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Smartkarma Daily Briefs

Daily Brief TMT/Internet: ACI Worldwide, AudioEye , Datatec Limited, QYOU Media and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • ACI Worldwide: Initiation Of Coverage – Expansion of SaaS Businesses & Improved Productivity with Generative AI! – Major Drivers
  • AEye, Inc. – 4Q23 Cash Burn Lower, New Product Announced
  • Datatec – FY24 revenue growth of 5.8%
  • QYOU: Setting Up for a Record 2024


ACI Worldwide: Initiation Of Coverage – Expansion of SaaS Businesses & Improved Productivity with Generative AI! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on software player, ACI Worldwide Inc. The company delivered a solid earnings performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended 2023.
  • The company witnessed a strong acceleration in growth, with a revenue growth of 9% and an EBITDA growth of 32% in its Biller segment.
  • The company also demonstrated growth in its banking segment, with revenue growth of 35% and 24% in its anti-fraud and real-time payment solutions respectively.

AEye, Inc. – 4Q23 Cash Burn Lower, New Product Announced

By Water Tower Research

  • While AEye announced 4Q23 revenue of $0.1 million and reduced cash burn again, the real story was the signing of a letter-of-intent with a Tier 1 automotive ADAS sensor supplier.
  • CEO Matt Fisch said this, “marks the beginning of a new relationship as part of our capital- light, automotive-first strategy.”
  • AEye announced its first 4Sight Flex product, Apollo, which will target L2+, L3, and L4 applications in the automotive market. 

Datatec – FY24 revenue growth of 5.8%

By Edison Investment Research

Datatec expects to report revenue of $5.44bn for FY24, up 5.8% y-o-y, and noted that the quality of earnings improved in the year. During H224, Westcon International continued to deliver a strong financial performance. Logicalis International also had a strong half, although its reported revenue growth has been suppressed by a higher proportion of net revenue-reported software sales. Logicalis Latin America had a tougher H2 due to difficult market conditions in Argentina and Brazil. We maintain our forecasts pending FY24 results, which are expected to be on or around 27 May.


QYOU: Setting Up for a Record 2024

By Atrium Research

  • QYOU Media announced the launch of two new channels for its Connected TVs business as well as a distribution agreement for QPlay+.
  • On its March 7th townhall, QYOU USA highlighted that it is currently having its best quarter ever, bouncing back from the Hollywood strike.
  • This sets up QYOU for a record 2024, as seen in our model and Q1/24 preview section below.

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Daily Brief Health Care: Alteogen Inc, Eiken Chemical, Probiotec Ltd, Fortrea Holdings , HealthCare Global Enterprises, Beijing Wantai Biological Phar, Recce Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Alteogen: Block Deal Sale of About 3% of Shares
  • Consolidation in the Med-Tech Sector? Eiken and Hogy to Benefit
  • Probiotec (PBP AU): Trading Wide Ahead Of 29th May Shareholder Vote
  • Probiotec (PBP AU): Scheme Vote on 29 May as Doubts on Pyridam’s Funding Linger
  • Fortrea Holdings: Refocusing As A Pure-Play CRO But Will It Pay Off?
  • HCG: FY25 and FY26 Set To Be Defining Years
  • Beijing Wantai Biological (603392 CH): Struggling to Make a Mark in Murky China HPV Vaccine Market
  • Recce Pharmaceuticals – R&D advance (A$11.18m) extends runway


Alteogen: Block Deal Sale of About 3% of Shares

By Douglas Kim

  • On 27 March, Alteogen announced that Jeong Hye-shin, former Alteogen Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), sold 1.6 million shares of Alteogen stock in after-hours trading in block deal sale. 
  • The block deal sale price was 197,770 won. Alteogen’s share price declined by 10.9% today to 195,600 won. Block deal sale amount was about 316 billion won. 
  • This block deal sale combined with the sharp recent, share price increase are likely to result in a near-term consolidation of its share price in the next several months.

Consolidation in the Med-Tech Sector? Eiken and Hogy to Benefit

By Mark Chadwick

  • The med-tech sector is ripe for consolidation. Smaller players like Hogy Medical (3593 JP) , and Eiken Chemical (4549 JP)  exhibit sub-par growth and lagging valuations
  • Activist investors like ValueAct Capital, Dalton and Asset Value have recognized an opportunity for growth and potential M&A
  • Both Hogy and Eiken trades at a deep discount to larger domestic peers and stand to benefit the most from any consolidation

Probiotec (PBP AU): Trading Wide Ahead Of 29th May Shareholder Vote

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 22 December 2023, drugs maker/packager group Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU) entered into a Scheme with Indonesia’s Pyridam Farma (PYFA IJ).
  • Pyridam is offering Probiotec shareholders A$3.00/share (in cash, or a 19% premium to the undisturbed price). An interim dividend of A$0.035/share was also added (now gone ex).
  • The Scheme Booklet is now out. The Scheme Meeting will be held on the 29th May. The IE says terms are fair. I agree. Trading wide. Gross spread is 4.9%.

Probiotec (PBP AU): Scheme Vote on 29 May as Doubts on Pyridam’s Funding Linger

By Arun George

  • The Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU) IE considers Pyridam Farma (PYFA IJ)’s A$3.00 offer fair and reasonable as it is within its A$2.79-A$3.28 per share valuation range.
  • The scheme remains conditional on shareholders’ (Probiotec and Pyridam), FIRB, and OJK approvals. Probiotec can also pay a permitted dividend of up to A$0.04 per share.
  • The gross spread of 4.9% (6.3% including dividends) reflects doubts about Pyridam’s funding credibility, as Pyridam’s market cap is 16% of Probiotec’s implied by the offer.

Fortrea Holdings: Refocusing As A Pure-Play CRO But Will It Pay Off?

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Fortrea Corporation, a renowned contract research organization (CRO).
  • The company reported its fourth quarter 2023 earnings, recording revenue growth of 1.8% year-over-year to $775.4 million.
  • CEO Tom Pike praised the company’s transformation over 2023, managing to transition from a division within a larger parent company to a stand-alone entity.

HCG: FY25 and FY26 Set To Be Defining Years

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Despite Q3 being seasonally weak, HealthCare Global Enterprises (“HCG”) reported 11% YoY growth in revenues. Q3FY24 revenue came in at INR 470cr.
  • HCG has been focusing on fortifying its clinical talent strength and increasing business promotion. This has been yielding positive result, with Kolkata and Mumbai seeing 57% and 17% YoY growth.
  • With the operationalization of four radiation machines now behind us, Q3 saw improved mix of radiation oncology with its growth at 13% YoY vs 11% YoY in overall revenue.

Beijing Wantai Biological (603392 CH): Struggling to Make a Mark in Murky China HPV Vaccine Market

By Tina Banerjee

  • Beijing Wantai Biological Phar (603392 CH) announced that its net profit for 2023 declined 71–75% YoY to RMB1.20–1.35B mainly due to the market competition.
  • China’s HPV vaccine market is highly competitive. Beijing Wantai has no presence in higher valent HPV vaccine segment, which dominates the domestic market.
  • Although the company will be one of the early movers in domestically developed nonavalent HPV vaccines, at least three more players will follow soon, thereby making the space more competitive.

Recce Pharmaceuticals – R&D advance (A$11.18m) extends runway

By Edison Investment Research

Recce Pharmaceuticals recently received A$11.18m as an R&D advance credit through an arrangement with Endpoints Capital for the R&D tax credit rebates that Recce expects to receive for FY23/FY24 and FY25. We believe this non-dilutive source of funding should extend Recce’s operating runway into FY25. Recce is also continuing to advance its intravenous (IV) R327 formulation in its ongoing Phase I/II study in healthy volunteers, having recently started the 20-minute (3,000mg) dosing cohort. We have made minor adjustments to our valuation and we now obtain a risk-adjusted net present value (rNPV) of A$644.4m (or A$3.16/share), versus A$652.6m previously.


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Daily Brief Industrials: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Shipping Corp of India Land And Assets, Symbotic, China Everbright Environment, SharkNinja , Steelcase Inc Cl A, Acuity Brands and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011 JP): Take Profits and Wait for Reality to Catch Up
  • Shipping Corporation of India Land & Assets Ltd.: Demerger and a Value Bet
  • Symbotic Inc. (SYM): Fast Growing AI-Powered Warehouse Automation Supplier
  • China Everbright Environment (257 HK): Being Penalised Too Much
  • SharkNinja Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – A Story Of Expansion Into New Markets & Categories! – Major Drivers
  • Steelcase, Inc. – Tweaking FY25 Estimates; Encouraged by Orders and Cash Flow
  • Acuity Brands: Initiation of Coverage – 4 Critical Factors Responsible For Its Future Performance! – Financial Forecasts


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011 JP): Take Profits and Wait for Reality to Catch Up

By Scott Foster

  • MHI’s share price has risen more than 60% year-to-date and nearly tripled over the past 12 months on the improving outlook for Japanese defense contractors.
  • A huge increase in new orders, prospects for a doubling of sales and a rapidly rising operating margin on Aircraft, Defense & Space have been factored into the price.
  • The shares do not look expensive compared with international comparables, but neither are they particularly cheap. Potential problems, from Japanese defense budget constraints to production glitches, have been ignored. 

Shipping Corporation of India Land & Assets Ltd.: Demerger and a Value Bet

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Discover SCILAL’s debut in the stock market after demerger form Shipping Corp Of India (SCI IN), its strategic disinvestment, and the hidden value within its diverse asset portfolio.
  • Real Estate Assets in company and future outlook by management of SCILAL over the years going forward.
  • The market value of assets is twice more than the book value. Value bet but can take longer time to monetize the same.

Symbotic Inc. (SYM): Fast Growing AI-Powered Warehouse Automation Supplier

By GSBR Research Pvt Ltd

  • Symbotic is a warehouse automation technology leader and offers end-to-end AI-powered robotic and software platform for supply chains.
  • SYM’s hi-tech platform forms its deep competitive moat underpinned by significant R&D spend of $800 million and 575 issued or pending patents.
  • Our positive outlook for SYM is underpinned by its hi-tech platform , a large TAM, robust order backlog ($23.2B) and its JV deal with Softbank that opens a large market.

China Everbright Environment (257 HK): Being Penalised Too Much

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Despite a 3.8% decline in FY23 net profit, China Everbright Environment (257 HK)‘s profitability has still outperformed its peers by significant magnitudes. 
  • Positive notes in the result are an increase in operation service revenue proportion, expansion in EBITDA margin, improvement in financial position, and addition of new projects.
  • It is easy for CEE to achieve the market expectation of a 9.8% growth in FY24. Yet, it just trade on 3.6x PER, 8.5% yield, and 0.34x P/B. 

SharkNinja Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – A Story Of Expansion Into New Markets & Categories! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our our first report on household appliances distributor, SharkNinja.
  • The company’s Q4 2023 Earnings revealed that it had a robust fourth quarter, with nearly 20% growth in adjusted net sales and more than 70% growth in adjusted EBITDA. The CEO, Mark Barrocas, attributed this to the company’s growth strategy, innovation and the support from both consumers and retail partners.
  • The company’s full year sales grew by over 15% nearing to $4.2 billion and with an adjusted EBITDA increase by nearly 39% reaching $720 million.

Steelcase, Inc. – Tweaking FY25 Estimates; Encouraged by Orders and Cash Flow

By Water Tower Research

  • We are publishing new estimates for our Steelcase economic model after its solid 4QFY24 earnings.
  • Adjusted EPS of $0.23 beat our estimate as well as consensus. Revenue of $775.2 million modestly missed estimates.
  • 1QFY25: We tweaked our non-GAAP (adjusted) EPS estimate to $0.11 ($0.10 previously).

Acuity Brands: Initiation of Coverage – 4 Critical Factors Responsible For Its Future Performance! – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on building management solutions provider, Acuity Brands.
  • The company reported fiscal first quarter earnings, indicating positive performance for the period.
  • The company demonstrated strong overall execution as it increased its adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit margin, and adjusted diluted earnings per share.

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Daily Brief Consumer: Lawson Inc, Fast Retailing, Shenzhou Intl Group Holdings, China Resources Beer Holdings, Lotte Tour Development Co, Ltd., RPSG Ventures Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch Co Cl A, Academy Sports & Outdoors , Nippon Television and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • KDDI Launches Tender To Buy Out Lawson (2651) – Still Far Too Cheap
  • Lawson (2651 JP): KDDI Corp (9433 JP) Tender Offer Launches
  • Fast Retailing: Earnings Preview
  • Shenzhou Intl (2313 HK):  Higher Visibility Into Restocking Cycle
  • China Resources Beer Holdings (291.HK) Starts 2024 with a Bang!
  • Lotte Tour Development: A Major Asset Revaluation Resulting in More Than 8X Increase in Equity
  • RPSG Ventures: FMCG Business Is Scaling Up Well | BPO Business Is Recovering
  • Abercrombie & Fitch Co: Initiation of Coverage – Its Enhanced Product Differentiation & Expansion Responsible For The Recent Growth? – Major Drivers
  • Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Why Are We Bullish On This Sports Products Giant? – Major Drivers
  • NTV’s Change of Policy Is a Positive Effect Of TSE’s Request, But Its Seriousness Will Be Tested Now


KDDI Launches Tender To Buy Out Lawson (2651) – Still Far Too Cheap

By Travis Lundy

  • KDDI has announced the launch tomorrow of its Tender Offer to buy out the minorities in Lawson Inc (2651 JP)
  • It’s still too cheap. It is still a somewhat non-transparent and unfair process as far as I can tell. And it does not adhere to the METI Fair M&A Guidelines. 
  • There SHOULD BE some activist interest to get KDDI to bump but it is not clear that will show up. 

Lawson (2651 JP): KDDI Corp (9433 JP) Tender Offer Launches

By Arun George

  • Lawson Inc (2651 JP) has announced that the pre-condition for the KDDI Corp (9433 JP) tender offer is satisfied. The offer terms are unchanged at JPY10,360 per share. 
  • The offer is arguably light due to the market re-rating, does not reflect significant synergies and is below the midpoint of the IFA DCF valuation range. 
  • Nevertheless, the offer will likely succeed as it represents an all-time high, with no vocal opposition, an achievable 30.2% minority acceptance rate, and the shares never trading through terms. 

Fast Retailing: Earnings Preview

By Oshadhi Kumarasiri

  • While domestic revenues may have slowed, Uniqlo’s domestic OP shows upside potential driven by upside to GM and a gradual reduction in SG&A expenditure.
  • Simultaneously, Uniqlo International is exhibiting strong performance, with anticipated revenue and OP growth of 21% and 30% YoY respectively.
  • Despite expecting a strong earnings beat, concerns over high valuations and index issues make us cautious about trading Fast Retailing (9983 JP) in the current earnings cycle.

Shenzhou Intl (2313 HK):  Higher Visibility Into Restocking Cycle

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • Shenzhou Intl Group Holdings (2313 HK) reported 2023 results yesterday.  2H23 continued to be weak, with sales down 6% yoy.  Net profit grew 10% yoy in 2H23.
  • Most importantly, the company sounded quite bullish on 2024 during the results briefing, which greatly improves the visibility in the order recovery thesis of the company.
  • I continue to believe that Shenzhou is the best proxy for gaining exposure to the global sportswear sector, especially given the improved visibility now. 

China Resources Beer Holdings (291.HK) Starts 2024 with a Bang!

By Rikki Malik

  • Full -year 2023 results  and 2024 forecasts indicate business going to plan
  • The Baijiu division, key to a rerating, grew sales 50% y/y in the first two months of the year
  • The beer division continues to reap the benefits of its premiumisation strategy

Lotte Tour Development: A Major Asset Revaluation Resulting in More Than 8X Increase in Equity

By Douglas Kim

  • Lotte Tour Development announced that it will conduct a major asset revaluation which could positively impact its share price. 
  • The company’s assets will increase to 2.39 trillion won and equity will increase to 569.3 billion won (up more than 8x) at end of 1Q 2024 due to asset revaluation.
  • As a result of the asset revaluation, the company’s balance sheet will improve significantly and this likely result in many investors taking another look at the company for potential investments. 

RPSG Ventures: FMCG Business Is Scaling Up Well | BPO Business Is Recovering

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • With around 3.4% QoQ CC revenue growth in Q3FY24, the BPO business, Firstsource Solutions (“Firstsource”), is recovering back to normal, after seeing cyclical dip over the past couple of years.
  • The FMCG business is scaling up well. Q3FY24 revenues came in at INR 135cr, a growth of around 12% QoQ, led by festive season demand. YoY growth was 17%+.
  • The Sports business reported muted revenues in Q3FY24 as currently the revenue stream is dominated by the IPL event which typically happens in the March to June period.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co: Initiation of Coverage – Its Enhanced Product Differentiation & Expansion Responsible For The Recent Growth? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
  • emerged from 2023 with significant achievements, marking it as a defining year for the company.
  • The brand witnessed a 15.8% increase in sales, reaching $4.28 billion, which not only represents its second highest annual sales level in history but also a testament to its robust growth strategy.

Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Why Are We Bullish On This Sports Products Giant? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on sports products major, Academy Sports and Outdoors.
  • In the Q4 and 2023 fiscal year call of Academy Sports and Outdoors, the management reported impressive sales improvement during the quarter and significant progress in their long-term strategic objectives.
  • Sales came in at $1.8 billion, which was a 2.8% increase in total and adjusted earnings per share increased by 8%.

NTV’s Change of Policy Is a Positive Effect Of TSE’s Request, But Its Seriousness Will Be Tested Now

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Although unavoidable under the provisions of Broadcasting Act, the fact that the right to receive dividends as interest-bearing securities was inhibited was problematic in terms of fairness with other shareholders.
  • NTV Holdings, which has ignored this issue, changes its policy, which is a positive impact of “TSE’s request,” but NTV’s seriousness can be measured by whether it raises its ROE.
  • If the intention is to leave cross-shareholdings intact and attract overseas investor purchases through some share repurchases, there would be little prospect of a serious increase in ROE.

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Daily Brief Financials: Noah Holdings, Nesco Ltd, USD, Yuexiu Property and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Update on active Ideas
  • Nesco: Stellar Q3FY24
  • Global FX: An Uncomfortable Setup for USD Bulls and Bears
  • Yuexiu Property – Earnings Flash – FY 2023 Results – Lucror Analytics


Update on active Ideas

By Turtles all the way down

  • I mentioned Noah holdings as a trade to buy before earnings since I anticipated an announcement of significant capital returns.
  • This has worked out well with over $2 in dividends announced. Half of that dividend will be recurring.
  • So I sold out all of my shares at just under $12. This was never a high conviction investment, but merely a trade. Marking it as a 18% return.

Nesco: Stellar Q3FY24

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Nesco reported a strong Q3FY24 led by significant growth in the exhibition business. It grew by 55%+ YoY and grew 3%+ QoQ despite Q2 being a seasonally strong quarter.
  • The IT business performed steady with revenues at around INR 80cr and EBIT at around 65cr. Revenue declined by -4% QoQ, led by slight decline in occupancy.
  • Nesco is now on track to beat our prior FY24 upgraded PAT estimate of INR 330cr+. It may now end FY24 with a PAT of INR 350cr+.

Global FX: An Uncomfortable Setup for USD Bulls and Bears

By At Any Rate

  • Powell’s dovish tone at the press conference led to initial market reaction, but subsequent dollar rally due to revised growth and inflation forecasts in the SCP release
  • Market leaning towards higher median dot in SCP, but overall outlook remains for shallower cutting cycle by Fed
  • Yen vulnerability due to negative real yields despite BOJ rate hikes, yen weakening may impact other Asian currencies and markets

This content is sourced through publicly available sources and has been machine generated. Information displayed is for general informational purposes only.


Yuexiu Property – Earnings Flash – FY 2023 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

Yuexiu Property’s (YXP) FY 2023 results were largely stable and in line with our expectations. The company reported strong contracted sales and top-line growth, albeit the margins weakened in tandem with industry trends. Leverage was mixed, as net debt crept up slightly. Importantly, liquidity appears sound, supported by YXP’s healthy access to financing. The company remains active in land acquisitions and has a good quality land bank, with 95% of its projects in Tier 1 and 2 cities.


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Daily Brief Australia: Probiotec Ltd, Recce Ltd and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Probiotec (PBP AU): Trading Wide Ahead Of 29th May Shareholder Vote
  • Probiotec (PBP AU): Scheme Vote on 29 May as Doubts on Pyridam’s Funding Linger
  • Recce Pharmaceuticals – R&D advance (A$11.18m) extends runway


Probiotec (PBP AU): Trading Wide Ahead Of 29th May Shareholder Vote

By David Blennerhassett

  • On the 22 December 2023, drugs maker/packager group Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU) entered into a Scheme with Indonesia’s Pyridam Farma (PYFA IJ).
  • Pyridam is offering Probiotec shareholders A$3.00/share (in cash, or a 19% premium to the undisturbed price). An interim dividend of A$0.035/share was also added (now gone ex).
  • The Scheme Booklet is now out. The Scheme Meeting will be held on the 29th May. The IE says terms are fair. I agree. Trading wide. Gross spread is 4.9%.

Probiotec (PBP AU): Scheme Vote on 29 May as Doubts on Pyridam’s Funding Linger

By Arun George

  • The Probiotec Ltd (PBP AU) IE considers Pyridam Farma (PYFA IJ)’s A$3.00 offer fair and reasonable as it is within its A$2.79-A$3.28 per share valuation range.
  • The scheme remains conditional on shareholders’ (Probiotec and Pyridam), FIRB, and OJK approvals. Probiotec can also pay a permitted dividend of up to A$0.04 per share.
  • The gross spread of 4.9% (6.3% including dividends) reflects doubts about Pyridam’s funding credibility, as Pyridam’s market cap is 16% of Probiotec’s implied by the offer.

Recce Pharmaceuticals – R&D advance (A$11.18m) extends runway

By Edison Investment Research

Recce Pharmaceuticals recently received A$11.18m as an R&D advance credit through an arrangement with Endpoints Capital for the R&D tax credit rebates that Recce expects to receive for FY23/FY24 and FY25. We believe this non-dilutive source of funding should extend Recce’s operating runway into FY25. Recce is also continuing to advance its intravenous (IV) R327 formulation in its ongoing Phase I/II study in healthy volunteers, having recently started the 20-minute (3,000mg) dosing cohort. We have made minor adjustments to our valuation and we now obtain a risk-adjusted net present value (rNPV) of A$644.4m (or A$3.16/share), versus A$652.6m previously.


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Daily Brief South Korea: Alteogen Inc, Lotte Tour Development Co, Ltd. and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Alteogen: Block Deal Sale of About 3% of Shares
  • Lotte Tour Development: A Major Asset Revaluation Resulting in More Than 8X Increase in Equity


Alteogen: Block Deal Sale of About 3% of Shares

By Douglas Kim

  • On 27 March, Alteogen announced that Jeong Hye-shin, former Alteogen Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), sold 1.6 million shares of Alteogen stock in after-hours trading in block deal sale. 
  • The block deal sale price was 197,770 won. Alteogen’s share price declined by 10.9% today to 195,600 won. Block deal sale amount was about 316 billion won. 
  • This block deal sale combined with the sharp recent, share price increase are likely to result in a near-term consolidation of its share price in the next several months.

Lotte Tour Development: A Major Asset Revaluation Resulting in More Than 8X Increase in Equity

By Douglas Kim

  • Lotte Tour Development announced that it will conduct a major asset revaluation which could positively impact its share price. 
  • The company’s assets will increase to 2.39 trillion won and equity will increase to 569.3 billion won (up more than 8x) at end of 1Q 2024 due to asset revaluation.
  • As a result of the asset revaluation, the company’s balance sheet will improve significantly and this likely result in many investors taking another look at the company for potential investments. 

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Daily Brief United States: Abercrombie & Fitch Co Cl A, Symbotic, USD, Academy Sports & Outdoors , Fortrea Holdings , Zephyr Energy, ACI Worldwide, Asbury Automotive, GameStop, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Abercrombie & Fitch Co: Initiation of Coverage – Its Enhanced Product Differentiation & Expansion Responsible For The Recent Growth? – Major Drivers
  • Symbotic Inc. (SYM): Fast Growing AI-Powered Warehouse Automation Supplier
  • Global FX: An Uncomfortable Setup for USD Bulls and Bears
  • Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Why Are We Bullish On This Sports Products Giant? – Major Drivers
  • Fortrea Holdings: Refocusing As A Pure-Play CRO But Will It Pay Off?
  • Zephyr Energy Plc (AIM: ZPHR): Potential for helium well to be drilled mid 2024
  • ACI Worldwide: Initiation Of Coverage – Expansion of SaaS Businesses & Improved Productivity with Generative AI! – Major Drivers
  • Asbury Automotive Group: Initiation of Coverage – A Dive Into Its Core Business Strategy & 5 Pivotal Factors Driving Its Growth! – Financial Forecasts
  • GameStop Corp.: Initiation of Coverage – Does This Meme Stock Still Have Any Steam? – Financial Forecasts
  • Madison Square Garden Sports: Strong Starts for Knicks and Rangers


Abercrombie & Fitch Co: Initiation of Coverage – Its Enhanced Product Differentiation & Expansion Responsible For The Recent Growth? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
  • emerged from 2023 with significant achievements, marking it as a defining year for the company.
  • The brand witnessed a 15.8% increase in sales, reaching $4.28 billion, which not only represents its second highest annual sales level in history but also a testament to its robust growth strategy.

Symbotic Inc. (SYM): Fast Growing AI-Powered Warehouse Automation Supplier

By GSBR Research Pvt Ltd

  • Symbotic is a warehouse automation technology leader and offers end-to-end AI-powered robotic and software platform for supply chains.
  • SYM’s hi-tech platform forms its deep competitive moat underpinned by significant R&D spend of $800 million and 575 issued or pending patents.
  • Our positive outlook for SYM is underpinned by its hi-tech platform , a large TAM, robust order backlog ($23.2B) and its JV deal with Softbank that opens a large market.

Global FX: An Uncomfortable Setup for USD Bulls and Bears

By At Any Rate

  • Powell’s dovish tone at the press conference led to initial market reaction, but subsequent dollar rally due to revised growth and inflation forecasts in the SCP release
  • Market leaning towards higher median dot in SCP, but overall outlook remains for shallower cutting cycle by Fed
  • Yen vulnerability due to negative real yields despite BOJ rate hikes, yen weakening may impact other Asian currencies and markets

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Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc.: Initiation of Coverage – Why Are We Bullish On This Sports Products Giant? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on sports products major, Academy Sports and Outdoors.
  • In the Q4 and 2023 fiscal year call of Academy Sports and Outdoors, the management reported impressive sales improvement during the quarter and significant progress in their long-term strategic objectives.
  • Sales came in at $1.8 billion, which was a 2.8% increase in total and adjusted earnings per share increased by 8%.

Fortrea Holdings: Refocusing As A Pure-Play CRO But Will It Pay Off?

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Fortrea Corporation, a renowned contract research organization (CRO).
  • The company reported its fourth quarter 2023 earnings, recording revenue growth of 1.8% year-over-year to $775.4 million.
  • CEO Tom Pike praised the company’s transformation over 2023, managing to transition from a division within a larger parent company to a stand-alone entity.

Zephyr Energy Plc (AIM: ZPHR): Potential for helium well to be drilled mid 2024

By Auctus Advisors

  • In October 2023, Zephyr announced the acquisition of at least a 75% WI in the Salt Wash field, located ~3 miles to the south of the Paradox project.
  • Salt Wash has a 15 feet oil rim, above which is an inert gas cap (~500 feet of gas column) which consists of ~72% nitrogen, 22% hydrocarbon gases, and 1.4% to 1.7% helium content.
  • The field was abandoned in 2014 after having produced 1.65 mmbbl of oil and 11.7 bcf of natural gas.

ACI Worldwide: Initiation Of Coverage – Expansion of SaaS Businesses & Improved Productivity with Generative AI! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on software player, ACI Worldwide Inc. The company delivered a solid earnings performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended 2023.
  • The company witnessed a strong acceleration in growth, with a revenue growth of 9% and an EBITDA growth of 32% in its Biller segment.
  • The company also demonstrated growth in its banking segment, with revenue growth of 35% and 24% in its anti-fraud and real-time payment solutions respectively.

Asbury Automotive Group: Initiation of Coverage – A Dive Into Its Core Business Strategy & 5 Pivotal Factors Driving Its Growth! – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Asbury Automotive Group Inc. The company’s fourth quarter 2023 earnings showcased a year of considerable growth and progress.
  • The company delivered $14.8 billion in revenue, had a gross profit margin of 18.6%, and an adjusted earnings per share of $32.60.
  • Asbury generated an adjusted operating margin of 7.3% and an adjusted EBITDA of over $1.1 billion.

GameStop Corp.: Initiation of Coverage – Does This Meme Stock Still Have Any Steam? – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on popular meme stock, GameStop Corporation.
  • GameStop’s transformation over the past two years is evident in its financial results and strategic shifts.
  • In 2021, it faced bulky debt, a diminishing cash balance and strained vendor relationships.

Madison Square Garden Sports: Strong Starts for Knicks and Rangers

By Baptista Research

  • This is our first report on Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
  • The company’s Fiscal 2024 second quarter exhibited a mix of positives and negatives that provide a balanced perspective for potential investors.
  • Beginning with the positives, the company’s performance reflected a positive operational momentum that has resulted in a growth in revenues and adjusted operating income.

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Daily Brief India: Shipping Corp of India Land And Assets, RPSG Ventures Limited, Nesco Ltd, HealthCare Global Enterprises, Rajshree Polypack and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • Shipping Corporation of India Land & Assets Ltd.: Demerger and a Value Bet
  • RPSG Ventures: FMCG Business Is Scaling Up Well | BPO Business Is Recovering
  • Nesco: Stellar Q3FY24
  • HCG: FY25 and FY26 Set To Be Defining Years
  • RPPL: On Track for a Strong FY25


Shipping Corporation of India Land & Assets Ltd.: Demerger and a Value Bet

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Discover SCILAL’s debut in the stock market after demerger form Shipping Corp Of India (SCI IN), its strategic disinvestment, and the hidden value within its diverse asset portfolio.
  • Real Estate Assets in company and future outlook by management of SCILAL over the years going forward.
  • The market value of assets is twice more than the book value. Value bet but can take longer time to monetize the same.

RPSG Ventures: FMCG Business Is Scaling Up Well | BPO Business Is Recovering

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • With around 3.4% QoQ CC revenue growth in Q3FY24, the BPO business, Firstsource Solutions (“Firstsource”), is recovering back to normal, after seeing cyclical dip over the past couple of years.
  • The FMCG business is scaling up well. Q3FY24 revenues came in at INR 135cr, a growth of around 12% QoQ, led by festive season demand. YoY growth was 17%+.
  • The Sports business reported muted revenues in Q3FY24 as currently the revenue stream is dominated by the IPL event which typically happens in the March to June period.

Nesco: Stellar Q3FY24

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Nesco reported a strong Q3FY24 led by significant growth in the exhibition business. It grew by 55%+ YoY and grew 3%+ QoQ despite Q2 being a seasonally strong quarter.
  • The IT business performed steady with revenues at around INR 80cr and EBIT at around 65cr. Revenue declined by -4% QoQ, led by slight decline in occupancy.
  • Nesco is now on track to beat our prior FY24 upgraded PAT estimate of INR 330cr+. It may now end FY24 with a PAT of INR 350cr+.

HCG: FY25 and FY26 Set To Be Defining Years

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Despite Q3 being seasonally weak, HealthCare Global Enterprises (“HCG”) reported 11% YoY growth in revenues. Q3FY24 revenue came in at INR 470cr.
  • HCG has been focusing on fortifying its clinical talent strength and increasing business promotion. This has been yielding positive result, with Kolkata and Mumbai seeing 57% and 17% YoY growth.
  • With the operationalization of four radiation machines now behind us, Q3 saw improved mix of radiation oncology with its growth at 13% YoY vs 11% YoY in overall revenue.

RPPL: On Track for a Strong FY25

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • Rajshree Polypack (“RPPL”) reported a robust Q3FY24 led by strong volume growth of 29%+ YoY. EBITDA margin also expanded leading to EBITDA growth of 35%+ YoY.
  • Export business continues to grow steadily with quarterly run-rate now at INR 10cr. This suggests that on an annualized basis, exports could be INR 40cr vs INR 30cr guided earlier.
  • Injection molding business is doing well and has reached optimum capacity utilization. RPPL is exploring to expand this capacity and is also expecting it to become profitable from next quarter.

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Daily Brief China: Shenzhou Intl Group Holdings, Noah Holdings, China Resources Beer Holdings, China Everbright Environment, Yuexiu Property , LANTIAN Group Holdings, Beijing Wantai Biological Phar, Health And Happiness (H&H), Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial, Yihai Int’L Holding and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Shenzhou Intl (2313 HK):  Higher Visibility Into Restocking Cycle
  • Update on active Ideas
  • China Resources Beer Holdings (291.HK) Starts 2024 with a Bang!
  • China Everbright Environment (257 HK): Being Penalised Too Much
  • Yuexiu Property – Earnings Flash – FY 2023 Results – Lucror Analytics
  • Pre-IPO LANTIAN Group Holdings – The Industry Is Saturated, with Weak Profitability
  • Beijing Wantai Biological (603392 CH): Struggling to Make a Mark in Murky China HPV Vaccine Market
  • Morning Views Asia: China Oil And Gas, Meituan
  • Sichuan Baicha Baidao Pre-IPO – Thoughts on Valuation
  • Yihai International (1579 HK):  Time To Take Profit


Shenzhou Intl (2313 HK):  Higher Visibility Into Restocking Cycle

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • Shenzhou Intl Group Holdings (2313 HK) reported 2023 results yesterday.  2H23 continued to be weak, with sales down 6% yoy.  Net profit grew 10% yoy in 2H23.
  • Most importantly, the company sounded quite bullish on 2024 during the results briefing, which greatly improves the visibility in the order recovery thesis of the company.
  • I continue to believe that Shenzhou is the best proxy for gaining exposure to the global sportswear sector, especially given the improved visibility now. 

Update on active Ideas

By Turtles all the way down

  • I mentioned Noah holdings as a trade to buy before earnings since I anticipated an announcement of significant capital returns.
  • This has worked out well with over $2 in dividends announced. Half of that dividend will be recurring.
  • So I sold out all of my shares at just under $12. This was never a high conviction investment, but merely a trade. Marking it as a 18% return.

China Resources Beer Holdings (291.HK) Starts 2024 with a Bang!

By Rikki Malik

  • Full -year 2023 results  and 2024 forecasts indicate business going to plan
  • The Baijiu division, key to a rerating, grew sales 50% y/y in the first two months of the year
  • The beer division continues to reap the benefits of its premiumisation strategy

China Everbright Environment (257 HK): Being Penalised Too Much

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Despite a 3.8% decline in FY23 net profit, China Everbright Environment (257 HK)‘s profitability has still outperformed its peers by significant magnitudes. 
  • Positive notes in the result are an increase in operation service revenue proportion, expansion in EBITDA margin, improvement in financial position, and addition of new projects.
  • It is easy for CEE to achieve the market expectation of a 9.8% growth in FY24. Yet, it just trade on 3.6x PER, 8.5% yield, and 0.34x P/B. 

Yuexiu Property – Earnings Flash – FY 2023 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

Yuexiu Property’s (YXP) FY 2023 results were largely stable and in line with our expectations. The company reported strong contracted sales and top-line growth, albeit the margins weakened in tandem with industry trends. Leverage was mixed, as net debt crept up slightly. Importantly, liquidity appears sound, supported by YXP’s healthy access to financing. The company remains active in land acquisitions and has a good quality land bank, with 95% of its projects in Tier 1 and 2 cities.


Pre-IPO LANTIAN Group Holdings – The Industry Is Saturated, with Weak Profitability

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • The industry in which LANTIAN operates has basically bid farewell to the era of high-speed growth. The baby diaper products market is nearing saturation, with limited future growth potential.
  • The economy baby diaper products market is the last segment to bring alpha. However, it’s not easy for LANTIAN to break through considering strong international big names and local brands.
  • Profit margin of LANTIAN is low. If this is the characteristic of this industry, then baby diaper products isn’t a profitable business.Investors could have other options to achieve higher returns.

Beijing Wantai Biological (603392 CH): Struggling to Make a Mark in Murky China HPV Vaccine Market

By Tina Banerjee

  • Beijing Wantai Biological Phar (603392 CH) announced that its net profit for 2023 declined 71–75% YoY to RMB1.20–1.35B mainly due to the market competition.
  • China’s HPV vaccine market is highly competitive. Beijing Wantai has no presence in higher valent HPV vaccine segment, which dominates the domestic market.
  • Although the company will be one of the early movers in domestically developed nonavalent HPV vaccines, at least three more players will follow soon, thereby making the space more competitive.

Morning Views Asia: China Oil And Gas, Meituan

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.


Sichuan Baicha Baidao Pre-IPO – Thoughts on Valuation

By Sumeet Singh

  • Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial (SBBI) is looking to raise up to US$300m in its upcoming HK IPO.
  • SBBI sells new-style tea drinks through its ChaPanda stores. According to F&S, SBBI ranked third in China’s new-style tea shop market with a market share of 6.8% in FY23.
  • We have looked at the company’s past performance in our earlier notes.  In this note, we provide our initial thoughts on valuations.

Yihai International (1579 HK):  Time To Take Profit

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • Since my previous insight on March 5, the share price is up 32% in less than a month.
  • The company reported 2023 results on March 26, as net profit was up 15% yoy while sales growth was flat for the year. 
  • The company also announced a strong dividend payout ratio of 90% compared to below 30% previously, making the dividend yield of the stock at 6%. 

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