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TMT/Internet

Daily Brief TMT/Internet: KOSDAQ 150 Index, Hollysys Automation Technologies, Alchip Technologies, WYSIWYG Studios, Eoptolink Technology , Simplex Holdings, Vanguard Intl Semiconductor, GLOBALFOUNDRIES , A10 Networks, Pureprofile Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Korea Short Sell Ban: Not a Lot Covered on Monday; Shorts Holding On?
  • Hollysys: Court Injunction Hearing Is Key
  • Alchip Technologies GDRs Early Look – Another Well Flagged GDR Issuance in the Pipeline
  • Momentum Trading Opportunities Among Top 50 Stocks in KOSDAQ With Highest Short Interest Ratios
  • ChiNext/​​​ChiNext50 Index Rebalance Preview: Time for a Turnaround
  • Deep-Dive Review – Simplex Holdings (4373 JP)
  • Why Is Vanguard Semi Becoming to a Bad Student, Cyclical or Structural?
  • GlobalFoundries Pops On Q323 Earnings. But Why?
  • ATEN: Earnings Power for Cash Flow
  • Pureprofile Ltd – Margin Expansion Delivered in Q1, Ahead of Forecast


Korea Short Sell Ban: Not a Lot Covered on Monday; Shorts Holding On?

By Brian Freitas

  • Following the short sell ban announced on the weekend, the KOSPI 200 and KOSDAQ 150 opened higher on Monday and rallied through the day.
  • A lot of the intraday gains on Monday have been given up over the next two trading days. Surprisingly, KRX data indicates that not a lot of shorts have covered.
  • Foreigners have been net cash buyers since Monday (could indicate covering of offshore borrow) while retail were big sellers on Monday.

Hollysys: Court Injunction Hearing Is Key

By David Blennerhassett

  • Talk about your never-ending story. I count at least seven non-binding Offers for  Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) since December 2020, three of which are still on the table.
  • The latest, at US$26/share, was pitched earlier this week from Ascendent Capital Partners; who along with Changli Wang, Hollysys’ founder, previously made an US$23/share Offer in August 2021.
  • However, all these Offers are largely moot until we get closure at the court injunction hearing. If that occurs. Separately, I had a solid discussion with Hollysys’ IR. 

Alchip Technologies GDRs Early Look – Another Well Flagged GDR Issuance in the Pipeline

By Clarence Chu

  • Alchip Technologies (3661 TT) is looking to raise around US$375m in its upcoming global deposit receipts (GDRs) offering. 
  • Similar to previous GDR listings, the deal is a very well flagged one, with a drawn out process of regulatory/approval loops the firm has to jump through up till issuance. 
  • Based on its board’s approval to issue up to 4m new shares in its GDR offering, the deal is a relatively small one at just 5.4% of Alchip’s current mcap.

Momentum Trading Opportunities Among Top 50 Stocks in KOSDAQ With Highest Short Interest Ratios

By Douglas Kim

  • In this insight, we discuss near-term momentum trading opportunities among the top 50 stocks in KOSDAQ with highest short interest ratios.
  • We have identified 10 companies in KOSDAQ that have high short interest ratios, among the worst performing stocks YTD, but with strongest share price performance in the past three days.
  • These 10 stocks are up on average 10% in the past three trading days, outperforming KOSDAQ which is up 3.7% in the same period.

ChiNext/​​​ChiNext50 Index Rebalance Preview: Time for a Turnaround

By Brian Freitas

  • With the review period complete, we forecast 9 changes for the ChiNext Index (SZ399006 INDEX EQUITY) and 5 changes for the ChiNext 50 Index in December.
  • Some of the potential adds will also have passive flows from the CSI Smallcap 500 Index trackers at the same time as the ChiNext Index rebalance.
  • The potential adds have slipped a lot versus the potential deletes over the last few months as the National Team has tried to stabilise the market via ETF creations.

Deep-Dive Review – Simplex Holdings (4373 JP)

By Astris Advisory Japan

  • Presenting a clear growth roadmap – following disclosure of the new medium-term business plan (‘MTBP2027’ covering FY3/2025 to FY3/2027) and long-term growth strategy (‘Vision1000’ depicting timing around 2030), we have revised our earnings estimates for FY3/2025 and FY3/2026.
  • These reflect 1) acquisitive growth impact towards FY3/2027 as capital is allocated to the fast-growing Strategy/DX Consulting business, and 2) stronger margin growth driven by productivity enhancements and improving sales mix.
  • We believe diversifying into new market sectors will open new growth opportunities and develop a more resilient business. 

Why Is Vanguard Semi Becoming to a Bad Student, Cyclical or Structural?

By Andrew Lu

  • Shortage/Oversupply, price hike/cut, automotive/industrial demand and inventory corrections are still cyclical. Gross margin should double from 22-24% now once utilization returning to 100% and no more free wafer by 2025.
  • LCD driver foundry is facing a structural competition as China panel customers are building a local supply chain.
  • Attractive below NT$70 as: 1. inventory correction should be done by 2Q24; 2. global 8″ foundry sales y/y improvement began 3Q23; 3. closing to cyclical low P/BV of 2.5x.

GlobalFoundries Pops On Q323 Earnings. But Why?

By William Keating

  • Q323 revenues of $1.85 billion, flat sequentially but down 11% YoY. Net income was $249 million, up 5% sequentially but down 26% YoY.
  • At a midpoint of $1.85 billion, forward guidance is once again flat sequentially. Overall it was a solid report with guidance slightly better than UMC delivered last week.
  • Despite the solid quarter, the company’s outlook for 2024 was bleak with a 50% CapEx cut, LTAs under mounting pressure & ominous-sounding LTA “True Up” on the horizon. 

ATEN: Earnings Power for Cash Flow

By Hamed Khorsand

  • ATEN reported third quarter results after having already warned there were order push outs towards the end of the period.
  • ATEN has been trying to diversify the revenue stream to reduce the volatility order flow disruptions could have on the business
  • ATEN managed to maintain gross margin above 80 percent, a feat that does not get much recognition from investors. ATEN should continue to achieve gross margin above 80 percent

Pureprofile Ltd – Margin Expansion Delivered in Q1, Ahead of Forecast

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Pureprofile Ltd (ASX:PPL) is a data analytics, consumer insights and media company underpinned by proprietary technology, servicing business decision makers in brands and media companies as well as market researchers.
  • Pureprofile has reported a 16% lift in revenue from continuing businesses for Q1 FY24 to $12.3m and a 36% jump in underlying EBITDA excluding discontinued businesses to $1.5m.
  • The EBITDA margin increased to 12% in Q1 FY24 compared with a 10% margin in the same quarter a year ago. 

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Kokusai Electric , Hollysys Automation Technologies, Nintendo, Hygon Information Technology C, Telefonica Deutschland Holding, Novatek Microelectronics Corp, Vanguard Intl Semiconductor, DataTec Ltd, Cambium Networks and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Nov 2023)
  • Hollysys (HOLI US): Ascendent Capital Joins the Fray
  • Nintendo (7974) | Stock Performance Ahead ‘Switch 2’ Speculation
  • SSE50 Index Rebalance Preview: Five Potential Changes; Hygon Stands Out
  • Telefonica/Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG: Offer for Minorities
  • Novatek (3034.TT): It’s Likely Quarterly Sales Will Return to Normal Seasonality in 2024F.
  • Vanguard (5347.TT): The Smartphone and Computing/NB/TV Sectors Have Turned to Normal.
  • Datatec – On track for better performance in FY24
  • Cambium Networks Corporation – New CEO Working to Streamline the Company


TOPIX Inclusions: Who Is Ready (Nov 2023)

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.
  • Our main pre-event candidate CELSYS (3663 JP) has outperformed TOPIX by ~12.6% since 1 Sep (when it was highlighted) and 6 Nov 2023.
  • There are three TOPIX Inclusion events confirmed for the end of November and two other interesting pre-event names we are closely monitoring.

Hollysys (HOLI US): Ascendent Capital Joins the Fray

By Arun George

  • Ascendent Capital has made a non-binding proposal for Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) at US$26.00 per share, a 4.0% premium to the MBO and Recco proposal of US$25.00 per share. 
  • Ascendent has also become the largest shareholder by securing 13.69% of outstanding shares at an average price of A$20.84 per share. Ascendant is supportive of the special meeting request.
  • The Board has tried several delaying tactics, but the emergence of Ascendant ramps up the pressure on the Board to conduct a transparent sale process and address shareholder concerns. 

Nintendo (7974) | Stock Performance Ahead ‘Switch 2’ Speculation

By Mark Chadwick

  • Nintendo’s Q2 results show solid performance but still fall short of expectations, with a conservative full-year profit outlook
  • The impending release of “Switch 2” in 2H24 raises questions about the company’s ability to replicate the original Switch’s success
  • We see the current 11x EV/EBIT as fair for the stock and do not anticipate a valuation breakout until the market can assess the credentials of “Switch 2”

SSE50 Index Rebalance Preview: Five Potential Changes; Hygon Stands Out

By Brian Freitas

  • With the review period complete, we see 9 stocks in inclusion zone and 10 in deletion zone. However, there can be a maximum of 5 changes at a review.
  • We estimate a one-way turnover of 4.7% at the December rebalance leading to a one-way trade of CNY 3.86bn. Index arb balances could increase the impact on the stocks.
  • Apart from being added to the SSE50 Index, Hygon Information Technology (688041 CH) could also be added to other local/global indices over the next few weeks and months.

Telefonica/Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG: Offer for Minorities

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • Telefonica SA (TEF SM) surprised everyone with a €2.35/share voluntary cash offer for the minorities in Telefonica Deutschland Holding (O2D GR), 37.6% premium, 4.4x EV/Fwd EBITDA (vs.5.1x Telefonica), €1970 million value.
  • The premium is attractive, c.31% premium to median IBES consensus TP, so I believe the offer will succeed. There will be no additional acceptance period. Spread is +0.17%.
  • Telefonica will add 7% more leverage at a time it is seeking the opposite: on the cards are some sort of divestment of Virgin Media O2 or a dividend cut.

Novatek (3034.TT): It’s Likely Quarterly Sales Will Return to Normal Seasonality in 2024F.

By Patrick Liao

  • It’s likely that quarterly sales will return to normal seasonality in 2024F, and the Smartphone demand has shown some signs of recovery.
  • Revenue/ GM/ OPM are declined 8.6%/ 2.7%/ 2.7% in 4Q23F, but we consider the end market might be recovery. 
  • The OLED penetration rate in smartphones is 42.5% in 2023F , and it’s anticipated that Novatek Microelectronics Corp (3034 TT) will exceed the market in terms of OLED sales.

Vanguard (5347.TT): The Smartphone and Computing/NB/TV Sectors Have Turned to Normal.

By Patrick Liao

  • It remains cautiously optimistic for the 2024 outlook despite limited order visibility.  
  • The Vanguard wafer shipment has decreased by 8-10% QoQ, with the ASP declining by 0-2% QoQ. The GM for 4Q23F is projected to be 22-24%. 
  • The smartphone and computing/NB/TV sectors have returned to normal levels.

Datatec – On track for better performance in FY24

By Edison Investment Research

Datatec reported a strong performance in H124, with revenue up 15% y-o-y, adjusted EBITDA up 2% and underlying EPS up 336%. As supply chain issues have eased, the company has been able to reduce its backlog from previously elevated levels. Datatec expects improved performance in all divisions in FY24. While the company closely manages working capital, higher revenues and a gradual reduction in supplier extended payment terms drive our higher net debt forecasts. Our estimates are broadly unchanged at a group level, with adjustments at a divisional level to reflect Westcon strength and uncertainty in Latin America, and higher operating profitability offsetting increased interest costs.


Cambium Networks Corporation – New CEO Working to Streamline the Company

By Water Tower Research

  • Cambium Networks (CMBM) is a leading mid-market wireless solutions provider.
  • Growth is being driven by 5G and new 6 GHz products. The company believes its strengths are its RF algorithms and software.
  • The cnMaestro X network management solution makes significant use of AI and lies at the center of the company’s product suite.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Tencent, HYBE , Will Semiconductor Shan, Kuaishou Technology, United Microelectronics Corp, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), Procurri Corporation, Ubiquiti Inc. and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Tencent (700 HK): Board Meets Next Week; In-Specie Dividend Candidates
  • Block Deal Sale of HYBE by Netmarble
  • Will Semiconductor GDR Listing – Well Flagged and Short Interest Has Been on the Rise
  • Tencent (700 HK) 3Q23 Earnings Preview: No Concern on EPS Decline, 58% Upside
  • China Consumption Weekly (6 Nov 2023): Kuaishou, Bilibili, Midea, Baidu, Yum China
  • UMC. Automotive Weakness Prolongs Downturn
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: Positive Signs for Memory, PC, Smartphones; Key Autos & Display Color This Week
  • 5 in 5 with Procurri – Advancing Sustainability in IT
  • UI: Surprise Revenue Miss, PT to $160


Tencent (700 HK): Board Meets Next Week; In-Specie Dividend Candidates

By Brian Freitas

  • Tencent (700 HK) announced in-specie dividends of JD.com (9618 HK) (US$15bn+) in 2021 and Meituan (3690 HK) (US$20bn) in 2022.
  • With the Tencent (700 HK) Board meeting on 15 November to approve Q3 results and considering the payment of a dividend, the pattern could repeat this year.
  • Tencent (700 HK) owns stakes of US$1bn+ in 10 listed companies. We take a look at the stocks that could be next in line to be paid as in-specie dividends.

Block Deal Sale of HYBE by Netmarble

By Douglas Kim

  • After the market close on 6 November, Netmarble announced that it will sell 2.5 million shares of HYBE which represents 569 billion won in amount at current price. 
  • The actual block deal amount is likely to be less than 569 billion won as there will likely be a  block deal discount rate. 
  • We would avoid this deal, mainly because we think HYBE is overvalued relative to its peers. 

Will Semiconductor GDR Listing – Well Flagged and Short Interest Has Been on the Rise

By Clarence Chu

  • Will Semiconductor Shan (603501 CH) is looking to raise US$450m in its Switzerland GDR listing. The bookrunners on the deal are UBS and JP Morgan. 
  • In its base deal, the firm is offering 31m GDRs (1 GDR to 1 ordinary A-share) for sale, at a 5.4-17.2% discount to last close on its A-share leg. 
  • The base deal would be a relatively small one for the firm to digest, representing just 3.8 days of three month ADV on its A-share leg.

Tencent (700 HK) 3Q23 Earnings Preview: No Concern on EPS Decline, 58% Upside

By Ming Lu

  • We believe advertising revenue will grow rapidly and game revenue will accelerate.
  • We also believe EPS will decrease YoY due to high “other gains” in 3Q22.
  • We expect the stock price will have an upside of 58% for year end 2024.

China Consumption Weekly (6 Nov 2023): Kuaishou, Bilibili, Midea, Baidu, Yum China

By Ming Lu

  • All major Chinese e-commerce companies set up live broadcasting channels on Bilibili at the beginning of Singles’ Day sales.
  • Kuaishou chairman’s resignation will not change the business strategy, as he stepped down from CEO two years ago.
  • Baidu begins to sell ChatGPT-like service for CNY49.90 per month.

UMC. Automotive Weakness Prolongs Downturn

By William Keating

  • Q323 revenues of NT$57 billion, up 1.4% QoQ but down 24.3% YoY. For 2023 YTD, revenues have amounted to NT$167,575 billion, down 20.5% YoY.
  • Net income was NT$15.97, essentially flat QoQ. Gross margin came in at 35.9%, also flat QoQ. Utilisation for the quarter was 67%, down from 71% in the prior quarter.
  • Utilization set to further decline to low 60% levels in Q423, the lowest since the downturn began.

Taiwan Tech Weekly: Positive Signs for Memory, PC, Smartphones; Key Autos & Display Color This Week

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Last week global heavyweights AMD, Samsung, and Qualcomm delivered good news, including for the Memory, PC, and Smartphone industries. Taiwan company results supported their views as well.
  • Looking ahead, Novatek, Asustek, and Himax are set to release in Taiwan. Combined with NXP abroad, this will provide color on display demand, automotive, and servers/PCs.
  • A new Chinese memory chip maker just received major government investment, with an IPO of its related company planned.

5 in 5 with Procurri – Advancing Sustainability in IT

By Geoff Howie

5 in 5 with Procurri – Advancing Sustainability in IT

UI: Surprise Revenue Miss, PT to $160

By Hamed Khorsand

  • UI fiscal first-quarter results (September) fell short of consensus estimates, primarily due to underperforming sales in the enterprise segment.
  • Our initial expectations included the anticipation of soft demand for Ubiquiti, which was compounded by our belief in the enterprise spending momentum continuing
  • Ubiquiti’s fiscal first-quarter revenue came in at $463.1 million, falling short of our estimate of $547.9 million. Historically, the quarter has been a strong period, making this deviation particularly noteworthy

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Korea Stock Exchange KOSPI 200, Samsung Electronics, Chindata Group, Samsung Sds, Wacom Co Ltd and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Korea Short Sell Ban: Background, Manipulation, Holdings, Flows, Short Interest, Implications
  • Lee Family to Sell 2.6 Trillion Won in Samsung Companies to Pay for Inheritance Taxes
  • Chindata (CD US): Maximum Dissent Condition in Focus as Oasis Builds a Stake
  • Samsung Founder Family’s Pre-Announced Block Deals: Contract Terms & Fresh Contextual Conditions
  • Wacom (6727 JP) – Large, Short-Dated, On-Market Buyback Against Dense Register


Korea Short Sell Ban: Background, Manipulation, Holdings, Flows, Short Interest, Implications

By Brian Freitas

  • Korea banned all short selling in March 2020 and resumed short selling only on KOSPI 200 and KOSDAQ 150 index constituents in May 2021.
  • News reports indicate that there could be another short sell ban as soon as the coming week. Indications are that the ban could last 6 months.
  • There are many implications of a total short sell ban including futures backwardation, market manipulation, and no emerging to developed market promotion.

Lee Family to Sell 2.6 Trillion Won in Samsung Companies to Pay for Inheritance Taxes

By Douglas Kim

  • Lee family plans to sell additional 2.6 trillion won worth of Samsung Group companies as part of their fourth installment of inheritance taxes. 
  • This inheritance tax share sale is likely to have a negative impact on Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Life Insurance. 
  • This may be just a coincidence but the regulators announced today a temporary ban on stock short selling which should help the Lee family to unload their shares. 

Chindata (CD US): Maximum Dissent Condition in Focus as Oasis Builds a Stake

By Arun George

  • Chindata Group (CD US)’s US$8.60 per ADS offer from Bain Capital is conditional on dissenting shareholders representing less than 12% of outstanding shares. 
  • Oasis Management, an activist fund, recently disclosed a shareholding representing 65.9 million ordinary shares, 8.99% of outstanding shares and 1.24% of voting interest. 
  • Precedent transactions where the dissent condition was exceeded suggest two possibilities – the offeror waives the condition or persuades sufficient shareholders to withdraw as dissenters.

Samsung Founder Family’s Pre-Announced Block Deals: Contract Terms & Fresh Contextual Conditions

By Sanghyun Park

  • Considering year-end dividends, it appears likely that the trading timing might extend beyond this year. In the previous case, the trade execution timing was one month before the contract expired.
  • Short selling is prohibited. However, all four companies offer single-stock futures, which provide instruments for proactive positioning. Nevertheless, aspects to consider are likely to increase regarding trading convenience and liquidity.
  • The potential for inadequate liquidity might increase the discounts for these deals, potentially offering us fresh trading opportunities. We should proactively prepare trading setups that consider these contextual conditions.

Wacom (6727 JP) – Large, Short-Dated, On-Market Buyback Against Dense Register

By Travis Lundy

  • Wacom splits its pen-tablet business into “Branded Business” and “Technology Solutions” which is not dissimilar to simply splitting based on customer type. TS is doing well. BB is not.
  • But BB is doing better than it was, which means a rebound in profit this year. After Q2 there is new guidance, probably soft. And there is a BIG buyback.
  • The buyback is large enough to take notice, even though practically it will be smaller than the headline. And a read of the MTMP “Wacom Chapter 3” is highly recommended.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Korea Stock Exchange KOSPI 200, Samsung Electronics, KPIT Technologies and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Trading Opportunities from Korea’s Sudden Short Selling Ban & Resulting Futures Backwardation
  • Samsung. Strategic Shift Reverses Memory ASP’s Downward Spiral
  • KPIT: Raises Its Full-Year FY24 Guidance


Trading Opportunities from Korea’s Sudden Short Selling Ban & Resulting Futures Backwardation

By Sanghyun Park

  • We should consider the complete prohibition of short selling for the next six months as practically finalized.
  • Following the individual stock short selling ban, both position hedging and short demand will inevitably shift to the futures market, consequently inducing unavoidable immediate backwardation.
  • We should design a setup that not only actively seizes sell arbitrage opportunities but also effectively capitalizes on the downward price pressure stemming from spot selling.

Samsung. Strategic Shift Reverses Memory ASP’s Downward Spiral

By William Keating

  • Q323 revenues of KRW 67.4 trillion, up 12.3% QoQ but still down 7% YoY. 
  • Operating profit KRW 2.4 trillion, a big improvement on the KRW 0.67 trillion in the second quarter but a far cry from the KRW 10.85 trillion in the year-ago quarter
  • While Memory has turned the corner, yet further productions cuts are still required

KPIT: Raises Its Full-Year FY24 Guidance

By Ankit Agrawal, CFA

  • KPIT raised its full-year FY24 revenue growth guidance to 37%+ from 27-30% earlier, led by a strong Q2FY24 performance. EBITDA margin guidance has been also raised to 20%+ from 19-20%.
  • Despite wage hike impact of 250bp, EBITDA margin came in at 20%, at the upper end of the 19-20% FY24 guidance. Operating leverage and realization improvement helped offset the impact.
  • With the strong Q2 performance, we are upgrading our FY24 PAT estimate to INR 580cr+ vs INR 550cr+ earlier and FY25 PAT of INR 730cr+ vs INR 700cr+ earlier.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: JinkoSolar Holding, Softbank Group, Cliq Digital AG and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Asia Solar: A Pair Trade Between JinkoSolar and JA Solar
  • SoftBank Group (9984 JP): Results Preview, Key Topics
  • CLIQ Digital – Diversifying marketing channels


Asia Solar: A Pair Trade Between JinkoSolar and JA Solar

By Douglas Kim

  • Our trading thesis is to go long JinkoSolar Holding (JKS US) and go short JA Solar Technology (002459 CH) in the next 3-6 months.
  • The three major reasons include higher momentum for JinkoSolar post 3Q 2023 results, much higher EBITDA growth for JinkoSolar from 2022 to 2024, and relative valuations. 
  • Some of the factors driving lower share price of Chinese solar stocks this year include higher US tariffs, excessive manufacturing capacity, and declining prices of solar wafers and panels.

SoftBank Group (9984 JP): Results Preview, Key Topics

By Victor Galliano

  • WeWork appears to be approaching bankruptcy; we expect SoftBank’s exposure to be at least USD1.4bn including credit lines
  • Arm Holdings post-IPO performance has been lacklustre, but we continue to believe that it remains dangerously over-valued against peers – and Arm provides 30% of the group’s equity value
  • We believe that JPY depreciation has supported SoftBank Group’s share price (given the high share of USD-denominated portfolio assets); in addition, we still see risks to current private company valuations

CLIQ Digital – Diversifying marketing channels

By Edison Investment Research

CLIQ Digital continues to deliver good progress as it focuses on conversions through its customer base through its bundled content offering. In 9M23, revenue and EBITDA grew by 25% year-on-year to €242m and €39m respectively, at a maintained margin of 15.9%. CLIQ’s focus on acquiring more profitable customers with a higher lifetime value is delivering progress against key performance indicators, including growth of 21% in the customer base value. Our estimates remain unchanged, while management has reiterated its FY23 and mid-term FY25 guidance. CLIQ continues to trade at a significant discount to our peer group across EV/sales and EV/EBITDA multiples. Our implied share price comes to €62, reflecting continuing upside to the current price on our estimates.


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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Kyocera Corp, Tesla Motors, Silergy Corp, Aehr Test Systems, Duolingo, SenSen Networks, Bharti Airtel, QYOU Media and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Kyocera (6971) And Their $10bn KDDI Stake – Did They Get CorpGov Religion?
  • Tesla (TSLA) No Longer Prevails, a Dilemma and Touch Challenges Ahead
  • Silergy (6415.TT): The Revenue Could Be Upside Around 17% in 4Q23F.
  • SiC as a Dog (Part 2)
  • Duolingo Valuation Update: Year-End Profit Taking Is Likely As ARR Growth Is Slowing Down
  • SenSen Networks – Eyeing scalable growth through smart cities
  • Bharti Airtel – Earnings Flash – Q2 FY 2023-24 Results – Lucror Analytics
  • QYOU: Unleashing the Power of Social Media Influencers


Kyocera (6971) And Their $10bn KDDI Stake – Did They Get CorpGov Religion?

By Travis Lundy

  • Yesterday, Kyocera Corp (6971 JP) announced Q2 results and lowered its full-year forecast. Then the CEO said it was “reconsidering” what to do with KDDI shares (after an AGM disaster).
  • The company had already planned to borrow ¥500bn against the KDDI stake to return capital to shareholders. That was in the price 5+ months ago. 
  • The new hope is that Kyocera just got Corporate Governance Religion. I have my doubts, and even if it did, you have to look carefully at their ambitious plans.

Tesla (TSLA) No Longer Prevails, a Dilemma and Touch Challenges Ahead

By Andrew Lu

  • Tesla is facing a dilemma whether to aggressively cut price to boost shipment but lose margins or to keep price stable with a more moderated shipment growth like 10-20% y/y.
  • Three challenges ahead: 1. Collapsing margin vs. rising margin for key competitors? 2. Cybertruck is selling at a loss, more margin downside? 3. Valuation reset for lower sales CAGR?
  • Cautious on Tesla as its sales/earnings CAGR is falling below 20% with a rich valuation until we see cost cut on Cybertruck, FSD AI breakthrough, and low price model introduction.

Silergy (6415.TT): The Revenue Could Be Upside Around 17% in 4Q23F.

By Patrick Liao

  • Revenue was up 14.5% QoQ and down 31% YoY in 3Q23, but it could see an increase of about 17% QoQ and 3% YoY in 4Q23F. 
  • Silergy Corp (6415 TT) needs to increase another place to its Foundry source out of China and Taiwan.
  • The Automotive segment is expected to show significant growth and is likely to reach double digits by the end of 2024F.

SiC as a Dog (Part 2)

By Douglas O’Laughlin

  • The sickness in Silicon Carbide started at On semi.
  • Let’s look through the results and see the drivers, the big deal, and what we should do about it.
  • The market freaked out about Silicon Carbide, specifically On semiconductor, saying that automotive demand for the year will be weaker.

Duolingo Valuation Update: Year-End Profit Taking Is Likely As ARR Growth Is Slowing Down

By Andrei Zakharov

  • Duolingo shares have outperformed in 2023, with shares up ~115% over the year versus ~26% gain on the Nasdaq. The company priced its IPO at $102 a share in 2021.
  • EdTech unicorn achieved the highest-ever MAUs and DAUs in 2QFY23, while paid subscribers reached 5.2M, ~7% of MAUs. Management raised top-line and profitability guidance for FY23. 
  • With a market cap of ~$7.4B on a fully diluted basis, Duolingo shares trade at ~13x and ~10x EV/Rev on my FY23/FY24 estimates, a significant premium to comparable companies.

SenSen Networks – Eyeing scalable growth through smart cities

By Edison Investment Research

SenSen’s Q1 update signals positive momentum following record FY23 results. Q1 saw customer receipts exceed operating costs on a trailing 12-month basis, a key milestone towards its target to reach profitability this year. Encouraging FY24 lead indicators include a recent tender announcement, potentially one of SenSen’s most significant smart cities deals yet, and the settlement of the Angel dispute, which marks SenSen’s gaming exit. Proceeds from Angel’s investment in SenSen and the ongoing rights issue should support the company to more actively pursue the much larger smart cities opportunity, which is now the group’s sole focus.


Bharti Airtel – Earnings Flash – Q2 FY 2023-24 Results – Lucror Analytics

By Trung Nguyen

Bharti Airtel’s Q2/23-24 results were robust in our view, with solid revenue and earnings growth across the Indian and African businesses. Operational stats were healthy, with strong increases in user bases and ARPU (particularly the 5G customer base). The financial risk profile remains stable. Liquidity is adequate.


QYOU: Unleashing the Power of Social Media Influencers

By Atrium Research

  • QYOU Media has posted nine consecutive quarters of YoY growth, representing a 33% CAGR using its repeatable content strategy.
  • QYOU Media (QYOU:TSXV) produces and distributes broadcast and digital media content featuring leading social media influencers in India and the U.S.
  • Across its platforms, QYOU’s content is viewed by over 125M people each week, providing major brands access to loyal fanbases.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: AEM, Symbio Holdings, Advanced Micro Devices, Fiserv Inc and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • Preview AEM Holdings: Loss-Making Quarter Ahead For First Time in 10 Years
  • Symbio Backs ABB’s Reduced Terms
  • AMD Q323. MI300 >$2 Billion in 2024
  • Symbio (SYM AU): Aussie Broadband’s Lower Binding Proposal
  • Fiserv Inc.: Collaborating with Skytef & Other Major Developments


Preview AEM Holdings: Loss-Making Quarter Ahead For First Time in 10 Years

By Nicolas Van Broekhoven

  • AEM (AEM SP) will report 3Q23 results on 10/11/23. This will be the first loss-making quarter since 4Q14.
  • We expect a loss as AEM will have to recognize the 26.7M SGD arbitration expense to settle with Advantest Corp (6857 JP)
  • Investors will be looking for an early read on the FY24 outlook to determine if AEM’s stock has bottomed.

Symbio Backs ABB’s Reduced Terms

By David Blennerhassett

  • Back on the 22 September, Superloop Ltd (SLC AU) lobbed a best and final cash/scrip NBIO for Symbio Holdings (SYM AU) with an implied price of A$2.85/share.
  • Aussie Broadband Pty Ltd (ABB AU) then tabled a cash/scrip Offer, with an implied price of  A$3.151/share. Symbio was supportive, if terms were firmed. Superloop’s Offer subsequently lapsed.
  • ABB returned with a reduced cash/scrip Offer of A$2.99-$3.04/share. Symbio has unanimously recommended the Offer (at A$3.011/share) and they entered into a Scheme agreement. A partially/fully franked dividend is permitted.

AMD Q323. MI300 >$2 Billion in 2024

By William Keating

  • Q323 revenues of $5.8 billion, $100 million above midpoint, up 7.5% QoQ and up 4% YoY. Net income of $299 million, significantly up from $27 million in the second quarter.
  • Forecasted Q423 revenues of $6.1 billion at the midpoint, up ~5% QoQ
  • MI300 forecasted to hit > $2 billion in 2024 making it the fastest product ramp to $1 billion in the company’s history

Symbio (SYM AU): Aussie Broadband’s Lower Binding Proposal

By Arun George

  • Symbio Holdings (SYM AU)‘s binding proposal with Aussie Broadband Pty Ltd (ABB AU) is at A$2.26 cash and 0.192 ABB shares per SYM share, 3.2% lower than its earlier proposal.
  • The key condition is shareholder approval. The scheme booklet will be despatched on 22 December, with a scheme meeting in early February 2024.
  • While the offer is light compared to long-term historical prices and multiples, there seem to be no signs of dissent from institutional or retail investors. 

Fiserv Inc.: Collaborating with Skytef & Other Major Developments

By Baptista Research

  • Fiserv, Inc. managed to exceed analyst expectations in terms of revenue as well as earnings.
  • These impressive results were fueled by the acceleration of organic revenue growth in both the Merchant Acceptance and Fintech segments, reaching 20% and 6%, respectively.
  • In the third quarter, Fiserv continued its impressive streak of double-digit organic revenue growth, focusing on five powerful opportunities to sustain this momentum.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Socionext, SK Hynix, Kakao Corp, Doosan Robotics, Kuaishou Technology, ASICLAND , Telefonica SA, Sap Se Sponsored Adr, Solid State PLC, Texas Instruments and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • March 2024 Nikkei 225 Rebal – Socionext, Disco and a Consumer Goods Stock (Ryohin Keikaku?) To ADD
  • SK Hynix. DRAM To The Rescue
  • Concerns About A Major Accounting Fraud at Kakao Mobility
  • End of Mandatory Lock-Up Periods for 48 Companies in Korea in November 2023
  • Kuaishou/KS (1024 HK) Earnings Preview: Unnecessary Concerns About Chairman Change and 3Q23 Results
  • Asicland IPO Book Building Results Analysis
  • Back in Telefonica
  • SAP SE: The Game Changer in Business Transformation! – Major Drivers
  • Solid State – Strong organic development in H124
  • Texas Instruments: Navigating Through Storms – Their Strategy Revealed! – Major Drivers


March 2024 Nikkei 225 Rebal – Socionext, Disco and a Consumer Goods Stock (Ryohin Keikaku?) To ADD

By Travis Lundy


SK Hynix. DRAM To The Rescue

By William Keating

  • SK Hynix reported Q323 revenues of 9.066 trillion won, up 24% QoQ but still down 17% YoY
  • Net income was -2.185 trillion won, a 27% improvement on the losses in the prior quarter.
  • While DRAM has turned profitable, NAND remains stubbornly loss making and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future

Concerns About A Major Accounting Fraud at Kakao Mobility

By Douglas Kim

  • It was reported in numerous local media in Korea that FSS is investigating Kakao Mobility for a potential accounting fraud. 
  • There are suspicions that Kakao Mobility may have artificially inflated its sales from 2020 to 2023 to enhance the value of the company prior to its IPO listing. 
  • Given that the regulators are unlikely to make a final decision on this matter until next year, this is likely to be negative on both Kakao Mobility and Kakao Corp. 

End of Mandatory Lock-Up Periods for 48 Companies in Korea in November 2023

By Douglas Kim

  • We discuss the end of the mandatory lock-up periods for 48 stocks in Korea in November 2023, among which 6 are in KOSPI and 42 are in KOSDAQ.
  • These 48 stocks on average could be subject to further selling pressures in November and could underperform relative to the market.
  • Among these 48 stocks, top five market cap stocks include Doosan Robotics, Fadu, CanariaBio, Enchem, and Gigavis. 

Kuaishou/KS (1024 HK) Earnings Preview: Unnecessary Concerns About Chairman Change and 3Q23 Results

By Ming Lu

  • We believe Mr. Su’s resignation as chairman is not a concern, because Mr. Cheng, the CEO, has been operating the company for two years.
  • We believe the 3Q23 YoY growth will be lower, as 2Q23 had a lower comparison base.
  • We believe the operating margin can be negative in 3Q23 as Q3 is always a weak season, but operating profit will break even for 2023.

Asicland IPO Book Building Results Analysis

By Douglas Kim

  • Asicland completed an excellent IPO book building results. IPO price has been determined at 25,000 won which is 17% higher than the high end of the IPO price range.
  • A total of 1,906 institutional investors participated in this IPO book building results. The IPO demand ratio was 490 to 1. Asicland IPO will start trading on 13 November. 
  • Our base case valuation of Asicland is implied market cap of 434 billion won or target price of 40,571 won per share, which is 62% higher than the IPO price.

Back in Telefonica

By Jesus Rodriguez Aguilar

  • The public holding company SEPI, controlled by the Spanish Treasury, has confirmed to the CNMV that it is studying the possibility of acquiring a stake in Telefonica SA (TEF SM).
  • Market speculates with a 5% stake to counterbalance the current 4.9% stake of STC (which could execute an option to acquire another 5% pending Government authorisation).
  • At current market prices, it is equivalent to 22.04 trading sessions. Q3 results and Capital Markets Day, the first major strategic update in years, will take place on 8 November. 

SAP SE: The Game Changer in Business Transformation! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • SAP SE delivered a disappointing set of results as the company could not meet the revenue and earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • In Q3, SAP achieved impressive cloud growth.
  • The transformative potential of business AI, driven by SAP, is just beginning and promises to reshape the business world.

Solid State – Strong organic development in H124

By Edison Investment Research

Solid State has made an excellent start to FY24 with strong continuing organic growth in H124 enhanced by a full period contribution from Custom Power. As a result, management anticipates better-than-expected revenues and PBT for the full year with market consensus rising by c 5% to £155m and £12.5m, respectively.


Texas Instruments: Navigating Through Storms – Their Strategy Revealed! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Texas Instruments Incorporated delivered a disappointing set of results as the company was unable to meet the revenue and earnings expectations of Wall Street.
  • Despite these challenges, Texas Instruments maintained its effective capital management, with substantial cash reserves and a resilient balance sheet.
  • While the company faced headwinds in revenue and profitability during the quarter, Texas Instruments’ strategic focus on economic resilience and efficient capital management remains evident.

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Daily Brief TMT/Internet: Nippon Electric Glass, KCE Electronics PCL, Intel Corp, NVIDIA Corp, LS Materials, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), Paytm, Travelsky Technology Ltd H, Impinj Inc, WRKR and more

By | Daily Briefs, TMT/Internet

In today’s briefing:

  • BIG Nippon Electric Glass (5214) Buyback, Possibly Offset by Cross-Holder Selling
  • SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: One High Probability Change; Another One Is Close
  • PC Monitor: Inventories Healthy & Intel Expects Over 100 Million AI PCs In Two Years
  • BOM Cost and CoWoS Demand Analysis on Nvidia AI GPU HGX for 2023-2025, Room to Raise Estimates
  • LS Materials IPO Valuation Analysis
  • Taiwan Tech Weekly: Wave of Key Taiwan Results; Heavyweights Samsung, AMD, Qualcomm Internationally
  • [Week 9] Namaste India 🙏 | Earnings Edition – Part II
  • Travelsky (696): Cheaper Now
  • PI: Headwinds Persist
  • Wrkr Limited – Readying for Significant Customer Uplift


BIG Nippon Electric Glass (5214) Buyback, Possibly Offset by Cross-Holder Selling

By Travis Lundy

  • Nippon Electric Glass (5214 JP) is going through a rebuilding year. Lots of restructuring expenses and I expect there will be more.
  • The company today announced the outline of its next Mid-Term Management Plan for the 5 years to 2028. It will announce details in early Feb 2024 with results. 
  • In that, there is ¥50bn of buybacks through Dec2026, of which ¥20bn will be made in the next 4mos. That is about 11-14% of ADV assuming the price jumps.

SET50 Index Rebalance Preview: One High Probability Change; Another One Is Close

By Brian Freitas


PC Monitor: Inventories Healthy & Intel Expects Over 100 Million AI PCs In Two Years

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Intel’s results last week beat expectations by a wide margin, with margins recovering better than expected by the Street and guided to keep improving through 4Q23E.
  • New Meteor Lake chips for PCs, branded as ‘Intel Core Ultra’ will officially launch December 14th and are expected to drive demand for new AI-optimized PCs in 2024E.
  • Intel said that the PC industry completed its inventory digestion in 1H23, drove sequential demand growth in 3Q23, and this is expected to continue into 4Q23E.

BOM Cost and CoWoS Demand Analysis on Nvidia AI GPU HGX for 2023-2025, Room to Raise Estimates

By Andrew Lu

  • TSMC’s manufacturing value only accounts for 1/4 of H100 HGX bill of materials but HBM3 accounts for more than half;
  • ABF substrate, SXM5 module, UBB and CCL vendors should be benefited, especially for Ibiden Co Ltd (4062 JP) on ABF substrate/OAM and Elite Material (2383 TT) on OAM/UBB CCL;
  • Nvidia AI GPU likely doubling each year in next two years; Our estimates on Nvidia 2025 AI GPU EPS contribution are exceeding Bloomberg consensus earnings estimates, suggesting room to raise.

LS Materials IPO Valuation Analysis

By Douglas Kim

  • Our base case valuation of LS Materials IPO is target price of 6,628 won per share, which is 21% higher than the high end of the IPO price range.
  • We estimate LS Materials to generate sales of 155.5 billion won (down 4% YoY) and 197.2 billion won (up 26.8% YoY) in 2024. 
  • LS Materials is one of the largest players globally in the large-size ultracapacitors, which stabilize power supply and are used to replace and supplement primary batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

Taiwan Tech Weekly: Wave of Key Taiwan Results; Heavyweights Samsung, AMD, Qualcomm Internationally

By Vincent Fernando, CFA

  • Key Results This Week: Delta, Elan, ChipMOS, Nuvoton, AU Optronics in Taiwan… Plus Samsung, AMD, and Qualcomm.
  • Positive signs for the PC & mobile space have come from recent Intel, UMC, Mediatek results.
  • Top Losers: Macronix Slumps on Weak Results and Outlook, Hon Hai Slumps on China Tax & Land Probe

[Week 9] Namaste India 🙏 | Earnings Edition – Part II

By Pranav Bhavsar

  • Our earnings coverage continues for the second edition and is expected to continue for one more week.
  • At the bottom, we provide a consolidated view of all earnings tracked so far (Bullish / Bearish) and would be happy to engage on any of them.
  • We also highlight the earnings of some of the global companies that have significant operations or growth in India.

Travelsky (696): Cheaper Now

By Henry Soediarko

  • Travelsky Technology Ltd H (696 HK) share price was unjustly sold off due to flows rather than operational performance.
  • The key business is processing flights for domestic tourism, with a lesser correlation to geopolitical issues.
  • Due to the strong earnings growth, PER is adjusted from 60x to 25x. 

PI: Headwinds Persist

By Hamed Khorsand

  • Impinj reported third quarter results affirming the slowdown in sales volume for endpoint ICs with hopes the current softness comes to an end by the first quarter of 2024
  • Concurrent with the decline in demand is the increase in endpoint IC availability from competitors
  • We continue to believe the near-term fundamentals are not as strong as the stock depicts and the business is vulnerable to further headwinds, especially related to endpoint IC pricing.

Wrkr Limited – Readying for Significant Customer Uplift

By Research as a Service (RaaS)

  • Wrkr Ltd (ASX: WRK) offers compliance solutions for Australian super annuation contributions and payroll including member onboarding, super payments, messaging and employee validation.
  • The company has released its Q1 FY24 activities report, with key highlights including 43% growth in cash receipts on the previous corresponding period (pcp), 42% growth in revenue, and a cash burn runway of eight quarters before any R&D tax rebates or new customer transactions are considered.
  • Revenue has been boosted by development and planning work for major customers ART and Link Group respectively. 

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