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.

Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/arm-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21816:1" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings (1822695D US)</a> is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a> seeks to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.</li>
<li>We previously discussed the IPO in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/arm-holdings-ipo-the-bull-case" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:111238" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings IPO: The Bull Case</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/arm-holdings-ipo-the-bear-case" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:111471" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings IPO: The Bear Case</a>. </li>
<li>Our valuation analysis suggests that the rumoured target valuation of US$60-70 billion is unjustified. Our base-case DCF valuation is US$44.0 billion. </li>
</ul>



ARM Holdings (1822695D US) is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. Softbank Group (9984 JP) seeks to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.
We previously discussed the IPO in ARM Holdings IPO: The Bull Case and ARM Holdings IPO: The Bear Case. 
Our valuation analysis suggests that the rumoured target valuation of US$60-70 billion is unjustified. Our base-case DCF valuation is US$44.0 billion. 


<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/arm-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21816:1" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings (1822695D US)</a> is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a> seeks to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.</li>
<li>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/arm-holdings-ipo-the-bull-case" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:111238" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings IPO: The Bull Case</a>, we highlighted the key elements of the bull case. In this note, we outline the bear case.</li>
<li>The bear case rests on the deteriorating annualized contract value trajectory, declining ARM-powered chip shipments and revenue, ARM China overhang and red flag transactions involving SoftBank.</li>
</ul>



ARM Holdings (1822695D US) is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. Softbank Group (9984 JP) seeks to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.
In ARM Holdings IPO: The Bull Case, we highlighted the key elements of the bull case. In this note, we outline the bear case.
The bear case rests on the deteriorating annualized contract value trajectory, declining ARM-powered chip shipments and revenue, ARM China overhang and red flag transactions involving SoftBank.


<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/arm-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21816:1" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings (1822695D US)</a> is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a> is seeking to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.   </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener"></a>Softbank Privatised ARM for US$32bn in 2016 and unsuccessfully tried to sell it to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nvidia-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5891:1" rel="noopener">NVIDIA Corp (NVDA US)</a> for US$40bn in 2022. In August, Softbank acquired Vision Fund's ARM stake.</li>
<li>The bull case rests on the growth in licensees, high customer switching costs, rising royalty rates, strong revenue visibility and a highly profitable and cash-generative business model.</li>
</ul>



ARM Holdings (1822695D US) is the world’s most widely licensed and deployed processor. Softbank Group (9984 JP) is seeking to raise about US$6-10 billion by listing ARM on Nasdaq.   

Softbank Privatised ARM for US$32bn in 2016 and unsuccessfully tried to sell it to NVIDIA Corp (NVDA US) for US$40bn in 2022. In August, Softbank acquired Vision Fund's ARM stake.
The bull case rests on the growth in licensees, high customer switching costs, rising royalty rates, strong revenue visibility and a highly profitable and cash-generative business model.


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>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a> aims to raise around US$8-10bn via selling some of its stake in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/arm-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21816:1" rel="noopener">ARM Holdings</a>’ US IPO.</li>
<li>ARM develops and licences high-performance, low-cost, and energy-efficient CPU products and related technology, which is used by semiconductor companies and OEMs to develop their own products.</li>
<li>In this note, we compare its recent performance versus its performance prior to its privatisation and discuss the changes since then.</li>
</ul>



Softbank Group (9984 JP) aims to raise around US$8-10bn via selling some of its stake in ARM Holdings’ US IPO.
ARM develops and licences high-performance, low-cost, and energy-efficient CPU products and related technology, which is used by semiconductor companies and OEMs to develop their own products.
In this note, we compare its recent performance versus its performance prior to its privatisation and discuss the changes since then.


ARM Holdings Pre-IPO - Pre-Privatisation to Pre-Listing Changes - Slower Growth, Lower Margins

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

<ul>
<li>While Softbank is trying to complete the IPO of Arm in the next several weeks, many investors are likely to have concerns about valuations. </li>
<li>Arm Holdings generated sales of US$2.7 billion (down 0.9% YoY) and net profit of US$524 million (down 22.5% YoY) in FY 2023.</li>
<li>In order for the valuation of Arm to reach US$60 billion, this would imply a significant premium multiple to the comps. </li>
</ul>


While Softbank is trying to complete the IPO of Arm in the next several weeks, many investors are likely to have concerns about valuations. 
Arm Holdings generated sales of US$2.7 billion (down 0.9% YoY) and net profit of US$524 million (down 22.5% YoY) in FY 2023.
In order for the valuation of Arm to reach US$60 billion, this would imply a significant premium multiple to the comps. 


United States

VMware, Inc. provides virtualization solutions from the desktop to the data center. The Company's solution products addresses a range of IT problems, which includes cost and operational inefficiencies, business continuity, software lifecycle management and desktop management.

Electronic Arts Inc. develops, publishes, and distributes branded interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game consoles, personal computers, handheld game players, and cellular handsets. The Company also provides online game-related services.

ServiceNow, Inc. provides enterprise information technology (IT) management software. The Company designs, develops, and produces prepackaged computer software, cloud services, and IT service management platform. ServiceNow serves customers throughout the United States.

Aspen Technology, Inc. provides software solutions. The Company offers asset optimization software that optimizes asset design, operations, and maintenance in complex, industrial environments to enable organizations to meet their business goals for sustainability and profitability. Aspen Technology serves customers worldwide.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. develops, markets and supports a range of software and hardware products and services for information technology (IT) security and offers its customers a network and gateway security solutions, data and endpoint security solutions and management solutions.

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. develops and markets computer software for financial services providers.  The software enables trading and modeling, portfolio management and reporting, accounting, performance measurement, reconciliation, reporting, processing, and clearing.

Fair Isaac Corporation provides analytics, including predictive modeling, decision analysis, intelligence management, decision management systems, and consulting services.  The Company helps companies in countries around the world acquire customers more efficiently, increase customer value, reduce fraud, lower operating expenses, and enter new markets more profitably.

Activision Blizzard, Inc. publishes, develops, and distributes interactive entertainment software and peripheral products. The Company's products cover diverse game categories, including action/adventure, action sports, racing, role playing, simulation, first-person action, music-based gaming and strategy.

Workday, Inc. provides enterprise cloud-based applications. The Company offers human capital, spend, and financial management, as well as payroll, initiatives and higher education solutions. Workday serves the finance, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and technology industries worldwide.

Manhattan Associates, Inc. provides information technology solutions for distribution centers.  The solutions are designed to enable the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain.  The Company's solutions optimize the receipt, storage, and distribution of inventory, as well as manage equipment and personnel within a distribution center.

Xero Limited offers an online accounting system.  The software features bank transaction importing, a cashbook, a general ledger, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, and management of expense claims.

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.

Nexon Co., Ltd. mainly develops and services, online games for PC and mobile devices. The company also offers consulting services related to online-games. Nexon operates in Japan.

IFLYTEK Co., Ltd. specializes in speech intelligence and artificial intelligence technology.  The company also develops chip product, voice messaging software and e-government system integration software.

Dassault Systemes operates as a software company. The develops and offers 3Dexperience platform to create innovative new products and services using virtual experiences. Dassault Systemes serves aerospace, construction, business services, consumer packaged goods, high-tech, life science, health care, marine, energy, and industrial equipment industries worldwide.

The Sage Group plc is a software publishing company. The Group develops, publishes and distributes accounting and payroll software for personal computer systems. Via its subsidiaries, Sage also maintains a registered user database which provides a market for their related products and services, including computer forms, software support contracts, program upgrades and training.

WiseTech Global Pty Ltd provides various technology and information technology management solutions. The Company offers cloud based various technology platforms, market specific software and logistics technology solutions, such as edienterprise, a platform supply chain logistics management system, software-as-a-service, and clinical management software. 

Constellation Software Inc is a software holding company.  The Company acquires mission-critical, vertical market software companies, and helps them to grow.

Spotify Technology S.A. provides music streaming services. The Company offers commercial free music and ad-supported services to subscribers. Spotify Technology serves clients worldwide.

Dassault Systemes is a technology company. The company provides software applications services designed to support client company's innovation processes. The company's line of business includes provision of 3D design software, 3D digital mock up and product lifecycle Management. Dassault Systemes also provides several software brands.

Synopsys, Inc. supplies electronic design automation solutions to the global electronics market.  The Company provides design technologies to creators of advanced integrated circuits, electronic systems, and systems on a chip. Synopsys also provides consulting services and support to its customers to streamline the overall design process and accelerate time to market.

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Synopsys Inc (SNPS US)

ARM Holdings IPO: Valuation Insights

Our valuation analysis suggests that the rumoured target valuation of US$60-70 billion is unjustified. Our base-case DCF valuation is US$44.0 billion.

Arun George

ARM Holdings IPO: The Bear Case

The bear case rests on the deteriorating ACV trajectory, declining ARM-powered chip shipments and revenue, ARM China overhang and red flag...

Arun George

ARM Holdings IPO: The Bull Case

The bull case rests on the growth in licensees, high customer switching costs, rising royalty rates, strong revenue visibility and a highly...

Arun George

ARM Holdings Pre-IPO - Pre-Privatisation to Pre-Listing Changes - Slower Growth, Lower Margins

Softbank Group aims to raise around US$8-10bn via selling some of its stake in ARM Holdings’ US IPO. In this note, we compare its recent...

Sumeet Singh

ARM Holdings IPO Preview

While Softbank is trying to complete the IPO of Arm in the next several weeks, many investors are likely to have concerns about valuations.

Douglas Kim

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