Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

Evergrande Property Services / Event-Driven

The plight of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-evergrande-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:479:1" rel="noopener">Evergrande (3333 HK)</a>, the "world's most indebted property developer" has been exhaustively covered and picked apart both here at Smartkarma and in the media. (Although I highly recommend <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a>'s Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-20/understanding-evergrande-the-chinese-real-estate-conglomerate-that-s-nearing-collapse?sref=frV97TwV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">podcast</a> for his bird's eye synopsis).
Concerns for the embattled real estate play are leading to formerly friendly and close shareholders exiting at massive losses, such as recently suspended <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/chinese-estates-holdings-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20954:1" rel="noopener">Chinese Estates Holdings (127 HK)</a> (as discussed in <a href="https://skr.ma/1HQM2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chinese Estates (127 HK): Potential Privatisation?</a>); and spreading to smaller investors such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/blue-river-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20130:1" rel="noopener">Blue River Holdings (498 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/1004/2021100403346.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dumping</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-evergrande-new-energy-vehicle-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:713:1" rel="noopener">Evergrande Vehicle (708 HK)</a> (reportedly missed its last payroll payment) at a material loss - Blue River also sold stakes in Evergrande and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/evergrande-property-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30921:1" rel="noopener">Evergrande Property Services (6666 HK)</a> (EPS). <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-strategic-hldgs-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20588:1" rel="noopener">China Strategic Hldgs (235 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0921/2021092101057.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> on the 21 September it proposes to sell its 1.37% stake in Evergrande Vehicle. 
Evergrande has also been selling off assets, most recently a <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0929/2021092900039.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19.93% stake</a> in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shengjing-bank-co-ltd-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:96:1" rel="noopener">Shengjing Bank Co Ltd H (2066 HK)</a> for ~RMB10bn. 
Now we have Evergrande <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/1004/2021100400771.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspended</a> due to a material transaction; EPS due to a <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/1004/2021100400799.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">possible general Offer</a>; and the intriguing part, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hopson-development-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8108:1" rel="noopener">Hopson Development (754 HK)</a> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/1004/2021100400101.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspended</a> due the acquisition of a company "and the relevant possible mandatory offer to acquire the shares of the" company.
China's state-backed Global Times <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202110/1235627.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Hopson will buy a 51% stake in EPS "and the deal could be valued at more than 40 billion HKD" ($5.1bn). One of those media sources appears to be <a href="https://www.cls.cn/detail/846513" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cailian Press</a>, which also has SOE affiliation. Jiemian.com, Cailian's sister publication - the two merged in <a href="https://www.chinamoneynetwork.com/2018/02/28/chinese-media-firms-jiemian-cailian-press-merge-creating-financial-information-giant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 2018</a> - <a href="https://www.jiemian.com/article/6667341.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reckons</a> the fine print on a deal won't be known for a few days.<a href="https://www.jiemian.com/article/6667341.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
All three companies remain suspended at the time of writing. Given this transaction could come out any old way, this insight touches on some of the permutations Hopson may take to gain majority control in EPS, if that is the end-game.

The plight of Evergrande (3333 HK), the "world's most indebted property developer" has been exhaustively covered and picked apart both here at Smartkarma and in the media. (Although I highly recommend Travis Lundy's Bloomberg podcast for his bird's eye synopsis).
Concerns for the embattled real estate play are leading to formerly friendly and close shareholders exiting at massive losses, such as recently suspended Chinese Estates Holdings (127 HK) (as discussed in Chinese Estates (127 HK): Potential Privatisation?); and spreading to smaller investors such as Blue River Holdings (498 HK) dumping Evergrande Vehicle (708 HK) (reportedly missed its last payroll payment) at a material loss - Blue River also sold stakes in Evergrande and Evergrande Property Services (6666 HK) (EPS). China Strategic Hldgs (235 HK) announced on the 21 September it proposes to sell its 1.37% stake in Evergrande Vehicle. 
Evergrande has also been selling off assets, most recently a 19.93% stake in Shengjing Bank Co Ltd H (2066 HK) for ~RMB10bn. 
Now we have Evergrande suspended due to a material transaction; EPS due to a possible general Offer; and the intriguing part, Hopson Development (754 HK) suspended due the acquisition of a company "and the relevant possible mandatory offer to acquire the shares of the" company.
China's state-backed Global Times said Hopson will buy a 51% stake in EPS "and the deal could be valued at more than 40 billion HKD" ($5.1bn). One of those media sources appears to be Cailian Press, which also has SOE affiliation. Jiemian.com, Cailian's sister publication - the two merged in February 2018 - reckons the fine print on a deal won't be known for a few days.
All three companies remain suspended at the time of writing. Given this transaction could come out any old way, this insight touches on some of the permutations Hopson may take to gain majority control in EPS, if that is the end-game.

Asia Ex-J Consumer/ Transport analyst

Valerie Law, CFA

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

Extending my point about more demanding transportation frameworks going forward (see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/comfortdelgro-fy16-results-an-era-where-competition-hits-a-higher-gear" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:8719">ComfortDelGro FY16 Results: An Era Where Competition Hits a Higher Gear</a> ), the recent fire-bomb attack on Hong Kong’s MTR that left 19 injured signals increasing costs for transport operators. This article presents another reason why investors should sell MTR Corp, on top of points already provided by fellow insight provider Sameer Taneja in an earlier piece <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mtr-66-hk-conviction-sell-thesis" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:7982">MTR (66 HK): Conviction Sell Thesis</a><h2>Security Costs to</h2>…

Extending my point about more demanding transportation frameworks going forward (see ComfortDelGro FY16 Results: An Era Where Competition Hits a Higher Gear ), the recent fire-bomb attack on Hong Kong’s MTR that left 19 injured signals increasing costs for transport operators. This article presents another reason why investors should sell MTR Corp, on top of points already provided by fellow insight provider Sameer Taneja in an earlier piece MTR (66 HK): Conviction Sell ThesisSecurity Costs to…

66 HK and SBUS SP: Attack on HK Metro Signals Increases in Transport Operators' Costs

Equity Research Analyst, Maritime sector, Drewry Maritime Financial Research

Ankush Kathuria CFA, FRM

Equity Research Analyst, Maritime sector

Maritime Sector, Equity & Credit Research

Drewry Maritime Financial Research

With no ties to other players in the shipping, finance or banking world, we provide a uniquely impartial view of the markets and companies we cover. Our parent organization, Drewry is a leading independent provider of research services to the maritime and shipping industry, employing over 100 professionals across an international network of offices in London, Delhi, Singapore and Shanghai. Combining our market-leading resources with seasoned sector expertise DFRS offers a highly differentiated and comprehensive range of investment and financial research services to lenders and prospective investors in publicly listed maritime and shipping companies. The full service of reports, supporting resources and sector orientated webinars provides our clients with the most complete picture of the organisations under coverage as is possible. We have been charting and analysing the world’s maritime markets for more than 40 years. This unrivalled intelligence and understanding provides the foundation of our research service. Our analysts have access to one of the most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable sources of market insight and research data available today. We look at globally listed companies within the following sectors: Port Operators, Container Shipping, Container Manufacturing & Leasing, LNG Shipping, Dry Bulk Shipping and Tanker Shipping. Combine in-depth sector expertise with financial analysis focusing on over 50 stocks globally.

Reasonable port valuation supports M&amp;A activities<figure class="editor-figure"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/005/443/original/ports5.JPG?1454570524" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="5443"></figure>Note: Market-weighted EV/EBITDA ticked higher from FY14 level of 14.8x to 15.0x Source: Bloomberg, DMER<figure class="editor-figure"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/005/444/original/ports6.JPG?1454570793" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="5444"></figure> Source: Company, DMER• As the global trade growth moderates, we expect significant volatility to persist in the year ahead. Port companies with sturdy balance sheet will be favoured over growth companies. Debt servicing ratio is expected to trend lower on higher interest and faltering earnings. Therefore, we look for terminal operators with…

Reasonable port valuation supports M&amp;A activitiesNote: Market-weighted EV/EBITDA ticked higher from FY14 level of 14.8x to 15.0x Source: Bloomberg, DMER Source: Company, DMER• As the global trade growth moderates, we expect significant volatility to persist in the year ahead. Port companies with sturdy balance sheet will be favoured over growth companies. Debt servicing ratio is expected to trend lower on higher interest and faltering earnings. Therefore, we look for terminal operators with…

Global Port Operators - Reasonable Valuation Supports M&A Activities

Intensifying concerns about China as it registered its slowest growth since 1990 set the tone for a roller-coaster ride in 2016. The largest emerging country expanded 6.9%y/y in 2015, prompting the IMF to slash its global growth forecast for the third time in less than a year. Drewry Port Index fell 14% in the first three weeks of trading. The divergence between MSCI World and Drewry Port Index is the greatest since January 2015, pointing to a value buy for the port index compared with a year ago.

Intensifying concerns about China as it registered its slowest growth since 1990 set the tone for a roller-coaster ride in 2016. The largest emerging country expanded 6.9%y/y in 2015, prompting the IMF to slash its global growth forecast for the third time in less than a year. Drewry Port Index fell 14% in the first three weeks of trading. The divergence between MSCI World and Drewry Port Index is the greatest since January 2015, pointing to a value buy for the port index compared with a year ago.

Port Operators 2016 - Sieve Out Value Companies Amid Slowing Trade Growth

Founder

Kemp Dolliver, CFA

Cherrystone Hill Research

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA: US) has named Executive Vice Chairman and interim CEO Stefano Pessina as CEO, a move that has been expected. Mr. Pessina had built up Alliance Boots into a leading European and Asian health &amp; beauty retail chain. We expect the company to resume its acquisition program, but the US market looks like the top priority at the moment. WBA will increase its presence in Asia: the only question is timing.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA: US) has named Executive Vice Chairman and interim CEO Stefano Pessina as CEO, a move that has been expected. Mr. Pessina had built up Alliance Boots into a leading European and Asian health &amp; beauty retail chain. We expect the company to resume its acquisition program, but the US market looks like the top priority at the moment. WBA will increase its presence in Asia: the only question is timing.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Names Permanent CEO: Global Expansion to Continue

Hong Kong

China Strategic Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and trades pharmaceutical, batteries, and related products.  The Company also invests in securities.

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China Strategic Hldgs (235 HK)

Hopson Navigates Evergrande's Fire Sale

Indebted Evergrande and Hopson in trading halt over the possible sale of property management unit, the completion of which may trigger a general...

David Blennerhassett

66 HK and SBUS SP: Attack on HK Metro Signals Increases in Transport Operators' Costs

Extending my point about more demanding transportation frameworks going forward (see ComfortDelGro FY16 Results: An Era Where Competition Hits a...

Valerie Law, CFA

Global Port Operators - Reasonable Valuation Supports M&A Activities

Reasonable port valuation supports M&A activitiesNote: Market-weighted EV/EBITDA ticked higher from FY14 level of 14.8x to 15.0xSource:...

Drewry Maritime Financial Research

Port Operators 2016 - Sieve Out Value Companies Amid Slowing Trade Growth

Intensifying concerns about China as it registered its slowest growth since 1990 set the tone for a roller-coaster ride in 2016. The largest...

Drewry Maritime Financial Research

Walgreens Boots Alliance Names Permanent CEO: Global Expansion to Continue

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA: US) has named Executive Vice Chairman and interim CEO Stefano Pessina as CEO, a move that has been expected. Mr....

Kemp Dolliver, CFA

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