Healthcare

In this briefing:

1. MabPharma (迈博医药) IPO: Assembled for a Trade?
2. Fortis Healthcare: OK Results and a Cost-Cutter CEO
3. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake
4. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO
5. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

1. MabPharma (迈博医药) IPO: Assembled for a Trade?

MabPharma, backed by Chinese private equity investor CDH, is seeking to list in Hong Kong. In this insight, we will discuss the following topics:

• The company’s background
• Details of pipeline drug candidates, the potential market of these products and the competition
• Shareholders and investors
• Questions for management meetings
• Summary of our likes and concerns

We will leave the discussion of valuation for our next insight.

• CStone Pharma (基石药业) IPO: Strong Assembly and Backing (Part 1)

• Viva Biotech (维亚生物) IPO: When CRO Becomes Early Stage Biotech Investor

• Hansoh Pharma (翰森制药) IPO: Takeaways from Recent 4+7 City Centralized Tender Results

• Hansoh Pharma (翰森制药) IPO: A Leading Generic Player with Regulatory Overhang (Part 1)
• WuXi Apptec (药明康德) IPO: This A+H Listing Will Be Different

• Frontage Holding (方达控股) IPO: More Disclosure Needed to Understand Moat and Growth Prospect
• Ascentage Pharma (亚盛医药) IPO: Too Early for an IPO
• Junshi Bioscience (君实医药) IPO: Thoughts on Valuation (Part 2)
• Junshi Bioscience (君实医药) IPO: Early in Application but Behind in Key Indications (Part 1)
• CanSino Biologics (康希诺) IPO: Promising Pre-Clinical Results but Vaccine Scandal Weighs (Part 1)

• AOBiome Therapeutics IPO: Hope for Natural Therapeutic Treatment
• Stealth Biotherapeutics IPO: Cure the Symptoms but Not the Cause (Part 1)
• Innovent Biologics (信达生物) IPO: Pricing the PD-1 and Biosimilars Competition (Part 2)
• Innovent Biologics (信达生物) IPO: A Major PD-1 MAb Competitor Might Have Just Emerged (Part 1)
• MicuRx Pharma (盟科医药) IPO: Betting on Single Drug in the Not so Attractive Antibiotic Segment
• Hua Medicine (华领医药) IPO: Thoughts on Valuation
• Hua Medicine (华领医药) IPO: Reviving Roche’s Failed Attempt?
• BeiGene (百济神州) IPO: Dual-Listing with Upside Capped in the Near Term
• Ascletis Pharma (歌礼制药) IPO: Valuation Not Justified by Ganovo and Ravidasvir NPV (Part 3)
• Ascletis Pharma (歌礼制药) IPO: Three Valuation Risk Factors (Part 2)
• Ascletis Pharma (歌礼制药) IPO: Emerging Player in the Crowded HCV Drug Market
• China Isotope & Radiation IPO: Oligopoly, Visible Growth and High Barrier to Entry
• Zai Lab IPO: Thoughts on Valuation, Risks and Upsides (Part 2)
• Zai Lab IPO: Experienced Team, Promising In-Licensing Drug Pipeline (Part 1)

2. Fortis Healthcare: OK Results and a Cost-Cutter CEO

Fortis Healthcare (FORH IN) ‘s hospital business continued to improve in FQ3 while the lab business remained stable. This Insight briefly focuses on the highlights of the results and their implications. The hiring of a CEO out of Narayana Hrudayalaya (NARH IN) signals continued (and likely intensified) focus on efficiency to improve profitability. 

We continue to think that Fortis is a promising turnaround story. Refer to the Insight Stream for the history of this situation.

3. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake

The oncology treatment landscape in China is evolving rapidly as the government has prioritized access to innovative drugs to meet this significant unmet need. In particular, investors considering the Shanghai Henlius Biotech (1566213D HK) listing should be aware of the emergence of a drug that potentially is superior to Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)‘s Herceptin (and Shanghai Henlius’ HLX02) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (and ultimately HER2-positive gastric cancer). While there should be good demand for cheaper alternatives to Herceptin, the availability of a superior alternative potentially shortens the lifecycle of Herceptin biosimilars. 

China has only recently “modernized” its drug approval and reimbursement, so there is little precedent to rely upon to estimate the speed and magnitude of changes in the market. As brokers rollout forecasts for the company and HLX02, investors should ask if the numbers somehow reflect this risk.

We do not have a view of the offering, but tag this Insight as Bearish because we are highlighting a potential risk.

4. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we assess the bump prospects in the Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) / Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) potential merger. Arun updates on M1 Ltd (M1 SP) which could be delisted following an unconditional offer. In addition, we dig into the trading update for Eclipx (ECX AU) and assess the risks that Mcmillan Shakespeare (MMS AU) could walk away from the deal. Finally, we initiate on the IPO of Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK). A calendar of upcoming catalysts is also attached. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

5. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

In this briefing:

1. Fortis Healthcare: OK Results and a Cost-Cutter CEO
2. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake
3. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO
4. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

1. Fortis Healthcare: OK Results and a Cost-Cutter CEO

Fortis Healthcare (FORH IN) ‘s hospital business continued to improve in FQ3 while the lab business remained stable. This Insight briefly focuses on the highlights of the results and their implications. The hiring of a CEO out of Narayana Hrudayalaya (NARH IN) signals continued (and likely intensified) focus on efficiency to improve profitability. 

We continue to think that Fortis is a promising turnaround story. Refer to the Insight Stream for the history of this situation.

2. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake

The oncology treatment landscape in China is evolving rapidly as the government has prioritized access to innovative drugs to meet this significant unmet need. In particular, investors considering the Shanghai Henlius Biotech (1566213D HK) listing should be aware of the emergence of a drug that potentially is superior to Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)‘s Herceptin (and Shanghai Henlius’ HLX02) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (and ultimately HER2-positive gastric cancer). While there should be good demand for cheaper alternatives to Herceptin, the availability of a superior alternative potentially shortens the lifecycle of Herceptin biosimilars. 

China has only recently “modernized” its drug approval and reimbursement, so there is little precedent to rely upon to estimate the speed and magnitude of changes in the market. As brokers rollout forecasts for the company and HLX02, investors should ask if the numbers somehow reflect this risk.

We do not have a view of the offering, but tag this Insight as Bearish because we are highlighting a potential risk.

3. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we assess the bump prospects in the Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) / Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) potential merger. Arun updates on M1 Ltd (M1 SP) which could be delisted following an unconditional offer. In addition, we dig into the trading update for Eclipx (ECX AU) and assess the risks that Mcmillan Shakespeare (MMS AU) could walk away from the deal. Finally, we initiate on the IPO of Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK). A calendar of upcoming catalysts is also attached. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

4. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

In this briefing:

1. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake
2. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO
3. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

1. HLX02: Innovation Could Overtake

The oncology treatment landscape in China is evolving rapidly as the government has prioritized access to innovative drugs to meet this significant unmet need. In particular, investors considering the Shanghai Henlius Biotech (1566213D HK) listing should be aware of the emergence of a drug that potentially is superior to Roche Holding AG (ROG SW)‘s Herceptin (and Shanghai Henlius’ HLX02) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (and ultimately HER2-positive gastric cancer). While there should be good demand for cheaper alternatives to Herceptin, the availability of a superior alternative potentially shortens the lifecycle of Herceptin biosimilars. 

China has only recently “modernized” its drug approval and reimbursement, so there is little precedent to rely upon to estimate the speed and magnitude of changes in the market. As brokers rollout forecasts for the company and HLX02, investors should ask if the numbers somehow reflect this risk.

We do not have a view of the offering, but tag this Insight as Bearish because we are highlighting a potential risk.

2. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we assess the bump prospects in the Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) / Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) potential merger. Arun updates on M1 Ltd (M1 SP) which could be delisted following an unconditional offer. In addition, we dig into the trading update for Eclipx (ECX AU) and assess the risks that Mcmillan Shakespeare (MMS AU) could walk away from the deal. Finally, we initiate on the IPO of Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK). A calendar of upcoming catalysts is also attached. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

3. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

In this briefing:

1. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO
2. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

1. Last Week in GER Research: API/Sigma, M1, Eclipx/Mcmillan and Hansoh IPO

In this version of the GER weekly research wrap, we assess the bump prospects in the Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) / Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) potential merger. Arun updates on M1 Ltd (M1 SP) which could be delisted following an unconditional offer. In addition, we dig into the trading update for Eclipx (ECX AU) and assess the risks that Mcmillan Shakespeare (MMS AU) could walk away from the deal. Finally, we initiate on the IPO of Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK). A calendar of upcoming catalysts is also attached. 

More details can be found below. 

Best of luck for the new week – Rickin, Venkat and Arun

2. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

In this briefing:

1. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

1. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

In this briefing:

1. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks
2. UG Healthcare: Weak 2Q19 Driven by One-Off Issue, If 10% NPM Achieved in FY20 Trades at 4x FY20 P/E

1. Horiba (6856 JP): Long-Term Buy on Pullbacks

Horiba’s share price has rebounded on FY Dec-18 results that were above management’s most recent guidance and better than we had expected. Consolidated operating profit was up 7.5% on a 7.8% increase in sales, and net profit up 37.0% following extraordinary gains (vs. losses the previous year) and a lower effective tax rate.  

4Q results were weak, primarily due to the downturn in semiconductor capital spending, but this was no surprise. Total consolidated operating profit was down 10.3% year-on-year on a 2.3% increase in sales in the three months to December, while operating profit on Semiconductor Instruments & Systems (primarily mass flow controllers) was down 32.8% on a 15.8% decrease in sales.

Looking ahead, management is guiding for year-on-year declines in both sales and profits in the six months to June, again due to weak demand for semiconductor equipment, followed by a sharp rebound in 2H and low single-digit growth FY Dec-19 as a whole. Judging from the semiconductor equipment order flow, it appears that a weak 1H will be hard to avoid, while there is as yet no sign pointing to recovery. Nevertheless, we have raised our own sales and profit estimates for this fiscal year and next based on the absolute levels of orders and sales.

Automotive Test Systems and the company’s other businesses should continue to grow, supported by the acquisition of FuelCon AG of Germany (an industry leader in battery and fuel cell validation) and Manta Instruments of the U.S. (which makes nanoparticle tracking analysis systems). The issue, then, is how soon and how rapidly semiconductor related investments will recover. We suspect later and more slowly than management hopes, but in any case the downturn appears to have been discounted.

At ¥5,980 (Friday, February 15, closing price), Horiba has rebounded by 44% from its January 4 low of ¥4,155, but is still 38% below its ¥9,590 all-time high reached last May. It is now selling at 13.6x our EPS estimate for this fiscal year and 12.3x our estimate for FY Dec-20. These and other projected valuations are on the low side of their 5-year historical ranges. Once the recent bounce has been consolidated, there should be another buying opportunity for longer term investors.

2. UG Healthcare: Weak 2Q19 Driven by One-Off Issue, If 10% NPM Achieved in FY20 Trades at 4x FY20 P/E

UG Healthcare (UGHC SP) showed good topline growth (+15%) but very weak bottom-line performance (-73%) in the second quarter of FY19 (financial year ending June). Weak bottom-line results were caused by delays and cost overruns in opening its latest factory expansion.

While the latest results are a setback I remain a believer in the UG Healthcare story. The eventual goal of reaching 100M SGD in revenues and getting a 10% NPM remains unchanged by the end of FY2020. Should the target be achieved the company trades at 4x 2020 P/E. Competitors in Malaysia trade at mid-teens multiples (or higher) so UG should deserve a significant re-rating the coming two years. Fundamentally, nothing has changed to alter my bear case  (0.24 SGD), base case (0.39 SGD) or blue-sky scenario (0.62 SGD) analysis. Liquidity remains an issue at less than 25K SGD/day. 

In this briefing:

1. UG Healthcare: Weak 2Q19 Driven by One-Off Issue, If 10% NPM Achieved in FY20 Trades at 4x FY20 P/E

1. UG Healthcare: Weak 2Q19 Driven by One-Off Issue, If 10% NPM Achieved in FY20 Trades at 4x FY20 P/E

UG Healthcare (UGHC SP) showed good topline growth (+15%) but very weak bottom-line performance (-73%) in the second quarter of FY19 (financial year ending June). Weak bottom-line results were caused by delays and cost overruns in opening its latest factory expansion.

While the latest results are a setback I remain a believer in the UG Healthcare story. The eventual goal of reaching 100M SGD in revenues and getting a 10% NPM remains unchanged by the end of FY2020. Should the target be achieved the company trades at 4x 2020 P/E. Competitors in Malaysia trade at mid-teens multiples (or higher) so UG should deserve a significant re-rating the coming two years. Fundamentally, nothing has changed to alter my bear case  (0.24 SGD), base case (0.39 SGD) or blue-sky scenario (0.62 SGD) analysis. Liquidity remains an issue at less than 25K SGD/day. 

In this briefing:

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group

We caught up with Intuch Group this week to check how things were going on with them and their subsidiaries, AIS and Thaicom. It’s good to touch base, since it’s been a while, and many things have changed in the interim:

• Intuch self-congratulated themselves for a narrowing of their discount to NAV from 28% to 20% in 2018 while introducing three new investments and announced the breakeven of their shopping network, a joint venture with Hyundai.
• Wongnai, an online foodie guide and one of Intuch’s largest investments, underperformed our revenue forecast significantly, but managed to post impressive revenue growth nevertheless. While profitable, their rapid expansion also means they are unlikely to meet their own internal profitability expectations.
• Thaicom posted a loss in Q4 and almost non-existent earnings in 2018 largely due to asset impairments, but there is some hope in the future with the government’s various PPP (public-private partnership) schemes mentioned in the meeting.
• AIS, the Group’s flagship company, posted flat earnings of Bt30bn and is in the process of reversing a decline in revenue market share through aggressive push in enterprise and consumer services.

In this briefing:

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group
2. Sigma Healthcare Market Update: Strategic Review Expects More
3. Hansoh Pharma IPO Preview: A Decent Story Tarnished by a Huge Pre-IPO Dividend

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group

We caught up with Intuch Group this week to check how things were going on with them and their subsidiaries, AIS and Thaicom. It’s good to touch base, since it’s been a while, and many things have changed in the interim:

• Intuch self-congratulated themselves for a narrowing of their discount to NAV from 28% to 20% in 2018 while introducing three new investments and announced the breakeven of their shopping network, a joint venture with Hyundai.
• Wongnai, an online foodie guide and one of Intuch’s largest investments, underperformed our revenue forecast significantly, but managed to post impressive revenue growth nevertheless. While profitable, their rapid expansion also means they are unlikely to meet their own internal profitability expectations.
• Thaicom posted a loss in Q4 and almost non-existent earnings in 2018 largely due to asset impairments, but there is some hope in the future with the government’s various PPP (public-private partnership) schemes mentioned in the meeting.
• AIS, the Group’s flagship company, posted flat earnings of Bt30bn and is in the process of reversing a decline in revenue market share through aggressive push in enterprise and consumer services.

2. Sigma Healthcare Market Update: Strategic Review Expects More

In my first insight on this potential deal situation in December API Tilts at Sigma Healthcare: Expect More, I noted that despite the 69% premium and very large jump on Day1 there was still room below the cash and scrip terms of Australian Pharma Industries (API AU)‘s (“API”) non-binding offer (of 0.31 shares of API and A$0.23 in cash for each share of Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) held), which were arguably light (i.e. ascribed too much value to API shareholders for the shares portion). Also, given the nature of “opportunistic bids” made when a recently bombed out former growth stock and the “sunk cost” model of investor and executive mentality, there was every possibility that Sigma would come out saying they were worth more.

My concluding recommendation was to expect that API would have to bid more, and to think about trading this from a “long gamma” perspective and said I would be long Sigma vs API in the interim (either long-short or against terms). So far that has worked, but mostly because Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) has fallen in price. What had been a 24.9% spread to terms when I wrote was down to 13.6% last Friday and to 7.6% after the move Monday after the New News.

The New News

Friday morning, Sigma Healthcare released a 2-page Market Update saying the four month Business Review, assisted by Accenture, had identified A$100mm of annual cost savings, confirmed the FY19 EBIT guidance of A$75 million, and confirmed the FY20 EBITDA guidance of $55-60mm (strictly speaking, the conversion from EBIT to EBITDA had been pinpointed to be $54-64mm, so the range has shrunk and the top end has come down).

The business review sees 10% underlying EBITDA growth from FY20 to FY23 so that after cost savings are included, FY23 sees the same EBITDA as FY19 [i.e. almost A$90mm].

The last bullet point suggests to expect “minimal net debt by FY20” despite an “extensive capital reinvestment program” and “retention of a high dividend payout.” This suggests some use of the capital release from withdrawing from the MC/CW deal to pay down debt.

There is a fair bit one can do to read between the lines. It is worthwhile doing so.

3. Hansoh Pharma IPO Preview: A Decent Story Tarnished by a Huge Pre-IPO Dividend

Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK) claims to be one of the few R&D driven Chinese pharmaceutical companies. According to press reports, Hansoh aims to launch its Hong Kong IPO to raise $1 billion this month. Over the track record period, Hansoh’s financial performance shows accelerating revenue growth, relatively stable margins and solid cash generation.

In this briefing:

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group
2. Sigma Healthcare Market Update: Strategic Review Expects More
3. Hansoh Pharma IPO Preview: A Decent Story Tarnished by a Huge Pre-IPO Dividend
4. API/Sigma Merger: Sigma’s Hand Strengthens to Improve the Terms of API’s Bid

1. Catch-Up Session with Intuch Group

We caught up with Intuch Group this week to check how things were going on with them and their subsidiaries, AIS and Thaicom. It’s good to touch base, since it’s been a while, and many things have changed in the interim:

• Intuch self-congratulated themselves for a narrowing of their discount to NAV from 28% to 20% in 2018 while introducing three new investments and announced the breakeven of their shopping network, a joint venture with Hyundai.
• Wongnai, an online foodie guide and one of Intuch’s largest investments, underperformed our revenue forecast significantly, but managed to post impressive revenue growth nevertheless. While profitable, their rapid expansion also means they are unlikely to meet their own internal profitability expectations.
• Thaicom posted a loss in Q4 and almost non-existent earnings in 2018 largely due to asset impairments, but there is some hope in the future with the government’s various PPP (public-private partnership) schemes mentioned in the meeting.
• AIS, the Group’s flagship company, posted flat earnings of Bt30bn and is in the process of reversing a decline in revenue market share through aggressive push in enterprise and consumer services.

2. Sigma Healthcare Market Update: Strategic Review Expects More

In my first insight on this potential deal situation in December API Tilts at Sigma Healthcare: Expect More, I noted that despite the 69% premium and very large jump on Day1 there was still room below the cash and scrip terms of Australian Pharma Industries (API AU)‘s (“API”) non-binding offer (of 0.31 shares of API and A$0.23 in cash for each share of Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) held), which were arguably light (i.e. ascribed too much value to API shareholders for the shares portion). Also, given the nature of “opportunistic bids” made when a recently bombed out former growth stock and the “sunk cost” model of investor and executive mentality, there was every possibility that Sigma would come out saying they were worth more.

My concluding recommendation was to expect that API would have to bid more, and to think about trading this from a “long gamma” perspective and said I would be long Sigma vs API in the interim (either long-short or against terms). So far that has worked, but mostly because Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) has fallen in price. What had been a 24.9% spread to terms when I wrote was down to 13.6% last Friday and to 7.6% after the move Monday after the New News.

The New News

Friday morning, Sigma Healthcare released a 2-page Market Update saying the four month Business Review, assisted by Accenture, had identified A$100mm of annual cost savings, confirmed the FY19 EBIT guidance of A$75 million, and confirmed the FY20 EBITDA guidance of $55-60mm (strictly speaking, the conversion from EBIT to EBITDA had been pinpointed to be $54-64mm, so the range has shrunk and the top end has come down).

The business review sees 10% underlying EBITDA growth from FY20 to FY23 so that after cost savings are included, FY23 sees the same EBITDA as FY19 [i.e. almost A$90mm].

The last bullet point suggests to expect “minimal net debt by FY20” despite an “extensive capital reinvestment program” and “retention of a high dividend payout.” This suggests some use of the capital release from withdrawing from the MC/CW deal to pay down debt.

There is a fair bit one can do to read between the lines. It is worthwhile doing so.

3. Hansoh Pharma IPO Preview: A Decent Story Tarnished by a Huge Pre-IPO Dividend

Hansoh Pharmaceutical (HANSOH HK) claims to be one of the few R&D driven Chinese pharmaceutical companies. According to press reports, Hansoh aims to launch its Hong Kong IPO to raise $1 billion this month. Over the track record period, Hansoh’s financial performance shows accelerating revenue growth, relatively stable margins and solid cash generation.

4. API/Sigma Merger: Sigma’s Hand Strengthens to Improve the Terms of API’s Bid

Today, Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) announced the results of its four-month-long strategic review. As a reminder, on 14 December, Australian Pharma Industries (API AU) lobbed an indicative cash-scrip proposal for Sigma. Under the proposal, Sigma’s shareholders would receive 0.31 API shares and A$0.23 cash for each Sigma share.