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

Alibaba Group Holding  / Equity Capital Markets

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<p>On 24th Mar 2021, Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Amendments, Seeks Public Comment on Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On the back of this, large China ADRs fell by 7.5% on average. </p>
<p>We have covered various aspects of this topic before in our prior note, links to which are below. In this note, I'll talk about the SEC updates.</p>
</div>
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<p>In our previous notes:</p>
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<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/china-adrs-secondary-listing-deep-dive-yin-and-yang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China ADRs Secondary Listing Deep-Dive: Yin and Yang,</a> published in Feb 2020,  we looked at the background and rules around undertaking a secondary listing in Hong Kong and then came up with a short-list of companies that might undertake a secondary listing. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/china-adrs-secondary-listing-covid-19-has-increased-the-tension-but-narrowed-the-short-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In China ADRs Secondary Listing: COVID-19 Has Increased the Tension but Narrowed the Short List</a> published in May 2020, we looked at the recent developments and provided an revised short-list</li>
<li>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/china-adrs-secondary-listing-holding-foreign-companies-accountable-act-i-m-coming-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China ADRs Secondary Listing - Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act - I’m Coming Home</a>, published in May 2020, we spoke about the implication of the act which had made its way through the senate.</li>
<li>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/china-adrs-secondary-listing-pipeline-looks-rich-have-three-years-to-move" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China ADRs Secondary Listing - Pipeline Looks Rich, Have Three Years to Move</a>, published in Feb 2021 we looked at the ADR pipeline and spoke about the updates from the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act becoming law and the updates at Hong Kong end as well. </li>
</ul>
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On 24th Mar 2021, Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Amendments, Seeks Public Comment on Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On the back of this, large China ADRs fell by 7.5% on average. 
We have covered various aspects of this topic before in our prior note, links to which are below. In this note, I'll talk about the SEC updates.


In our previous notes:




China ADRs Secondary Listing Deep-Dive: Yin and Yang, published in Feb 2020,  we looked at the background and rules around undertaking a secondary listing in Hong Kong and then came up with a short-list of companies that might undertake a secondary listing. 

In China ADRs Secondary Listing: COVID-19 Has Increased the Tension but Narrowed the Short List published in May 2020, we looked at the recent developments and provided an revised short-list
In China ADRs Secondary Listing - Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act - I’m Coming Home, published in May 2020, we spoke about the implication of the act which had made its way through the senate.
In China ADRs Secondary Listing - Pipeline Looks Rich, Have Three Years to Move, published in Feb 2021 we looked at the ADR pipeline and spoke about the updates from the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act becoming law and the updates at Hong Kong end as well. 



China ADRs - SEC Notice - Instead of Three, Probably Have Four Years till 2025 - Correction Overdone

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

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.

Zhihu Technology / Equity Capital Markets

<p>The Chinese Q&amp;A inspired online community platform <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhihu-technology-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32185:1" rel="noopener">Zhihu Technology (ZH US)</a>  has set the terms for its IPO. The company plans to sell 55m ADS’ (two ADS’ represent one ordinary share of the company) at an indicative price range of US$9.5-11.5 per ADS. Concurrent with the company’s IPO, Zhihu also has entered into agreements with Alibaba, JD.com, Image Frame Investment (an affiliate of Tencent Holdings) and Lilith Games to sell approx. US$250m worth of ordinary shares of the company.</p><p>At the midpoint of the above IPO pricing, Zhihu will raise approx. US$884.7m (assuming underwriters exercise their option) from the IPO as well as from the concurrent private placement. At the above IPO price range, Zhihu will have a market capitalisation of US$5.4-6.5bn and an enterprise value of US$4-5.2bn (after adjusting for net cash and net IPO proceeds assuming underwriters exercise their option).</p><p>Zhihu plans to use the above net proceeds on developing its products and services, marketing and user growth, R&amp;D and other general corporate purposes.</p>

The Chinese Q&amp;A inspired online community platform Zhihu Technology (ZH US)  has set the terms for its IPO. The company plans to sell 55m ADS’ (two ADS’ represent one ordinary share of the company) at an indicative price range of US$9.5-11.5 per ADS. Concurrent with the company’s IPO, Zhihu also has entered into agreements with Alibaba, JD.com, Image Frame Investment (an affiliate of Tencent Holdings) and Lilith Games to sell approx. US$250m worth of ordinary shares of the company.At the midpoint of the above IPO pricing, Zhihu will raise approx. US$884.7m (assuming underwriters exercise their option) from the IPO as well as from the concurrent private placement. At the above IPO price range, Zhihu will have a market capitalisation of US$5.4-6.5bn and an enterprise value of US$4-5.2bn (after adjusting for net cash and net IPO proceeds assuming underwriters exercise their option).Zhihu plans to use the above net proceeds on developing its products and services, marketing and user growth, R&amp;D and other general corporate purposes.

Zhihu IPO Valuation: Attractive at the Lower End of the IPO Pricing

Equity Bottom-Up

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-music-entertainment" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27255:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Music (TME US)</a>  reported its 4Q2020 results on Monday (22<sup>nd</sup> March) after market which saw revenues growing 14.3% YoY to RMB8.3bn. Despite revenues growing YoY during the quarter, TME’s operating profit declined 5% YoY resulting in a 250bps drop in the company’s OPM. TME’s revenues for 4Q2020 were in line with consensus estimates, however, reported OP was 21.8% below consensus expectations.</p><p>In our previous insights, we discussed the company’s business model, segments, revenue and margins in detail.</p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/tme-secondary-listing-monetisation-efforts-in-social-entertainment-should-boost-top-line-growth" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48830" rel="noopener">TME Secondary Listing: Monetisation Efforts in Social Entertainment Should Boost Top Line Growth</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/tencent-music-secondary-unlikely-for-margins-to-expand-but-should-remain-stable-at-current-level" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49034" rel="noopener">Tencent Music Secondary: Unlikely for Margins to Expand but Should Remain Stable at Current Level</a> </p>

Tencent Music (TME US)  reported its 4Q2020 results on Monday (22nd March) after market which saw revenues growing 14.3% YoY to RMB8.3bn. Despite revenues growing YoY during the quarter, TME’s operating profit declined 5% YoY resulting in a 250bps drop in the company’s OPM. TME’s revenues for 4Q2020 were in line with consensus estimates, however, reported OP was 21.8% below consensus expectations.In our previous insights, we discussed the company’s business model, segments, revenue and margins in detail.TME Secondary Listing: Monetisation Efforts in Social Entertainment Should Boost Top Line Growth Tencent Music Secondary: Unlikely for Margins to Expand but Should Remain Stable at Current Level 

TME 4Q Results: Strong Finish to 2020, Further Strengthens Partnerships and Focus on New Initiatives

<p>The Chinese mobile games and video platform <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bilibili-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26793:1" rel="noopener">Bilibili Inc (BILI US)</a>  has set the terms for its secondary listing in Hong Kong Exchange. Bilibili plans to offer 25m shares at a maximum offer price of HK$988 per share and will raise net proceeds of HK$24.3bn (approx. US$3.13bn) at the above pricing.</p><p>Bilibili’s shares closed at US$108.87 per ADS at the end of trading on Friday (19<sup>th</sup> March), and each ADS represents one ordinary share of the company. The maximum HK offer price of HK$988 per share implies approx. US$127.2 per ADS, a 17% premium to Bilibili’s last close price of US$108.87 per ADS.</p><p>The company plans to use approx. 50% of the net IPO proceeds on enhancing and broadening its content offerings to expand its user base. Bilibili plans to use 20% of net proceeds on enhancing its R&amp;D capabilities to improve user experience and another 20% on sales and marketing expenses.</p><p>In our previous insight on the company’s secondary listing, we discussed Bilibili’s valuation against its peers.</p>

The Chinese mobile games and video platform Bilibili Inc (BILI US)  has set the terms for its secondary listing in Hong Kong Exchange. Bilibili plans to offer 25m shares at a maximum offer price of HK$988 per share and will raise net proceeds of HK$24.3bn (approx. US$3.13bn) at the above pricing.Bilibili’s shares closed at US$108.87 per ADS at the end of trading on Friday (19th March), and each ADS represents one ordinary share of the company. The maximum HK offer price of HK$988 per share implies approx. US$127.2 per ADS, a 17% premium to Bilibili’s last close price of US$108.87 per ADS.The company plans to use approx. 50% of the net IPO proceeds on enhancing and broadening its content offerings to expand its user base. Bilibili plans to use 20% of net proceeds on enhancing its R&amp;D capabilities to improve user experience and another 20% on sales and marketing expenses.In our previous insight on the company’s secondary listing, we discussed Bilibili’s valuation against its peers.

Bilibili: Secondary Listing in HK Offers a Good Alternative to Kuaishou

APAC IPOs & Placements

Zhen Zhou, Toh

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhihu-technology-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32185:1" rel="noopener">Zhihu Technology (ZH US)</a> is looking to raise about US$1bn (including concurrent placement) in its U.S. IPO.</p></div><div>
<p>Zhihu is a question-and-answer (Q&amp;A) focused online content community. According to CIC, the company is the largest Q&amp;A-inspired online community and one of the top five online content communities in China in terms of mobile monthly active users (MAUs)  and revenue. As of 4Q20, the company has 75.7m average MAU, a cumulative 315.3m questions and answers contributed by 43.1m content creators.</p>
<p>In this note, we will look at peer comparison, assumptions, and share our thoughts on valuation. </p>
<p>Our previous coverage of Zhihu:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/zhihu-pre-ipo-in-the-early-stages-of-monetization" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49157" rel="noopener">Zhihu (知乎) Pre-IPO - In the Early Stages of Monetization</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/zhihu-censorship-as-top-risk-may-follow-fate-of-weibo" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49184" rel="noopener">Zhihu (知乎): Censorship as Top Risk, May Follow Fate of Weibo</a> </li>
</ul>
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Zhihu Technology (ZH US) is looking to raise about US$1bn (including concurrent placement) in its U.S. IPO.
Zhihu is a question-and-answer (Q&amp;A) focused online content community. According to CIC, the company is the largest Q&amp;A-inspired online community and one of the top five online content communities in China in terms of mobile monthly active users (MAUs)  and revenue. As of 4Q20, the company has 75.7m average MAU, a cumulative 315.3m questions and answers contributed by 43.1m content creators.
In this note, we will look at peer comparison, assumptions, and share our thoughts on valuation. 
Our previous coverage of Zhihu:


Zhihu (知乎) Pre-IPO - In the Early Stages of Monetization 

Zhihu (知乎): Censorship as Top Risk, May Follow Fate of Weibo 



Zhihu (知乎) IPO - Monetizing Curiosity

China

Bilibili Inc. provides online entertainment services. The Company offers a platform that covers a wide array of genres and media formats, including videos, live broadcasting, mobile games, animation, and comics. Bilibili serves customers in China.

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Bilibili (BILI US)

China ADRs - SEC Notice - Instead of Three, Probably Have Four Years till 2025 - Correction Overdone

On 24th Mar 2021, SEC issued Amendments, Seeks Public Comment on Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On the back of this, large China ADRs...

Sumeet Singh

Zhihu IPO Valuation: Attractive at the Lower End of the IPO Pricing

We believe Zhihu’s IPO is attractive at the lower end of the IPO price of US$9.5 per ADS. The company is still in early stages of monetising its...

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

TME 4Q Results: Strong Finish to 2020, Further Strengthens Partnerships and Focus on New Initiatives

TME reported its 4Q2020 results which saw revenues growing 14.3% YoY to RMB8.3bn. Despite revenues growing YoY during the quarter, TME’s OP...

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

Bilibili: Secondary Listing in HK Offers a Good Alternative to Kuaishou

Bilibili’s HK listing offers an alternative to Kuaishou which is currently trading at exorbitant multiples. Both companies have strong desire to...

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

Zhihu (知乎) IPO - Monetizing Curiosity

Zhihu Technology (ZH US) is looking to raise about US$1bn (including concurrent placement) in its U.S. IPO. Zhihu is a question-and-answer (Q&A)...

Zhen Zhou, Toh

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