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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>On 2nd Dec 2021, Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Final amendments to implement the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA).</li>
<li>On 24th Mar 2021, SEC had issued Amendments, Seeks Public Comment on HFCAA. This was a follow up on the HFCAA.</li>
<li>In this note, we'll talk about the final amendments and its possible timelines and implications, and a possible trade setup.</li>
</ul>


On 2nd Dec 2021, Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Final amendments to implement the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA).
On 24th Mar 2021, SEC had issued Amendments, Seeks Public Comment on HFCAA. This was a follow up on the HFCAA.
In this note, we'll talk about the final amendments and its possible timelines and implications, and a possible trade setup.


China ADRs Delisting - US Tightens and HK Loosens Requirements - Long/Short Basket Trade

<ul>
<li>On 13th Apr 2021, Grab (0967655D SP) announced that it plans to go public in the US in partnership with Altimeter Growth Corp (AGC US) at an equity valuation of US$39.6bn.</li>
<li>The merger and listing will be completed on 2nd Dec 2021.</li>
<li>In this note, we will talk about valuations and the lock-up release schedule.</li>
</ul>


On 13th Apr 2021, Grab (0967655D SP) announced that it plans to go public in the US in partnership with Altimeter Growth Corp (AGC US) at an equity valuation of US$39.6bn.
The merger and listing will be completed on 2nd Dec 2021.
In this note, we will talk about valuations and the lock-up release schedule.


Grab SPAC Listing - Thoughts on Valuation, Lock-Up Release

TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research Analyst, Obex Capital Research

Aaron Gabin

TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research Analyst

TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research

Obex Capital Research

“Obex” is Latin for Barriers to Entry. Obex Capital Management’s investment philosophy is driven by an intense focus on which business model’s Barriers to Entry are able to withstand the ever increasing competitive disruption in the TMT and Consumer Sectors.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Doordash and Uber have one of the biggest valuation discrepancies in consumer internet.</li>
<li>Doordash's stock is up 22% since earnings over an insanely rich acquisition for a second tier European asset.</li>
<li>Doordash's limited disclosures on its TAM adjacencies, which is part of the bull case are unusual.</li>
</ul>


Doordash and Uber have one of the biggest valuation discrepancies in consumer internet.
Doordash's stock is up 22% since earnings over an insanely rich acquisition for a second tier European asset.
Doordash's limited disclosures on its TAM adjacencies, which is part of the bull case are unusual.


DoorDash: Why Is Doordash 14x Sales and Uber 4x?

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

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.

<ul>
<li>It was reported yesterday that the Chinese venture capitalist, Neil Shen who heads Sequoia Capital China has decided to trim his personal investments in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinduoduo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27250:1" rel="noopener">Pinduoduo (PDD US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/meituan-dianping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26970:1" rel="noopener">Meituan (3690 HK)</a>, two of the most successful investments that propelled his personal net worth to over $4.0bn.</li>
<li>We think the exit of high profile Chinese investors who has on the ground knowledge of Chinese politics (amidst the regulatory scrutiny and Xi’s push for common prosperity) could rattle both domestic and overseas investors. Meanwhile, Pinduoduo’s valuation multiples have significant further downside risk, possibly prolonging the weakness that lasted since March 2021.</li>
</ul>


It was reported yesterday that the Chinese venture capitalist, Neil Shen who heads Sequoia Capital China has decided to trim his personal investments in Pinduoduo (PDD US) and Meituan (3690 HK), two of the most successful investments that propelled his personal net worth to over $4.0bn.
We think the exit of high profile Chinese investors who has on the ground knowledge of Chinese politics (amidst the regulatory scrutiny and Xi’s push for common prosperity) could rattle both domestic and overseas investors. Meanwhile, Pinduoduo’s valuation multiples have significant further downside risk, possibly prolonging the weakness that lasted since March 2021.


Pinduoduo: Foreign Investors Could Panic as VC Chief Trims His Holdings

Forensic Analyst

Jason Yap, CFA

Forensic Accounting

The State Administration for Market Regulation, China's antitrust regulator, imposed a fine of RMB3.4 billion (USD530 million) on food delivery group <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/meituan-dianping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26970:1" rel="noopener">Meituan (3690 HK)</a> for abusing its market position and ordered the company to rectify its operations.Amongst other required remedial actions, Meituan was ordered to return deposit money to merchants. Merchant had reportedly used deposits, algorithms, and data to ensure that its restaurant merchants remained loyal to the platform, according to an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8862b118-75ad-45b1-85df-b3fa09d26ac3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FT article</a>. This begs the question. Why are merchant deposits required by e-commerce companies like Meituan, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (9988 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinduoduo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27250:1" rel="noopener">Pinduoduo (PDD US)</a>? After all, most of the merchant transactions are 3P, which means the platforms do not carry any inventory risk and therefore do not need merchant deposits to offset risks. Could it be to increase switching costs or even to hold merchants ransom as the FT article suggests. In this Insight, we discuss how merchant deposits and merchant payables have been used as a means to pad operating cashflows (even though they are not strictly free cashflows), particularly for fast growing e-commerce platforms.Further, we have seen the "walled gardens" of China's tech giants <a href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3148572/big-techs-walled-gardens-start-crack-tencent-vows-follow-beijings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">start to crack</a> - in other words, merchants can freely switch platforms taking away merchant deposits with them, which could potentially affect cashflows.

The State Administration for Market Regulation, China's antitrust regulator, imposed a fine of RMB3.4 billion (USD530 million) on food delivery group Meituan (3690 HK) for abusing its market position and ordered the company to rectify its operations.Amongst other required remedial actions, Meituan was ordered to return deposit money to merchants. Merchant had reportedly used deposits, algorithms, and data to ensure that its restaurant merchants remained loyal to the platform, according to an FT article. This begs the question. Why are merchant deposits required by e-commerce companies like Meituan, Alibaba Group (9988 HK) and Pinduoduo (PDD US)? After all, most of the merchant transactions are 3P, which means the platforms do not carry any inventory risk and therefore do not need merchant deposits to offset risks. Could it be to increase switching costs or even to hold merchants ransom as the FT article suggests. In this Insight, we discuss how merchant deposits and merchant payables have been used as a means to pad operating cashflows (even though they are not strictly free cashflows), particularly for fast growing e-commerce platforms.Further, we have seen the "walled gardens" of China's tech giants start to crack - in other words, merchants can freely switch platforms taking away merchant deposits with them, which could potentially affect cashflows.  

Merchant Deposits and Payables to Pad Cashflows - Who's Culpable?

China

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited engages in sales of duty free goods and tax goods. The Company sells tobacco, wine and spirits, perfume, cosmetics, fashion and accessories, watches, jewelry, food, luggage products,and other products. China Tourism Group Duty Free also engages in investment and development of tourism destination commercial complexes.

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp Ltd (601888 CH)

Huazhu Group Limited operates a hotel operator and franchisor. The Company provides hotel leasing, directly hotel operation, and co-development services. Huazhu Group mainly conducts businesses in China.

Haidilao International Holding Ltd. operates Chinese cuisine restaurant brand focusing on hot pot cuisine. The Company provides hot pots, soup bases, dipping sauces, drinks, prepared food, and other products. Haidilao International Holding opens restaurants in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Songcheng Performance Development Co., LTD invests, develops and operates theme parks and tourism cultural performing arts. The Company's major projects include the Sungcheng theme park and the cultural performing arts musical "The Romance of the Song Dynasty".

Songcheng Performance Development (300144 CH)

Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited operates as an online travel agency. The Company provides transportation ticketing, accommodation reservation, value added travel products sales, and other services. Tongcheng Travel Holdings provides its services throughout China.

Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Co.,Ltd. owns and operates hotels.  The Company also provides catering, business, entertainment, and other services. Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels conducts its business in China.

Shanghai Jinjiang Internationa (600754 CH)

BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd. operates a tourism business.  The Company also invests in hotel and restaurant management, as well as provides advertising and exhibition center management services.

Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co Ltd invests in and manages theme parks in China.  The Company, through its subsidiaries, also provides travel agency service.

Shenzhen Overseas Chinese (A) (000069 CH)

Giant Network Group Co., Ltd. develops online games. The Company mainly develops, operates, and sells computer terminal network game and mobile terminal network game products. Giant Network Group provides services in China.

China CYTS Tours Holding Co., Ltd. provides travel information and arrangement services.  Through its subsidiaries, the Company also manufactures medical instrument, provides system integration services for the insurance industry, and develops real estate.

Sands China Ltd. develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts, retail malls, and casinos. The Company also manages convention and exhibition halls in Macau.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited, through its subsidiary, operates casino, hotel and other entertainment facilities in Macau. The company also manufactures sells and distributes construction materials.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. owns and operates casino resorts and convention centers. The Company operates in the United States, Macau and Singapore. Las Vegas Sand Corp's casinos offer a wide range of gaming activities and entertainment as well as overnight accommodations, while its expo centers host a wide range of entertainment shows, expositions, and other activities.

Yum! Brands, Inc, owns and franchises quick-service restaurants worldwide.  The Company develops, operates, franchises and licenses a worldwide system of restaurants which prepare, package and sell a menu of food items.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise company operating a fleet of vessels in the cruise vacation industry. The Company operates through brands which primarily serve the contemporary, premium and deluxe segments of the cruise vacation industry, which also includes the budget and luxury segments.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. is a global hospitality company. The Company manages, franchises, owns, and develops branded hotels, resorts and residential and vacation ownership properties around the world.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. owns and operates quick serve Mexican restaurants. The Company manages restaurants throughout the United States.

Marriott International Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of hotels. The Company franchises lodging facilities and vacation timesharing resorts under various brand names. Marriott also provides services to home and condominium owner associations for projects associated with several of its brands.

Wingstop Inc. owns and operates restaurants. The Company specializes in cooked-to-order, hand-sauced, and tossed chicken wings. Wingstop serves customers worldwide.

Domino's Pizza, Inc. operates a network of Company-owned and franchise Domino's Pizza stores, located throughout the United States and in other countries.  The Company also operates regional dough manufacturing and distribution centers in the contiguous United States and outside the United States.

Meituan operates as a web based shopping platform for locally found consumer products and retail services. The Company offers deals of the day by selling vouchers on local services and entertainment, dining, delivery, and other services. Meituan provides its services throughout China.

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

Meituan (3690 HK)

China ADRs Delisting - US Tightens and HK Loosens Requirements - Long/Short Basket Trade

On 2nd Dec 2021, SEC issued Final amendments to implement the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. In this note we will talk about the final...

Sumeet Singh

Grab SPAC Listing - Thoughts on Valuation, Lock-Up Release

On 13th Apr 21, Grab announced that it plans to go public in the US in partnership with Altimeter Growth Corp at an equity val of US$39.6bn. In...

Sumeet Singh

DoorDash: Why Is Doordash 14x Sales and Uber 4x?

While we have certainly been wrong to short DoorDash thus far, we are still sure it is mispriced. The question is… how to profit off of this?...

Aaron Gabin

Pinduoduo: Foreign Investors Could Panic as VC Chief Trims His Holdings

We think the exit of high profile Chinese investors who has on the ground knowledge of Chinese politics could rattle both domestic and overseas...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Merchant Deposits and Payables to Pad Cashflows - Who's Culpable?

Merchant deposits and merchant payables have been used to pad operating cashflows (even though they are not free cashflows), particularly for fast...

Jason Yap, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)