Category

TMT/Internet

Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Kokusai Electric , NVIDIA Corp, MoneyHero , CELSYS, ARM Holdings, Flex, Silicon Motion Technology, Macnica Holdings Inc, Juniper Networks, SS&C Technologies and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Kokusai Electric (6525): Global Index Inclusion Highly Dependent on Free Float
  • Technology Select Sector Index (XLK US): Reversing the Huge Flows from June
  • Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | MoneyHero Group: Driving Expansion and Innovation in Southeast Asia
  • TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (August 2024)
  • Arm’s Strong Growth Driven by License Revenue Surge, But Shares Drop 13% on Disappointing Guidance
  • Flex Ltd.: A Story Of Automotive Electrification and Content Expansion! – Major Drivers
  • Silicon Motion 2Q24 Results Take-Aways: Strong Growth & NAND Flash Market Share Gains Expected
  • Macnica Holdings (3132 JP) – Q1 FY25 Results Update
  • Juniper Networks: A Bear’s Perspective/ Why We Are Currently Not Very Optimistic! – Major Drivers
  • SS&C Technologies Holdings: Strategic Acquisitions to Bolster Market Position & Dealing With Its Biggest Risks! – Major Drivers


Kokusai Electric (6525): Global Index Inclusion Highly Dependent on Free Float

By Dimitris Ioannidis

  • IPO lock-up expiry of Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) results in a forecasted increase in free float to 35% and fcap of $2.9bn for the August 2024 review. 
  • Secondary offering of Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) results in a forecasted increase in free float to 60-65% and latest fcap of $3.4bn- $3.7bn for the November 2024 review. 
  • Inclusion will be determined based on fcap against the fcap threshold. Fcap uncertainty for November is largely driven by stock price fluctuations and the Greenshoe Option. 

Technology Select Sector Index (XLK US): Reversing the Huge Flows from June

By Brian Freitas


Smartkarma Corporate Webinar | MoneyHero Group: Driving Expansion and Innovation in Southeast Asia

By Smartkarma Research

For our next Corporate Webinar, we are glad to welcome MoneyHero Group’s CEO and Director, Mr Rohith Murthy and CFO, Mr Hao Qian.

In the upcoming webinar, Rohit and Hao will share a short company presentation after which, they will engage in a fireside chat with Smartkarma Insight Provider, Ishan Majumdar. The Corporate Webinar will include a live Q&A session.

This Corporate Webinar will be hosted on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, 15:00 SGT. 

About MoneyHero Group

MoneyHero Group connects people to a better financial future. The mission at MoneyHero Group is to make all of life’s financial decisions a time saving and rewarding experience. MoneyHero Group educates consumers about personal finance, helps them decide which products are best suited for their needs, and facilitates getting the product. They connect financial institutions with their target customers and help them achieve their customer acquisition objectives.


TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (August 2024)

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • Quiddity’s “Who is Ready” series of insights aims to objectively identify names listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that are potential additions to the TOPIX Index in future.
  • SUNWELS Co (9229 JP) and Macbee Planet (7095 JP) moved to the Prime market in July 2024 which means there will TOPIX Inclusions at the end of August 2024.
  • Our pre-event pick CELSYS (3663 JP) has seen its price fall by more than 20% during the recent market sell-off and it is close to a key share price threshold.  

Arm’s Strong Growth Driven by License Revenue Surge, But Shares Drop 13% on Disappointing Guidance

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • Arm’s revenue of $935M marks a 39.1% YoY increase, driven by a significant 70% rise in license revenue. Earnings of $0.40 exceeded expectations, reflecting a robust 67% YoY growth.
  • Arm’s R&D investments in AI workloads drive future royalty growth, with v9 and compute subsystems enhancing licensing value amid strong AI demand, particularly in data centers.
  • Shares dropped 13% as Q2 revenue guidance of $780M-$830M and FY25 revenue guidance of $3.8B-$4.1B were below market expectations.

Flex Ltd.: A Story Of Automotive Electrification and Content Expansion! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Flex Ltd. reported solid financial results, reflecting a combination of strategic positioning and operational resilience.
  • The company delivered $6.3 billion in revenue for the quarter, slightly exceeding expectations, while achieving an adjusted operating margin of 4.8%.
  • This translated into an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51, which is a 9% increase year-over-year.

Silicon Motion 2Q24 Results Take-Aways: Strong Growth & NAND Flash Market Share Gains Expected

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Silicon Motion reported 2Q24 results on Friday, describing strong demand for NAND flash controllers driven by the PC industry and improving demand from the smartphone industry.
  • The company expects industry NAND flash pricing to continue improving into 2025E. Moreover, SIMO expects to expand its market share for NAND flash controllers by year-end.
  • Maintain Structural Long rating for SIMO. The recent share price decline is painful for holders however share weakness is an accumulation opportunity with an investment view to mid-2025E.

Macnica Holdings (3132 JP) – Q1 FY25 Results Update

By Astris Advisory Japan

  • In line with the company’s plan –Semiconductors saw a lower segment OP margin (7.3% Q1 FY3/24, 4.0% Q1 FY3/25) with a revenue decline in profitable Industrial (-34.8 YoY) due to weakness in the semiconductor market.
  • Compared to the previous quarter, the segment OP margin declined (5.4% Q1 FY3/24, 4.0% Q1 FY3/25) with poorer sales due to a higher contribution from less-profitable Memory.
  • However, the revenue decline in Industrial was less pronounced (-2.7% QoQ), a sign of bottoming out. 

Juniper Networks: A Bear’s Perspective/ Why We Are Currently Not Very Optimistic! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Juniper Networks reported its third-quarter results for 2023, delivering a performance that outperformed expectations in a challenging macroeconomic environment.
  • Juniper Networks showcased a robust total revenue of $1.398 billion for the quarter, which exceeded the midpoint of its guidance.
  • The company experienced better-than-expected non-GAAP gross and operating margins, contributing to a non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.60, surpassing the high end of its quarterly guidance range.

SS&C Technologies Holdings: Strategic Acquisitions to Bolster Market Position & Dealing With Its Biggest Risks! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • SS&C Technologies reported encouraging results for the second quarter of 2024.
  • The company experienced a record adjusted revenue of $1.4524 billion, which grew by 6.5% and surpassed expectations by $20 million.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share also saw a significant increase of 17.6% to $1.27.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Shinko Electric Industries, Samsung Electronics Pref Shares, Nuvoton Technology, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Black Sesame Technologies, United Microelectron Sp Adr, Microsoft Corp, Intel Corp, Daiwabo Holdings and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Update: Shinko Electric (6967) Shorter-Dated and Break Risk Small but GAP RISK Now Much Higher
  • Local Market Observations on Timing Samsung Electronics 1P Discount Narrowing
  • Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Div+ ETF Rebalance Preview: Nuvoton Deletion & Positioning
  • Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC and ASE Premiums Break Down Again; ASE Spread Near 1-Year Lows
  • Black Sesame IPO – Paying Up-Front for Its Monetization Potential
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: Tough Start for Nvidia and Apple Supply Chains; Asustek, Novatek Results Ahead
  • UMC Signals Non-AI Industry Inventory Correction Through 2024E; Why Intel Is Increasingly Important
  • Microsoft’s Strong Q2: Solid Revenue and Earnings Growth Despite Cloud Concerns
  • Intel’s Market Meltdown: Analyzing the Struggles of a Semiconductor Leader
  • Daiwabo Holdings (3107 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update


Update: Shinko Electric (6967) Shorter-Dated and Break Risk Small but GAP RISK Now Much Higher

By Travis Lundy

  • When this deal was announced, it was light. But the timing, JSR influence, large-ish float, ensured FUD would make this trade wide. It traded wider.
  • Nearly 7mos ago, Shinko had much-underperformed peer Ibiden, meaning downside gap risk from undisturbed was negative as spreads were wide. I reco’d a buy. Then 5mos ago, recommended taking profits.
  • Ibiden has now underperformed Shinko by 25+% in 2-plus weeks. GAP RISK is higher but this is a short-timer. HUGE yield to “expected” start date, so everyone assumes a delay. 

Local Market Observations on Timing Samsung Electronics 1P Discount Narrowing

By Sanghyun Park

  • Local traders see interest rate cuts and value-up disclosures as key for timing Samsung Electronics 1P discount narrowing.
  • Samsung’s only realistic value-up goal beyond 50% FCF return is improving ROE, likely through a pref-skewed buyback or cancellation program.
  • If Samsung announces a value-up plan during the Bank of Korea’s rate cuts, local traders expect the 1P discount to reverse, targeting October-November for position entry.

Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Div+ ETF Rebalance Preview: Nuvoton Deletion & Positioning

By Brian Freitas

  • Nuvoton Technology (4919 TT) should be deleted from the Yuanta/​P-Shares Taiwan Dividend Plus ETF in September and that will trigger selling of over 4 days of ADV.
  • Nuvoton Technology (4919 TT) has underperformed most of its peers since the start of the calendar year and shorts have started to increase in the stock.
  • Positioning appears light and the recent deletion from an index has increased the real float of the stock. Recent semiconductor weakness could further pressure the stock.

Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC and ASE Premiums Break Down Again; ASE Spread Near 1-Year Lows

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC: Premium Breaks Back Down to +8.3%; 5-15% Could Now Be the Key Range
  • UMC: -2.2% Discount; Good Level to Go Long the Premium
  • ASE: Premium Breaks Down Again, Now Only +1.5%; Consider Going Long

Black Sesame IPO – Paying Up-Front for Its Monetization Potential

By Clarence Chu

  • Black Sesame Technologies (BLACKSES HK) is looking to raise US$143m in its Hong Kong IPO.
  • Black Sesame International Holdings (BSIH) is an automotive-grade computing SoC and SoC-based intelligent vehicle solution provider.
  • In our earlier notes, we looked at the past performance of the deal. In this note, we discuss peers and share our thoughts on valuation.

Taiwan Tech Weekly: Tough Start for Nvidia and Apple Supply Chains; Asustek, Novatek Results Ahead

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Tough Start to the Week — Negative News for Nvidia and Apple Supply Chains
  • Key Events: Asustek & Novatek Results; Mediatek & TSMC July Sales Data
  • UMC Signals Non-AI Industry Inventory Correction Through 2024E; Why Intel Is Increasingly Important 

UMC Signals Non-AI Industry Inventory Correction Through 2024E; Why Intel Is Increasingly Important

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • UMC’s latest results indicate a mild recovery for consumer, communications, and computing industries. UMC’s capacity utilization to continue improving but industry inventory correction could last until end-2024E.
  • UMC maintained 2024E capex guidance however it’s increasingly clear UMC can’t keep up the capex arms race alone. Hence we see UMC & Intel becoming closer and closer partners.
  • We continue to view UMC as a long-term accumulate, and rate the stock as Structural Long, this however requires a longer than usual multi-year holding period.

Microsoft’s Strong Q2: Solid Revenue and Earnings Growth Despite Cloud Concerns

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • Q2 revenue of $64.73 billion and EPS of $2.95 surpassed expectations of $64.39 billion and $2.93, respectively. Intelligent Cloud revenue reached $28.52 billion but below analysts’ $28.68 billion expectation. 
  • Activision acquisition boosted revenue by 3 points but cut EPS by $0.06 due to lower operating income.
  • While Microsoft’s core cloud business slowed, it increased capex significantly. Uncertain GenAI monetization might shift wealth from Microsoft shareholders to Nvidia shareholders.

Intel’s Market Meltdown: Analyzing the Struggles of a Semiconductor Leader

By Baptista Research

  • In a shocking turn of events, Intel Corporation, a long-standing leader in the semiconductor industry, witnessed one of its worst days on Wall Street, losing over a quarter of its market value in a single trading session.
  • The drastic drop followed the company’s announcement of a $1.6 billion net loss for the second quarter of 2024, a stark contrast to the $1.47 billion profit reported in the same period the previous year.
  • Intel’s share price plummeted by 27%, marking its steepest decline since 1974, as the company grappled with disappointing earnings, a bleak forecast, and a massive restructuring plan.

Daiwabo Holdings (3107 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue for FY03/22 was JPY227.8bn (+8.8% YoY), with IT Infrastructure Distribution segment revenue rising 17.4% YoY.
  • Operating profit for FY03/22 was JPY4.3bn (-13.4% YoY), with a temporary drop in profit margin due to competition.
  • Daiwabo Holdings’ FY03/25 forecast includes revenue of JPY1.0tn (+4.6% YoY) and net income of JPY21.8bn (+409.0% YoY).

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Tencent and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 2 Aug 2024); ETFs Get Sold; Tencent, SOEs, Utilities Bought


HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 2 Aug 2024); ETFs Get Sold; Tencent, SOEs, Utilities Bought

By Travis Lundy

  • SOUTHBOUND was again a net buyer, for HK$9.2bn this week (now 26wks in a row of net buying), on smallish two-way volumes.
  • I’ve thought national team was buying banks for months. They were gone for a couple of weeks. Feels like they are back. 
  • There were three ETFs in the top five SOUTHBOUND sells this past week, reversing last week. Energy, Utilities, Telecoms bought. 

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: PCCW Ltd, Nintendo, Intel Corp, KT Corp, Toyo Business Engineering, Tenable Holdings Inc, Tower Semiconductor , Check Point Software Tech and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • StubWorld: PCCW’s Premium To NAV Is Unsustainable
  • Nintendo (7974) | Game Over for Switch
  • Intel Q224 Meltdown. Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You…
  • Asian Dividend Gems: KT Corp
  • Toyo Business Engineering (4828 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update
  • Tenable Holdings Is Exploring A Sale! 4 Reasons It Makes A Decent Acquisition Target At THIS Valuation! – Major Drivers
  • Tower Semiconductor: Enhanced Capacity and Technological Advancements in Silicon Photonics and RF-SOI Are Major Growth Drivers! – Financial Forecasts
  • Check Point Software Technologies: Expansion of Infinity Platform and Large Deals Catalyzing The Top-Line Performance! – Major Drivers


StubWorld: PCCW’s Premium To NAV Is Unsustainable

By David Blennerhassett

  • Continued stub losses are one thing. Ballooning PCCW Ltd (8 HK) parent debt is another. 
  • Preceding my comments on PCCW and HKT Ltd (6823 HK) are the current setup/unwind tables for Asia-Pacific Holdcos.
  • .These relationships trade with a minimum liquidity of US$1mn, and a % market capitalisation >20%.

Nintendo (7974) | Game Over for Switch

By Mark Chadwick

  • Nintendo missed Q1 with Operating income coming in at Y54.5b (-71% YoY) vs our estimate Y116b and the street at Y94b
  • Switch 2 hardware and software units sold are now suffering from buyer fatigue as consumers await the next-gen console
  • The stock will likely fall quite sharply over the next week. Looking for good buying opportunity in anticipation of the next console cycle

Intel Q224 Meltdown. Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You…

By William Keating

  • Q224 revenues of $12.8 billion, in line with their updated May outlook, ~flat QoQ and down 1% YoY.
  • Gross margin (non-GAAP) was 38.7%, down 1.1 points YoY but down a whopping 4.8 points from the April outlook.
  • Shares tanked >24% in after hours trading. What’s really going on at Intel? 

Asian Dividend Gems: KT Corp

By Douglas Kim

  • We have a Positive view of KT Corp (030200 KS) due to three main reasons.
  • First, KT has started to implement aggressive capital return policy (returning 50% of net income through dividends and share buybacks/cancellations). Two other reasons include Corporate Value Up and higher Smartscore.
  • KT Corp has been the best performing stock among the three major Korean telcos in the past one year. KT Corp’s shares are up 27.9% in the past one year.

Toyo Business Engineering (4828 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Orders were JPY4.7bn (-4.5% YoY) and revenue was JPY5.0bn (+7.2% YoY), reaching a record high.
  • Operating profit was JPY1.2bn (+16.7% YoY) with an OPM increase of 1.9pp to 23.2%.
  • mcframe license revenue was JPY1.3bn (+22.0% YoY), breaking the record high for the Products business.

Tenable Holdings Is Exploring A Sale! 4 Reasons It Makes A Decent Acquisition Target At THIS Valuation! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Tenable Holdings has been in the news after reports suggested that the management is exploring strategic alternatives including a potential sale.
  • The company delivered a mixed performance for Q2 2024, with lower-than-predicted Calculated Current Billings (CCB) but stronger performance in revenue and earnings.
  • Although the performance of the company’s flagship Cyber Exposure platform, Tenable One, and its cloud security offerings were both highlighted as central growth drivers, it was noted that the traditional Vulnerability Management (VM) market, in which the company is a leader, has become increasingly cyclical.

Tower Semiconductor: Enhanced Capacity and Technological Advancements in Silicon Photonics and RF-SOI Are Major Growth Drivers! – Financial Forecasts

By Baptista Research

  • Tower Semiconductor posted a solid financial performance for the second quarter of 2024, showcasing revenue of $351 million and a net profit of about $53 million, translating to a net margin of approximately 15%.
  • Notably, the company achieved sequential quarterly revenue growth as previously targeted and forecasts continued growth with a third-quarter revenue guidance of $370 million, plus or minus 5%.
  • The commitment to driving innovation and expanding market leadership was evident throughout the period.

Check Point Software Technologies: Expansion of Infinity Platform and Large Deals Catalyzing The Top-Line Performance! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Check Point Software reported solid financial results for the recent quarter, showcasing moderate growth across key financial metrics.
  • The company achieved a 7% increase in revenues, reaching $627 million, which exceeded the midpoint of its projected range.
  • Additionally, non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) grew by 8% to $2.17, reflecting Check Point Software’s ability to manage costs effectively while navigating a challenging market environment.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: WeRide Corp, Amazon.com Inc, Melexis NV, Meta Platforms (Facebook), Freelancer Ltd, Ryoden Trading, Softcreate Holdings, Marubun Corp, Hakuto Co Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • WeRide Pre-IPO – The Positives – Large Monetisation Opportunity on the Horizon
  • Amazon Q2 Earnings: Eyes on AWS Margins, Website Traffic, and Advancements in Chips
  • WeRide Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Losses Have Widened, Still in the Early Stages of Commercialization
  • Tech Supply Chain Tracker (02-Aug-2024): E Ink & Himax reveal color e-paper controller.
  • Meta Surges 7% on Strong Q2 Report; Driven by Ad Growth, Q3 Forecast and AI Investments
  • Freelancer – Using AI to enhance revenue and profit growth
  • Ryoden Trading (8084 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update
  • Softcreate Holdings (3371 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update
  • Marubun Corp (7537 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update
  • Hakuto Co Ltd (7433 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update


WeRide Pre-IPO – The Positives – Large Monetisation Opportunity on the Horizon

By Clarence Chu

  • WeRide Corp (WER CH) is looking to raise around US$300m in its upcoming US IPO.
  • WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4 of driving automation.
  • In this note, we will talk about the positive aspects of the deal.

Amazon Q2 Earnings: Eyes on AWS Margins, Website Traffic, and Advancements in Chips

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • Amazon anticipates a 13% YoY rise in Q2 2024 revenue to $148.67 billion and a 58% YoY jump in EPS to $1.03, highlighting robust earnings.
  • AWS is expected to see a $1 billion increase in quarterly revenue, reflecting an 18% year-over-year growth, driven by custom AI chips and model training services.
  • Analysts have reaffirmed buy ratings for Amazon, with an average target price of $228, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

WeRide Pre-IPO – The Negatives – Losses Have Widened, Still in the Early Stages of Commercialization

By Clarence Chu

  • WeRide Corp (WER CH) is looking to raise around US$300m in its upcoming US IPO.
  • WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4 of driving automation.
  • In this note, we will talk about the not so positive aspects of the deal.

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (02-Aug-2024): E Ink & Himax reveal color e-paper controller.

By Tech Supply Chain Tracker

  • E Ink and Himax introduce new color e-paper controller to enhance display technology, offering improved visual experience.
  • Taiwan’s Economic Minister outlines plans to boost global competitiveness, focusing on strategic initiatives to strengthen economy.
  • Shanghai commits $13.7 billion investment in IC, AI, and biopharma industries, driving growth in technology sectors.

Meta Surges 7% on Strong Q2 Report; Driven by Ad Growth, Q3 Forecast and AI Investments

By Uttkarsh Kohli

  • Meta’s Q2 revenue of $39.1B surpassed expectations, up 22% YoY. EPS jumped 73% YoY to $5.16, beating estimates.
  • Ad revenue within the Family of Apps rose 22% YoY, driven by online commerce and strong performance in Europe and the Rest of the World.
  • Q3 revenue forecasted between $38.5B and $41B. Meta’s AI investments are set to enhance ad delivery and support long-term growth, despite increasing CapEx.

Freelancer – Using AI to enhance revenue and profit growth

By Edison Investment Research

Freelancer reported a mixed performance in H124, with Escrow.com volumes down significantly after a very strong Q123, while the Freelancer platform benefited from growth in the Loadshift business. There are several promising opportunities in the enterprise business, including providing AI model training services and integration into new verticals within Escrow.com, that could reinvigorate growth from H224. Management is focused on making incremental improvements to the core marketplace platform with the aim of encouraging clients to become regular users of the platform and expanding the size of projects.


Ryoden Trading (8084 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Revenue decreased to JPY55.2bn (-13.1% YoY) with a progress rate of 25.2%; operating profit fell to JPY1.0bn (-42.6% YoY).
  • Recurring profit dropped to JPY1.2bn (-28.4% YoY) with a progress rate of 17.3%; net income attributable to owners was JPY862mn (-20.8% YoY).
  • Strong sales in North America and Europe, robust memory and sensor IC sales, but weak power device sales due to excess inventory.

Softcreate Holdings (3371 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • In Q1 FY03/25, revenue increased 6.7% YoY to JPY7.1bn, while operating profit decreased 15.1% YoY to JPY1.1bn.
  • The EC Solutions business saw a 6.8% YoY rise in revenue to JPY4.0bn and a 5.8% YoY decline in operating profit.
  • The IT Solutions business reported a 6.5% YoY revenue increase to JPY3.1bn and an 11.5% YoY decrease in operating profit.

Marubun Corp (7537 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Net sales: JPY50.8bn (-15.9% YoY); Operating income: JPY2.6bn (-15.4% YoY); Ordinary income: JPY572mn; Profit: JPY429mn.
  • Electronic Devices business: Net sales JPY40.6bn (-17.7% YoY); Operating income JPY2.7bn (-11.2% YoY); decreased semiconductor demand.
  • Foreign exchange losses: JPY1.1bn due to yen depreciation; minor impact on consolidated earnings for FY03/25.

Hakuto Co Ltd (7433 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Q1 FY03/25 results: Sales JPY42.4bn (-5.4% YoY), Operating profit JPY1.7bn (-13.1% YoY), Recurring profit JPY2.3bn (+30.6% YoY), Net income JPY1.5bn.
  • Segment sales: Electronic Devices and Components JPY34.8bn (-3.1% YoY), Electronic and Electric Equipment JPY4.7bn (-18.0% YoY), Industrial Chemicals JPY2.8bn (-8.9% YoY).
  • Segment profit: Electronic Devices and Components JPY1.6bn (+7.3% YoY), Electronic and Electric Equipment JPY127mn (-68.8% YoY), Industrial Chemicals JPY45mn (-75.5% YoY).

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: NVIDIA Corp, KCE Electronics PCL, Advanced Micro Devices, Mediatek Inc, United Microelectron Sp Adr, Samsung Electronics, Liberty Latin America , A10 Networks, Nec Networks & System Integr and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Nvidia’s China Dominance in AI Accelerator Has Serious Deficiencies
  • Quiddity Leaderboard SET50 Dec 24: 3 Changes Likely; INTUCH-GULF Merger Should Be Monitored
  • AMD. Playing The Long Game
  • Mediatek: AI Features Can Shorten Smartphone Replacement Cycle; New Verticals to Kick In 2H25E
  • MediaTek (2454.TT): There Appears to Be No Bright Spot in 2H24F.
  • UMC (2303.TT; UMC.US): 3Q24 Sales Were Slightly Below Consensuses
  • Tech Supply Chain Tracker (01-Aug-2024): Top tech firms join CoSAI.
  • Liberty Costa Rica – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • ATEN: Volatility of the Spending Pattern
  • Nec Networks & System Integr (1973 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update


Nvidia’s China Dominance in AI Accelerator Has Serious Deficiencies

By Robert McKay

  • Nvidia’s H20 and upcoming B20 were launched to comply with China export controls, and have remained successful due to deficiencies and supply issues for Huawei’s Ascend AI accelerators.
  • However, Nvidia’s China success will be short-lived due to increasing LLM compute requirements and no method for it to offer a more performance dense offering due to export controls.
  • Not only will Huawei’s upcoming Ascend AI accelerator mitigate this issue, but it will likely also aim to address some of the other deficiencies of the Ascend platform too.

Quiddity Leaderboard SET50 Dec 24: 3 Changes Likely; INTUCH-GULF Merger Should Be Monitored

By Janaghan Jeyakumar, CFA

  • The SET50 index tracks the performance of the top 50 largest and most liquid names listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
  • In this insight, we take a look at the potential ADDs/DELs for SET 50 during the index rebal event in December 2024.
  • At present, we see 3 ADDs and 3 DELs but since the reference period is yet to start, the rankings can fluctuate significantly before the base date.

AMD. Playing The Long Game

By William Keating

  • Q224 revenues of $5.8 billion, +5.5% QoQ, +9% YoY and $100 million above the guided midpoint
  • AMD forecasted current quarter revenues of $6.7 billion at the midpoint, up 15% QoQ and about the same YoY.
  • AMD shares are up 9% in premarket trading, hardly the response one expected from a good but not amazing report. But why?

Mediatek: AI Features Can Shorten Smartphone Replacement Cycle; New Verticals to Kick In 2H25E

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Mediatek 2Q24 Earnings Beat Expectations; Strong Mid-Term Revenue Guidance Maintained
  • 2Q24 Global Smartphone Market Witnessed Best Growth in Three Years
  • Repeats Strong Mid-Term Guidance; Continues to Signal Revenue Strength for 2025E & 2026E. Maintain Structural Long Rating.

MediaTek (2454.TT): There Appears to Be No Bright Spot in 2H24F.

By Patrick Liao

  • 3Q24 Sales: NT$123.5-132.4 billion, down 3% to up 4% QoQ, up 12-24% YoY. 4Q24 is expected to be a slower quarter based on current expectations.
  • Advanced 3nm technology can support SP, tablets, and other end devices. AI-powered functions like ARM-based CPU or EV will bear fruit in 2025.
  • The GPU has partnered with NVDA. Auto chips partnered with NVDA will be shipped out later in 2025. They will power MTK’s CPU and ISP in conjunction with NVDA’s GPU.

UMC (2303.TT; UMC.US): 3Q24 Sales Were Slightly Below Consensuses

By Patrick Liao

  • 3Q24 guidance: Shipment up mid-single digits QoQ; ASP: Remains firm in USD; GM: around mid-30%. (Consensuses were high single digits.)
  • Has provided a 22nm HV solution for high-end OLED DDI to high-end SP, and expects to reach high-volume production in 2025.  
  • Cooperation with Intel Corp (INTC US) is progressing well, targeting MP for 14nm in 2027.

Tech Supply Chain Tracker (01-Aug-2024): Top tech firms join CoSAI.

By Tech Supply Chain Tracker

  • CoSAI is a collaboration between tech giants like Intel, Google, and IBM to drive innovation in the automotive industry.
  • Knobs and buttons are making a comeback in car interfaces, reflecting a trend in automotive design for more tactile controls.
  • Apple opposes Tata-Vivo partnership as Vivo marks its 10th anniversary in India, while Biden admin shows support for CHIPS Act to boost packaging and testing industry.

Liberty Costa Rica – 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 view Liberty Costa Rica’s ESG as “Adequate”. The score mirrors our assessment of parent Liberty Latin America (LLA), which discloses ESG-related information on a consolidated basis, without meaningful details on the bond-issuing credit pools that we cover (C&W Communications and Liberty Puerto Rico). 

We assess LLA’s Social and Governance pillars as “Strong” and “Adequate”, respectively, offsetting the “Weak” Environmental score. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Adequate”. 


ATEN: Volatility of the Spending Pattern

By Hamed Khorsand

  • ATEN reported Q2 results with greater success in winning enterprise orders while North American service providers limited their spending. 
  • Over the past year, ATEN has shifted more of its sales and marketing effort to winning enterprise customers, which should have more of a meaningful benefit to recurring revenue. 
  • ATEN reported revenue of $60.1 million compared to our forecast of $62.7 million. The second quarter results were lower than first quarter numbers, which is rare to see for ATEN.

Nec Networks & System Integr (1973 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Q1 progress rates versus full-year forecast: 25.7% for orders, 21.7% for revenue, 8.2% for operating profit, 8.4% for net income.
  • Orders: JPY97.5bn (+1.0% YoY); Revenue: JPY79.1bn (+10.4% YoY); Operating profit: JPY2.4bn (+113.2% YoY); Net income: JPY1.5bn (+734.1% YoY).
  • Segment performance: DX Solutions orders +18.6% YoY, Network Solutions orders -3.3% YoY, Environmental & Social Solutions orders -11.9% YoY.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: SK Hynix, Asustek Computer, Vanguard Intl Semiconductor, Simplex Holdings, Liberty Puerto Rico, Japan System Techniques Co, Smart Eye, Mitsubishi Research Institut and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Asia Ex-Japan:  Extreme Stocks
  • PC Monitor: MSFT Results Imminent; Look for Copilot Progress; Taiwan PC Makers Show Healthy Growth
  • Vanguard (5347.TT): Pricing Hit Bottom in 2Q24. Anticipates UTR in 2025 Returning to 70-80%.
  • Simplex Holdings (4373 JP) – Long Term Growth Scenario Remains Intact
  • Liberty Puerto Rico – ESG Report – Lucror Analytics
  • 4Q Follow-Up – Japan System Techniques (4323 JP)
  • Smart Eye (SEYE SS) – Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024
  • Mitsubishi Research Institut (3636 JP): Q3 FY09/24 flash update


Asia Ex-Japan:  Extreme Stocks

By Steven Holden

  • We screen for stocks at the extreme ends of their positioning or momentum ranges among active Asia Ex-Japan equity funds.
  • High Positioning, Negative Momentum: AIA Group Limited, Shenzhen Inovance Technology 
  • Low Positioning, Positive Momentum: New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Shinhan Financial Group

PC Monitor: MSFT Results Imminent; Look for Copilot Progress; Taiwan PC Makers Show Healthy Growth

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • PC Maker Shares Under Pressure — PC makers’ share prices fell by mid-to-high single digits during July. However, pure PC exposure outperformed as shown by HPQ’s gain during the month.
  • Latest PC Industry Data is Promising — Latest IDC data shows that global PC shipments increased 3% YoY in 2Q24, and are up 5% YoY ex-China.
  • Microsoft & Taiwan PC Maker Earnings Ahead — Microsoft reports July 30th U.S. time. We expect Taiwan PC makers to report earnings within the first two weeks of August.

Vanguard (5347.TT): Pricing Hit Bottom in 2Q24. Anticipates UTR in 2025 Returning to 70-80%.

By Patrick Liao

  • 3Q24 guidance: Shipment: up 9-11% due to higher customer demand. ASP: down 0-2% QoQ. GM: 28-30%, up 3ppts QoQ.
  • Pricing hit bottom in 2Q24. Anticipates UTR in 2025 returning to 70-80%.
  • Effective tax rate for 2H24 is expected to be 20%.

Simplex Holdings (4373 JP) – Long Term Growth Scenario Remains Intact

By Astris Advisory Japan

  • Q1FY3/25 results indicated a slow start for earnings, despite a robust profile for sales growth at 16.5% YoY and both quarterly orders and backlog at record highs.
  • The key takeaways are: 1) although reported OP fell 4.8% YoY, underlying OP growth was 4.6% YoY when restating for one-time expenses for a new office, 2) quality of earnings remains sound despite cases of project cost overruns, and 3) the sustained strong outlook for orders provides high earnings visibility.
  • We believe that the direction of travel remains positive for earnings growth, given strong order visibility and as the company’s operations continue to scale.

Liberty Puerto Rico – 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 view Liberty Puerto Rico’s ESG as “Adequate”. The score mirrors our assessment of parent Liberty Latin America (LLA), which discloses ESG-related information on a consolidated basis, without meaningful details on the bond-issuing credit pools that we cover (C&W Communications and Liberty Costa Rica). 

We assess LLA’s Social and Governance pillars as “Strong” and “Adequate”, respectively, offsetting the “Weak” Environmental score. Controversies are “Immaterial” and Disclosure is “Adequate”. 


4Q Follow-Up – Japan System Techniques (4323 JP)

By Sessa Investment Research

  • Japan System Techniques Co., Ltd. (hereafter, the “Company”) posted an increase of sales and profits in all four business segments for FY2024/3.
  • In particular, operating profit of the Medical Big Data business and the Global business in total, increased sharply by 49.5% YoY.
  • Net sales saw an increase for 13 consecutive years, and ordinary profit for 9 consecutive years with a record high, leading to 17.8% of ROE. 

Smart Eye (SEYE SS) – Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • Smart Eye, a provider of eye tracking and driver monitoring systems for the automotive industry, has seen significant growth and potential upside
  • The company has secured over 100 new design wins and a capital raise, improving the risk-reward profile
  • With upcoming regulations in the EU driving demand for their technology, Smart Eye is expected to experience further revenue and profitability growth.

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.


Mitsubishi Research Institut (3636 JP): Q3 FY09/24 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Adoption of new revenue recognition standards increased FY09/22 revenue by JPY2.6bn, operating profit by JPY1.0bn, and reduced order backlog by JPY11.2bn.
  • FY09/23 revenue decreased by 6.8% YoY to JPY90.3bn, with operating profit down 15.8% YoY to JPY7.1bn.
  • Revised FY09/24 forecast predicts revenue of JPY116.0bn (-5.0% YoY) and operating profit of JPY7.5bn (-13.7% YoY).

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Nippon Electric Glass, A8 New Media, Nazara Technologies, Servicenow Inc, SK Hynix, At&T Inc, Chenbro Micom, Fiserv Inc, International Business Machines and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Big (Relatively Speaking) NEG (5214 JP) Buyback – Walking The Walk, Faster
  • A8 New Media (800 HK): Wide Spread Ahead of the 23 August Vote
  • Nazara Technologies- Face off with Heavy Liability
  • ServiceNow Inc.: Expanding Market Reach Through Partnerships and Cloud Solutions & Other Major Drivers
  • SK Hynix (000660-KR): Positive Technical Analysis Signals
  • AT&T INC (T) – Monday, Apr 29, 2024
  • TechChain Insights: Visit with Nvidia Server Chassis Producer Chenbro; A Ubiquitous Supplier
  • Fiserv Inc.: Expanding Merchant Solutions & Small Business Integrations But Is It Enough To Warrant A Bullish Thesis? – Major Drivers
  • International Business Machines (IBM): Will Their Hybrid Cloud and AI Investments Pay Off? – Major Drivers
  • AT&T Inc.: Enhanced Fiber Infrastructure Expansion & Strategic Deployment of Internet Air Taking Them Forward! – Major Drivers


Big (Relatively Speaking) NEG (5214 JP) Buyback – Walking The Walk, Faster

By Travis Lundy

  • Today, Nippon Electric Glass (5214 JP) announced an on-market buyback of up to 7.0mm shares (8.08%) spending up to ¥20bn from tomorrow through end-January 2025.
  • An impressive headline, but fewer shares. Importantly, this follows a ¥20bn buyback from last November. They are moving through their MTMP more quickly than expected.
  • This new buyback is worth about 25% of the inbound cross-holdings. And some of those holders plan to sell. This may be designed to let them sell in the market. 

A8 New Media (800 HK): Wide Spread Ahead of the 23 August Vote

By Arun George

  • A8 New Media (800 HK)’s IFA opines that Mr Liu Xiaosong (Chairman and CEO)’s HK$0.36 privatisation offer to be fair and reasonable. The vote is on 23 August. 
  • Key conditions include approval by at least 75% of disinterested shareholders (<10% of disinterested shareholders rejection).
  • No shareholder holding a blocking stake, low AGM minority participation rate and the massive 162.8% takeover premium suggest a done deal. At the last close, the gross/annualised spread is 5.9%/36.0%.

Nazara Technologies- Face off with Heavy Liability

By Nitin Mangal

  • Shares of Nazara Technologies (NAZARA IN) were rattled last week after the company had received show cause notice from the GST Department on 16th July.
  • The GST liability pertained to two of its subsidiaries and summed up to INR 11.2 bn, which represents under 50% of consolidated net-worth.
  • However because the GST for the industry is a delicate and debatable matter, the actual impact on the financials cannot be ascertained now, but company faces a high legal risk.

ServiceNow Inc.: Expanding Market Reach Through Partnerships and Cloud Solutions & Other Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • ServiceNow’s second quarter of 2024 financial results indicate strong operational and financial momentum, with notable increases in important metrics despite a backdrop of an internal investigation and leadership changes.
  • The management presented a robust narrative of growth, leveraging its GenAI strategy, which contributed significantly to their overall performance.
  • The company reported a 23% year-over-year growth in subscription revenue at constant currency, surpassing their own guidance.

SK Hynix (000660-KR): Positive Technical Analysis Signals

By Wium Malan, CFA

  • Despite a negative share price reaction, following its 2Q2024 earnings report, SK Hynix (000660 KS) remains firmly amid an earnings upgrade cycle.
  • With SK Hynix entering oversold territory, near-term momentum indicators are displaying bullish signals.
  • SK Hynix trades at nearly one standard deviation below its 5-year historic average EV/EBITDA ratio and a discount to global peers.

AT&T INC (T) – Monday, Apr 29, 2024

By Value Investors Club

  • AT&T offers a range of telecommunications services, including wireless, fiber, and broadband
  • The company’s market position, technological advancements, and capital return potential make it a strong investment opportunity
  • Despite being undervalued, AT&T has a significant presence in Latin America and expects steady EBITDA growth

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.


TechChain Insights: Visit with Nvidia Server Chassis Producer Chenbro; A Ubiquitous Supplier

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • 10-15% Market Share for Server Chassis — Chenbro is one of the leading producers of server chassis in the world.
  • Key Nvidia Development Partner — Chenbro produces servers for most major data center names including AWS and China’s BAT, as well as for Nvidia servers and architecture.
  • New Server Market Color to Be Released Soon — The company is well positioned to expand capacity as the market expands and is expected to release 2Q24E earnings in early-August.

Fiserv Inc.: Expanding Merchant Solutions & Small Business Integrations But Is It Enough To Warrant A Bullish Thesis? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Fiserv, a global provider of payment and financial services technology solutions, reported a robust set of results for its second quarter, pointing towards continued growth and expansion across its portfolio.
  • The company announced an adjusted EPS of $2.13, reflecting an 18% increase year-over-year, bolstered by 7% adjusted revenue growth and a significant 160 basis points improvement in adjusted operating margins to 38.4%.
  • These figures demonstrate a solid trajectory towards achieving double-digit organic revenue and adjusted earnings per share growth.

International Business Machines (IBM): Will Their Hybrid Cloud and AI Investments Pay Off? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) recently discussed its financial outcomes for the second quarter of 2024, presenting a mix of strengths and areas for improvement that inform its current investment thesis.
  • IBM’s leadership emphasized robust performance in their Software and Infrastructure segments, demonstrating significant revenue growth fueled by continuous innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud technologies.
  • However, the Consulting segment showed weaker dynamics, reflecting a more cautious spending environment among clients regarding discretionary projects.

AT&T Inc.: Enhanced Fiber Infrastructure Expansion & Strategic Deployment of Internet Air Taking Them Forward! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • AT&T’s Q2 2024 earnings revealed mixed results as the telecom giant continues to push boundaries in its wireless and broadband sectors.
  • The net additions of high-value wireless and broadband subscribers underscore a robust influence of its investment-driven growth strategy, even as the company witnessed minor downshifts in other service areas.
  • In the wireless segment, AT&T reported an encouraging addition of 419,000 postpaid phone subscribers.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Ansarada Group Ltd, A8 New Media, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, Texas Instruments, Cambricon Technologies Lt, Marvell Technology , Pureprofile Ltd, Sms Co Ltd, Spotify, Alphabet and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Ansarada (AND AU)’s Scheme Is Back On Track
  • A8 Media (800 HK): 23rd August Shareholder Vote
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: Hit Hard By AI/Tech Pullback; Watch UMC, Mediatek, Realtek, AMD, MSFT Earnings
  • Texas Instruments: Is Its China Revival Here To Stay? – Major Drivers
  • Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 19 July 2024): A Big Broad Sell in Third Plenum Week
  • S&P 500 / S&P 1500: Exclusion by Earnings
  • Pureprofile Ltd – Maiden positive NPAT FY24 EBITDA in line with guidance
  • Sms Co Ltd (2175 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update
  • Spotify Technologies: Will Its Focus On Podcasting and Content Diversification Give A Much Needed Boost To Profitability? – Major Drivers
  • Alphabet Inc.: Is There A Silver Lining In Its AI Innovations? – Major Drivers


Ansarada (AND AU)’s Scheme Is Back On Track

By David Blennerhassett

  • Datasite’s A$2.50/share, in cash, lifetime-high Offer for virtual room provider Ansarada Group Ltd (AND AU), announced on the 13th Feb, appeared a total slam dunk. 
  • And for the most part it was, with the Explanatory Doc lodged on the 12th April, and Scheme Meeting initially scheduled for the 14th June. Then the ACCC waded in. 
  • The ACCC has now signed off. FIRB will follow shortly.  The revised Scheme Meeting will be held on the 19 August, with expected implementation on the 6 September.  

A8 Media (800 HK): 23rd August Shareholder Vote

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 12th June, PRC property rental play A8 New Media (800 HK)  announced an Offer by way of a Scheme from chairman/founder/major shareholder Liu Xiaosong.
  • The Cancellation price was $0.36/share, a punchy 162.77% to last close. The price was declared  final.
  • The Scheme Doc is now out, with an independent shareholder vote on the 23 August and payment on or around the 2nd October. This is a done deal.

Taiwan Tech Weekly: Hit Hard By AI/Tech Pullback; Watch UMC, Mediatek, Realtek, AMD, MSFT Earnings

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Top Gainers/Loser: Taiwan Tech Stocks Hit Hard Last Week By Global AI/Tech Pullback
  • Key Events This Week: Major Earnings Week Including UMC, Mediatek, Realtek, AMD, Microsoft
  • TechChain Insights: Call with Silicon Motion; QLC NAND Emerging as Key Enabler for AI Devices 

Texas Instruments: Is Its China Revival Here To Stay? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • The Texas Instruments had a mixed Q2, reporting revenue of $3.8 billion, a 4% sequential increase but 16% YoY decline.
  • This contrasted with their optimistic revenue predictions for Q3, forecasting in the range of $3.94 billion to $4.26 billion.
  • This could have been due to the decline in Analog revenue by 11% YoY, Embedded Processing by 31%, and its Other segment by 22% from YoY quarter.

Mainland Connect NORTHBOUND Flows (To 19 July 2024): A Big Broad Sell in Third Plenum Week

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 SELL RMB 11.4bn of A-shares. NORTHBOUND sold everything. Seemed somewhat cap-weighted. Not a pretty flow picture. 
  • A-Shares sharply underperformed HK indices, but AH spreads didn’t recover the prior week’s disaster. That said, there WAS dip-buying this week on the worst hit, which is unusual recently.

S&P 500 / S&P 1500: Exclusion by Earnings

By Dimitris Ioannidis


Pureprofile Ltd – Maiden positive NPAT FY24 EBITDA in line with guidance

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • RaaS Research Group has published an update report on data analytics company Pureprofile (ASX:PPL) following the release of its unaudited FY24 results which included a maiden NPAT of $0.1m, a $2.0m turnaround on FY23, and EBITDA of $4.4m, down 4% on the pcp but within the guidance range of $4.1m to $4.4m.
  • FY24 EBITDA was ahead of our forecast for $4.3m.
  • Revenue for the year was $48.1m, again within the company’s guidance range of $48m to $49.1m, although a little below our forecast for $49.0m.

Sms Co Ltd (2175 JP): Q1 FY03/25 flash update

By Shared Research

  • Sales increased by JPY2.2bn YoY, driven by higher sales in Career and Elderly Care and Disability Welfare Operators segments.
  • Operating profit declined by JPY729mn YoY due to higher advertising and other expenses exceeding sales increase.
  • Kaipoke member locations increased to 29,900 (+10.5% YoY) and elderly care facilities to 51,950 (+12.2% YoY) as of July 1, 2024.

Spotify Technologies: Will Its Focus On Podcasting and Content Diversification Give A Much Needed Boost To Profitability? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Spotify has reported a solid performance for the second quarter of 2024, characterized by notable strides in subscriber growth, profitability, and revenue enhancements.
  • The company’s delivery on key metrics evidenced a substantiation of their dual commitment to offering a robust product while proving their business sustainability.
  • Their execution of strategic initiatives such as diversified subscription plans and regional price adjustments contributed positively to the financial results.

Alphabet Inc.: Is There A Silver Lining In Its AI Innovations? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Alphabet Inc. witnessed a notable second quarter, proving its strong stance in the market with increased momentum in Search and substantial progress in Cloud, largely centered around its use of artificial intelligence (AI).
  • The company’s quarter was highlighted by tremendous results in Search with the platform having another booming quarter.
  • The AI initiatives seem to be driving new growth contributing positively to these results.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars



Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Tencent, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) – ADR, ASE Technology Holding , Cadence Design Sys, Acal PLC, Verizon Communications, Visa and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Jul 2024); ETFs Get Bought, Banks Have Gone Missing
  • Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC and ASE Premium Trading Range Blow-Outs During Recent Sell-Off
  • ASE Color Suggests Widening Performance Gap Between Leading-Edge and Mature Semiconductor Players
  • Cadence Design Systems: Increasing Demand for 3D-IC Technology & Recurring Revenue Growth Makes This A ‘Buy’? – Major Drivers
  • discoverIE Group – FY25 earnings expectations maintained
  • Verizon Communications: New Brand Strategy & Expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Are The Highlights! – Major Drivers
  • Visa Inc.: Consistent Strong Performance in Value-Added Services (VAS) & Other Major Drivers


HK Connect SOUTHBOUND Flows (To 26 Jul 2024); ETFs Get Bought, Banks Have Gone Missing

By Travis Lundy

  • SOUTHBOUND was again a net buyer, for HK$7.8bn this week (now 25wks in a row of net buying), on smallish two-way volumes. 
  • I’ve thought national team was buying banks for months. This week, 1 bank showed up in the top 20 net buys after only 1 in the top ten last week.
  • There were three ETFs in the top six SOUTHBOUND buys this past week. That was unusual. Some high div SOEs got sold. 

Taiwan Dual-Listings Monitor: TSMC and ASE Premium Trading Range Blow-Outs During Recent Sell-Off

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • TSMC: Crashed Then Rebounded to +15.1% Premium; Likely to Break Down Again
  • UMC: -0.2% Discount; Earnings Imminent; Notable Decrease in ADR Headroom
  • ASE: Rebounded to +9.2 Premium After Major Breakdown; Likely to Drop Again

ASE Color Suggests Widening Performance Gap Between Leading-Edge and Mature Semiconductor Players

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • A TALE OF TWO SEMI INDUSTRIES: ASE’s latest earnings commentary indicates that the performance gap between “leading-edge” technologies and “traditional/mature” semiconductor technologies may be widening.
  • CAPITAL REQUIREMENT TO KEEP PACE IS RISING: Capacity utilization is starkly different for traditional vs. leading-edge capacity; and capital requirements to keep up in terms of advanced capacity is rising.
  • ENTRY BARRIERS RISING: We suspect that smaller players could face significant challenges in keeping up with the investments necessary for leading-edge packaging and testing capacity. ASE needs to invest heavily.

Cadence Design Systems: Increasing Demand for 3D-IC Technology & Recurring Revenue Growth Makes This A ‘Buy’? – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Cadence Design Systems, Inc. reported strong results and exceeded expectations for their second quarter of 2024, with broad-based momentum seen across their product portfolio.
  • The company also posted stronger bookings than anticipated, leading to a strong backlog, demonstrating the robust demand for their innovative products.
  • Cadence updated its revenue guidance for the year to over 13% year-over-year growth, reflecting its strong performance.

discoverIE Group – FY25 earnings expectations maintained

By Edison Investment Research

discoverIE’s Q125 trading update confirmed that underlying earnings expectations for FY25 are unchanged. While the Q125 revenue decline reflects the lower bookings environment in previous quarters, book-to-bill was above one and bookings increased organically year-on-year despite ongoing destocking by customers in the industrial market. Robust gross margins and a well-controlled cost base support the company’s 13.5% target operating margin for FY25 and we maintain our forecasts.


Verizon Communications: New Brand Strategy & Expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Are The Highlights! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Verizon Communications Inc. had a successful second quarter of 2024 as the company reports strong results, with wireless service revenue climbing 3.5% year-over-year, adjusted EBITDA rise by 2.8%, and free cash flow increasing by 3% compared to last year.
  • In addition, the company’s customer-centric measures such as myPlan and Verizon Business Complete are resonating with its consumers, leading to further growth and stronger customer relationships.
  • The company’s impressive results follow its commitment to innovation and the implementation of a brand refresh, signifying its evolution and future visions for connectivity.

Visa Inc.: Consistent Strong Performance in Value-Added Services (VAS) & Other Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Visa Inc.’s fiscal third quarter of 2024 reveals a strong financial position, but also indicates room for improvement.
  • Net revenue was $8.9B, notching a 10% YoY increase and included a 12% YoY rise for EPS, indicating an increased level of profitability.
  • One of Visa’s strongest areas this past quarter has been its focus on global client engagement, resulting in a 3-pt increase in their global Net Promoter Score (NPS) to 76.

💡 Before it’s here, it’s on Smartkarma

Sign Up for Free

The Smartkarma Preview Pass is your entry to the Independent Investment Research Network

  • ✓ Unlimited Research Summaries
  • ✓ Personalised Alerts
  • ✓ Custom Watchlists
  • ✓ Company Data and News
  • ✓ Events & Webinars