs. 25.2% by mid-December). <strong>Maintain long BMW prefs, short common shares on</strong>, with a target of a 15% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fuchs-petrolub-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21624:1" rel="noopener">Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)</a> 's premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is 19.6% (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be the number 1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.</p>
<p>Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the <strong>trade long ords/short prefs on</strong>, with a 10% target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/henkel-ag-co-kgaa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21646:1" rel="noopener">Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR)</a> shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The <strong>premium</strong> has recently tightened and is now <strong>11.9%</strong>. Maintain the trade <strong>short prefs/long common shares</strong> with a 10% premium target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Voting rights are valuable in a company like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volkswagen-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21738:1" rel="noopener">Volkswagen (VOW GR)</a>. Prefs discount was widened to erstwhile levels: 17.6 (vs. 10.7% by mid-February and 4.9% discount in November). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. Recommendation is l<strong>ong prefs/short ords</strong>. Plus it can be executed in size. The discount tightened since the March 2020 selloff and has widened again over the last months, for no obvious reason. The only news that might be related is that Volkswagen is considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/danieli-c-officine-meccaniche" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21177:1" rel="noopener">Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM)</a>:  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon. Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.5% and 5.9%. It is currently <strong>2.44%</strong>. <strong>Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares</strong>. Volume was unusually high on 12 March.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telecom-italia-sp-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21075:1" rel="noopener">Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM)</a> savings shares are trading at a 7.6% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 10.7% premium by mid-February). Challenging macro means that the financial privileges of the savings shares count. More importantly, the market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli. <strong>Short savings/long ords</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grifols-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21274:1" rel="noopener">Grifols SA (GRF SM)</a> B shares are trading at a <strong>33.6% discount</strong> (vs. 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since mid-March. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. Last but no least, “the markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade <strong>long B shares traded on Nasdaq, short A shares traded in Madrid</strong>. The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The current discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/atlas-copco-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22282:1" rel="noopener">Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS)</a> B shares vs. A shares is 14.8% (vs. 14.1% by mid-February). Although there is no catalyst in sight, I recommend setting up <strong>Long B shares/short A shares</strong>, with a target of &gt;10% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telefonaktiebolaget-lm-ericsso" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22354:1" rel="noopener">Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso (ERICB SS)</a> (Ericsson) B shares has <strong>tightened to 4.7%</strong> (vs. 11% by mid-February). Maintain the trade Long B shares/short A shares on, with a 3% discount target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Other than Industrivärden, the other major shareholder of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ssab-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22492:1" rel="noopener">SSAB AB (SSABA SS)</a> is Solidium Oy (State of Finland). The reversal on the discount from June 2018 has no obvious explanation. The discount has tightened to 7.8% (vs. 9.1% by mid-February and 13% by mid-January). I would<strong> short B shares and go long A shares</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of non-voting <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/roche-holding-ag-77bd09c9-b0c2-45ea-98f1-6a7ca01dc9c5" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27906:1" rel="noopener">Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)</a> shares has widened to 3.9% (vs. 2.7% by mid-February). Considering past-performance, it seems an interesting level to set up long non-voting/short bearer shares. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/schroders-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22134:1" rel="noopener">Schroders PLC (SDR LN)</a> reflects Schroders' way of corporate governance and the influence of family control (45.4% voting rights with a 36% economic interest). The discount is now 30.6% (vs. 34.1% by mid-February), but it reached 42% on 19 May. I would set up long non-voting/short voting shares.</p>
<p>Over 2020, Schroders cancelled 9 mn voting shares, but only 100k non-voting. Considering the discount, it would create value cancelling non-voting stock, but the company did the opposite.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<p><em>Please read on for table and charts</em>.</p>
</div>



Trends



Discounts have generally tightened alongside index gains across the European space.



Recommended trades





Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC) B shares are trading at a 12.5% discount (16.6% by mid-February) vs. the A shares (with 10 voting rights per share). Maintain LONG B shares/short A shares on.


Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR) exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount is tightening and is now 20.7% (vs. 25.2% by mid-December). Maintain long BMW prefs, short common shares on, with a target of a 15% discount.


Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR) 's premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is 19.6% (down from 29.4% by mid-February and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be the number 1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.
Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade long ords/short prefs on, with a 10% target.


Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR) shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The premium has recently tightened and is now 11.9%. Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.


Voting rights are valuable in a company like Volkswagen (VOW GR). Prefs discount was widened to erstwhile levels: 17.6 (vs. 10.7% by mid-February and 4.9% discount in November). Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. Recommendation is long prefs/short ords. Plus it can be executed in size. The discount tightened since the March 2020 selloff and has widened again over the last months, for no obvious reason. The only news that might be related is that Volkswagen is considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to Bloomberg.





Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM):  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon. Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.5% and 5.9%. It is currently 2.44%. Long Danieli ords/short Danieli savings shares. Volume was unusually high on 12 March.

Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM) savings shares are trading at a 7.6% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 10.7% premium by mid-February). Challenging macro means that the financial privileges of the savings shares count. More importantly, the market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli. Short savings/long ords.




Grifols SA (GRF SM) B shares are trading at a 33.6% discount (vs. 39.7% by mid-February), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since mid-March. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. Last but no least, “the markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares traded on Nasdaq, short A shares traded in Madrid. The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.


The current discount in Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS) B shares vs. A shares is 14.8% (vs. 14.1% by mid-February). Although there is no catalyst in sight, I recommend setting up Long B shares/short A shares, with a target of &gt;10% discount.


The discount in the Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso (ERICB SS) (Ericsson) B shares has tightened to 4.7% (vs. 11% by mid-February). Maintain the trade Long B shares/short A shares on, with a 3% discount target.


Other than Industrivärden, the other major shareholder of SSAB AB (SSABA SS) is Solidium Oy (State of Finland). The reversal on the discount from June 2018 has no obvious explanation. The discount has tightened to 7.8% (vs. 9.1% by mid-February and 13% by mid-January). I would short B shares and go long A shares.


The discount of non-voting Roche Holding AG (ROG SW) shares has widened to 3.9% (vs. 2.7% by mid-February). Considering past-performance, it seems an interesting level to set up long non-voting/short bearer shares. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.


The discount in Schroders PLC (SDR LN) reflects Schroders' way of corporate governance and the influence of family control (45.4% voting rights with a 36% economic interest). The discount is now 30.6% (vs. 34.1% by mid-February), but it reached 42% on 19 May. I would set up long non-voting/short voting shares.
Over 2020, Schroders cancelled 9 mn voting shares, but only 100k non-voting. Considering the discount, it would create value cancelling non-voting stock, but the company did the opposite.




Please read on for table and charts.


Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: March Report

Technical Analyst, Vermilion Research

Joe Jasper

Technical Analyst

Technical and Quantitative Research

Vermilion Research

Vermilion’s objective is to deliver timely, actionable, and unique technical research to professional investors through the application of our various technical indicators.

Our research strategists seek to highlight securities which we believe are at major inflection points, based on our various technical and quantitative indicators, and offer asymmetric risk/return profiles. Our unique research methodology, centered on relative strength, enables our strategists to deliver superior investment recommendations.

Our process begins by organizing the universe of actively traded stocks into discrete sectors, then into industry groups. We then apply our technical and quantitative tools to identify developing price trends. Once attractive trends are identified within a selected sector or group, we screen for individual stocks which we believe offer the best risk/reward profile. We provide a historical perspective that often reveals, through our long-term charts, how price patterns often repeat themselves over time.

Technical Analysis

<p>As long as market dynamics remain largely positive and the MSCI ACWI (ACWI-US), ACWI ex-US (ACWX-US), and EM (EEM-US) indexes are above their respective intermediate-term support levels we believe a constructive outlook is warranted. To reiterate, support levels to watch include $90 on ACWI-US, $53 on ACWX-US, and $52 on EEM-US. Open the attached file to read our complete International Strategy document, and to find links to detailed comments and recommendations for each of our 12 Sectors.</p>

As long as market dynamics remain largely positive and the MSCI ACWI (ACWI-US), ACWI ex-US (ACWX-US), and EM (EEM-US) indexes are above their respective intermediate-term support levels we believe a constructive outlook is warranted. To reiterate, support levels to watch include $90 on ACWI-US, $53 on ACWX-US, and $52 on EEM-US. Open the attached file to read our complete International Strategy document, and to find links to detailed comments and recommendations for each of our 12 Sectors.

Global Equity Strategy: Constructive Pullback; Overweight Value

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist, Objective Analysis

Jim Handy

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist

Objective Analysis

Objective Analysis offers third-party independent market research and data for the semiconductor industry and investors in the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>After Japan's earthquake automobile makers had a lot to worry about, since they were already faced with critical semiconductor shortages.  Now unusually bad weather has hit much of the US, and has stopped chip production in three important fabs in Austin, Texas.  This Insight explores the winners and losers in this series of events.</p>

After Japan's earthquake automobile makers had a lot to worry about, since they were already faced with critical semiconductor shortages.  Now unusually bad weather has hit much of the US, and has stopped chip production in three important fabs in Austin, Texas.  This Insight explores the winners and losers in this series of events.

Texas Weather Deals Second Blow to Automotive Chip Supply Chain

<p>Saturday's 7.1 earthquake in Japan could have caused important supply disruptions for semiconductors.  We reached out to over a dozen companies to check their status, and those who replied indicated that there was little impact.  Still, the automotive sector has reason to be nervous.</p>

Saturday's 7.1 earthquake in Japan could have caused important supply disruptions for semiconductors.  We reached out to over a dozen companies to check their status, and those who replied indicated that there was little impact.  Still, the automotive sector has reason to be nervous.

Japan Quake and Chip Shortages, Tough on Auto?

Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso / Event-Driven

<div>
<div>
<h3>Trends</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>Mixed: discounts have generally widened across the European space.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>Recommended trades</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/carlsberg-a-s" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22320:1" rel="noopener">Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC)</a> B shares are trading at a 16.6% discount (7.5% by mid-January and 4.3% by mid-December) vs. the A shares. This is an interesting level to set up a mean reversion trade LONG B shares/short A shares, in my view.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bayerische-motoren-werke-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21591:1" rel="noopener">Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR)</a> exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount is tightening and is now 20.5% (vs. 25.2% by mid-December). I would keep the trade long BMW prefs, short common shares on, with a target of a 15% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fuchs-petrolub-se" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21624:1" rel="noopener">Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR)</a> 's premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is 29.4% (vs. 29.9% by mid-December and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be the number 1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.</p>
<p>Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade long ords/short prefs, with a 10% target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/henkel-ag-co-kgaa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21646:1" rel="noopener">Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR)</a> shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The premium has recently tightened and is now 11.8%. Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Voting rights are valuable in a company like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/volkswagen-ag" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21738:1" rel="noopener">Volkswagen (VOW GR)</a>. Prefs discount is 10.7% (vs. 8% by mid-December and 4.9% discount in November). It has moved sideways since mid-September. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. Recommendation is long prefs/short ords. Plus it can be executed in size. The discount tightened since the March 2020 selloff and has widened again over the last months, for no obvious reason.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/buzzi-unicem-spa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21146:1" rel="noopener">Buzzi Unicem (BZU IM)</a>: from 18 January 2021 the mandatory conversion of the savings shares into ordinary shares will be effective and therefore, from that date only ordinary shares are traded;</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/danieli-c-officine-meccaniche" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21177:1" rel="noopener">Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM)</a>:  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon. Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.48% and 5.9%. It is currently 0.64%.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telecom-italia-sp-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21075:1" rel="noopener">Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM)</a> savings shares are trading at a 10.7% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 9.5% premium by mid-January). Challenging macro means that the financial privileges of the savings shares count. More importantly, the market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli. Short savings/long ords.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/grifols-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21274:1" rel="noopener">Grifols SA (GRF SM)</a> B shares are trading at a 39.7% discount (vs. 34.1% by mid-January, 35.2% by mid-December, 38.5% in November and 41.9% by mid-September), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since mid-March. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. Last but no least, “the markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares traded on Nasdaq, short A shares traded in Madrid. The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The current discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/atlas-copco-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22282:1" rel="noopener">Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS)</a> B shares vs. A shares is 14.1% (vs. 12.9% by mid-January, 13.1% by mid-December and 12.7% by mid-November). Although there is no catalyst in sight, I recommend setting up Long B shares/short A shares, with a target of &gt;10% discount.</p>
</li>
<li>The discount in the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/telefonaktiebolaget-lm-ericsso" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22354:1" rel="noopener">Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso (ERICB SS)</a> (Ericsson) B shares has widened to 11%. I would set up the trade Long B shares/short A shares with a 3% discount target.</li>
<li>
<p>Other than Industrivärden, the other major shareholder of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ssab-ab" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22492:1" rel="noopener">SSAB AB (SSABA SS)</a> is Solidium Oy (State of Finland). The reversal on the discount over the last 15 months has no obvious explanation. The discount has tightened to 9.1% (vs. 13% by mid-January, 12.2% by mid-December and 8% by mid-November). I would short B shares and go long A shares.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount of non-voting <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/roche-holding-ag-77bd09c9-b0c2-45ea-98f1-6a7ca01dc9c5" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27906:1" rel="noopener">Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)</a> shares has widened to 2.7%. Considering past-performance, it seems an interesting level to set up long non-voting/short bearer shares. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The discount in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/schroders-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22134:1" rel="noopener">Schroders PLC (SDR LN)</a> reflects Schroders' way of corporate governance and the influence of family control (45.4% voting rights with a 36% economic interest). The discount is now 34.1% (vs 34.9% by mid-December and 33.4% by mid-November), but it reached 42% on 19 May. I would set up long non-voting/short voting shares.</p>
<p>Over 2020, Schroders cancelled 9 mn voting shares, but only 100k non-voting. Considering the discount, it would create value cancelling non-voting stock, but the company did the opposite.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<p><em>Please read on for table and charts</em>.</p>
</div>



Trends



Mixed: discounts have generally widened across the European space.



Recommended trades





Carlsberg A/S (CARLB DC) B shares are trading at a 16.6% discount (7.5% by mid-January and 4.3% by mid-December) vs. the A shares. This is an interesting level to set up a mean reversion trade LONG B shares/short A shares, in my view.


Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW GR) exhibited a trend towards a reduction of the discount of preferred shares, until March 2020. The discount is tightening and is now 20.5% (vs. 25.2% by mid-December). I would keep the trade long BMW prefs, short common shares on, with a target of a 15% discount.


Fuchs Petrolub SE (FPE GR) 's premium seems to vary within a range, which is probably liquidity related. It is 29.4% (vs. 29.9% by mid-December and 34.4% in my October report). With over 50% of the ordinary shares, the Fuchs family maintains the majority vote. They have never stated they would consolidate and pride to be the number 1 among the independent suppliers of lubricants.
Although there is no reason why the voting rights should be specially dear in Fuchs's case, voting rights are still valuable and neither the dividend advantage of the preferred shares nor their being members of several midcap indexes (Prime Standard/MDAX; STOXX Europe 600; DAXplus Familiy 30) justify the large premium, in my view. Maintain the trade long ords/short prefs, with a 10% target.


Henkel AG &amp; Co KGaA (HEN3 GR) shows a long-term trend towards a reduction of the premium of the preferred shares. The premium has recently tightened and is now 11.8%. Maintain the trade short prefs/long common shares with a 10% premium target.


Voting rights are valuable in a company like Volkswagen (VOW GR). Prefs discount is 10.7% (vs. 8% by mid-December and 4.9% discount in November). It has moved sideways since mid-September. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. That said, the ordinary shares are also liquid. The shareholder structure of Volkswagen is stable, and there seems to be no reason why the discount of the prefs should widen. Preference shares have in the past traded at a premium due to its higher liquidity and inclusion in stock indexes. Recommendation is long prefs/short ords. Plus it can be executed in size. The discount tightened since the March 2020 selloff and has widened again over the last months, for no obvious reason.


Buzzi Unicem (BZU IM): from 18 January 2021 the mandatory conversion of the savings shares into ordinary shares will be effective and therefore, from that date only ordinary shares are traded;






Danieli &amp; C. Officine Meccaniche (DAN IM):  the mandatory conversion and extraordinary dividend were approved on the shareholders meetings on 28 October. The conversion date is yet to be announced but expected soon. Since announcement, the adjusted spread has ranged between -5.48% and 5.9%. It is currently 0.64%.

Telecom Italia Sp A (TIT IM) savings shares are trading at a 10.7% premium to ordinary shares (vs. a 9.5% premium by mid-January). Challenging macro means that the financial privileges of the savings shares count. More importantly, the market may think of a conversion of savings into ords à la Buzzi Unicem or Danieli. Short savings/long ords.





Grifols SA (GRF SM) B shares are trading at a 39.7% discount (vs. 34.1% by mid-January, 35.2% by mid-December, 38.5% in November and 41.9% by mid-September), there is a trend towards the tightening of this discount since mid-March. The Covid-related antitakeover provisions issued by the Spanish Government mean that the voting rights are less valuable now. Moreover, the by-laws contain a poison pill that should significantly reduce the discount in case of a takeover attempt. Last but no least, “the markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” The discount in Grifols B shares has averaged 28% since listing of the B shares in February 2016. I recommend setting up the trade long B shares traded on Nasdaq, short A shares traded in Madrid. The target is a 27% discount. Please note there is FX risk, which can be hedged.


The current discount in Atlas Copco AB (ATCOA SS) B shares vs. A shares is 14.1% (vs. 12.9% by mid-January, 13.1% by mid-December and 12.7% by mid-November). Although there is no catalyst in sight, I recommend setting up Long B shares/short A shares, with a target of &gt;10% discount.

The discount in the Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso (ERICB SS) (Ericsson) B shares has widened to 11%. I would set up the trade Long B shares/short A shares with a 3% discount target.

Other than Industrivärden, the other major shareholder of SSAB AB (SSABA SS) is Solidium Oy (State of Finland). The reversal on the discount over the last 15 months has no obvious explanation. The discount has tightened to 9.1% (vs. 13% by mid-January, 12.2% by mid-December and 8% by mid-November). I would short B shares and go long A shares.


The discount of non-voting Roche Holding AG (ROG SW) shares has widened to 2.7%. Considering past-performance, it seems an interesting level to set up long non-voting/short bearer shares. The Hoffman family and related holds 45% of the voting rights (shareholder pooling agreement) whilst Novartis holds 33.3% of the voting rights.


The discount in Schroders PLC (SDR LN) reflects Schroders' way of corporate governance and the influence of family control (45.4% voting rights with a 36% economic interest). The discount is now 34.1% (vs 34.9% by mid-December and 33.4% by mid-November), but it reached 42% on 19 May. I would set up long non-voting/short voting shares.
Over 2020, Schroders cancelled 9 mn voting shares, but only 100k non-voting. Considering the discount, it would create value cancelling non-voting stock, but the company did the opposite.




Please read on for table and charts.


Liquid Universe of European Ordinary and Preferred Shares: February Report

Germany

Mercedes-Benz Group AG operates as an automobile company. The Company designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells a wide range of automotive products such as passenger cars, trucks, vans, and buses. Mercedes-Benz Group also provides financial and other services relating to its automotive businesses.

Porsche Automobil Holding SE is a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, offers development, production, and sale of automobiles along with financial services. Porsche operates worldwide.

Volkswagen AG manufactures and sells vehicles. The Company offers economy and luxury automobiles, sports cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Volkswagen serves customers worldwide.

Daimler AG develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells a wide range of automotive products such as passenger cars, trucks, vans, and buses. The Company also provides financial and other services relating to its automotive businesses.

Continental AG manufactures tires, automotive parts, and industrial products. The Company produces passenger cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, bicycle tires, braking systems, shock absorbers, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belting, transmission products, and sealing systems. Continental markets its products worldwide.

HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA develops and manufactures lighting, electronic components, and systems. The Company offers spare parts, chassis, side lights, and accessories, as well as vehicle diagnostics, battery installation, and lighting services. HELLA serves customers worldwide.

Schaeffler AG is an automotive and industrial supplier. The Company's business divisions include engine, transmission and chassis systems, automotive aftermarket, industrial applications, and industrial aftermarket. Schaeffler AG operates worldwide.

ElringKlinger AG manufactures and distributes original equipment and replacement parts for automobiles.  The Company makes cylinder-head gaskets, seals, modules, and elastomer gasket systems, and shielding systems.  ElringKlinger offers engine testing services.  The Company owns real estate properties such as industrial parks and warehouses.

adidas AG manufactures sports shoes and sports equipment. The Company produces products that include footwear, sports apparel, and golf clubs and balls. adidas sells its products worldwide.

Grammer AG manufactures seats for vehicles.  The Company produces seats for tractors, forklifts, construction machinery, automobiles, buses, and railroad cars.  Grammer manufactures in Europe, South America and Asia, and sells its products through subsidiaries, distributors, and licensed ventures worldwide.

PT Astra International Tbk assembles and distributes automobiles, motorcycles, and their related spare parts.  Through its subsidiaries, the Company also operates in the mining, development of plantations, financial and information technology.

NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. manufactures and distributes automobiles and related parts. It also provides financing services. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of products under various brands. The Company manufactures in Japan, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and many other countries.

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited operates as a passenger vehicles manufacturing company. The Company provides passenger vehicles development, manufacturing, sales, and other services. Geely Automobile Holdings also exports passenger vehicles.

Great Wall Motor Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells pick-up trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) in China under branded names. The Company also researches and develops, and manufactures principal automotive parts and components for use in the assembly of pick-up trucks and SUVs.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, and power products such as generators and farm machinery. The Company also operates a financial credit business. Honda Motor has manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Thailand.

Hyundai Motor Company manufactures, sells, and exports passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. The Company also sells various auto parts and operates auto repair service centers throughout South Korea. Hyundai Motor provides financial services through its subsidiaries.

Kia Corporation manufactures, sells, and exports passenger cars, mini-buses, trucks and commercial vehicles. The Company also manufactures auto-parts and tools using hybrid electric and fuel cell technology. Kia markets its products worldwide.

Tata Motors Limited manufactures cars and commercial automotive vehicles in India. The Company designs, manufactures and sells heavy commercial, medium commercial and small commercial vehicles including trucks, tankers, vans, buses, ambulances and minibuses. Tata also manufactures small cars and sports utility vehicles.

Suzuki Motor Corporation manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, and their related parts. The Company has production facilities in USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hungary.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited manufactures and exports automobiles. Maruti collaborated with Suzuki of Japan to produce affordable cars for the average Indian.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW) manufactures and sells cars and motorcycles. The Company offers convertible sports cars, sedans, and touring motorcycles with large displacement engines. BMW serves customers worldwide.

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Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) (BMW GR)

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