IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/link-administration-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:970:1" rel="noopener">Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU)</a> scheme meeting is scheduled for 13 July. The independent expert has concluded that the Dye &amp; Durham (DND) offer is fair and reasonable.</li>
<li>The offer faces significant risks which are ACCC review (<a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/public-registers/mergers-registers/public-informal-merger-reviews/dye-durham-corporation-link-administration-holdings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">findings delayed</a> from the 26 May release date), a contract renewal potentially triggering the MAC clause and an ongoing <a href="https://www.fca.org.uk/news/news-stories/lf-woodford-equity-income-fund-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FCA investigation</a>.</li>
<li>At the last close, the gross spread to the base offer is 10.7%. We would be buyers up to A$5.20 per share (implies 75% deal probability).</li>
</ul>


The Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU) scheme meeting is scheduled for 13 July. The independent expert has concluded that the Dye &amp; Durham (DND) offer is fair and reasonable.
The offer faces significant risks which are ACCC review (findings delayed from the 26 May release date), a contract renewal potentially triggering the MAC clause and an ongoing FCA investigation.
At the last close, the gross spread to the base offer is 10.7%. We would be buyers up to A$5.20 per share (implies 75% deal probability).


Link’s Scheme Meeting on 13 July, High Spread Reflects Deal Risk

Alpha-Centric ESG Research

Kyle Rudden

Two days ago the U.K. Financial Reporting Council announced 125 successful signatories (aka "not greenwashers") to the revised U.K. Stewardship Code. Signatories are integrating stewardship and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors into investment decisions, to high standards.Whilst this is ostensibly limited to U.K. pension assets, ramifications are more far-reaching than it might at first appear (one indication is the number of North American and Asia Pacific signatories, in addition to the expected European names). More specifically, the broad relevance is because it:<ul>
<li>Affects firms doing business with U.K. asset managers/owners not just the managers/owners.</li>
<li>Is a quasi-blueprint for similar anti-greenwashing initiatives taking root in the U.S. and Asia.</li>
<li>Greenwashing is having an increasing impact on stocks prices (e.g., DWS Group last month).</li>
</ul>This is one battle in an emerging global war on greenwashing. The U.S. SEC has its own agenda to fight greenwashing and Asia isn't far behind (e.g., regulators in Japan stepping up scrutiny). There is more to come, and a lot to learn from this including who is (and is not) on the signatory list.

Two days ago the U.K. Financial Reporting Council announced 125 successful signatories (aka "not greenwashers") to the revised U.K. Stewardship Code. Signatories are integrating stewardship and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors into investment decisions, to high standards.Whilst this is ostensibly limited to U.K. pension assets, ramifications are more far-reaching than it might at first appear (one indication is the number of North American and Asia Pacific signatories, in addition to the expected European names). More specifically, the broad relevance is because it:
Affects firms doing business with U.K. asset managers/owners not just the managers/owners.
Is a quasi-blueprint for similar anti-greenwashing initiatives taking root in the U.S. and Asia.
Greenwashing is having an increasing impact on stocks prices (e.g., DWS Group last month).
This is one battle in an emerging global war on greenwashing. The U.S. SEC has its own agenda to fight greenwashing and Asia isn't far behind (e.g., regulators in Japan stepping up scrutiny). There is more to come, and a lot to learn from this including who is (and is not) on the signatory list.

The War on Greenwashing: UK Stewardship Code "Successful Signatories" Has Broader Implications

More and more, companies are using cryptocurrency (especially Bitcoin) as part of their corporate treasury management strategies, discussed in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bitcoin-on-balance-sheets-indirect-crypto-exposure-considerations-for-crypto-leery-esg-investors" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:52207" rel="noopener">Bitcoin on Balance Sheets: Indirect Crypto Exposure Considerations for Crypto-Leery ESG Investors</a>. That trend is behind the topic of this report.Greater mainstream corporate and institutional use of Bitcoin is driving the growth in demand for cryptocurrency custody services, and banks around the world are rushing to fill that demand. It is a logical and relatively safe foray into the cryptocurrency space, albeit not without some risk.For ESG investors wishing to avoid direct or indirect cryptocurrency exposure, perhaps due to their views on crypto's wretched Environmental footprint, the banks herein will have significant indirect crypto exposure. However, I personally find it hard to be categorically bearish on this theme.Whilst the theme in the first Insight (holding Bitcoin on balance sheets) represents real risk, this is different. It could be argued that crypto custody perpetuates <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bitcoin-usd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25895:1" rel="noopener">Bitcoin (XBT)</a>'s climate impacts, thus is a bad thing. Perhaps, from a purely idealistic ESG viewpoint, that is partially true.However, the connection from custody service to carbon emissions is so far removed, and the risks associated with entering the crypto custody space are so comparatively minimal, that the opinion on this theme should be "neutral" at worst, and definitely not across-the-board "negative."But really, that is for each investor to decide, because the crypto/ESG issue is highly subjective.

More and more, companies are using cryptocurrency (especially Bitcoin) as part of their corporate treasury management strategies, discussed in Bitcoin on Balance Sheets: Indirect Crypto Exposure Considerations for Crypto-Leery ESG Investors. That trend is behind the topic of this report.Greater mainstream corporate and institutional use of Bitcoin is driving the growth in demand for cryptocurrency custody services, and banks around the world are rushing to fill that demand. It is a logical and relatively safe foray into the cryptocurrency space, albeit not without some risk.For ESG investors wishing to avoid direct or indirect cryptocurrency exposure, perhaps due to their views on crypto's wretched Environmental footprint, the banks herein will have significant indirect crypto exposure. However, I personally find it hard to be categorically bearish on this theme.Whilst the theme in the first Insight (holding Bitcoin on balance sheets) represents real risk, this is different. It could be argued that crypto custody perpetuates Bitcoin (XBT)'s climate impacts, thus is a bad thing. Perhaps, from a purely idealistic ESG viewpoint, that is partially true.However, the connection from custody service to carbon emissions is so far removed, and the risks associated with entering the crypto custody space are so comparatively minimal, that the opinion on this theme should be "neutral" at worst, and definitely not across-the-board "negative."But really, that is for each investor to decide, because the crypto/ESG issue is highly subjective.

Banks on the Bitcoin Bandwagon: Cashing in Through Crypto Custody Services

Research and consultancy, Tabbush Report

Daniel Tabbush

Research and consultancy

Tabbush Report

We provide research and consultancy on Asian banks. Our focus is on what we call “Asian bank research, without the noise.” We are interested in the most critical swing-factors for banks, the NPL and credit cycle, and where we believe there is a gap between perception and reality. We often focus on the less studied components of bank financial statements.  Our research is highly thematic, sometimes examining unlisted banks and companies as a window on mainstream banks. 

Being independent allows us to look at smaller banks, often overlooked by others. Analysis of BIS bank guidelines in the context of Asia, is also a focal point, while we also analyze global banks operating in the region. We use what we believe is the most comprehensive, reliable financials database, SNL Financial. S&P Capital IQ augments our database, with corporate data and CEIC, with economics. 

Asian bank research, without the noise.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

There is granular data for US banks on loan modifications due to the economic shutdown as well as Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. One may presume that banks with a significant amount of the former especially, and potentially the latter too, would enjoy lower credit costs. The reality though may surprise many. For us, we wonder if together with recovery, from a crisis completely unlike others, as we flip the switch back on, if banks with high modifications may be t more positively leveraged?

There is granular data for US banks on loan modifications due to the economic shutdown as well as Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. One may presume that banks with a significant amount of the former especially, and potentially the latter too, would enjoy lower credit costs. The reality though may surprise many. For us, we wonder if together with recovery, from a crisis completely unlike others, as we flip the switch back on, if banks with high modifications may be t more positively leveraged?

There are vast differences in provisioning done for US banks during 1Q20. There are some banks that indicate a similar high level of provisions during 2Q20. Where this likely marks the worst in terms of unemployment, economic distress, and the reopening of economies, we wonder if credit costs can come way in during 2H20? Where the current crisis is self-inflicted from flipping a switch, wholly unlike drivers of the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis, the profile of provisioning can be vastly different. This is further the case against a backdrop strong recovery metrics, unprecedented fiscal stimulus and historically low rates.

There are vast differences in provisioning done for US banks during 1Q20. There are some banks that indicate a similar high level of provisions during 2Q20. Where this likely marks the worst in terms of unemployment, economic distress, and the reopening of economies, we wonder if credit costs can come way in during 2H20? Where the current crisis is self-inflicted from flipping a switch, wholly unlike drivers of the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis, the profile of provisioning can be vastly different. This is further the case against a backdrop strong recovery metrics, unprecedented fiscal stimulus and historically low rates.

United States

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. is an automated global electronic market maker and broker specializing in routing orders and executing and processing trades in securities, futures, and foreign exchange instruments.

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. offers technology, brokerage and investment advisory services through business relationships with all types of financial advisors. Through proprietary technology, custody and clearing platforms, the Company offers access to financial products and services that enable them to provide financial advice and brokerage services to retail investors.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. operates a marketplace for the trading of standardized, listed options on equity securities. The Company is recognized for its role in the trading of options on individual equities, market indexes and exchange-traded funds, their suite of products, their markets and their hybrid trading model.

State Street Corporation services institutional investors and manages financial assets worldwide.  The Company's products and services include custody, accounting, administration, daily pricing, international exchange services, cash management, financial asset management, securities lending, and investment advisory services.

Houlihan Lokey, Inc. operates as an investment bank. The Company offers mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, capital markets, strategic consulting, and financial advisory services. Houlihan Lokey serves customers worldwide.

Tradeweb Markets Inc. builds and operates electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities/ETFs and money markets. The company serves institutional, wholesale and retail clients in 62 countries including large global asset managers, insurance companies, central banks, financial advisory firms, proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, banks and dealers.

Evercore Partners Inc. is an investment banking boutique. The firm provides advisory services to multinational corporations on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other corporate transactions. Evercore also manages private equity funds for institutional investors.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. provides financial services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities through its subsidiary investment firms. The Company operates throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (d.b.a. Franklin Templeton Investments) provides investment advisory services to mutual fund, retirement, institutional/separate accounts and high net worth investors. The Company manages various asset classes including global equity, global institutional and municipal fixed income, money funds, alternative investments, and hedge funds.

T. Rowe Price Group Inc. is a financial services holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional investors. T. Rowe manages a broad range of U.S. and international stock, blended asset, bond, and money market mutual funds and other investment portfolios.

Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. offers securities services. The Company provides securities brokerage, asset management, securities investment, share transfer agency, and capital intermediary services. Haitong Securities focuses on  online brokerage, wealth management, and institutional investors.

Haitong Securities Co Ltd (A) (600837 CH)

Huatai Securities Co., Ltd. provides financial company. The Company provides securities brokerage services, research consulting services, investment banking and direct investment services, fixed-income services and asset management services.

CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities brokerage, trading, underwriting, investment banking, asset management, and investment consulting services.

China Merchants Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities services. The Company offers securities brokerage, securities investment consulting, securities underwriting, and other services. China Merchants Securities also operates investment management.

China Merchants Securities Co Ltd (A) (600999 CH)

Amundi SA provides investment management services. The Company offers savings, financial instruments, equity trading, credit activities, and investment solutions. Amundi serves customers worldwide.

CSC Financial Co., Ltd. provides investment management services. The Company offers investment banking, wealth management, and trading and institutional client services. CSC Financial conducts its business in Hong Kong.

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. operates as an investment management firm. The Company focuses on property development, renewable energy, infrastructure, insurance, and private equity. Brookfield Asset Management serves customers worldwide.

Guotai Junan Securities Co.,Ltd. provides financial services. The Company offers corporate finance, fixed income securities, asset management, risk management, and other services. Guotai Junan Securities Company serves clients throughout China.

Shenwan Hongyuan Group Co., Ltd. provides securities services. The Company offers securities brokerage, securities investment consulting, securities investment fund agency, securities asset management, and other services. Shenwan Hongyuan Group provides services in China.

China Galaxy Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities services. The Company provides securities underwriting, securities brokerage, securities investment advisory, securities transaction, and other services. China Galaxy Securities provides its services throughout China.

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial holding company that provides investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. Northern Trust's banking operations are its primary operations.

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Northern Trust (NTRS US)

Link’s Scheme Meeting on 13 July, High Spread Reflects Deal Risk

The high gross spread of 10.7% reflects significant risks which are ACCC review, a contract renewal potentially leading to MAC and an FCA...

Arun George

The War on Greenwashing: UK Stewardship Code "Successful Signatories" Has Broader Implications

Telegraph from European front in global war on greenwashing. U.K. names stewardship victors ("not greenwashers"). Many notable casualties. Anti...

Kyle Rudden

Banks on the Bitcoin Bandwagon: Cashing in Through Crypto Custody Services

Bitcoin holdings by issuers and investors is driving crypto custody demand. Big banks are stepping. A big opportunity, but some ESG investors might...

Kyle Rudden

US Banks – Loan Modifications

There is granular data for US banks on loan modifications due to the economic shutdown as well as Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. One may...

Daniel Tabbush

US Banks – Provisions To Halve?

There are vast differences in provisioning done for US banks during 1Q20. There are some banks that indicate a similar high level of provisions...

Daniel Tabbush

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