Materials Analyst/Strategist, Janus Analysis

Gaius King

Materials Analyst/Strategist

Accelerating Tomorrow’s Independent Research

Boost Research

Boost Research Ltd is an appointed representative of Messels Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the FCA of the UK. 

This document is issued by Boost Research Limited solely for its clients. It may not be reproduced, redistributed or passed to any other person in whole or in part for any purpose without written consent of Boost Research. The material in this document is not intended for distribution or use outside the United Kingdom. This material is not directed at you if Boost Research is prohibited or restricted by any legislation or regulation in any jurisdiction from making it available to you.

This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer, solicitation, invitation, inducement or recommendation relating to the subscription, purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument.  This document does not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, investment advice.  It is accordingly recommended that you should seek independent advice from a suitably qualified professional advisor before taking any decisions in relation to the investments detailed herein. All expressions of opinions and estimates constitute a judgement and, unless otherwise stated, are those of the author and the research department of Boost Research only, and are subject to change without notice. Boost Research is under no obligation to update the information contained herein. Whilst Boost Research has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this document is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, Boost Research cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness, and you should not act on it without first independently verifying its contents. This document is not guaranteed to be a complete statement or summary of any securities, markets, reports or developments referred to herein. No representation or warranty either expressed or implied is made, nor responsibility of any kind is accepted, by Boost Research or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or analysts either as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this document nor should it be relied on as such. No liability whatsoever is accepted by Boost Research or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or analysts for any loss, whether direct or consequential, arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of the recipient acting on the content of this document, including, without limitation, lost profits arising from the use of this document or any of its contents.

This document is provided with the understanding that Boost Research is not acting in a fiduciary capacity and it is not a personal recommendation to you. Investing in securities entails risks. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of and the income produced by products may fluctuate, so that an investor may get back less than he invested. Investments in the entities and/or the securities or other financial instruments referred to are not suitable for all investors and this document should not be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment in relation to any such investment. The stated price of any securities mentioned herein will generally be the closing price at the end of any of the three business days immediately prior to the publication date on this document. This stated price is not a representation that any transaction can be effected at this price.

Boost Research and its respective analysts are remunerated for providing investment research to professional investors, corporations, other research institutions and consultancy houses. Boost Research, or its respective directors, officers, employees and clients may have or take positions in the securities or entities mentioned in this document.  Any of these circumstances could create, or be perceived as creating, conflicts of interest. Boost Research’ analysts are not censored in any way and are free to express their personal opinions. As a result, Boost Research may have issued other documents that are inconsistent with and reach different conclusions from, the information contained in this document. Those documents reflect the different assumptions, views and analytical methods of their authors. No director, officer or employee of Boost Research is on the board of directors of any company referenced herein and no one at any such referenced company is on the board of directors of Boost Research.

Messels is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of investment advice. Residents of the United Kingdom should seek specific professional financial and investment advice from a stockbroker, banker, solicitor, accountant or other independent professional adviser authorised pursuant to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This report is intended only for investors who are 'professional clients' as defined by the FCA, and may not, therefore, be redistributed to other classes of investors.

The content of this report is covered by our Policy of Independence which may be viewed at www.messels.com.

 

Analysts’ Certification

The analysts involved in the production of this document hereby certify that the views expressed in this document accurately reflect their personal views about the securities mentioned herein. The analysts point out that they may buy, sell or already have taken positions in the securities, and related financial instruments, mentioned in this document

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Transportation industries Kodak Moment embracing Hybrids, modest near-term EV growth</li>
<li>Widespread adoption of Hydrogen considered unlikely</li>
<li>41% of Platinum &amp; 84% of Palladium reliant on autocatalyst demand</li>
<li>Hybrids in Europe up 107% in three years at 1:7 to diesel counterparts, without subsidies</li>
<li>Hybrid premium ~ 8% like-for-like over a combustion vehicle </li>
<li>Carpooling/ride-share platforms have hallmarks of being a macro-trend</li>
<li>W. Asian carpool CAGR of 77.6% over past 11 years</li>
<li>Est. by close 2019 &gt;62m people globally will utilise trans. platforms, forgoing car ownership
</li>
<li>Adverse impact on vehicle growth, models, drive-trains, R&amp;D, insurance &amp; finance </li>
<li>Logistics industry diesel transitioning will affect LT PGM demand, in particular platinum</li>
<li>Primary platinum-surplus to grow in time, downward pressure on price</li>
</ul>
Auto-catalysts make up the majority of platinums (41%) and in particular, palladium (84%) end use demand.  To determine the future demand profile for PGMs, therefore, we examined the types and likelihood of future drivetrains, as well as technologies affecting unit demand.
Hydrogen's key attraction is its potential green credentials, and if it was to ever became a reality, resultant PGM catalyst demand would outstrip all existing suppliers.  To achieve that noble aim, however, gargantuan energy resources would be needed to conduct electrolysis of water, thermodynamically, a very energy intensive process.  Our analysis concludes that hydrogen will remain a boutique industry, confined to economies with abundant hydrocarbon production, with conversion relying on steam reformation.  Overall impact of hydrogen on PGM demand, will be marginal at best.
Presently, EVs have substantial range and recharge hurdles to overcome before they could ever be a primary mode of transport for many; with global demand primarily driven by Chinese directives, not by the Western consumer.  In the short to medium-term, we do not expect EVs to impact PGM demand significantly.  However, we preface that statement by our belief that in the longer-term, the largest adopter of EVs will be within the commercial logistics sector, currently dominated by diesel power plants, which rely on a substantial amount of platinum within its auto-catalysts.  Widespread adoption of EVs and robotic drones and the replacement of traditional diesel drivetrains will only exacerbate current over-supply in platinum, in time, we forecast its price to fall substantially.
Hybrid sales are up 107% in Europe over the past three years without any state subsidies.  It is reasonable to assume that potential demand of PGMs have, and will continue to be, stymied by hybrid advances.  But we expect overall (even modest) growth in car volume sales should maintain current market dynamics, in the short to medium term.
Carpooling and a host of other transactional transport options are now a realistic, flexible and affordable life-style choice, that contradict the necessity of car ownership.  Especially among the inner-city urbanites, with Asia averaging a CAGR of 77.6% over the past decade.  Car manufacturers are already experiencing significant sales headwinds.  On average it has been found that members/fleet ratio (i.e. No. of cars divided by No. of members) range between 61 – 76, a fraction of unit demand when compared with an average Western family of three or four members, often owning two vehicles.  Using decade average regional CAGRs, projecting three years in advance, the potential number of decreased car sales globally could reach 62m by the close of 2019.  To put that into context, Volkswagen and Toyota produce between 10 to 11m  units each pa.  This raises the question of whether recent sluggish global car sales is somehow related to the almost exponential growth in carpooling/ride-share platforms?


Transportation industries Kodak Moment embracing Hybrids, modest near-term EV growth
Widespread adoption of Hydrogen considered unlikely
41% of Platinum &amp; 84% of Palladium reliant on autocatalyst demand
Hybrids in Europe up 107% in three years at 1:7 to diesel counterparts, without subsidies
Hybrid premium ~ 8% like-for-like over a combustion vehicle 
Carpooling/ride-share platforms have hallmarks of being a macro-trend
W. Asian carpool CAGR of 77.6% over past 11 years
Est. by close 2019 &gt;62m people globally will utilise trans. platforms, forgoing car ownership

Adverse impact on vehicle growth, models, drive-trains, R&amp;D, insurance &amp; finance 
Logistics industry diesel transitioning will affect LT PGM demand, in particular platinum
Primary platinum-surplus to grow in time, downward pressure on price

Auto-catalysts make up the majority of platinums (41%) and in particular, palladium (84%) end use demand.  To determine the future demand profile for PGMs, therefore, we examined the types and likelihood of future drivetrains, as well as technologies affecting unit demand.
Hydrogen's key attraction is its potential green credentials, and if it was to ever became a reality, resultant PGM catalyst demand would outstrip all existing suppliers.  To achieve that noble aim, however, gargantuan energy resources would be needed to conduct electrolysis of water, thermodynamically, a very energy intensive process.  Our analysis concludes that hydrogen will remain a boutique industry, confined to economies with abundant hydrocarbon production, with conversion relying on steam reformation.  Overall impact of hydrogen on PGM demand, will be marginal at best.
Presently, EVs have substantial range and recharge hurdles to overcome before they could ever be a primary mode of transport for many; with global demand primarily driven by Chinese directives, not by the Western consumer.  In the short to medium-term, we do not expect EVs to impact PGM demand significantly.  However, we preface that statement by our belief that in the longer-term, the largest adopter of EVs will be within the commercial logistics sector, currently dominated by diesel power plants, which rely on a substantial amount of platinum within its auto-catalysts.  Widespread adoption of EVs and robotic drones and the replacement of traditional diesel drivetrains will only exacerbate current over-supply in platinum, in time, we forecast its price to fall substantially.
Hybrid sales are up 107% in Europe over the past three years without any state subsidies.  It is reasonable to assume that potential demand of PGMs have, and will continue to be, stymied by hybrid advances.  But we expect overall (even modest) growth in car volume sales should maintain current market dynamics, in the short to medium term.
Carpooling and a host of other transactional transport options are now a realistic, flexible and affordable life-style choice, that contradict the necessity of car ownership.  Especially among the inner-city urbanites, with Asia averaging a CAGR of 77.6% over the past decade.  Car manufacturers are already experiencing significant sales headwinds.  On average it has been found that members/fleet ratio (i.e. No. of cars divided by No. of members) range between 61 – 76, a fraction of unit demand when compared with an average Western family of three or four members, often owning two vehicles.  Using decade average regional CAGRs, projecting three years in advance, the potential number of decreased car sales globally could reach 62m by the close of 2019.  To put that into context, Volkswagen and Toyota produce between 10 to 11m  units each pa.  This raises the question of whether recent sluggish global car sales is somehow related to the almost exponential growth in carpooling/ride-share platforms?

PGMs: Facing Technological Obsolescence? (P. 2)

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

Uber Technologies  / Equity Capital Markets

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/430" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:430:1">Uber Technologies (0084207D US)</a> aims to raise US$10bn+ in its US IPO at a US$100bn valuation, as per media reports.I used the Uber and Uber Eats a lot while it was still operational in Singapore and honestly, found both to be much better than competitors on all counts - usage, customer service, etc. I was disappointed to see it go but looking at the numbers now the company seems to be fighting too many battles on too many fronts. I won't go into all the details now, as I'm sure there will be ample of other insights on Smartkarma to run you through the numbers.In this insight, I will talk about some of the points that need more data disclosure, similar to the ones that I talked about in my earlier insight on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/24423" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24423:1">Lyft Inc (LYFT US),</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/lyft-pre-ipo-drivers-and-shared-rides-hold-the-key-but-the-numbers-are-missing" target="_blank">LYFT Pre-IPO - Drivers and Shared Rides Hold the Key But the Numbers Are Missing.</a>

Uber Technologies (0084207D US) aims to raise US$10bn+ in its US IPO at a US$100bn valuation, as per media reports.I used the Uber and Uber Eats a lot while it was still operational in Singapore and honestly, found both to be much better than competitors on all counts - usage, customer service, etc. I was disappointed to see it go but looking at the numbers now the company seems to be fighting too many battles on too many fronts. I won't go into all the details now, as I'm sure there will be ample of other insights on Smartkarma to run you through the numbers.In this insight, I will talk about some of the points that need more data disclosure, similar to the ones that I talked about in my earlier insight on Lyft Inc (LYFT US),LYFT Pre-IPO - Drivers and Shared Rides Hold the Key But the Numbers Are Missing.

Uber Pre-IPO - Big on Ambition, Low on Disclosures

IPO and L/S equity, 2015 Starmine top stock picker, Global Equity Research Ltd

Rickin Thakrar

IPO and L/S equity, 2015 Starmine top stock picker

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Uber has filed its <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543151/000119312519103850/d647752ds1.htm" target="_blank">S1 prospectus</a> in order to raise a reported $10bn with an estimated valuation of $100bn. We note the following key pointsIntro to Uber IPOUBER financials: Heavy cash burn and negative margins Major revenue slowdown in the latest quarterYou can find our cautious take on the Lyft IPO here: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/lyft-ipo-preview-maybe-we-ll-just-walk" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:28361">Lyft IPO Preview: Maybe We'll Just Walk?</a>

Uber has filed its S1 prospectus in order to raise a reported $10bn with an estimated valuation of $100bn. We note the following key pointsIntro to Uber IPOUBER financials: Heavy cash burn and negative margins Major revenue slowdown in the latest quarterYou can find our cautious take on the Lyft IPO here: Lyft IPO Preview: Maybe We'll Just Walk?

Below is a recap of the key analysis produced by the Global Equity Research team. This week, we update on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/24423" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24423:1">Lyft Inc (LYFT US)</a> now that it is below its IPO price and remind of the potentially muted impact for strategic holder <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/31" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31:1">Rakuten Inc (4755 JP)</a>. On the M&amp;A front, Arun digs into the conditional deal for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/20374" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20374:1">Lynas Corp Ltd (LYC AU)</a> from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/1104" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1104:1">Wesfarmers Ltd (WES AU)</a>. With regards to IPO research, we initiate on e-commerce player <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/27997" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27997:1">Yunji Inc. (YJ US)</a> and solar company <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/27808" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27808:1">Xinyi Energy Holdings Ltd (1671746D HK)</a> while we update on the IPO valuation of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/27992" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27992:1">Ruhnn Holding Ltd (RUHN US)</a>. In addition, we have provided an updated calendar of upcoming catalysts for EVENT driven names below. Best of luck for the new week - Arun, Venkat and Rickin

Below is a recap of the key analysis produced by the Global Equity Research team. This week, we update on Lyft Inc (LYFT US) now that it is below its IPO price and remind of the potentially muted impact for strategic holder Rakuten Inc (4755 JP). On the M&amp;A front, Arun digs into the conditional deal for Lynas Corp Ltd (LYC AU) from Wesfarmers Ltd (WES AU). With regards to IPO research, we initiate on e-commerce player Yunji Inc. (YJ US) and solar company Xinyi Energy Holdings Ltd (1671746D HK) while we update on the IPO valuation of Ruhnn Holding Ltd (RUHN US). In addition, we have provided an updated calendar of upcoming catalysts for EVENT driven names below. Best of luck for the new week - Arun, Venkat and Rickin

Last Week in GER Research: Lyft, Rakuten, Lynas, Yunji IPO, Xinyi IPO and Ruhnn IPO

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

ja research

ja research is an independent research platform focused exclusively on Japanese equities. Leveraging data and graphic analysis provided by Japan Analytics, we provide insights on small and medium-sized companies that have been ignored by the sell-side as well as challenging conventional wisdom on larger companies. We also offer analyst and corporate access, the latter with translation if required. 

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/083/132/original/2019-03-25_18-58-11.png?1553507902" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="83132"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33 Information &amp; Communication sub-Sector but is broader in that it encompasses all companies listed on all sections and exchanges but is also narrower in that we have excluded Telecommunications (including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">S</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">oftbank Group (9984 JP)</a>) and Information Technology companies. We have adopted a 'quantamental' approach which covers the long-term and current trends for Japan's Internet Sector as a whole, as well as eight sub-Sectors or Peer Groups and the Sectors' leading companies by market capitalisation.  Our focus is exclusively on the locally-listed universe and is based on disclosed financial and market data. We do not provide any forecasts, other than the companies' own forecasts and we do not attempt to make any business model or strategic judgments. Our focus is purely on financial and market performance. We do not cover unlisted and defunct companies such as Livedoor and, therefore, there is implicit survivor bias in the data. The broad themes that are developed in DETAIL below are grouped into six topics as follows: - • SUMMARY •  • FUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEW •  • SCORING - RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS / RELATIVE PRICE •  • RESULTS TRENDS •  • VALUATION • • RECOMMENDATIONS •<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/083/206/original/2019-03-25_17-46-58.png?1553565764" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="83206"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>OVERVIEW - As will be covered in greater DETAIL below, Japan has failed to evolve a substantial Internet Sector and, in many business models, has been passed by global competitors including in the home market. Although Internet Sector revenues have grown steadily and now account for close to 1% of the total for all listed companies, operating margins have declined by half in the last seven years and are now only four percentage points higher than the market average. Accordingly, as measured by our Results &amp; Revision Score, the Sector is close to a twelve-year low. The market's response is an unchanged Sector weight in the market composite despite the addition of 111 new companies in the last six years, and a Relative Price Score that has moved in a narrow range over that period. The Sector averages disguise the weak business and market performance of a handful of Sector leaders as well as the overvaluation of the Sector's more successful business models, which is partly a result of a lack of alternatives. Despite the world's most significant Internet investor - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/315" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a>'s Vision Fund - being based in Japan, this fund and other global investors in Internet business have been right to give Japan a 'pass'.


Source: Japan Analytics
There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33 Information &amp; Communication sub-Sector but is broader in that it encompasses all companies listed on all sections and exchanges but is also narrower in that we have excluded Telecommunications (including Softbank Group (9984 JP)) and Information Technology companies. We have adopted a 'quantamental' approach which covers the long-term and current trends for Japan's Internet Sector as a whole, as well as eight sub-Sectors or Peer Groups and the Sectors' leading companies by market capitalisation.  Our focus is exclusively on the locally-listed universe and is based on disclosed financial and market data. We do not provide any forecasts, other than the companies' own forecasts and we do not attempt to make any business model or strategic judgments. Our focus is purely on financial and market performance. We do not cover unlisted and defunct companies such as Livedoor and, therefore, there is implicit survivor bias in the data. The broad themes that are developed in DETAIL below are grouped into six topics as follows: - • SUMMARY •  • FUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEW •  • SCORING - RESULTS &amp; REVISIONS / RELATIVE PRICE •  • RESULTS TRENDS •  • VALUATION • • RECOMMENDATIONS •Source: Japan AnalyticsOVERVIEW - As will be covered in greater DETAIL below, Japan has failed to evolve a substantial Internet Sector and, in many business models, has been passed by global competitors including in the home market. Although Internet Sector revenues have grown steadily and now account for close to 1% of the total for all listed companies, operating margins have declined by half in the last seven years and are now only four percentage points higher than the market average. Accordingly, as measured by our Results &amp; Revision Score, the Sector is close to a twelve-year low. The market's response is an unchanged Sector weight in the market composite despite the addition of 111 new companies in the last six years, and a Relative Price Score that has moved in a narrow range over that period. The Sector averages disguise the weak business and market performance of a handful of Sector leaders as well as the overvaluation of the Sector's more successful business models, which is partly a result of a lack of alternatives. Despite the world's most significant Internet investor - Softbank Group (9984 JP)'s Vision Fund - being based in Japan, this fund and other global investors in Internet business have been right to give Japan a 'pass'. 

🇯🇵 Japan • Internet Sector Review - 'Japan Passing'

United States

Lyft, Inc. provides online ridesharing services. The Company offers ride booking, payment processing, and car transportation services. Lyft serves customers in the United States.

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

Lyft (LYFT US)

PGMs: Facing Technological Obsolescence? (P. 2)

Transportation industries Kodak Moment embracing Hybrids, modest near-term EV growth Widespread adoption of Hydrogen considered unlikely 41% of...

Boost Research

Uber Pre-IPO - Big on Ambition, Low on Disclosures

Uber Technologies (0084207D US) aims to raise US$10bn+ in its US IPO at a US$100bn valuation, as per media reports.I used the Uber and Uber Eats a...

Sumeet Singh

Uber IPO Preview: Surge Pricing

Uber has filed its S1 prospectus in order to raise a reported $10bn with an estimated valuation of $100bn. We note the following key pointsIntro to...

Rickin Thakrar

Last Week in GER Research: Lyft, Rakuten, Lynas, Yunji IPO, Xinyi IPO and Ruhnn IPO

Below is a recap of the key analysis produced by the Global Equity Research team. This week, we update on Lyft Inc (LYFT US) now that it is below...

Rickin Thakrar

🇯🇵 Japan • Internet Sector Review - 'Japan Passing'

There are currently 241 listed Japanese companies that can be categorised as Internet businesses. Our classification overlaps with the TOPIX-33...

Campbell Gunn

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)