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

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ximalaya-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33232:1" rel="noopener">Ximalaya (XIMA US)</a>, the largest online audio platform in China, is looking to raise around US$1bn in its US listing. As of 1Q21, it had 250m average MAUs, which included 104m mobile MAUs through its apps and 146m MAUs through internet-of-things (IoT) and other third-party platforms. As per CIC, it accounted for 75% of total mobile listening time among all online audio platforms in China. It had 5.2m active content creators in 2020.In this note, we will talk about the positive aspects of the deal.

Ximalaya (XIMA US), the largest online audio platform in China, is looking to raise around US$1bn in its US listing. As of 1Q21, it had 250m average MAUs, which included 104m mobile MAUs through its apps and 146m MAUs through internet-of-things (IoT) and other third-party platforms. As per CIC, it accounted for 75% of total mobile listening time among all online audio platforms in China. It had 5.2m active content creators in 2020.In this note, we will talk about the positive aspects of the deal.

Ximalaya Pre-IPO - The Positives - A Whole Lot of Listening

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

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again…Spotify strikes us as one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target. Stay Short.<div class="content-highlight">Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.</div>

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again…Spotify strikes us as one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target. Stay Short.Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.

Spotify 1Q21 Earnings: What Is an Audio Platform Worth? 2-3x Sales?

We have been longtime fans of Netflix the product and Netflix’s management team can rightfully be described as visionary. They had the vision to have the public markets fund an experiment in business models that appears now set to breakeven on FCF in 2021. We have said since last year that Netflix is a good relative short given the extreme pull-in of demand from COVID, and the fact that Netflix’s stock performance tracks the pace of sub growth, and the shockingly weak guidance for 2Q21 implies this stock will continue to be the #1 large cap funding short for the foreseeable future. But for how long?<div class="content-highlight">Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.</div>

We have been longtime fans of Netflix the product and Netflix’s management team can rightfully be described as visionary. They had the vision to have the public markets fund an experiment in business models that appears now set to breakeven on FCF in 2021. We have said since last year that Netflix is a good relative short given the extreme pull-in of demand from COVID, and the fact that Netflix’s stock performance tracks the pace of sub growth, and the shockingly weak guidance for 2Q21 implies this stock will continue to be the #1 large cap funding short for the foreseeable future. But for how long?Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.

ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mnc-vision-networks-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28658:1" rel="noopener">MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ)</a>'s subsidiary, PT Asia Vision Network (AVN), just announced that it will merge with Malacca Straits Acquisition Company Limited (NASDAQ: MLAC), a NASDAQ listed SPAC. This would be the first Indonesian company to undertake a SPAC listing in the U.S.
With the merger, the company's valuation is estimated to reach USD573m, with the transaction expected to be completed by the end of 2Q2021 or early  3Q2021. The transaction is also expected to bring around USD135m in fresh funds to the company, assuming there's no adjustment to the purchase price. 
PT Asia Vision Network (AVN) is Indonesia’s fastest-growing Over-The-Top (OTT) media business and is the holding company of Vision+, the 3rd largest broadband, and IPTV operator in Indonesia.
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/malacca-straits-acquisition-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32226:1" rel="noopener">Malacca Straits Acquisition Company (MLAC US)</a> is a publicly-traded special-purpose acquisition company, owned by Kenneth Ng, who has a fund management background. 
President Director of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/global-mediacom-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14005:1" rel="noopener">Global Mediacom (BMTR IJ)</a>, Hary Tanoesoedibjo, the major shareholder of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mnc-vision-networks-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28658:1" rel="noopener">MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ)</a> stated that the merger would not only help increase the company's cash flow but also strengthen the company's position as one of the leaders in the Indonesian OTT market. 
A successful SPAC listing for Asia Vision Networks (AVN) has the potential to crystalize some of the hidden value from its underlying businesses through a NASDAQ listing and hence provide a reference valuation for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mnc-vision-networks-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28658:1" rel="noopener">MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ),</a> as it remains the major shareholder even after the proposed SPAC listing is complete.
The belief is that AVN's growth potential will be more appreciated by US investors, especially since that market has a more developed IPTV and broadband ecosystem. Penetration rates for both Pay-TV and high-speed broadband are still very low in Indonesia relative to other ASEAN countries, underpinning future growth prospects.

MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ)'s subsidiary, PT Asia Vision Network (AVN), just announced that it will merge with Malacca Straits Acquisition Company Limited (NASDAQ: MLAC), a NASDAQ listed SPAC. This would be the first Indonesian company to undertake a SPAC listing in the U.S.
With the merger, the company's valuation is estimated to reach USD573m, with the transaction expected to be completed by the end of 2Q2021 or early  3Q2021. The transaction is also expected to bring around USD135m in fresh funds to the company, assuming there's no adjustment to the purchase price. 
PT Asia Vision Network (AVN) is Indonesia’s fastest-growing Over-The-Top (OTT) media business and is the holding company of Vision+, the 3rd largest broadband, and IPTV operator in Indonesia.
Malacca Straits Acquisition Company (MLAC US) is a publicly-traded special-purpose acquisition company, owned by Kenneth Ng, who has a fund management background. 
President Director of Global Mediacom (BMTR IJ), Hary Tanoesoedibjo, the major shareholder of MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ) stated that the merger would not only help increase the company's cash flow but also strengthen the company's position as one of the leaders in the Indonesian OTT market. 
A successful SPAC listing for Asia Vision Networks (AVN) has the potential to crystalize some of the hidden value from its underlying businesses through a NASDAQ listing and hence provide a reference valuation for MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ), as it remains the major shareholder even after the proposed SPAC listing is complete.
The belief is that AVN's growth potential will be more appreciated by US investors, especially since that market has a more developed IPTV and broadband ecosystem. Penetration rates for both Pay-TV and high-speed broadband are still very low in Indonesia relative to other ASEAN countries, underpinning future growth prospects. 

MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ) - SPAC Listing to Realize Value

Meta Platforms (Facebook) / Equity Bottom-Up

Large cap growth stocks have done nothing for 9 months. We think they represent great entry points into 1Q21 earnings. We prefer Facebook and Amazon.<div class="content-highlight">Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.  </div>

Large cap growth stocks have done nothing for 9 months. We think they represent great entry points into 1Q21 earnings. We prefer Facebook and Amazon.Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.  

Whatever Happened to FANG? Why Its Time to Reload on Large Cap Growth

United States

Expedia Group, Inc. provides branded online travel services for leisure and small business travelers. The Company offers a wide range of travel shopping and reservation services, providing real-time access to schedule, pricing and availability information for airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.

Booking Holdings Inc. operates as an online travel company. The Company offers a platform that allows to make travel reservations with providers of travel services, as well as provides accommodation reservations, rentals cars, airline tickets, and vacation packages. Booking Holdings serves customers worldwide.

Etsy, Inc. provides e-commerce services. The Company offers handmade and vintage items, art, and supplies, as well as regular items such as clothing, housewares, paper goods, candles, bags and purses, music, and wood working items. Etsy serves users throughout the United States.

Wayfair Inc. retails household goods online. The Company offers bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining, home entertainment, home office, game room and bar, patio, hallway and entryway, and bathroom furniture. Wayfair offers products and services in the United States.

TripAdvisor Inc. is an online travel research company. The Company's travel research platform aggregates reviews and opinions of members about destinations, accommodations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts ("B&Bs"), specialty lodging and vacation rentals), restaurants and activities throughout the world.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is an e-commerce provider of floral products and gifts. The Company's product offerings, including fresh-cut and seasonal flowers, plants, floral arrangements, and home and garden merchandise, can be purchased online or by calling its toll-free telephone number.

Lands' End, Inc. manufactures men's, women's and children's apparel and accessories. The Company produces and distributes swimwear, clothing, bedding, totes, furniture, bath accessories, uniforms, outter wear and various related products. Lands' End offers its products through its catalog and website around the world.

Overstock.com, Inc. offers discounted brand-name merchandise for sale over the Internet. Products include bed-and-bath goods, kitchenware, jewelry, sporting goods, electronics, and designer accessories.

Stitch Fix, Inc. operates as an online subscription and personal shopping platform. The Company offers shirts, jackets, sweaters, blazers, leggings, vests, scarfs, jeans, loafers, and boots for men and women. Stitch Fix serves customers in the United States.

Porter Holding International, Inc. operates online to offline (O2O) business platforms for consumer manufacturing enterprises. The Company operates cloud platforms that provide Internet-based intelligent e-commerce information services.

Trip.com Group Ltd. provides online travel agency services. The Company offers mobile applications, hotel reservations, flight ticketing, package tours, corporate travel management, and train ticketing services.

JD.com Inc is an online direct sales company in China.  The Company offers a wide selection of products through its website and mobile applications.  JD.com sells appliances, computers, digital products, communication products, garments, books, and household items to consumers and vendors.

Zomato Limited is an online restaurant guide and food ordering platform. The Company offers platform connects customers, restaurant partners and delivery partners to search and discover restaurants, read and write customer generated reviews, order food delivery, book a table, and make payments while dining-out at restaurants. Zomato serves customers worldwide.

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. retails branded products at discount over the Internet. The Company retails through flash sales, in which limited quantities of an item are sold at deep discount for a specified period of time.

ZOZO Inc operates internet shopping sites for apparel.  The Company also provides communication services relating to apparel such as blogs by fashion moguls and internet chat room for users.

Mango Excellent Media Co.,Ltd. offers television based services. The Company provides television shopping, online shopping, outbound shopping, and other services. Mango Excellent Media also operates new media platform operation.

Momo.com Inc is an e-commerce services company. The Company offers TV shopping and Internet shopping services, including beauty products, clothing, leather goods and food shops.

Webjet Limited provides branded online travel services for travelers.  The Company offers one-stop travel shopping and reservation services, providing real-time access to schedule, pricing, and availability information for airlines hotels, and major car rental companies.

Ocado Group PLC distributes a wide range of retail consumer products.  The Company provides home delivery of a wide range of products including food and drink, toiletries and baby, household, pet care, and holiday products.

zooplus AG retails pet supplies over the Internet.

Netflix Inc. is an Internet subscription service for watching tv shows and movies. Subscribers can instantly watch unlimited TV shows and movies streamed over the Internet to their TVs, computers and mobile devices and in the United States, subscribers can receive standard definition DVDs and Blu-ray Discs delivered to their homes.

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Netflix Inc (NFLX US)

Ximalaya Pre-IPO - The Positives - A Whole Lot of Listening

Ximalaya (XIMA US), the largest online audio platform in China, is looking to raise around US$1bn in its US listing. In this note, we'll talk about...

Sumeet Singh

Spotify 1Q21 Earnings: What Is an Audio Platform Worth? 2-3x Sales?

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. Spotify is one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company...

Aaron Gabin

Netflix 1Q21: We Ran Out of Content

Netflix just issued its weakest guidance in years. We think subscriber growth will reaccelerate in a few quarters, making Netflix a sneaky long by...

Aaron Gabin

MNC Vision Networks (IPTV IJ) - SPAC Listing to Realize Value

MNC Vision (IPTV IJ) will push forward with a SPAC listing for its IPTV and Broadband business under Asia Vision Networks. This should be a provide...

Angus Mackintosh

Whatever Happened to FANG? Why Its Time to Reload on Large Cap Growth

Macro tends to control the market in between earnings seasons, when fundamental performance matters less. As we approach 1Q21 earnings in a few...

Aaron Gabin

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