Senior Credit Analyst, Lucror Analytics

Leonard Law, CFA

Senior Credit Analyst

High Yield Experts

Lucror Analytics

Lucror Analytics is a leading credit and ESG research specialist and a provider of technology solutions for differentiated fixed income strategies. Our roots are in bottom-up fundamental credit analysis with a specialization in high yield corporate credits from Europe, Asia and Latin America. We are one of few research specialists integrating ESG considerations with fundamental credit research through a dedicated ESG platform. Our ESG assessment covers five key criteria: Disclosure, E,S, & G Pillars, Controversies, ESG Impact on Credit and ESG Momentum.

Recognizing the importance and value-add of Factor Investing in fixed income, Lucror developed the Smart Quant Navigator (SQN), an intuitive platform that helps clients devise and implement factor-based strategies ranging from pure quant to active fundamental, with integrated ESG.

Our company has been at the forefront of developments in the fixed income markets, identifying opportunities and consistently delivering new products and value-adding solutions to clients. Lucror has close relationships with the largest and most reputable asset managers, family offices, hedge funds, investment and wealth managers globally.

<p>Lucror Analytics' ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).<br/> We assess JBS' ESG as "Adequate", given the "Adequate" Environmental and Governance scores, while the Social pillar is "Strong". Controversies are "Immaterial" and Disclosure is "Strong". For various metrics (e.g. fuel and electricity intensity), we have used JBS US’ data as a proxy to track the group's overall performance. <br/></p>

Lucror Analytics' ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).  We assess JBS' ESG as "Adequate", given the "Adequate" Environmental and Governance scores, while the Social pillar is "Strong". Controversies are "Immaterial" and Disclosure is "Strong". For various metrics (e.g. fuel and electricity intensity), we have used JBS US’ data as a proxy to track the group's overall performance.  

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<div>
<p>Back on the 26 February this year, Huon <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02347852-3A562617?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a loss of A$95.3mn for the 1H21, including a non-impairment charge of A$113.9mn. In a <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02336871-3A560489?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market update</a> earlier that month, Huon said salmon prices had declined ~40% relative to the first six months of 2020. Concurrent with its 1H21 results, Huon said the board has initiated a strategic review to assess the potential for corporate-level transactions for the benefit of shareholders. In a follow-up announcement on the <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02387935-3A569418?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25 June</a>, Huon said that strategic review remained ongoing. </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>The most likely outcome of the review was a take-private transaction, however, an auction process dragged on, with a number of bidders pulling out on account of pricing. </p>
<p>On the 6 August, Huon <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02404691-3A572314?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a firm Offer, by way of a Scheme, with  Brazil's <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jbs-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24455:1" rel="noopener">JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ)</a>. Huon shareholders would receive A$3.85/share in cash. A fully-franked dividend of $0.0125/share - if paid - will be netted.</p>
<p>The cash price was a 61% premium to the last close, before the strategic review was announced on the 26 February. The Bender family with 53% of shares out intend to vote all of their shares in support of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior offer. The Offer also required approval from FIRB.</p>
<p>Apart from FIRB signing off - no small ask given JBS had fallen foul of US regulators recently - this looked like a done deal, with possible completion in November. </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>But Andrew Forrest's family fund Tattarang had other plans and promptly upped its stake to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02405676-3A572494?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18.51%</a> on the 10 August from 7.33% at the time of the SID announcement. That current stake all but blocks a Scheme. </p>
<p>Not to be outdone,  JBS announced a parallel takeover bid on the <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02406953-3A572757?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">13 August</a>. This second Offer is conditional on 50.1% acceptances from shareholders.  With the Bender's stake, that Offer is effectively done - barring FIRB rejection. The Bender family also entered in a pre-bid acceptance agreement for 19.9% of shares out. </p>
<p>It was unclear at the time whether Forrest was trying to block JBS in Huon or just looking for a better price.</p>
<p>In various media advertisements last Friday, Forrest <a href="https://www.harvestroad.com/its-time-to-commit-a-public-challenge-to-jbs-from-dr-andrew-forrest-ao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called on</a> JBS to commit to the same principles as Tattarang’s agri-food business, Harvest Road, and its beef processing company, Harvey Beef.</p>
<div>
<blockquote>
<p>For a small expense and through good management at Harvey Beef, we have established a clear No Pain No Fear framework in the critical stages of cattle processing as part of our ambition to exceed animal welfare standards and create a path for others to follow.</p>
<p>This means our customers don’t have to compromise their values when they choose to buy our products.</p>
<p>Animals provide humans with a valuable source of protein, the least we can do is respect this by ensuring they are treated with the utmost care.</p>
<p>As the world’s biggest protein producer, JBS can rise to this same standard.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not altogether surprisingly, JBS took umbrage with this challenge, saying it already adheres to high standards in its animal handling. As did Huon. </p>
<p>Huon <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02409974-3A573426?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> this morning...   that it has been...</p>
<blockquote>
<p>uncompromising in its commitment to the highest standards of animal husbandry, biosecurity, environmental management, and sustainable farming practices. Huon remains the only seafood producer in Australia to achieve RSPCA Approved Farming certification and firmly believes its sustainable salmon farming practices can be benchmarked against the best standards in the world.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>
<p>Huon also added Tattarang had earlier expressed interest in Huon and submitted a non-binding and conditional indicative offer. Tattarang was invited to participate further in the strategic review process but declined to do so. Tattarang’s non-binding and conditional indicative offer was at a material discount to JBS’s $3.85 offer.</p>
<p>Oddly, Huon is trading almost at terms. Given the non-negligible risk FIRB blocks the deal, I would avoid shares here.</p>
<p>More below the fold. </p>
<p></p>
</div>


Back on the 26 February this year, Huon announced a loss of A$95.3mn for the 1H21, including a non-impairment charge of A$113.9mn. In a market update earlier that month, Huon said salmon prices had declined ~40% relative to the first six months of 2020. Concurrent with its 1H21 results, Huon said the board has initiated a strategic review to assess the potential for corporate-level transactions for the benefit of shareholders. In a follow-up announcement on the 25 June, Huon said that strategic review remained ongoing. 


The most likely outcome of the review was a take-private transaction, however, an auction process dragged on, with a number of bidders pulling out on account of pricing. 
On the 6 August, Huon announced a firm Offer, by way of a Scheme, with  Brazil's JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ). Huon shareholders would receive A$3.85/share in cash. A fully-franked dividend of $0.0125/share - if paid - will be netted.
The cash price was a 61% premium to the last close, before the strategic review was announced on the 26 February. The Bender family with 53% of shares out intend to vote all of their shares in support of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior offer. The Offer also required approval from FIRB.
Apart from FIRB signing off - no small ask given JBS had fallen foul of US regulators recently - this looked like a done deal, with possible completion in November. 


But Andrew Forrest's family fund Tattarang had other plans and promptly upped its stake to 18.51% on the 10 August from 7.33% at the time of the SID announcement. That current stake all but blocks a Scheme. 
Not to be outdone,  JBS announced a parallel takeover bid on the 13 August. This second Offer is conditional on 50.1% acceptances from shareholders.  With the Bender's stake, that Offer is effectively done - barring FIRB rejection. The Bender family also entered in a pre-bid acceptance agreement for 19.9% of shares out. 
It was unclear at the time whether Forrest was trying to block JBS in Huon or just looking for a better price.
In various media advertisements last Friday, Forrest called on JBS to commit to the same principles as Tattarang’s agri-food business, Harvest Road, and its beef processing company, Harvey Beef.


For a small expense and through good management at Harvey Beef, we have established a clear No Pain No Fear framework in the critical stages of cattle processing as part of our ambition to exceed animal welfare standards and create a path for others to follow.
This means our customers don’t have to compromise their values when they choose to buy our products.
Animals provide humans with a valuable source of protein, the least we can do is respect this by ensuring they are treated with the utmost care.
As the world’s biggest protein producer, JBS can rise to this same standard.

Not altogether surprisingly, JBS took umbrage with this challenge, saying it already adheres to high standards in its animal handling. As did Huon. 
Huon said this morning...   that it has been...

uncompromising in its commitment to the highest standards of animal husbandry, biosecurity, environmental management, and sustainable farming practices. Huon remains the only seafood producer in Australia to achieve RSPCA Approved Farming certification and firmly believes its sustainable salmon farming practices can be benchmarked against the best standards in the world.


Huon also added Tattarang had earlier expressed interest in Huon and submitted a non-binding and conditional indicative offer. Tattarang was invited to participate further in the strategic review process but declined to do so. Tattarang’s non-binding and conditional indicative offer was at a material discount to JBS’s $3.85 offer.
Oddly, Huon is trading almost at terms. Given the non-negligible risk FIRB blocks the deal, I would avoid shares here.
More below the fold. 



<p>A drop in global demand resulted in international salmon prices declining 28% in the first six months of 2020. </p>
<p>In June of last year, China experienced a second Covid outbreak in Beijing that Chines authorities attributed to chopping boards used to handle imported salmon at the Xinfadi meat wholesale market. </p>
<p>Tasmania's <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/huon-aquaculture-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12348:1" rel="noopener">Huon Aquaculture (HUO AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tassal-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16234:1" rel="noopener">Tassal (TGR AU)</a> both sell salmon to China, although China's imports are primarily sourced from Chile, Denmark, and Norway.  </p>
<p>On the 26 February this year, Huon <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02347852-3A562617?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a loss of A$95.3mn for the 1H21, including a non-impairment charge of A$113.9mn. In a <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02336871-3A560489?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market update</a> earlier that month, Huon said salmon prices had declined ~40% relative to the first six months of 2020.</p>
<p>Concurrent with its 1H21 results, Huon said...</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In light of recent unsolicited approaches, the board has initiated a strategic review to assess the potential for corporate-level transactions for the benefit of shareholders.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In a follow-up announcement on the <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02387935-3A569418?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25 June</a>, Huon said that strategic review remains ongoing. </p>
<p>Huon is in need of cash in the face of burgeoning debt amid falling salmon prices and rising freight expenses. A possible placement has been floated, although it would need to be substantial, which would reduce the Bender family's major shareholding. </p>
<p>A more likely outcome was a take-private transaction, yet an ongoing auction process, one that was (allegedly) repeatedly extended, appeared to be losing traction. As of about a week ago, reportedly only Brazil's <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jbs-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24455:1" rel="noopener">JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ)</a> was still in the running.</p>
<div>
<h3>The New News</h3>
<p>Huon has now <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02404691-3A572314?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a firm Offer with JBS.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Under the terms of the Offer, by way of Scheme, Huon shareholders will receive A$3.85/share in cash. A fully-franked dividend of $0.0125/share  - if paid - will be netted. The cash price is a 61% premium to the last close, before the strategic review was announced on the 26 February. </p>
<p>The founding family (the Benders) with 53% intend to vote all of their shares in support of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior offer.</p>
<p>In addition to a shareholder vote, this Offer requires approval from FIRB.</p>
<p>A Scheme meeting is expected to take place late October with possible competition in November. </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>

A drop in global demand resulted in international salmon prices declining 28% in the first six months of 2020. 
In June of last year, China experienced a second Covid outbreak in Beijing that Chines authorities attributed to chopping boards used to handle imported salmon at the Xinfadi meat wholesale market. 
Tasmania's Huon Aquaculture (HUO AU) and Tassal (TGR AU) both sell salmon to China, although China's imports are primarily sourced from Chile, Denmark, and Norway.  
On the 26 February this year, Huon announced a loss of A$95.3mn for the 1H21, including a non-impairment charge of A$113.9mn. In a market update earlier that month, Huon said salmon prices had declined ~40% relative to the first six months of 2020.
Concurrent with its 1H21 results, Huon said...

In light of recent unsolicited approaches, the board has initiated a strategic review to assess the potential for corporate-level transactions for the benefit of shareholders.

In a follow-up announcement on the 25 June, Huon said that strategic review remains ongoing. 
Huon is in need of cash in the face of burgeoning debt amid falling salmon prices and rising freight expenses. A possible placement has been floated, although it would need to be substantial, which would reduce the Bender family's major shareholding. 
A more likely outcome was a take-private transaction, yet an ongoing auction process, one that was (allegedly) repeatedly extended, appeared to be losing traction. As of about a week ago, reportedly only Brazil's JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ) was still in the running.

The New News
Huon has now announced a firm Offer with JBS.


Under the terms of the Offer, by way of Scheme, Huon shareholders will receive A$3.85/share in cash. A fully-franked dividend of $0.0125/share  - if paid - will be netted. The cash price is a 61% premium to the last close, before the strategic review was announced on the 26 February. 
The founding family (the Benders) with 53% intend to vote all of their shares in support of the Scheme, in the absence of a superior offer.
In addition to a shareholder vote, this Offer requires approval from FIRB.
A Scheme meeting is expected to take place late October with possible competition in November. 


More below the fold.





Global Emerging Market Equities, Propitious Research

Wium Malan, CFA

Global Emerging Market Equities

Independent, Fundamental Quantitative Research

Propitious Research

Fully independent, fundamental and quantitative equity research, focused on companies in the Telecommunication, Media, Technology, Internet and Healthcare sectors in the Global Emerging Markets. Idea generation focused on Quality stocks, trading below their intrinsic Value, with sound Corporate Governance.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>This insight provides a summary of the key news developments impacting the largest countries and constituents of the Global Emerging Markets equity indices. </p><p><strong><em>Companies mentioned this week:</em></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (9988 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing-company" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11230:1" rel="noopener">TSMC (2330 TT)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jbs-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24455:1" rel="noopener">JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/prosus-nv" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28104:1" rel="noopener">Prosus (PRX NA)</a></p>

This insight provides a summary of the key news developments impacting the largest countries and constituents of the Global Emerging Markets equity indices. Companies mentioned this week:Alibaba Group (9988 HK), TSMC (2330 TT), JBS SA (JBSS3 BZ), Prosus (PRX NA)

Global Emerging Markets Weekly: 4 June 2021

Latest News from the World’s Leading Innovators

Granite Bay Capital

An innovation focussed investment company

Granite Bay Capital is an innovation focussed investment company with a deep focus on the companies at the leading edge of innovation across major themes such as AI, ubiquitous computing, sustainability, automation and longevity.

<p>Headline Developments It’s a big edition this week, so settle in! Elon Musk’s Boring Company (private) broke ground this week, shooting Tesla (TSLA) passengers through a high-speed tunnel under Las Vegas.  The loop comprises 2.7km of tunnels, built 30 feet under the Las Vegas Convention Center.</p>

Headline Developments It’s a big edition this week, so settle in! Elon Musk’s Boring Company (private) broke ground this week, shooting Tesla (TSLA) passengers through a high-speed tunnel under Las Vegas.  The loop comprises 2.7km of tunnels, built 30 feet under the Las Vegas Convention Center.

United States

JBS S.A. operates as a processor of a range of meats. The Company processes meats, such as beef, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as the hides. JBS exports its products throughout the world.

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JBS S/A (JBSS3 BZ)

JBS - ESG Report - Lucror Analytics

Lucror Analytics' ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable). We assess JBS' ESG as "Adequate",...

Lucror Analytics

Huon Ag (Huo AU): Twiggy Went To Market

Trading at a gross/annualised return of 0.2%/1.2%. I doubt there is a bump here. I'd be inclined to avoid this transaction. I think FIRB approval...

David Blennerhassett

JBS Nets Huon Agriculture (ASX: HUO)

The company is on the back foot in the face of increasing debt amid falling salmon prices and skyrocketing freight prices. JBS appears the only...

David Blennerhassett

Global Emerging Markets Weekly: 4 June 2021

This insight provides a summary of the key news developments impacting the largest countries and constituents of the Global Emerging Markets equity...

Wium Malan, CFA

Weekly Innovation Review (WIRE) #35

Headline Developments It’s a big edition this week, so settle in!Elon Musk’s Boring Company (private) broke ground this week,...

Granite Bay Capital

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