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Daily Briefs

Daily Brief Indonesia: Agile Property Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Indonesia

In today’s briefing:

  • Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi


Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi

By Leonard Law, CFA

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


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Daily Brief South Korea: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries , DGB Financial Group, Samsung Life Insurance and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Hyundai Heavy Industries Block – Not Well Flagged and Recent Korean Deals Haven’t Done Well
  • Block Deal Sale of 3% Stake in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
  • Asian Dividend Gems: DGB Financial Group
  • Potential Samsung Life Insurance Block Deals, Likely to Be Triggered by E Mart


Hyundai Heavy Industries Block – Not Well Flagged and Recent Korean Deals Haven’t Done Well

By Ethan Aw


Block Deal Sale of 3% Stake in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

By Douglas Kim

  • HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (009540 KS) plans to sell 2.66 million shares (3% of outstanding shares) of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180 KS) in a block deal sale.
  • We would avoid participating in this block deal sale and we have a Negative view of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180 KS) over the next one year.
  • After this block deal sale, we believe there could be concerns about HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering potentially selling additional shares of HD HHI in the next 2-3 years.

Asian Dividend Gems: DGB Financial Group

By Douglas Kim

  • On 16 May, it was reported that the Korean financial regulators have approved DGB Daegu Bank to become the 7th commercial bank in Korea. 
  • DGB Daegu Bank is the core entity of DGB Financial Group (139130 KS) which currently has a market cap of 1.4 trillion won (US$1.0 billion).
  • This change will allow the company to expand in the more lucrative metropolitan Seoul and other regions in Korea. We have a positive view of DGB Financial Group (139130 KS).

Potential Samsung Life Insurance Block Deals, Likely to Be Triggered by E Mart

By Sanghyun Park

  • Talks circulate that E-Mart may sell its 5% stake in Samsung Life Insurance, valued around ₩1T, due to fundraising needs linked to SSG.com investors’ put options.
  • Initially, Starbucks Korea was a potential sale, but U.S. HQ approval makes it unfeasible. Shinsegae L&B and Food weren’t enough to raise funds, leading E-Mart to focus on Samsung Life.
  • E-Mart’s block deal timing is uncertain due to potential legal disputes over unmet put option conditions, yet recent local market discussions suggest E-Mart may avoid legal battles.

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Daily Brief United States: Cummins Inc, Lobo EV Technologies, Heartcore Enterprises , Seadrill , American Capital Agency Corp, Pvh Corp, Illumina Inc, Eog Resources, Godaddy Inc Class A, Baxter International and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • Cummins Inc.: These Are The 6 Biggest Factors Influencing Its Performance In 2024 & Beyond! – Financial Forecasts
  • LOBO: Initiating Coverage of Innovative Global E-Bike Manufacturer
  • HTCR: HeartCore reports 1st quarter 2024 results and updates investment community on current operations.
  • SDRL: Drilling for Cash Flow
  • Agnc Investment Corp (AGNCP) – Thursday, Feb 15, 2024
  • Pvh Corp – VNCE: Upside Clarity Increasing; Initiating Coverage with a Buy Rating, $3 PT
  • Illumina Inc.: Will Its Market Dominance In Genetic Analysis Last? – Major Drivers
  • EOG Resources Inc.: Continued Focus on Utica Play! – Major Drivers
  • GoDaddy Inc.: Utilizing Data and AI for Pricing and Bundling & Other Major Drivers
  • Baxter International: Driving Revenue with New Innovations and Competitive Conversions! – Major Drivers


Cummins Inc.: These Are The 6 Biggest Factors Influencing Its Performance In 2024 & Beyond! – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • Cummins Inc.’s Q1 2024 financial results revealed a decrease in revenues compared to Q1 2023, standing at $8.4 billion compared to the previous year’s $8.44 billion.
  • This decrease was, however, marginal at 1%.
  • EBITDA in Q1 2024 was doubled that of Q1 2023, being $2.6 billion or 30.6% compared to the previous year’s $1.4 billion or 16.1%.

LOBO: Initiating Coverage of Innovative Global E-Bike Manufacturer

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • LOBO EV Technologies (LOBO) designs, develops, and manufactures micro mobility electric vehicles (EVs) and sells products through a broad-based dealership network in China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
  • The company’s product lineup includes e-Bicycles, e-Mopeds, e-Tricycles, and electric off-highway four-wheeled shuttles (golf carts and scooters for elderly and disabled persons).
  • In addition, LOBO provides automobile information and entertainment software development and design services.

HTCR: HeartCore reports 1st quarter 2024 results and updates investment community on current operations.

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • HeartCore Enterprises is an established software development and consulting company based in Tokyo, Japan and operates in five core offerings and solutions.
  • These include 1) Content Management in which the core product is HeartCore CMS, 2) Digital Transformation which includes Controlio, myInvenio, Apromore and HeartCore Robo, 3) GO IPO, a consulting service that helps Japanese companies prepare for a U.S. Nasdaq public listing, 4) Sigmaways, that specializes in infrastructure modernization, and 5) other revenues.
  • We believe the company is poised for strong growth due to its entry in the U.S. market and solid results from the Go IPO offering.

SDRL: Drilling for Cash Flow

By Hamed Khorsand

  • SDRL reported first quarter results updating investors on the state of offshore drilling market that has shown little signs of change. Day rates have slowly climbed since last year
  • SDRL disclosed a new contract for Sevan Louisiana. There was a considerable amount of time spent on the earnings call for the vessel and it’s 45-day contract.
  • SDRL has entered a definitive contract to sell its three jack-up rigs and the joint venture stake that operates them for $338 million.

Agnc Investment Corp (AGNCP) – Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • Author discusses high-return opportunity in mortgage REIT preferreds, focusing on AGNC Investment Corp’s Series F preferred
  • Systematic mispricing allows for 13-20% IRRs over 12-36 months with fairly safe investment
  • Emphasis on safety and high yield of mREIT preferreds, highlighting potential for significant returns while minimizing borrower credit risk

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


Pvh Corp – VNCE: Upside Clarity Increasing; Initiating Coverage with a Buy Rating, $3 PT

By Small Cap Consumer Research

  • We are initiating coverage of Vince Holding Corp., a leading ready to wear brand, offering luxury men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and home goods via their own stores, online and in wholesale partnerships with key retailers, with a Buy rating and $3 price target, or 6.5X our FY25 EBITDA projection.
  • We believe, after a momentous FY23, where the company formed a partnership with Authentic Brands Group, a leading brand licensor, materially recast their balance sheet with debt paydowns and maturity extensions, and began a $30 million transformation program, Vince is ready to shine once again in 2HFY24 and return to top line growth, with higher returns and a more enduring business model.
  • As such, and with investor skepticism remaining a drag, we view the longer term risk/reward as compelling, and are initiating coverage of VNCE with a Buy rating and $3 price target.

Illumina Inc.: Will Its Market Dominance In Genetic Analysis Last? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Illumina Inc. has had a strong first quarter of 2024, which included an encouraging performance from its high throughput consumables, increased revenue from strategic partnerships, and the delivery of a number of NovaSeq X instruments.
  • However, Chief Executive Officer Jacob Thaysen has warned about the persisting uncertain global economic environment and cited customer concerns affecting purchasing decisions.
  • The year’s results were particularly promising considering the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

EOG Resources Inc.: Continued Focus on Utica Play! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • EOG Resources delivered a solid first quarter 2024 performance thanks to a range of factors, among them solid operational execution, underlining future value creation potential.
  • EOG’s commitment to capital discipline, operational excellence, and pioneering sustainability initiatives have set the company up to deliver significant returns.
  • It reported a strong financial performance during the quarter, with adjusted net income totaling $1.6 billion and free cash flow generation of $1.2 billion.

GoDaddy Inc.: Utilizing Data and AI for Pricing and Bundling & Other Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • GoDaddy’s first quarter results for 2024 demonstrate a strong start to the year and contribute to the positive reputation of the company.
  • Notably, through their free cash flow, the company has achieved growth of 26% year-over-year, thanks to their profitable growth model that converts customer value to shareholder value.
  • This has been largely driven by a surge in the applications and commerce sector, which has seen bookings growth of 22% and normalized EBITDA margin expansion of 400 basis points.

Baxter International: Driving Revenue with New Innovations and Competitive Conversions! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Baxter International’s first quarter 2024 earnings report revealed that the company exceeded its guidance for that term, with 2% growth on a reported basis and 3% at constant currency rates compared to an initial projection of approximately 1% growth.
  • This performance was underpinned by strong demand and favorable pricing for a broad range of Baxter’s products.
  • The firm’s performance illustrates the benefits of its recent strategic transformation, with improved global visibility, enhanced accountability, and functional verticalization contributing to its success.

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Daily Brief India: JSW Energy Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • JSW Energy: Powering India’s Future


JSW Energy: Powering India’s Future

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • A Detailed understanding of Thermal cum Renewable Power house JSW Energy Ltd (JSW IN) Business and their ambitious target to achieve 10 GW by FY25.
  • Strategy 2.O, where company is planning for 20GW by 2025, energy storage system.
  • JSW Energy’s strategic acquisitions and focus on renewables enhance growth prospects, with a vision to become a leading renewable energy provider.

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Daily Brief ECM: Hyundai Heavy Industries Block – Not Well Flagged and Recent Korean Deals Haven’t Done Well and more

By | Daily Briefs, ECM

In today’s briefing:

  • Hyundai Heavy Industries Block – Not Well Flagged and Recent Korean Deals Haven’t Done Well
  • Giant Biogene Placement – Has Been Doing Well but Doesn’t Need the Cash


Hyundai Heavy Industries Block – Not Well Flagged and Recent Korean Deals Haven’t Done Well

By Ethan Aw


Giant Biogene Placement – Has Been Doing Well but Doesn’t Need the Cash

By Sumeet Singh

  • Giant Biogene (2367 HK) aims to raise up to US$205m via a top-up placement.
  • We have followed the company since listing and its recent performance has been great. Although it doesn’t seem to need the cash.
  • In this note, we will run the deal through our ECM framework and talk about the recent updates.

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Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Semiconductor Memory. Profits Return & Tailwinds Mount On Surging (& Very Similar) ASP Increases and more

By | Daily Briefs, Thematic (Sector/Industry)

In today’s briefing:

  • Semiconductor Memory. Profits Return & Tailwinds Mount On Surging (& Very Similar) ASP Increases
  • China Property Developers In Distress – Weekly News & Announcements Tracker | May 10-16, 2024
  • HK Strategy: To Sell or Not to Sell, that Is the Question
  • The Evolution of Private Credit – [Business Breakdowns, EP.163]
  • Shroom Shmooz – Follow-Up to ICER’s Evidence Report on the MDMA- AT Trials
  • The Evolution of Private Credit: Part 2 – [Business Breakdowns, EP.164]


Semiconductor Memory. Profits Return & Tailwinds Mount On Surging (& Very Similar) ASP Increases

By William Keating

  • Q124 DRAM revenue $18.2 billion, up 6% QoQ and up 88% YoY. NAND revenue $14.1 billion, up 23.4% QoQ and 68.8% YoY
  • ASP increases, HBM, NAND for enterprise SSD and looming shortages for legacy products are all mounting tailwinds for the beleaguered memory segment
  • First quarter ASP increases for DRAM & NAND for Micron, SK Hynix & Samsung were almost identical. That’s quite a coincidence..

China Property Developers In Distress – Weekly News & Announcements Tracker | May 10-16, 2024

By Robert Ciemniak

  • This note is a weekly curated selection of Chinese news articles and company announcements focused on developers in distress
  • We look for their deals, updates, specific project progress news (‘local signals’), as well as relevant local research commentaries about the market
  • We do not verify the underlying data or provide any opinion, we only select and summarize the information; See direct links to sources

HK Strategy: To Sell or Not to Sell, that Is the Question

By Osbert Tang, CFA

  • Surging by 19.4% since the trough on 19-Apr, the HSI is now only 3.2% shy away from the psychological resistance of 20,000. We look at some potential profit-taking names. 
  • Heavy-Weights like Meituan (3690 HK) and Tencent (700 HK) are among the best-performing ones YTD and since the trough. Hence they are more exposed, particularly for Meituan.
  • Haidilao International Holding (6862 HK) and ENN Energy (2688 HK) are another two on the list. Their valuations are no longer inexpensive relative to 3-year earnings CAGR.

The Evolution of Private Credit – [Business Breakdowns, EP.163]

By Business Breakdowns

  • In 2023, the global private credit market topped $2.1 trillion in assets and committed capital.
  • And for a market that really emerged in the nineties, that growth is enough to warrant the attention that private credit receives.
  • But rather than having the blanket statements like private credit is an emerging bubble, we wanted to explore the various segments of private credit, ask simple questions like where is this growth coming from?

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


Shroom Shmooz – Follow-Up to ICER’s Evidence Report on the MDMA- AT Trials

By Water Tower Research

  • ICER draft update with little change. In a follow-up to Shroom Shmooz: How Valid Are ICER’s Concerns about MAPS’ MDMA-AT Trials? , we highlight the amended ICER report published on May 14, 2024, which incorporates the public comments it received.
  • In short, there is no substantive difference between the updated and initial drafts. The skeptical tone of the integrity of the Phase III trial outcomes and conclusion that the current publicly available evidence is insufficient to assess the overall net benefit of MDMA- AT remain.
  • The main difference between the two reports is that the revised version contains more discussion on comorbidities commonly associated with PTSD. 

The Evolution of Private Credit: Part 2 – [Business Breakdowns, EP.164]

By Business Breakdowns

  • The supply and demand dynamics of private credit
  • The history of the private credit markets
  • Differentiation versus traditional solutions, and even differentiation within its own subsegment

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


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Daily Brief China: L’Occitane, Alibaba Group Holding , Giant Biogene, Huafa Property Services Group, Miniso, Agile Property Holdings and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • L’Occitane (973 HK): Dilemma as the Share Alternative Pre-Condition Met
  • L’Occitane (973 HK): On Activism And The Scrip Alternative
  • Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction
  • Giant Biogene Placement – Has Been Doing Well but Doesn’t Need the Cash
  • Huafa Property (982 HK)’s Potential Offer
  • [Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip
  • [Miniso Group (MNSO US, BUY, TP US$34) Earnings Review]: No News Is Good News…Maintain BUY
  • Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi


L’Occitane (973 HK): Dilemma as the Share Alternative Pre-Condition Met

By Arun George

  • L’Occitane (973 HK) announced that the share alternative pre-condition was satisfied. However, The share alternative offer is at the offeror’s discretion and with the consent of the financing parties. 
  • The share alternative offer poses a dilemma due to the requirement to satisfy the minimum acceptance condition while not breaching the upper limit of the share alternative offer.
  • The share alternative offer is a play on higher multiples by relisting the business. At HK$50.00, L’Occitane would trade in line with its median global beauty peers’ multiples.

L’Occitane (973 HK): On Activism And The Scrip Alternative

By David Blennerhassett

  • In the 29th April HK$34/share VGO announcement, a share scrip alternative may be afforded if 10% of L’Occitane (973 HK)‘s disinterested shareholders expressed interest by the 15th May
  • That pre-condition has been satisfied. However, we are none the wiser whether you receive shares of the levered-up Bidco, at some undetermined scrip ratio; or keep shares of L’Occitane as-is.
  • Some shareholders, like Butler Hall, considered terms low-balled. They now have the option to rollover. But there are still other large activists on the register, whose intentions are not known. 

Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • On first look, Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK) missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy.
  • We can give the company the benefit of the doubt given that the important segments of the company are heading into the right direction.  
  • Alibaba returned USD13.4bn and USD16.5bn to shareholders in FY23 and FY24, compared to the current market cap of USD197bn

Giant Biogene Placement – Has Been Doing Well but Doesn’t Need the Cash

By Sumeet Singh

  • Giant Biogene (2367 HK) aims to raise up to US$205m via a top-up placement.
  • We have followed the company since listing and its recent performance has been great. Although it doesn’t seem to need the cash.
  • In this note, we will run the deal through our ECM framework and talk about the recent updates.

Huafa Property (982 HK)’s Potential Offer

By David Blennerhassett

  • Huafa Property Services Group (982 HK) is currently suspended pursuant to the Takeovers Code. 
  • This SOE-backed property management play recently announced its highest-ever earnings.
  • Shares have gained ~32% in the past fortnight, touching a three-year high. IF an Offer were to unfold, expect an Offer Price ~10% above the last close. 

[Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip

By Ying Pan

  • BABA reported CY1Q24 top line, GAAP operating profit and non-GAAP net income 0.9%, (4.6%) and (6.7%) vs. consensus, and in-line, in-line, (6.9%) vs. our estimate;
  • Results reaffirmed our positive view as increased investment is leading to significant improvement in key businesses: (1) Taobao/Tmall stabilized, (2) overseas e-commerce accelerated along with overseas AntFin and Cainiao
  • We expect pay-off from its strategy shift in 2H of the year. Spin-off, dividends,and share buy-backs provide valuation support until then.We maintain BUY and US$85 TP, implying 9.5x CY25 P/E.

[Miniso Group (MNSO US, BUY, TP US$34) Earnings Review]: No News Is Good News…Maintain BUY

By Eric Wen

  • Miniso (MNSO) reported C1Q24 revenue in-line with our estimate/consensus. Non-GAAP NI beat our estimate/consensus by 4.2%/2.6%, mainly due to better gross margin from IP sales.
  • Company cited pressure on profits in C2Q24 due to store expansion, yet we still believe MNSO can maintain an OPM of 20% for entire 2024
  • We maintain a BUY rating on the stock and maintain TP at US$34/ADS

Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi

By Leonard Law, CFA

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


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Daily Brief Credit: Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi and more

By | Credit, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi


Morning Views Asia: Medco Energi

By Leonard Law, CFA

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


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Daily Brief Japan: Ryohin Keikaku, Kansai Super Market, Mitsui E&S Holdings, Eisai Co Ltd, Nissin Corp, Tokyo Tsushin Inc, Heartcore Enterprises , Nippon Paint Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, Japan

In today’s briefing:

  • Sep24 Nikkei 225 Rebal – Still 1 ADD (Ryohin Keikaku), 1 DELETE, and 1 Very Large Very Dark Horse
  • Kansai Food Market (9919) Minorities Get Squeezed into H2O Retailing (8242)
  • Mitsui E&S – Near Record ROE as Profit Continues to Expand From Multiple Drivers
  • Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP): Leqembi Is Gathering Momentum; Imminent Competition May Spoil the Party
  • Nissin Corp (9066) – A Dirt Cheap $400m JP Logistics Company…
  • Tokyo Communications Group (7359 JP) – Actively Pushing to Become a Digital Business Conglomerate
  • HTCR: HeartCore reports 1st quarter 2024 results and updates investment community on current operations.
  • Nippon Paint (4612 JP):  Strong 1Q24; Overlooked Proxy For China Property


Sep24 Nikkei 225 Rebal – Still 1 ADD (Ryohin Keikaku), 1 DELETE, and 1 Very Large Very Dark Horse

By Travis Lundy

  • The Sep 2024 Nikkei 225 Review data set is mostly done, and one can interpolate results relatively accurately. It still leaves us with one ADD, one DELETE, and capping fun.
  • Recently, Yanai-san sold more Fast Retailing (9983 JP). There is more Real World Float- more active holders own more stock (which may mean less interest to buy later).
  • There is a dark horse candidate which is on investor radar for other reasons. It would not be out of the question, but the precedent is old, and different.

Kansai Food Market (9919) Minorities Get Squeezed into H2O Retailing (8242)

By Travis Lundy

  • Two and a half years ago, H2O Retailing (8242 JP) the 10.9% owner, arranged to merge its own units into Kansai Super Market (9919 JP) to get control. OK Corp complained.
  • OK Corp offered to double the price in a Tender Offer but wouldn’t go hostile. KSM/KFM said no go. Shares popped to ¥2,000+ then when the deal failed, they fell. 
  • H₂O ended up with 58% (64.9% of votes now). The ultimate goal was to swallow it paying zero premium. On 15 May, it announced the merger to do just that. 

Mitsui E&S – Near Record ROE as Profit Continues to Expand From Multiple Drivers

By Daniel Tabbush

  • Profit continues to expand at Mitsui E&S after its transition to a holding company, now reporting over 400% profit growth for 9 months YTD.
  • The company is doing well to keep its operating costs down, with an improving funding structure and balance, as its revenue grows more than COGs.
  • We wonder if there will be more revisions upward to profit, with new initiatives and with a more proven recent track record.

Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP): Leqembi Is Gathering Momentum; Imminent Competition May Spoil the Party

By Tina Banerjee

  • Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP) has guided for FY25 Leqembi revenue of ¥56.5B (~$366M), with ¥43.5B from U.S., and ¥10.0B from Japan. In FY24, Leqembi reported worldwide revenue of ¥4.2B.
  • Leqembi is expected to grow significantly due to increase in prescriptions following the progress in the development of AD diagnosis and treatment pathways in the U.S. and Japan.
  • The current rally can be short lived, as the competitor drug is expected to get FDA approval in 3Q24.

Nissin Corp (9066) – A Dirt Cheap $400m JP Logistics Company…

By Altay Capital

  • Nissin Corp (TYO 9066) bought back 23.6% of their outstanding shares in a single day on May 10th and also doubled their dividend.
  • The result? The stock went up about 39% (up 72% YTD).
  • I already had a full sized position in Nissin Corp and despite being up big on it I added to my position at ¥4,265.

Tokyo Communications Group (7359 JP) – Actively Pushing to Become a Digital Business Conglomerate

By Sessa Investment Research

  • Tokyo Communications Group’s core businesses currently include its Media business, where it plans and develops free game apps for smartphones and uses a portion of the app’s screen space to generate advertising revenue, and its Platform business, where it operates a consultation service based on a pay-as-you-go model.
  • The company also functions as an investment company with the aim of achieving company-wide growth while diversifying risks by allocating the cash flow generated by these core businesses into various promising digital businesses.
  • The company’s main business at the time of its founding consisted of developing and operating free game apps for smartphones.


HTCR: HeartCore reports 1st quarter 2024 results and updates investment community on current operations.

By Zacks Small Cap Research

  • HeartCore Enterprises is an established software development and consulting company based in Tokyo, Japan and operates in five core offerings and solutions.
  • These include 1) Content Management in which the core product is HeartCore CMS, 2) Digital Transformation which includes Controlio, myInvenio, Apromore and HeartCore Robo, 3) GO IPO, a consulting service that helps Japanese companies prepare for a U.S. Nasdaq public listing, 4) Sigmaways, that specializes in infrastructure modernization, and 5) other revenues.
  • We believe the company is poised for strong growth due to its entry in the U.S. market and solid results from the Go IPO offering.

Nippon Paint (4612 JP):  Strong 1Q24; Overlooked Proxy For China Property

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • According to public news, China is considering asking local governments to purchase significant amount of unsold homes in the country. 
  • Nippon Paint Holdings (4612 JP) is a good proxy for exposure to China property with downside protection.
  • China made up 40% of Nippon Paint’s operating profit (1Q24 numbers).  Nippon Paint is the absolute leader in decorative paint in China, with 25% market share in 2023 (TUC).

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Daily Brief Equity Bottom-Up: Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction and more

By | Daily Briefs, Equity Bottom-Up

In today’s briefing:

  • Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction
  • Tech Supply Chain Tracker (17-May-2024): Microsoft China AI teams may relocate due to US restrictions.
  • [Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip
  • Sea Limited (SE US) – Making Hay
  • Mitsui E&S – Near Record ROE as Profit Continues to Expand From Multiple Drivers
  • Asian Dividend Gems: DGB Financial Group
  • JSW Energy: Powering India’s Future
  • Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP): Leqembi Is Gathering Momentum; Imminent Competition May Spoil the Party
  • Nissin Corp (9066) – A Dirt Cheap $400m JP Logistics Company…
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: All Eyes on Nvidia Results Next Week; Microsoft Copilot Edge AI To Be Showcased?


Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • On first look, Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK) missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy.
  • We can give the company the benefit of the doubt given that the important segments of the company are heading into the right direction.  
  • Alibaba returned USD13.4bn and USD16.5bn to shareholders in FY23 and FY24, compared to the current market cap of USD197bn

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (17-May-2024): Microsoft China AI teams may relocate due to US restrictions.

By Tech Supply Chain Tracker

  • Microsoft’s China AI teams relocate due to US rules, focusing on Wi-Fi 7 development for improved connectivity and performance.
  • Amazon’s stake in Alchip suggests potential synergy in AI tech and expanded market reach, while Kymco launches eco-friendly e-scooter.
  • Tencent Cloud partners with BRI and Hi Cloud Indo for banking innovation, while Veolia opens first regeneration plant in China for sustainable water treatment. Tron Future secures funding for counter-drone tech.

[Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip

By Ying Pan

  • BABA reported CY1Q24 top line, GAAP operating profit and non-GAAP net income 0.9%, (4.6%) and (6.7%) vs. consensus, and in-line, in-line, (6.9%) vs. our estimate;
  • Results reaffirmed our positive view as increased investment is leading to significant improvement in key businesses: (1) Taobao/Tmall stabilized, (2) overseas e-commerce accelerated along with overseas AntFin and Cainiao
  • We expect pay-off from its strategy shift in 2H of the year. Spin-off, dividends,and share buy-backs provide valuation support until then.We maintain BUY and US$85 TP, implying 9.5x CY25 P/E.

Sea Limited (SE US) – Making Hay

By Angus Mackintosh

  • Sea Limited (SE US) booked a strong set of 1Q2024 results from a GMV, revenue and adjusted EBITDA perspective, with fears of greater competition from TikTok failing to materialise. 
  • The company has been investing in growth across all segments, with e-commerce driving and digital financial services driving growth but digital entertainment also seeing a return to growth mode. 
  • Sea Limited continues to focus on its core competitiveness in pricing, improving service quality, and lowering the cost to serve through SPX Express, with advertising becoming a more meaningful contributor.  

Mitsui E&S – Near Record ROE as Profit Continues to Expand From Multiple Drivers

By Daniel Tabbush

  • Profit continues to expand at Mitsui E&S after its transition to a holding company, now reporting over 400% profit growth for 9 months YTD.
  • The company is doing well to keep its operating costs down, with an improving funding structure and balance, as its revenue grows more than COGs.
  • We wonder if there will be more revisions upward to profit, with new initiatives and with a more proven recent track record.

Asian Dividend Gems: DGB Financial Group

By Douglas Kim

  • On 16 May, it was reported that the Korean financial regulators have approved DGB Daegu Bank to become the 7th commercial bank in Korea. 
  • DGB Daegu Bank is the core entity of DGB Financial Group (139130 KS) which currently has a market cap of 1.4 trillion won (US$1.0 billion).
  • This change will allow the company to expand in the more lucrative metropolitan Seoul and other regions in Korea. We have a positive view of DGB Financial Group (139130 KS).

JSW Energy: Powering India’s Future

By Sudarshan Bhandari

  • A Detailed understanding of Thermal cum Renewable Power house JSW Energy Ltd (JSW IN) Business and their ambitious target to achieve 10 GW by FY25.
  • Strategy 2.O, where company is planning for 20GW by 2025, energy storage system.
  • JSW Energy’s strategic acquisitions and focus on renewables enhance growth prospects, with a vision to become a leading renewable energy provider.

Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP): Leqembi Is Gathering Momentum; Imminent Competition May Spoil the Party

By Tina Banerjee

  • Eisai Co Ltd (4523 JP) has guided for FY25 Leqembi revenue of ¥56.5B (~$366M), with ¥43.5B from U.S., and ¥10.0B from Japan. In FY24, Leqembi reported worldwide revenue of ¥4.2B.
  • Leqembi is expected to grow significantly due to increase in prescriptions following the progress in the development of AD diagnosis and treatment pathways in the U.S. and Japan.
  • The current rally can be short lived, as the competitor drug is expected to get FDA approval in 3Q24.

Nissin Corp (9066) – A Dirt Cheap $400m JP Logistics Company…

By Altay Capital

  • Nissin Corp (TYO 9066) bought back 23.6% of their outstanding shares in a single day on May 10th and also doubled their dividend.
  • The result? The stock went up about 39% (up 72% YTD).
  • I already had a full sized position in Nissin Corp and despite being up big on it I added to my position at ¥4,265.

Taiwan Tech Weekly: All Eyes on Nvidia Results Next Week; Microsoft Copilot Edge AI To Be Showcased?

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Taiwan Tech and Nvidia Rally Ahead of Nvidia Earnings Next Week; Microsoft Build Conference Could Showcase Edge AI Copilot
  • Hon Hai: Traditional Server Market Now Adding to AI Growth; Expects Market Share Gains in 2024E 
  • Asustek: Margin Beat, Guides More Upside; Qualcomm for AI PCs; Why Asus Confident in AI PC Up-Cycle 

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