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>PCAOB officials concluded their Hong Kong visit last month and PCAOB is due to announce its annual judgment on whether it had adequate access to US listed China companies.</li>
<li>The Hong Kong visit was on the back of the 26th Aug 2022 announcement by PCAOB and CSRC that they had entered into an agreement with US authorities for access.</li>
<li>In this note, we'll talk about the latest developments, possible outcomes and implications.</li>
</ul>


PCAOB officials concluded their Hong Kong visit last month and PCAOB is due to announce its annual judgment on whether it had adequate access to US listed China companies.
The Hong Kong visit was on the back of the 26th Aug 2022 announcement by PCAOB and CSRC that they had entered into an agreement with US authorities for access.
In this note, we'll talk about the latest developments, possible outcomes and implications.


China ADRs Delisting - Friday Could Be Judgment Day for over US$800bn Mcap of Stocks

Forensic Analyst

Jason Yap, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

The Epic Apple duel has recently concluded its first inning. The latest US ruling disrupts Apple's stranglehold over the App Store and consequently its cut of developer revenues but fell short of confirming that Apple operated as an illegal monopoly.  An Epic appeal is underway.  While a certain segment of the US population gushed with anger over Apple's 30% cut of revenue charged to developers, elsewhere in China the situation is starkly different.
China app developers typically aim to secure all available distribution channels at all costs, which means simultaneous pre-launch conversations with multiple app store vendors.  The most popular apps often gain the most traction through push adverts on these app stores, or so the developers rationalise to themselves as they fork up to 50% commission fees to app stores and mobile carriers. By this measure, Apple seems almost benevolent!  But, why?
This article explores the App Store dynamic in China, which is dominated by Android smartphone manufacturers, and discusses whether an Epic Apple esque duel might unravel in China.

The Epic Apple duel has recently concluded its first inning. The latest US ruling disrupts Apple's stranglehold over the App Store and consequently its cut of developer revenues but fell short of confirming that Apple operated as an illegal monopoly.  An Epic appeal is underway.  While a certain segment of the US population gushed with anger over Apple's 30% cut of revenue charged to developers, elsewhere in China the situation is starkly different.
China app developers typically aim to secure all available distribution channels at all costs, which means simultaneous pre-launch conversations with multiple app store vendors.  The most popular apps often gain the most traction through push adverts on these app stores, or so the developers rationalise to themselves as they fork up to 50% commission fees to app stores and mobile carriers. By this measure, Apple seems almost benevolent!  But, why?
This article explores the App Store dynamic in China, which is dominated by Android smartphone manufacturers, and discusses whether an Epic Apple esque duel might unravel in China. 

Forensic Accounting

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a>'s share price retreated 3.2% overnight on news that China would restrict playing time for minors to 3 hours a week - that is, 8pm to 9pm time slots on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an extra hour on public holidays.  The share price erased these losses and recorded an intra-day gain of 3.3% by Tuesday's market close, suggesting that regulatory concerns were assuaged by Tencent's affirmation of low single-digit revenue contribution of minors. 
Insight Provider Mio Kato wrote a unique but sensible piece about how the market may have misunderstood the significance of the restrictions, with the implications for the long-term growth of the industry more severe and an appreciation of the relevant issues would come sooner.  A key thrust of the argument is that habit-formation of gaming at an early age would be disrupted to an extent that gaming habits and user time spent do not carry over into adulthood. 
Tencent's gaming revenue is derived primarily from the sales of in-game virtual items and the provision of adjacent services.  In this article, we expand on the above argument by highlighting how the habit-formation disruption not only affects user time spent but also have a knock-on impact with respect to in-game virtual item spending, subscription, and IP consumption. 
Further, Tencent's revenue recognition on the provision of online games heavily depends on management's assumptions of the gamer's usage profile, which was in turn determined based on past gaming habits. This was historically raised as a Key Audit Matter in Tencent's Audit Opinions. Accordingly, we also discuss in this article how the underlying management assumptions might change as a result of the regulations and consequent impact on Tencent's gaming revenues.

Tencent (700 HK)'s share price retreated 3.2% overnight on news that China would restrict playing time for minors to 3 hours a week - that is, 8pm to 9pm time slots on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an extra hour on public holidays.  The share price erased these losses and recorded an intra-day gain of 3.3% by Tuesday's market close, suggesting that regulatory concerns were assuaged by Tencent's affirmation of low single-digit revenue contribution of minors. 
Insight Provider Mio Kato wrote a unique but sensible piece about how the market may have misunderstood the significance of the restrictions, with the implications for the long-term growth of the industry more severe and an appreciation of the relevant issues would come sooner.  A key thrust of the argument is that habit-formation of gaming at an early age would be disrupted to an extent that gaming habits and user time spent do not carry over into adulthood. 
Tencent's gaming revenue is derived primarily from the sales of in-game virtual items and the provision of adjacent services.  In this article, we expand on the above argument by highlighting how the habit-formation disruption not only affects user time spent but also have a knock-on impact with respect to in-game virtual item spending, subscription, and IP consumption. 
Further, Tencent's revenue recognition on the provision of online games heavily depends on management's assumptions of the gamer's usage profile, which was in turn determined based on past gaming habits. This was historically raised as a Key Audit Matter in Tencent's Audit Opinions. Accordingly, we also discuss in this article how the underlying management assumptions might change as a result of the regulations and consequent impact on Tencent's gaming revenues. 

Tencent - An Analytical Framework For "Tomorrow's" Gaming Minors

Independent research on the U.S. markets, Baptista Research

Baptista Research

Independent research on the U.S. markets

Baptista Research is an independent financial research house focused on the U.S. markets. We provide equity research as well as credit research reports on the top-listed U.S. companies with most of our focus on technology, consumer goods and services, automobiles, industrials, oil and gas, pharma, and healthcare. Our research has served more than 3000 institutional investors including mutual funds, hedge funds, banks, family offices, and various buy-side firms. We operate a research subscription service where institutions, as well as retail investors, can have priority access to all our research. We also have a wide distribution of our research reports across some of the top global financial platforms. Apart from equity research and credit research, we also provide advisory services with respect to mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity/ venture capital fundraising, valuation reports, and investment management services for corporates.
Baptista Research is owned and managed by Ishan Majumdar, an ex-Venture Capitalist/ Investment Banker, a Chartered Accountant, and a Masters’ degree holder in Management from HEC Paris. Ishan has nearly a decade of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), Venture Capital Investing, Corporate Strategy, and Valuation in front-office roles at the likes of BNP Paribas CIB, Credit Agricole CIB, Groupe Danone, and TIW Private Equity. He has worked on and closed multiple acquisition deals, leveraged buyouts, and start-up investment transactions.

<ul><li>NetEase, Inc. delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat last quarter.</li><li>NetEase's classic legacy titles and newly launched games played a pivotal role in expanding its global footprint.</li><li>Looking ahead, NetEase anticipates the launch of Where Winds Meet, a highly anticipated AAA martial arts-themed action-adventure game.</li></ul>

NetEase, Inc. delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat last quarter.NetEase's classic legacy titles and newly launched games played a pivotal role in expanding its global footprint.Looking ahead, NetEase anticipates the launch of Where Winds Meet, a highly anticipated AAA martial arts-themed action-adventure game.

NetEase Inc.: Inside the Strategies Fueling Their Gaming Industry Takeover! - Major Drivers

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech, Aequitas Research

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Asia Pac IPO & Placement Research, China biotech

<ul>
<li>China announced game approval for the December batch. The number of games approved has increased compared to recent months.</li>
<li>The pace of China game approval appears to be accelerating, to the same level as pre-tightening.</li>
<li>Netease scored two approvals while Tencent scored one. Netease finished the year with the most games approved.</li>
</ul>


China announced game approval for the December batch. The number of games approved has increased compared to recent months.
The pace of China game approval appears to be accelerating, to the same level as pre-tightening.
Netease scored two approvals while Tencent scored one. Netease finished the year with the most games approved.


Tencent/Netease: Netease Tops '23 League Table with Most Games Approved

China

Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd. offers comprehensive Internet value-added services. The Company focuses on social network interactive and online game fields. Kunlun Tech also provides localized translation outsourcing and agency advertising services.

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.

China Ruyi Holdings Limited operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, focuses on online streaming video and internet community businesses. China Ruyi Holdings also manufactures and sells photographic, electronic, and multimedia accessories.

37 Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co.,Ltd designs, develops, and operates mobile games and web games. The Company also provides game promotion, customer service, top-up payment, and other services. 37 Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group conducts its businesses in China.

37 Interactive Entertainment N (002555 CH)

Zhejiang Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd. specializes in entertainment media production. The Company's products include Mandarin films, TV programs and advertisements.

Zhejiang Huace Film & Televisi (300133 CH)

Shandong Publishing & Media Co., Ltd offers publishing services. The Company publishes and sells books, textbooks, magazines, audio visuals, and other products. Shandong Publishing & Media also manufactures and sells papers.

China Telecom Corporation Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides wireline telephone, data, and Internet, as well as leased line services in China.

Creative China Holdings Limited is program production company. The Company develops programs for television and online broadcasting, and event organization in PRC.

China United Network Communications Limited provides a variety of telecommunication services, including GSM and CDMA wireless telecommunication services, international and domestic long distance communication services, data communication and Internet services, as well as paging services.

Hello Group Inc. operates as a mobile-based social networking platform. The Company enables users to establish and expand social relationships based on location and interests. Hello Group operates out of the Peoples Republic of China.

Nintendo Co., Ltd. globally develops, manufactures and sells home-use video game hardware and software in home entertainment business.  The company also produces home-game products including cards.

Sea Limited offers information technology services. The Company provides online personal computer and mobile digital content, e-commerce, and payment platforms. Sea serves customers worldwide.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company. The Company offers live wrestling events, television programming, music publishing, advertising, licensing, and home video streaming services. World Wrestling distributes its programs worldwide in various languages.

Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, offers entertainment content, as well as specializes in marketing and licensing, representation, and event management. Endeavor Group Holdings serves customers worldwide.

Roku, Inc. designs and manufactures consumer electronic products. The Company offers wireless enabled devices that stream audio and video content from the internet to home entertainment systems. Roku serves customers globally.

HYBE Co., Ltd. operates as an entertainment company. The Company provides music production, album distribution, entertainers management, publicity, planning, training, and other services. HYBE also makes television shows.

Netmarble Corporation develops and publishes mobile games. The Company develops and publishes casual games, action, sports games, strategy, simulation games, and social casino games. Netmarble offers services worldwide.

Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation develops and distributes film entertainment contents. The Company produces motion pictures, television programming, animation, and digital media. Lions Gate Entertainment serves customers worldwide.

Pearl Abyss Corp. operates as a computer games making company. The Company offers games development, games exporting, and other services. Pearl Abyss serves customers worldwide.

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides theatrical exhibition, movie screening, food distribution, online ticket booking, and other related services. AMC Entertainment offers movie theaters worldwide.

NetEase, Inc. operates as an leading internet technology company providing online services including content, community, communication, and commerce. The Company develops and operates online games, electronic commerce, internet media, innovative business, and other businesses. NetEase expands its businesses to Japan, North American, and other other international markets.

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NetEase (9999 HK)

China ADRs Delisting - Friday Could Be Judgment Day for over US$800bn Mcap of Stocks

PCAOB officials concluded their Hong Kong visit last month and PCAOB is due to announce its annual judgment on whether it had adequate access to US...

Sumeet Singh

Epic Apple Esque Duel in China? or Nah?

The Epic Apple ruling disrupts Apple's share of developer revenues. Yet, the 30% charges seem low versus China. What is the App Store landscape in...

Jason Yap, CFA

Tencent - An Analytical Framework For "Tomorrow's" Gaming Minors

Tencent's investors' response to latest online gaming restrictions have been measured due to small revenue contribution from minors. We discuss how...

Jason Yap, CFA

NetEase Inc.: Inside the Strategies Fueling Their Gaming Industry Takeover! - Major Drivers

NetEase, Inc. delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat last quarter. NetEase's classic legacy titles and newly launched games...

Baptista Research

Tencent/Netease: Netease Tops '23 League Table with Most Games Approved

China's game approval process is picking up speed, with more games approved in December. Netease emerged as the leader in game approvals for the...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

China ADRs Delisting - Friday Could Be Judgment Day for over US$800bn Mcap of Stocks

PCAOB officials concluded their Hong Kong visit last month and PCAOB is due to announce its annual judgment on whether it had adequate access to US...

Sumeet Singh

Epic Apple Esque Duel in China? or Nah?

The Epic Apple ruling disrupts Apple's share of developer revenues. Yet, the 30% charges seem low versus China. What is the App Store landscape in...

Jason Yap, CFA

Tencent - An Analytical Framework For "Tomorrow's" Gaming Minors

Tencent's investors' response to latest online gaming restrictions have been measured due to small revenue contribution from minors. We discuss how...

Jason Yap, CFA

NetEase Inc.: Inside the Strategies Fueling Their Gaming Industry Takeover! - Major Drivers

NetEase, Inc. delivered a positive result and managed an all-around beat last quarter. NetEase's classic legacy titles and newly launched games...

Baptista Research

Tencent/Netease: Netease Tops '23 League Table with Most Games Approved

​China's game approval process is picking up speed, with more games approved in December. Netease emerged as the leader in game approvals for the...

Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

China's game approval process is picking up speed, with more games approved in December. Netease emerged as the leader in game approvals for the...