Category

Daily Briefs

Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Tencent, Asmedia Technology, Samsung SDI, Hangzhou EZVIZ Network, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Perficient Inc, Atlassian , Juniper Networks, Check Point Software Tech, Western Digital and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Tencent (700 HK): 1Q24 Preview, EPS Up by 40%, But Upside Narrowed by Significant Price Rise
  • ASMedia GDR Early Look – Momentum Has Been Strong, and Raising Would Grow Its Cash Base Almost 6x
  • Tech Supply Chain Tracker (06-May-2024): Samsung SDI boosts investment despite weak 1Q24.
  • STAR50 Index Rebalance Preview: Adds Steamroll Deletes
  • STAR100 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Adds Continue to Push Higher
  • EQT to Acquire Perficient for $3.0 Billion
  • Atlassian Corporation: Will The New Sole CEO Help Take The Company Towards A New Growth Trajectory?
  • Juniper Networks: What Is The AI Cluster Opportunity With Ethernet Adoption! – Major Drivers
  • Check Point Software Technologies: Potential Opportunities with NVIDIA AI Infrastructure & 5 Critical Growth Drivers
  • Western Digital Corporation: A Growing Customer Base in Enterprise SSD Space & 5 Major Growth Drivers


Tencent (700 HK): 1Q24 Preview, EPS Up by 40%, But Upside Narrowed by Significant Price Rise

By Ming Lu

  • We believe total revenue will grow by 7% YoY in 1Q24 and faster in the remaining three quarters of 2024.
  • We believe EPS will grow by 41% to HK$3.80, which is higher than the market consensus.
  • The stock has risen by 26% since our last Buy rating, but there is still an upside of 9% till the end of 2024.

ASMedia GDR Early Look – Momentum Has Been Strong, and Raising Would Grow Its Cash Base Almost 6x

By Clarence Chu

  • Asmedia Technology (5269 TT) is looking to raise up to US$333m in its upcoming global depository receipts (GDRs) offering.
  • ASMedia recently announced its board’s resolution to offer between 4.3-5.3m shares in the form of GDRs, with the proceeds geared towards purchasing raw materials and machinery, R&D and working capital.
  • Similar to previous GDR listings, the deal is a long drawn out process with the firm required to jump through a number of board/shareholder/regulatory approval loops.

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (06-May-2024): Samsung SDI boosts investment despite weak 1Q24.

By Tech Supply Chain Tracker

  • Samsung SDI exhibits confidence in future growth and innovation by increasing investments despite weak 1Q24 results.
  • UnaBiz boosts Sigfox 0G Technology by reducing device energy usage by up to 18 times, enhancing efficiency.
  • Sharp considers establishing a display plant in India, potentially boosting the country’s electronics manufacturing sector.

STAR50 Index Rebalance Preview: Adds Steamroll Deletes

By Brian Freitas

  • With the review period complete, we forecast 3 changes for the SSE STAR50 (STAR50 INDEX) in June. All changes are migrations from/to the STAR 100 Index.
  • One way turnover is estimated at 3.4% resulting in a one-way trade of CNY 4.5bn (US$630m). There is a lot to trade from passive trackers, especially on the inclusions.
  • The potential adds have outperformed the potential deletions by ~18% over the last month with Hangzhou EZVIZ Network (688475 CH) and APT Medical (688617 CH) moving higher.

STAR100 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Adds Continue to Push Higher

By Brian Freitas

  • The review period for the June rebalance ended 30 April. We expect the changes to be announced 31 May with the implementation taking place after the close on 14 June.
  • We forecast 9 changes for the index, including migrations between the STAR 100 Index and the SSE STAR50 (STAR50 INDEX).
  • The outright inclusions have outperformed the outright deletions by 9% over the last month and by 20% over the last 3 months.

EQT to Acquire Perficient for $3.0 Billion

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Perficient Inc (PRFT US) agreed to be acquired by EQT, for $76/share in cash, 75% premium, 51% premium to 30-day VWAP, and c. $3 billion EV.
  • I understand EQT has opted to present an offer that the Board could not refuse, on both EV/Fwd EBITDA and Fwd P/E basis.
  • Spread is 3.6%/6.2% (gross/annualised, assuming settlement by 16 December). Long.

Atlassian Corporation: Will The New Sole CEO Help Take The Company Towards A New Growth Trajectory?

By Baptista Research

  • Atlassian Corporation Plc, leading software and services provider, recently marked their Q3 of Fiscal Year 2024 earnings call, reporting significant growth in their Cloud customer base and paid seats, among other financial milestones.
  • However, they also made the announcement of the stepping down of co-CEO, Scott Farquhar, by August 31, 2024.
  • The growth in the Cloud customer base was highlighted as a result of the winding down of support for Server operations three and a half years ago, which yielded three times the increase in paid seats in the Cloud.

Juniper Networks: What Is The AI Cluster Opportunity With Ethernet Adoption! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • The Q3 2023 results released by Juniper Networks, Inc. showed a better-than-expected performance with significant profitability.
  • Even in a challenging macro environment, the company was able to achieve total revenue of $1.398 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.60.
  • The company anticipates that it will continue to perform well due to the increasing demands from customers for AIOps and software automation tools, which aim to improve network operations and reduce overhead costs.

Check Point Software Technologies: Potential Opportunities with NVIDIA AI Infrastructure & 5 Critical Growth Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • The Q1 2022 earnings reveal insights into the performance of Check Point Software Technologies.
  • The company made some forward-looking statements related to its fiscal year 2022.
  • Golan reported that its earnings per share (EPS) for the first quarter grew by 13% year-on-year to reach $2.04, with a net income of $235 million marking an 8% increase year over year.

Western Digital Corporation: A Growing Customer Base in Enterprise SSD Space & 5 Major Growth Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Western Digital performed exceptionally well in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, with revenue of $3.5 billion, a non-GAAP gross margin of 29.3%, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.63, surpassing market expectations.
  • The company’s performance was bolstered by a diversified portfolio spanning multiple end markets, coupled with structural changes to its businesses enhancing its earning potential and ability to minimize business cycles.
  • It was also able to leverage a constrained supply environment for higher earnings per share.

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Daily Brief Industrials: Lalatech Holdings Co Ltd, Komatsu Ltd, Hankook Tire & Technology, HD Hyundai Marine Solution , Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, TAL Education, Ww Grainger Inc, Dover Corp, L3Harris Technologies , Emcor Group Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Industrials

In today’s briefing:

  • Lalatech IPO: New Filing Shows March From Losses To Profits Between 2021 and 2023
  • Komatsu (6301) | 6% TSR and Clean Energy Winner
  • Hankook Tire & Technology to Become the Controlling Shareholder of Hanon Systems
  • HD Hyundai Marine Solution IPO Trading – Strong Demand and Peers Continue to Rise
  • Adani Ports – Earnings Flash – FY 2023-24 Results – Lucror Analytics
  • TAL Education Group: What Is The Progress In Terms Of Expansion of Learning Services? – Major Drivers
  • W.W. Grainger Inc.: These Are 6 Fundamental Elements Impacting Its Future Performance! – Financial Forecasts
  • Dover Corporation: Robust Growth in the Data Centers Can Catalyze Their Top-Line Growth? – Major Drivers
  • L3Harris Technologies: What Is The Story Behind Its International Growth and Expansion?
  • EMCOR Group: What Is The Expected Impact Of The Shift In Manufacturing To The U.S.? – Major Drivers


Lalatech IPO: New Filing Shows March From Losses To Profits Between 2021 and 2023

By Daniel Hellberg

  • In this insight we show drivers of LalaTech’s +US$1bn turnaround in OpInc
  • We also evaluate which drivers are likely to generate future improvements
  • Lalatech won’t repeat incredible 2021-23 CoR, OpEx performances, in our view

Komatsu (6301) | 6% TSR and Clean Energy Winner

By Mark Chadwick

  • Komatsu’s operating profits for FY3/24 of Y607 billion (+24% YoY) surpassed estimates on strong U.S. equipment sales
  • Komatsu guides for FY3/25 operating profits of ¥557 billion (-8.3% YoY), assuming ¥140/US$
  • We believe that the market remains too focused on the near-term growth slowdown, while we believe that Komatsu is attractively priced at under 10x EV/EBIT

Hankook Tire & Technology to Become the Controlling Shareholder of Hanon Systems

By Douglas Kim

  • On 3 May, it was reported that Hankook Tire & Technology agreed to purchase a 25% in Hanon Systems for 1.37 trillion won from Hahn & Co private equity firm. 
  • After this deal, Hankook Tire & Technology will own a controlling 50.5% stake in Hanon Systems.
  • We have a negative view on Hankook Tire & Technology’s additional purchase of Hanon Systems, which has experienced a declining profit margins in the past several years.

HD Hyundai Marine Solution IPO Trading – Strong Demand and Peers Continue to Rise

By Ethan Aw

  • HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS) had raised around US$539m in its Korean IPO, after pricing the deal at the top end of KRW83,400/share.
  • HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HMS from hereon) is a ship aftermarket service provider that provides necessary services throughout a ship’s life cycle after the delivery of a new ship.
  • In this note, we will talk about the demand for the deal and other trading dynamics.

Adani Ports – Earnings Flash – FY 2023-24 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Leonard Law, CFA

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has released FY 2023-24 numbers that were slightly above expectations. The company’s strong revenue and EBITDA growth (of 28% and 24% y-o-y, respectively) exceeded management’s guidance, supported by higher than estimated growth in cargo volumes. APSEZ appears poised to achieve its target of 500 MMT cargo volumes in 2025, supported by organic growth and the contribution from its latest acquisition (Gopalpur Port). Net adjusted leverage improved to 2.9x (FY 2022-23: 4.0x). We expect leverage to be stable in FY 2024-25, in line with management’s guidance.

APSEZ appears to have a renewed appetite for expansion (particularly in overseas markets, amid its already strong domestic position), which may present event risks. In the meantime, the company may remain affected by negative headlines related to corporate governance issues at the broader Adani Group.


TAL Education Group: What Is The Progress In Terms Of Expansion of Learning Services? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • TAL Education Group showcased a strong financial performance in the fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year of 2024.
  • The group’s Learning Services and Content Solutions segments demonstrated growth, driven by focused product development and a broadening customer base.
  • The Learning Services sector saw continuous growth, supported by the expansion of learning centers and increased enrollment.

W.W. Grainger Inc.: These Are 6 Fundamental Elements Impacting Its Future Performance! – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • W.W. Grainger Inc. started 2024 positively, with Q1 sales up by 3.5% (or 4.9% on a daily organic constant currency basis), gaining contributions from both High-Touch Solutions and Endless Assortment business segments.
  • One highlight was the successful Grainger Show in Orlando, which saw over 10,000 of their customers, suppliers, and team members gathering to showcase the company’s offering.
  • The event was fruitful, yielding positive feedback due to the partnerships formed and customer problems solved.

Dover Corporation: Robust Growth in the Data Centers Can Catalyze Their Top-Line Growth? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • In the first quarter 2024 earnings, Dover Corporation showed promising results.
  • The quarter’s results were consistent with expectations, despite initial concerns that it might be the most challenging quarter.
  • Counter cyclical portfolios were offset by a strong performance in end markets along with improving order and shipment trends in biopharma components and growth platforms.

L3Harris Technologies: What Is The Story Behind Its International Growth and Expansion?

By Baptista Research

  • L3Harris Technologies, a leading provider of national security solutions, reported strong key performance metrics in the Q1 2024 with an industry-leading margin expansion of 80 basis points to 15.1%.
  • This has fueled an upbeat full-year 2024 margin, EPS, and revenue guidance.
  • The operating income went up by $150 million, boosting EPS by 7% to $3.06 per share majorly because of segment operating margin performance.

EMCOR Group: What Is The Expected Impact Of The Shift In Manufacturing To The U.S.? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • EMCOR Group has reported a strong start to 2024 in its recent first-quarter earnings call, driven by the performance in its Electrical and Mechanical Construction segments.
  • Key figures include an 18.7% increase in revenues to $3.43 billion driven mainly by organic growth.
  • The Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) grew by 16.5% to $9.2 billion.

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Daily Brief Consumer: L’Occitane, Alibaba Group Holding , China Beststudy Education Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Cocoa Futures, Porch Group Inc, Pointerra Ltd, Pool Corp, Primo Water and more

By | Consumer, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • L’Occitane (973 HK): The Rollover Option, And Alternate Listing Valuations
  • Alibaba (BABA US) 4Q24 Preview: Many Moves Under One-Digit Growth, 46% Upside
  • L’Occitane (973.HK) Privatization – The Offer Price Is Good Enough
  • China After-School Tutoring:  Still In The Early Innings; Prefer China Beststudy Over EDU
  • Royal Caribbean Group: Focus on Millennial Customers and New Cruise Experiences! – Major Drivers
  • -30% // Cocoa Bubble Has Busted & Central Banks Buy Gold
  • Porch Group Inc (PRCH) – Monday, Feb 5, 2024
  • Pointerra Ltd – Q4 off to a good start after a weak Q3
  • Pool Corporation: What Are The Major Competitive Pressures That It Is Facing? – Major Drivers
  • Primo Water Corp (PRMW) – Monday, Feb 5, 2024


L’Occitane (973 HK): The Rollover Option, And Alternate Listing Valuations

By David Blennerhassett

  • Concurrent with its HK$34/share VGO, L’Occitane (973 HK)‘s disinterested shareholders may be entitled to a share scrip alternative. IF afforded, up to 5% of shares out can participate.
  • The big unknown is whether you receive shares of the levered-up Bidco, at some as yet undetermined scrip ratio; or keep shares of L’Occitane as-is.
  • To trigger the rollover option, 10% of disinterested shareholders need to express interest by the 15th May (a Hong Kong holiday btw). A deadline without details. 

Alibaba (BABA US) 4Q24 Preview: Many Moves Under One-Digit Growth, 46% Upside

By Ming Lu

  • We believe revenue will grow by 6% YoY in 4Q24, but by 11% for FY2026 (roughly 2025 calendar year).
  • We believe Alibaba has been actively raising its revenue growth, but this the effect cannot be seen in the short run.
  • We conclude the stock has an upside of 46% and a price target of US$120.

L’Occitane (973.HK) Privatization – The Offer Price Is Good Enough

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • The HK$34/share offer price is final, which exceeds all-time high closing price of HK$33.60/share since IPO in 2010. EUR6 billion is equivalent to a PE of 52.17x, higher than peers.
  • Deploying China’s sinking market is “a good story full of imagination”. However, it may fail to bring expected profits considering increasing competition/potential price war, leading to uncertain future performance growth.
  • For minority shareholders, this privatization provides an attractive opportunity to monetise their investments at a premium over market price. We don’t think the current “technical bull market” to be lasting. 

China After-School Tutoring:  Still In The Early Innings; Prefer China Beststudy Over EDU

By Steve Zhou, CFA

  • China after-school tutoring remains one of the most attractive and visible sectors in the next 2-3 years time frame. 
  • Even though New Oriental Education & Techn (EDU US) had some hiccups in FY3Q24 results, they were mainly due to factors not related to the core after-school tutoring business.
  • My sector top pick is China Beststudy Education Group (3978 HK), as valuation is lower and growth is higher, though it has a much smaller market cap..

Royal Caribbean Group: Focus on Millennial Customers and New Cruise Experiences! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Royal Caribbean Group has made impressive strides in reshaping the business in the first quarter of 2024.
  • The company described its Q1 2024 as robust and experiencing an upward trajectory in business operations, bolstered by the consumers’ demand for vacation experiences.
  • The results of Q1 2024 were significantly better than anticipated, with the company’s brands being stronger than ever and demand for vacation experiences showing consistent acceleration.

-30% // Cocoa Bubble Has Busted & Central Banks Buy Gold

By The Commodity Report

  • -30% // Cocoa Bubble Has Busted Just two weeks ago, the most-active contract hit a record of almost $12,000 a ton as the industry grappled with the fallout of severe supply shortages.
  • “It’s important to underscore that the recent downturn in cocoa prices is primarily a result of trading maneuvers, not a realignment of market fundamentals,” analysts at Fitch Solutions’ BMI unit said in a note, adding they expect volatility to persist.
  • Volatility spiked as bigger margin requirements spurred traders to close out positions, helping to drive aggregate open interest in cocoa futures to the lowest in more than a decade.

Porch Group Inc (PRCH) – Monday, Feb 5, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • Investment thesis for going long on Porch Group Senior Secured Convert in the mid 50s, with a 22.5% Yield to Maturity and potential for a 75% one-year return
  • Option for higher risk tolerance investors to target the 2026 Notes in the 30s for more upside
  • Capital structure and background information on Porch Group’s decline in the macro environment for housing, extreme weather-related losses, and involvement in a reinsurance fraud scandal with Vesttoo highlighted

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.


Pointerra Ltd – Q4 off to a good start after a weak Q3

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Pureprofile Ltd (ASX:PPL) is a data analytics and consumer insights company underpinned by proprietary technology, servicing business decision makers in brands and media companies as well as market researchers.
  • Pureprofile has reported a 6% increase in Q3 FY24 revenue to $10.9m and 49% decline in Q3 EBITDA to $0.5m.
  • Q3 is seasonally the weakest quarter for PPL and EBITDA was affected, in part, by the change in executive remuneration policy to cash-based payments.

Pool Corporation: What Are The Major Competitive Pressures That It Is Facing? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Pool Corporation reported its latest Q1 earnings, posting $1.1 billion in net sales.
  • Though a dip of 7% from the previous year, the figure is up 6% from the same period in 2021.
  • The quarter’s performance marks the company’s fourth successive year of meeting or exceeding the $1 billion threshold in a comparatively slow seasonal quarter.

Primo Water Corp (PRMW) – Monday, Feb 5, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • Primo Water Corporation specializes in consumer drinking water products and services, focusing on the North American market
  • Market leader in the water industry with strong growth potential and resilience in economic downturns
  • Company undergoing operational improvements, attractive valuation, and compelling ESG story following the sale of its European business

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.


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Daily Brief Health Care: Sigma Healthcare, CSPC Innovation Pharmaceutical-A, Ajanta Pharma, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Resmed Inc, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, Healthcare

In today’s briefing:

  • Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU): ASX200 Inclusion Now, MUCH More Squeezy Fun Later. Maybe…
  • Quiddity Leaderboard ChiNext & ChiNext 50 Jun 24: Bull-Bear Hot Streak Continues; Some Surprises
  • Ajanta Pharma (AJP IN): Stellar Q4 Performance; INR3B Buyback Plan Announced
  • Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp): Will The Acquisition of Invitae Be A Game Changer? – Major Drivers
  • ResMed Inc.: What Are Their Latest Products & Their Expected Revenue Impact? – Major Drivers
  • West Pharmaceutical Services: Contract Manufacturing Expansion & Other Major Drivers


Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU): ASX200 Inclusion Now, MUCH More Squeezy Fun Later. Maybe…

By Travis Lundy

  • In early December, pharmacy distributor Sigma Healthcare (SIG AU) arranged a “transformational merger” with mega chain Chemist Warehouse (CWG). Effectively a reverse takeover designed to get CWG listed.
  • SIG issued shares, raising cash, enabling it so NEWCO had high enough minimum float upon merging. Financial engineering for the win. SIG popped – a kind of IPO premium trade.
  • But plenty of people are against the deal, and ACCC hasn’t yet opined (13 June is the provisional date), but on Thursday, S&P announced SIG would join ASX200 despite risks.

Quiddity Leaderboard ChiNext & ChiNext 50 Jun 24: Bull-Bear Hot Streak Continues; Some Surprises

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The ChiNext Index represents the performance of the 100 largest and most liquid A-share stocks listed on the ChiNext Market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
  • The ChiNext 50 index is a subset of the ChiNext Index and it consists of the top 50 names in the ChiNext index with the highest daily average turnover.
  • The 6-month reference period for the June 2024 index rebal event just ended. In this insight, we take a look at our final expectations for ADDs and DELs. 

Ajanta Pharma (AJP IN): Stellar Q4 Performance; INR3B Buyback Plan Announced

By Tina Banerjee

  • Ajanta Pharma (AJP IN) reported strong Q4FY24 results, with double-digit revenue and PAT growth, and improving margins, driven by growth across all the business segments.
  • The company has announced INR3.5B buyback plan, involving purchase of 10,28,881 equity shares (0.82% of the total paid-up equity share capital) at a price of INR2,770 per equity share.
  • Ajanta Pharma is confident of maintaining double-digit growth going ahead with the existing products gaining market share, new launches, and expansion of field force.

Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp): Will The Acquisition of Invitae Be A Game Changer? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) has seen significant growth in its first quarter of 2024 and continues to show promise for the rest of the year.
  • The total revenue for the quarter was $3.2 billion with adjusted earnings per share at $3.68, which represents a 5% increase in enterprise revenue from the first quarter of 2023.
  • Within the revenue growth, the Diagnostic Laboratories business accounted for a 4% increase, while Biopharma revenue rose 8%.

ResMed Inc.: What Are Their Latest Products & Their Expected Revenue Impact? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • ResMed has had a strong third financial quarter for 2024, demonstrating strong top-line growth and double-digit bottom-line growth.
  • This growth is driven by the ongoing demand for their devices across global markets, high single-digit growth in their Software as a Service business, and double digit global growth in masks and accessories.
  • These results are particularly impressive given the company is annualizing a robust quarter of growth from the previous year.

West Pharmaceutical Services: Contract Manufacturing Expansion & Other Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • West Pharmaceutical Services, a globally recognized leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, reported a strong start to the year 2024, despite several challenges in the market.
  • The firm recorded a slight decrease in organic sales, operating profits and diluted EPS compared to Q1 2023 due to market dynamics, primarily inventory adjustments, and customer destocking, which is the reduction of excess inventory held by customers.
  • Baptista Research looks to evaluate the different factors that could influence the company’s price in the near future and attempts to carry out an independent valuation of the company using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.

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Daily Brief Financials: Bank of Jiangsu , Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd, Jafco Co Ltd, ZEEKR, Huatai Securities Co Ltd (A), WeWork , Bitcoin, S&P Global , China Vanke , American International Group and more

By | Daily Briefs, Financials

In today’s briefing:

  • SSE50 Index Rebalance Preview: Financials Continue to Outperform
  • Aadhar Housing Finance IPO – Larger and Slower, at a Reasonable Discount
  • Revisiting Jafco (8595.T) – Company Reaches An Important Milestone
  • Zeekr IPO – Missed Targets and Related Party Deals – We Would Stick to the Bottom-End
  • Quiddity Leaderboard SSE50/180 Jun 24: US$2bn One-Way; LONGs up +9.8% Vs SHORTs in ~2 Months
  • Rebooting WeWork
  • Crypto Crisp: Is That All, Hong Kong?
  • S&P Global Inc.: Will The Visible Alpha & IHS Markit Acquisitions Pay Off In The Long Run? – Major Drivers
  • Morning Views Asia: China Vanke
  • American Airlines: How Are They Strengthening Their Footprint In Latin American & Beyond! – Major Drivers


SSE50 Index Rebalance Preview: Financials Continue to Outperform

By Brian Freitas

  • With the review period nearing completion, 6 stocks are in inclusion zone and 9 are in deletion zone. However, there can be a maximum of 5 changes at a review.
  • We estimate a one-way turnover of 7.1% at the June rebalance leading to a one-way trade of CNY 9.9bn (US$1.37bn). Index arb balances should increase the impact on the stocks.
  • The potential inclusions (of which four are Financials) have continued to outperform the mixed bag of potential deletions. With pretty big impact on the deletes, expect further divergence.

Aadhar Housing Finance IPO – Larger and Slower, at a Reasonable Discount

By Sumeet Singh

  • Aadhar Housing Finance (AHF) is now looking to raise around US$360m in its India IPO, via selling a mix of primary and secondary shares.
  • AHF is focused on the low income housing segments (ticket size less than INR1.5m) in India. It offers a range of mortgage-related loan products.
  • We have looked at the company’s performance in our past note. In this note, we talk about valuations.

Revisiting Jafco (8595.T) – Company Reaches An Important Milestone

By Rikki Malik

  • The company’s management fees now cover the operating costs after many years of losses
  • Recent fund raising has surpassed expectations for its latest VC fund
  • The company’s steps towards better capital allocation are trending in the right direction

Zeekr IPO – Missed Targets and Related Party Deals – We Would Stick to the Bottom-End

By Sumeet Singh

  • ZEEKR (ZK US), a premium EV brand by Geely Auto (175 HK), aims to raise around US$370m in its US listing.
  • Zeekr was formed in Mar 2021 as a JV between Geely and its founder. Its first model was launched in Apr 21 with deliveries starting in Oct 21.
  • We have looked at the company’s past performance in our earlier notes. In this note, we talk about the updates from its recent filings and have a relook at valuations.

Quiddity Leaderboard SSE50/180 Jun 24: US$2bn One-Way; LONGs up +9.8% Vs SHORTs in ~2 Months

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • SSE 50 and SSE 180, respectively, aim to represent the performance of the 50 and 180 largest and most liquid A-share stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
  • The 12-month reference period used for the June 2024 review is now complete. The SSE 180 expected ADDs/DELs list has changed slightly since I published my last insight (link).
  • In this insight, we take a look at our final expectations for index changes during the June 2024 index rebal event.

Rebooting WeWork

By subSPAC

  • The last week of SPACs was packed with buyouts, IPOs, and deal amendments.
  • A co-working spaces provider gets a lifeline with a restructuring deal with its creditors, while a SPAC terminates a deal with a group of companies.
  • Also, two new IPOs are announced, including one from serial sponsor Michael Klein after a three-year hiatus. Read on to find out the latest about all things SPACs. 

Crypto Crisp: Is That All, Hong Kong?

By Mads Eberhardt

  • Unfortunately, it is not only Monday, but we have also found ourselves on the wrong side of the crypto market over the weekend.
  • In Thursday’s Crypto Moves #26, we expressed a bearish outlook on the market for the short term.
  • Contrary to our expectations, the overall industry did not adhere to our forecast.

S&P Global Inc.: Will The Visible Alpha & IHS Markit Acquisitions Pay Off In The Long Run? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • S&P Global’s Q1 2024 earnings highlighted several key performance aspects that potential investors should consider while evaluating the company.
  • The financial market intelligence provider posted a 14% increase in revenue, excluding the divestiture of Engineering Solutions, with transaction revenue in its Ratings division being a significant part of this rise.
  • Subscription revenue across all business areas also achieved a year-on-year uptick of 8%, contributing to the quarterly revenue of roughly $3.5 billion, the highest in the company’s history.

Morning Views Asia: China Vanke

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.


American Airlines: How Are They Strengthening Their Footprint In Latin American & Beyond! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • American Airlines Group reported an adjusted net loss of $226 million for the first quarter of 2024, with revenues reaching $12.6 billion, a record high for a first quarter.
  • Despite a surge in fuel expenses during the quarter which was around $100 million higher than initially anticipated, the company remains on track with its full year EPS guidance.
  • American Airlines benefits from robust business travel, especially from small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Daily Brief Australia: Fluence Corp, Iron Ore and more

By | Australia, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • Fluence Corp Ltd – New strategy proving up
  • Iron Ore: 117 USD/Ton and Upwards to 130 Short-Term, Catalysts To Watch and Our Stock Screener


Fluence Corp Ltd – New strategy proving up

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Fluence Corporation (ASX:FLC) specialises in the delivery of water and wastewater solutions in industrial, municipal and commercial industries across the globe.
  • The company released an update on Q1 performance (note: FLC has a December balance date), that clearly validates the change in group strategy away from large construction and engineering projects, and towards smaller, higher margin, proprietary solutions, with a clear push into North America.
  • The company has maintained full year guidance of US$90m-$100m of revenue and EBITDA of US$3.5m-$4.0m, a positive turnaround from the EBITDA breakeven position of FY23.

Iron Ore: 117 USD/Ton and Upwards to 130 Short-Term, Catalysts To Watch and Our Stock Screener

By Sameer Taneja

  • Iron ore continued to lounge around the 117 USD/ton levels, but there is increased optimism for Iron Ore and The China Property/Auto Stimulus Angle 
  • Spreads between 65 and 62 widened to 13.8 USD/ton from 12.6 USD/ton last week, and we expect this spread to build further. 
  • The street now widely anticipates the China TSF number between 9-15th of May, which is expected to grow in April at 14.5% YoY on consensus estimates to 1.4 trillion Yuan.

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Daily Brief South Korea: Mini Kospi 200 Futures, HD Hyundai Marine Solution and more

By | Daily Briefs, South Korea

In today’s briefing:

  • Addressing Areas of Confusion Surrounding the KOSPI 200 June Rebalancing
  • ECM Weekly (6th May 2024) – Aadhar, Indegene, TBO Tek, Super Hi, China Resources Bev, Honasa, Worley


Addressing Areas of Confusion Surrounding the KOSPI 200 June Rebalancing

By Sanghyun Park

  • Ssangyong C&E will be excluded in June pre-delisting due to the float rate rule. Replacement will be chosen from the highest market cap existing constituents excluded in the June review.
  • Likely owing to the recent expansion of macro variables in the local market, a clear correlation between results and price impact is not observed even at the screening period’s conclusion.
  • There’s a chance of price impact closer to the effective date, suggesting potentially more effective basket trading. However, short instrument absence necessitates using market indices as hedges.

ECM Weekly (6th May 2024) – Aadhar, Indegene, TBO Tek, Super Hi, China Resources Bev, Honasa, Worley

By Sumeet Singh


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Daily Brief India: NIFTY Index, TBO Tek and more

By | Daily Briefs, India

In today’s briefing:

  • EQD / NSE Volatility Update / 29-Apr-24 to 03-May-24
  • TBO Tek IPO – RHP Updates & Quick Thoughts on Valuation


EQD / NSE Volatility Update / 29-Apr-24 to 03-May-24

By Sankalp Singh

  • Implied Volatilities (IVs) have stabilized over the past few weeks & look to be in the early stages of an uptrend. 
  • Breakdown in Spot-Vol correlation – higher IVs at a time when Equity Indices are flirting with All-time-Highs.
  • Skew compression in BankNifty Options driven by call-buying on the break above 49000, further exacerbated by pre-election demand for June & July expiries. 

TBO Tek IPO – RHP Updates & Quick Thoughts on Valuation

By Ethan Aw

  • TBO Tek (0395045D IN) is looking to raise approximately US$200m in its upcoming India IPO.
  • TBO Tek is a global travel distribution platform. Its two-sided technology platform serves companies involved in the travel industry such as hotels, airlines, travel agencies and travel management companies.
  • In this note, we provide a summary of its RHP updates and share our quick thoughts on valuation.

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Daily Brief United States: ZEEKR, Hollysys Automation Technologies, Lam Research and more

By | Daily Briefs, United States

In today’s briefing:

  • ZEEKR (ZK US) IPO: Valuation Insights
  • Hollysys (HOLI US): Further Thoughts on the Widening Spread
  • LRCX. Mounting Tailwinds Bode Well For 2025 & Beyond


ZEEKR (ZK US) IPO: Valuation Insights

By Arun George


Hollysys (HOLI US): Further Thoughts on the Widening Spread

By Arun George

  • I have received several questions from readers on Ascendent’s binding proposal for Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) in the context of the current gross spread of 12.1%. 
  • The questions primarily concerned the Capital Forum article, NSR approvals, timelines, auditor resignation and deal break risks. 
  • Most of the questions concerned regulatory approval risk. The delay in closing is mainly procedural (government red tape) rather than an indication that regulators will block the deal. 

LRCX. Mounting Tailwinds Bode Well For 2025 & Beyond

By William Keating

  • Q124 revenues of $3.79 billion, pretty much flat sequentially both QoQ and YoY, and also marginally better than guidance.
  • Looking ahead, the company forecasted Q224 revenues $3.8 billion, i.e. flat QoQ. Still no full year 2024 outlook
  • Technology transitions such as GAA, Backside Power, molybdenum replacing tungsten & the rise of generative AI will all be growth drivers in 2025 & beyond 

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Daily Brief China: China Merchants Expressway Net, China Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tencent, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, APT Medical , ICBC (H), Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical and more

By | China, Daily Briefs

In today’s briefing:

  • CSI300 Index Rebalance Preview: Bounce in the Potential Deletes Could Be Short Lived
  • Merger Arb Mondays (06 May) – China TCM, L’Occitane, Hollysys, Shinko, QV Equities, Qantm IP, Adbri
  • HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 30-Apr/3-May 2024); Banks/SOEs Bought, Meituan, Tencent, Mobile Sold
  • HSCEI Dividend Futures: Sell the 2024/25 Steepener
  • CSI500 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Adds Rally and Outperform the Potential Deletes
  • China TCM (570.HK) Update – Despite Doubts, This Privatization Seems “Mandatory”
  • A/H Premium Tracker (To 3 May 2024):  Minimal Moves in 2-Day Week
  • Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 30-Apr/3-May 2024): Big Volumes, Low Net; As Will Play Catchup
  • China Healthcare Weekly (May.5) – Overvaluation in Primary Market, RDC to Be Hot Spot, Yiling Pharma


CSI300 Index Rebalance Preview: Bounce in the Potential Deletes Could Be Short Lived

By Brian Freitas

  • The review period for the June rebalance is complete and we expect 11 changes to the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Inde (SHSZ300 INDEX)
  • We estimate one-way turnover of 1.4% at the rebalance leading to a one-way trade of CNY 8.82bn (US$1.22bn). There are a lot of stocks with multiple days ADV to trade.
  • The potential deletes have bounced off their lows as the market has recovered. But the potential passive selling could see them underperform over the next month.


HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 30-Apr/3-May 2024); Banks/SOEs Bought, Meituan, Tencent, Mobile Sold

By Travis Lundy

  • A-Shares only two days of the week and were up small Monday and Tuesday. H-shares took a breather Wednesday after trailing A-shares, then rallied hard on Thursday and Friday. 
  • Net SOUTHBOUND buying was +HK6.0bn. Net buys every day and now 22 days straight, but buying still appears foreign-led price-taking action. 
  • The only big news this week in China/HK was probably the Politburo’s new stance of trying to do more for the mainland property market, concentrating on unsold homes. 

HSCEI Dividend Futures: Sell the 2024/25 Steepener

By Brian Freitas

  • The HSCEI 2024 dividend futures have moved higher following mainland China banks announcing that they will pay out interim dividends starting this year.
  • The HSCEI 2025 dividend futures have moved higher too, though they have lagged the HSCEI 2024 dividend futures.
  • Even though the HSCEI 2024/25 dividend steepener has dropped by around 10 points in the last few weeks, we see further downside in the near-term.

CSI500 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential Adds Rally and Outperform the Potential Deletes

By Brian Freitas

  • With the review period now complete, we forecast 50 changes (the maximum permitted) for the CSI Smallcap 500 Index – Shang (SH000905 INDEX) at the close on 14 June.
  • We estimate a one-way turnover of 9.3% at the rebalance resulting in a one-way trade of CNY10.88bn (US$1.5bn). The Industrials and Information Technology sectors gain at the expense of Materials.
  • The potential adds have outperformed the potential deletes by 8% over the last 3 months. There could be further outperformance over the next few weeks.

China TCM (570.HK) Update – Despite Doubts, This Privatization Seems “Mandatory”

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Some investors have concerns that the privatization may fail. We also noticed that Morgan Stanley raised China TCM’s target price to HK$5.4. However, the privatization of China TCM seems “mandatory”.
  • At this stage, some background information is worth the attention, which will help investors better understand the logic behind this privatization and thus resolve the “confusion”.
  • According to regulatory requirements, it’s expected that both CNPGC and Taiji will integrate resources in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution sectors, so as to solve horizontal competition issue between the two.

A/H Premium Tracker (To 3 May 2024):  Minimal Moves in 2-Day Week

By Travis Lundy

  • The New/Better A-H Premium Tracker has tables, charts, measures galore to track A/H premium positioning, southbound and northbound positioning/volatility in pairs over time, etc.
  • SOUTHBOUND’s consecutive buying streak ended on Monday 25-March, then started again. 20 days straight net buying. NORTHBOUND saw big inflows Friday. A record day I believe.
  • HK stocks bounced VERY hard. Seemed like big allocation trade. HSCEI +8.7% vs CSI300 +1.2%. In H/A Pairs, liquid pairs saw Hs outperform their A by 4+% on average.

Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 30-Apr/3-May 2024): Big Volumes, Low Net; As Will Play Catchup

By Travis Lundy

  • The Quiddity Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Monitor. Like the A/H Premium Monitor and HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Monitor. Lots of Flows/Position Tables and Charts with which to play.
  • Last week saw NORTHBOUND net BUY RMB 2.3bn of A-shares on high gross low net volume in the two days. NORTHBOUND bought CATL, Shenzhen Mindray, some financials.
  • As outperformed Hs on Monday and Tuesday (when both were open), then Hs rocketed on Thursday and Friday. As will have to catch up early in the week.

China Healthcare Weekly (May.5) – Overvaluation in Primary Market, RDC to Be Hot Spot, Yiling Pharma

By Xinyao (Criss) Wang

  • Due to the overvaluation of pharmaceutical companies in the primary market, only foreign markets are able to “digest” such high valuation. So, various promising drugs are acquired by foreign investors.
  • The field of RDC/RLT has attracted our attention, which could become the next hot area. Since nuclides are the most important bottleneck, domestic related enterprises will usher in opportunities.
  • Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical’s performance would continue to be under pressure in 24H1 but would rebound in 24H2 after “destocking”. Valuation/share price have not yet bottomed out. Don’t rush to bottom-fish.

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