Category

Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Energy/Materials: Natural Gas, Alconix Corp, Japan Pure Chemical, T Hasegawa, Ardagh Metal Packaging and more

By | Daily Briefs, Energy & Materials Sector

In today’s briefing:

  • Nat Gas Prices to Fire Up on Rising Demand, Weak Production, and Shaky Geopolitics
  • Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Japan Pure Chemical (4973 JP): Full-year FY03/24 report update
  • Launch of operations at new research facility of T. Hasegawa Flavours and Fragrances (Shanghai)
  • Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Ardagh Metal Beverage Packaging – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Asahi Holdings (5857 JP): Full-year FY03/24 report update
  • Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Cash dividends and formulation of medium-term management plan
  • Asahi Holdings (5857 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update


Nat Gas Prices to Fire Up on Rising Demand, Weak Production, and Shaky Geopolitics

By Suhas Reddy

  • The EIA expects US natural gas production to fall by 1% in 2024 and lifted LNG price forecast for Henry Hub benchmark by 13% for the year.
  • OPEC’s 2024 global oil demand growth forecast unchanged at 2.25m bpd. But IEA lowered its projection to 960k bpd from 1.1m bpd.
  • Russia, Iraq, & Kazakhstan continued to oversupply despite lowering production MoM in May.

Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24 revenue was JPY174.9bn (-1.9% YoY), operating profit JPY5.5bn (-34.9% YoY), and net income JPY1.6bn (-70.9% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: revenue JPY185.0bn (+5.8% YoY), operating profit JPY7.2bn (+31.8% YoY), net income JPY4.5bn (+181.6% YoY).
  • FY03/27 targets: revenue JPY220.0bn, operating profit JPY12.0bn, recurring profit JPY12.0bn, EBITDA JPY16.4bn, ROE at least 12.0%.

Japan Pure Chemical (4973 JP): Full-year FY03/24 report update

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/24, JPC reported revenue of JPY11.4bn (-29.7% YoY), operating profit of JPY354mn (-37.6% YoY), recurring profit of JPY553mn (-26.6% YoY), and net income of JPY548mn (-3.8% YoY).
  • Revenue and profit declined YoY due to lower sales of plating chemicals for connectors and lead frames, as demand for consumer products such as smartphones and PCs was slow to recover.
  • The revised FY03/25 forecast looks for full-year revenue of JPY13.0bn (+13.8% YoY), operating profit of JPY500mn (+41.1% YoY), recurring profit of JPY680mn (-22.9% YoY), and net income of JPY580mn (+5.8% YoY).

Launch of operations at new research facility of T. Hasegawa Flavours and Fragrances (Shanghai)

By Shared Research

  • In FY09/23, revenue was JPY64.9bn (+4.0% YoY), operating profit was JPY7.5bn (-6.8% YoY), recurring profit was JPY8.2bn (-9.8% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent was JPY6.7bn (-16.7% YoY).
  • Consolidated revenue amounted to JPY64.9bn (+4.0% YoY).
  • Revenue increased 1.4% YoY at the parent, while major US subsidiaries saw a 4.6% increase YoY (-6.3% YoY on a local currency basis) due to a weak yen.

Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24 revenue was JPY174.9bn (-1.9% YoY), operating profit JPY5.5bn (-34.9% YoY), and net income JPY1.6bn (-70.9% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: revenue JPY185.0bn (+5.8% YoY), operating profit JPY7.2bn (+31.8% YoY), and net income JPY4.5bn (+181.6% YoY).
  • FY03/27 targets: revenue JPY220.0bn (CAGR 7.9% vs. FY03/24), operating profit JPY12.0bn (30.3%), and recurring profit JPY12.0bn (30.1%).

Ardagh Metal Beverage Packaging – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

Lucror Analytics’ ESG Scores are based on a 3-tiered scale and are adjusted for Controversies (if applicable).
We assess Ardagh Metal Beverage Packaging’s ESG as “Adequate”, in line with its Environmental, Social and Governance scores. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Strong”.


Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24 revenue was JPY174.9bn (-1.9% YoY), operating profit JPY5.5bn (-34.9% YoY), and net income JPY1.6bn (-70.9% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: revenue JPY185.0bn (+5.8% YoY), operating profit JPY7.2bn (+31.8% YoY), and net income JPY4.5bn (+181.6% YoY).
  • FY03/27 targets: revenue JPY220.0bn (CAGR 7.9%), operating profit JPY12.0bn (30.3%), recurring profit JPY12.0bn (30.1%).

Asahi Holdings (5857 JP): Full-year FY03/24 report update

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/24, the company reported revenue of JPY322.3bn (+17.5% YoY), operating profit of JPY12.4bn (-24.0% YoY), pre-tax profit of JPY12.4bn (-1.8% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent of JPY24.5bn (+124.1% YoY).
  • Revenue, operating profit, and pre-tax profit exceeded the previously announced targets due to higher-than-expected gold sales prices and growth in the North American operations in the Precious Metals business.
  • Additionally, following the completion of the share exchange between the previously consolidated subsidiary, Japan Waste Corporation, and Renatus Co., Ltd., the company recorded the fair value assessment of Renatus’s shares under net income from discontinued operations.

Alconix Corp (3036 JP): Cash dividends and formulation of medium-term management plan

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/24, revenue was JPY174.9bn (-1.9% YoY), operating profit JPY5.5bn (-34.9% YoY), recurring profit JPY5.4bn (-33.4% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent JPY1.6bn (-70.9% YoY).
  • Although revenue increased in the Aluminum and Copper Products, Equipment and Materials, and Metal Processing businesses in line with an increase in automobile-related transactions, overall revenue declined due to sluggish nickel and other material transactions in the Electronic and Advanced Materials business.
  • Despite the increase in automobile-related transactions, profit declined due to delays in passing on higher costs to customers.

Asahi Holdings (5857 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue for FY03/24 was JPY322.2bn (+17.5% YoY), driven by higher gold sales volumes and North American refining growth.
  • Operating profit for FY03/24 was JPY12.4bn (-24.0% YoY) due to delayed recovery in precious metals recycling and falling palladium and rhodium prices.
  • FY03/25 forecasts include revenue of JPY370.0bn (+14.8% YoY), operating profit of JPY18.0bn (+45.5% YoY), and a dividend of JPY80.0.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Apple , Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Tesla , AEM, Aptiv PLC, Cyber Security Cloud Inc, OpenAI, Broadleaf, Ai Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Technology Select Sector Index (XLK US): NVIDIA Could Flip Places with Apple; HUGE Flows
  • Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC Historically Extreme Premium Continues; CHT at Short Level Again
  • Elon Set to Lose $56B Incentive? If So, Will Tesla’s AI Shift to XAI?
  • AEM Holdings: New CEO = One Final Kitchen Sink in 2Q24?
  • Tech Supply Chain Tracker (14-Jun-2024): India limits Chinese participation, woos Taiwanese investments.
  • Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/24 flash update
  • Chat GPT Makes as Foolhardy a Bet as Apple does a Genius One
  • Broadleaf (3673 JP): Q1 FY12/24 flash update
  • Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/24 report update
  • Ai Holdings (3076 JP): Q3 FY06/24 flash update


Technology Select Sector Index (XLK US): NVIDIA Could Flip Places with Apple; HUGE Flows

By Brian Freitas


Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC Historically Extreme Premium Continues; CHT at Short Level Again

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC: +21.3% Premium; Trading at New +15-25% Range This Year
  • ASE: +12.7% Premium; We Continue to View 14%+ as Fresh Short Level
  • CHT: +1.2% Premium; Good Level to Short Relative to History

Elon Set to Lose $56B Incentive? If So, Will Tesla’s AI Shift to XAI?

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • Crucial Vote: Shareholders are voting on Musk’s $56 billion compensation deal and Tesla’s reincorporation in Texas, pivotal decisions for the company’s direction.
  • High Stakes: The outcome will determine Musk’s commitment to Tesla, potentially shifting his focus to other ventures and impacting Tesla’s operations.
  • Institutional Opposition: Significant resistance from institutional investors and logistical issues for global shareholders create uncertainty. Abstaining from voting counts as a vote against, hindering Elon-supporting retail investors.

AEM Holdings: New CEO = One Final Kitchen Sink in 2Q24?

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • AEM (AEM SP) announced a new CEO as of 30th of May 2024. The new CEO officially starts 1st of July 2024.
  • Amy Leong will take over from Chandran Nair as she leaves her Chief Commercial Officer role at Formfactor Inc (FORM US)
  • Given the weak business results and inventory management issues it should be expected that Mrs Leong would want to clean the proverbial house before she starts in her new role.

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (14-Jun-2024): India limits Chinese participation, woos Taiwanese investments.

By Tech Supply Chain Tracker

  • India is limiting Chinese participation in Indian subsidiaries while seeking investments from Taiwan, diversifying its economic ties.
  • AWS is committing significant funds to establish data centers in Taiwan, anticipating obstacles in securing renewable energy sources.
  • Elephantech is seeking collaborators to scale up their eco-friendly PCB manufacturing operations to meet the escalating demand. Join the sustainable production movement.

Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue was JPY954mn (+32.5% YoY), with subscription-based recurring revenue at JPY837mn (+23.6% YoY), accounting for 87.8% of total revenue.
  • Operating profit was JPY315mn (+94.2% YoY), with operating expenses at JPY638mn (+14.5% YoY), and OPM at 33.1% (+10.5pp YoY).
  • Companywide ARR totaled JPY3.4bn (+22.7% YoY), with user count at 1,292 companies (+6.2% YoY) and churn rate at 1.05% (+0.01pp YoY).

Chat GPT Makes as Foolhardy a Bet as Apple does a Genius One

By White Brook Capital

  • Last night Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that in exchange for OpenAI’s position in MacOS, IOS, and iPadOS, Apple would pay OpenAI nothing. 
  • To level set, earlier this week, Apple unveiled their implementation of artificial intelligence, branded “Apple Intelligence”.
  • Apple Intelligence separates itself from Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT by identifying and addressing user queries that contain personal information, but for capabilities it isn’t capable of performing, asking for user permission, and outsourcing the request to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, anonymously. 

Broadleaf (3673 JP): Q1 FY12/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased by 10.6% YoY to JPY4.0bn, with cloud services revenue up 79.3% YoY due to subscription growth.
  • Operating loss was JPY109mn, pre-tax loss JPY42mn, and loss attributable to owners JPY35mn, all improved from Q1 FY12/23.
  • Revised 1H FY12/24 forecast: revenue JPY8.2bn, operating loss JPY500mn, pre-tax loss JPY500mn, and loss attributable to owners JPY400mn.

Cyber Security Cloud Inc (4493 JP): Q1 FY12/24 report update

By Shared Research

  • In FY12/23, CSC reported revenue of JPY3.1bn (+34.5% YoY), operating profit of JPY550mn (+42.5% YoY), recurring profit of JPY560mn (+41.5% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent of JPY427mn (+39.4% YoY).
  • Revenue expanded on improved annual recurring revenue (ARR) and user count of Shadankun, WafCharm, and SIDfm products.
  • The company released its new product, CloudFastener, in October 2023.

Ai Holdings (3076 JP): Q3 FY06/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales rose by JPY1.9bn (+5.3% YoY) due to growth in Security Equipment, Peripheral Computer Equipment, and Others segments.
  • Recurring profit increased by JPY6.1bn (+76.2% YoY) due to equity method investment gain from Iwatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Ai Holdings revised full-year earnings forecast for FY06/24: Recurring profit JPY18.6bn, net income JPY15.6bn, sales JPY53.0bn.

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Daily Brief Industrials: AP Moeller – Maersk A/S, Tokai Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Why an Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Probably Wouldn’t Lead to Lower Container Rates in Short-Term
  • Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update


Why an Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Probably Wouldn’t Lead to Lower Container Rates in Short-Term

By Daniel Hellberg

  • Its unclear whether Yemen-based Houthis would end attacks after ceasefire
  • We’ve entered peak Summer shipping season from Asia to US, Europe
  • Higher spot rates have already lifted contract rates in Q2 2024

Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24 sales reached JPY231.5bn (+0.6% YoY), operating profit JPY15.5bn (+4.0% YoY), and net income JPY8.5bn (+31.2% YoY).
  • Segment sales: Energy JPY101.0bn (-1.5% YoY), Information and Communications JPY56.7bn (+5.0% YoY), CATV JPY35.8bn (+3.7% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: sales JPY244.0bn (+5.4% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+3.2% YoY), net income JPY9.0bn (+6.1% YoY).

Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24: Sales JPY231.5bn (+0.6% YoY), operating profit JPY15.5bn (+4.0% YoY), net income JPY8.5bn (+31.2% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: Sales JPY244.0bn (+5.4% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+3.2% YoY), net income JPY9.0bn (+6.1% YoY).
  • Segment results: Energy sales JPY101.0bn (-1.5% YoY), Information and Communications sales JPY56.7bn (+5.0% YoY), Construction sales JPY25.0bn (-6.6% YoY).

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales grew 6.9% YoY to JPY324.8bn, exceeding the FY02/24 forecast, driven by existing and new customer contracts.
  • Operating profit fell 3.7% YoY to JPY15.2bn due to increased SG&A expenses despite segment profit growth.
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) valued at JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Full-year FY02/24 forecast: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and net income JPY10.4bn (-2.9% YoY).
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) with a total acquisition value of JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales grew YoY in all segments, notably in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services, despite rising SG&A expenses.
  • Full-year forecast for FY02/24: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and annual dividends JPY87 per share.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales increased 6.9% YoY to JPY324.8bn, driven by growth in existing customer wallets and new contracts.
  • Operating profit fell 3.7% YoY to JPY15.2bn, impacted by higher SG&A expenses despite segment profit growth.
  • Net income attributable to owners of the parent rose 5.5% YoY to JPY10.7bn, exceeding the full-year forecast.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales grew YoY in all seven segments, with notable growth in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • Full-year forecast for FY02/24: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and annual dividends per share JPY87.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales and operating profit grew YoY in all segments, with notable increases in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) with a total acquisition value of JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales: JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), Operating profit: JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), Recurring profit: JPY15.5bn (-3.3% YoY), Net income: JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales growth driven by existing customer wallet share and new contracts; notable growth in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • Full-year forecast: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), Operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), Recurring profit JPY16.0bn (+3.3% YoY), Net income JPY10.4bn (-2.9% YoY).

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Daily Brief Financials: Korea Stock Exchange Kospi Index, Cna Financial, Jaccs Co Ltd, Kinsale Capital Group, Orient Corp, NET Lease Office Properties, Cincinnati Financial and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • Specifics of Korea’s Official Short-Selling Regulations, Announced This Morning
  • CNA Financial Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – What Are Their Major International Market Growth Strategies? – Major Drivers
  • Jaccs Co Ltd (8584 JP): Announcement of 70th-anniversary commemorative dividend
  • Kinsale Capital Group: Initiation of Coverage – A Tale of Harnessing Market Opportunities in Casualty and Property Segments! – Major Drivers
  • Orient Corp (8585 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • NLOP: Debt Declining Affirms Valuation
  • Cincinnati Financial Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – A Story Of Expansion and Diversification in Reinsurance and Global Operations! – Major Drivers
  • Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update
  • Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update
  • Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update


Specifics of Korea’s Official Short-Selling Regulations, Announced This Morning

By Sanghyun Park

  • Limiting extensions to four times after a 90-day repayment and mandating repayment after 12 months increases short-selling costs. The revision omits limits on position-holding cycles, disappointing retail investors.
  • Today’s release did not set a timeline for short-selling resumption. The ruling party has requested it after March 2025, with key officials present suggesting next year March resumption.
  • Regarding the electronic system implementation, core content aligns with the draft, but newly revealed institution numbers add a new perspective. Uncertainties remain on integrating overseas stock borrowing into the system.

CNA Financial Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – What Are Their Major International Market Growth Strategies? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • CNA Financial Corporation reported its first quarter 2024 results, showing positive dynamics in profitability, investment income, and top-line growth.
  • The company achieved its highest first-quarter core income on record at $355 million, driven by a significant $84 million year-over-year increase in net investment income to $609 million.
  • These results were bolstered by contributions from both the alternatives and the fixed income portfolios.

Jaccs Co Ltd (8584 JP): Announcement of 70th-anniversary commemorative dividend

By Shared Research

  • In FY03/24, operating revenue was JPY184.8bn (+6.5% YoY), operating profit JPY33.1bn (+4.6% YoY), recurring profit JPY33.1bn (+4.1% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent JPY23.8bn (+9.8% YoY).
  • The consolidated operating revenue grew due to an increase in transaction volume and accumulation of the balance of deferred installment income and the balance of credit guarantees.
  • Since the company decided to pay a commemorative dividend (JPY10/share) to celebrate its 70th anniversary, the annual dividend was JPY220/share (representing payout ratio 32.1%; up 30.0 yen from the previous year).  For FY03/25, JACCS forecasts consolidated operating revenue of JPY193.0bn (+4.4% YoY), operating profit of JPY28.0bn (-15.5% YoY), recurring profit of JPY28.0bn (-15.3% YoY), and net income attributable to owners of the parent of JPY19.5bn (-18.0% YoY).

Kinsale Capital Group: Initiation of Coverage – A Tale of Harnessing Market Opportunities in Casualty and Property Segments! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Kinsale Capital Group Inc. recently reported strong quarterly results, demonstrating robust growth and operational efficiency.
  • The company’s operating earnings per share increased by 43.4%, and gross written premiums grew by 25.5% compared to the same quarter in the previous year.
  • Kinsale’s combined ratio, an indicator of the profitability of its insurance operations, stood at an impressive 79.5%, highlighting an effective underwriting performance.

Orient Corp (8585 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue increased by JPY1.4bn to JPY229.1bn, driven by gains in business revenue and offset by declines in financial and other operating revenues.
  • Operating expenses rose by JPY8.3bn YoY, with significant increases in SG&A and financing expenses, despite a decrease in other operating expenses.
  • The company forecasts FY03/25 operating revenue of JPY263.0bn, driven by growth in Settlement and Guarantee business and contributions from newly consolidated subsidiaries.

NLOP: Debt Declining Affirms Valuation

By Hamed Khorsand

  • NLOP announced the sale of two more properties bringing the aggregate count of properties sold since fourth quarter 2023 to twelve.   
  • NLOP has been highly active in selling properties. We believe the motivation has more to do with the interest expense of its mortgage and mezzanine loans.   
  • The latest two properties sold were materially higher than the company-wide price per square foot NLOP is carrying on its balance sheet.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation: Initiation of Coverage – A Story Of Expansion and Diversification in Reinsurance and Global Operations! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Cincinnati Financial Corporation reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2024, highlighting significant progress in underwriting profitability and growth in investment income.
  • The net income reported was $755 million, which included a substantial gain of $484 million attributed to the increase in the fair value of equity securities.
  • The non-GAAP operating income also showed a positive trend, nearly doubling from the previous year to $272 million, thanks to a reduction in catastrophe losses and robust operating performance.

Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue decreased JPY1.4bn YoY (-22.5% YoY) to JPY5.0bn, with significant declines in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • Operating profit increased JPY419mn YoY to JPY343mn (-55.0% YoY), with notable declines in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • In the ASP business, revenue and profit increased YoY due to strong sales of Advance Create Cloud Platform (ACP).

Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue decreased JPY1.4bn YoY to JPY5.0bn, with significant declines in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • Operating profit increased JPY419mn YoY to JPY343mn, with notable declines in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • Full-year company forecast remains unchanged despite YoY revenue and profit decreases in several business segments.

Advance Create (8798 JP): 1H FY09/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue decreased 22.5% YoY to JPY5.0bn, with significant declines in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • Operating profit fell 55.0% YoY to JPY343mn, with notable decreases in Insurance Agency and Media businesses.
  • Reinsurance business saw increased revenue and profit due to the reclassification of COVID-19 reinsurance payments.

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Daily Brief Consumer: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, Webtoon Entertainment, JD.com Inc (ADR), Luckin Coffee, Hong Kong Television Network, TSE Tokyo Price Index TOPIX, Kfc Holdings Japan and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Chow Tai Fook (1929 HK): Disappointed
  • Webtoon Entertainment IPO: The Bull Case
  • [Blue Lotus Multi-Sector Sector Update]: Consumer Spending Weakened During Dragon Boat
  • Luckin’s Small Step into Non-Coffee Drinks Is a Big Step of Its Future Directions
  • HKTV (1137 HK): 9th July Vote On Share Buy-Back
  • Companies with Low ROEs Have Corporate Governance Practices that Only Make It So
  • Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update


Chow Tai Fook (1929 HK): Disappointed

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Chow Tai Fook Jewellery (1929 HK) reported a weaker-than-expected FY24 net profit. Despite having HK$2.2bn net cash, the lack of a special dividend is even more disappointing. 
  • Surge in unrealised loss on gold loans and a YoY contraction in margin have contributed to the poor 2H24 result. Apr-May operating figures showed a deteriorated operating environment.
  • Lacking a special dividend, CTF no longer looks attractive at the current level. Overoptimistic FY25 and FY26 consensus forecasts mean earnings downgrade pressure. 

Webtoon Entertainment IPO: The Bull Case

By Arun George

  • Webtoon Entertainment (WBTN US), a global storytelling platform, seeks to raise up to US$500 million through a Nasdaq IPO.
  • Webtoon is the leading web-comic player in all its major geographies, including Korea, the US and Japan. Naver Corp (035420 KS) and LY (4689 JP) are the primary shareholders.
  • The bull case rests on a large TAM, rising monthly active users, strong constant currency growth supported by monetisation initiatives, a shift to profitability, and cash generation.

[Blue Lotus Multi-Sector Sector Update]: Consumer Spending Weakened During Dragon Boat

By Eric Wen

  • Travel and box office data in the past three-day Dragonboat Holiday showed worrying weakness despite sharp price cuts by hotel and airlines. 
  • Removing travellers from Hong Kong, inbound travel was also quite bad; 
  • E-Commerce sales backed by trade-in stimulus outperformed regular merchandises, indicating consumer confidence is still low. We believe the weak travel data boded ill for consumption throughout the year.

Luckin’s Small Step into Non-Coffee Drinks Is a Big Step of Its Future Directions

By Andy Fu

  • Luckin launched lemonade drinks with raging success of 5.08 mn cups sold for the first week, ~10% of store sales. Market cheered to send the stock higher;  
  • We view it with mixed feelings. While it is margin accretive and sales enhancing,  is not conducive to improving coffee penetration and cultivating consumers’ habit for drinking coffee;
  • We see Luckin as increasingly one of, instead of the, street drink company, because lemonade is actually the top selling SKU of all milk tea vendors in China. 

HKTV (1137 HK): 9th July Vote On Share Buy-Back

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 22nd May, online shopping platform play Hong Kong Television Network (1137 HK) announced a buy-back of 11.25% of shares out, at $2.15/share, a 20.8% premium to undisturbed.
  • Should the Offer complete, co-founder Ricky Wong’s stake, together with concert parties, increases to 51.55% (before exercising options), up from 45.75% currently. Optically, it’s a opportunistic share grab. 
  • The Offer Doc is now out, with an EGM to vote on the whitewash waiver on the 9th July. 

Companies with Low ROEs Have Corporate Governance Practices that Only Make It So

By Aki Matsumoto

  • Companies with the ROE over 15% have higher market capitalization, foreign ownership, and Tobin’s Q, and naturally higher ROA, while the opposite tends to be true companies with low ROE.
  • Groups with ROE above 15% have generally improved their corporate governance practices, but they still need to address their use of cash in order to further improve return on capital.
  • It’s clear that companies with low ROE have the form of board practices but not the substance, and that they don’t have a clear policy for increasing return on capital.

Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased 10.8% YoY to JPY110.7bn, driven by an 8.0% YoY rise in comparable store sales and 35 new stores.
  • Operating profit rose 61.8% YoY to JPY5.9bn, with OPM at 5.3%, GPM at 40.9%, and SG&A ratio down to 35.6%.
  • KFC Holdings opened 51 new stores, remodeled 183 stores, and increased delivery service stores to 942, boosting system sales by 10.5% YoY.

Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased 10.8% YoY to JPY110.7bn, driven by an 8.0% YoY rise in comparable store sales and 35 new stores.
  • Operating profit rose 61.8% YoY to JPY5.9bn, with OPM at 5.3%, GPM up 0.4pp to 40.9%, and SG&A ratio down 1.3pp.
  • KFC Holdings opened 51 new stores, remodeled 183 stores, and increased delivery service stores to 942, boosting system sales by 10.5%.

Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased 10.8% YoY to JPY110.7bn, driven by an 8.0% YoY rise in comparable store sales and 35 new stores.
  • Operating profit rose 61.8% YoY to JPY5.9bn, with OPM at 5.3%, GPM at 40.9%, and SG&A ratio down to 35.6%.
  • KFC Holdings opened 51 new stores, remodeled 183 stores, and increased delivery service stores to 942, boosting system sales by 10.5% YoY.

Kfc Holdings Japan (9873 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue increased 10.8% YoY to JPY110.7bn, driven by an 8.0% YoY rise in comparable store sales and 35 new stores.
  • Operating profit rose 61.8% YoY to JPY5.9bn, with OPM at 5.3%, GPM up 0.4pp to 40.9%, and SG&A ratio down 1.3pp.
  • System sales grew 10.5% YoY, with customer count down 2.5% YoY and average spend per customer up 10.8% YoY.

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Daily Brief Industrials: AP Moeller – Maersk A/S, Tokai Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Why an Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Probably Wouldn’t Lead to Lower Container Rates in Short-Term
  • Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update
  • Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update


Why an Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Probably Wouldn’t Lead to Lower Container Rates in Short-Term

By Daniel Hellberg

  • Its unclear whether Yemen-based Houthis would end attacks after ceasefire
  • We’ve entered peak Summer shipping season from Asia to US, Europe
  • Higher spot rates have already lifted contract rates in Q2 2024

Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24 sales reached JPY231.5bn (+0.6% YoY), operating profit JPY15.5bn (+4.0% YoY), and net income JPY8.5bn (+31.2% YoY).
  • Segment sales: Energy JPY101.0bn (-1.5% YoY), Information and Communications JPY56.7bn (+5.0% YoY), CATV JPY35.8bn (+3.7% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: sales JPY244.0bn (+5.4% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+3.2% YoY), net income JPY9.0bn (+6.1% YoY).

Tokai Holdings (3167 JP): Full-year FY03/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • FY03/24: Sales JPY231.5bn (+0.6% YoY), operating profit JPY15.5bn (+4.0% YoY), net income JPY8.5bn (+31.2% YoY).
  • FY03/25 forecast: Sales JPY244.0bn (+5.4% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+3.2% YoY), net income JPY9.0bn (+6.1% YoY).
  • Segment results: Energy sales JPY101.0bn (-1.5% YoY), Information and Communications sales JPY56.7bn (+5.0% YoY), Construction sales JPY25.0bn (-6.6% YoY).

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales grew 6.9% YoY to JPY324.8bn, exceeding the FY02/24 forecast, driven by existing and new customer contracts.
  • Operating profit fell 3.7% YoY to JPY15.2bn due to increased SG&A expenses despite segment profit growth.
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) valued at JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Full-year FY02/24 forecast: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and net income JPY10.4bn (-2.9% YoY).
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) with a total acquisition value of JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales grew YoY in all segments, notably in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services, despite rising SG&A expenses.
  • Full-year forecast for FY02/24: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and annual dividends JPY87 per share.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales increased 6.9% YoY to JPY324.8bn, driven by growth in existing customer wallets and new contracts.
  • Operating profit fell 3.7% YoY to JPY15.2bn, impacted by higher SG&A expenses despite segment profit growth.
  • Net income attributable to owners of the parent rose 5.5% YoY to JPY10.7bn, exceeding the full-year forecast.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales grew YoY in all seven segments, with notable growth in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • Full-year forecast for FY02/24: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), and annual dividends per share JPY87.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales for FY02/23 were JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), operating profit JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), and net income JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales and operating profit grew YoY in all segments, with notable increases in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • The company plans to acquire 700,000 treasury shares (1.44% of total issued shares) with a total acquisition value of JPY3.1bn.

Aeon Delight (9787 JP): Full-year FY02/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales: JPY324.8bn (+6.9% YoY), Operating profit: JPY15.2bn (-3.7% YoY), Recurring profit: JPY15.5bn (-3.3% YoY), Net income: JPY10.7bn (+5.5% YoY).
  • Sales growth driven by existing customer wallet share and new contracts; notable growth in Construction Work and Materials and Supplies Sourcing Services.
  • Full-year forecast: Sales JPY340.0bn (+4.7% YoY), Operating profit JPY16.0bn (+5.0% YoY), Recurring profit JPY16.0bn (+3.3% YoY), Net income JPY10.4bn (-2.9% YoY).

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Daily Brief Health Care: Sigma Healthcare, Takeda Pharmaceutical, UMP Healthcare and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Sigma/Chemist Warehouse Merger: ACCC Has (Many) Issues
  • Takeda (4502 JP)– Avoid
  • UMP Healthcare (722 HK): Deep Value Turnaround in FY25
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): A second revision to the earnings forecast
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update
  • 3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update


Sigma/Chemist Warehouse Merger: ACCC Has (Many) Issues

By David Blennerhassett


Takeda (4502 JP)– Avoid

By Avien Pillay

  • Given the high number of pipeline dropouts, and the potentially disappointing $6 bn psoriasis drug acquisition, we question Takeda’s recent investment track record.
  • A big restructuring, high expectations from new/recently launched drug portfolio, and punchy company guidance reduces the probability of upside surprises.
  • Unless you are limited from investing outside Japan and you want exposure to an innovative pharma company, we believe that there are better and cheaper options elsewhere.

UMP Healthcare (722 HK): Deep Value Turnaround in FY25

By Sameer Taneja

  • We preview UMP Healthcare (722 HK)  earnings for FY24 (June-end), which will be declared in September, and our outlook for FY25. 
  • The company has more than 300 mn HKD of net cash (almost 75% of its market cap), and even assuming a 20% dividend cut, it has an ~8% dividend yield.
  • On core earnings for FY24, we estimate that the stock trades at 12x PE( ex-cash 2.8x PE), with low-hanging fruit from streamlining the business in FY25. 

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, driven by significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • The company revised its full-year FY04/24 earnings forecast, increasing operating revenue to JPY4.1bn and net loss to JPY1.0bn.
  • R&D expenses rose 20.6% YoY to JPY364mn, and SG&A expenses increased 11.3% YoY to JPY3.2bn.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, driven by significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • Revised full-year FY04/24 forecast: Operating revenue JPY4.1bn, operating loss JPY1.9bn, recurring loss JPY743mn, net loss JPY1.0bn.
  • Cost of sales increased 44.2% YoY to JPY1.0bn, with R&D expenses up 20.6% YoY to JPY364mn.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, driven by significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • Operating loss narrowed by JPY720mn YoY to JPY1.6bn, with recurring loss at JPY336mn and net loss at JPY700mn.
  • Revised FY04/24 forecast: Operating revenue JPY4.1bn, operating loss JPY1.9bn, recurring loss JPY743mn, net loss JPY1.0bn.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): A second revision to the earnings forecast

By Shared Research

  • In full-year FY04/23, the company reported consolidated operating revenue of JPY2.3bn (+53.6% YoY), an operating loss of JPY3.2bn (versus loss of JPY2.7bn in FY04/22), a recurring loss of JPY2.4bn (versus loss of JPY1.8bn in FY04/22), and a net loss attributable to owners of the parent of JPY2.4bn (versus net loss of JPY1.9bn in FY04/22).
  • Operating revenue grew on sales expansion of mainstay products in Japan and overseas.
  • However, the operating loss expanded, because overseas sales were not enough to offset upfront investment in establishing a direct sales structure.  The company’s full-year FY04/24 forecast (revised in June 2024 for the second time) calls for operating revenue of JPY4.6bn (previous forecast: JPY4.1bn), an operating loss of JPY2.1bn (previous forecast: a JPY1.9bn loss), a recurring profit of JPY140mn (previous forecast: a JPY743mn loss), and a net loss attributable to owners of the parent of JPY255mn (previous forecast: a JPY1.0bn loss). While revenue, mainly in the US, exceeded the previous estimates, costs on a foreign currency basis increased and profitability declined in Europe and Australia, due to the yen’s depreciation.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, driven by significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • The company revised its full-year FY04/24 forecast: operating revenue to JPY4.1bn, operating loss to JPY1.9bn.
  • Foreign exchange gains of JPY1.3bn and an extraordinary loss of JPY199mn due to remittance fraud were recorded.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, driven by significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • The company revised its full-year FY04/24 forecast, increasing operating revenue to JPY4.1bn and recurring loss to JPY743mn.
  • Foreign exchange gains and extraordinary loss due to remittance fraud impacted financial results, narrowing recurring and net losses.

3 D Matrix Ltd (7777 JP): Q3 FY04/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Operating revenue grew 91.5% YoY to JPY3.0bn, with significant sales increases in the US and Japan.
  • Operating loss narrowed YoY to JPY1.6bn, driven by increased sales and foreign exchange gains of JPY1.3bn.
  • Full-year FY04/24 forecast revised: operating revenue JPY4.1bn, operating loss JPY1.9bn, recurring loss JPY743mn, net loss JPY1.0bn.

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Daily Brief Quantitative Analysis: KRX Short Interest Weekly (Jun 7th): Samsung Electronics and more

By | Daily Briefs, Quantitative Analysis

In today’s briefing:

  • KRX Short Interest Weekly (Jun 7th): Samsung Electronics


KRX Short Interest Weekly (Jun 7th): Samsung Electronics

By Ke Yan, CFA, FRM

  • We analyzed the changes in short interest of KRX Stocks as of Jun 7th which has an aggregated short interest worth USD6.1bn.
  • We tabulate league table for top short by value and short as multiple of ADT, as well as weekly increases & decreases in short value, short as multiple of ADT.
  • We estimate short interest increased by 4.0% WoW and highlight short interest changes in Samsung Electronics.

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): In Court Today With Segantii and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • In Court Today With Segantii
  • Ohayo Japan | Inflation Cools…a Bit
  • Postcard from Uttar Pradesh | Addressing the Core
  • HK Strategy: What Are the Best-Of-The-Breed Stocks?
  • #13 India Insight: India’s Retail Inflation Eases, Tata Motors Guidance, Nestle Royalty, HCL Tech
  • Manila Trip Report – An emerging Pacific tiger? (Part 1)
  • [Blue Lotus Daily – TMT Update]:1024HK/BABA US/BIDU US/NTES US/700 HK
  • [Blue Lotus Daily]:300750 SZ/1211 HK/XPEV US/NIO US/1810 HK/LI US
  • Fewer Price Hikes in Spring, but Prices Still Rising
  • #17Business Buzz: BHP Averts Strike, UBS Market Concerns, EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs


In Court Today With Segantii

By David Blennerhassett

  • Although this note does not encapsulate a trade idea, the fallout from the Capital Management Limited’s (Segantii) insider dealing case has impacted certain event trades, as the fund winds down.
  • On the 2nd May, the SFC commenced criminal proceedings against Segantii, its founder/  director/CIO Simon Sadler, and former trader Daniel La Rocca.
  • In the Eastern Magistrates’ Court this morning, we heard the prosecution’s request to transfer the case to the District Court. 

Ohayo Japan | Inflation Cools…a Bit

By Mark Chadwick

  • US CPI remained flat over previous month and rose 3.3% over May last year – a slight deceleration
  • The Federal Reserve concluded its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday by keeping interest rates unchanged in the 5.25%-5.50% range
  • Japanese companies announced record share buybacks of ¥9 trillion ($57 billion) from January to May, up 60% from the previous year.

Postcard from Uttar Pradesh | Addressing the Core

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • With the “Postcard” series, our objective is to bring to our readers on-ground insights based on interactions across key channels located in tier 2 and tier 3 locations.
  • Uttar Pradesh (UP) is crucial in Indian politics with the most Lok Sabha seats and has a diverse economy focused on agriculture, services, and manufacturing.
  • We are trying to be optimists, but it’s hard to ignore the ground realities, especially when compared to a much less developed and smaller nation like Nepal. 

HK Strategy: What Are the Best-Of-The-Breed Stocks?

By Osbert Tang, CFA


#13 India Insight: India’s Retail Inflation Eases, Tata Motors Guidance, Nestle Royalty, HCL Tech

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • Tata Motors Ltd (TTMT IN) and Dollar Industries guided for their upcoming years and expansion strategy.
  • India’s Retail Inflation eases to Lowest Since May 2022, now market is waiting for rate cut.
  • HCL Technologies (HCLT IN) to Establish Product Innovation Centre for Olympus in Hyderabad

Manila Trip Report – An emerging Pacific tiger? (Part 1)

By Pyramids and Pagodas

  • Initially planned around meeting a Chairman of an exciting listed company (to be covered separately), Altraman’s recent trip to Manila quickly morphed into a slew of meetings with other enterprises.
  • His first stop was the Philippines Stock Exchange (PSE.PS) – the holding company itself being a potential play on the market as a whole, where he learned of catalysts such as soaring fintech-driven retail investor participation and government reforms to slash transaction costs.
  • Further afield in Quezon, Altraman met with D&L Industries (DNL.PS), a raw materials manufacturer serving many of the country’s blue chips and multinationals. 

[Blue Lotus Daily – TMT Update]:1024HK/BABA US/BIDU US/NTES US/700 HK

By Ying Pan

  • 1024HK:  Kuaishou has launched its AI video generation tool “Kling” and has begun invite-only testing.(+)
  • BABA US/BIDU US: Alibaba publishes GPT-4 level AI LLM model Qwen2 (+/-)
  • NTES US:NetEase announced that <World of Warcraft Classic> will begin a public server stress test on June 11th. The Blizzard platform“Battle.net“has already opened for login today.(+)

[Blue Lotus Daily]:300750 SZ/1211 HK/XPEV US/NIO US/1810 HK/LI US

By Eric Wen

  • 300750 SZ: US lawmakers called to ban CATL and Gotion batteries to US.(+)
  • 1211 HK/XPEV US/NIO US/1810 HK:BYD’s two models equipped with DM-5 exceeded 80,000 pre-order in two weeks.(//-/-/-)
  • LI US/XPEV US/NIO US/1810 HK: /In the 23rd week of 2024, LI’s electric vehicle deliveries is leading the way, but most of them have fallen back.(///////)

Fewer Price Hikes in Spring, but Prices Still Rising

By Michael Causton

  • April, which along with October is the month when many Japanese FMCG brands adjust prices, saw far fewer price hikes this year compared to 2023. 
  • Even so, numerous major brands still announced hefty price increases for later in the year.
  • Meanwhile, government subsidies for utility costs are ending and the weak Yen is an increasing concern for many consumer-facing companies. 

#17Business Buzz: BHP Averts Strike, UBS Market Concerns, EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs

By Nimish Maheshwari

  • UBS merger with Credit Suisse sparks concerns over reduced competition and higher financing costs
  • EU announces tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, risking trade tensions with China
  • Preliminary wage deal at BHP’s Spence copper mine averts potential costly strike

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Daily Brief ECM: Mao Geping Cosmetics Pre-IPO – Riding on the Founder’s Reputation and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Mao Geping Cosmetics Pre-IPO – Riding on the Founder’s Reputation
  • QuantumPharm IPO Trading – Lukewarm Insti Demand Combined with a Tight Float at Listing
  • Medtide Pre-IPO Tearsheet
  • Telix Pharmaceutical US ADS – Momentum Remains Strong, Offering Would Triple Its Cash Base


Mao Geping Cosmetics Pre-IPO – Riding on the Founder’s Reputation

By Sumeet Singh

  • Mao Geping Cosmetics is looking to raise around US$300m in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO.
  • Mao Geping Cosmetics (MGC) operates in the premium beauty segment. Operating via its two brands, MAOGEPING and Love Keeps, MGC offers a wide range of color cosmetics and skincare products.
  • In this note, we look at the company’s past performance.

QuantumPharm IPO Trading – Lukewarm Insti Demand Combined with a Tight Float at Listing

By Clarence Chu

  • QuantumPharm (QUP HK) raised US$126m from its Hong Kong IPO.
  • QuantumPharm is a R&D platform, utilizing quantum physics-based first-principles calculation, advanced AI, high-performance cloud computing, and scalable and standardized robotic automation to provide drug and material science R&D solutions.
  • We have covered various aspects of the deal in our previous note. In this note, we will talk about the demand and trading dynamics.

Medtide Pre-IPO Tearsheet

By Ethan Aw

  • Medtide (1268709D CH) is looking to raise at least US$100m in its upcoming HK IPO. The deal will be run by Morgan Stanley and Citic Securities.
  • Medtide is the third largest peptide-focused contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) worldwide in terms of sales revenue in 2023, according to F&S. 
  • Its full-cycle services range from early-stage discovery, pre-clinical research and clinical development to commercial-stage production.

Telix Pharmaceutical US ADS – Momentum Remains Strong, Offering Would Triple Its Cash Base

By Clarence Chu

  • Telix Pharmaceuticals (TLX AU) is looking to raise around US$190m in its US ADS listing. The bookrunners on the deal are Jefferies, Morgan Stanley, Truist Securities, and William Blair.
  • TLX is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
  • In this note, we talk about the updates since our last note and current deal dynamics.

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