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.

Equity Capital Markets

<ul><li>The Ulta Beauty stock has soared past our last target price close to its 52-week-high as the company delivered an excellent second quarter with overall comps growing by a staggering 56.3% as compared to last year.</li><li>The company’s overall revenues grew 60.2% for the second quarter and it also experienced margin expansion with operating margin increased to 16.9% of sales and gross profit margin increasing to 40.6% of sales, up from 26.8% in the same period of last year.</li><li>We give Ulta Beauty’s stock an 'Outperform' rating with a revised target price.</li></ul>

The Ulta Beauty stock has soared past our last target price close to its 52-week-high as the company delivered an excellent second quarter with overall comps growing by a staggering 56.3% as compared to last year.The company’s overall revenues grew 60.2% for the second quarter and it also experienced margin expansion with operating margin increased to 16.9% of sales and gross profit margin increasing to 40.6% of sales, up from 26.8% in the same period of last year.We give Ulta Beauty’s stock an 'Outperform' rating with a revised target price.

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

Relations between the US and China could (and likely will) deteriorate in the medium-term for any of the three following reasons: a) increased friction over US-China trade issues; b) more intemperate words or actions from the new US administration regarding Taiwan's political status; c) China more aggressively pursuing various territorial claims in the region (South China Sea, Senkaku Islands). One likely victim of rising tensions between the US and China is tourism between the two countries…

Relations between the US and China could (and likely will) deteriorate in the medium-term for any of the three following reasons: a) increased friction over US-China trade issues; b) more intemperate words or actions from the new US administration regarding Taiwan's political status; c) China more aggressively pursuing various territorial claims in the region (South China Sea, Senkaku Islands). One likely victim of rising tensions between the US and China is tourism between the two countries…

Rising US-China Tensions Will Hurt Tourism; Who Stands to Lose (And to Gain) The Most?

Asean-focused. Ex-Head of Thai Research

Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA

All Hail Caesar (Trump)! I still remember the time when Obama was elected President. Everyone was celebrating. Japan mentioned they had one city named Obama, and Indonesia was touting how he spent his childhood years there. Of course, Trump is anything but conventional, and neither was his inauguration. Jen here was watching the TV, and mentioned that there were protests in Mexico and Germany about his rise to power...hardly the way to welcome the world's most powerful man. At least, the people…

All Hail Caesar (Trump)! I still remember the time when Obama was elected President. Everyone was celebrating. Japan mentioned they had one city named Obama, and Indonesia was touting how he spent his childhood years there. Of course, Trump is anything but conventional, and neither was his inauguration. Jen here was watching the TV, and mentioned that there were protests in Mexico and Germany about his rise to power...hardly the way to welcome the world's most powerful man. At least, the people…

CHINA - Healthcare, Steel, Autos, Education, Research From Beijing

Scott Laprise/ 乐天虎

CHINA - Healthcare, Steel, Autos, Education

<ul>
<li>GM and Shanghai Auto fined Rmb201mn for fixing prices on certain car models.</li>
<li>The fine was set at 4% of the models in question, the law allows for a 1-10% penalty.</li>
<li>The fine is small at 1.3% of profits and levied by the Shanghai government.</li>
<li>Shanghai Auto (SAIC) is the JV partner for GM in China.</li>
<li>This probe began in 2014 though investigations began in 2011 upon receiving auto dealer complaints.</li>
<li>Price fixing is a practice common by foreign automakers in China.</li>
<li>
Audi and Chrysler were fined for price fixing…</li>
</ul>


GM and Shanghai Auto fined Rmb201mn for fixing prices on certain car models.
The fine was set at 4% of the models in question, the law allows for a 1-10% penalty.
The fine is small at 1.3% of profits and levied by the Shanghai government.
Shanghai Auto (SAIC) is the JV partner for GM in China.
This probe began in 2014 though investigations began in 2011 upon receiving auto dealer complaints.
Price fixing is a practice common by foreign automakers in China.

Audi and Chrysler were fined for price fixing…


Founder, Riedel Research

David Riedel

Founder

Independent equity research on GEM Markets

Riedel Research

Riedel provides equity research and analysis to leading financial organizations. By becoming members of a region (Asia, Latin America, Emerging Europe or Global), organizations have access to an integrated set of services including:

Regular company coverage reports
Up-to-date investment decision advice (buy, hold, sell)
Monthly regional and global conference calls
Customized company reports and unlimited on-line access to the program's services.

Riedel provides research coverage of companies across the full range of market capitalization. Experienced research professionals in each market develop company reports and analysis as well as earnings models and projections. Ratings are Buy, Hold and Sell with a focus on compelling investment ideas - both long and short. Downloadable, dynamic earnings models are built to facilitate sensitivity analysis.

Please feel free to contact us for complimentary access to our written research.  We want to show you that our unique research flow can add value and help develop a long-term, high value-add relationship.

Riedel's model focuses on providing clients with unique insights and consulting in addition to unlimited access to all produced research This model allows members to receive exponential benefits for their retainer fees.

<ul>
<li>
Russia: Trump presidency, likely lifting of western sanctions and a stabilizing economy boost prospects for Russia.</li>
<li>
Mexico: Fitch downgrades outlook to ‘negative; on concerns about growth and challenges to public finances.</li>
<li>
China: CPI of 2.3% was higher than expected but still below 3% target.</li>
</ul>The US Fed outlook for three rate hikes in 2017 is based on flawed assumptions.  They are expecting that the US economy in 2017 is similar to the back half of 2016.  We believe this is a flawed assumption as…



Russia: Trump presidency, likely lifting of western sanctions and a stabilizing economy boost prospects for Russia.

Mexico: Fitch downgrades outlook to ‘negative; on concerns about growth and challenges to public finances.

China: CPI of 2.3% was higher than expected but still below 3% target.
The US Fed outlook for three rate hikes in 2017 is based on flawed assumptions.  They are expecting that the US economy in 2017 is similar to the back half of 2016.  We believe this is a flawed assumption as…

US Fed 2017 Rate Hike Outlook Based on Flawed Assumptions

United States

Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. operates as a sporting goods retailer that manages stores primarily in the eastern and central United States. The Company owns stores that offers a broad selection of brand name sporting goods equipment, apparel, and footwear.

Burlington Stores, Inc. owns and operates clothing retail stores. The Company offers, through its stores and internet sites, men's, women's, and children's apparel. Burlington Holding operates within the United States and Puerto Rico.

Tractor Supply Company operates a retail farm store chain in the United States. The Company provides farm maintenance products, animal products, general maintenance products, lawn and garden products, light truck equipment, work clothing, and other products.  Customers include hobby, part-time, and full-time farmers and ranchers, as well as rural customers, contractors, and tradesman.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.  a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations. Through these channels, the Company sells: casual sportswear apparel, including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids.

Murphy USA Inc. produces and distributes petroleum products. The Company engages in refining, marketing, and transportation of oil and gas products. Murphy USA provides products and services worldwide.

The Gap, Inc., is an international specialty retailer operating retail and outlet stores.  The Company sells casual apparel, accessories and personal care products for men, women, and children. The Gap operates stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Japan.

Lithia Motors, Inc. retails, finances, and services new and used vehicles. The Company also provides other related services and products, such as the sale of parts and accessories, extended service contracts, aftermarket automotive products, and collision repair services. Lithia Motors operates throughout the United States.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. retails cooking and serving equipment, home furnishings, and home accessories through retail stores, mail order catalogs and e-commerce. The Company offers its merchandise under the Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, and West Elm.

GameStop Corporation operates specialty electronic game and PC entertainment software stores throughout the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe. The Company stores sell new and used video game hardware, video game software and accessories, as well as PC entertainment software, and related accessories and other merchandise.

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. operates franchised automobile dealerships. The Company's franchises are located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.  Penske Automotive sells new and used vehicles as well as offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents.

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited retails jewelry.  The Company sells rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and small statues.  Chow Tai Fook Jewellery operates retail stores in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

HIKARI TSUSHIN, INC. is a mobile telecommunication service subscription agency. The Company also operates telecommunication services stores, HIT SHOP, which sell cellular telephones, and related goods.  Hikari Tsushin also sells office automation equipment and insurance.

Hotai Motor Company Ltd. operates as an automobile dealership. The Company sells and services new and used cars and trucks in Taiwan.

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., is based in Hokkaido and operates a furniture retail chain.  The Company sells living room furniture, storage furniture, dining furniture, office furniture, beds, and interior goods.  Nitori Holdings also sells original brand merchandise and imported merchandise.

Zalando SE provides online sale of fashion accessories. The Company offers clothing, sports products, shoes, bags, and other accessories for men, women, and children. Zalando markets its products worldwide.

JD Sports Fashion PLC operates a chain of retail stores which sell brand-name sports and leisure wear. The Company sells sports and leisure footwear, clothing, and accessories, among other items. JD Sports Fashion serves customers in the United Kingdom.

Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) designs and retails fashions for women, men, teens, and children.  The Company sells a variety trendy, sporty, and classic garments in addition to accessories such as jewelery, bags, and scarves, and cosmetics. H&M owns and operates stores in many European countries and the United States.

JB Hi-Fi Limited is a music and electronic goods retailer in Australia.  The Company operates stores at sites located in most Australian States.  Products include consumer electronics, car sound systems, music and DVDs.

ABC-MART, INC. plans, develops, wholesales, and retails shoes.  The Company also plans and develops brand name shoes such as VANS and G.T. HAWKINS.  ABC-Mart imports and wholesales shoes, apparel, bags, and sundries as well.

L'Occitane International S.A. is a global, natural and organic ingredient based cosmetics and well-being products enterprise.  The Company designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of cosmetics and well-being products based on natural and organic ingredients sourced principally from or near Provence.

Ulta Beauty, Inc. operates a chain of beauty stores. The Company offers cosmetics, fragrance, skin, and hair care products, as well as salon services. Ulta Beauty serves customers throughout the United States.

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Ulta Beauty (ULTA US)

Ulta Beauty Inc. - Investment Thesis

The Ulta Beauty stock has soared past our last target price close to its 52-week-high as the company delivered an excellent second quarter with...

Baptista Research

Rising US-China Tensions Will Hurt Tourism; Who Stands to Lose (And to Gain) The Most?

Relations between the US and China could (and likely will) deteriorate in the medium-term for any of the three following reasons: a) increased...

Daniel Hellberg

Geopolitics, Trump, & Thailand

All Hail Caesar (Trump)! I still remember the time when Obama was elected President. Everyone was celebrating. Japan mentioned they had one city...

Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA

GM Fined for Price Fixing in China

GM and Shanghai Auto fined Rmb201mn for fixing prices on certain car models. The fine was set at 4% of the models in question, the law allows for...

Scott Laprise/ 乐天虎

US Fed 2017 Rate Hike Outlook Based on Flawed Assumptions

Russia: Trump presidency, likely lifting of western sanctions and a stabilizing economy boost prospects for Russia. Mexico: Fitch downgrades...

David Riedel

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