Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

Equity Capital Markets

Kerry Express Thailand / Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kerry-express-thailand" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29253:1" rel="noopener">Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB)</a> recently announced an IPO price range of 25-28 baht per share and plans to finally list its shares in late December. In this note we update KEX's EV/Revenue and EV/EBITDA valuations relative to those of the Chinese express delivery sector, which we believe are the most appropriate 'comps' for this issue. </p><p>In this note we also highlight recent competitor actions in the Thai express market. In its Q320 earnings call, Chinese express company <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25494:1" rel="noopener">BEST Inc (BEST US)</a> announced it was considering 'strategic options' for all non-core businesses, including its express operation in Thailand. In the long-run, Best's  withdrawal from the market could be an opportunity for KEX, or a threat. </p><p>In the near-term, however, Best's potential actions in Thailand don't alter our thinking about KEX's IPO. We believe KEX at the IPO price range is attractively valued, particularly for a clear market leader in a fast-growing sector exposesd to several positive secular trends. </p>

Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB) recently announced an IPO price range of 25-28 baht per share and plans to finally list its shares in late December. In this note we update KEX's EV/Revenue and EV/EBITDA valuations relative to those of the Chinese express delivery sector, which we believe are the most appropriate 'comps' for this issue. In this note we also highlight recent competitor actions in the Thai express market. In its Q320 earnings call, Chinese express company BEST Inc (BEST US) announced it was considering 'strategic options' for all non-core businesses, including its express operation in Thailand. In the long-run, Best's  withdrawal from the market could be an opportunity for KEX, or a threat. In the near-term, however, Best's potential actions in Thailand don't alter our thinking about KEX's IPO. We believe KEX at the IPO price range is attractively valued, particularly for a clear market leader in a fast-growing sector exposesd to several positive secular trends. 

Kerry Express Thailand (KEX) IPO: Update on Valuation Range & Competitor Actions

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.

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kerry-express-thailand" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29253:1" rel="noopener">Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB)</a> is the leading express delivery company in Thailand. It is backed by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kerry-logistics-network-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:367:1" rel="noopener">Kerry Logistics Network (636 HK)</a> (63.0% shareholder) and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vgi-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12409:1" rel="noopener">VGI PCL (VGI TB)</a> (23.0% shareholder).</p></div><div><p>Kerry Express has launched its IPO at a price range of THB25.00-28.00 per share to raise as much as THB8.4 billion ($278 million). Subscription will take place between 8-9 and 14 December for retail investors, and 16-18 December for institutional investors. The final price is expected to be announced on 15 December. </p></div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kerry-express-ipo-initiation-a-recovery-play" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:45446" rel="noopener">Kerry Express IPO Initiation: A Recovery Play?</a>, we stated that while the 3Q20 results are not ideal, we think that revenue decline is a short-term market-specific issue, and Kerry Express remains well-placed to ride an eventual recovery in Thai consumer confidence. Overall, we think that a reasonable P/E valuation, a market-leading business and solid cornerstone support makes Kerry Express tempting at the proposed pricing range. </p></div></div></div>

Kerry Express Thailand (KEX TB) is the leading express delivery company in Thailand. It is backed by Kerry Logistics Network (636 HK) (63.0% shareholder) and VGI PCL (VGI TB) (23.0% shareholder).Kerry Express has launched its IPO at a price range of THB25.00-28.00 per share to raise as much as THB8.4 billion ($278 million). Subscription will take place between 8-9 and 14 December for retail investors, and 16-18 December for institutional investors. The final price is expected to be announced on 15 December. In Kerry Express IPO Initiation: A Recovery Play?, we stated that while the 3Q20 results are not ideal, we think that revenue decline is a short-term market-specific issue, and Kerry Express remains well-placed to ride an eventual recovery in Thai consumer confidence. Overall, we think that a reasonable P/E valuation, a market-leading business and solid cornerstone support makes Kerry Express tempting at the proposed pricing range. 

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

<p>Post market close on Friday, the China Securities Index Company announced the changes to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-shenzhen-csi-300-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22906:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index (SHSZ300 INDEX)</a> that will be effective after the close of trading on 11 December.</p>
<p>There are 26 inclusions and exclusions in the review with an estimated one-way turnover of 3.87%.</p>
<p>The inclusions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tongfang-guoxin-electronics-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15513:1" rel="noopener">Unigroup Guoxin (002049 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/suzhou-dongshan-precision-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8796:1" rel="noopener">Suzhou Dongshan Precision A (002384 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wuhan-guide-infrared-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20330:1" rel="noopener">Wuhan Guide Infrared Co,Ltd. (002414 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jpmf-guangdong-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19050:1" rel="noopener">Jpmf Guangdong Co Ltd A (002600 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yunnan-chuangxin-new-material" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27135:1" rel="noopener">Yunnan Chuangxin New Material (002812 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asymchem-laboratories-tianjin-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28265:1" rel="noopener">Asymchem Laboratories (002821 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jafron-biomedical-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29575:1" rel="noopener">Jafron Biomedical Co Ltd (300529 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bgi-genomics-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25890:1" rel="noopener">Bgi Genomics (300676 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-cssc-holdings-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2464:1" rel="noopener">China Cssc Holdings Ltd A (600150 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/beijing-tiantan-biological-products-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5190:1" rel="noopener">Beijing Tiantan Biological Products (600161 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jcet-group-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8628:1" rel="noopener">JCET Group (600584 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tsingtao-brewery-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:846:1" rel="noopener">Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd A (600600 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/topchoice-medical-corporation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1102:1" rel="noopener">Topchoice Medical (600763 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-baosight-software-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28228:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Baosight Software Co (600845 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jonjee-high-tech-industrial-and-commercial-holding-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14622:1" rel="noopener">Jonjee High-Tech Ind.&amp; Com. (600872 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhongtai-securities-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29935:1" rel="noopener">Zhongtai Securities Co Ltd (600918 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/boc-international-china-co-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29972:1" rel="noopener">Boc International China Co-A (601696 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-energy-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14450:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants Energy A (601872 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nanjing-securities-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27192:1" rel="noopener">Nanjing Securities Co Ltd (601990 CH)</a>, Gan&amp;Lee Pharma (603087 CH), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gongniu-group-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30060:1" rel="noopener">Gongniu Group Co Ltd (603195 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/beijing-wantai-biological-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30129:1" rel="noopener">Beijing Wantai Biological-A (603392 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/montage-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28236:1" rel="noopener">Montage Technology Co Ltd (688008 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-railway-signal-com-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28237:1" rel="noopener">China Railway Signal &amp; Com-A (688009 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-micro-fabrication-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30308:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Micro-Fabrication-A (688012 CH)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shenzhen-transsion-holding-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30323:1" rel="noopener">Shenzhen Transsion Holding-A (688036 CH).</a></p>
<p>The deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hebei-iron-steel-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11538:1" rel="noopener">Hebei Iron &amp; Steel Co Ltd A (000709 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sichuan-tianqi-lithium-industries-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5698:1" rel="noopener">Sichuan Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc (002466 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhejiang-idc-fluid-control-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18695:1" rel="noopener">STO Express (002468 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/avic-helicopter-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14380:1" rel="noopener">Avic Helicopter Co Ltd A (600038 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tbea-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20303:1" rel="noopener">Tbea Co Ltd A (600089 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-construction-group-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17136:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Construction Group Co, Ltd. (600170 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yanzhou-coal-mining-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24592:1" rel="noopener">Yanzhou Coal Mining (600188 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shandong-nanshan-aluminum-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3920:1" rel="noopener">Shandong Nanshan Aluminum A (600219 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hainan-airlines-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24023:1" rel="noopener">Hainan Airlines Co (600221 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-avionics-systems-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11393:1" rel="noopener">China Avionics Systems Co., Ltd. (600372 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hla-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2586:1" rel="noopener">HLA CORP., Ltd. (600398 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fangda-carbon-new-material-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14878:1" rel="noopener">Fangda Carbon New Material Co, Ltd. (600516 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/offshore-oil-engineering-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4968:1" rel="noopener">Offshore Oil Engineering A (600583 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sichuan-chuantou-energy-stock-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2557:1" rel="noopener">Sichuan Chuantou Energy Stock (600674 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tonghua-dongbao-pharmaceutical-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10358:1" rel="noopener">Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical (600867 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-of-xi-an-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29936:1" rel="noopener">Bank of Xi'an Co Ltd (600928 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cnooc-energy-technology-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29941:1" rel="noopener">Cnooc Energy Technology &amp; -A (600968 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-film-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29943:1" rel="noopener">China Film Co Ltd (600977 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ningbo-port-co-ltd-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9969:1" rel="noopener">Ningbo Port (601018 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/baiyin-nonferrous-group-co-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29955:1" rel="noopener">Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co-A (601212 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/qingdao-port-international-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29958:1" rel="noopener">Qingdao Port International Co (601298 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/red-star-macalline-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26732:1" rel="noopener">Red Star Macalline Group (601828 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-coal-energy-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24607:1" rel="noopener">China Coal Energy (601898 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bbmg-corporation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22769:1" rel="noopener">BBMG Corporation (601992 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bank-of-guiyang-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27479:1" rel="noopener">Bank of Guiyang Co Ltd (601997 CH)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hoshine-silicon-industry-c-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26646:1" rel="noopener">Hoshine Silicon Industry C-A (603260 CH)</a>.</p>
<p>Only 3 of the inclusions have over 1 day of ADV to buy, while there are a lot more deletions that have over 1 day of ADV to sell.</p>
<p>The index universe has also been expanded to include STAR Board stocks that have been listed for over 1 year. The change was implemented at this review (with no advance notice) and will see the inclusion of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/montage-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28236:1" rel="noopener">Montage Technology Co Ltd (688008 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-railway-signal-com-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28237:1" rel="noopener">China Railway Signal &amp; Com-A (688009 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-micro-fabrication-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30308:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Micro-Fabrication-A (688012 CH)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shenzhen-transsion-holding-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30323:1" rel="noopener">Shenzhen Transsion Holding-A (688036 CH)</a> into the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-shenzhen-csi-300-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22906:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index (SHSZ300 INDEX)</a>. </p>

Post market close on Friday, the China Securities Index Company announced the changes to the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index (SHSZ300 INDEX) that will be effective after the close of trading on 11 December.
There are 26 inclusions and exclusions in the review with an estimated one-way turnover of 3.87%.
The inclusions are Unigroup Guoxin (002049 CH), Suzhou Dongshan Precision A (002384 CH), Wuhan Guide Infrared Co,Ltd. (002414 CH), Jpmf Guangdong Co Ltd A (002600 CH), Yunnan Chuangxin New Material (002812 CH), Asymchem Laboratories (002821 CH), Jafron Biomedical Co Ltd (300529 CH), Bgi Genomics (300676 CH), China Cssc Holdings Ltd A (600150 CH), Beijing Tiantan Biological Products (600161 CH), JCET Group (600584 CH), Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd A (600600 CH), Topchoice Medical (600763 CH), Shanghai Baosight Software Co (600845 CH), Jonjee High-Tech Ind.&amp; Com. (600872 CH), Zhongtai Securities Co Ltd (600918 CH), Boc International China Co-A (601696 CH), China Merchants Energy A (601872 CH), Nanjing Securities Co Ltd (601990 CH), Gan&amp;Lee Pharma (603087 CH), Gongniu Group Co Ltd (603195 CH), Beijing Wantai Biological-A (603392 CH), Montage Technology Co Ltd (688008 CH), China Railway Signal &amp; Com-A (688009 CH), Advanced Micro-Fabrication-A (688012 CH) and Shenzhen Transsion Holding-A (688036 CH).
The deletions are Hebei Iron &amp; Steel Co Ltd A (000709 CH), Sichuan Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc (002466 CH), STO Express (002468 CH), Avic Helicopter Co Ltd A (600038 CH), Tbea Co Ltd A (600089 CH), Shanghai Construction Group Co, Ltd. (600170 CH), Yanzhou Coal Mining (600188 CH), Shandong Nanshan Aluminum A (600219 CH), Hainan Airlines Co (600221 CH), China Avionics Systems Co., Ltd. (600372 CH), HLA CORP., Ltd. (600398 CH), Fangda Carbon New Material Co, Ltd. (600516 CH), Offshore Oil Engineering A (600583 CH), Sichuan Chuantou Energy Stock (600674 CH), Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical (600867 CH), Bank of Xi'an Co Ltd (600928 CH), Cnooc Energy Technology &amp; -A (600968 CH), China Film Co Ltd (600977 CH), Ningbo Port (601018 CH), Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co-A (601212 CH), Qingdao Port International Co (601298 CH), Red Star Macalline Group (601828 CH), China Coal Energy (601898 CH), BBMG Corporation (601992 CH), Bank of Guiyang Co Ltd (601997 CH) and Hoshine Silicon Industry C-A (603260 CH).
Only 3 of the inclusions have over 1 day of ADV to buy, while there are a lot more deletions that have over 1 day of ADV to sell.
The index universe has also been expanded to include STAR Board stocks that have been listed for over 1 year. The change was implemented at this review (with no advance notice) and will see the inclusion of Montage Technology Co Ltd (688008 CH), China Railway Signal &amp; Com-A (688009 CH), Advanced Micro-Fabrication-A (688012 CH) and Shenzhen Transsion Holding-A (688036 CH) into the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index (SHSZ300 INDEX). 

STAR Board: CSI300 Index Rebalance: Rule Change Sees STAR Board Stocks Included

Equity Bottom-Up

<section class="figure"><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/172/980/original/BANNER-LOGISTICS.png?1605971640" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="172980"></figure></section><p>In October, Chinese express parcel volume growth remained strong. However, pricing was weak, and we see no signs of price improvement in the near-term. Margins remain under pressure. </p><p>A slew of Q3 earnings results show some companies losing money, with margins at almost all of the companies under intense pressure. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25494:1" rel="noopener">BEST Inc (BEST US)</a>'s recent decision to exit non-core businesses supports our thesis that pressure to consolidate is increasing. </p><p>We retain our view that SF Holding is the sector's leading company, but in the medium-term, we believe Best is an attractive way to play expected sector M&amp;A in 2021. </p>

In October, Chinese express parcel volume growth remained strong. However, pricing was weak, and we see no signs of price improvement in the near-term. Margins remain under pressure. A slew of Q3 earnings results show some companies losing money, with margins at almost all of the companies under intense pressure. BEST Inc (BEST US)'s recent decision to exit non-core businesses supports our thesis that pressure to consolidate is increasing. We retain our view that SF Holding is the sector's leading company, but in the medium-term, we believe Best is an attractive way to play expected sector M&amp;A in 2021. 

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Chinese Express: Weak Q3 Results from ZTO & Best | Consolidation Pressures Gaining

<p>After the US market close on Thursday, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25494:1" rel="noopener">BEST Inc (BEST US)</a> reported a weak set of Q3 results, as expected. But the company also announced a bold new strategic initiative that should result in a leaner, more focused company.  </p><p>In addition to winding down its <em>Store+</em> business (disclosed earlier, please see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/best-inc-is-closing-its-money-losing-store-business-a-small-but-positive-step-forward" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:45395" rel="noopener">Best Inc. Is Closing Its Money-Losing 'Store+' Business, a Small but Positive Step Forward</a>), Best announced it was considering "strategic options" for its Global, UCargo, and Capital divisions. Going forward, the company will focus on Express, Freight, and Supply Chain Management. </p><p>We do <em>not</em> believe this strategic decision will lead to a quick turnaround in profitability, but we <em>do</em> believe it makes Best more attractive to an acquirer. Best's decision to exit non-core businesses shows financial pressures are intensifying in China's express sector. This tells us the forces behind consolidation are quickly gaining momentum. We retain our BUY rating on Best, a potential acquisition target. </p>

After the US market close on Thursday, BEST Inc (BEST US) reported a weak set of Q3 results, as expected. But the company also announced a bold new strategic initiative that should result in a leaner, more focused company.  In addition to winding down its Store+ business (disclosed earlier, please see Best Inc. Is Closing Its Money-Losing 'Store+' Business, a Small but Positive Step Forward), Best announced it was considering "strategic options" for its Global, UCargo, and Capital divisions. Going forward, the company will focus on Express, Freight, and Supply Chain Management. We do not believe this strategic decision will lead to a quick turnaround in profitability, but we do believe it makes Best more attractive to an acquirer. Best's decision to exit non-core businesses shows financial pressures are intensifying in China's express sector. This tells us the forces behind consolidation are quickly gaining momentum. We retain our BUY rating on Best, a potential acquisition target. 

Best Inc's Weak Q3 Results Spur 'Strategic Refocusing Plan', Retain BUY

China

STO Express Co Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets valves, pipe fittings and plumbing equipment. The Company's business encompasses the    development, manufacturing, sales and servicing of plumbing equipment, valves,  pipe fittings, metal construction materials, home automation, environmental protection and energy control systems.

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STO Express (002468 CH)

Kerry Express Thailand (KEX) IPO: Update on Valuation Range & Competitor Actions

We update our views of KEX's IPO valuation ahead of its late December listing. We also highlight the potential sale of a domestic competitor. We...

Tracking Traffic

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Kerry Express has launched its IPO at a price range of THB25.00-28.00 per share to raise as much as THB8.4 billion ($278 million). Overall, we...

Arun George

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There are 26 inclusions/exclusions from the CSI300 index with a one way turnover of 3.87%. An expansion of the universe has 4 STAR Board stocks...

Brian Freitas

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Chinese Express: Weak Q3 Results from ZTO & Best | Consolidation Pressures Gaining

October express data show -- once again -- strong parcel volume growth but very weak pricing. Margin pressure seen in Q3 results is adding to...

Tracking Traffic

Best Inc's Weak Q3 Results Spur 'Strategic Refocusing Plan', Retain BUY

Best Inc posted weak Q3 results, but the bigger story is a new strategic initiative that should make the company more attractive to a potential...

Tracking Traffic

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