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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Macro: CPI Review: Gung Ho summer! Risk-off fall? and more

By | Daily Briefs, Macro

In today’s briefing:

  • CPI Review: Gung Ho summer! Risk-off fall?
  • Liquidity watch: Two major waves of liquidity left this year of varying quality
  • CX Daily: Are AI-Powered Learning Gadgets Ready to Be at the Head of the Class?
  • China: Weakness of Residential Property Market Spills to Banking Sector
  • HEW: Doves Ticking Boxes
  • Labor Watch: This doesn’t exactly scream recession (yet) …
  • US CPI Inflation 2.97% y-o-y (consensus 3.1%) in Jun-24
  • Will Presidential Election Cycle Theory Fuel Continued US Equities Rally in 2H 2024?


CPI Review: Gung Ho summer! Risk-off fall?

By Andreas Steno

  • The inflation report provides a surprisingly soft set of data, aligning perfectly with the FOMC’s hopes, but not with their predictions.
  • Back in June, the FOMC projected only one rate cut while hiking the inflation forecast to levels that now seem feasible to undershoot.
  • This report, as soft as it gets, shows transportation services down by 0.5% for the month, and shelter prices have only increased by 0.17% MoM.

Liquidity watch: Two major waves of liquidity left this year of varying quality

By Andreas Steno

  • While we are waiting for Godot and US inflation, we have examined the liquidity outlook for the remainder of the year.
  • The important part of the analysis is to understand why liquidity is moving, not just if it is moving.
  • Depending on the type of liquidity additions/withdrawals, the quality of the liquidity signal improves/worsens as a driver of asset markets.

CX Daily: Are AI-Powered Learning Gadgets Ready to Be at the Head of the Class?

By Caixin Global

  • AI / In Depth: Are AI-powered learning gadgets ready to be at the head of the class?
  • Food safety /: Processing firm says it is a ‘victim’ of contaminated cooking oil scandal
  • Property /Land:  sales slashed by more than a third in first half of 2024 as real estate slump bites

China: Weakness of Residential Property Market Spills to Banking Sector

By Alex Ng

  • China authorities appear to have the financial stability spill over from the property sector , through a combination of direct support for housing and forced mergers of weak banks. 
  • This game plan will likely be followed for the next few years. However, this all means residential property investment will be an economic headwind to growth for years to come. 
  • Problems will remain multi year and will hangover weaker developers/LGFV’s/banks and non-banks.

HEW: Doves Ticking Boxes

By Phil Rush

  • Voters are clear about their rejection of Rassemblement National in France, and central bankers are anticipating rate cuts in September (Fed and ECB) and August (BoE).
  • The upcoming ECB meeting is expected to confirm this anticipated step without making a commitment, after considering the final HICP print.
  • The UK’s inflation and labour market data are the most crucial factors to inform the decision in August, following June’s finely balanced decision.

Labor Watch: This doesn’t exactly scream recession (yet) …

By Ulrik Simmelholt

  • Welcome to this short labor market watch on the back of this week’s NFIB and CPI numbers.
  • Currently the labor market has softened considerably from tight conditions in 2022, yet there is still some time before this slowdown potentially leads to a recession.
  • From the NFIB numbers we already got more hints of the deflationary trends suggested by this month’s CPI report as price plans continue their decrease.

US CPI Inflation 2.97% y-o-y (consensus 3.1%) in Jun-24

By Heteronomics AI

  • US CPI inflation for June 2024 is 2.97% y-o-y, which is below the consensus and shows successfully moderating inflationary pressures.
  • Core inflation is higher at 3.3%, but the monthly impulse has reassuringly slowed to 0.1%.
  • Mixed PPI trends indicate some price pressures persist, but the Fed is increasingly likely to cut in September.
This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.

Will Presidential Election Cycle Theory Fuel Continued US Equities Rally in 2H 2024?

By Srinidhi Raghavendra

  • Yale Hirsch’s Presidential Election Cycle theory posits that US equities perform best in third year followed by the election year. Equities are weakest in the year following the election.
  • Over 6 decades, the S&P500 delivered positive returns in thirteen of sixteen election years. On average, the index returned 4.1% during 1H followed by 3.2% in 2H.
  • Forget this theory, markets are pricing an 88% chance of rates being slashed starting Sep. Citi analysts expect 200bps of cuts over 8 meetings. Euphoric markets will go on steroids.

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Daily Brief South Korea: Doosan Bobcat Inc, SK Innovation, Korea Stock Exchange KOSPI 200 and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Reorganization of the Doosan Group: Why Delist Doosan Bobcat (Jewel of Doosan Group)?
  • SK Innovation & SK E&S: Summary of the Controversy Surrounding the Merger Ratio
  • EQD | KOSPI 200 Sell-Off Could Accelerate This Week, But It’s A BUY


Reorganization of the Doosan Group: Why Delist Doosan Bobcat (Jewel of Doosan Group)?

By Douglas Kim

  • On 11 July, the Doosan Group announced a major business structure reorganization, including the delisting of Doosan Bobcat Inc (241560 KS).
  • In our view (over the next 3-6 months), these transactions appear to be value-destroying for Doosan Bobcat and Doosan Enerbility minority shareholders but positive for Doosan Robotics shareholders.
  • Doosan Robotics plans to acquire the remaining 54% stake in Doosan Bobcat through a tender offer. Once Doosan Robotics fully owns Doosan Bobcat, its shares will be delisted.

SK Innovation & SK E&S: Summary of the Controversy Surrounding the Merger Ratio

By Sanghyun Park

  • Interest in this merger is emerging from an unexpected angle, especially regarding the merger ratio’s fairness. There’s a risk it could unfavorably affect SK Innovation’s stock price.
  • SK Innovation at ₩108,000/share; SK E&S at ₩290,000/share based on strong profits. SK plans ratios around 1.3x total value and 2.7x per share. SK Inc may reach mid-70% stake post-merger.
  • SK Innovation’s stock may face short-term decline. Securing shareholder approval, with SK Inc at 36%, overseas investors 22%, local institutions 15%, local retail 20%, and NPS 7%, poses challenges.

EQD | KOSPI 200 Sell-Off Could Accelerate This Week, But It’s A BUY

By Nico Rosti

  • The KOSPI 200 INDEX started a modest pullback and is entering a BUY area, but it could fall further this coming week, caution is advised.
  • The support levels to buy are between 383-371, this coming week.
  • Alternatively buy the Close, if the WEEKLY Close is negative, next Friday.

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Daily Brief Singapore: Delfi Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Singapore

In today’s briefing:

  • Delfi Ltd (DELFI SP) – The Chameleon of Confectionary


Delfi Ltd (DELFI SP) – The Chameleon of Confectionary

By Angus Mackintosh

  • Delfi Ltd (DELFI SP) is Asia’s largest confectioner, with circa 50% market share of chocolate in its largest market Indonesia, despite competition from global confectionary players over many years. 
  • The company produces products that are engrained in local tastes but it also produces products in different categories that compete directly with foreign competitors with a local twist. 
  • The negative headwinds from higher cocoa prices have started to stabilise and Delfi has deployed various strategies to offset the impact on packaging and ingredients. 

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Daily Brief Indonesia: Lippo Karawaci and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Morning Views Asia: Lippo Karawaci


Morning Views Asia: Lippo Karawaci

By Leonard Law, CFA

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.


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Daily Brief United States: Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Ethereum, VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Hesai Group, Workiva Inc, Choice Hotels Intl, Vontier Corp, On Assignment, Bitcoin Pro, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • [Q2 Earnings Preview] TSMC: All Eyes on 2nm Chips, Fab Expansion & Continued Earnings Beat
  • Crypto Portfolio: Adding Ethereum Alpha with ETF Launch and Institutional Onchain Adoption
  • Van Eck Junior Gold Miners Etf (Gdxj) – Friday, Apr 12, 2024
  • Will Hesai Group Announce Its First-Ever Buyback To Restore Confidence in the Stock?
  • Workiva Inc.: Exploitation of Generative AI & Data Security Driving Our ‘Buy’ Rating! – Major Drivers
  • Choice Hotels International: Geographic Expansion & Scaling In Order To Amplify Growth!
  • Vontier Corporation: Strengthening Core Markets: Convenience Retail and Retail Fueling! – Major Drivers
  • ASGN Incorporated: AI and Cloud Data Structuring Project Demand Fueling Its Growth! – Major Drivers
  • The Dark Night Rises – Part 1
  • Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: Strategic Private Island Investments & Improvements To Propel Its Growth! – Major Drivers


[Q2 Earnings Preview] TSMC: All Eyes on 2nm Chips, Fab Expansion & Continued Earnings Beat

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • TSMC’s June 2024 revenue increased by 32.9% YoY, exceeding expectations with $6.42 billion. 
  • It dominates with >62% of the global foundry market share, propelled by AI demand. 
  • Expansion into the automotive market and new fabs in the U.S. and Japan highlight TSMC’s growth strategy. 

Crypto Portfolio: Adding Ethereum Alpha with ETF Launch and Institutional Onchain Adoption

By Mads Eberhardt

  • There is no Crypto Moves today.
  • Instead, today’s note marks our first trade for our Crypto Portfolio, along with the rationale behind this decision.
  • This trade aims to indirectly benefit from the imminent launch of U.S.-based Ethereum ETFs, without directly increasing our Ethereum exposure.

Van Eck Junior Gold Miners Etf (Gdxj) – Friday, Apr 12, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • Gold currently trades at a historic 50% discount to its long-term value
  • Gold miners are trading at a 30-60% discount to gold, presenting an investment opportunity
  • Investing in GDXJ and a basket of gold miners can potentially yield high returns due to the supply dynamics of gold

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only. This article was originally published 3 months ago on Value Investors Club.


Will Hesai Group Announce Its First-Ever Buyback To Restore Confidence in the Stock?

By Andrei Zakharov

  • Hesai Group shares significantly underperformed in 2024 with shares down ~47% over the year versus a ~23% gain on the Nasdaq Composite.
  • Moreover, a San Francisco-based Ouster, one of the key competitors among LiDAR makers, outperformed Hesai Group and the NASDAQ on a year-to-date basis.
  • I believe Hesai Group should initiate a share buyback program as RoboSense has recently announced on-market share repurchase plan to create value for its shareholders.  

Workiva Inc.: Exploitation of Generative AI & Data Security Driving Our ‘Buy’ Rating! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Workiva’s financial results for the first quarter of 2024 showcased a generally positive trend with several robust aspects in growth and operating metrics, countered by a cautiously optimistic outlook for the rest of the year.
  • The company reported a 17% increase in total revenue and a 20% rise in subscription revenue compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring a resilient performance in the face of an uncertain economic environment.
  • Baptista Research looks to evaluate the different factors that could influence the company’s price in the near future and attempts to carry out an independent valuation of the company using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.

Choice Hotels International: Geographic Expansion & Scaling In Order To Amplify Growth!

By Baptista Research

  • Choice Hotels International Inc. showed a largely positive outcome in its first quarter of 2024 financial results, demonstrating solid growth trajectories in various aspects of its business.
  • The company reported an impressive 17% increase in adjusted EBITDA and a 14% increase in adjusted EPS on a year-over-year basis, achieving record levels for the first quarter.
  • This growth was partly fueled by the successful integration of the Radisson Americas, which has substantially broadened the company’s scale and diversified its earnings streams through new non-RevPAR-related avenues.

Vontier Corporation: Strengthening Core Markets: Convenience Retail and Retail Fueling! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Vontier, a prominent player in the mobility infrastructure and technology space, delivered strong performance in the first quarter of 2024, achieving the upper bounds of its core growth guidance while surpassing its profitability targets.
  • The company reported a 4% increase in core sales, fueled primarily by volume growth alongside positive pricing impacts.
  • Notably, the company achieved a 130 basis point expansion in margins, demonstrating effective execution and financial discipline.

ASGN Incorporated: AI and Cloud Data Structuring Project Demand Fueling Its Growth! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • ASGN Inc. delivered a robust set of results for the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating solid growth in certain areas despite challenges in others.
  • With revenue of $1.05 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $10.3 million, both metrics approached the upper end of the company’s guidance, underscoring management’s effective operational execution and strategic foresight.
  • The company’s diverse portfolio, balancing commercial and government segments, has provided a buffer against the cyclical nature of IT spending, particularly amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Dark Night Rises – Part 1

By Delphi Digital

  • Navigating a challenging macro environment with conflicting signals on Fed policy and inflation risks.
  • Global liquidity contractions impact BTC, but future easing could spark a market revival.
  • Crypto markets face headwinds, yet long-term growth potential and institutional adoption remain strong.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: Strategic Private Island Investments & Improvements To Propel Its Growth! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has reported a strong start to the first quarter of 2024, showcasing significant progress in various operational and financial metrics amidst a robust market demand for cruise vacations.
  • The company has continued its trajectory of recovery and growth, driven by strategic investments across its three brands and a focus on sustainable practices.
  • The company’s robust performance is highlighted by a record number of bookings and a strong forward booked position indicating ongoing strong demand for cruise travel.

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Daily Brief India: Petronet LNG and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • The Beat Ideas- Petronet LNG: Driving Growth in India’s Natural Gas Sector


The Beat Ideas- Petronet LNG: Driving Growth in India’s Natural Gas Sector

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Currently, the share of natural gas in energy basket is just 6.7%, Which India is aiming for 15% by 2030.
  • Capex in Place- expanding the Dahej Plant, Petchem facility(20000Cr) will be operational in 4-5 years, Kochi utilization will improve
  • 20% Volume Growth expected by Management, with a rising LNG portion in overall Gas Consumption in India.

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Daily Brief China: DPC Dash, Sichuan Biokin Pharmaceutical, KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • DPC Dash (1405 HK): Strong 2Q Data Pointing to Underappreciated Growth and Margin Potential
  • Cutting-Edge Drugmaker Biokin Taps Hong Kong Market to Fund Foray Aboard
  • Time To Look Abroad?


DPC Dash (1405 HK): Strong 2Q Data Pointing to Underappreciated Growth and Margin Potential

By Eric Chen

  • The company’ share bucked China catering sector’s down trend and rallied 30% in last few weeks.
  • Its 2Q operating data suggest that its store opening is well on track with healthy SSSG, underpinning strong margin expansion.
  • We believe that market still underestimates its growth and earnings potential which could beat consensus by wide margin. Interim results to be announced in August will be key catalyst.

Cutting-Edge Drugmaker Biokin Taps Hong Kong Market to Fund Foray Aboard

By Caixin Global

  • Chinese innovative drugmaker Sichuan Biokin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for an initial public offering (IPO) in an effort to tap fresh funding to support new drug development and overseas expansion.
  • Biokin, already listed in Shanghai, did not disclose the target size of its Hong Kong offering. According to its preliminary prospectus, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Citic Securities Co. Ltd. are joint sponsors for the share sale.
  • Founded in 1996, Biokin began as a producer of chemical generic drugs and proprietary Chinese medicines. The company has since 2011 moved on to novel biological drugs, focusing on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment.

Time To Look Abroad?

By Douglas Busch

  • US markets suffered a bearish reversal on CPI data. Time look to elsewhere?
  • China looks to be bottoming. Could the region begin to show relative strength?
  • Emerging markets look particularly attractive especially if the dollar trades lower.

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Daily Brief Japan: Daidoh Ltd, ASICS Corp, Kobe Bussan, Softbank Group, Allegro MicroSystems , PR Times Inc, Shin Pro Maint and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • JAPAN ACTIVISM:  Activists Sell ALL Their Daidoh (3205) In One Day. Oops 😬
  • HUGE Asics (7936) Offering – Big Guidance Boost at ATH So Feed the Ducks When They Are Quacking
  • Kobe Bussan (3038): The Final Cliff
  • ASICS (7936 JP): A US$1.4 Billion Secondary Offering
  • ASICS (7936) | Obadele Thompson or Usain Bolt?
  • Softbank (9984 JP): Arm Headwinds Building, but NAV Discount Is Attractive
  • Allegro MicroSystems Inc.: Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Market Growth in China As A Critical Growth Lever! – Major Drivers
  • PR Times Inc (3922 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update
  • Shin Pro Maint (6086 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update


JAPAN ACTIVISM:  Activists Sell ALL Their Daidoh (3205) In One Day. Oops 😬

By Travis Lundy

  • Daidoh Ltd (3205 JP) saw an activist “win” at its AGM, another activist bought, the stock popped. I wrote about it. 2hrs later, the Board set a new Div Policy.
  • ¥100/Yr for 3 years in a row. That was 11% of then-current price. Big activist win for Strategic Capital which owned 25% and Murakami-san who had gone substantial 1wk earlier.
  • Today post-close, Strategic Capital reported it sold everything on 5 July, the next day. WOW. That was half of Maximum Real World Float. Oops. Murakami-san sold too. 

HUGE Asics (7936) Offering – Big Guidance Boost at ATH So Feed the Ducks When They Are Quacking

By Travis Lundy

  • Today after the close, ASICS Corp (7936 JP) announced a very large secondary offering. It points out that as a global brand, it needs global-standard corporate governance. 
  • As such, it says they’ve been discussing sales with crossholders. But we knew the cross-holders were going to sell. This offering is 85mm shares, ¥210bn at last. That’s big. 
  • The stock has doubled year-to-date. Today they raised FY guidance BIGLY (+60% OP and NP). Now a huge offering. This seems like a “feed the ducks when they’re quacking” situation.

Kobe Bussan (3038): The Final Cliff

By Michael Allen

  • Kobe Bussan continues to hit new lows relative to the median Japanese retailer, as cheaper alternatives continue to rebound.
  • Kobe was one of the greatest beneficiaries in Japan of the Pandemic, but it is stuck at 10% growth which is no longer unusual. 
  • Kobe’s wholesale model makes it difficult to benefit from food price inflation like other food retailers. Kobe Bussan could drop another 50% before reaching fair value.

ASICS (7936 JP): A US$1.4 Billion Secondary Offering

By Arun George

  • ASICS Corp (7936 JP) has announced a secondary offering of up to 85.0 million shares (including overallotment). At the close, the offer, including overallotment, is worth JPY218 billion (US$1.4 billion).
  • Asics’ goal with the secondary offering is to eliminate cross-shareholdings. Asics also announced a material upgrade to full-year forecasts to offset the impact of the offering.
  • Looking at recent large Japanese placements is instructive for understanding the potential offer price. The pricing date will fall between 23 and 26 July (likely 23 July).

ASICS (7936) | Obadele Thompson or Usain Bolt?

By Mark Chadwick

  • ASICS is revising up its full year forecasts, now expecting sales to reach a record ¥660 billion , up 15.7% year-over-year. There is a strong currency tail wind. 
  • Still “you gotta be in it to win it..”  ASICS is currently crushing it, while Nike flounders
  • A large secondary offering will likely hit the share price in the short term; there are two key risks…but it could be a good opportunity to buy. 

Softbank (9984 JP): Arm Headwinds Building, but NAV Discount Is Attractive

By Victor Galliano

  • Since Elliott Management emerged as a shareholder in SoftBank group last month, the share price has rallied sharply, largely driven by the further appreciation of the Arm Holding share price
  • SoftBank management is currently focused on growing its Gen AI investment portfolio and appears to have shelved share buybacks for now, which is likely to disappoint minority shareholders
  • Despite the above challenges and the risk of de-rating at Arm, we remain positive on Softbank shares as they trade at a historically high 54%+ discount to the estimated NAV

Allegro MicroSystems Inc.: Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Market Growth in China As A Critical Growth Lever! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Allegro MicroSystems has recently reported their fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, providing insights into their financial health and future expectations.
  • The company managed to surpass its fourth-quarter revenue and earnings per share (EPS) guidance despite facing a challenging macroeconomic environment, highlighting the dedication and efficiency of its team.
  • The fiscal year 2024 demonstrated a revenue growth of 8% and an EPS growth of 5%, with notable growth in e-Mobility at 38%, signifying strong market performance and strategic execution.

PR Times Inc (3922 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • In Q1 FY02/25, revenue was JPY1.9bn (+19.6% YoY), operating profit JPY484mn (+41.0% YoY), net income JPY321mn (+38.9% YoY).
  • PR TIMES users totaled 97,948 (+17.2% YoY); Jooto paying users 1,801 (-3.2% YoY); Tayori paying accounts 1,177 (+28.1% YoY).
  • SG&A expenses in Q1 FY02/25 increased 5.6% YoY for Sales & Marketing, 13.4% for R&D, 7.6% for General & Administrative.

Shin Pro Maint (6086 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased by 13.4% YoY to JPY5.8bn, driven by new customers and expanded maintenance services for existing customers.
  • Operating profit rose by 32.3% YoY to JPY342mn, with an OPM up 0.8pp YoY to 5.9%.
  • Gross profit reached JPY1.3bn (+12.8% YoY), with a GPM of 22.6% (-0.1pp YoY), and SG&A expenses were JPY960mn (+7.1% YoY).

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Daily Brief Industrials: Doosan Bobcat Inc, Hesai Group, Deutsche Lufthansa , On Assignment, Sensata Technologies Holding P, Shin Pro Maint and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Reorganization of the Doosan Group: Why Delist Doosan Bobcat (Jewel of Doosan Group)?
  • Will Hesai Group Announce Its First-Ever Buyback To Restore Confidence in the Stock?
  • Lufthansa Group – Revisiting Margin and Portfolio Management Challenges
  • ASGN Incorporated: AI and Cloud Data Structuring Project Demand Fueling Its Growth! – Major Drivers
  • Sensata Technologies: What Are Its Industrial Dynamics and New Product Launches? – Major Drivers
  • Shin Pro Maint (6086 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update


Reorganization of the Doosan Group: Why Delist Doosan Bobcat (Jewel of Doosan Group)?

By Douglas Kim

  • On 11 July, the Doosan Group announced a major business structure reorganization, including the delisting of Doosan Bobcat Inc (241560 KS).
  • In our view (over the next 3-6 months), these transactions appear to be value-destroying for Doosan Bobcat and Doosan Enerbility minority shareholders but positive for Doosan Robotics shareholders.
  • Doosan Robotics plans to acquire the remaining 54% stake in Doosan Bobcat through a tender offer. Once Doosan Robotics fully owns Doosan Bobcat, its shares will be delisted.

Will Hesai Group Announce Its First-Ever Buyback To Restore Confidence in the Stock?

By Andrei Zakharov

  • Hesai Group shares significantly underperformed in 2024 with shares down ~47% over the year versus a ~23% gain on the Nasdaq Composite.
  • Moreover, a San Francisco-based Ouster, one of the key competitors among LiDAR makers, outperformed Hesai Group and the NASDAQ on a year-to-date basis.
  • I believe Hesai Group should initiate a share buyback program as RoboSense has recently announced on-market share repurchase plan to create value for its shareholders.  

Lufthansa Group – Revisiting Margin and Portfolio Management Challenges

By Neil Glynn

  • Lufthansa mainline losses in 2024 force management to pursue transformation
  • ​Portfolio management challenges driven by a variety of factors including LH mainline unit costs and pricing at sister companies
  • Much work to do to turn ITA around, while firm management focus is required at home

ASGN Incorporated: AI and Cloud Data Structuring Project Demand Fueling Its Growth! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • ASGN Inc. delivered a robust set of results for the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating solid growth in certain areas despite challenges in others.
  • With revenue of $1.05 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $10.3 million, both metrics approached the upper end of the company’s guidance, underscoring management’s effective operational execution and strategic foresight.
  • The company’s diverse portfolio, balancing commercial and government segments, has provided a buffer against the cyclical nature of IT spending, particularly amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

Sensata Technologies: What Are Its Industrial Dynamics and New Product Launches? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Sensata Technologies has reported a solid performance in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting both advances and challenges within its diverse portfolio.
  • This review aims to provide an impartial analysis of Sensata’s recent financial results and strategic engagements as disclosed in their latest financial disclosures.
  • Beginning with the financial metrics, Sensata Technologies recorded a slight revenue increase from $998 million in Q1 2023 to $1.007 billion in Q1 2024, representing a modest year-over-year growth of 1%.

Shin Pro Maint (6086 JP): Q1 FY02/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased by 13.4% YoY to JPY5.8bn, driven by new customers and expanded maintenance services for existing customers.
  • Operating profit rose by 32.3% YoY to JPY342mn, with an OPM up 0.8pp YoY to 5.9%.
  • Gross profit reached JPY1.3bn (+12.8% YoY), with a GPM of 22.6% (-0.1pp YoY), and SG&A expenses were JPY960mn (+7.1% YoY).

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Daily Brief Energy/Materials: SK Innovation, Petronet LNG and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • SK Innovation & SK E&S: Summary of the Controversy Surrounding the Merger Ratio
  • The Beat Ideas- Petronet LNG: Driving Growth in India’s Natural Gas Sector


SK Innovation & SK E&S: Summary of the Controversy Surrounding the Merger Ratio

By Sanghyun Park

  • Interest in this merger is emerging from an unexpected angle, especially regarding the merger ratio’s fairness. There’s a risk it could unfavorably affect SK Innovation’s stock price.
  • SK Innovation at ₩108,000/share; SK E&S at ₩290,000/share based on strong profits. SK plans ratios around 1.3x total value and 2.7x per share. SK Inc may reach mid-70% stake post-merger.
  • SK Innovation’s stock may face short-term decline. Securing shareholder approval, with SK Inc at 36%, overseas investors 22%, local institutions 15%, local retail 20%, and NPS 7%, poses challenges.

The Beat Ideas- Petronet LNG: Driving Growth in India’s Natural Gas Sector

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Currently, the share of natural gas in energy basket is just 6.7%, Which India is aiming for 15% by 2030.
  • Capex in Place- expanding the Dahej Plant, Petchem facility(20000Cr) will be operational in 4-5 years, Kochi utilization will improve
  • 20% Volume Growth expected by Management, with a rising LNG portion in overall Gas Consumption in India.

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